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Post by Badger on Sept 22, 2014 7:45:19 GMT 1
"We had the chief by the bloodline of chiefs", Badger said from her place, to no one in particular, "but that obviously is not going to work here. I was thinking that maybe we could--" Her sentence was cut off suddenly, when she felt a familiar scent in the air. She got up from her place and turned to look at the cave, heart suddenly beating faster.
*Could it...? Could it be?* she thought, hands clasping each other over her heart. She stared at the darkness for a good long while, then howled a howl of joy in sudden realization. Badger jumped and leaped towards the cave's exit, where a wolf was entering the open area. The wolf replied to Badger's happy yips and howls, bouncing himself and pushing the elf to the ground to give a friendly wolf kiss on her cheeks.
Badger laughed.
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Post by Silverthorn on Sept 22, 2014 23:24:31 GMT 1
They were drifting into talk again, complex talk, idle talk, talk of histories and High Ones and the ways of the different tribes. It all buzzed around Silverthorn's ears like a swarm of angry bees. He wanted to know, yes - oh, but he wanted to know, the coming of the humans to the Longvale had made all of his tribe from the smallest cub to the eldest elder wonder about other elves. Having met enemies, they all longed to meet kin, who would speak their language and not be deaf to sending, and would live in ways that they understood. Now he was surrounded by those kinfolk, and their ways were not like his own. He didn't know what to make of their stories. Graywing's tale was similar to some of the legends of his people, but she claimed to have lived through it herself, daughter of living High Ones. He was not sure what that made her. His tribe revered the long-lost High Ones, but she was only a girl. And stories didn't fill bellies.
**We don't need to settle on a leader, or a way of choosing leaders for good.** He switched to sending to convey his sense of urgency. It was more immediate, and touched deeper than talk. **For now survival is still uncertain. What we need is to stockpile food and make our shelter, our tools, proper leathers for those of us who lack them. We hardly need chiefs or councils for that, only capable organizers. Leave those big decisions for when we're all snug in our dens and our stores are full.** It was a sincere plea, one that he didn't feel hurt his pride to make. He understood the whirlwind of their confusion. The Now anchored him, for which he was grateful, and he hoped that they would see it too.
"It looks like we go nowhere for now, so there'll be plenty of time to share each others' ways," he resumed speaking out loud again. "Let's decide who hunts, who gathers, who watches, before we're all sunk into deciding who leads."
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Post by Nettle on Sept 23, 2014 1:48:20 GMT 1
Nettle had swiftly removed the least of the supplies from her brother's purloined travois. She'd been unsurprised to find the lot, hidden in a dark alcove, out of sight, but not out of the range of her nose. Slinker, the wretch, had vanished from the holt not two days ago. Now he was here, somewhere, in a strange place, surrounded by strange elves. He would be sensible to enough to hide what he could, before he'd had a chance to sniff out any potential allies or enemies.
Nettle was glad that his brains hadn't been addled by the strange magic, she guessed, that had snatched them both from holt and tribe. She'd arrived not long after the skinny elf, tall and thin like a reed, but with a piping voice clear as a lark's song. A cub, she'd thought at first, but mature enough to know and think things a cub would not. Nettle shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. It was not for her to judge Greywing nor the other elves she'd heard snapping and snarling at one another in word and send. She hadn't seen them yet, but she had heard enough of their bickering to make her ears bleed.
It was better to concern herself with useful things like checking how many coils of rope, rolls of fur, and packages of leather-wrapped food Krisk had hidden away amidst the supplies left for Slinker. She'd taken the number of each, knew what weapons there were, and how much of this and that which could be distributed amongst the elves outside. Nothing would go to waste on Nettle's watch. She had decided to take a few samples of food, furs, and waterskins to give to the gathered elves. She though it was better that she came armed with something useful than to try and argue her point with bared fangs and angry glares. These elves liked to talk, she'd heard their discussions, but none had come to any resolutions.
Nettle decided against sending to her pack-brother. Slinker would find his way back in good time. They could trade tales later. Now she needed to get these elves moving in the right direction. She was relieved when one sensible elf, a male from the growl of his baritone send, made a series of good suggestions. Her arms, laden with some of the supplies, should at least quiet some of the louder grumblers.
Nettle's skirts billowed around her knees as she whirled on her spot. She trotted smartly out of the darkness, through the broad cavern that was higher than she was tall, and boldly strode into the firelight. "Finally, some sensible suggestions. Maybe the lot of you will actually get something done now". She side-stepped around Badger, nodded politely to her bond, and continued walking to the fire-side. She stood, framed in red light, her arms full of furs and other goods.
Nettle glanced around the far-left of the fire, her eyes drifting from a tall elf to a dark-skinned night-elf and onward, as she took stock of these elves by eye. "I've some food, furs, and waterskins". She moved to the elf closest to her, a tall and reedy thing that reminded her of the long-legged water-wading birds back home. She started to hand the fur, goods and all, to Keleero as a peace-offering. "It's not much, but the rest of my brothers' supplies are inside the cave. Share them round if you would. Most of you must be thirsty and hungry after sitting around this fire for so long".
OOC: My spelling is atrocious XD.
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Post by Panaetha on Sept 23, 2014 2:07:56 GMT 1
OOC: uh...are we retconning Nettle's presence in the fire circle? O.o
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Post by Nettle on Sept 23, 2014 2:19:58 GMT 1
OOC: uh...are we retconning Nettle's presence in the fire circle? O.o OOC: Retconning? LOL That's a first for moi. I had to google it. Nods, she arrived not long after Greywing, though she stayed inside the Beacon chamber. She's been in there for most of the gathering, ferriting through the supplies Slinker brought with him. She's been listening in on the gathering for what she could hear, in word and send, from inside the caves. She's only chosen to come out now because of Silverthorn's talking about what the tribe should do with the supplies and stuff. P.S - Plus she is the kind of elf that will do bold stuff like walk up to a stranger and talk to them. Don't worry. I talked it through with Sofia. XD. So I waited for a bit until an opportunity in the gathering thread arose. So here she is. |
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Post by Panaetha on Sept 23, 2014 2:21:45 GMT 1
OOC: uh...are we retconning Nettle's presence in the fire circle? O.o OOC: Retconning? LOL That's a first for moi. I had to google it. Nods, she arrived not long after Greywing, though she stayed inside the Beacon chamber. She's been in there for most of the gathering, ferriting through the supplies Slinker brought with him. She's been listening in on the gathering for what she could hear, in word and send, from inside the caves. She's only chosen to come out now because of Silverthorn's talking about what the tribe should do with the supplies and stuff. P.S - Plus she is the kind of elf that will do bold stuff like walk up to a stranger and talk to them. Don't worry. I talked it through with Sofia. XD. So I waited for a bit until an opportunity in the gathering thread arose. So here she is. Haha, that's cool. I just wasn't sure if we should respond as if she'd been there the whole time, or if she's just now revealing herself. |
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Post by Keleero on Sept 23, 2014 8:27:33 GMT 1
The wolf that came bounding out of what Keleero had began to truly call the Beacon Room startled him enough to make him gasp. When it toppled Badger he was sure the beast would rip her throat out. Covering his mouth with his hands to stifle a cry, least he'd call the beast's attention to himself, he reached out with his Rock-Shaping to do something. But it was no use. The mountain wasn't close enough. And the heartbeat that had passed between the wolf tackling Badger and Keleero's own delayed reaction made it clear there was no danger. There had been no cry of fear or pain from Badger, no ripping of flesh, and no one else had moved to go to her aid. That must be her beast then, Keleero thought, the chaos of the wolf's entrance on top of everything else making his thoughts slow and sluggish. But are they really beasts? The others had spoken of Shapechanging... But that was a matter for another time. "I agree with Silverthorn," Keleero said once he'd taken his hands from his mouth. "We don't need a Lord right now, we need food and shelter. I can't offer much in the way of food, but I can offer to shape shelter. The cavern Juniper, Sunset and I found on our first day here is protection against this harsh weather," he gestured at the snow all around them, barely kept at bay by the evergreen branches and few furs they were seated on, "but only just. I should like to shape smaller quarters for us who choose to live inside the mountain, to preserve more warmth, as well as get to work on a small tunnel system for air circulation and heat." Most of all he'd like to have his own chambers, but he knew that was far in the future if he didn't want to freeze to death. Steepside Mountain this was not. "I'd like to know how many of you would choose to sleep inside the mountain, if only for a time, before I start shaping." That was as far as he got before yet another new elf stepped out of the tunnel to the Beacon Room. Keleero just watched her as she spoke, too stunned to say anything. Brother? She has a brother here?OOC: Since this thread is moving pretty quickly and has many elves in it, as well as players having different amounts of time to spend on roleplaying, feel free to message me and I'll help anyone who feel they need it with a quick game-catch-up  |
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Post by No-Sting on Sept 23, 2014 9:22:11 GMT 1
All the suggestions and arguments flying around was making No-Sting feel right at home, as well as a little homesick. A group sitting around a fire and discussing what they should do was familiar territory.
She was caught off guard when a wolf stormed out of the nearby cave, right toward Badger, but couldn't help but smile at the enthusiastic and loving greeting between them. Very different from how a lynx would greet its bond, but clearly a happy occasion.
~**I'm happy for you,**~ No-Sting lock-sent to Badger, remembering Badger's silent suffering over the past four days.
Silverthorn and Keleero were next to speak, and No-Sting nodded along with them. Food and shelter had to cone first. She was just about to voice her wish to remain in the mountain - winter was a poor time for Tree-Shaping, best to not overwork Juniper - when a newcomer stepped out of the cave and began speaking, bold as you please.
Elves will be crawling out of the river next, No-Sting thought with some amusement and leaned back to scratch Oddspot behind the ears. Wonder who her brother is? Slinker probably, he said he had supplies.
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Post by Choice on Sept 23, 2014 10:15:06 GMT 1
Still awaiting Reefshadow's reply about his strange bone-magic, Choice sat and listened.
"It must have been really hard for you," he said to Greywing, still feeling deep sympathy for her. She'd lived what he'd only had a taste of, and from no fault of her own from what he could tell. "I am new here as well, arrived this day too. These elves have been kind to me and I'm sure they'll treat you well too."
He couldn't make any promises of course - he barely knew the group - but he was beginning to hope. The joyous reunion of one of the elves and her animal companion was heartening. Her laughter gave warmth to Choice's heart.
Listening then took up his time again. Those who spoke had good points, both in showing how different they all were and in calling to attention the most important issues: food and shelter.
"As soon as the sun rises I'll help gather and hunt as much as I can," Choice was quick to say, desperate to be useful. "And I'd love to stay inside the cave - it's what I'm used to." When not sleeping on the bare ground, of course, but that wasn't an option here.
A new elf stepped out of the cave and spoke to them as if they were all old friends - or at least people who could be friends. This put Choice at ease; more peacekeepers were just what they needed and one who was willing to share supplies was even better! Even if they technically were her brother's.
With the light from the fire so close Choice had trouble making out the newcomer's features. Thinking to be polite, Choice got to his feet - fur carefully wrapped around himself - and faced the new elf, saying:
"Welcome, please take a seat by the fire! I am Choice, what is your name? And is your brother perhaps Slinker?"
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Post by Nettle on Sept 23, 2014 20:43:41 GMT 1
Nettle took Keleero's shock in stride. She was used to surprising her own packmates, though they were more used to her abrupt nature than these strangers. She patted his shoulder understandingly, her voice gentle as she sought to reassure him. "I am sorry for surprising you, though I'm sure you'll get used to it the longer I stay in the holt". She smiled kindly as she laid both fur and goods she'd brought in his lap. Nettle bent her knees to unfold the edge of the fur, heedless that she might be making Keleero more uncomfortable with her forwardness. She simply draped the fur over his long legs, tucked the edges under his calves, and with a purposeful air pressed both some dried meat and a waterskin into his hands.
"Eat and drink. The meat is tasty enough, but dry going down. I prepared it myself among other things as well. You'll see soon enough", urged Nettle. She moved to Panaetha, food and waterskin in hand, and briskly offered her the same courtesy. "You're my elder by the look of you", she told the healer. Nettle looked her over for a moment, her curiousity aroused. "You remind of the stars on a wintry night. Clear and bright. Dark of skin and bright of hair. How strange, but lovely none the less". She smiled as a thought occurred to her. "Hmm, you remind me of home too. I am a long way away as are we all I think. If you came to be here as I did".
Nettle would have said more if another elf hadn't called for her attention. His shadow stretched across the ground, aided by the firelight. She turned as a name was said and she was welcomed warmly. Nettle had her own name on the tip of her tongue, ready to exchange pleasantries, when she looked up into the eyes of the elf that had spoken. Her mouth fell open, her breath held fast, and she stared as the world drifted away.
Nettle felt as if her feet were glued to the earth. Air whistled between her ears. The fire, the elves around it, and the starry night above dissolved into nothing. Deep inside her chest, binding tight like a coil of rope, something slackened and pulled loose as if broken and cast adrift. She was powerless to catch it, that stray whisper that held a secret shared with only the dearest and best loved of friends and family.
Dirk, thought Nettle, would have laughed at the irony.
Nettle barely heard his name, though she knew him by another, as a whisper of a word trickled like water through her thoughts. Ergah murmured her soul. He is Ergah.
Nettle came back to herself with a pained gasp. Her chest was tight and her heartbeat pounded in her ears like a drum. She stared, wide-eyed at Choice, feeling both unnerved and disoriented. Her hand waved in the air, mindlessly, as she sought to grab onto something to steady herself. She blushed when her fingers wrapped around skin and flesh that was thick and warm. She looked down, seeing that her hand had a mind of its own, as it gripped Choice's upper-arm.
Nettle blurted her name in a whirl of confusion as feelings of desire rose unbidden. She snatched her hand back, curling her fingers into a fist, as she tried to distract herself from wanting to strip the poor elf bare. "Nettle!" she cried shakily. "My name... my name... My name is Nettle". She shook her head, mind foggy, though she was coherent enough to grimace over the likelihood of Slinker being her brother. "No", she said as she took several deep fortifying breaths. "Slinker is my pack-brother. We're from the same tribe, but he's not my brother by blood".
Nettle cast her eyes left and right, almost afraid to look anyone else in the eye. She took a step backward from Choice, though her instincts coiled like a tender shoot seeking the light and warmth that only he could give. She was startled and confused by how quickly the desire took root like a seed newly planted into the soil. Nothing in her life had made her feel both ravenous and thirsty at the same time. Nettle knew one thing with perfect clarity, despite her bewilderment in the moment.
She wanted him.
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Post by Reefshadow on Sept 23, 2014 21:01:52 GMT 1
Reefshadow opened his mouth and prepared to answer the small one who was obviously eager to make friends when a loud, straight-forward female strode out of the cave and began offering food, drink and furs. He chuckled quietly to himself at Keleero's stunned responses.
Then Choice and the newcomer spoke and he raised an eyebrow as he watched her face change. He'd witnessed that look - on his own mother's face, to boot - and he quietly snagged a piece of meat and settled down next to the glider with a look of amused interest on his face. He'd answer Choice's question later.
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Post by Choice on Sept 24, 2014 6:34:03 GMT 1
The ground fell out from under Choice, though he remained standing on it. Eyes met his, eyes as grey, beautiful and intimidating as the mountains or distant storm clouds. They overwhelmed him, pulling him in and making him forget all else.
Aiya! sang through him, echoing to the center of his very soul. She was Aiya, kin of wolf and forest, a steady presence thar both soothed and excited him. She touched his arm and he burned.
And it stung like eights upon eights of thorns when she pulled back from him. Choice tried to focus on what she was saying, but he couldn't hear her over his own panic and doubt. This would not change, I could not have hoped otherwise. I have a place by the fire, I should be grateful for that, not greedy! Why would anyone wish to Recognize your traitor self?
The logic that his Recognized might have pulled back for some other reason than disgust didn't reach Choice in his panic. He was too caught up in memories of former tribe mates, especially possible life-bearers, running as soon as they saw him, avoiding him like he were a snarling, wounded lion.
Yet he couldn't help but lock-send his panic, doubt and fear of rejection to her: ~**Aiya?**~
Maybe he'd been wrong? Maybe this wasn't Recognition? He'd never Recognized and no one had told him much of it, so maybe he'd just gone mad?
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Post by Nettle on Sept 24, 2014 12:12:57 GMT 1
OOC: OMG! Choice is so cute! Awwww!
IC:
Nettle flinched when Choice locksent her soulname. It sounded right for him to send it, but it felt so very wrong too as the syllables rolled through her thoughts in a rush of panic and anxiety. She didn't fully understand how recognition worked, but she did know that Ergah was terrified. Nettle felt the turmoil in his soul, even as she saw the flash of fear in his expression. His wide, troubled brown eyes, pleaded silently with her.
He dreaded the rejection of their bond, forged in recognition like molten metal poured into a mould. The shape of that bond was uncertain, its seeding new like freshly turned soil. Nettle knew that her answer now would form the basis of her relationship, however long or brief with her recognised. She took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and centred herself in the moment. Nettle refused to lose her head.
Recognition was the most natural phase of an elf's live. It was to be neither ignored nor rejected. It was to be accepted for recognition guaranteed the seeding of new life. If the Highones wanted her to be a mother, than Nettle was ready. She reacted swiftly, instinct taking over despite her confusion.
Nettle surprised herself when she willingly reached for Choice. It felt right when she stepped inward, hands rising. She caught Choice's face between her palms, fingers sliding over his cheeks as she stroked gently to comfort him. She opened her mind in a shared locksend, pouring acceptance, and understanding into the sending ~**Ergah. Hush. It is all right**~.
Nettle leaned inward, pressing her nose and brow to Choice's as her voice grew in strength. "Hush", she repeated gently. "I am not going anywhere unless you come with me".
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Post by Keleero on Sept 24, 2014 20:12:19 GMT 1
Keleero felt like he'd just had a giant eagel fly low over his head. Who was this elf, taking charge like this? What were her intentions?
His suspicions grew as the newest stranger came to a halt in her talking and just stared at Choice. What was...? Oh.
Keleero felt for the two of them. To Recognize right in the middle of a group like this, making sure that everyone present knew of their situation, that was poor luck indeed. Anyone could use this against them - he knew he'd have to keep an eye out for a person who'd sink to such a dirty trick.
Because they had Recognized, hadn't they? Keleero had only seen it happen once and that had been a long, long time ago. Turning to Reefshadow who'd sat down next to him, Keleero whispered: "Did they just... you know?" It felt wrong to say it out loud, but he had to know.
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Post by No-Sting on Sept 24, 2014 20:18:34 GMT 1
No-Sting watched the newcomer approach Choice will little interest until the two elves seemed to freeze in place, staring at each other as if they'd never seen another elf before. Could they...?
With a cheerful shout, No-Sting jumped to her feet as it became clear to her what had happened between the newest newcomer Nettle and Choice. Finally something good had come out of all of this chaos! "Congratulations!"
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