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The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by admin on Jul 12, 2009, 11:30am
The sun was still high overhead when the Wolfriders began waking from their day’s rest. Some slept longer than others, and some woke much earlier than the majority. But for the few early risers and the few late sleepers, the majority of the tribe was stirring and moving about with the sun still high overhead.
For all their constant traveling, there were still tasks that needed doing, and couldn’t be done on wolfback. Cleaning and mending clothing, repairing weapons and tools, minimal tanning to keep hides from rotting, gathering herbs and plants for food and medicine… All the small tasks once spread out among Sureshot’s tribe had descended on the much smaller band of wanderers.
It had become habit, in the daylight hours of waking, before the traveling began, to attend to those tasks.
Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by Anna on Jul 12, 2009, 12:59pm
Sunsong
The plantshaper had woken early, when the sun had been directly overhead. She felt tired and drained, but her mind would not rest and pulled her urgently from sleep. She'd left the warm comfort of her sleeping furs and gently stepped around the elves who'd joined her in her nesting platform.
She grimaced at the feel of the last night's dust on her skin and made her first task a quiet bath in the river. She shook her leathers out thoroughly before pulling them back on.
And then, she settled at the base of a tree, and considered the three seeds in her hand. One was from the Father Tree they'd left behind. The other was from one she'd seen in the last day. there were several of those, and they were giants. Tall, straight trunks that didn't branch until far, far above. The third was from a common willow, with those gracefully draping vine-like branches.
Pale green glowed from around her hands as she considered those three seeds, absently sending her senses deep into them.
Icemark
Icemark had woken shortly after Sunsong, but had left the plantshaper alone. She seemed distracted, and the signs of weariness still marked her face. Although they frequently went gathering together while the tribe slept, Icemark decided that this time he wouldn't see if she wanted to come. He knew her, and knew what her answer would be. If she wouldn't tend to herself as she should, then it feel to the tribe to tend to her instead.
With a soft smile, he caressed Redthorn's cheek, then ran a light hand over Silvercub's hair. He left their platform as silently as only a Wolfrider could and gathered his harvesting pouch from among the packs. This forest was rich with a variety of plants that could be used as food. Nuts, berries, and mushrooms were abundant, as well. The long, hungry days on the grassplains were forgotten in this land of plenty.
Windsoft
The scout woke from her day's sleep all at once, as was her habit. There was no drowsy, dozing transition between dreams and reality for her; once her mind and body had their rest, wakefulness was immediate.
She sat up in her furs and looked around. Longdusk had taken up her invitation, she saw, and still slept quietly beside her. 'He was probably relieved that Journey found somewhere else to sleep,' she thought, amused.
There was movement around her, as well as stillness. Journey, as she'd expected after seeing his companions last night, was not with her. She smiled, and the expression was both proud and sad. She wouldn't be surprised if her cub asked for his own den when they reached wherever they were going. She would miss having him close to her.
With a sigh, she brought her fur-covered knees up and wrapped her arms around them. She watched as her tribe awoke and began to stir.
Oakstaff
Oakstaff curled around Whirlwind's body, quite content to lay there in the furs, with her in his arms. He liked this part of the day. He liked every part of the day, but each for a different reason. That time just after waking and before getting up was nice because it was quiet and peaceful. He could think about the past night, look forward to the coming one, and consider whatever worries he had and get them resolved. He didn't like dwelling on problems. He liked finding answers and then setting the problems aside.
Fortunately, he had not problems to ponder now. His day ahead was simple. He would get up. He would practice with his quarterstaff. He'd follow Ashglow or Redthorn on the hunt. They'd come back, eat, clean up, and then begin their night's travels.
He didn't hold a high position in the tribe, but that didn't bother him. He was a hunter and he did his part. He was content, very content, and basked in that contentment.
Mist
Mist woke slowly to the reassuring song that had led him down into sleep. He smiled, rubbing his cheek against Stormfire's skin, as her slow heartbeat thumped her song to him. While he would enjoy staying right where he was for the rest of the day and long into the night, neither of them had that luxury. There was a time and place for everything, and sheer laziness would have to wait for the confining time of the season of whitecold. Then, when the snow winds blew hard and freezing, in the snugness of a den, wrapped in furs, could he listen to Stormfire's beating heart.
He rose quietly, tucking the fur around his chieftess, and climbed down the tree to find his clothes. Leaving them to air out during the day had been a good idea; they were fresh and warm as he pulled them on, and smelled of leaves, sun, and wind.
He looked around. Sunsong sat in a sort of bemused daze, her expression serene but distant. Only one hand moved - and of that, one finger, slowly stirring something cupped in her palm. Shadows darkened the skin under her eyes, and the skin of her face seemed tight. Exhaustion; Mist recognized the signs. She'd drained herself at dawn and now was up before most others. He shook his head. They would have to stop for several days rest, soon, or the plantshaper would collapse.
Nightsun
Nightsun had not slept well. Her body cried out, muscles unused to the hard work to which they put them protesting loudest of all. She could easily walk all day, and spent most of her life doing just that. But the Wolfriders moved at a pace she was not accustomed to, and she was forced to run to keep up. It had not seemed so big a thing when first they began travelling with them, but she had soon discovered that a day of walking at an easy pace had no comparison with a day of running. To the Wolfriders, they were not rushing. A wolf's accustomed lope was easy for them.
Nightsun was a creature of the day, and while sheer exhaustion might drag her into sleep as the sun rose, it could not keep her there. After a few scant hours in Wingfoot's arms, she'd awoken and could not sleep again. She'd left his side and drifted down to the forest floor. There were myriad tasks awaiting her that needed to be done.
While the Wolfriders slept, she had attended to them. Ashglow's new moccasin's were done: rough and simple, but serviceable. Starpath's current vest was ragged and thin. She cut the familiar patterns for the vest from the leather in their supplies, cut the holes for the lacings, and threaded them through.
The clothes she'd made for her brothers were crude in comparison with the leathers worn by the Wolfriders. She had not talent, and little real interest, in tanning or the making of clothes. The tasks were necessary, however, and so they were done. While pretty leathers and clothing would be nice, they were by no means a necessity.
With those tasks done, Nightsun found the remains of the morning's hunt and cut away portions for herself and her brothers. The Wolfriders hated the smell of smoke, so she'd take the time while they slept to go some distance from their camp and cook the meat for herself and her brothers. Upwind, where the smoke and cooking meat wouldn't drift to their sensitive noses and upset them.
Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by kris on Jul 12, 2009, 3:25pm
Stormfire to Mist
She woke suddenly, hand reaching through the furs. Mist was gone; she could still smell his scent, warm and recent. She sat up and reached for her clothes, grimacing as the band she wore across her forehead fell out and tumbled to the ground.
Stormfire climbed down quickly, annoyed by the time she reached the headband. Waterdance had made it for her, and she'd worn it even when the chief's lock had been tied into her hair. She snatched it up, and started to rake her hair out of her face . . .
Why am I doing that? Nothing's hanging in my face.
The chieftess ran a hand over her brow. Waterdance made her the headband to keep stray locks from falling in her eyes, and it had worked--until she started wearing the chief's lock. Now those locks fell before her ears, or were pulled back into the topknot. Stormfire looked at the headband and sighed with something close to relief. She'd worn the band with gratitude and thanks for her mother's generosity--but Waterdance's sense of style was heavier, stonier, than Stormfire liked.
Maybe I can have it added to something I wear--a top, perhaps, or my boots--someplace where this won't look like a troll's boot-sole plastered across my forehead. Feeling guilty, Stormfire opened her belt-pouch and stuffed the headband in next to the stone egg.
That she drew out and held up to examine in the golden glow of afternoon. Its surface gleamed like pearl, a sheen of dreamy colors shifting along curves and shapes . . . symbols. Stormfire found a wolf's head and smiled. A wolf--who'd have guessed!
She blinked as she discovered something else and shook her head. I didn't just see that.
Shoving the egg back in her pouch, Stormfire hurried to bathe, and collided with someone. Gasping, she glared up at Tallspear, who chuckled. "Forget something, chieftess?"
Stormfire tucked her belongings under one arm and headed for the river. "Just to watch out for your big feet," she threw over her shoulder. She saw Mist and smiled, dropping her belongings on the ground. "The water can't be that cold, can it?" she teased, and got in. It was chilly, but she'd bathed in worse, and washed the day's sweat away with a cheerful vigor. *You can stop waiting for it to warm up, lovemate,* she continued to Mist, dropping beneath the surface to soak her hair. As she came up to the surface, she caught sight of Sunsong and frowned.
*Sunsong?*
Mist smiled and sat down on the bank as Stormfire waded into the river. "I bathed this morning, Stormfire, and didn't get dirty just by sleeping," he chuckled. "I'll keep you company, if you like." He followed her line of sight and, of course, heard her open send to her friend. He didn't, however, hear any more of a response from the plantshaper than a vague, cheerful, absent feeling of recognition and affection. A sending version of an absent wave from someone who wasn't really paying attention. He arched his eyebrows at Stormfire, wondering what she'd do next.
Stormfire heard and felt Sunsong's cheerfully airy send, all wisp and no substance, and frowned at her friend. "This has got to stop," she announced, wading through the water to stare into Sunsong's face. No, the treeshaper was engrossed in her handful of seeds. "Mist, look at her! She looks like she hasn't slept in days!" Stormfire tilted her head to get a better look at Sunsong. "I've seen bow-staves with more meat on them than her ribs! Am I going to have to hold her down and make her eat and sleep?"
"You could probably force her to eat, Stormfire. She'd do it to please you, if nothing else. But sleeping? You can't force that." He gathered up Stormfire's clothes and gave them a good shake, then carried them back to her. "I'm watching her. I was planning to ask you to stop for several nights rest if we didn't find the holt that was calling you at the end of this night's travel. Then she'd catch up on her eating and sleeping. You know how she is; if you let her immerse herself in the plantshaping, she doesn't even feel hunger. She still hasn't learned that the energy she's using has to come from somewhere."
He smiled slyly. "I, however, can enforce sleeping."
Stormfire felt a great rush of relief enfold her. "Then that's what I'll do--if we haven't reached the place we need to be by this night's end, we'll stop and rest. Thank you, Mist." She pulled herself up on the bank and took the clothes he handed to her. "Can you make her sleep?" she asked him. "Will it harm her? We need her to be strong and whole before we start our holt, and we need her to stay that way after it's done."Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by Anna on Jul 12, 2009, 3:54pm
Mist to Stormfire
Mist nodded and led Stormfire away from the oblivious little songbird. At least she wasn't twittering when she was concentrating to much. While the plantshaper's singing could be sweet and pleasant to hear on occasion, it did occasionally become too much of a good thing. "I can, and it won't hurt her a bit. Sleep is one of the best healers." He smiled faintly. "The rest of us may have to make do with whatever we can manage for ourselves when it's time to sleep."
Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by viola on Jul 12, 2009, 4:59pm
Longdusk -> Windsoft
While Longdusk was used to sleeping with someone, because he usually shared the den with his mother, something felt off in the surroundings, and when the person next to him got up in a sitting position, he opened his eyes -- and closed them up right away. Windsoft was sitting next to him and it suddenly made him remember that he had left his mother the morning before, because she had been in the safe hands of Redthorn, Icemark and Silvercub. The second thing he noticed was that Journey wasn't there, and his groggy mind registered that he was rather pleased with that.
Carefully opening one eye again, he realized that the sun was still high in the sky. Normally, he was one of the first ones to rise, but he found this remarkably pleasant. Still, he was awake, and with a sigh, he rolled over on his back, blinking at the sky without saying a word.
Firecat -> Journey, Shellslip
The morning before, Firecat had already taken back her words that the platforms didn't seem comfy, because they were -- even with three people. She stretched out like a drowsly cat and felt her leg tingling, and she nearly purred of pleasure. With both Shellslip and Journey next to her, she felt extremely satisfied.
Still, there was someone she missed, and still sleepy, she reached out for the plant shaper. **Sunsong, sweetling? You're awake already?** Firecat slowly got up and leaned on one elbow, watching her furmates for the night.
Lightgaze -> (Icemark, Redthorn, Silvercub)
Lightgaze was still soundly asleep, even though she had had some restless periods during daytime. In her dreams, she had watched Hazel confess to his sister that he wished he had gone with Stormfire, and she had found more disturbing notions of life that had went on without the band that had left. She had wondered if her mind had just adapted the situation they lived in and projected it on the ones that they left behind, but as soon as she realized that, she knew it wasn't true. Because usually, when you were dreaming and when you realized you were doing so, you woke up. Instead, she seemed to settle down in the old holt, and watched around.
It wasn't a dream, and she realized it was real. It was daytime at the holt now, too, so everyone was soundly asleep, except for a few early birds getting up already. As the dream, or whatever it was, progressed (it had never been this long, and she had never realized she wasn't actually dreaming before), she had eased up, and felt free, away from her body. But the communication had been one-sided only. She could watch and talk, but they couldn't hear her. However, she had realized that at least, apparently she had found a way to keep the rest of the tribe informed about their family's whereabouts.
Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by multifacets on Jul 12, 2009, 5:45pm
Silent:
Evening again. Too bad there were no crickets. It would've been a nice vocal sound to wake up to. Wanderlust wasn't there to greet him, either.
Silent sat up and rubbed his eyes, stretched slowly, and got up to roll up and tie his bedfur. His water bag was set with his spear, knife and sling, and the little stone jar of his mother's scent-killing ointment was checked to see how full it was. When it was deemed satisfactory, he put it in the empty bag that had held dried meat.
With that taken care of, Silent went to have a quick bath. The cool water helped wake him up a bit more, and his clothing was given a quick rinse as well. After fighting with his hair in an attempt to de-tangle it -with only moderate success-, he tied it back as usual (though most of it still fell in his face) and returned to his belongings. He would wait there until it was time to leave.
Shellslip:
The gatherer had gently withdrawn from the blissful knot of Firecat and Journey, having a light breakfast and making sure the shells she kept for Sunsong still smelled good. When the treeshaper was awake, Shellslip would crack them open and make sure the sunny one ate.
Sniffer came to greet her, smelling of mouse and rabbit, and Shellslip gladly exchanged gentle ear-nips and nuzzles with him. **Looks like you had a nice breakfast, my friend. Anything in your paws, or burrs in your coat?** she asked.
**None,** Sniffer assured her. **Paws good. Fur good. Legs good. Back good.**
**Oh, wonderful. Thank you for telling me, puppy,** his elf-friend returned, smiling, and patted the wolf on the head. **Well, all I have to do is bundle up my things, and we'll be off soon enough.**Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by Anna on Jul 12, 2009, 10:13pm
Windsoft to Longdusk
The change in Longdusk’s breathing alerted Windsoft that he was awake. When he shifted positions, she looked at him and smiled. She didn’t feel any need to speak, however. The afternoon was peaceful, and she felt quite comfortable just as things were. Some elves felt the need to fill every silence with sound. Sunsong, in particular. While the plantshaper didn’t chatter endlessly, her birdcall singing was a common theme of every day.
Windsoft was happy just listening to the sounds of the world around her. She was pleased that Longdusk apparently had the same opinion. They hadn’t really known each other prior to setting off with Stormfire – she had taken her instructions from Goldbranch, one of the scout leaders. Longdusk had answered to another of the scout leaders. It was only after they’d left that she’d come to know Longdusk, and respect his skill as a scout. She felt odd sometimes, knowing how much more experience he had, and yet also knowing that Stormfire seemed to turn to her most often when there was scouting to be done.
‘Turn to me?’ she thought, her smile fading as the question drifted through her mind. ‘Or did I simply assume? Have I usurped Longdusk’s rightful positing without realizing it? If so, how do I fix it?’ She sighed and looked away, her fingers restlessly plucking at the silky, plush fur. She hoped she hadn’t offended him, and his acceptance of sharing the platform with her seemed to indicate that she had not. Still, now that the thought had come to her, she worried.
Sunsong to Firecat
Sunsong heard the send, just as she’d heard Stormfire’s. Her concentration didn’t waver and she responded to Firecat just as she had to their chieftess. The vague response of affection, warmth, and wakefulness was all she could manage, and she sent that to Firecat without thinking or realizing what she was doing.
The seeds. The answer lay in the seeds. She stirred them in her palm, her magic reading the secrets buried within them, showing her what they would be once sprouted and grown to maturity. Could she blend those traits? Take three and form it into one…?
Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by kita on Jul 12, 2009, 11:12pm
Silverfang woke with the rest of the camp, when the sun was still high in the sky. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he walked over and found a rock. Using it as a whetstone, Silverfang began to sharpen his glaive.Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by meimei on Jul 13, 2009, 1:25am
Ashglow's restlessness had kept him awake for several hours. He'd observed Nightsun's rising, and had watched long enough to see what she was doing. Once he was certain she was alright, he'd finally sought his own rest. Tired from the extra waking hours, and the extra speed of their travel, he'd found the least crowded of Sunsong's platforms's to curl up on. Even as his tribemate's stirred around him, he still slept deeply under the sun's rays.Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by peachbug on Jul 13, 2009, 1:42am
Softling greeted her wolf-friend with short sendings and a firm back rub when she made her way down, quietly observing her tribemates as she crouched beside him. Snapbone had greeted her enthusiastically with a small squirrel, barely a mouthful, but enough for a breakfast.
The others had certainly made themselves useful, sharpening this, collecting that, even Evenstar was badgering the others for any worn leathers that needed replacing or mending. It was interesting to see all the movement of the old holt, but simplified, clarified among so few elves. Normally, Softling would help hunt, or hunt on her own, or just be on her own. She didn't want to do that now though, not the usual.
As she slowly considered this conundrum, Softling surprised herself by spotting Silent, seated not so far away beside his belongings, looking well-prepared for their next journey. She took him in curiously. She'd never really considered Silent, not really, other than her brief flash of jealousy when he'd supposedly found them water (silly as it felt now), and her inevitable admiration when they'd really found it. He wasn't doing anything now, and he looked so skinny, like a skinned rabbit, all muscle and bone. Well, if she was going to start being more of the elf that was a Wolfrider, why not start with the elfiest? Softling thought this over glumly. What would she say?
Softling pushed herself from her spot willfully and walked slowly, quietly to Silent's side, squirrel in hand. Half undecided on whether to speak or send, or what to say for that matter, she stuck out the limp creature and blurted "Wantit? I mean, you can have it. I..."
Wonderful start.Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by multifacets on Jul 13, 2009, 1:54am
Silent to Softling:
The voice was unexpected. The fact it was Softling's? Even more so. Silent jerked his mind away from its usual meanderings, not quite following her words. **I- what?/[foggy confusion]** he asked a bit stupidly before he noticed the squirrel and realized what the gold-haired Wolfrider had been saying. **[maroon surprise]/I-Is that for me?**
He looked up at the tracker, eyes losing their usual glassy, distant sheen, and gave her an astonished smile when she didn't take the animal away. "Th-Thank y-you," he whispered hoarsely, and accepted the animal. It was still warm, and its blood smelled sweet.Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by kita on Jul 13, 2009, 8:13am
Silverfang finished sharpening his glaive and tried to figure out what to do next. He looked around, seeing everybody else off doing their own thing. He spotted Starfire returning from hunting with a piece of fresh kill in her mouth. She dropped it in front of him. *Thanks* he sent to her. He began to eat.Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by kris on Jul 13, 2009, 11:02pm
Journey-->Firecat
Jul 12, 2009, 4:59pm, viola wrote:
Still, there was someone she missed, and still sleepy, she reached out for the plant shaper. **Sunsong, sweetling? You're awake already?** Firecat slowly got up and leaned on one elbow, watching her furmates for the night.
Journey opened his eyes and looked up to see Firecat watching him. He felt an extremely silly grin spread over his face. "Hello," he whispered. He pushed himself up, thanking the High Ones for the wonderful morning he'd spent with Shellslip and Firecat. Beaming at Firecat, he remembered the handful of amber bits he'd shoved into his pouch. Wouldn't it be nice if, once they found a holt, he could make her something really lovely? A poncho, perhaps. Or a cloak with the amber neatly laced to it?
And he knew he had something that would look lovely on Shellslip too. Journey looked around for her. Where was she?
*Firecat?* he sent. *What's up?*Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by kris on Jul 13, 2009, 11:05pm
Tallspear to Softling, Silent
Jul 13, 2009, 1:54am, multifacets wrote:
He looked up at the tracker, eyes losing their usual glassy, distant sheen, and gave her an astonished smile when she didn't take the animal away. "Th-Thank y-you," he whispered hoarsely, and accepted the animal. It was still warm, and its blood smelled sweet.
"Afternoon, you two," and Tallspear joined Silent and Softling. "Anyone for berries?" He opened his pouch and showed them the few handfuls he'd picked. "They're late for the season," he apologized, "but they aren't overripe yet."Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by peachbug on Jul 15, 2009, 12:41am
"Okay." Softling blurted at both of them, green eyes wide. "I mean, it's okay," She looked pointedly at Silent. "And okay, berries are good." Wonderful.
She accepted some berries and stood there for a long, quiet while, staring at a stick between Tallspear and Silent's feet. 'One good deed deserves an awkward situation, apparently.' Softling goaded herself.Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by multifacets on Jul 15, 2009, 1:18am
Silent, Softling, Tallspear:
Softling seemed to become very tense when Tallspear showed up. Why? Silent hunkered down a bit, trying to make himself a little smaller, and had a few bites of the squirrel before accepting some berries from Tallspear. At least his breakfast was turning out well, even if this situation wasn't.
**Did you sleep well?** he hesitantly sent to both hunters, hoping to break some of the tension. Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by Anna on Jul 16, 2009, 12:05am
Mist to Stormfire
“I have some gathering to do,” Mist said after he and Stormfire had walked away from the plantshaper. “I recognized some medicinal plants as we travelled last night and I need to replenish my stock while I can. “ He smiled and touched Stormfire’s cheek. “You should stay here and rest. The pace we’ve been traveling has been hard on all of us. Besides, I think some of your tribe is in need of reassurance,” he added with a wry twist of his lips.
Sunsong to anyone
“That’s it!” Sunsong erupted from her single-minded focus on the seeds, and her exultant exclamation rang through the small clearing, followed immediately by her delighted laughter. She clenched her hand around the trio of seeds and stood up, dancing around wildly as she celebrated some discovery only she knew. “High Ones sing their praises! We’re going to have a wonderful holt!”
Nightsun
Nightsun had walked some distance from the others, and finally found a spot on the bank of the river that was relatively clear of underbrush. She hoped she was far enough away that the scent of cooking meet wouldn’t alarm or upset the Wolfriders, but she had little choice in what she did. Her stomach would not even let her try to eat meat still bloody and raw.
She gathered fallen wood and built a small fire. There wasn’t the danger of fire here as there had been on the grassland, and the extensive preparations she’d made there weren’t necessary here. It took little time to have a small, cheerful blaze going, and even less time to skewer the meat for roasting. While it cooked, she pulled her travel pack close and rummaged inside. The bracelet Journey had given her glimmered softly in the filtered sunlight, and Nightsun smiled as she touched it with one light fingertip. Losing herself in shifting thoughts and wonderings, hearing distant whispers of unknown places and events, she pulled out the chunk of wood she’d found a few days before, and a sharpened stone she was using to carefully scrape the wood into a shallow bowl. Her hands worked steadily at the task, but her unfocused gaze barely saw the world around her.
Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by kris on Jul 16, 2009, 12:13am
Stormfire to Mist, Sunsong
Jul 16, 2009, 12:05am, Anna wrote:
He smiled and touched Stormfire’s cheek. “You should stay here and rest. The pace we’ve been traveling has been hard on all of us. Besides, I think some of your tribe is in need of reassurance,” he added with a wry twist of his lips.
Stormfire returned Mist's smile and covered his hand with her own. "I think we'll eat and have a short council. So don't wander too far or too long--"
Quote:
“That’s it!” Sunsong erupted from her single-minded focus on the seeds, and her exultant exclamation rang through the small clearing, followed immediately by her delighted laughter. She clenched her hand around the trio of seeds and stood up, dancing around wildly as she celebrated some discovery only she knew. “High Ones sing their praises! We’re going to have a wonderful holt!”
As Sunsong danced around with one fist clenched, Stormfire stared at her in shock. She turned from Mist and ran up to Sunsong, grabbing for her wrists. "Easy!" she commanded her friend. "Sunsong, what are you doing, jumping around like a wolf-cub with fleas?"
Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by kris on Jul 16, 2009, 12:24am
Wingfoot to Nightsun
Wingfoot woke on his ledge to the sound of Sunsong's trilling voice--oh, please, little treeshaper, not so early, he pleaded silently--and Stormfire's sharp tones cutting through Sunsong's glee. Groaning, Wingfoot rubbed his eyes and looked around. He could still smell Nightsun, but she was gone.
He got his clothes on quickly and climbed down the tree, wondering where she could have gone. Avoiding Stormfire and Sunsong--the latter was jumping up and down for joy, though why Wingfoot couldn't have guessed--the weapon-maker followed Nightsun's scent through the woods, tracking her to the river's edge. He wasn't surprised to find her trail didn't deviate from the bank. Something about Nightsun and water just seemed to mesh together . . .
And there she was, busy at a task. Wingfoot made a face at the smell of smoke, but approached Nightsun until he was close enough to reach out and touch her. "Good afternoon, Nightsun," he said, and smiled.Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by Anna on Jul 16, 2009, 12:26am
Windsoft to Longdusk
The silence had stretched long between them, long enough for Windsoft’s worries to fade under the onslaught of common sense. She hadn’t offended Longdusk. If she had, he wouldn’t have accepted her invitation to share the platform, though it had been for nothing but sleep. She was borrowing worries, and that was a habit she refused to indulge.
With her mind at ease again, she turned her gaze back to Longdusk and smiled. “We’ll be riding towards sun-goes-down again tonight,” she said. “I was thinking Tallspear and Softling could scout along the river while you and I range further out. I want to find the source of this salt-scent on the wind.”
Icemark to Silverfang, Redthorn, Lightgaze
Icemark had had a productive time gathering, and his bag was almost overflowing with what he’d found. When he returned to the clearing where the Wolfriders had stopped to rest, he was pleased to see so many up again. Silvercub was prancing from treeroot to treeroot and greeted her father’s return with a squeal of delight. She raced for him, arms outstretched, and ignored anything in her path.
Icemark, knowing his daughter’s ways, set the gathering back safely aside in time to catch her in mid-leap and swing her around. “You act as if you haven’t seen me in moons,” he chided the child, smiling fondly into her upturned face.
“You were gone when I woke up,” she pouted.
“I usually am,” Icemark reminded her. He put her down and picked up the bag. “Silverfang,” he said, noticing the other elf was working on his meal. “I found nuts and berries if you’d like some.” He glanced up and around, searching for Redthorn and Lightgaze. She wasn’t immediately in sight, so he sent instead. *Redthorn, Lightgaze, I have berries and nuts, if you want any. Did you sleep well?*
Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by kris on Jul 16, 2009, 12:26am
Tallspear-->Softling, Silent
Jul 15, 2009, 12:41am, peachbug wrote:
She accepted some berries and stood there for a long, quiet while, staring at a stick between Tallspear and Silent's feet. 'One good deed deserves an awkward situation, apparently.' Softling goaded herself.
Tallspear ate a few berries. "It doesn't look like we'll be going anywhere for a little while," he said at last. "If you two are up for a quick hunt, why don't we try to find a rabbit? A little fresh meat would go good with these berries."Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by kris on Jul 16, 2009, 12:33am
Whirlwind to Oakstaff
Jul 12, 2009, 12:59pm, Anna wrote:
Fortunately, he had not problems to ponder now. His day ahead was simple. He would get up. He would practice with his quarterstaff. He'd follow Ashglow or Redthorn on the hunt. They'd come back, eat, clean up, and then begin their night's travels.
Whirlwind hummed to herself as she stretched against Oakstaff. "That was good," she sighed, turning over to look at him through half-lidded eyes. "And I had such a good rest, too. I hope Sunsong makes a holt as comfortable as this little camp." She sat up and stretched her arms, yawning widely.
Just then Stormfire's voice broke the peaceful stillness. "Oh, no," Whirlwind groaned. "Now what?" She looked over the edge of her nest and stared at Stormfire, gripping hold of a dancing Sunsong. Whirlwind drew back, then reached for her clothes.
"Sorry, my dear," she told Oakstaff, dressing with skyfire-like speed. "The treeshaper's lost her wits at last, and it looks like she's trying to drive my sister out of hers."Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by Anna on Jul 16, 2009, 12:38am
Sunsong to Stormfire
Sunsong laughed and twisted her wrists in Stormfire's hold until she could pull free and grab Stormfire's hands. Pulling the slighter, smaller elf into a spinning dance she laughed again. "I found the answer, Stormfire! I know what to do! It's going to be glorious, it really will! Oh, wait til you see!"
But enthusiasm and a tired body didn't mix well, and Sunsong's feet couldn't quite keep up with her will. She tripped and collapsed to the ground breathless and giggling. She lay on her back and smiled at Stormfire, blue-green eyes sparkling with so much excitement it was contagious. "Just wait...Just wait til y-" A huge yawn cut her off mid-word and the plantshaper blinked in surprise.
Nightsun to Wingfoot
Nightsun jumped at Wingfoot's touch and his voice, neither of which she'd been expecting. She hadn't felt him coming near, and she'd always felt that before. Of course, all those times she's been watching him, too. This was the first time she'd left the camp alone and he'd followed her.
"Wingfoot," she answered, tilting her head back to smile up at a him. She examined his face closely, then turned her head to press her cheek lightly against the hand he'd put on her shoulder. "You slept well," she noted with satisfaction. "I worried that you would not."
Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by multifacets on Jul 16, 2009, 2:07am
Jul 16, 2009, 12:26am, kris wrote:
Tallspear ate a few berries. "It doesn't look like we'll be going anywhere for a little while," he said at last. "If you two are up for a quick hunt, why don't we try to find a rabbit? A little fresh meat would go good with these berries."
Silent, Softling, Tallspear:
Silent bit his tongue in surprise. Him? Go on a hunt? He'd been practicing with sling and spear whenever possible, and he still wasn't able to hit the broad side of a boulder. To invite him on a hunt would be disastrous.
No matter how much he might like to try.
*Hunt with Softling. You'll have better luck,* Silent spoke up, shaking his head as he sent openly. *I'd just make a wreck of things/[simple truth].* He shrugged. *Thank you, though. For that and the berries.*
Shellslip, Sunsong:
Elsewhere in the camp, Shellslip had just finished checking her darts when the commotion with Sunsong started up. She recognized the treeshaper's voice, and collected the mussels Silverfang had kindly collected, and went to carry them to the center of activity. "I hear someone's up," she called.Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by peachbug on Jul 16, 2009, 5:02pm
Soflting to Tallspear, Silent
"Yes." Softling felt a bit of cold run down her back as she agreed to Tallspear's suggestion. The cub in her stamped her foot and argued, but she maintained an oddly calm expression, trying not to look conflicted. She had to take these opportunities, not just wander off all the time. Had to, had to...besides, part of her was sort of excited. She said nothing to Silent at his sending at first, unsure of how to respond. From what she understood, he was genuinely terrible at the hunt. Should she offer for him to come anyways?
"Are you sure?" Softling asked finally.Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by Anna on Jul 16, 2009, 6:58pm
Sunsong to Shellslip, Stormfire
"Hello, Shellslip!" Sunsong said merrily, waving at her friend from her prone position on the ground. "I'm not so sure about up," she admitted with a laugh, "but I'm awake! Did you sleep well?"
She pushed herself up into a sitting position and watched as Shellslip walked towards them. "It's it a lovely day?" she asked. "It's going to be a wonderful night! What's everyone doing?"
Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by Anna on Jul 16, 2009, 7:11pm
Oakstaff to Whirlwind, Ashglow
“You shouldn’t be so cruel in your judgements, Whirlwind,” he said mildly, sitting up and watching her dive into her clothes. “It’s unkind – and unfair.”
She wouldn’t listen, he suspected. Whirlwind seldom listened to anyone but those who agreed with her. He shook his head and reached for his own clothing. There was hunting to be done before they set off and if Whirlwind was going to wax critical, he’d rather have another hunting companion.
*Ashglow,* he sent as he pulled on his tunic. *Would you care to go hunting?*
Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by kris on Jul 16, 2009, 10:57pm
Stormfire to Sunsong, everyone
Jul 16, 2009, 6:58pm, Anna wrote:
She pushed herself up into a sitting position and watched as Shellslip walked towards them. "It's it a lovely day?" she asked. "It's going to be a wonderful night! What's everyone doing?"
"We're about to decide that now." Shaking her head, and wondering what she'd do without Sunsong, Stormfire sent openly to her tribemates. *Wolfriders! Come down to me! I call council before we prepare to set off this night!*Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by kita on Jul 16, 2009, 11:51pm
Silverfang to Icemark
Silverfang smiled and accepted the food. "Thank you," he said. He motioned at the meat that Starfire hunted for him. "You want any of it?"
Just as he asked, he then heard Stormfire's call, echoing through his mind above all others. "Well, I guess you can eat on the run," he said.Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by multifacets on Jul 17, 2009, 1:50am
Silent had been about to send to Softling and assure her he was sure when Stormfire called. He jerked in surprise, then shook his head and stood up. *We should go,* he sent to Tallspear and Softling, and started towards their chieftess, squirrel still in hand.
Shellslip was surprised. Council? Why? And why now? Well, she was there now, so she would see what was what soon enough. She passed the shells to Sunsong. "A morning snack, just for you," she said.Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by viola on Jul 17, 2009, 5:19am
Firecat -> Journey
Firecat's lips curved in a smile. "Nothing much. Shellslip's gone again, and Sunsong's thrashing the place." Exagerrating where she saw fit, she stretched her body like a cat, and lied her head to rest next to Journey. "And me," she said, "I'm just watching you waking u-- argh, High Ones sake!" she added, when Stormfire's send cut through her words.
Eyeing Journey, she reached out for her leathers. "Honestly, it's not even time to wake up with the sun this high, and chieftess wants council already."
Longdusk -> Windsoft
A simple nod made it clear that Longdusk had heard Windsoft's words. He had been as curious as she apparently was, so he didn't mind riding out again. He was even more happy to know that Softling wouldn't join their party, if Windsoft had their way. Lately, Longdusk heartfully avoided cubs, hiding from painful emotions in the process.
He sighed, when Stormfire sent. "So much for a peaceful day," he muttered, working himself up to lean on his elbows.
Lightgaze -> Redthorn
Icemark's send drove her back to her body, and Lightgaze eyes fluttered open when her spirit and body became one again. She felt confused, distressed and exhausted, so she didn't answer her soulsister's lifemate. Grateful as she was for him sharing his lifemate like this, it was something she wasn't ready for to spill out, yet.
Perhaps, maybe, to the chieftess. When Stormfire's send came, it was both terrifying and welcome, and she pushed herself up, trying to push her anxious feelings away. But underneath the anxiety, was a sense of pride and usefulness, something she hadn't felt in many moons before. "Wake up, soulsister," she gently whispered to Redthorn, who lied next to her. "Stormfire calls council."
Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by Anna on Jul 17, 2009, 8:56pm
Icemark/Silvercub to Silverfang
Icemark looked at Silvercub and waggled his eyebrows at her. “What about it, cub? Would you like some meat to go with your nuts and berries?”
Silvercub looked at Silverfang with wide eyes, then grinned and nodded. “Yes, please!”
Icemark nodded to the hunter. “We’ll take it…on the run,” he said with a chuckle. “Others are further out, so it’ll take a short bit for everyone to get back.” He drew his knife and quickly cut portions for himself and Silvercub. Standing up again, he headed towards the tree where Stormfire was waiting, keeping an eye on his daughter as she darted about, breakfast in one hand and the other flying in the air.
Sunsong to Shellslip, Ashglow, Starpath
“Thank you!” Sunsong gladly took the mussels, suddenly realizing that she was ravenous. When had she eaten last? She didn’t remember! She’d definitely have to eat something tonight, just as soon as council was over. But what could Stormfire possibly want to call council on? Had she decided that they’d stay here? It was a good spot – plenty of trees, the river close by…
She wondered and waited, softly trilling liquid notes of birdsong as she pried the hard shell apart to get at the meat inside. She scooted over a bit so Shellslip could sit beside her, then looked around. “Where are Ashglow and Starpath?” she asked curiously.
Oakstaff to Journey, Firecat
Well, so much for hunting. Oakstaff jumped out of the nest and strolled over to the gathering Wolfriders, avoiding Whirlwind’s side. She was a friend. She was fun. But she probably wasn’t happy with him right now, and he wasn’t entirely happy with her. Best to put some space between them so tempers could cool and their difference of opinion could slide away.
He knelt beside Firecat and winked at Journey. “Have fun this morning, cub?” he asked cheerfully. “Deciding to leave your mother’s den now?”
Windsoft to Longdusk
Windsoft laughed quietly and reached up to run her fingers through her curly hair, wincing as they encountered tangles and snarls. A few passes, however, and the long spirals were as untangled as they’d ever get. She pulled it to the back of her head, holding it tightly, and twisted once to make sure it didn’t slip free of her hold while she tied a short, leather thong around it. Letting go, the tail fell loose and thick down to her hips. She fingered a few strands lightly and sighed.
“I should cut this,” she murmured, then shrugged. “No, no peaceful day today,” she agreed. “Shall we go see what our chieftess has to tell us?”
Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by kris on Jul 17, 2009, 11:37pm
Journey to Firecat, Oakstaff
"I could have waited longer too," Journey sighed, throwing Firecat a wistful grin. "And here I thought Stormfire wouldn't be out of the furs for days with Mist in there with her." He chuckled wickedly, thinking that if he were Mist, he really wouldn't want to think about what Stormfire's early afternoon activity would mean.
He reminded himself to be fair. Stormfire always had to be up and doing something; it was her way. And for all he knew, Mist might have kicked the chieftess out of the furs instead--but that thought made Journey shake his head in denial. He settled for helping Firecat roll up her furs. "Wonder if Shellslip will join us?"
The two made conversation on their way down to the forest floor, where they took a seat.
Quote:
He knelt beside Firecat and winked at Journey. “Have fun this morning, cub?” he asked cheerfully. “Deciding to leave your mother’s den now?”
"Think she's sick of me yet?" Journey watched Oakstaff with a smile, waiting to see how the hunter would react. In truth, he had no idea what to do, and wondered if Oakstaff's response would give him some clue of what the right thing would be. Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by meimei on Jul 18, 2009, 8:09pm
Ashglow to Sunsong; Oakstaff; Nightsun; Starpath
Sunsong's excited shouting had awakened Ashglow first. His arrowwhip had been in his hand before he'd caught on that the shout was apparently of joy rather than alarm. He'd glanced down to the ground below where Sunsong was dancing, and shook his head in a mixture of resignation and amusement.
The sun was still up, so he hadn't slept as much as he could given it had been up for awhile before he'd found sleep. Still, he doubted he'd get anymore just now. Rolling up his fur, he noticed the new moccassins Nightsun had made and sent a wordless thanks to his sister. Oakstaff's sending followed soon after.
*A hunt sounds good.* He sent back, buckling on the holder for his arrows and arrowhip. At Stormfire's sending he paused. A council? Had something happened? He descended slowly for the tree, mulling over the possible reasons for the council. He overheard Sunsong's question, and glanced about for his siblings.
**Starpath, Nightsun?**Re: The Last Day Begins (3)
Post by Anna on Jul 19, 2009, 10:38pm
Oakstaff to Journey, Firecat, Ashglow
The hunter laughed and reached out to clap Journey on his shoulder. "Your mother dotes on you. She'll never be sick of you." He winked. "The question is, are you ready to leave the nest on your own? Better let Sunsong know before she gets busy shaping our new holt. If you want til she's done, she might just plant you where you stand."
Hearing Ashglow's sent response, Oakstaff titled his head back and looked towards the nest Ashglow had been sleeping in. *After council then,* he sent cheerfully. *We'll all by hungry after the talking, I'm sure!*
Nightsun to Ashglow, Wingfoot
**Dear one,** Nightsun answered her brother immediately. **I will return shortly. The meat is cooking and the scent greatly offends the Wolfriders.** Her wonderment over that oddity of theirs carried clearly in her send.
Blinking her focus back to her surroundings, Nightsun smiled at Wingfoot. "My brother sends," she said calmly. "As does your chieftess. What is a council?"
