The Woods are a Busy Place

Through the trees can now be seen in the distance a decently wide river, coursing across a mixed gravel-and-sand bed. On the smoothed rocks near the water another wild elf in leathers tends a cookfire on which roasts the carcase of a deer. The griffon that had previously been with the ranger in the woods is sitting on his hindquarters by the fire, while standing on his front talons preening his wing feathers with his reflectively silver beak. The smell of roasting venison wafts tantalizingly through the air, slightly offset by the fresh scent of pine trees. Ga'Elian calls ahead, in an uncharacteristically carrying voice, "Pendaril, we have guests!" The elf by the river looks, then waves to acknowledge. Meanwhile Elian, seeing Morgan, invites, "Care to join us for a riverside meal, Morgan?"

Morgan looks over and gives a hello nod with a hello and then says to Elian "I did it again." she pulls her hood off showing her skin looking red and green but this time her medium hair is replaced with longer then normal, if she removed her cloak it might show past her back side "Do you have any lemon grass... and yes that food smells devine."

Synnir continues following slowly, that is until the river comes into view and he stops dead in his tracks, taking a breath before stepping forwards again, moving closer to the others as they seem to head towards the fire. Out of place he does feel, However such is to be expected from one such as he. "So... you live here?" The words spoken almost at random with no real direction given, a quiet wavering in the voice, Uncertainty perhaps.

Yelrona kicks her boots off and sits by the riverbank, letting her feet rest in the running water.

Ga'Elian replies to the lad, "Yes. I live here. Well, not always exactly here, but in the wilderness." He points to the other elf and says, "This is my cousin, Pendaril. He'll cut you some meat if you want. There's also. basket of berries." Then to Morgan he says, "I don't have any lemongrass here, but I know where to collect it and it's not far. Do you want me to go fetch some now?"

Morgan shakes her head to Elian "no sadly for the potion I have to gather it myself." then to the elven man preparing the food "thank you." she waits for Elian to point or say where and she goes off for a few minutes.

Synnir leans against one of the trees, listening to the sounds of people talking as well as the water and the sounds of nature about him... before he passes out.

There is nothing, no sound at all to warn Synnir before there is simply someone behind the tree that he is leaning against. A twinkle of a bell so close and then a gently deep voice amused in nature speaks up. "Room for another?" This shadow elf is dressed for the city as well, though like a shadow he seems entirely at home. As he moves earrings glitter and shine in the light, and he moves with an easy grace that means he walks in a circle of silence save an occasional chime. He smiles with a flash of white teeth.

Yelrona looks up at the new arrival and looks him over carefully, her eyes almost seeming to glow with manic fervor for a moment. Then she waves to indicate the woods. "There does seem to be quite a lot of space," she observes dryly. "Well met."

Ga'Elian answers Morgan, "No problem. I'll lead you there as soon as I..." He looks over toward Synner's collapsed form then suddenly stops talking as a mul'niessa steps out of the trees. In no time, the wild elf has his longbow in hand and an arrow nocked, pointing toward him. He says, "Who are you?"

Morgan comes out of the woods with a bottle full of grass as she is putting some oil in it she slows down a bit as she recite a few arcane words and slips in a insult or two about not paying enough attention to what she was doing before.

The Mul'niessa lifts his hands and smiles more widely, clearly even more amused now than before. "I am Daechir Calithailin, but please call me Daed. I would be very happy to meet you, if you do not shoot me that is."

Another arrives with no sound, despite significant comparative mass to most present. The destrier-sized lupine lopes from the undergrowth and onto the bank, slowing to a halt as others come into view. There is then a sound, that of an exuberant "PEEP!" Nearly lost in the white fur is a tiny, scaled rider who guides the lupine with little tugs of tiny claws on each ear.

On her way through the woods in Amaya, bit of a frown on her expression as she stops to look down at a compass on a hand, then trying to check up the sky through the tall trees. She mutters about being back at sea, shakes her head and climbs up on a large rock to try and take a look around but what she catches is the scent of food being made not too far from here. Jumping back down she begins to approach, attempting to keep her steps quiet.

Yelrona laughs. "That is... quite a name," she observes. "On the other hand, if Elian shoots you, then we'd perforce call you 'dead'. Are you --" she cuts off when she spots the white wolf, gets quickly to her feet, then bursts out laughing again at the small Sith-Makar. "Are you lost, little one? Or simply adventuring?"

Morgan keeps walking but stops as she sees a dire wolf and nothing else "Umm mister super ranger is this one of your friends?" said hoping.

Ga'Elian lowers his bow and says, with still a hint of caution, "Daechir Calithailin is it? I will let you pass, but I'll be observing. Your people aren't well regarded among mine, and I'll not welcome trouble, but you may eat with us and prove yourself... Daed." (No pressure or anything.)

Daechir lowers his arms and nods politely to the other man, eyes flickering over to the dire wolf. In truth there had been a bit of tension in him at its arrival, but with the bow on him there was no action to take but inaction. Then as the wolf growls his hands immediately go back up. "I mean no harm here." He looks at the rider of the magnificent animal. "I simply heard the sound of voices and wished to acquaint myself with their owners."

Ga'Elian says to the wolf. "Peace on your nest, Shaman, and welcome to mine."

Approaching through the undergrowth Amaya steps out into sight not too far where the dire wolf came out of, watching as it seems to be growling off towards the group where she spots some familiar faces. She places one hand casually on the handle of her scimitar, tsking, "Now, now. What seems to be going on here..?" she keeps an easy expression even if her eyes seem attentive, as if measuring if there's any threat.

Yelrona scowls at Ga'Elian and sighs. "Such a _polite_ welcome, too. Oh, don't YOU start," she snaps at the wolf, annoyed. "If we're going to start playing whose-race-is-mad-at-whose, I have a cousin whose great-uncle got mauled by a dire wolf once, and the first Luckbringer I ever met was a Mul, so it's a stupid game but if we're GOING to play then we're not on the same side of it. Next move?"

Dire Wolf snorts, then then the growl raises in pitch and alters in form. "Peace on your nest, hunter. Be mindful of your guests." Eyes then flick to Yelrona and linger there, though nothing is said. Instead, the lupine rears up partially, even as its fur begins to ripple. Dire Wolf ripples and alters, gaining or retaining humanoid form, yet growing a muscular tail as her body smooths over in fine ebon scales.

Once more given uncertain welcome Daed lowers his hands and smiles at the Sith-Makar. Despite everything he seems in good humor. He approaches - albeit slowly and telegraphing every movement so as to not draw the ire of those who seem uncomfortable with his presence - the meat and the cousin of Ga'Elian's. "As before, you may call me Daed, and you all are?"

Ga'Elian tells Morgan, "I'm sorry, our little side-trip will have to wait." He raises an eye at Rona's comment, but says nothing to her. Instead he answers Un'eth and says, "Aye. Mindful and vigilant." Then, his tone softening with obvious effort to sound more welcoming, he looks at the mul, and says, "Come. I'll introduce you to my friends. First of all, I'm Ga'Elian..." Introductions continue.

"Yelrona, of Tarien's House," Rona chimes in with a lazy salute, "formerly of Yves Namvadin* in the Mythwood."

"By Tarien, been a while since I saw one o' those.., Hmmm, you don't seem like you are the life of the party most of the times though.." Amaya eyes the Sith-Makar up and down a moment, even as a grin remains on her expression and then adjusts the scimitar on her belt but let's it go, stepping aside and going around Un'Eth while wandering closer to camp. "Hello."

Un'eth's rider remains on her head, now clutching horns in claws rather than fur. Her tail thumps the ground firmly. "I am Un'eth," she introduces for those not already familiar, "Shaman of the Tyrranik, Warder of Ea, and Caretaker of Mictlan." For those knowledgeable in such, her name is a sildanyari (specifically Charneth) for 'creature' or 'vermin'; a derogatory connotation.

Daechir nods to each person in turn, his lips twitching slightly at Un'eth's name but says nothing about it. "I wish peace upon you all. I... did not expect to find the woods so well-populated. Is it always thus?"

Yelrona laughs. "Depends on where in the woods you go. There's a LOT of woods."

GAME: Yelrona rolls sense motive: (18)+18: 36
GAME: Daechir rolls Bluff: (10)+8: 18

"Well, depends. If you are going to be cooking some delicious food around you are bound to catch the attention of a few predators." Amaya replies to the Mul'niessa, lips pulling as she offers the man a predatory grin and she opens her arms to the side. "I am Amaya, the grand duelist and scourge of the seas. For those who do not yet know of me."

"Food will draw the hungry, and the curious, ssa," Un'eth confirms. "This near to the city and the trading grounds, there will be more softskins than the deep wilds, and less of Ea's other children."

Ga'Elian says, "Well, anyway, 'tis a fine summer day and I'm feeling sweaty. I went hunting this morning, and Pendaril is roasting the results. I hadn't expected so many guests, but there is enough. Anyway, if you'll excuse me, I feel like going into the cool water for a bit." Not waiting for anyone's permission, the ranger removes item after item from his body, putting everything except his quiver into his satchel, which shows no sign of becoming fuller. When he is utterly naked, he walks down into the shallows and pauses to get accustomed to the cold of the water, then walk further in until he is at swimming depth. Covering his back is a magically-animated tattoo depicting the Great Stag standing before the Ygdrassil Tree looking up at Eluna's full moon." He turns and looks back to the crowded riverbank, and says, "Anyone else?"

Yelrona watches Elian strip, amused, then turns her attention curiously to the rest of the party.

"I will keep that in mind the next time I venture out into the woods." Daed pauses as Ga'Elian speaks up and strips. The tattoo definitely draws the eye. It is a beautiful work of art after all. Once Ga'Elian is in the water Daechir laughs at his offer, and there is the odd sound in it. "I might have, but I think if I were I might offend some more than I already have." He glances toward Yelrona. "Though perhaps not all."

The griffon gets up and follows his elf into the water.

Un'eth exhales a brief staccato series of hisses. "You act as though you are part fish, hunter..." There is an eager PEEP above her, and much pointing of little claws to the water. A reminder of why they originally came. She starts for the water's edge, extranding her arm for the little one to scamper along and then leap from into the water. Un'eth wades in after.

Amaya snorts visibly at Ga'Elian and at the invite to get into the water, "You need to work out on your execution on how to convince us to get naked. But nice touch with showing us the tattoo." the amused grin remaining on her expression as she sits down on the banks lazily, eyes then going to the others as she relaxes back on her elbows.

Yelrona chuckles at Daed's comment. "Offended? Hardly." She walks over to the firepit to check on the roasting venison. "And I was saying to Synner earlier, she adds, pointing to the sleeping young man nearby, "that Elian swims enough for any three of us."

Daechir glances around, and then shrugs. "If no one minds then." He begins disrobing as well. There are many fine clothes which he discards a bit carelessly. His dark skin is as ebony as the clothing that he strips away, and when it is gone he reveals that he is toned from head to toe. He also reveals a white circle like an eclipse dark in the center and pure white in a perfect circle around on his left shoulder blade. Daed doesn't hesitate at the water, but without taking his hair out from his long braid dives right in. After a moment he pops back up with a grin. "Brisk!"

Ga'Elian laughs merrily at having so many take up his offer. He swims over to Daed and says, "Is that Eluna's moon?" looking at the mark on the shadow elf's flesh.

Morgan joins the others "Wish I knew what my tattoo is and why I was born with it."

Un'eth stands in water up to her chest, eyes mostly on the little one as it darts about in the water. The pattern of cerulean scales along her spine could be considered artwork, though it is not embedded ink as with the softskins. "The water is refreshing with the heat of the day."

"It is after a fashion. She and Tarien battle for my heart." He smiles softly as he speaks of the moon goddess and for a moment his red-eyed gaze meets Ga'Elian. Then curiosity flashes in them and he glances toward Morgan. "Beautiful." For a moment his hand lifts, but he draws it to himself just as quickly. "Are you a sorceress?"

"Clearly I should have spent more time in bathhouses when I first arrived in Alexandria," Rona observes. "I wouldn't have been so startled when Tarien's Mark emerged."

She joins the party in the water. Although her pack, quiver, armor, clothes etc. are left piled neatly on the riverbank, she nevertheless seems fully dressed as she dives in, swims along the bottom of the river, and breaks the surface again not far from Un'eth. "You're right about the water, though."

Morgan shakes her head "No close I am a wizard."

Amaya doesn't seem to be in the mood for water diving so she remains on the banks, and closer to the food which she eyes briefly with a grin before looking at the group in the water, a brow quirking at the mention of Tarien but she making no comment, remaining silent and resting back on her hands now.

Pendaril offers Amaya some meat and berries.

Ga'Elian agrees with Un'eth, "Especially in this humidity."

"Perhaps you have some Fae ancestry yet. Such a mark..." Daed shakes his head and swims just a little closer to Ga'Elian. "You should have one of your kin research it for you; it is lovely. Though not as lovely as his." He flashes a smile at the elf.

Yelrona nods to Un'eth. "I don't doubt it. Though there's nothing wrong with staying damp in the heat, either."

Morgan nods "I would but I was adopted when I was a baby, so I have no idea who all is my family."

Ga'Elian smiles at Daed, clearly no longer anxious about his race. He says, "Why thank you."

"Well, if you -insist-." Amaya gets back up to sit on a more upright position, grinning at Pendaril and getting some meat and berries, more meat than berries really, then starts to chew on it. "Thanks." she nods her head at the man and looks back to the waters, thoughtful. Mmm, full belly.

Red eyes flash for a moment and Daed nods his head politely to Ga'Elian. "By kin I meant other wizards. Perhaps they can help you to determine your lineage?" This to Morgan obviously.

Morgan shakes her head "My parents hardly knew my mum and my da passed away before I was born. So I don’t know anything about my real parents at all."

Un'eth turns to glance at Morgan. "Your family is those who you deem worthy. Those gone before your birth are not."

Ga'Elian explains, "My tattoo came as a surprise to me. About two or three years ago, I was swimming in Alexandria under the highbridge. When I walk up to the riverbank, Yelrona there saw it on me. She having seen me naked many times before noticed it was new and asked me where I'd had it done. i had no idea what she was talking about. In fact, being a joker as she often is, I frankly didn't believe her at first. She took me to a clothing store where a merchant had an artifice devise to create an illusion of customers so that they can see how they'll look in different attire. I got naked there in the shop and for the first time beheld my own tattoo. Curious about its origin, I showed it to several sages, finally getting answers from the Elunite and Gileadite clergy. Apparently Gilead had bestowed it upon me as a sign of His divine touch."

Morgan smiles to Un'eth "I fully accept my adopted parents are my mum and da, but I would like to know something about my departed mother and father."

Daechir looks surprised, and then smiles softly. "To be so blessed is rare indeed. It must seem strange though, to wake up one day and be so changed. Only a god could do it and hope to be certain it would be something that you would like." He draws his hair around from where it is floating on the water. The red ribbon has been dyed crimson for the moment.

Amaya goes through the meat with perhaps more hunger than she wanted to let show, licking on her fingertips once she is done and pulls one leg up against her chest just before she lets out a burp, reaching behind for her backpack as she digs around for her bottle of booze. "Always need a little something to push it all down afterwards." she says with a grin to Pendaril.

Pendaril says, "Thanks. That sounds like a fine idea." He glances over at the sleeping Synnir, and says, “He doesn't look too good. He'll need some food and drink when he finally wakes."

Ga'Elian nods at Daed's response. He then says to Morgan, "I think someone could get you onto the trail to answers if you really pursue them. In the meantime, who you are is a totally fine person and much more relevant. Still, I appreciate wanting to know your heritage" At this, he lays back into a lazy float and begins to sing in Sildanyari and even bits of Mynsandraal about the sundering of the Sildanyari into the three present-day races. Doubtless, Daechir will have heard this story told with a radically different spin.

Daechir listens to Ga'Elian sing and watches him float about on the surface of the water comfortably. Not until the song is over does he speak. "Was this song for my benefit Ga'Elian?"

Amaya takes one heart swig of her bottle before she casts her gaze on Pendaril again, then on the sleeping form. "Yea? What's up with him?" she asks curiously about Synnir, offering the bottle for Pendaril to take a drink if he so wishes.

Pendaril does. Then he hands the bottle back. Wiping his mouth on his sleeve, he shrugs and says, "I dunno. He came out o' the trees with Elian and Rona and almost fainted on the spot, but he looks like 'e ain't a decent bit to eat in weeks."

Yelrona comes out of the water to have some venison, her clothes drying -- or seeming to, at least -- as soon as she leaves the water. "We ran into him on the road... he's a young bard, I think, though he's remarkably shy for a bard."

Ga'Elian raises to vertical again, treading water. He smirks at Daechir and says, "Yes, for you, although whether to share the way I was brought up or to tease, I leave up to you."

The shadow elf grins. "I think it both. I could recite for you both the Mil’niessa, and Llyranesi versions, but I have no voice for singing." Daechir sounds apologetic. "I like your version I think, if falls somewhere between the two." His gaze flickers downward, into the water before he meets Ga'Elian's eyes. "In spite of my appearance, I am actually only half Mil'niessa. My mother is Llyranesi."

Amaya takes the bottle back and immediately drinks from it again, also wiping her sleeve on her mouth. "Hmm, an artist's soul can sometimes be a delicate thing. It's not an easy path to follow. Of course that if he is any good at what he does he should totally embrace his vocation, the way I do." she runs one hand through her hair. "Why hide your talent afterall?"

"Why, indeed?" Rona shrugs. "Though I don't think it's a question of 'why?', really, so much as a question of people's nature. Shy and reserved people will be shy and reserved, even when the situation calls for boldness. Bombastic and self-aggrandizing people will be bombastic and self-aggrandizing, even when the situation calls for modesty."

Ga'Elian replies to Dead, "Is that so?". Next he immerses himself in the river, not coming up for air until a remarkable time has passed. When he does surface, he is climbing up upon the back of the griffon who has been swimming in the faster, deeper current, occasionally snapping up a fish. The ranger guides the griffon into a watery take-off, his trajectory calculated to shower the shadow elf as the large eagle-lion rises into the air. The naked ranger has no difficulty hanging on as the beast soars in a circle above the gathering, then dives from the beast's back into the deep current below, a little upstream. He then swims back to Daed's side, as the griffon flies off over the trees.

Daechir laughs with that odd little sound like bells ringing behind it as Ga'Elian swims away and joins his griffon. While they fly Daed circles a little closer to the rest of the people here, and he offers the other man a little smile. "Come, we should get out of the water." He makes a motion with his finger, his eyes a little darker in shade than they had been before.

"Oh?" Amaya leans forward a bit, looking at Rona intently and asking through a wicked grin. "And where do you fall, Yelrona? With the shy or with the bold?" she setting the bottle on the grass next to her and then chuckling, momentarily glancing towards the two elves still playing in the water.

"Me? I'm a Tarienite," Rona replies, "I fall where fortune throws me. But I have no patience for half-measures. If I'm going to do something, then I _do_ it."

Ga'Elian smiles and follows Daed up onto the riverbank. He looks at the venison and says, "Yeah, it'a about time." When they reach the bank Daed makes a small motion with his fingers, drying them off instantly. The little motion and murmur give away that he is a mage of some kind, and that he had been not even half so unarmed as he had appeared with only a rapier sheathed at his side. He gets dressed and looks over the meal with a shrug. "Or you can follow me." He turns and walks away from the food. It will not take long for his dark form to vanish into the shadows.

Ga'Elian, looking curiously at Daed, follows along making sure to not lose him in the forest.

"I call that cheating ..." Amaya says when she notes the dark elf drying off with a flick of the fingers, hmphing and shaking her head to herself. She takes another drink from her bottle and then pops herself up to her feet.

Pendaril watches Elian follow the shadow elf into the shadows and shakes his head.

-End-