Log Date: 1/24/96 Log Intro: Talek and Brightfire have discovered that Gerren is ill in the Trader Camp -- desperately ill, with a mysterious, obviously magical sickness that seems to be turning him to stone. Having reported this to No-fur, the two worry over the fate of the Glider who they barely know, but who nevertheless has been important in recent turns of the seasons in the comings and goings of Jasmael and those who accompanied her to Blue Mountain. But, not long after the discovery of Gerren, Talek notices his lifemate Brightfire going missing. Broodingly searching for her, he overhears his daughter Tinyhowl making a visit to the Traders... ---------- Top of the Starwillow(#5586RL) Green-shadowed and flickeringly lit even in the brightest parts of the day, this hollow among the branches of the Starwillow is surrounded by thick walls of wood that feel as if they have been newly shaped. It's quiet here, and peaceful; there are occasional scents an elf can catch that suggest that this particular willow tree is only sometimes frequented by the elves of the Willowholt. Evening falls clear and cold over the snow-covered Holt. The first stars of evening appear above. The twin stars of Timmorn's Eyes begin to come out as the dimming red light of sunset fills the chill winter skies. Obvious exits: Quiet Den Plane Tree Marsh Old Willow Down From the marsh campsite, From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger smiles. "You can share it, later. Just the first time is for only me." From the marsh campsite, From within the Trader camp, Tinyhowl beams. "All right! What do I have to do?" From the marsh campsite, From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger reaches for his harp case, and removes the harp carefully. "Well, first of all, I'm going to play a note, then you try to sing that same note. Don't try to use words, just make that tone with your voice." From the marsh campsite, From within the Trader camp, Tinyhowl nods, sticking a finger in her mouth and chewing on it seriously. From the marsh campsite, From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger smiles, "Here we go..." He plucks the bottom-most string. From the marsh campsite, From within the Trader camp, Tinyhowl listens -very- carefully, and then repeats the note, accurately, except an octave up. And then looks at you nervously. From the marsh campsite, From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger smiles and nods. "Good." He plays the next note up. From the marsh campsite, From within the Trader camp, Tinyhowl frowns, and tries very hard to match her voice to the sound. This time, aiming for the lower sound of it, she misses pretty much completely, hitting somewhere an unpleasant third above where she was supposed to sing. Big frown. From the marsh campsite, From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger shakes his head, hitting the string again. "Once more. This time, up high, like you did on the first one." From the marsh campsite, From within the Trader camp, Tinyhowl protests, "But...it's not the *same*, then..." Higher up, though, she can match the note, and does. [Talek, hoping perhaps that the visiting Traders or his child have seen the missing Brightfire, slips out of the Willowholt to listen in on Tinyhowl's singing lesson.] You head towards the SouthMarsh Camp. SouthMarsh Camp(#992RJ) A hunting camp, on the southern edge of the great freshwater marsh that separates the central plains and the forested region along the Great River. Birds and small creatures abound here. The trees are water-loving varieties of willow and cypress and yew with underbrush of chokecherry and redleaf and white blossomed broom. The camp itself is in a grassy clearing shaded only by a lone plane tree, with its branches twisted and tangled so that even on a windless day it looks like it is storm tossed. The twin stars of Timmorn's Eyes begin to come out as the dimming red light of sunset fills the chill winter skies. Contents: Trader Camp (#4783AJLae) Obvious exits: Marsh Forest Crossroads From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger glances at Sunwild, listening. Talek steps out into the open marshes, treading carefully, but not as much as a Wolfrider might. He glances about, pale brow furrowed. From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger sits with his harp out, giving a singing lesson to TinyHowl. From within the Trader camp, Sunwild is watching the two, sitting across form them. Talek glances southward, and brightens a bit as he catches sight of his daughter, though his worried look doesn't quite lessen. Shyly, he ventures closer. From within the Trader camp, Tinyhowl, quietly, tries to match harmony to the tune that Sunwild hums, the soft tones hesitant. From within the Trader camp, Sunwild begins to sing a soft tune, one that seems quite familiar to her. From within the Trader camp, Tinyhowl turns a little, and waves at her father, having caught his scent. ** H'lo, Papa. I'm learning to sing! ** From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger smiles at the song. From within the Trader camp, Sunwild clears her voice and begins to sing softly and wistfully. "And now that the tiring day is gone, Close your eyes and hear my song May your rest be peaceful and your slumber long, May your eyes fall closed as you heed my song." From within the Trader camp, Sunwild closes her eyes as she continues singing in a low clear voice. "As all things must come to pass somehow, You'll keep your spirit strong. And we will be as one someday, If you sleep till the waking dawn." Talek steps up into open view. And smiles sheepishly. ** That's grand, child, ** he observes, quite earnestly. From within the Trader camp, "So close your eyes and rest a while, Mother's here to stay And all the troubles in your head Will swiftly drift away." From within the Trader camp, Sunwild stops singing, her voice trailing off on the last word. From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger glances over at Talek and offers him a smile as he listenns to Sunwild's song. Talek calls over hesitantly, ** Have... any of you seen Brightfire? ** From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger shakes his head. ** No... ** From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger smiles at Sunwild. ** That was beautiful... ** Talek's silver eyes flicker disappointedly. Torn, he lingers on the edge of the tents, smiling a bit distracted at Tinyhowl. Leave or continue looking? From within the Trader camp, Sunwild smiles a little. "A special song to me, even though it is not really the time for a lullabye" From within the Trader camp, Tinyhowl turns all the way around and shakes her head at Talek. "Not for a couple days. She didn' feel good and went away." Talek blinks. Trader Camp (#4783AJLae) You are surrounded by a rough circle of tents, positioned in a way to keep out the worst of the chill breezes during the whitecold, and to enjoy the most shade during the summer. A fire crackles merrily in the center of the camp most of the season 'round, and it is here that the Trader elves will convene to relax and reminisce about their travels. A short distance away is a smaller tent clearing, where elves who wish to travel with the Traders for a short time are allowed to pitch their tents. Type 'tentlist' for a list of everyone's home. Contents: Sunwild Tinyhowl Sunsinger Shell comb little wineflask Smokecurl ShadowDancer Goldenrod Quicksilver Headstrong(#6395Jep) Campfire(#7488V) Obvious exits: Smaller Tent Clearing You step into the Trader camp. Sunwild turns briefly to look at Talek and waves to him. Talek ventures in, inclining his head quietly to Sunwild, but his attention on the little girl. ** Child... do you know where she went? ** Tinyhowl sucks on her lower lip, and shakes her head. "She said wolves go away to be sick," she supplies. "She said she'd be back soon." Talek pales, breathing aloud, "She's..." This seems to bother him immensely. But he manages a weak smile for Tinyhowl, and thanks her distractedly. To Sunsinger and Sunwild, he explains anxiously, ** I don't like this... if she got sick because of the Glider... ** With that, he hurries off. You step out of the Trader camp. SouthMarsh Camp(#992RJ) A hunting camp, on the southern edge of the great freshwater marsh that separates the central plains and the forested region along the Great River. Birds and small creatures abound here. The trees are water-loving varieties of willow and cypress and yew with underbrush of chokecherry and redleaf and white blossomed broom. The camp itself is in a grassy clearing shaded only by a lone plane tree, with its branches twisted and tangled so that even on a windless day it looks like it is storm tossed. The twin stars of Timmorn's Eyes begin to come out as the dimming red light of sunset fills the chill winter skies. Contents: Trader Camp (#4783AJLae) Obvious exits: Marsh Forest Crossroads From within the Trader camp, Sunwild follows the conversation, while reaching into her nearby pack to retrieve a skin of water. From within the Trader camp, Sunwild frowns suddenly. From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger's brow furrows as he watches Talek hurry away. From within the Trader camp, Tinyhowl squints after her father unhappily. "Did I say something bad?" From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger shakes his head. "No, it wasn't you. I think he's just worried about Brightfire." From within the Trader camp, Sunwild still appears worried about Talek's statement, but she opens the waterskin and takes a deep swallow of it. From within the Trader camp, Sunwild offers it to Sunsinger and the cub. From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger smiles and accepts. "Thanks..." From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger takes a swallow of water, then offers the skin to Tinyhowl. From within the Trader camp, Sunwild frowns slightly at a send. From within the Trader camp, Tinyhowl smiles, and takes a sip, then looks off. "Maybe I should go find Papa..." You locksend to Brightfire, Talek calls, worriedly, ** Beloved? Where are you? ** From within the Trader camp, Sunwild appears shocked, but tries to conceal it as best as she can. From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger smiles at TinyHowl. "If you think you should. We can continue the lesson some other time." You sense in a locksend, Brightfire's returning send is from a distance, and distracted. ** Gone. Sick. ** From within the Trader camp, Tinyhowl nods worriedly, then smiles. "Thank you. I'll come back soon, I promise!" From within the Trader camp, Tinyhowl has left. Tinyhowl steps quietly out of the camp. Tinyhowl has arrived. From within the Trader camp, Sunwild smiles wanly after the cub. From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger waves to TinyHowl. Tinyhowl waves as she runs out of the camp. Tinyhowl moves deeper into the marsh. Tinyhowl has left. Talek has moved off some distance down the trail, paused against a tree, his brow furrowed in concentration. He sends, clearly. From within the Trader camp, Sunwild shakes her head sadly. ** Do you think he needs help finding her? ** You locksend ** Sick? Lifemate... how are you sick? When? You didn't tell me... what's wrong? ** to Brightfire. Brightfire locksends ** Don't know what's wrong. Wolves heal or die. I'll be fine. ** From within the Trader camp, Sunwild nods slowly, her brow still furrowed in concern. You locksend ** You... you aren't a wolf. You're an elf with wolf-blood. Why didn't you tell me? I should be with you! ** to Brightfire. From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger sighs softly, looking in the direction Talek and TinyHowl headed off. From within the Trader camp, Sunwild reaches back and ties her hair with a thin strip of leather, pulling it from her face and shoulders so it hangs down the middle of her back. Brightfire locksends ** I don't want to make *you* sick! ** From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger watches you. "So... dream about anything, last night?" From within the Trader camp, Sunwild turns her gaze from the place where Talek and Tinyhowl disappeared to you. She smiles a bit. "Oh yes ... I dreamt I was floating, light and weightless." From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger says "Really? What was it like?" You locksend ** I could get Sweetleaf. He could help get you better... ** to Brightfire. From within the Trader camp, Sunwild smiles dreamily, as if the memory was clear. You locksend ** The others are looking for you! ** to Brightfire. Brightfire locksends ** I'm a healer, I'll heal myself. Except I can't... ** Talek stiffens, off in the distance. And looks distinctly alarmed. From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger closes his eyes to concentrate on the sent feelings. You locksend ** Then I _should_ get Sweetleaf! ** to Brightfire. Brightfire locksends ** No! ** From within the Trader camp, SableCloud steps out of the smaller tent clearing. From within the Trader camp, SableCloud has arrived. From within the Trader camp, The send breaks up a bit as Suni turns to see who has entered. From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger opens his eyes and smiles at the approaching elf. From within the Trader camp, SableCloud yawns and stretches having awaken from his slumber. From within the Trader camp, Sunwild stands, a bounce in her step as she goes to hug the elf. From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger says "Heyla, cousin." From within the Trader camp, SableCloud blinks, "Cousin? Sunwild, you have family here too?" From within the Trader camp, Sunwild says "Sable ... so good of you to wake up today!" From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger smiles. "We're all related, through the High Ones." From within the Trader camp, Sunwild grins at Sable. "No, no ... Although he is a long lost friend as well as a brother, in some sort of way" From within the Trader camp, SableCloud nods, "Ah yes... I've forgotten that folks of different places have different expressions. Sorry about that. From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger raises an eyebrow, looking at Sunwild. "Brother?" Brightfire locksends ** I ... oh, Ged. ** From within the Trader camp, Sunwild beams. "Sable, this is Sunsinger. Sunsinger, this is my brother that I told you about." From within the Trader camp, Sunsinger nods to Sable. "Pleased to meet you." From within the Trader camp, SableCloud grins, "Likewise." Talek turns frantic, and darts into the woods. You locksend ** Iara! Where are you? Please, tell me what's wrong! ** to Brightfire. Brightfire's send is small, totally unlike her usual self. ** I'm frightened. ** You locksend to Brightfire, Talek mentally blinkblinkblinks, then floods you with a wave of devotion, perhaps a bit shakily; hearing you falter this way rattles him badly. ** Oh, beloved... tell me where you are... I-I'll get Sweetleaf, and he'll make teas, to make you feel better, like he did when we Recognized and made Tinyhowl, remember? ** You sense in a locksend, Brightfire reaches for that love, wrapping herself in it. ** Not far, ** she sends after a while. ** I'll...meet you at the holt... ** [And Talek hastens back into the Holt....] You head into the Willowholt. 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. Immediately to the northeast, overlooked by the mighty willow, lies a small pond; to the southeast, south, and west, paths to the Holt's more secluded parts; to the east, the distant marshes. Evening falls clear and cold over the snow-covered Holt. The first stars of evening appear above. The twin stars of Timmorn's Eyes begin to come out as the dimming red light of sunset fills the chill winter skies. Contents: Brightfire Willowpaw Thornclaw Twilight Nightruff Obvious exits: Branch Old Willow Hillside Path Starwillow Copse Marsh Pond Talek skitters into the clearing, anxiously. ** Beloved? Beloved? ** Brightfire looks -- tired, to say the least. Thinner than usual, face gaunt, eyes hollow as she turns to you, sending whispered, ** Beloved. ** Talek rushes up to you, frightenedly, and embraces you as relievedly as he dares. ** High Ones... what's happened... why didn't I see.... ** Brightfire's arms go around you and she leans against you, face half hidden in your shoulder. ** Wouldn't let you see, ** she answers softly. ** Gotten worse the last few days anyway. Can't -heal- myself, Talek. All this power I can feel in my and it won't work... ** Talek sends anxiously, ** I... don't understand, but perhaps Sweetleaf and the others will... perhaps you should just rest... ** [End log; Brightfire got disconnected.]