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Celebration... [27 Mar 2006|04:40pm] [ mood | sad ] > Today is the day where the mother of the Promised woman, > and then one of the Hooded Ones, inspects those huts > to see that they are worthy. Tonight, there will be a small > feast to celebrate the upcoming matings of those who have > been successful. All will attend, but those successful > in having their huts approved will be the guests of honor. > It is both a tense time and a joyous time. Traelyn awoke to the day with a heavy heart. It was still early morning; the sunlight was dim and just lightly filtering through her window dressings. She lay awake awhile, unwilling to rise and face the day quite yet. Her eyes traced the ceiling as she tried to sort through her feelings. She felt depressed knowing that this morning could have, should have, been quite different. It should have been filled with excitement and hope. But instead, she was preparing for disappointment. The hut Sho'shun had worked so hard to build had been burned badly and even though she knew her promised had been trying to salvage it, she had little doubt their mating would be denied this celebration. It irked her to know this would bring happiness to some in the village. It didn't help her outlook that ever since her capture and difficult cleansing Traelyn's mother had been much less accepting of Sho'shun and Macalla. Their last words on the matter had been unfortunate and their relationship was once again strained. ~ ~ ~ "Do you really think it's a coincidence what happened to you? You went with an outsider to the fields, you were captured, you failed your cleansing along with the other outsiders, your hut - built by an outsider - was burned..." "I know all that, Mother! But we were cleansed in the end and we're all right now. And, yes, I do think it was all coincidence! They are good people, I tell you! Macalla helped save my life and Sho'shun, have you seen how hard he's been working to clean up that hut?" "It matters little. The hut was destroyed." "But the point is, he's trying! He doesn't want to give up. Doesn't that say something to you?" "He loves you. I won't deny that. But he's brought nothing but trouble to this family. It would be better if you didn't mate with him." A cold silence filled the space between them for a tense moment. Then Traelyn spoke calmly but with a steely voice and narrowed eyes. "Don't you even think of standing in our way. After all we've been through, I won't turn away from him. If you stand in our way, I promise you, it will damage our relationship - yours and mine - more than you can imagine." ~ ~ ~ The discussion quieted at that point. It was clear Marrah didn't want to lose her daughter in any way, whether it be by death, distance or estrangement. In the end, Traelyn's mother said she would not interfere. At least the maiden had that to her advantage, though she hated they'd quarreled. Things sure would have been easier in some ways if she'd just fell in love with Trevin instead. But you couldn't control the heart and she believed Sho'shun to be the better man, anyway. She lay awhile longer, but eventually chided herself for wallowing in depression. She'd survived the ordeal and they had all been cleansed. No one had died, though it easily could have happened. Really, it was a miracle and she should wake to each day thanking the spirits she was seeing its light. One deep breath, a forced smile, and she was up, flinging her bed covers off to the side. Today she would dress her best, smile proudly at her promised, and hold her head high. Even if they were to be denied this celebration, there would be another. She had been blessed with her life and she would live it the best she could. post comment

Day of Inspection [01 Oct 2005|11:56am] [ mood | sad ] The men returned from their search for the women and had to endure cleansings of their own. Dakin and Brolan passed, Sho'shun did not (with a little "help" from a potion give to him by Sanok). Sho'shun was thrown into the same hut as Macalla and Traelyn and the three waited a long time without food. They even attempted an escape, but were caught. In the end, Gelos convinced the Athair to give the three one more chance at cleansings. This time the stakes were higher- if they failed, they would be killed on the spot. Luckily they all passed. Thought they are now home, their trials were still not over. Dakin had awoken sore and tired from the past several days of hut repairing. Between trying to reconstruct Sho'shun's burned down wreck to patching the also burned roof of Sihuu's home, that fire had gained a wrathful place in the young man's mind. If it were a person, it would have long ago received a punch in the nose. Never-the-less, that hadn't stopped him from rising early and gathering wood for a morning fire. He returned to his hut, sweating slightly, and set the small pile next to the firepit and moved to get the blaze going. He could hear Traelyn changing clothes behind a cloth doorway and soon she emerged smiling, but with a sadness in her eyes. She was dressed in a lovely white dress, something she and her mother had worked on before her capture. The finishing touches of colored beads had been added in the last two weeks. Both skirt and sleeves were long and flowing - the white was a striking contast with her black hair. "My, you look nice!" Dakin exclaimed, standing once the fire had gained some momentum. Traelyn bowed slightly, "Thank you." She looked around nervously. "Where are mother and father?" "Took a walk, I think. Probably to talk." Dakin tried to sound casual, but it was kind of pointless. They both knew the issue at hand. Traelyn sighed and walked to the window. "I feel bad we quarreled." She looked back at her brother. "But it's true. I won't be kept from Sho'shun." Dakin didn't know what to say. He'd seen his mother reduced to pieces when she'd feared her daughter's death by a failed cleansing. He didn't know from experience the strong love that his sister and Sho'shun shared, but it could be felt when you were near them. But his mother's intense love for Traelyn was just as palpable. He rose and placed a hand on his sister's shoulder. "It will work out. Just remember that everything mother does, she does because she loves you." Traelyn was silent, but she nodded and blinked away tears. She didn't know if she believed it would all work out right now, but it was nice to hear someone say it. post comment

Waiting [04 Apr 2005|12:04pm] [ mood | worried ] Unfortunately, I haven't done very well keeping this updated lately. Macalla and Traelyn were able to escape from the beasts and find their way home. To their suprise, though, they were not welcomed back with open arms. The Hooded Ones were fearful they had been taken over by evil. The women weren't even questioned - they were cleansed and locked into Macalla's hut. Dakin, Brolan and Sho'shun were still missing upon their return. Now the men have just returned and have been greeted with the same fear and so far have not been allowed to enter the village. Brolan is arguing with the Athair, Sho'shun is trying to reason with both men, while Dakin has given up completely and simply sat himself on the ground to await instructions. Macalla and Traelyn wait as prisoners in Macalla's hut. They have been cleansed in the freezing river and not given a fire or food. > "I hope that your friendship with me has not led them to take the > same views of you. This place is your home. These people are your > people. They have no right to treat you in such a way." When Macalla closed the shutters, Traelyn felt it was safe enough to sit down again - her friend didn't look like she was going to leave the hut at least for the moment. She chose a chair nearby and spoke softly. "My people's customs have always been a part of my life. My mother always followed them devoutly and my father followed them in his usual quiet way. I never really thought about the customs and certainly never questioned them... until Sho'shun." Her heart ached at the thought of him and her face softened considerably. "I was drawn to him, even though I knew he wasn't fully accepted. And when I started to spend time with him, that's when I began to see things from a different perspective. I had a chance to step away when I saw it wouldn't be easy. I could have chosen the safe path and accepted Trevin as my mate instead. So you see, I knew what I was getting into when I chose to be with him and to be friends with you." She looked around the chilly hut, then grinned sardonically. "Well... sort of. I guess you can never know exactly where your choices will bring you. I'll admit it, sometimes I have second thoughts and question whether I should have followed my heart. But you can't change the past... and even if I could, I think I'd still choose the same." Traelyn leaned forward and rested her chin in her hands. "What I want more than anything right now is for Sho'shun to return safely." post comment

Still Captive 2 [31 Oct 2004|03:38pm] [ mood | scared ] Sho'shun, too, followed behind Brolan as the Elder took the lead. He hoped that the other hunters would find more fear at being left alone at the head of the woods and follow, but just in case, he set out to track the trail himself, searching for any signs of where the women's kidnappers had gone. "The trail is proving difficult to find, Elder," Sho'shun began, but no sooner had he said it, he spotted the slightest bit of broken branch. "No, wait. I've found something. Look." post comment

Still Captive [04 Oct 2004|12:19pm] [ mood | worried ] They were at a dead end. The hunters had stopped close to the point whe Sho'shun and Dakin had before - near the woods where the tracks seemed to suddenly disappear. It was obvious that they'd stopped for two reasons, however. Firstly because the tracks had gone faint. However, there was plenty of light from man-made torches to journey further in pursuit if the trail was found again. "The trail leads to the woods, and it's obvious the tracks aren't from a man," one of the hunters hissed to the other standing near him. It had meant to be a comment between the two men, but the cold night air carried his speech further than intended. The comment had an undesired effect - apparently, others had been thinking the same thing as well, and they were growing more and more reluctant to follow. "The demons live in the woods," one of the other hunters said, more loudly this time. "Apologies, Elder Brolan, but perhaps the spirits had a reason for taking the women... your mate isn't known for being the type to... well... placate out Spirit guardians...." Dakin had already feared that the tracks were not human made, had even hinted at it when telling the leaders of their experience. He recognized his own fears, but he had expected a larger group of hunters to have more courage. Wheeling to face the man who had spoke, Dakin responded with immense disbelief. He kept his voice down, but it carried just as the others' had. "Are you suggesting we don't try to save our women from whatever has taken them? Wasn't it just said from our own leader's lips that it is our duty to protect them?" He started to shake then, wondering if he and Sho'shun would have been better off pursuing on their own. If these hunters wouldn't continue, valuable time had been wasted gathering them! > "Perhaps you have been around the outsider for too long, Dakin, > working with him on his hut. The > woods have always been a dangerous place - and on the occasions we > venture there, the Hooded Ones speak with the spirits beforehand to > protect us from the Evil within. We were granted no such > protection, and don't tell me that you don't suspect the very things > that we do - that whatever took the women were not mere men." Dakin looked at the man levelly. Though he was angry at the implied insult, he tried to keep his tone respectful yet urgent. Fighting amongst themselves would help no one. "I'm well aware of our customs, sir. We didn't enter the woods when we were alone, but I told the elders about them. We should have received blessings from the Hooded Ones before we left the village! And yes, I know we're not following humans - the trail makes that clear. I have been in the woods before. I know what dangers they can hold. And that's why it's imperative we waste no time helping our women!" > Sho'shun turned to Brolan. "Elder, please... if they won't listen to > Dakin or an 'outsider' like myself, perhaps they will listen to you." Hearing Sho'shun's words and then his plea, Dakin turned to Brolan as well, anxiously awaiting what he might have to say in the matter. > "Enough! You are bickering like old women. We will go on." > > "We might be able to gain on them in the darkness", grabbing a torch > from the nearest man he began walking in the most likely direction, > "watch closely for more signs, send a couple of men to either side, we > might catch their trail." > > He didn't look back. Dakin was shocked that Brolan took control of the situation so quickly and confidently, but he wasted no time in following. He hoped the others would follow, too - they might need the fighting numbers - but he wouldn't wait for them if they did not. Upon breaking the barrier from plains to woods, the young hunter felt that familiar contriction in his chest from the too-close trees and foliage, in spite of his overwhelming feelings of worry and regret. Swallowing hard, he pushed his phobia aside and gripped his spear tighter. They had to find his sister and Macalla. 'Please let them be alive.' He silently prayed to the spirits. * * * The beasts led Traelyn and Macalla further away from the spot where they had been forced, once again, to walk. As they approached a rocky area, it became clear why. Ahead, the path became a squeeze through two high, steep walls. The creatures would never have been able to fit through the opening in the rocks if they had been carrying their captives. The beast behind Traelyn pushed her forward first, in the direction of the small break between the rocks. It was obvious where he wanted the woman to go. Macalla took a deep breath when the beast holding Traelyn pushed Traelyn forward. Both creatures seemed very focused on the fissure in the rocks ahead. It was now or never. The creature who had been holding Macalla had taken the knife on Macalla's person and had hung it at its side. Macalla ducked and spun, ignoring the ache in her head, and went for the knife. Her hand touched cold metal and she pulled, ripping the blade free from the crude belt at the creature's waist. She went to right the knife in her hand... maybe she could get a jab in edgewise. Traelyn hestitated, regarding the strange fissure with fear. Further and further they were getting from their home. Were their people coming to find them yet? They must be! At the sound of noise behind her, Traelyn's head whipped to the side to quickly take in Macalla's actions. Hoping to help add to the confusion, Traelyn ducked and pushed her shoulder into the beast who held her, trying to knock him off balance. Maybe with the two of them fighting they would have a chance. In the back of her mind, Traelyn doubted it, but it was worth one more try! Traelyn struck the beast in its abdomen, taking it by surprise. It stumbled back a moment, slightly doubled over, arms flailing as it tried to regain balance and bearing and tried to figure out what was happening with its companion. Meanwhile, Macalla drove the metal knife sharply upward, plunging the sharp blade between the creature's ribs. The creature howled in pain and staggered back before Macalla could withdraw the weapon. Thinking quickly, she tried to trip up the beast as it moved backward. There were plenty of large rocks next to the sheer walls - perhaps if she could trip it and could steal an extra moment, she could bash its skull with one of them. A surge of hope ran through Traelyn's body as she felt her captor release his grip and saw Macalla's initial success out of the corner of her eye. Moving like she never had before, Traelyn dropped to the ground whipped her leg out to further trip up the creature near her who seemed to still be regaining his balance. Now near to the ground, she spyed several large sharp rocks. Eyes wide, she grabbed one in each hand and threw them at the beast with all her strength. The rock Traelyn threw hit her target, now sprawled on the ground, on the chest. Sadly, it did little damage, and it appeared the beast was wasting no time in trying to get its legs back underneath it to push itself to its feet. Macalla's target hadn't been as easy to trip as the outsider woman had hoped. She took a few steps back, searching for something else to use as a weapon, moving toward Traelyn as she did so - at least that made her feel a bit more protected. She scooped up a large-sized rock and hurled it toward the beast. It went wide, but she didn't tarry in finding another. Seeing that her captor wouldn't stay still long, Traelyn scrambled to her feet and backed up towards Macalla, so their backs were together. She grabbed another large rock and winged it at the creature that had held her earlier. Having seen Macalla knife the other beast, she was surprised it hadn't been killed. These things were strong! Keeping her voice level, she spoke to Macalla. "We normally can't outrun these things, but maybe if we cripple them we'd have a chance. Aim at their legs! Or maybe their heads to knock them out!" Traelyn continued to throw large rocks, this time puposely aiming at her captor's legs and feet. "If I could get that knife again..." Macalla started, then trailed off. Most of the missiles she and Traelyn had thrown had gone off mark, but their efforts did seem to be keeping the creatures at bay. And the putrid blood spilling from the injured creature's side held some promise, as well. "The blood is dark," she hissed to Traelyn. "If that one falls, I will try to go for the knife. Perhaps there is hope, yet!" Traelyn was almost afraid to believe they could escape - afraid to feel that sweet hope and then have it dashed to pieces. But thoughts were only fleeting in her mind as she moved automatically, throwing rock after rock and forgetting about her painful knee injury. Adrenalyn worked overtime as she flung the rocks at the creature who had held her so recently. "I hope he falls!" Traelyn finally said through gritted teeth, the intensity of her ill will towards these creatures surprising her in her dim awareness of anything other than fighting. She'd never hoped for the death of another thing so strongly. The smell of the blood almost made her gag and she held her breath briefly, trying to hold back the feelings of nausea. Macalla stooped over to pick up and subsequently throw stones as quickly as she could. Some of the missiles actually hit the mark, bouncing of the creatures in various places and keeping them at bay. It was no secret the beasts were becoming angry, however - their strange language was becoming more and more high pitched, and their actions more quick and frantic. However, before too much longer, the gravely injured creature doubled over, then collapsed to the ground, unmoving. Macalla saw her chance and took it, rushing to the fallen beast's side to yank her weapon free once again. The other creature wanted to seize that opportunity as well, however. At the same time, it lunged toward its fallen companion, hoping to get the upper hand with the weapon. Tired eyes widened in happy surprise as the injured creature finally keeled over - Traelyn moved to cover Macalla as her friend tried to retrieve the knife. Just as she stepped forward, though, she saw the other beast move in, too, so she purposely fell in front of him so as to trip him up. Even if she were attacked, if Macalla could get knife, the tide could turn their way! Traelyn fell, but the beast easily stepped over her with its stringy, long legs. It reached the fallen beast, and the knife, at the same time, and both human hand and beast hand reached for the hilt at once. Macalla was slightly faster, grasping the weapon and attempting to wrench it free, but no sooner had she grabbed ahold, the beast's wiry, hairy hand circled around hers. Even if she could pull the blade free, could she possibly be able to wrench her hand from the beast's? The creatures were stronger than their appearance would make them seem... Not to be deterred, Traelyn scurried forward, grabbed one of the beast's feet and jammed it with a particularly sharp rock. Had she been fighting a human, she would have been tempted by her more base side to sink her own teeth into his leg, but these creatures were too smelly and reviling to make that thought possible. > Rock made contact with leathery-skinned foot, tearing through the skin > and causing a horrific, high-pitched scream to eminate from the beast's > throat. It flinched, giving Macalla the split second she needed. She > pulled the knife free from the dead beast, then, wild-eyed, brought the > blade again. The creature moved mid-strike, and though the knife > didn't strike the creature's torso as Macalla had intended, the blade nearly > severed the creature's wrist. Undeterred, Macalla lifted the blade again. > She would try to kill this thing while she had a chance. > The creature flailed, kicking its foot from > Traelyn's hand and catching her on the jaw. The thing's scream caused Traelyn to cringe back and cover her head. She thought for sure it would turn on her to get revenge. When the attack didn't come, she looked up just in time to catch a swift kick in the jaw. Reeling, she fell to the side and there she lay momentarily as she blinked back the spots before her eyes. When she looked back she saw Macalla ready to strike with the blade she know held in her hand. Traelyn readied another rock, but stayed out of the way so Macalla could get a clear attack. > This time, Macalla's attack was true; the blade went deeply into the > beast's torso, in-between ribs similarly to the attack on the > previous creature. This wound, however, wouldn't be one that killed > slowly, and nor was it one that held the knife's blade - Macalla > quickly withdrew the weapon and stabbed the creature again. > > The beast fell quickly, its body spasming in death throes after it > did so. However, Macalla did not stop her attacks even when the beast > fell still. Traelyn stared in a strange mix of relief, fascination, and horror as Macalla continued to stab the beast that had now fallen to the ground. Clearly the thing would not be moving again. "Macalla..." She called out in a weary voice, "It's dead. You've done it." Now that the beasts were dead, all the mounting abuse done to her body began to catch up with her. Her knee and chin throbbed, her legs felt like water reeds, and she was more tired than she'd ever been. Though she couldn't see herself, she could tell her appearance told of her horrific journey; some of her hair had come loose from it's binding and it lay in all directions, some still tied haphazerdly; her skirt had been slashed in several places, one helpful rip long enough to allow her legs more movement when fighting; her hands were dirty and bloody from picking up sharp rocks. A part of her couldn't believe they had - or rather Macalla had - killed the creatures. She had been unsure before whether they COULD be killed. They were impossible, unnatural beings of which they knew nothing. Looking at the body of the first that had fallen, the hair on her neck stood on end as she considered the possiblity that they weren't really dead... that they could suddenly rise again. With that thought, her body was ready for action again despite the pain. She stood suddenly, stumbling momentarily on her injured knee. "Macalla!" Her voice was much more forceful this time. "We have to get OUT of here!" Her eyes scanned the area in confusion and near-panic. Where should they go? Seeing again the rock opening the beasts had been directing them to enter, she knew one thing - they would be going in the opposite direction of that place. Macalla was deaf to her friend's words, at first, even though the corpse below her was becoming little more than a bloody mess. However, the more urgent tone of Traelyn's voice the second time managed to rouse her out of her wild-eyed trance. Macalla looked up, startled, then gazed back down at the mess in front of her. She was covered with blood - both the fresh blood from the creature and the crusted remnants of her own head injury from earlier. She stared blankly at both for long moments, before the knife she had gripped so confidently before slipped from her hands. Hearing that Macalla had stopped moving, Traelyn looked at her friend and took a long breath upon taking in her appearance. If she herself looked disheveled, it was nothing compared to Macalla's state. The sight of the blood and gore turned the sheltered maidens stomach and she deeply wanted to cry over their situation. But more, she wanted to get away from this place... and get home. Slowly and carefully, as she was unsure of Macalla's state of mind, Traelyn limped to her friend and placed a reassuring hand on her arm. Looking her straight in the eye, she whispered, "Let's go." If she would allow it, Traelyn gently steered Macalla away from the bloody beast's body, away from the rock opening, and hopefully back in the direction of their village. Macalla rose, albeit slowly. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the sight of the two dead creatures in front of her - as though she couldn't believe that they actually existed, or worse had actually been killed. She went to move where Traelyn had led, but pulled away from her friend and returned to the two creatures quickly. She knelt and grabbed the still-bloody knife she'd dropped on the ground and shoved the blade into her belt. Who knows if they would have another occasion where it would be necessary today? When she walked back to Traelyn, she said, "We should walk out wide - away from the path that these creatures might have taken us on. That way, hopefully, we will not be seen." Traelyn nodded her agreement, just relieved to be moving away from this place. She was still fighting an underlying need to cry and found herself making tiny gulping sounds in her throat. She knew she had to be strong and did feel some pride in the part she had played in their escape. But they were still so far from home and who knew what else laid in wait for them? The maiden limped as quickly as she could, silently praying that their men were searching and would find them Macalla, after she'd looped the knife in her belt, moved closer to Traelyn and put and arm around her friend for support. She'd noticed Traelyn's limp, and once her head had cleared a little bit more she began to worry about them getting away from the scene, as well. "Is your leg all right? Can you walk?" she asked, letting Traelyn lean on her as much as need be. She wasn't confident that they would be found, nor that anyone was out looking for them. In her mind, they would have to get back with their own two feet, and hopefully they wouldn't meet any more of those... things... along the way. Traelyn put her arm around Macalla as well, for both the physical and emotional support the contact offered. Glancing at her friend she answered honestly. "It's pretty bad." She paused looking down at the knee shielded by her skirts. "I'm concerned it might suffer permanantly, but we can't stop." Her voice broke then as a sob pushed through to the surface. She continued to limp forward, but tears had escaped her eyes and the world blurred. Free again and amazingly alive, she realized just how close to death they were. And they were not out of danger yet. She wiped her face with her other arm, sniffed and blinked. "You were amazing back there, Macalla. You saved us. I could never thank you enough for that." Macalla shook her head. She wasn't willing to take the credit for getting away from whatever those foul creatures were. "I could not have done it alone," she said simply, then slowed their pace to something that she hoped would be more comfortable for Traelyn. Macalla's head still ached. She was still shaking from the events that had happened just moments ago. The cool breeze that had buffeted them all night was rippling her blood and snow-soaked clothes and making her shiver. Still, she did not want to stop and find shelter in this place. Her stomach still turned from the smell of those beasts, from the sick feeling of their blood that coated both the women's clothing. Traelyn didn't press the issue, though in her heart she still credited Macalla for saving her life, no matter what her friend thought. But she also recognized the part she had played in their escape. If someone had asked her days ago if she would be able to fight, she would have said absolutely not. The events taught her something important about herself. > Another sickening feeling settled over her, adding to her nausea and > queasiness. "Home could be a far road from here," she whispered. > She figured it hurt nothing to voice those fears now. Those beasts > had moved so quickly that it was impossible to determine quite where > they were. She'd have to trust her sense of direction and what > guidance brief glimpses of the stars above could offer. "I know..." Traelyn answered softly, unsure what else could be said. She wished they could at least wash up somehow, rest a little while. But the more distance they could put between themselves and the dead beasts the better. She was willing to travel until she collapsed. She appreciated the slower pace only for her knee's sake. Her mind wandered to the thing that kept her moving more than anything else. "Sho'shun..." She realized she said his name aloud and she added, looking at her friend. "He's coming for us. I know it. And Brolan, too." post comment

Captive [14 Sep 2004|12:43pm] [ mood | scared ] Night had since fallen, and with that darkness vanished any hope of Macalla trying to mark any signs of landmarks in her mind. Earlier, she'd drifted in and out of consciousness as the creatures bore both herself and Traelyn across the snows and into the woods toward the mountains. For the past long while now, though, she'd been more awake, though her head throbbed mercilessly and her stomach felt like it could give up it contents quite easily at any moment. Her legs felt like mush and she knew that even if she wanted to at the moment, she wouldn't be able to fight or run away. She needed time. She'd tried to quell her nausea by looking for landmarks - rocks, stones, trees - anything that might be important in helping Traelyn and her find their way back once they had escaped from these things. She didn't know who or what these things were, or what they wanted, but she wasn't planning on staying with them. Nightfall brought a bit more fear and apprehension, however. She couldn't see where they were going, and it seemed they were moving so quickly! How far had they gotten from their homes now? Would there be hope of escaping and returning? *No, you can't think that!* Macalla told herself as she groaned and tried to fight off the hammering in her head. *Keep hope, you'll find a way, somehow...* "Traelyn?" Macalla blurted. Her voice sounded heavy and thick, like her tongue wouldn't work right. She couldn't see her friend, didn't know if the girl was all right - wanted at least to know that she was there. "T-Traelyn?" The beasts carrying the women grunted at one another and stopped, lowering the two women to the ground. Traelyn had been waking fitfully for the last while. Before that it was a complete and horrible blank. It was a terrifying feeling to have the passage of time blanked out when you were being spirited (or was that "demoned"?) away against your will. The maiden heard Macalla's voice as if it was far away. She imagined first it was a dream, but then it repeated. Before she could respond coherantly, the creature holding her set her on the ground. It felt good to feel the cold earth below her again. Coughing to find her voice, she tried to scurry on her hands and feet towards Macalla. "Oh, Macalla, you're all right! I was so scared you were dead!" She started to cry, not caring what the beasts did in reaction. If they had wanted to kill them, they would have done it by now. And she knew without even looking around that their chances for escape were grim. What did the beasts have to fear? Macalla reached over to touch Traelyn when her friend had moved closer to her side, but she was stopped by a wiry, clawed, slender hand. The first creature pushed her back just as the other creature grabbed Traelyn, and before Macalla could even react, the creature prodding her had grabbed her under her arms and was trying to get her to her feet. "Traelyn!" Macalla shouted again as the beast tried to push her forward, leading her on. However, Macalla was weak. She tried to struggle out of the beast's grasp, but her legs still wouldn't cooperate, and the beast's actions ended up roughly shoving Macalla to the rocky forest floor. The beast with Traelyn was just as determined to make her stand, as well, grabbing her the same way the other beast had done to Macalla. Once it thought it had Traelyn on her feet, he shoved her forward to make her walk, as well. Traelyn really could have benefited from the kind touch of a friend, but that hope was brutally taken away when her captor forced her away in a standing position. The maiden recoiled from its touch, but managed to stand, though shakily. Her crying abruptly stopped when she was faced with walking again. Her injured knee shot a pain up her leg with each movement. She wondered what more damage she might do to it marching over this rough terrain. Her family - and in that thought she included Sho'shun - must have realized she was gone by now. Surely the tracks they had left behind would be found and followed. Were they on their way now? She looked back in hope, but saw nothing. She then looked over at Macalla. Would the beasts let them talk if they didn't try to get away? "Macalla, are you all right? I'm sorry, I tried to get away - go for help. But they're too fast." She sobbed slightly, but continued, gambling the creatures didn't know their language. "They didn't cover our tracks and I left my spear behind. I'm sure Sho'shun and Dakin will be able to find us!" Her words were much braver than she felt, but she had to keep some hope. Macalla groaned, trying to push herself to her feet, when the creature who had flung her forward before seized her roughly again by the arms, pulling her to her feet and held her with her tiptoes to the ground as though that would convey that it wanted her to stand. She could tell from the things increasingly agitated tone that it was angry, and somehow she managed to find some kind of reserves to make her legs stay under her when the creature let her go. A ripple of fear swept through her at that moment - where were they being taken? What was going to happen to them? Still, as though she'd had practice, she kept her face an emotionless mask. Only when the beast pushed her forward again and she managed to take two clumsy steps did she manage to answer Traelyn. "...not your fault, Traelyn." Her tongue still felt thick, and she could feel the stiff, dried crust of blood on her face as she talked. She would do anything for a drink of water now, or a chance to sleep again. "Sho'shun and D-mmph..." The sentence was interrupted as a putrid-smelling hand was clamped over her mouth. The other creature did likewise to Traelyn, as, moving the captives closer to the captors, the women were led away, further into the rocky terrain. Traelyn wanted so much to struggle, to pull away. Though tired and terrified, she also felt incredible anger at these horrible creatures for taking them away from all they knew and loved. But she knew any defiance would not be tolerated. The beasts didn't need to speak her language for her to know that. She kept her mouth shut, just gave Macalla a sad look. She felt some comfort that Macalla didn't blame her, but she still went over what had happened and wondered if they had done things differently, would they be home right now? What if they hadn't ran when they did, what if she hadn't dropped her spear? It was maddening. Most of all, she wished she'd gone fishing instead. The maiden continued to move slowly forward, her knee aching. She wondered why the beasts had chosen to set them down when they did. Were they nearing their destination? What then? Would they be servants or would they be tortured? She blinked back tears and little sobs of dismay thinking of it. If they were to be killed, they would have done it by now... unless they had some terrible ritual that needed human flesh. She bit her lip and hoped that her imaginings were far worse than what would really happen. "Sho'shun..." Her lips silently moved to form his name. If only he could hear her. * * * Back in the village... The Elders had gathered quickly at the sound of Sho'shun and Dakin's alarm. The two had arrived back at the village shortly after nightfall, panting and out of breath, asking for an audience with the elders. Thankfully, the Elders quickly complied, and granted both Sho'shun and Dakin an audience. "...and you said there was blood and footprints?" Gelos asked when he'd heard the details of the site where the apparent kidnapping had taken place. "Yes, Elder," Sho'shun answered. "Dakin and I even chose to follow them some ways to see if we could catch up with whoever had done this before it was too late." One of the others nodded. "That was a wise move. But how did you know the two had gone out? We give orders not to leave this place for a reason." [Clarification: " It's not that no one is allowed to leave, but the women are generally expected to stay around home."] Dakin blanched slightly, but answered in a slightly shakey voice, "They told us of their plans. We offered to accompany them, but Macalla had been hunting in the plains before and felt they'd be fine. They weren't planning to go far..." He trailed off then, wishing he'd pushed harder to go with them. If they were hurt or worse, he would never forgive himself. > "Our women are the owners of our village, and we are their > protectors," Gelos hastily added. "That was the duty the > spirits assigned to the men of our people long, long ago when > the world was first born. Both of you should have come to > us to tell us that the women had gone out alone. At > the least, one of you should have gone with them." Dakin wanted to sob at Gelos' words. Already he felt some responsibility for the women's capture, now he felt ever more guilty and the pain was like a dagger plunged into his chest. He looked down in shame. > One of the other Elders quickly jumped in. "But that's not > important now. Tell us, was there a lot of blood. Was the > blood bright like life's blood, or dark like that of a sickly > wound? Do you think that there is any chance these women are > alive?" Looking briefly at Sho'shun, Dakin answered from his own view. "It wasn't very much blood, but I believe it was life's blood. I don't know whose it is." In response to the second part of the question, he added, "We could see at least one of the women's footprints in the snow for quite awhile... then it looked as if she fell and then her footprints were gone. That's when the trail became hazy and hard to follow." Sho'shun nodded his agreement, and was about to contribute to the conversation when the Elder butted in again. "Hazy and hard to follow? How do you mean? Like they were in the snow and went to the hard ground and couldn't be followed? If need be, we can send some of our more skilled trackers to find the trail. We should do this in haste, however. And in force, to let those who took our women know that such actions against our people will not be tolerated!" Gelos half-nodded. "Indeed. And it would behoove us to know where this other village is - if only for our own defense in the future." He gestured toward one of the men at the back of the long building. "Call our most skilled hunters. Have them bring their weapons." Then, as the man left to do what he was bid, Gelos turned back to Sho'shun and Dakin. "You saw nothing - save for footprints? You saw no actual people?" Dakin felt wordless to describe how the trail had disappeared like a fog. He nodded himself at the suggestion of bringing more skilled trackers. There was no thought of ego at this point. All he wanted was to rescue his sister and friend. He then looked from leader to leader, struggling with how to answer their questions. "Yes, we only saw footprints and it looked like two attackers. The trail is strange." Dakin lowered his eyebrows in confusion. "When the woman's footprints disappeared - I can only guess the attackers picked her up - the trail suddenly sped up and became extremely hard to follow. They entered a forest and we couldn't safely follow it anymore. We thought it best to get reenforcements because we don't know what we're dealing with." He paused, almost afraid to air his thoughts. But he couldn't keep them back. "The way the footprints moved and disappeared... it almost seemed inhuman." The memory of how the trees had curled around him and the trail had faded into the snows almost caused him to shudder. > As Dakin spoke, the hunters that had been summoned hurriedly arrived at > the long building. Some of them were still strapping on cold weather garb > or checking weapons and supplies, but most of them were at the ready. > "Dakin, Sho'shun," Gelos said as much to those two men as he did to the > hunters, "take the hunters to the place you found the tracks." > The hunters looked to Dakin and Sho'shun expectantly. They were in a > hurry to begin. But before anyone could move, Gelos added, "Elder > Brolan, did you care to accompany these men? Your mate is in peril, as well." > Glowering at the two messengers Brolan responded with a simple "yes". > He shouldered his way past the hunters who had gathered, "come - too > much time has already been lost." > Thoughts tumbled through mind. Some were quite bleak but anger pushed > them away. "The old Athair was right, our people take our strictures too > lightly. If they are lost....", his jaw set. Dakin's face turned bleach white at Brolan's harsh stare and words. Swallowing hard, he quickly moved to the front of the gathered hunters so he and Sho'shun could lead them to where the tracks had disappeared. Sho'shun said nothing as he led the group away from the village, around the border stones, and out toward the snowy flatlands. The harsh words of the elders and Brolan's stare were burned into his mind. Could he have done something to stop the women from leaving? Perhaps... But perhaps not. He knew Macalla well enough to know she was defiant, set in her ways. She left often without telling anyone of her whereabouts, regardless of what the Elders and the Hooded Ones commanded. And she had come to no harm before this, had she? She hadn't, except for the time when she found the knife.... "Here," Sho'shun said, breaking the silence that surrounded the swift-moving hunters. "This is where the struggle took place. The blood is still on the ground. And see the tracks," he added, pointing to the strangely elongated footprints that headed away. "Something strange about them." The hunters took a moment to study the scene before heading off toward the mountains, following the trail. The pace was quick, and Sho'shun fell back and let the other hunters take the lead. He could only hope they would have better luck than he and Dakin did before. He didn't care about the consequences of the initial failure once they returned home. He just wanted the love of his life and his best friend to be returned safe and sound. post comment

Ambush! [09 Aug 2004|12:30pm] [ mood | scared ] > Macalla ran, too - and wished that she were wearing the short skirt she > sported during the warm months rather than this cumbersome, long piece > of cloth she wore to help block out the cold. > She tripped again, making her fall behind Traelyn, but managed to catch > her balance again before she plowed headfirst into the snow. > The movement to their side moved slowly ahead, at first.... but then > quickly picked up speed until they were nearly two lengths ahead of the > women. > Without warning, two tall, shadowy figures stepped into the women's path... When Macalla stumbled, Traelyn faltered a moment, then continued forward. Already her legs were hurting from the unfamiliar pace. Her body was crying out in all directions - to stop - to run - to collapse. When two figures stepped in front of her, she felt like she was in some terrible nightmare. It couldn't be real! THEY couldn't be real! A scream tore through her throat as she skidded to a stop and fell hard on her right knee. She didn't even feel the bruising. All her concentration was on the creatures that were all too close. Traelyn twisted her body so that she was backing up on her hands and feet, like some sort of crustacean. She didn't even know what had happened to her spear. That realization frightened her all the more and she scuttled across the snow, her eyes fixed on the creatures in abject fear. Her only weapon now was her skinning knife, only used on fish thus far. Macalla came up short, too, almost running into Traeyln when she fell on the ground. She was afraid, just like her friend, but she managed to swallow her own scream to gaze, wide-eyed, at the tall, lanky creatures in front of them. They did not move, not even when Traelyn backed away from them. They merely stood and stared at the two women with frighteningly black, liquid eyes. She stepped in front of Traelyn, gripping her spear. If those...things weren't moving, maybe they could back away. That strategy worked against bears sometime... "Slowly, Traelyn," she hissed to her friend as one of the creatures grunted something garbled to its companion. "Give them no cause to chase us... if that is possible..." Macalla lifted one leather-clad foot and took one step back, then another. The creatures didn't move, but continued to stare. Carefully, slowly, Macalla reached toward her friend, trying to offer help getting to her feet. She kept her eyes locked on the two creatures the whole time. Traelyn had been scared out of her wits, but when she saw Macalla enter her line of sight and stand firm, she suddenly came to her senses almost as if she had been struck across the face. 'Now is not the time to panic.' she told herself, even though other parts of her brain wanted to do just that. At her friend's urging, she slowly stood without bothering to brush off her clothes. She saw where her spear lay a few handspans away, but she didn't dare try to pick it up lest the action be interpreted as hostile. Instead, she continued to back away, matching Macalla's pace. She had to remind herself to breathe as she watched the creatures with wide eyes. Macalla swallowed hard, still keeping her eyes on the strange creatures ahead of them, and took another step back, then another. She didn't see the large rock that would be underfoot with her next step, and when she did step on it, her legs went out from under her and she fell. The two beasts snarled at the sudden movement, and suddenly moved forward at a fast pace - much more quickly than Macalla could get to her feet. Before she could tell Traelyn to run again, they had reached the two women. One grabbed Traelyn and tried to throw her to the ground. The other hit Macalla over the head with...what? Macalla's world went black before she could figure that out. Traelyn continued to back up with Macalla, her heart pounding in her ears as she watched the fearsome creatures in amazement. Her mind was still trying to reconcile their existence with her world view. They simply didn't fit! These must be the forest demons the Hooded Ones had always warned about! The next events happened so fast, Traelyn would have argued they hadn't happened if they had stopped there. The creatures' movement was unnatural, impossible. Traelyn barely had time to react to Macalla's fall before the creatures were in her face, touching her with their freakish hands. Trealyn recoiled in horror as one of the beasts grabbed her arm. Another shrill scream filled the air, this one much higher in pitch. Its efforts to throw her down were pointless since she was already falling and pulling away. The world spun around her as she scrambled to Macalla's side. Turning, she looked up at the beast with tear-filled eyes. "What do you want? Go away!" She screamed at them, pointing away with one hand. "We mean you no harm! Just leave us!" Her words were punctuated with sobs as she tried to control her voice enough to sound forceful. She had no idea if they could understand her, but at this point rational thinking was a dim memory as she was faced with the creatures of nightmares. The creatures did not respond to Traelyn's pleas or her cries. Instead, the one who held the large, thick, length of branch moved toward Traelyn and swung the club at Traelyn's head. The other had moved quickly to Macalla's side to give the outsider woman a quick inspection. Her gold earring caught the creature's eye first, and it went to pull the metal ring free when something peeking from under the edge of Macalla's cloak caught it's eye. It tossed the hem f Macalla's cloak aside and revealed the stolen dagger she'd taken from the cache just a few days ago. It ripped the prize from Macalla's belt, garbling something to its companion in excited tones all the while. As the creature moved towards her, Traelyn ducked and rolled away, attempting to miss the blow she barely saw coming. The blow struck, but it was only a glancing one. The jagged edge of the branch ripped from the tree tore skin, but nothing more. The other creature grunted something at the first, sounding annoyed. The first, annoyed as well, wasted no time in swinging again. Traelyn yelped from the stike and lifted a hand to her now aching head. When the next blow whizzed towards her, she fell to avoid it, then pretended to be knocked out. With much difficulty she regulated her breathing and laid still, thinking about how she could get away. She had seen how quick they were and knew there was no way to outrun them. They seemed interested in their posessions - Macalla's earrings and knife. She hoped they would just steal their things and then go away. If not, well, she still had her own knife... so far... The beast who swung at Traelyn looked confusedly at its club for a moment. It didn't feel the familiar contact that a successful strike would have given, and yet the thing it had swung at had fallen. Perhaps fainted? It bent over Traelyn and put its long, slender fingers on Traelyn's face. It shook her head back and forth to see if she were conscious or not, and held its club at the ready. In the meantime, its companion continued to search Macalla's person. Traelyn had expected the creature to check her over, even search her for valuables, but she never thought one would touch her face. Knowing full-well her life may depend on it, she kept her eyes shut and her body limp. If only she could control the pounding of her heart! The creature hovering over Traelyn turned and grunted something to his companion, who was still rifling over Macalla's person, searching. Both creatures then started conversing in tones that almost sounded like an argument at times. Finally, the creature over Macalla grabbed the outsider girl, lifted her roughly, and hoisted her limp body over its shoulder. Blood from the wound on Macalla's head dripped down the creature's chest, seeming to make the creature nervous. The one standing over Traelyn wrapped elongated fingers around Traelyn's waist and prepared to lift her, too. Traelyn listened while pretending to be unconsious. The creatures were conversing, which showed them to be more than mere beasts. The creatures' strange tongue made no sense to her. Though they didn't fit any of the ideas in her mind of what demons would look like, it was clear to her that that's what these things were. Silently, she prayed for help from the spirits. Then, her eyes still closed, she heard what sounded like Macalla being lifted up. When she felt her wrist being grabbed, Traelyn felt sick with panic. To be taken farther away from the village where they may never be found was the worst thing that could happen. In one fluid motion, or so she hoped, she whipped out her dagger and swiped at the creature's arm that held her. If he let go, she would run as fast as she possibly could towards the village, yelling all the way. Her only hope was that someone else would be hunting nearby and hear her. She knew she could never outrun the fast creatures, but she had to try. She HAD to! The dagger connected with the beast's arm, and it loosed its hold on Traelyn's wrist immediately. However, it still clung fast with its other hand. Its howl of pain stirred the other beast into action. It dropped Macalla unceremoniously onto the snow-crusted ground and drew the knife it had pilfered from Macalla's belt. It held the knife aloft, prepared to use it if Traelyn decided to run away. It did not move, as though waiting to see how Traelyn would react. Traelyn was surprised her knife hadn't done more damage. She kept it sharp herself, honing its edge with a whet stone before she took it anywhere. It was satisfying to know the creatures could feel pain, but it was clear they were as strong as they were quick. Traelyn stopped as soon as the other beast held the knife aloft. She wondered why it didn't just kill her now. Why did it give her a chance to stop? What plans did they have for her and Macalla? It chilled her more than the winter air. It would do neither of them any good if she was killed now, Traelyn reasoned. Better to stay alive and keep watch over her friend, maybe even watch where they were taken. Now she wondered if it would have been best to remain still, but she still believed she had to take the chance while it was there. Maybe they would have let her run, maybe the knife would have damaged the creature more, maybe... she would have been able to see her family and future mate again. Slowly, feeling resigned and no less frightened, Traelyn knelt and set her knife on the ground. She lowered her eyes to show she would fight no longer. The creature holding the knife grunted, and the one who had just been injured picked Traelyn's weapon up from the ground. As though it were angry at having been cut, it pushed Traelyn sharply forward, sending her splaying onto the snow. However, when the creature moved to do its own damage with the knife, the distinct reprimand from its companion made it fall short. Instead, it wrapped its good hand around Traelyn's hair and tugged at it to pull her to her feet while the other creature picked Macalla back up from the snow and slung her over its shoulders. That done, the two creatures moved away from the path, away from the village, and toward the mountains that loomed to the west. She had been afraid the wounded creature would take out his pain on her - she certainly hadn't made any friends today, not that they had either. Though the other beast stopped anything too violent from happening, her neck snapped painfully when the wounded creature roughly grabbed her tied hair in his strong fingers. She had no choice but to stand, all the while biting her lip to keep from crying out. She knew the beasts were annoyed with her and had a feeling that they wouldn't put up with anymore of her complaints. As they moved, Traelyn turned her head to look back at the slowly disappearing path. Her stomach turned as she grudgingly accepted that she was their captive and she was leaving her home. A sickness overcame her and she gulped a sob as she turned her head away to face what was to come. * * * Meanwhile... Dakin took a break from their back-breaking work to pull a sip of water from the jug sitting nearby. He then stretched his back and looked up at the sky. He was thinking about his sister. He still felt worried that she and Macalla had gone alone into the fields. He knew Macalla was a capable hunter, but Traelyn didn't usually go in for those sorts of activities. He shook his head. Why was he being such a worry wart? Scratching at the base of his neck, he called out to Sho'shun. "What say we take a break and do a little hunting of our own?" Though Traelyn had insisted he didn't need to accompany them, he didn't see how she could object if the two men decided to do a little hunting themselves. They had made good progress on the hut today. They deserved a break. Many of the other young men seemed to be drinking their days away, so they were far ahead of the other suitors anyway. Sho'shun stopped mid-way into trying to drive a wooden peg into the beam of one of the hut rafters, thinking. Hunting did sound like a good idea, but he didn't feel there was time to spend the whole day out in search of game. Eventually, however, he put his mallet down. "I suppose we could go out for a while. But I do want to finish this roof before sundown. I'll feel a lot better once that's done." He climbed down from his high perch. "Where did you have in mind? You weren't trying ot check up on a couple of women, were you?" he grinned. Dakin looked at Sho'shun in mock surprise. "Of course not! I would never... never..!" but then a wide grin crossed over his face. "Well, okay, I admit it." Then his young face turned more serious. "I don't know why I'm worried, but... well, it can't hurt to stop out there, right? They can't get mad at us. We do it because we care." Dakin realized he was probably wasting his breath explaining to Sho'shun - it wasn't likely he'd argue. Maybe he was just preparing his defense for when they met up with the women. "So it's a deal? A short hunt, a peek in on the ladies, and then back to work." Sho'shun 'tsked' at Dakin, but the grin he'd worn when asking his question about checking on the women never left his face. "A short 'hunt,' and then we return," he finally said, nodding. "Both the women are probably going to give us an earfull when we catch up with them - we'll probably be anxious to get back to work after that," he added with a laugh. "I'm used to it. I live with TWO women right now, you know." Dakin replied, grinning in a knowing fashion. Then he grabbed his spear that had been propped nearby, slung a waterskin over his shoulder and started walking towards the standing stones that marked the exit from the village. > Sho'shun chuckled at Dakin's comment about women, but took on a more > serious demeanor as he headed to the gate stones with his companion. > "There are times I miss the sounds of women's voices. Things are > going so well lately, all I can do is hope to the Great Mother that they > keep doing so. I want nothing more than for your sister and I to be > allowed to be mated when the cold season breaks." In some ways, Dakin felt Sho'shun was only complicating his life by taking a mate. Having his own hut all to himself sounded like a great luxury. But then... a mate could bring pleasant things to one's life, too, he thought with a grin. He had seen how happy his sister was with Sho'shun. He hoped things worked out for them, too. "All you can do is keep doing what you're doing." Dakin said, perhaps unhelpfully. "You've come this far and the hut is looking great. Even Mother has praised your hard work." He grinned, knowing the white-haired man might not be aware of this. Approaching the stones, Dakin circled them as was tradition, then continued out to the fields. "Do you know where Macalla usually hunts?" Sho'shun managed a smile at that compliment, too. "That is good to hear. Hopefully she will think the same once the hut is finished. But you're right - all I can do is my best." Approaching the stones, Dakin circled them as was tradition, then continued out to the fields. "Do you know where Macalla usually hunts?" The white-haired man stepped aside to let Dakin circle the stones first, then made his own crossing when the way was clear. He had to admit, this was one of the customs of this place that he still didn't quite understand. However, he wasn't going to make issues with such a trifling thing. In response to Dakin's question, he replied, "No... Macalla shares little about her hunting habits with anyone, even myself. However..." he gestured down to faintly crusted footprints in the snow, "... perhaps the ladies won't be too hard to find." > In response to Dakin's question, he replied, "No... Macalla shares > little about her hunting habits with anyone, even myself. However..." he > gestured down to faintly crusted footprints in the snow, "... perhaps > the ladies won't be too hard to find." Dakin's eyes fell on the clear footprints in the snow. He looked back up, slight embarrassment showing on his face as he searched for a flip response. As usual he found one. "Well, if you want to be logical and efficient, sure..." He smiled then and started to follow the prints. As they walked, he silently chided himself for worrying. Soon they would find the ladies and everything would be fine. > Sho'shun said nothing; he only grinned as he and Dakin followed the > trail that the two women had left earlier in the day. * * * The two beasts that had attacked Traelyn and Macalla now led the two women through the snow at an almost-too-quick pace. Macalla was still flung over one of the creature's shoulders, while the other walked behind Traelyn, urging her forward at knifepoint. If she slowed down, the creature threatened to cause her harm. Flatlands passed into more rocky terrain as the once-distant mountains drew closer. Trees became less sparse, and with the added cover, the creatures pushed on all the harder, not caring how hard they had to push their captives in order to reach their destination. Traelyn had never felt so tired in her life. Now she really regretted revealing she wasn't unconscious and losing the chance to be carried... even though the thought of being touched by those creatures was repulsive, she was so tired now she hardly even cared. But fear kept her going. She didn't know how they would react to her collapsing, maybe they would even kill her so she couldn't trick them again. So she kept moving as best she could, sometimes stumbling and once even falling, but a nudge from one of the beasts got her going again. Her knee was aching from an earlier fall, her head swirled from fatigue and a general disbelief that this was even happening. She concentrated on her footsteps like a drum beat, walking in a foggy trance. She didn't even wonder anymore where they were going, though she tried to keep track of which direction the village lay. She just wanted to get there so she could rest and plan her escape. She hoped Macalla was all right... Time dragged on, measured only by the endless footsteps the creatures were forcing her to take. Finally, after enduring aching pain for who knows how long, Traelyn's knee gave out and she fell to the ground with a cry. Feeling exhausted and demoralized, she laid on the ground quietly sobbing. > The creature that had been prodding Traelyn along didn't hesitate to > move when she fell. It scooped Traelyn up and tossed her over its > hairy shoulder just as Macalla had been without hardly missing a step. > > The other creature grunted something at its companion, and they both > picked up pace. It was easy since there was now no one to lead on > the ground. > > Macalla's eyes had slowly drifted open during this time, and she was > now staring blankly at Traelyn as the pair were carried along through > the snow. She was silent. Traelyn's head wooshed through the air as the creature suddenly tossed her over his shoulder. The sudden movement caused so much disorientation she passed out immediately, not even gaining the peace of mind that Macalla was awake. * * * > [Sho'shun and Dakin] crested the small hill that led to the more > open areas overlooking the plains and Sho'shun stopped. > > His gaze scanned the flats. "Hmm. I thought we'd surely have seen > them from this vantage. Maybe they took a side path somewhere." Dakin looked across the flats as well, his eyes straining for some sign of where they went. "I don't see the footprints going off to the side." He continued forward a bit, then added, "In fact, what's that?" He pointed to a place ahead where there appeared to be additional prints and flattened snow, as if someone had sat down. Sho'shun frowned and stepped forward to the place Dakin had pointed out. He had been so intent on looking at the big picture that he hadn't noticed the smaller detail. This was not good. There could be no doubt that there was a struggle here - but with what? He bent over to pick up Traelyn's spear - all too recognizable to him. And then he saw the blood. Not much blood, but two tiny droplets of dark crimson on otherwise blue-white snow. Sho'shun looked up at Dakin, worry creasing his brow. There were tracks leading away. Three sets of tracks. This was not good at all. What had happened here? Who or what had been injured? He felt his stomach clench in fear. He didn't know if he could bear even the thought of either one of those women injured without being close to take care of them. He swallowed. "We can follow, or we can alert the others as to what has happened here." He didn't like not knowing what they faced. He didn't like it at all. The blood drained from Dakin's face as he recognized Traelyn's spear and saw the red drops on the snow. He chewed on a fingernail nervously, eying the situation and trying to guess what had happened. He remembered the dagger Macalla had shown them. He had wondered then if perhaps another tribe had settled nearby. What if they were a hostile tribe? His blood pumped with rage and worry. A hand now pressing against his temple, he spoke his thoughts out loud. "There's still tracks to follow. We don't know how long ago or how soon this happened! If we go the village, it will take up time. Who knows how long it will take the leaders to decide what to do and gather up a search party?" He looked across the plains, still thinking. "But then, if we need help once we find them... it will take even longer to get it. Maybe it won't even be possible by that time." He could feel the time passing as he pondered. He turned his scarlet face towards his friend. "Sky's Brightness! What should we do?!" Sho'shun listened to Dakin, his eyes still glued to both the tracks and the blood on the snow. "If we follow quietly, there is a chance that we could track whoever left these tracks unnoticed. However, here on the plains, we will be easily spotted. "But, you are right. There are tracks, and there is still light left to follow them. If we're lucky, perhaps we will find where the trail leads by nightfall. If not...." he trailed off. Right now, he didn't want to think about what would happen if they ran out of daylight. He stood. "Let's go... carefully." Though torn a moment ago, Sho'shun's confidence in his decision caused Dakin to suddenly focus on the choice to follow the prints. His friend had a good point - follow silently, then perhaps come back for help if needed. Deep down he was glad to follow immediately. If they were delayed and arrived too late... *gulp* He didn't want to think of it. Better they hurry now. Dakin nodded to Sho'shun and started forward, silently following the tracks, his spear gripped extra tightly. Sho'shun was quiet once again as they followed the all-too obvious path in the snow. He didn't like this. Firstly, it was obvious that one or both of the ladies was in trouble. There were only two sets of tracks, and only one of them looked of the size to be Traelyn or Macalla's prints. And even those seemed placed oddly to him - as though whoever was walking was tired or, worse yet, hurt. > His other concern was voiced aloud. "It seems very odd that there is > such an obvious trail. Could it be that whoever found the women > doesn't care that they can be followed wherever they are going?" Dakin had been surprised at this, too. "Yes - leaving Traelyn's spear behind seemed odd to me, too. I fear it's a primitive tribe that's moved in somewhere nearby." He looked up briefly, "Did Macalla ever tell anyone else about the knife she found?" As they followed the trail, Dakin tried to keep his worries at bay and concentrate on the task at hand. But despite his efforts, images of Traelyn or Macalla injured or worse kept filling his mind. He picked up his pace even more, keeping his footsteps as quiet as possible. > "Yes, it could be another tribe," Sho'shun agreed, then gestured to the > tracks leading away toward the mountains. "But I am interested in > their prints. Their feet seem to be shaped like ours, but bigger." Though he'd noticed this in the back of his mind, he now recognized the fact consciously. "You're right." His brows just furrowed deeper into his forehead. What kind of people were they, attacking women and leaving an obvious trail with their big feet? > After he'd said this, he stopped for a moment and looked ahead. He and > Dakin wouldn't be out in the open much longer - the ground was getting > rockier, and already shrubs and bare scrub dotted the landscape at more > frequent intervals. > "We're getting further and further from our home. And we, unlike > Traelyn and Macalla, told no one we were leaving." Dakin stopped, too. "Yes, and sadly, I think the only ones they told they were leaving were us." He answered grimly. "Let's hope Macalla told Brolan, though I wouldn't be suprised if he could guess where she went. Her and Traelyn's spears would be gone from their huts." He looked back briefly, then back towards where the prints were headed. "Let's go." Sho'shun began walking again, but he wasn't silent as he had been before. "Elder Brolan might know she's been out hunting, yes. But will he know where she's gone to? Our tracks will be as easy to follow as the others have been, but who knows how far this trail will take us." He could only hope that the trail wouldn't lead far. Dakin nodded morosely, "I hope it doesn't lead far, too. I hope we can either save the women ourselves, or report back important information to the warriors of our village and come back with an attack party." At this point the lad was assuming there would be a fight. He just hoped there weren't many to fight and, most of all, he hoped Traelyn and Macalla were all right! Most of all he worried for his sister. She had never been far from the village. He couldn't imagine how scary this must be for her. If she was all right. He shuddered and trudged on. The pair was nearing the woods when Sho'shun saw a change in the tracks ahead. He stopped and gestured toward the large area of broken snow. "Look there," he said, unable to hide the worry in his voice. "One of the women fell, here." He leaned low to study the tracks, hoping to the Great Earth Mother of his people that he could somehow find out more - perhaps who had fallen or who had taken the women - from this clue. But information was elusive... ... As were tracks after this point. "They seem to spread out further," he noted aloud, "and then they disappear..." His gaze went to the woods. Tracks didn't just disappear. "Do you see anything?" "Oh Spirits!" Dakin whispered. Quickly, he stuck his spear in the snow and began looking over the tracks carefully, biting his lower lip the whole time. Sweat beaded his brow and he looked ahead momentarily. They must find something. It was clear one or both of the women were hurt. Grabbing his spear, he stepped forward, carefully avoiding obscuring any evidence in the snow around them. "There, faintly... I think I see something." He knelt in the snow and waited for Sho'shun. > Sho'shun looked in the direction Dakin gestured and moved forward, > studying the ground intently. He saw first one print, then another, > but the second print was an almost impossible distance away from the > first. This did not make sense! > > With some degree of hesitation, Sho'shun stepped into the more > thickly wooded area and searched for the next lead. The sun was still > shining, but at a low angle. > > "It will be dark soon," he whispered to Dakin, as though he worried > that the closer quarters of the woods would make his words easier to > hear. Dakin looked up at the trees beginning to surround them and felt the now-familiar sinking feeling in his stomach. The tall trees began to press up against him and the sweat on his brow became more prominent. There was also something increasingly disturbing about whatever it was they were following. He touched Sho'shun on the shoulder briefly and came to a stop. "Believe me, I hate to say this, but I think we should turn back." It was clear he was close to tears, but he kept himself under control. "I don't know what manner of creature we're following, but something very strange is going on. It won't do Macalla and Traelyn any good if we get into a situation where we can't help them. At least we've been able to track this far. We should go back, alert the village and arrange a larger group to go searching." He didn't voice the aching thought in his mind - that he was afraid the women were already lost to them. Sho'shun stopped, looked off in the distance at the darkening woods, and squinted. He weighed Dakin's words silently, paired them with his own thoughts, and sighed. He'd wanted to come up with anything that would give them an excuse to press on and follow, but he could come up with nothing. He let out another deep breath, and he couldn't pull his eyes away from those tracks leading off into the woods. "I think you're right, Dakin. I wish we could follow them as long as we could, but I think you're right. I don't like this at all." He wrenched himself from the tracks and turned back toward the way they'd come. "Let's hurry back then, at least. I have this sickening feeling that time is of the utmost importance." Sho'shun began moving at a quick pace before he'd even given Dakin a chance to respond. He felt like there was a hot rock in the pit of his stomach, and he felt tears burning at the corner of his eyes. He desperately hoped that the sooner they got to the village, the sooner they could get together a large enough party to help. Dakin could feel Sho'shun's struggle, and understood completely. It was more difficult than anything to turn back. He didn't want to admit it, but he was afraid of meeting something they couldn't fight off and then where would their women be? Worse off than ever. "Me, too." Dakin responded solomnly as he matched Sho'shun's pace back to the village. His stomach lurched at the thought of having to tell his parents the awful news. Would he ever see his sister and friend again? post comment

Change [27 Jul 2004|12:42pm] [ mood | okay ] Got a bit behind here. A recap is in order. From the Stormrise homepage: "In the village of Iasc, Athair's death has been regarded as a sign from the Spirits. A new Athair has been appointed, and strange offerings of food left outside the village have saved the Iascans from what was surely a hard winter. However, a time of ease has led to idleness, and the sayings about idleness are true..." Now, Traelyn and Macalla have left to hunt in the plains. > "It is nice," she enthusiastically agreed. > "It feels good to stretch the legs - and to > not worry about chores or... Hooded Ones... > for a while." A wry smile graced the maiden's lips at the mention of the Hooded Ones. She agreed it was a nice change of pace to get away from their prying eyes, and really the prying eyes of everyone. Ever since she had allowed Sho'shun to court her, she'd felt the entire villager was watching their every move. > "This is my favorite place," Macalla announced, > looking around. "I come here often, sometimes many > times over the course of days, and I never > tire of it." Traelyn took in a deep breath and stretched her arms behind her. "It is lovely here, isn't it? It has a spiritual feel." She looked at her friend, "I didn't know you came here so often." > "Too often more than likely, in the eyes of the village. This place > makes me feel welcome when life beyond the border stones does not." Traelyn frowned, wishing things could be more comfortable for her friend. But at least some villagers accepted her and Sho'shun. It was a start. Perhaps it would become better, she considered, if one of the villager-outsider couples had a child, bringing the two cultures together into one who was part of both. > A dark shape winged by over those mountains to the west, breaking > Macalla's moment of reflection and drawing her attention in that direction. > "Look! The flying beasts haven't been about for a > while - not since Jonro was killed. That one has young!" Traelyn's heart jumped into her mouth and a hand flew to her throat as her eyes took in what Macalla pointed at. Her words quickly followed a gasp. "Do you think they'll see us and come after us?" Her first thought was that the huge birds were on a hunt, just as they were. The two women would be easy pickings on the plains. Already she was poised to jump to the ground and hide. > Macalla nodded and knelt low to the ground. With a slight gesture, > she asked Traelyn to do the same. Blue eyes followed the moving > creature as she held perfectly still otherwise. "Keep still and > quiet," Macalla whispered. "Hard to tell how good their ears are." It took no encouragement from Macalla to get Traelyn to drop to the ground, her palms and knees contacting the wet ground. She only nodded to her friend's words as she watched the creatures move through the sky. She couldn't believe how big they looked. Remembering how unsettled Sho'shun had been after seeing Jonro's body, she shuddered at the thought of meeting up with one of them. Macalla kept her gaze hawk-like on the flying beasts nearby until the creatures vanished behind one of the more distant hills. Still, she waited a long time after before standing and letting Traelyn know it was all right to stand. > "Strange," Macalla said when she was sure her voice wouldn't be heard > by any flying predator. "I wonder what it was looking for. Maybe we > should tell the others that we spotted a griffin nearby. I would hate > for someone else to get caught unawares and end up like..." > She didn't finish her last statement. Instead, she waited to hear > Traelyn's opinion. If her friend wanted to go back to the village, > she would do so. Traelyn stood slowly, her legs feeling a bit wobbly at the sight of the large dangerous beasts. At first she only nodded to Macalla's thought, then she finally found her voice after swallowing. Her mouth felt dry. "Yes, I think that's best." Though it was disappointing to miss out on their day away, Traelyn didn't see how she'd be comfortable out here, now. The griffins could come back at any moment. Even while she turned to leave, she couldn't help but look back at the mountains periodically. > Macalla nodded and turned back, as well. She, too, seemed distracted > by the mountains off in the distance, and, despite her earlier confidence, > felt a bit shaken. She did her best to hide this from Traelyn, however. > The thing to do now was to concentrate on getting back. > As the pair climbed back up the little knoll that led to the path back, > a muffled sound came from a short distance to their left. Macalla > gripped her spear tightly and froze. At the sound, Traelyn had also stopped cold in her tracks. Every sound after that seemed harsh in her ears, even her own shallow breath, but she couldn't detect anything else stirring nearby. > Macalla hadn't moved for minutes, and there was no sound after the > first one. Still, the outsider woman didn't dare to move... she almost > didn't dare to breathe. Gooseflesh covered her skin. She could tell the hair > on the back of her neck was standing up straight. > She squinted at the sun-glared white around Traelyn and herself, > looking for signs of movement, or a trail that would give clues as to > what they heard. She saw nothing after long moments of searching, and then > shifted her eyes toward the direction of the village. > A knot tightened in her gut. She had only felt that sick feeling of > fear once since her stay at this village - and that was altogether too > short a time ago when she'd found that cache in the woods. > She swallowed hard and spoke in a bare whisper. "Traelyn... when I > count to three, we will start toward the village. We will not run; we will > walk quickly. Are you ready?" The maiden sensed Macalla's fear and that made her own feelings run deeper still, crawling down her arms so her spear felt as if it were made of heavy brick. She knew her friend would be much better able to fight than she could - what good would her fishing experience really do them if there were to meet up with a large animal? She was now beginning to wonder if coming out here was such a great idea... yet Macalla had been out here many times by herself. Why was this time so eventful? Her mind still stumbling over random thoughts, Traelyn turned fear-filled eyes to Macalla and nodded. She waited for the count, her legs already turning to water. She hoped there wouldn't be need to run... > Macalla looked at Traelyn long enough to catch the younger woman's nod, > then focused on the path ahead. "All right," she whispered, making > sure to grip the handle of her spear more tightly. "One... two... three!" > She started out at a slow walk to make sure Traelyn was keeping up, then > increased the pace to a stable, yet quick walk. Whatever had been lurking > to their side seemed to follow, and noisily so. Traelyn followed Macalla's pace, her footsteps echoing in her own ears as they crunched through the bright snow. Her heart raced faster when she heard 'whatever it was' move as well. She reigned in her first impulse - to run - and instead touched Macalla's arm with her free hand as they walked. She looked over at her friend to see her reaction to the noise. As for her own thoughts, she imagined it must be an animal. If it was a person they would either announce themselves or if they didn't want to be detected, they would walk more quietly. > Panic. The panic Macalla had felt that day alone in the woods came > rushing back as familiar sounds and familiar glimpses of shadowy > visions wove in and out along the periphery of her vision. She jumped when > Traelyn touched her arm, and took ahold of her friend's wrist. > "Run!" she hissed, wild-eyed. "Run back to the village, as fast as > your legs will carry you!" Macalla's reaction was completely unexpected! Knowing Macalla was an experienced hunter and that she had been in the woods more than once, even when her brother had almost been killed, Traelyn took her friend's reaction very seriously. If SHE was afraid, Traelyn reasoned she herself should be even MORE afraid! She barely held back a scream as she picked up her skirts with one hand to give her legs more room, then she pumped her legs as fast as they could move. She wasn't used to running, though, and she found herself stumbling sometimes. The ground was uneven and her spear made such quick movement awkward. Never-the-less she moved as quick as she could and kept her focus on the village. More than anything right now she wanted to be safe in Sho'shun arms. post comment

Surprising Discoveries! [01 Jun 2004|04:07pm] [ mood | curious ] Macalla had woken long before sunrise. She'd made sure to cook extra stew the night before and to eat of it until she could hold no more. She did the same thing this morning, too, before light kissed the darkened skies, and made sure to offer Brolan the same. She knew that even though her stomach would be full now, it would be hollow and painful before the sun was high. She couldn't imagine how miserable she would feel by the time next morning would come around. Hunger and Winter were not good companions. She could only hope that the Hooded Ones would not extend this silly vigil to more than one day. As she went to wake Brolan to ask him to eat, raised voices outside caught her attention. Silently, she stood and, despite the cold outside, opened the wooden shutters on the window in order to better make out what was being said. Two figures rushed toward the gatestones near Drem lake - two males she recognized from one of the other fishing crews - and neither of them seemed to care that they were nearly shouting. "...three of them, at the corner of the woods!" one said to the other, clapping him on the back to urge him forward. A few other villagers opened their doors and wandered out into the night, too, to see what the commotion was all about. "Brolan," Macalla called. She moved to her still sleeping mate and, kneeling down, shook him to try to wake him. "Brolan, something is happening outside. People are running to the gatestone by the lake." Her heart was already hammering inside her chest. In the end, there had been no time to tell anyone save Dakin and Sho'shun about her discovery in the woods. Could this have been something related to that frightening presence she had felt in that strange clearing? Spirits of her people, she hoped not. The Hooded One Athair had been awakened by the sound of excited voices, too, and when he'd caught word that something strange had happened in the village, he quickly threw on his robes and his cloak and headed outside. It wasn't hard to see where everyone was headed when he'd come to the village proper, and he took step behind those that were headed down toward the lake. A large crowd of people had already gathered there, each of them expressing concern about what had been found. But he couldn't see. "Let me pass!" he bellowed, pushing some aside so his bad legs would let him limp closer to whatever the discovery was. He gaped when he saw it. Two healthy-looking deer carcasses, neatly slain and freshly killed. They were untouched save for the killing blows and appeared ready to be dressed, spitted, and roasted. Within moments, however, the shock of the site wore off. "Who has gone hunting in the forest?" he demanded. "It is the day of vigil. There is to be no meat eaten on this day. Who has gone hunting?" One of the guards was quick to explain. "No one has. Menish and I were on watch all last night. We didn't sleep. On one pass, the ground here was clear, but when we crossed again on our walk, the carcasses were here!" Athair obviously didn't believe that *no one* had brought down the kills that had been left near the gatestones. He knew that someone was obviously up to something - and on Vigil day at that! His tone was still demanding as he walked up to the kills, searching for signs and clues as to what and who brought the animals down. Any tracks had been trampled by the other villagers by now. He shooed away a couple of others who meant to pick up the kills and move them back to the village interior so they could be properly carved and taken care of. "Don't touch them! Not until whoever brought these kills here stands and identifies himself! Until then, let them sit there!" Dakin and his father arrived shortly after Macalla. Not knowing if the commotion meant danger, Garoff had insisted his wife and daughter remain behind, no matter how Traelyn protested. It hadn't been so long ago that some creature had killed one of their number. The two men stopped short with surprised expressions when they caught sight of the dead animals. Both had been repairing boats that morning and neither had any knowledge of what had happened or who had made the kills. * * * Traelyn stood outside the door of her family hut, disobeying her father's orders only as much as she dared. He had said not to leave the hut, but she reasoned that if something were to happen, she could quickly duck back inside. Marrah, also curious what was happening, though not so sullen about staying behind, stood back from the doorway. "Can you see or hear anything?" Traelyn brushed her hair away and looked behind her, brown eyes wide with wonder. "No, I can't tell what's happening." She looked back and craned her neck, as if that would lend greater sight. Her lips pouted in frustration. Why did Dakin get to go and not her? He was younger! If there was any danger, their gender certainly wouldn't save them. Crossing her arms across her waist, she sighed impatiently and waited. * * * Athair continued to be relentless in his demands, regardless of the fact that no one stepped forward to claim the kills as their own. The others were doing as they were told, at least, and were keeping away from the carcasses, but Athair wasn't happy. His screaming was turning his face bright red, and he began to wheeze as he paced back and forth in front of the crowd, scolding this person and that person for not speaking up and being honest. Then, the old man grabbed his chest, cried out in a pinched voice, and collapsed to the ground. He continued to scream as he writhed atop the crust of the snow and clawed at his chest as though he'd been stabbed there. He couldn't form words to describe what was happening to him, but flailed his other arm at those who happened to be close by. His eyes were wide with fear before he finally rolled over face down in the snow and fell eerily still. Macalla caught Sho'shun's eyes as the white-haired man looked questioningly over at her, but she was just as shocked and confused as her adoptive brother was. What had happened here, and why? She looked emploringly at Brolan as chaos seemed to erupt at the little gather. Many were asking the same thing as she was. Two of the village men had managed to flip Athair's body over in the snow. His eyes were open and staring, but there was no light behind them. One of the men confirmed what the others already suspected. "He is not breathing! He's dead!" Sho'shun's face looked shocked as he saw the head hooded one fall face first into the snow. What had just happened? Sho'shun's head tried to reason out what had just happened. Food was left by either someone or something. He looked around for Macalla, had what happened to her been linked somehow? He did see Dakin and his father. Had the Spirits left the gift and struck down the head priest for it? He could hear the rumors starting already as people rushed to the hooded one's side. Spirits struck him down... No the evil of the forest struck him down to lead them astray. So many different ideas were flying about. But truthfully, Sho'shun was hoping he was struck down by the Spirits for making them starve in the middle of a harsh period. He heard people spreading about the village shouting the news. Though each had a seperate version and decided to head for Traelyn's home to let them know and make sure all was well. > Sho'shun hurried through the huts until Traelyn's > family hut was visable and he could see Traelyn > leaning out. He waved his arm at her to get her > attention til he was almost upon them. As Sho'shun approached, Traelyn smiled and waved back. But as he drew nearer, her smile faded as it became clear something was wrong. Her brows drew together and she didn't move from the doorway as her mother stepped nearer. > "Bad bad news." He spoke gravely when > he was before thier door. "Greetings Marrah." > He said to the woman inside, before going into > what happened. He then looked at Traelyn. " It's not > good, rumors are already flying and I'm sure the > Hooded Ones will let us know thier judgement. I > fear a new leader because Althair was a good one, > but it can not be helped now." Sure Althair was tough, > but it was probebly a pussy cat compared to the next one. It hadn't been so long ago that a new Elder was almost appointed. This time, though, there was no question a death had occurred. A new leader would be chosen. "He just fell over?" Traelyn asked incredulously. "As if he was struck down?" Marrah caught the implication in her daughter's words and looked at her harshly. "Do not speak of it. You don't know what happened or why. It's not for us to intepret. Leave that to the Hooded Ones." She was uncomfortable with any negative words about the village leaders. You might think things from time to time, but it was surely bad luck to give them voice. Traelyn quieted down, but looked at Sho'shun significantly. She couldn't help but speculate in her mind. Wasn't it Althair who had initiated the fasting? Maybe he had finally gone too far and this was the spirits way of showing their displeasure. But perhaps her mother was right. It would do no good to speak of such things. It was probably better not to think them either. She looked back to Sho'shun. "You said there were dead animals left there? Did you see how they were killed?" She wondered if there were arrows or spear holes. She could only think of one person who would hunt secretly, but she didn't believe it was her. Macalla wouldn't be so careless or do something so odd. Who then? Obviously, Sho'shun hadn't done it; his face and manner showed how shocked he was by everything. Besides, he wouldn't do anything to jeopardize their mating. > Once she caught his eyes he gave a little nod > to show he thought the same when she asked the > question. But he voiced an agreement to Marrah. > "It is not good to speak it out loud, ears are > everywhere." "It's not just 'ears' you should be concerned about, young man." She emphasized her way of addressing him, as if to point out his youth. "You should think of the /spirits/ and how they would view it." She wanted to add something more, about how he wouldn't understand anything about /their/ spirits, but she cut it off before the discussion wavered too far from more pressing concerns. She hoped Garoff would return soon to give them more news. > "Althair wouldn't let anyone close enough to see them. But > there were two deer. He was furious and thought it was a > villiger, but no one would do such a thing. He was in a > frightful way when he keeled over." He sighed looking > at Traelyn, he couldn't hide the worry. > "There is no way to know how the > Hooded Ones will interpret this." He wanted > to say use it to thier advantage, but he > used different words. "But we have to be > prepared for the worse." Traelyn was about to ask what he meant when her eyes widened suddenly in understanding. They could argue it had something to do with them and their hope to mate! Even if it didn't make sense to her to link the things, they might find some way. And they so much wanted to find a reason to refuse their mating. But they had come so far! She took a breath to calm herself, silently thinking that it would not help to get all worked up about something that hadn't happened... yet. "Then we will face whatever we must." There was a strength in her voice that caused Marrah to turn to look at them. Her face was unreadable before she abruptly went back inside the hut. post comment

Funny Thought [28 Apr 2004|08:39am] [ mood | amused ] > She stole a quick look back at Dakin and Sho'shun > before returning her gaze to the Eldest of the Elders. OOC: It's always interesting to see this same term used in both tribes. It made me imagine a head-to-head battle between the two eldest of elders. Who would win? Snapjaw or Gelos? *LOL!* post comment

Three Months' Wait [15 Mar 2004|12:02pm] [ mood | worried ] Nearly two weeks have passed since the Naming Day celebration, but life in the village of Iasc has been anything but jubilant since then. Two days after the event, the village found Athair, the Eldest of the Hooded Ones, back in their midst. Days following, more of the Circle returned, with a few new members added to their ranks. Trevin was one of them. From that moment on, there has been heated debate over whether or not the Naming Day Ceremonies were valid. The Hooded Ones argued that the Spirits were not properly invoked to validate the proceedings; the Council argued that had they waited any longer to hold the ceremony it wouldn't have been fair to those wishing to become mated that year. As it was, the time was shortened by a few days because the Hooded Ones were not present. As of now, the Hooded Ones have begrudgingly allowed construction and preparations for the final tests to continue. However, there is one catch. If the Spirits are shown to frown on an arrangement in any way, the agreement will be nullified. And it is certain that the Circle will look in any and all places to be sure that the Spirits are pleased. So far, things are looking up. Some game has returned to the flats, though still not enough to continuously feed such a large group of people. Many are occupied with finding timber from the forest outskirts to build frames for houses. Others are occupied with cutting stone from the cliffs near the village for the outsides of huts to give mates-to-be. There is little time to be idle in Iasc as of late... Shock. That was how Traelyn would describe her feelings towards the return of the Hooded Ones... and Trevin. Deep down, she had expected they would return someday, but not right after the Naming Day ceremonies. She couldn't help but wonder if they had planned it all to make things more difficult for her mating with Sho'shun to be accepted in the village. But that didn't make complete sense since they might have been successful in stopping the mating outright if they had been at the ceremonies. As time went on, it seemed to her that the Hooded Ones actions' made less and less sense. When she opened her eyes for the first time that day, the pattern followed as it had been for every other morning since the ceremonies. Her first thought was of Sho'shun and she smiled. But then her second thought was often Trevin and then she frowned. She had this sense, somehow, that he still hadn't given up on her. Perhaps she was being paranoid or vain, but she couldn't shake it. And one of her biggest fears right now was him trying to talk to her alone. Since his return, Traelyn had done everything possible to be among other people at all times so that he wouldn't have that chance. His manner was so strange after he was released from the Hooded Ones. He had completed his indenturship to Sho'shun, but certainly didn't look any happier. And why had he disappeared and reappeared with the Hooded Ones? Was he now one of them? She shook her head and rose from her pallet, brushing her long black hair from her face in frustration. Try all they might to block her from being with Sho'shun, it was the spirits who had the final say in her mind. If they truly disapproved, she wouldn't have gotten this far. And now - even moreso than before - they had the opportunity to show their displeasure to the village if it existed. If she were shown some absolutely clear sign that the spirits believed their mating was wrong, she may be forced to consider it. But she couldn't believe it could ever happen. Sho'shun was such a wonderful caring man. Who could speak against him, amongst those who held a rational mind? Standing now in her white night clothes, she moved to dress and prepare for the day's activities. * * * Though the light was dim, Sho'shun was still standing over the start of his and ,hopefully, Traelyn's new home. The progress he had made was asounding. He smiled to himself as he remembered drawing in the snow the outline of the hut with Traelyn. She had spent alot of time there the first week when the outline of rocks were laid out, making fine adjustments to it all. He had enjoyed every moment of it. He wanted it to be exactly like she wanted. He had wanted to incorporate the way the huts of home where made, but after a discussion on it, the safest route was to make it look like all the other huts. Of course, Marrah helped in that last decision, but then she was asked her opinion often on the matters of a good house for a mate. But they did finally decide to lay down a layer of bed rock that would raise it off the ground internally so that when the waves were high they would not fill the house. On the outside it looked like a hut. Once the walled were built he would lay a wood floor on the rocks. He sighed a bit. Of course, the hooded ones were always hemming and hawing over this and that. Though he felt lucky they didn't have a fit over the base. They couldn't find fault so far, that was a blessing in itself. However, they could be keeping it to themselves. Sho'shun's life had gone from joyful and free to miserable in a very short time. The hooded ones return had been bitter sweet and brought back the stress that came with it. However, he did get one surprise in that they allowed him to continue his task. So he felt that maybe his time with them helped. And, of course, with the return of the hodded ones came the return of the lessons. Not his favorite part of the day, but he never showed it. The lessons where only for a short candles time in the evenings after dinner. So that left his day free. And sometimes they had too much to do so he had a day free. All in all, it was progressing quickly, it would give him time to work on a special bed for Traelyn as a special gift. He was lucky that he had friends to help. Dakin was always helpful and of course the old guys, of the boat he worked on, spent much free time helping him out. But no one worked as hard as Sho'shun, he was up before the sun peaked and didn't stop til well into the evening. He knew the only way to makes Traelyn his was to work his hardest, because he had to work harder than anyone else. * * * As soon as she was able, Traelyn escaped her family home with Dakin to inspect the progress of her hut. She grinned at the thought that still seemed unreal - her OWN hut. Though some circumstances had changed, her excitement hadn't dimmed one bit. The dark-haired maiden walked with a jug of water tucked under one arm, her other hand held a loaf of bread carefully wrapped in a towel. Hard work always make one hungry, especially men who often seemed to be able to pack away more food than she would ever want to eat in one sitting. And water was so important when working hard under the sun - she wanted to make sure Sho'shun was drinking enough. He was working so hard. If she couldn't actually help with the building, she could at least show her appreciation and make sure he was taking care of himself. Already she was looking forward to being his mate so that she could always do these things. Dakin walked along her side, carrying a few tools for the days work. Most of the necessary items were already at the site, but they'd be starting some new projects today that needed different tools. They chatted as they walked until they arrived at the half finished hut. Traelyn's pace picked up as she saw her suitor. "Sho'shun!" She called out happily. As she approached closer, she held out the bread to him. "Good morning. Here, if you haven't eaten already - something to give you energy. Or you can save it for later." Sho'shun turned from the stone he was placing on one of the walls being built. He brightened when we saw who it was. "Ah.. Greetings Traelyn.... Dakin." Spotting the food, he realized he hadn't really eaten this morning. He was known to forget that now and then, since he started. "Ah Traelyn, you know me too well already." He took the food from her hands taking enough time that thier hands touched. "Thank you." He offered with appreciation before breaking off a piece and turning to Dakin. Traelyn beamed at his statement, feeling proud that she did know him so well. The time they'd spent together planning the hut had brought them even closer and more familiar with one another. She paused to feel his hands touch hers, then stood back and watched him eat. "We keep this pace and we will be putting the ceiling bracing in no time." He patted the waist high wall, he'd been working on the hut every morning when there was enough light to see. He looked over the whole hut. "It's really taking shape. He took a bite of the bread and chewed thoughtfully. Looking around the structure, it seemed so unreal that it one day would be their home... assuming it was approved. But she couldn't see how it wouldn't be. Even her mother had commented on how hard Sho'shun was working on it. Anyone who bothered to look with clear eyes could see he was worthy. Dakin smiled as he set down his tools and wiped his hands on his pant legs. "Yes, it's really coming along!" He placed his hands together and cracked his knuckles, psyching himself up for the hard day's work ahead. It felt good to be building something, working with friends and being out in the fresh air. His muscles were sore from all the lifting, but he could also feel he was gaining stronger arms as reward. Finishing off a couple of bites, Sho'shun wrapped up the rest and offered Traelyn a smile. "Thank you again." He reached out to touch her face briefly before turning to Dakin. "Before you got here I was getting ready to lay another layer of rock on one of the inner walls. Shall we start?" Traelyn closed her eyes briefly at his touch, then watched the two men a moment. She sighed softly, reminding herself she should get to her chores. Having promised to help her mother with mending clothing today, she turned to walk quickly back to her hut. With the acceptance of their mating riding on the approval of the elders and hooded ones, she had been on her absolute best behavior since the Naming Day ceremonies. Dakin clapped his hands together, then rubbed them vigerously. "Sure, let's get going! I brought some more tools over, too. Old Hardis said we could borrow them." post comment

The Cermony Begins [27 Feb 2004|12:30pm] [ mood | nervous ] The children finished their dancing, to much applauding from the rest of the crowd. Yes, they had made a few mistakes in their routine, but they were still young yet and their heart was in their performance. Beaming, they left the performance area to make room for the next dancers. Following the children were an older group of girls who had just entered their teens. They danced a dance called The Dance of Union which would herald the starting of the Ceremony following the closure of this performance. People watched with interest, but stirred with anticipation. They knew what would be coming next, and they wondered what would become of this evening. Two straggling figures quietly made their way into the long building during this dance, looking highly apologetic to be interrupting these important dances. They slipped into a corner after taking some of what was left of the food from the tables and ate while the rest of the dance played out. Then, it was time. The music died away in the midst of applause. The dancers left the performance area and Gelos walked there in their stead. He held his hands out in greeting to all who had gathered, and all traces of murmurings fell silent. "May the Spirits bless the good people of Iasc," he began, using the greeting the Hooded Ones would have intoned to begin the evening's ceremony. "May those who have gone before us to the Otherworld guard us and protect us and keep Evil from this place. For tonight is the night we look from the cold to the coming season of Warmth. Tonight is the night when nights grow shorter and days grow warmer. The good earth prepares to awaken for tilling and planting, the sea prepares once again to give us bounty to fill our stomachs. And we prepare for our village's future and growth. Today is Naming Day, when those who wish to become mates shall tell this Council of their intent." The other Council members, following this greeting, filed onto the speaking area and took seats in the chairs that they'd sat in before. Gelos, however, still stood. Once again, the room fell quiet. "There are many men and women who have proven their worth to this village and who are of age. Who, tonight, wishes to announce their intent to be tied to another? Realize that we, as the Council, under the guidance of the Spirits who guard and protect us, may deny your request if we see it is not the best for the village. Realize, too, that even if we have given our approval, that the mothers of the women you choose may also deem you unfit to be mated. "Remember, men, that though the women own the land in this village, that the men provide for their mates. By pledging your intent, you must also prove that you can provide for the woman you choose. While the Cold Season still rages, you must acquire land and build your woman a home. Her mother will decide if this hut is worthy. If she deems it is not, you will not be mated come the Joining Ceremony. "You must prove, during this harsh Season of Few, that you can stock your home so that your mate will have enough to eat. Empty cupboards will mean a hungry mate, and hungry mates lose unborn children. If you cannot provide food for your mate, you will not be mated come the Joining Ceremony. "You, men, during this Cold Season, must prove that you can provide a comfortable place for yourself and your mate to eat and sleep. A woman is not well-provided for if she has only the cold ground to eat and sleep upon. If you cannot provide comfort for your mate, you will not be mated come the Joining Ceremony. "As you can see," Gelos finalized. "It is easy to say you wish to take a woman as your mate, but words mean nothing if a man cannot provide. These next moons will not be easy. After hearing this, if you still deem yourselves worthy to provide for the woman you have chosen, speak now. Let us hear of your intent." Farin, one of the men who had gone on the successful last hunt in the woods, was the first to stand. He wore a look of utter confidence on his face and spoke without a waver in his voice. "Good men of the Council, it is this day I wish to proclaim my interest in mating Bridin, daughter of Donal and Glenna. I have proven myself worthy by bringing home meat in both the last hunt and a hunt before. I help on Brolan's fishing boat during the Warm Season when he needs an extra hand. I am willing to work hard and prove that I am a good provider for Bridin. She has stolen my heart, and I would do anything to prove my love for her." Farin remained standing as the Council muttered to themselves. Pressol made a first response. "Saying that you are willing to do anything to prove this love is merely words, and nothing more. From whom do you plan to aquire land on which to build your house?" "My mother has offered a parcel of land, sir. There will be room enough there for a hut that can grow with the size of our family." Pressol nodded. The answer suited him. Gelos spoke next. "It will take time to build a house during this season of snow, wind, and storms. How will you also have time to provide for your intended mate? How can you plan to have the cupboards stocked in time for the day of Joining?" Again, Farin's answer was unwavering. "My friends and family have offered to help me hunt. I am also willing to search for game on the plains, alone, if need be." "The plains are dangerous - as nearly as dangerous as the forest this time of year. You would put yourself at risk like this?" Farin's answer was a confident nod. There was more mumbling and private discussion among the Council. Silence eminated from the crowd as anxious onlookers awaited the response. Finally, Gelos addressed the crowd once more. "We, the Council of Elders, approve of your decision, Farin, son of Coll. Prove to us and to Bridin's mother that you can provide for her daughter, and she will be your mate come the day of Joining." There was a pause as Gelos looked to Bridin's mother. "Glenna, do you approve of this man's intent to mate your daughter?" Glenna nodded without hesitation. "I have grown fond of this man over the years. He is a good boy, and always treats Bridin with the respect due a woman. Yes, I approve of this proposal, provided Farin can prove he is a good provider for my daughter." "Very well," said the eldest council member, followed by an uproarious cheer and stamping of feet of happy villagers in celebration. "One has spoken. Who else wishes to claim intent on this eve?" Traelyn enjoyed watching the young dancers, but her nervousness mounted with each new group until she was gripping her hands under the table so tightly they had almost gone numb. When Farin made his request, she listened with interest, noting the questions he was asked. Sparing a glance at Bridin, she could see the maiden was glowing with happiness, especially when the approval came. > "One has spoken. Who else wishes to claim intent on this eve?" Traelyn held her breath as the question was asked, then felt her heart jump into her throat when Sho'shun rose to his feet. The moment was here! He was asking and everyone was now hearing how he felt about her. She looked up at him, sometimes moving her eyes to the council to try and read reactions. As he spoke Traelyn smiled, hoping to show that she returned his feelings and had confidence in him. She wished she could take his hand in hers to offer support, but hoped he could feel it even without her touch. Keeping to a prior decision, she did not look at the villagers sitting around her. She expected there would be a variety of reactions and seeing any anger or disgust among them would only make her more nervous. Instead she concentrated on Sho'shun and the council. Her brother sat next to her, and of that she was glad. Her parents were at another table not far... she hadn't looked their way yet... was almost afraid to... Sho'shun watched all the dancing, but only some. Mostly, his thoughts ran over the ceremony. He had seen them before, but never stood before the council. It made him nervous and worried. With each new set of dancers his stomach twisted more and more. His stomach hurt so bad that by time the ceremony started, he was thankful he had not eaten. He clenched his fist, his knuckles going white as he listened to the first claim for a woman. When all was done he looked at Traelyn and gave her a bit of a smile. He didn't hide his fear of the moment. But it was only for a moment, before the mask of no emotion slipped over his face. It was a practiced art from his years as a trader. Do not let them see your fear. Slowly he stood, he knew the villagers had been waiting. He could feel eyes upon him even before he stood. He eyes swept over the crowd of people, only to rest on the council. He bowed respectfully to them and then turned and bowed to Marrah. He shifted his eyes to the judging council and took a deep breath. His voice rang out deeply as like one who has spoke before crowds before. "Honored Elders of the council, I wish to proclaim my interest in Traelyn, Daughter of Marrah and Garoff. I have worked hard to prove my worth to the village. I have brought home food from successful hunts, I fish upon the boats. I am.. " He paused as he reflected upon the hooded ones being gone. "...learning the ways of the spirits so that I may not make the mistakes I have in the past. I have spent the winter helping our elder villagers by mending roofs and doing repairs. I have been putting my heart and soul into the village and I hope it is enough to be given a chance." He paused for a member to try and swollow his mouth dry. " Traelyn and her family mean the world to me. I would give my life to protect them and make sure they a safe and fed." He finally stopped and waited for the questions he knew would come. His heart was pounding so loud in his chest and his head seemed to float above his shoulders. He had a right to be scared. He knew unlike Farin who was born of the village, Sho'shun's judging and questions would be harder. Or so he felt. He hoped he was wrong. He fought the urge to look at Traelyn as he waited and privately prayed to any spirit or diety that was watching. Once again, Pressol was the first to speak, and he offered the same question as he gave to Farin before. "I ask of you, too, Sho'Shun, where will you find the land to build a house for your intended? Your bachelor's hut is too small for a mate and for small children." Sho'shun knew that question was coming and spoke truth. "I have not found new land as of yet. I do not have family to give me new land. However, the land my hut sits on is big enough for a good size hut. If you remember that was given to me by a Widowed Woman who felt pity for me when I first arrived. She had lost her son to a storm. It was his hut and her only heir and no other hiers to take it over. So if I have too, I will tear apart my own hut to build a better one. A challenge, yes, but for Traelyn... I would do anything.." The land was a hard one for him. He had been searching for the right time to brouch the subject with Marrah who was the only other person he knew of to ask land from. He had been going at it slow and truth be told he didn't know how to ask her. > Pressol answered without even contemplating. "If you tear down your home > to build a bigger one, what shelter will you have then? Will you impose > yourself on your neighbors when the winds blow and the snow is flying in > your face? A sick mate is not a mate who provides, and nor is one who is > lying dead in a drift of snow." > He continued. "The land on which your house stands is also small and in a > crowded area. You will have little room to grow - what if you have a > large family in the future? The time to plan for what is to come, > Sho'shun, is now." Traelyn listened to the questions, now coming in quick succession. Her mouth felt dry and her breath short. It took all her strength to keep her mind focused and her breathing somewhat steady. She had forgotten to care about the looks of the people about her. Her eyes were focused on Sho'shun and the leaders who sat beyond him. Had they not prepared well enough? Could anyone help them? It almost seemed unfair to expect Sho'shun to think of everything, not having been originally from this village. But that /is/ what they expected of him - to learn everything. > "Sho'shun, if we allow this, what shall you do when the Circle returns? > They may not find as we do." > Sho'shun did not find Brolan's question unusal. It had been something he > thought of time and time again. "Eldar Brolan, that is a bridge that must be > crossed when we come to it. I have spent much time learning what they wished > me to know. Beyond what you wished me to learn. I know that learning from > them is a must to be even concidered. However, I know that is far from a > garantee they will approve, but the future is still uncertain. Alot can > happen between now and that." When Brolan asked about the Circle, Traelyn's teeth took hold of the skin behind her lower lip. Could the Circle undo their mating if they returned later, even if the Elders had honored it? And what if... she clenched her hands thinking about... If they did undo it, considered it to be unholy... if they had consumated their joining... would they be disgraced? But what if the Circle never returned? Were they to be denied their love, waiting for a time that may never come? She started to feel doubt. Maybe they should have waited... just one year... Her eyes sought her mothers, looking for comfort. But her mother's eyes were looking at Sho'shun at the moment, her brows lowered as she waited for the outsider to answer the elder's questions. She jumped slightly at the feel of a hand on her clenched fist under the table. She turned her head to find Dakin looking at her, his eyes soft but encouraging. She smiled weakly and moved her hands to hold his hand between them. Looking back at Sho'shun, she tried to stay calm and to look confident. They had already begun... she couldn't let doubts creep in now. > Sho'shun's clunched fist was white behind the lip of the table, only > Traelyn, could see this. His face continued to be calm and unmoved. "It > seems I was wrong. and I will admit that I was under the impression land was > looked for after the approval. But maybe we can make a deal..." > Sho'shun didn't get to finish as the mumbling that had begun shortly after > the land question asked grew. He glanced back curiously at the elderly > widows who were gathered together. They were arguing, but then finally it > cut off. One of the ladies stood timidly. "Council... My sister and I wish > to grant Sho'shun land. He has helped us much over the past couple of years > after our husband's ships never returned. Alone the land we offer is not > much, but the land is next to each other, and that is more then enough to > suit his needs." > Sho'shun felt his future brightened conciderably after hearing that. He > bowed deeply to the pair and said. "You honor me deeply, Maryin and Nancin." > He turned back to the council and waited thier answer. > He glanced at Traelyn with his brows raised a bit, > showing he was impressed with them. It was truly > something he didn't think was in them. Traelyn was so happy at this amazing turn of events, she wanted to laugh out loud. Instead she gave Sho'shun a wide smile and gripped her brother's hand tighter under the table. She was now bubbling inside with excitement, even while her stomach still churned with nerves. >"I don't see sufficient reason for the council to > deny the request",looking toward Traelyn's mother... > "Marrah will have to judge the potential for harm or > good that may come of this for her family." Marrah knew, of course, that the discussion would eventually come to her. Her eyes had mostly been on Sho'shun during the questions, though she had shared a couple of glances with her daughter as well. Garoff patted Marrah's hand briefly - they had already had discussions of their own on the matter. The mother stood, her dark eyes steady and her face neutral. Her stance gave no immediate clue as to what her answer would be. She looked at Traelyn, Sho'shun a moment, then back to the council before she spoke. Her words were measured and her voice fairly filled the long house. "It is no secret that the courtship between Traelyn and Sho'shun has made things difficult for our family at times." She paused a moment, allowing the words to settle. "However... Sho'shun has also been helpful to our family. He is always willing to help with projects. He is a hard worker. He treats Garoff and I with respect." She looked to Traelyn, who was now holding her breath while her eyes glistened. "I've also seen how Sho'shun treats my daughter. He holds her with the utmost respect. I once told him he would have to work hard and learn our ways if he was to be approved this day. He has shown his willingness to do this. I believe him when he says he will do anything for Traelyn." She paused then to smile slightly. Marrah knew her next words affected her family like perhaps no others words she had ever spoken. She had imagined this day when Traelyn was a child. It turned out to be nothing like she had expected then. But that's the way life is at times. Her eyes shifted back to the council. When she spoke, her voice was steady and clear. "Sho'shun has my approval to continue with his courtship of my daughter, and to attempt to meet the requirements for the next Naming Day." > The others muttered among themselves and shook their heads, leading Gelos > toward his next statement. "The Council sees no fault in Sho'shun's > request to mate Traelyn, daughter of Marrah and Garoff --" > > "Provided he meet or exceed the requirements set before him BEFORE the day > of Joining!" Rall interrupted. He was still angry over having been > chastised in the public forum, and was determined to get the last word. > Gelos shot the elder daggers. > Sho'shun almost fell into his seat with relief at the elder's judgement. He > was surprised, shocked and excited all in one. He felt over joyed as he > turned to Traelyn, with a big smile. He took her free hand in both of his > and gave her a confident smile to say silently, 'One step closer.' He looked > back at the ceremony and watched as well known couples asked for a shot at > being mates. He wanted to speak to her, but there was more ceremony to go. > There would be plenty of time afterwards. There were plans to make and a hut > to plan. He wanted her to have a hut to be proud of and that meant having > her say in it. > He couldn't be happier. Traelyn was left breathless. Her mother's words touched her to the core and it was all she could do to keep from crying with happiness. She blinked her eyes tightly at her parents in silent thanks and they smiled back at her. Dakin gave Traelyn's hand a final squeeze, then released it, knowing she would want to hold hands with her suitor. She smiled her appreciation to him. His support had helped her during the stressful moments of the council's questions. When Sho'shun finally turned towards her, Traelyn literally beamed at him, her smile wider than perhaps ever before. His hand felt so good holding hers. She felt such pride in him for being stong during the questions. She had no doubt he would be working hard to build a suitable home for them. Things were looking so hopeful right now, Traelyn couldn't help but wonder if she was really dreaming. They would definitely have to have a celebratory dance once the rest of the intenders had spoken. Traelyn also snuck a happy look Macalla's direction. Her friend's support during their difficult courtship had been like a sturdy stone for her, holding her up when she felt ready to fall apart. She was one of the very few people in this village who could understand how they felt right now. > Macalla was so excited about what had just happened that as soon as the > music started, she jumped to her feet and congratulated both Sho'shun and > Traelyn. Grinning from ear to ear, she proclaimed, "Just wait - three > moons from now will be your day! I am so happy for you!" > Sho'shun couldn't help but chuckle (if a bit nervously) at Macalla's > excitement. "Thank you... and so much to do before that time." He looked to > Traelyn and smiled. "I look forward to discussing our future hut. I wish it > to be as you want it." Looking a bit more seriously. "And I'm sorry it > almost did not happen. I truly thought I was to search for land after this. > We own Maryin and Nancin much, they saved the day." He added glance towards > the elderly ladies who beamed rather proudly at the pair. Once music and voices were filling the long house again, Traelyn felt free to let some of her excitement loose. She stood with her friends and smiled widely, her cheeks already feeling sore from the action. "Oh, thank you, Macalla. I can hardly believe it!" She looked at Sho'shun's serious face and touched his cheek briefly with one hand, "Not to worry, love. You did very well and everything's going to work out." Her eyes shifted to the elder ladies affectionately, then back to Sho'shun again. "Your hard work helping others in the village made their offer even possible! We do owe them many thanks." Thinking ahead, three moons seemed a long time away, and yet a very short amount of time to do all they needed to. "Yes, we have a lot of work to do." Dakin stood with the others and clapped a hand on Sho'shun's arm good naturedly. "Congratulations, Sho'shun. If you need any help with the hut, I'll be there!" As she talked and laughed with the others, Traelyn's eyes glanced past the tabletop once, then wisked back a moment in surprise. Dakin had a big mug of ale by his plate, and it looked to be a third empty already! She looked at him sidelong, but said nothing. He was a man, now, having successfullly completed a hunt. It's what he'd always wanted, since he was a child, she knew. He had a right to his first drink and to celebrate. She just hoped he would take it easy, since he wasn't used to the strong drink. She'd seen what it could do to people when they'd had more than their body could handle. As for herself, she had no interest in the foul-smelling concoction and was rather glad Sho'shun hadn't gotten himself a mug. The two figures who had slipped in to the long building during some of the initial dances looked at one another, then cast a glance toward Calum, who was still standing near the table full of half-empty kegs of brew. The smaller of the two men rose and made his way over to the table. "You were right to tell us, Calum. We needed to watch what happened here with our own eyes." Calum gave the man a nod, but said nothing aloud at first. It was as though he were nervous that he had been addressed by this man in public. The man with Calum seemed not to notice the nervousness, however. "We will tell the others." Calum gave the man another nod and looked relieved when the latecomer walked back to join his friend at his post near the long building's doorways. He watched from the corner of his eye as both figures pulled coarse woolen hoods over their heads. The first of the figures glanced at the other. "Ready to go?" The second man nodded, then looked back toward the front of the room. He saw Traelyn standing next to the dark-skinned outsider and saw their tender glances toward one another. He felt sick. He had been away, but he had not forgotten. "Come on, Trevin. It's time to leave," the other hissed. Trevin forced his eyes away from the front of the room and turned toward the door. While the rest of the room danced and toasted to the events of the evening, the two men went back outside, closed the doors behind them, and disappeared into the darkness. post comment

First Drink: Dakin [18 Feb 2004|12:28pm] [ mood | amused ] This is about Traelyn's brother Dakin. I'm rather interested to see how this comes out myself! >> The inquisitive look melted into something akin to that of slight amusement. "Feel you're ready to try the brew, do you?" There was a thoughtful pause. "Is your stomach full, boy? You'll be walking drunk on your feet if you slug this down in one gulp. I don't want you offending the ladies, now." <<< Dakin felt his ears turn red in embarrassment, but it was hard not to grin from Calum's infectious bright mood. He patted his stomach in answer. "Yep, I've eaten my share. It's a night for celebrating and I'm in good spirits. And I would never think of offending a lady, my good man." He winked good-naturedly, then leaned against the table while Calum filled the mug. He was slightly disappointed to see the mug wasn't filled to the brim - not because he was intent on drinking it all, but he didn't want anyone to think he couldn't handle a whole mug himself. But he masked his thoughts and raised it towards Calum in thanks. As he walked back to his table, he surreptitiously sniffed the ale and was taken aback at its strength. He wasn't sure he would like the taste, but he remembered his father once saying that even if you didn't, you'd be sure to like it by the time you got to the bottom. He thought about trying a sip as he walked, but was concerned he's slop on himself or get bumped by someone else. But on the other hand, he didn't want to take his first drink while at the table either. He just knew he'd make a face or cough and the last thing he wanted was to embarass himself in front of Sihuu... or anyone, for that matter. In the end, he decided he'd just take it with him and try it later. Soon he arrived back at the table and set the mug next to his now mostly empty plate and sat down, feeling rather proud and happy. He looked over at Sihhu and noticed she hadn't eaten much. "Did you try the bread? Wonderful isn't it?" He looked around, then back. "When do you dance for us?" He wondered whether she would dance with him before or after her big dance. * * * [After the ceremonies] Since everyone seemed distracted with dancing, talking, and congratulating, Dakin took his chance to steal a sip from his mug. Before the liquid entered his mouth, the strong smell assaulted his nostils and practically gave him a headache on the spot. Once in his mouth, he found it strangely hard to swallow, even though he wanted it down as soon as possible. Finally forcing it down, he couldn't supress a shudder as the after affect ran down his arms. But once past the initial shock of it, he found he was left with a pleasant warm feeling in his chest and stomach. Standing a moment in thought, he held the mug in his hand while he studied his body's reaction. Nothing more than the warmth so far and he liked that feeling. He braced himself for another swallow and managed the second one much more easily, though he still shuddered afterwards. Smiling in satisfaction, he set the mug on the table and turned towards Sihuu. Bowing slightly, he held out a hand. "Would you care to dance now, Sihuu?" A bit of sandy hair fell over one eye, lending him a coy look. 5 comments|post comment

Naming Day: Evening [06 Feb 2004|08:27am] [ mood | cheerful ] > Sho'shun couldn't help but look down at himself. "I worried you > would not be happy that I did not wear clothes more of my > home." He offered a gentle smile. "Though I have to say that > nothing compares to your radient appearence. You truly out shine > any woman here." He bowed low to Traelyn, the two feather fell > to the side as he did so. "I have missed the time with you, it has > been empty without you." He straightened and added. "I hope you > will allow me a dance or more tonight." Traelyn smiled and her eyes showed acceptance. "It's not the clothes that make you who you are - it's what inside. That's what I care most about. If you're happy with what you are wearing, then I am happy." And in case there was any doubt, she added, "But, really, you do look very handsome." She smiled wider at his compliments, thrilled that he found her so appealing. In the corner of her eye, she noticed some of her peers watching and whispering, even giggling. She felt strange a moment, as if she and Sho'shun were the center of attention even though most people were going about their way, some even ignoring them purposefully. Last night as she tried to sleep, Traelyn had worried Sho'shun would decide not to ask to be her mate for fear it wouldn't be a good time with all the changes going on in the village. She knew he was sensitive about following their customs and being accepted. But seeing how he looked at her now, she was certain he would ask. The maiden looked up into Sho'shun's eyes and felt a terrible yet wonderful ache. "You will have my every dance, Sho'shun. Now and always." Sho'shun looked flattered at the compliment, rubbing the back of his neck some in a bit of embarressment at the comment. "I am, I just felt a need to bring in some of the village into who I am. It is my home now." He cleared his throat a bit and lowered his voice a bit to talk to her. "I will be honored to dance with you...." His voice trailed off a bit as he felt nervous about what he was going to say next. "I.. I know that the priests are not here. I am nervous about tonight. If they will let the ceremony happen. I know the others are just as anxious...." He trailed off again and then said. "Do you wish me to still ask? If they allow the ceremony?" His voice was quiet as he spoke to her. "I don't know if I can wait another year, but for you I will." He offered a bit of a lop sided smile. " Though a year is not so long compared to a lifetime with you." Her fears returned as Sho'shun began to speak, but as he finished she could only feel great respect for him. Traelyn looked at him seriously, her brown eyes looking older for a moment as she weighed the options. She kept her voice low as well. "I've been thinking about that a lot. I have my fears, as well. But what if the Hooded Ones never return?" She looked in the direction of the elders. "They've decided to proceed with Naming Day. That says to me that they've decided life must go on. And I agree." "Everyone knows by now what is in our hearts. I think it is fair to ask." Her eyes squinted at him a moment, gearing herself up to say her next words, knowing there was just a slight possiblity it could unhinge everything. But she had to be sure. "But... I only want you to ask if it's truly what you want. Even if they say yes, there will always be struggles for us. I'm prepared... are you?" Her gaze was steady, though her heart was pounding in her chest. He relaxed some, he had worried about that along with many other things. To hear she wanted him to still ask, heartened him greatly. "I just thought it best to ask you first." He offered a bit of a smile. "I do not wish to do something you feel uncomfortable about." Her next question brought a gentle smile to his lips, he in someway found the question endearing and amusing all at once. "To live another moment with out you at my side as my mate, would be hard to bear. Besides.." He reached out to touch her arm lightly. " If by now you do not know that answer, then let me refreash your memory. "I have vowed to lay my life down for you and your kin. I will stand with you in all the struggles we will face. A mate who would not do that does not deserve to be a mate." His light touch sent shivers up her arm. At his gentle look and his words, Traelyn smiled in a blush. She could never question his devotion. "I know... but I had to ask just one last time." She stared at him a moment, her mouth slightly open in awe. In just a whisper she spoke to him. "Are you real? Or are you a dream?" He was so amazingly different from the other village men, he sometimes seemed amazing to her. For a slight moment, she again wondered what she would do if the elders said no. But swallowing hard, she forced herself not to contemplate the idea more than that fleeting moment. She would acknowledge the possibility it could happen, but she could not work through the repercussions without unraveling her own composure. She would deal with it if the time came. But she hoped with all her heart it would not. He glanced over Traelyn's shoulder at Macalla. He grinned at his adopted sister before looking down at Traelyn. "I would like you to meet my sister Traelyn." He said it so that only she heard it. "She has been here in the village for sometime, but only recently has she declared she is my sister." She was glad for the distraction, but was momentarily confused at his words. "What...?" Visions of what his sister must look like first entered her mind, but how could a sister of his be here? "What do you mean?" He chuckled softly and gently took her by the elbow. He kept his voice low still as he turned her around and walked her back towards Macalla. "I am as real as anyone else. Though I feel I must admit that I am feeling the same way. You look like a vision of one of my home's spirits. She looks over all women." Traelyn thought perhaps he had mentioned this before and she still felt so honored to be likened to a spirit. He didn't go further into it is, as there was plently of time for that. Once they stood before Macalla he held out a hand to her. And whispered to Traelyn. "And here is my.... sister....Macalla. Though it is not widely known, we have adopted each other as family." As Sho'shun turned her around she felt slightly dizzy and allowed him to lead her in whatever direction he wished. She came to a stop right in front of Macalla and gasped as his words sunk in. Looking from one to the other with a wide smile, she grasped Macalla's hand with glee. "Oh, that is so wonderful. I can't think of anything more fitting!" Her voice was a whisper to match Sho'shun's, but the excitement made it strained. She felt so close to Macalla herself, that if she and Sho'shun were allowed the mating it would be perfect in her mind for all of them to be like family. She wondered why it was a secret, though, but decided she would likely be told in time. ================ > Sho'shun chuckled and pulled her towards the dance floor. "I think right > now, my stomach will not wish to eat." He commented knowingly. Once upon > the floor he moved to pull her into the the fast paced dance > that was playing at the moment. Traelyn returned Sho'shun's knowing look as they moved to dance, as if to convey a private understanding between them. It felt calming to know that at least one other person was as nervous as she. > He felt light headed as if a part of some dream as he placed a hand on her > waist, the other holding her hand. Just being able to finally have some > contact with her, however small thrilled him to the core. The world seem to > fade into a blur of sound and motion as everything focused on her and this > moment they were sharing. Not thought of the ceremoney to come, no worries > that the hooded ones might suddenly show. Only this single moment. He knew > this moment was going to stay with him til his death day. Taking in his scent so near and the feel of his strong hand holding her waist and the other feeling warm in hers, Traelyn willed her troubles to disappear - if only for a little while. She looked up at him periodically, smiling and sometimes laughing. Her heart lifted and her feet felt light. Sometimes she felt like she could escape the world if she just looked deep enough into his dark blue eyes. >> After a few songs worth of twriling and dancing, Sho'shun finally guided Traelyn off the dance floor. A bit breathless from it all, he couldn't help but brightly smile at her, joyful from the whole experience. "I think we are due a rest." He chuckled a bit, shaking his head. " Please tell my, my lady, did I look as clumsey as I felt?" He had not grown up in the village as she had, so in the years that he had lived there, he obviously had not learned the grace for thier dancing, quite yet. But he enjoyed it either way.<< Feeling slightly breathless, Traelyn leaned against Sho'shun as they walked away from the dancing area, partly for support and partly as an excuse to get closer to him. "Oh, not at all." Then she laughed at the impression that might carry. "I mean, you weren't clumsey! Besides, I think I was floating more than dancing." She smiled at him, then, her eyes showing the happiness exploding from within. So many times she had felt nervous around him, but now she felt completely at ease, almost as if they were mated already. Oh, how she wished that were true. >>He didn't wait for an answer as he took her hand and tucked it through his arm, his smile turning warm. "Shall find out friends?" << "Yes, I see them now at that table." She pointed at Dakin, Sihuu and Macalla. Her brows lowered when she didn't see Brolan with them, however. Hadn't he met up with Macalla just before she and Sho'shun had left for their dance? Approaching the table, she greeted everyone with a smile. "Woo, that was fun. Your turn next." She teased her brother as she moved to take a seat. Looking over at her friend she asked Macalla curiously, "Where's Brolan?" She hoped his absense didn't mean something unusual was happening. Dakin narrowed his eyes at his sister's jibe. As if he hadn't already planned to take the lovely Sihuu dancing! Absent-mindedly he wondered what she would think of him drinking if she noticed the mug. post comment

Naming Day [05 Jan 2004|12:10pm] [ mood | nervous ] While night is falling in the Elfin Threads, in the Human Threads, it is the day prior, shortly after sunrise. The humans' trek to the forest was also productive. Though their hunt took the whole of the day, the group managed to fell three deer to bring back to the village. Like the elves, the Iascans are making sure to put every bit of the kill to use. Even the bones are being boiled so there will be soups for a few days, at least. The longest night of the season has come and gone. It is past time for when traditional Naming Day is held, and the Hooded Ones have not yet returned. More and more of the villagers feel abandoned by the Circle. In an effort to lighten the mood of the people and to ease the minds of many, the Council has decided that there must be a Naming Day whether the Hooded Ones are present or not. They will take advantage of the recent hunt's good fortune. Naming Day will be today, even though there won't be as much of a feast. It will also be a day for being Thankful for what the village does have. With the sun, people are making ready. Everyone seems determined that today will be a happy one, regardless of the status of food. Though sunlight was barely a whisper through the windows of her hut, Traelyn was already wide awake, dressed and busy. She was a lovely sight, dressed in a long blue skirt and flowing white blouse with long sleeves. Her long wavy black hair was shining from many hairbrush strokes and it hung loose, cascading over her small shoulders. The emerging light kissed her cheeks as she sat on her pallet and looked down at something small in her hands. Traelyn's emotions were a whirl. She wasn't sure if she was going to fly apart or melt. Her fingers stumbled over the creation she had been working on for many nights. Though she almost lifted her carving knife to make a slight change, she shook her head. She'd learned the lesson before - let well enough alone before you make a mistake and ruin it. And today she could afford no mistakes. No unpleasant surprises. Still a sense of worry underlined her excitement. "What ifs" scurried through her mind, teasing her mercilessly, no matter how she tried to ignore them. Any number of things could go wrong. The Hooded Ones showing up unexpectantly. Trevin showing up out of no where to cause trouble. Her own parents, particularly her mother, suddenly changing their mind about allowing her to mate with Sho'shun. She sighed explosively, sending whisps of hair flying past her face. At least he was back safe - he, Dakin and Macalla. She had been so worried while they had been in the forest. But it seemed that it wasn't always a bad place and could even provide them with food. Food for Naming Day. The maiden finally smiled, stood and placed her treasured object in one pocket of her skirt. Then she stooped to retrieve the other special item - the necklace Sho'shun had given her seemingly ages ago. Lingering over it just briefly, she carefully wrapped it in a cloth and placed it in her other pocket. She wasn't sure if Sho'shun would want to place it around her neck himself when the time came, so she didn't wear it just yet. A familiar tenseness gripped her stomach, the kind that felt terrible and wonderful at the same time. Could she dare hope it would happen today? That they would be accepted as mates? Yes, she would hope it and do all she could to make it real. * * * Marrah sat at the edge of her pallet, listening to Garoff's steady breathing and savoring the quiet before everyone started dashing about with activity. She needed the time to think about what had happened recently and what was planned for tonight. So thankful she was that her son had returned from the dangerous hunt in the forest, she had not held back to hug him and cry upon his return, paying no mind to his embarrassed protests. All the hunters had returned intact and she was relieved. She was even glad to see Sho'shun return, in spite of herself. Traelyn had held herself together well while he was gone, but Marrah could see the maiden was worried the entire time. She didn't want to see her daughter hurt or in pain. Though she still wasn't happy her daughter loved an outsider, there was no denying it. She sensed that losing him would crush her. It was the last thing she wanted to see happen. And tonight, no doubt, Traelyn and Sho'shun would approach the council for Naming Day. There were many things to consider. Though she tried to block it from her mind, she couldn't but think of the two being... intimate. Of course, she had to admit it would be difficult to imagine any man with her daughter - her little girl. But it was time to accept that Traelyn had grown into a lovely young woman and she was ready to move on to her own home. Marrah sighed, feeling meloncholy. Isn't that what they had been striving for all along? For their children to grow up to be good people who would contribute to the village as adults? It all just happened so fast. And their futures, mostly Traelyn's, wasn't shaping up to how she had imagined it. But then, it wasn't her place to say what her daughter's life should be like. It was hard to remember that at times, but she knew it was so. She wouldn't have liked it if her parents had kept her from Garoff when she had fallen in love with him. Another sigh. Then a deeper breath that she held for a moment while she gathered her strength and focused her mind. If she wanted any sort of relationship with her daughter in the future, she would need to support Traelyn and not work against her. She looked around - at her mate sleeping peacefully, at the nice hut they lived in, and she saw in her mind's eye her children sleeping on their own pallets. And she hoped that Traelyn would have all these things, as well. And that she would find happiness. * * * > Macalla decided to see if Traelyn had left. She > made her way over to Marrah's warm-looking hut > and rapped lightly on the door. Once she felt calm enough to face the day, Traelyn brushed past the covering around her pallet to join her family. The men had already left the house to help with various preparations for the celebrations. Marrah was preparing dough that would soon be cooked into bread. As soon as Traelyn saw her, she stopped to stand a few feet away, unsure of what to say or what to expect. Marrah turned and smiled, her eyes glistening slightly. "You look beautiful, Traelyn." The maiden smiled, flattered and somewhat relieved. Traelyn began to help her mother with the bread and the two chatted as they worked. Everything felt calm, yet... not. When the door suddenly erupted with noise, Traelyn's heart practically leapt out her chest. Though the work had kept her mind occupied, she realized she was still quiet nervous. Marrah wiped off her hands and opened the door. "Good Morn, Macalla." Marrah greeted Traelyn's friend. A visit from the woman wasn't a surprise at all. In fact, Marrah had been wondering when she would show up. Opening the door wider, she gestured inside. "Come in out of the cold." > She also held up a large bag half-full of grain. "I have been > saving this since the harvest. I am not sure if you needed more > grain for flour, but I thought I would bring what I had." Marrah quickly closed the door, hoping to keep as much of the cold air out of the small hut. She then took the bag of grain with a surprised smile. "Thank you, we can definitely use all we can get." With her free hand, she also offered to take Macalla's wrap. > Macalla glanced around the hut, trying to search out her friend. > Finally spying Traelyn, she nodded a greeting. She was looking > forward to talking to Traelyn, and was sure that her friend must be > anxious about the festivities this evening. Traelyn grinned widely when she saw her friend. Just Macalla's presence always seemed to calm the maiden. "Good morn, how are you?" Traelyn asked, her voice genuinely warm and welcoming. Macalla handed her cloak to Marrah when she offered to take it, then moved toward Traelyn. She greeted her friend with the same warmth and smile given her. "I am well, thank you. Very well. I think today will be the best Naming Day Festivities I have attended... and you must be about to fall from your shoes waiting for the evening to come." Macalla didn't elaborate on why she thought the festivities would be enjoyable; she figured that she wouldn't be the only one feeling a bit more relaxed this evening without the Hooded Ones constantly looking over everyone's shoulders. Traelyn smiled from the unfamiliar expression. "Yes, you could say that." She clutched her hands for a moment, then forced herself to put her arms down at her sides. "I just hope everything goes all right." Marrah finished setting Macalla's cloak on a hook in the wall, then turned towards the two young women. Walking past with a whistful smile, she set the grain Macalla had given her with the small amount she had left. "I know how you feel," Macalla offered sincerely. She wanted to put her friend's mind at ease, but wasn't sure how she could do so. "The years since Brolan asked if I could be his mate have not passed so much that it takes more than one hand to count them, but even if they had, I would never forget that day. Do you remember? "Even then, Brolan was an elder. I can bet every single woman in the village wanted the privelege of being his mate. I know it. But he asked for my hand. I still remember the silence after he told the gathered that he wanted to be with me." She paused, silent, just as the long house became on that day just a few years ago. "I remembered my heart pounded, and I almost refused to believe then that the Council and the Hooded Ones would grant the mating. After all, he was an Elder. I was an outsider." A smile returned to Macalla's face. "But they approved. Whether they thought that he would never be able to meet the final tasks of acceptance or whether they thought he would change his mind, I will not know. What matters is that it was granted. And if they allow this family-less outsider girl with no possessions to mate to an elder, how can they not allow you to be the mate of one who is helpful to the village, who even has a hut of his own? And besides," she added after a brief thought. "I think the Hooded Ones would raise the most objection, and they have turned their backs on this place." "Yes, I think tonight will be the most memorable Naming Day of all," Macalla grinned, then gleefully motioned Traelyn to join her in grinding the grain she'd brought from her home. Marrah tried not to listen to the conversation between the two younger woman, but in the small hut it was hard not to pick up the words. She remembered the day well. She had been one of those against the mating. Little did she know just how the approval would come to affect her life, and most of all, her daughter's life. Sighing in some frustration and conflicting feelings, Marrah remained silent and worked with the grain. Traelyn listened to Marrah's story with rapt attention, purposely ignoring her mother's reactions. She smiled at her friend. "Yes, I remember that Naming Day. And the outcome is very encouraging. And, really, if the Elders and Hooded Ones would just allow themselves the opportunity to get to know you, they would see you are the perfect match for Brolan. I hope..." She paused a moment, her cheeks reddening. "I hope Sho'shun and I can be as happy as you two are." Macalla's jubilant mood was infectious and Traelyn gladly helped to grind the grain with renewed vigor. Not much longer now... post comment

Drastic Measures [19 Nov 2003|12:28pm] [ mood | scared ] Gelos spoke "Who among us is willing to face the dangers of the forest in order to provide for our people?" Sho'shun did not hesitate, but rose to his feet. He did however notice the hesitation in the villagers. "My life means nothing if everyone around me dies from empty stomachs." He bowed his head respectfully to the council, "I would give my life for the village, I will go." Already Traelyn had been worrying over whether her brother would go again. She didn't know why she was surprised when Sho'shun rose and said he would join the hunters in the forest. He was always ready to help others and, like Macalla, he probably didn't have the same fears the Iasc-born villagers did with the Hooded Ones gone. But Traelyn was a born and raised villager. Even if she had grown to dislike the Hooded Ones and had recently admitted she was glad they were gone, Gelos' words about them brought about a fear she hadn't known was there before. What if it went as it did before? What if it was worse? What if... Sho'shun didn't return. Traelyn felt a lump in her throat and she looked up at her bright-haired would-be mate. Suddenly, her hands were covering her mouth and she fought back tears. Noting that none of the village-born people had volunteered while both "outsiders" had, Dakin continued to war with himself about what to do. One moment, he had made his final decision to not go, but he still felt horribly conflicted. Was he truly being benevolent, telling himself that he would only hold back a hunting party in the forest, or was he being selfish and cowardly? And what of Sihuu? Certainly that was a selfish thought, but he couldn't help but wonder what her reaction would be either way. He had hoped... perhaps... there was something between them. He had shared with no one his experience in the forest while he had waited for Macalla to bring help. The eery silence other than wind in the trees, the weight baring down on his leg and the pain of it. And the nearness of the corpses of both the hunt leader and the horrible bear-creature. While he waited those tense moments, he felt helpless to another attack. The creature's wound bled openly on Dakin's leg and he felt the disgusting wetness creeping into the weave of his pants so that they stuck to his skin. He didn't even know how much of the blood he felt was his. Eyes had seemed to watch him from beyond the leaves as he sat in that silence and one terrible moment he could have sworn the slain monster had moved. Though he couldn't see the hunt leader, he knew his body was there, his own spilled blood seeping into the forest soil. And all the while, he wondered whether he could have done something more. If perhaps he was less of a man than he had thought. Then the nightmares had come, night after night for weeks after. Always the darkness, always the cloying stench in the air. Then the monster would come again, attacking all he loved and he was helpless against it, no matter how hard he tried to combat it. When he had begun to notice Sihuu, and she him, the dreams had subsided. But recently they had come again, during this time of hunger and worry. Could they be a warning? Or were they just a symptom of something damaged within him, never able to heal completely? He thought over what the Elder had said about a test from the spirits. This could be his chance to combat his fears for real, perhaps finally put them to rest. Should he try to conquer his fears? Would he prevail? His hunting skills were exceptional, or at least he liked to believe so. He supported efforts to get more food and he trusted the skills of Macalla and Sho'shun. He tried to form the words, to volunteer along with them. If one of the villagers who had been in the forest before volunteered, it would encourage others to do so. Was he a man or a coward, he thought. This was the defining moment. Digging his fingernails into his palms, he attempted to swallow his terror and face the demons that plagued his soul. Could he do it? Could he truly place his foot between the great trees of the forest once again, only his spear, faith, fellow hunters and courage to protect him? Beads of sweat formed at the base of his hair. For my people... and for myself... I must go. A voice then rang out over the people, though not as loudly as the other volunteers' voices had been. "I will go, if you will have me." He said it simply, then decided to add more, finding some measure of strength as he made his case. "I've been in there before. Though things did not go well, I survived and learned a great deal." He then nodded towards Macalla. "Also, I trust her skills. She saved my life." He faltered then, unsure of what more to say. He was then fully distracted by the action of his mother's head whipping around to look at him as if he were already dead. At this point, Traelyn felt numb with shock. Three of the people she held most dear in her life were going to enter that frightening place - willingly! She cupped her hands in front of her mouth and stared straight ahead, silently counting the weave lines on the shirt of the person sitting in front of her. Then her eyes closed briefly in prayer. 'Please, Sprits, protect us all.' > Sho'shun bowed respectfully to the elders, "I thank you." He > lowered himself to the bench again, but avoided Traelyn's eyes. > He couldn't force himself to look at her, knowing she probebly > wouldn't be happy with his decision. But right now, all that mattered > was feeding the village. He wasn't suprised when he heard Macalla > and he hoped the council would allow her to go. > What brought his head around was Dakin's volunteering. He studied > the younger man's face and felt worry knot his stomach. > It was this that Sho'shun risked a glance at Traelyn. What he > saw broke his heart. He felt guilty for being a cause for that > pain. He reached over to touch her arm gently and leaned > close enough that his hushed voice would reach over the > murmuring of the gathered. "Traelyn?" He asked gently. The maiden opened her eyes at the touch and she turned to look over at Sho'shun. Catching his eyes with hers, she felt pride and fear at the same time, all enveloped with an intense love. If all of the village weren't there, she would have hugged him fiercely and buried her face into the warmth of his neck. Instead, she gently placed a shaking hand on his. "I understand..." Her voice was low, her words meant for only him even if others could overhear. "You have to go because of who you are - a good man who cares for others. It's one of the reasons I love you." She choked a moment on the last words. "But I can't lie to you. I'm afraid. But spirits willing..." a small laugh and a weak smile, "whether they are my spirits or yours, you and the others will return safely and with enough food to get us through this winter." Some part of her knew that if they did return victorious, it could greatly increase the chance that their mating would be approved. But at this point, she was more concerned about whether he would return at all. As hard as she tried, she couldn't block out the memories of the return of the last forest hunters, one of them much less than whole. She knew of her brother's nightmares, though they had never discussed them. She often wondered what he had gone through, but he always refused to broach the subject. Now she hoped that more people would volunteer. They needed a larger group than went last time. > Running his thumb over the lighter skin of her hand, > he resisted the urge to pull her into a hug. "Thank you > for understanding." He murmured. "I promise, I will do > my best to protect your brother." He didn't promise to > come back unhurt, but he would give his life to protect > her brother. Swallowing hard, she kept her composure enough to find voice. "Thank you. I will worry about him, too, but I will have some measure of comfort to know he is with someone I trust." > Trying to help some he asked. "You still have the necklace > right? I'll be coming back for it, so I can give it to you > properly at Naming Day." She smiled, thinking fondly of the necklace he had given her seemingly so long ago. She kept it hidden among some things kept under her bed, but looked at it almost every night, hoping she could one day wear it openly. "Of course. I've kept it safe." She didn't want to bring the subject up now, but she was glad he had given it to her when he did, so that it wasn't destroyed with many of Sho'shun's other belongings that one fateful night. Gazing into his eyes a moment, she added, "I have a gift for you, too." > Sho'shun could help but look up this woman with pride, he couldn't figure > why, but it was there. He risked touching her cheek, briefly. "I look > forward to seeing it." He wanted to say more, but was interrupted by other > happenings. He squeezed her hand again and let it go to stand up. Traelyn squeezed his hand in response and had to force herself to let go when he stood. It seemed that things were winding up, so she stood as well. But she stopped short when the elders began to speak. > Gelos knew that, even though he was the Eldest, it was the Council's > majority decision, not his alone, that should determine who would go and > who would stay. "Raise your hand if you think the woman should go." As with so many of the others, Dakin had begun to move towards the door to leave when Brolan's comments caused him to stop in his tracks. His eyes flicked anxiously between Gelos, Brolan and the other elders. Traelyn was also transfixed by the exchange. A glance at Macalla told her that she wanted to go very badly and for that reason only, Traelyn hoped for their acceptance. She didn't like the thought of any of her loved ones entering that frightening place, but she also understood what it would mean if they allowed Macalla to go. It could mean a lot not only for Macalla, but for all the women of the village. Traelyn could see why many were reluctant to allow it, for fear of further change. But the maiden agreed with Brolan, they should use all the resources they had and Macalla's experience would be a great asset to them. post comment

Scramble for the Council [03 Aug 2003|10:32pm] [ mood | accomplished ] [I gave up on using italics for posts that aren't mine.] Two days have passed since the Harvest celebration. The winds are getting colder, and the Humans know that preparations for the coming cold season must be finished soon or the tribe will be facing hard times. ( Read More ) [to be continued...] post comment

When the Evening Falls 2 [26 Jun 2003|12:06pm] [ mood | happy ] One last wave, then Traelyn hurried to her home and was relieved to find it empty. She quickly stripped out of her dirty clothes and set them aside to be cleaned later. Then she put on the clothes she had decided on for the evening - a white blouse with long sleeves and a long black skirt. Her work boots were replaced with sandals. Before leaving, her hand slipped under a few garments to pull out something. She regarded it a moment, then thoughtfully placed it in a skirt pocket. Then she went on her way to the docks, pinching her cheeks for good measure. ( Read More ) [to be continued...] post comment

When the Evening Falls [04 Jun 2003|12:05pm] [ mood | excited ] For those out digging ground roots, the brief journeys to the lake had only brought short reprieves from the heat of both the unusually hot day and of the hard work of the harvest. Clouds had formed on the western horizon along in the late afternoon, teasing the women who wished it would rain, but none had come. The sky had darkened promisingly for but a while, but there was no water; no lightning or thunder. The sunset was brilliantly orange, playing off the clouds that seemed to now be dissipating far off shore. Though there was still work to do, it seemed as though the more the sunset deepened, the more Macalla found herself taking pause from her work and staring out to the west to take in the sight. Sunsets were one of her most favorite things. ( Read More ) [end of this thread] post comment

Preparing for the Harvest [27 Apr 2003|08:34pm] [ mood | giggly ] It has also been nearly a week and a half since the Elders and Hooded Ones decided the fate of Trevin, the one who had been accused of destroying Sho'Shun's property. Strangely, though some of the Hooded Ones have been seen about doing usual tasks, asking the Spirit Guardians to protect the village, praying for a good harvest, and preparing for the upcoming Harvest Celebration, a few key members of the Circle and Trevin have not been seen since the time the young man was escorted from the village center. A few who have asked of the whereabouts of the man have been told only that the purification of his spirit hasn't yet been complete, and he will be brought to Sho'shun's hut once the process is finished. Though the talk of what happened at the council is still the focus of many conversations, preparations for the coming cold weather are in full swing. The boats have been going out, trying to catch a few more fish to be cured and put into stores. Women and children will soon be busy helping to harvest plants and preparing what has grown for storage and the upcoming feast, as well. There is much work to be done that rains and the uproar surrounding the past council has delayed. Getting everything done before the first snow won't be easy. ( Read More ) [end of this thread] post comment

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