Re: Goldsand Beach~Harvest Festival

by **WolfCandy** Sat Jan 03, 2015 8:55 pm

Tern pretended he didn't notice Ridge's tighter grip. Instead, he held back, hoping that it might be a comfort. In Tern's opinion, silent contact was more soothing than any amount of carefully chosen words.

He watched as the wolf-elf worked through his thoughts, becoming more and more sure. Tern smiled, "That's what I like to hear." Always a little uncomfortable with being serious, though he would never admit it, he decided that all the serious talk had left the air too thick. Quickly, the smiled turned sideways. "However, if you seek to pursue my very good friend, I have one condition." He let his smile fall and put a mock serious expression on his face, "It is a very, very important condition."

by **Ember Robinwood** Sun Jan 04, 2015 4:40 pm

Ridge looked up in surprise at Tern's comment. A condition...? What could Tern possibly ask for? He'd unknowingly taken the wolf-elf's heart and possibly crushed it; what more could he ask from Ridge? However, his expression was light with humor masquerading as seriousness.

"What could that possibly be, oh Great Tern?" Ridge whispered, leaned forwards, intentionally trying to make his words velvety and abandoning complete seriousness. His eyes were bright and a grin pulled at his lips, but it was very different from all the other smiles he'd smiled at the festival.

by **Delhya** Sun Jan 04, 2015 5:32 pm

Straystar mingled himself and Kai out into the dancers, he spun her away from him slowly. Then brought her back towards him placing a hand on her hip since she was at her full height and holding her other hand as they twirled to the music together this time.

"It is nice just to let go and enjoy the music sometimes and not bother trying to remember all those complicated steps." He told her with a smile. He hoped she was a least able to enjoy herself enough to stay a bit longer but if she did want to go soon he would walk her back to her hut.

by **Shinebright** Mon Jan 05, 2015 10:10 am

**Haha, they have been pulling my ears to teach them how to set them. It will be a suprise to them how much work it will be!** he smiled at the thought. It triggered his memory of a very young Stormcloud, she was almost dissapointed on how much work it was to set traps and how little sometimes it paid-off.

Maybe others will join, it wouldn't be a private hunt, but it shouldn't be a large group. In Oakroots head several plans started to form. He needed to check his weapons too, he had just replaced his slingshot, but maybe his spear needed mending or even replacing. Maybe he could ask a rockshaper to make some new spearheads or arrowheads.
Who could he ask? He knew some of the Seafolk were rockshapers.

But first the festival, his belly was still rumbling and his jug half full! He filled his bowl again and sat to enjoy the dancers, maybe later he would dance a little again!

by **Kaimeta** Tue Jan 06, 2015 6:14 pm

Kai smiled. "Yes it is." She said as she following Straystar as they danced. The day was an interesting one, but the interesting ones you never really saw coming did you? She smiled. "I wonder how many will sleep on the beach tonight?" She mused more to herself. She wouldn't be one of them this year, she usually didn't find her bed on the beach after a festival, preferring to leave it to the lovers and other drunks.

by **WolfCandy** Tue Jan 06, 2015 9:55 pm

"Hmm. I like that. I think I shall make it a requirement for every elf to address me in such a manner. And since we have now established my greatness, you will be unable to refuse my condition," Tern began, words accompanied by a cocky grin, "Now, for the condition: you must make sure that I am your guppy's favourite uncle," Tern winked.

"I promise I will be an uncle of top quality, and I am not as inexperienced as you might think." Although he had started off in mock serious defense of his mock serious request, the thought of being an uncle brought a genuine pip-ish smile to his face. He had always loved the guppies of his closest friends, gladly taking on an 'uncle' role.

Unconsciously, his eyes drifted to Ara, who was spinning Seastar high in the air as they danced. "So, do we have a deal?" he asked, turning his attention back to Ridge.

by **Ember Robinwood** Tue Jan 06, 2015 11:22 pm

The smiled disappeared almost instantly from Ridge's face at Tern's jibe, even though his friend's face melted into a natural smile. It was like he'd been slapped. This wasn't something Ridge wanted to agree to. Of course whatever cub Ridge had would love Tern, but as an uncle? Part of Ridge wanted to scream and cry all at once.

He would rather be mate to Tern and have a cub call Tern "father" than be mates with someone else and have a cub calling Tern "uncle." That was impossible, though. Even if, by some miracle, Tern was his mate, they could never have a cub, but that wasn't the issue at hand!

Ridge knew he could have forced a smile and agreed, saying that he would have to be Tern and Kaimeta's cub's favorite uncle, but he couldn't do that. But who was he to deny Tern anything?

"I-" Ridge started to say he couldn't do that, but he stopped himself. Saying instead, "Of course."

All humor was gone from his face, though. He felt like he'd been stabbed or slapped. Such a request, so simple and innocent, but so incredibly painful all the same.

"I have no doubt that you're a wonderful uncle, perhaps you should volunteer your abilities with my brother and sister, become rival to Oakroot," Ridge tried to force humor into his voice, tried to smile, but it felt flat and unnatural.

by **Delhya** Wed Jan 07, 2015 11:03 pm

Brooksong smiled as she felt Ash had lost interest in trying to dance after Oakroot's story was over. She Stood and stretched after having sat her stiff muscles fro m earlier in the day complained a little but she ignored them. As the dancing started up again she saw Tern and Ridge dancing as well as Kaimeta and her father. She let out a deeper smile at the sight of her mother even out in the dance thoroughly enjoying herself and flowing to the steps of the music. She needed a little quite she decided.

Brooksong stepped back out of the firelight unlaced her sandals leaving them and tied up her skirt leathers so they would not get wet. She began to walk down barefoot down the beach, the water sweeping in as it cascaded gently in over her feet and the sand, whisking away her prints as she walked. She looked up at the stars bright tonight for sliver of the two moons in the sky. She smiled up at the stars thinking to herself 'Much easier to stargaze without the trees in the way.'

by **Kaimeta** Thu Jan 08, 2015 3:14 am

Kai's steps slowed and soon she stopped their dance. "My dear friend I do believe I shall be leaving now." She said with a sad smile. She was weary from the days events they had taken their toll on her ancient soul. "I feel I have thinking to do as well." She smiled at Straystar. "Besides I have a hunt to prepare for!" She said visibly shuttering at the thought of the state her short swords might be in. She hadn't used them in such a long time, she was sure she'd forgotten to clean them in weeks.

And then there was the matter of her hut. She knew it needed cleaning, she would have to see to that in the next couple of days as well. She suddenly wasn't sure what to do with herself, it seemed like the normal activates of life weren't enough. She supposed that it was something to do with recognition. "Well my friend, it's been a grand festival." She looked at the elves scattered around the fires. Her heart swelled with warmth at how far they had come.

by **Hail** Thu Jan 08, 2015 5:46 pm

Ash leaned back, her thoughts focused on something no other elf could see. Somewhere in the distant she could hear Brooksong ask her something but she doesn’t answer. Her grey eyes get lost in the dancing embers of the fire. There was something about the little crooks between the logs of bonfire. A warm orange that seems suiting and inviting. A beautiful trap, the coziness of the fire would turn into a scorching pain upon contact.
She liked listening to Oakroots stories, they were quite entertaining even though she suspected that he had picked this story for a reason. Her mind wanders as her body relaxes, the music matches her heartbeat and for a moment it seems like it matches the crackling sound of the fire. Her mom used to get so nervous when she got like this. You look like you’re about to leap into the fire. She would say, but Ash knew perfectly well that some beauty was best appreciated from afar.
Something wet and warm presses against her arm, she jerks it back finding a pair of big ember eyes right in front of her face. Her heart skips a beat until she recognizes the smell of her own wolf. She smiles, scratching the rough fur behind her ears. Hailstorm had taken a bath and was still rather damp to the touch. The wolf curls up beside her, resting her head in Ash’s lap.

by **Shinebright** Fri Jan 09, 2015 3:03 am

Oakroot's belly was full again. He loved trying new food, nothing could beat a good piece of raw meat ofcourse, although he enjoyed roasted meat, which his people started to eat more and more, and boiled fish. The taste of the fish out of the ocean was still something he had to get used to, it was.......different.

He filled his cup again with dreamberrywine and looked up. Mother Moon still was climbing to her highest point, her Child was still following her path. The Seafolk weren't used of the night, but most of them were still here. Judging Kaimeta's bodylanguage she would soon leave, usually followed by more who saw it as a sign the festival was over.
Who would stay this year on the beach? He knew he wouldn't move even a toe any more. It was a good night to spend on the beach!

By the fire he saw Ash sitting, staring into it. He smilled when he saw her wolf joining her after a bath. He missed having a Wolffriend, his last one died many seasons ago, it made him wonder if he would ever find another.
Oakroot sighted, it seemed he was in a gloomy night, "Guess I ate too many Dreamberries..." he thought to himself.

He heard the cubs still telling grand stories about huntingtrips and dangerous encounters with animals as big as the Everhometree, with claws, two head and more legs then normal. It maded him smile again. If ever such creatures would exist, he'd never left the holt again!

by **Delhya** Fri Jan 09, 2015 12:49 pm

Straystar smiled a serious but happy smile. "I figured as much." **It was good to spend time with you again and our cubbish activities.** His cheeks were not rose tinted anymore since they had been dancing and not sitting about drinking. His flask was also still half full as he had been taking it slow this year on the wine. He looked around thoughtfully noting the calm and mingling aura of the two tribes. It had not been easy but this is what Tidemist and he had been wanting to achieve. They planted the seed so long ago and slowly but surly it was growing. He yawned and stretched then looked back over to Kaimeta.

**I will walk you home then, Shawl needs to stretch her legs after gorging herself earlier anyhow.** he locksent to her.

by **Leanan** Fri Jan 09, 2015 1:28 pm

Snaketwist swallowed nervously. Tidemist was asking him that kind of question? His cheeks reddened and he looked down at his hands. What do you think Recognition is like? Her voice echoed in his mind.
"I... I don't know. I think it is like being given the moons and all the stars in the sky. Or like coming home from a long journey. Or..." he paused, breathed deep, and instead of speaking, drew a picture in the sand between them. He drew two circles, close but separate. "First there are two souls, alone." Then he moved the sand with his fingers, so that the circles were linked, still two, but now making one pattern, kind of like a 8 figure. "And then they are still two souls, but never alone again."

--

Stormcloud arrived to the location of her mother's mishap. "For High Ones' sake, Mother, I missed Oakroot's story because of this!" She grumbled to Skybolt. Stormcloud found the branch too heavy for her to lift, but fortunately, Bigpaws had accompanied her. She lifted the branch high enough to get her wolf-friend under it, and then together they lifted it off the captured Skybolt.

Skybolt stood up, trying to conceal that her arm was broken. "Thank you, daughter." She would see a healer of course, but she'd rather not have Stormcloud around when that happened. If the lass found out she'd injured herself, there would be arguments about the sensibility of hunting longtooth cats alone and so on...

"Mother... something is wrong, isn't it?" Stormcloud asked in a worried tone. She noticed a preserver flying around. "Ripeberry - what happened here?" She asked, knowing the small creature would be more forthcoming with the truth.

by **Tidemist** Fri Jan 09, 2015 4:13 pm

Tidemist continued staring off in the distance, more than half hearing Snaketwist's answer. “Never alone again” She murmured softly, wondering at it. She glanced in the direction she had last seen Kaimeta. She wouldn't react like the High One if she recognized...no, she would be pleased to be given the gift of new life and a new family, a little chief or chieftess to raise and train. She smiled softly at the thought. But her lifemate? Would he be what she wanted, expected? Would they really be suited for each other? She shuddered a moment at the idea of recognizing say, old Serpent Fang. He was a good tribemate, but his manner...would she be able to accept him if he could never soften? She sighed aloud. “Oh, this is all too many what if's! High ones, sometimes it seems recognition is a bit of a bother...” she noticed the fire was beginning to wan a bit, and looked around for more wood to throw on it, now noticing Silence's disappearance. “I guess I'm just not ready for recognition yet...it seems like it just makes a nutmash of you.” she commented off handedly.

by **Leanan** Fri Jan 09, 2015 4:22 pm

"And then of course... a third one comes along. Or more than one. Guppies, I mean. New souls..." Snaketwist added some more circles to his little drawing, small ones around the big ones. "And that, I suppose, is what Recognition is for..." he realized she had been talking more to herself than to him, and sighed softly. "Love by choice can be rough too..." he whispered in a very quiet voice, almost too quiet to be heard. He wondered if anyone was ever ready for Recognition. Whether the surprise was pleasant or not, it was usually a surprise, seldom something one expected, either in timing or in the person it chose.

by **Tidemist** Fri Jan 09, 2015 4:34 pm

Something Snaketwist said caught her ear and she blinked as she looked at him. “Guppies? More than one??” She looked surprised, and vaguely uneasy. “No one in the tribe has had more than one pip since after we settled here. How likely is it that that'll happen again?” She looked around more and frowned. “We should have had more firewood here. I'll go grab some from someone elses pile, or gather some from the forest. Be right back.” with that, she wandered off the find the wood, shivering a bit as she moved away from the warmth of the fire.

by **Leanan** Fri Jan 09, 2015 4:39 pm

Snaketwist blushed slightly. "Er... I mean... some couples Recognize more than once..." It was deeply embarrassing to be discussing this with her of all people. It was almost a relief when she headed off. He was always so nervous when he was with her, so keen to impress, yet be himself, to be noticed, to be loved... he was too shy for all this romantic stuff. It came so easily for the likes of Tern... "I'll wait here and watch the fire", he promised to the departing chieftess.

by **Hail** Fri Jan 09, 2015 4:40 pm

Hailstorm growled pleasantly when Ash scratched her. For a wolf she was pretty lazy, probably the laziest wolf of the pack. Well, at least she wasn’t easy to lose in the forest most of the time she was in the exact same spot where Ash left her, as long as that spot was warm and comfortable. Much like the spot her wolf was occupying right now. She fed her wolf friend a few pieces of meat, after a few quick swallows Hailstorm promptly fell asleep. As stood, careful not to wake her wolf friend, she would be here when Ash got back.
Her dark hair frizzes at the edges from the heat and once again she wished that she had a leather band to tie it back. She saw Oakroot finishing his meal and a slight smile pulled at the corners of her mouth.
**Keep eating like that and we have to roll you back to the Evertree, howlkeeper.** She sends to him.

by **Ember Robinwood** Fri Jan 09, 2015 4:54 pm

Serpent Fang sat perched on one of the outcroppings of rock that jutted into the sea. He could hear music over the crash of the waves and when he turned his head he could see firelight flickering in the distance. He turned his head away, his tangled black hair falling in his face and obscuring the distant flicker of warm light.

The Mother and child moons shown down on the black water and stars glittered coldly overhead, but these were of little interest to Serpent Fang. The forest loomed dark and foreboding behind him, but this also was of little concern.

Vaguely, he desired to return to his cave, but it was either his wounded arm or his wounded pride that kept him perched on the cold, sharp rocks. He wouldn't return to the caves or the festival, not tonight. He clenched his teeth, gazing out across the water.

by **Shinebright** Fri Jan 09, 2015 5:45 pm

**Now that would be a special ending to the festival! Haha.** He pictured it in his head and shared it with Ash. **Do you enjoy the festival so far? And have you tasted their food? Quite different from ours.**

He looked up to the stars again. The sky was clear and the stars shined so bright. He had always loved the stars, had seen the images they formed together and knew their names. If he just eased up with the wine, maybe tonight he could study them again.
An idea formed in his mind. **Ash, would you like to join me this night. Looking at the stars, enjoying the wine I brought? Maybe share some stories?**

by **Kaimeta** Sat Jan 10, 2015 12:30 am

Kai smiled. **It would be my please to have your company** She lock sent back. She walked beside the shorter elf, with only a passing glance over her should at Tern. How many hearts would break in the course of her life due to her silly actions? She would never know for certain but she was sure that his no longer seemed to ache so. That made her feel a bit better, given their last conversation.

"Staystar I believe we are getting to old." She said as they walked down the beach towards her hut. "You're cubs are growing so fast, I could have swore yesterday I helping them take their first breaths." She smiled her eyes distant remembering fondly things. "I hope that Brooksong takes to well the healing arts, she seems to have talent for it." She smiled it had been while since she had taught someone the healing arts, it would be nice to pass on her art again to another new mind.

by **Delhya** Sat Jan 10, 2015 1:52 am

Straystar walked along with her glad she accepted his company. He snorted slightly at her comment of them getting old. "Aye, they do seem to grow up as you blink your eyes don't they?" He thought on his daughters potential and somewhat surprising gifts, "as do I though she must get it from her unknown grandsire or her mothers side most likely" he laughed. Then in a slightly more serious tone "I am grateful she has you to mentor her if she chooses that responsibility for the tribe, I feel I have already burdened her with being Chieftess one day is a lot to chew on. Granted I don't intend to go anywhere for a long while!" He normal glint shining in his eyes again.

As Brooksong walked down the beach she occasionally looked down from the stars to watch the tide come in and out over her tracks sweeping them away. She glanced out toward the vast deep seeing some rocks holding their ground against the waters persistent swells. The salt was strong in the air and she could smell nothing else. 'the rocks seem safe enough to go out on if not a little, I wonder what the vast deep looks like under the moons light from that vantage?' she thought as she carefully made her way across the rocks. She stopped halfway out noting a form in the darkness, and froze biting her lower lip. She had not meant to intruded upon any one she had just let her curiosity get the better of her.

by **Ember Robinwood** Sat Jan 10, 2015 2:05 am

Instinctively, Serpent Fang turned his gaze from the ocean, swinging his head around in the direction of the festival. He reached for where he would have kept his spear at his side only for his fingers to meet cold rock. That's right, he recalled, he'd lost his spear in the daggertooth attack.

In the light of the dual moons he saw the figure of an elf. Seeing white hair and pale skin flash in the darkness, he settled back into a sitting position.

**What bring's the daughter of the chieftain of the WolfFolk so far from the festival?** Serpent Fang's lock-sending was cold with an edge to it. He turned partway away, but regarded her through tangled hair. He recalled how they'd spoken twice before, the second time departing without warning or explanation.

by **Delhya** Sat Jan 10, 2015 12:25 pm

**I was tired of dancing and wanted to come see the stars for once without climbing to the top of a tree. I saw these rocks and was curious what the view was like out here. Sorry I did not mean to impose. I did not know anyone was out here until I got to this point.** Her sending was apologetic and a little embarrassed she had not been more observant.

She stood up straight balancing on the rocks as if they were a tree branch, her bare feet getting a much better grip than if she had her sandals on.

by **Tidemist** Sat Jan 10, 2015 1:33 pm

Tidemist wove her way slowly through the crowd, thoughts and musing of recognition fading from her mind. She took small breaks to stop near the larger bonfires, enjoying the warmth they provided and the company as well. She eventually made her way to the forests edge, a small bundle of sticks under her arm, but more surely wouldn't hurt. She began wandering along the edge, snapping off branches or picking them up off the sand mixed with grass that managed to grow. She tilted her head, wondering a moment at the symbolism of it, and smiled. She could vaguely remember when the tribes had warred much more. This festival would have been unheard of, or the two tribes would have celebrated in separation. Thank the stars Straystar seemed more welcoming of the pure blooded elves than his mother. She paused to scan the beach to see if she could spot him, and wasn't too surprised when she didn't. Probably he and Kaimeta had snuck off to get even more muzzy headed. She chuckled to herself and looked off into the moonlight dappled darkness of the forest, wondering how a WolfFolk would see this.

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