Re: Goldsand Beach~Harvest Festival

by **Kaimeta** Fri Aug 22, 2014 5:08 am

Kai laughed heartily at Tidemist's question. "Why my dear friend, it is a sad truth that I cannot swim." She paused a smile playing on her lips. "I sink right to the bottom, like a stone." She was surprised that her dear friend hadn't known this about her. The High One did little to hide the fact, going so far as to make sure her small spring behind her hut was shallow enough that she could walk across it when she had asked a stone shaper of past generations to make it for her.

"Beisdes I much prefer my beach where the dagger teeth cannot get to me." She shivered at the thought of those monstrous creatures out in the deeper waters. They were part of the reason she never when in the water any further than her calves most days.

by **WolfCandy** Mon Aug 25, 2014 12:25 am

"What?" Tern asked, ever innocent. He picked Ridge up again, spinning him around, "Did I startle you?"
He glanced over at Brooksong singing, a pleased smile spreading beneath his nose. "She does have a lovely voice, doesn't she? Let's dance to it." The lithe sea-elf began dancing again, still acting as the male. Sometimes he quickly skipped about in the sand, barely letting his toes touch; other times he slowed down, movements longer and more fluid.
When Brooksong finished singing, he stopped. "Would you like me to be your maiden now?" He waggled his eyebrows at Ridge.

by **Ember Robinwood** Mon Aug 25, 2014 1:14 pm

"She really does," Ridge said smiling. "Gladly."

Brooksong's voice was always lovely, putting feels to words and painting pictures all the while. Ridge danced with Tern, his movements naturally falling into step with the sea-elf's. He followed Tern, comfortable to follow rather than lead. Ridge's feet slipped in the soft sand, but he kept his footing well enough. When the song ended he wished it could go on.

He jerked at Tern's inquiry. Ridge wasn't ready to lead! "Tern, not yet," Ridge sputtered. He looked away, blushing.

--

Serpent Fang shook his head. How anyone could like such a harsh, sharp taste...! He didn't know. He much preferred the saltier taste of fish or even the sea plants that were sometimes eaten. The lighter taste of fish would always be his preference. The musky taste of meat from the forest, he couldn't understand anyone liking either.

Serpent Fang took the scallop from her delicately between his webbed finger. He bit into it, grateful for the lighter, fresher taste. **It's not your fault for not knowing,** he sent dismissively. **I wouldn't expect you to realize that your tastes would differ from my own.**

by **WolfCandy** Mon Aug 25, 2014 4:16 pm

Tern stopped short, wide lipped smile fading. "That's okay," he said gently, "You've only just started. I'm surprised you're picking up so quickly. Are you sure you've never danced before?"
Tern mentally reminded himself that not everyone was as outgoing and enthusiastic as him. Some elves needed a little more time.
He glanced back to Stormcloud and Tidemist. "Would you like to take a break and give the flowers to the beauties? Or do you want to continue? I don't mind being lead." He gave a familiar wink.

by **Delhya** Mon Aug 25, 2014 5:06 pm

Brooksong finished her flower ** Still I should have been a bit more thoughtful about it, I guess I just got wrapped up in all the excitement of the festival. Not all of my tribe even likes them. But now we won’t make that mistake again at least** She locksent to Serpent Fang with a smile.

She glanced over at the now stationary dancers that look fun, perhaps there would be more dancing later today or in the evening if everyone was not tired out from the day festivities. She took another scallop and put it in her mouth. These were actually kind sweet in there own way though very subtle under the light salt flavor.

by **Apogee** Mon Aug 25, 2014 7:06 pm

Coral seemed to be enjoying the activities around him, as he glanced at the dancers, those trading comments and certainly the elves from both tribes sampling each others generously given foods.

He was a bit wary of the way Serpent Fang stood - not that he thought the elf would become dangerous to the female beside him, but because it seemed... That the male didn't quite know what he expected of himself here. The strong willed and aloof elf protected the tribe, always, with his gaze... But now that the two tribes were enjoying a day of peaceful interaction, it was obviously difficult for him to put aside defenses and just relax a bit.

***

Sunsong heard so many voices, wonderfully mixed. Humming to herself as she took a bite of a little round 'fish cake'. She didn't know what a cake was, and had it explained to her that it merely meant the shape and layering. She was happy to have learned another new thing today, along with the taste of this alternately salty and slightly pasty food. It almost tasted like it had acorn mash holding it together, perhaps there were different nuts and fruits closer to the water.

She resolved to ask her sire about his travels, when they were together again. It seemed like something everyone ought to know - how big this world really was.

What was 'snow'... a cold wet bitter thing. What was 'mountain', well they had hills here, but the locations that her sire's memories contained were much bigger!

Almost as big, she pondered, as this ocean which endlessly moved. She found a more sedate spot, near enough to hear stories or perhaps if she was needed somewhere, and sat down on the warm sand to watch the waves.

by **Tidemist** Mon Aug 25, 2014 9:31 pm

Tidemist tilted her head slightly, blinking. Now that she thought about it, she never did see the High One in deep water. Why hadn't she noticed before? Tidemist made a tsking noise to herself. She needed to be more attentive, Kaimeta deserved that. And with the history she had learned over the years about the older elf...Her gaze turned a little more sad as she looked up at the High One. To lose a lifemate...Your other half, and the child you created together. Yes, Tidemist understood well why the High One acted as she did. Would she ever completely heal? She wasn't sure, though she hoped some day she would.

She pulled herself from these darker thoughts, shaking her head subtly. It was a festival day, no occasion to linger on sad pasts! She made herself smile, and nod. “Oh aye. Those dagger teeth are something any smart elf would never tangle with. They-” she stopped as a ruckus broke out near by, and turned her head. Her eyes widened as she saw two elves grappling with each other, fists swinging as they constantly rose and fell like the waves. She could recognize the distinctive green hair of an elf of her tribe, and the fur clothes of the other was a dead give away as a WolfFolk. Tidemist floated in the air, yelling at them “Stingsand, that's enough! Both of you stop your fighting! Break it up!”. The festival had been going so well, yet Tidemist was not entirely surprised. Surely the tensions between the more outspoken elves had to come to a boil, sooner or later.

by **Ember Robinwood** Mon Aug 25, 2014 10:01 pm

Ridge shook his head. He'd never danced before, but he was flattered that Tern thought he might have actually danced before. He knew they should give Tidemist and Stormcloud the flowers, but he'd enjoyed dancing and didn't want it to be over yet.

Ridge threw a glance over at "the beauties", as Tern said. They were engrossed in their conversation. He was glad that they were enjoying their conversations.

"I'd like to continued," he said. He blushed fiercely at Tern's wink, his heart fluttering in his chest.

--

Serpent Fang regarded Brooksong through narrowed eyes while she was told him that she wouldn't make that mistake again. He titled his head back, his expression dark and unreadable. He didn't know how to respond to that. It was interesting, he supposed, that not all of her tribesmen liked the disgustingly sweet plan, but it didn't matter to him.

Serpent Fang threw a glance over at Coral when he realized the other sea-elf had been watching him. **What is it, Coral?** He lock-sent harshly. **Is something the matter?** His harshness was due partially to protectiveness, but also he rarely interfered with the affairs of his tribe-mates and didn't appreciate them meddling in his own.

**Tell me, Brooksong,** Serpent Fang lock-sent to the WolfFolk, breaking into two separate conversations. **Do you know how to swim?** The question was spontaneous and startled him when he asked it. Why would he ask a wolf-elf such a question? It didn't effect him in anyway nor did it matter if she could swim or not.

by **Apogee** Mon Aug 25, 2014 10:15 pm

Coral was only mildly surprised to feel the sharp sting of Serpent Fang's mind. He'd felt it before: Coral suspected everyone in the tribe and then some had felt such a lash, it was most certainly part of his namesake.

He was so defensive. Ready to spring, and quick as could be in both mind and body. Coral was sure that most others would shy away from this mind with such a tone.

But what greeted the tense elf in return was merely a mental shrug - **I observe, as you do. You merely saw me watching, hardly anyone else does.** He paused, and added in a careful but positive tone, **It's good to see you up close with the rest, Serpent Fang. I think others are surprised to see you mingling. I'm glad you are.**

by **Leanan** Tue Aug 26, 2014 1:30 pm

Stormcloud lost herself in reverie for a moment, listening to the words of Brooksong's tune. It seemed to her as if it was the ocean itself singing to her, inviting her to swim much as the chieftess just had. Of course, she knew the voice was her younger tribemate's, and the fact the words fitted Stormcloud so well, had to be just a coincidence. Stormcloud always enjoyed Brooksong's singing - the youngster had a lovely voice.

Stormcloud closed her eyes as the song ended, her heart aflutter with thoughts of the sea. She looked up a while later, and saw that there was now a crowd around the chieftess and Kaimeta, and Coral, too, seemed to be distracted once again. She listened quietly to the conversations around them. She felt herself too young, too sheltered, to have any advice to give the High One with her loss. But something in her heart was moved, nonetheless, and as Tidemist departed, Stormcloud placed a comforting hand on Kaimeta's arm - that being the highest part of her that she could reach.

--

Seeing Sunsong wander off after tasting the foods, Snaketwist sampled a few of the dishes also, and complimented those of the cooks that were near to hear it. They conversed for a moment on the subject of spices.

Then Snaketwist spotted the chieftess again, talking to her friend Kaimeta as usual. He started walking towards her, taking slow steps because he was trying hard to think of something to say. But before he got there, Tidemist was off again, sorting out some disturbance, it seemed. It was not Snaketwist's way to take part in arguments; besides, the chieftess would hardly need his help.

by **Delhya** Tue Aug 26, 2014 3:00 pm

Brooksong frowned at their two elves swinging at each other and sighed. Creekstone was starting stuff again she guessed, fortunately Cheiftess Tidemist was going over to interrupt it.

Brooksong looked back at Serpent Fang cocking her head slightly to one side at his question.
**Hmmm I would say not very well, I don't sink like a stone though which is good.** She lock sent laughter intermingled with it **We have rivers, creeks and some springs to bathe, but don’t have the space to really swim in the forest.**

by **Ember Robinwood** Tue Aug 26, 2014 5:18 pm

Serpent Fang was about to reply to Brooksong when he swung around to face the scuffling elves. His expression was thunderous as he saw Stingsand in the midst fighting an WolfFolk. He'd been keeping an eye on his tribesmen both to keep them in line and to protect them, but for Stingsand to take part in the dispute, it was outrageous!

Without hesitation Serpent Fang open-sent, his mind biting with his anger, **That's enough!**

Serpent Fang's rage was tangible and definitely something to be reckoned with. He threw himself past Brooksong, not bothering to explain or excuse himself. He made to haul Stingsand off of the wolf-elf, throwing himself between the two.

**I said, that's enough!!** Serpent Fang sent again, his mind's words so sharp that they should hurt. It didn't matter to him, though, he would put both his tribe-mate and the wolf-elf in their places.

by **WolfCandy** Wed Aug 27, 2014 3:42 am

Tern's head snapped in the direction of the brawl at Serpent Fang's sharp sending. "Looks like it's not such a happy celebration after all," he said lightly, nodding in the direction of the two elves. "You ever cub-minded that wolf-elf?"
Then, he let his own open-sending float into the others' minds. **Oh, calm down, Serpy,** he said, tone teasing, **Every complete celebration needs a little fight. Why don't you let up bit?**
"He's a little uptight," he whispered, turning back to Ridge, "A little fight adds to the fun."

by **Kaimeta** Wed Aug 27, 2014 5:22 am

Kai placed her own hand over Stormcloud's. It was always a comfort to her how the younger generations seemed to need her if for nothing more than keeping a mental history.

At the sounds of the scuffle she wondered if she should intervene and when she felt the harshness of Serpent Fang's sending she took her own actions.

*Serpent Fang it is not for you to break up fights* The older elf gently lock sent to the younger. *Leave it for your leaders to deal with.* The High One was gentle with her sending and her words. With her last sending to the Serpent Fang she turned to look at him. *You have made your Cheiftess look weak in front of the WolfFolk by stepping in where it was not your place.* She was gentle as always but firm. Kai left it at that, hoping that the young elf would leave it to the leaders to deal with.

She turned back to Stormcloud her hand still on the smaller elf's hand, she guessed what might be going across the young one's mind. "You know, Stormcloud, you don't make it to my age with out experiencing some loss." She smiled almost sadly at the other she-elf. "But days like today are ones for celebration and merry making, not for living in sadness. So I will hold you to that dance later!" She said bending over her hands on her legs to make herself closer to Stormcloud's smaller size. "And we shall be evenly matched partners!" She said, now that she had finished shrinking in size, almost eye level with the smaller she-elf.

OOC:

by **Tidemist** Wed Aug 27, 2014 12:39 pm

Tidemist got to the fight, and grabbed Stingsand under the arms, throwing herself back to pull him away from the wolf elf. Some other elves of both tribes were coming over, helping to drag the two elves away from each other. Tidemist cringed a little at the sharpness of Serpent's sending. She hated it when he lived up to his namesake like that. Eventually, she and some other SeaFolk had gotten Stingsand to the edge of the beach and threw him into the water. Tidemist loomed over him, scowling lightly. It was time to be chief.

“What in the tides and storms were you thinking, you cursed stone head! Is there nothing but kelp growing that mess on your head?! It's a festival day, and all of both tribes are here! Don't you think you'd end up dealing with more than one elf if you attack one of them?!” She swung her hand, cuffing the younger elf upside the head, then she used her powers to splash water in his face, making him sputter indignantly. “Now get your fool rump back to the Cove! Maybe I'll send someone to bring you back at sunset if you can learn to behave yourself!” She waded out of the water back onto the sand, glowering a little. She didn't want to have to do that, not on a festival day. But a brawl could have too easily broken out...relations with the WolfFolk were delicately balanced as it was! Since everyone was so wound up already, Tidemist decided it was time to channel that energy before more fights broke out.

*Alright everyone! It's time for the competitions! Archery first, helpers get the targets lined up and competitors get your bows and arrows! Come on now, let's not laze around like a stingsoft stranded on the beach!* Tidemist open sent to everyone on the beach, watching as volunteers hustled to get the wooden targets set up in a row. She heaved a heavy sigh and shook her head, trying to dispel the frustration and agitation.

by **Delhya** Wed Aug 27, 2014 12:59 pm

Brooksong let out a sigh of relief the no one was hurt in the fight. YIKES she thought Serpent Fang sending was harsh before but that one did send her reeling slightly. She unconsciously rubbed her temples and healed away the migraine before she realized what she was doing. Tidemist handled the situation very well and a perfect time to give everyone something to do with the games starting now the mingling and eating were settling down. She started to walk over to help set up the targets nodding politely to Serpentfang as she walked by. ** I am going to go help set up but would not mind talking again with you if you would like** she locksent to him.

Straystar heard Serpentfangs Harsh open sending and urged Shawl to go faster. "Ahhh dung balls, this is supposed to be a fun day with out tempers flying around." he stopped Shawl at the forest edge seeing what the ruckus was. He flipped his string of fresh caught fish over his shoulder for the festival cooks and walked out onto the beach. He saw Tidemist scolding a green haired elf in the water 'Stringsand was it' he thought. Then taking his attention to the group around Creekstone who was shrugging off their hands as he stood up. Straystar walked over to and between the elves of the group hooking his foot behind Creekstones ankle and placed his free hand on his upper chest shoving him backwards into the sand again.

"Seriously Creekstone? This is a day I have been looking forward to enjoying and I arrived to find you rolling around in the sand fighting again. If you are in such a foul mood, don't ruin it for the rest of us and go keep the tanning pools company. NOW!! " he growled. Creekstone got up quickly not bothering to brush off the sand and disappeared into the forest towards the tanning pools.

Turning around he saw Tidemist walking back to shore and then heard her announce the start of the games. Grinning he walked over towards her. "Sorry I'm late I was catching some fresh river fish to bring." he said to her holding up the catch. Then Lock sending to her **and may have fell asleep in a nice sunny spot on the bank for a bit** he winked at her.

by **Leanan** Wed Aug 27, 2014 1:27 pm

Stormcloud looked Kaimeta in the eyes and grinned. And then gasped in astonishment, as the High One worked her magic on herself. Kaimeta looked younger now, somehow, but her eyes were still ancient. Stormcloud's face formed itself into her usual cheeky grin again. "I am sure you have a lot of fancy dancing moves to teach me - with all your experience!" She declared.

The magic she had just witnessed made her wonder if Kaimeta could do it the other way, to Stormcloud. To make her taller. But she put away that thought, feeling uncomfortable. Being small had never been a problem for her, and she was used to her body the way it was.

And then it was time for the contests! Stormcloud was planning to take part in the knife throwing, but the rest would be fun to watch, too. Of course, she hoped her own tribemates would win.

by **Apogee** Wed Aug 27, 2014 6:41 pm

It looked like the little fight that had broken out was firmly stopped, though Coral's mind still rang with the hard-edged tang from Serpent Fang's sending - and having been lock-sending with him that subsequent send aimed at the pair almost blistered his brain.

But Coral drew in a breath and shook his head a little, and was pretty sure he'd avoid eye contact with the protector elf for a while as things cooled down.

At the behest of the Chieftess, however, Coral stood and helped with the archery targets.

A variety of them were available, it would be harder and harder to hit them as they started big and ended practically the size of a minnow! Coral wasn't going to be entering this sort of contest, that was sure. But he was looking forward to watching those with the remarkable skills put theirs to the test.

by **Tidemist** Wed Aug 27, 2014 10:14 pm

Tidemist was beginning to simmer down when the WolfFolk chief approached her. She smiled to him in a friendly manner. She looked on appreciatively at the fish, fresh water by the look of the scales. Her tribe would be delighted to indulge in them. “I don't suppose you'd mind if I snag a slice? Raw fish is always sweet and a good mood raiser. Then she got his sending which made her laugh. She certainly enjoyed the male elf's company. It was when him explaining the chief's tail that had made her decide to try doing the same. She lightly fingered the two braids on the right side of her face in front of her ears. She began walking, making a motion for the fellow chief to follow. *A nap is good in heat like this. And what could be more soothing then the sounds of water? I don't know how you and your tribe endure without the constant sounds of water.* she lock sent.

She stood in the sand, watching as the targets were lined up. Her good mood was fully back again and she glanced around, momentarily baffled not to see Kaimeta towering over the other elves. But she shrugged and turned to the elves gathered. *Alright! Everyone who wants to compete, line up at the line in the sand!* She watched as an elf took a piece of driftwood, drawing a long line in the sand a decent distance from the targets.

by **Ember Robinwood** Wed Aug 27, 2014 10:16 pm

Serpent Fang straightened up at the other SeaFolk dragged Stingsand away. He watched with disgust as Tidemist cuffed him upside the head, splashed him, and sent him away. It was too light of a punishment in Serpent Fang's opinion. If it had been him, Stingsand would have had far more than a cuffing to worry about.

He shook off Kaimeta's gentle sending with a shake of his head and a low hiss escaping between his teeth. Who was she to tell him his place? she wasn't even a part of the tribe! Besides, Serpent Fang had known Tidemist would be too gentle!

Serpent Fang retreated a ways from where the fight had occurred, glaring hostilely at anyone who so much as dared to look at him. He was in no mood for mingling or simple pleasantries. He refused to help set up the archery targets and he wouldn't take part in such a silly sport!

**Fine,** Serpent Fang lock-sent Brooksong in response to her offer to converse later. He had no objections to her company for she had proven at least tolerable. He lock-sent with Tern, his sending sharp, but not blistering so as before, "Oh, go climb a tree, wolf-lover."

Serpent Fang crossed his arms, surveying the surroundings and the elves desperately trying to avoid him. Had he a lovemate or lifemate he likely would have sought them out, but seeing as he had none he stood alone, temperamental and almost unapproachable.

--

Ridge flinched at Serpent Fang's sending. They battered his mind, forcing him to close his eyes and clutch at Tern. How someone's sending could be so painful, he didn't know. He smiled weakly up at Tern, "Uptight in an understatement."

At least the fight had been dealt with quickly and cleanly, without excessive insult or injury. "Should we help with setting up?" Ridge asked, taking a step back from Tern. "I'm not an exceptionally good archer, but I'd like to participate."

by **Delhya** Wed Aug 27, 2014 10:37 pm

" But of course, it is why I brought them." he said with a smirk his eyes cheerful, the fight already forgotten. Straystar cut one of the fish open and gutting it swiftly and precisely with his metal dagger on a rock near the food table. He did not bother to descale it cutting it into quarters and handed it to her keeping the other quarter to munch on himself. He nodded greeting to the cooks and left the rest of the fish with them as he followed her towards the archery. Standing next to her he watched the preparations. "Hmmm the looks challenging" he said between bites

He took a look around at the two tribes ' Huh I thought High One Kaimeta would be here?' he thought scanning the crowd for both her and any other trouble starts. He hoped with both he and Tidemist here everyone world behave themselves.

Brooksong made some final adjustments to a target and moved off to the side to watch the event. She waved at her father who had just arrived it looked like and was talking with Tidemist. She made her way over to where Sunsong stood. "Are you going to part take in this one or another?"

Straystar nodded at Brooksongs wave as she ran by.

by **WolfCandy** Thu Aug 28, 2014 12:51 am

Tern chuckled at Serpent Fang's words. **I'll climb a tree if you chase me up it,** he lock-sent back, flirting only to get under the other's scales.

His chuckle grew fuller after Ridge spoke. The wolf-elf was right, 'uptight' was an understatement. "Help set up?" he asked, "Why bother helping when we can just watch? I'm sure those elves will look mighty fine with a little layer of sweat." He nudged Ridge a little. "But you can help if you want."

Tern glanced down at the chain in his hands, then up at Tidemist. After a moments consideration, he began to drape the flowers around his companion. "Will you be competing at all?" he asked, making conversation.

by **Kaimeta** Fri Aug 29, 2014 2:59 am

Kai smiled at Stromcloud, "I do have a few tricks up my sleeves." She winked at the younger elf. With the sending that the competitions were about to begin, Kai returned to herself to her normal height. "Will you be competing?" She asked Stromcloud.

Kai looked at the archery targets and wished she could compete. She loved archery and was quite good at it, but she felt that with her age and how the tribes treated her, that it wouldn't not be fair to the other sportsmen. So she watched with interest as the elves set up the targets.

"Well I have duties to sort of see to." She said with a wink and a smile to Stromcloud and the High One made her way to where the honored elders, tribesmen and herself would sit to watch the games. Once the targets had been set up and all seemed to be ready. Kai stood up and raised her arms to gain the attention and silence of the gathered elves.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the harvests of sea and land." She paused. "We come together today in the spirits of peace, compassion and hope. Peace for the coming year, compassion for our fellow elves and hope for a better year than the last." She paused and looked around at the gathered elves. "So with out further ado, Archers to your ready!" She smiled at the gathering and waited for the competing elves to line up with their bows and arrows, only waiting for a signal to fire.

"May the best elf with the truest aim win!" She said and took her seat by where Tidemist and Staystar would sit with her. This was proving to be an exciting day.

by **Tidemist** Fri Aug 29, 2014 1:14 pm

Tidemist gratefully took the piece of raw fish and began eating the translucent flesh, enjoying the taste that was far sweeter than saltwater fish. She smiled and watched as elves began lining up with their weapons. She turned her head when Kaimeta stood and spoke to both tribes. How like her to disappear then reappear again! Tidemist could only smile though, and appreciated her speech. Too bad some elves were too thick skulled to really let it sink in and take it the heart. She gave a nod to Straystar and headed over, settling herself next to Kaimeta. “Well, this should be fun to watch” she commented a bit idly.

by **Delhya** Fri Aug 29, 2014 1:38 pm

Straystar finished his last bite of fish and followed Tidemist over to where he was suppose to sit for everyone to see him with a sigh. It did cross his mind to slip off like he did a few festivals ago but he got into so much trouble with Windgrace after she did find him it was not worth it. Perhaps this would be entertaining to see everyone's skills. He also needed to brush up on who was who again he felt, since the Seafolk kept to themselves for the most part and new faces still had no name to go with them.

As he stepped over to his seat he nodded to the High one. "Fair winds to you High One Kaimeta." he spoke as he sat in his seat. "This should be interesting to watch" as he pulled his straw hat onto his head to shade his eyes from the sun.

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