Brightfire slowly begins to emerge from the curled-up ball of elf that lies near Talek, one hand drifting out to be certain the lad is still near. The clear-headedness that she feels registers only slowly, and once she's assertained that Talek is close by, she carefully sits up, blinking down the mountainside. ** We...we're out? ** All around, other elves are huddled, and wolves, as well. Rillwhisper is bundled in a fur between Sunruff and Lashpaw; Strongbow dozes lightly near his wolf, and Rainfire lies curled up, sleeping heavily, near his. Fhen and the wrapstuffed bundle that holds Keshah are in the center of the little camp of elves... and beside Brightfire, Talek is huddled, in someone's cloak. Fallberry ooohs, and peeks around Rillwhisper's golden she-wolf. /Hellohello shaggyhead highthing!/ Brightfire locksends to Talek ** Ged? ** Brightfire chuckles silently, rubbing a hand over her eyes, and says, in her growly voice, "Shaggyhead, eh? Hello, Fallberry." Talek's mouth moves, slowly, softly; as has been the case since his emergence from the cocoon, he gives no other sign of motion. Fallberry flits over curiously, and informs Brightfire wisely, /Highthings all tuckertired! Fallberry guard highthings good!/ Brightfire locksends to Talek ** We'll make you better, my poor mate. Thank the High Ones you're out of those flowers. ** Brightfire slowly registers the sheer /number/ of elves lying around, and looks befuddled, amazed that so many have come here, and equally confused as to ... "How'd we get out, bug?" Silversong stirs, then stretches widely, woken by the sounds of voices, where she lies curled up in her wolf's flank. Fallberry pipes happily to Brightfire, /Sunnygreen highthing and glowhands highthing and yankyhair highthing get all sleepytired highthings and then sunnygreen highthing had to go get sharpquiet highthing!/ Brightfire blinks rapidly. ** Yankyhair highthing? ** The rest of the names she knows, at least, more or less, having traveled with the Preserver for some time now. Aloud, she says, "Did a wolf come down to help, or did they just haul us up?" Silversong peeks up over her wolf, looking about. She yawns. ** Oh... good morning, Brightfire. ** Fallberry points wisely at the sleeping form of Rainfire. /Is yankyhair highthing!/ Talek's eyes slit open, with a tiny effort. Strongbow's eyes squeeze tighter shut for a moment... Silversong chuckles quietly, and motions to the sleeping Rainfire for Fallberry. ** We had company come by... ** Fallberry says wisely, /Growler helped!/ It points at the wolf near one of the two unfamiliar elves in the huddle. Brightfire looks over at Silversong and smiles. ** Hello. I'm sorry I wasn't more help to you down there. ** She gestures towards the valley, and then, more sensing than seeing Talek's eyes open, she looks back at him. ** Talek? ** ... then, Strongbow's gaze focuses darkly at the little voice of the Preserver. Silversong smiles. ** It's quite all right. ** Talek blinks slowly, focusing on Brightfire. Brightfire smiles down at Talek. ** Hello there. ** Fallberry beams. /Fallberry keep good watch on highthings! On sunnygreen highthing!/ It flits to Rillwhisper and lands on her chest. Brightfire nods to Silversong, then gestures with a shoulder shrug at the extra elves. ** Who...? And _how_?! ** Talek murmurs liquidly, "Bright... fire... " Brightfire grins, unable to help herself, and says quietly, "You're a good bug, Fallberry. Thanks." Strongbow's eyes narrow in a wince. ** One moment awake and already hearing incessant bug chatter. ** Silversong quietly smiles. ** They followed after us. Rainfire sorta has a tiny little thing for Rillwhisper. ** The way she sends that, though, it's obvious she's understating things on purpose, and drastically. Brightfire locksends to Talek ** You know me? ** Silversong grins at Fallberry. "Yes, you did good." Brightfire laughs, looking at Silversong. ** Is that so? Your chieftess has many admirers. ** She doesn't -quite- look at Strongbow. Silversong grins slightly. ** Too many to count. ** Talek looks dreamily up at Brightfire, as if in utter fascination. Strongbow'eyes un-squint and one eyebrow raises, a smile pulling at the edges of his mouth. Silversong glances over at Strongbow. ** Good morning. ** Fallberry flitflitflits happily. Brightfire locksends to Talek ** You need a /bath/, Ged. ** Brightfire grins, first at sleepy Talek, then at the waking Strongbow. ** Heyla. ** Strongbow nods to Silversong. Strongbow looks up at Brightfire, the same smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. He nods after a pause, and then nods to Talek. ** Hello, lad. ** Talek's brow furrows very slightly, as his liquid gaze drifts over Strongbow without recognition. He promptly looks back up to Brightfire, mumbling, "Sparkle...water...soak?" Silversong watches her brother quietly. Rillwhisper's eyes flutter, and she utters a throaty moan. Strongbow's thin smile reaches his eyes and he leans back against Lashpaw again, just in time to look askance at the moaning Rillwhisper. Brightfire suddenly looks completely distracted, the larger part of her interested in Talek and the smaller concerned for Rillwhisper. She looks at the chieftess and talks to Talek, both slightly aimlessly. ** Aye, lad, a bath, but not at this absolute moment, I think... ** Rillwhisper, as sendings and voices start trickling into her attention, scowls fuzzily, still not opening her eyes. Timmorn's _Blood_, what a headache... Fallberry peeks at Rillwhisper brightly. /Sunnygreen highthing not stillquiet no more?/ Strongbow props himself up on one elbow, putting one knee up a bit, freeing the wolf-pillow. He watches Rillwhisper wake, waving a bit at Fallberry, as if telling it to quiet in respect. Sunruff nuzzles at Rillwhisper as best she can, while the chieftess slits open one green eye and moans, "Not stillquiet, bug. Oogh." Lashpaw lifts to his feet and turns about to sniff preemptorily at Rillwhisper, then wanders off to stretch his legs. Talek locksends ** ** to Brightfire. Talek frowns vaguely, giving a miniscule turn of his head. Brightfire locksends to Talek ** They're gone for now. It's all right. ** Rillwhisper grins a little as she is inspected by the nearest wolves, and inquires hoarsely, "Who's awake...?" Brightfire frowns down at Talek, a peculiarly tender expression, and brushes his hair back with her fingers. ** About half of us, I think. Chieftess, I'm not sure any of your tribe is left in Willowholt. ** Silversong folds her arms on Ashes' back, and chuckles. "I had been wondering that myself." Strongbow frowns and looks around. Seemingly deciding that _some_ elves are still at Willowholt, he relaxes a bit. Rillwhisper's eyes come fully open; she spots the archer nearby, smiles crookedly, and starts to sit up. "'Hawk and Trollkiller and my brother, Dawn and Zalen and two of the cubs, they're all there. Worry not. My own son, too." Strongbow nods in agreement, having already made that assessment. Rillwhisper adds, stretching stiffly, "Dawn's sire, and Songmaker... oof." She scowls, and rubs at one shoulder. "Why do I feel like I fell out of a tree....?" Brightfire smiles absently without looking up from Talek. ** That's good. I wouldn't have wanted to have taken all your warriors from home. ** Rillwhisper chuckles dryly, glancing at Rainfire and Chitter's sleeping forms. "Didn't expect these two to show up." Strongbow stretches his bow arm, rolling his shoulders. ** I feel fine. Must be the show you put on in the gorge. ** Brightfire manages to look up from Talek at that, in curiousity. ** What'd you do? ** Rillwhisper blushes a bit, a look that says, 'Oh', and she begins ruefully, "Ah, um, took some of Chitter's brew... " Strongbow's brow goes up, eyes smiling far more than his lips. ** Some brew... ** Silversong curiously looks over at Rill. "Chitter's brew? I had been wondering.. your eyes were very clear." Rillwhisper, whose eyes at the moment look half-fogged still with sleep, shoves a hand through her hair, then props her head in both her hands. ** Tasted like rosecherry, so he thought it would help... only took a sip of the stuff... ** Strongbow's nose wrinkles a little. ** So what was this concoction? ** Brightfire sends openly ** And what happened? ** Rillwhisper massages her temples, and sends a sense to Strongbow of a taste of Sweetleaf's rosecherry seemingly boiled through sticks and leaves down into a drink, with a taste foul enough to make you retch, but it cleared her head instantly and then some. To Brightfire, she sends sheepishly, by way of explanation, ** We, um, had to get Strongbow.... ** Brightfire's eyebrows rise slowly, and she laughs aloud. ** I see. ** Strongbow squints one eye in distaste. Fallberry perches up on Rill's head, and tries to help rub her temples. Rillwhisper mutters to Fallberry, "I'm alright, bug, truly... " Rillwhisper finishes embarrassedly, ** Anyway, the stuff wore off quickly. I think I remember falling over, but I'm not sure when. ** Strongbow nods once and looks away with a slight wry twinkle in his eyes. Rillwhisper glances at the archer, gives a bit of a soft grin at him, and then looks to the healers, seeing Talek's eyes open. ** How's the lad? ** Brightfire looks back at Talek, easily distracted. ** Better. Missing the flowers... ** Talek's gaze flickers worriedly, at the mention. "Where... flowers...?" Brightfire sends gently. ** They're gone, Talek. Soon you won't need then anymore. ** Rillwhisper sits up fully, regarding the young elf with a critical gaze. ** He wants them? ** Brightfire looks a bit hopefully at Silversong, then nods to Rill. ** Aye. He's addicted to them somehow, I think. ** Silversong snorts. ** Mother would like those flowers. ** Strongbow looks at Talek, eyes darkening again. He starts a send, but aborts it to only nod to Silversong. Talek gives a tiny whimper, a needful look flashing across his eyes. Rillwhisper nods with a grim twist to her mouth to Silversong, and then asks simply, ** Where do we take him? ** Brightfire looks up sharply, anger lighting her eyes. ** His mother had better hope I never lay eyes on her. ** Rillwhisper sends carefully, ** Different mother... ** And then adds, ** We need to get him to shelter. Keshah, too. ** Silversong quietly nods. ** We had the same father. Not the same mother. ** Brightfire eventunally garners from this that it is Silversong's mother who would like the flowers, not Talek's, and snorts faintly. ** Still. ** Rillwhisper allows solemnly, ** Talek's mother was less than sane, when we saw her, long ago. ** Silversong sends openly ** Talek's mother... I don't know WHERE she is right now. But from what I gathered back in Lostholt, she hurt him, very much. ** Silversong nods to Rill. Strongbow listens silently to the conversation, eyes dark, somewhat impatient. Rillwhisper regards the two healers, and sends, ** Which brings me round to my last question again. Where do you want to take him to heal him? ** Brightfire looks down at Talek, shuddering at the rememberance of the memories he's shared with her. ** She did. ** The sending is flat. Silversong glances back to Rill. ** I think home would be the wisest, closest place... ** Strongbow watches Rillwhisper, waiting for her word. Rillwhisper smiles a little, to Brightfire and Silversong. ** I'd thought of that... he _is_ your brother, Silversong. But Brightfire, do you have a place you'd rather take him? ** Brightfire looks up after a moment. ** No...I've left my tribe and am only a wanderer. I don't have a home to bring him to. ** Rillwhisper glances at the wrapstuffed form of Keshah. ** She needs healing, too... ** Brightfire hehs softly. ** Poor lass. ** Strongbow nods. Silversong nods in agreement. Silversong sends openly ** Where did she come from, anyways? ** Rillwhisper nods serenely, then. ** To Willowholt, then; I think the Holt can support having you all around for however long is needed. When Rainfire and Chitter and Fhen are awake enough to ride, we'll set out... ** She trails off, and glances at Strongbow. Brightfire sends openly ** Sorrow's End, originally. She'd been at Lostholt, too, and was looking for Talek when I finally found her. ** Strongbow's lips twitch with the hint of a smile, and he looks over at Rainfire. ** The lad's had a long day. ** His tone is amused. Rillwhisper's eyebrows go up at she looks at the archer. ** He wasn't the only one giving into the flowers, ** she tells him dryly. Strongbow's cheeks color, though the archer doesn't move his expression or his gaze. After a long moment, he shrugs ever so slightly. Brightfire blinks faintly, looking up from Talek to study Strongbow. That quiet, stoic elf gave into the flowers? She grins. Silversong chuckles slightly. ** The mighty archer is not indestructible, no, Brightfire. I doubt, though, that this is a flaw. ** Rillwhisper's eyes suddenly sparkle, and she rises to begin gathering belongings, but not before smiling warmly, teasingly at him. She leans over, pushes his hair lightly away from his eyes, and comments, ** Pretty with flower petals in his hair, and when he blushes, too. ** She winks. Brightfire grins broadly. Strongbow's eyes widen a little and he runs his hands through his hair, catching up the last few petals left. He stares at them uncomprehendingly, then looks up at Silversong, then at Rillwhisper. Strongbow drops the petals with a scowl of disgust. Brightfire locksends ** Ged? We are going to leave here soon. How do you feel? ** You locksend ** I know, archer... I like dreaming, but not when it leaves you so vulnerable.... ** to Strongbow. Talek's bemused gaze wanders slowly around, as he stares confusedly at the blur of mist and mostly unfamiliar faces around him. But gradually his eyes settle on Brightfire again. Strongbow sits for a long moment, then gets to his feet and gathers his things as well, smiling out of the corner of his eyes at Rillwhisper. You locksend ** ** to Brightfire. [The party begins to awaken, as everyone gets ready for the journey home... ] Rillwhisper counts elves, and counts wolves, considering... who to ride with whom? Brightfire stands up carefully. Brightfire kneels again, carefully, to slowly help Talek to his feet, sending to Rill as she does. ** I can walk, as well. I...should...be fine. ** Talek is unwrapped, save in someone's winter cloak that had been bundled around him to keep off the cold. Strongbow nods softly. ** Lashpaw can carry someone else as well. I'll walk. ** Strongbow stands still for a moment. Lashpaw prowls in from the bushes, preceded by a whispering of leaves. Lashpaw seems strangely tired and whines softly at the archer, who walks to the wolf and rubs his ruff reassurringly. Rillwhisper murmurs, "Four wolves, and twice as many elves... this'll take a while." Silversong says "Ashes can carry someone else. I'm no stranger to walking. *smile*" Rainfire, now that the party is awake and moving, points out in a slightly taut manner that he will be happy to carry either Keshah or Talek, or whoever else needs a ride. Fhen shyly leans over to his father, and the two in murmursent exchanges opt to ride Willowpaw. Rillwhisper smiles at Rainfire, who smiles a little weakly back at her, and the chieftess announces, ** Well, those of us who have strong wolves, we'll take turns. Let's get gone, everyone! ** Brightfire helps Talek onto Rainfire's wolf's back, clearly intending to baalance him all the way back to Willowholt, if necessary. Time passes, and the party eventually works its way out of the mountains. Once out of the valley, it is evident that the newgreen has crept in, while you were all not looking. [And eventually, the band of elves crosses the itchgrass circle, to arrive at the Willowholt proper... ] North Bank of the Pond(#170RJa) This wide sandy stretch of ground is the Hubward bank of a pond about three wolf-jumps wide; the tall marsh grasses that seem to ring the water on all sides part long enough at this bank to give a good view of the water. Just beside the pond's edge, among those same grasses, a large, smooth rock provides a place to sit and regard the water. At the rock's base is a tiny hole almost hidden among the brush. Off across the water can be seen the beginnings of a thick tangle of trees, the fringe of a wood ... the silhouette of a massive willow tree stands out in the line of new greenness. Shielding the bank from view from anywhere except within the Holt proper, a wide curving circle of foliage rings round the pond and weaves on into the trees around the Holt. The green spring grasses are very thick round most of the pond's edges, but a tiny path is *just* visible following the curve of the pond towards Away-from-Hub and Sun-Goes-Down. Hubward the same small path runs off to connect with the trail into the marshes. Obvious exits: Around the Pond Water Itchgrass Circle Sunruff has arrived. Strongbow has arrived. Lashpaw has arrived. Brightfire has arrived. Silversong has arrived. Thornclaw has arrived. North Bank of the Pond(#170RJa) After days of travel, the party at last arrives at the Willowholt. Rillwhisper brightens at the familiar territory, as do Fhen and Chitter, though Rainfire remains quiet during the whole trip. Ashes has arrived. Rillwhisper slips off her wolf's back, and Fhen and Chitter smile tiredly, to go relax, after she shooes them off. Brightfire, by the end of the trip, is clearly exhausted, both from the travel and the demands of unanswered Recognition; no doubt the constant, irritated mutterings from Keshah about the whole thing have not helped any. Strongbow walks softly next to his wolf, eyes dark and relaxed in familiar territory once more. Lashpaw just looks weary. Lashpaw stretches and sits, watching, panting good-naturedly. Rainfire hangs around long enough to offer to get Keshah and Talek into the nearest comfortable places to rest; Rillwhisper take a look at him, and gently directs him off to rest himself. He goes, reluctantly. You poke your way through the tall pond grasses, into the trees. West Bank of the Pond This narrow strip of a path runs wedged on one side by closely tangled young trees, and on the other by the thick grasses surrounding the nearby small pond. Just overhead, most of the tangle of branches comes from the huge gnarled willow tree that dominates most of the surroundings. As the Daystar sets the air turns chilly in the Newgreen evening. Obvious exits: Pond Branches Clearing Around the Pond You step through the trees and into the clearing by the Old Willow. Clearing by the Old Willow(#123RHJ) This clearing, last among the trees before the land changes slowly to marshes, is dominated by an impossibly massive willow tree. Much of the ancient tree is hidden by its ever-blowing fronds, which veil it and the entire clearing in quiet, green-grey shadows. The air holds a rich mix of scents: water and wood, elf-scent and wolf-scent, earth and the occasional whiff of fire. The fallen log by the tree, the quietly gurgling 'fountain' off to one side, the willow's gnarled roots, and even the soft earth underfoot encourage one to sit and sing or speak or send... or just to watch and listen. The entire area is tinged with a gentle, subtle sense of magic and age, centered upon the giant tree. To the south, the land slopes gently uphill. A path runs from Sun-Goes-Up to Sun-Goes-Down, with the nearby marshes lying off in the former direction and the more secluded parts of the Holt in the latter. Just off to the northeast, past the fountain, is a small pond. Contents: NightDancer Sunhowler Hollow log Squirrel Obvious exits: Branch Old Willow Hillside Path Starwillow Copse Marsh Pond Rillwhisper sends to the whole tribe ** Hail the tribe...! We're home! ** Sunruff emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Sunruff has arrived. NightDancer looks up, catching scent and sending at the same moment, and grins broadly, dropping his leatherwork. ** Chieftess! Welcome! ** Brightfire emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Brightfire has arrived. Rillwhisper comes in through the itchgrass circle, carrying an unfamiliar and gaunt elf bundled in furs in her arms. She smiles tiredly at NightDancer, as Brightfire follows her in. You say "If you'll pardon me, NightDancer, I need to put this cub down..." [And as Rill does so, Woodhawk comes out to meet the others... ] Woodhawk> You swing down off the branch to the clearing below. Woodhawk> Clearing by the Old Willow(#123RHJ) [Desc of room deleted.] Woodhawk> Contents: Woodhawk> Brightfire Woodhawk> Sunruff(#39aes) Woodhawk> NightDancer Woodhawk> Sunhowler Woodhawk> Hollow log Woodhawk> Squirrel Woodhawk> Obvious exits: Woodhawk> Branch Old Willow Hillside Path Starwillow Copse Marsh Pond Woodhawk> Brightfire blinks faintly at Woodhawk, and inadvertantly looks over her shoulder for Strongbow. Woodhawk> Woodhawk, looking immensely relieved to see his mate home again, drops immediately down out of the trees. He sends after Rill for a moment, nodding, then turns and smiles crookedly to the newcomer. "Rill says she's settling your young mate; anything I can do to help?" Woodhawk> NightDancer decides all is in hand, and picks up his leathers again, finding the needle to start stitching after bestowing a smile on Brightfire. Woodhawk> Silversong emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Woodhawk> Silversong has arrived. Woodhawk> Brightfire blinks again, completely bewildered. This is entirely too much for her tired mind. ** You don't _smell_ like Strongbow...? ** Woodhawk> Strongbow emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Woodhawk> Strongbow has arrived. Woodhawk> Lashpaw emerges from the trees by the nearby pond. Woodhawk> Lashpaw has arrived. Woodhawk> Silversong wearily wanders in after the others, and she smiles, at seeing Woodhawk, going over to embrace him in her arms. Woodhawk> Woodhawk blinks, and ohs, and grins again, embarrassedly, at Brightfire, "Um, no, I don't," he agrees, as Strongbow himself appears from around the pond. Woodhawk> NightDancer grins quietly into his leatherwork as the clearing fills up. Woodhawk> Woodhawk smiles, and hugs Silversong lightly. "Is everyone alright? Rill's gone to put Talek where he can rest." Woodhawk> A smile plays around the corners of Strongbow's mouth and he nods greetings to Woodhawk. Woodhawk> Brightfire looks at Strongbow, then at Woodhawk, then at Strongbow, and abruptly sits down, nearly a collapse, and puts her face in her hands. Woodhawk> Lashpaw pads over to the hollow log and lies down next to it, whuffing wearily. Woodhawk> Woodhawk, giving another indication that no, this elf isn't Strongbow, blushes brightly, but he nevertheless looks amused. Woodhawk> Silversong looks back at Brightfire, and smiles, also amused. Woodhawk> Strongbow's eyes smirk, though the smile doesn't quite take over at his mouth. He nods to Brightfire, reshouldering his bow. Woodhawk> Brightfire removes her hands from her face, looks at the two of them again, and sends, helplessly, ** Am I seeing things? ** Woodhawk> Brightfire sends openly ** I didn't think not answering Recognition made you hallucinate. ** Woodhawk> Woodhawk remarks ruefully to Brightfire, "Um, no; we really do look alike. Sort of a joke between our Holts. Rill's brother Sweetleaf has wondered whether Strongbow here is descended from my blood." Woodhawk> Strongbow's eyes solemn somewhat and he nods gently to Brightfire. ** It's just what you see, lass. ** Woodhawk> Silversong smiles. ** No, Recognition doesn't make one hallucinate... or at least, it did not make me hallucinate, when I Recognized Woodhawk here. ** [Rill rejoins the elves in the clearing.] You swing down off the branch to the clearing below. Brightfire sends openly ** Yes, but it's been so long... ** Rillwhisper whews softly, as she drops down into view again, announcing, "Talek's in our guest den, now... " She looks sympathetically to Brightfire, and adds, "Healer, I think _you_ need to rest too?" Brightfire rubs at her eyes rather frantically, then tiredly pushes herself to her feet, shaking her head. ** I'll be all right... ** Strongbow looks curtly off into the woods. ** Might do some good to be near him. ** Woodhawk's dark eyebrows go up, as Rillwhisper says gently to Brightfire, "You both are in bad shape, but we have to get him strong enough to do what Recognition asks. I'll find my brother; he's brewed teas to ease the ache of Recognition before, and that should help until Talek's strong enough." NightDancer raises his head curiously, watching and listening, his leatherworking forgotten for the moment. Woodhawk volunteers softly, "Rillwhisper, he's been replenishing the rosecherry. I can find him." Brightfire rubs at her eyes again, and then nods, looking hopelessly cub-like. Rillwhisper turns to her elder mate, and gazes at him fondly for a moment, stepping up to hug him tightly for a moment in greeting before nodding to him. ** Go, love. ** Woodhawk, with that, vanishes off into the trees. Woodhawk slips through the trees up the hill. Woodhawk has left. Silversong gently slips her arms away from Woodhawk, smiling. You locksend ** Silver, can you help her? ** to Silversong. Rillwhisper turns back, and glances at Strongbow briefly, not missing his restlessness. Rillwhisper goes on, though, "Who's taken Keshah? We should put her somewhere safe, too." Silversong looks over to Brightfire. ** I think you need sleep, Brightfire... as do many of us. ** Brightfire is obviously out of it: she speaks rather than her usual sending, her already growly voice harsh with exhaustion. "Not near Talek, _please_. She's...back there...." She gestures roughly towards the pondarea. Strongbow shifts his bow across his chest and steps over to Lashpaw, crouching down next to him. He buries his hand in the wolf's ruff and nods softly to himself. Rillwhisper nods quietly. "I'll get her. Brightfire, cousin, you should go sleep. Silversong, will you take her to Talek?" Rillwhisper pauses briefly, glancing at Strongbow and his wolf. Lashpaw pants, though he's been resting for some time now. NightDancer says quietly, 'Can I help at all, chieftess?" Silversong sends openly ** If you wish to sleep away from Talek, Brightfire... you could stay in my tree, with myself. ** Brightfire straightens, eyes brightening with alarm. ** No. I want to be near him. I don't want _Kesh_ near him...she's so... ** She trails off and finally finishes, lamely, "Loud." Rillwhisper turns to Dawn's sire, and smiles tiredly at him. "Just tell me if the Holt has been peaceful while we've all been gone, and that will be help enough... let me go get the Sun maiden." [She does so, and after a moment, returns... ] Rillwhisper returns with a wrapstuffed form draped over her shoulder, and considers, glancing around the quiet Holt. Silversong smiles, reaching out an offered hand to Brightfire. ** Let's get you to Talek. ** NightDancer grins cheerfully at Rill. "I'm glad to tell you, Rillwhisper, that it _has_ been quiet. All you trouble-makers gone." He grins again, winking. Rillwhisper chuckles tiredly to her tribesmate, as she opts at last to put Keshah's prone form in the Starwillow. [And once more, Rillwhisper returns to the clearing... ] Rillwhisper returns at last, surveying the remaining elves in the clearing. Silversong smiles, gently guiding Brightfall into the old willow. Silversong pushes aside the willow fronds and steps into the tree. Silversong has left. Rillwhisper pads over to Strongbow, and lightly touches his shoulder. Brightfire pushes aside the willow fronds and steps into the tree. Brightfire has left. Strongbow looks over his shoulder at Rillwhisper (got to his feet while she was away). His lips twitch slightly. NightDancer watches the two leave, then glances at Rillwhisper. ** All of you look exhausted. You should sleep, too, chieftess. ** Strongbow's eyes are tired and solemn. He nods to Rillwhisper's tribesmate and then looks back at Rillwhisper. Rillwhisper nods earnestly to NightDancer, though her gaze still rests on Strongbow. She offers gently, "You're welcome to rest here, of course." You sense in a locksend, Strongbow sends softly, achingly. ** I've got a...hunt to make, with Lashpaw, first. ** Strongbow's eyes are liquid for a moment, and then still. Lashpaw lies still but for his panting. NightDancer smiles gently and turns his attention to his leatherworking again. Rillwhisper's gaze goes very full, and then, quietly, she nods. Lashpaw trembles and gets to his paws with a low whine. You locksend to Strongbow, Rillwhisper, instinctively thinking that you need this time alone with your wolf-friend, simply informs you, ** I will wait. ** Strongbow furrows his brow for a moment, tilting his head, scenting the air; after a moment, he shrugs it off and looks down at Lashpaw. You sense in a locksend, Strongbow's gratitude requires no words. Rillwhisper doesn't really smile, but her eyes are kind, and she clasps the archer's shoulder affectionately, before she steps away and says to NightDancer, "I am going to be in my den... please tell the Holt we are returned... and if Sweetleaf comes back with 'Hawk, we need his teas for Brightfire." Lashpaw pants, huff huff huff. He licks his lips and pads around Strongbow's legs to nudge Rillwhisper, gently, with his nose. Strongbow nods softly and reaches out one hand to his wolf-friend. NightDancer nods. "I will, chieftess. Sleep well." Lashpaw pads over to Strongbow, panting, drooling slightly. Rillwhisper pauses, glances down at the wolf, and her gaze goes full again. She kneels briefly, nuzzles the creature's ruff, and then lets him go with his elf-friend. Rillwhisper, with that, glances back at Strongbow, and without a word, vanishes into the tree.