In all the centuries younger elves recalled, Savah had never left the 
sanctuary of Sorrow's End.  And yet one day she arose and dressed for 
travel, sending friends to prepare provision and zwoots for a journey, 
saying:  I have been dreaming often of my childhood, and of my 
grandaughter, lost and so far away, and I must go once again, to see the 
Green Growing Places of my earliest memories.  And with this, she set out 
on a caravan across the desert and stony waste, after many days arriving at
the place known as the Forbidden Grove.  She stayed there, dwelling for a
time in Leetah's home, each day divided between quiet astral search for 
news of Leetah and of Rayek, lost with the healer and with the renewal of 
her childhood in meeting the young wolfriders of Grove Holt.

One evening about 15 turnings ago.....  (as of 12-23-93)

At the campfire they sometimes call the 'Strangers' Fire', Savah sat with 
her companions and listened with mixed curiosity and wonder and even hope 
to the tale of Vale's birth in the distant past, at once both older and 
younger than Savah herself, though until recently wrapped in the spun-silk-
wrapstuff of the Preservers and .quiet.

---log begins---
Vale says "It [the palace] was found, and again lost, for one of the desert
elves, Rayek, knew what it was for and knew how it may be used."
Lucien looks more focused at the mention of Rayek.
Sweetwater smiles, and says nothing.
Startoucher nods.
Vale says "Lost to the Palace were Rayek and Leetah and a Go-Back named 
Tilia."
Flutterwing fiddles with more hair.
Vale says "And when they had found, again, the Palace, they saw the other, 
the first Palace."
Lucien looks more focused at the mention of Rayek.
Sweetwater smiles, and says nothing.
Vale says "Rayek said, 'We cannot be found. We must hide ourselves from 
these High Ones and First Born of the first Palace. They will think us 
impure and
come to harm us.'"
Flutterwing blinks at Sweetwater sheepishly.
Dawnsende picks a very small flower and gives it to Flutterwing.
Sweetwater grins, and truns back to Vale, listening.
Lucien really must...hmmm. No, later. He listens to Vale.
Startoucher smiles. Good choice, Lucien.
Vale says "They could not leave, the Palace looking like a large wall of 
ice of magic, no power to fly it anymore."
Lucien hmphs. Hey, who claims to be the mindreader here, you or him,
Vale says "And they stayed. The Go-Back had a child, from a Recognition in 
the Before Time, a time that had not happened yet. And the four grew 
together, unable to leave, only able to watch the elves defeated by trolls 
and five-fingers. And themselves."
Vale says "They were discovered, once. The child, who was savage and wolf, 
was discovered by a greater elf who could see what he was."
Seran lifts her head, looking up at Vale's face.
Dawnsende smiles at Flutterwing. "You're supposed the sniff the flower. 
They smell better than they taste." she whispers, as not to disturb anyone.
Vale becomes a shade quieter, pensively speaking.
Sweetwater listens, a mixture of horror and disbelief on her face.
Sweetwater glances at Flutterwing again, eyes narrowing a bit.
---
Editor's note: The discovery was twofold, as revealed in later unlogged 
roleplay.  Vale was happened upon by Timmain while still an infant, and 
she, curious, touched him and realized the strangeness in him for wolf, 
though perhaps then she had no way to know how it came there.  Tall and sad 
and silent, she only looked and then left, not again meeting with Vale till 
the 'present' and in wolf form, still silent and enigmatic as ever.

The discovery referred to in this narrative was by one of the remaining 
High Ones, a male who was, in his bitterness and sadness at the deaths of 
so many of his loved ones, against anything that would make elves less than 
pure, and infuriated by the mixed blood he percieved in the now 20 year old 
wolfrider-to-be Vale.  He threatened Vale's life, though how is not 
precisely known... and Tilia, sensing this threat, sent Petalwing, who was 
'marooned' with the 4some from future, to protect Vale from the rage of the 
High One who sought to harm him.  Petalwing, taking the commands far too 
literally, protected Vale in the way it knew best...enclosing him in 
wrapstuff...

--log resumes---
Vale says "Petalwing was told to protect me. It did what only it could do, 
and wrapped me. I was still awake, still fearing my life."
Vale says "And until one season ago, I feared in the darkness."
Seran's fingers curl round Vale's.
Clouddancer has arrived.
Vale says "This is how preservers are dangerous."
Clouddancer sends openly *Shade and sweet water to you all.*
Vale takes Seran's hand with a gentle glance and sits next to her.
Lucien nods to Clouddancer.
Littlefall says "Ayoooah!"
Startoucher smiles at CloudDancer
Lucien thinks Vale's story is done, and his point well made.
Clouddancer smiles to Sweetwater, and sits by the fire, leaning back to 
look skyward.
Savah's eyes open and she studies Vale's face with new understanding.
Flutterwing tires of nibbling hair, so it decides to sing.
Sweetwater uh-ohs....
Flutterwing opens it's mouth and takes in a lungful of air...
Clouddancer moves his finger, tracing out the stars in the sky.
Sweetwater blocks Flutterwing's mouth with her finger!
Flutterwing starts to sing: BREEE DEEE EE DEEEET
Graymist sits up. "ARGGGHHH!
Flutterwing sings:MRPHL DRPTH! now that it's mouth is blocked.
Lucien urghs at the shift in group feeling from the sound.
Flutterwing stops and frowns.
Clouddancer chuckles.
Flutterwing bites the finger.
Sweetwater says "Shhh, little one. Vale is telling a story."
Fiercemoon says "thank you for the wonderful story, Vale"
Vale says "I am done with my story."
Wolfdancer liked it.
Vale nods to Fiercemoon. "It was one I enjoyed telling, warrior."
Sweetwater bites her tongue with the pain, but does not yell....
Lucien nods. "Your tale, and lesson, are well met."
Flutterwing smiles. "Flutterwing sing now?"
Startoucher says "No, Bug."
Flutterwing sighs.
Littlefall hmms at Flutterwing. "Flutterything, I saw a sleeping small bird 
on my way here."
Dawnsende can stand Preserver singing. With a bit of difficulty.
Lucien stretches.
Clouddancer sighs, and must be off.
Flutterwing decides to inspect Sweetwater's ear.
Clouddancer has left.
Flutterwing blinks. "Really?"
Savah smiles at Littlefall.
Lucien says "You are far stronger than I, Dawnsende."
Littlefall nods. "Really." and points in the direction from which she came.
"It was that way." She doesn't mention that the sleeping bird was at the 
Lost holt, a /long/ way away.
Flutterwing looks in Sweetwater's ear and shouts "Helloooooooooooo!"
Flutterwing smiles. "Ooooo!"
Lucien chuckles. "I see.."
Graymist can NEVER stand their singing!
Flutterwing starts to flit, but stops. "Petalwing mention something like 
this to Flutterwing before..."
Sweetwater 's eyes widen, and her hand clamps down reflexivly on her ears, 
pinning Flutterwing.
Flutterwing shrieks! "EEEEEEEEMRPHL!"
Lucien can stand darn near anything if sufficiently distracted, which 
admittedly he often is.
Vale grins.
Flutterwing says "Xplyntxcly?"
Littlefall tells Flutterwing "Just across a river. Or two."
Sweetwater takes the little preserver in hand, and as genly as her temper 
allows sets her down.
Lucien grins.
Flutterwing says "Hignnnnnnthnnnng! Lit Flttrwng guh?"
Lucien sends openly *So would I!*
Graymist shrugs and grins!
Flutterwing smiles. "Thanks, HighThing!"
Sweetwater says "Yes. Now, remember, Flutterwing, don't shout in 
HighThing's ears, or they will be vexed!"
Sweetwater sends openly *Oh, High Ones, I'm starting to *sound* like one of 
them now...*
Graymist laughs.
WINNOWILL SENDS ... such a bad thing, this ...
Flutterwing nodnods. "Flutterwing No shout in HighThings PointyEar.
Startoucher knows first hand how NastyBad that can be...
Greyfire has arrived.
Lucien sighs. By the end of the night, he'll be the only one talking 
sensibly.
Startoucher smiles at Greyfire...
Sweetwater sighs, and keeps a close eye on the mischieivous preserver.
FarSeeker blinks as she wakes up to the ruckus.
Sweetwater says "Ayoooooah, Grayfire!""
Savah smiles
Lucien makes a frankly silly attempted animal sound at Greyfire in 
greeting.
Littlefall says "Ayooah!"
Graymist sends openly *Greyfire -- out among the Stars *snicker* :-)*
Startoucher groans.
Flutterwing mutters something about "NastyBad PunJoke."
Graymist sends openly *It's better than your singing.*
Sweetwater giggles!
Dawnsende grins.
Graymist sends openly *Graymist knows that. He doesn't want an earful of 
wrapstuff!*
Startoucher laughs.
Lucien sends openly *Yes, it would be unpleasant having just your ear stop 
aging.*
FarSeeker sends openly *But if the preserver is singing...Wouldn't it be 
better to have your ear stopped up?*
Startoucher sends openly *Good point.*
Savah chuckles at Farseeker.
Graymist laughs. "NOT with wrapstuff!
Startoucher sends openly *Here is a philisophical question... If a 
Preserver sings in the middle of the woods, and no one is around to hear 
it, do the trees cringe?*
FarSeeker giggles.
Graymist sends openly *No. They just fade away!*
Greyfire would think yes.
Startoucher smiles.
Lucien hmms, and repeats badly, "Aiiii oooo uh." He shakes his head.
Dawnsende waves.
Dawnsende turns to leave the fireside, walking north.
Startoucher waves belatedly.
Lucien totally fails to wave in time. He wishes she wouldn't do that.
Graymist sends openly *You should try sending if they leave.*
Lucien says "On the other hand, she might come back."
Dawnsende has decided to stay after all.
Vale senses "Seran smiles *So much activity, does it make the lonliness go 
for a while?*"
Graymist sends openly *Flutterwing is welcome to it.*
Vale is having Flutterwing for lunch.
Flutterwing yeeps!
Startoucher grins.
Graymist sends openly *YEAH!*
Littlefall mutters to Whitefang "Whatever were you doing in that tree?"
Graymist laughs.
Littlefall scritches Whitefang. "Silly wolf."
Dawnsende giggles.
Startoucher glances at Savah.
Wolfdancer can't think of much IC stuff to talk about  because she's never 
DONE anything here except hunt bush-rabbits.
Graymist sends openly *Bite? No.*
Vale says "What do you suggest?"
Wolfdancer says "Someone mentioned a hunt..."
WINNOWILL SENDS ... you may do what you wish, children ...
Startoucher eeps!
Firestar has arrived.
Digger wuffs a greeting to Firestar.
Startoucher smiles at Firestar!!!!!1
Startoucher says "HI!!!!!!"
Vale says "Hello, Firestar."
Firestar smiles at Startoucher.. *Old friend! My eyes see with joy!*
Starseeker greets Firestar with a whuff.
Startoucher sends openly *Ditto! Uh... I mean Mine too!*
Startoucher is very happy now.
Firestar scritches Starseeker.
Startoucher hugs Firestar.
Startoucher sends openly *How ya been?*
Sweetwater starts awake from her staring at the campfire. "Greetings,
Firestar!"
Graymist looks for more sharp rocks to avoid.
Firestar smiles at Startoucher.. "Just fine.. friend.. I carry another 
cub.."
Startoucher gasps and then smiles...
Firestar kneels down beside Startoucher and looks into the fire. She says 
quietly. "I did not Recognize."
Startoucher glances at Firestar's stomach... "Now, you ARE going to have 
the child delivered by someone good... like Leetah or ShenShen..."
Startoucher blinks. "Oh...?"
Firestar says "Leetah is gone.. away with the Palace and Tilia and Rayek.."
Startoucher erks. Forgot...
Vale nods.
Firestar glances over at Vale and then back to the fire.
Startoucher raises an eyebrow.
Sweetwater looks sadly at that.
Startoucher smiles slightly and looks back at Firestar.
Greyfire walks quietly over and greets Firestar.
Firestar shakes her head and looks up at Startoucher smiling.. "No of 
course not, friend."
Startoucher nods and smiles. "Good..."
Startoucher wonders at the details, but will not ask.
Startoucher frowns. "Since Leetah is gone..."
Firestar says "Autumn.. well.. she is certain there is a cub.. and she was
right about Splinterfire's wolf-friend being with cub..""
A light wind whips through the campsite
Vale sighs.
Startoucher gulps... "Then I am now the most skilled healer... oh..."
Startoucher glances at Firestar... "Autumn? That is when they left?"
Firestar says "Hmm? What? Autumn was not born until after the palace left..
and Vale was found."
Startoucher smiles.
Savah sends softly *Hello child*
Cloudclimber looks back at Wolfdancer and whurfs softly.
Cloudclimber looks back at Graymist and whurfs softly.
Vale sends quietly, *Hello, young chief.*
Vale looks sadly into the fire.
Autumn sends openly, *Savah!!!!* and runs over to *HUG* the Mother of 
Memory.
Firestar looks over at Vale.. *What is wrong, heart-friend?*
Startoucher smiles. "Lovely child. Takes after her mother."
Firestar smiles at Startoucher..
Wolfdancer notices the sweet child."
Startoucher smiles back, and then watches the child.
Vale shakes his head. "I feel the Darkness, again. I cannot shake it."
Autumn giggles and kisses Savah's cheek enthusiastically and then runs over
and snugs Vale. She giggles and wrinkles her nose. *Animal-song!*

Savah sends softly *Sadness?*" to Vale.
Vale sends *Darkness.*

Fiercemoon grins
Firestar says quietly. "She seems to take after my parents, actually, dear
friend."
Vale smiles slightly and howls a short, sad song.
Startoucher smiles.
Autumn climbs into Vale's lap and snuggles against him.
Vale rests his arms around Autumn. *Sister.*
Savah ruffles Autumn's hair and laughs as she runs "Such energy"
Autumn smiles at Savah. *Desert-mother have stories?*
Startoucher smiles.
Graymist turns to leave the fireside, walking north.
Graymist has left.
Startoucher grins. "She has a healthy respect for the past..." CaveDwellers
love stories...
Vale says "She has great curiosity. When she learns it, then she will have 
respect."
Startoucher smiles.
Autumn giggles as a moth lands softly on her nose before taking off again
immediately.
Savah smiles at Autumn *Not tonight, precious*
Startoucher smiles. "Very lovely cub."
Sweetwater quietly sits to one side of the fire, watching the little cub 
dance
merrily from one elf to another.
Autumn squirms out of Vale's lap and darts into the brush.. she emerges
holding a long-ears in her arms.
Autumn walks over to Savah and giggles. *Long-ears!*
Strongarm comes toward you from the encampment.
Strongarm has arrived.
Moonshine sleeps quietly beside the fire.
Startoucher idles...
Vale cocks his head and watches with wide, amazed eyes.
Strongarm waves a greeting to all.
Autumn offers the bunny to Savah. *It's soft!*
Savah laughs and holds out her hands for the quivering bunny
Fiercemoon grins at Strongarm as he winces...
Startoucher unidles
Vale says "I have never seen that ..."
Startoucher greets strongarm.
Fiercemoon smirks with a mischievious look in her eyes
Strongarm Smiles. "Indeed I would, thank you."
Autumn gently gives the bunny to Savah. *They're nice. Quiet. :)*
Wolfdancer scoots up to him and begins to gently work his muscles.
Savah holds the long-ears in her lap, gentling it with soft caresses.
Silky Grey Cub has arrived.
Greyfire sets the grey cub down.
Strongarm picks up a pebble and throws it at Fiercemoon.
Grey and White Cub has arrived.
Greyfire sets the grey and white cub down.
Fiercemoon heys!
Strongarm says "Aaaahhhh......""
Fiercemoon ducks
Fiercemoon ouches! as the pebbles bounces off her arm, nontheless

---log off----

 Editor's note:A very old elf arrives...one Savah has .known. for 
 thousands of years through sending and astral travel, but has .never. 
 .ever. met in person before. Also note that Shadowkiss is .blind. and 
 does not see Savah.

---log resumes---

Quietclaws comes toward you from the encampment.
Digger wuffs a greeting to Quietclaws.
Startoucher smiles at QuietClaws.
Quietclaws purrs softly at Digger.
Startoucher greets Shadowkiss. *Hello, old friend!*
Vale idly ruffles Autumn's hair.
From atop Quietclaws, Shadowkiss leans slightly over, hand on knee. 
"Greetings, all."
Firestar watches Autumn quietly, leaning back to rest against Cloudclimber.
Seran sighs sleepily. "I need to go."
Shadowkiss vaults from Quietclaw's back, landing with nary a sound.
Startoucher waves to Seran.
Greyfire wurfs a greeting to SHadowkiss and Quietclaws.
Wolfdancer'll TRY to return.
Quietclaws pads slowly around the fire, looking for a place large enough 
for him to get comfortable.
Wolfdancer waves!
Vale nods to Shadowkiss.
Strongarm waves to Wolfdancer.
Wolfdancer climbs on Moonrider's back.
From Moonrider's back, Wolfdancer waves!
Startoucher waves,
Moonrider lopes off north.
Moonrider turns to leave the fireside, walking north.
Startoucher should probably go to bed...
Savah watches the Long Tooth with curiosity, petting the small rabit in her
lap with a gentle hand. *With joy, Shadowkiss*
Startoucher yawns...
Startoucher thinks maybe not...
Startoucher thinks maybe...
Startoucher says "Naaahh..."
Shadowkiss smiles slightly. *With joy, Savah.*
Strongarm waves.
Firestar's face is pale, as she watches the Long-tooth with wide, 
frightened
eyes.
Greyfire looks to Startoucher. -Do stay-

---log off---

Editor's note: Firestar was years ago badly hurt by a long-tooth, and 
rescued by Zarhan who she recognized.  Autumn is his daughter.  SHe is 
still very terrified of the larger cat-folk, even one bonded to an elf, as 
Quietclaws is.

---log resumes--

Startoucher yawns. If something exciting (barring Firestar's being devoured 
by the cat) doesn't happen soon, he will fall asleep.
Moonshine wonders if she should .....
Greyfire stands up next to Firestar -Quietclaws, friend-
Savah looks at Vale and Autmn and smiles.
Quietclaws pauses in his slow pacing, then turns slightly, looking towards 
Firestar.
Fiercemoon throws her head back and laughs at a sending
Greyfire licks Firestar's face -Quietclaws, more harmless than me-
Firestar scrambles back, away from the Long-tooth.
Vale hisses, "I suggest you keep it away, Shadowkiss."
Graymist comes toward you from the encampment.
Graymist has arrived.
Strongarm waves.
Fiercemoon says "Hello Graymist"
Graymist sits down, making sure to avoid any rocks this time!
Savah watches Firestar with growing concern.
Graymist sends openly *Hello Strongarm *chuckle*. Hi Fiercemoon!*
Startoucher starts to worry. What is with the cat?
Firestar shakes violently.. she makes a small mewling sound of fear.
Vale whispers to Autumn.
Strongarm gives Graymist a mock glare, "And just what are you laughing 
at?", and grins.
Startoucher blinks and realizes something...
Graymist sends openly *Who ME?*
Startoucher kneels beside Firestar.
Graymist grins widely.
Startoucher sends openly *Courage, Dearest Friend...*
Firestar's eyes remain wide and she stares fixedly at the long-tooth..
In a send for all to hear, *Fiercemoon grins...hello Graymist*
Greyfire looks to Firestar, then steps between her and the cat.
Startoucher puts a finger in front of Firestar's face to attract her focus.
Autumn watches wide-eyed..
Graymist sends openly **smile**
Firestar's glances at Startoucher, and then back at the Long-tooth 
nervously..
Startoucher sends openly *Look at me, Firestar...*
Fiercemoon sends openly *Poor Strongarm has some nasty bruises,
Graymist...don't you feel sorry for him? *smirk**
Quietclaws yawns, displaying all his teeth for Firestar's approval, and 
continues his pacing.
Fiercemoon sniggers
Graymist sends openly *I could feel sorry. I guess. If I tried REAL hard.*
Graymist laughs.
Fiercemoon laughs
Strongarm reaches over to poke Fiercemoon....
Firestar scrambles a bit further away, glancing again at Startoucher.. 
*It'll.. it.. *
Graymist sends openly *Never will learn, eh Strongarm?*
Strongarm remembers the trouble that got him into last time...
Startoucher catches Firestar's gaze with his eyes, trying to look her in 
the eye.
Graymist laughs.
Savah caresses the small frightened rabbit in her lap, murmuring a soft 
word as Quietclaws circles nearer. She watches Startoucher intently.
Graymist sends openly *Hmmmm. Maybe I was wrong, Strongarm.*
Firestar looks at Startoucher, occaisionally glancing back at the large 
cat, still shivering.
Startoucher locks his gaze with Firestar's and patiently waits, hoping that 
her focus will change to his intent gaze.

Shadowkiss quirks a sightless  eyebrow. *Firestar, would a wolf bite you?*
Firestar's gaze is caught by Startoucher..
Shadowkiss holds out his hand as the longtooth walks near. Quietclaws pads 
over, rubbing up against the ancient elf, purring.
Fiercemoon growls at Strongarm
Vale says "It is not the same."
Startoucher holds the gaze. *Courage... the Past is over. The present is 
for change. Change what can happen from what happened.*
WhiteFang is from a long line of elf-friendly wolfs. Is the long-tooth?

Savah holds out her hand in reflex, fingers touching Shadowkiss' as she 
watches the healer intently.

Firestar shakes her head slightly.. "But.. the long-tooth.. fire.. " She 
shudders again and whispers raggedly.. "The pain..."

Startoucher sends openly *Firestar... You already know your soul-
name...remember? That has passed. The events of that time have passed too. 
Different time, different circumstance.**

The long-ears escapes from Savah's grasp, scurrying into the underbrush.

Vale sneers quietly, restless but silent.
Strongarm thinks...he maybe big and strong, but he AIN'T stupid, and 
withdraws his finger.
Startoucher sends openly *There is no fire, save the warmth of the embers 
within the fire-ring. Different time. Courage.*
Fiercemoon grins at Strongarm
Graymist applauds Strongarm.
Startoucher goes Ic again. *You are not looking at the longtooth, Firestar.
You are looking at me. Different time, different circumstance. Different 
people...*
Startoucher blinks as if thinking something, but shakes his head.
Firestar's gaze flickers towards the Long-tooth again.. her eyes obviously 
not seeing the circle around her.. but a distant time.. a memory..
Vale says "I would suggest you stop drawing her back, Startoucher."
Startoucher sends openly *Present, Firestar. Change. Difference.*
Fiercemoon sends openly *Prove it?...I need not prove anything to you ;)*

The fire blazes stronger, reaching a bit higher. A small cry escapes 
Firestar's lips.
Startoucher sends openly *I am here. Savah is here, Vale is... 
Shadowkiss...Your old friends.*

Shadowkiss stands, stock-still, face looking slightly startled.

Startoucher takes Firestar's hand.
Joarm yawns, even.
Quietclaws continues past, then settles to the ground behind his mind mate.
Firestar snaps back to herself at the fire's blaze and shakes her head... 
She looks up into Startoucher's eyes.. whispering "The pain.. "
Startoucher nods. *That too is past. There is no pain.*

Shadowkiss's fingers continue to touch Savah's, lightly, arm outstretched. 
He still looks to be in some kind of shock.

Startoucher blinks again, but dismisses his thoughts.
Autumn looks at her mother and then walks over to Quietclaws.

Savah's face goes pale in the firelight. She turns slowly from the drama of 
healing to look at Shadowkiss' face.

Firestar gaze snaps towards Autumn.. "Autumn.. come away..."
Autumn holds her hand out to the large cat.

Startoucher is momentarily distracted as instinct tells him something has 
changed.
Firestar's hand absently rubs her left hip, as she watches Autumn.
Startoucher tries to figure out what it is, but it eludes him. He turns 
back to Firestar and Autumn.
Vale seems very aware, and unhappy but restrained, of everything going on.
Quietclaws sniffs Autumn, then proceeds to bathe the elf.
Startoucher glances at Vale. *Is it... hoo boy...*
Quietclaws purrs. -You need a bath.-
Startoucher sighs with relief as the child gets a positive response, but 
then glances with alarm at the elder elves.

Quietclaws glances up at Shadowkiss, blinking and pausing in his tongue-
cleaning. -What's wrong with you now, thick-skull?-
Autumn giggles and hugs the cat.
Startoucher glances at Firestar. He feels like he has his hands full. *You 
all right?*
Lucien blinks, then blinks again.

Shadowkiss tilts his head, slowly, fingers trembling on Savah's. *Wh...*
Startoucher glances at the elder elves and is speechless at what he senses 
and what the signals tell him.

Firestar watches Autumn with the cat.
Startoucher glances at the child, then deems her safe... and glances back.

Vale holws suddenly, the sound ringing across the glade and forest 
surrounding.
-- Aaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwooooooooooo! --
Startoucher sends openly *She's all right, Firestar... As are you.*
Firestar looks over at Vale.. "What..?"

Shadowkiss sends openly *In all my years.... what.....*
FarSeeker waves.
Startoucher nods. He doesn't know whether to smile or what.
Graymist waves to FarSeeker
Startoucher nods absently to Farseeker...
Lucien one by one becomes aware of the people around him, and waves to 
FarSeeker.

Shadowkiss shakes his head, violently, as if trying to clear it. 
Simultaneously, he shifts sideways, hand gaining a firmer touch on Savah's.
Startoucher smiles and sits back.
Lucien says "Did I miss anything? Say 10 or 20 years of my life that would 
clarify matters immensely?"
Starseeker comes toward you from the encampment.
Starseeker has arrived.
Graymist chuckles at Lucien.
Startoucher nods. Yeah... you missed something...
Moonshine says "Good night all:)"
Vale howls again, a happy song. His face shows that he's aware, but quite 
surprised that he is doing it.
Greyfire glances to Shadowkiss and Savah...
Joarm hugs Moonshine.
Lucien isn't THAT confused, friend Strongarm. :)
Strongarm waves to Moonshine.
Moonshine waves

Savah smiles softly, fingers curling brown about the pale.

Startoucher smiles. He somehow is happy now too. *This is right.*
Firestar looks over at Savah as Autumn giggles happily.
Vale stops howling and looks /very/ surprised.
Greyfire grins in wolfish delight.

Startoucher wonders if there are difficulties in delivering children to 
elder elves... then he glances at Savah and realizes that she will be 
getting younger very soon.
Quietclaws blinks. -Is he at his brainless tricks again? I don't understand 
him.-
Shadowkiss's lips move softly, whispering a name, privately, wonderingly.
Autumn impulsively throws her arms about the large cat's neck and snugs 
Quietclaws. *More cubs!*
Startoucher smiles.
Startoucher says "One more, at least..."
Startoucher glances around and hopes everyone realizes what happened by 
now...

Savah sends softly *I have known you for a lifetime, yet I see thee for the 
first time*
Shadowkiss shakes his head. *I don't understand. What....*

WINNOWILL SENDS ... ah, the love of fools ...
Savah closes her eyes, reaching out *See with the inner eye..*

Firestar watches Savah and Shadowkiss. Her eyes a bit dark, but a happy 
sigh escapes her lips as she looks over at Autumn.
Startoucher laughs at the dark presence. *Yes! The love of fools! A 
thousand times greater than what you can imagine!*
Startoucher notes that it is times like this when those who lack love are 
pitied by him most.
Shadowkiss's one eye blinks -- a rarity.
Startoucher nods. The day is complete.
Startoucher has to be going now.
Startoucher stands.
Lucien looks oddly at Startoucher, then waves.
Firestar waves to Startoucher.
Startoucher glances around at the voice and smiles. *Ignorance is more than 
bliss. It is power. To learn that which is false is weakness.*
Firestar snarls suddenly and sends openly *Go away, Snake!! We don't need 
you to try and ruin this.*
Startoucher wonders who said that.
Greyfire wurfs goodbye, Chieftain!
Startoucher grins. *She can't Firestar. This is the one thing she can't 
touch.*
WINNOWILL SENDS ... ah, but i have touched it ...

Shadowkiss smiles, shyly. *This.... this has never happened to me. 
Recognition....*
Graymist cocks his head searching for a sound of approach.
Startoucher bows to ShadowKiss and Savah. *I rejoice, my friends. As evil, 
in your words, Savah, is the lack of love, this is the reverse. Goodnight.*
Firestar snarls again.. *Snake, you're taint is not wanted here!*
Startoucher glances back towards what he envisions the source of the voice, 
and grins. He doesn't dignify the lameness of the false knowledge with a 
reply.
Startoucher waves.
Starseeker goes home.
Starseeker has left.
Startoucher goes home.
Startoucher has left.

Shadowkiss throws his head back and laughs, joyously. *Dark one, perhaps I 
 should touch you! If this joy has happened, through years and miles, 
 through a touch --* 
FarSeeker pages: Recognition?
WINNOWILL SENDS ... do you call truth a taint, little firey one? ...
Startoucher sends *G'night. Wow.*

Savah opens her eyes, tilting her head as if Listening. She smiles *Alone, 
Winnowill you are stronger than I, but I am no longer alone.*

Firestar sends angrily. *You don't know any truths! Maybe you did once.. 
but you've twisted them until they mean nothing!! You live LIES.*
WINNOWILL SENDS ... then where is your beloved daughter? ... she is in 
trouble, she may die ...
Graymist growls. *That was low!*
Firestar's glance goes to Autumn and then to Savah.

WINNOWILL SENDS ... no, that is true ... i speak no lies this world has not 
spoken in my behalf ...
Vale glowers dangerously from his standing, shuddering form.
Lucien prods at the coals with his walking stick, showing no notice of the 
interjections of the dark voice.

Shadowkiss's hand clasps Savah's strongly. *Truth is subjective, Dark 
Sister. Fact -- fact sits there, waiting for perception. All of us are in 
danger, all may die -- but while there is life, ah....*
Shadowkiss steps liquidly sideways, holding Savah's hand.

WINNOWILL SENDS ... thousands of years, my brother ... she is already dead 
...
Firestar stands, her body stiff. *Snake! You are bitter! Holed up in your 
 mountain! You scorn our 'taint'.. but without us.. without my help.. 
 you'd still be rotting away within yourself on your island!*

Savah murmurs softly *My Grandaughter lives..Timmain has said it.*
FarSeeker watches the exchanges carefully.
Savah looks to Vale, her other hand outstretched.
Firestar's eyes blaze with anger and the fire blazes strongly.
Vale seems to be concentrating on the same nothing Firestar is.
WINNOWILL SENDS ... ah, and this child must be vale ... yes, i have heard 
much of him ...

Shadowkiss smiles, gently, brushing Savah's hand. "Life.... death is but a 
part of that life, a transition. I have spoken with my mother, dead for 
longer than my Recognized has been alive -- can you truly say what death 
is?"

---log off---

Editor's note: Shadowkiss spoke to his mother in the 'Palace' before it 
left, even as other elves have for moments communed with the souls there as 
recorded in the books

---log resumes---

Lucien stands, choosing this moment to be about his way.
Quietclaws yawns again. -Hrmph. Dark elf is jealous. Never loved, never 
lived.-
WINNOWILL SENDS ... i have been dead longer than you, brother ...
Lucien nods with a smile to Graymist.

WINNOWILL SENDS ... i can say with honesty that i would rather be alive, 
unlike many ...
Firestar snarls.. *What's the matter, snake?? Not enough people to torment 
when you're dead??*
Joarm sighs
Lucien says "Mother Memory, my happiness is for you and yours tonight. 
Pardon me, for I am loathe to cross words with darkness, and I tire."
Lucien hefts his stick into his hand.
Shadowkiss smiles quietly, shaking his head. "Good night, Lucien."
Savah smiles *Shade, Lucien*
Lucien says "And you, Shadowkiss."
Lucien steps over the log he was seated on.
Lucien turns to leave the fireside, walking north.
Lucien has left.
Vale breaths, trying not to radiate so much anger.
Autumn wanders over to Savah and Shadowkiss and snuggles between them. *Why 
don't you love, dark one?*
WINNOWILL SENDS ... and do you pretend to hate me so, vale? ...
Graymist leans back and relaxes a bit. SHE won't come near our Mother of 
Memory!
Savah looks down at Autumn in surprise and smiles, fingers in her hair 
softly.
Autumn sends a mental touch, clear and bright, at Winnowill.. *You 
shouldn't hate.. it hurts you.. Aren't you lonely?*
Graymist slaps at his neck. *Lousy bugs!*
WINNOWILL SENDS ... if i am lonely, it is because of this world and its 
pain ...

Savah sends softly, the softness of Autumn's hair, the warmth of the fire, 
the sweetness of water in the desert *Come home, sister*
Vale blinks, looking lost momentarily.
Autumn sends openly *But it is happy here! Music.. and animals.. and 
life..*

Shadowkiss settles slowly to Savah's side. *This world? Its pain? One 
apologizes, but I only see the natural struggle for survival. Pain is a 
part of it -- but there are other things that overwhelm it. Listen to this 
child....*
WINNOWILL SENDS ... my home is not here, /dear/ sister ...


Savah looks up, eyes focussing as if against her will on the stars in the 
dark bowl of the sky overhead.
WINNOWILL SENDS ... and you always have been the more foolish in my 
memories, brother ...
Autumn sends openly *I am happy here.. why are you not, dark one?*

Shadowkiss smiles quietly. *I am a fool, yes -- but a happy, intelligent 
fool. For all that your eyes were more whole than I, you were blinder.*
WINNOWILL SENDS ... because i know what it is to be free, child ... this 
world is not free, it drains us of what we are ...
Graymist grins.
Joarm looks up quizzingly *Then what are you?*
Autumn hmms.. *But I am free! I can go where I want and do what I want.. *
Graymist snickers.
WINNOWILL SENDS ... can you leave, child? ...
Autumn sends openly *Why would I want to leave? My friends and family are 
all here.*
Shadowkiss tilts his head. *Does he need to? Does he .want. to?*
Vale says "She, Shadowkiss."
Graymist rubs his sore feet. *Ahhhh*

Shadowkiss shrugs, smiling slightly. "Occasionally the problem with not 
being able to see -- children become..... well, neuter." He laughs. "My 
apologies,good Autumn."
WINNOWILL SENDS ... then you and i are not the same ... you will grow and 
learn, child ...
Autumn sends openly *I just think you're lonely..*

Savah laughs softly, sending Shadowkiss her vision of Autumn's visage
Shadowkiss shakes his head slowly. *Lonely, and a frustrated dreamer. A 
soul in torment -- self-torment.*
Fiercemoon grins
Shadowkiss blinks, surprised. "WShadowkiss murmurs aloud at the vision 
"Well well well, I can almost say that I am sorry that I lost my eyes. 
Autumn, you will grow up to be a beauty."
Graymist looks cautious. When Fiercemoon grins like that, it generally 
means
trouble.
Fiercemoon wanders over to Strongarm and sits down next to him
Fiercemoon smirks at Graymist
Joarm hmms
Strongarm stretches out, wincing a little less now, and pats his stomach.
Fiercemoon looks at Strongarm curiously, wondering if he is hungry
Vale looks downcast at the fire.
Strongarm chuckles.
Fiercemoon grins and uses Strongarm's tummy for a pillow as she watches the
fire spark
Vale seems to be thinking inwards.
Joarm sends openly *Think louder, Vale. I'm curious...?*
Vale looks up with a blank look. "What? Oh." His expression falls. "I am 
... thinking."
Firestar has to head off.. sorry folks.
Autumn has left.
FarSeeker sends openly *I am quieter...*
Firestar has left.
Cloudclimber tilts his head to one side at a noise and runs into the 
shadows.
Cloudclimber has left.
Vale says "I am ... speaking with this woman you call dark."
Graymist sends openly *HER.*
Vale says "Winnowill."
Vale says "She has a name as do we all."
FarSeeker shushes...
Joarm looks up *I don't understand this dark one. She makes little sense to 
me.*
Shadowkiss laughs softly. *She's not so bad -- once you look at it from her 
personal point of view.*
Savah nods to Vale, eyes gentle. *I know her name*
Graymist shrugs. *Yes, we ALL have a point of view.*
Joarm sends openly *I'm trying to decide which point is mine right now.*
FarSeeker says "To speak Her name out loud is to invite Her attention. 
Perhaps she will tire of her games if we ignore her?"
Graymist shrugs again.
Joarm sends openly *Do you all fear her so much?*
Linolas sits down next to the fire
Graymist sends openly *Things have calmed quite a bit, Linolas.*
Vale says "She understands."
Strongarm grins.
FarSeeker stares into the fire, poking it with a stick.
Shadowkiss gently strokes Savah's arm, thinking quietly.
Linolas smiles and relaxes a little
Graymist moves closer to the fire.
Vale says "Mm?"
Strongarm strokes Fiercemoon's hair trying to get her to relax more.
Vale sighs, again.
Shadowkiss smiles slightly. "I have never had a child, and I no longer 
remember what I first looked like."
Savah laughs softly and turns to study the face beside her.
Graymist picks up a rock and throws it into the trees.
Moonbeam has arrived.
Moonbeam bows
Vale nods to himself.
Graymist waves to Moonbeam. *Hello!*
Strongarm sends openly *Greetings.*
Shadowkiss laughs.
Vale sends openly *I must go to see her, then.*
Graymist grins.
Savah turns to look at Vale. *Is it time, young one?*
Vale nods.
Vale sends openly *I must know why none do what she asks. Why she is 
shunned and pitied.*
Strongarm grins
Graymist laughs! *I'm lucky that way!*
Strongarm laughs.
Shadowkiss sends, laughter in his mental voice, *Because she doesn't 
normally 'ask', Vale. She tells.*
Linolas sends openly *I'd say she goes farther than that, she Forces.*
Savah stands slowly, releasing Shadowkiss' hand. She walks to where Vale 
sits. *Is this why you were born? * *glance to Shadowkiss*.*
Linolas grins
Greyfire stares at Vale.
Savah turns to look at Shadowkiss, then at the long tooth cat drowsing by 
the fire.
Savah laughs softly, recalling something Leetah told her.

Shadowkiss senses Savah's examination. "Ever ridden a long-tooth before?"
Savah sends softly *Cutter told Leetah that if the wolf ever bit her she 
was to immediately bite back..*
Graymist grins at Vale.
Linolas chuckles
Moonbeam laughs
Strongarm relaxes.
Vale does not grin back.
Graymist eeps and apologizes.

Savah laughs gently and bends to ruffle the great cat's fur. *shall we make 
a truce, old cat? I do not think I wish to bite you.*
Graymist sends openly *Hmmm. Is this a riddle?*
Shadowspawn comes toward you from the encampment.
Shadowspawn has arrived.
Savah turns to look at Vale.
Moonbeam hopes Savah does not wish to bite anyone.
Linolas starts playing with rocks again
Shadowspawn waves to everyone, greeting his friend Strongarm.
Quietclaws yawns. -And I don't think you'd want me to bite you.-
Shadowkiss laughs softly.
Savah smiles

Shadowkiss smiles slightly, then rises, taking Savah's hand. "Where are you 
staying, Soulbonded?"
You say "I am in the Fathertree..in the place set aside for one who does 
not climb trees.."
Shadowkiss smiles sideways at Linolas. *I have never been to this 
Fathertree. Might you show me the way?*
Savah nods, her hand reaching for Shadowkiss'

Shadowkiss smiles. "A cozy place, though nothing like your visions of your 
own home."
You say "this is not my home, but that of Leetah's mate and his people."

Shadowkiss smiles slightly. "I would love to see anything -- everything -- 
associated with you."
Savah closes her eyes and sends to you a picture *A circular room 
containing a low bench. The high domed ceiling soars up into restful 
shadows. There is a painstakingly worked stained glass window on the 
northwest wall that filters
dreamy restful light from the daystar's harshest touch and beneath the 
window, a chair, lovingly shaped from silky smooth stone.
Savah smiles
Shadowkiss sighs softly. *Beautiful. I get impressions from Quietclaws, but 
nothing of such clarity -- and nothing that is not tinged with his 
ownpoint-of-view.*
Savah holds out her hand
Shadowkiss senses "Savah sends softly, curiosity tinged with a thread of 
regret and warmed with a touch of joy *Tekk..* Her thoughts circle round 
you like a firefly round a candleflame, drawn."

Shadowkiss reaches up, gently touching your face. *Lir. Liiiir. Lir. A good
name.* His thought is light, teasing.
Savah smiles, turning her face into the palm of your hand. *You are not 
what I expected.*

Shadowkiss's sending is full of curiousity and laughter. *What did you 
expect, heartbonded?*
Savah closes her eyes and sends, a whisper only at first, shadow and 
substance blending as she builds a picture of you on the grey planes 
*Taller, and fair of face with eyes of fire*
Shadowkiss senses "Savah renews her sending with an impression of something 
more solid than stone"


Shadowkiss muses, *It is rather basic-sounding, isn't it? And you.... 
your name is like the image of the winds...*
Savah laughs gently *Is that what you see?*


Shadowkiss's eye looks blindly upwards, his mental focus sharpening into an 
image... *Grace personified -- wind and water, moving and yet the same, 
knowledgable and still able to change at will.*
Savah's fingers clasp yours softly *You have changed since the beginning, 
yet it has cost you dearly, soulmate. I have bent and given..and thereby 
persisted.*
You say "My family retreated to the wasteland and made a haven because it 
was isolated...I think you stayed and met this world head on..I see you 
have taken
for yourself the teachings that Timmain's children are born to..."


Shadowkiss smiles slightly. "It was my home, so I went about making it 
such. Now, everywhere is my home, and everyone my children..."

Shadowkiss's fingers trace the gentle flow of your skin along your arm...
Savah's fingers raise to your cheek, tracing the scars softly til they rest
against your lips.
Shadowkiss presses lips against fingers, and fingers along lips...
Savah sighs and opens her mind, veil's drifting away like the fluttering of
wind fallen leaves.


Shadowkiss's unfettered mind touches yours, cautiously, exploring.
You sense the calm and orderly surface of her thoughts, like the vastdeep 
water in the moonlight, untroubled by the wind.
And yet beyond the horizon, a trace of movement, a flicker, light perhaps, 
the sun creeping up into the sky til that instant when the threads are no 
longer all black with darkness. Fire..deeply banked..warmth to last a 
lifetime,
constant like the daystar is there, just out of reach.


In return, your own revelation is echoed by one of his own -- a slow 
journey through carven stone, deep into a mountain, your way lit only by 
the faint red glow far ahead.... a breeze, fresh of spring, blows in behind 
you
and through you.
Savah murmurs your name softly, no one else to hear. "I thought I 
knew you and now..."
You say "I must learn all over again."
Reaching the source of the glow, you stand on the brink of a deep, wide 
chasm -- far below you are the rockfires of a rumbling mountain. They 
bubble and boil, careful and quiet -- power and strength to be called for 
when needed.
Savah clasps your hand tighter, leaning into your shoulder as she goes 
_out_ suddenly. Spreading herself on the wind she soars over the winter-
locked forest driven to search for something...

Shadowkiss sinks slowly to the floor, guiding your body down with his, even 
as his own mind moves out slightly. He 'sees' the connection between the 
both of you, and touches its solidity carefully...
Savah floats as one with the moon glittered clouds, drawn towards something 
that sparkles with it's _own_ light.
Shadowkiss's spirit smiles, eyes -- both eyes -- gleaming, and his soul-
self grasps the cord firmly, drawing himself to you in the blink of an eye.
Savah reaches for the sparkle only to have it slip through her fingers. She 
turns to you, hand outstretched, pleading for your aid, moon-silvered hair 
floating in the weightlessness of thought.
Savah turns in your embrace, a feather's kiss acknowledging the need that 
drives her here and elsewhere.
Shadowkiss clasps hands with you, turning to reach out with you to retrieve 
the glimmering item. His eyes, the sight of his mind, flicker and twinkle 
with curiosity.
Savah reaches out again, her hand and yours closing gently round the cool 
fire. You hear a soft sighing sound in the overworld, a whisper, a sound 
without sound *Tris*.
Savah sighs, nestling her head against your shoulder...
Shadowkiss's head in this plane of grey tilts, curious, much like his 
mindmate's. *Who is Tris?*
Savah smiles, cradling the brightness like a treasure beyond price. Her 
thoughts embrace yours *I think this may be the one we are called to 
parent, soul bound.*
Shadowkiss returns your smile. *This is, most definitely, completely new to 
me.* He blinks at the soul-self in your cupped hands, looking, examining, 
wondering. *Amazing.*

Savah ooc is improvising, based on something she read how Zarhan had known 
Rahnee's soulname before she was born..and taught it to her when she could 
not find it herself.
Shadowkiss ooc grins.

Shadowkiss, with you, slowly proceeds back to your settled bodies...
Savah follows
Savah whispers softly "I am suddenly a stranger to myself..."
Shadowkiss smiles slightly. "In which case, we are practically equal..."
Savah laughs softly, her lips curving against your cheek. *Will joining be 
a burden to you*
Shadowkiss's hand reaches up to stroke the side of your face. *With you, 
nothing is a burden, everything a pleasure -- and if, somehow, something 
did become a burden, then it would be one I would gladly bear.*
Savah sighs and falls asleep ooc at the keyboard "I need to go.."
Shadowkiss nods, and hugs you g'night.
Savah nods "ooc, a mixed reaction...amazing it came out so well with all 
the tinyplots exploding at the same time"

---End log