Date: September 7, 2000 (Aether: January 22, 3907)
Place: Sachem's Chamber - Great Oak - Forest
Cast: HeartsEase, Many Shadows, Skyfire, Spirit-Whisperer
Scene: Spirit-Whisperer visits the Ettowealona to warn of the visions that many clairvoyants have received, and also to share news of Haven with members of the tribe.

Sachem's Chamber - Great Oak - Forest:
      A huge root frames the entry of a cave nestled at the base of the Great Oak in the Sylvan Glen. Ornately tooled oiled leather anchors down to cover the doorway or pulls aside to view the Glen. The interior of the cave is roomy and consists of shaped rock walls and floor with roots intertwined to form intricate patterns on the ceiling. Scattered stacks of furs provide places for sitting or sleeping. The center of the room contains a recessed firepit that provides both light and heat safely with stones absorbing and radiating the heat. Niches in the walls display a variety of objects from a simple bedraggled dry flower and fumbling braided leather strips to valuable gold and gems and the rarest of crafts. All seem to he held in equal places of honor. Space in the large room is arranged into personal and sleeping areas, and regions that are used by the council of elders in dealing with the business of the tribe.

Many Shadows is seated behind Skyfire, hands held in a position that will place one on his brow and one behind, if he indicates permission. A crude pottery mug holds some herbal tea that is acrid-smelling yet steamy warm and refreshing.

HeartsEase is near the two, a concerned look on her face.

Skyfire gives a start at Many Shadows' touch, which is enough to break his thoughts for the time being. Not wanting to disturb any of the conversation happening around him, he remains sitting, assenting to the mind-massage by his silence. Now he isn't sure if he should return at all... but thoughts of his mate and children hold him back.

HeartsEase watches quietly, having little to say. And even if she did, she would not want to interrupt.

It's cold outside. Very cold. A small wisp of winter's harsh breath blows into the warm cave as the leather door cover is pulled aside just far enough for Spirit-Whisperer to slip in.

The halfbreed is covered in powdery snow, and a dusty rain of white flakes drops from his hair and cloak to the ground as he pulls the flap closed once again. He turns to face the others with a neutral but largely pleasant expression. Standing a distance away, he waits to be acknowledged by the entrance.

Many Shadows gently starts to rub one hand against Skyfire's brow and one against the back of his head. She speaks quietly to him. "What makes a person who they are? What separates him from animal, from others? It is your will and your choices. You do not live by instinct alone -- you do not wander, one day like the next, one year like the next, one life like the next. You choose. You think, you choose. What matters to you? What do you care about?"

Yes, she rambles, casually dribbling little pebbles of questions to cast ripples across the thoughts. Finally, she adds, "When a problem is too big to look at face-on, look for the things that surround it -- that shape it and identify it. If you cannot find yourself when you look inside, look out the tail of your eye, obliquely, and you will see it." Nothing like applying a hunting lesson to it all, but some lessons apply in other areas.

As the cold air sends a playful tendril into the warm cave to slide across cheeks and send the flames of the small fire flickering more brightly, Many Shadows looks up and squints to see who approaches. "Chookma. Come, warm yourself."

The problem being what it is, Skyfire should have just run away from it. But he came when he did because he didn't want it to get so overwhelming that it endangered his family and his tribe. He didn't expect this, though. He's too old for this type of problem.

Turning at the lick of cold air, his eyes widen upon seeing the Estrel. "Chookma..." he also greets, the thoughts in his mind changing to wondering if Spirit-Whisperer is here for him... wondering what he did wrong this time, even though he is far from Delphi.

HeartsEase turns to nod to Spirit-Whisperer, followed by a quiet, "Chookma." But mostly she finds herself listening to Many Shadows, for what she tells her student seems to hit home for HeartsEase, too. Things she has tried to avoid, for the most part.

Don't be so paranoid, Skyfire. Spirit-Whisperer hasn't been 'after you' since you were a student. The man smiles at the familiar faces, but his expression is subdued by the room's mood, something that is always more tangible to this halfbreed than most others, due to his telepathy.

He steps forward toward the trio, wading through the choking humidity and metaphorically sloshing through the emotional swamp. "Chookma," he murmurs to all at once. He fixes his expression on Skyfire. "It's been a long time, inkana."

Many Shadows politely pulls her hands back from their supportive touch to let the two speak. "There is herbal tea, not too pleasant to taste, but warming if you would like. Join us." She then falls silent to let Skyfire reply.

Perhaps it is the tension in the chamber... or the pent-up tension, but nevertheless, at the greeting, Skyfire starts to laugh. Not just a chuckle, but a strong belly-laugh. When he is able to talk, he offers a hand to Spirit-Whisperer. "Aye, it has. It is good to see you again, Inkana."

Turning to thank Many Shadows for the mind-massage, he then stands and paces to a wall of the chamber. At least he isn't brooding (as much) now.

HeartsEase wonders what is wrong as she watches. But it is not her nature to pry. So instead, she contents herself with observing the behavior of those around her.

As the Sylvan man laughs, Spirit-Whisperer lets a smile grow on his face, glancing briefly at the two women. Taking Skyfire's offered hand, he nods in reply to Many Shadows, finding the tea. As he carefully pours himself a serving, he looks to HeartsEase. "It's good to see you again, too. I trust you are well?" The Estrel lifts the cup for a careful sip.

Many Shadows offers a smile, the mood lightening somewhat with the laugh and the exchange of words. She offers a smile of welcome that is a little warmer and then speaks. "I have been sharing some of your news with the others. The warning of the storm, the possibility of Sedna's beast, I have not yet told. I shall say just enough so others who visit Haven can be wary of it, and know the risk if it should come. Skyfire, your coming is good timing. I have not told you yet that there is warning of a... well, let Spirit Whisperer tell you, so you can carry news to your tribe."

Skyfire gives a shrug, turning to face the others, "Well enough. Did Jana tell you, I'm a father now...?" He can't hide that smile of pride. "And am going to be again, apparently." Did he tell Many Shadows about that, too? Details from last night are a little hazy. The smile fades as there is mention of a warning. If it is to the City, Wind Runner might not care.

His question was meant for HeartsEase, but since Skyfire was pacing away as he asked it, Spirit-Whisperer takes the man's reply in stride, winking at the woman as he does. "Yes," he begins. "Well, I came here to warn of a coming storm. It appears that the storm may have arrived on my heels. More than one Delphic clairvoyant predicted that a serious storm was coming, so I expect that we've only seen the 'stem' of this -- the 'root' is thick and deep."

He shrugs. "I'd warn all to prepare for whatever may come. There's also an indication than another beast may be on its way from the depths of the sea."

HeartsEase frowns slightly as she listens to the news. She nods slightly at Spirit-Whisperer in answer to his question to her, but mostly is interested in hearing his answers. She frowns at them.

Many Shadows says, "Arrived that soon? Was hoping this was a normal winter storm, and that I had more time to warn other tribes." She expresses her concern. "Now the drum signals are too muffled by the snow to be heard." She sips from her tea, an indulgent smile offered to the others.

Worse weather than this? Granted, this isn't all that bad yet, but Skyfire is more concerned for LittleTree. It's his first snow... and he might want to go out when it is too cold to do so. Well, he and Fireheart taught him to be wary of berries, so maybe they can help this. "Would the beast reach the forests?" That is the major question... for if there the possible threat, then Wind Runner will want to know. If the beast may stay near the shore of the City, she might not care.

"Visions are often symbolic, so who can say what the future will actually bring." Spirit-Whisperer shrugs and takes another careful sip of the bitter drink. "The common point of the visions was cold and a storm. A few showed a sea monster. The Atlanteans claim that there is lore suggesting that beasts of the kind that attacked Haven could have vengeful mates." He takes another slow sip. "But no one truly can know what comes."

Many Shadows says "Mates, yes -- some beasts have mates that would do that, and some beasts have more than one mate -- a 'pack,' that would."

Skyfire still has friends in Haven though. "What is being done about it?" Can they do anything about the winter or the possibilities of another beast attack?

HeartsEase tries to recall, but does not remember stories of a beast. Perhaps ShadowWatcher can tell her, since he spends a good deal of time in Haven. That is, of course, if he is ever found.

Spirit-Whisperer laughs easily. "Thankfully, Atlantean lore does not indicate that this sort of beast swims in packs." He shakes his head. "All we can say for sure, though, is that something of significance waits in the near future. It's not often that so many share such similar visions."

Many Shadows nods once, her lips tightening as she glances toward the empty sleeping furs the tribal Shaman uses when he is nearby. "We shall see, HeartsEase. Tun and RedFeather can help you with teaching about cold and survival to those who may be out and need such training. Some come from tribes where weather like this is seldom, if ever, seen. They may need help and not know they need it." She tends to her tribe first, of course. She then falls silent, not in an unfriendly way, just thinking.

Skyfire will have to bring this information back to the Apisachi unless Turning-Leaf has already seen such things in her own visions... or even his own grandmother, for that matter. Thank the gods that the other child won't be born until the summer... it won't have to worry about suffering through the cold. But he should forage for enough dead wood to keep the fires burning.

HeartsEase nods slowly. "Redtree can help too. She survived winters alone before she came to us. She has valuable skills."

Spirit-Whisperer takes a slow drag from his cup of tea, the bitter liquid having gone from hot to warm since the conversation started. Swallowing, he pauses thoughtfully. "We still have no real idea what we're facing, but we'll do what we can to communicate with you when we discover more -- whatever the meaning of these visions might be."

Many Shadows nods once as if such is only to be expected. "It has been some time since I have been to Haven. What news from there other, than the warnings, do you bring?"

Skyfire is about to fall back into his reverie, but he hears Many Shadows ask about other news from Haven. "How are Jana and Starsong? Will you tell them I send greetings?" He may not miss the place itself, but he misses some of the people there.

HeartsEase raises to her feet. "Excuse me. I have things I must tend to." With that, she quickly moves to the door and slips out.

Spirit-Whisperer smiles, nodding to HeartsEase as she exits. To Many Shadows, he tilts his head and frowns noncommittally. "Well, we feel the effects of the Varati's war with themselves. Varati goods have become quite costly, and more than a few Havenites miss the spices in their meals."

He peers down into his cup, swirling the sediment at the bottom. With a furrowed brow, the halfbreed adds, "You know, the Ettowealona could probably trade teas and herbs in the city. The Varati absence in that market could make such a venture quite profitable."

He turns to Skyfire with a smile. "They are both well enough, though I haven't spoken with either of them in some time. I'll send your regards."

Skyfire gives a nod of thanks, "I wrote Jana once, but with LittleTree learning to walk and Fireheart's adventure, I haven't been able to write another." Making the paper was a bit of a chore as well. But he may have time if he's holed up in a cave during the coldest days.

Many Shadows listens quietly. She nods as HeartsEase leaves, then again at the suggestion for trade. "Need seed to create a supply of those. Not sure ours would be ones they seek, if they are used to the more exotic." She then speaks in a low tone, "Have you heard from my daughter of late? Is she... all right?" That is asked hesitantly.

That's a touchy subject, and Spirit-Whisperer winces very slightly when Many Shadows brings it up. More subdued himself, he shakes his head slightly. "It's been quite a while since I've seen her. Last I did, she was... changed." He frowns, choosing to watch the sediment in his cup rather than the old woman's face. "She told me that she chose to accept more of Fox into her. She's some degree wilder now." The man's shoulders droop as he stands there.

Skyfire doesn't think he's met Many Shadows' daughter, so he remains against the wall, glancing at the two before looking back into the fire.

Many Shadows draws a shaky breath and reaches over to lay one hand on Spirit-Whisperer's shoulder in sympathy. "I... am sorry. I know that hurt you... as much as me."

She then looks toward Skyfire. "Amazing, how much we can tolerate -- how strong we are and do not know it. When I think of myself, I do not see one specific thing, nor one event, nor one... thing that is me. I just 'am.' That is enough. I 'am.' I have the gift of life, am shaped by things and people around me, choose what affects me or not, take a risk or not. It does not have to have a purpose, does not have to be deep. It does not have to have a reason I understand, it is enough to accept I 'am.'

"To worry and to delve too deeply is to become dissatisfied when it is not needful. Perhaps it is wrong, to accept such, but it is the only way I can cope with what I must. Each person finds their own way to handle such matters." Odd that she speaks in such a way, even odder that her glance darts to Skyfire at such a time, but she's an odd little woman, irritating at times -- sometimes by design, sometimes by accident.

Her sense of humor makes her wink and add wryly "At least one has good times to warm the memory."

Spirit-Whisperer smiles and shrugs. He doesn't stand quite as straight, perhaps -- doesn't cast as strong a presence as he's become accustomed. He listens as Many Shadows shares her cryptic wisdom and chuckles as she finishes. This halfbreed has always appreciated wisdom of the cryptic sort. In one motion, he drains the last contents of his cup.

Skyfire looks up as he is spoken to, but cannot meet Many Shadows' eyes for very long. A hand lifts to rub at his eyes as the headache he had earlier threatens to return. His mood seems to have tapered off, back to reflection. "Do you never feel torn?" Perhaps it is a wisdom that comes with age. He has neither yet.

Many Shadows looks toward Spirit-Whisperer for a moment, nodding a little for him to speak then steeling herself to answer. Her voice becomes more stern, toward herself as much as any. "If I let myself be. It is all right to wonder 'what if.' It is all right to dream, but not to the point of neglecting what is for what might be. Think. What will you have if you follow one path? If you reach its end, what will you be?

"Hermit, reclusive, freedom of responsibility, freedom of the burden of those who care for you, of the weight of their regard? Free to wander? It is all right to seek and take retreats, to rest the mind and heart at times. It helps strengthen the will. I do not find myself torn as you are now. I find myself torn between those I love and loss of them, about which I have no control. I find myself torn by seeing different paths for the tribe, and no guidance which to walk with them. But I do not feel torn as you seem to be. Morning-Mist would understand that... or she would have at one time... the being torn the way you are, Skyfire."

She looks expectantly toward Spirit-Whisperer and explains, "He feels Grandmother's call too strongly."

Spirit-Whisperer acknowledges Many Shadows' look and begins bobbing his head as she speaks, continuing to thoughtfully nod throughout her speech. Once she finishes, he adds, "It's a common thing to feel torn, Skyfire." He then suddenly lets out a laughing snort. "Look at me. In what way am I not torn between two poles?" He winks at the Sylvan. "I've long ago resigned myself to the fact that I follow the path that the Trickster sets before me. The only choice that any of us have is to either step forward along that path or to stop moving." He shrugs. "I choose to move."

If it were just Grandmother's call, he could answer it. Or deal with it. But he also has his family, and doesn't think he can give that up. With a sigh, Skyfire tries to explain, "What if there are two paths? One leads to solitude and peace... the other to family and tribe... and discomfort. Both can be taken for separate reasons, but I can't ask Fireheart and the children to go away from the tribe just because of me."

Shaking his head, he moves to another part of the chamber, "It's something I need to work out myself." Before leaving, he adds, "It is good to see you again, Inkana."

FIN  

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