The Last Night's Journey (5)

[Westering Holt]

Stormfire sat on a rock, smiling as her tribemates came to sit around her. "Yes, I know, I interrupted everything," she informed them. "And it's early, and some of you probably wanted to sleep longer."

"You've got that right," Journey returned, grinning from his seat close to Firecat. Stormfire raised an eyebrow in mock surprise, then winked at them both. Well, wasn't this interesting! She noted that Tallspear arrived with Softling and Silent--but that when Whirlwind and Oakstaff showed up, they sat apart. ’That doesn't look good.’ Silverfang, Lightgaze, Windsoft and Longdusk--and Stormfire wondered about those two as well--Redthorn and Icemark and Silvercub, Sunsong, Evenstar, Thornberry (who glowered as though he'd eaten a handful of his namesakes), Ashglow, Starpath. Nightsun and Wingfoot were the last, and took so long that Stormfire had begun to worry.

Silvercub danced over to Stormfire. "I found nuts!" she declared, holding three up for Stormfire. They were small and unripe, but Stormfire took them anyway, pulling the cub to a comfortable position on her lap. Giggling, Silvercub waved out at the tribe. Stormfire laughed, shooting a sidelong look at Mist.

"Well, I want to get a good start tonight," she declared.

"So can we wait until it is night?" Tallspear shot back.

"No, because it'll be too late." Stormfire surveyed her tribe, feeling once more that sense of joy well up in her. "We've come a long way so far, and we've done well. No one's sick. No one died. No one's hurt. We'll travel tonight, though, and then rest for a few days. We haven't had that in a while, either."

She paused, looking over her tribemates again. "But if we find a place that could be our holt tonight . . . it'll be our last stop. Even so, I think we will find it, and very soon--"

"We'd better," Thornberry interrupted. "Or we'll be sleeping out in the snow."

"You might, Thornberry, but we'll still have shelter," Stormfire shot back. He subsided, and she turned to Evenstar. "Lightgaze, when we stop I want you and Evenstar to sort through the hides we've got and start preparing them. We need warm clothes, and soon. I can scent the death-sleep on the wind.

"We have enough meat left from this morning’s hunt that there’s no need to hunt again right now. We can do that in the morning. Grab your meal and eat on wolf-back. While we’re traveling let’s keep our eyes open, ears pricked, and noses scenting. Redthorn, Ashglow, you and the hunters need to keep an eye out for small game we can dry and store.” Stormfire’s gaze lingered on Ashglow. She wasn’t sure how he’d take her giving him instructions, but he was the most experienced hunter in the group, next to Redthorn. “Icemark, gather anything else we can use--nuts, any late fruit, even roots.” The chieftess turned her gaze to her fishers. “Shellslip, Firecat, keep a close eye on the river. Let’s see what bounty it has to offer, as well.”

Food wasn’t the tribe’s only concern. Stormfire hadn’t forgotten that. "Longdusk, Windsoft, Starpath, I want you and your scouts to look for any signs of humans or trolls as we travel tonight. One could be as bad as the other here.

"The rest of you, help where you can. And Sunsong--" Stormfire pinned the treeshaper with a look. "I want you to stay on your wolf, eat, and rest. If we find our new holt at the end of this night's travel, you're going to need your strength."

"What should I do, Chieftess?" Silvercub asked, tilting her head back to look at Stormfire.

Stormfire smiled and tousled the little girl's hair. "You can come with me and lend a hand wherever it's needed." Hugging the cub, she looked back at her tribemates. "Any questions?"

[Anna]

Nightsun

As the Wolfriders asked what questions they had for their chieftess, Nightsun drifted away from the gathering. She assumed the council was over; others were also leaving the group and heading for the morning's hunt to divide up what remained of the meat. Others climbed the trees with a skill and grace that she found lovely to watch.

Nightsun had no tasks to attend to. She had already prepared her things for the night's travel, and her brothers had only the clothes they wore and the fur they'd slept with to tend to.

They also had found their places among the Wolfriders, by Stormfire's own words. Would this make them happy? Oh, she hoped it did! But even as her heart warmed with pride for her brothers, a part of it chilled for herself. She drifted further inthe shadows, passing quietly between the tall, thick tree trunks, as her thoughts spiralled within.

She had not realized before, but...she had nothing to offer the Wolfriders. Her tanning skills were rudimentary and they had two skilled tanners already. She could not hunt. Her herbal skills were unneeded with Mist's magic at hand. She could fish - but Firecat and Shellslip filled that need for the small tribe, who preferred red meat to that which once swam.

She cooked, but that made the Wolfrider's nauseous.

She could not scout. She was as silent and unseen as a thunderstorm in the forests that were the Wolfrider's home.

She could not guard, for the reasons she could not hunt. The thought of harming another, elf or animal, sickened her.

She came to the riverbank and realized she did not know how far or how long she had walked. Her thoughts had absorbed her and she had paid no heed. She sighed as she knelt on the bank, her hands still in her lap and her gaze staring, unfocused and unseeing, on the sun-dappled water that flowed by.

She was tired. She was slow. Her body ached. The young Wolfriders were in awe of her, a feeling she was not comfortable with, and did not feel she deserved. The older Wolfriders avoided her, and seemed to find her useless or unbalanced. She could not keep up with them as they traveled this night. She knew that. She had thought to simply follow them at a pace she could maintain.

Perhaps she should rethink that.

'What of Wingfoot?' The thought whispered through her mind, and her heart broke. She blinked, but her eyes remained dry. She had watched the Wolfriders, and she knew the answer. He may miss her, for a short time. But Wolfrider memories were like the river. They mixed and flowed and were always new, and always the same. In a very short time, she would be a vague memory for the weaponmaker, and his attention would resettle on a Wolfrider maiden who could hunt and ride and share those things a Wolfrider held dear.

She blinked again and twisted her fingers together in her lap. She would miss him, but she would be fine. The vibrant excitement of the Wolfriders wasn't necessary for life, and there was much pleasure to be taken in the quiet joys. The river where they had met was a pleasant place, bordering on the forest and grasslands. It had food and water, wood for building a shelter. She was sure she could find the way simply by following the river again.

[Anna]

Sunsong

Sunsong giggled at Stormfire's stern order, then ate the last mussel that Shellslip had given her. Ride, rest, and eat was all her chieftess wanted her to do? Oh, so easily done! She'd have no problems at all obeying that order.

"Oh, the holt we'll have when we find our place," she said dreamily, rolling her seeds in her palm. She smiled, resting her chin on her up-drawn knees as she looked at the glimpses of blue sky through the shifting leaves above. "The High Ones themselves would love it."


Icemark to Redthorn

"You to hunt, me to gather," Icemark said as he rested his chin on his lifemate's shoulder. "We're a balanced pair, beloved." He smiled, proud of that fact. They both filled important roles, each a side of the same leaf. Their wolf-friends joined them as the rest of the pack sifted among the elves, ready to begin their journey again.


Windsoft to Softling, Starpath, Silent, Longdusk

Windsoft sent to all of the scouts, summoning them to one side as their wolves joined them. "You heard the chieftess," she said quietly. "Softling, you and ..." Windsoft paused, then looked over her shoulder. Her gaze rested on Silent for a moment, then she turned back to Softling and smiled. "You and Silent. Ride close to the river and look for signs of humans and trolls. Humans need water as much as we, so if they're near, we'll find trails. Trolls would pipe the water in, so look for anything odd in the banks themselves." She paused thoughtfully, then looked at Starpath. "Could you and Tallspear cross the river and watch scout the other side?"


Oakstaff to Ashglow

"Do you want to partner up for tonight's ride, darkskin?" the hunter asked cheerfully. "It sounds like our chieftess intends to stay in this area. Have you been through here before? Most of the animals I've seen I know from the old holt, but there are a few that I don't know."

[Kris]

Wingfoot to Nightsun

Well, that seemed to be that. Wingfoot got to his feet and climbed back up to the ledge he'd shared with Nightsun. He had to check his supplies and make sure he had enough to keep the tribe in arrows, bowstrings, and stone blades.

He got to the ledge and frowned on seeing Nightsun wasn't there. Wingfoot gathered his pack and searched through it. He definitely needed to restock his supplies. Slinging his pack over his shoulder, Wingfoot descended to the ground and headed off through the woods.

Crystal was good for some blades, flint even better; Wingfoot, however, longed to find blackglass again, for the stone could be knapped to produce knives and arrowheads with nearly transparent edges. Still, he'd take what he could find.

As he walked, his nose twitched at a familiar scent. Wingfoot smiled and followed, not terribly surprised that Nightsun would return to the water. She had an affinity for it. Well, he told himself, he'd see if she could help him find decent stone.

But as Wingfoot approached, he noticed something wasn't quite . . . right . . . not with Nightsun holding so still, kneeling on the riverbank with her head hanging down as if she'd just lost her best friend. Worried, Wingfoot spoke her name before he laid his hand on her shoulder.

"Nightsun? Are you all right, my friend?"

[Kris]

Stormfire to Lightgaze

Stormfire slid down off the rock, holding Silvercub's hand. "All right, cubling, let's go find something to do . . ." She glanced at Mist, but he'd headed off through the woods--likely to do a little gathering, Stormfire thought at first, until she turned and saw Whirlwind smirking in his direction. She threw Whirlwind a sharp scowl, and her sister reacted with a shocked, wide-eyed gape.

I've had enough of this. Hauling Silvercub up onto her hip, Stormfire strode off in the opposite direction. She stopped when she realized she was walking across the clearing to nowhere, and everyone else was working. Heaving a sigh of frustration, Stormfire stopped and tried to decide who to help, or what to do.

"There's Lightgaze!" Silvercub squealed, and Stormfire winced as the cubling's voice reached a pitch fit to crack flint. "Lightgaze! Come with us! We're gonna do something!"

"Haven't figured out what yet," Stormfire amended, adjusting her grip on Silvercub. Lightgaze reached out and took Silvercub, and Stormfire watched as the older elf tucked back the little she-cub's flyaway hair with a maternal care that brought back wistful memories. Waterdance used to smooth my hair back like that . . . oh, Mother! I miss you more than I could ever say!

She couldn't let Whirlwind pull away from her, not over her choice of lovemate. But she wasn't about to throw Mist away simply to suit Whirlwind's whims. Stormfire knew that if she were home, Waterdance would have gladly given her advice . . . but Waterdance wasn't here. But Lightgaze was, and Stormfire wondered if she would . . . if she could . . .

"Lightgaze," she said, " do you have a moment? I . .." She paused. "I need help," Stormfire groaned at last, covering her eyes with one hand.

[peachbug]

Redthorn chuckled and turned to pat Icemark affectionately on the cheek, like she would to Silvercub. "Yes, I'm an old hunting wolf! However did the High Ones think to stick us two together, a young healthy cub like you? Although I must say..." She leaned back against him playfully. "We did make a pretty pup."

------------------

Starpath took the chieftess's commands with a nod. He'd come to enjoy being under this sort of decisive leadership, but one bound by such familial bonds. His tribe before had been close, of course, but never this instinctive or driven. His tribe had been simple, wonderful, but not bonded, so trusting like the way the Wolfriders' wolves rallied around their leader. Evenstar had explained blood of chiefs though, and it still was settling in his mind. So much could seem to go wrong with it, but it seemed to run right with this Stormfire and her tribe.

Speaking of tribe, Starpath's gaze was drawn to Sunsong as he turned to join Windsoft. Though he'd spent the former day with Evenstar in her nest, he was still drawn to the shaper's joy and charisma. She seemed to embody all the life of the tribe in one golden self. Perhaps in this new holt, when she would have her moment, he could come to know her better.

*That I can do, Windsoft.* He reassured, realizing he was delayed in his answer. Starpath nodded to Tallspear and joined him, making his way cautiously round the wolves that were suddenly underfoot.

------------

Softling nodded, surprised, at Windsoft's request. She couldn't see any good of putting herself with Silent imparticular, but no bad either. Maybe not the chattiest company, but she'd always liked to involve herself in what she was doing, so no ill there. Normally she'd prefer to accompany Windsoft herself, or now that Tallspear had spoken of hunting and scouting with her...but they weren't hunting. And Windsoft hadn't placed her with him. That was that. 'I guess I'll get to know the strange one just a bit better.' Softling considered as she looked Silent over again.

Still, the question popped out. **Windsoft...why Silent?** There was no ill feeling in her sending, just curiousity and her general sense of awkwardness at the assignment.

[Multi-Facets]

Shellslip:

Well, if Stormfire said they were near their journey's end, then they were! How wonderful! Shellslip couldn't help but clap her hands in delight at the announcement. Oh, it would be wonderful to have a home again. She had loved the trip, but having a nice, stable holt would be just as pleasing.

The maiden turned a gleeful grin on Sunsong, then on Firecat, pressing her hands to her heart and then holding them out to the other woman to express her happiness. "We'll do our best, Chieftess!" the gatherer caroled to Stormfire, and bounced to her feet. **Sniffer! Hey, puppy, let's go!** she sent. "Firecat, come on! Let's get busy!"


Silent:
So they were to stop soon, it seemed. That was good, wasn't it?

Good for some, maybe. Silent let out a slow, barely audible sigh. It would be the same at the new holt as it had at the old one, only now he would be practicing with his weapons when he was lucid.

People started to leave the group, preparing for their tasks; Silent turned around to go back to his belongings, in order to stay out of the way. That would be the most helpful thing he could do.

[Viola]

Longdusk -> Windsoft

Flea didn't appear to be wildly enthusiastic when Longdusk summoned him and when the wolf arrived, his muzzle was stained with blood. He had just had breakfast, and was not in for traveling again. Longdusk sighed, and turned to Windsoft. **He'll come if he'll have to. But, we could also scout from the treetops. One of the parties should, keeps the overview,** he sent to her, levelled as always. But, there was an underlying tone of satisfaction. He knew there were young elves that had yet to learn the nacks of scouting, but he had enjoyed being teamed up with someone as experienced as himself.

Firecat -> Journey, Shellslip

Firecat grinned as Journey told the chieftess that he wouldn't have mind sleeping -- or should she say, playing -- in the furs. She wouldn't have mind either, but she quieted down when everyone had arrived and when the chieftess started to hand out the plan. Chewing her lip, she suppressed a moan, knowing that Stormfire probably wouldn't approve of that. She knew winter was coming, but she had loved to rest for another day. One day shouldn't have made a difference, right?

But she put her uneasy feelings away when she was told to keep an eye on the river, with Shellslip. **We're never going to part,** she laughed into her friend's mind, while Shellslip told her to get busy and reached out her arms for her.

Sometimes, Firecat's own words startled her.


Lightgaze -> Stormfire, Silvercub

When the group split up, Lightgaze had barely had her emotions and thoughts under control. Sure, she'd go through the hides, but she could do that almost thoughtless. She wanted to get back to the platform she had shared with Redthorn's family, but before she could take a few steps, Silvercub's voice chirped through the vicinity and she stopped, and took over the cub from the chieftess.

It had been so long ago since she had a cub of her own, and she buried her face in Silvercub's hair for a moment, just before Stormfire started to speak up. Lightgaze felt awkward, because there was something she needed to say, as well -- she just wasn't sure if she was up to it, yet.

But when Stormfire told her that she needed help, Lightgaze found herself able to relax. "Naturally.. I don't know if I can, but at least I can try," she responded.

[kita]

Silverfang wasn't sure what exactly he should do. He already gathered his things for the journey and both he and Starfire had already ate. As he ran his fingers through his rusty red hair, a breeze made him shiver. They were right, he thought, The time of snow is near. Silverfang never liked the winter moons, as he was born in the summer. But the very light summer clothes he always wore never helped either.

He looked around and saw people grouping up and heading off on whatever Stormfire had ordered them to do. Silverfang suddenly felt alone. He sighed; he ran through the things of what he could do. He could hunt or fish, but those groups seemed to already have enough competent people. He could help Icemark, but he didn't want to disturb him and his lifemate. He could scout, but he dismissed that right away. Silverfang had never been a very good scouter and right now, that could mean the difference between life and death.

I guess I can do what I always do, he thought, Stand around, looking dumb until someone tells me what to do. Silverfang sneered at himself for being so useless.

[Anna]

Nightsun to Wingfoot

Nightsun blinked once, and her head turned slightly towards Wingfoot as his hand touched her shoulder. She couldn't seem to free her gaze from the river, however; nor did she try too hard. The passing water was soothing in some odd way.

"Wingfoot," she said softly. "I am fine." She paused, and a a crease formed between her brows. She had thought Stormfire had intended to leave immediately.


Windsoft to Starpath, Softling, Silent, Longdusk


**Thank you, Starpath,** Windsoft responded, giving the dark newcomer to the tribe a warm smile. **I'm glad you and your siblings have joined us. Experienced hunters and scouts are always welcome!** Not that she could see what experience Nightsun had in either of those areas, but her brothers more than made up for her lack.

Windsoft smiled approvingly at Softling when the cub asked her question. It was a good question. Silent had never indicated an interest or preference for scouting, and she approved of Softling's desire to understand the reasons behind an apparently unfounded decision. "He found the river, Softling. What else might he find...if he knows that he should look? I think he'll be less wary of trying with you than he would be with one of us."

Winking at her young apprentice, Windsoft looked towards Silent. *Silent, why don't you join the scouts today? You can help Softling along the riverbank, looking for signs of trolls or humans.*

Longdusk's suggestion made Windsoft's lips twitch, but she refrained from laughing - or even grinning. She could taste his anticipation easily, and that touched off a yearning of her own to fly from branch to branch. He was right; a lot could be seen from above that was missed on the ground. **I'm willing to play treewee, if you are!** she sent back merrily.