Post by Curiosity on May 18, 2009 23:38:26 GMT -5
Characters Involved:
Sage, female lynx
Satin, male otter
Niabi, female elk
=== Hilltop Vista ===
Sage returns to the Merrymakers' temporary residence atop the hill from an evening hunt, her white fur faintly stained crimson with the remnants of her meal. She brings none of the meat back, however, not wanting to offend the non-carnivorous creatures who have begun to gather around the meadows in anticipation of the coming celebration. Settling down on her haunches in the quiet of the night, the lynx continues grooming her paws and cheeks, cleaning the rest of the blood off of her thickly-furred pelt. Nearby, the leather carrying sack lays on the ground, some of the items spilled out on the grass.
Satin is still sleeping next to Siri. He is still very happy to have found her. He's still getting used to her calling herself and answering to Flume. He hopes for a few things since talking to her and sleeping by her side like he had so longed for since she was swept away in the flood. It's been far too long. And though Cordelia is his mate, Siri-Flume is someone who is absolutely special. He does not stir when the lynx comes nearby, however.
Niabi and Catori have been grazing nearby, and the fact that neither of them have been attacked thus far has done much to settle their doubts about exactly how safe they are. In fact, Niabi feels safe enough to approach the hill alone when she spots the lynx returning to it. Might as well see what's up, if anything. There's still a certain wariness in her manner though, but that's probably impossible to get rid of completely.
As there's no movement from the surrounding creatures who have also temporarily taken up residence in the pasture here, aside from the usual slight stirrings and sounds associated with the settling down of animals for the night, Sage sees no need to disturb the quiet so late -- there's always tomorrow to share her merriment. But then - a slight movement catches her eye, and she turns to sight the approaching elk, the feline lowering her paw before offering a smile and a greeting. "Hello, friend. May I help you with something? A spell, your fortune told, a trade of rare goods?" She just hopes her muzzle is mostly clean of blood by now.
Satin hears talking, and it's not talking coming from Siri-Flume. Satin stirs a bit and opens his eyes and glances about. Before long his eyes settle on a lynx and an elk. Yawning and stretching his long slinky body, the otter stands up and begins to meander in their direction. His mood is quite good from finding Siri, so he figures a nice chat might not be out of line, even from a lynx. Satin is unsure if lynxes eat otters. But if this one is a Merrymaker like she looks, he'll be fine, he's sure. "Hello?"
Whether the feline is perfectly clean or not isn't an issue for Niabi. In fact, that tells her that she has less of a reason to worry, not that a healthy adult elk like herself needs to worry about a lynx in any situation. "Hello," she replies, glancing at the approaching otter to include him in her greeting. Her ears twist a moment as she considers the lynx's question. "Nobody told me there was fortune-telling going on before," she comments with a smile, "That sounds interesting."
The only creatures that would really have reason to be anxious around the she-lynx would be the long-eared lapines of the grasslands, but even then Sage is able to restrain herself within the sanctuary that the Merrymakers have provided here during their stay. So when the otter approaches as well, she greets him similarly: "Good evening, friend. See anything you like?" She gestures over the scrap of leather and the spilled trinkets with a forepaw. When the hoofbeast makes her choice, the lynx's smile returns. "Of course. Once the otter has made his own decision as well, then I will oblige your request."
Satin looks curiously at the makeshift bag and then noses his way in to take a closer look at the goods. After a while he says. "These seem like interesting objects. How did you get them?" Satin reaches in and curiously pulls out the shiniest item in the bag, a glittering stone. Looks like it might make a good gift for Siri, perhaps? But would he be allowed to give it to a Merrymaker? Even one who at one point *was* his mate along with Cordelia?
"Very well," says the elk, turning to watch the otter curiously. Though Niabi is always happy to befriend any creature she isn't concerned would eat her, she's never really had the opportunity to meet an otter before. Or even see one this close up, actually. Weird-looking creatures... and she still has no idea why anyone would need any of those little odd bits anyway.
Sage rolls her shoulders in a light shrug, smiling pleasantly. "Oh, we found them here and there along our journeys. We five have traveled to many lands in our time, spreading our message when Luna calls for it, and have found many things in the process." Noting his choice, she nods. "Very well. But a trade requires an exchange from both parties...if you can bring me some gold-topped mushrooms, the stone is yours." As for where he can find the requested fungi... "I believe Zephyr mentioned to me that there were some old Man's lands nearby. Mushrooms grow well among rich, fertile soil and decaying material...perhaps you can find some there." The otter's quest explained, the lynx returns her focus to the elk, taking a few pawsteps closer to her, slow enough so as to not alarm her. "If you'd be so kind...may I look into your eyes?" Given her stocky stature and the elk's tall legs elevating her above the ground, Sage obviously can't see them closely herself without some help.
"May I ask why you desire these mushrooms?" Satin asks, thinking about what human places there might be. It would be worth it though, if it means getting Siri to love him again, because he thinks, in some limited and almost childlike way, that Siri did not come back after the flood because she did not love him.
"May I ask why you desire these mushrooms?" Satin asks, thinking about what human places there might be. It would be worth it though, if it means getting Siri to love him again, because he thinks, in some limited and almost childlike way, that Siri did not come back after the flood because she did not love him.
Niabi obligingly lowers her head to the feline's eye level, her expression steady and very calm. She's a true fence-sitter when it comes to whether or not she actually believes that anyone can tell her fortune; maybe it's possible, maybe it isn't. Either way, it will probably be an interesting experience and that's why she chose it. She pays little attention to the otter now, though his assignment sounds a little amusing to her.
Sage turns back from the elk briefly when the otter questions her, simply smiling. "Did I ask why you wanted the stone?" After this return question, her attention goes back to Niabi, her exchange with the otter finished until he returns with the requested item to receive his own. Peering closely into the elk's large, dark eyes with her own pale blue ones, the white lynx 'hmm's to herself as she appears to seek some meaning or perceive some reflection that others cannot. After a brief moment of silent consideration, Sage finally speaks. "You are strong-willed, hoofed one. You will find what you are seeking here, and perhaps more...though it may not be what you expect. Even so, you will never be alone again so long as you live -- and it shall be a long, healthy life, and a peaceful death." Perhaps the mention of death is a bit morbid, particularly from predator to prey, but then again, a peaceful death is much better than what many prey animals receive. "Do you have any particular questions for me to answer, forest walker?"
Satin nods at this and decides if he wants that stone, he'd better get moving. "I'll be back as fast as I can." Soon Satin starts to move quickly away. Must find mushrooms.
Satin has left.
Niabi is silent for a moment, pondering more on just how plausible the feline's words sound to her than on what she might want to ask. Any observant creature may have guessed the few comments about her personality and past, but she'd heard these things must be taken on faith and perhaps that's a part of it. Her questions require very little thought: "Are there children in my future and, if so, what will become of them? And will I be happy with my life when it's over?" These things are of the most important parts of the future to her.
Sage resumes her deep gaze into the elk's cow-like eyes, eyelids fluttering briefly. "Yes. You will be a loving matriarch to your family." The snowy-furred lynx visibly hesitates before answering the next part of Niabi's inquiry, however, though she answers the question fully. "But I am afraid that you will suffer loss as well. Even so, when you have grown old and are looking back upon your life, you will not be found wanting." The stocky feline finally takes a step back from the elk, looking up at her all the while. "My answers may not be much, but I hope you will find some worth to them."
Satin has arrived.
It took him a lot less time than he thought it would. He went north toward what used to be a human place indeed and dug up a mushroom! Not believing his luck, the otter pulled out of the river in a hurry and ran as fast as he could until he reached the lynx. In almost an instant, Satin deposits the mushrooms in front of the lynx. "I moved as fast as I could. Here are your mushrooms!"
Satin drops Gold Cap Mushrooms.
Niabi nods as she raises her head back up, alertly looking around almost as a reflex since she wasn't using that sense for a moment. But in her mind she's mulling over the lynx's words. More loss in her future family... hasn't she lost enough yet? But that could also mean many things, and if it's true that she'll be happy then perhaps it's enough. "Thank you," she finally says, "Perhaps I will." Definately something worth pondering over, anyway. Her thoughts are interrupted when she spots the otter returning with the mushrooms, his speed and energy drawing out a grin from the elk.
When the otter returns, Sage seems quite pleased that he's found the requested fungus sample - and just as she's finishing up her duty to the elk, no less. Carefully picking the mushrooms up in her teeth, she drops them near to the makeshift sack, then pushes the otter's earned stone towards him with her paw, wrapping up their bartering exchange. "Many thanks, friend." Now that both her services have been concluded, the lynx thinks it's time for her evening catnap, and indeed, a yawn escapes her blunt muzzle a moment later. Excusing herself from the pair, Sage wanders over to an unoccupied patch of cool grass, curling up on the hilltop and glancing absentmindedly up towards the moon, gazing at its half-veiled face with an unreadable expression until she falls asleep.
Sage drops Glittering Stone.
Satin takes the stone carefully in his paws. To him, this thing is precious. A gift for an otter he had thought he lost forever. "I got it... oh, sweet spirits above." Satin holds it close and thinks about the moment he hands the stone to Siri-Flume. He starts to hobble towards her, still clutching the stone. This whole festival is turning out to be one fortune after another.
Niabi nods one more time to the lynx before turning to head back towards where she left Catori. Well, she wanted interesting, and she got interesting! It will probably take a long time for her to decide how much of it she believes and what exactly all of it means. And then even longer to figure out if she's going to do anything about it.
Sage, female lynx
Satin, male otter
Niabi, female elk
=== Hilltop Vista ===
Sage returns to the Merrymakers' temporary residence atop the hill from an evening hunt, her white fur faintly stained crimson with the remnants of her meal. She brings none of the meat back, however, not wanting to offend the non-carnivorous creatures who have begun to gather around the meadows in anticipation of the coming celebration. Settling down on her haunches in the quiet of the night, the lynx continues grooming her paws and cheeks, cleaning the rest of the blood off of her thickly-furred pelt. Nearby, the leather carrying sack lays on the ground, some of the items spilled out on the grass.
Satin is still sleeping next to Siri. He is still very happy to have found her. He's still getting used to her calling herself and answering to Flume. He hopes for a few things since talking to her and sleeping by her side like he had so longed for since she was swept away in the flood. It's been far too long. And though Cordelia is his mate, Siri-Flume is someone who is absolutely special. He does not stir when the lynx comes nearby, however.
Niabi and Catori have been grazing nearby, and the fact that neither of them have been attacked thus far has done much to settle their doubts about exactly how safe they are. In fact, Niabi feels safe enough to approach the hill alone when she spots the lynx returning to it. Might as well see what's up, if anything. There's still a certain wariness in her manner though, but that's probably impossible to get rid of completely.
As there's no movement from the surrounding creatures who have also temporarily taken up residence in the pasture here, aside from the usual slight stirrings and sounds associated with the settling down of animals for the night, Sage sees no need to disturb the quiet so late -- there's always tomorrow to share her merriment. But then - a slight movement catches her eye, and she turns to sight the approaching elk, the feline lowering her paw before offering a smile and a greeting. "Hello, friend. May I help you with something? A spell, your fortune told, a trade of rare goods?" She just hopes her muzzle is mostly clean of blood by now.
Satin hears talking, and it's not talking coming from Siri-Flume. Satin stirs a bit and opens his eyes and glances about. Before long his eyes settle on a lynx and an elk. Yawning and stretching his long slinky body, the otter stands up and begins to meander in their direction. His mood is quite good from finding Siri, so he figures a nice chat might not be out of line, even from a lynx. Satin is unsure if lynxes eat otters. But if this one is a Merrymaker like she looks, he'll be fine, he's sure. "Hello?"
Whether the feline is perfectly clean or not isn't an issue for Niabi. In fact, that tells her that she has less of a reason to worry, not that a healthy adult elk like herself needs to worry about a lynx in any situation. "Hello," she replies, glancing at the approaching otter to include him in her greeting. Her ears twist a moment as she considers the lynx's question. "Nobody told me there was fortune-telling going on before," she comments with a smile, "That sounds interesting."
The only creatures that would really have reason to be anxious around the she-lynx would be the long-eared lapines of the grasslands, but even then Sage is able to restrain herself within the sanctuary that the Merrymakers have provided here during their stay. So when the otter approaches as well, she greets him similarly: "Good evening, friend. See anything you like?" She gestures over the scrap of leather and the spilled trinkets with a forepaw. When the hoofbeast makes her choice, the lynx's smile returns. "Of course. Once the otter has made his own decision as well, then I will oblige your request."
Satin looks curiously at the makeshift bag and then noses his way in to take a closer look at the goods. After a while he says. "These seem like interesting objects. How did you get them?" Satin reaches in and curiously pulls out the shiniest item in the bag, a glittering stone. Looks like it might make a good gift for Siri, perhaps? But would he be allowed to give it to a Merrymaker? Even one who at one point *was* his mate along with Cordelia?
"Very well," says the elk, turning to watch the otter curiously. Though Niabi is always happy to befriend any creature she isn't concerned would eat her, she's never really had the opportunity to meet an otter before. Or even see one this close up, actually. Weird-looking creatures... and she still has no idea why anyone would need any of those little odd bits anyway.
Sage rolls her shoulders in a light shrug, smiling pleasantly. "Oh, we found them here and there along our journeys. We five have traveled to many lands in our time, spreading our message when Luna calls for it, and have found many things in the process." Noting his choice, she nods. "Very well. But a trade requires an exchange from both parties...if you can bring me some gold-topped mushrooms, the stone is yours." As for where he can find the requested fungi... "I believe Zephyr mentioned to me that there were some old Man's lands nearby. Mushrooms grow well among rich, fertile soil and decaying material...perhaps you can find some there." The otter's quest explained, the lynx returns her focus to the elk, taking a few pawsteps closer to her, slow enough so as to not alarm her. "If you'd be so kind...may I look into your eyes?" Given her stocky stature and the elk's tall legs elevating her above the ground, Sage obviously can't see them closely herself without some help.
"May I ask why you desire these mushrooms?" Satin asks, thinking about what human places there might be. It would be worth it though, if it means getting Siri to love him again, because he thinks, in some limited and almost childlike way, that Siri did not come back after the flood because she did not love him.
"May I ask why you desire these mushrooms?" Satin asks, thinking about what human places there might be. It would be worth it though, if it means getting Siri to love him again, because he thinks, in some limited and almost childlike way, that Siri did not come back after the flood because she did not love him.
Niabi obligingly lowers her head to the feline's eye level, her expression steady and very calm. She's a true fence-sitter when it comes to whether or not she actually believes that anyone can tell her fortune; maybe it's possible, maybe it isn't. Either way, it will probably be an interesting experience and that's why she chose it. She pays little attention to the otter now, though his assignment sounds a little amusing to her.
Sage turns back from the elk briefly when the otter questions her, simply smiling. "Did I ask why you wanted the stone?" After this return question, her attention goes back to Niabi, her exchange with the otter finished until he returns with the requested item to receive his own. Peering closely into the elk's large, dark eyes with her own pale blue ones, the white lynx 'hmm's to herself as she appears to seek some meaning or perceive some reflection that others cannot. After a brief moment of silent consideration, Sage finally speaks. "You are strong-willed, hoofed one. You will find what you are seeking here, and perhaps more...though it may not be what you expect. Even so, you will never be alone again so long as you live -- and it shall be a long, healthy life, and a peaceful death." Perhaps the mention of death is a bit morbid, particularly from predator to prey, but then again, a peaceful death is much better than what many prey animals receive. "Do you have any particular questions for me to answer, forest walker?"
Satin nods at this and decides if he wants that stone, he'd better get moving. "I'll be back as fast as I can." Soon Satin starts to move quickly away. Must find mushrooms.
Satin has left.
Niabi is silent for a moment, pondering more on just how plausible the feline's words sound to her than on what she might want to ask. Any observant creature may have guessed the few comments about her personality and past, but she'd heard these things must be taken on faith and perhaps that's a part of it. Her questions require very little thought: "Are there children in my future and, if so, what will become of them? And will I be happy with my life when it's over?" These things are of the most important parts of the future to her.
Sage resumes her deep gaze into the elk's cow-like eyes, eyelids fluttering briefly. "Yes. You will be a loving matriarch to your family." The snowy-furred lynx visibly hesitates before answering the next part of Niabi's inquiry, however, though she answers the question fully. "But I am afraid that you will suffer loss as well. Even so, when you have grown old and are looking back upon your life, you will not be found wanting." The stocky feline finally takes a step back from the elk, looking up at her all the while. "My answers may not be much, but I hope you will find some worth to them."
Satin has arrived.
It took him a lot less time than he thought it would. He went north toward what used to be a human place indeed and dug up a mushroom! Not believing his luck, the otter pulled out of the river in a hurry and ran as fast as he could until he reached the lynx. In almost an instant, Satin deposits the mushrooms in front of the lynx. "I moved as fast as I could. Here are your mushrooms!"
Satin drops Gold Cap Mushrooms.
Niabi nods as she raises her head back up, alertly looking around almost as a reflex since she wasn't using that sense for a moment. But in her mind she's mulling over the lynx's words. More loss in her future family... hasn't she lost enough yet? But that could also mean many things, and if it's true that she'll be happy then perhaps it's enough. "Thank you," she finally says, "Perhaps I will." Definately something worth pondering over, anyway. Her thoughts are interrupted when she spots the otter returning with the mushrooms, his speed and energy drawing out a grin from the elk.
When the otter returns, Sage seems quite pleased that he's found the requested fungus sample - and just as she's finishing up her duty to the elk, no less. Carefully picking the mushrooms up in her teeth, she drops them near to the makeshift sack, then pushes the otter's earned stone towards him with her paw, wrapping up their bartering exchange. "Many thanks, friend." Now that both her services have been concluded, the lynx thinks it's time for her evening catnap, and indeed, a yawn escapes her blunt muzzle a moment later. Excusing herself from the pair, Sage wanders over to an unoccupied patch of cool grass, curling up on the hilltop and glancing absentmindedly up towards the moon, gazing at its half-veiled face with an unreadable expression until she falls asleep.
Sage drops Glittering Stone.
Satin takes the stone carefully in his paws. To him, this thing is precious. A gift for an otter he had thought he lost forever. "I got it... oh, sweet spirits above." Satin holds it close and thinks about the moment he hands the stone to Siri-Flume. He starts to hobble towards her, still clutching the stone. This whole festival is turning out to be one fortune after another.
Niabi nods one more time to the lynx before turning to head back towards where she left Catori. Well, she wanted interesting, and she got interesting! It will probably take a long time for her to decide how much of it she believes and what exactly all of it means. And then even longer to figure out if she's going to do anything about it.