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Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by Anna on Oct 18, 2008, 10:04pm
"It makes me feel strange," Sunsong said quietly to Oakstaff, clasping her arms around her torso and shivering as she eyed the mountainous bulk that the moonlight had turned black and ominous.
Oakstaff glanced at her, then at the looming mountain. "I know what you mean. It's steeped in magic."
Mist eyed the mountain uneasily, then smiled as Sunsong's bright laughter lifted the moment of gloom. Strange or not, the maiden's spirits were seldom dimmed for more than a passing moment. Even with the strain showing on her face, her loss of weight, and the weariness dimming her eyes, her spirits remained high.
It was his concern for the plantshaper that prompted him to urge Whitecold forward to ride beside Stormfire. She had been leading them in easy stages, stopping for a two-day rest every eight of days. It was time for another such stop, and there were plenty of trees here that they could sleep in the branches without Sunsong needing to do more than a little shaping. Or, better still, they may find caves.
"Chieftess," he said quietly once Whitecold settled beside Snowtreader. "The woods are thick here. Perhaps another rest when we reach the mountain's base? There may be caves to shelter us."
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by kris on Oct 18, 2008, 10:21pm
Stormfire couldn't take her eyes off the mountain.
It had the strangest shape. She'd seen peaks, smoking mountains with flattened tops, odd furrowed mountains that were little better than hills . . . but nothing like this truncated silhouette. There was no peak. The top was a jagged stump. If it had been a tree, Stormfire would have said it was blasted by sky-fire. Nothing explained this.
But she could feel the weird emanations from it. Like moonlight that you could feel pour over your hands, the magic that radiated from the mountain both thrilled and chilled her. She wanted to see it. She also didn't want to go anywhere near it.
"Chieftess," and Mist came up beside her on Whitecold. Stormfire, startled, drew a deep breath to calm herself. It was so still that she couldn't even hear the night-birds sing.
The healer continued, softly. "The woods are thick here. Perhaps another rest when we reach the mountain's base? There may be caves to shelter us."
Oh, no. Stormfire almost said, No, we're staying in the woods. But she thought of Sunsong. Poor thing it was to wear her friend out, shaping den after den for them. She glanced at the trees. Although smaller than what she was used, the trees were thick-branched and barely let in any light. They could stop here, and nestle among the boughs. Or . . .
She looked at the crumbled shadow on the horizon, and blinked. Did I just see something?
That odd tug came at her again. Come on, it urged. Come closer. You want to see what it looks like. And you can feel it deep within--elves were once there.
Stormfire sighed. "We'll do it," she told Mist. "Let's stop for a little food, and I'll tell the tribe."Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by kris on Oct 18, 2008, 10:28pm
"This place gives me the creeps," Whirlwind muttered.
Tallspear snorted. "You and I both." He slid off Longlope's back and began walking ahead of the wolf. Longlope whined a little. "It's all right," Tallspear assured the wolf. "I just need to be on my feet for a while."
"Look at that," Whirlwind continued. "I never saw a mountain like--"
*Stop talking, cub!* Wingfoot ordered, riding past them. *Humans could be anywhere in these woods!*
*If they were, we'd smell them first,* Whirlwind retorted. Tallspear noticed she stopped sending, and hid a grin. The huntress growled under her breath as the elder rode off. *Fire-stinking, troll-poking, sour-faced old . . .*
*Hey.* Tallspear motioned with his head to the head of the long line of Wolfriders. *Stormfire just stopped.*
*Huh.* Whirlwind stopped as well. *Wonder why?*
*Don't know. Let's go have a look, shall we?*Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by viola on Oct 19, 2008, 8:26am
The trek had been heavier than Longdusk had expected, but he had also had left part of him behind. It felt as if he moved lighter, thought lighter and sometimes he even lifted the corners of his mouth. Mostly around his mother and his aunt, though. Sunsong hadn't managed to get a smile from him. He remembered her promise to him when he heard her light laughter.
His mother -- he'd never envisioned her to come along. She had worked on his travelling leathers quietly, and at the day of their departure she'd rushed out her den with new leathers for herself as well, calling her bond and telling Sureshot Stormfire might need another elder. He had been stunned, but she hushed him when he wanted to ask why she changed her mind. He could've guessed, but the fact that she did come along was enough to make him shut his mouth about it. He'd guarded when they took rest, hunted if they needed meat -- in fact, just doing the things he'd promised Stormfire to do.
~*~*~*~
Now, she was riding her wolf next to him, when they stopped. They rode quite in front of the line of wolves, and Lightgaze was swiftly to dismount. *It seems something pulls as closer we get to that mountain. I'm not sure if I like it.*
Her reasons to go on this journey were her own. She still wasn't sure if she had made the right decision and she had slept badly for days, making her feel tired. But she had realized her life would move away from her - her cub, her soulsister and her family, her once-apprentice Evenstar... She had remembered Sunsong's words and had felt what she had meant when it had been almost too late. She could take her memories with her. Tracker's spirit would always be with her, she knew that. All she left behind now was her sister -- a sister she had never had a tight bond with.
Still, the journey had been hard for her. She had never been more than half a day's ride from the holt, at least none she could remember. Everything was strange, weird and frightening. She kept remembering herself that she was a wolfrider and that she would live through it, but those humans were even scarier than they were in the tales.
When Longdusk rode forward to see if they were staying here, she slumped back to Redthorn, Silvercub and Icemark to get some moral support.
~*~*~*~
"I wonder what lived here," Firecat whispered to Evenstar, continueing in sending. *This place is soaked with magic. And it makes me feel.. uneasy. It's too quiet, that's not normal.* Not even a small stream nearby to make any sound. She shivered slightly. *Are we going to camp here?*
The fisher had made the right decision in the end. She had wanted to go not to bolt awat from Hazel, but to rediscover herself. She had remembered how she had been like before Evenstar, and that was the person she wanted to find again during this trip or in a new holt. She just hoped that holt wasn't going to be somewhere around this pile of magically soaked rubble.Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by oddsong on Oct 19, 2008, 2:37pm
Thornberry felt his lips pull instinctively back to show his fangs as he leaned low, hugging Smirk's ruff and looking ahead from between the wolf's ears. Feeling the warmth and closeness of his bond's body was good. This place was wrong - wrong in some wretched way, reeking of magic that, even if it was elf magic, was strange and alien - not for them. Were it up to him, they would've changed their course at once and never gone anywhere near it.
It was not up to him. During their long journey, sometimes Stormfire took his advice, and sometimes she didn't. He respected her now more than he did when they set out, was more willing to follow her - all of them were still alive and unhurt, and that was proof enough of her having talent from which skill might grow, and wisdom. But the going had been easy. And easy never lasted...
Feeling the hair on the back of his neck standing, as though he was sensing the gaze of a predator in the woods, he urged Smirk forward and joined Mist next to the chieftess. "Are we headed towards that mountain? Must we?"
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by multifacets on Oct 19, 2008, 4:37pm
Wanderlust whined, uneasy because her friend was uneasy, and because his hands were twisting in her ruff to the point of pain. Silent was shuddering uncontrollably, eyes wide in panic.
It was the most horrific thing he had ever "felt". The "notes" of the place were jagged, hissing, writhing things that drove him half mad with trying to ignore them.
He'd felt it coming, in a way: Yesterday night, around the time of moons-high, a new thread of "sound" had caught his attention, and he'd spent a lot of time trying to make sense of it. It had made him uncomfortable, but he hadn't said anything, not wanting to look foolish; he had not been sure how to explain what he was feeling, or if he have been heeded.
But now the tribe was close, very close, to the twisted, distracting source of tangled "notes" that were just plain wrong. And some of the tribe was actually talking about exploring it for caves!
*I'm not going there!* Silent cried openly, and Wanderlust yelped, dumping her friend to the ground when his hands tightened too far. The wolf shook herself and rolled in the dirt to rub her shoulders.
(OOC: I'm sorry if this seems like too much. I couldn't think of how to soften it.
)Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by Anna on Oct 19, 2008, 5:14pm
(Just play Silent in character and don't worry about it.
It that's how he'd really react, then it is what it is.
)Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by kris on Oct 20, 2008, 11:13pm
Quote:
Feeling the hair on the back of his neck standing, as though he was sensing the gaze of a predator in the woods, he urged Smirk forward and joined Mist next to the chieftess. "Are we headed towards that mountain? Must we?"
Stormfire turned towards Thornberry. "We," she began, and Silent's sending crackled through her head.
Quote:
*I'm not going there!*
"Oh, puckernuts," Stormfire muttered through gritted teeth, watching as others picked Silent up from where his wolf-friend had dumped him. I don't need this. She looked at Sunsong, and felt her heart sink. She doesn't either. The urge to protect friend rose up along with the instinct to protect tribe.
Something wasn't right with that mountain . . . and as Stormfire looked again at it, she thought she could almost put her finger on it . . . but it was like standing in a strong storm, with the wind blowing a multitude of scents past your nose at a speed likely to tear it off.
The tribe gathered around her. Stormfire could feel the elders watching her, especially Mist. Their watchfulness was like a rough hide thrown over a raw skin-scrape. She tried to weigh the alternatives. Stay in the woods, and have Sunsong make them another makeshift den, when she was already so tired? Or drag the tribe into something that could be more dangerous?
"All right," Stormfire declared, her voice sounding unnaturally low and soft in the thickness of the surrounding trees. She switched to an open send. *We've done a good deal of traveling. Sunsong's shaped our dens for us all the way. But we've got a choice now--we can go on, towards that mountain, and find caves to shelter in. We'll take a good, long rest there. We'll be close to water, we can hunt, and we'll be able to keep a sharp watch for humans.
*I know the mountain feels strange. I can feel it too. But I'll tell you this: I can also feel our kindred. There were elves there . . . and if they were there, then we must be feeling the magic they left behind.* Stormfire drew a deep breath to settle her nervous stomach. Snowtreader grunted once, but made no other sound. *We've heard the tales before, of how our ancestors tried to use their powers here . . . and how, sometimes, the magic went bad.
*That may be what we're feeling now.* She looked at Silent. *But if it is--if that's what it is, bad magic, then we need to find out. You see, I remember those tales. I remember what they said happened sometimes, when living things encountered those pools of magic. We can't leave it for something or someone to find. If we can find it and deal with it, it won't harm anyone. And, most importantly, it won't be able to follow after us.*
She waited, certain this was the moment where her tribemates would turn and head back to Sureshot. She wasn't certain she wouldn't be right behind them.Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by Anna on Oct 20, 2008, 11:24pm
Sunsong wasn't quite sure why Stormfire was sending, but it didn't really matter. She followed her friend's lead. *It'll be fine, Silent; there's nothing to really worry about!* she reassured the slightly older elf. She nudged Shade and her wolf-friend eased up beside his own Wanderlust. Sunsong reached out and took his hand. *With all the fine hunters we have, I'm sure there's nothing that can hurt us.* Sunsong grinned at Thornberry and Longdusk, Tallspear, Oakstaff, Windsoft, and all the others with them known for their skill as hunters and warriors.
"Trusting sort, isn't she?" Oakstaff drawled to the rest of them. "Now I'll really feel bad if she stubs a toe."
Windsoft swallowed a chuckle, but rode up beside Silent herself, touching his cheek lightly. "It'll be fine, cub," she murmurred reassuringly.
Mist didn't say anything. He burrowed his hands in his wolf's fur and looked between Silent and Stormfire. He lowered his head, hiding his faint smile from her view. He'd noted that she'd been - not quite uneasy, but close - around him since they'd left Sureshot's holt. He could understand that. He was her father's friend, and not much given to long sojourn's away from the familiarity of the holt. She had to wonder why he'd come.
She could keep wondering. It made her think twice.
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by multifacets on Oct 21, 2008, 1:45am
Surprised by, but intensely grateful for the contact, Silent squeezed Sunsong's hand tightly and leaned his head against Windsoft's fingers, pressing his palm against them. Stormfire's explanation made sense; it had to be bad magic that was distorting the Song. That gave him some clarity, but he was still shaken.
Stormfire was also right about sparing Sunsong, though. The whole tribe could have napped in the branches without any shaping, but it seemed they were more inclined to follow Stormfire and explore. What the chieftess had said about dealing with whatever was there also made sense.
If only she could feel was she was feeling, but he was afraid to try sharing it.
No choice, then.
*I-I-I-I'll c-come to th-the b-base,* Silent sent weakly, releasing Sunsong and Windsoft. *I c-can stay there with Wanderlu-lust. I wouldn't be a-any use lo-looking for the s-source, anywa-way.* Some fear slipped out before he clumsily reined it in and replaced it with a shaky determination. To add weight to his thoughts, Silent remounted Wanderlust, who had been sticking close to Shade. Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by oddsong on Oct 21, 2008, 4:57am
"No."
It took Thornberry an instant to slide off Smirk's back and position himself between Silent and Stormfire, facing the young chieftess. The poor elf behind him was trying to be brave perhaps, but even with Sunsong and Windsoft holding him his sending wavered like that - Thornberry dreaded to think what might happen closer to the mountain. Not just to Silent, but to all of them. Why was Stormfire so eager to ride into things?
"This isn't our rotten business. If there is something dangerous in that place, what do we care if someone finds it? Let the humans find it! If we don't come near it, it won't follow us. We are a tribe, chieftess," he leveled a look at Stormfire - using and meaning the honorrific, but reminding her of her duty, as well, "not a warband on a quest."
If the others would think him a coward, let them. A hunter was not a warrior - a hunter lived to provide, and if the prey was too strong, there was no shame in running. Even good magic sometimes made Thornberry uncomfortable; the thought of running headfirst into a nest of bad magic tasted as sour as sickness.
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by viola on Oct 21, 2008, 9:42am
"I agree." Longdusk had rode forward and posted himself next to Thornberry. Continuing in sending, he looked to the vicinity of the woods, eyeing it suspiciously before turning back his gaze to Stormfire. A bit more tactical than Thornberry's blunt words, he said: *We're in search of a new holt. We can't discover everything that sparks attention. This place is soaked in magic and it doesn't feel well. Everyone can feel that. Stormfire, you really want to put the tribe in jeopardy just to discover something that pulls on you?*
He narrowed his eyes. *Tribe comes first, chieftess, and that pile of stones breathes danger.*Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by kris on Oct 21, 2008, 9:50pm
First Thornberry . . . then Longdusk? Stormfire looked from one to the other, hackles rising at the challenge from each. They're going to test you, her father's voice echoed in her head. Well, here it was.
And neither of them were Skystrike or Longtooth. They were solid hunters, good tribemates.
But Stormfire met their eyes without flinching.
"All right. I've heard you both." She stepped closer to them both, keeping them before her. "And I say that leaving this behind us would be as foolish as walking away from a pack of spear-carrying humans. Worse, because if it is bad magic, it's elf magic. Can't you feel it? It's not just there--it's calling us. Reaching out to us! It's a mess we don't dare leave alone, whether it hunts us or others. Because if it does go after others, how does that make us any different from humans who lay traps and dig staked pits for us and the pack? Aren't we also doing harm by doing nothing?"
She had no idea who heard her and scoffed, or who listened. But Stormfire had no intention of leaving that mountain unexplored. Even as part of her cringed at the thought of going near, she recoiled at the thought of anyone else encountering it.
"I'll never ask any of you to do what I won't or can't," she told Longdusk and Thornberry. "But I won't leave a threat at our backs just because it had nothing to do with us. And I won't leave a danger for others simply because we've nothing to do with them."Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by Anna on Oct 22, 2008, 12:22am
Icemark rested his hands on Silvercub's slim shoulders, looking between chieftess and the two hunters. He was concerned. Stormfire's reasoning was very sound. However, he was the father of a young cub and he had no wish to take her into danger when it wasn't absolutely necessary.
However, he couldn't let danger brew behind him when it could someday follow and put that same cub at risk, when it was stronger.
*The chieftess is right, but so are you two,* he finally sent, nudging his wolf closer to the trio. He glanced at Mist, wondering why the healer hadn't spoke yet. *We can't leave this pooling magic unexplored, but there's no need to risk those who are most vulnerable. Some can pull back and wait at our last camping grounds, while others go to see what danger there is in the fallen mountain.*
Windsoft frowned, but nodded. "Sunsong didn't unshape the dens this morning, so that location is safe. Icemark is right; Silent and Silvercub, with a few others, could go back and wait for us to rejoin them." She gave Longdusk and Thornberry very level looks. "Elfin magic is elfin responsibility, my friends. We dare not leave it festering if we can dispel it or keep it from harming others."
Sunsong patted Silent's thigh gently, then nudged Shade to go to Snowtreader's side. She didn't say anything, and her gaze was anxious as she looked between Longdusk and Thornberry, but her positioning made clear what she intended to do.
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by kris on Oct 22, 2008, 12:31am
Stormfire drew a deep breath at Icemark's words, but her spirits rose as Sunsong came to stand beside Snowtreader. So, too, did Whirlwind, Tallspear, and Journey. Tallspear made a point of standing just behind her on the right-hand side, gripping his spears lightly as he met first Thornberry's, then Longdusk's eyes.
**No matter what you decide,** Tallspear lock-sent to her, **we're with you, chieftess.**
Stormfire looked again at Thornberry and Longdusk. "You two are good hunters and guards," she said at last. "Will you stay and guard those who return to the dens? Icemark is right. We cannot risk everyone--and many who stay will need protection."Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by viola on Oct 22, 2008, 11:55am
Longdusk looked at Thornberry, feeling that they were cast aside like little pups. The young ones seemed to gather as one behind their new chieftess. Loyalty was one thing, but risking your life for something nobody knew was another.
*Sometimes you need to turn your back. You can't face everything and sometimes it's better to leave things be which are above your power. From bands of humans we can turn, we must turn, because we cannot slaughter every human band on our path. That's not who we are. This is something else. This is pure, twisted magic.*
He felt as if Stormfire wanted to prove herself, but lining them in the face of danger was hardly proof of good leadership.
~*~*~*~
Lightgaze bit her lip. *Stormfire... what you're basically saying is that you don't know what's out there, that it might be evil magic, and you want to split up the tribe because you want to investigate it?* She lightly shook her head. *Listen, I'm fully aware of the fact that I'm not the bravest of the bunch, but...*
She hesitated a bit, but made herself to go on. *We're so few already. Splitting up and leaving two of your finest hunters behind cripples your group, if you want to go to the mountain. What if something happens to you? We wouldn't even know what happened if we go back. We rode for about a day. We'll be well out of sending range if we go back to the dens Sunsong shaped this morning and we're moons away from the old holt.*
She turned to Windsoft. *I agree partly with you, Windsoft. Elfin magic is elfin responsibilties, but this is strong magic. We all feel it. What kind of strong magic users do we have to counter anything shaped magically? Our swords, arrows and spears? It might not even be something we can actually fight.*
~*~*~*~
*But we can only find out when we approach it,* Firecat told her. *If we don't know what we face we don't even stand a chance. You can't tell me that hunters aren't cautious. Because we are.* She snorted at Longdusk's remark. To her it seemed he was acting like a coward.
*This might be pure elf magic, but we have something our pureblooded ancestors had not, and that is wolfblood. We are faster, our senses are better, and we are more cautious. I think we can face it.*Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by oddsong on Oct 22, 2008, 4:37pm
Catching Longdusk's gaze, Thornberry clicked his teeth and lock-sent a wordless impression, agreement and mutual strengthening. Stormfire's words, and Windsoft's backing, went clear over the hunter's head. Elfin responsibility? To whom? Theirs was not the task of safeguarding the lives of bear cubs and deer young and human spawn. His ears twitched irritably. She was trying to prove something, he thought - no, worse. She was drawn to that wretched place, and not her alone.
He was not. Firecat had a point in a sense - the wolfblood, strong in him, resisted the sense of the magic and its whispering. It told him to stay far, far away. To take the pack in a different direction entirely and never return.
He was not leader of this pack and didn't mean to become that.
"Maybe we can, but why?" he snapped again. "For whose sake? I don't care about holding myself better than the humans, I care about surviving. We didn't set this trap that it's our place to tear it down." A trap, yes, it could be... elves lured in with elfin magic, who knew what beast of magic-gone-bad could be lurking within in, waiting for them like a spider in its web. "Don't lead us into an open maw on the faint hope we can stab what's inside."
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by Anna on Oct 24, 2008, 11:42am
**Unless you two plan to challenge for the chief’s lock, show throat and back off. You know better than to confront a new alpha still establishing authority.** Mist advised calmly. **You objected, she listened, and then revised her plan. She even gave you a choice. Sureshot would not have. He’d have sent you whimpering back to the holt with your tail between your legs. You have the luxury of seeing no further than the immediate tribe. She doesn’t, so either follow her to face the danger or guard those she sends back to safety. The choice she left to you, you’ll note.**
Mist gave the two a stern look, then turned his ice-blue gaze to Stormfire. He gave no sign of the lock-sending he’d done to Thornberry and Longdusk. Stormfire didn’t need to know about it. Perhaps it undermined her authority a little bit, but it was either that or knock the two skulls together. They were so intent on what they thought and wanted they weren’t listening to the cub, nor acknowledging the fact that she had listened to them, and heeded their protest as much as she could.
Cubs. All of them. Even those that were old enough to know better.
“The concern appears to be that you itend to go howling into the very jaws of the monster, Chieftess,” he said mildly. “You’re clever, so I doubt very much that’s your intent.”
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by kris on Oct 25, 2008, 2:40am
Stormfire glanced from Lightgaze to Thornberry to Longdusk to Firecat, and then back to Mist. Father, I wish--and she stopped. It wasn't Sureshot's authority she wanted. Sureshot's way was to remind, quietly, that he was chief, and then to slap skulls if he didn't get the result he wanted.
Waterdance, Quickflight . . . it's you I need, more than ever. Your quiet strength, your wisdom; let both flow stronger in me now.
"I've no intention of splitting the tribe up, Lightgaze," she said. "I'm taking scouts; that's all. We're not going to challenge anything that's there. We're going to see what's at that mountain, make sure it's safe, and then come back. If it's safe, we'll den there and rest for a few nights. If not, we'll stay in the last den Sunsong shaped for us.
"Longdusk, Thornberry, you seem to think I'm going to go raging in, spears at the ready. Do I look like a maddened bear to you? It'd be a stupid thing to do, and against the Way. I'm going because I want to make sure that what I'm feeling, which is what you're feeling, isn't something that'll follow us or anyone else. And because it's dangerous, I'm only asking those who want to, to follow me there. I call no one coward who won't go. You have to decide what's right for you.
"And, Mist . . ." Stormfire swallowed as she met the Healer's gaze. She wasn't sure what to make of his demeanor; her instincts shouted that he was behind her, loyal, faithful, even as she suspected him of mocking her. She raised her chin, the better to look him in the eye. "You should stay here," she said. "I'll be back, but until I return, you'll speak for me."
She looked around at her tribemates. Some looked at her in approval, but the rest clearly thought she was barking mad. I'm not sure I'm all that sane either, Stormfire thought wryly. But the pull from the mountain would drive her out of her wits; that much, she knew. Leaving it behind would never be a choice; she would have to face it, or kill herself trying to forget it.
And if there was something or someone there who could hurt her tribe, Stormfire intended to leave it a lot less lively.
"I've got Windsoft, Tallspear, Whirlwind, and Firecat," she announced, ignoring Sunsong's sudden gasp. The treeshaper needed to rest, and Stormfire resolved to see to it if she had to club her sunny-natured friend. "Who else?"Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by Anna on Oct 25, 2008, 11:22am
"Me," Oakstaff said promptly, then frowned at Stormfire. She should have known that without him having to volunteer. He followed his chief, wherever she went.
Mist watched Stormfire and his expression, now, was completely enigmatic. After scolding Thornberry and Longdusk, he couldn't very well question her now but he didn't like this. He had no wish to stand in for her as chief, but more - she was heading towards the danger while the others headed away. She was more likely to need his healing than the others. He wanted to snarl at her and ignore her command...
...and that very urge was the reason he didn't say anything. That pull was on his elfin senses. The danger wakened the wolf. He could maintain his balance between them, but it would be hard when stressed so. He'd do as Stormfire ordered and simply be ready should they sense any harm befalling their tribemates.
Windsoft simply nodded at Stormfire's decision, then glanced towards Journey. She knew what choice her son would make and while it worried her, it was his right. At least she'd be there, too, and not back with the others, waiting.
Sunsong bit her lip and watched Stormfire with wide eyes. Stormfire had turned her away, but had also explained it. She was taking scouts - and Sunsong was no scout. Still, she wanted to go and see what was in the mountain. What elfin lure was being cast at them and why?
But she was no scout. There would be no need for a plantshaper, and therefore she would add nothing to the party, but be one more thing they'd have to look out for and take care of. Sunsong sighed, reached out and patted Stormfire's arm, then urged Shade to step away from the group gathering around Stormfire and join Icemark.
"She's not shunning you," Icemark said softly, reaching out to take her hand as she got closer.
"I know," Sunsong murmurred. "I'm not a fighter. I don't scout. I wouldn't be any help to her - but I might be some to you and Mist." She gave the gatherer a smile - not as bright and sunny as her usual, but an honest smile still - and clasped his hand in return. "Mostly our trails have gone together, Stormfire and I. Sometimes they diverge, but they always come back together."
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by kris on Oct 26, 2008, 1:17am
*Well, I'm glad you're coming,* Whirlwind sent to Tallspear.
*Wouldn't miss this for anything. I wonder what's in that mountain?* Tallspear arched an eyebrow as Journey and Windsoft moved to join Stormfire's growing band of scouts. "Looks like we're going to have company," he murmured to Whirlwind.
**Let's hope he doesn't get distracted by butterflies and wander off,** Whirlwind returned. **Or he'll put Thornberry in the right.**
Tallspear grinned. **Sounds like you've got a bone to pick with Thornberry.**
**And I have to get through skin to reach the one I want,** Whirlwind returned. **Pity!**
Stifling a laugh, Tallspear glanced over at the elders who stood with Mist. Mist did NOT look pleased; in fact, Tallspear noted, he looked as if he was on the edge of revolting. He couldn't blame the healer; the fact that Stormfire was leading this trip instead of staying behind with the tribe worried him. He knew she wasn't delicate--he'd watched her on the hunt far too often--but Stormfire burned with the need to prove herself a worthy protector. Tallspear trusted her not to risk their lives. He simply didn't trust her not to risk her own.
In fact, there wasn't a single happy look on the faces of any who remained behind. By contrast, Tallspear noted, many of the scouts were ready to go. He sent to Journey. *So what's up, treasure-hunter? Why are you going?*
*Same reason you are,* came Journey's calm response. *For her, and for the rest of us. And I want to see the mountain.*
Mentioning Stormfire first had not been an accident. Amused, Tallspear thought of telling Stormfire she had a new admirer . . . who knew? Maybe she'd relax a little with some attention. High Ones knew very few were comfortable enough with her to make their wishes known, and any time he'd spent with her had been simply to confer and discuss possible quarry for the hunts.
*Hey, Tallspear?* Whirlwind sent. *Ride with me? We need to talk.*
His reverie disturbed, Tallspear answered quickly. **Whenever you want,** he told his friend.
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by oddsong on Oct 27, 2008, 11:54am
Though it didn't show, Thornberry bristled at Mist's sending. Elder or not, the healer had no business chiding him - his place was to advise, not to serve as Stormfire's fangs. Either she had her own that she should show or she did not - and she would not grow any if others chewed her meat for her. **This is between chieftess and tribe, healer,** he snapped back, a brief retort, not inviting discussion. He respected Mist, as was the older elf's due, liked him even, yet this was no time for such things.
He kept his eyes on Stormfire, not glancing at Longdusk - not caring whether the other supported him or not, really. He wasn't resisting for resistance's sake, as much as he could and did do that at times. When worded this way, Stormfire's concern was not without its sense - if that was what it was, and not just the young chieftess' need to satisfy her curiosity. And not just hers, either - half the eager young hunters in their band, no, tribe was riding out. He had no idea what any of them was thinking.
"I'll stay and stand guard," he said, scowling. "But it won't be easy to feed and defend the tribe if half its hunters go off and don't make it back, chieftess and all." She had to consider that as well. Almost all their able fighters were going.
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by Anna on Oct 27, 2008, 1:26pm
Quote:
**This is between chieftess and tribe, healer,** he snapped back, a brief retort, not inviting discussion.
**Challenge to show throat,** Mist repeated sharply. **Otherwise, you divide the tribe for nothing but your stubbornness and pride.**
Mist nudged Whitecold and the wolf stepped away from Stormfire, backtracking a short distance back the way they’d come. Icemark, with Silvercub looking disappointed, followed him. Sunsong followed, as well, but not without giving Stormfire one yearning look.
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"I'll stay and stand guard," he said, scowling. "But it won't be easy to feed and defend the tribe if half its hunters go off and don't make it back, chieftess and all."
“Last I knew,” Oakstaff drawled, planting his quarterstaff firmly on the ground and leaning casually into it, “Mist wasn’t a bad hunter. Sunsong herself can get a seed or two to grow, and Icemark could gather more things than we could eat. So if you’re worried that your skills are so poor that – ow!”
“Do not mock him for his concern,” Windsoft reprimanded the younger hunter as she released his ear from the sharp pincer she’d made of her thumb and finger. She gave Oakstaff one more silencing frown.
However, as wrong as Oakstaff’s sarcasm was, his point was not unfounded. She had her own concerns and felt uneasy. This was … not right. When Thornberry had first mentioned coming, she’d feared this. He had paid no attention to her words then, and it saddened her. How could Stormfire be their chief when Thornberry stood ready to challenge ever decision he didn’t like? Why couldn’t he just trust her leadership? Thornberry was challenging without challenging. It felt wrong to her, off balance and unwholesome.
“Oh, please!” Sunsong slid of Shade’s back and darted between Longdusk and Thornberry, placing a light hand on each arm. “Please, why must there be a fight amongst ourselves? Thornberry, Longdusk, you know Stormfire wouldn’t risk anyone’s life foolishly! How is this stalk more dangerous than going after a bear with the foaming sickness? And surely, surely, if we can sense it, it can sense us! Isn’t it better for us to know what it is, what the danger is, rather than to have it turn around an hunt us, and we not know anything?” Sunsong looked between the two hunters, blue-green eyes wide and pleading. “Those most at risk will be safe. Those best skilled in tracking and staying hidden will go and see what the danger is. It is sensible. It is wise. It is not ideal, but isn’t it better that we be the hunters, and not the hunted?”
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by multifacets on Oct 27, 2008, 1:44pm
Why can't we just leave now? Silent thought unhappily. Everyone's made their points! I just want to go and clear my thoughts and try to keep that THING out of my head.
He whined once, very softly, but kept waiting, hoping at least one hunter would go back with him, rather than argue some more. Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by peachbug on Oct 27, 2008, 3:36pm
Redthorn shuddered at the magic washing over her. She had never been much at sensing magic, even next to elves completely devoid of the ability, so the overpowering blackness of the sensation made her slightly nauseous. She looked back at Icemark and her cub, Lightgaze beside her. Her soulsister and her cub had a strong point, but the answer wasn't as clear as she would have liked. She would rather stop when they reached a safe and fruitful holt place for her lifemate and cub, not explore the random complexities of the land. She looked to her cub once more.
Silvercub seemed to be a bit confused, but otherwise unharmed so far. Part of Redthorn pulled to find a clue to the origins of the magic feelings, but the calling did not seem entirely from herself, she realized, something else pulled her. She did not like it, but the idea of leaving her chief and friends to an unknown fate was tortuous. She looked down at Whitecrest, every inch of the alpha screaming dislike. 'Caution is a wise wolf's bounty and curse it seems.' She thought sadly.
*I stay,* She sent to those gathered at the site. *It feels as though something creeps, watches. Protectors are needed here, Stormfire, especially if you enter that place. I wish you the best, but...take caution in your steps, I beg you.* She looked away, twisted inside at what she had decided, the echo of the magic call still in her mind. Redthorn looked up at Icemark and Silvercub.
Suddenly, she felt as though she was sinking, the face of her cub and lifemate blurred as though water was smearing her vision and she gasped. cold water met her lungs and she gasped again, stumbling into Lightgaze.Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by Anna on Oct 27, 2008, 8:57pm
"Lifemate?" Icemark felt, through their bond, the swamp of memories that flooded through Redthorne, briefly pulling her away from the present. He cupped her face between his hands. "Breathe, Redthorne, listen to me," he said calmly. **Listen for me. We're here; come back to us.**
He was glad she had chosen to come with them, back to the den they'd left this evening. He'd never have asked it of her, but that she volunteered freely eased his heart.
Memories. The Now usually protected Wolfriders from being caught in them. But sometimes it wasn't enough.
**Come to me, Bree. I am here.**
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by kris on Oct 27, 2008, 11:04pm
Stormfire drew a deep breath and looked at those tribemates accompanying her. *Until we know what's out there,* she sent, *just send. Don't make a sound if you don't have to.* She glanced at Oakstaff. *Ride with me, Oakstaff. Tallspear, Firecat--take the rear. Don't let the pull from that mountain distract you.*
She waited as her group assembled itself. Snowtreader snorted as she mounted, but the she-wolf made no other sound as they padded off towards the shorn-off mountain. And Stormfire winced as the pull intensified.
It didn't feel like a threat. It felt . . . it felt like a skyfire-storm, brooding over the tree-tops until it finally broke. Stormfire realized that she was waiting for it to do just that. She marveled at it; how could she, an elf with no magic in her at all, feel something like this so clearly? If she'd put her hand out to a tree and shaped it into a den, she couldn't be more stunned.
She sent farewells to her tribemates, smiling sadly at their muted distress--even Thornberry, High Ones bless him--and feeling a few tears sting at Sunsong's mental touch. There was nothing she wouldn't do for Sunsong, but the treeshaper no more belonged on this trek than she would be able to sprout wings and fly.
Mist, on the other hand . . . Stormfire bent her head to hide a smile. The healer's goodbye had been terse, controlled, and all too open as to how little he liked being made to stay behind. She paused, then threw caution to the winds. *Don't worry, elder,* she sent. *I'll be certain to get us all back before your bedtime.*Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by Anna on Oct 27, 2008, 11:11pm
Mist, as per her orders, didn't make a sound, but his snort of disgust was audible to all nonetheless. *Concern yourself less with my bedtime, cub, and more with returning unhurt. Whoever's hurt has to get to me before I can heal them, remember!*
But as the distance grew, so did Mist's worry. Just before the nightshadow's hid the scouts completely, he added more gently. **You've made the right decision, lass, but keep your thinking clear. That mountain is clouding everyone's brain. If we don't see you by moonrise tomorrow, we'll come looking.**
Turning back to those that were remaining behind, he gestured for them to mount up. Without another backward glance, he led them back to the den they'd slept the day in. Sunsong lingered at the end fo the group, watching Stormfire until there was nothing more to see.
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by Anna on Oct 27, 2008, 11:15pm
Oct 27, 2008, 11:04pm, kris wrote:
She paused, then threw caution to the winds. *Don't worry, elder,* she sent. *I'll be certain to get us all back before your bedtime.*
Oakstaff slapped a hand over his mouth in just enough time to stop the laugh that threatened to explode. His shoulders curved forward, shaking hard as he tried valiantly to stifle his amusement.
Windsoft's own sending carried a bright tickle of merriment. *Twist his tail enough, chieftess, and even he will bite. The healer, despite popular perception, does have a temper, you know!*
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by kris on Oct 27, 2008, 11:30pm
Quote:
*Concern yourself less with my bedtime, cub, and more with returning unhurt. Whoever's hurt has to get to me before I can heal them, remember!*
Stormfire squeezed her eyes shut in mock dismay--Mist's reply was as sharp as she'd expected, but Oakstaff's attempt to keep from guffawing nearly made her burst out laughing herself. Tallspear and Whirlwind's sends were equally full of laughter.
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Windsoft's own sending carried a bright tickle of merriment. *Twist his tail enough, chieftess, and even he will bite. The healer, despite popular perception, does have a temper, you know!*
Stormfire grinned wickedly. *I'm counting on it,* she told Windsoft.
Teasing Mist was only a moment's relief, but it was a relief. He'd been Sureshot's friend since they were both young elves; he'd even been present at her birth. If I can't tease Mist, Stormfire thought as they rode, then I'll know the world's gone moon-mad.
But it wasn't long before she felt Mist again.
Quote:
**You've made the right decision, lass, but keep your thinking clear. That mountain is clouding everyone's brain. If we don't see you by moonrise tomorrow, we'll come looking.**
The lock-send warmed her, all the more for it being private. She held on to it for a moment before sending in turn. **Thanks, Mist. We'll be back as soon as we can . . . I promise.**
She waited a moment before adding, **I'm sure you'll have time to take a nap before then . . .**Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by peachbug on Oct 28, 2008, 7:20pm
Softling had slipped among the hunter's ranks as Stormfire bid farewell to Mist and the remaining tribe, ignoring her wolfblood's howl of discontent. Snapbone, ever dull for a wolf, had sniffed the air warily but continued on with little complaint.
The tracker watched the others turn back to the dens with some longing, but knew she could not leave these worried wolves and their curious mounts to whatever called in the rocks. It pained her to see the tribe split even for this short while, to see alpha separated from his mate on the whims of the chieftess.
'The chieftess better have a good idea of what she's getting us all into,' She thought nervously as they turned away. 'This mess does us no good now...what point in pursuing it, elves or not?' She thought of sending her concerns to Windsoft and Mist, but thought better of it. They seemed clear enough in their thoughts, and she would only sound foolish pressing them. She could be of some use here, at least.
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by Anna on Nov 2, 2008, 9:35am
Windsoft followed Stormfire as they drifted through the forest. The diminished tribe had spread out, and only experience and keen elfin eyesight allowed her to see the rest of them as they got closer to the mountain.
But eventually the sheltering trees came to an end and they paused in the last of their concealment to evaluate what lay before them.
A tumbled tower of boulders, ranging from giant to pebble sized, resting on a solid mountain base. It looked like a giant troll had taking his hammer and smashed the mountain to bits. What could possibly of done this?
*The magic is coming from the mountain itself,* she sent gently. *Neither good, nor bad. Just...strong. And lonely.*
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by peachbug on Nov 2, 2008, 2:21pm
Softling shuddered at Windsoft's sending.
*Lonely?* She followed, studying the broken rock. *It feels like sickness here.* Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by Anna on Nov 2, 2008, 2:32pm
Oakstaff turned and stared at the young elf, then shook his head impatiently. *You think anything that feels elfin is sickness, infant,* he retorted. *You need to spend less time with wolves and more time with elves. It's not sick. It's just other than what is naturally found on this world. You've heard the howls about how we came to be here, and how our magic is quite in sync with the world. Difference isn't sickness.*
*Hush. Pay attention.* Windsoft ordered Oakstaff and Softling as she knelt on the edge of the trees.
Re: Blue Mountain Rubble Explorations
Post by kris on Nov 2, 2008, 3:06pm
Stormfire drew a deep breath, letting her senses sift through its taste and scent. She smelled aged rock and dust . . . what was that beneath it? Death, likely. But the death of what?
