Date: August 19, 1999
Place: Crescent Lake - Forest, Forest Grove, Waterfall - Northern Forest
Cast: Fireheart, Many Shadows, SilverFox, Skyfire, Spirit-Whisperer, Starsong, Wind Runner
Scene: Spirit-Whisperer leads a delegation from Delphi to negotiate with the Apisachi for a supply of lungroot, an herb that is known to cure the sickness that is spreading through Haven.

Crescent Lake - Forest:
      Several springs and Twisting Creek feed a small crescent shaped lake. The main flow of water enters from the northeast and exits at the south to tumble over a waterfall as it continues along its way. Thick brush and trees overhang the marshy outer curve of the shore. Tracks of many animals may be seen in the deep mire at the margin of the lake. Clouds of insects infest the growth. Shadows of fish swimming and sparkles as they break the surface of the water show the lake is a rich fishing ground. The inner curve of the lake is largely made of cliffs and rocks broken and tossed in an upheaval that tore the earth. A few canoes are pulled up on the hostile shore. Rocky outcroppings along trails that wind between trees bent and torn by lashings of frequent storms provide a few natural caves to shelter travelers.

The group stands ready. Spirit-Whisperer looks across the water of the lake for several minutes while the others prepare for the next leg of their journey. He's quiet, a still silhouette on a rocky overhang. The Ettowealona scouts are speaking quietly amongst themselves. The four seem ready to go, a relaxed alertness evident in them.

Starsong's quick footsteps can be heard scurrying across the dried leaves and twigs of the forest floor before the girl herself comes into view. "Pardon, Elder," she calls, a little breathlessly, as she draws near. "I'm sorry I'm late -- I was helping with the children..." She skids to a stop next to Spirit-Whisperer, trying to catch her breath as she leans over, putting her hands on her knees.

Spirit-Whisperer turns to Starsong and smiles. "That's all right. Are you ready to go?" The halfbreed steps away from the lake and places a hand on the girl's shoulder. "I think everyone else is." He sweeps his gaze across the others assembled as he walks toward the rest of the group.

Starsong straightens up, nodding as she returns the smile, warmly and more than a little relieved. "Yes... I'm ready." She does her best to push her hair into some kind of order, or at least to get it out of her face, as she darts a quick, sheepish smile towards the other Delphic mages.

The four Ettowealona scouts spread out, and one jogs ahead into the thickness of the forest. Another looks back questioningly at Spirit-Whisperer. The Estrel nods with a smile and says simply to the group, "Time to be off." That's all it takes. Within a few minutes, the journey has begun.

Starsong falls into step with the rest of the party, near the middle of the group. She remains quiet, for the most part, not wanting to disturb the silence of the forest, and the footsteps that were so carelessly audible before are now nearly completely soundless as she slips easily into the routine of forest travel.

The group is led through the forests that serve as joint hunting grounds for the Ettowealona and the Apisachi tribes. After a journey lasting about a day and a half, they encounter some of the Apisachi sentries. The Ettowealona scouts return to their tribe, and the Delphites are escorted to Wind Runner, the Apisachi Sachem. By the time that they reach the heart of the tribe, their escort has become quite large.

Forest Grove - Northern Forest:
      Brush seems to surround this surreal and quiet grove. Even the animals seem to sense a larger purpose here. While they do not move away or avoid it, they seem to walk with reverence. A large ring of massive evergreens standing in the grove, chokes off any hope for underbrush, creating a naturally shaded clearing. Several large stones are positioned between each of the trees. Obviously shaped years and years ago the stones patterns have faded and worn over time.
      Leaving the grove are two obvious paths. One leads off to the west, disappearing around a few bends. To the northeast a second path stretches off into the forest.

A commotion is caused as a large group of people moves fairly quickly through the forest. No fewer than ten Apisachi warriors surround a group of seven Sylvans that seem terribly out of place. One of the seven wears the indigo and black of a Hound's uniform, and the other six each wear Delphic kaftans. One of the Sylvans isn't even a Sylvan. It's Spirit-Whisperer, and the halfbreed Estrel isn't dressed in traveling clothes. He sports his brown kaftan like the others. They are whisked through, moving along the northeastern path.

SilverFox turns his head to see what the commotion is, and spots Spirit-Whisperer... after a few blinks, he stands and approaches, "Spirit-Whisperer? You crazy loon. Why are you in Apisachi territory?"

SilverFox regards the young girl as well, "Chookma... Starsong, wasn't it?"

Starsong, near the middle of the large group, moves almost silently through the forest, her light steps hardly disturbing the dried leaves beneath her feet, and an aura of contentment surrounding her as she moves through the trees. SilverFox's first words produce a surprised look, and her white kaftan slips forward between the darker robes of her companions as she moves towards the front of the group to get a better look. She regards Spirit-Whisperer with a mixture of curiosity and concern, but not for long -- the other man's next statement draws her attention back to him. "Chookma, Elder -- yes, that's right," she replies, with a bright smile.

SilverFox joins the group to move with them towards their destination, doubtful that the Apisachi warriors would pause long enough for a conversation.

Spirit-Whisperer turns his head in the direction of the familiar voice as he is led along. Laughing warmly, he winks at SilverFox, not showing the signs of unease that can be read in the faces of so many of his companions. "Chookma, inkana. Come and see."

Waterfall - Northern Forest:
      A large foothill, rests here covered by the surrounding forest. Runoff from in the mountains trickles down a mountain stream and cascades off a small forty foot cliff. The waterfall ends in a serene pool, some twenty feet across. The waters of the pool appear cool, but almost see through they are so clean. From there the water drains out another stream and to the east.
      On the east side of the waterfall is an opening to a cave. To get past the streams and to the opening there is an ancient natural stone bridge leading across the stream straight to the ledge in front of the cave.

Skyfire nods, having expected that also. He just hopes he's able to meet the challenge. "This all might not come to be... I need to speak with Delphi as well... but, as you can see, I am still here." He even gives a bit of a smile.

There's quite a bit of rustling coming from the southwest as a crowd makes its way along the wooded path. Possibly a dozen Apisachi warriors surround and lead a group that doesn't quite seem to fit with the rest of the surroundings. The halfbreed, Spirit-Whisperer, is the only non-Sylvan of the seven being escorted, but he and the others each wear formal kaftans that identify themselves as Delphites. The only one not in a kaftan wears the indigo and black uniform of a Hound. There's more than a little nervous tension that can be sensed from amid the stone-walkers. The Estrel wears a good-natured smile, however, as he talks quietly with SilverFox. "Need dictates," he says, but his words trail off as he notices Skyfire and Wind Runner.

Starsong, near the front of the group, spots Skyfire almost immediately, and her face lights up with a bright smile. She looks ready to call out to him, opening her mouth -- but then closes it tightly, restraining herself with some effort and letting the others do the talking.

The voices and rustlings are a warning. Heeding it, Skyfire scrambles to his feet from his seat across from Wind Runner. "Damn..." he mutters and debates moving further into the forest. But then he would be chased and that wouldn't be good. His green eyes flick to the Hound and he stands a little straighter... assuming a pose that basically says, 'I did nothing wrong.'

There is a call for SilverFox from a distance -- HeartsEase's voice. He turns to face the group, "I'll have to finish this conversation later. Good luck to you." He nods with a smile and wink to Starsong, "Safe trails, young Starsong."

Starsong flashes a quick smile to SilverFox, replying, "And to you, Elder!"

Long legs unfold, lifting a rather tall, shadowy Sylvan. Unbound ebon hair is soon swept back into a tightly wound strap of leather, even as Wind Runner stands. The movement in and of itself allows twin scars to be seen: each making jagged paths from sinewy armpit to the tip of her middle finger. Made of stone, could this one be, but for the flames that flicker dangerously within the woman's gaze. A nod is given her warriors, a blunt welcome if any, before her silence addresses now these strangers with a probing gaze. Stone-walkers.

Starsong falls silent as SilverFox leaves, turning her attention back to the other Apisachi. Seeing Wind Runner -- and seeing Wind Runner's expression -- her smile fades, and she bows her head respectfully, saying nothing and once more deferring to her elders. Still, her bright eyes peek hopefully up at the woman, checking her reaction to the events at hand.

They make a colorful menagerie, these stone-walkers. Spirit-Whisperer steps forward two steps from the rest, the jeweled star on his breast contrasting the much more subdued brown of his robe. The two women just behind him wear deep indigo kaftans, and one of the men wears blue-grey while the other wears grey accented with green. And, of course, there's Starsong's white. The Hound, a Sylvan with one grey eye and one green, seems the least at ease among the group, his hands fidgeting nervously. The Estrel is a relatively slight man, but his bright blue eyes are intense. He also carries himself with an air of authority that is evident in his posture. His hands are clasped in front of him, swallowed by his sleeves. He bows slightly to Wind Runner, gaze steady.

Skyfire keeps his eyes on the posse, especially the Hound. Luckily it looks like he may be able to get along better in the forest than the parti-eyed Sylvan could. That gives him some comfort, as well as some courage to start backing up slowly... one step at a time.

Ahh, but the tribe has different ideas. Eyes begin watching from the wilderness, unseen but felt, without a doubt. A great, gnarled staff of undetermined strength finds rest to Wind Runner's side. "You risk much." A woman of little words, it seems a wealth can be fit into such a simple statement. Gruffly comes her low-throated greeting, a bit unfriendly at best. "Why?"

Starsong swallows, sensing the presence of the invisible audience... but to her, these are familiar eyes, belonging to people she has met before. Slowly, she lifts her head, looking straight at Wind Runner, although she still does not speak.

Spirit-Whisperer feels the eyes. It would be impossible not to. The others become even more tense. The halfbreed dips his head in a graceful acknowledgment of Wind Runner's words, pausing a moment before answering. "The time inevitably comes when a Sachem must risk a journey into the territory of a hostile tribe. This action is never considered lightly, and the need is usually most dire." Bright eyes study the woman's face. "Today, I am that Sachem, and the need is indeed dire. I am Spirit-Whisperer. I come to you as a representative of the ruling council of the city of Haven, and many lives depend on the success of my mission."

So... Spirit-Whisperer might not be here to fetch him! Skyfire stops in his retreat, tilting his head slightly as he half-hides behind one of the trees to listen. His eyes flicker from Wind Runner to Spirit-Whisperer... but he does spare a quick smile to Starsong. He did see her, but only now is he relaxed enough to even return the smile.

"You are no Sachem." No rancor. No heat. Instead, an intensity that radiates from within Wind Runner, hearty enough to touch those of sensitive natures nearby. Knuckles flex as callused hands clench and unclench over finely oiled wood. "You seek the cure. For the filth with the filth."

Starsong stands near the front of the group from Delphi, silent but watchful as Spirit-Whisperer and Wind Runner speak. The Apisachi woman's last words make her draw back, just a little bit, and her eyes betray the hurt and confusion that she almost entirely keeps from showing on her face. Still, she remains where she is, just watching.

Spirit-Whisperer remains an island of calm. Certainly, the magi behind him are anything but. He unclasps his hands, lifting one arm to scratch lightly against his jawline. "No," he answers simply, "I am not. But I am a leader of many people, a caretaker if you will. And yes, I seek the cure." That's a sufficient response for now. His hands clasp at his waist once again.

Skyfire stands half-hidden by one of the trees, watching. He does turn to watch Wind Runner, wondering if she would actually deny them the cure.

Many Shadows comes out the west cave slowly and makes her way across the bridge. She seems distracted and though aware of the newcomers, does not approach close enough to identify them well much less greet them. She nods in recognition of Wind Runner but does not interfere with the other Sachem's business. She hangs back and dips water into a small pot near the waterfall.

A brisk nod, and though it be a far cry from respectful, at least the Apisachi Sachem is responsive. A pregnant pause lapses as each word is carefully considered, granite soon grating against rugged granite. "Why would I give the cure to those who spread disease? To those who seek destruction of our Grandmother, Her children, and Her lands?" That fierce intensity returns, fired beneath Wind Runner's sun-speckled skin. "Why would I aid such abominations to our way of life?"

Starsong's eyes flicker sideways worriedly as she tries to gauge Spirit-Whisperer's response to this. Her mouth almost opens to reply herself, but she presses her lips tightly shut and folds her hands together behind her back. The uneasiness in her eyes grows, though, as she watches.

What perfect timing. As the Ettowealona Sachem enters the scene, Spirit-Whisperer's steady demeanor cracks. Just slightly. There is hardly a flinch, and his expression smooths itself quickly, but his concentration slips a bit, and he takes a few extra moments to regain his focus. "The disease does not discriminate. It is spread by many of those exposed to it. From what I understand, those in the forest also have spread it." The Estrel shrugs sadly. "Haven did not originate it, but we are struck by its fury nonetheless. I am here to ask aid. I've come to understand that the Apisachi have a cure. Will you share it with us?"

Fireheart sits silently in the shadows at the base of a tree, her immobility keeping her little noticed as she listens to the exchange in progress.

Skyfire steps away from the tree and almost speaks up, but he waits to see what Wind Runner will say. His eyes to finally rest on the one dressed in the grayed green kaftan...so like the one he used to own. That one hasn't figured it out yet?

"Why should I? What have you to give, to compensate my people for pilfering our lands?" A closer step is taken, anger beginning to seep from one pore, and then two. "I can discriminate. I can help our Grandmother's people, and leave stone-walker flesh and enemies who wish to destroy us to rot. So!" Wind Runner's staff connects soundly with land. "I ask WHY SHOULD I?" Well, demand is a better descriptive word, but that's beside the point. Honestly.

Many Shadows turns at the thump, her attention caught. Carefully the woman makes her way around the moisture slick boulders and rocks to the gathering of people. She keeps her thoughts and feelings to herself and for the time being simply observes. Her eyes let their gaze rest on those she recognizes.

Starsong flinches at Wind Runner's tone, eyes squeezing shut for a moment as if by doing so, she could shut out the harsh words as well. When she opens them again, she turns to look at the halfbreed, almost desperately. The tension in her shoulders betrays what is otherwise hidden from view -- her hands, folded together behind her back, clutching each other tightly in her strain.

Fireheart stands as Wind Runner's voice raises in register. Casually, she rummages around in the brush behind her and pulls out her bow and quiver. Slowly and methodically she strings the bow. No actions are hostile, just done in a matter-of-fact manner.

Spirit-Whisperer silently curses himself for the lapse that cost him the tempo of the negotiation. Damn that woman and her sudden appearance. His eyes flicker as he works to regain what was lost. With a sudden grin, the halfbreed's mischievous nature can't help but interject a quiet answer: "I don't suppose an appeal to your kind heart..." This comment is quickly cut off as the Estrel changes course. "What do I have to give," he asks with new volume and confidence. The man returns the Sachem's look steadily. "What do you want? Your regard for the things possessed by stone-walkers isn't very high, I'd imagine." Now the negotiation is going. Just don't let yourself lose your balance again.

Skyfire's lower lip is chewed on as he listens, quietly moving to stand behind Fireheart. Wind Runner wouldn't completely deny the cure, would she?

Fireheart stands silently listening. She keeps her attention focused on Wind Runner, her Sachem. For now she functions in dual purpose as every other of the tribe does when need is there. She is a warrior. A sidelong glance is given Skyfire and s soft murmur of reassurance. "She will do what is best for Grandmother and the tribe."

Many Shadows listens alertly but does not interrupt the proceedings. She comes forward to stand beside Wind Runner.

Golden cat eyes miss absolutely nothing, the changes within Spirit-Whisperer duly noted. "We have been expecting you, stone-walker." Then it is that nostrils flare, ever so slightly, for a sniff. Snufflesnuffle. It takes three, exactly. Three whiffs for nostrils to shrivel inwards, as though offended by some odor or another. It is the only outward change within Wind Runner. "Our Goddess' land has been scarred. Torn apart by those who abuse it for this thing called profits." Each word is carefully enunciated. "If we are to offer a cure to your kind, you must offer, as well, land to the Apisachi and Ettowealona. You must offer this land you have mutilated into our healing hands."

Many Shadows nods once approvingly. Her voice is raised to speak in tones that flow forth with depth and projection to easily reach ears without seeming loud. Leaf-green eyes are pragmatic. "Grandmother sustains us, so our needs are few. There is little to offer us that our Gods have not already given us. To us land is life in a manner of speaking, and the restoration of land to what it once was and longs to be, the giving of stewardship, is a worthy price to us."

Fireheart sets the lower limb of the bow at rest against her hip. A free hand rises to slide into Skyfire's and squeeze reassuringly. She listens to each of the ones speaking but things seem to be rolling along nicely without her speaking, so remains silent.

There it is. Her demand. Spirit-Whisperer stands silent, his face a mask as he seems to consider. The rest of Delphi's delegation seems shocked at the request, and the two women wearing indigo whisper quietly between themselves. In contrast, an easy smile finds the Estrel's face, and he tilts his head to regard Many Shadows. "Chookma, Sachem. It is good to see you again." He doesn't respond to her comment directly, but he adds, "Perhaps we two will find the time to speak later." Attention moves back to Wind Runner, and after another moment, there's an easy nod. "How much?" A pause. "How much land, and how much cure?"

Skyfire looks about the forest, remembering the story of the Pleached thicket Fireheart told not too long ago. He turns to smile as she clasps his hand and he allows himself to relax a little more. With any luck he'll be forgotten. And then he could help rebuild the land Grandmother originally gave them. His eyes drift back to the Delphic delegation as they mutter, wondering idly how much cure it would take to help the entire city.

It is not difficult to see the immense respect held by Wind Runner for her sister tribe's Sachem, Many Shadows, for not only does it glint in those wily eyes, but it softens her demeanor as well. Soften, of course, being relative. "Cure enough to cease this sickness. No more, no less. Two wide swaths of land that border ours, ruined by this farming." Take it, or leave it. Oh, and one more thing. "Skyfire will teach eventually, he tells me. Among others, Skyfire will take upon Sylvan students of stone-walkers, and teach them to love a portion of this earth, and nurture it."

Many Shadows folds her arms across her chest, her staff leaning against her shoulder. She turns her glance toward the other Sachem and murmurs, "Skyfire has learned through his growing skills to better understand the earth and protect it. He will help provide for you when I cannot." She looks toward the Delphic party. "How much will be needful to cure this illness? From what I have observed, once it is known, it takes a finger-length of the root per person per day for at least a week."

Fireheart speaks aside to Skyfire. "Longer if the caretaker is not overly fond of the sick person." She lowers one eyelid in a wink and makes a face indicating the nasty taste.

A wide grin comes onto Spirit-Whisperer's face. He shakes his head, lightly clicking his tongue. "My dear Sachem. Nothing in this world is 'take it or leave it.' We both dearly want something that the other has to give. And there's still the matter of further defining the terms." His expression sobers. "How wide a swath? And you have enough supply to guarantee that you can heal all those sick in Haven?" His gaze drifts over to Skyfire, head shaking almost imperceptibly, but there's possibly a bit of mild amusement that can be detected in his eyes.

Skyfire drops his head into his hand, not believing Wind Runner said what she did... and Many Shadows... in front of Spirit-Whisperer and the entire Delphic delegation. He was quite happy being in the background... hopefully forgotten in the middle of the negotiations. Oh, Ferrin, what have you gotten him into this time? He gives Fireheart's hand a squeeze and looks over to her, trying to smile. "At least you didn't have to drink it all day..." he murmurs, his somewhat weak attempt at humor.

The woods round the clearing are not quite so deserted as they may seem. To one who has knowledge of Sylvan ways, the occasional brush of one twig against another in a manner neither touch or wind causes and the occasional cough from the bushes or behind trees signals others are nearby.

A snort of what sounds to be humor escapes Wind Runner, having caught Skyfire's words with sharp ears. "Good for you. Puts hair on your chest. Makes you strong." Stubbornness infuses within Wind Runner, "Each swath to be measured by my run, time counted to 360 in each direction." As for the herb, "We Apisachi have enough within our lands." Impassive arms fold directly over Wind Runner's chest, those scars disappearing from sight.

"Hmm." Spirit-Whisperer seems to consider before asking doubtfully, "You are measuring the distance from a single point by the territory of each tribe? Two half-circles?" He lifts a hand to rub his chin thoughtfully.

Oh, no no no. "Squares," corrects Wind Runner.

Even though Fireheart declared him well, Skyfire still is suddenly rather tired. Perhaps it is the stress of the day wearing on his already slightly lowered reserves. Another hand-squeeze is given to Fireheart as he murmurs, "I'm going to try and sleep for a bit..." He glances to the Delphic delegation and almost dares them to forbid him his nap.

Fireheart nods once to the redheaded male and releases his hand. She, however, remains near her Sachem, watchful.

Many Shadows listens silently.

After another moment of consideration, Spirit-Whisperer nods his head once. "If you change the measurements to extend 180 out from the forest along a width of 720, and your count is so..." He begins counting with about a second between each number. "Then I have no problem agreeing to the exchange of land for lungroot. However," a pause while his fingers are tapped against his thigh, "I think the matter of Skyfire here demands some clarification. Also, I would have to send word to Delphi and receive authorization to trade land. That may take a day's time. With my recommendation, I'm confident that the Estrella will ratify the deal."

Skyfire turns after hearing his name to head back to the caves, even though he would prefer to sleep outside. But it is warmer and quieter there... and if he can manage to actually get to sleep it will most likely help a great deal. Quietly, with barely a sound to betray his movement, he disappears into the dark opening of the cavern. But his sleep will no doubt be difficult in coming, since he will most likely worry about the 'clarification.'

Skyfire slips past stone and tree, entering the cave to the west of the falls.

Many Shadows nods. "He has learned and practiced well the tasks on Acolyte level. It will not be long before he has a breakthrough to the next level. He is gaining strength and control. He is very close," the words murmur in soft tones. "He has been worked hard in encouraging more of the lungroot to grow and helping provide for needs here." At that, she falls silent again, her report on her student's progress explained.

Wind Runner grunts softly, calculations running rapidly through her head. "The land I agree with. Skyfire is a concern. We will speak later of this. For now, sit. Eat. Rest. Your return journey will be long." Not bothering to mention the fact that all will be under guard and watch, that part most likely needs not be spoken. Hey, at least she's didn't order death. That's a good sign.

Fireheart nods as Wind Runner's orders are given and helps other tribe members, Gentle Voice, High Glider and Long Leap prepare for the guests. Once they're shown where things are and offered food, she returns to a quiet spot to keep watch.

Spirit-Whisperer, for one, is glad for the option of food and rest over death. He bobs his head once at Wind Runner's words. "I'll send a message by bird to Haven at the first opportunity. Thank you for your consideration and your hospitality, Sachem." The man takes a step backwards to the rest of the delegation. Perhaps these others won't be needed after all. He barely suppresses a low chuckle in his chest.

Many Shadows turns to Wind Runner and clasps her forearm a moment in a silent respectful gesture then starts without a word to others to the West Cave. Arthritic joints crackle a little in protest as she moves away from the grouping.

FIN  

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