Cast: PreyRunner and Myiel, PreyRunner spoofed StormCloud Summary: PreyRunner climbs to the top of the falls in the valley and find an elf there. Their encounter is less than friendly, finding the elf's sends as crazy as her appearance. She is brought down to the tribe, bathed, given new leathers and a place to den until she is well enough, and fattened up. Myriel, famished, tries to devoure a whole meal, and gets a belly ache. StormCloud, the tribe's herbal healer, helps her, but she panics. Many things set off Myriel - too many questions, too much sending, certain words, plant mush on her hand, etc. The rollercoaster of emotions knows no stops. NOTE: There is a mention of Myriel's nudity, RP regarding it, but no description of her nude figure. Logfile from Myriel – Two Moons MUSH 061304 Logfile Title – Myriel's returned Top of the Falls - Mist Valley Lands The thunderous crash of water and the fine mist cast up as the river falls off the edge of the cliff into the lake below gives the view of the valley from this vantage point an ethereal quality. But it's the immediate area that calls the most attention for the river seems to split two different worlds. Upon the southern side, the high granite cliffs of the mountain rise up to touch the sky while on the northern side, the rock strewn land gives way to a much older forest. Gullies can be made out along the cliffs where a trail winds it's way along the river bank close to those high cliffs. The opposite side, the ground shows no sign of travel until the river dips beneath a thick fallen slab. Night shrouds the valley, illuminated only by the light of the moons and the stars. Awake: Myriel PreyRunner Obvious exits: Climb Down Contents: PreyRunner Obvious exits: Climb Down There is a lone figure kneeling at the top of the falls. It is hunched over, very close and precariously placed to the edge of the high cliffs. The sobs are drowned out by the sounds of the waves, but in the gleaming moonlight, the figure is obviously shaking. Having decided to come out for a late night dive and a swim, PreyRunner certainly wasn't expecting to run into a new elf... certainly not a rather dingy looking one. Climbing out the rest of the way from the passage, he pauses and offers gently, ** Heyla... cousin? ** hands on his knees, palm up as he crouches... no weapons there, just his loin cloth. The elf doesn't acknowledge PreyRunner's presence immediately. It continues to bow and shake under the glow of the moons. After a moment it sits up quickly and turns around. The elfin face is frightly under the white beams of the twin moons above. She is a frail she-elf, and it looks like she might have a bad run-in with nature. ** Who sends? Who's there? ** The sending is as wild and frightening as her appearance. PreyRunner is shocked at the condition of the elf, to be that far gone either in mind or body... he's not sure which, yet. Slowly standing up from the crouch, he comes more into view, ** I do. I am PreyRunner. Are you alright? ** concern in the send and compassion for what is obviously a sick elf. The she-elf seems slow to react to PreyRunner's sending. She continues to search with her eyes. Unsteady she stands up and takes two steps from the cliff's edge. ** Who are you? I don't know. ** Her eyes focus on the other elf's silhouette. The light on his frame make his softly tanned skin glow. Her eyes widen even more. ** It's you! ** Accusation and anger fill her last send. A shaky and thin finger point in PreyRunner's direction. ** It is I ... who? ** is the confused send from the chief. He takes another step closer, more into view, though obviously regarding you rather strangely, ** To my knowledge, I do not know you, cousin. Who do you think I am? ** he'd offer water and food, but they are down the falls and all that. The image she had conjured in her mind focuses and unfocuses in her sends. The image of a tall, First Born elf, hair gleaming white dressed in elegant robes. The image fades and is replaced but the elf she sees before her. ** You.. ** but her sending is uncertain, she's unsure she has the right elf. ** You stole my daughter... made her think.. ** She shakes her head, hands clasp to the side of her temples as she shakes her head violently. PreyRunner frowns gently, he's certainly no High One or High elf, that's for sure. ** I am PreyRunner, cousin. I have stolen no one. There is only truth in send. Who are you? Who is your cub? ** he moves to sit on one of the rocky ledges that are up near the falls, facing you, ** How did you come to the valley? You are safe here. ** he's quick to offer. The she-elf doesn't answer for sometime. Her pounds her bony fists into her temple. Her lips move quickly and her eyes are squished tight. The moment of frustration is over and she puts her hands down. Slowly she opens her eyes and looks around, trying to find the source of the sending again. ** PreyRunner.. ** acknowledging the name. The send is calmer, but edges are riddled with murmurs. She looks around and is confused by her precarious position by the falls. She feels panicked and edges further away. ** I am not safe here. Where am I? ** PreyRunner watches your struggle for control or sanity with a neutral outward expression, not wanting to push what seems like a dangerously unstable elf. Nodding as she acknowledges him, he sends again his name for confirmation, ** Step back from the falls... have a seat and you are safe up here. Do you not know how you found here? ** motioning to a flat rock across from him, back several steps from the rushing water. The frazzled elf nods and agrees that it would be good to move away from the falls. She moves as if walking on the edge and finally feels the flat rock under her hand. Her eyes are still on the water and doesn't look up to PreyRunner and meet his gaze. ** Yes, I was found here. ** Then clarifies, ** I found here. I found my way here. ** PreyRunner relaxes a little, she hardly seems dangerous to anyone but herself, ** Yes, you came here... You are welcome here. But how did you get here? ** he inquires. Hands rest on his knees, he leans forward a little as he asks, ** Who is your cub? ** The elf, somewhat calmer, turns her eyes to look at PreyRunner. ** I got lost, and found my way here. My cub is not here. She is dead now. ** The sending is terribly sad. She mimics PreyRunner's sitting position, but wraps her arms around her knees. ** My beautiful Trouble is dead. ** Fresh tears well in her eyes and fall down her gaunt cheeks. PreyRunner certainly didn't mean to cause the elf discomfort... that was not his intentions at all. ** I knew of this elf, Trouble... from others who had mentioned her. She was a beautiful elf... ** he reaches to pat your knee, uncaring about the dinginess of it all, ** I am sorry for your loss. ** As tears continue to flow freely, the elf turns her eyes up to the sky. ** She never know how beautiful she was. I never told her. I never said a word to her. I shouldn't have let her go. ** Her face contorts into a visage of torment. ** Why did I let her? ** her mind scream. Behind it the murmuring grows louder. PreyRunner considers how to help... there has to be a way. He considers and offers, ** I am pretty sure she knew... even if you never said it, they know. I have cubs... they know I love them dearly. ** considering, he changes tactics, ** Come with me to the tribe... can get you cleaned up... fresh leathers... fix your hair? Food and drink? ** trying his best here. The elf's expression changes again. Her tears have stopped and looks almost calm. Her hand comes up and waves off something that seems to be pestering her , like a fly that won't stop buzzing in her face. ** Food. ** The thought seems to register as the sending is clear. ** Yes, thank you... PreyRunner. ** Her mind struggles to find the name her heard earlier and put it to the new face. PreyRunner smiles, progress at least. ** Food. ** agreeing with her, ** We have to climb down to get to the food... and swim a little bit. ** he warns, ** Follow me and I will get you to food and drink... and a warm fire. ** he stands up, offering a hand to help her up as well. She looks at your hand as if it were a novel thing and then takes it. Her hand is rough and thin as tree twigs. The skin is dried and calloused. She uses PreyRunner as a counter-weight to help herself off the rock and stands, trying to steady herself on her feet. Her grip tights and then released its firm hold, but she doesn't let go. ** How long have you wandered? ** the chief asks as he helps you up. He's surprised at just how frail and dried up you seem, ** This way... ** he explains, starting back over to the cave entrance and the way down from the falls. ** Stay on the stairs and take your time, no rush. ** PreyRunner climbs back down the cliff side. PreyRunner has left. You climb back down the cliff side. Behind The Waterfall - Mist Valley Lands There is a small ledge here, above the level of the water that is barely 6 feet around, damp, from the splashing of the falls. Light comes in through the falls and behind them, giving the room a soft glow, even during the daytime. The water cut room is large enough to stand up in and a breeze finds its way into the room from above. Night shrouds the valley, illuminated only by the light of the moons and the stars. Awake: Myriel PreyRunner Asleep: Moth Obvious exits: Climb Up In the water The disheveled steps carefully down the side of the cliff. Her grip tightens again. Her eyes are terrified and wide as they look how far they have to climb down. There are moments where she cannot move and then it passes. The climb down is slower than sap on a forevergreen tree in whitecold. PreyRunner takes his time with you, going down first in case he needs to help or High Ones forbid, catch you if you should slip. Once down in the little cave, however... it's much easier going, ** Do you know how many turns you have wandered? ** too many, he thinks, she's dangerously thin and malnourished. The elf find her footing and sighs relieved for the moment. She laughs at the question, and it echoes in the cave. ** How many turns, he asks. How many? How many turns have you been wandering? ** It's difficult to determine if she's asking PreyRunner or herself, but why would she ask herself in that way. ** I've been gone a long time, ** she answers ... herself? ... ** It was just after the snow melted, I packed some things and left. ** She nods, but her shoulders are bared of items. There are no weapons on her either. PreyRunner doubts he is likely to get any sane answers anytime soon and simply nods in understanding, ** To get to the shore, we have to swim... are you ready for that? Or do you need some help? ** motioning past the falls falling before them, ** It is not a very long swim. ** sending a picture from the other side. The strange she-elf is still holding onto PreyRunner's hand. She hasn't let go. She meets his eyes, but seems to through him, past him. There is a slow nod, perhaps acknowledging his questions. ** I can swim. ** Another moment of clarity in her sending. PreyRunner nods, ** Alright then. ** he steps off the ledge carefully into the water, letting her hold onto him still and is there to help her into the water, when she is ready. ** Make for the closer shore, less to swim. You must be pretty tired... there is soft furs to sleep on. ** after she gets cleaned up a bit, that is. The she-elf lets PreyRunner guide her into the water. The chill of the water is shocking and she shiver, teeth chattering. She continues down until she is treading water, one hand holding PreyRunner. ** Quickly, quickly. I'm cold. ** She sends somewhat panicked and frantic. Her teeth continue to chatter. PreyRunner does as asked. If she thinks this is cold... she'll never survive whitecold. Without another word, Prey leads you away from the water and the rocks and pull/swims towards the closer shore, near where the river flows free. Equally quickly, he moves to help you up and to the bank, where his clothes lie in a pile. ** Are you alright? ** The elf looks less so now that she's soaked to the bone. She holds herself tightly and her teeth chatter loudly. ** So cold... so cold... ** Her sending just echoes the same thought. Her bones are more prominent with the wet leathers clinging to her body. Some of the dirt on her skin has come off with the swim. PreyRunner doesn't dress, instead, he takes his vest and puts it over your shoulders, ** Lets get you warmed up... quickly now. ** bending to gather the rest of his stuff, leading you by the hand back to the camp, ** Hurry now... you need to be warmed up. ** PreyRunner has left. You climb out of the lake and onto the shore. Mist Falls Beach - Mist Valley Lands Standing at the edge of the lake, the roar of the waterfall is louder here, creating a misty spray to the back area of the lake, the lake is sandy bottomed, made from the crushing of the rock by nature's fury over time. The water looks inviting, and clear, easily seeing to the sand, closer to shore. The bottom quickly goes out of sight. The rocks to the back are smooth and pocketed by the constant falling of the water, making smaller pools of water. Night shrouds the valley, illuminated only by the light of the moons and the stars. Awake: Myriel Asleep: Storm Gem StarShine Blackhawk Obvious exits: River In the water Clearing You head back into the clearing. Northeast Area - Mist Valley - Mist Valley Lands(#10752RDJSas) This area of the valley is thinner, the woods ending in a large clearing just before it gets near the waterfall and the lake to the north. The clearing hear looks over the lake to the north, following the river that connects from it, to the lands across the river to the east from here. The faces of the valley loom up in the distance, showing the sheer size and majesty of the mountains. Night shrouds the valley, illuminated only by the light of the moons and the stars. Awake: Myriel PreyRunner Asleep: Kiralee MoonRose Feather Vitric StormCrow Leaf StormCloud Clearcall SwiftStream MoonShadow MoonRaven Puppets: BrownBrow Other: Pathlight Hidden Encampment Obvious exits: Visitor's Clearing Bridge The Father Tree River Lake Out of the Valley The elf's teeth chatter all the way here. She tries to move as quickly as her shivering body will allow. Still holding onto PreyRunner, she lets him guide her. Her sends still echoing, ** So cold .. so cold.. ** PreyRunner quickly leads you down the path and into the clearing. Seeing the fire still going from how he left it, he brings you right over to it and grabs a large fur to wrap around you, in place of his rather light vest, ** There now... better? ** rubbing your shoulders for friction. The shivering elf grips the large fur wrap with her shivering hands and closes it tightly around her. The glow of the fire catches her eyes and she stares a long time into it. Shivering for some time, she sort of falls onto her knees, ungracefully trying to sit. She moves her legs around so she can sit cross- legged. She isn't sending any more 'so cold' thought. PreyRunner adds another branch of dead wood to the fire and moves to where a bushtail hangs, skinned. He moves to cut off a haunch, then changes his mind and offers you the whole animal, ** Go ahead and eat... ** offering you the water skin as well. Eyes still on the fire slowly turn to see the meat and skin presenting to her. Quivering hands leech out of the fur and take hold of the meat. She feels it in her fingers and starts to cry again. Her eye teary eyes look up at PreyRunner. ** PreyRunner.. ** she acknowledges again and you sense this is a way of thanking you. PreyRunner smiles and gently pats your shoulder, then steps off to fetch you a second fur from inside of the father tree. His sends to Kiralee unanswered for now, she is still in the humans camp and out of his range. He returns with it, offering the second to you, ** Still cold? ** You find the fragile elf has dove into the meat. She has torn a huge chunk away and is trying to chew and swallow at the same time. She doesn't answer your question. She seems to be intent on eating. PreyRunner can understand ravenous... and he knows better then to disturb a hungry animal and her kill... even if he gave it to her. For now, he sits down by the fire to watch you, studying a bit, trying to figure out what hell you have been through over the... however many turns that must of been. The ravenous elf doesn't speak or send for a long time. The only sounds are the crackling of the fire, her chomping into the brushtail meat, and rustle of the trees in the late leaf-fall evening. A good part of the animal is gone before she stop to catch her breath. She makes and face and clutches her stomach, nearly dropping the rest of the meat into the fire. PreyRunner steps up quickly, moving across to her, ** Easy now.. you ate too fast.. ** reaching to catch her or the meat, if either should fall, ** You have to take it easy... or you will get sick. ** he sighs, sending for StormCloud, maybe the herbal healer can help. It seems she can't eat another bite. She pushes the meat away as if it's a disgusting thing and holds her stomach. Her head bobs in a nod, aware that she did eat too fast but all she sends is ** Water ** She remember seeing a waterskin around. PreyRunner sets the meat down on a rock by the fire and offers up the water skin, ** Drink it slow... careful. ** as he hands it over, wondering where it all will fit in a frame so small. The young healer steps out of the father tree quickly, with a small woven basket of supplies, ** Who... is she? ** PreyRunner shakes his head, ** Do not know yet. She is badly without food and care. Help her if you can. ** Stormy nods and moves to approach, sending gently, ** Heyla. ** he's only in his mid 20's, still young by elf standards, ** Where do you ache? ** The frail elf can only manage a few drops of water. Just enough to watch down what is still lodged in her throat. The cool water feels refreshing inside her mouth and she tries for another drink, but her stomach cramp makes her stop short of gaining another drop. She puts the skin down and shakes her head. ** My stomach .. ate to fast .. ** Her sending is clear of murmurings. PreyRunner stays quiet and out of the way as Stormy plays Healer and listens to what bothers her. He kneels and opens the basket, taking a few roots and shaving some off, grinding the mix in a small stone bowl, ** Taste bad... but should help some. You need rest, lot of it. ** offering the medicinal paste when ready. The she-elf isn't slow to respond. The cramp in her stomach is crippling, especially for one so thin. She reaches into the bowl and with one hand swipe, takes the whole of the paste and puts it all in her mouth. She chews and swallows, paste sticking to her fingers and around her mouth. ** This is horrible. ** She looks at her hand and sees the nondescript root paste on her fingers. ** What is this? What have you given me? ** She stands up and the leather fur around her shoulder drops. StormCloud smiles, ** It is to help relieve the cramping and to help your body to heal. Medicine is never good tasting. ** sending matter-of-factly, ** Eat the rest... it is important. ** PreyRunner smiles and adds, ** You need it. Believe. ** The elf looks terrified again. She stares frantically her hand and shakes her head. Her mouth begins to move, form words, but it just sounds like mumbling. There are glimpses of audible words, ".. and she ate them..", ".. poison..", and ".. his magic.." She doesn't eat the rest and paste remains on her hands. Her eyes still transfixed on her coated fingers. Stormy is the first to quickly shake his head, ** A healer would never! ** indignant, ** You need to eat it. ** pleading in his send, ** It is all good things. ** sending all the various items in the mix, ** Only a little more, so finish it, please ?** StormCloud's pleadings seem to affect the frazzled elf. She begins to cry again as her shaking hand comes to her lips. ** Will I meet you in the Palace, my daughter? Will this be the end of me? ** She licks the rest of her fingers clean and then falls her knees again. Her body bends forward as she breaks into quiet sobs. She looks very much how PreyRunner found her at the top of the falls. Stormy gets a sendfull, to explain what is going on and the younger elf nods and backs away, to the edge to keep an eye as PreyRunner moves back over to her and kneels down beside her, ** You are going to live... you are not gone yet. Please... what is your name? ** it helps to know /who/ you talk to. The she-elf's sobs continue for a while. StormCloud's gentle sending take a moment to penetrate her mind and the question to sink in. ** PreyRunner.. his name is PreyRunner.. <> My name.. my name is.. ** It has been turns since anyone called the elf by her name she has forgotten. She looks up to StormCloud and her eyes a red and sad, ** I don't remember. ** At the edges of the send is murmuring. ** Such a sad thing... ** briefly from StormCloud and PreyRunner simply nods as he gets it all in send, ** What would you like to be called? Cousin does not quite fit you, you know. ** a smile and he gets an idea, sending to Stormy for bucket, brush and water, ** We will get you all cleaned up... fresh leathers? ** he offers, trying to get through the melancholy. The elf nods as if to answer StormCloud's statements, all of them. She doesn't pick one to reply to, all of them fill her mind and mingle into newly formed thoughts. ** My cub's name was Trouble, ** the sending is clear of murmurs, but there is confusion there and a sense of loss, but not for her child - for something else. Her eyes look around as if searching for something. Spotting the fallen leather she begins to shiver again, her body remembering the still-damp leathers that she's wearing. As Stormy quickly takes off to get what PreyRunner asked for, the chief offers as you still shiver, ** Lets get you out of these... leathers. ** having trouble calling the dingy things that, ** Get you all cleaned up... tell me about Trouble, what was your cub like? ** trying to distract the troubled mind, best he can. He does reach to offer to help after toss some more wood on, to keep you warm enough. The nameless elf doesn't moves for a long moment. She simply stands there shivering, and then it stops. She steps towards the warmth of the fire and begins removing her leathers. The task of getting out of her leather is a long and slow process. The elf looks far fuller with the damp leathers on than with them off. Every bone in her body is as visible in the light of the fire as one would have thought. It seems she can only focus on this task for now doesn't reply to PreyRunner's questions. PreyRunner watches at first, then offers a hand as the task seems quite daunting to her, ** Let me help? ** he offers. StormCloud returns with the bucket of water and sets it by the fire to warm, some soapstone as well is placed besides it. Without a word, Stormy excuses himself and moves out of the way once more to let the chief handle things. Normally a bare female is a nice sight... but not this. The nameless one doesn't shrink away from PreyRunner's offer to help or his hands as they help her out of her leathers. They are soon off and kneels down to be nearer the fire. Her eyes look heavy now, not as wild as before. Her dry lips and hollow cheeks slack from exhaustion. Her shoulders also slump downward. PreyRunner takes the bucket from near the fire and dips the cloth in to wet it down. Adding the soap stone to it, he starts to scrub up a bit of a lather, ** You can rest if you wish... while I clean. You look exhausted. ** starting with the closest arm, he does his best to de-grime the sickly elf. The naked elf just stands there. She nods to acknowledge apart of what PreyRunner is sending, her eyes somewhat focused on the fire. ** You are the first elf I have touched in many turns, PreyRunner. ** The sending came so clear of thought and spirit, one would swear it was a different elf sending it. ** Well... normally, I would consider that an invitation... ** a little bit of PreyRunner's playfulness returning, ** However, let us see how you feel once you are better. ** he continues to work and clean and StormCloud slips back into the tree, getting another thing to get. ** You know... under all this grime... there is an elf in here. ** a little amusement coloring the send, ** I think you forgot to eat... often. ** The she-elf doesn't smile to PreyRunner's coy and playfulness. She continues to look at the fire, letting his sendings gloss over her. She blinks and nods as if acknowledging a previous statement or question. ** I left just after the snows melted. I couldn't stay in the holt any more. Too many sad memories and I found it hard to forget them. ** It's like having two different conversations at once. PreyRunner hehs softly to himself. He tried at least. This elf is certainly lost in wolf song... possibly for good. ** I see.. ** leaving it open, hoping she'll continue and explain further as he continues to wash from top to bottom, doing his best to get all of her clean. She'll likely be red for a few days after that scrubbing. The washing continues and the elf stands there without moving. She does help by raising her arm and holding it where needed, but otherwise doesn't take any other actions. ** I am so tired, ** she realizes how her body and her mind feels. ** I feel like I've been walking for days. ** There is a pause and then she continues. ** Yes, days and many days and nights. ** Her tired eyes look up and around, ** Where am I? ** PreyRunner finally gets down to her legs, working to clean up the rest quickly enough, having had to have Stormy change the water once. The younger elf dropped off leathers to wear for now, until MoonRose can make a set for the elf. ** At least many days and nights. ** agrees the chief and answers with a smile, ** Mist Valley... formerly Warren. ** washing more, ** Right now, in the shade of our father tree. ** Storm gray, lupine eyes look onto the Father Tree. The elfess stares at it a long time before she points up to it. ** But this is not our holt tree.. ** she comments. ** Is this your holt tree? ** she asks turning down at Preyrunner. PreyRunner nods and smiles as he stands up, finally before a cleaned elf, if way too thin. ** Yes. This is Mist Valley's father tree... I am the chief here... PreyRunner. ** a gentle reminder as he turns and picks up the leathers and offers you the pants to climb into, holding them for you, ** You are safe here. ** The elfess looks down at the leather before her, but their function doesn't register immediately. Finally she moves herself to get into the leathers, leaning one hand onto PreyRunner while lifting one foot to slide into the leather pants. ** I thank you ... for your kindness .. PreyRunner. ** PreyRunner smiles when she finally starts to climb into the leathers and he lends a helping hand, using a narrow strip of leather for a belt, since she's so thin, ** You are quite welcome... A visitor in need is taken care of. ** he smiles and picks up the top, a one piece low necked shirt/vest combination and helps you into that as well, ** Feel much warmer yet? ** her hair he did the best on, but it will likely need cutting. ** Yes.. much. ** She answers immediately, there is not hesitation in her sending. She looks at her arms, draped in new, warm leathers. She feels them and looks at her hands as they move across the sleeve. For the moment, her eyes are transfixed on the bony hand that fearfully belongs to her. ** I have let myself go. I am but a whisper. ** ** Good... good. Much better. ** there is only so much that an elf... a team of elves can do to fix what ails her in a single evening. ** You have... but you will get well, if you continue to eat and drink and rest often. ** he explains, ** In a few seasons, you will look much healthier. ** The she-elf closes her fist and nods. ** Yes, some rest. I am so tired. Thank you. ** There are long pauses between each statement. She mutters, and snatches of it sound much like the statements of her send. "Must rest.. so tired.." She doesn't move and seems about to just fall and sleep right next to the fire. Her eyes begin to fluttering, wanting to close. PreyRunner smiles gently and offers one last thing, ** How about a nice warm den to sleep in, out of the cool air? ** reaching for her other hand, ** Come with me, inside... then you can rest. StormCloud will look after you, he is our herbal healer. Kiralee, our Healer, will come as soon as she returns to the valley. ** The elfess nods and leans onto PreyRunner. Despite all her tiredness she continues to mutter, but the words are too muttled to make out. Suddenly the muttering stop. ** I remember now.. my name.. I remember now. My name is .. My name is Myriel. ** She sounds her name out in the send slowly, as if trying to feel it out, making sure it is the right name. PreyRunner lets you lean all you need to, taking slow movements with you into the father tree. He only pauses when your name finally comes to you, ** Myriel? Welcome to Mist Valley.. It is nice to meet you. ** he smiles and continues on, pointing to a den ahead of them, ** A nice place to rest... with these two furs and what is inside, you will be nice and warm. ** PreyRunner walks into the bowl of the father tree. PreyRunner has left. You walk into the bowl of the father tree. Gather Bowl - Father Tree - Mist Valley Lands Large enough to sit the entire tribe and then some, yet cozy enough to not be too much of a chore to cross, this bowl in the direct middle of the magically shaped Father Tree is both meeting place and courtyard. There is only one ground entrance and exit, and that lies away-from-hub, steps going up and down, depending on one's viewpoint. The rest of the floor shoots straight up into bulging walls of dens, lifting nearly three levels off the ground. Five twisting staircases of smoothly shaped wood--sometimes blooming during the warmer months- -travel up and around at a steep, but manageable height, lending easy entrance to dens on either side. Dens are plentiful, more than enough for everyone, and are organized quite efficiently. Along either of the smoothed edges near the stairs there are only three, stacked on atop the other, and accessible by those twining staircases nestled betwixt the tribunals, then then another row of three, two dens deep. The pattern of two beside, two below, continues all the way back to the other side, counting somewhere near thirty dens, total. The region wakes to the gentle, cool breezes of morning, blowing down from the mountains. Awake: Myriel PreyRunner Obvious exits: Guest Dens Storage Dens Eastern Dens Northern Dens Western Dens Clearing Myriel's head bobs either from tiredness or to agree with PreyRunner's statement about the furs. ** Yes, must rest. I am so tired.. ** She's like a sad bird chirping the same song over and over again. The shifting light from the glow of the fire outside to the dimness of the father tree inside seems to shock Myriel. ** What is this place? ** Her arm wraps quickly around PreyRunner's arm. ** We are inside the father tree. ** he explains, ** Safe and home. ** as he turns to face you, ** The tree is safe, so is the valley. A good place to lay and rest... and you need it. ** hoping you'll continue to be agreeable. Myriel nods again, her eyes change quickly from panic to sleepy. The expression on her face slacks and her hold on PreyRunner's arm is soft again. ** Yes, you said I was save. There is only truth is sending. I am safe. ** Perhaps she is trying to convince herself of these small facts, remind herself, but the elfess is much too tired to explain. She has returned to agreeability for the moment. PreyRunner smiles and gives a gentle hug, before turning to lead you the rest of the way into the guest dens and to the snug den and a small pile of furs, ** This den is for you, while you are with us. ** he offers, ** No one will disturb you while you rest. Stormy will bring you food and water in the evening. ** Myriel continues to nod through all PreyRunner's sendings. She responds, ** I left in the evening, after the snows had melted. It was evening and the hunt was on. I couldn't stay any longer.. too many bad memories. ** Her mutter seems to echo her sendings. She allows PreyRunner to guide her to the den and the soft pile of furs. PreyRunner walks into the guest dens. PreyRunner has left. You walk into the guest dens. Guest Dens - Father Tree - Mist Valley Lands This is a set of three dens for guests to stay in, in the colder months of whitecold. All are dry and function as storage in the case it is needed or when there are no visitors to occupy them. A good dry and warm place to get out from the chill of the wind. OOC: This room is abode and can be @link'ed to. The region wakes to the gentle, cool breezes of morning, blowing down from the mountains. Awake: Myriel PreyRunner Obvious exits: Gather Bowl PreyRunner helps you to lay down on the pile of furs and drapes the two over you that you had outside, ** Get some rest... I understand. For now, you are our guest, here in the valley. ** he smiles, ** Alright? ** reaching to stroke your hair a few times. Myriel sits for a while before laying down onto the other furs. Before her head rests onto the furs her eyes are closed and she soon asleep. Her eyes move under the closed lids and her breathing is punctuated by whispered mutterings. ** End Log ** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Friends. Fun. Try the all-new Yahoo! Messenger