* Leora her tail would be waving lightly as she would be near the fountain of passing and led herself up to the ‘peak’ of it. She would look to the horizon and offer fourth a low, gentle howl! A call for a gathering. Would anyone hear it?
* Rook had departed for the Fountains some time ago with his props, gimmicks, and tale in tow. Not long and not far from the fountains he’d hear his sister’s howl and bid her and those within the confines of the fountain’s pools a fond chuff when he, at present, entered. Upon his back was the dark wolverine’s pelt, and it was adorned with leaves of green and brown. He’d give a gentle dip of his nose to Leora and offer, “The Lore Night awaits its Lore Keeper.” Then, he would search out Kova and move to sit beside her in waiting for the wager to commence.
* Leora when her brother showed up with his props as well she grinned and swung her tail happily behind her! She chuffed to him and would greet her brother and mentor with a brisk and happy nuzzle. “I believe I am ready, brother.” she said. Waiting for the others to appear.
* Shukie Meandering along the west side of the stream as she headed north her pace slow and steady still taking in the scents and seeking signs or tracks along her path leaving solid tracks and purposeful scent marks of her passing tho not such that they’d be mistaken for a ranking member. The day was starting to grow old and the foliage ever leaning westward tracking the sun overhead. Unlike normal where she’d be light of paw all her movements today conveyed their intent with heavy paws upon the turf. Slowly she closed the distance to the Fountain, not yet to the four way branching which streamed down from the mountains west of the crossing. With a grumble she paused, retraced and found the once again absent feather tucking it back into her scruff. Perhaps she was close enough to hear the ‘call’ and would answer with one of her own marking her location to those near enough. Following the pitchfork of streams she would eventually arrive at the pools herself ready for tails, tales and a rest after her ceaseless wanderings.
* Luna saw Kova and Kaia also on their way to the Fountain of Passing, she hurried her steps so she could walk with them, offer a chuff hello. She heard Leora’s howl and had to resist the urge to howl herself. She heard another howl in the distance, it was a bit unfamiliar, but she wondered if it was Shukie who was also going to try and make it to the Fountains of Passing.
* Kova the howl of Leora would reach them and those down in the valley with vigor and tone. Her tail would rise high behind her and she would now swiftly make her way to the fountain of passing. She’d already begun her path in that direction and would offer a brisk swing of her tail. She would pick up Leora’s trail as well as Rook who had followed just behind. It would be evident in the scents therein and she’d wiggle her nose against some of tufts the fae’s fur if she did leave it behind. Her brisk lope would turn into a brisk run and up the slope she’d go as she would close that distance quickly. As she came into sight, she let loose a low happy chuff to announce herself. If her mate was seated nearby, she’d settle beside him.
* Kaia would offer a chuff in kind following soon after the howl to make her way there. Though unfortunately due to her players broken notifications she missed a chance for any chatter beforehand. And so once kaia found her way there she’d glance about looking about as to where best to settle, she’d give a low dip of her head to leora. Eyes closed. Her highest respect for the tale teller of the evening, and a fse she held in high regard.
* Shukie As others began arriving so did she offering one and all a greeting, a dip of her head to Kova and Rook followed by a wide some towards Leora also lowering her head to the fae as she came to settle near her sister and her mate. Plucking the feather from her fur where she’d offer it to Rook setting it near his paws. “In my wanderings today I happened across this and recalled the night the owl nearly took you from us!” Smiling, “Tis good to see you, Rook!” Taking in his scent as she again settled. As Kaia arrived she recognized the scent from the beaver Leora had brought her. “Hello there Kaia, I tank you for the piece of beaver. Well done.” her tail swayed briefly before settling.
* Rook A quiet but light dip of his nose was extended in response to his sister’s affirmation before he, now in proper order and time, found sight and company of his mate. He’d see Kaia and perhaps Luna if she were traveling with or shortly behind them and wave his tail lightly. It was a good group of wolves, but some were missing and one at least was on her way. “Let’s begin then,” he’d say in a tone relevant to the few but increasingly gathered wolves. “Tonight, we mark the passing of the longest day and the long draw toward the longest night. While the sun is still warm and the grasses are still green, let us think upon a tale, a poem, a song, or a rhyme and barter wisely the weight of our words so that this night’s keeper of Lore may judge us well.” He’d dip his nose once more to each gathered and turn back toward his sister. “If you are ready, then call this night to its open.”
* Leora her tail ushered a happy swing, as more wolves started to show. Kova would appear and if Kaia and Luna where near to their trail to follow, she would gruuu happily and chuff warmly to them to! Shukie would come in shortly after, to and she’d chuff warmly to her. She would allow the Lore Master to begin the lore’s introductions and she’d wait with great patience. She looked between Rook, Luna, Shukie, Kova and Kaia have a tale?
* Kaia smiled as the unfamiliar wolf she’d noted in passing came to greet her, she’d dip her head slightly not yet aware of the fae that stood before her. “Well met” she said with a smile, kova seemingly knew this fae and well so there was little cause for concern “I see you already know my name, I am an assesment of wolfspirits, it is my pleasure to meet you, and even moreso that mine and leoras kill could serve a good purpose”. Then kaia would dip her head low to both the alphess and lore master hashing down, more words could be offered after but out of respects her voice would fall to a hush as she offered a gentle chuff to leora in response to her own, before glancing about to find a place that she might settle, if she saw luna she’d dip her head and extend an invitation she sit beside her wherever she settled, after all kaia knew now whom she was close with at the lore night so the invitation would be there.
* Luna followed in shortly after Kaia and chuffed hello to everyone and gave a tail wag. She bowed her head to the Alpha’s showing her respect and also bowed her head slightly to Leora showing her respect for this being her night to shine. She heard Kaia’s offer to sit by her and looked at her gratefully. “Thanks.” She whispered to Kaia as she settled in beside her.
* Rook +The time to finally greet the oldcomer newcomer had arrived, and he was greeted with a token of something from what felt like a distant past. Funny how true tokens unlocked such doors, and he would look to it a moment longer than needed to tell his thoughts before he spoke tangent to them. “Met and well so. An owl, no. A raven, yes, but only, if I recall correctly, because a sister of mine.” He must’ve looked like a bigger older version of the flippy cape self, for he wore the leaf-adorned wolverine pelt with a measure of pride and purpose. For what he could, he’d take the feather and nestle it firmly between the pelt and his frame before he turned his gaze and voice to his sister. “I have a tale Lore Keeper, and I should like to place its words upon your ears and paws.” He’d await the answer and turn back toward Shukie “Where one returns so might another, but I have grown to barter for tale. When I am done, perhaps I might hear what is to be known about Kwa?”
* Leora her tail ushered a brisk swing and when Rook would turn to her and offer a tale, she grinned and dipped her head. “I would love to hear it, brother.” she would remain seated there by the pool of calming bubbly water. The steam from it’s heat would no doubt captivate the others. Her eyes fell to Shukie then to the feather but her hues returned to Rook.
* Shukie As Kaia responded she gave another nose dip to the fae as Rook spoke taking her attention. Belatedly she realized she’d not given the fae her name which she’d remedy before long when an opportunity presented itself. For now, the proverbial podium was Leora’s to conquer. She dipped her head to Rook with a quiet smile as she noted the hide adorning his back. Her nod was answer rather than delay the Lore.
ROOK SHARES
* Rook He awaited Shukie’s nod and would give one of his own before departing for the far tier of the pools where the water flowed into the first of few stone basins. It’s call was unlike that of Manannán’s, but it was pleasant and an undertone to his voice that rose to like that of a low thunder that preceded the falling of gentle rain.
“In stories past, I spoke of Fionn the wise, last and greatest Alpha of the Mean Oíche. I have told of his seven sons and three daughters and tempted imagination at the promise of tales that followed the ruinous end of the seven sons’ follies. So it is that I offer…Beirchú and the Táin bó tarbh bán…of Beirchú and the raid of the white bull.” Rook would settle beside the flow of water atop the first of the stone basins and begin to set the stage for the players and the play.
“In the days after Fionn’s death and the failings of his seven sons, the heirless lands once under the care of the Mean Oíche were sundered into one hundred packs and packlands. In the years after, the influence of Fionn’s three daughters grew. The three daughters, those we called the Morrigan, traveled far and sowed disorder and disunity between the packs until infighting and warring replaced remembrance of the ways of the Mean Oíche of old. ” Here, he pantomimed a grave and wounded sorrow, some of which paralleled his present feelings.
“As they are today, stories only live as long as ears hear them and mouths speak them true.”
Rook turned swiftly to the tale ahead and departed from the sidebar. “In the heart of Fionn’s homeland, two packs lived in an uneasy peace. The wolves of the Westfold Forest–who had recently merged pack lands by mateship–were led by a powerful and ambitious alpha fae, Medb, and her cunning mate, Ailil. They laid claim to lands west of the Nathair River, whereas the wolves of the Eastfold Highlands, led by the wise but aged Conchobar laid claim to the stone- and cliff-laden highlands east of the Nathair River. ”
“The lands of the Westfold were rich with caribou, elk, deer, and bison such that Medb, Ailil, and their combined kin wanted not for and did nothing out of hunger. Fed, fatted, stocked, and stocky, the wolves of the Westfold were often drunk with the ease of their lives. In their complacency, they forgot the faces of their fathers, the voices of their mothers, and the value of a name earned and unspoken. That which we learn through toil and tales.” Rook would hide his face and frame away from the pool below him as if to mirror the loss of ones self…the loss of kin through the loss of that shared and sharable memory.
He’d not shy away when then he told of the Eastfold. “The lands of the Eastfold were not abundant with herds, but what herds they had were of great quality. In his wisdom, Conchobar taught all his kin the ways of the hunt, the stewardship of the land, and the value of a name unspoken. The wolves of the Eastfold, like the herds they preyed on, were of great quality and were otherwise feared if not respected for the cut of their frames and the sharpness of their minds. It would have been so in the time of Conchobar, Medb, and Ailil had a curse not been placed upon the wolves of the Eastfold. That they should sleep three days and three, and three more still while feeling no respite from the pains of labor was their curse and a story for another time.”
* Kova her ears drew swiftly forward as she listened to the tale woven by her mate. Her frame would twitch but she would be very intuned in his words. She’d take the names as they where given and offered. Her eyes momentarily drifted westward then back to her mate. When he turned his frame a moment from the pool she’d feel her heart strumm.
* Rook At the mention of the curse, Rook would throw back his head, careful of the pelt and feather, and groan out as if grievously wounded. Of course he didn’t know labor pains, but he was sure they hurt something fiercely. That act did not last long before he recomposed his frame and stood upon his paws. The keen of eye would note a subtle shiver of his frame, and the eye that saw the world would see two little flickering lights rise above him and float as though golden embers of kinder flame.
“And so, the veil has been drawn and the stars upon it shine like the players of this tale save for one, Beirchú. Of him a thousand tales are spun, but he, a wolf of the Eastfold two season’s old, and this moment of time will be to whom and what we shift our gaze after the shortest of tale’s beginnings. ”
“Complacent with their combined wealth, Medb and Ailil sat beneath the shade of a hazelnut tree on a summer’s afternoon to look upon what fortune had wrought. It was in the shade and on that day in the quiet counting of their riches that the Morrigan, drawn by the opportunity for strife, came to them and spoke. –“Why not count the riches you justly deserve? Why not tally the blessings you have brought the other to see who is the richest of the two?”– Black intent lay beneath silvered words to spin a pride within Medb and Ailil that would lead to bloody war.”
To those who knew the voice, his mimicry was true. He spoke like her and his frame took upon itself that sickly pompous and untouchably confident air. The pelt of the wolverine crept ever over his ears like a hood that shaded his true intent from the world, but he spoke on.
“Medb and Ailil gathered their kin and began the count of herds between their combined pack lands, and when the tally was told to be even, the Morrigan came to Medb and spoke, –“Among the land of Ailil, there are plenty [herds] and a strong bull bison, Finn, is his pride. To counter and win this tally, turn your eyes east and to the White Bison of the Nathair. Why not march your kin into the Eastfold and take what you so deserve while the wolves of the Eastfold slumber beneath their curse?”–”
Once more, Rook let the pelt slip back to reveal his eyes, one gold and one amber. He spoke as the narrator and the story teller once more. “Pride and greed made malleable the alpha fae’s heart and made Ailil jealous enough to join with his mate to take this white bison and test it against his pride, Finn. So, the wolves of the Westfold marched to war in such great numbers that their pad falls were like a low and distant thunder rolling through the hills. So it was that their approach was heard…” Here, he’d let the roll of the water be like the paws of the hundreds of Westfold wolves.
“Three days and three, and three more still…The wolves of the Eastfold lay beneath their curse unable to muster a defense of their lands against the might of the West save for the young wolf, Beirchú. He of stone and a rage unquenchable succumbed to no sickness, and he alone would make ready the defense to buy his kin time to wake from their curse.” As if to directly contrast the figure of Beirchú with that of the Morrigan, Rook stood strong but in humility of the trees around him, the stone beneath him, and the water that flowed through all.
“As the wolves of the Westfold approached, their numbers so vast that the ground itself seemed to tremble, Beirchú, the lone wolf of the Eastfold, stood resolute. With the wisdom of Conchobar and the strength of the Mean Oíche coursing through him, he prepared to defend his homeland.”
“Under the night’s shade from the cliffs that bordered the Nathair River, Beirchú set traps and prepared ambushes to waylay the wolves of the Westfold. By the next morning, Medb and Ailil, driven by pride and greed—confident in their easy victory, led their pack across the Nathair River. The Morrigan watched from afar, and her dark eyes gleamed with anticipation.” Rook first played the part of Beirchú devising and employing unseen traps around the stream that flowed into the pools below. None could see what he was doing, and that was the point. It wasn’t until after that he hopped across the small stream and threw the pelt back over top his head to mimic the crone Morrigan that his voice crept out. What was he hiding?
“Beirchú stood upon the eastern shore and watched as the great advance approached. The great mass of Westfold wolves that crossed the Nathair threatened to dam its waters had not the first trap been sprung. Beirchú had made a dam of his own upstream of the Eastfold’s crossing, and when the weight of the many wolves displaced enough substrate beneath them, the Nathair opened its upstream throat and bellowed a wrathful song that swept a hundred wolves down river!”
Rook’s voice boomed at last and he shook with a rage that felt altogether true, and that rage threw aside the leaves upon his wolverine pelt such that they flowed down to the pools where the other wolves and storytellers had gathered. Those leaves collected like the dead of the Westfold, and he continued. “The forty wolves that made the crossing were slain ten and ten more at a time by the lone Eastfold defender. The Morrigan watched from a far, and her dark hunger fed.”
“Frightened by this display of cunning and killing, Medb and Ailil did not press a crossing again that day. Instead, they sent a messenger to Beirchú that evening to offer him his own pack and plentiful herds from which to hunt. Beirchú refused, but sent a counteroffer, ” Rook’s voice took on the warrior poet’s voice in its wisdom and its justly mocking tone –“I shall not kill you in as great a number as I have this day but instead shall face you one at a time with no tricks or traps, and you shall not cross the Nathair or steal away from our herds while the battle rages.”–
“The offer was accepted, and the next days saw the greatest of the Westfold wolves die one by one to the unsatiated fire of Beirchú’s rage. Of these trials, there are many tales that speak of heroism, guile, honor, sacrifice, and greed. Suffice your curiosity in that Beirchú’s wager was to give his kin time to wake, that Medb never meant to keep her word, and the Morrigan made feast upon the misery she sowed.” Rook would make the crossing of the small stream as though he were a proud champion of the Westfold, and upon the far shore he would pantomime his swift death before gathering himself once more.
“The days drew on, and Medb began to see how Beirchú had plotted to stall until his kin could wake from their painful slumber. She and a measure of her kin snuck away to the north and crossed the Nathair in search of the white bison while Ailil and his kin fought Beirchú one by one. Three days and three and three more passed while Beirchú slayed the champions of the Westfold, and in the three days and three and three more, Beirchú begin to tire. ” In truth, Rook needn’t pantomime this, for all the slapstick had begun to tire him as well.
“When Beirchú’s strength was at its last, the curse’s final day waned, and the wolves of the Eastfold began to stir. Strength returned to their limbs while it had been sapped from Beirchú’s, and the wisdom of Conchobar filled their hearts. United by the tales of Beirchú’s bravery, they rose to defend their land. The highlands echoed with the howls of the awakened warriors as they joined Beirchú in the fight. The pact was broken, and the battle raged between the packs.”
* Kova when the tale of her mate was woven true and in the deep timber of the strength of his role and heart, she bowed her head softly. A heavy and fine tale, she thought, the scales truly weighed. Her tail ushered a brisk swing behind her as she would take in the tale as it was offered. The characters and names she’d now comit to her memory and mind as she then turned an ear to the Morrigan. She knew well that name. She knew well what happened in the past with such a name. She dipped her head and nosed her mate softly and firmly. “True and through to the weight my heart. A fine tale.” she thought then of the bison and stomp her paw in kind.
* Shukie found herself seeing the weaving of tail and tale being spun in her mind even as the vivid replay of live events with the Morrigan replayed along side Rook’s telling. She recalled the wolves who stood firm and gave their lives in battle with Morrigan. Giving Rook a solemn cast of her eyes. The phrase, ‘the spiders web must be spun before the battle can be won’, echoed in her mind. “Thank you, Rook. I’m sorry I missed the others.” an involuntary shudder reverberated over her frame.
* Kaia listened, silent throughout her eyes often following the pelt of the wolverine, though her ears were flooded with the story. Tensed right until its end. Kaia would glance about to see if another held a tale, though rooks was a hard act to follow. But she’d keep an eye, her own story was ready, as ready as it could be though not quite so vast not thrilling as the other.
* Rook quietly dipped his nose to Leora, now no longer allowing his voice to be heard. The weight of the story was in the telling and in the listening. A mouth without an ear was a breath without meaning and purpose. He was thankful for the words, and he would nose his mate in turn before nodding to Shukie’s words. In time, she might hear the preceding tales and of Fionn, his seven sons, the start of the Morrigan, and so much more…if not by his voice, then by one who would take these tales and add to them.
* Luna was listening to the story, Rook weaved quite a tale that captured her attention. She shuddered in fear everytime he did the Morrigans voices and had hooded eyes. She could feel the evil he talked about. She was saddened to hear wolves turning against each other, fighting for more than what they needed. There may be individual packs out in the world, but all together they were still one big pack. She heard the question of anyone else wanting to share, she didn’t have any story that could follow Rooks tale, she hoped someone else would go next, maybe give her an easier topic to follow.
* Leora she would look once more to those gathered before she’d wait a moment more. “Does any wish to add a tale?” she’d invite once more. Her tail giving a light swing as she would look to the golden leaf within the pool.
* Kova she would nose her mate softly before turning to Leora and then to the gathered. She had hoped others might’ve heard the call and howl for the lore, but she was grateful for those who had thus far. Whom would share their lore, next?
* Kaia Well it seemed none stepped forward and so she would do so. Offering a dip of her head to the lore master “a tale well spoken, and one I am glad to have had the privilege to here” Then her eyes would turn to leora “though if you will allow I brought a tale of my own, if none quite so spectacular” she said with a smile. Kaia wasnt exactly keen on going next but she did not want the silence to last an eternity and someone would need to speak.
* Leora she would turn to Kaia and her eyes would be bright and eager. “Yes, please Kaia” she said with a quick swing of her tail. “Share if you have a tale to share”
* Shukie continued mulling over Rook’s tale taking it to heart until Kaia spoke snapping her out of her inner thoughts.
* Rook had a few more tales geared up should no one else join in. He might even try to recall some of Manannán’s little diddies…he could torture folks long enough until they offered a tale, a poem, or a song. Thankfully, he didn’t have to! Rook once more dipped his nose in thanks to kind words offered, but his ears turned to listen.
KAIA SHARES
Kaia dipped her head, glancing about to all those here and so with a deep breath her story began.
“The territory I was born to sat between three others. Three territories that were far from friendly. though, neither were we. our land like our wolves, rocky and undesirable. The Tale I bring to you, is that of ‘The long winter’ not the first, but the first of my time” for the first few words her tone was a little nervous before she eased into it each word weaving itself below her lip.
This tale had taken place some time ago, when she’d only seen a season and a half.
“The long winter’s left a stain on the packs collective memory. Its name earned not only for their bitterness, but for the threat they brought. For these were no normal winters, but ones where our territory became too barren to bring in a kill. And to stay was to condemn all those marked among our kin” she said, lending a brief pause a hint of overhanging threat in her voice, though nothing to what it had been the day they’d walked
“And so when winter bore down frosted fangs upon out homeland, we walked the track south along the border between two territories.”
“both packs kept close to home, a clear divide between lands was marked, and well respected. but other than scouts few strayed so close to the border. Neither pack would be friendly toward our trespassing, but scouts could be handled at least.” the longer Kaia spoke the more she seemed to ease into the tale, this was not the tale of her own demise though not far from it.
“and so we walked, trudging through thick layers of snow. Myself and many others knew the route only from stories, a faint promise of what might wait for us beyond the territory kept us moving. But the crossing was slow three nights each night in the territory more dangerousthan the last, our wolves fatigued and tired. And so Yukan, Cora, Kamau, Misato and myself, my kin. Kept watch. Guiding the pack forward as hunters to a herd” not sheperds to a flock, but kaia was no shepherd and her back were no sheep. she continued she’d never offered names to each of her surviving kin, but here they were laid before all those prescent, though perhaps to any she’d told of her nine siblings the five names might seem strange, though not a falsehood.
“Our alphess Thetis led the way. She was one to know winter’s, perhaps ones worse than that we faced.” though she did not yet name the alphess her mother even though that was the case. That tale could wait for their relationship was far more complex. But to kaia atleasg this tale was a happy one.
“I’d heard talk of the long winter’s true, Though before I faced them I did not understand their namesake. I did not yet understand how long those days spend in darkness gnawing an one’s own skin for lack of food felt, hiding away from howls for fear of being found. And every night picking up paws once again, supporting each other shoulder to shoulder.” her tone remained calm, even as she spoke. Weaving words the only way she knew. It was no strong skill of hers, but for this lore night special among others she would try.
“and yet, I don’t think I’d ever smiled brighter. As I shared tales to pups, promises of summers they were yet to see. I saw my siblings do the same, we laughed, shared stories. Found ways to bind ourselves to life through each other, my mother told the tale of her last long winter, and my father whom she walked it with. When i felt i could walk no further they were my one strength, and I theirs.”
Tales of her father had been few, she knew her mother only told it because she believed herself to be on the brink of death. But still kaia smiled faintly as she told the last of the tale.
“ and when we finally stepped beyond the territory, we found the vast expanse of our stories, a valley where rivers that rolled down from the mountains met in collosal lake, where herds could still be found and hunted on the flat atretch thay formed the land. only once we’d held out first successful hunt side by side and seen all starving fed did we stop to mourn the losses of all those not strong enough to walk the stretch. Those who stayed behind to meet death in their homeland… we would return, make the crossing again come spring and see to our dead. The snow, a temporary burial, winter’s one mercy.” she remembered looking out over the lake, frost settled on its borders. Knowing that she’d live after days of prolonged death. And yet they’d always returned home never settled in that place.
“After all There would be other winters.” she said breathing life to the last word of her tale as best she could. Before dipping her head to thought around her show of the tales end. She was no story teller, but she’d told it as it was recalled. What others thought of it, and her for it she could not say. But it had been said now and seen to completion.
* Shukie Shukie dipped her head low to Kaia’s history and of the trials she and her pack had faced together. “Well told, Kaia. It is good to learn something of you and your family from before.” A wide smile formed.
* Leora her ears drew forward to listen intently to Kaia’s story. She would lean in, just as she had done before. Her tail ushered a swift swing before she would soak in the thread that was offered. She stomped her paw to the emotions and to the story that was unfolded. “A well weighted and told story, Kaia!” she would dip her head and look to her brother a moment then back to the gathered.
* Rook stamped his paw twice to the tale offered and to its haunting end…the promise of more winters. Ah, perhaps so, but time ended most. It would end him and he’d not see many more winters, although he rather favored them. Who else, he wondered, would move to weigh the scales in their favor?
* Kova she’d dip her head to Shukie and Leora’s assessment of her mentore’s tale told and shared. She stomped her paw equally so in the rhyme of their shared tones. She would dip her head and felt equally as seasoned. She enjoyed winters as well but she herself perhaps would only see a few more? But who really knew. “A fine tale indeed, my mentore. Well done Kaia”
* Shukie Looking around not seeing anyone moving just yet she rose and looked to Leora. “I shall share should no others come forth.” again glancing about.
* Luna listened to Kaia’s story again saddened by the trials and loss she went through. She was happy that they found success at the end, but saddened that wolves have suffered so. She wants to lighten the mood, but how? She was going to have to think on it more and hoped someone would tell a lighter story. She did have one question for the group, “What does it mean when you paw stamp here? I’ve seen you all do it, but I don’t know what it means.” She asked.
* Kaia would dip her head to each in kind. To her the unknown shukies response seemed a little strange but any so close to her mentor were wolves she offered respect “i am glad to rest a piece of myself here, thank you” she said dipping her head to each in kind and finally another low one to leora keeper of lore for the evening. “Thank you leora”
Then she moved back to sit beside luna, though she turned to her question. Kaia was not one well equipped to answer though she had her suspicions but if shukie was ready to tell a tale kaias eyes would fall on her once again. The promise of more winter’s promised another tale of kaias, perhaps rightfully named the Last long winter the last of her time. Though it was one she did not enjoy reliving for theatrics
* Rook He had taken it for granted that not many before his father had taken to stamping their paws as approval. It must have been rather odd, he realized. He answered kindly “Rather than howling or offering their tone of the Song, a wolf may beckon to the stone beneath them to sound their approval. It is a sign of respect and approval of one’s words or offered deed.”
* Leora as Shukie would offer to offer tell a story, she’d eagerly wave her tail. “Yes Shukie, I would love to hear your story.”
* Luna nodded her head in understanding, “Thank you for explaining, sorry if I interrupted you Shukie.” Luna said, looking at Shukie and giving her a bow of apology.
SHUKIE SHARES
“No need for apology, Luna, you did not interrupt.” She gave the fae a quiet smile as she rose to face the assembled wolves settling near the pool. Shukie shifted clearing her throat a few times, “I will share what is both history, lessons and perhaps even the future.” Letting a long pause develop after the single word was spoken “Destiny”.
Destiny is what we’re upon the path towards, a path filled with many twists and turns, 10 steps forward, a mile back. My and Kova’s Destiny was to find ourselves back where we started. We were born here, during the time Kovo and Spirit, the founders of our pack, sibling sisters of blood, who would pass away shortly after our return. Kyara, spirit sister to Kovo took in the two sister pups of Nahala. With there being 2 litters that season, Kyara took the two and raised them as her own in the far north of the great ice upon the mountains, and out into the salty waters where the white bears roamed. She gave them the name of Kova in remembrance of KovoWolf First Alpha of WolfSpirts along with SpiritWolf, Kovo’s blood sister; and Shukie, in remembrance of ShukuWolf, Alpha of GlacierWinds, First Wolf. All great Alphas, bonded in Life and Beyond, in more ways than one.
Destiny was to see the two faes return to the lands they were born in when they were about 2 years old. The two saw much trial and error, much joy and strife alike as the years passed. Many lessons were learned as well as taught. Kyara had taught them well, but the polar bear had nearly killed them all. The two sisters, Kova and Shukie, escaped, forced to leave Kyara to fend for herself or all of them perish! She would forever remember the snarling growl that held no ability for the two sisters to disobey the order given to run, to return to what was to be their home forever more.
Years passed and no word of their ‘mother’, if she lived or died. The great white bear had not only taken her paw, but sent her daughters running for their lives. Humans intervened and rescued her. Not able to care for herself, she was dependent upon the humans. When the call of home became too strong she began the journey, a slow and painful return, to WolfSpirits. Nova, a onetime member who would later perish in a battle for the pack’s soul leaving Kilmate, his young son, behind had happened across Kyara’s path and helped escort the elder fae back to WolfSpirits, hunting for her as well. He was a good wolf, one worthy and a true WolfSpirit in his selfless acts.
The pack saw much strife and destruction and as time went on, there were great battles with the Morrigan and her minions, one of whom was Calder whom later became a valued member of WolfSpirits as Shukie saw fit to let him prove himself. Fires erupted all around the territory. In saving the others, Kyara had sacrificed herself to save the two pups she’d previously rescued and the WolfSpirits Alpha and pack. The fire had engulfed her fully as she had chased down the one setting the blazes. She fought Fire, and Fire won. Yet in the end, Fire would lose the battle. With the last of her energies Kyara gave all of herself for the Pack.
Destiny takes us in all kinds of directions, some will remain, others will come and go many times. It is home. Destiny was to be here in the lands of the WolfSpirits for Kova and Shukie, now Beta and Alpha to see to the continuance of the pack they call family and home. As pups they often said they would be like Kovo and Spirt, Sister Alpha’s of WolfSpirits. Destiny’s dream nearly came to be for the two sisters. Where will your Destiny lie? Where will it take you??
Kyara had taught them of lore, of the lore Shuku had passed along to her, of the GlacierWinds and of the WolfSpirits passed on to her by KovoWolf. Though the two packs had never taken the step of becoming sister packs, in many ways, sister packs they were, their Destiny’s entwined in Spirit and in Blood, in Life and in Death. For now, Shukie and Kova were the joining of the two halves of the past into one together in the present and future. The two continue on as stories are told, and retold. Ancients of the Past.
Destiny had other plans for Alpha Shukie and Beta Kova. Shukie had been called to learn the ways of WolfDreamer and Shuku, taking her from the pack while Kova, now Alpha, would see to the Pack and its care. Even when we think we have fulfilled our Destiny, Fate may yet have plans and paths to lay before us in directions untold. Case in point, Shukie returning home now was not what she thought her Destiny’s path to be though the future is partly written already for Shukie. What lies between now and then is yet to be Written as is the Destiny of her Sister, Kova and the Pack. Destiny’s Path – The End never comes. Just a pause between the next chapter for the future would write itself. What will your Destiny be? Time alone shall tell the tale.
* Kova her hues fell to her sister, Shukie and when she would offer the tale of their past she would listen intently. Indeed, how true was destiny to be? Their paths wove and where intricate in their threads. Kova and Shukie’s upbringing was nothing short of adventurous. Many paths came together as one and in recent years had split. She’d stomp her paw to her sisters tale and smiled. “A true hearted and spirited tale.” she said first. “How far we’ve come, dear sister.”
* Leora when Shukie finished her tale she would take a deep breath before looking to Kova. She knew the fae to be elder / older, but just how much history she had to this pack was noted well in her own mind and soon, in her own tale. She stomped her paw to Shukie and dipped her head in agreement to Kova’s assessment of her lore. The weights where weighing well, she thought. All true and worthy of the one she’d tell.
* Kaia Rooks explanation was exactly as she thought it would be. But she was nonetheless greatful for it, and all the more greatful for the heavy thud of his paws to her haunting tale. Though as leora mentioned shukies name kaia turned and then so did luna. Once shukies tale was told she knew well the fae she was in the presence of. Kova had shared tale of the past alphess in the aftermath of the wolverine attack. Still kaia loathed the mention of destiny. She wanted nothing to do with it, nor had she ever. No gods, no visions no fate just her and her own work. But still she’d stamp a paw to shukies story offering a low dip of her head eyes closed. Kaias mind briefly wandering back to cora, what had her destiny been?… But dwelling would do no good. To kaia being called by her name by someone unknown to her was unusual. But her pack held many customs around names. Still she made mark in her memory, much could be learned of all shukie said.
* Rook Three hearty stamps were given when the last of the words were spoken and a moment to allow the silence that came after to bridge to his mate’s words. This was as much his mate’s story as it was Shukie’s, and he would recognize the importance of it although he too believed in one’s own will to overcome destiny, change the threads, or thwart the plan altogether despite is track-record to the contrary. The harbinger believed in escapable omens; he was a hoot sometimes.
* Luna listened intently to Shukies tale and stamped her paw in approval about fate and destiny. Luna has already shared with Kaia what her new destiny was, but didn’t feel like repeating it to the group. Truth be told, she was feeling tapped out when it came to stories. She couldn’t think of a single one that would match in weight. She wanted to share something about herself, but she was blanking hard. These were some deep and serious stories that were being shared. Compared to them, her life was easy breezy. She stayed quiet, feeling sad that she had nothing to offer. She hung her head a little bit, feeling defeated.
* Shukie first dipped her head to Leora then returned to her previous place. When Kova spoke she simply lowered her head in a nod of agreement but couldn’t resist.. “And more to be written, dear sister!” With a nod to Rook at his approving stomps. Of course she couldn’t read his mind but if she could she’d fully agree. She offered quiet smiles to Kaia and Luna.
LEORA SHARES
* Leora the light colored fae would finally stand.
“I have heard and weighed the stories told and I shall now offer mine to conclude tonight’s events if my brother grants.” she said to Rook before turning back to the others. She’d wait but a moment before she would begin.
She would have tucked her props behind a stone for later use and ensured they were in the correct order to easily pluck. As those who gathered around to hear her tale, she would smile nervously. Her hues fell to her brother quickly, looking for the energy of confidence from him, so she’d hold more to her own, to. Little did she know her brother would’ve begun to start spinning a thread very akin to her own story along with Shukie’s and even Kaia’s. Would it be in relation some how?
She cleared her throat lightly and began.
“This is a tale that was told to me from my mother when I was just a pup. She told me that this was of great importance to remember. It’s a story of how I came to be. How we all continue to maybe be.”
She’d turn and withdraw behind the stone where her props lay. She picked up a large, dinged, bear claw. She’d lower it down between her paw pads so it would stay put and she did the best “deep” voice she could.
“My patience grows thin! I demand my sacrifice!” she stomped her paw into the water and swished the claw forward. The story would start heated and with energy. Her voice then turned to her natural one. The claw lightly tucked between her paw.
“In a foreboding landscape of snow and ice, perpetually shrouded in twilight from it’s deep, dark cave, would be a bear so fierce it would shake the very fur from your body. This bear would and said to have towered over even the largest bear you could imagine! Fur was dark brown, almost like a dusty midnight. Eyes that glowed with malevolent intent harbored by a singular desire; to receive it’s soul token. ”
* Rook settled in to hear his sister’s tale, happy that they, her listeners, had bartered well enough for her to tell it. She weighed well and began her story with command. He’d listen and begin to imagine that bear…it might not have taken much more than memory to do so.
* Leora “This is where this tale begins…. Long ago…. there was a pact made between an ancient predator and the wolves of these lands. These predators were no ordinary predators. It is said they were the ones who kept order and balance between this world and hidden vales. Shadows and darkness, this to. Unseen to the not trained eye. Clash… and take… and clash and take these predators did with the wild wolves of these lands, until finally a truce was made that came with a promise. To always ensure the balance of life here on earth and the other ‘worldly’ creatures to not metal with the living or their powers disrupted, a sacrifice was made by the first blood of this longgggg tradition.”
She would tuck the claw back away before she would pick up a bit of bark. She carefully held it for it contained a small pool of water. Within it the water’s color was not clear nor clean. It was a light red hue.
Leora’s voice drew deep again. “Do you ever wonder why litters fail? Or pups die? Oh yes, Atraya, your pups were not lost to the cold. To hunger. No, it was to darkness. A dark ichor.” She would take a paw and swirl the water within the bark. The red water churning slowly. She’d add in the names to ensure the realness of it. A living experience.
One could not truly imagine the heartache she had for having mentioned her mother’s name in all this, but it was her story she had shared to Leora when she was very young. A part of her past but a part of her own history, to. It was an important note to have been observed and passed down. Names of her brothers and sisters lost and buried up at the tall Rogha’s.
“A token of your soul and blood is what was needed for this pactto be sealed and accepted. The wolf who would cause the spill of it in its name was to be known at that time as the “Morrigan”. Sight would be the sacrifice. A balance would remain untainted by the Morrigans darkness, it was told, if it was agreed. Life.. for life.” Leora would gently reach behind her and pull out a few flower petals. There where as “blue” as she could find this time of year. Light lupines. She’d drop the flowers into the pool and watch them drift with the bark across her brothers leaves.
“But what exactly was that ‘life’? What was a token of the soul? The pack aimed to answer this call as best they could, but what did all this mean? What would they get back for such a thing? Why?”
She would turn and grab yet another item from behind the stone. “North was where the WolfSpirits pack headed. North to the den of the Myrkeer.” she would pick up her dark charcoal stone and began to draw across the surface of the stone. She’d make little ‘dots’ against its surface to maybe indicate movement, passing, or trail. The stone was previously burnt so its ash would mark the surface.
“They crossed far and wide! Ventured into a new part of the world. They were assaulted along the way by crows who tossed stones at them from the very sky!” she’d drop her dark charcoal stone and then turn to pick up a few small pebbles she’d collected near the shore. Tossing them up with her muzzle, they’d pink, plank and platter into the water. Hopefully not hitting a bystander.
“They gathered their courage, their strength, and their will to see to the calling of this deed. Of this needed debt paid. Even though they did not understand it, even my mother knew not it’s full intent, she knew what had to be done to ensure her family and pack was free. Free to roam in the wilds as their spirits should and be allowed to do.”
She would stomp her paws into the embankment of the pool for extra effect and perhaps showcase the struggle of a long, northern journey.
“When they reached the Myrkeer’s den, a gamble of debts were handed from one wolf to the other. A daughter wishing to sacrifice herself for its payment, a sister longing to see it through, and a mother who couldn’t wish or want for either. My mother’s long lost sister, Caitlyn, was revealed to be the last “Morrigan”. Corrupted by it’s darkness. It’s ichor. Blinded and bitter the fae became as she felt abandoned and was raised alone in her youth after being lost to a rain storm, just as mother had.”
She paused before taking in a light breath and closing her eyes. Her tone now a more reverent one.
“In the presence of her pack, Ayaka, Fianna, Kajika, Nova, Nightshade, Shukie, Skydancer, Kwa’ani, Kova, would bare witness to her sight being ripped from her face.”
“The bear thought this payment was clever. Keen. Cunning. Cruel. How could or would a wolf lead without sight? The morrigan was quite pleased with this arrangement, to.” she would close her eyes and begin to pad a few paces forward, bumping purposely into rocks and stones.
“How could a wolf guide when sight was lost?” she would open her eyes before ducking quickly behind the stone!
As the light colored fae disappeared the wolves would be left wondering. When wondering lasted but a moment, they would see behind the stone colored fur. She’d slowly rise up just like the sun behind the Rogha’s! Her pelt a radiant blend of golden hues, shimmering like the rays of the sun itself. Each strand of her fur catches the light, creating a mesmerizing aura that seems to glow from within. Her eyes, a deep amber, mirror the warmth and brilliance of her coat, exuding both growth and an unwavering spirit.
“Light!” she’d then stand tall on the stone by herself.
“Light was on that horizon and even in the darkness, light and dark together share a common thread. One without the other would not exist, and so Atraya took the strength of her pack , the strength of her mate my father Faolan, and family as her light and her darkness was simply the balance. Without this pack, we would not be here. I would not be here. My brothers and sisters would not be here.” she stomped a paw.
“Let us remember that balance is needed for both light and dark to exist. What has befallen this pack in the past has returned in a story, or two, as you’ve been witness this evening.” she paused and looked to each wolf before she’d gently take the bark with red hued water and set it to the pool. She touched it’s end, casting it outward.
“Not just blood but the small few with strong heart and spirit will always be stronger than the weight of the world beneath it. Greater and lighter than any pain, because that pain will always be worth it. Those who live to remember and those who remember live, we will always float across this world with grace and with as much ease as we are granted. We make our own paths and none shall divine us otherwise.”
She would then take a step back and recline onto her haunches and slowly dip her head. Perhaps it was even a moment for herself to reflect on how much she missed her mother and father. What they had done for them. For her to stand here today.
“The scales are balanced.” she looked to her brother now.
* Kaia offered a firm stamp of her paw to the tales end. She herself couldn’t take her eyes of leora, she had not realised she’d been holding her breath until she breather again. little light she’d heard the fae called, few things could be more accurate. Kaia was not counted among leoras kin and though the fae ment a lot to her kais would leave first words to others but if she looked to kaia kais would offer another low dip of her head and a beaming smile.
* Kova her hues fell to Leora and as she recounted the tale of the Myrkeer, those memories would begin to flood swiftly back to her. She recalled the ploy of the bear, of the Morrigan, of each wolf’s strength shown that day. Oh how she missed Ayaka, Fianna, and all the others. Names she felt so long in the past but so close to her heart. She would have looked to her sister, Shukie and gave a knowing expression to her and a smile to her previous statement. Time… she hoped she had still enough of for the chapters still unwritten.
She’d stomp a paw a few times before Leora’s tale told and spun. A grateful dip of her head was made as she would offer.
“A time that feels so far away, but so close and so truly told. Your mother did you such an honor to have shared that story with you. A day that I will never forget. A time and a place where strength and trueness of pack came to be…. ” Perhaps a subtle reminder just how old Kova truly was. She’d been there 5 years ago when it transpired. Was that a creak in her joint?
* Rook The barter for the ‘teller’s tale had been made whole; the wolves had given the ‘teller what she wanted and she, in turn, spoke the tale to equal the weight of their own. The names, the deeds, and the stories they were within came to a balance. Rook was made the better for hearing the tale from his sister’s voice rather than Phoenix’s or another’s, and he would stamp three times and three and yet three more. “The tales have been bartered, weighed, and heard. We who have spoken remember the voice of our mothers. We who have listened remember the faces of our fathers. We who tell and are told the tales remember the paths that lead to this very moment so that we may share in the tales that lead us beyond.” He’d stamp his paw one more time and end this evening’s Lore Night. “The Lore Keeper has spoken her tale and so ends this Lore Night.”
