Tribal Meeting
> With a sigh, he scanned the inlet again, waiting for others to arrive.
'Finally a meeting', Sunfire thought as she strode to the den. Her eyes reflected the fire within. They should have met much sooner than this.
Sunfire entered the den just before Wildlight started to speak and immediately spotted Wren, wrapped in piles of furs so she looked like a wolf herself. The firestarter didn't pause to glance or greet anyone else, but rather made a bee-line for her friend. Once she was settled into a comfortable position, she silently began to warm the area around her. She was worried about Wren, too, but knew the songshaper didn't like to be doted on. But how could she complain if she became warmer?
After offering Wren a smile, Sunfire looked towards the door, anticipating Brace's arrival. She had been so relieved to find him safe at the dens when she had returned from her unsuccessful tracking of the beasts. But she had been infuriated to learn that the dens had been attacked in her absense. Just what she had been worried would happen. They never should have left when they did. She couldn't believe there were those who felt they should go after the beasts again! Waiting to hear what others had to say first, Sunfire clenched her fists in her lap.
Seeing that no one else was being forthcoming with their opinions, Capnut
took a deep breath, holding tightly to Brightblade's hand. She was already
in enough trouble, may as well go in neck-deep. **Leaving them to regroup
and gather strength to attack us again is a mistake. We should have hunted
them down and finished them then and there. Now they can attack us again,
and with these storms weakening us ... who knows if we'll be able to fend
off another attack, especially if they throw all their forces against us.**
She fell silent then, subconsciously scooting nearer to her lovemate. She
swallowed, a little worried how her tribemates would react.
Sunfire felt her face burn at Capnut's words. It seemed to highlight her negative perspective having the ideas spoken by the person who had been most foolhearty of late. She wondered why Wildlight had said nothing of Capnut's choice to disobey his orders. In her mind, she should have been reprimanded in front of the whole tribe. Rogue actions should be taken very seriously.
> [Wren] **They follow us no matter where we go, and seem
> intent on letting us starve this White Cold. Maybe it's
> time to consider that the inlet is no longer a safe place
> for the tribe to den during the cold months.**
Looking at Wren from the corner of her eye, Sunfire looked at Wildlight's face intently for his reaction to this suggestion. It's something Sunfire had considered as well. When you added the nearby humans into the mix, it was clear this place had become less and less safe.
"We have only had two goes at the creatures. We cannot give up so easily. The ground-quake killed more and did more damage than they have." He nodded toward Nightcry. She had spoken true. They needed to know more. "I say we send spies after them, rather than hunters, this time. Everyone has been keen on studying the round-ears. We should study the shadow creatures instead, learn about them, learn their ways, count them, find their weaknesses, and then attack."
Of all the suggestions, it was Snapjaw's that caused Sunfire to speak. "I can see why it would be helpful to understand them better, but is it worth risking more lives? I think it's best to fortify our home. When all together, we can fight them off. I don't think we should split ourselves up anymore."
Her eyes flicked to Capnut, then settled on Darkstone for a moment. "If they were interested in peace, they wouldn't have attacked. I don't necessarily agree that they were giving gifts when they dropped the feathers and staff. Maybe it was even a challenge or an invitation for war. Maybe their leader was saying he wanted to fight our leader. Who knows?!" Feeling her temper rising, she paused a moment.
"I think Wren's words hold merit... not for this cold season, but for the next. I think we should start scouting for a new winter home once this season is over." -- and we've survived, she thought to herself.
Wildlight had been silent a long while now, and many had spoken their
thoughts. He felt now was the time to speak his own, at the very least to
help him keep what had been said straight.
First, he addressed what had been said first. Capnut's (and others, too,
he knew) views that the elves should have pressed on after the beasts when
they'd driven them to a retreat.
**I still hold to my opinion that coming back to the inlet was the sound
thing to do. Had we not had so many injured upon us, then perhaps we
could have pressed on. But, as it stands, we do not know where the
beasts' lair was, nor how many of their kind were laying in wait in the
next ambush. If there had not been one, I would have been surprised. We
know that they tried to divide us, tried to attack our homes when we were
divided. I do not wish to leave us vulnerable again.
**As to the thought of the cubs and life-bearers and some caretakers
living in the Hurst for the rest of the White Cold. I do not agree this
is a good idea. As Snapjaw has pointed out, this leaves those who need
protecting most the most vulnerable to attack. Just because the shadow
beasts were not at the Hurst when we left during the Stormrise Season does
not mean, in any way, that they are not there now. No. Stone is safer
than trees and is more easily defended. The cubs will remain here.**
He nodded to Snapjaw again. **I do like your idea of reconaissance,
Elder, but it's difficult to spy on an enemy whose lair is hidden. Small
groups are vulnerable, especially since we do not know their numbers. If
we do go after the creatures again, we should be prepared. I believe,
like in our last successful attack on them, we should use surprise to our
advantage. But that means doesn't answer how we are to find their lair.
I won't let an attack on the beasts be blind.
**And I also don't believe running will rid ourselves of this menace. How
the beasts discovered us the first time, I do not know. But they are wise
and cunning, as we know, and they are wise enough to find us whereever
we go - whether it be here, the Hurst, or anywhere else under the Two
Moons.**
He looked at squarely at those gathered once again. **These are my
thoughts. I have made no decision yet on how best to deal with these
creatures. That is why I want to hear your thoughts and opinions. This
threat to our homes and our safety is dire. And, though all of us may not
agree on how we choose to deal with this threat in the end, I want
everyone to have been able to have their say. Speak now if you have
thoughts.**
**Perhaps, perhaps not.** Sunfire answered Wildlight's opinion that running would not rid them of the menace. **I still think it's worth considering. This place has become more and more dangerous over time.** She felt annoyed that Wildlight had dismissed the idea so quickly. Turning to the elf next to her, she open sent while spreading her hands out in question, **Wren, tell us... are there any stories in our history when our tribe chose to find a new home because of danger?**
> **I could see more with the help of dreamberries, or maybe catch a glimpse
> of something I've missed, but right now I see only Kinshah's wanderings.
> This Inlet became their home, and their shelter from the storms. The
> tribe has been safe here ever since that time, save for Crimson's war.**
Sunfire took in Wren's sending without surprise. She knew the history of Kinshah and Crimson's war, but she wanted these subjects brought up. Looking at the past was important in these difficult times. She had also wondered if there were any stories she didn't know of, but there seemed not to be.
> She paused, thoughtful once more, then looked at Wildlight when he
> continued. **Crimson had the choice of running, too, but he chose
> to stay here and fight. A decision, as our eldest elder knows personally,
> that led to our tribe nearly being destroyed. Not many humans or elves
> survived that war.**
Strangely, Sunfire felt cold a moment, even as her firestarting magic continued to flow outwards from her body. She realized then, more than before, how worried she was over the situation.
> **The circumstances of Crimson's war were different than those now,**
> Wildlight reminded. **We have learned from what my grandsire did. The
> safety of this tribe is the most important to me, and I would not allow
> such a bloody scale of death.**
She focused her eyes on Wildlight's, hoping to make it clear how strongly she felt. Her mind-voice was soft, sincere. **That is what I fear... a bloody war. I know you have everyone's best interests at heart. We all do. But sadly, I no longer feel safe here. At what point is it not worth fighting for any longer? At what point are we risking too much?**
Her eyes drifted momentarily to the children who were mostly clustered together, then she looked back to Wildlight to hear his view. The firestarter clenched her hands in her lap in a vain attempt to dissipate the anxiety trapped inside her.
River was having trouble facing the current situation. He did not enjoy fighting - pellets, he had little to no skill to speak of. All of the options presented by fellow tribesmates had the potential to require one to fight. The thought unsettled the potter.
The elf had found a seat next to the firestarter. Ironically, he found her words came closer to mirroring his own thoughts than any of the others gathered. The idea of finding a new winter home was appealing under the circumstances. Why should they defend a place that is no longer safe? As his mind wandered in that direction, something occured to him. In a quiet voice, River shared his insight. **What if the creatures want our dwellings? Our home here provides good shelter from the elements and is relatively easy to defend. It is possible that they are doing their best to drive us away so they can have this place as their own** The thought seemed worth expressing, even though it was a bit off the wall.
**We are just as safe here as we would be moving elsewhere,** Wildlight
countered, matching his eyes to Sunfire's own. **At least here, we have
good, hard stone against our backs should we be cornered, and, so far, we
do have game nearby. And, if they do want our homes, as River suggested -
it certainly doesn't seem to be out of the question, as we found them
living in caves the last time - then do we really want to leave here and
give them what they want?**
**I didn't mean move out now or take the cubs into the open. My idea was to send out scouts when the winter season is over and we've moved back to the hurst. If we did find something we felt was better, we would go there next winter.** She shifted slightly, feeling a lot of raw energy course through her.
**As far as them getting what they want, I don't really care, just so long as they leave us alone and we don't have to keep killing each other.**
She dropped her eyes slightly, though, to indicate she was not challenging him. That wasn't her goal. He had asked for their input and she was determined to share all her thoughts. She didn't want to look back and wish she had said something when she was thinking of it.
He addressed the others, now, too. **We risk too much with any more death
- especially if our cubs are in danger. We have lost many, and there have
been no more Recognitions since Brace and Wren.... The young ones must be
our first priority. We must protect them at all costs. No, it does not
feel safe here, but it would be less so for the tribe's future if we took
the cubs and the lifebearers out into the open.**
**The creatures can't jump as high as a griffin flies,** Wren responded,
flatly. The fleeting look of surprise on Wildlight's face made it clear
that he hadn't thought of flying.
Wren let a moment pass, then continued. **We can go anywhere, safely,
that the griffins take us. We could even go to stay in their dens, if
need be. I stayed there for a few turns before my bonding to Gloaming.
It's not as sheltered up there with the wind buffeting, but the creatures
have not gone up there. Maybe they don't dare to with so many griffins
about. True, the beasts can hurt a griffin, too, but maybe they would be
hard pressed with so many of them close together.**
[Other elves immediately voiced their distrust of the griffins, others pointed out that the wolves couldn't live up there. Fox made a good point that if they were somehow attacked up there, it would be difficult to escape.]
"This is not an issue of what bond is true and which is not!" he barked.
"I called this council to settle our grievances and make a decision for
the best of the tribe. Tearfall has spoken the truth, and I will do
nothing that will divide our numbers. We have lost too many, and we will
not weaken ourselves more by cutting our tribe in half. Denning on the
peak with the flyers is out of the question!"
He wanted nothing more now than to veer from that touchy subject and to
put the discussion back to more practical matters. His tone was slightly
more calm as did so. "There is not room in this territory for elf and
shadow beast. That much is clear. Either they go, or we do. If we
choose to move, all of us will move to a place where everyone can live
together - wolfrider or griffin rider. If we choose to stay, all of us
will stay. And those of us who are able to will fight."
His voice had become raspy and his throat sore in the cool dry air of the
den. "If the choice is mine, I choose to fight. On our terms, and not on
that of the beasts. We scout and find their lair, we attack them as we
did before, and then we gut their smelly den with fire or seal it closed
with rock so they suffocate inside it."
Sunfire shifted uncomfortably and purposefully moved her hands to rest on the cool cave floor for comfort. Something didn't set well with her in this.
>**Hide in our dens or on a mountain top, it is
>still hiding. That is not the griffin's way or the
> wolves - I had not thought it was ours either.**
The firestarter stared at the ground and open sent sadly, **I had not thought it was our way to be blood-thirsty either.** She then looked back to the rest of the tribe. **I want to protect our tribe as much as anyone. If we decide there is no better place to live, then I'll defend this home with all my powers. But I don't feel right about seeking them out to destroy them all.**
**Stinging Hornets,** Darkstone sent sharply, but the send wasn't a curse.
**That's what they're like. Stinging hornets. They start building their
homes during the New Green, just a small bit of flaky comb under the lee
of some stone. Left to themselves, at first, they're fine. But let their
hive get big, then even large game had best beware when they get close to
their nest. It's likely they'll get stung to death.**
Her stare was hollow as looked at her packmates. Sorrow still wore
heavily on her features. **That's why, if the hornets try and build a
nest too close to your home, it's best to knock it down while it's small
and make them move elsewhere. Best to be safe that way than be stung to
death later. I think it might be too late to knock down the nests of
these creatures. I think we've been stung already.**
**If it was their hope to drag us to their level, I'm afraid that's the direction we're heading. Are we hunters or killers?**
This was a really hard part to write (above). I struggled with Sunfire's feelings of duty to her tribe and leader, and a deep moral dilemma over wiping out a group of creatures, no matter how cruel they seem. She has harbored feelings of guilt from their last sneak attack on the creatures, though that was arguably a little more justified since the beasts had recently done a full-scale attack on the caves (as I recall). But Wildlight and Capnut's apparent desire for blood actually makes her feel sick.
Wildlight spoke up next. **How do you define what we must do to defend
our home? Not just you, Sunfire, but any of you? I would have we would
live in peace with those creatures, but what if that is impossible? I
think it's clear from the last meeting with those thrice-cursed creatures that peace is the last thing on their minds. We cannot keep surviving their attacks, or their stealing our food - especially not during such a hard White Cold!"
Sunfire paused, thinking over what both Darkstone and Wildlight had said. **I guess we kill when we must. When we kill for food, we're hunters and we're taking what we need to survive. When we're attacked, we may kill to protect ourselves.**
**The hornets are a good comparison and it gets the point across, but it also brings up the point that hornets are simply protecting their nests when they attack. A hornet would never plot to attack someone.
These creatures, these shadow beasts or whatever you want to call them, they're intelligent... at least somewhat. They communicate in their own way. We've seen they're clever in their attacks.
Maybe in the minds of some that gives us all the more reason to kill them all. But for me, I have trouble with wiping out a group of living beings based on the little information we have. What if what we're seeing is just the actions of a few? Do they feel they're protecting something? Do they have children who are innocent of the attacks? Would we be right to kill them as well? Could you do that, if you saw a 'shadow child'?**
At this point, Sunfire was just thinking out loud. Some of the points had just occurred to her now and they tumbled from her lips in the heat of the moment. Now the firestarter found herself feeling warm again. She felt droplets of sweat forming at the base of the red-orange hair across her forehead.
Ignoring Fox's snap about re-earning trust, Capnut considered that
possibility. While she wanted to kill the beasts to protect the tribe, the
thought of killing a child.... **First of all, their children may not be as
innocent as we might think. What if they're just as dangerous and likely to
attack us? We don't know enough about them to assume that they're
completely 'innocent'. As for wiping them out - we've tried multiple times
to make peaceful overtures. Maybe we weren't doing it right, but after
enough times, they should have figured it out if they're as smart as it
looks. Peaceful intention is pretty clear I'd think. No, I think the only
thing that's going to stop them is fighting. Maybe they'll leave if we kill
enough of them. And no one said we had to completely decimate them. We
just fight the ones that fight us, and let the rest leave if they will.**
After her comment on why she felt everyone moving in with the griffins was a bad idea, Tearfall had to bite her tongue to keep from replying in anger to how off track it quickly got.
She had nothing against the bonded griffins. But they were much larger then the wolves, and she was up there with Tobin when a fight almost started over a new griffin. How would so many moving into their territory affect the current griffin rank struggle? And that was without saying about the those griffins that avoided the roosts. She was fairly sure that Tobin's Swift did not stay there long. There must be a reason, and it might lead to even more fights.
And as for moving the tribe via griffin back. That wouldn't work either, the griffins could not carry the wolves, nor would the wolves let them. So, it would be the same. The wolves would have to follow, and could still be tracked. Which defeated the entire argument.
Tearfall sighed. It was amazing how much like a cub Capnut still acted, and yet she was long out of cub hood. Always jumping into the latest argument, ignoring orders, having no respect or responsibility, and constantly changing her mind.
Something Darkstone and then Sunfire said made sense though. It was something they had overlooked.
**We must have missed something. We should search the entire area around the caves very intently. Those shadows were trying to get PAST those on watch, not attack. They want something here. Maybe they left something. We, after all, have only returned here recently.** Tearfall sent. **Was there anything unusual or disturbed when the griffin riders arrived?**
Sunfire felt a bit better now, having aired her thoughts and feelings and now getting some more feedback from others. If the intent was to attack and perhaps drive them away, she could handle that. But the intent of destroying all of them ran counter to her beliefs. She hated to kill something when not for food. But she would, to protect her people and herself.
**I agree with what Snapjaw suggested earlier - we should do more scouting, even spying, to learn more. And Tearfall, I agree, something strange is going on. I think there's more to the story than what appears on the surface.**
Snapjaw bristled immediately when Sunfire compared the tribe to the shadow beasts. The elves had never stolen the beasts' kills and only fought back when provoked. How could she compare what they had done to the thievery and tricks and assaults of the invaders? Those creatures were always the ones to take first blood. If they had left the tribe in peace, no harm would have come to them. He listened with a frown to the others talking, his impatience growing. "This is getting us nowhere," he growled softly.
Sunfire caught Snapjaw's comment, but ignored him. She didn't agree.
Dreamwind had been following the arguments carefully, occasionally nodding in agreement or frowning in opposition. The idea to go roost with the griffins was a legitimate option to be considered, even though it didn’t particularly appeal to her. Indeed, it seemed as if the option had been considered and dismissed without her input.
Her mind snapped to abrupt attention at the chief’s harsh words. Dark eyes sparked in outrage as she responded. **You might be better to ask those whose powers you wish to use before you say such things** Her mindvoice was a strong and cold as the stone her magic touched. Wildlight crossed the line in casually suggesting that she would intentionally shape a tomb. **I have no qualms in using my gift to fight and to defend, but you go too far in assuming - or even expecting - such heartlessness. Have you no mercy? Just because we can’t figure out how to deal with these creatures does not mean they have no right to exist**
Dreamwind was beginning to feel the stress of the situation and the weight of this council’s importance. She was glad to hear Sunfire object to using her firestarting abilities in such a cold-hearted fashion, and pleased again to hear Nightcry offer a constructive use of her magic.
[River] Slim fingers raked through silver curls, pulling them out of an angled face, only to have them fall back into place. **Has anyone ever thought of what would have happened if we hadn’t followed the damned things in the first place?** The potter’s asked in an irritated tone. Valid points and insightful comments were being made, but the council was essentially still chasing its tail. **Sure, they’ve set traps and ambushes - but it was our fault we got snared. Territory goes both ways. If we want them to respect ours, shouldn’t we do the same for them? Clearly mark a boundary and defend it. If they get too close, attack - but only until they’ve backed off. They’re smart, they should be able to figure it out. Bloodlust and want for revenge must be set aside. Everyone’s arguing about whether it’s better to fight or not to fight. I say it’s time we stopped to think about how a compromise can be made**
A flurry of comments and opinions had followed Sweetbreeze's departure of
the storage den. That action had left the chief distracted, and he'd
immediately wondered if he should have requested she be brought back in
inside.
He tried to get his thoughts back in focus. The tribe was far from
agreement on what to do regarding the creatures. Some wanted to fight.
Others wanted to reach a compromise. Others wanted to move. Only one
decision could be made. And it looked like it wasn't going to be reached
if everyone kept chasing each others' opinions down. Wildlight feared
that Snapjaw's comment before might be right.
**I've heard your thoughts and comments, and have taken them to heart.
I am not speaking out of want for revenge, but out of concern for the
safety of this tribe. That is what guides my decision.
**We were attacked with no warning when we first learned of the beasts'
existance, in a valley we've hunted in for as long as I can remember. We
were hounded after that on our own grounds, our rightfully made kills were
stolen from us, and traps were set up for us within a stone's throw of
these caves.
**We've been surrounded, stones have been hurled at us without provocation
from the ledges above. Our bonds, family, and friends have been hurt.
They attacked a griffin who didn't provoke them, and they baited us out of
our homes again to try and divide us only two hands of days ago with
trinkets and what some of you guessed was a plea for peace. All of this
was on our territory, not theirs.
**The only time we've stepped on their lands was when they'd hounded us
until our very survival in the White Cold demanded we take action. Every
other encounter we've had with them has been on our grounds. Our
territory. We've been lucky so far in that no elfin lives have been lost.
But we have lost bonds, and there can be no saying that one of our
lovemates, lifemates, friends, or cubs might be killed in the next attack.
I do not want to wait for that to happen before we act. This tribe cannot
afford more loss!
**That is why I don't find guilt in finding their homes, nor in showing
them that this tribe is not one to be toyed with. If games of might and
cunning are the games these creatures understand, then we have to learn
their language.**
His decision was made. **We have time to hunt before this storm breaks.
Let us do so. No one is to go alone, and if anyone encounters any shadow
beasts on OUR territory, they are to be dealt with as hostile.
**Any sightings of the beasts near our homes will be reported, and we will
meet them with arms and in a group.** His eyes went to Capnut. **I don't
want anyone to approach the beasts or chase the beasts alone. And there
will be a price to pay for going against my orders again.**
Again, he spoke to the group. **When the storm wanes, one of the griffin
riders is to take Nightcry in the direction Phoenix Dagger was attacked.
With the High Ones' help, maybe she will be able to find their dens.
When she does so, I will send a group of scouts to observe.**
**If our observations can give us more clues or other advantages, I might
change my mind as to what happens next. For now, though, I find nothing
to convince me that we are anything more than playthings for these
creatures. And we will continue to be so unless we take a stand or let
them defeat us. Letting them defeat us is not an option.
**We have the evening before the storm is upon us now. Let us use that
time wisely, or face the pangs of hunger when the skies clear again.**
Sunfire was surprised by Dreamwind's angry reaction to Wildlight's earlier words. It hadn't occurred to her that the chief had made assumptions about the use of magic against the shadow beasts. Ever since she had come into her powers, they had been called upon for the tribe. She had never refused a request. She felt the rockshaper had a good point, though. Earlier she had worried over how she would respond if Wildlight had expected her to accompany the warriors with the intent to kill off all the beasts.
But now she felt more satisfied with the plan. Before she had felt Wildlight was ummoving in his plan to stage an all-out attack against the shadow beasts. Now it was clear he would try to learn more before acting. It had helped to hear all the past events listed out, though, as a reminder of what had passed. Clearly the beasts were in the wrong and the elves had a right to defend themselves.
**It's a sound plan.** She sent to Wildlight's final speech. Then she stood, ready to join the hunt. She hoped she could talk to a few of the others alone later, perhaps with Dreamwind and Wren, to share feelings in a less formal way.
'Finally a meeting', Sunfire thought as she strode to the den. Her eyes reflected the fire within. They should have met much sooner than this.
Sunfire entered the den just before Wildlight started to speak and immediately spotted Wren, wrapped in piles of furs so she looked like a wolf herself. The firestarter didn't pause to glance or greet anyone else, but rather made a bee-line for her friend. Once she was settled into a comfortable position, she silently began to warm the area around her. She was worried about Wren, too, but knew the songshaper didn't like to be doted on. But how could she complain if she became warmer?
After offering Wren a smile, Sunfire looked towards the door, anticipating Brace's arrival. She had been so relieved to find him safe at the dens when she had returned from her unsuccessful tracking of the beasts. But she had been infuriated to learn that the dens had been attacked in her absense. Just what she had been worried would happen. They never should have left when they did. She couldn't believe there were those who felt they should go after the beasts again! Waiting to hear what others had to say first, Sunfire clenched her fists in her lap.
Seeing that no one else was being forthcoming with their opinions, Capnut
took a deep breath, holding tightly to Brightblade's hand. She was already
in enough trouble, may as well go in neck-deep. **Leaving them to regroup
and gather strength to attack us again is a mistake. We should have hunted
them down and finished them then and there. Now they can attack us again,
and with these storms weakening us ... who knows if we'll be able to fend
off another attack, especially if they throw all their forces against us.**
She fell silent then, subconsciously scooting nearer to her lovemate. She
swallowed, a little worried how her tribemates would react.
Sunfire felt her face burn at Capnut's words. It seemed to highlight her negative perspective having the ideas spoken by the person who had been most foolhearty of late. She wondered why Wildlight had said nothing of Capnut's choice to disobey his orders. In her mind, she should have been reprimanded in front of the whole tribe. Rogue actions should be taken very seriously.
> [Wren] **They follow us no matter where we go, and seem
> intent on letting us starve this White Cold. Maybe it's
> time to consider that the inlet is no longer a safe place
> for the tribe to den during the cold months.**
Looking at Wren from the corner of her eye, Sunfire looked at Wildlight's face intently for his reaction to this suggestion. It's something Sunfire had considered as well. When you added the nearby humans into the mix, it was clear this place had become less and less safe.
"We have only had two goes at the creatures. We cannot give up so easily. The ground-quake killed more and did more damage than they have." He nodded toward Nightcry. She had spoken true. They needed to know more. "I say we send spies after them, rather than hunters, this time. Everyone has been keen on studying the round-ears. We should study the shadow creatures instead, learn about them, learn their ways, count them, find their weaknesses, and then attack."
Of all the suggestions, it was Snapjaw's that caused Sunfire to speak. "I can see why it would be helpful to understand them better, but is it worth risking more lives? I think it's best to fortify our home. When all together, we can fight them off. I don't think we should split ourselves up anymore."
Her eyes flicked to Capnut, then settled on Darkstone for a moment. "If they were interested in peace, they wouldn't have attacked. I don't necessarily agree that they were giving gifts when they dropped the feathers and staff. Maybe it was even a challenge or an invitation for war. Maybe their leader was saying he wanted to fight our leader. Who knows?!" Feeling her temper rising, she paused a moment.
"I think Wren's words hold merit... not for this cold season, but for the next. I think we should start scouting for a new winter home once this season is over." -- and we've survived, she thought to herself.
Wildlight had been silent a long while now, and many had spoken their
thoughts. He felt now was the time to speak his own, at the very least to
help him keep what had been said straight.
First, he addressed what had been said first. Capnut's (and others, too,
he knew) views that the elves should have pressed on after the beasts when
they'd driven them to a retreat.
**I still hold to my opinion that coming back to the inlet was the sound
thing to do. Had we not had so many injured upon us, then perhaps we
could have pressed on. But, as it stands, we do not know where the
beasts' lair was, nor how many of their kind were laying in wait in the
next ambush. If there had not been one, I would have been surprised. We
know that they tried to divide us, tried to attack our homes when we were
divided. I do not wish to leave us vulnerable again.
**As to the thought of the cubs and life-bearers and some caretakers
living in the Hurst for the rest of the White Cold. I do not agree this
is a good idea. As Snapjaw has pointed out, this leaves those who need
protecting most the most vulnerable to attack. Just because the shadow
beasts were not at the Hurst when we left during the Stormrise Season does
not mean, in any way, that they are not there now. No. Stone is safer
than trees and is more easily defended. The cubs will remain here.**
He nodded to Snapjaw again. **I do like your idea of reconaissance,
Elder, but it's difficult to spy on an enemy whose lair is hidden. Small
groups are vulnerable, especially since we do not know their numbers. If
we do go after the creatures again, we should be prepared. I believe,
like in our last successful attack on them, we should use surprise to our
advantage. But that means doesn't answer how we are to find their lair.
I won't let an attack on the beasts be blind.
**And I also don't believe running will rid ourselves of this menace. How
the beasts discovered us the first time, I do not know. But they are wise
and cunning, as we know, and they are wise enough to find us whereever
we go - whether it be here, the Hurst, or anywhere else under the Two
Moons.**
He looked at squarely at those gathered once again. **These are my
thoughts. I have made no decision yet on how best to deal with these
creatures. That is why I want to hear your thoughts and opinions. This
threat to our homes and our safety is dire. And, though all of us may not
agree on how we choose to deal with this threat in the end, I want
everyone to have been able to have their say. Speak now if you have
thoughts.**
**Perhaps, perhaps not.** Sunfire answered Wildlight's opinion that running would not rid them of the menace. **I still think it's worth considering. This place has become more and more dangerous over time.** She felt annoyed that Wildlight had dismissed the idea so quickly. Turning to the elf next to her, she open sent while spreading her hands out in question, **Wren, tell us... are there any stories in our history when our tribe chose to find a new home because of danger?**
> **I could see more with the help of dreamberries, or maybe catch a glimpse
> of something I've missed, but right now I see only Kinshah's wanderings.
> This Inlet became their home, and their shelter from the storms. The
> tribe has been safe here ever since that time, save for Crimson's war.**
Sunfire took in Wren's sending without surprise. She knew the history of Kinshah and Crimson's war, but she wanted these subjects brought up. Looking at the past was important in these difficult times. She had also wondered if there were any stories she didn't know of, but there seemed not to be.
> She paused, thoughtful once more, then looked at Wildlight when he
> continued. **Crimson had the choice of running, too, but he chose
> to stay here and fight. A decision, as our eldest elder knows personally,
> that led to our tribe nearly being destroyed. Not many humans or elves
> survived that war.**
Strangely, Sunfire felt cold a moment, even as her firestarting magic continued to flow outwards from her body. She realized then, more than before, how worried she was over the situation.
> **The circumstances of Crimson's war were different than those now,**
> Wildlight reminded. **We have learned from what my grandsire did. The
> safety of this tribe is the most important to me, and I would not allow
> such a bloody scale of death.**
She focused her eyes on Wildlight's, hoping to make it clear how strongly she felt. Her mind-voice was soft, sincere. **That is what I fear... a bloody war. I know you have everyone's best interests at heart. We all do. But sadly, I no longer feel safe here. At what point is it not worth fighting for any longer? At what point are we risking too much?**
Her eyes drifted momentarily to the children who were mostly clustered together, then she looked back to Wildlight to hear his view. The firestarter clenched her hands in her lap in a vain attempt to dissipate the anxiety trapped inside her.
River was having trouble facing the current situation. He did not enjoy fighting - pellets, he had little to no skill to speak of. All of the options presented by fellow tribesmates had the potential to require one to fight. The thought unsettled the potter.
The elf had found a seat next to the firestarter. Ironically, he found her words came closer to mirroring his own thoughts than any of the others gathered. The idea of finding a new winter home was appealing under the circumstances. Why should they defend a place that is no longer safe? As his mind wandered in that direction, something occured to him. In a quiet voice, River shared his insight. **What if the creatures want our dwellings? Our home here provides good shelter from the elements and is relatively easy to defend. It is possible that they are doing their best to drive us away so they can have this place as their own** The thought seemed worth expressing, even though it was a bit off the wall.
**We are just as safe here as we would be moving elsewhere,** Wildlight
countered, matching his eyes to Sunfire's own. **At least here, we have
good, hard stone against our backs should we be cornered, and, so far, we
do have game nearby. And, if they do want our homes, as River suggested -
it certainly doesn't seem to be out of the question, as we found them
living in caves the last time - then do we really want to leave here and
give them what they want?**
**I didn't mean move out now or take the cubs into the open. My idea was to send out scouts when the winter season is over and we've moved back to the hurst. If we did find something we felt was better, we would go there next winter.** She shifted slightly, feeling a lot of raw energy course through her.
**As far as them getting what they want, I don't really care, just so long as they leave us alone and we don't have to keep killing each other.**
She dropped her eyes slightly, though, to indicate she was not challenging him. That wasn't her goal. He had asked for their input and she was determined to share all her thoughts. She didn't want to look back and wish she had said something when she was thinking of it.
He addressed the others, now, too. **We risk too much with any more death
- especially if our cubs are in danger. We have lost many, and there have
been no more Recognitions since Brace and Wren.... The young ones must be
our first priority. We must protect them at all costs. No, it does not
feel safe here, but it would be less so for the tribe's future if we took
the cubs and the lifebearers out into the open.**
**The creatures can't jump as high as a griffin flies,** Wren responded,
flatly. The fleeting look of surprise on Wildlight's face made it clear
that he hadn't thought of flying.
Wren let a moment pass, then continued. **We can go anywhere, safely,
that the griffins take us. We could even go to stay in their dens, if
need be. I stayed there for a few turns before my bonding to Gloaming.
It's not as sheltered up there with the wind buffeting, but the creatures
have not gone up there. Maybe they don't dare to with so many griffins
about. True, the beasts can hurt a griffin, too, but maybe they would be
hard pressed with so many of them close together.**
[Other elves immediately voiced their distrust of the griffins, others pointed out that the wolves couldn't live up there. Fox made a good point that if they were somehow attacked up there, it would be difficult to escape.]
"This is not an issue of what bond is true and which is not!" he barked.
"I called this council to settle our grievances and make a decision for
the best of the tribe. Tearfall has spoken the truth, and I will do
nothing that will divide our numbers. We have lost too many, and we will
not weaken ourselves more by cutting our tribe in half. Denning on the
peak with the flyers is out of the question!"
He wanted nothing more now than to veer from that touchy subject and to
put the discussion back to more practical matters. His tone was slightly
more calm as did so. "There is not room in this territory for elf and
shadow beast. That much is clear. Either they go, or we do. If we
choose to move, all of us will move to a place where everyone can live
together - wolfrider or griffin rider. If we choose to stay, all of us
will stay. And those of us who are able to will fight."
His voice had become raspy and his throat sore in the cool dry air of the
den. "If the choice is mine, I choose to fight. On our terms, and not on
that of the beasts. We scout and find their lair, we attack them as we
did before, and then we gut their smelly den with fire or seal it closed
with rock so they suffocate inside it."
Sunfire shifted uncomfortably and purposefully moved her hands to rest on the cool cave floor for comfort. Something didn't set well with her in this.
>**Hide in our dens or on a mountain top, it is
>still hiding. That is not the griffin's way or the
> wolves - I had not thought it was ours either.**
The firestarter stared at the ground and open sent sadly, **I had not thought it was our way to be blood-thirsty either.** She then looked back to the rest of the tribe. **I want to protect our tribe as much as anyone. If we decide there is no better place to live, then I'll defend this home with all my powers. But I don't feel right about seeking them out to destroy them all.**
**Stinging Hornets,** Darkstone sent sharply, but the send wasn't a curse.
**That's what they're like. Stinging hornets. They start building their
homes during the New Green, just a small bit of flaky comb under the lee
of some stone. Left to themselves, at first, they're fine. But let their
hive get big, then even large game had best beware when they get close to
their nest. It's likely they'll get stung to death.**
Her stare was hollow as looked at her packmates. Sorrow still wore
heavily on her features. **That's why, if the hornets try and build a
nest too close to your home, it's best to knock it down while it's small
and make them move elsewhere. Best to be safe that way than be stung to
death later. I think it might be too late to knock down the nests of
these creatures. I think we've been stung already.**
**If it was their hope to drag us to their level, I'm afraid that's the direction we're heading. Are we hunters or killers?**
This was a really hard part to write (above). I struggled with Sunfire's feelings of duty to her tribe and leader, and a deep moral dilemma over wiping out a group of creatures, no matter how cruel they seem. She has harbored feelings of guilt from their last sneak attack on the creatures, though that was arguably a little more justified since the beasts had recently done a full-scale attack on the caves (as I recall). But Wildlight and Capnut's apparent desire for blood actually makes her feel sick.
Wildlight spoke up next. **How do you define what we must do to defend
our home? Not just you, Sunfire, but any of you? I would have we would
live in peace with those creatures, but what if that is impossible? I
think it's clear from the last meeting with those thrice-cursed creatures that peace is the last thing on their minds. We cannot keep surviving their attacks, or their stealing our food - especially not during such a hard White Cold!"
Sunfire paused, thinking over what both Darkstone and Wildlight had said. **I guess we kill when we must. When we kill for food, we're hunters and we're taking what we need to survive. When we're attacked, we may kill to protect ourselves.**
**The hornets are a good comparison and it gets the point across, but it also brings up the point that hornets are simply protecting their nests when they attack. A hornet would never plot to attack someone.
These creatures, these shadow beasts or whatever you want to call them, they're intelligent... at least somewhat. They communicate in their own way. We've seen they're clever in their attacks.
Maybe in the minds of some that gives us all the more reason to kill them all. But for me, I have trouble with wiping out a group of living beings based on the little information we have. What if what we're seeing is just the actions of a few? Do they feel they're protecting something? Do they have children who are innocent of the attacks? Would we be right to kill them as well? Could you do that, if you saw a 'shadow child'?**
At this point, Sunfire was just thinking out loud. Some of the points had just occurred to her now and they tumbled from her lips in the heat of the moment. Now the firestarter found herself feeling warm again. She felt droplets of sweat forming at the base of the red-orange hair across her forehead.
Ignoring Fox's snap about re-earning trust, Capnut considered that
possibility. While she wanted to kill the beasts to protect the tribe, the
thought of killing a child.... **First of all, their children may not be as
innocent as we might think. What if they're just as dangerous and likely to
attack us? We don't know enough about them to assume that they're
completely 'innocent'. As for wiping them out - we've tried multiple times
to make peaceful overtures. Maybe we weren't doing it right, but after
enough times, they should have figured it out if they're as smart as it
looks. Peaceful intention is pretty clear I'd think. No, I think the only
thing that's going to stop them is fighting. Maybe they'll leave if we kill
enough of them. And no one said we had to completely decimate them. We
just fight the ones that fight us, and let the rest leave if they will.**
After her comment on why she felt everyone moving in with the griffins was a bad idea, Tearfall had to bite her tongue to keep from replying in anger to how off track it quickly got.
She had nothing against the bonded griffins. But they were much larger then the wolves, and she was up there with Tobin when a fight almost started over a new griffin. How would so many moving into their territory affect the current griffin rank struggle? And that was without saying about the those griffins that avoided the roosts. She was fairly sure that Tobin's Swift did not stay there long. There must be a reason, and it might lead to even more fights.
And as for moving the tribe via griffin back. That wouldn't work either, the griffins could not carry the wolves, nor would the wolves let them. So, it would be the same. The wolves would have to follow, and could still be tracked. Which defeated the entire argument.
Tearfall sighed. It was amazing how much like a cub Capnut still acted, and yet she was long out of cub hood. Always jumping into the latest argument, ignoring orders, having no respect or responsibility, and constantly changing her mind.
Something Darkstone and then Sunfire said made sense though. It was something they had overlooked.
**We must have missed something. We should search the entire area around the caves very intently. Those shadows were trying to get PAST those on watch, not attack. They want something here. Maybe they left something. We, after all, have only returned here recently.** Tearfall sent. **Was there anything unusual or disturbed when the griffin riders arrived?**
Sunfire felt a bit better now, having aired her thoughts and feelings and now getting some more feedback from others. If the intent was to attack and perhaps drive them away, she could handle that. But the intent of destroying all of them ran counter to her beliefs. She hated to kill something when not for food. But she would, to protect her people and herself.
**I agree with what Snapjaw suggested earlier - we should do more scouting, even spying, to learn more. And Tearfall, I agree, something strange is going on. I think there's more to the story than what appears on the surface.**
Snapjaw bristled immediately when Sunfire compared the tribe to the shadow beasts. The elves had never stolen the beasts' kills and only fought back when provoked. How could she compare what they had done to the thievery and tricks and assaults of the invaders? Those creatures were always the ones to take first blood. If they had left the tribe in peace, no harm would have come to them. He listened with a frown to the others talking, his impatience growing. "This is getting us nowhere," he growled softly.
Sunfire caught Snapjaw's comment, but ignored him. She didn't agree.
Dreamwind had been following the arguments carefully, occasionally nodding in agreement or frowning in opposition. The idea to go roost with the griffins was a legitimate option to be considered, even though it didn’t particularly appeal to her. Indeed, it seemed as if the option had been considered and dismissed without her input.
Her mind snapped to abrupt attention at the chief’s harsh words. Dark eyes sparked in outrage as she responded. **You might be better to ask those whose powers you wish to use before you say such things** Her mindvoice was a strong and cold as the stone her magic touched. Wildlight crossed the line in casually suggesting that she would intentionally shape a tomb. **I have no qualms in using my gift to fight and to defend, but you go too far in assuming - or even expecting - such heartlessness. Have you no mercy? Just because we can’t figure out how to deal with these creatures does not mean they have no right to exist**
Dreamwind was beginning to feel the stress of the situation and the weight of this council’s importance. She was glad to hear Sunfire object to using her firestarting abilities in such a cold-hearted fashion, and pleased again to hear Nightcry offer a constructive use of her magic.
[River] Slim fingers raked through silver curls, pulling them out of an angled face, only to have them fall back into place. **Has anyone ever thought of what would have happened if we hadn’t followed the damned things in the first place?** The potter’s asked in an irritated tone. Valid points and insightful comments were being made, but the council was essentially still chasing its tail. **Sure, they’ve set traps and ambushes - but it was our fault we got snared. Territory goes both ways. If we want them to respect ours, shouldn’t we do the same for them? Clearly mark a boundary and defend it. If they get too close, attack - but only until they’ve backed off. They’re smart, they should be able to figure it out. Bloodlust and want for revenge must be set aside. Everyone’s arguing about whether it’s better to fight or not to fight. I say it’s time we stopped to think about how a compromise can be made**
A flurry of comments and opinions had followed Sweetbreeze's departure of
the storage den. That action had left the chief distracted, and he'd
immediately wondered if he should have requested she be brought back in
inside.
He tried to get his thoughts back in focus. The tribe was far from
agreement on what to do regarding the creatures. Some wanted to fight.
Others wanted to reach a compromise. Others wanted to move. Only one
decision could be made. And it looked like it wasn't going to be reached
if everyone kept chasing each others' opinions down. Wildlight feared
that Snapjaw's comment before might be right.
**I've heard your thoughts and comments, and have taken them to heart.
I am not speaking out of want for revenge, but out of concern for the
safety of this tribe. That is what guides my decision.
**We were attacked with no warning when we first learned of the beasts'
existance, in a valley we've hunted in for as long as I can remember. We
were hounded after that on our own grounds, our rightfully made kills were
stolen from us, and traps were set up for us within a stone's throw of
these caves.
**We've been surrounded, stones have been hurled at us without provocation
from the ledges above. Our bonds, family, and friends have been hurt.
They attacked a griffin who didn't provoke them, and they baited us out of
our homes again to try and divide us only two hands of days ago with
trinkets and what some of you guessed was a plea for peace. All of this
was on our territory, not theirs.
**The only time we've stepped on their lands was when they'd hounded us
until our very survival in the White Cold demanded we take action. Every
other encounter we've had with them has been on our grounds. Our
territory. We've been lucky so far in that no elfin lives have been lost.
But we have lost bonds, and there can be no saying that one of our
lovemates, lifemates, friends, or cubs might be killed in the next attack.
I do not want to wait for that to happen before we act. This tribe cannot
afford more loss!
**That is why I don't find guilt in finding their homes, nor in showing
them that this tribe is not one to be toyed with. If games of might and
cunning are the games these creatures understand, then we have to learn
their language.**
His decision was made. **We have time to hunt before this storm breaks.
Let us do so. No one is to go alone, and if anyone encounters any shadow
beasts on OUR territory, they are to be dealt with as hostile.
**Any sightings of the beasts near our homes will be reported, and we will
meet them with arms and in a group.** His eyes went to Capnut. **I don't
want anyone to approach the beasts or chase the beasts alone. And there
will be a price to pay for going against my orders again.**
Again, he spoke to the group. **When the storm wanes, one of the griffin
riders is to take Nightcry in the direction Phoenix Dagger was attacked.
With the High Ones' help, maybe she will be able to find their dens.
When she does so, I will send a group of scouts to observe.**
**If our observations can give us more clues or other advantages, I might
change my mind as to what happens next. For now, though, I find nothing
to convince me that we are anything more than playthings for these
creatures. And we will continue to be so unless we take a stand or let
them defeat us. Letting them defeat us is not an option.
**We have the evening before the storm is upon us now. Let us use that
time wisely, or face the pangs of hunger when the skies clear again.**
Sunfire was surprised by Dreamwind's angry reaction to Wildlight's earlier words. It hadn't occurred to her that the chief had made assumptions about the use of magic against the shadow beasts. Ever since she had come into her powers, they had been called upon for the tribe. She had never refused a request. She felt the rockshaper had a good point, though. Earlier she had worried over how she would respond if Wildlight had expected her to accompany the warriors with the intent to kill off all the beasts.
But now she felt more satisfied with the plan. Before she had felt Wildlight was ummoving in his plan to stage an all-out attack against the shadow beasts. Now it was clear he would try to learn more before acting. It had helped to hear all the past events listed out, though, as a reminder of what had passed. Clearly the beasts were in the wrong and the elves had a right to defend themselves.
**It's a sound plan.** She sent to Wildlight's final speech. Then she stood, ready to join the hunt. She hoped she could talk to a few of the others alone later, perhaps with Dreamwind and Wren, to share feelings in a less formal way.