"Wolfquest, Part 6" Log Dates: 9/22, 9/24, 9/25, 9/28, 9/30, 10/2, 10/14/98 Log Cast: Keshah, a solitary Sun Folk maiden Lonehowl, a solitary Wolfrider hunter Rillwhisper, chieftess of the Willowholt, Recognized to Lonehowl What Has Gone Before: The chieftess Rillwhisper and the hunter Lonehowl have fulfilled their Recognition -- and, reluctantly, Lonehowl has consented to Rillwhisper's urging that he try to get out of the valley as swiftly as he can, so that he can retrieve his wolves, her lost weapon, the missing Preserver Fallberry. But the Preservers who inhabit the valley have other ideas. HoneyGold and its cronies Tumbleberry and Rosebud have intercepted Lonehowl and cheerfully wrapped him up in a cocoon. And Rillwhisper, initially resigned to a possible lengthy absence on the part of the hunter, has tried to occupy her time by looking for a branch she can use to support herself as she walks... much to the dismay of Nightwing and the Preservers that keep company with it. But Rillwhisper has heard Lonehowl's sent alarm as HoneyGold and the others have wrapped him, and she has roused into alarm of her own... only to provoke Nightwing to immediately order its companions to help it stop her. They wrapstuff her only enough to blind her, and inundate her in the stupefying pollen, bent on keeping her docile and placid, right where they can 'take good care' of this highthing they have adopted. Thus, rendered helpless, Rillwhisper is unable to reach Lonehowl. The other elf in the valley, therefore, seizes the opportunity to go to the trapped hunter herself.... ---------- Keshah steps silently out into the small clearing, pausing at the very edge to carefully scan the nearby trees and bushes. Spotting no preservers, she smiles faintly and walks quietly forward to kneel beside the wrapstuff cocoon. Touching it lightly, she murmurs. "You thought you could leave me, didn't you? But no, not this time." She contemplates for a while, watching the cocoon. Then, making a decision, she pulls out her small knife and very carefully opens the cocoon. Inside the cocoon, Lonehowl sleeps the eternal sleep, never to awaken unless the cocoon breaks down or someone else opens it. Naturally, the latter is the case here, and as the surrounding strands are sliced at and parted, the hunter's eyes begin to flutter, a yawn forcing his mouth open. His upper body is still bare, with just his pants and boots below. Keshah carefully tucks the knife away between the folds of her skirt. Kneeling still, she leans over Lonehowl to examine him closely, her shadow blocking out most of the dim morning light. As consciousness returns to the hunter, he yawns again and, feeling something around him, he moves a hand to begin picking at it, moving it away. ** ? ** he sends in confusion, eyes blinking up at the shadowy figure, trying to focus. . o O (Who..?) Keshah smiles quietly, and starts to brush away fine strands of wrapstuff from Lonehowl's body. Gently, slowly... Her dark hand lingering to caress his paler skin. Still, she does not speak. Lonehowl's eyes close for a moment, a soothing sensation filling him as the hand begins to move the restricting preserver-spoo away from his skin. However, they open again, to make note of the darker hand over his lighter skin, and he realizes that this elf isn't Rillwhisper. "Who..no..you?" Beginning to sit up, the hunter reaches to stop Keshah. "Need to..go..!" Keshah pauses in her task, innocently regarding Lonehowl with wide eyes. "Please, don't upset yourself... It is only me, Keshah. I'm trying to help you." "No..don't want your help," Lonehowl says in protest, moving a hand behind himself so he can sit up without falling over. He remembers what he's supposed to be doing - getting out of this place. "I need to go, and save Rill." Keshah reaches to help Lonehowl sit up, disregarding the protest. "But she is safe here. Perfectly safe. Outside, there is only fog and humans. They might catch you if you went up there now... and then what would happen to Rillwhisper? You should stay here." She smiles thoughtfully, and adds as if she just thought of it. "We can both take care of her, you and I..." "Don't care..I can handle the round-ears just fine." Lonehowl insists. But right now? Maybe not. He brushes off more of the cocoon around his legs, and attempts to get to his feet. scowling suddenly. "Hah! This place isn't safe for us, and she has a tribe to get to. We don't want..or need your help..I saw how you told those bugs what to do before." Keshah leans closer to Lonehowl, putting her arms around him, and thus preventing him from getting up. She pleads softly. "Oh, please don't! Don't leave me all alone here. How can you distrust me so? I've helped you, helped you both! And I got you out as soon as I saw you had been wrapstuffed. Please, can't you trust me?" Lonehowl is effectively kept from getting to his feet, but whatever possible guilt trip Keshah tries to lay upon him isn't working. He doesn't trust the elf any more than he trusts a five-fingered Tall One, but he keeps that to himself. "You want to help me?" he questions. Keshah nods, her golden eyes grave as she responds softly. "Of course I do. Wouldn't you, in the same circumstances? Please, I don't know why you treat me this way. What have I ever done to harm you?" There seems to be the suspicion of a tear in the corner of her eye. If there is a tear, Lonehowl's not looking at it. He rubs a temple with two fingers, a momentary spell of dizziness passing over him. Without answering any of Keshah's questions, he suggests, "If you want to help, find Rillwhisper's preserver. They snatched it when we came in here." Keshah nods slowly. "If you wish it, I will do so. What... will you do with it?" She sounds faintly worried. "Why?" Lonehowl questions bluntly. "Don't tell me you're worried one preserver on my side could ever possibly threaten you and your whole valley of them." Keshah gives Lonehowl a hurt look. "The preservers are my /friends/. My only friends. I will not see any of them hurt." She softens her voice. "Not even by... you." (Some friends, going around and spitting that..that stuff at every living thing. No wonder nothing leaves this place. I'm going to change that.) O o . Lonehowl gives Keshah a glance, then looks away as he rolls his eyes. "As you say. Will you help, or not?" Keshah reaches for Lonehowls hand, saying in a small voice. "I'll do anything, as long as you stay. Please, promise me you will?" Lonehowl frowns for a moment. He can't promise Keshah that, because he's /not/ going to stay here. And as easily as he could just lie to her, he won't do that, either. "No..I can't promise you that, because I don't want to stay here." Keshah leans closer, her breath warm against Lonehowl's cheek as she murmurs. "Just promise you will stay... until her leg is mended. That is not unreasonable, is it? It will be so nice, just the three of us. This valley is safe, and warm, and bountiful. There is not better place to be, anywhere." Lonehowl closes his eyes, still feeling a bit weary from the effects of the wrapstuff-induced slumber, and the breath on his cheek is calming, despite it coming from the elf trying to make him stay. "We have to get her out..it's dangerous here.." Keshah murmurs softly, wrapping her arms a little more closely around Lonehowl. "It is safe, here. No humans, no predators... The preservers are my friends, and do as I say. There is nothing to worry about, nothing at all." She adds, softly. "It would be the perfect place to start a new tribe." Lonehowl's hands initially move to fend off Keshah from him, but he doesn't get very far in his attempt. However, he still protests vocally. "Listen to me..you're wrong..this is a bad place. Things come in, but never go out again..I've seen it, and I know it now. I don't want to stay here." Keshah's soft lips touch Lonehowl's cheek, and her voice is velvety. "There is no reason to be elsewhere. Not right now. Not for us. Later... later you can leave. If you wish..." Her small, dark hands resume the earlier, interrupted caress. Lonehowl swallows, leaning down again to lie on his back. He almost can't help but begin to feel soothed by the lips at his cheek, the hands moving over his body. "Mmmm.." he exhales, closing his eyes. He /knows/ he shouldn't be here right now, but..he just can't seem to make himself stop Keshah, yet.. Keshah makes a small, pleased sound. Her lips trail along Lonehowl's face, his neck and shoulder... and gentle hands start to remove what leathers he is still wearing. She whispers against his ear, before running the tip of her tongue along the edge of it. "Life can be so very pleasant if you will let it. Here, let me show you..." Words again come from Lonehowl. Soft, distracted, heavy words. "But..I...mmmmm..have to help...Rill..can't...leave her..." Suddenly, he nuzzles at the elf's cheek as her hands move down to his waist, but there are boots to be removed as well. He rumbles faintly as her tongue touches his tipped ear. Keshah mms. Who cares about boots? They're not in the way of what she is planning... With two smooth movements, she removes her own clothing, then presses more closely to Lonehowl as she removes as much of his leathers as she can without stopping her nuzzling. Light kisses move down to his chest, tongue and teeth exploring briefly before returning to his neck and then ear. Her voice is a mere breath against his ear, the only comprehensible word being 'love'. Lonehowl swallows, and as much as his mind is telling him to resist Keshah, his body is left vulnerable, and her touches, nibbles, and licks have an effect on him. He enjoyed the intimacy with Rillwhisper, his Recognized mate, and Keshah only adds to it. An arm drapes itself over her back, pulling her closer atop him, and he finds himself nuzzling back again, nipping at an ear of hers, pants caught up around his lower legs. Keshah caresses Lonehowl in a thoughtful way, and raises her head to look into his eyes. Her send is meant for him alone, weak and inexperienced as it is. ** Stay with me. Know joy with me. With... us. We both need you here, to protect us. ** Lonehowl blinks slowly back up at Keshah, eyes not open very far as he pauses when she draws back. ** With..you? Who is..we? ** Confusion rings in his words. Keshah nuzzles Lonehowl lovingly, moving closer again. She switches to the less draining way of speaking, whispering. "We need no-one else. No outsiders. Just us... You want to stay, don't you?" "Stay..? I..don't know. What about Rillwhisper..?" Lonehowl mumbles, nuzzling back gently though it's not exactly lovingly. He makes a half-hearted attempt to begin to sit up, with Keshah lying on top of him. . o O (Can't..stay.) Keshah does not try to hold Lonehowl down, but neither does she stop her wandering hands from exploring him. "She will stay, too. We all will... All happy and safe. Wouldn't you rather be with her, then all alone in the cold outside?" For one less befuddled, it might by now be noticeable that the flowers in Keshah's hair are no longer buds, but larger, open flowers. The scent of them is sweet and heady, relaxing rather than stupefying this far from the pool. Lonehowl gets his hands behind him for support as he sits up slowly, exhaling as other hands move along his muscular curves. "Thought you..wanted her gone.." he murmurs. "And I'm used to being on my own." The scent of the flowers enters his nostrils, and he seems to soften a bit. Keshah twines her arms around Lonehowl as he sits up, resting her head against his shoulder. Coincidentally bringing those flowers closer to his face. "I... am used to being alone, too. For so many, many years. I could not imagine having so many elves here, both you and her." She murmurs, kissing his ear again. "I've changed my mind, now. It is so pleasant to have others here. To... touch, and care for." Lonehowl's own arms move again to wrap around Keshah's body as the flowers, so close, cannot help but be sniffed. He lowers his back to the ground again, eyes closing, thoughts beginning to fade a bit. Little is said aside from a soft, "Maybe I could..stay..a little longer.." Keshah's smile of triumph is hidden against Lonehowl's neck as she nibbles it gently. ** **. Aloud, she adds. "Everything will be just wonderful. Now, relax..." Lonehowl's neck tilts such that Keshah can nibble at it better, a hand beginning to run slowly over her back while the fingers of his other one twine themselves in her hair. "Relax...mmmuuurr.." he rumbles. Keshah makes a small, pleased sound, and moves herself sinuously around Lonehowl, pulling all the way on top of him again. With a faint smile, she murmurs half to herself. "Not... too relaxed. Not for this." Raising herself up astride him (and incidentally removing those flowers from close contact) she proceeds to demonstrate her offered joys to Lonehowl. Lonehowl rumbles seductively as Keshah offers herself to him. Aroused and admittedly a bit under the influence of the flowers, he slips into joining with the dark-skinned elf, playing right into her hands. Though...there may be something to be said in keeping company with ones other than just wolves. [And later....] Keshah is nestled against Lonehowl's side, langorously toying with a lock of his hair. For the first time, she looks less than alert herself, the fire in her eyes banked and the lids half-lowered. She mmmms softly, tilting her head a little to smile up at Lonehowl. Joining - what an experience. Not very aware of himself this time, Lonehowl lies quietly, feeling the elf against her, playing with his hair. His eyes are shut. This..wasn't the same as his time with Rillwhisper, though. Not as close, not as intimate. After all, he didn't Recognize Keshah. He mumbles a word, a single-syllable, really. "Rill..." Keshah freezes in mid-play. The fire returning to her eyes, she pulls her hand back thoughtfully. Then, making her decision, she removes some of the flowers from her hair, blowing at them gently to send a small cloud of pollen at Lonehowl. Rill, indeed. She needs to take care of the intruder. But without interference from Lonehowl, oh yes. Lonehowl blinks his eyes open as Keshah stills so abruptly. ** ? ** Wasn't that Rillwhisper he was just with? "..Rill..?" he mumbles, but the flower pollen surrounds and overwhelms him. "Unnnnhh.." He shakes his head a bit, then it lowers back to the ground. Soon, he is out. Keshah whispers softly as she pulls back. "Sleep, my love. Sleep. I will return to you soon, and then we need never be apart." Picking up her clothing and knife on the way, she walks with determined steps towards the pool, leaving the sleeping Lonehowl where he is. Nothing can harm him here, after all. Nothing... else. [And as the Sun Village maiden leaves one elf behind, she goes looking for the other...] Keshah approaches the pool silently, scanning the nearby bushes. Locating Rillwhisper, she approaches the wolfrider chief. Rillwhisper lies where she'd fallen, her leathers rumpled and dusted with gold; her face and arms and hands, too, are dusted. But across her eyes is a large patch of wrapstuff, silver beneath the golden pollen that's fallen across it, silver against the tumbled gold of her hair. Her breathing is slow and deep. Keshah crouches beside the sleeping elf, watching her through narrowed eyes. Her hand goes to her knife, without thought, and she fingers it as she considers her options. Rillwhisper's chest rises and falls in languid slowness. Her left arm lies curled up, hand above her head and resting with fingers curled skyward; her good leg is crooked up at the knee, the bound one stuck out at an awkward angle away from the rest of her. Keshah reaches a decision. She pulls out her knife, leans over the defenseless Rillwhisper... and with a deft stroke of the knife combined with a deft tug, she removes the wrapstuff from the chiefs eyes. Perhaps Rillwhisper senses the motions near her face, for a faint exhalation of breath slips out of her, and her head turns slightly. Her eyelids flicker, and that breath is followed by a bit of a cough. ** ..... ** Keshah rises gracefully, and moves over to the edge of the pool. Collecting some water in a large leaf rolled into a cone, she returns to the wolfrider and splashes a few drops into her face. Rillwhisper's eyelids flicker some more, and she coughs, tasting pollen dust where it'd fallen and stayed across her lips, and as she stirs under the heavy blanket of sleep that had fallen across her, it seems to her that she can taste the stuff in her throat, too. ** Wh.... wha...? ** Keshah places her free hand at Rillwhispers neck, raising her head a little, and holding the leaf-cup to her lips. She says softly. "Here, drink this. Careful." ** Wha... water? ** Rillwhisper's thoughts are blurred and unfocused, her senses dulled. But she smells water somewhere near, and she unthinkingly sips as bidden, wanting to try to clear her throat. Keshah smiles in satisfaction, urging Rillwhisper gently to drink all the offered water, and murmurs. "There, that is much better, is it not? I will ask my little friends to bring you some berries to eat, too. We will take *such* good care of you." Rillwhisper's eyes come heavily and slowly open, as she sips down the water, and then licks her lips. ** Keshah, ** she identifies after staring at the dark-skinned maiden for several long seconds. Keshah smiles sweetly. "Yes. You remember. Is there anything I can do for you, to make you more comfortable? Would you like some more water?" ** Of course I remember, ** sends the chieftess, muzzily. Then she frowns at herself. She remembers Keshah's name, but... wasn't there something else she needed to recollect? Then, slowly, it comes to her, and she tries to sit up. "Lonehowl," she croaks involuntarily. "I heard him..." Keshah helps Rillwhisper to sit up, saying soothingly. "Lonehowl is fine. All is well. He was... startled by some of my little friends." Rill, apparently, is not entirely ready for such daring pursuits as sitting up. She sags somewhat in Keshah's support, her head bowing forward. "Where is he...?" she mumbles. "Heard him send..." Keshah mms, and carefully lowers Rillwhisper down again. "You should rest... I will get you some more water, and berries. Lonehowl is fine, he really is. I will take very good care of him, too." Rillwhisper frowns at this, discontentedly. "He has to go," she maintains, but she does not resist Keshah's attempts to get her to lie down again. And after a moment, she adds, "Don't want berries..." Keshah returns with another leafy cone of pollen-tinged water, and a fistful of ripe berries. Offering the water to Rillwhisper first, she says soothingly. "In time. For now, it is much better for you both to be here. Here, drink..." Vaguely, Rillwhisper frowns; something about water, definitely, is provoking an alarm in her awareness, but it is eluding her grasp. And she is dreadfully thirsty, so she lets herself be given water; afterwards, taking a breath in, she murmurs, "I... thank you... no berries, though... I need meat, fresh meat..." Keshah mmms. "It is... not easy to find, here. But I will try, for you. Please, just have a few berries until then? It could take some time." Rillwhisper's frown doesn't leave her face. Berries, she thinks, and that too bothers her somehow... but she also needs to eat. For the cub, she muses. _I need to eat for the cub...._ Groggily, she sends assent, lifting up a hand, then, for Keshah's offering. Keshah places a few berries carefully in Rillwhispers hand, and asks softly. "If I go hunt for you, will you promise to stay here until I return? It is safe, here." Rillwhisper's eyes are half-closed, and the motion of her hand slow as she lifts up the berries to her nose to sniff at them, enough instinct still functioning that she's not prepared to eat them entirely blindly. She does, however, start eating them. ** I'll stay till Lonehowl returns, ** she sends absently, her mental touch decidedly softening. Keshah pats Rillwhispers arm gently. "Good. Good. I'm sure it won't be very long. He cares very much for you, that is obvious." She gets to her feet, touching her knife briefly. "I might be away for a while, but I will return with your... meat. My little friends will help you with water and berries if the wait is long." A slight smile curves one end of Rillwhisper's mouth. ** Recognized, ** she send-murmurs, half to herself. ** He'll come back for me and the cub... ** Keshah's eyes glitter, but her face is turned away by then. "I'm sure he will. There is nothing to worry about... nothing at all. I will send the preservers to make sure you are kept... comfortably... waiting." With that, she leaves the pool to return to the briefly abandoned Lonehowl. Keshah heads for the meadow. Keshah has left. [Back to the dazed hunter Keshah goes, her mission accomplished....] Keshah returns a while later, having gathered flowers and buds of various colors. Kneeling beside the sleeping Lonehowl, she deposits these on the ground, and starts sorting through them, pausing inbetween to braid a chosen flower into her hair. She keeps glancing at Lonehowl, smiling softly. Lonehowl still has not even shown any signs of coming around after falling asleep earlier, body left bare. He lies on his side, his head half-tucked underneath an arm, legs drawn in towards his chest. Keshah finishes her task, leaving a small pile of flower and buds on the ground nearby. Smiling, she leans over to stroke Lonehowl's cheek gently, and sighs contently. Perhaps it's the touch that causes Lonehowl to murmur unintelligible words and shift positions slightly. Perhaps it's mere coincidence. Whatever the case, he exhales slowly, stretching on the ground. Keshah's eyes sparkle, and she lightly traces her fingertips along Lonehowl's chest. Her whisper is aimed only at herself. "Yes. This time, everything will be perfect." Lonehowl's lips pull into a half-smile as he feels the touch on his chest, and his eyes bat slowly, wearily. "Uuhnn.." he mumbles, trying to focus as he looks up. . o O (Twyr..?) Keshah laughs softly, and stretches herself out beside Lonehowl. Wrapping one arm loosely over him, she watches his face with fascination. Keshah murmurs. "Sweet love, how wonderful it is just to be with you." Lonehowl moves a hand to rub gently around his eyes, trying to get rid of that sleepy sensation that still lingers from all that pollen. His gaze falls upon the not-Rillwhisper elf alongside him, and he seems confused, not yet answering. Keshah touches Lonehowl's face gently again, asking in sudden concern. "Do you need anything? Are you hungry or thirsty? I want everything to be just right." In a dry voice, Lonehowl answers affirmatively. "Aye..I need meat..and something to drink.." How long has it /been/ since he hasn't eaten meat, let alone much of anything at all? The hand that had been at his eyes reaches out towards one of Keshah's eartips. Keshah smiles happily, tilting her head a little. "I will fetch you water, my love. And I know where there is another wrapstuffed bird, too. Would you like that?" Lonehowl's fingers slowly trace along the ear before his hand settles back to the ground. "I just need..meat, to eat.." he whispers. Keshah shivers pleasantly at the touch, her whisper husky. "You need to keep your strength up, love. I will find what you need. Don't... go anywhere." She smiles, lifting his hand to kiss each fingertip, then gets gracefully to her feet. The pile of flowers is left beside Lonehowl as she moves towards the small grove with many a backwards glance. Lonehowl mumbles something that can't quite be made out, nodding faintly. He rubs behind an ear of his own before sitting up slowly, noticing his pants are still down - all right, so he wasn't totally bare. Blinking, he draws them back up, yawning hugely. Keshah disappears into the trees. Lonehowl is overcome by another yawn while he ties his pants up, pausing to rub behind his head afterwards. He sits up, trying to focus. Keshah returns after a while, with the still-warm corpse of a moderately large bird tucked under one arm. She carries one of the 'cups' made from large, wrapped leaves cupped in her hands. It took her rather less time than one would have expected for a hunt. Lonehowl can be seen standing up and stretching by the time Keshah comes back with the kill and drink. He rubs his sides idly, blinking towards the returning elf. Keshah smiles to Lonehowl, her eyes warm rather than burning this time. She offers him the water first. "It will leak out, so you'll need to drink it right away." Lonehowl steps closer to Keshah as she offers the water, and he takes the wrapped leaves in his hands, a bit of liquid wetting his hands. He lifts it towards his lips and sniffs at it, first. Keshah meanwhile takes the bird into her hands, holding it out as an offering. "I just killed it, it is still warm. You like it best that way, don't you?" Lonehowl glances at Keshah as he takes a tentative sip, looking then at the bird, longingly. Lowering the water again, he licks his lips. "Aye..that will be just great.." Keshah murmurs. "These small animals do cool and go stiff so rapidly. Aren't you thirsty, my love? You sound a little bit rusty." Lonehowl only shrugs at Keshah's question, not putting much into the spoken word of 'love.' Sure, he feels it towards others, but the word doesn't mean much of anything to him. Sure enough, his voice is grating. "Thirsty..of course. Hungrier though, too." He takes a longer drink, then tosses the water-filled leaves away, set on eating that bird. Keshah glances at the falling leaf, then lowers her eyes slightly and offers Lonehowl the bird again. "I could get you some berries, too. They are quite... satisfying." "Don't need any berries. Don't want any, either." Lonehowl murmurs, sinking down to a sitting position as he begins to tear at the bird, seeking out the warm, nourishing meat within. Naturally, a bit of a mess is made. Keshah makes a motion as if to kneel beside Lonehowl... but reconsiders as he starts eating. "Of course. Whatever you say, my love. I wish only to please you." She looks around a bit uneasily, then walks over to a small berrybush closeby and starts searching the branches. Lonehowl grunts non-commitally at Keshah's words, thinking there's something other than her 'wishes' to please him. He continues to eat in spite of her and her words, too hungry not to. A bit of blood trickles down his chin as he goes on. Keshah ends up with a handful of purplish berries, and returns to kneel near Lonehowl. She carefully avoids looking at him as she nibbles one of the berries. Lonehowl ignores Keshah for the moment, to the point of even scooting a foot or two further from her, not desiring to have his meal interrupted. Keshah remains where she is, glancing over at Lonehowl after a long while and offering softly. "Are you certain you wouldn't like some?" Lonehowl pauses, a few feathers dropping into his lap. Licking his lips again, he answers, "Already said I didn't want any, didn't I?" He picks at what's left of the bird, which by now looks very much un-birdlike. Keshah nibbles another berry, then puts the rest of the small pile aside. "Perhaps later." She looks hopefully over at Lonehowl. Lonehowl shrugs, beginning to search the bones for any marrow. Good stuff. He's not interested in any berries right now. Just replenishing his strength - and yes, getting out of here. Keshah's send is weak and unpracticed, but understandable this close up. ** It is good to have you here. ** Keshah inches a little closer, reaching out with one brown hand. ** Maybe..but I still don't belong here. ** Lonehowl answers simply, a sudden growl of warning suggesting Keshah stay in place - he's not done with the bird yet. Keshah's eyes go wide at the growl, and she starts away. Her voice is a little shaky. "Oh, please don't say that! Of course you belong here. With me." Lonehowl's growl ceases as soon as he's sure Keshah won't be trying to interrupt his dining. Then, finally done with the bird, he looks back over at Keshah. "I belong here? With you?" Keshah nods gravely, still watching Lonehowl with wide eyes. "Don't you see? It's all so perfect... we will be safe and warm and fed... everything we could ever want is here. And there are no humans, nothing to endanger us." She adds after a short, thoughtful pause. "You should explain that to the wolfrider chief. Make her see how much better it is to stay here. You want her to be safe and happy, don't you?" Lonehowl bristles at the mention of the other one here, Rillwhisper. "You don't get it, do you? Her place is with her tribe, not here. She has a home to return to, and now a cub inside, also." Perhaps, though, he could talk to Rillwhisper, and together they might resist Keshah yet, despite her temptations. Keshah makes a faint choking sound. But quickly recovers, and adds rapidly. "Oh, then she definitely mustn't leave! A cub is far too precious to risk to those humans. And she is hurt, and, and..." She draws a deep breath, then reaches for Lonehowl again, to touch him pleadingly. "She really should stay, at least until the cub is born. Wouldn't this be a wonderful place for a cub to grow up? Please, at least ask her. It should be her decision, after all." And with a small smile. "Us, and her, and a cub... we could start a new tribe for her. Right here." Lonehowl frowns deeply at Keshah, not at all approving of the proposed idea of them staying here and starting their own tribe. No way, no how, not ever. But, he doesn't speak the thoughts on his mind. Instead, he does what may be the smartest thing yet - he begins to play along. "Maybe..you might be right. I'll talk to her, soon.." [Keshah has seemed amenable enough to this idea, and thus, Lonehowl goes in search of the chieftess....] Lonehowl joins you from the meadow. Lonehowl has arrived. Sleep... It's seemed a very good idea, enchanting, enticing. If she sleeps, there is no pain in her leg, no hunger, no thirst. No bugs chattering in her ear... no reason to try to wrestle with thoughts that have grown strangely heavy and cumbersome. Exhausted, dazed, Rillwhisper sleeps, curled up awkwardly amongst the flowers, her form dusted over with gold. Her features are tranquil, her breathing deep and slow. After a few more moments of dead silence in the valley, the hunter returns - only, he never made it out in the first place. Lonehowl closes in on the pool slowly, still somewhat under the influence of the pollen in the valley. Cursed stuff. He's come to find Rillwhisper, and..attempt to convince her to stay. Or so Keshah thinks. The burly elf pauses, rubbing at the side of his head before continuing on. Ah. There's Rillwhisper. Towards her he goes. The she-elf shows absolutely no sign of stirring; indeed, if it were not for the slight movements of her breast, she could be mistaken for dead. Perhaps there is color in her face, but if there is, it's hidden beneath that near-complete dusting of gold scattered across her features. Flower petals lie scattered all along her, several petals in her hair, and two large blooms tied into the disheveled red-golden strands beside one tapered ear. Lonehowl catches sight of those blasted flowers and finds himself appreciating the fact he didn't have any twined into /his/ hair. But they'll have to go. He makes it the rest of the way over to Rillwhisper, and kneels beside her, still silent. Carefully, he begins to move the flowers on the ground away from her, taking great care not to disturb them. Then, he undoes those in her hair. Still, Rillwhisper does not stir, her slumped body utterly relaxed and at rest. Once the dastardly flowers are out of harm's way, Lonehowl brushes a bit of pollen away from Rillwhisper's face and head. Then, he leans over to lift her slightly in his arms, pulling her close to him, trying to wake her gently. ** Twyr.. ** he sends, only to her. ** I'm here. Again. ** Rillwhisper exhales slowly, a tiny but palpable sign of life... but the only one she exhibits as the hunter cradles her against him. There is only the barest flicker of a response in her mind, heavy, languid, and tinged with gold. Lonehowl is careful to breathe in as little of the pollen as he possibly can - it's next to impossible to avoid it all. He's already in a partial state from them, so what's a tad more? His arms wrap snugly, securely around the Chieftess, as he nuzzles against her cheek caringly. ** Twyr..wake up. I need to talk to you. ** Somewhere behind swirling, sparkling veils of fog and color, there comes a dreamy abstracted sending: ** Hunter.... how did you get here? ** Rillwhisper does not open her eyes, but a slight, sweet smile softens her mouth. Lonehowl closes his eyes anyway, needing to focus harder. The sending he gets is..it seems dampened to him. Surely the effect of whatever's been done to Rillwhisper while he was away from her. His answer attempts to burn through some of that haze. ** How I got here..isn't important. Twyr..I have something to admit to you. I..never made it out. Those blasted bugs stopped me and wrapped me. Then, the other one, Keshah..she freed me..and kept me here. ** He pauses, to let that sink in. There is a long silence from Rillwhisper; then, slowly, she turns her head, resting her cheek against Lonehowl's shoulder, that tiny smile still curling her mouth. And equally slowly, drowsily, she sends at last, ** Keshah....? Oh.... she's in here too? I don't hear her.... I hope she likes it.... ** ** Aye, Twyr. Keshah. She's here. In the valley. With us. She wants us to /stay/ ** Again, Lonehowl focuses his sending on Rillwhisper, trying to cut through that drowsiness of hers, despite his own milder version of the same. A hand shifts to settle in her hair, and he continues. ** She wants us to stay, and she wants you to have our cub here and start a tribe with her. Twyr - you..we have to get /out/ and get you back to your tribe! Keshah thinks I'm going to try to talk you into staying! ** ** Valley....? What valley..... 'mhome.... 'course I'll stay here. Sleep. Warm den.... ** Rillwhisper shifts ever so slightly in Lonehowl's embrace, lifting a languorous arm to curl around his bare upper body. ** ** A faint growl ripples forth from Lonehowl. Blasted flowers! ** NO, Twyr. This is /not/ home. We - you and I - are /leaving/ this place! <> ** He frowns, helping to support Rillwhisper better as she shifts to hold him. The slightest of bemused frowns darkens the chieftess's otherwise tranquil visage. ** Loud, Gyrr, ** she complains slurrily. ** Don' wake up the cub. ** (...) O o . Lonehowl scowls at the failure he's having thus far. ** I'm not waking up our cub. I'm trying to wake /you/ up, Twyr, so we can leave this place and keep you and our cub safe! Up, Chieftess! ** With that, he begins to stand, intent on making Rillwhisper do the same, injured leg or no. He'd like to not have to do it, but if he has to bump that leg to get Rillwhisper going, then Timmorn's Blood - he'll do it. ** C'n see her right there... ** Silly hunter; why can't Lonehowl see his own cub? Rillwhisper considers this, and then dreamingly, helpfully points out the cubling for her father. ** ** And the chieftess sways bonelessly against her Recognized, her frame turned seemingly to water. Lonehowl is stopped cold by the image of those eyes seeming to stare right at him through the haze, and his own golden eyes widen, the hunter rendered speechless. ** ..... ** Even he sways for a moment before steeling himself so neither he nor Rillwhisper topple. Both of Rill's arms twine around Lonehowl now, her head nestled snugly on his shoulder, the most natural thing in the world. Contentment and warmth trickle forth from her sending, but so does something else. ** 'Mother can't ride with her leg unhealed,' ** a soft and seemingly toneless voice observes. It could be Rillwhisper's, and it could be another's, the words delivered with rational clarity somewhere within the fog. Lonehowl's mouth opens partially, still stunned at the image of those eyes. He helps support Rillwhisper, standing still as those words touch his mind. He's dealt with dangerous predators and humans both, but never a..cub. ** Then..then I'll carry you..no, her..for as long as I have to..it's too dangerous to stay in this place. ** ** Woke her up, ** Rillwhisper sends languidly, the thoughts beginning to settle again, drifting down into the bottom of the fog like leaves floating down to the surface of a pond. ** Pretty cub... little bright-soul... ** And Rill, her eyes still firmly closed, makes a tiny satisfied noise in the back of her throat, part of her soaking in Lonehowl's warmth and nearness. "Woke her..up.." Lonehowl repeats, murmuring the words. He blinks three times and sees those eyes again. Amazing. Just simply amazing, what's in them. ** I..uh.. ** Lonehowl begins, failing to construct a true sentence. Shutting his eyes for a moment, he resolves to attempt to just get the both of them out of here first, then worry about how to transport Rillwhisper. Then there's the little matter of Fallberry, too. ** Cubling, ** Rillwhisper sends in profound, peaceful satisfaction. ** Cunning little cubling... talk to her s'more later. Nap now. ** She makes another contented noise, nuzzling up closer to the hunter. ** ** Well..at least Lonehowl's been reunited with Rillwhisper. But he wants - no, needs to get everyone out, as soon as possible. ** But, Twyr.. ** he begins in mild protest, still not sure just what to even say. Rillwhisper unthinkingly sends, vague impressions of Keshah bringing her food, water... it seems so perfectly logical, a wounded wolf should rest, aye? Sleep... wait for her leg to heal. Let Keshah gather food if she wishes... and she, Rillwhisper, can rest to regain her strength. And if the hunter is here with her, all the better; she can lie safe in his arms, and they can get to know their cubling. ** ** No more words come from Lonehowl this time, for he's found that suddenly, he's lost the ability to formulate any. Even his own sending, so strong and pointed moments ago, is now mostly flat and weary. Perhaps...perhaps sleep would be good...and there's no guarantee of their safety yet ouside the valley, regardless of whatever danger is within. Truly, no humans or predators have ventured inside since they've been here. But the wolves..what of them? Lonehowl finally sighs and lets both Rillwhisper and himself settle down to the ground, with him in a sitting position, resting her in his lap. Maybe it would be good to attempt to get to know the cub after all. Rillwhisper sighs, a bare breath of a sigh, as the hunter's sinking downward easily aids her in doing the same; it's as natural a descent as... that breeze wafting through the bushes, blowing out tendrils of gold into the air, making every breath heavy as honey, slow and sweet. A few loose petals drift down to the prone chieftess, and she curls up in the hunter's arms, her own encircling him with a touch almost as soft as those brushing petals. ** ** Lonehowl may be reunited with his Recognized, but the expression on his face is not a pleased one. Everything inside screams at him to get out while the two of them can, but his body just won't comply. Must be the pollen, carried on the breeze. The hunter blinks, his eyes feeling heavier now as he brushes the petals away from the Chieftess. Then they close, staying that way for a few seconds until he can open them again. ** Twyr..cub.. ** he almost pleads, wishing to do something..anything. Do? What is there to do, perhaps, except yield to that inexorable warmth stealing across you, relax down into the fog encroaching at the edges of vision? Twyr can be felt sinking already beneath the gold-touched blankets of cloud; somewhere down there too is the cubling, and the two of them are growing fainter as they drift further and further down into the fog.... Must fight that pull..! Can't give in! Ah, but it's so hard with all that pollen around, and harder still when the one Lonehowl needs to stay awake is losing her own battle to, apparently not even fighting to /stay/ awake. But now, it's no longer a fight to get just Rillwhisper to safety. Now it's Rillwhisper and cub, but Lonehowl lacks the energy and alertness to do it, tugged at and pulled towards that haze that's surrounding his Recognized and cub. His head dips to nuzzle lightly at Rillwhisper's cheek, and it doesn't lift again. Instead, the hunter's body leans back slowly, Rillwhisper coming to rest atop him, in his arms. Everything vanishes... or perhaps blurs. It's hard to tell. The shadowed valley subtly changes somehow, more filled with mists, less with the inevitable pollen... though still, sparks of gold hang in the middle of the mist-tendrils, as if borne up by the feel of moisture in the air. Water is burbling, from not too far away, and that too isn't very different. But something is. Perhaps it's the difference in the trees -- a different forest, different smells, from somewhere clearly apart from the place of scent-clogging flowers and dream-heavy breezes. One scent in particular stands out, a path in through the mists: hers. Rillwhisper's. The hunter is drawn in to the pulling grip of sleep, nodding off quickly. But why, then, does he continue to see and sense things? Strange, he thinks, as he extends a hand through the mists, testing for what is there - or what isn't. Blinking at the gold sparks, he turns an ear towards the sound of water, looking around again in an attempt to pinpoint where he is. Then, he catches the scent. Her scent. He begins to follow. There's still a tang of flower-scent in the air, as long as the hunter walks within the mists... but as he slips stealthily further through the tall, straight trees, there comes a subtle cleansing breeze, a purer scent of water from the bottom of a little rise. The mists clear... and there, down in a hollow in the midst of the greenery, at the side of a pool fed by a bubbling stream, is the chieftess. But she's different, too. There are no bindings of wrapstuff and leather on her leg. Seeming to sense the new arrival, she immediately turns on the rock on which she's perched -- and her face is different too, alert, her green eyes deep and clear, her form somehow more... vivid. Startlement and surprise and relief wash across her visage, and as she sends, it, too, is oddly sharper. ** Hunter! ** Lonehowl breathes deep, taking in the cleaner air that is to be had, brushing away the thicker, flower-tinged air from before. He sighs a deep breath, exhaling before taking in another. Licking his lips, he can almost taste the water ahead of him, and as his eyes trail towards the source, he sees her. The way she should be, he gathers quickly. Then, he's as he should be as well: strong, firm, sure of himself and his surroundings, afraid of little, if anything at all. A smile forms and he steps closer, returning the greeting with a simple one of his own, words rich with life. ** Aye, Chieftess. ** She gets to her feet, grinning broadly, a touch bemusedly. ** I guess I shouldn't be surprised to see you here, ** Rillwhisper observes, her eyes very full, very warm. ** Did you come after me? ** Lonehowl cannot help but grin back at Rillwhisper, flashing white teeth for a moment. ** I did. You were here; I could smell it. So I came. ** He gestures simply with his hands, standing with his weight slightly on one side as he holds in place for a moment, just looking at her. All green and golden is the figure of the chieftess, her leathers as fresh as if they were newly made, as she stands there framed by trees and the clear bubbling water, gazing up out of the hollow at the hunter's form. ** I'm glad, ** she replies fervently, her gaze flicking briefly down to the pool beside her, before lifting up again; she seems, for a brief instant, almost shy. ** This isn't... an easy place to get to. The last time I was here... I think I was starving. ** Lonehowl tilts his head briefly as he listens, eyes scanning around the area again. Then, coming closer again he wonders, ** Here? What is here, exactly? ** All the hunter can gather is that it's..well, a forest of some sort, with a pool and a rock and a Chieftess before him. He pauses to adjust the tunic over his upper frame, yawning idly. For a moment, the air moves in a slow ripple, distorted as if underwater. ** Here? Oh... ** Rillwhisper turns her head, pulling in a long breath of clean air, redolent with the scents of green growing things and water. Then she flashes a crooked smile up to Lonehowl, watching him descend to join her. ** It's a place I knew when I was a cub. I'm not surprised I keep coming back here... it's where I always played, you see. ** A personal, private place then, Lonehowl decides. ** Ah. I see. Of course. ** He glances back to the water, for it looks tempting to drink from, and continues to close in until he reaches Rillwhisper. ** What brings you back to this place, then? ** His eyes settle on her, soft yet sturdy, caring. The chieftess turns, her features softening in turn at that gaze upon her. She steps to the hunter, lifting a hand readily up to his cheek, and when her fingers touch his face, she seems somehow more _present_, more _real_. Equally present is the worry darkening her eyes, as she plaintively confides, ** I think I'm in trouble, Gyrr. The last time I was here, I was starving for want of meat. ** There is a flutter of unseen wings, soft as a moth, bright as a flame. Lonehowl's cheeks pull at a slight smile as she touches him, reaching back with a hand of his own to return the gesture softly, caressing with the backs of his fingers along her cheek. ** I feel..something the same, Twyr.. ** His brows furrow, the smile fading a bit. ** Have you... felt the cub? ** Rillwhisper's other hand comes up to rest upon one of the hunter's braod shoulders. ** I can't see her from here, I'm afraid... ** ** I have, before.. ** Lonehowl replies. It was only a short time ago, outside this dream that seems so real. His hand trails down to rest around Rillwhisper's back, just above the rear, where his other joins it. ** Where is she..? ** Senses sharpen, a multilayered, exquisitely simple tapestry of distinct and palpable feelings: the shape of the chieftess's form lightly encircled in the hunter's arms, her scent, the careless disarray of her red-golden curls, the grey and golden sparks in the green depths of her eyes as she looks up at him. She turns her head, then, nodding up out of the hollow, towards the mists and the indistinct shapes within. ** Out there somewhere, I think, ** she answers grimly, her sending tinged with self-accusation. ** I have to go after her again, Gyrr. I was resting when you came... but now that you're here... ** The hunter does what he can to comfort the Chieftess, be it a close embrace or a nuzzle, trying to reassure her. ** We'll find her, together. ** he sends, a promise even though he doesn't yet know how he'll fulfill it. ** Just tell me what needs doing, and it'll be done. ** Overhead, branches reach for each other, leaves entwining lovingly. Rillwhisper allows herself to hug Lonehowl to her, her grip strong and firm, for what seems a timeless instant. Then she looks up again, green eyes to golden, and tells him, ** We have to get out of this hollow, for starters. ** And their real selves have to get out of the valley, as well. ** Indeed, we do. ** Lonehowl answers, his own embrace matching Rillwhisper's for the moment it is held for. ** Then let's waste no more time, and go. For our cub. ** One single, firm nod. Rillwhisper turns, then, facing the incline down which the hunter had approached her -- and trepidation wars with determination in her delicate visage. Getting out of the hollow: it'd been a simple enough statement. But as she turns to face the way out, it's shifted, grown steeper. Higher. Mists are gathering at the top of it, tendrils beginning to creep downward. ** Climb, Gyrr, ** Rillwhisper entreats, moving to the incline's base, and grimacing as she starts looking for handholds and footholds by which to haul herself up. ** Climb..? ** Lonehowl questions, slipping free of Rillwhisper. Turning around, only then does he see how steep that hill-that-isn't-anymore is. ** Timmorn's Blood. ** he send-mutters, blinking up..up..up at the mists above. Strength and determination are on his side - hopefully they will be enough, coupled with the outright /need/ not to fail. ** Aye, Twyr..climb. ** With that, he begins. The chieftess is slim and agile and sure of hand and foot, and initially, she moves up ahead of the bigger hunter. Her hands reach for roots by which to pull herself along, rocks jutting out from the earth where she might cling or place her booted feet. But rocks and roots alike, the higher she climbs, begin to grow slick as the moisture in the air thickens... and the climb grows more difficult. Once, Rillwhisper slips, banging her side, scraping her palms as she loses precious feet. The dense greenery overhead... is that a glimpse of ground through it? Or a reflection on water? While Rillwhisper moves on ahead of him, Lonehowl instead takes the time to search for the best way up, sacrificing a little speed in the interest of accuracy and planning his next steps. ** Careful, Twyr..not too fast. ** he sends, taking care not to look down as he gets higher. He sees the slippery going up ahead but isn't able to warn her in time. ** ! ** He grits his teeth as Rillwhisper loses her position, steadying himself to catch her should she fall, hoping it won't pull him free in the process. She does manage to stop her own plunge, just barely. Rillwhisper clings there to the.... cliffside. Yes, cliffside... and lifts her head, her face turned stoic and fierce, the visage of a determined, desperate she-wolf. ** My cub's up there, ** she sends huskily, and begins to climb again, her movements swift. Lonehowl's moment of worry passes, nodding as he knows what must be done. ** Then we must reach her, and not fail. ** His eyes narrow, intent on making it up the cliff, despite the intense challenge presented. His pace quickens, still careful enough to be sure of where he reaches, and he makes it into the slicker area. The mists begin to curl further down from the unseen clifftop, tendrils snaking downward... towards the chieftess. As she climbs further, faster, higher, one of those tendrils reaches her face -- and she pauses, swaying where she clings to the cliffside. ** Twyr..? ** Lonehowl's send is a questioning one, asking for a report, and why the Chieftess has stopped. He closes the distance, the mists beginning to swirl about him now as well. The report comes, but it's slowed, a trifle distant. ** I'm... all right... ** Lonehowl nods, and continues to ascend the cliff. As a result of the pace he's set, he has not burnt too much energy, but even still, his muscles begin to burn from the strain put on them. ** Then let's..go. Don't go too fast. ** he suggests, stretching his hand up for yet another hold. ** Go... yes... up.... ** Rillwhisper sends, but slowly. She starts climbing again, blinking several times... and not seeing that she's heading straight into a thick, gold-dusted tendril of mist swirling down towards her. Lonehowl does, however, and he is suspicious of it. ** Twyr! Stop! Wait..look what you're climing at. ** He has a baaaad feeling about those mists. Very bad feeling. ** Be careful..we're almost there, but it'll be no easier. ** ** Wha....? ** Rillwhisper lifts her head again... just as the mist swirls down to envelop her head and shoulders. Her frame blurs... and so does reality around her, ever so slightly. Her hands begin to somehow... _sink_ into the root-entangled cliff. Lonehowl growls in his throat at the unexpected happenings up where Rillwhisper is, and he alters his course to climb towards her, now moving faster than before. ** Twyr..? What's happening to you? ** he sends, full of confusion and unease. ** I... ** That's all the chieftess sends, as her hands vanish into the dark, wet rocky earth. The mists surround her further, drawing her knees and feet in where her hand have vanished, leaving her hanging there caught. Her form seems to shimmer, sparkling gold, and then she sends again in confusion, ** I can't... move... ** Lonehowl's brows knit together, trying to make sense of this..development. ** You're../in/ the cliff..? Wha.../how?/ ** He reaches her finally, waving a hand to disperse some of that mist before he reaches to feel around where her hands disappeared, then her knees and feet. ** ?? ** She's not only in it -- she herself is beginning to change. Green tendrils are snaking up out of the earth along her body, entwining her arms, her waist, and where they touch, color is drained out of her leathers and skin, turning them almost the hue of wood. She does not answer, as her expression goes blanker, in a vague look of bafflement. The mist-heavy air around her reeks of flowers and dreams... and is that a blossom opening up in her hair? Lonehowl's mouth simply falls open, unable to stop the changes. ** Twyr..? Twyr! No! Stop!** he send-shouts, trying in vain to stop the transformation taking place before his very eyes. His very wide amber eyes. Again, he waves at the mists, as if he could simply will them to be away. In fact, he tries to do just that, growing desperate. The mists do swirl away from the hunter, almost... sulkily. Slight tendrils still creep round the chieftess, and as they do, a remote sending flows slowly out of her: ** ** Lonehowl's answering send holds much more concern than being simply mild. ** Twyr..? Listen to me..fight this. Whatever it is. Don't give in! ** There doesn't seem to be much else he can do but try to ward off the misty tendrils, batting a hand at the lingering ones as he yells at them. "Get away from her!" As the hunter's fingers brush against the mists curling round Rill, they brush _her_, too... and again comes that flare of sharpened senses, of her presence. The contact is fleeting, but it brings color back into her form, chasing off that tree-like shape that seems to be trying to overwhelm it, bringing back a glimpse of green and gold leathers. She sends, with slow and clusmy effort, almost like the creep of sap through trunk and branches, ** .......... Gyrr..........? ** Lonehowl frowns in general at this whole thing, really, really, really not liking being unable to figure out what's going on. ** Twyr..come back to me! ** he sends, trying to slice through whatever's got her in this state. He paws at the spot in the cliff where a hand is plunged within, hoping secretly to himself that he'll avoid some bad predicament of his own. There... her hand can be found, roots within the rock trying to hold it fast. But as her fingers are touched, there comes a stronger jolt of _contact_.... and with an effort, her hand comes free, though it is heavy, limp. Lonehowl blinks in surprise at how the hand is released, then peering closer at the roots themselves. ** ...hang on, Twyr.. ** Instead of her other hand, he goes to free her knees and feet next. The freed hand moves sluggishly, fumbling to touch the hunter, as Rillwhisper seems to recollect that he is there. Her head hangs stiffly, mists still congregating there, ghosts of flowers still clinging to her hair... but that current of contact steadies and continues as she grips his shoulder. ** Help me, ** she sends, strengthless but plain and direct, an acknowledgement of her vulnerability, a wave of trust in her Recognized's strength. Lonehowl grits his teeth, muscles beginning to ache from holding himself against the vertical slope of the cliff for so long now. ** Just a little..more, Twyr.. ** he strains with his words, getting her lower body free, then finally returning to her other hand, helping to steady her as best he can. ** What is all this about? ** he questions. The tendrils retreat... and Rillwhisper slides free... but then reality shifts again. There is a swift, dislocating sense of _falling_... and all at once, the chieftess is sitting half-slumped back down in the hollow where she started. And she sends in bitter self-reproach, ** That... keeps happening... every time I try to get out, Gyrr... I'm so _tired_... ** Lonehowl's body jerks with the unavoidable sense of falling, and when he realizes they're back where they started, he looks even more confused than before. ** What..? The cliff..grabs you and holds you? ** He can't be tired. He won't let himself be tired. The chieftess turns, wraps her arms around Lonehowl's frame, clinging to him shakily. A desperation can be felt in her sending. ** Yes... something like that... it's hard to remember. I... turn into a tree... ** Her sending shudders, and her body seems to shudder as well, a sense of shying-away-from-wrongness there. ** I know that's not right. It can't be... but... ** Lonehowl wraps his arms around Rillwhisper, protectively. At a loss for just what to say, he sends gentle support and reassurance. ** Don't worry..I don't know why it happens, but there's got to be a way past it.. ** He quiets and stills, breathing at a moderate pace. ** Maybe I can do it alone.. ** That makes her head lift sharply, her gaze fix pleadingly on his countenance. Need flares up in her eyes -- not the need of Recognition, but one just as deep, just as unnerving. ** But I need y-- ** The chieftess catches herself, then, torn. After a beat she adds in anguish, ** The cub... ** ** ..is up there, and somehow, we have to get there. ** Lonehowl finishes, pointing up the cliff. He doesn't want to leave Rillwhisper, but what else can be done if each time, she gets stuck? ** I need you too..but if I can get up, maybe I can find a way to get you up, too.. ** It may be a shot in the dark for all he knows. Rillwhisper is pale and shaken, her hands still clinging to both of Lonehowl's strong shoulders, but at last she gives a reluctant nod. ** All... all right, Gyrr. For the cub. For _our_ cub... ** It costs her much to do so, all too obviously, but she lifts her hands off those shoulders. And even so, they hover near, as if she is loathe to pull too far away from him. Lonehowl smiles thinly, not wanting to be apart from Rillwhisper either, but he has to for now. ** For our cub, Twyr. Aye. You..just rest for now. But send to me.. ** He breathes out, nuzzling cheeks for a long moment. ** I will, ** she promises, the words weary, but determined. Lonehowl holds that smile, turning away to face the high cliff again. Since this is a dream, it's not too much of a stretch to say his strength comes back to him, either - just not quite as much as before. Setting his jaw firmly, he strides forward and begins the climb. And if anything, this time, the climb seems harder. The handholds and footholds develop a disturbing tendency to move around, and even when they seem stable enough, both roots and rocky surfaces are slick with the gathering mists. The mists themselves are still hovering up at the indefinite top of the cliffside, and as the hunter begins his ascent, they respond by swirling down towards him, sparked with gold, bringing with them the scent of flowers. Through this, the chieftess sends up her sending. It is a breath of clean, rich air, but it is a fragile thread that may not hold the higher the hunter goes.... Lonehowl narrows his eyes as the mists begin to drift his way, focusing intently on each and every movement, to avoid missing a hold or losing his grip. . o O (Curse this cliff and those mists!) He won't be denied if he has any say in the matter. Taking in Rillwhisper's send, he answers, voice hard and firm. ** Here they come, Twyr. Again. ** Indeed. The gold-laced mist swirls down, with almost uncanny precision, straight for the hunter's face and eyes. And with it, it brings.... Lonehowl waves a hand at the mists as they begin to curl around and surround him. ** Twyr.. ** he starts, beginning to sound faintly distressed at the senses contained within the encompassing mists. ** No.. ** he shakes his head, attempting to steel himself against the feelings of emptiness and alone-ness. He needs his wolf-friends. He needs his cub. He needs Rillwhisper, too. And everything else being rubbed out. He pauses on the side of the cliff, gritting his teeth. Lonehowl shudders at the sensations, especially the silvery strands seeking to hold him in place, to render him unable to continue on. /Got/ to go on, though! Somehow..some way. ** No..stop..leave me alone. ** he send-murmurs, to Rillwhisper? To someone else? Perhaps that dark-skinned one? Who can tell right now? Certainly not the hunter. Slowly, as a cold sweat breaks out over his brow, he seeks to inch his way forward. He has no other choice. The hunter fumbles a bit, the strands impeding his progress rather effectively. In spite of that, Lonehowl simply will not give up yet, and he tries to rub free some of the silvery stuff against a rock jutting out a ways. The voice that attempts to lure him in deeper slows him fractionally. ** Sleep..nice. Would be nice. But..no. Cub..my cub../our/ cub! I have to..reach her..somehow. ** He shakes his head slowly as his hand shakes free the golden-colored pollen from the flowers he didn't seem to see before. Again he pauses, trying to shrug it all off. He calls: ** Twyr..help me..I need you.. ** The sending comes, but echoing, and seemingly from a distance: ** Gyrr?! Hunter, I don't see you....! ** ** Cliff..I think.. ** the hunter answers, words seeming to be muffled. ** Hard to..see. The mists..a voice..silver, Twyr.. ** With effort, the chieftess's sending breaks up through the mists, bringing with it that fresher, clearer air from below. The gold-laced tendrils twitch and buck... and once more, the cliffside seems to _shift_. All at once, the hunter is falling, falling, falling, till he lands with a jolt that knocks away breath and sense. It almost, but does not quite, blur out the anxious and now closer sending calling out the hunter's soulname: ** Gyrr! ** Lonehowl blinks his eyes as the mists begin to shift with Rillwhisper's sending, and he thinks that maybe, perhaps he can continue on. But then comes the shift. The hunter's arms flail about him as he has that sensation of falling again, to the point that he lets out an "Oof!" when he lands, stunned. Shaken, he answers. ** T..Twyr..? What..I was..I was going to go..on. ** She is holding tbe hunter now, cradling his head against her breast, a hand smoothing dark golden hair back from his brow. Gazing down at him with worried eyes, she remarks dolefully, ** You can't get out alone either... can you...? ** Lonehowl's eyes open to find himself partially in the Chieftess' lap, head against her, and he relaxes slightly, a rueful smile coming and going. ** I was going to..you were getting through the mists when you answered.. ** Could he have made it? Really? ** You were getting wrapstuffed, ** murmurs Rillwhisper darkly. The concept seems to deeply disturb her, and she shivers even as she squeezes the elf she holds. There's a flash of acute vulnerability in her eyes, as she sends -- clear and sharp for all its softness -- ** If you get wrapstuffed... I'll be left alone in here... ** ** I was n... ** Lonehowl begins to protest, but cannot finish. He was being wrapstuffed, something he does not like at all. A deep sigh escapes him, and he clings closer to Rillwhisper, as though..vulnerable, himself. ** I..don't want you to be alone.. ** he send-murmurs. That same jolt of contact courses through the hunter, the sharp and refined clarity of her presence, as Rillwhisper holds Lonehowl close to her. It chases away lingering fog from the thoughts, refocuses purpose... and relays the emotions behind the chieftess's eyes with the same uncanny clarity. ** I... have to think, ** she chastises herself aloud, even as she nuzzles against the hunter's dark blond hair. ** I remember when I was here before. I fainted in Doreel's grove. The archer was here... I could see him in the pool, you know. But he wasn't here like you are, like this... ** She lifts up her head, but only enough to smile anxiously downward. ** Why _are_ you here, like this...? This place is in _me_.... ** Lonehowl allows his eyes to slide shut, returning the nuzzle affectionately, grateful for the touch and feel of his Recognized. As the thoughts sharpen again, he listens - though not completely following the talk of Doreel's grove and the archer, whoever he may be. ** In the pool, aye.. ** he responds. Then at the question, he reopens his eyes, looking up. ** Why am I here..? In your..place? I..don't know. Did you bring me in? Maybe it's because of Recognition..that our souls are connected now.. ** Rillwhisper's slender form vibrates with a soundless chuckle. ** Here, ** she sends, ** look... ** And she nudges her companion to sit up, turning round to gesture to the pool at the heart of the hollow. ** I _could_ see you in there, if I looked. You weren't there before... ** Lonehowl does indeed sit up, looking over towards the pool that Rillwhisper refers to. ** What do you mean? ** The water is... water, clear and sparkling, as water should be. But it is something more, as well -- for are those _faces_ half-glimpsed in depths that seem far too great for this little pool? There's an auburn-haired hunter with gold-sparked brown eyes, smelling ever so slightly of fire... and another hunter that looks akin to him enough to be a brother, save that he is older, facefur along his jawline. And a third elf, odd-looking, with a crest of what looks far more like silver-white fur than hair atop his head, his ears topped with the same stuff, and glimpses of yet more fur further down past his jaw and throat. ** My lifemates and my soul-brother, ** Rillwhisper sends softly. ** And you're there, too... ** She points. And there is the hunter's own countenance looking back at him, bizarrely clear for all that it floats within what _seems_ to be a pool. Golden eyes, dark golden hair, a soul that sings of wide open freedom and wolf companions, wolf-blood strong within him..... _Gyrr_. Rillwhisper reaches a finger down into the pool, and as she does, a subtle shimmer courses along her arm. The sense of _reality_ about her momentarily increases. Lonehowl blinks, staring into the depths of the pool, glancing at Rillwhisper, then looking back to the pool again. The two who could pass nearly for twins...the..furry one? And then himself. ** I...see. ** Still blinking, he stares, his own image looking back up at him. Strange, indeed. ** Uh.. ** he begins, standing up to reach for Rillwhisper's shoulder. ** Cub..our cub. We still have to reach her. ** She looks up, her hand coming up out of the water... and as it does, that surge of _realness_ subsides down ever so slightly. ** How? ** she asks bleakly. ** If neither of us can get out of here... ** Lonehowl loses his train of thought for a moment, staring at the water after that sense of realism fades away again. Pausing to glance back towards the cliff, he send-murmurs, ** Alone..we failed. Maybe together..and if we try something different.. ** Who said the only choice they have is to climb the cliff? The chieftess's brow furrows. ** Different...? ** she echoes, getting to her feet again to join the hunter. But interest flickers palpably into her eyes, even as she does. ** Together... yes, but doing what...? ** Lonehowl frowns, not entirely sure just /what/ they need to do. ** I..don't know yet.. ** he admits, lost in Rillwhisper's own world, everything foreign to him. ** But she's..up there. ** Again, he points up the cliff. ** And there's got to be another way up. ** Rill frowns, wrapping her arms around herself, and she sends uneasily, ** I've tried looking, but every time I've tried to climb up... no matter what path... I get so tired. The dreams come, and my leg starts hurting. I feel better down here, but it doesn't last... ** That frown remains, and the hunter pauses to allow himself a deep stretch, apparently needing to work out a couple kinks. ** Then..maybe she can find us..? ** He glances towards the pool again. The water glimmers, profoundly clear, clean, bright. Rillwhisper follows Lonehowl's amber gaze with her own leaf-hued one, and she turns round to the pool's surface again, musing, ** I did look for her in there... ** Lonehowl steps closer to the pool, looking to Rillwhisper once more. ** Try again..? ** A simple suggestion. Couldn't hurt, he hopes. With crinkled brow, the chieftess considers this. But then she nods once, in apparent peacable trust for both her locale and the hunter beside her. Rillwhisper kneels, then, extending a hand down towards the water's shimmering surface. Her fingertips dip into the pool, causing ripples.... And faces begin to shimmer within the depths. A glow begins to steal forth up her hand, like moonlight peeking down between concealing leaves. Lonehowl glances again at Twyr, and kneels by the water's edge, tentatively extending his own hand towards the water, then breaking the surface. ** Is anything happening..? What's that glow? ** The moment the hunter's fingers brush the water, there comes yet another jolt of _contact_ -- but this one is far sharper and clearer than any before, a flare of memory and associations. There's that fire-scented hunter crouching over a pile of twigs... he simply _stares_ at them, one hand holding a stick into their heart, and they begin to smoulder into crackling, fiery life. There's the elf with... _fur_? Big and brawny, almost a wolf walking on two feet, but with an elf's soul shining vividly within him. And the stoic, silent hunter, glimped here and there in the midst of the connections to those other two elves. Her hand still in the water, the glow rising in a soft warm ball of light and encompassing her entire arm, the she-elf turns and considers Gyrr. She can be seen to smile ruefully, even as her gaze takes on new clarity and strength. ** I... think it's me, ** she murmurs. Lonehowl swallows, going rigid at the initial jolt, a surprise to him. It's enough so that he very nearly pulls his hand back to his body, but not quite. Truly strange, as he stares at the ones in the pool. Shortly thereafter, his attention returns to the Chieftess, eyes widening then blinking at the light. ** Twyr..? It..is you, I think.. ** Cautiously, he reaches for your shining arm with his other hand, one still plunged in the water. She smiles crookedly, her gaze steady on the hunter, full of light. And at that contact, one hand on her, one in the water, the jolt comes again. This is the she-elf who braved a forest full of giant spiders to save her poisoned soul-brother... this is the she-elf who was born into a tribe that ran the forests when the great-grandsires and great-grandams of most elves were alive, awakening from wrapstuff into a world found dramatically changed... and who dared take on the leading of a motley group of elves, trying to meld them into a tribe. This is the she-elf who inwardly frets over the task she's taken on, who fears she's lost sight of the Way, who is acutely aware of the threat of the new and different elves in this world she's walked ever since the wrapstuff. This is... not the chieftess, not even Rillwhisper... but Twyr. And Twyr gazes at the hunter with a strange, quirky little grin, aware that all her inner defenses are down, her inner soul bared open in a way Recognition had not accomplished. Every emotion behind those leaf-hued eyes is present, sharp, real. She fears: not for herself, but for her cub, for this new mate, for her tribe, if she cannot break free of the prison of mist and dream. And the hunter stiffens again at the initial jolt, hand gripping the Chieftess' - no, /Twyr's/ arm tighter for a moment, relaxing quickly afterwards. His eyes lock on hers, 'seeing' all that she is, 'seeing' more than perhaps any other. If not, it's still got to be something only a very select few have. All that's happened with her, he sees, knows, is aware of. And it's almost too much for him to fathom. Indeed, he falters for a moment, the hand in the water leaving it to steady himself from falling over. That grin of hers brings forth a faintly goofy one of his own, and he feels that fear for the cub - their cub, and he makes his mind up for the umpteenth time. He will do just about anything to see her returned to her tribe, safe, with cub. No other option will suffice. As for words? There are none. Twyr seems to find them, though. As the light grows, illumining both her and the hunter, she sends softly, ** I can feel her... ** Gyrr blinks as the light surrounds the pair of them. Bright..easier just to shut his eyes and let these..strange things happen as they will, and just go along for the ride. His send-voice is a bit on the unsure side, but that's more from the whole effect of what's happening. ** I..I can, too.. ** Somewhere within the light, aye... perhaps down within that glimmering pool, there is, indeed, an indistinct face. A cubling's visage, without color, without voice, but with those strange piercing eyes. It's almost dreamlike, that face, but without the gold sparkles or tendrils of mist that lurk somewhere out there beyond this sheltered glade. And there is one thing more that can't be felt out there, either: _Ysani_. Lonehowl stills finally, concentrating on settling down his fast-paced breathing. This should be a good thing. A good feeling. There's his - their cub. The eyes... The hunter's whole being seems to brighten, like a smile. ** She's... going to be a wonder, Gyrr, ** Twyr sends in an amazed tone. ** I can feel it. I don't know how yet, but I can feel it. ** Her sending washes over him with incandescant force, permeating his being till there is almost no distinction between his thoughts and her own. ** But only if she gets to be born...! We can't stay here, you and I, but how do we get _out_....? ** ** Aye..she is. She already is, Twyr.. ** Gyrr answers slowly, still overwhelmed by the whole thing, moreso as the sending mixes and mingles with his own - yes, those thoughts becoming as close as can be to one, shared between the pair. ** And she will be born. I swear it. If I have to die so that she may live.. ** he promises, but doesn't have an answer yet for getting out. ** I won't lose you, ** comes the sending from Twyr, clasping Gyrr's mind to her tight and firm, a fierce embrace. Is she a she-elf kneeling there at the poolside, a red-gold-furred she-wolf...? Or both? It seems hard to tell in the heart of the light, in the immersion of _Twyr-ness_ that has engulfed the hunter. Mind to mind, green eyes seem to stare into golden, she then send-breathes in a flurry of insight, ** Out, both of us, together. But... Gyrr. Do you trust me? ** Gyrr's..mind stills at the mental embrace, settling into it slowly, no reply forthcoming to Twyr's resistance at losing him. Of course he wouldn't /want/ to die, but then again, life is short and often bitter. Come what may. He looks back through an image of himself, more rugged and strong than his elfin body, yet at the same time there is a vulnerability that seems dealt with when around Twyr. ** Together, of course..and I trust you, with all that is who I am.. ** ** Then hang onto me, ** she sends, low and clear. There is a sense as of an arm reaching round Gyrr, holding him close... of Twyr keeping her other hand in the water while rising to a crouch... and then, all at once, lunging _forward_... Into the pool. Gyrr answers with a curt nod, his own arms going around Twyr's body, hugging her to himself as she does the same. Then...into the abyss they go. Gyrr clings to Twyr as they go, becoming privy to things nobody else could really know - so he thinks. It's all so much to take in all at once, though he manages somehow, with Twyr there, the trust strong. It's all just..absorbed, with little to no reaction forthcoming.