Chapter Ten - New Beginnings

For all of the young who had come from the villages of the Five Eastern Forest Clans, the next three nights would mark one of the most important events in their existence--the Coming of Age. This ancient rite would mark their transition from cubling to adult, and confer upon them all of the rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities due as they took their place in the greater society of the Ayoona-Lu-Nehm'a, or "The People of the Forest". During the first night of the rite, they would listen to The Lore Masters as they told the ancient stories of their people; the second night they would all join in The Hunt; and on the third night, they would join the adults in The Great Song, which would climax with Foxfire giving her famously sensual and hypnotic performance.

Warri had made some progress trying to teach Dahmietra the complex speech of his people, though she was a long way from being able to pick up on the subtle nuances that she would have to know in order to fully understand the ancient stories she would be listening to. He had made arrangements that would allow him to sit next to Dahmietra so that he could interpret for her by using his mind-speak ability as efficiently as possible. Warri was going to essentially "lock minds" with her so that not only would he be able to interpret the spoken word, he would also be able to share his understanding of it through the cultural and social views of his people. Dahmietra would in effect, understand the ancient stories of his people just as he or any of the other youths of his people.

When all of the youths, including Dahmietra, were seated in a semi-circle around the Council Rock at moonrise, the clan's musicians began playing softly. Lore Master Stone Toucher--the Keeper of History--began the telling of the story of the Ayoona-Lu-Nehm'a from the time of the First Ones all the way to the present. As the telling progressed, Lore Mistress Fire Weaver--the Keeper of customs, Lore Master Cloud Shaker--the Keeper of Tradition, and Lore Mistress Stream Chaser--the Keeper of Law, joined in and added their parts. Finally, Lore Master Spirit Feather spoke about The Great Circle of Life and how all things are connected as they continue the spiraling dance around The Circle. He told how everything we do--or do not do--sends forth ripples that will touch and influence everything around us and will themselves become touched and influenced by others. Some of the ripples we create will eventually reflect back to touch and influence our own unique juncture of Place and Time as we progress around The Great Circle. Some of these we can easily see and will be immediately felt, while others are subtle and might be easily missed, though even the slightest change may have a profound influence over time. Although none may see all of the possible consequences to our each and every action or inaction, all should be mindful of their interactions with the life nearby and the imprint left behind on our surroundings as it will all influence those who come after. It is easy to think only of oneself and the wants, needs and desires of the moment--but those around us, as well as those who came before and who will come after, also need to be a part of the considerations of each and every person, although that can sometimes be difficult. The path that each will follow, however long or short it ends up being, may not always be an easy one. Sometimes, along the way, we may find ourselves being sorely tested first before we even are even aware that an important life lesson has been handed to us (Spirit Feather looked right at both Warri and Dahmietra as he said this). It is during these times when we rely on family, clan, and friends to help us, as well as our own hearts of being.

When Lore Master Spirit Feather was finished, the initiates were ushered to a separate area where they would spend the remainder of the time together. There, they were encouraged to get to know one another and to discuss among themselves what they have learned. Very early the next morning, the participants were awakened and given only a light meal and a fortifying herbal tea before being taken to the area where they would perform The Hunt. Brown Leaf, Snow Spear and a few of the other hunters and trackers came along to give instruction and supervise the initiates as they practiced the skills necessary. When it was about sunset, they prepared themselves for The Hunt by ritually cleansing themselves and applying ritualistic symbols to each other by using a type of finger paint. For this part of the Rite, Dahmietra wore only her tall leather boots, a breechcloth, a small top made from two triangles of soft suede leather (just large enough to cover her breasts) and thongs to secure them behind her head and back. She also had her knife and pouch, a water skin, and she had her long hair braided and coiled into bun. When all were suitably decorated, they took part in the ritualistic pre-Hunt dance to the sounds of drums, primitive instruments and the chants and songs of the adults guiding them. When the dance was over, they split into small groups each with one adult to lead it, and began The Hunt.

As soon as the trackers located suitable prey (a small herd of spotted forest deer), the groups worked together to select one that seemed weaker than the rest and split it away from the herd. Eventually it was cornered and taken down swiftly, and all of the initiates were gathered around. They all knelt down and sang a gentle song that was sad at first but gradually turned into one of joy as they first mourned the loss of life, thanked the animal's spirit for giving up its body so that it could provide sustenance for others, and then send it on its way. After the carcass had been field cleaned, it was brought back to the village so that it would be prepared and served to all the next night.

During the third day of the Rite, the morning was spent performing community service, and the afternoon was spent in discussion and reflection. When evening was approaching, the initiates were allowed to get cleaned up and dressed in whatever they had planned to wear for the night's festivities. When it was time, the adults from the families and clans of the initiates, and also many from the village itself (including Ewvin and Jansina, who sat in the back--their child, Tree Song, was being watched by Fern Leaf), gathered in the celebration area--each bringing a single candle--to await the arrival of the initiates. At nightfall all of the adults present lit the candles they had brought and placed them on a small rock outcropping--this was to symbolize the greater community of our people; when all were burning brightly, it was my duty to call out with a howl to signal that it was time. Brown Leaf, who would be leading them, howled back to acknowledge my call and then brought them in a single file line towards the celebration area, each carrying a candle to the accompaniment of drums. They circled the celebration area three times and then stopped at the eastern edge of it.

I issued a challenge: "Who comes to join us this night under the stars in The Great Song?"

"Sire it is I, Brown Leaf, Tracker of the Clan Fireheart and Defender First Rank of The Hope's Spring Pack," Brown Leaf announced.

"I scent several youths with you--why do you bring them to this place?" I asked.

"Sire, the youths I have led to this place are no longer cublings and although old enough, they are not yet adults," Brown Leaf replied.

Lore Master Cloud Shaker stood up and asked, "The Great Song is one of our most valued traditions...only adults are allowed to participate. Who will stand for these youths and say that they are ready to join us?"

"Brown Leaf, have they been made ready to accept their place among us?" I asked.

"Sire, on my word they have been told the ancient stories, they have proven themselves on The Hunt and brought meat to our tables, and they have demonstrated their willingness to serve the community," Brown Leaf replied.

"Lore Master Cloud Shaker, Brown Leaf, Tracker of the clan Fireheart, Defender First Rank of The Hope's Spring Pack, and a trusted traveling companion and friend, has given me her word that these youth are indeed ready to take they're place among us as adults. Therefore, it is by my honor I stand before all and ask that they may be allowed to join us as adults and participate in The Great Song," I replied to Lore Master Cloud Shaker.

"Very well then, Mist Runner, bring these youths before us so that we may greet them as adults," Cloud Shaker said.

With all of the adults standing in rows, I went to Brown Leaf, and we greeted by sniffing each other's neck and touched as appropriate for our level familiarity (in our case, a friendly hug). Brown Leaf led the youths past me and then wound them through the assembled adults, first down one line and around the end of it going the opposite direction down the next line.

I greeted each of the youth in a similar fashion, first the neck sniffing and then while touching I said, "(the youth's name), I greet you as an adult."

When Dahmietra got to me I altered the greeting a bit and said, "Dahmietra my daughter, I greet you as an adult", and gave her a strong hug and a kiss. When it was Warri's turn I said, "Warri my dear lad, I greet you as an adult," and I gave him a fatherly hug and ruffled the fur on top of his head with a smile.

When at last all of the youth had been greeted by the adults present, they were brought to the front where I was waiting for them with my own lit candle and had them face the rest of the adults. Passing silently from one to another, I lit their candles with mine and then went back to standing in front of them.

"The candle each of you holds represents the Life and Light within you that each of you brings to the whole of our people. Behind you are the candles that each adult in your family, clan and others able to be here this night have placed. As I replace my own candle among those of our people, come and take your place among us as an adult by placing your candle with ours," I instructed.

I then proceeded to return my own candle to its original location, and then stood to the side as each of the youths filed by and added their candles to the whole. When they had all done so, they were again led to the front to face the crowd.

Lore Master Cloud Shaker looked at me and nodded his head and I proclaimed, "You are now counted among the adults of our people and we confer upon you all of the rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities due. Family, clan mates and friends, let us celebrate!"

Howls of applause erupted from the throats of all present and we proceeded to the tables to partake in the feast prepared in honor of the new adults.

After everyone had a chance to eat their fill, the musicians started up and we returned to the area before the rock outcropping and began singing The Great Song as we stood very close to one another, touching and holding as the moment moved us. Sometimes the whole group would be singing loudly, other times our voices would soften as one would sing a "solo verse" as it were, or perhaps a pair would be inspired to sing a duet. At one point Warri and Dahmietra, who had locked minds, raised their voices above the rest and they sang their own very sweet and touching verse, much to the amazement and joy of all. Red Moon, Foxfire, and I had our turn together as a trio, though when Grimm and Kurietta took their turn, the whole group softened to a very low level--it was the first time that Grimm ever had the inspiration to take a turn. Singing in his deep base voice, Kurietta's much higher pitched voice was a moving contrast to his. I felt a smaller pair of arms work their way around my waist and I looked down to see that Meri had slipped in with us. Meri looked up and our eyes met--she had tears running down her cheeks. I lifted her up and held her as Red Moon and Firefox put their arms around us as we continued to sing and sway together with everyone else. Ewvin and Jansina had never experienced the like in their lives, and they seemed totally at a loss. They had moved with the rest of the group when the musicians started playing, but they kept to just outside the edge...until others held their hands out to them and bade them to join. Ewvin and Jansina looked at each other and then hesitantly joined the group. Soon they found themselves surrounded and embraced, and although they had absolutely no understanding of our language, they quietly added their own voices, blending in as best as they could with the whole. The singing kept going until everyone had a chance--and then it was time for Foxfire to do her thing. She had worked her way towards the front, and at the appropriate moment, she slipped out of the group and gracefully climbed to the top of the rock outcropping and began. She started softly, with her fur shimmering in the moonlight, and gradually her voice grew and wound its way into the deepest recesses of our minds. When she had all of us completely under her spell, she began to dance--her motion became a hypnotic swirl of silvery white light edged with a soft rainbow of colors. Kurietta had heard me talk about Foxfire when she sang and danced, but experiencing it at this level, she understood at once, why I said that she should expect to become a basket case even as her mind was turning to slush. Poor Ewvin and Jansina never had a chance, as they both quickly went into a trance-like state; the only reason why Dahmietra held onto her wits as long as she did was because of her mind-lock with Warri...but even he succumbed fairly quickly to the inescapable "Foxfire effect", as we all did (except Grimm, of course). When she was nearly finished, Foxfire got down on all fours, lifted her face skyward, and howled the most seductively beautiful howl one could ever imagine that lifted up through the night sky, reaching for the stars themselves. As her voice trailed off, she brought her face down to look at all of us and--different this night--she sat back on her haunches and suddenly clapped her hands together once, which sent out a spherical pulse of soft, rainbow colored light. It caused the knees of everyone (even her brother's) to give out suddenly, and we all collapsed into one very large pile. The pulse (more or less) effectively released us all from the trance-like state, though there was another side effect to it that undoubtedly would be the cause of many matings in the nights to follow.

On the way home from the celebration, I thought I sensed something a little different about Dahmietra that wasn't there before. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but there was a subtle difference. When we arrived at our den, Red Moon and I had a bit of a surprise waiting for her.

"Dahmi, close your eyes, dear...we got a little present for you inside," Red Moon said with a sly grin.

We both took Dahmietra by the hand and led her inside while she kept her eyes closed. Warri followed behind us wondering what it might be. When we walked through the doorway to the sleeping area, Warri saw right away that something was different--instead of opening directly into one side of our sleeping area, there was now a hallway with two doorways--one to the right that entered into our sleeping area, and another at the end. When we got to the end of the hallway, we stopped and had Dahmietra stand in front of us.

"Go ahead and open your eyes now, dear," Red Moon said.

Dahmi opened her eyes and blinked a few times--she had her own room! She nearly howled in joy as she rushed in and twirled about, noting the comfortable size of the room and the other things that she could hardly believe. Besides a storage space, there was a trunk, a chair, a small table with a lamp, and a low bed that was similar to the ones we slept in the second time at the outpost, though it was sized so that two of our kind could sleep comfortably together on it. On the left wall there was a window with both inner and outer shutters that could be shut tightly to keep out cold air during the winter months, and beside it there was even a small fireplace to help her keep warm. On the other side of the room, she discovered that she had her own privy with a washbasin and a bucket for water (with water already in it).

"Oh, I don't believe it! It's wonderful! My own room!" Dahmi exclaimed excitedly. She rushed over and gave both Red Moon and I a great hug. "Oh, thank you, thank you!!!" she said kissing us both.

"We hoped that we were able to get everything the right size for you, dear," I said with a smile.

"Maybe we should let them have their space tonight, dear," Red Moon said in a rather suggestive voice as she started tugging my hand towards our own sleeping area.

I grinned and said, "Okay. Oh, there is one other thing...just a moment and I'll go get it," I said.

Dahmietra and Warri glanced at one another as I stepped out of her room for a moment.

When I returned I had a somewhat large bundle in my hands which I held out to Warri.

"This is for you, Warri...I hope you find it to your liking," I said with a grin.

He took the bundle with a surprised expression and sat it on the table so that he could open it up. As soon as he saw what it was, he dropped his ears and started wagging his tail. Dahmietra held her hand up to her mouth and gasped quietly--it was a well-made portable writing desk. Inside, he discovered a pen set with bottles of ink and fine drying sand, sealing wax, a sheaf of parchment in a drawer and a new, leather bound journal with blank pages. Warri gently ran his fingers over the lacquered wood, admiring the silky smoothness and quality construction.

When he was able to collect himself, Warri said, "Thank you, Sire...I...I don't know what to say."

"I'm sure you'll put it to good use, Warri," I said with a smile.

I gave Warri a quick hug and a few pats on the back, and then Red Moon hugged him and gave Warri a little kiss on his head.

"I'm glad that you like it, dear," Red Moon said with a grin.

"Oh, I do, Dam Red Moon...thank you," Warri said happily.

"Well, my love, why don't we leave these two alone so that they can get some...rest," Red Moon said with a sly grin.

We said our good nights and headed towards our sleeping area.

As soon as we got to the doorway to our sleeping area, Red Moon whispered in my ear, "I hope we didn't overdo it with Warri...I don't know if his parents got him anything or not."

She glanced back towards Dahmi's room with a slight amount of apprehension in her eyes.

"It's just a portable writing desk...it's common enough and it's also something that he can use. Besides, we both know how much he likes to write--better to have something of good quality that will last a long time. It's not really fancy like some I've seen, so it shouldn't be too extravagant," I reassured her with a smile.

Red Moon nodded her head a bit and then looked back at me and said, "Well, I'm going to get ready for bed...will you be joining me soon?" Red Moon asked slyly.

"Of course...I'm going to get a little something to drink and then I'm going to put the lamps out for the night," I said as I lightly ran my fingers along her jaw and under her chin.

"Bring me some, too," Red Moon said as she licked her lips.

I arched an eyebrow and grinned, and went to see what besides water that we had to drink.

While I was rummaging around in the cabinets, my other senses alerted me to the presence of someone outside the den. I quietly made my way back to our sleeping area and said in a low voice, "There's someone outside." Although Red Moon was just getting into bed, the way I said it got her full attention. She nodded her head once quickly, put her breechcloth back on, and came out to the front room. We listened carefully at the front door for a bit, but couldn't hear anything unusual...but I still sensed that another person was outside. Whoever it was, they didn't seem to be moving.

"Can you tell who it is?" Red Moon whispered in my ear. I cocked my head a little and half closed my eyes as I tried to determine who it was.

"I think it might be...Meri," I whispered back when I opened my eyes all the way again.

We looked at one another and I shrugged my shoulders, not having a clue as to why she might be out there. I opened the door and using my night vision, didn't see anyone in the front area, so I stepped on out with Red Moon behind me. As soon as we got outside, we both heard some quiet sniffling coming from the pathway.

When we reached the edge of the overhang, I called out, "Meri, is that you?" There was a moment of silence as the sniffling suddenly stopped.

"M...Misty? Is that...you?" Meri asked hesitantly.

Red Moon lightly touched me on the shoulder and we both stepped out from under the overhang and went to where Meri was sitting next to the path by a tree.

"What's wrong, dear? Red Moon asked as we knelt down by Meri.

"I'm...I'm sorry, I just ended up at yer doorstep. Kuri and Grimmster kinda needed some time alone, if ya know what I mean, and I can't...sleep too good when I get close to Foxie, so I...just started walkin', a-and I guess somehow I ended up here. I...I guess ya wanna be alone, too, so I'll...find someplace...," Meri said still sniffling.

"Nonsense, dear, you just come right on inside and make yourself comfortable," Red Moon stated as she took Meri's hands, helped her up, and started walking her towards the door.

I thought to myself, "Well, this is going to be an interesting night."

I looked in the little storage area next to the cabinets, found the small cask of Eastlander ale that I had been looking for earlier, pulled it out, and got three drinking bowls. After filling the bowls I sat down with Red Moon and Meri on the furs near the fireplace and gave each of them one.

"Thanks, Misty," Meri said, taking a sniff of the contents of her bowl and then drank some of it.

Red Moon smiled and nodded her head, drinking a little while comforting Meri. After a few minutes of us both sitting there with our arms around Meri, she let out a long sigh and hung her head a little.

"What's wrong, Meri?" I asked gently.

She slowly shook her head and said, "I'm messin' things up again, just like always."

"Did either Kuri or Grimm say anything about you staying with them?" I asked.

Meri finished off the contents of her bowl, glanced up at me, and said, "No...but I know my sis well enough. I know she's happy that I'm around...but I just feel underfoot there, just taggin' along and in the way, like when we were little kits. Kuri was always off havin' fun and I just tagged along and watched from the side."

"So, you feel kind of left out, eh?" I asked as I stroked her fur.

Meri nodded her head as she looked down into her empty drinking bowl.

"Want me to refill that?" I asked.

Meri handed it to me and nodded her head with a little grin.

Red Moon handed hers to me and said with a smile, "I'll take some more while you're up."

I refilled all of our bowls and returned to sitting with Meri closely between Red Moon and me. While we were just sitting quietly together and enjoying our drink, I became curious and as I reached my arm around behind Meri to touch Red Moon, I slowly and purposely inhaled through my nose to catch Meri's scent. It had a similar sweet, musky quality to it like Kurietta's, though it was of course different. There was one thing missing from her scent that happened to be the one part that I missed the most.

"Too bad you don't have any of that perfume you used to wear, Meri...I always liked that scent," I said.

She looked up at me and asked, "Ya did?"

I nodded my head and said, "I still have that flower you dropped on me."

"Ya do??" Meri asked with mix of confusion and amazement.

"Well, maybe next spring when you're up in the mountains you can look for them, and if you find any, I might be able to make it," Red Moon suggested.

Meri looked at Red Moon and asked, "Ya can do that?"

Red Moon nodded her head and said, "Certainly, I make all sorts of herbal concoctions and Mist Runner sells them for me."

"Next spring I'll definitely look for them, and I can ask around, too, if any of our mountain cousins have seen or heard of them," I said, making a mental note to do just that.

The three of us sat there together until we finished our drinks.

"I guess we should go crawl into bed," I suggested after a bit, though I was feeling just a little strange for some reason or another, and it wasn't due to the drink.

"Okay dear we'll meet you in there," Red Moon said as she got up and held her hand out to Meri.

"Um, I can sleep out here...," Meri started to say, but Red Moon cut her off.

"Nonsense, Meri, we've got plenty of room back here."

Meri gave me a bit of a confused look and then said, "Um...okay...I guess."

Red Moon grinned, took Meri by the hand, and led her to our sleeping area. I stood there for a moment and scratched my chin and then shrugged my shoulders and started putting out the lamps.

When I was about to put out the last one, I sensed a different kind of presence and turned around in time to see the spirit of Elretta appear.

"Hi Misty, sorry to just pop in on ya like this...I just wanted to thank ya for being so nice to Meri," Elretta's spirit said.

I smiled and held my arms out to her--noticing that she seemed to get brighter as I stepped up to her spirit form. I could definitely feel her as I put my arms around Elretta, and she could feel me as well.

"Elretta, good evening! We missed you and Elmric tonight at the celebration," I said greeting her.

"Oh, we were there, but we kinda held off to the back. How's Meri doin' hon? I was getting' a bit worried about my little kitling," Elretta's spirit said.

I looked towards the sleeping area and said, "She seemed a bit sad when she first arrived, but I think maybe she's feeling a little better now. She's going to stay with us tonight at least."

"That's good, hon...she really needs a decent guy to take care of her. Well, I don't wanna keep ya, hon; maybe Elmric and I will drop by tomorrow evening for a bit," Elretta's spirit said.

"I'd like that," I said and smiled as we hugged again. Elretta waved and faded from view as she turned around and walked away.

I put out the last lamp in the front room and then dimmed the one just outside the doorway to our sleeping area. When I walked in, Red Moon was already in bed...and Meri was, too.

I arched an eyebrow and thought to myself, "Okay, I wasn't quite expecting this, but...," and I walked over to my chest and got myself ready for bed.

After putting my things away, I headed for the bed and Red Moon pulled the covering back and patted the furs next to Meri, who was giving me a rather embarrassed look. I eased myself into bed and leaned over Meri to give Red Moon a kiss--while we were kissing, I shifted my thoughts and tried the bond-link between us.

"You sure you know what you're doing, dear?"

Red Moon's eyes popped open in surprise at hearing my thought in her head.

"I heard that! How...?" she thought back, apparently not thinking at the moment about the bond-link we now share.

"We're bonded now, remember? Never alone, and all that?" I reminded her.

"Oh, yeah...I guess it'll take a little to get used to this," Red Moon replied along the link between us.

"So, what are we doing with Meri? You know she's really embarrassed at the moment, and have you forgotten about the night I pulled her back? Not that it would have done much at the time, but you were going to hit her when she popped up in spirit form and wanted to 'have a little fun', and remember what I told her about not wanting to because I already had someone?" I thought back.

"Yeah...I guess I got pretty jealous, but that was before we found out about her. Anyway, we've included her the other day out front with everyone, and also earlier tonight...can't we include her now?" Red Moon asked.

"What about Foxfire...you haven't forgotten about her, have you?" I asked in return.

"No, of course not, but it seems everyone is forgetting about Meri...," Red Moon replied.

Meri looked back and forth between Red Moon and me, wondering what was going on, and beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable.

"Uh, guys...?" Meri asked getting our attention.

"Sorry, dear, Mist Runner and I were...thinking about you," Red Moon said with a little grin.

Meri got a confused look on her face and she looked at me. I gently stroked the side of her face with the back of my fingers and, giving Red Moon a quick glance with just my eyes, I slowly leaned in and nuzzled Meri.

After Red Moon and Mist Runner headed off to their room for the night, Dahmi put out all but one lamp in her room and dimmed the last one. She went over to the chair, pulled her boots off, and set them aside, and then she surprised Warri by standing before him and shimmying out of her clothing, tossing her garments on the chair and wrapping her arms around him.

"Dahmi...are you sure?" Warri asked in a near whisper.

Just sleeping together was one thing, but this...there would be no turning back from.

"I'm sure," Dahmi said looking up into Warri's eyes and nodding her head.

He smiled gently and closed his eyes as he put his arms around Dahmi and held her closely. After a few moments, Dahmi slipped her hands down and untied his breechcloth and slowly removed it and tossed it on the chair. Taking his hand, she led him over to the bed and they slowly crawled under the covering. Sometime later, in the dim light of the single low burning lamp, Warri wasn't sure if he was just imagining it, but he could have sworn he saw a faint reflective glow in her eyes.

The next morning I awoke early as usual, though I felt like I could really use a drink of water. I decided to get up, but then I looked next to me--there was Meri lying between Red Moon and me, with a decidedly content look on her sleeping face. She was snuggled against me with an arm across my chest and a leg over mine, and Red Moon also wore a content look on her own face as she lay there with an arm over Meri.

"Yep, that certainly was a rather--interesting--night," I thought to myself.

I smiled, remembering everything that happened. But then my thoughts turned to Kuri, and I remembered what we had said to one another the night Red Moon and I were bonded.

"Kuri's going to be upset when she smells my scent on Meri," I thought to myself, knowing that Kurietta would want to know why Meri and not her.

I suppose that the answer to that was actually simple enough, but although I was loath to admit it, somewhere deep down inside, a part of me secretly wished it had been Kurietta instead of Meri.

A little later in the morning while Red Moon, Meri and I were in the front room getting things together for first meal, Dahmietra and Warri sleepily made their way in with the rest of us.

"Well, now there are a couple of bright, cheery faces! You two want some tea?" Red Moon asked with a sly grin, reaching for a couple of drinking bowls.

"Yes, thank you Dam," Warri said politely.

Dahmietra said, "Oh, definitely, ma," as she gingerly sat down at the table.

Red Moon snickered quietly to herself as she grabbed the teapot and poured.

As soon as Dahmi had some of her tea, she sighed and said, "Good morning, Meri," giving her a little wave.

"Hiya Dahmi," Meri said waving back with her little circular wave, "did ya sleep good last night?"

"Oh, yeah...it was...soooo good!" she said with a faraway grin on her face.

Warri suddenly became embarrassed and grinned as he tried to hide his face in his drinking bowl.

Meri looked from one to the other and then grinned herself and said, "Yah...I know whatcha mean," as she quickly glanced first to me and then to Red Moon.

"Looks like we weren't the only ones playing 'hide the bone' last night," Red Moon thought to me along the bond-link, adding a snicker.

I got up to get some more tea and I gave Dahmi a kiss on the cheek on my way by and also gave Warri a gentle squeeze on the shoulder.

"Hey, anybody home in there?" we heard Kurietta call out as she came up our path.

I poked my head out the front door and called back, "Come on in, Kuri, we're home."

I met her at the door and the first thing Kuri did was to wrap her arms around me and give me a hug.

"Morning, Misty! Hey, ya wouldn't by chance happen to know where my little sis wandered off to, would ya?" she asked giving me a bit of a worried look.

"Good morning, dear. Meri's inside, we're just about to have first meal...want to join us?" I asked as I cupped her face in my hands.

The expression on her face quickly changed from a look of concern to relief and then to one of longing.

"Um, Foxie made something already, but I'll have a little nibble...," Kurietta said looking up at me with her lips parted a little.

I mouthed the words, "hold that thought," and said, "Well, come on in dear, everyone's at the table."

When Kurietta walked in she said, "Hey guys!" and waved, but when she saw Meri, Kuri said, "Meri! I've been lookin' for ya, girl! Foxie said ya slipped out last night...where ya been? I was getting' worried!" Kuri rushed over and gave Meri a strong hug.

"I went out...for a walk...and ended up here," Meri said, sniffling a bit.

"We were just getting ready for bed when Mist Runner sensed someone outside, so when he and I went out to see who it was, we found Meri sitting by one of the trees so I made her come inside and she spent the night here," Red Moon explained to Kuri.

"Ya shoulda said somethin', sis...I didn't know where ya went," Kuri said.

"Well...ya was busy, and...and...," Meri started to say but then I butted in,

"...And we can talk about that a little later, dear," I said to Kurietta indicating that she should hold off on that particular subject for a bit, much to the relief of Meri.

"Well, okay I guess," Kurietta agreed, though she gave me a questioning look.

Red Moon brought the food to the table and set an extra place for Kuri. We engaged in mostly small talk during the meal, though I couldn't help but to notice that Kurietta kept stealing little glances at me. To make things a bit more interesting, Red Moon and I sat on one side of the table, Dahmi and Warri on the other side, and Kuri and Meri on either end--with Kuri next to me. If it wasn't Red Moon messing with me on one side, it was Kurietta occasionally touching my leg with hers on the other.

I thought rather sarcastically to myself, "It's going to be a long time until next spring."

When we had finished eating, I got up and helped Red Moon clear away the table and then I got a refill of hot tea and went outside to sit on top of the den and get however much of the morning sun that I could. After a little while, Red Moon came out with Meri and as soon as she found where I was at, told me that she was taking Meri with her to visit some of the shops.

Along our bond-link she asked, "Are you okay, dear?" with a hint of concern in her thought.

"Yeah, I'm just sitting up here thinking and getting a little sun. Um, would you mind asking Kuri to come up here? I think I should try talking to her about why Meri left their place last night," I sent back.

There was a little pause and then Red Moon asked, "Mist Runner...is Kurietta...?"

"Does she want to be more than 'just friends' with me?" I asked.

"I guess that's as good of a way to put it as any, I suppose," Red Moon said along the bond-link.

I sighed both verbally and mentally along the link, "I found out the night of our bonding just after that second dance we had, that way back when we first met that she had fantasized about being with me. Grimm and I both liked her, but since she seemed more interested in him at first, I backed off and didn't pursue anything with her. Yes, I certainly had a desire for her, but I buried it and things ended up the way they did. And then the other night she said that she wanted both of us, and you know that I would never come between her and Grimm, just like Grimm would never come between you and I," I replied.

"I understand, dear. I imagine all of this with Meri is making things even more difficult for you, too," she said with a bit of sadness in her thought.

"And add Foxfire to that...and then the night Grimm and Kuri were joined, Mistress Starfire...," I thought back to Red Moon.

"You mean when she danced with you?" Red Moon asked.

"That, and a bit earlier that night...she...got a little flirty with me, maybe not quite as bad as Night Song did with Salzar, but still...," I replied.

I could feel the shock Red Moon felt at that particular bit of information as I shared the experience with her.

"I have no idea why she decided to do those things...and after we had danced, did you see her kiss me on the cheek?"

"She did what_???_" Red Moon asked incredulously, so I shared that experience with her, too.

"Oh, my stars! I know you've had problems dealing with Foxfire's desires for you, but now that Kuri's back, you have that resurfacing, and Meri, too. And then you have your best friend's dam--who just happens to be a First One--doing things, too!" Red Moon exclaimed along the bond-link.

"And all I've wanted to do since I returned from my trading trip was to spend time with you," I said.

"I know, dear...well, I guess I'd better get going with Meri. I'll let Kuri know that you want to talk with her. Oh...just curious...you think Grimm might...?" Red Moon started to ask.

"I don't want him to know...but if he somehow figures it out on his own and then says something to me about it, well, I guess he and I will just have to sit down and talk about it, if he doesn't rip me apart first. You know it would be within his right to challenge me," I said firmly.

"I know, dear...I hope it doesn't come to that. Well, we're off. See you when we come back. I love you!" Red Moon said.

"I love you too, dear!"

Kurietta came up to the top of the den after Red Moon and Meri left, and I motioned for her to sit beside me.

"Quite an interesting night last night," I said quietly as I slipped my arm around my friend's shoulders.

Kurietta leaned her head against me and we sat there quietly for a few minutes trying to enjoy the little spot of sunshine in the cool morning air. I told Kuri about finding her sister outside next to the tree, the things she had said, and taking her in to stay with us for the night. I continued with how we sat and talked, about Red Moon taking Meri back to our sleeping area, and about her mother's spirit appearing, thanking me for looking after Meri.

Kuri sat there not saying anything for a while, but then finally asked, "So she was with the two of ya last night?"

I leaned down, gave Kuri a kiss on top of her head, and said, "Yes. When I went in to get ready for bed, Red Moon and Meri was already there under the covering. Your sister was rather embarrassed, and I certainly wasn't expecting that Red Moon was going to have Meri lying between us--it wasn't what I had in mind, but we spent the night like that. Um, the thing was, though...oh, I shouldn't say this, let alone even be thinking it...but part of me wished...it had been you," I said, feeling nervous about that last part.

Kurietta lifted her head and gave me a surprised look.

"It's all getting' pretty messed up for ya, isn't it Misty?" Kurietta asked as her initial surprise softened to a gentle concern.

I sighed and nodded my head.

"Grimmster told me that Foxie's been hot on ya for a long time...and now you got me and Meri, and who knows what's cookin' in Grimmster's ma's head. I saw her actin' kinda sweet on ya the other night," Kurietta said getting a little playful grin on her face when she brought up the little bit about Mistress Starfire.

"It's definitely being...interesting, to say the least," I said after a moment.

"What are we gonna do, Misty?" Kurietta asked looking up at me.

"If Grimm even suspects anything, it would be within his right to challenge me...do you know what that would mean?"

Kurietta furrowed her eyebrows in thought for a few moments and then she got a shocked look on her face.

"You mean he'd fight ya because of me?" she asked.

I looked sadly at her and said, "It would be more of an execution than a fight--I'm no match for his strength; he'd take me easily and I would let him. And after that, his grief would be such that he might very well end himself."

Kurietta put her hand to her mouth and got a terrified look on her face.

"Oh, Misty...no!!!" she threw her arms around my neck, hugging me fiercely, and started crying.

As I was holding Kuri, I felt another--and very familiar--presence arrive behind us. I was about to stand when a gentle grandfatherly voice said, "Stay." I nodded my head and Master Spirit Feather came around and knelt down with us.

"I sensed the pain in your hearts of being," he said with sadness in his eyes. Kurietta looked up with tears flowing unchecked from her eyes. He reached his hands out to her and took Kurietta from me. "Shush, little one, your sweet face is not meant for such tears," he said, holding her close and stroking the fur on Kuri's head. When she was finally able to compose herself, Master Spirit Feather said, "Show me what is in your heart of being." I nodded my head, held my hand out to him, and closed my eyes. Using his special talent, Spirit Feather was able to look deep within both Kurietta and myself and saw everything that he needed to see. When he finished, he said, "I understand. Starfire was right--things could very easily have been different, though given how closely you and Grimm Tooth are to being the same, the outcome may also very well easily still be as it is now, only substituting one for the other. If one leaves, all suffer...and yet, could your hearts be large enough to accommodate all who would benefit from your unique love and care?"

"I don't wanna have the Grimmster and Misty fightin' over me! I...I want 'em both!" Kurietta said through her sniffles.

Spirit Feather looked down at her, stroked her head, and said, "I know your desires, my little one...perhaps some alternative can be found. Grimm Tooth and Mist Runner are almost as if they are each a different manifestation of the same spirit, so it is no wonder why you feel so strongly attracted to both of them. I will visit with Grimm Tooth and convey what I know of all this to him so that he may come to understand as well. Mist Runner, you and Red Moon have already opened yourselves to Foxfire, and you both have given much to Kurietta's sister, Meri, when she has needed it most. I believe that there is one other who will benefit...an old friend who has suffered greatly at the hands of others; you know of whom I speak, Mist Runner," Master Spirit Feather said with a gentle, knowing smile.

"Bane Flower," I said.

He nodded his head and said, "She has become as a seed buried in frozen soil--perhaps all that she needs is a particular warmth to thaw her frozen heart." Spirit Feather looked away for a moment and cocked his head a bit, and then smiled. "It seems that our village will be having some special visitors arriving soon." When he turned his attention back to us, he kissed Kurietta on the forehead and wiped away her tears. "I must attend to other things now. Be at peace my friends, and do not despair--as someone you are both close to might say, love will always find a way," Spirit Feather said rising. He smiled one more time and as he walked away, he disappeared in a swirl of light.

Kurietta looked in awe at the spot where Master Spirit Feather disappeared at for several moments after he was gone.

"Do ya think he'll find a way to straighten out this mess, Misty?" Kurietta asked after a while.

"If anyone can, I think he would be able to, Kuri," I replied quietly. I looked at my drinking bowl and noticed that it was empty. "I think I could use some more tea...how about you?" I asked.

Kurietta looked down for a moment and then she gave me a sideways look, got that quirky grin on her face, and said, "I know exactly what I want."

I arched an eyebrow, though before I could say anything, Kuri launched herself at me and knocked me on my back.

"Nobody said I couldn't give ya a kiss!" Kurietta said with a wicked grin...just before she gave me a really long, tail-curling, breath taking kiss.

About the time most people were about to sit down for their midday meal, there were some exited howls coming from the eastern edge of the village. We were having our meal out in the front area so that we could enjoy the fresh air--it was nice day out, a little on the cool side and not too humid. I got up and stepped out onto the path to see if I could find out what all of the fuss was about.

When I saw several defenders entering the village proper and being followed closely by a group of people dressed like Wastelanders, I called out, "Hey, come and take a look at this!"

Red Moon, Dahmi, Warri, and Meri rushed out to join me.

"What do you make of that, Dahmi?" I asked as I pointed towards the outlanders.

"I can't see them very well, I'm not tall enough," she said straining to see over some bushes.

I lifted her up on my shoulder so that she could get a better look.

"That banner they're carrying--it looks familiar. Looks like a...light colored star on a...blue background," she said squinting with one hand shading her eyes from the sun.

"You think that might be the High Cleric?" Red Moon asked.

"Well, I see some high-ranking clerics...wait...I think I see Kahl-Se'et. Yep, that's him--and the High Cleric is walking next to him!" Dahmi said, surprised to see him not being carried in a sedan chair as is customarily due to his position.

"Should we go meet them?" I asked everyone.

"Well, I can't think of any reason why not, after all, this is certainly a first," Red Moon replied.

I sat Dahmi down on her feet and asked with a grin, "Feel up to it?"

"It could be interesting to see the looks on their faces," Dahmi said with a smile.

"Let's get things covered up first before we head over there," Red Moon said, so we got our meal covered and set it back inside on the table--no sense leaving it out where one of the little forest critters might try to sneak off with some of it. As we were making our way towards the new visitors, Night Song, Brown Leaf, Fen and Shilar waved as they caught up to us.

"Good afternoon, Sire! Looks like the 'Head Cheese' found his way here," Night Song greeted with a smirk.

I chuckled at her choice of words, though Dahmi had to laugh, "Head Cheese...I'll have to remember that one!"

"Now, be nice, Night Song," I said with a grin, "this looks like an official visit."

Grimm, Kurietta, and Foxfire were already standing with the growing crowd so we made our way over to them.

"Hey Grimm," I said as I came up beside my friend.

Grimm looked down at me, patted my shoulder, and said with a grin, "Looks like we may have done some good after all."

"I hope it was worth it," I said as I looked up and met his eyes.

Grimm gave a barely perceptible sigh and nodded his head as he gave my shoulder a little squeeze.

When the High Cleric and his party were nearly to where we were standing and waiting for him, I heard my dam's voice in my head.

"We'll be there in just a moment, dear...go ahead and welcome him and make the introductions, if you would."

I had discovered after Red Moon and I were bonded, that I could also communicate with both my parents and also with Grimm's parents...and I suspected, though I hadn't yet tried, perhaps the other First Ones as well.

"I will. He's walking up now," I replied as I pushed forward through the crowd to meet the man.

I walked up to him slowly, fixing an intense gaze on him, which caused the man to freeze in his tracks. I lowered my head towards him and sniffed his neck, causing him to start sweating.

When I pulled my head back I softened my expression and said, "Greetings, Khe'strah Kh'rol-Mahb, on behalf of my people, the Ayoona-Lu-Nehm'a, I welcome you to The Great Forest and to our village, Hope's Spring," holding my hands out with palms up.

The High Cleric visibly relaxed and put his hands on top of mine, palm downward.

He cleared his throat and said with a thick accent in the Common Tongue, "Greetings, Sire Mist Runner, it is with peace and hope in our hearts that we come, and we are deeply honored to be graciously admitted into your lands."

Sensing the approach of my dam, I said, "Allow me to introduce you to the Lore Masters, the leaders of The Five Eastern Forest Clans."

At that moment the crowd parted and knelt with heads bowed as the Lore Masters came in their full glory--five large brightly glowing spheres of swirling light with a vague shape in the center that had intense eyes of bright amber. The High Cleric and the other Wastelanders looked upon them in awe as they approached and immediately prostrated themselves on the ground and began jabbering something in their native language. Dahmietra was close enough to be able to hear what they were saying and she had to cover her mouth with her hand to keep from snickering.

Warri connected with her thoughts and asked, "What's so funny?"

Dahmi answered back, "I'll tell you tonight."

"Look upon us without fear, friends," Lore Master Spirit Feather said as they their forms began to coalesce.

I took hold of the High Cleric's arm and tugged on it to indicate for him to rise.

He looked up at me and I said quietly, "Tell your people to stand up--you're in an embarrassingly submissive posture."

I pulled him up to his feet and nodded my head towards the others. The High cleric nodded once quickly and looking back said something sharply in their tongue. The others lifted their heads and he and I both motioned for them to stand. The High Cleric nervously faced the Lore Masters again as their forms solidified to the usual appearance they give. I introduced him to each of the Lore Masters, and they to him.

Master Spirit Feather said, "Come and enjoy the hospitality of our people, I believe that you will find your visit here both enlightening and enjoyable. When you are settled and have had time to rest from your journey, we shall meet and hold council."

And with that, the Lore Masters turned and walked away, disappearing in swirls of light.

The High Cleric and his party stood there with mouths gaping, having difficulty comprehending what they had just seen. I motioned for the others from our traveling group to come over so that they could meet the High Cleric.

"Khe'strah, I believe you may remember meeting a few of those who traveled to The Gathering with me," I said motioning towards Grimm, Foxfire, and Night Song. "I wish to introduce you to the rest," I continued as I introduced him to Red Moon and the others that he had not previously had the chance to meet, including Kurietta, Lordan and his group, and Meri as well. "And of course, you remember Dahmietra," I said, saving her for last.

The High Cleric was expecting Dahmi to greet him in the traditional Wastelander manner, but she surprised him by greeting him as she had become accustomed to greeting others in our ways, just as I did before.

"Ah, Dahmietra, of the line of Usantra...," he started to say but she cut him off quickly.

"I am Dahmietra of the clan Shadowfire, as is my sire, Mist Runner and my grandsire Sky Splitter. My dam is Red Moon of the clan Silverwind, as is my granddam Sweet Berry," Dahmi said firmly as she gave her new lineage, staring him in the eye.

"Um...yes, of course, forgive me," he said hastily, much to Red Moon's satisfaction and the quiet amusement of our friends.

"Shall we invite him to evening meal tonight, dear?" Red Moon asked along our bond-link.

I sent an affirmative thought and said, "You should come to our den for evening meal at sunset and be our honored guest," I said, making the invitation.

"I would be delighted," Khe'strah said, giving a little bow.

One of the assistants to the Lore Masters approached and announced that places have been prepared for the High Cleric and his party to stay.

"This one will take to where you will be staying while in our village. I trust that you will find the accommodations adequate," I told the High Cleric and saying quietly to the assistant in our language, "Make sure he finds his way to our den at sunset."

The assistant nodded his head and said to the High Cleric, "If you and your party will follow me please," leading them away.

Red Moon hugged Dahmi as they both watched them heading off to the guest dens.

"Ha, I think you put a bit of a crimp in his tail, Dahmi," Red Moon said with a chuckle.

"Yah, hon, I don't think the guy was countin' on that," Kurietta said with her quirky grin.

"I just hope he remembers...," Dahmietra said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

We went back home and finished eating the rest of our midday meal and cleaned the place up. During the afternoon, I was out taking care of my usual business that related to the normal functioning of the village when I thought I saw a large shadow pass swiftly overhead. I looked up and could see a few small clouds through the trees, but they were just normal slow moving "puff-ball" clouds. I shook my head and thought I must have been seeing things when it passed by again from a slightly different direction. A couple of other people had noticed the same thing and had stopped what they were doing and looked up, trying to figure out what it was that caused the large, fast moving shadow.

"SHRIIIIIEEEE-ik!!!"

The loud piercing sound came from above as the dark shape rushed past once again. That definitely got people's attention as many stepped outside wondering what could have caused such a sound. I thought for a bit, and then it dawned on me that it sounded awfully familiar. I noted that several defenders had come out armed and with bows at the ready, then I saw Grimm rushing out of the office den.

I hurried and joined him, calling out, "Ayooo! Grimm! Tell them not to loose any arrows! I know who that is!"

Grimm gave me an odd look and then nodded his head and said something to one of the defenders who ran and told the others.

"SHRIIIIIEEEE-ik!!!" the call came again from above just as the shadow passed overhead, though this time a little slower.

I immediately cupped my hands around my mouth and yelled as loudly as I could, "Shri'an!!!"

I waited a bit and then I heard, "SHRIII-EE-EE!!!" The dark shape flew over and seemed to hover overhead for a moment and then finding a somewhat open spot in the trees, it began to descend, becoming smaller as it did so.

The shape that touched down on the ground was tall--taller than Grimm by at least two heads, covered in dark brown feathers on the back and tops of the wings, a lighter cream color on the front side and underneath the wings, with a reddish brown head and piercing yellowish amber eyes. The wings each had a taloned hand at the wrist joint, and the legs below the knees were armored in heavy scales that ended in three forward facing clawed toes and one rearward one. The head had two tufted ears, one on each side. This smaller form of the original had more of a feminine shape to it, though the original was much larger and definitely totally bird-like in all aspects.

Shri'an, in her smaller form, cocked her head and moving in the usual small, jerking movements that are typical of her kind, fixed her gaze in my direction.

"Mist Runner! I thought that was you! Come and nuzzle your old nest mate!" she said enthusiastically as she spread her wings for a hug and we trotted towards one another.

My head came to about chest height to Shri'an as she wrapped her wings around me.

"You're still just as warm and fluffy as ever, my old friend!" I said looking up to her face, sticking my tongue out playfully.

"Ha, come up to my aerie again sometime and I'll show you just how warm I can be!" she said just as playfully.

"I can imagine...," I said with a smirk.

When she finally released me, a bit of a crowd was starting to form--not many of the people in our village had ever seen one of the V'Aertii up close before, and they were amazed that I seemed to be on rather friendly terms with this one.

"You remember Grimm Tooth, don't you?" I asked taking her by one of her wing-hands and leading her towards where Grimm was standing.

"Well bless my nest! Why, I haven't seen you in an age!" she exclaimed, giving Grimm a hug.

"Indeed. It has been a long time, I'm surprised that you remember," Grimm said with a slight grin.

"Now how can a hen forget a hunk like you, Grimm Tooth?" Shri'an said with what passes as a sly grin for her kind.

Grimm actually displayed a bit of embarrassment at Shri'an's remark.

"So what brings you to Hope's Spring, Shri'an?" I asked.

"Well, I would say that I was just out looking for a little fun," she said giving me a nudge with her wing, "but, I got roped into bringing something to your Lore Masters," lifting up the pouch she wore around her neck with a wing-hand.

"Ah, well, I can take you to them if you wish," I said holding a hand up to her.

"Why, that would be right kind of you," Shri'an said as she took my hand.

Grimm made a quick snarky remark as we headed off, "Don't get carried away."

Shri'an grinned, cocked her head, gave him a sideways look, and said, "If I could have my way, he would get carried off...but then again, so might you!"

Grimm smirked and slowly shook his head and went back into his office den. I'm sure Shri'an and I made quite a sight walking together through the village--Shri'an not only being much taller than I am, but like the rest of her kind, she walks a bit oddly even when in her more upright smaller form.

"Here we are, this is Master Spirit Feather' den...he's the head of the Lore Masters. Want to go inside?" I asked with a grin, knowing what her answer to that would likely be.

"Of all the feather-brained ideas...you know I can't possibly go in there! This, my sweet, furry little nest mate, is as good as it gets!" she exclaimed as she waved a wing-hand over her form.

I grinned slyly and said, "I never said you didn't look fine."

Shri'an gave me that odd "bird look" with one eye, looking me up and down and then giving the edge of her beak a lick, she said, "Keep that up and we might have some fun yet!"

"Only if Red Moon lets you," I said with a grin.

"Who is that?" Shri'an asked, cocking her head to the other side.

"She's my bond mate," I said. Shri'an jerked her head back in shock and asked, "Bond mate...you? When?"

"Just a few days ago, actually," I said.

"And I missed it!" she exclaimed with a hurt look.

"The invitations were sent out...I was hoping you would be able to come to it; there was quite a party afterwards," I said giving an "I'm sorry" shrug.

"It'll be my luck that by the time I get back to my aerie, it'll be there waiting for me. Well, bird pellets! I guess there's nothing to be done about it now," Shri'an said somewhat dejected.

"After we finish here, I'll take you to my den and you can meet the family," I said with a little grin.

"You got hatchlings already?" she asked with amazement.

"Not exactly...we've adopted a young female, and she just came of age. She has a love mate already and he's been staying with us. Anyway, I'll introduce you--I think you'll like them, though you'd better hang on to your tail feathers," I explained with a grin. Shri'an gave me a suspicious look at that last, though before she could say anything, I called out for Master Spirit Feather.

"I'm sorry to bother you on such short notice, Master Spirit Feather, but my old friend Shri'an here has brought something for the Lore Masters to see," I explained when he came out to greet us.

"Ah, Shri'an...it has indeed been a long time since we have had the pleasure of meeting! So, what news is there from the northern aeries?" Spirit Feather asked.

Shri'an reached into her neck pouch and pulled out a sealed scroll tube and handed it to him.

"I haven't read it, so I'm not sure exactly what our counselors have sent, though they said it was important that it be delivered directly into the claws of the Lore Masters," she replied.

"Very good, I shall assemble the others at once," Spirit Feather said and then he half-closed his eyes for a few moments. Cloud Shaker, who lives next to Spirit Feather, came out from his den right away to join Spirit Feather, and the others came soon after.

"Shri'an, dear, it has been a long time since you have graced us with your company," my dam said as she gave Shri'an a friendly hug.

"It is good to see you again, too, Mistress," Shri'an said returning Fire Weaver's hug.

"Are you able to stay with us for a little while, or must you return soon?" Fire Weaver asked.

"I can stay for a few days so that you may have a proper chance to read through that and decide what kind of reply you wish for me to take back," Shri'an replied.

"Then we shall attend to this with due care and consideration; in the meantime, please avail yourself to our hospitality," Spirit Feather said giving the scroll tube a little wave.

"Thank you, Master; Mist Runner and I have some catching up to do," she said with a grin.

The Lore Masters took their leave to study the contents of the scroll tube, and I told Shri'an, "Come on, I'll take you to my den," as I held my hand out for her to take.

Shri'an gave me a sly look and as she took my hand, she said, "Ah, I was hoping you would say 'in', instead of 'to'."

"Still the temptress, eh?" I asked with a smirk as we started walking.

"Maybe...an old hen like me could always get lucky, with the right male," Shri'an said coyly as she extended the rest of her wing across my back.

"Well, here it is," I said when we arrived at the den.

"Hmm, looks awfully cramped in there," Shri'an said as she bent down to look under the overhang.

"There's the door to go inside," I said, pointing at it.

"What? It goes back further?!" Shri'an asked in shock.

"This is just the front area that we use for entertaining or relaxing, weather permitting, of course; the main part of the den is on past that door...we have three rooms now," I said with a grin.

"I don't think I could possibly squeeze through that...it's tiny! Besides, you know I don't like small spaces," Shri'an said, dismayed at the small size of the den (to her).

"Hmm, well then I guess I can't take you in the den then," I said with a smirk.

Shri'an did a double take and asked, "What was that?"

"Just a moment and I'll let everyone know that we have company," I said, purposely ignoring her question.

As I went on inside, Shri'an thought to herself, "Ooo...I hate it when he does that!"

When I got inside everyone was sitting at the table having some tea while Red Moon was explaining about some of the herbal mixtures she makes.

"Hey, I have a bit of a surprise waiting outside," I said with a big grin.

"Do we want to know what it is?" Red Moon asked playfully, sticking her tongue out a little.

"Not what, who," I said still grinning, "Come on, I want you to meet somebody."

"It's not that cleric, is it?" Red Moon asked rather skeptically.

"Ah...no," I said motioning to everyone as I headed for the door.

"But, there's nobody out here...," Dahmi started to say, but I pointed further on out.

When we came out from under the overhang, Meri stopped dead in her tracks and looked up and said in a near whisper, "Oh my sweet berries...!"

"I want you all to meet my old friend, Shri'an of the V'Aertii; Shri'an, this is Red Moon, my bond mate, and our daughter, Dahmietra, her friend Warri, and Meri...who happens to be the younger sister of someone you know from a long time ago," I said, making the introductions.

"Pleased to meet you," she said as she greeted Red Moon.

"It's nice to meet you finally, Shri'an...Mist Runner has told me about you, though I had the impression that you were...larger," Red Moon said looking up, amazed at her height.

"Oh, I'm normally much larger than this," Shri'an said with a wink.

When Shri'an went to greet Dahmi, she paused and looked Dahmi over by leaning down, turning her head to one side, and tilting her head up and down in small increments in typical bird-like fashion.

"You don't look like a furry fledgling," Shri'an said with a bit of confusion.

"I was born among the Dahl-Han Wa'ek, or the Wastelanders, as you may know them as; Red Moon and Mist Runner are my parents now," Dahmi explained.

"And you're not either running off screaming or trying to make me into a...oh, what's that word...ah, a pincushion, that's it. Amazing," Shri'an said as she held her wing-hand out to Dahmi.

Dahmietra grinned as she shook hands with Shri'an, noting how warm her soft, leathery skin was, and said, "I'm just a little different, I guess."

Shri'an smiled and said, "Nothing wrong with that!" Warri took his turn at greeting Shri'an and then it came to Meri.

"Say, you do remind me of someone I knew a long time ago--different markings, but very similar in the face. Ah, and she also had the same color eyes, too," Shri'an said as she looked Meri over carefully.

"That was my big sis, Kurietta...she told me about meeting ya when she was on that wandering thing she did with Misty and the Grimmster," Meri said cheerfully.

Shri'an pulled her head back in surprise and then looked at me and exclaimed, "It can't possibly be!"

I smiled at her and said, "Actually...it is, believe it or not. It's a long story, but Kurietta is here with Grimm--they're joined now, finally--and Meri has been brought back as well."

"You're pulling my tail feathers, aren't you?" Shri'an asked, looking around behind her as she wiggled her tail feathers to see if they were all there.

"Nah, ol' Misty's not yankin' yer tail, Kuri and I both got brought back from the dead. Don't ask me how they did it, but it was Grimmster's ma and lil' sis who brought Kuri back and Misty somehow got me back--it just squishes my berries thinkin' about it!" Meri said holding her head.

Shri'an looked back and forth between Meri and me several times before ruffling her feathers and shaking her head.

"I think you're going to owe me a jug of some of that potent brew the Southlanders make, Mist Runner, after I hear this tale!" Shri'an said giving me a grin.

"Oh, no...not that stuff! I remember the last time you got crocked on it!" I said as I rather animatedly shook my head and waved my hands in a dismissive gesture.

"That bad?" Red Moon asked giving me a curious look.

"Worse! You don't want to see a V'Aertii after drinking that spicy 'liquid fire' brew the Southlanders make! Oh noooo...she sat on me...I think she was trying to see if I'd hatch!" I exclaimed while giving Shri'an a worried look. Dahmietra started giggling, but then I said, "While she was her full size!"

Dahmi got a bit of a confused look on her face while she was trying not to giggle, but then Warri explained to her just how large the V'Aertii are normally--and then she had to try really hard to keep from laughing. Shri'an grinned and leaned down and whispered something in my ear--and I was immediately both shocked and embarrassed.

I wagged my finger at her saying, "Now that was bad!"

Red Moon gave me a dubious look, so I said quietly, "Trust me, you don't want to know."

We spent the rest of the afternoon catching up on what's been going on the past five turns of the seasons since Shri'an and I last saw each other. A few stories related as well, much to the delight of Dahmietra who was reveling at the chance to get to know yet another of the races found on our world, and especially since it was one of the Immortal Ones. When it was getting on towards sunset, Red Moon, Dahmi and Meri excused themselves so that they could go in and get started preparing our evening meal. I invited Shri'an to stay, but she said that before it got dark she would head up into the great trees to sleep for the night.

Just about sunset the High Cleric showed up, being led to our den by the assistant to the Lore Masters. Shri'an, Warri, and I were sitting on top of the den so that she could be in a nice open area. The V'Aertii are known to have a strong disliking of being in any confining space--they only feel secure in the shelter of the huge rock formations located high in the mountains where they make their homes.

"Pardon me, but it looks like you have a couple of visitors coming this way, Mist Runner," Shri'an said as she watched the two approaching the den.

"Ah, that would be the certain individual I told you about," I said as I got up to look.

"Hmpf, I'm surprised The Great Forest actually let him in," Shri'an said sarcastically.

"He's not so bad, considering...," I said with a little chuckle, "come on, I'll introduce you to him."

The look on the face of the High Cleric was priceless when he saw Shri'an for the very first time. He had never seen any of the V'Aertii before, though he had heard of legends about giant birds and here before him was certainly a legend-come-to-life, for Shri'an had shifted back to her normal form before the High Cleric had seen her. Like the rest of her people, Shri'an is huge while in her normal form--her wingspan was easily nine to ten times that of my own height. However, they have the ability to magically alter their form from that of a giant bird of prey, down to one that can more easily accommodate (and be not nearly so frightening to) the smaller races. As Shri'an shifted her form once again to her smaller self (it took only a few moments for the change to be complete), the High Cleric looked as if he would pass out from shock, so I stood ready to catch him just in case.

"Shri'an, I'd like you to meet Khe'strah Kh'rol-Mahb, the High Cleric of the Wastelanders, or the Dahl-Han Wa'ek, as they are known as in their own tongue; Khe'strah, this is my old and dear friend, Shri'an of the V'Aertii, and you already have met Warri," I said making the introductions.

"I am pleased to meet you, sir!" Shri'an said as she extended a wing-hand to the High Cleric, "Oh and I hope you'll note a little more emphasis on 'dear' and not the 'old' part," she added with a little cluck while giving me a "later for you" look.

"Ah...p-pleased to m-meet you," Khe'strah managed to say despite his initial shock and shook her offered wing-hand. "W-Will you also be joining us for the evening's meal?" Khe'strah asked Shri'an out of politeness, though not being used to her expressions, he secretly imagined a giant bird ripping through the still twitching carcass of a very large animal--or possibly even himself.

"While it would make for an interesting time, I'm afraid that I'm one of those 'early to roost, early to rise' types; you know, 'the early bird gets the herd', and all that," she replied with a soft clucking.

Khe'strah blanched when she said "herd", which of course did not go unnoticed by either Shri'an or me.

"Well, I shall say my good night...perhaps we will meet again tomorrow," Shri'an told Khe'strah while giving him a slight grin and bobbing her head in a bird-like fashion.

"A-A pleasant good evening to you, ah, Shri'an," Khe'strah said in return.

"I'll be with you in just a moment, Khe'strah...please, make yourself comfortable," I said gesturing to the front area of the den under the overhang.

"So you're going to be a spoil sport tonight, eh?" I asked quietly with a grin as Shri'an and I walked a short distance away.

"Yeah, well, you know...once the sun goes down, it's time to roost. I'll be up in that tree if you want me," she replied with a sly grin.

"It would be a lot easier if you stayed inside tonight...I have some nice, soft furs to sleep on," I said with a sly grin of my own.

"Always trying to get me down some hole in the ground, aren't you, Mist Runner?" Shri'an said with a mildly accusing look.

"Hey, at least it's easier to snuggle that way, than sitting way up in a tree all night," I retorted while sticking my tongue out playfully.

"Well, if we were in my aerie, we could do more than just snuggle, my friend," she said giving me a nudge with a wing and softly clucking.

"Still hopeful, eh?" I asked with a smirk.

"And you're still a tease. We've been doing this little dance for far too long and we're not getting any younger...you might as well relent and give it up, nest mate! You aren't afraid that you might like it, are you?"

I moved closer and said with a smile and a wink, "I did mention something about taking you in my den, as I recall."

Shri'an wrapped her wings around me and said, "You could just forget about that Wastelander...," she suggested.

"And you could stay...,"I suggested back with a grin.

Shri'an sighed and clucked and said, "I'll be here for three days. Next spring...I'm going to come looking for you. If I catch you in the open, I'm flying your tail back to my aerie and you're not saying 'no'!"

"Believe it or not, but I actually have been planning on coming to see you next spring," I said putting my arms around Shri'an's waist.

She cocked her head and asked, "Social call...or business?"

"Both. Well, I guess we can do the business part while you're here...but that can wait until tomorrow. I'd better get back, or I won't be a very good host," I said with a wry grin.

Shri'an leaned her head down, we nuzzled one another, and then I kissed her on her beak.

"See you tomorrow?" I asked.

"Count on it," she said with a grin and then gave me a lick on my cheek. With that, Shri'an stepped back, launched herself up into the air, and flew up to a large branch in the ancient tree to spend the night.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Khe'strah...I have not seen Shri'an for five turns of the seasons, and she just flew in this afternoon. We've known each other ever since I was a cubling and she was a hatchling, and we've been close friends ever since," I explained apologetically.

"That is quite alright Sire Mist Runner; one should always keep their family and friends close to the heart," Khe'strah said with a smile. "If I may say so, your friend...she is quite...interesting," he added with a speculative glance up towards the tree she is in.

"I take it that you've never met any of the V'Aertii before, have you?" I asked.

"In truth, I had no idea they existed. Oh, there are some ancient legends of a giant bird, but I have always thought they were nothing more than fanciful stories," he stated.

"The V'Aertii are also one of the Elder Races, just as my people are, and like us they too have been a part of this world since its earliest days," I explained.

Khe'strah slowly shook his head and said sadly, "Our people...we have kept ourselves isolated from the rest of the world for so long...and we have believed ourselves as being The Favored Ones and in doing so, we have forced our ways on all those we have encountered. Yet, we are perhaps no more or less favored than any other that live upon this world. I think we will be called upon to sacrifice much if we are to hope for some measure of peace among not only ourselves, but with the rest of those who inhabit the greater world."

"With time and perseverance, your people will grow in understanding and with that will come a greater wisdom. In the long span of my existence, I have observed something of those races similar to yours: what they do not understand, they fear; what they fear, they hate; and what they hate, they destroy. Therefore, in order for such not to happen, what they do not understand they should take upon themselves to learn and not only accept the differences, but to embrace them as well. People are not likely to destroy something that they love, and they are more likely to love something if they are not afraid of it, and they cannot fear once they understand why someone or something is the way that it is. The Woodland People, for example, once lived in separate tribal areas that each guarded with fierce rivalry. Eventually they learned to overcome such divisions and now they all live together within the same villages and towns and work towards the common good of all. Even to the point of making friends with others not of their kind. They have taken it upon themselves to embrace diversity--of course, they have, unfortunately, had ample motivation as a result of violent attacks by your people who view them as 'demon animals'--but it doesn't have to come to violence in order to bring about such changes. I think that perhaps if fear and hatred of anything different would no longer be taught among your people, they will begin to start learning about and accepting that which is different. Take the one called Tah-Noor for example--his mind was full of hate, so the question becomes, where and how did that hate work its way into his mind and heart of being? After the first incident with him in Alnakh's inn, he came back a while later with one of his like-minded friends...and also a young cleric, who apparently had been feeding their minds with such thoughts. You clerics can have a powerful influence on your people, for good or ill; perhaps they should be trained to teach something other than fear and hate," I explained patiently and gently.

Khe'strah sat there and quietly contemplated all that I had said to him.

After a while, he said somberly, "Perhaps so. Again, you give me much to think upon."

Dahmietra came out to see if the High Cleric had shown up yet and to announce that our meal would be ready soon.

When she saw him, she set down the pitcher of water, washbasin, and towel she was carrying and then came directly over to us and facing him said, "Greetings, Kh'rol-Mahb."

"A pleasant good evening to you, Dahmietra," he greeted in return.

She looked up at me and said, "Everything's ready to bring out, if you want to wash up first."

"Thanks, dear. I suppose we should go ahead and light the lamps while you gals are bringing out the food," I said giving Dahmi a quick hug.

"I'll get a straw lit from the fire and bring it out," Warri said as he got up. Khe'strah watched with interest as Dahmi and Warri walked inside hand-in-hand.

"Those two seem to be quite...friendly...with one another," he said after the door closed behind them.

"They're love mates," I said, wondering what his reaction to that would be.

Khe'strah coughed and asked, "They're what?" "

When I first brought Dahmi here, she and Warri seemed to take an interest in one another, and they eventually fell in love with each other, despite being so different physically from one another. Just recently, they both went through the Coming of Age rite together so they're now considered adults among our people and free to choose as they will, and they chose to be with each other--in all ways. I wouldn't say anything against their choice, because Dahmi is not the meek, shy little girl cub you once knew, either--that Tah-Noor I mentioned, she came very close to slitting his throat when he tried to grab her in Alnakh's inn one morning. When he came back later with his friends, my mate Red Moon wanted to make fish food out of him. Warri proved that he will do whatever necessary to protect her when we met up with Tah-Noor a third time on the way home and found out from him just what Khel-Sehk and the other Dark Bloods had in store for her--it was something rather horribly twisted and sick. Oh, and by the way, a certain warrior by the name of Khasred--he and his little band were foolish enough to try and enter The Great Forest with the intent to capture, torture, and murder...and also take their pleasure with any females they caught. They didn't survive long, though we did send one of his gang back with the bodies and a message," I related.

"News of that reached us. I did not approve of Khasred's actions--he was brutish, dangerous and ruthless; I'm certain that he and his men got what punishment they deserved," Khe'strah said, and I could sense the strong approval of the actions taken against Khasred.

Warri came out with a lit straw and began lighting the lamps with Red Moon, Dahmi, and Meri coming out right behind him with the food. As soon as Warri got the lamps lit, he went back inside to bring out whatever else that needed to be brought out. When all was ready and Khe'strah, Warri and I got washed up, and we sat down to eat. Shortly after we started, I noticed that Khe'strah got a rather odd look on his face...when I looked around to see what was causing him some distress, I noticed that Dahmi had picked up a piece of fresh meat and had bitten into it, seemingly without thinking. I raised an eyebrow, though I didn't say anything...at least not aloud.

"Dahmi just bit into a piece of fresh meat...have you ever seen her do that before, dear?" I asked Red Moon along our bond-link.

"She did? No, she usually shies away from it. What could have prompted her to do that? I thought she only eats hers cooked," Red Moon replied with a bit of concern.

"So did I. She seems to be enjoying it, though," I agreed. I kept a discreet eye on Dahmi for the rest of the meal to see if she did anything else out of the ordinary, but she didn't as far as I could tell. I made it a point to ask Warri later about it if he noticed it or if she had said anything to him about it.

We spent the evening having a relaxed conversation until it was time for the High Cleric to turn in for the night.

"Do you require someone to walk you back to where you're staying, or do you wish to try and find your own way?" I asked when he was ready to leave.

"I think that I would need someone to show me the way, everything looks so differently in the dark," he said.

"I will call for the assistant to take you back, though I will at least walk you to the main path from here," I said with a grin.

He said his good nights to everyone and he and I proceeded walking at a slow pace down towards the main path. I called out for the assistant, and was answered shortly after.

While we were strolling along, he looked up into the great trees and asked, "Your friend...she's up there somewhere?"

"Yes, she is. I offered to have her stay with us in our den, but of course I know Shri'an wouldn't...her people are rather uncomfortable in close surroundings, and they definitely don't like being underground," I explained.

"I suppose that's understandable, being creatures of the air as they are," Khe'strah said thoughtfully. The High Cleric looked around as we waited for the assistant to arrive to take him back to his quarters. "Your village is a marvelous place! I have noticed how all of your shops and homes blend with their natural surroundings, and even your streets and pathways are lit at night, yet I see no flame--how is that possible?" he asked.

"We strive to live in balance and harmony with the world, so naturally our structures also reflect that in their design and shape; they become an extension of their surroundings. As for the lights you see at night, it is magic that illuminates our paths," I explained.

"But, your people can see in the night, is that not correct?" Khe'strah asked.

"It is," I replied, "for us the lights are more for aesthetic purposes--they shine at night like the stars, gently guiding our way through the darkness, and like the stars, they remind us that we are all one under their light."

Khe'strah looked thoughtfully out into the village for a while.

"For generations beyond our counting we lived in a place that was harsh, demanding, and unforgiving. We have been shaped by fierce heat, grinding sand, sparse thorny vegetation, and precious little water that was guarded jealously. We became just as ruthless as the place we scratched out our simple and often short lives. And then the mountains sent down their fires and ash and choking, poisonous fumes--it was as if they no longer tolerated us and sought to wipe us out for having dared to remain there for as long as we had. We fled...and into the new lands, we brought with us the terrible harshness and were as inflexible as the stones themselves, much to the woe and suffering of all we came in contact with. I wonder...how different would my people have been if we came from such a place as this," he said with sadness and a tear running down his cheek.

I gently put my hand on his shoulder and said, "Change will come, sometimes slowly, sometimes in spurts, but it will come. Even the mightiest of mountains eventually are worn down by the soft caress of water--I have watched it happen over the long span of my existence, Khe'strah. Your people are already beginning to be shaped in different directions--the softer stones are shaped more easily, the harder ones more slowly. Even among the hardest of rocks, a tiny, tender seedling will sprout and take root, eventually growing to become a strong tree bearing nourishing fruit. The fact that you are here is evidence of that sprouting seed; give it the love and care that it needs to grow, and your labor will be far more rewarding and the fruit all the more sweeter when it matures."

When the assistant came to lead the High Cleric back to his quarters he asked one more question, "Do you believe we can become better as a people than we have been?"

Listening to my intuition I said, "You may, if you apply your passions towards living and embrace life in all its diversity and wonder, and chose to live in balance and harmony with it. You must open not only your eyes and ears, but also your hearts of being to other possibilities, and then we shall see in which direction you end up going from here. Just remember that there are many paths towards the Light--follow your heart of being, listen to the whisper that you do not hear, and yet do, be true to yourself and to others, and always be mindful of your surroundings. Never forget that we are all one under the stars," I said as I gently grasped his hand and smiled.

We said our good nights and he departed with the assistant. When he had returned to his guest quarters, Khe'strah said quietly to the youth, "Sire Mist Runner...he is one of the wisest persons I have ever met."

"He has been around the tree a few more times than most of us," the assistant said with a knowing smile. "If you should require anything, someone will be nearby all night," he added.

"Thank you. A pleasant good night to you," Khe'strah said.

Around midmorning, the High Cleric and his party were summoned to meet with the Lore Masters at the Council Rock. They spent the day discussing many things, including offering an official apology for past grievances against our people and our allies. In the meantime, Shri'an had returned from doing a bit of early morning hunting over the grasslands to the east. Having had her fill, she brought back a brace of two-prongs for us. I awakened to the sound of something going thump on the ground above us.

Red Moon groggily raised her head and asked, "What was that?"

Meri rubbed her eyes and said, "Kinda sounded like somethin' big droppin' on the ground."

Before I could say anything, we heard a sharp trill coming from outside.

"Gee, I wonder who that could be," I said with a hint of friendly sarcasm as I got up and put my breechcloth on.

I went outside in the cool morning air and found Shri'an on top of the den preening her feathers.

"Ah, about time you dragged that sweet tail of yours out from under the furs! I brought you a little something to eat," she said with a grin.

"Isn't that a courting gesture, bringing food to a potential mate?" I asked with a sly grin.

"Oh you know that's only if a male brings food to a hen, you tail-for-brains!" Shri'an said with a cluck.

"I was just checking...thought maybe you might be one of those more progressive females," I said with smirk.

"Well now, if that's what it takes to get you, I just may have to consider that!" she said giving me a thoughtful look.

"Want to help me get these inside?" I asked with a grin.

"I just carried those over thirty leagues, you little...I'm not dragging them down some dark little sharp-tooth hole!" she exclaimed with an indignant huff as she folded her wings in front of her chest.

I walked up to Shri'an and taking a hold of one of her wing hands I asked coyly, "Are you afraid of being eaten or something, dear?"

"Darn straight!" she replied lifting her beak up and looking away in a pout.

"Hmm, I've often wondered what a nice, juicy hen tastes like," I teased, licking my lips when she looked at me.

Shri'an blinked rapidly a few times in surprise while it took a moment for my comment to sink in. When I saw the look in her eyes when the double meaning finally dawned on her, I quickly slipped away laughing to pick up one of the two-prongs to take it down to the front of the den.

"Ooo...you are such a tease, you old scamp!"

The preparations for the Fall Equinox celebrations were underway that afternoon--decorations being put up, booths and exhibits assembled by various shopkeepers and merchants from other villages looking to ply their wares in the faire-like atmosphere, and musicians and storytellers also setting up where they could. The areas were food and drink would be offered were also being set up as well. By the evening of the next day, the celebrations would begin, much to the anticipation of all. This is one of our largest celebrations and everyone was looking forward to it. Kurietta had been secretly practicing a dance with Meri, Minxie, Dennella, and the other Skunatii dancers that had arrived with Lordan's group--even Foxfire and the spirits of Kurietta's parents were going to have a roll in her performance, though they were keeping the nature of it a very closely guarded secret. Grimm and I both met with Shri'an for a while in the afternoon to discuss finding and contacting the Drakkorians and request their assistance in dealing with the Dark Bloods who are living in the caves located in The Whispering Hills to the east of our boundaries. I had a scroll prepared for her to take back home so that if one or more Drakkorians could be found they could have a chance to read the formal request for their assistance.

Late in the afternoon, I saw Bane Flower over in the practice area where she had been working on some drills to keep her skills sharp. She had just stopped to take a break when I saw Foxfire join Bane Flower where she was sitting. I smiled to myself knowing that she must have finally decided to take my advice and talk to Foxfire about what has been troubling her for all of this time. Foxfire would not normally be over in the training area, so she must have sensed in her own way that she should be there at that particular time. I watched for a little while as the two talked...or rather, Bane Flower did most of the talking and Foxfire listened. At one point Foxfire hugged Bane Flower and held her like a mother would hold a troubled cubling, and then Foxfire looked in my direction as if she knew that I was watching. I could see Foxfire nod her head and I got the feeling that a first step had been taken in Bane Flower's emotional recovery from whatever traumatic experience she had after she became lost in that sudden snow storm all those turns of the seasons ago. In time, we learned the deeply buried and ugly truth of what had happened to Bane Flower. She had become separated from the rest of her hunting party in the blizzard and found what shelter she could among the rocks. Lost in unfamiliar territory, she wandered for a time in the cold and deep snow, until she had collapsed near some trees. When she had awakened, Bane Flower had been found by a small group of bandits and was taken as a prisoner. They had kept her in irons and nearly starved so that she would not have the strength to free herself...and she had been repeatedly abused, physically and mentally. One particular night her captors were careless while enjoying the spoils of their latest act of robbery, and drank too much wine. Their leader thought to have yet another go at Bane Flower, but he had passed out before getting too far. She was able to find and get the keys he had for her chains and finally free herself, locking him up in her place, and then slipping away in the dark. It was by sheer force of will and determination that she somehow eventually found her way back to The Great Forest. It was The Forest itself that, in its own way, alerted our people to something not being right. Bane Flower was found and brought back to the village where she was able to recover from her physical wounds and malnourishment. She vehemently refused at the time to allow a deeper healing, though we couldn't understand why. Foxfire was able to draw out what had happened to Bane Flower and by doing something similar to what she had done to Lordan, was able to infuse Bane Flower with enough love that she was able to finally accept help from both my dam, Fire Weaver, and also from Master Spirit Feather. Bane Flower continued to see Master Spirit Feather for a time afterwards, and she surprised everyone by starting to be seen more often and--much more importantly--in far better mood and attitude.

The next day the celebrations kicked off in the later part of the morning with a parade of musicians and other entertainers, including those of the Woodland People who had come with Lordan's group. Kurietta and Meri were also a part of the procession, dancing to the music in the ancient Skunatii style, much to the delight of all. The High Cleric and his party joined in, mingled with the rest of the crowd, and took in the sights, enjoying the various performances, foods, and wares available. Shri'an also enjoyed herself as she wandered about with Red Moon, Dahmi, Warri and I. About midday, we spotted Ewvin and Jansina walking about with their new child, and we stopped and all ate together. The Southlanders have similar fairs, though this was certainly a first for Dahmietra who had never heard of the like. When it was near sunset, the shopkeepers and merchants closed up their booths for the night, and then after evening meal it was time for dancing and more music. I tried to get Shri'an to stay up a while, but she insisted on heading up into the tree that she had spent the previous night in. I did get her to agree to stay up a while the next night so that she could see both of the performances that Kurietta and Foxfire would be giving.

After Shri'an headed off to roost for the night, we spent the rest of the evening enjoying the festivities. Aside from having several dances with Red Moon, Dahmi and I danced together a couple of times, and both Meri and Kuri had turns as well. Before things wound down for the night, I had gone to get us something to drink. On my way back, I saw Bane Flower talking with Red Moon.

"I hope this is going to be friendly conversation," I thought to myself.

I greeted Bane Flower cheerfully and told her that I hoped she was enjoying herself. Bane Flower was fidgeting a bit and seemed to be a little nervous. My empathic senses told me that she was merely apprehensive about something, and not agitated.

"Well, um...I...I guess so. Um...I was...wondering if...," she said hesitantly, wringing her hands and looking like she wanted to be somewhere else.

"She wants to know if you would dance with her, dear," Red Moon piped up with a gentle smile.

I shot Red Moon a glance and raised an eyebrow, she nodded her head, and I looked back at Bane Flower.

"Well, sure...let me set these down first," I said with a grin.

I handed the drinks out to everyone, took a quick one of my own, and handed the drinking bowl to Red Moon. I extended my arm to Bane Flower and we walked to the dance area. I didn't want to read too much into it; I just took it for what it was--just a dance. The first number was an easy one, so we danced the next song, which was a little livelier. I did one more with her, which was a slow dance, and she kept her head under my chin the whole song. When it was over, I could see that she had a tear in her eye, which I gently wiped away.

"Thank you," Bane Flower whispered in my ear as we turned to head back to where the rest of us were seated.

We got about half way when she stopped me.

"Um, I think I...I'm going to go home now. Maybe...in a few days...we could talk?" She asked--I could sense the uncertainty in her feelings as well as hear it in her voice.

"Certainly, my friend; just let me know when and where and we can talk about anything you feel like," I said smiling to her.

Bane Flower lightly held her hand to my cheek and I put my hand on top of hers and held it for a moment. Before she left, I kissed Bane Flower on the cheek and wished her a good night. As she was walking away, I noticed that her step seemed a bit perkier and she definitely did not have her usual sullen attitude. Perhaps there was hope for Bane Flower yet, I smiled to myself.

On our way back to the den, Red Moon asked, "Does it seem to you like Bane Flower has changed some lately?"

"Yes, I've noticed it. I think maybe she might have finally taken my advice and has talked about whatever it's been that has caused her to be so troubled for so long. Earlier today I saw Foxfire with her in the training area...and you know that Foxfire never goes over there if she doesn't have to," I replied.

"Isn't she the one you told me about when you first brought me here?" Dahmi asked.

"Yep, that's her," I replied.

"I invited her to come and eat with us sometime when she felt up to it, and she said that she'd think about it," Red Moon said.

"Well, that would definitely be sign of improvement, if she meant it," I said.

"She did seem a bit surprised at first when I asked, but then she seemed sincere enough to me when she said that she'd think about it," Red Moon said.

"Hmm, before she left to go home, she asked if she could talk with me in a few days. It's been a long time since she just wanted to talk, so I guess we'll see how things go," I said thoughtfully.

After we were laid down for the night I quietly reminded Red Moon of something, "You know that we're going to have to make good on a certain promise...soon."

Red Moon looked at me questionly for a moment and then it dawned on her what I meant.

"Oh, yeah...Foxfire," she said remembering what was discussed back when we were at The Gathering, waiting for it to start.

"It could be rather...interesting. There's no telling what might happen to any of us when she...," I said.

"I know, dear...that's the only thing about it that really has me worried, and more for you," Red Moon said with concern.

Meri, who was lying on the other side of me, had been listening and she ran her fingers down my arm.

"Kuri told me that Foxie's had the hots for ya for a long time...are ya gonna want me to move out?" she asked and I could sense the worry in her about the possibility of having to find someplace else to stay at.

Red Moon put her hand on top of Meri's and said, "No, dear, I'm...we're not sure exactly how to work this out yet, but you certainly don't need to move out or anything."

Giving Red Moon a quick glance, I rolled onto my other side so that I could face Meri and I stroked the side of her face with my fingertips, saying gently, "Meri...you don't need to run away anymore."

The angst Meri was feeling was, I suppose, understandable given her past life experiences. "You belong now, remember? The morning you woke up here, after I pulled you back...when we were out front, and we sang. And then during The Great Song...and later that night, when you ended up here, remember that?" I asked quietly.

"Yeah...," Meri said as she lightly touched the side of my face, "...I remember. I guess Kuri's right; ya don't give up on people ya...care about. But, why do ya care about me so much?" she asked.

I thought for a moment and recalled Master Spirit Feather's words. "The best answer that I can honestly give you right now is just that I do. I'm not going to give up on you, and I'm not going to let you give up, either," I said and then I pulled Meri to me and held her. Red Moon nestled up against my back and put her arm over both Meri and I and we lay there like that for a time.

After a while, Meri asked me in a near whisper, "Misty...if...if ya want to, would ya...with me?"

Meri gave me a searching look in my eyes and just then, Red Moon said along our bond-link, "It's okay, beloved."

"Are you sure?" I asked in return.

"If it'll help her...I don't mind," Red Moon replied and she gave me a gentle lick behind my ear.

I smiled gently as I softly caressed Meri's face and cupping her chin in my hand, I kissed her...

Some while later, Meri feebly waved her hands and said while panting heavily, "Oh...my...sweet...berries! No...no more...can't...move! Misty...y-yer a-a beast! How...can...you...?"

Red Moon, who was lying off to the side, said with a big wicked grin, "Oh, I make sure he gets plenty of practice."

I chuckled and shook my head slowly, "She wears me out," I said jabbing a thumb in Red Moon's direction.

Meri looked in disbelief as Red Moon pulled me over to her and said, "Now it's my turn!"

About the time I finally fell over onto my back, unable to move, I could hear the birds starting their morning chirping.

"Okay, dear...I think...that's enough. We're not...going to...get much sleep," I managed to get out.

"Okay, I guess I'll let you...after all, you had a bit of a head start," she said sticking her tongue out at me playfully.

As soon as I caught my breath again I started to get up.

"Where are you going, dear?" Red Moon asked.

"I got to...," I said as I pointed towards the front room.

"Misty...I gotta, too...help me up, will ya?" Meri asked holding a hand up.

As soon as I was on my feet, I helped Meri up.

Red Moon tossed back the covering and said, "Well, as long as you two are up, I guess I might as well, too."

The three of us made our way up to the front room and took care of the necessities. When we had finished, we cleaned up and got a good long drink of water.

Meri gingerly sat down at the table and sighed, "I'm not gonna be able to walk tomorrow!"

"When we get back in there, I can fix that," I said with a grin.

We filed back into our sleeping area and as soon as we lay down, I used my healing magic to ease whatever soreness that Meri felt.

"How does that feel, any better?" I asked after a few moments.

Meri sighed with relief and said, "Much better! I think I can go to sleep now," she added with a big yawn and proceeded to curl up against me and then fell quickly asleep.

I brushed the side of Meri's face and then I pulled Red Moon over to me and said with a grin, "Good night, dear...what's left of it."

"Good night, my love," Red Moon said as she kissed me tenderly.

Warri was the first one up in the morning so he took it upon himself to get a fire going for tea as soon as he finished with his morning necessities. When the fire was going well enough, he put the teapot on to heat, and about that time, Dahmi came out to join him. She plopped down at the table and rubbed her eyes for a moment to clear away the sleep.

Dahmi looked over at the teapot and sighed, "I imagine that's not hot enough yet."

Warri smiled and said, "I just put it on the hook."

Dahmi rubbed her face, got up, wrapped her arms around Warri, and buried her face in his fur.

"Mmm, the fire feels good, but you feel better," Dahmi said smiling as they nuzzled each other in the cool morning air.

"Did you sleep well last night?" Warri asked.

Dahmi looked up with a big grin on her face and said, "I always sleep well next to you," and she reached up and pulled his face down to kiss him.

"I was hoping they didn't keep you awake all night," Warri said with a slightly embarrassed grin.

Dahmi looked in the direction of the other sleeping area and shook her head slowly.

She thought privately to herself, "I don't think I'd ever be able to walk if we went at it like they do!" To Warri she said, "They certainly know how to--enjoy--themselves."

"So it seems," Warri said quietly. As he leaned in to kiss Dahmi, Warri added, "And so do you."

Dahmi could feel her cheeks warm with embarrassment as they kissed. When she pulled back Dahmi put her finger to Warri's lips and said, "Hold that thought a little, my dear heart," and then she slipped away to take care of her morning necessities.

Grimm woke with a start--it was still dark out, no sounds of anyone moving about, and Kuri was still lying snuggled by his side and sound asleep. He carefully sniffed the air--no strange scents, and he could still smell Foxfire's scent strongly so she should still be in her sleeping area. Grimm relaxed a little, though he was perplexed by what could have woken him up at this hour. Very carefully, he got up so as to not wake Kuri and he went to get a drink of water. On the way, he paused by the doorway to his sister's sleeping area and saw that she was still asleep in her bed. Grimm filled his drinking bowl with water, sat down at the table, and took a drink. As he sat there quietly, Grimm looked around the room and seeing the brightly colored decorations that Kuri had added to liven the place up a bit, he smiled gently to himself thinking of how much more pleasant life had become now that she was back in his life. Then he thought of when she had danced with Mist Runner. Grimm didn't feel any jealousy towards Mist Runner because he knew how much Kuri loved to dance, and like his own sire, it was one thing that Grimm just never got into. It was quite a shock to him when he saw his dam, Starfire, dancing with Mist Runner to that rather risqué song the other night.

"I bet he was just as surprised as I was," Grimm thought to himself with a little smirk.

He had to admit, though, that they both did the music justice. Grimm's mind wandered next towards thoughts of Kuri's sister, Meri. He was still having trouble imagining the depths of the despair she had felt that had driven her into attempting to end her life, even though Warri had shared his vision with both he and Kuri. "Attempting"--that was a wrong choice of words, as Grimm remembered that she had actually succeeded in doing so, long ago. The fact that Mist Runner had somehow managed to reach back and pull Meri's body forward through time on the verge of death so that she could be saved, completely boggled his mind. He knew that not even his best friend completely understood how he was able to accomplish the feat, only that somehow he had done so, and that it would have to be good enough just to know that she was able to be here, in this time and place, so that she and Kuri could be together again. Grimm found that he rather enjoyed Meri's company, and he had caught himself eyeing her appreciatively several times. It didn't escape his notice that he had seen Kuri looking at Mist Runner, nor had seeing Meri watching both his best friend and her sister. Grimm knew that Mist Runner was trying to keep a respectful distance between Kuri and himself, just as he had during the seven turns of the seasons that the three of them wandered together. That prompted Grimm to search his memories of that time in the quiet wee hours.

Going all the way back to when they first arrived in the Skunatii village located near the Silver Mist River that flowed south out of the northern mountains all the way to down and through The Wastelands to the sea. It was during the beginning of The Warming, when the ice from the glaciers that had formed during The Long Cold was thawing and retreating northward towards the mountains. The Skunatii had settled in a valley among some hills near the river, having come north from the southern regions along with tribes of Cunatii, Pumatii, and Vulpinii. Grimm and Mist Runner had stopped in a Skunatii village that was celebrating the harvesting of berries, and making all manners of sweets--one of the things the Skunatii are famous for, besides their dancing. Grimm remembered watching the dance where he and Mist Runner first saw Kurietta perform, and both had commented to each other on how arousing it was...as well as how attractive the lead female dancer was. They both were thrilled when the dance was over and she had headed straight for them to introduce herself, having caught her attention during the dance. During the early days of their traveling together, Grimm was thrilled that Kurietta had seemed to be a bit more interested in him, though when he had noticed his best friend quietly back off, he couldn't help but to feel a certain amount of regret. Kurietta had seemingly tried to shift her attention to Mist Runner after a time, but he had maintained the distance he kept--a fact that Grimm knew was hurting his friend even though he had buried his feelings so that Grimm might have a chance of happiness. Even though the love between Grimm and Kurietta grew over the course of their travels, he knew that she also had strong desires for his friend, and on some level, Kurietta was torn between the two of them. He also knew that his best friend had his own desires for her as well. When Kurietta was taken during the huge flash flood that had hit her village, Grimm at first only felt the pain of his own loss. Over time, he realized that Mist Runner had felt the pain doubly so--not only for Grimm's loss, but for his own as well, knowing that he would never be able to express the love he had felt and kept buried.

When Grimm brought his thoughts back to the present, he found himself considering how all of this might be affecting his best friend.

He shook his head slowly and thought, "I can only imagine what all of this might be doing to Mist Runner, having Kurietta back in our lives again, along with Meri and knowing what had happened to her. I've seen Bane Flower with him a couple of times, dancing together even. My own dam even seems to be showing a peculiar interest in him. And now Shri'an is here visiting...I know she has always acted like she's been interested in him ever since we were all little ones. Well, it's difficult to tell with her if she just enjoys messing with him or if she's really after him, though I tend to believe she actually desires him. I can't forget about Foxfire's desires for him, either. I imagine that Red Moon is either fit to be tied, or she is somehow accepting all of this--I wonder, though, given how she can get. It's been a while since Mist Runner and I sat and talked at length by ourselves--perhaps we are overdue for it." Grimm made the decision then to meet his friend later in the morning, and finishing off the water in his drinking bowl, he headed back to bed. As quietly and slowly as he could so as to not wake Kurietta, Grimm lay down beside her and pulled the covering back over the both of them. Lying on his side, Grimm watched Kurietta a little while as she slept, and the thought came to him: how might things have been different if she had given more attention to Mist Runner than to him at first? Would she be now lying in Mist Runner's bed along with Red Moon, and Meri lying here beside him instead? And if Bane Flower hadn't disappeared for that time, only to come back changed, would she be there instead of Red Moon? There were other possibilities that could have happened, but Grimm pushed thoughts of those away, choosing instead to think only about Kuri and Meri, even though a particular thought of Foxfire seemed to keep butting in for some reason. Grimm glanced up towards the doorway into his sleeping area to give a little frown towards his little sister's sleeping area, only to see her standing there looking at him with a wistful smile, causing him to raise an eyebrow instead of frowning. Foxfire held her hand up and gave a little wave using only her fingers, before slipping off to the front area. Grimm did give a little frown after all and quietly got up again to go chat with his sister about something.

"Oh, hi Grimmie, I thought you went back to bed," Foxfire said quietly as she got herself some water.

"I did. For some reason or another, you kept popping up in my thoughts, and I looked up and there you were," Grimm said as quietly as he could.

"Gee, Grimmie, it's nice that you think about me once in a while," she said with a sly grin.

Grimm refilled his own drinking bowl and standing next to Foxfire, he put an arm around her.

"You were checking on me, weren't you?" Grimm asked quietly.

Foxfire took a drink of her water and giving her brother an innocent look, said softly, "You know I have to make sure you're okay, Grimmie."

Grimm let out a little sigh and kissed his sister on the forehead.

"You always have," he whispered in her ear.

Foxfire ran her hand along her brother's face, the silvery-whiteness of her fur a stark contrast to the deep black of his.

"You know she loves both of you, don't you?" Foxfire asked softly.

"I know," Grimm replied with a quiet sigh, "I've known ever since we three wandered together."

"And you know it's getting to be nearly too much for him," she said.

Grimm pulled Foxfire close and hugged her, and simply nodded his head.

"Oh Grimmie, our friend is really in a mess, and I'm a part of it!" Foxfire exclaimed in a quiet whimper.

"I know my dear... it seems we all are," Grimm sighed quietly as he continued to hold Foxfire closely.

"What are we going to do? I love him, too, and I know that Red Moon would be okay with it--she's told me so, but then there's Kuri...and Meri, too. And...it just gets all sorts of messed up from there, with Bane Flower, and momma, and...oh, what's her name, the bird lady...ah, Shri'an, that's it," Foxfire said with much concern.

"I can understand why you do, and I've known that Kuri does, Meri...I'm not quite as sure about, but our dam...why would she be showing such an interest in him? That I do not understand. Shri'an's been messing with Mist Runner ever since the three of us were little ones--I think she actually would if she got a chance to." Grimm said quietly.

"I know she would," Foxfire said with a little grin.

He arched an eyebrow at that, though he knew better than to ask how she might be privy to that information.

"You're right on one thing, though, Grimmie--momma's been interested in Mist Runner ever since we came back, but I don't think I want to ask her why," Foxfire continued with a hint of fearful submissiveness in her posture.

Grimm remembered the all too recent withering look their mother had given his little sister the night they had returned from their trip.

"I am going to ask Mist Runner if we could talk about all of this--it's been some time since he and I just sat and talked," Grimm said quietly.

"Are you going to let her know that you know?" Foxfire asked nodding towards her brother's sleeping area.

Grimm looked in the direction of his mate for a moment before lowering his head and saying with a quiet sigh, "I should."

"Grimmie...please don't get mad at Mist Runner, he's been trying to do what's right by you, and...I think he'll go away to keep from coming between you and Kuri," Foxfire pleaded quietly with her brother.

Grimm looked at Foxfire and the pained expression in her eyes told him more than her words did.

"That would be like him to do such a thing," Grimm said with sadness in his voice, knowing that his best friend would rather choose self-imposed exile than to come between him and Kurietta.

He could not let that happen--if it had been anyone else, Grimm would not have hesitated to force a challenge, but he could not challenge Mist Runner knowing that his best friend was only trying to do the honorable thing.

"No, my dear sister, I will not allow that to happen. We will simply have to find some way to work this out for the best of all concerned," Grimm said hugging Foxfire closely and giving her a gentle kiss.

Foxfire returned her brother's kiss and said, "Grimmie, you're the best brother a girl could have!"

Grimm smiled wryly and said, "I try."

"Oh, I know you do, Grimmie! You can be as stubborn as an ol' tree sometimes, but under all that muscle you got a really big heart and that's what I love about you!"

At about sunrise Grimm got up and headed off to the practice area to do his usual early morning workout. After he had finished and started on his way back home, he saw Master Spirit Feather sitting next to a tree along the path from the practice area. Grimm sighed to himself knowing that since no one else was around, Master Spirit Feather was there waiting for him.

"Good morning, Grimm Tooth. Please sit with me for a bit," Spirit Feather said as he greeted Grimm and patted the ground next to where he was sitting.

"Good morning, Master Spirit Feather," Grimm bowed his head momentarily out of respect.

He did as instructed and sat down at the spot indicated.

"This is about Mist Runner," Grimm stated quietly.

Spirit Feather raised an eyebrow as he looked briefly at Grimm and then turned to look towards the location of his friend's home.

With a bit of a smile, Spirit Feather said, "Your friend does seem to be quite the center of attention lately, whether he wishes it or not."

Grimm nodded his head and decided to be direct and upfront with Master Spirit Feather.

"Ever since the three of us traveled together, I have known that Kurietta has had feelings for both Mist Runner and I, and that he had stepped aside, burying his own feelings for her. I understood his reasons for doing so then, though I felt regret because of it. Foxfire and I discussed it very early this morning while Kurietta was asleep--besides Red Moon, there is my sister's long standing affections towards Mist Runner, and now there is also Kurietta, Meri, Bane Flower, Shri'an...and...perhaps...even my own dam to consider. Foxfire and I both worry about this whole situation, and what Mist Runner's likely action might be--he would do the honorable thing and go into self-imposed exile, but that...would cause more harm than good, I fear," Grimm explained. Spirit Feather was quiet for a while as he considered Grimm's words.

"Kurietta is terrified that you might challenge Mist Runner, as would be your right under the circumstance, and Mist Runner knows that in a fight he cannot match you in strength just as he knows what you would do after it was over. A challenge would, in the end, prove nothing though it would bring much woe to all concerned," Spirit Feather said quietly.

"I will not challenge him," Grimm said firmly, "nor could I allow him to exile himself. I made the decision earlier this morning to go and talk with Mist Runner, after I have the chance to do the same with Kurietta first. Surly something could be worked out that would be fair to all."

"You would be willing to open your heart of being and share with more than one?" Spirit Feather asked raising an eyebrow. Grimm closed his eyes and searched his feelings.

"Kurietta means as much to me as Red Moon does to Mist Runner...if my closest and dearest of friends can find within themselves the ability to accept other possibilities then...should I not at least try?" Grimm asked.

"Grimm Tooth, you and Mist Runner...you two are very much alike deep down inside, almost as if you are each a different manifestations of the same spirit. I believe this is why Kurietta loves both of you--her spirit sees the both of you almost as if you are two halves of the same spirit. You both feel the same about the same things and for the same reasons, only the manners in which you express those feelings differ. As for the others, we shall see how things work themselves out. Above all else, remember this, Grimm Tooth: you will not lose Kurietta unless you drive her away--and if you were to do such a thing, you would end up losing much more than you could bear. To her, you are each a berry from two of the same type of bush--when picked and held in her hand, one is indistinguishable from the other," Spirit Feather explained. Grimm absorbed his words and nodded his head in understanding.

"Tonight, perhaps, will prove to be one to remember," Grimm said rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Spirit Feather grinned and said, "Interesting choice of words, Grimm Tooth--Starfire said exactly the same before I came to see you."

With that, Spirit Feather stood with Grimm rising from his spot as well.

"Be at peace, my friend, and remember what your sister said about you," Spirit Feather said with a wink and then he disappeared in a swirl of light.

Grimm stood there for a while wondering why both he and his dam would have said the same thing, and also why he was to remember what Foxfire had said about him without any mention as to what she had said or when. Shrugging his shoulders, Grimm started to walk back home.

When he got almost there, he stopped and thought, "Perhaps he meant what she said this morning."

If that was so, then how could he have known? Apparently, Master Spirit Feather had talked to his dam earlier, and it was possible that she knew somehow and had told him. Grimm shook his head in wonder and continued. When he got inside, Foxfire was working on making first meal.

"Oh, hi Grimmie! Are you getting hungry?" Foxfire said as she greeted her brother.

"As a matter of fact, yes. Is Kuri up yet?" Grimm asked.

Foxfire stopped what she was doing for a moment and cocked her head a little as if she was listening to something.

"She's still asleep, but I think she might be up pretty soon. Oh, it'll be a little bit before this is ready," Foxfire said with a grin.

Grimm nodded his head once, and then made his way back to his sleeping area.

He stopped in the doorway and folding his arms, leaned against it, while watching Kurietta lay there apparently asleep still. He remained in that position for a few moments and then glanced towards the front area where his little sister was. Grimm looked back at Kurietta and thought how beautiful and peaceful she looked lying there in bed. Beneath the silky soft fur, she had a well-toned athletic body--Kurietta took good care of herself. Grimm smiled to himself as he thought on how sweet, innocent and curious she could be one moment, be so playfully seductive another, and then become a hot little firebrand when she got a burr under her tail about something. But she was never mean hearted nor could she ever seem to stay angry for very long. Something would always come along which would brighten her thoughts and everything would be right in the world again. When she would look up with those dazzling light blue eyes and the quirky little grin would appear on her face, it would be enough to charm even the most jaded individual.

Grimm sighed quietly and thought to himself, "I love her so much, but yet I must not grasp too tightly."

Grimm straightened himself and made his way over to the bed, sitting down on the edge of it and stroked Kurietta's cheek with the backs of his fingers.

"Mrrrrr...'mornin' Grimmster!" Kurietta purred sleepily as she awoke from his touch.

"Good morning, my little sweet fur. Sleep well?" Grimm greeted her as he continued to run his fingers gently through her fur.

Kurietta stretched and yawned, and then smacked her lips a few times.

"I need somethin' sweet...come here, ya big boy!" Kuri grinned broadly, as she reached up to pull Grimm down to her.

He smiled gently, leaned down, and kissed Kuri tenderly.

"I've never been very good at diplomacy and tact--that is Mist Runner's area of expertise. How would he handle a situation like this?" Grimm thought quickly to himself, worrying about how he was going to tell the love of his life that he knew about how she felt about his best friend and that he understood the situation.

"Whatcha thinkin' about, hon?" Kuri asked, cocking her head a little to one side with a happy grin on her face.

Grimm sighed slowly and said, "How to do something that I don't know how to do."

"What is it that ya gotta do hon?" Kuri asked, her curiosity starting to rise.

"Something that Mist Runner is better at than I am," he replied.

"So, why don't ya ask him to do it then?" Kuri asked.

"I can't, this is something that I must do, only...I fear that I may...make a particular situation worse, should I fail," Grimm replied.

The turmoil in Grimm's mind was plainly evident in his expression, which caused Kurietta to grow concerned. She sat up and held one of Grimm's large hands in both of hers.

"Misty's always been pretty good at explainin' things, can't ya ask him what to do?" Kuri asked.

Grimm let out a deep sigh and said, "I am planning on visiting with him a little later this morning, but...you are my mate, and...I wish to discuss this with you first."

In all of his long existence, Grimm had never been afraid of anything, yet this was something that caused him to feel uncharacteristically nervous. The fact that Grimm was nervous was beginning to make Kurietta nervous as well.

"Um, geez Grimmster, ya know ya can talk to me about any ol' thing," Kuri said rubbing her mate's hand. "So, what's all this about, hon?" she asked, not quite sure if she wanted to know.

Grimm raised his head, looked Kurietta straight in the eyes, and said, "You...and...Mist Runner."

Kurietta's heart suddenly leapt into her throat and she flattened her ears back as she felt panic starting to rise in her.

"Grimmster...I...," she started to say, but Grimm gently put a finger to her lips.

"I've known ever since the time when the three of us wandered together. I woke up in the wee hours of this morning and for some reason I thought about it. Then Foxfire got up, and we had a little chat about the whole situation with Mist Runner--between her, you, Meri, Shri'an...and even apparently my own dam, he is having...difficulty...dealing with it all. After I finished my morning workout today, Master Spirit Feather was waiting to speak with me, I had a feeling what it would be about, and I was right. So, I told him what I have known and we discussed the situation," Grimm explained quietly.

Kurietta was trembling at this point and tears were starting to well up in her eyes. Grimm reached out and gently pulled Kurietta to him and held her, stroking her fur as he did so.

"Kuri...I know that you love both me and Mist Runner," he said and she let out a choked sob.

"I-I don't wantcha fightin' him over me! Misty told me...th-that he'd just...let you...," she managed to get out before she broke down and started crying.

Rocking a little, Grimm shushed her and said, "I could not, my beloved, Mist Runner is my best friend and I know that he has only been trying to do what he feels is right by me."

Kurietta pulled her head back so that she could look Grimm in the eye.

"Y-Yer not mad at him?" she asked between sniffles.

"No...nor am I angry with you, my dear. I...understand, and perhaps...we can find a way to...work something out," Grimm said, wiping away the tears that had been flowing down Kuri's cheeks.

"Y-Ya mean that?" Kurietta asked with surprise.

"Kurietta, you have come to mean more to me than I can find words to say, but I cannot ignore your feelings...or his. As I told Master Spirit Feather, if my closest and dearest of friends can find within themselves the ability to accept other possibilities, then certainly I can at least try," Grimm replied quietly. Kurietta threw her arms around Grimm's neck and hugged him tightly, crying in an odd mixture of happiness, sadness, and relief. Happiness, because she might finally get to express her feelings for her other other half; sadness, because of the torment Grimm had put himself through in order to reach the decision that he had; and relief, because he would not challenge Mist Runner and also because Mist Runner would no longer have a reason to go away. While he held Kuri as she cried herself out, Grimm happened to look towards the doorway and he saw Foxfire standing there, wiping tears from her own face.

Later, around midmorning, Grimm set out to find Mist Runner so that they might have a much-needed discussion--even if it was one that neither would feel particularly comfortable with. On his way towards Mist Runner's den, he spied his friend walking with Dahmietra, Warri, and Shri'an, apparently on their way back to the den after making some purchases so he caught up with them.

"Good morning, all," Grimm greeted us as he approached.

"'Morning, Grimm. How are you today?" I asked.

"Here," he said with a wry smile.

"Good morning!" Dahmi said, giving Grimm a friendly hug.

Grimm gently returned Dahmi's hug and kissed her on top of her head.

"Well, look what finally dragged itself out of the nest!" Shri'an said with good-natured humor as she spread her wings enough for a hug, nuzzling Grimm in the process.

"Good morning, Sire," Warri greeted in return, raising a hand in acknowledgement.

"We're just on our way home, Grimm, would you care to join us for some tea?" I asked, although I sensed an uncharacteristic nervousness in my friend.

"Actually, I came to see if I might speak with you for a bit...about a private matter," Grimm replied.

"Ha, having domestic issues already, my little nest mate?" Shri'an asked with a grin.

I noticed Grimm's ears twitch just a little.

"You know, I would be more than happy to help," Shri'an added with a sly smile while giving Grimm a little sideways look.

"Undoubtedly, Shri'an. However, this is something I need Mist Runner's help with," Grimm said trying to keep a pleasant expression on his face.

Dahmi nudged Shri'an and said, "I think they need to have a 'guy talk'."

"Ah, one of those talks," Shri'an said as she eyed Grimm.

"Can we drop these off at the den first, Grimm?" I asked.

"Certainly," Grimm replied.

We headed off to our den so that we could put things away. Grimm waited out front dealing with Shri'an's bantering as best as he could, although he wasn't in the mood for it at the moment. Having sensed Grimm's discomfort I took in what I was carrying and giving a quick hug to both Red Moon and Meri, and then I went back on out to see what Grimm needed to talk about (and telling Red Moon along our bond link what I had sensed in him).

When I got back outside I said to Shri'an, "I guess Grimm is going to 'borrow' me for a little while; are you going to be here when I get back?" I asked Shri'an with a little grin.

"My dear, I've been waiting for your sweet tail for a very long time...I guess I can wait a little while longer. Maybe I can 'borrow' you, too, sometime...soon," Shri'an said coyly, putting a talon from one of her wing-hands in her mouth and ruffling her tail feathers a bit.

"Tease!" I said sticking my tongue out a little at her.

"I wouldn't encourage her too much, my friend--she might fly off with you at any moment," Grimm said keeping a (nearly) straight face.

"I might fly off with both of you," Shri'an said with a slight trill.

Grimm and I took our leave before Shri'an got a wild feather and decide to make good with her "suggestion".

Once we got out of earshot, Grimm said, "She's not just messing with you, you know that, don't you? She would take you if she thought that she had the chance."

I looked at Grimm and raised an eyebrow.

"Foxfire said that she knew Shri'an would," Grimm said, noting my look.

I slowly shook my head and made a quick glance back.

"I've suspected as much. The way things have been going lately, she would have to get in line with several others," I said with a slow sigh.

Grimm and I walked along a ways further, heading towards a quiet spot near the edge of the village. We found a place to sit and got ourselves comfortable.

We didn't say anything for a few moments, but then Grimm quietly said, "Master Spirit Feather was waiting for me when I finished my workout this morning."

I closed my eyes for a bit, for I pretty much knew at this point what Grimm wanted to talk about.

"And...?" I prompted.

"I told him that I knew," Grimm replied. I let out a long, slow sigh and asked,

"What do you want me to do?"

"I told him--and Kuri--that we can try to work something out," Grimm said after a moment.

I gave Grimm a sideways look and slightly arched an eyebrow, "So, you've talked to her about it?"

Grimm nodded his head and said, "I woke up suddenly during the wee hours this morning, and I don't know why. I got up and went to get a drink of water, and I sat at the table for a while thinking about everything. I knew back when the three of us started wandering together, why you stepped aside, and what it's done to you." Grimm sighed and then continued, "I told Kuri that she means more to me than I can find the words to say, but I can't ignore her feelings...or yours. Master Spirit Feather said, 'To her, you are each a berry from two of the same type of bush--when picked and held in her hand, one is indistinguishable from the other.'"

"An interesting way of putting it," I said.

"When I went back to bed, I was looking at Kuri and thinking, but then I suddenly had the notion to look up...Foxfire was standing by the doorway watching me. She gave a little wave and then went to the front room, so I got up again and joined her. We talked for a while--she's very concerned about this whole mess you're in, especially since she's a part of it. Foxfire admitted to me that she loves you," Grimm said.

Resting my elbows on my knees, I leaned my head down and put my face in my hands.

"Besides Foxfire and Kuri, I wouldn't be surprised if Meri is also making things interesting for both you and Red Moon," Grimm said, suspecting what might be going on.

Still holding my face in my hands, I nodded my head.

"She's...sleeping in our bed now. Last night, she asked if I would...with her...and...Red Moon told me along our bond-link that...it was okay with her. It was a rather interesting--and--exhausting night with the two of them."

Grimm arched an eyebrow and said, "I wondered how Red Moon might be taking all of this."

"Surprisingly, quite well, actually. It was Red Moon's idea for your sister to join us, and she actually invited Bane Flower to eat with us--when she feels ready to, of course, and there's Meri, too. The real bite on the tail is...your dam. I have no clue whatsoever why she seems like she's interested. The day after we got back from our trip, just before she left after visiting with Warri and Dahmi, she lightly touched my face. Just after your joining, while everyone was in line congratulating you two, your dam put her arm around me and we talked a little bit, though when she walked away, she was swaying her hips and swishing her tail. Later on there was that dance, and after that she kissed me on the cheek," I said.

Grimm's eyebrows up in surprise and he said, "I saw her dancing with you, but...I didn't know she kissed you."

"Our sires were watching and yours didn't seem to mind at all, and she said that I still had a lot to learn," I said.

"Foxfire is afraid to ask our dam why she's been doing these things with you, and I can't say that I blame her--she tends to take a very dim view of anyone prying into her business, something that both Foxfire and I have learned not to do," Grimm said slightly shaking his head.

"This whole situation has got me running around in circles chasing my own tail, it seems," I said shaking my head.

"No doubt. I saw you dancing with Bane Flower...when did she decided to become civil?" Grimm asked.

"Probably right after she took my advice to talk to someone. I saw Bane Flower talking with your sister by the practice area, and Foxfire somehow knew that I knew that she was there because she looked right at me," I replied.

"Amazing how Foxfire does that," Grimm said with a little grin.

I nodded my head in agreement.

We sat in silence for a little while, eventually I asked, "So...what's next?"

Grimm looked up for a moment and then looked back down at the ground.

"I-I don't know," Grimm replied, fidgeting a bit.

"Maybe the three of us should talk together and see what we can decide on," I suggested.

Grimm looked at me and then slowly nodded his head.

"You were always the diplomat between us, Mist Runner. Whenever it really came down to it, you always found the best thing to do. Even when we were cublings, you always knew what was fair and made sure that we all got our equal share. I trust that somehow you will be able to figure out something that will be best for all of us," Grimm said.

"It might take trying different things to see what works best in this situation, my friend," I said.

"Well, that it might. I just don't want to see anyone hurt over it--not you, not me, and especially not Kuri or Red Moon," Grimm said thoughtfully.

"And let's not forget Foxfire and Meri," I added with a grin.

Grimm grinned too, and said, "You know, I've caught myself looking Meri over several times and it surprised me."

"She is rather attractive. Have you ever thought of Shri'an?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

"Actually, yes, I have. Have you?" Grimm asked in return.

I nodded my head and said, "Once, when we were young adults, we almost did."

"Really. What stopped you?" Grimm asked raising an eyebrow.

"Her parents came home," I said with a sheepish grin.

"Ouch. No wonder why she wants you--unfinished business, and all that," Grimm said, sticking his tongue out.

"Could be," I agreed. We both chuckled a bit and then sat in silence for several moments.

"I guess Kuri, Meri, and Foxfire are going to be putting on a show for us tonight," Grimm said.

"The dance they're doing...or afterwards?" I asked.

Grimm looked at me and arched an eyebrow. "Maybe both," he said rubbing his chin.

I nodded my head and said, "No doubt that this is likely going to be a night to remember."

Grimm looked up and remembered that, according to Master Spirit Feather, both he and his dam had said something very similar.

"No doubt."

On our way back, Grimm and I decided to head to his place so that we could both talk with Kurietta. When we got to his den Foxfire was just leaving.

"Oh, hi guys!" She said when she noticed us after shutting the door. Foxfire looked at the both of us, first one and then the other and asked cautiously, "Is everything...okay?"

I smiled and gave Foxfire a long hug and said quietly, "Yeah, we're okay."

Foxfire started wagging her tail and she gave me a quick kiss, and then she gave her brother a hug and kissed him, too.

"I'm so happy you two worked it out with each other!" Foxfire said with much relief.

"Well, this is going to be strange for both of us, and we still need to figure out with Kuri how we're going to handle this," I said with a sigh.

"She's sitting at the table having some tea and berries," Foxfire said with a little grin.

"Where are you heading off to?" Grimm asked.

"Oh, I was going over to see Red Moon about something. I'll be back in a little while, Grimmie," Foxfire replied.

"Can I talk to you for a moment, before you go?" I asked Foxfire and gave Grimm a quick look.

Grimm nodded his head slightly once to show he understood that I wanted to speak privately with his sister.

"Why certainly, Mist Runner," she replied with a little grin.

"I'll wait for you inside," Grimm said and then he headed on in.

After the door shut, I said to Foxfire, "Last night Meri wanted to know if she was going to have to move out because of you, but I think Meri understands now that she doesn't have to run away anymore. Are you going to be okay with her being there? And then there's Kuri. I'm not sure how that's going to work out. Are you going to be okay with that, too?" I asked, wondering what Foxfire might say.

She put her arms around my neck and said, "Oh, I'll be okay, sweetie...I just hope you can keep up with all of us," she said with a playful smirk.

I put my arms around Foxfire's waist and shook my head slowly, "I'll probably never be able to walk the same."

Foxfire giggled a little and said, "We'll take good care of you, sweetie."

"I just hope that a certain someone doesn't get a wild hair and want me, too," I said with a sigh.

Foxfire's look of amusement turned very quickly into one of apprehension.

"Oh...yeah, I know who you mean. That would be something, wouldn't it?" she asked quietly.

I simply nodded my head and didn't comment any further on that particular subject.

"Foxfire...?"

"Yes, sweetie?"

I leaned close and whispered something in her ear--when I finished she pulled her head back and had an expression that was a mix of astonishment, embarrassment, and anticipation on her face.

"Ooo...Mist Runner, you bad little scamp you! Telling me such things while we're outside...why, I have half a mind to march you right on inside and make you do that right now!" she exclaimed. I grinned and raised an eyebrow, and then a little quieter she said, "Come here, you!" and she kissed me. After a few moments Foxfire pulled back a little and panting a bit said, "Tonight, sweetie...your place."

I nodded my head and slowly licked my lips, which caused Foxfire to squirm.

"Ooo, don't do that...at least, not until tonight...then you can do whatever you want!"

"I'll remember you said that," I said with a sly grin and gave Foxfire a gentle little squeeze on her rump.

She gave a little gasp in surprise and said, "Red Moon's right, you are a tease!"

I laughed a little and said, "You'd better get going, dear, before we forget about everything else."

Foxfire gave me another kiss and then she tore herself away and hurried on to go see Red Moon. I stood there for a few moments watching her leave, noticing the way she walked and savoring her lingering scent for just a bit longer before going on inside--and then I realized that I felt strangely light-headed.

As soon as I got in and shut the door, I stood there trying to clear my head by taking slow, deep breaths while hanging on to the door handle. Grimm and Kurietta were both sitting at the table and they looked up at me when I came in. Kurietta cocked her head a little, as she looked at me and had a bit of a confused look on her face, but Grimm knew right away, what was wrong with me so he got up and came over to help me to the table. I immediately leaned forward and rested my head on my arms.

Kurietta looked at me and then at Grimm and back, and asked, "What's wrong, Misty?"

"Foxfire does this to him nearly every time," Grimm stated.

"Thanks, Grimm...uh, hi Kuri...," I mumbled as I gave a little wave with my hand.

Kurietta got up, came around to where I was sitting at, and sat next to me so that I was between her and Grimm.

"Geez, Grimmster, is he gonna be okay?" Kuri asked with a concerned look. "In a little while. I'll fix you some tea, Mist Runner--your dam gave me some that might help for this," Grimm said, and then he got up, went into a cabinet, and selected a particular jar of herbal tea to brew some of for me.

While he was making that, Kuri slowly rubbed the sides of my head with her fingers.

"Does that feel good, Misty?" she asked as she worked her fingers.

I nodded my head a little so she kept rubbing the sides of my head until Grimm had the tea ready for me. I grimaced a bit as soon as I tasted the tea mixture, as it was rather pungent. Shortly after drinking it, I could feel my head clearing and I no longer felt quite as shaky.

"Ugh, not exactly near the top of my list of favorite teas," I said giving myself a little shake.

"Is it working?" Grimm asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, seems like it...what Kuri was doing kind of helped, too," I replied with a little grin.

Kuri smiled and said, "That was just a little somethin' my ma taught me...I wasn't sure if it would work on ya, but I thought it was worth a try anyway."

"Thanks, Kuri, I appreciate it," I said giving her a little pat on the shoulder.

After a few minutes when my head finally cleared and I was (more or less) back to normal, I looked over at Grimm and then briefly glanced with my eyes only towards Kurietta and then back to him, slightly raising an eyebrow. Grimm nodded his head once slightly, having understood my silent question.

"Kuri, Mist Runner, and I have had a chance to discuss our...situation," Grimm said and then gave a slight nod to me to continue.

I took a hold of Kuri's hand and said, "Now the three of us need to figure out how we're going to work this out in a way that's as fair to all that we can come up with. I asked Foxfire a little while ago if she's going to be okay about it all. She said that she is, and then she went off to go talk to Red Moon about something. Oh, and since Meri is staying with us, I guess we need to take her into consideration as well."

Kuri sighed and said, "Geez guys, it'd be easier if we just all piled up together."

"Foxfire would quickly reduce everyone's minds to slush, and that would be without her getting aroused," I said slowly shaking my head, "and I can only imagine what might happen when she...," I trailed off.

Grimm frowned as he rubbed his chin and said, "I see your point. Perhaps you two should find someplace far away from everyone for that," giving a little snort. "She's coming over tonight to our place after the celebrations. I think I'd better go see my dam today and ask her for those potions," I said.

I saw the look on both Grimm's and Kurietta's faces and told them about the potions that Dahmi and I drank to protect ourselves from Foxfire's aura when she did her thing at The Gathering. After a moment, Grimm got a blank look on his face as he thought of something, and then he smirked.

"What's so funny, Grimmster?" Kuri asked cocking her head a little to one side.

"I just had a thought of Mist Runner having a box mounted on the wall next to his bed with the words, 'For Use in Case of Foxfire' painted on the outside of it, and inside would be one of those potions," Grimm said with a sly grin.

I started laughing and Kurietta lightly slapped Grimm on the arm and said, "Grimmster!"

"I told you he has a sense of humor!" I said to Kuri after a few moments, still chuckling.

After we all calmed down again, Grimm and I both looked at Kurietta, and she looked at one and then the other and asked, "Um, so whatta we gonna do, guys? I'm all for havin' fun and all, but I'm kinda in the middle here...not that I'd mind being between the both of ya at once," Kuri said with a little grin. I looked at Grimm and the expression on his face pretty well told me how he thought about that particular idea, which was the same as how I thought about it--not likely to happen.

"I haven't had too much of a chance yet to really talk with Red Moon about this. We have a bit, and she's concerned, of course, but Kuri you need to remember that you're Grimm's mate and Red Moon is my mate, and this is likely to put a strain on things between all of us...especially at first. We're just going to have to take things slowly and see what works and what doesn't. Maybe, for now, we might just spend a little time together--a night perhaps, though not tonight. Red Moon and I both made a promise to Foxfire and we need to keep it, even though it's going to be rather risky--my mind might be completely gone by tomorrow morning, I don't know. And Meri...once you get to really know her, she's rather sweet and lovable, but--like your mother says--she really just needs a decent male who will take good care of her and treat her right and be a good friend to her," I explained.

"Well, that must be the reason why she ended up at your place the other night," Grimm said.

"I mighta said somethin' to her the mornin' ya brought her back that coulda had somethin' to do with that," Kurietta said a little sheepishly.

Both Grimm and I looked at Kuri and we both raised an eyebrow.

"Go on...," I prompted.

"Well, when everyone left, I told Meri that she never gave ya a chance way back when, and that yer a really good guy and a really good friend who's always there for ya," Kurietta said. I rubbed my chin for a moment and then remembered when they had come out to join us in the front part of the den.

"Well, I suppose that Red Moon and I also said some things, too, after the both of you came up to join us for something to eat," I said.

"Oh yah, that bit about not givin' up on her, right?" Kuri asked.

I nodded my head.

"Anyway, maybe after the celebrations are over and after Shri'an leaves, maybe we can pick a night and see how it goes--fair enough for now?" I asked as I looked at both Grimm and Kurietta.

Kuri and Grimm looked at each other and then at me; Kuri gave a little shrug and said, "Sure Misty, it sounds okay to me."

Grimm simply nodded his head.

"Okay, well, I guess I'd better head back home and see how things are going there. I'll see you two later, okay? Oh, and Kuri...I think we ought to have front row seats tonight when you give your performance. I can't wait to see you dance like you used to again," I said with a big grin.

"That will be most enjoyable to see again," Grimm added.

Kurietta smiled slyly and said, "Oh, I think it'll be one that yer gonna remember!"

When I got home, Red Moon, Foxfire and Shri'an were sitting on top of the den chatting and having a little snack.

"About time you got back, dear!" Red Moon said along our bond-link with a bit of humor.

"Sorry, dear, things got a bit fuzzy there for a while...Foxfire's doing," I replied with a mental sigh.

"I kind of figured...funny, I think I actually felt it in you," Red Moon said.

"I think we managed to get something worked out for now, once things die down a little after the celebrations," I thought to Red Moon.

"Well, that's good, dear. I was rather worried about how Grimm was going to react," she replied.

"Where are Dahmi, Warri, and Meri?" I asked.

"Oh, they should be inside; we're just chatting up here. Say, is Shri'an interested in you, too, by chance?"

"She has been ever since we were young. Why?" I asked.

"Oh, I got the impression that she might be from the way she talks. You didn't...you know, have you?" Red Moon asked.

I sighed both verbally and mentally and said, "Almost, once...when we were young adults, but her parents came home. Hmm, Grimm asked me the same thing a while ago when he and I were talking," I replied, wondering how many more times I was going to have to answer that question.

"He did? Wow, that's strange. Has he ever...with her?"

"No, I don't think so, but she seems to have a bit of an interest in him, too. The thing is, though, we all kind of grew up together--that's why she calls us, and me in particular, 'nest mate'," I said.

"Ah, okay...she's said that before and I was wondering. She's rather interesting, and I guess pretty, too, in a way."

"And just as crazy as Night Song," I said.

"I remember you saying that. Oh, she's wanting to know how long you're going to stand down there--I guess she must have seen you walking this way," Red Moon passed along.

"I wouldn't doubt it; she could spot a ground rat two leagues away. I guess I'd better come up, or I'll never hear the end of it," I said in resignation.

"Well, pluck my tail feathers, it's about time you joined us, my furry little nest mate!" Shri'an said with a bit of exasperation.

I looked down at her tail and asked with a sly grin, "Oh? Your tail needs plucking?"

I started to reach for her tail feathers and Shri'an quickly moved around a bit, stretched her wing out to block me, and exclaimed, "Don't you dare!"

Acting quite innocent I asked, "Now, would I do a thing like that?" and then I grinned and stuck my tongue out playfully at her.

"You crazy ol' flea scratcher, you know you would!" she clucked.

"No crazier than you are," I snickered.

"And you're insane!"

"Thank you," I grinned.

"Don't mention it," Shri'an said shaking her head and she held both of her wings out for me to give her a hug, which I did.

"I don't know how you put up with this one, Red Moon," Shri'an said with a grin when she finally let go of me.

"Oh, I manage somehow," Red Moon replied with a playful sigh as she pulled me down next to her.

I kissed Red Moon and then leaned forward to give a little wave at Foxfire. When I looked back at Shri'an, I could see the wistful look in her eyes that the others might have missed. We sat and talked for a bit, just idle chitchat, until Red Moon said that she'd better get started working on making our midday meal. Foxfire said that she'd better get back home, too, so that she could do the same.

"I'll call you when it's ready, dear," Red Moon said and gave me a kiss, and then both she and Foxfire got up to leave.

I waved goodbye to Foxfire and watched them go.

Shri'an sighed and said after they left, "I wish I could do that."

I looked at her and raised an eyebrow, and in return, Shri'an gave me that same old longing look that she has given me every time we've been alone together ever since we were young. I moved over to sit beside my old friend and she wrapped a wing around me.

After sitting there like that for several quiet moments, I asked, "Are you going to try and stay up to see the little performance that Kurietta is going to put on tonight? Meri and Foxfire are also going to be in it."

"I'm going to try and take a nap later this afternoon so that I can, but if I should fall asleep after dark, you know how I'll be," she replied quietly.

"Maybe Red Moon might have something that will help keep you awake. But just in case you do fall asleep, or get too tired to make it up into the trees, we'll just haul you over here for the night and take care of you," I suggested with a grin.

"Still itching to get me down a hole, aren't you, dear?" Shri'an asked, eyeing me suspiciously.

I put my arm around Shri'an's waist, leaned against her, and said, "You know that I won't let anything happen to you, my old friend."

"I know you won't," she said with a little grin.

Shri'an was quiet for a while, though I could tell she was thinking something.

"Mist Runner...we've been close friends for a very long time. You do know how I've felt about you all this while, don't you?" she asked.

I smiled gently and said, "Of course I do, dear; I am an empath, remember."

"I know that...still, I don't know why, but ever since we were little ones growing up together, I've wanted to be with you. None of my other nest mates ever understood why, and neither has my own brood hen. I don't think you have, either," she said with a sigh. "But, you're a grounder and I'm a flyer, and...it probably couldn't have worked, even if we wanted it to. I'll never get to fly with you...," Shri'an added with a bit of sadness in her voice.

I knew what she meant about the flying part, which wasn't about the time she took me up to her aerie and back down; it was about the joy of flying through the sky wingtip to wingtip, of being free to soar among the clouds, of sharing the experience with someone you really cared for.

I shifted my position so that I could kneel in front of her and placed my hands gently on either side of her face, "Shri'an...share with me what you feel when you fly."

At first, she gave me a bewildered look, but then with a little encouragement, we both closed our eyes and she recalled in her mind the feeling of flying and the joy it gave her to move unrestricted in three dimensions. I could sense what she felt and sent back to her the same sensations and feelings so that it would seem to her as if she actually was sharing the experience with someone else. We continued this for several minutes until she finished reliving the experience and in her mind, landed again. When we opened our eyes again, Shri'an didn't quite know what to say, though she didn't have to--I already knew what she was feeling and I smiled, giving her a kiss on the side of her beak.

"It may not be quite like the real thing, but maybe it'll do for now," I said quietly.

"I-I don't know how you did that, but...thank you," she said almost in a whisper.

I lightly ran my fingers along one of her eye ridges and around her ear tuft and said, "I'd fly with you any day, my dear...just as long as you don't make me fly upside-down again," giving a wink and then nuzzling her.

Shri'an smirked as she nuzzled me back and said, "And here I thought you were howling because you liked it!"

"The flying wasn't so bad...it's just that I prefer the ground to be under me and not above me," I chuckled, "besides, it makes it easier to hold on when we're not upside-down."

"I'll try to remember that the next time," she said with a few light clucks.

Later that afternoon Shri'an headed off to try to take a nap up in the trees despite the sounds from the activities below. Red Moon gathered up some stimulating herbs to make a strong tea for Shri'an to try help her keep awake long enough to watch Kurietta's dance in the evening. Kurietta, Meri, Foxfire and the other Skunatii dancers and musicians went off to have one more rehearsal in private somewhere. Khe'strah, the High Cleric, and his party seemed to be enjoying themselves watching the various performers and looking over the wares on display, and occasionally buying something to take back home with them as a memento of their visit. Warri and Dahmi spent some time with his parents so that they could get to know her better. I spotted Night Song, Smoke Fire, Fen, Jex, Shilar, and Brown Leaf all sitting together as they watched a group of actors carrying on in a humorous play. Red Moon and I enjoyed ourselves, and Grimm joined us after a while. All in all, we had a great time.

About the time for evening meal, we all met at our den, including Shri'an. Dahmi came out from her sleeping area after changing into her fancy outfit and wowed everyone with it. The skirt she wore had a low, snug fitting waist that dipped down a bit in front, and the hem came down to a point just above her left knee and angled upwards diagonally across the front and back so that it was open on the right side, exposing most of her thigh. The top she wore was little more than two triangles of cloth with decorative beaded fringe attached along the bottom and along the bottom edge of the strap that joined in the back. There was a thinner strap going from the top points of the triangles up and around her neck, and the whole affair fastened in the front between the two triangles. On her feet, Dahmi wore the soft leather shoes that she had made. Instead of having her hair straight or in a braid, Dahmi had brightly colored ribbons tied around her hair spaced about three of her hand widths apart. The silver jewelry she wore on her arms, wrists, and ankle stood out in nice contrast against her slightly darker skin. Completing the look, Dahmi had made her eyes up in the ancient Wastelander style, which made her look even more exotic and quite alluring, and she wore her knife on her right side as usual.

"Geez, Dahmi, ya say yer female folk used dress kinda like that a long time ago?" Kuri asked in amazement.

"That's right. Quite a difference, eh?" she said with a shy grin.

"I certainly like it a lot better than what you wore when you first came here," Red Moon said sticking the tip of her tongue out playfully.

"I'm sure you'll turn some heads tonight, dear," I said with a grin.

Dahmi smiled and said, "I just want to turn one head tonight," as she looked at Warri.

"You certainly have my full attention, Dahmi," Warri said with a slightly embarrassed grin as he wagged his tail, and we all laughed a little.

"Well gang, ya wanna go get somethin' to eat before we gotta do our thing tonight?" Meri asked everyone.

"Sounds good to me," Grimm said giving his belly a rub.

We all headed out, had our evening meal together, and enjoyed the music that was being played. As some of us expected, Dahmi caught the attention of many who saw her, and even Khe'strah came and gave his compliments on her appearance, having recognized the similarity to the ancient style of dress that the women folk of his people had worn long ago. When it was getting near dark, the various lights and torches were lighted, and Red Moon gave Shri'an some of the stimulating tea that she had concocted and it seemed to work quite well at keeping her alert. When it was time for them to prepare for their performance, Kuri, Meri, and Foxfire excused themselves and headed off to get ready. The rest of us got seats right at the center edge of the area set aside for the evening's entertainment since we had family members who would be performing. First up was a dance group of our own people who performed traditional dances for the equinox celebration. Next was a group of Cunatii dancers that delighted the crowd with several fast paced and very expressive current dance numbers, and they were followed by the Skunatii dancers who also chose to perform current styles of dance, all to much applause and howls. Then it was Kurietta's turn.

The music started out with a lively rhythm using only drums as the other female Skunatii dancers came into view, three from each side, with their feet tapping out a particular sequence of steps while keeping pace with the drumming. Soon the music began with two higher pitched sets of three dings that seemed as if they were saying, "Oh, Ku-ri!" Kurietta made her way from behind the other dancers, coming through the center of the six, and at the sliding sound of a wooden flute, she put one foot out in front and slid downwards in a split and leaned forward with her arms together and stretched forward along her leg. When she came back up again, there was another set of three dings like the first two sets, and she began dancing with greatly exaggerated hip and tail movements, all the while looking towards us with a big sly grin on her face. Kuri's feet also moved in a particular pattern according to the beat as she worked her way around in circles, timing so that at certain parts of the music she had her back to the crowd and really swung her hips and tail, while looking over her shoulder. She repeated the series of movements three times and then the music changed for a bit so that there was only the original drumming. The music became light with a happy little rhythm, which Kuri danced an almost skipping step, looking up, and around with a happy expression on her face as if she was traveling and seeing many strange and interesting sights, while the other dancers continued their foot movements to the rhythm. Then some deep horns sounded and the dancers bent over, facing away from everyone, and dipped their bottoms from one side to the other while holding their tails up. Suddenly the music became a bit chaotic and the musicians used long hollow tubes with seeds inside that when upended, made a sound very similar to rain falling. Two helpers, one on each side of the performance area, picked up a long piece of light bluish fabric that had been laid across earlier, and began to slowly raise it while giving it rapid shakes to give the impression of rippling water. The expression on Kurietta's face changed from one of happiness to one of frantic determination -the two helpers with the fabric slowly raised the back edge of it while lowering the front edge, giving the impression of rising water. The other dancers began to sing a soft, wordless chorus, Kurietta started moving backwards and lowering herself until she lay completely down on her back and holding one arm straight up for a moment before gracefully lowering it. She lay there for a time on her back, appearing to be in restful sleep as the other dancers continued to do their part. The two helpers eventually lowered the fabric and whisked it off to one side and out of the way. The other dancers started their wordless chorus again while holding their hands out towards Kurietta, and this time the spirits of Kurietta's mother and father appeared slightly behind and next to Kurietta's feet. Kuri's mother, Elretta, looked down at her with sadness while her father, Elmric looked away and held his hand out towards something behind them. The chorus got louder as the music started up and then a bright silver-white light appeared--Foxfire gracefully descended some hidden steps glowing brightly with a benevolent smile on her face, and she leaned forward to 'awaken' Kurietta and take a hold of her hand and pull her up. Kurietta stood with a surprised look on her face and Foxfire gave her a motherly hug and held one hand out towards the audience to indicate that Kuri should go. The rhythm started up again, softly at first with Kurietta's feet starting to respond to it and as the rhythm increased in loudness, the rest of her body started moving to it. The chorus faded to a stop as did Foxfire's glow, with her backing away and disappearing from view, and the sharp dinging sounds came again and this time Meri came into view to join her sister in the same way that Kurietta first made her introduction. Then the two of them began dancing together, matching movements, and switching their positions from directly in front of Grimm and myself. First Kurietta was directly in front of Grimm and Meri in front of me, and then they changed places for a total of three times before working their way towards the back when the music stopped and there was only the drumming and the deep sounding horns.

The whole crowd erupted with howls and cheers that prompted Kurietta and Meri to come back out and give a bow while holding hands. Shri'an gave a warbling cry that was her equivalent to our howls of joy. I made a quick glance at the crowd behind us and few had dry eyes, including Grimm and myself. When Kurietta, Meri, and Foxfire made their way to rejoin us, they received hugs, touches, and thank yous from everyone the whole way. When Kuri hugged and kissed Grimm and then me, there were some more howls, as there were for when Meri took a turn at hugging and kissing the both of us. The musicians and performers took a short break so that people could get a chance to get up and stretch or go get something to eat or drink.

"That was fantastic, Kuri! Now I know why you caught the interest of these two!" Red Moon exclaimed as she gave Kurietta a strong hug.

"Uh, geez, thanks, Red Moon. I guess Meri and I can still wow 'em with the ol' moves, huh?" Kurietta asked.

However, before anyone could reply, Grimm and I grinned at each other...and then we both promptly each gave Kuri's and Meri's tails a little playful tug. They quickly spun around and saw Grimm and I both wearing little grins on our faces.

Kuri, who was standing in front of me, put on hand on her hip and wagged a finger on her other hand under my nose and exclaimed, "Misty! Ya bad boy!"

"Ha, I told you what would happen if you ever wiggled that tail in my face...don't tell me that you forgot about that already," I chuckled.

"What? Oh...uh, I guess ya did, didn't ya?" Kurietta asked rather sheepishly and I nodded my head still grinning.

Meri looked first at me in surprise thinking that I was the one who had pulled her tail, but when it dawned on her that I wasn't the one who did, she looked up at Grimm with an expression of confusion.

"Grimmster...ya pulled my tail?" she asked.

Grimm nodded his head once and replied, "Seemed like the thing to do at the moment," while grinning and giving me a quick glance.

Meri didn't know what to say, all she could do was to stand there with her mouth open and look at the both of us.

"Common, Meri...I think I'm gonna need some of that honey drink," Kurietta said as she tugged on her sister's arm.

"Mead," Grimm and I both said in unison.

"Oh frazzleberries! They do think alike!" Kurietta exclaimed as she rolled her eyes in frustration.

"I warned you," Red Moon said with a little smirk as they started to head off to get something to drink.

"I don't think I'm going to be able to stay up for too much longer. You two wouldn't mind walking me back would you?" Shri'an asked Grimm and me after Kuri and Meri left. I glanced at Grimm, he nodded his head once, and Red Moon motioned for me to go ahead.

"Sure, Shri'an, we'll walk you back to your tree. We'll return shortly, dear," I told Red Moon as I gave her a quick kiss.

Red Moon kissed me back and then gave Shri'an a hug, saying, "I'm glad you stayed to see Kuri and Meri perform tonight. Are you still going to be leaving tomorrow?" Red Moon asked.

"I'll be heading out about midday or so," Shri'an replied sleepily.

"Okay, I hope we get to see you before you leave," Red Moon said.

"You will."

Grimm and I walked Shri'an back to the tree near my den that she had been staying in at night.

When we got there, she sighed, "Now that I finally got the both of you alone for once, it's long past my roost time, and I'll be lucky if I can hop on up there."

"Well then, dear, I suppose that you'd better go and get comfy for the night while you can, otherwise we'll have to drag you into my den for the night," I said with a wink.

Shri'an eyed me and said, "If it was big enough that I could move around in, I just might think about it my sweet little furry nest mate."

Grimm looked at me, arched an eyebrow, and said with a little smirk, "Well, that would certainly be a case for getting a larger den."

"No doubt, my friend," I agreed with a grin.

Grimm gave Shri'an a hug and then I did as well, adding a kiss to it.

"Pleasant dreams, dear...see you in the morning," I said.

Shri'an gave another little sigh and clucked a little, and then launched herself up into the air. We heard an "OW!" as she made her way up to the large branch she had been using as a roost.

"Are you okay?" I called up.

There was a brief pause followed by ruffling of feathers, and then, "I'm okay...I think."

"Are you sure?" I called up again.

"Yeah, I just bumped my head, it's okay...unless you want to come up here and make me feel better."

Grimm and I looked at one another and shook our heads.

"Good night, Shri'an. We'll see you in the morning," I called up.

"Sigh. Good night, guys."

On our way back, Grimm looked over his shoulder when he felt that we were out of hearing range and asked, "She just doesn't give up, does she?"

"No," I replied, "she doesn't."

We made our way back to our mates and friends, stopping to get a little something to drink and to munch on along the way, and finished watching the night's performances. Foxfire's solo performance was last, and before she started, I warned Kuri, Meri, and Dahmi with a hint of merriment that they were all about to become basket cases...right along with everyone else. I'm not sure just how long Foxfire's performance was--even Grimm lost track of time--though she had again clapped her hands together at the end and sent out the pulse which brought everyone to again. Everyone howled and cheered, though we all were still feeling the after effects. We somehow made our way back home afterwards. As soon as Grimm was certain that we were in and would be okay, he said his good nights to everyone, including to Foxfire who was staying with us tonight, and then took Kurietta home with him. Meri offered to sleep out in the front room on the furs near the fireplace if there wasn't enough room for the four of us, but Dahmi told Meri that if she wanted to, she could sleep with her and Warri for the night.

"Aw, geez, Dahmi, that's mighty nice of ya, but I don't wanna be a bother," Meri replied quietly.

I put my arm around Meri and pulled her over to the side to talk with her while Dahmi, Warri, Red Moon and Foxfire went on back.

"I take it that you don't feel too comfortable with the situation," I said gently after we sat down on the furs by the fireplace.

"Yah, I guess so. Foxie's real sweet and all, but I just feel kinda strange whenever I'm around her," Meri said.

"Don't feel bad, dear, she does that to everybody...except Grimm, he's the only person that's totally immune to her aura. We call it the 'Foxfire Effect', and actually, she's got a whole lot better recently at controlling it than she used to. But, that's not the whole reason, isn't it?" I asked.

Meri looked down at the furs and idly ran a finger around in whatever random pattern that came to her mind as she thought.

"No," she said so quietly that it was almost a whisper.

I stretched out on the furs and got Meri to lie down beside me so that we could talk comfortably.

As I gently stroked the side of her face with the back of my fingers, I said quietly, "Talk to me."

Meri looked in my eyes for a moment and then laid her head on my shoulder and ran her fingers through the thick patch of fur on my chest. We laid there like that for a couple of minutes while she thought of what she wanted to say.

Eventually she let out a sigh and said, "Misty...I...I know yer Red Moon's mate and all, and even though the first night I spent with ya was kinda embarrassin' at first, I guess I'm gettin' a little used to being with the two of ya. I gotta tell ya, though, I...I don't wanna do anythin' with anyone but ya."

"I understand, Meri, and don't worry--I would never ask you to and Red Moon's not like that anyway. This is rather strange for Red Moon and me, too. But I think you're kind of concerned about Foxfire, aren't you?" I asked.

There was a little delay before Meri said, "Yah."

"Well, I know for a fact that Foxfire has never been with anyone before in her whole life, so this is definitely going to be a first for her.

Meri looked me in the eyes in wonder and asked, "Ya mean she's still a...?"

I nodded my head.

"And how old is Foxie?"

"Over eight thousand turns of the seasons," I said.

Meri was dumbfounded.

"Geez, Misty, is that...usual...for yer kind?" Meri asked.

"No. Foxfire...well, nobody has ever been able to be around her for very long. I've been sort of an exception, but she can still turn my mind to slush, even worse than what can happen to others, sometimes. Still, like I said, she's gotten better at controlling her effect on others," I explained.

Meri thought for a few moments, "Maybe just the two of ya oughtta be by yerselves tonight. Ya know, make it real special for her and all...since it's her first time," she suggested.

"That's a thought, dear," I said giving Meri a quick, gentle kiss. I paused for a moment and then said, "Red Moon has known about Foxfire's feelings towards me for a long time, and since she's Foxfire's best friend, they've talked about it at length, and Red Moon actually suggested that we do this for Foxfire...while we were on our trip with Dahmi, actually. It wasn't too long ago that if Red Moon had found out that any other female--besides Foxfire--was thinking of getting cozy with me, she would have been all over them in a heartbeat."

"Ya...I s'pose so. I kinda got the idea that night ya pulled me back," Meri said quietly.

I slowly and gently stroked the fur by Meri's ear and said, "I was a bit surprised when she told me along our bond-link that it was okay with her the night you and I..., so I guess she's accepted you being a part us. And you can be sure that Foxfire knows this, too, whether or not anyone has actually told her."

"Yah, she seems kinda dingy most of the time, but then ya get the weird feelin' that she always knows somethin' ya don't," Meri said, furrowing her brows.

I didn't mention to Meri that lately I have been much more aware of Foxfire than usual, and also of others as well. It must have something to do with whatever changes took place in my body the night I brought Meri back. A thought hit me right then causing me to wonder if these changes had anything to do with all of the attention I've seem to be getting--I guess I'm going to have to ask my dam about that sometime.

Meri and I continued to lie there together for a little while longer, and then I heard Red Moon ask along our bond-link, "Is everything okay, dear?"

"Yeah, Meri was feeling a bit apprehensive about the situation--I hope you two didn't mind me having a quiet talk with her about things," I thought back.

There was a little pause as Red Moon told Foxfire about it, and then she replied, "It's okay, dear, we understand. Come join us when you're ready, and tell Meri that this is her bed, too."

"Okay, I will. I think we'll be there in just a little bit," I thought back. I shifted my position so that I could bring my face close enough to Meri's so that I could lightly touch my nose to hers. "Meri...shall we...go on to bed?" I said quietly, and very gently kissed her on the lips. I could hear her heart beat a little faster and she gasped ever so slightly the instant my lips touched hers. "To our bed," I added and I kissed her again, this time for a little longer, and lightly touching the tip of my tongue to her lips.

"Misty...am...am I...yers?" Meri asked in little gasps. I kissed her again gently and said, "For as long as you want to be."

Meri moaned softly and said, "I wanna be...!" and then she put her arms around my neck and kissed me deeply. When she stopped to catch her breath she said, "Misty...I-I've never wanted anyone like...like I want ya. Oooh I wish I could have kits by ya, Misty! I know it's crazy, but...they'd be good little fur balls, just like their da, I know they'd be."

Meri got a dreamy look in her eyes as she imagined having a good mate by her side and little ones happily playing around her. I closed my eyes for a moment...and I thought I imagined tiny little voices that said, "Bring us home, Sire!"

Meri went on back to get ready for bed while I put out the lamps in the front part of the den. When I came back to get ready, Meri was between Red Moon and the wall, and Foxfire was sitting on the side waiting for me to get in between her and Red Moon. Even without all of the silver jewelry that she usually wore (or anything else for that matter), Foxfire looked absolutely splendid sitting there just as natural as can be, as if she had always been there. I went to my trunk and took my things off without any hurry, pausing just a little to close my eyes for a moment and say to myself, "I hope I still have a mind left come morning."

Red Moon must have sensed my concern so she asked me along our bond-link, "Nervous, dear?"

"Oh, just wondering if I'm going to be able to wake up in the morning," I replied in our thoughts as I started towards the bed.

I saw Red Moon grin and stick her tongue out at me from behind Foxfire's back. Foxfire herself looked up at me and grinned shyly as I sat down on the edge of the bed close beside her.

"Hi," I said very quietly, putting my arm around her shoulders.

Still grinning shyly, Foxfire raised her right hand a bit from off her lap and gave a little wave with her fingers, and said, "Hi," in return.

"Go easy on me tonight," I said with a little grin.

Foxfire giggled lightly and said, "I was going to say the same thing. Oh, I got something special for you...," and she reached past the fur pillow and pulled a pottery bottle out of a bag. "Your momma said to drink this afterwards...it'll clear your head up. Oh, and I gave Red Moon and Meri one of these...just in case," she said, holding up two empty potion bottles like the ones Dahmi and I used at The Gathering.

"I see you've come prepared," I said with a grin.

Foxfire smiled and put the bottles back in the bag and set it aside. When she started to sit back up, Foxfire noticed that I had been watching her intently while she had been leaning over, and that prompted her to give me a sly look. "You can touch me, you know...I won't bite; well, okay, I might nibble a little bit," she said giving the tip of her tail a bit of a wag.

I smiled and positioned myself so that I could run the fingers of both of my hands through her fur and upwards along her back, and then massaged her shoulders for a while and slowly worked my way downward to her waist. I reached around and pulled Foxfire gently towards me so that she leaned into me. I nuzzled her neck and licked her behind her ear as I slowly brought my hands up. Foxfire gasped a little and turned her head a bit to look at me. I slid one hand up her neck and along the side of her face and slowly kissed her.

I whispered in her ear, "Slowly, dear...let's not rush this."

Foxfire nodded her head and we worked our way into bed and under the covering. Red Moon lay with her back towards us and had her arm around Meri, who was lying with her back towards Red Moon. Sometime later, Meri sniffled quietly and felt a tear run down her face--Red Moon had heard the sniffle and she gave Meri a little hug and a kiss on her head.

The morning came bright and cheery, with a little breeze and lot more birds chirping than usual.

"Maybe they're getting ready to migrate soon," I thought to myself, as I lay there awake. "Hmm, I guess the potion worked...I can still think."

I popped an eye open and then the other and looked around. Foxfire was lying contentedly to my right; Red Moon was still asleep on my left. I noticed Meri was facing my direction and was awake. I reached a hand over to her and she took a hold of it with hers, lacing our fingers together. I pulled her hand up and kissed it and she smiled sweetly at the gesture. I looked Meri in the eyes and nodded my head towards the front--she nodded her head once and we got up carefully. Red Moon, as usual, promptly woke up but after I kissed her and told her that Meri and I would take care of getting things ready for the morning, she was soon back to sleep. As soon as we got into the front room, Meri and I hugged each other for a long while, until the usual morning necessities made their unrelenting demands known. Once we got that taken care of and cleaned up a bit, I got to work on getting the fire going. There were still some coals left from the night before, so it didn't take too long to get the fire going again and water on for tea. While we were waiting on the water, Meri put a finger to my lips and then took me by the hand over to the furs near the fireplace and had me sit down with her.

She whispered, "Take me...,"in my ear and then laid down holding her arms out to me. After we had finished and were cleaning each other up, the water for the tea came to a boil, so I got up and pulled the tea kettle off of the hook and made a pot of tea.

"Thank ya, Misty...I needed that," she said with a sly grin.

"Can't think of a better way to start the day," I said cheerfully.

"Me, neither."

"Hungry?" I asked.

"Yah, I could take a second helpin'," Meri said giving me a wink. I playfully stuck my tongue out at her and she squirmed a bit and said, "I'll make ya do that again, if yer not careful!"

I licked my mouth and smacked my lips a little and that just about made her cross her eyes.

I went about getting something together for first meal and it wasn't too long before Dahmi groggily made her way into the room. I handed her a drinking bowl as she kissed me good morning, and then Dahmi hugged Meri and gave her a kiss on the cheek before getting herself some tea. About the time Dahmi finished her first round of tea, Warri made his way into the front room and greeted everyone. I handed Warri a drinking bowl for his tea and Dahmi filled his and refilled her own. Foxfire woke up to the smell of food cooking and noticed that Red Moon was the only other one still in bed.

She reached over and gave Red Moon a little prodding and said, "Wake up, dear; I think it's about time to eat."

Red Moon yawned, stretched, and sat up. When she did, however, Red Moon noticed that her stomach seemed a bit unsettled for some reason and she rubbed it.

"Are you hungry, dear?" Foxfire asked with a grin.

"Actually...I think I must have eaten something that didn't agree with me too well last night," Red Moon said with a frown.

Foxfire watched her friend intently as she slowly got up and leaned on the wall for a moment for support.

"Are you okay, sweetie?" Foxfire said becoming concerned. She got up, went over to Red Moon, and helped her over to sit on her trunk while she put her own things on. After that, Foxfire helped Red Moon get her breechcloth on and then said, "Wait right here, dear, I'll go get Mist Runner."

Red Moon nodded her head, and Foxfire came on out to get me.

"Good morning, Foxie," Meri greeted Foxfire with her little circular wave as soon as she saw her come into the room.

Foxfire waved back and said, Good morning dear. Did you sleep okay last night?"

"Yeah, I think so," Meri replied.

"That's nice, dear. Um, Mist Runner? I think Red Moon needs you...she's not feeling too well this morning," Foxfire said.

I noted the concern in her voice, as well as felt it, so I stopped what I was doing and headed back to see what might be ailing my mate. When I entered our sleeping area, I saw Red Moon sitting on her trunk and holding her stomach.

"What's wrong, dear?" I said as I quickly made my way over to her.

"I...don't know, maybe something I ate last night isn't agreeing with me or something," she said.

"Let me see if I can tell what's wrong," I said as sat down beside her and held one hand and put my other hand on her forehead, summoning my healing magic. I closed my eyes and concentrated, though I couldn't sense anything that could be a toxin. Something did seem a little unusual, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I did my best to ease the nausea she was experiencing. "I think I ought to take you to see my dam," I said quietly.

"What is it?" Red Moon asked.

"I don't know...something's different, but I'm not quite sure what it is, though I'm pretty sure it isn't anything you've had to eat," I replied.

"Well, at least I don't feel like I have to retch now. Thanks dear."

I tried to see if I could contact my dam mentally, trying to recall the shift in thought that was similar to how Red Moon and I were able to communicate now along our bond-link. After a moment or two, I could sense her presence in my mind.

"Mist Runner?" I heard her voice in my mind.

"I'm bringing Red Moon to see you...she's not feeling well, and I'm not sure just what it is. Something's different in her, but it's not something I've sensed before," I explained.

"Bring her to me, then, my son. Just come on in when you two get here," Fire Weaver said.

"On our way," I said, and closed the link. "Okay, I was able to get through to my dam, so she's expecting us. Let's go, dear," I said and helped Red Moon up. When we made it up to the front room, I could see the concern on everyone's face. "I'm taking her to go see my dam, so we'll be back in a little while," I said as Red Moon and I headed for the door.

Dahmi gave Red Moon a quick hug and said, "I hope you feel better soon, ma!"

Red Moon gave her a quick kiss and said with a little grin, "I'll be okay as soon as your grandma figures out what the deal is with my innards."

"Okay, well, we'll save you something to eat for when you get back," Dahmi said, giving Red Moon a kiss on the cheek.

On our way out from under the overhang covering the front part of the den, I heard the flapping of wings.

"And where are you two love birds off to so early in the day?" Shri'an said after she landed on the ground near us.

"Good morning, to you, too, Shri'an," I said with a hint of playful sarcasm.

"Actually, he's taking me to see his dam...I don't feel good for some reason," Red Moon said with a little grimace.

"Oh, well, I'll walk with you then, if you don't mind," Shri'an said feeling a little awkward after her initial question.

The three of us started down the path together and when we just about got to the main path, Red Moon stopped and clutched her stomach.

"Mist Runner...I think I'm gonna...," she started to say and I quickly put my hand on her stomach and summoned my healing magic and managed to subdue the queasiness she felt before it got too far along.

"Oh, my...I think maybe you need to get her there a little more quickly, my nest mate," Shri'an said rather concerned.

"I think you might be right," I agreed. I picked up Red Moon and had her put her arm around my neck. "Shri'an...hold onto me and don't let go until I tell you," I said, and as soon as she took a hold of my arm with a wing-hand, I shifted to The Hidden Ways and quickly made our way to my parent's den.

When we shifted back, Shri'an squawked, "I almost forgot how weird that is!" and she ruffled her feathers.

"Ooo...that's just...too...much!" Red Moon said and would have retched on the spot, if I hadn't of managed to keep her from doing so.

"I'll wait out here...let me know what you find out, okay?" Shri'an said as Red Moon and I were about to go inside.

"Okay, it probably won't be too long of a wait," I replied.

Both of my parents met us at the door as I helped Red Moon inside.

"When did you first notice this?" my dam asked. "As soon as I woke up this morning, Mistress," Red Moon said.

"Let's get you laid down so I can see what's going on, dear," my dam said, and we took Red Moon over to the spare bed that she used for treating people.

As soon as Red Moon was comfortable, Fire Weaver proceeded to summon her healing magic. It didn't take her long at all to determine what the cause of my mate's illness was.

"Well, my son, you were right, it wasn't anything she ate," my dam said with a grin. "Join me, and I'll show you so that you will know the next time you come across this," she instructed.

I got on the other side of Red Moon and summoning my own healing magic, I blended it with my dams, and she pointed out in my mind what we were sensing. Red Moon started to worry when we moved our hands further down her abdomen.

"What's wrong with me?" she asked.

Fire Weaver smiled and said, "Nothing, dear. You're pregnant."

Red Moon's eyes suddenly got very wide, "I'm what?"

"We are going to have little ones, my love," I said with a big smile.

"Did you just say...," Red Moon started to asked incredulously--I nodded my head and held up two fingers.

Red Moon stared at me with her mouth open and then she looked at my dam. Fire Weaver nodded her head and held up two fingers as well.

"TWINS???" Red Moon exclaimed in disbelief.

Fire Weaver nodded her head again and said, "It's too early yet to tell whether they will be male or female, or maybe one of each, but in two turns of the seasons you are going to have two healthy cublings, if I have any say in it."

"Well, how about that, my love, we are going to have grand cubs!" Sky Splitter said with a big smile, putting his hands on fire Weaver's shoulders.

She reached up, put her hand on one of his, looked up at her mate, and nodded her head.

"It will be a joy to have little ones gracing the den again, will it not?"

"Indeed, so," Sky Splitter smiled, stroking the fur on her head.

Returning her attention to Red Moon, Fire Weaver said, "I have something which will help you with the illness you feel."

She got up and headed towards the shelves that held various potions and herbal compounds and picked out a particular bottle and brought it back to Red Moon.

"Take a spoonful of this first thing in the morning before you get up, and again before each meal. Keep taking it until you use it all up, and by then you shouldn't be bothered with the illness as your body will be adjusted to the changes you are experiencing," she instructed.

Fire Weaver reached into a nearby drawer and handed Red Moon a spoon.

"Go ahead and take some right now, and then as soon as you get home and before you eat first meal, take another spoonful. Mist Runner, see to it that she eats a proper meal when you get home."

"I will," I said to my dam. I looked at Red Moon and said, "Drink up, dear," with a grin.

I helped her sit up and pulled the stopper from the bottle. Red Moon cautiously sniffed it and wrinkled her nose at the smell. I carefully poured a spoonful of the thick amber colored liquid and waited for Red Moon to open her mouth.

"It's probably going to taste nasty...," she quipped.

I quickly stuck the spoon in her mouth while she was talking and made her swallow it.

"That's it, dear...all of it," I grinned and I pulled the spoon from her mouth and stroked her throat with a finger.

Red Moon scrunched her face and smacked her lips, "That's...tart!"

"Would you rather be heaving your guts out every few minutes?" I asked with a smirk.

Still smacking her lips, she replied, "I'd rather not be doing that, thank you very much."

"Feel up to heading home yet, dear?" I asked.

"Give me a minute or two, okay?" Red Moon asked.

I nodded my head and eased her back down onto the furs. I got up and took the spoon over to the washbasin to clean it off--my sire was fixing himself a cup of tea and I suddenly remembered something that I thought I'd mention to him.

"This is going to sound a little strange, but...last night I was talking to Meri just before going to bed, and she mentioned something about having kits someday. As soon as she said that, I thought that I imagined faint, tiny little voices that said, 'Bring us home, sire!', and now I find out that Red Moon and I are going to be having twins," I said as I washed the spoon off and set it aside to dry.

"So, you are wondering if it was just seemingly wishful thinking on your part last night, or that perhaps it could have been a premonition of sorts, or did you have some sense of your mate's condition, or did you actually hear the spirit voices of those who will become your cublings?" my sire asked.

I nodded my head.

"It's difficult to tell just how much your awareness has been, or is being, altered since you forced the change in yourself. All I can say is that for now make note of anything you seem aware of that you might not have been before and what the circumstances are at the time. But I do wonder, though...since you were able to grab a hold of Meri's spirit before you brought her body forward in time, and since you are able to physically feel the spirits of Kurietta's and Meri's parents, perhaps on some level you may exist in both realms. I wouldn't be surprised if someday you learn how to travel between the two," he said thoughtfully.

"Do you know of anyone who has been able to do that?" I asked.

"Not that I can think of immediately, but I will think on it some more and let you know," he replied.

I nodded my head and look towards Red Moon.

"Twins...now that's going to be interesting," I said quietly.

My sire grinned and said simply, "Indeed."

When Red Moon and I finally came out from my parent's den, Shri'an immediately asked, "Well? What did you find out?"

I grinned broadly and said, "Twins."

Shri'an gave me that piercing sideways look of hers and Red Moon said, "I'm pregnant."

When it finally clicked in Shri'an's mind what we said, she exclaimed, "Well bless your nest, you're going to have hatchlings!" and she promptly gave both of us an enthusiastic hug.

Red Moon was feeling well enough to walk back normally so we did. On the way back home, given the way Shri'an would look at me from time to time, I wondered what she might be thinking--probably wanting me to give her hatchlings.

When we got to the den, I asked Shri'an, "Red Moon and I haven't had a chance to eat yet, would you want to join us for some tea or something while we eat?"

"You mean go inside?" she asked.

"At least just in the front area here...there should be plenty of room for you to move around, though you might have to watch your head a little."

"Well...I'll try...but just for you, mind you!" she clucked sharply.

Shri'an thought to herself, "I can do this...,"and she ducked her head and very nervously made her way into the front area of the den under the overhang.

I moved things around a little so that she would have ample room to maneuver around and have a place to sit on the furs. Red Moon sat down not far from Shri'an and I went inside to see what there was to eat. Dahmi jumped up as soon as I came in and rushed over to me, and I gave her a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Is Ma going to be okay?" she asked. The worry was readily apparent on not only her face, but on the faces of everyone else.

"She's fine. We're going to eat out front, if you want to join us. Oh, and Shri'an is out there, too, so try not to startle her too much--she doesn't like being in small spaces. Dahmi, would you mind carrying a plate and a bowl of tea out for Red Moon?" I said to the relief of everyone.

Dahmi smiled and fixed a plate of food for Red Moon while I got something for Shri'an and myself and grabbed a spoon in the process.

We all came out into the front area and almost immediately, everyone started talking at once so I held up a hand and gave a sharp call for quiet. I sat down between Red Moon and Shri'an and held the spoon out for Red Moon--she looked at it and then at me and stuck her tongue out a little before taking the spoon.

"Too bad Grimm and Kuri aren't here," I said looking at Red Moon.

"I can try to reach them from here, if you wish Sire," Warri offered.

Red Moon nodded her head so I said, "Give it a try, Warri."

He got up, went a short distance away, and searched for them with his mind. He found first Grimm and then with a little more effort, he found Kurietta, and relayed the message to them.

Warri came back and joined the rest of us and said, "I was able to contact them, Sire; they're on the way."

"Good job, Warri. I guess your additional training is paying off already," I said with a smile.

Dahmi put her arms around Warri and looked up at him with pride in her eyes.

When Red Moon was pouring a spoonful of the thick potion, Meri asked, "What's that stuff, hon? It smells kinda funny."

"This is something Mistress Fire Weaver gave me to take to keep my innards settled down. It'll definitely pucker you up," she said, already grimacing before she even put the spoon in her mouth. As soon as she swallowed it, she scrunched her face up, shook a bit, and said, "Yuck!"

"That's it dear, be a good girl-cub, and take your medicine," I said along our bond-link with a mental smirk.

"That's easy for you to say! Do you want a taste?" Red Moon retorted and she promptly shared the experience with me, causing my own face to pucker.

"Ew, I see what you mean...talk about sour!" I replied.

Red Moon, Shri'an, and I ate our food and refused to say anything about Red Moon's condition until Grimm and Kurietta arrived.

Grimm and Kuri greeted everyone with a look of confusion on their faces as they took a seat.

"As most of you know, this morning when Red Moon woke up, she was feeling rather ill to her stomach, thinking that maybe it was something that she ate last night that didn't agree with her. I checked her out and was able to determine that that wasn't the problem, but I did notice something unusual that I haven't had any experience with yet. Shri'an and I took Red Moon to see my dam, who immediately found out what the situation was and showed me so that I would know what to look for in the future, in case I should have a need to," I explained while looking at each in turn.

"So, what's wrong, sweetie?" Foxfire asked Red Moon.

Red Moon quickly glanced around the group and said, "I'm going to have twins."

It was so quiet you could have heard a grass seed drop. The silence didn't last much more than one very stunned moment, however, before everyone erupted with very excited howls and wahoo's as the news quickly sunk in, with Shri'an adding a cheerful warble of her own to the joyous noise.

As soon as everyone calmed down from hearing the good news, I said, "We wanted to tell all of you at once. It's too early to tell if they will be males, females, or one of each, but as soon as we know, we'll let you know."

"I'm sure we all appreciate you telling us directly," Grimm said to the agreement of everyone else.

"Ya had us kinda worried there for a while after ya got up this mornin', hon. I'm glad it wasn't somethin' bad, but frazzleberries, whatta surprise to wake up to!" Meri piped up cheerfully.

Dahmi, Kuri, Foxfire, and Shri'an all voiced their agreement with Meri. We continued to all sit out front until about mid-morning when a messenger came for Shri'an. The Lore Masters had prepared a response for her to take back to the councilors of the Northern Aeries. Even though she had enjoyed everyone's company, she was more than happy to get out into the open. Shri'an promptly spread her wings and flew the distance to Master Spirit Feather's den, seemingly taking sheer delight in flying through the great trees even though she sometimes had to fly sideways and push off their massive trunks with her feet--and causing a few of the villagers to duck as she zoomed low overhead.

Watching her fly across the village, I said quietly to Red Moon, "I told you she was crazy."

Red Moon spent the rest of the morning taking it easy while the rest of us went on about our business for the day. Today was the last day of the equinox celebrations so Dahmi, Warri, Kuri, Meri and Foxfire all took off together to try and find whatever good last minute deals they could get from the various vendors and merchants. Grimm had a few things that he had to attend to, so I busied myself doing some chores that needed to be done around the den until Shri'an came back. When I was finished with those, I sat with Red Moon for a while and we held each other and talked. Little ones did not come often for our kind--I suppose that is a price for being immortal as we are. Still, when they do come, the whole clan takes responsibility for raising them and no one begrudges taking a turn at watching over anyone's little cublings, not even younger ones such as Warri. Although it's probably written somewhere, I do not know what the odds are of any of our people having twins, but I would guess that it is a rare event. I know of families who have had more than one cubling, just not more than one at once. Still, Red Moon and I consider ourselves to be twice blessed and are looking forward to the arrival of the twins. It won't be for another two turns of the seasons before they begin their long journey in this life, and in another three turns after that, they will both be about Dahmi's height. By that time, perhaps Dahmi and Warri may decide to take a place of their own and the twins could move into her sleeping area, or we may decide to add another room onto the den. But there would be enough time for that later. Red Moon and I simply enjoyed the quiet time by ourselves...something I had been looking forward to ever since I was on my way home from making my trades.

When Shri'an finally came back, it was getting near midday. Red Moon had fallen asleep for a while so I went out to greet my old friend by myself.

"How did things go with the Lore Masters, dear?" I asked when I met Shri'an outside.

"Well, I guess they must have had quite a time talking about whatever was in that scroll tube I brought. I think maybe all of this might have something to do with the Eastlanders and those pesky Dark Bloods you were talking about. It seems some of the Eastlanders didn't take too kindly to them meddling in their affairs and it came to a scrap of some kind or another. They apparently got word about those ones in the hills east of here and didn't take too kindly about that either, but the Eastlanders seem eager enough to meet with the Elder Races to see what might be done about the mess certain Wastelanders have been stirring up under the orders of the Dark Bloods," she explained.

"Well, for what it's worth, I hope that we've been able to do some good with the Wastelanders lately. Maybe there's enough among them who think it's time things change for the better," I said.

"That High Cleric was there, so I wouldn't doubt they've told all of this to him," Shri'an added.

"I think there's going to be a change in the wind, my old friend--the next turn of the seasons should prove to be rather interesting," I suggested.

Shri'an bobbed her head a couple of times in agreement, but then she got a sly look on her face and said, "If I can get you in my nest next spring, we'll see just how 'interesting' it can be."

I grinned back, took a hold of one of her wing-hands, and said, "Come with me." Shri'an cocked her head and gave me a shrewd look, wondering what I was up to this time. We walked up and to the very back of the den where there was a "C" shaped thicket.

"This is one of the reasons why I picked this place for a den. I often come here to sit where it's quiet so that I can read or meditate...plus it's fairly private," I said leading Shri'an into the middle of the thicket.

She looked around and was about to make a comment when she spied something hanging from one of the bushes.

"Is that...?" she asked slowly reaching a wing-hand to the little trinket, and lifting it with a talon.

"Do you remember when you gave me that?"

"You know darn well I do, you ol' scamp!" she chided softly. "And you've kept it all this time?" she asked even more softly.

"The first thing I did when I found this place was to hang it up in a suitable spot. I usually sit against this old tree here and whenever I look up, there it is in front of me," I replied, moving next to her.

"So you do think about me from time to time."

"Yes...I haven't forgotten. Before you leave today, I have a little something for you to take back with you to read...and...something else," I said quietly.

Shri'an fingered the trinket a little longer, remembering the time so very long ago when we were both young adults, not much older than Warri is now, when she gave the nest sigil of her line to me as a gift between two very close and dear friends. Shri'an was almost moved beyond words to see it hanging on the branch in the thicket that just happened to be nearly the size of her own nest, and with it hung my own personal sigil, tied so that if one were lifted off the branch, the other would come with it. Among the V'Aertii, it was hung in a place of honor as a token of respect, loyalty, friendship, and love. And if the location was also in a special, private place, then the meaning went deeper yet, and if it was hung with another's such as it was hung here, in this place, it became a statement of absolutes.

"You would do me such an honor?" she nearly whispered, holding both sigils in her wing-hand.

I gently put my hand over the wing-hand that she held them with, grasping it, and said simply, "Yes."

I had never seen a V'Aertii cry before...didn't think it was even possible for them to do so, yet...a single tear slowly welled up in the corner of her eye and threatened to run down her face. Letting go of her wing-hand, I reached up and gently pulled her face down closer to mine. Shri'an lowered herself down on her knees so that we were about the same height and cupping her face in my hands just as the one tear slowly started to run down her cheek, I gently kissed it away and nuzzled my old friend.

"I...I had no idea you...thought that of me," Shri'an said after a while. "All this time...I thought you just enjoyed being a...a tease."

"Well, I do, but that's beside the point, my dear. We've known each other ever since we were able to stand on our own two feet, and we've been fast friends ever since. When we got a little older, do you remember how the other first born thought that we were more interested in each other than going off and doing whatever else they wanted to do? And when we used to play together, sometimes I'd run around with my arms out pretending that we were flying together, and other times you'd pretend that we were stalking prey together, though we always seemed to end up pouncing on each other. Whenever we used to wrestle around, your brood hen would get so worried that you might break a wing or something...but we always had so much fun doing it. And you were the very first person that I ever used my healing magic on. There were several times when it was storming out and we didn't have much of anything to do, so we would just lie together and talk about whatever came to mind, and usually ended up curling up together and falling asleep," I said.

"I remember. And here we are, all grown up, I've got hatchlings of my own and you will be, and...and I guess we've always been each other's first love in a way," Shri'an added. "There! I've as much as admitted that I love my old furry nest mate!" she thought to herself.

I gently put my arms around her neck and kissed Shri'an on the side of her beak.

"I think you're right," I said quietly.

"Gasp! He agrees with me! I wonder...," Shri'an thought to herself, and as I leaned in to give her another kiss, she parted her mouth and our tongues met--it's quite a different experience kissing a female V'Aertii than it is kissing a female of any of the other races, even if she is in her smaller form. As I understand it, the V'Aertii don't kiss each other like we do, but instead preen each other's neck feathers. Then again, Shri'an has always been a little different by V'Aertii standards. I nibbled a little on the side of her neck and she did the same to me, being very careful with the sharp tips of her beak.

"Shri'an...?"

"Yes dear?"

"Would you wait right here for a little while I get something?" I asked.

"You'd better hurry...," she replied as she lightly ran the talons of a wing-hand down my back. I nuzzled Shri'an briefly one more time and then left to go fetch something from my trunk that I had been saving.

Red Moon was still snoozing when I entered our sleeping area so I tried to be as quiet as I could. I managed to find the roll of parchment that I wanted without too much trouble, and there was also something else that I dug out that anyone who would have seen it would wonder why I had a twig in my trunk. I smiled at the thought, and looked over at Red Moon, resting comfortably in bed. I knew from what my parents had told me that we could still communicate via our bond-link even though one might be asleep. Shri'an was my friend and I loved her dearly, but Red Moon was indeed my mate and I neither would not nor could not leave her for anyone else. I was hers just as much as she was mine. Shri'an was right about one thing, though, she and I were each other's first love despite our differences..., and we still had that "unfinished business" between us as Grimm put it. I've never kept anything from Red Moon since she and I have known each other, and I wasn't about to start now. Since we became bonded (as we've had the time to do so), we have shared our life experiences with one another, so she now knows all about Shri'an, Kuri, Bane Flower and a few others--and I also know all about her previous relationships as well. Because we do share everything with each other, Red Moon and I are secure in ourselves and with each other and we both know that nothing will ever break us apart. Very gently along our bond-link, I said to Red Moon, "I love you." She stirred a bit and I saw a smile work its way into her face, and very quietly and peacefully, I heard her say, "I love you, too."

When I returned to where I left Shri'an waiting, she was sitting down on the ground in her best attempt at a demure position--something that's not too easy for someone who has wings and long tail feathers without a specially made couch.

"So, what did my big, bad wolf bring for me?" she asked coyly as she stuck a talon of her wing-hand in her beak, trying to be seductive.

I sat down so that we were against one another and said, "Well, this you can read when you get home--there are several pages to it and I imagine that you will want to take the time to enjoy it." I opened the neck pouch she wore and placed the rolled up sheets carefully inside. "And this...," I said as I brought my other hand out from behind me, "...may not be much, but it's from the play nest we had as little ones. I thought maybe you might want to add it to your own nest."

I carefully handed her the ancient twig and the look on Shri'an's face spoke volumes--I might as well have handed her a priceless jewel.

"But...that was...so long ago...how...how is it possible?"

"I had my sire place a permanency spell on it back then...figured that someday I'd give it to you when the time was right," I explained quietly.

It was just an ordinary twig--from a tree that existed hundreds of millions of turns of the seasons ago--that we had used some fallen branches of to make a play nest out of when we were both still little. The permanency spell gave it no special characteristics other than making it practically indestructible--as long as nothing cancelled the magic, it would continue to exist long after this world was finished.

"Mist Runner...you...you've given me...nesting material, and from that nest!" she said in an awed whisper.

"Twice in one day you have honored me beyond words, my sweet, furry nest mate...," she continued.

"Trust me, my dear, I know what it means to you," I said quietly.

"Oh, I do trust you...," Shri'an said, looking around--and then slowly rolled over on her back and held out a wing-hand.

Khe'strah Kh'rol-Mahb, the current High Cleric of the Dahl-Han Wa'ek, more commonly known simply as The Wastelanders, knew that he and his fellow clerics were going to have their hands full when they got back home. He could just imagine the furor that was going to ensue over the public announcements denouncing Dahmel-Tur for what he was--a lunatic that had been seduced by the evil Dark Blood Clan. He had caused untold amounts of pain, suffering, and death, directly or indirectly either through conquests or through his "teachings". Moreover, sweeping and lasting changes must be made if their people are to survive as a whole. There is a lot of work to do in order to try to address and undo a lot of the damage done in his name. Since he and his party had come to The Great Forest, they had been constantly amazed at how well they had been received and treated, even by those who had actually fought their people in the past when they first pushed into this part of the world and had attacked them without provocation. The Lore Masters themselves were patient and spoke without being condescending; they listened carefully and offered much in the way of welcomed advice, as well as asked questions that made one think.

Kahl-Se'et Kh'rel-Mahb, the senior cleric of the temple in Cedar Knoll commented in private to his superior, "These trees here are truly ancient, and these people...more ancient still. Even many of their youngest that we have seen are easily as old or more than any of us, and the eldest of them...it confounds the mind with the long span of age upon age, and yet they seem little different than as benevolent grandparents helping a child find a cherished toy that had been misplaced."

Khe'strah thought that seemed as apt an observation as any other that had been entertained during their stay. The girl that he had entrusted the protection of to Sire Mist Runner, seemed to have adapted quite readily to her new surroundings and new family life. If she could, could not others of their kind also adapt to new ways of living and doing and thinking? Early one morning he and Kahl-Se'et had gotten up and wandered around the village by themselves, and had found their way to the practice area used by the warriors--the defenders, he corrected himself--of these people. They watched in wonder as they saw the girl along with a black and white furred female and several other young males and females practice with staves--the black and white furred female clearly being the instructor. The girl was every bit as competent as any of their own junior warriors, and could undoubtedly hold her own in a fight. Sire Mist Runner was right--this Dahmietra was no longer the meek young girl that she had been when he had first introduced the two to each other at the enclave. She seemed to have grown some, appeared to be in fine physical condition, confident and secure in herself, assertive when she needed to be, yet still polite and respectful towards others. They had watched her sweep the legs out from under one of the males during their practice, and then she held her hand out to him and helped him back up. The young male took it in stride and even gave her a friendly pat on the back as they stopped for a water break. It was the one thing that had been most interesting to the group of clerics--the complete lack of any gender bias. Males and females were held in equal esteem, each doing according to his or her own abilities.

"We could learn so much from these people," Khe'strah noted to himself.

"That was fun," Shri'an said contentedly as she lay beside me, lightly running her wing-hand down my chest. "I hope you won't make me wait quite so long again the next time."

"Well, you were right about one thing," I said.

"What's that?"

"You are warm," I replied working my fingers into her chest feathers to the down underneath.

Shri'an lightly clucked a few times and said, "You could definitely teach our males a thing or two, that's for sure!"

"Well, next spring when I make it back to the mountains, we can see how much you can take at once," I said with a sly grin.

"For that my sweet furry nest mate, I'll fly you wherever you need to go to make your trades!" Shri'an said with an enthusiastic grin.

"That's an interesting idea, actually. I'll tell you what, if you will help me find some flowers called 'snow lace', I'll meet you around the spring equinox and we can go from there. How does that sound to you?"

"Snow lace, you say? Little white flowers that grow up in the mountains?" she asked. I nodded my head and she said, "Sure, I can take you right to a whole meadow of them, and right on my mountain, too. You can help yourself to all that you want. What do you want them for, anyway?"

"Red Moon is going to try and make a perfume from them for Meri," I replied.

"Well that's mighty nice of her," Shri'an said. She looked up at the sky, frowned a bit, and laid there quietly for several moments. "I'm going to have to be heading off soon...I don't want to, not yet anyway, but I need to get this scroll back. If I can, I'll try to come back for a visit this fall, before the first snows," Shri'an said with a sigh.

"Okay, dear. I'm glad that you were able to come and stay a little while...I always enjoy your company," I said quietly.

Shri'an moved as if she was going to get up, but instead she put a leg over me, got on her knees over me, and very carefully, sat herself down. Even though she was in her smaller form, she still weighed as much as she did when she was her usual full size, which is a fair bit more than I weigh.

"One more time before I take to the air...," she said making a very soft trilling sound.

Dahmi, Warri, and Meri came back at midday loaded down with food, drink and other things they had purchased. Dahmi and Meri were both rather fond of a sweet though slightly tart juice that was offered by a vendor, so they brought a couple of jugs of it back with them. Shri'an and I were out front with Red Moon, Grimm, Kuri, and Foxfire when they arrived.

"Shri'an is going to be heading for home soon, and she wanted to see you before she left," I said to Dahmi, Warri, and Meri.

"Give us a moment to set all of this stuff down inside, will ya hon?" Meri asked.

I nodded my head and they took their things inside, set it all on the table, and came back out.

"I hate to go so soon, but I have to get this scroll from your Lore Masters back to our councilors," Shri'an said pensively.

Red Moon gave Shri'an a hug and said, "You're welcome to come back anytime, dear."

"You take care of yourself and those little egglings inside you, too!" Shri'an clucked quietly wrapping her wings around Red Moon.

She knelt down on one knee so that she could more easily give Dahmi, Kuri, and Meri a hug.

"Oh, Mist Runner mentioned something about wanting to find some of those snow lace flowers--I told him that I have a whole meadow full of them on my mountain and you can have as many as you want for your perfume," Shri'an told Meri and also glancing over to Red Moon.

Meri's eyes opened wide in excitement and she started bouncing up and down in joy, "Oh, thank you, hon! That's always been my favorite scent!" Meri gave Shri'an a kiss on the cheek and hugged her again.

Shri'an gave Warri a friendly hug and then placed a wing-hand on his cheek and said with a sly grin, "You take care of that sweet little hen of yours."

Warri signaled a bit of embarrassment, though he smiled back and said, "I will, Dam." Shri'an stood up and said her good byes to Foxfire, and when she got to Grimm, she whispered in his ear as she hugged him, "You're next, my furry nest mate."

Grimm raised an eyebrow, gave me a quick glance, and then kissed her on the side of her beak. Shri'an grinned and gave Grimm a little lick on his muzzle.

Saving me for last, she held my face in both of her wing-hands and looked right in my eyes. I knew her well enough to know by her expression what she was thinking, which caused me to grin.

"You stay out of trouble, my sweet furry nest mate!"

"Always, my dear...," I said sticking just the tip of my tongue out at her.

We hugged each other and then when I went to kiss her on the side of her beak she opened her mouth just enough so that I could slide the tip of my tongue along hers. The sensation gave Shri'an enough of a thrill that she slightly raised her tail feathers.

"Have a safe flight home, dear...and don't pick up any strays along the way," I said, smirking at that last part.

Shri'an clucked a few times and grinned--it was a little joke between us from way back. She stepped back and said, "Take care, everyone!" and she launched herself into the air.

As soon as she got through the trees, she shifted back to her normal size. Shri'an made one pass overhead and called out, "SHREEEEE-i-i-i!" and was gone.

"Your friend is an interesting lady," Dahmi said looking for a moment in the apparent direction that Shri'an took off in.

"That she is, Dahmi. Well, I don't know about anyone else, but I'm getting hungry," I said.

"Oh, yah, we got a bunch of food to do something with!" Meri said suddenly remembering all of the things they brought home with them.

"Gonna join us, sis?" she asked Kuri.

Kurietta looked at both Grimm and Foxfire and asked, "How 'bout it guys? Wanna eat here?"

"It looked like they brought enough for a small feast," I said to Grimm.

"Do you feel like having a crowd, sweetie?" Foxfire asked Red Moon.

"You know you three are welcome to eat with us any time, dear," Red Moon replied.

"Oh come on, Grimmster, do I hafta twist yer tail?" Meri asked while she stood there with hands on her hips and tapping her foot and giving him an annoyed look.

Grimm swung his tail around so that he could grab hold of it and held it close to him while looking at Meri with a completely deadpan look and quietly said, "Ow."

I started snickering because I knew what was going to happen next. Meri's annoyed look changed to one of confusion when she looked at me when I started snickering, but then when she looked back at Grimm he slowly raised an eyebrow and got a very slight grin on his face.

Red Moon laughed and said, "Meri, I think you've just been had."

"Why I oughtta...ooo!" Meri said getting exasperated, and then Kuri jumped in with, "Grimmster! I'm gonna bite yer tail if you don't get it in there!"

"Can't," Grimm said with a smug look.

"Whatcha mean I can't?" Kuri demanded.

"It's a holiday."

"What's that gotta do with anythin'?" Meri asked in frustration.

"No tail biting or twisting allowed on holidays," Grimm said, "but, since you threatened to do so on a holiday, tomorrow I get to pull both of your tails."

Meri and Kuri looked at each other with their mouths open and said in unison, "Huh?"

My snickering turned into chuckle.

"Are ya squishin' my berries?" Kuri demanded and Meri added, "Yah, are ya?"

They didn't notice that I stepped behind them so when I tapped them both on the shoulder they quickly spun around in surprise...and Grimm promptly yanked both of their tails at once.

Red Moon and Foxfire both started laughing and Red Moon said, "I can't believe you both fell for that trick!"

"That was bad, Grimmie!" Foxfire said wagging her finger at her brother as she was laughing.

"Ooo you two!!!" Kurietta exclaimed.

I wrapped my arms around Meri and she resisted a little until I licked her behind the ear and whispered something to her. Meri nearly crossed her eyes.

"Ooo, you can be so bad!" Meri said in a quiet gasp.

"Whatta he say, sis?" Kuri asked, so Meri cupped her hand to her mouth and whispered into her sister's ear.

Kurietta's eyes and mouth opened wide and she looked at me in surprise. I shot a very quick glance at Grimm and then I looked directly at Kuri...and slowly stuck my tongue out and touched the top of my nose. They both nearly crossed their eyes and got weak in the knees and gasped...and then they happened to look at Grimm and with a sly grin on his face, he did the same thing.

"Oh...my...berries! I gotta sit down!" Kuri exclaimed, "Oh...me, too!" Meri added, and they both went on inside holding each other for support.

"You two just really take the bone, teasing those poor gals like that!" Red Moon said with a grin.

I whispered something into Red Moon's ear, and she said with a big smile, "You're on, dear!" Red Moon and Foxfire went on inside while Grimm and I hung back a moment.

"Oh what a day this is turning out to be," I said with a sigh.

"Aside from the obvious?" Grimm asked nodding towards the den and raising an eyebrow.

"Some long unfinished business got taken care of today," I said quietly with a grin.

Grimm was silent for a moment, and he then understood why Shri'an had whispered what she did in his ear.

"And...?" Grimm prompted.

"It was...different, but we enjoyed ourselves," I said.

"At least she didn't carry you off," Grimm said with a little smirk.

After we ate our midday meal together, Warri took Dahmi to the archives to try looking for that particular ancient tablet again. Dahmi was amazed by how large the complex was and how much it contained.

"You wouldn't know it was this big from the outside," she remarked as they walked past rack after rack of scrolls, books, and any other written reference that had been collected over the millennia.

"There are other places like this, though I have not been to them yet," Warri said as he took a couple of glow cubes from their rack and handed one to Dahmi.

"How many are there?" Dahmi asked with wonder--even though the collections at the enclave took a fair sized room under the main building, she had never seen this much knowledge stored in one location.

"There are a total of nine such facilities located within The Great Forest itself, though I understand that the other Elder Races also have their own collections," Warri replied.

He led Dahmi to a particular section where things were written on clay or wax tablets and started scanning the shelves.

"So, what are we looking for? And don't say an 'ancient tablet', because all of these are ancient to me!" Dahmi smirked.

Warri gave her a sideways glance and stuck his tongue out playfully. He reached into his pouch, pulled out a folded up piece of parchment, and handed it to her.

"Look for a clay tablet that starts with these characters," he said with a grin.

"Warri, you realize we could be in here for hours...days, even," Dahmi said looking at all of the racks and crates somewhat disdainfully.

"I'm pretty sure it might be in this area. I'll start on this rack and you start on that one and we'll go from there," Warri said.

"Um, how do you expect me to reach the upper shelves? I'm not that tall, remember?" Dahmi asked with a bit of exasperation in her voice.

Warri looked at Dahmi for a moment and then looked at the shelves and back to her.

"Oops," he replied rather embarrassedly. "I...guess you can take the bottom half and I'll take the top half," he suggested.

"Ah, I see...you just want me to be bent over, don't you?" she teased as she stood there with her hands on her hips trying to look annoyed, but she couldn't keep from smirking.

As much as he actually liked looking at her backside (despite the fact that she didn't have a tail), Warri found himself getting a bit more embarrassed even though they were currently the only ones in the archive.

"Um, well...turn the other way then," Warri said. "Oh, so now you want to see my chest?" Dahmi teased him even more by jiggling a little while looking up at him.

"Dahmi! You're starting to sound like Night Song!" Warri said with exasperation.

Dahmi stood a little closer to Warri and said, "Oh, so now you're referring to her rather casually, eh?"

"But...but she...told me not to call her 'Dam' anymore! She said she wasn't that old!" Warri tried to explain, getting more flustered the closer Dahmi got to him.

"Warri...," Dahmi said in a low voice, "twenty four thousand turns of the seasons seems kinda old to me," and she reached slowly up, put her hand behind his neck, and then suddenly pulled his head down to her face.

Just as she was about to kiss him, Warri asked, "Dahmi...are you getting...stronger?"

"Maybe. You know I've been practicing with Kuri," she said, her nose just a short distance from his. He held the glow cube up and she squinted and said, "That's rather bright."

He saw the reflective glow in her eyes and said, "Dahmi...it's a glow cube, they're only bright to people with eyes like mine."

Dahmi blinked and she saw the same reflective glow in his eyes as he saw in hers.

"Like...yours...," she said blinking again, removing her hand from the back of his neck and lightly touched his eyebrow.

There was no mistaking it: Dahmi's eyes glowed in the light of the glow cube like a wild animal's--like the eyes of his people. He also saw that the edges of the colored part of her eyes were tinged with amber. Warri noticed a change in her scent--it was subtle, yes, but still it was different from when he had met her the first time. He gently put his hand to the side of Dahmi's face and...her skin felt warmer to his touch.

"Dahmi, do you feel...warm?"

"A little, but I'm comfortable. Why?" she replied.

"You just feel warmer than usual," Warri said as he filed this new information away in his mind.

He pulled his hand back from her face and took a hold of her hand that she still was touching his face with and looked at her palm in the light of the glow cube. Warri noticed that the skin in several places on the palm side of her hand and fingers seemed to be getting thicker, though not because of calluses, and also that her fingernails seemed to be getting thicker as well.

"Warri...?"

"Yes dear?"

"Shouldn't we be looking for that tablet?"

"Yes...of course," Warri agreed and he smiled as he let go of Dahmi's hand and hugged her.

"I love you, Dahmi," Warri whispered in her ear.

She hugged him back and whispered back, "I love you too, Warri."

This time Warri was certain that Dahmi was much stronger than she had been. They started to look through the collection of tablets, concentrating only on the ones made of clay, as they would be the earliest ones. About an hour into their search, Warri heard Dahmi cry out, "OW!" and he promptly moved over to check on her. Dahmi jerked her hand out and held it--her finger was bleeding after it was cut on a sharp splinter of wood. Warri quickly reached into his pouch, pulled out a small piece of cloth, and wiped the blood away to see how bad the cut was. Before their eyes, the cut quickly healed itself and disappeared--in just moments all traces of it was gone. Dahmi watched in wide-eyed wonder as her finger rapidly self-healed.

"Dahmi...that's not...normal, is it?" Warri asked just as surprised as she was.

"No...it's not," she said in a near whisper. "Warri...what's happening to me?"

"Maybe we ought to talk to your sire about this, when we get back," Warri suggested.

Still looking at her finger, Dahmi simply nodded her head. They went back to looking for that tablet and after a short while Warri found one and looking it intently, he made his way over to a table and put it down. He grabbed a sheet of parchment and a nearby writing set and proceeded to copy the words from the tablet onto the parchment. Dahmi sighed in mild frustration from where she was at and looked around for Warri to see if he was having any luck. When she saw him over at a table writing something, she got up and went to go see what he was doing.

"Find something interesting?" Dahmi said as she plopped herself down on a stool next to Warri.

"I think this is it, Dahmi...the one we've been looking for," he said calmly as he continued to copy exactly every character on the tablet with great concentration.

When he had finished and carefully sanded the parchment to dry the ink, he sat back and slowly exhaled a long breath.

"What's it say? Can you read it?" Dahmi asked with growing interest.

"I can make out a few words, but it's in an ancient style that only the First Ones and ones like your sire would understand thoroughly," Warri said.

"Well, remember where you found that at and let's go see if Da can figure it out," Dahmi said, standing up and stretching a bit.

Warri nodded his head and as he was putting the tablet back where he had found it, he noticed Dahmi rubbing her arms as if they were aching a bit.

When Dahmi and Warri got back, Red Moon, Meri and I were sitting at the table talking and having afternoon tea.

"Hiya Dahmi, hiya Warri!" Meri greeted them with her little circular wave and a smile. "Did ya find anythin' interestin'?" she asked.

"Oh yeah," Dahmi said as she sat down next to me. "I cut myself on a sharp splinter or something on one of the shelves...and look!" Dahmi held up her finger.

"I don't see anything, dear," I said.

"That's just it! I cut myself right here...and it healed up as we were looking at it! Show him, Warri!" she said emphatically.

Warri pulled out the piece of cloth from his pouch and spread it out on the table. There was blood on it, and it hadn't been on it very long. I picked it up, sniffed it, and raised an eyebrow.

"It's yours, alright, dear," I said and then I took a closer look at her finger.

I could see a little dried blood on it near her fingernail, but otherwise there was absolutely no other sign that she had ever been injured.

"There's more, Sire. Take a closer look at her hand, and then look at her eyes," Warri said.

Red Moon, Meri and I all glanced at each other and I looked more closely at Dahmi's hand. I could see what almost appeared to be pads on her palm and fingers like the ones on our own hands, only they were her normal skin color and not quite that thick yet. I also saw that her fingernails were also thicker and harder than they used to be. I looked closely at her eyes and saw the amber colored edges of the green part of her eyes.

"Dahmi complained that a glow cube I was holding near her face was too bright and that's when I noticed the shine," Warri said.

I looked over at Warri and asked, "Are you certain?"

"Yes Sire...her eyes reflected the light just like ours do." Red Moon got a confused look on her face and said, "That shouldn't be possible."

Meri got up and got one of the lamps off of the mantle, lit it, and brought it over. I moved the lamp from side to side and sure enough, her eyes reflected the light with the characteristic glow of our kind.

"You're right, Warri...her eyes do shine like ours." Red Moon and Meri both looked and were stunned by what they saw.

"Da...what's happening to me?" Dahmi asked feeling scared. I paused for a bit to figure out the best way to put it.

"Mistress Starfire said that you would change, but she didn't know how. Apparently it has something to do with your heritage, Dahmi. During the ritual when we adopted you, you told us afterwards that you had felt a tingling sensation that traveled up your arm. I think maybe our blood--most likely, that of my parents and me--when it mixed with yours, triggered the change in you. If my parents had not been First Ones and if I had not been a first born of them, this likely would not be happening," I explained.

"So, am I going to sprout fur and grow a tail?" Dahmi asked.

"Nobody knows, dear...this is something that has never happened before, and for some reason or another, Mistress Starfire is being prevented from seeing what's going to happen," I said.

"Prevented? How? Why?" Red Moon asked with concern.

"I don't know, unless...unless it's so that no one can influence Dahmi. It's up to her to make of this gift she has been given as she will," I said, having a sudden flash of intuition.

"You may become something like a bridge between our kinds--able to walk among either race at will, or perhaps even you could possibly become the mother of a whole new race," I said thoughtfully.

Dahmi and Warri looked at one another in surprise, and then Dahmi looked at Red Moon and then down to her own abdomen, rubbing it a little.

"I never imagined that Warri and I might...be able to...because our bodies are so different," Dahmi said quietly when she looked up at everyone.

"Wouldn't that be somethin', huh?" Meri asked.

"We might end up with more than these two running around," Red Moon said with a little laugh as she patted her own abdomen.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Meri giving me a quick longing look--I could tell, given what she had said the night before, what was on her mind.

"Dahmi, this is something that you are going to have to make your own, it's going to be up to you what you make of it," I said, putting my arm around her.

She looked up at me and asked, "Will going to the Heart of The Great Forest have something to do with this?" she asked.

"I'm sure of it, dear. I might suggest in the meantime that you explore these changes, make them your own, and see what you can do with them," I replied and gave her a hug.

"Sire, I did find that ancient tablet I was looking for, and I copied everything on it exactly as it appeared," Warri said, handing me the sheet of parchment. I spread it out on the table and looked at it; Red Moon, Meri, and Dahmi all looked at it, too.

"That's certainly an old style, I can't make out more than a handful of words," Red Moon said after she read it over.

"I wouldn't think that you would, dear...this style of writing hasn't been used since long before you, or many of the others were born," I said.

I studied the characters, searching back in my memories to the time of my youth, gathering the meaning of each and holding them in the context that they were presented in on the parchment. There was meaning...and another wrapped within that. Applying the second inner meaning to the characters in relation to the others around each (for the characters were written in even columns and rows and to be read properly, it would have to be read both vertically and horizontally), I was able to understand what it said. I sat back when I was finished, and closed my eyes.

"What does it say, dear?" Red Moon asked after a moment.

"I don't have the skill to do this...but...I know someone who does," I said with a little sigh.

"To do what, dear?" she asked again.

"This...," I said motioning to the parchment, "...tells a healer how to make certain...adjustments...to perfect the body of a living person."

"Ya mean that says how to make someone immortal?" Meri asked.

"More or less, yes, though whether the person's mind can handle it, might be another story," I said.

"Whatcha mean, Misty?" Meri asked cocking her head a little to one side.

"Well, consider that your people live about one hundred and thirty turns of the season or so; by the time one gets to that age, they are ready for the end when it comes. But now try to imagine that it doesn't come and turn after turn of the seasons keep marching by--how do you think they might be when they get to Foxfire's age, or Red Moon's, or mine...or even that of my parents? And how do you think they will feel when they watch all of their family, friends and loved ones grow old and die...and they don't? You see, we're born with the innate knowledge that we're immortal and our minds don't perceive the passage of time like yours does. Remember back when Kuri left with Grimm, and me and during those seven turns of the seasons that she was gone, how did it make you feel? Did not that time weigh heavily on you?" I asked.

Meri thought for a bit, trying to recall what it felt like.

"Yah, it did," Meri said quietly.

"What do you think your mother would have done if your father had taken off to explore with a friend of his and they were gone for fifty turns of the seasons, like mine was?" I asked.

Meri's eyes opened wider and said, "Ma woulda gone nuts!"

"Precisely my point. My mother didn't think anything of it; after all, what's fifty turns of the seasons to someone whose life has spanned billions?"

Meri's jaw dropped as did everyone else's.

"They may have come to this world a billion turns of the seasons ago when it was still young and took the forms that they have now, but the First Ones have existed long before then...where they came from originally, they've never said. Anyway, while time is meaningless to them, just as it is for me, Grimm, Shri'an and the others of our generation, it's not to the younger races. So, yes, it's possible to make a mortal immortal, but whether they can deal with the passage of time or not is another story."

"I s'pose so, if ya put it that way, Misty. Geez, I can't imagine how old yer ma and da are--I can't count that high! But, except for ya and the Grimmster, Kuri and I don't have any of our family and friends anymore from back when..., and Dahmi really don't have anyone else but us, so ya will watch us grow old and stuff, and we won't be able to have fun anymore!" Meri said the last with a bit of sadness.

"I know, Meri...Grimm and I thought about this a long time ago with Kuri, and now Red Moon, Foxfire and Warri are having to think about it, too," I said quietly.

We sat there for a while not saying anything, until Dahmi said abruptly, "Change us." We all looked at her and she added, "When we go to The Heart, change us...make us immortal, but not until we do what we have to do there first."

"Why not now, hon?" Meri asked Dahmi.

"Just a hunch--I think we have to be 'prepared' first," Dahmi replied.

I raised an eyebrow...and felt the fur on my back raise just a little.

Around sunset, we all went to see the closing of the festivities for the fall equinox celebrations. There were music and dancing, speeches and feasting. Finally came the symbolic "Song of Balance and Harmony," where we all sang as one of when Day and Night are equal, and the bright half of the year passes to the darker half, the enthusiasm of youth to the wisdom of age. When the song was over, we all faced towards the east and howled a warning to The Darkness (meaning to the evil that exists in the world, not the natural darkness of the night). We reminded it that we are ever watchful, and if it should try to upset the ancient Balance, we will be quick to the hunt and it would know our fangs at its throat. All of this was, of course, explained to the Wastelander clerics, those of the Cunatii and Skunatii that had come, and also to Ewvin and Jansina, who had stayed to enjoy the festivities before leaving to move into their new den next to the outpost. The Cunatii and Skunatii, including Kurietta and Meri, added their own particular warning sounds to our howling. Dahmi had joined in with us, of course (with a little help from Warri who mentally helped her to make the correct sound), though the clerics were silent. Their age-old superstitions about the night were difficult to overcome, and they found the sound of our warning howls unnerving to say the least, even though it had been explained to them and they said that they understood the reason behind it. When it was all over, we all hugged one another--even the clerics got hugged by everyone, much to their astonishment--and then everyone went back to their dens for the rest of the evening.

After Dahmi got herself undressed, she sat on the edge of her bed looking herself over. She noticed that her feet were now also like her hands, with thin pads and stronger toenails. She noticed that the soles of her feet felt warmer, so she got up and walked around the room barefoot--the stone floor, which had felt cool to her feet before, didn't now--in fact, she couldn't really feel the texture of it anymore, just the fact that she was standing on it. Even though the air was a little cool, she didn't feel chilled in the least despite not wearing any clothing. She didn't notice any extra hair anywhere on her body, and feeling behind her, she didn't feel anything unusual at the base of her spine. She knew that Warri was watching her, and if anything that made her feel a little excited. Both the inner and outer shutters of her window were open, though she had a curtain across the inside of it and a large bush screened the outside, and the little bit of a breeze that was coming in was cool--but even standing next to it, she felt comfortable, much to her amazement. Dahmi sniffed the air and she thought that she could smell a lot more than she normally would have. "I could get used to this," she thought to herself. She turned down the lamp by the door, and again was amazed at how well she could still see. "Now this is going to take some getting used to," Dahmi thought. She shrugged her shoulders slightly and walked across the room to the bed. Warri's scent seemed stronger to her, and she thought she noticed something in it that she hadn't noticed before. "Maybe I can just smell him better than I used to," she thought to herself.

Whatever it was, she was starting to feel certain desires flare up and she thought to him, "Warri...I want you. Now."

The certainty in her thought as well as the sudden strength of her scent had a rather immediate and powerful effect on Warri--he promptly grabbed her by the waist and tossed her onto the bed. While Dahmi and Warri gave in to their passions, Dahmi wondered what it would be like as an Ayoona-Lu-Nehm'a female, and formed an image of her becoming one in her mind, sharing the thought with Warri. Warri promptly gave a low, lusty growl in response to Dahmi's fantasy--and Dahmi immediately felt something powerful surge through her body that seemed to be triggered by Warri's growl. They mind-locked with each other and some part of each of them wondered if what they saw in their minds and what they saw with their eyes was becoming one in the same. Indeed it was, for Dahmi was changing physically. Her body quickly became enveloped in a shimmering glow--fur began to grow all over her body, and her body reshaped itself. As bone, muscle, and skin reshaped themselves, her face grew longer, her teeth became sharper, and her ears repositioned themselves higher up on her head, and became more pointed. Dahmi also felt something growing from the base of her spine that she could move. She gasped in pain as her body changed, but she also felt an overwhelming exhilaration of raw power ripple through body. In mere minutes, Dahmi no longer looked anything like her former self, except for the color of her fur being an auburn color with lighter shades down her front and darker ones down the center of her back. Although Warri was shocked, he was also thrilled and became even more excited. Much later, when they were utterly exhausted, they collapsed together and fell deeply asleep.

The next morning Warri awoke first--the first thing that he did was sit up and look at Dahmi as she was lying next to him with a very content expression on her face. She appeared normal--there was no trace of the change she had gone through the night before. However, Warri saw what looked like claw marks on the wood frame of her bed...and they weren't his. It all seemed like a blur to Warri, and he wondered how much of what happened was fantasy, wishful thinking...or real. Dahmi was uncovered and apparently comfortable, which he thought was a bit odd, since she had always seemed to get chilled easily before. Warri shrugged his shoulders a little and grinned as he leaned down to give her a lick where he knew she was particularly ticklish at--just before his tongue touched her skin, he paused and scented her. Sure enough, her scent was a bit different and stronger, too, just as it had been last night.

Warri cocked his head slightly and proceeded to lick Dahmi's skin lightly where she was most ticklish at, and she promptly squealed, "Warriiiiiiii!!! Sssstop!!!" and she started flailing her arms and legs.

Warri snickered and said, "Good morning, Dahmi."

"Ooo...I'll 'good morning' you in a minute!" she said and scrambled down to his feet and grabbed a hold of one and started tickling the fur just behind his large footpad. He tried to kick his foot away, but she had too strong of a grip on it.

"Aaii! Okay, okay, I give!" he whined.

When Dahmi turned around, she had a positively feral grin on her face.

"Just you remember that, lover boy!" Dahmi said with a laugh as she stood up, pulling Warri up with her. "Wow, I feel...wonderful this morning!" Dahmi exclaimed as she stretched her arms over her head. "That was unreal last night!"

"I was thinking that, myself. Dahmi...you look...taller," Warri said looking at her rather intently.

"Oh, now...I can't be!" she said and to prove her point, she stepped up close to him and held her hand flat on the top of her head and moved it straight across to Warri and...she gasped: she was taller!

"Dahmi, look at your arms and legs...," Warri said taking a partial step back.

Dahmi got a puzzled look on her face and slowly looked down at her arms and legs. They were more muscular looking than before...and she noticed something else: the hair around her privates was much thicker, almost fur-like.

"Warri...did I...really...change last night?" she asked hesitantly.

"I was wondering that myself when I first woke up, but then I noticed these...," and he pointed out the claw marks on the bed frame.

"How did those get there?" she asked looking closely at them and lightly running her fingers over them.

"They're not mine, look...," Warri said as he put his hand over one set.

The gouges were closer together than his own claws are, so there was no way that he could have made those. Dahmi's stomach decided right then to let her know that she needed to eat something and it wasn't subtle about it.

"Um, geez, I think I really need to eat something," Dahmi said with an embarrassed grin.

"But right after I take care of something else...," she added hastily and headed for the privy. After she had finished with her morning necessities, Warri took his turn and as he was doing so, she slipped her robe on.

"It almost feels strange to wear this now," Dahmi thought to herself as she tied the belt around her waist, and noticed how it felt a little snug in the shoulders and the sleeves were a little shorter than they used to be. After

Warri finished with his business, he put his breechcloth on and said, "Come on, let's go get the fire going and some water on for tea."

With Warri taking the lead, they slipped out of her room and headed towards the front. Dahmi stopped in front of the doorway to our room and let Warri go on to get a start on getting the fire going. Peering in, she saw the three of us lying there awake and quietly talking.

Dahmi waved said, "'Morning."

"Good morning, dear," Red Moon said sleepily, waving back.

"Hiya, Dahmi," Meri said giving her little circular wave. "Sounded like ya were havin' a good time last night," she added with a sly grin.

Dahmi's face turned a shade red with embarrassment.

"Yeah, sorry...things got kind of...wild, in more ways than one," Dahmi said sheepishly.

"I didn't know Warri growled so much," Meri said with a little snicker.

"It wasn't all him...," Dahmi said trailing off thinking about it.

"Ya mean some of that was comin' outta ya?" Meri asked a little incredulously.

Dahmi nodded her head and said, "Something really...strange...happened, I think."

The way Dahmi said it got my attention.

"What happened, dear?" I asked.

"Well...I was noticing some things after I got undressed last night, like the fact that the floor didn't feel cold to my feet and even though there was a little breeze coming in, I wasn't the least bit chilly. And it seemed like I could smell a lot more things in the air. After I turned the lamp down for the night, I could still see pretty well, and when I walked over to the bed, there was just something about Warri's scent that, besides seeming stronger than usual, it...got me...excited. He seemed to react differently and the next thing we knew, we were...well, you know, and then things got weird from there," Dahmi explained.

"How so, dear?" I asked.

"Well...I got a crazy idea and wondered what it would be like if I was like you, Ma...and I shared that with Warri and something happened and...I think I changed. When Warri woke me up this morning, he said that I seemed taller and stronger...and there are fresh claw marks on the frame of my bed that aren't his," Dahmi said. She did something totally unexpected and untied the belt of her robe and slipped it off. "Look at me...I wasn't like this before!" Dahmi said with a bit of concern.

We just gaped at Dahmi for a few moments...she did look like her muscles were more defined and her shoulders looked a little more broad...and her patch of hair seemed more like fur now. I got up and walked over to Dahmi, she put her arms around me in a hug..., and she did indeed seem a little taller than before. Dahmi buried her face in my chest fur and was quiet for a moment, and then she sniffed. I noticed that her skin was warmer to the touch than it had been...and then she sniffed again, several more times. She looked up at me and had an odd look on her face, and then her breathing became heavier.

"Oh, no...Da...no, it's...," she backed away with a panicked look, and then she closed her eyes...and the instant the shimmering glow enveloped her body, fur started sprouting all over. In moments Dahmi's body changed before our eyes--she grew larger, and her body reshaped itself and a tail grew out of her lower back. When it was done, she looked every bit like any young female of our people. Warri rushed in, having sensed her thoughts as the change began. We all stared at her in shock--Meri looked as if she might scream but couldn't get the breath to, and all Red Moon could do was whisper, "Dahmi...?"

Dahmi shook herself and then got a longing look on her face as she looked at me.

I slowly raise my hands and said, "Dahmi...don't."

She blinked her eyes a few times and I could see an embarrassed expression form.

"Da...I-I'm...sorry, I...I want...no! Can't do it, not...right," she said panting and shaking her head. I projected a feeling of calm into Dahmi and it seemed to help curb her desires. "This is so...strange!" she said once her breathing became normal again. Dahmi look to Red Moon, held her arms out, and said, "Ma...?"

Before Dahmi had come into our sleeping area, Red Moon had already taken her dose of the potion that my dam had given her, so since she wasn't feeling the same illness she had the previous morning, Red Moon was able to get up and walk towards Dahmi. Dahmi took a hesitant step towards Red Moon, never having walked in this form before, and then another as her new body got used to the movement. Red Moon put her arms around Dahmi and sniffed her neck just under the ear, just to make sure that it really was Dahmi. She noted the difference in Dahmi's scent, but it was still her so she burned it into her memory so that she would never forget it.

"Oh, my little one! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it possible!" Red Moon exclaimed quietly as she hugged Dahmi.

After a moment, Dahmi stepped back and looked at Meri. Dahmi took a step towards her and Meri shrank back in fear.

"Meri...it's me...I'm still Dahmi, I just...look different. I-I'm not going to eat you...," Dahmi said as she took another step towards Meri.

I noticed that Meri's tail started to twitch nervously--not a good sign, definitely not a good sign.

"Dahmi, don't move," I said sternly.

"But, I just want to show Meri that I'm still me," Dahmi said.

"Dahmi, listen to me very carefully...do not move."

Dahmi stood very still as I walked very slowly over towards Meri while projecting as strong of a feeling of calm as I could into her, while hoping desperately that it would be enough.

"Meri...may I sit next to you? Please?" I asked gently.

Meri glanced wild-eyed from Dahmi to me, and back.

"Meri, you know I won't hurt you, and you know that you can trust me," I said, continuing to speak in a gentle voice.

Meri shifted her eyes to me and very nervously nodded her head, and then quickly looked back at Dahmi. Meri's tail was still twitching as I started to sit down next to her. If I could get my arm around her before she could move, I could keep her from incapacitating the lot of us. I very slowly sat down next to Meri and put my arms around her. I pulled Meri towards me in a strong, though gentle hug and kissed her gently on the mouth. I felt Meri relax in my arms and she stopped twitching her tail and lowered it.

I gave a slow sigh of relief and said, "It's okay, Meri...it's just Dahmi. Remember yesterday afternoon when she and Warri came back and we talked about how she was changing?" Meri slowly nodded her head. "Well, I guess this is what she can change into," I said, giving Meri another kiss. I called Dahmi over and had her sit down in front of Meri. Meri got nervous again, but I kept working on keeping her calm, and when she finally got a whiff of Dahmi's scent, Meri's fear melted away.

"Dahmi...oh, my sweet berries, it...it is ya!" Meri exclaimed as she sniffed Dahmi's hand and then saw her amber-tinged green eyes.

"Are ya stuck like this now?" Meri asked.

"I don't think so...I think all I have to do is concentrate on it," Dahmi said and she closed her eyes. After a few moments, Dahmi gasped, and her body once again began to revert back to its original shape. When the transformation was finished, Dahmi was on her hands and knees beside the bed and breathing hard. Her stomach grumbled loudly, reminding her of the need to eat something. Warri brought Dahmi's robe to her and she slipped it on.

"Great hompin' frazzleberries!!!" Meri exclaimed in wide-eyed shock when she could talk again.

Dahmi quickly ate a large meal, sitting between Red Moon and Warri on one side of the table while Meri sat next to me on the other side.

"I don't think I've ever ate so much at once!" Dahmi said after she had finished.

"Must be the stress on your body from changing," I suggested, rubbing my chin in thought.

Dahmi sat there for a few moments, apparently lost in thought, and then a little frown formed and she said, "I hope I can control this better...I don't want it to happen whenever I...I get close to a male, or get mad, or scared, or something."

I thought on what she said, and one thing in particular struck me, "Dahmi, forgive me for asking, but...it wouldn't happen to be about that time of the moon for you, would it?" I asked.

Dahmi seemed a bit surprised and slightly embarrassed, but then she thought and said, "I...hadn't thought of that. Actually...it...is, just about, anyway. Do you think that might have something to do with it?"

"It certainly could have been a trigger--strong hormonal changes can have a powerful effect on a person's body, as can certain emotions like fear, for example," I replied, giving a quick glance towards Meri.

"Well, like any other skill, dear, I'm sure with time and practice you'll get the hang of it," Red Moon said giving Dahmi a hug.

A little later in the morning, we got word that the Wastelander clerics were getting ready to head for home, so I went to pay Khe'strah a quick visit. I greeted him with their traditional morning greeting, which brought a smile to Khe'strah's face--in return, he greeted me in our ways, causing me to smile.

"I hear that you are returning home today. I trust that your visit has been both enlightening and enjoyable," I said.

"Yes, we are indeed making ready to depart, and our time here has been quite remarkable. The leader of your outpost at the edge of your domain, Sire Rock Jumper, has offered to send a patrol to assist in escorting us back to Cedar Knoll. Our own guards have remained camped near the river just outside of the edge of The Great Forest. When we return home, there will be much difficult work ahead, and no doubt, there will be turmoil when we make certain proclamations. Regardless of what may happen in the days ahead, I will carry what I have seen and learned here with me in my heart always," Khe'strah said, getting a bit emotional.

I grasped his arms and said, "Then we met at the right place, at the right time and for the right reason."

He nodded his head and said, "I am honored to count you as a friend, Sire Mist Runner."

"As am I, Khe'strah Kh'rol-Mahb," I said with a smile.

Dahmi took Red Moon and Warri along with her to visit Moon Dancer's shop, not wanting to take any chances in case she should suddenly get the urge to change. She had a couple of simple green breechcloths made with ample ties on one side, and matching tops similar to the one that she wore during The Hunt when she was undergoing the Coming of Age rite. It was a very simple design and didn't take long at all to make. While they were off doing that, Meri went to see her sister.

They hugged and kissed each other on the cheek and nuzzled for a bit and then Meri said, "Hey sis, can we go somewhere to yak for a bit?"

Kuri could tell that something was on Meri's mind so she said, "Sure, hon, come on, I know just the place."

Kuri led her sister to a relatively secluded spot on the south end of the village. There was a little thicket near a shallow ravine and Kuri had found a spot there once while exploring the village and figured that it would be a good place to go to think.

When they got themselves situated Kuri asked, "So what's got yer brain squirmin', hon?"

Meri proceeded to tell Kuri about what happened with Dahmi this morning.

"She did what?" Kurietta asked, not quite believing what she had just heard.

"Ya! She changed right in front of us and looked just like the other girls 'round here! And it scared the jeebers outta me...and...I woulda let her have it, if Misty hadn't of got me thinkin' straight again!" Meri said emphatically.

"Yer not pullin' my tail, are ya sis?" Kuri asked giving Meri a doubtful frown.

"Nuh-uh, ya can ask 'em yer self!" Meri exclaimed, "I swear my berry patch to ya, I'm not yankin' yer tail, Kuri!"

Kurietta knew for certain then that Meri was being straight with her.

"I gotta see this...I wonder if she'll do it for me?" Kuri wondered.

"I dunno, I don't think she's got much of a handle on it yet. Misty said that maybe since it's about that time of the moon for her, that coulda have somethin' to do with it," Meri replied.

"Oh, yah...forgot about that. I remember her tellin' me once about it--too bad her kind has to put up with it so often," Kuri said quietly.

"Yah, once a turn is enough for us...can't imagine havin' to go through that every moon!" Meri agreed.

They sat there for a while not saying anything, just enjoying having a little quiet time together.

Eventually Kuri asked, "Have ya and Misty...yet?"

Meri got a little embarrassed and nodded her head while looking down at the ground. Kuri felt a flash of resentment, but then quickly squashed it after remembering all of the sad things that Meri had gone through in the past. Kuri put her arms around her sister and held her.

"I know ya've been wantin' him," Meri said quietly after a few moments, "but...,"

"...But ya needed him," Kuri finished.

Meri nodded her head.

"I know what ya mean, hon...I can't explain it, but I need him, too...just like I need the Grimmster," Kuri said with a little sigh.

"Yer not mad that I asked him to take me?" Meri asked.

Still holding her, Kuri gave Meri an extra little squeeze and said, "Nah...better him than somebody else, hon. Misty will treat ya right, ya can be sure of that."

Just past midmorning, the High Cleric and his party assembled for the return trip home. The announcement was made and the whole village turned out to see them off.

When the Lore Masters arrived Khe'strah said so that everyone could hear him, "Master Spirit Feather, my brethren and I thank you and your people for extending your wonderful hospitality to us these past few days. Perhaps someday soon you will allow us the privilege of returning the favor."

Master Spirit Feather bowed his head slightly and said, "We shall look forward to that day with honor, Khe'strah Kh'rol-Mahb. We have enjoyed your company and it is with hope that our many discussions will prove fruitful in the future for both of our people. May your journey home be safe my friends."

We all broke out into a song of parting as everyone hugged or touched each of the clerics as they began their way home. Khe'strah looked to see if he could find the girl, Dahmietra, but was a little disappointed when he did not see her among the crowd. They made their way out of the village and the parting moved them such that there was not a dry eye among them. They had never experienced such a thing before in their lives--the feeling of community that they had been privileged to experience. The song, they were told by their guide, spoke of the whole being diminished by their parting, but it also contained the promise of meeting again and the joy of that reunion.

When they were finally out of earshot of the village, they settled into a good walking pace and kept that up until it was about time to take a rest break. Before they stopped, however, they came to an outcropping of rock that was the height of five of their people...lying casually on top near the edge was the girl, Dahmietra, wearing only a simple breechcloth and a scant top. Her hair was loose except for a slim braid down each side, and she wore no other clothing or adornments--not even on her feet. She looked down at them with an unsettling grin that seemed almost...feral. She stretched luxuriously as they approached and slowly rose into a crouching position...and leapt off the rock, landing easily on her feet as if she had merely stepped off a log. She walked boldly towards the group of clerics and stopped about twenty paces away.

"Kh'rol-Mahb," she said flatly.

Sensing the tone in her voice, he took a step forward and simply stated her name.

"Dahmietra."

"I wanted to see you off personally and to thank you for bringing Mist Runner to that dreadful enclave I was forced to live in. If you hadn't, I would never have been able to do that...," she said gesturing towards the top of the outcropping, "...or what I'm about to do." The way she said that last part started to make Khe'strah a bit nervous.

"You...you're welcome. Sire Mist Runner is an honorable person," Khe'strah said.

"Yes, he is. And so am I. I won't keep you, though I would like for you to do one small little thing for me," Dahmietra said.

"Certainly my dear, if it is within my power to do so," he said.

"Oh, it is. I would like for you to put the word out that I am no longer of the Dahl-Han Wa'ek...," she crouched down and then before the eyes of all present, Dahmietra changed. Within moments, she no longer appeared anything remotely similar to what she had been, looking instead like any other young female of the Ayoona-Lu-Nehm'a. She stood up, much taller than she had been, and powerfully built. The figure before them still had the long, thick, curly auburn locks with the two slim braids, one down each side of her face, and luminous amber-tinged green eyes that matched the leaves of the plants around them. The clerics all made warding signs and she laughed as she walked the rest of the way towards them with an easy grace.

When she stopped before the High Cleric, she looked down at him and said, "...As you can see, I have become something else. Oh, there's an explanation for this, I assure you, and it has nothing to do with evil magic so you can quit waving your superstitious hands around making those silly signs. I don't care really, what you tell people, just so that they know to leave me alone. That should be simple enough, shouldn't it?"

"Y-Yes, of course," Khe'strah agreed.

"Well, I'm glad that you had an enjoyable time with us, and I'm sure we'll see each other again before long," Dahmietra said with a grin. She held his hands and, cocking her head a little to one side, nuzzled him gently. "Take care," Dahmietra said quietly. Taking a step back and giving Kahl-Se'et a little wave, she spun around and bolted towards the rock outcropping and leapt to the top of it to the utter amazement of the clerics. Dahmietra crouched down again and lifting her face skyward let out a howl. When she was finished, she closed her eyes and made the change back to her original form. "Oh, I'm going to pay for this, I'm sure...but it's so much fun_!_" Dahmi thought to herself. Already her stomach was starting to grumble. Dahmi made a final wave to the group of clerics, shifted once again to her wolfish form, and took off running through The Forest.

"Aii! I've never seen such a thing!" Kahl-Se'et exclaimed.

"Nor have I my friend. She is a wonder, eh?" Khe'strah asked.

"Ah, I hope we do not become like that from being here!" Kahl-Se'et said with a bit of worry in his voice.

"I think not...I believe it may have something to do with her being descended from Usantra, and also the means by which she was adopted into Sire Mist Runner's family," Khe'strah said thoughtfully.

"How so?" Kahl-Se'et asked.

"When I had inquired about it, I was told that the ceremony involved a mixing of blood through a cut on the hand. Lore Mistress Fire Weaver is Sire Mist Runner's mother, I found out," Khe'strah explained.

"And she is the strongest healer among them, is that not so?" Kahl-Se'et asked.

"So it is, and you remember how she and the other Lore Masters first appeared to us, do you not?" Khe'strah asked.

"How could we forget that sight?" Kahl-Se'et replied.

"Indeed so. I think perhaps therein might lie the answer how Dahmietra came to have such a wondrous ability...it is simply now a part of who she is and what she has become. The girl is truly no longer of our kind."

A short while later Dahmietra met up with Warri at their pre-arranged meeting place.

"Did you bring it?" Dahmi asked.

"Of course, dear," he said pulling a large piece of meat from a bag that he had with him. Dahmi reached hungrily for it, but Warri held it away with a mischievous grin. "I believe a 'thank you' is in order, my dear," he said.

Dahmi looked at him, and then the meat, and then back to him again. Dahmi threw her arms around Warri and kissed him deeply, still being in her new form.

"Thank you for bringing me something to eat...now hand it over, or I'll eat you!"

Very calmly, Warri said, "How about you eat this and I...,"he whispered something in her ear.

"Ooo, Warri! Have you been taking lessons from my da?" she asked, squirming a bit.

Warri grinned and handed Dahmi the piece of meat and they both quickly ended up on the ground.

When the crowd of villagers began to break up after the High Cleric and his party left, no one seemed to pay any attention to the figure that had been standing among them. She was tall, slender and graceful, with long, straight snow white hair, slightly slanted pale violet eyes that missed nothing, upswept pointed ears, and wearing form-fitting forest garb that was similar to but artistically very different than what any of the younger races wore. Such an elegant being would stand out in any crowd, especially since she was the only one of her kind currently in the village of Hope's Spring. She walked through the crowd without being seen by anyone...well, almost. One other person was able to see the stranger quite clearly, for her particular awareness was very special. Foxfire noticed right away the strange female who seemed to walk around and no one saw, no one but herself, apparently. The stranger did not notice Foxfire watching her, for Foxfire has her own means of going unnoticed. She observed the stranger for a time, and when Foxfire was able to determine where the stranger was heading, Foxfire knew of a faster way to get there...and used it.

Foxfire arrived at Mist Runner's den well ahead of the stranger who was making her way without haste along the path, observing everything in due course. Mist Runner, Red Moon, and Meri were sitting under the overhang enjoying a conversation when they happened to look up and see her approach.

"Hi, guys!" Foxfire said in greeting.

"Hello, dear!" Red Moon said giving her friend a wave and then motioning her to come and join us.

"Hiya, Foxie!" Meri said and waved her circular wave.

Foxfire took a look back behind her to see how far away the stranger was, and before I had a chance to say anything, Foxfire said, "Um, Mist Runner...there's a stranger coming this way, and nobody except me seems to be able to see her, but I haven't let her see me, either."

That last didn't seem to make much sense, until the thought of all of the times I've happened to turn around or look up and Foxfire would be standing there, seemingly having appeared out of nowhere crossed my mind. I asked her what the stranger looked like, but before she told me, Foxfire suddenly spun around and instantly she surrounded us with a globe of silver-white light and lashed a streamer of light out that circled around...something. "Who are you and what do you want with my friends?" Foxfire demanded sternly. "Oh, I don't think so, dearie...you're not going anywhere until you show yourself to my friends and tell me what I want to know!" she added. I got up, stood beside Foxfire, and looked at the empty spot in the middle of the swirl at the end of the streamer of light emanating from Foxfire.

"Whoever you are, I'd suggest that you do it--my friend here has destroyed the spirit of a Dark Blood magic-user, and I seriously doubt that you'd be much of a match for her," I said with a little bit of a snarl.

In a blink, we all saw the tall, slender female being tightly held by Foxfire's magic.

"C-Can't...breathe...," she struggled to say.

"Oh really? Well, I think I might be able to do something about that!" Foxfire said and the bubble that had been shielding us instantly shifted to around the stranger, who now seemed to be trapped and floating inside of it. The stranger's form seemed to blink and suddenly she found herself bouncing forcefully off the inside of the sphere a couple of times, and then she slumped down. "Hmph! I told you that you weren't going anywhere, you little scamp! Now maybe you'll believe me the next time you try that little trick again!" Foxfire said getting a bit indignant.

I suddenly felt my dam's presence in my mind, "Mist Runner, is everything alright my son?"

"Foxfire is holding a stranger that seemed to be invisible to everyone by her, and who was making her way towards my den for some reason. Foxfire arrived to warn us, not knowing who this person is," I replied.

"I'll be there in a moment," my dam said.

There was a swirl of light and Fire Weaver appeared, and she immediately gave the stranger the most intense feral look imaginable.

"Well, if it isn't little Mashera...I'm surprised to see your face here, of all places!" Fire Weaver growled, raising the hair on her back and looking very much as if she could do violence. My dam's fur began to shimmer with a red glow and she cast a sideways glance at Foxfire and said, "Release her to me, Foxfire."

Before Foxfire could release the magic, there were several more swirls of light as Sky Splitter, Mistress Starfire, Night Blaze, Spirit Feather and the other Lore Masters appeared.

"Hold," the commanding, authoritative voice of Spirit Feather said as he stepped between Fire Weaver and the stranger held by Foxfire's magic. "There will be no violence here--the problem between you two is long past, let it rest Fire Weaver! She has come for another reason, one that you know well, and know that it has to be done." Turning to the stranger trapped in Foxfire's bubble, he said, "And as for you, young lady, you of all people should know that you should have arrived openly in our village so that you could have been greeted properly. Your mind tricks do not work on this friend of Mist Runner's and she could very easily snuff out your candle if she thought you might be a threat to her family and friends. And, I might add, that Foxfire here will be traveling along with the others on their journey, so you will behave yourself. I pray that you understand this clearly."

The stranger held in Foxfire's bubble nodded her head in a totally subdued posture.

"Very well, then. Foxfire, if you will my dear...," Spirit Feather said as he gestured towards the bubble.

Foxfire nodded her head once and slowly blinked her eyes and the bubble winked out of existence, causing the figure that was inside it to fall the short distance to the ground, gasping in pain for air. With a sharp look from Spirit Feather, Fire Weaver ceased the reddish glow and made a loud snort of disgust as she turned her back and walked over to stand next to her mate. Night Blaze thought with a wry sense of humor to Sky Splitter, "I told you it was the red fur."

Red Moon and Meri hugged each other as they witnessed the event unfolding before them. Meri had never witnessed this side of Foxfire before, and even though she had heard about what she was capable of doing, it's a whole different thing to actually experience it first-hand.

"Great hompin frazzleberries!!!" Meri exclaimed in a whisper, and Red Moon nodded her head and whispered back, "Yeah, what you said."

And then when Fire Weaver showed up and turned quite hostile towards the stranger, Red Moon and Meri both could not believe their eyes and ears at how Mist Runner's mother reacted with such open and blatant hostility towards the stranger. Meri about jumped out of her fur when the other First Ones appeared suddenly. After Foxfire released the stranger and Fire Weaver went to stand by her mate, Red Moon did what she felt was appropriate. She picked up one of the unused drinking bowls that had been set aside for Dahmi and Warri when they returned, filled it with tea, walked right up to the stranger, and knelt down to hand it to her.

"I don't know who you are or why you're here, but this is our den and you at least deserve something to drink before your carcass gets grilled over the coals," she said with a grim smile. The stranger nodded her head and accepted the offered drink. When she had finished with it, she handed the bowl back.

"Thank you," Red Moon heard in her mind.

Red Moon took the drinking bowl, nodded her head, and said, "Oh, I see that you have the mind-speak ability like somebody else I know."

"The youth, Warri...we know of him," the stranger said in her thoughts.

"Oh, I know him, too and quite well, in fact...he's my daughter's love mate and he lives here with us," Red Moon said much to the stranger's surprise. "So, do you feel like acting like a civil person and standing up and taking a seat so that we can talk, or do you want to continue groveling on the ground in front of my mate's mother, who I'd say doesn't like you for some reason?" Red Moon asked.

"Mist Runner...he's your mate?" the stranger asked in her thoughts.

"Uh, huh, we're bond mates...and Foxfire is my best friend, and it seems she can pretty easily kick your tail whenever, so what's it going to be?" Red Moon asked, arching an eyebrow. The stranger verbally sighed and started rather uneasily to stand. Red Moon gave a little snort and said, "Well, it looks like you might actually have some sense in you after all," and she helped the stranger up on her feet.

Fire Weaver had her arms folded across her chest and she glared at the stranger, who put her hands up in a submissive posture.

"Speak, with your mouth, so that we all might hear," Fire Weaver demanded.

Spirit Feather shot a quick glance at Fire Weaver and then looked at the stranger and nodded his head. The stranger spoke slowly and carefully, as if she was not used to physically speaking.

"Fire Weaver, what has been between us is ancient history; I did not come here to open old wounds. I was sent to be the guide for...certain individuals...to take them to The Heart," the stranger said with a very ancient accent.

"The only thing that tried to come between us...," Fire Weaver said indicating her and her mate, "...was you. And yes, it is ancient history, but I also have a very ancient memory--and you and the others should well know that Sky Splitter and I don't share. What others do, that's their business, but he's mine and I'm his, and that's all there is to it. When you can admit that you made a mistake and tell us both sincerely that you are sorry for what you tried to do, and then maybe I just might think of forgiving you."

Sky Splitter stood behind Fire Weaver with his arms around her, holding her close. He had long ago forgiven Mashera for trying to come between them. He never had a desire for her in the first place, since Fire Weaver was his true and only love. To Fire Weaver, however, it was just one of those things that she really had a difficult time forgiving--and being a healer, she should know better. But, Sky Splitter acknowledged that his mate actually did have a valid point: Mashera never did admit that she had made a mistake and she never said that she was sorry. Even Spirit Feather conceded that point, although just for the sake of peace, he did try to get the two to reconcile their differences...or at least keep them far enough apart until sometime when they might actually try to make peace.

Red Moon whispered in Meri's ear, "And I thought I had issues!"

Meri looked up to Red Moon and playfully stuck the tip of her tongue out.

Dahmi collapsed and rolled over onto her back and Warri plopped himself down beside her and they laid there on the ground for a while resting.

"Do you think we ought to be heading back?" she said after their breathing returned to normal.

Warri looked up at the sky and figured that it must be getting towards noon.

"It would probably be a good idea, I suppose. I'm sure everyone will be wondering where we may have run off to," he agreed.

"I suppose that I should change back, get cleaned up and get dressed," Dahmi said looking over at Warri.

"It would probably save us from being asked a lot of questions."

"Probably. Warri...do you think we could have cublings of our own?" Dahmi asked.

"I suppose that could be a possibility now," he replied.

"I don't know the first thing about how to raise a child. I've been around adults ever since I was five...I never really got to have much of a childhood, so I don't have anything to go on," Dahmi said with a sigh.

Warri rolled onto his side so that he could face Dahmi.

"You have many now who would be more than willing to help," Warri said as he ran his fingers through Dahmi's fur.

"I suppose so. But if we do have cublings, what are they going to be like?" Dahmi asked.

"If we do, then I guess we'll find out when they pop out. And whether they have bare skin and play in the sunlight, or if the are furry and howl at the moon, or if they're somewhere in between, we will raise them together and love them all the same," Warri said with a gentle smile.

Dahmi smiled back and said, "I need to thank Da for something." Warri got a puzzled look on his face, and Dahmi said, "For getting me out of that stupid enclave and bringing me here, and then making sure that our paths would come together."

Warri grinned and said, "We should both thank him for that."

When Dahmi (now in her normal form and usual clothing) and Warri came home, they were surprised to see the Lore Masters and other First Ones with Mist Runner, Red Moon, Meri, and Foxfire all under the overhang of the den...and with a mysterious looking strange female.

"Uh oh, I wonder what's going on," Dahmi thought to Warri.

"I don't know...hey, I've seen someone like that female before, only it was a male and he was visiting Mistress Starfire and Sire Night Blaze. I think she's one of the Nomenara," Warri said along their mental link.

The white-haired female looked suddenly and very intently at Warri, "You! Give me your thoughts!"

Warri winced at the sudden, forceful intrusion into his mind and instantly thought back, "NO! Get out of my head!"

"Give them to me!" she sent again a bit more forcefully. Warri growled a low, dangerous growl and locked eyes with the stranger.

"No one forces me!" and he bored into the stranger's mind, sharp and unrelenting, projecting the image of a snarling wolf gnashing its fangs, threatening to shred whatever it could get a hold of. Again and again the image lunged in the stranger's mind, getting closer and closer...the stranger was shocked, and then utterly terrified. She screamed mentally and verbally, falling down and struggling to back away in blind terror. And then, somewhere through the haze of anger, he heard another voice...one that he knew so well.

"Warri!!! Stop!!! Please???"

Warri viciously broke off contact, not caring if he did damage to the stranger or not.

Still growling low, he glared at the stranger and said, "Never attempt that again, or so help me, I will rip your mind apart." Warri said it in such a way as to be a statement of fact--not a boast or a threat; he would simply do exactly what he said he would if it were to happen again. Everyone, even the First Ones...and Fire Weaver, too...all looked at Warri in shock. Warri shook himself and cleared his throat. "That one tried to force my thoughts from me...she won't survive a next time," Warri said and he walked on into the den with Dahmi hot on his tail.

The stranger was still gibbering wild-eyed on the ground when Red Moon reached down and grabbed her by her tunic, pulled her up, and slapped her across the face. When the first time didn't quite have the desired effect, Red Moon cocked her head a little and slapped her again, this time just a little harder. Awareness started to come back when she looked Red Moon in the eyes just when she was about to try a third time...fortunately for the stranger she held up her hand feebly, which was enough for Red Moon.

"You seem to either enjoy abuse or you have a death wish. First, you get Foxfire riled up at you, then you get Mistress Fire Weaver all upset and she almost jumps down your throat with her claws out, and now you just had to get really stupid and try messing with Warri's mind...that's not a wise thing to do as you've just found out. Lady, I don't know just who you think you are, but you have got to be the STUPIDEST individual I've ever met. Now, sit there and do what Master Spirit Feather told you to do--behave yourself! The next time just might by your last. Idiot."

Red Moon sat the stranger down on the furs, looked at me, and said before going inside to check on Warri, "Maybe Grimm ought to lock this one up in a nice safe place for her own protection."

Sky Splitter glanced over to Night Blaze and thought to him, "You're right, I think it is the red fur."

Night Blaze snickered a little and thought back, "Red Moon doesn't have a clue who she is, does she?"

"I don't believe it's sunk in yet that she just slapped around a First One, although Mashera probably deserved that for what she did. Come to think of it, Warri's reaction was quite remarkable--frightening, really, if he could make a Nomenara be so terrified," Sky Splitter answered mentally.

"She's not getting off to a good start, is she?" Night Blaze asked.

"Definitely not...though, I wonder if this might be some sort of a test devised by The Keepers," Sky Splitter replied.

"If it is, then it's a dangerous one. I pity Mashera if it is--she may not survive giving it at this rate," Night Blaze said.

"True enough, my friend. There is no telling what Mist Runner and Grimm Tooth might do if she attempts to arouse their anger," Sky Splitter agreed.

Stone Toucher knelt down to try and comfort Mashera. He reached out gently to her mind and she mentally flinched from the touch of his.

"Are you well, dear?" he asked.

"N-No...I...didn't realize he...was that...strong!" she replied.

"This is a dangerous game you play, dear. The family and friends of Dahmietra, Kurietta, and Meri are powerful--it is not wise to provoke them, especially not the girl's sire or his friend. Do anything to their mates or to Dahmietra and...you quite likely will not survive," he told her flatly.

Mashera's breathing was labored and she was shaking.

"N-No...game. Test...Keepers...," she managed to say just before she passed out.

Stone Toucher arched an eyebrow as he laid her down gently on the furs.

"Fire Weaver...your skills are needed here," he said with concern.

Despite whatever she felt and thought about Mashera, Fire Weaver could not put aside her calling just because of personal issues. Healing a First One took a different set of skills than it did for any of the younger ones. When Fire Weaver summoned her healing magic and adjusted it for one of her own, she surveyed what had been done...and she was shocked. Between Foxfire and Warri, considerable damage had been done.

"Oh my young, sweet cublings...if only you knew just how terribly strong you are!" she thought to herself as she worked to heal Mashera. "Although I may despise what you did in the past, and despite the fact that I wouldn't mind giving you a bit of a thrashing myself because of it, you needn't have been hurt like this," Fire Weaver thought to Mashera.

"No...choice," came Mashera's feeble reply.

Fire Weaver frowned and said in her thoughts, "No choice my tail! This has to stop right now! If you succeed in provoking my son or his friend Grimm Tooth, they will kill you...and then what would all of this prove? Nothing! I can't allow this to go on. Just guide their way and teach them what they need to learn...without getting yourself or anyone else killed in the process. Mist Runner and the others will do whatever it takes to protect the ones they love, they all will fight to the death if they have to...even Meri; that should be a given."

"Meri...not a part of this," Mashera said.

"Oh, yes she is now. Where Kurietta goes, Meri goes--get used to it. Now, hush while I get you fixed up, you're a mess!" Fire Weaver admonished.

Giving my sire a glance, I went inside to check on Warri and he came with me. Warri was sitting at the table holding his head in his hands and Dahmi and Red Moon were on either side of him.

"Head hurt, Warri?" I asked. He nodded his head a little.

"Let me see if I can help with that," I said and I placed my hands on either side of his head and summoned my own healing magic. In addition to it, I also projected a feeling of calm and peace to help settle him down. I could tell that he had used considerable mental force to protect himself from the perceived threat the stranger was to him.

"That's it, Warri...just relax son. You're okay, you're safe here and among family and friends," I said as I eased the pain he felt.

When his hurts were no more, I gave him a fatherly hug and ruffled the fur on the top of his head. My own sire smiled to himself as he watched me with Warri.

"You're going to be a good father yourself, my son," he thought to himself.

I sat down on the other side of the table across from Red Moon and my sire joined me.

"That was rather remarkable what you did, young Warri. I have never seen one as young as you do that to one of the Nomenara before, let alone to a First One," Sky Splitter said calmly.

Warri, Dahmi, and Red Moon all looked in shock at what he said, though I simply raised an eyebrow--I had a suspicion as to whom the stranger might be.

"She's a WHAT???" Red Moon nearly shouted.

My sire smiled a little, though before he could say anything I asked, "That wouldn't happen to be Mashera--I think her name is--would it?"

My sire gave me a regarding look, and said, "I suppose you remember her from your dam's rants."

I grinned--how could I forget. Once she got started, my dam could go on and on for some while...fortunately, that wasn't often, though it did tend to make the times she did much more memorable.

I nodded my head and said, "That's one of the few people she would rant like that about."

"Indeed. And I suppose you know why," he said.

"At least mother's side of it, perhaps I might have the opportunity to find out her side of the story," I said.

Sky Splitter rubbed his chin in thought and said, "Hmm, ever the diplomat, I see...and that does pose and interesting idea, if you might be willing to try."

"To try and get them to finally make peace between themselves?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

He nodded his head, and then paused a bit thinking before he said, "Your dam is healing her as we speak...perhaps this might be a fortuitous turn of events after all, at least to some degree."

Warri's ears dropped in dismay as he heard that the stranger required healing, which my sire noticed.

He reached across the table and held Warri's hand and said, "You did what you felt that you had to do in order to protect yourself, there is no shame in that. Mashera should not have been so arrogant, though I do wonder if all of this might prove to be some sort of test. And if it is, then I would be inclined to think it is a misguided one. I will find out what I can and let you know, but regardless, do not fret about it...that goes for you as well, Red Moon. You haven't done anything that Fire Weaver hadn't already considered doing herself, my dear." Sky Splitter grinned and then made his way outside, stopping to give Warri a gentle squeeze on the shoulder on the way.

Some while later after my dam had finished healing Mashera, we still had not had a chance to have our midday meal. Mother decided to stay, as did Foxfire, so Night Blaze contacted his son to let him know where Foxfire was, and why before he and the other First Ones left for a while. To our surprise, Dahmi changed her clothes from what she normally wears to the simple breechcloth and top that she had Moon Dancer make for her. She came out to the front area after everyone else had left, and she stood there looking at Mashera for a little while, as if she was studying the Nomenaran female.

Mashera looked up at Dahmi and asked, "Why do you look at me so, child?"

Dahmi crouched down and looked very intently with her luminous amber-tinged green eyes, and said, "Your first mistake with me was trying to do what you did with Warri. Your second mistake with me is that I am counted as an adult, and I don't care who or what you are because of what you tried to do to Warri--don't call me 'child' again. Don't make the mistake of trying to reach into my mind...if you do, you will see a she-wolf in there snarling back at you with fangs bared, and she won't hesitate to do all that she can to rip out your throat. Warri's mine. And just in case you think I might be bluffing...," Dahmi proceeded to change into her new wolfish form right there under the noses of both Fire Weaver and Foxfire, causing them both to involuntarily step back and Mashera also leaned back in shock. When the change was complete in a few moments, Dahmi leaned forward and continued, "...I'm not." Dahmi gave a low growl, curling her lip just enough to show a little fang. Mashera's hand instinctively went to her neck. "Good, I see that we understand each other," Dahmi said. She sniffed Mashera, then got very close to her face, and quietly said, "I have your scent now...I won't forget it." And with that, Dahmi leaned back and slowly stood.

Fire Weaver stepped towards Dahmi and tentatively held a hand out to touch her.

"Dahmietra...this...is...remarkable! You can control this change at will?" Fire Weaver asked in no small amount of awe.

"Yes Grandma. It's gotten easier the more I do it, but it tends to make me want to eat if I do it a lot," Dahmi replied, casting a quick glance down at Mashera. "Oh, and I found out accidently that I self-heal, too. I guess I'm kind of like the other females now...at least in this form," Dahmi added.

Fire Weaver lightly ran her hands over Dahmi's new body, examining it using her healing magic.

"Dahmietra, this is...outstanding. If I only used a cursory check, I would think that you actually were just another of our females...but if I 'look' deeper, I see...differences...which would make you quite different from the others. I would not be surprised if other skills should make themselves known in time, my dear."

"Gee, Dahmi, that's quite a trick. Say, you look like you got some muscles under that fur, sweetie! I bet you could probably do some of the things Night Song can do now," Foxfire said.

"Ha, your brother offered to train me to be a Defender...maybe I might take him up on that now," Dahmi chuckled.

There was a different voice, which spoke with an ancient accent that asked, "May I?"

Dahmi looked sharply towards the source of the new voice and it was coming from Mashera--she spoke the words aloud instead of using her mind-speak ability.

Dahmi asked, "May you do what?"

"I am a shape-changer, too. Ask Fire Weaver--she knows my abilities," Mashera said.

"That's true, Dahmietra, Mashera can change into anything she wants to," Fire Weaver said.

"So, what does that have to do with me?" Dahmi asked flatly.

"I can show you how to change quicker, and use less energy in the doing. You won't need to eat quite so much or as often, as you might have to now," Mashera said.

Dahmi looked to both Foxfire and Fire Weaver and said, "Okay...show me, but if you try messing with me in any way... toast her, Foxfire."

"Don't worry, sweetie, I've got her under my thumb," Foxfire said with a merry look.

Mashera cast a worried glance towards Foxfire at her comment, and then held her hands out to Dahmi. Dahmi took Mashera's hands and could feel Mashera extending herself into Dahmi's mind and body. Together they explored the changes and the trigger thoughts and Mashera explained what happens when and in what order. She showed Dahmi how to effect the change both ways, they practiced it together, and when they were finished Dahmi was able to change partially if she needed to do something without drawing too much attention, such as make only her fangs or claws grow.

"The longer you stay in either form it will be more uncomfortable when you do make the change, though with your ability to self-heal, that should not be too much of a problem," Mashera said.

Dahmi changed back to her original form and noticed that it was indeed easier this time.

"Well, that was better. I'll go see how ma and Meri are coming along with our meal," Dahmi said. She started for the door but stopped and turned to look at Mashera. "Thank you. But what I said earlier...still applies," and Dahmi went on inside.

"I did nothing to alter her abilities in any way, only showed her how to use them more efficiently," Mashera said with a sigh.

Fire Weaver nodded her head but then asked, "Did you notice anything else that we should be aware of?"

Mashera nodded her head.

"She is not aware of them yet, but she has also gained to a degree your son's intuition and empathic abilities and a certain portion of your fire skills. I was not able to determine if she had gained anything from Sky Splitter, though only time may tell if she did or not. Her blood...it's most unusual for her kind," she replied.

"Starfire did say that she may yet surprise us," Fire Weaver said thoughtfully, though carefully hiding the fact that Dahmietra has Dark Blood in her...even if it was diluted.

After we had our midday meal, I asked Warri contact Grimm and Kuri and ask them to come over and meet Mashera. After they arrived, my dam summoned the other Lore Masters as well as her mate and also Starfire and Night Blaze. Upon making the formal introductions, Spirit Feather turned the meeting over to Mashera to explain why she had come.

Broadcasting to the whole group she explained, "I was initially to test those who would be accompanying Dahmietra and Kurietta to The Heart of The Great Forest to determine their resolve...however, I was...persuaded...to set that aside in favor of an alternative plan. I am to lead you, Dahmietra, Kurietta and Meri, along with Mist Runner, Red Moon, Warri, Grimm Tooth, Foxfire and certain other friends of yours, to The Heart. The way will not be an easy one, for as you have already been told, this is a journey of the heart to the Heart_. Along the way, you each will learn something of yourselves, as well as of each other. Exactly how long and how difficult the trip will be, will depend on each of you. It is meant to be difficult. When we arrive at the center of The Forest, before reaching The Heart, The Keepers of The Heart will test you further--it is not a grueling test, nor is it dangerous in any way. The Heart itself is a wondrous thing--each perceives it according to his or her own manner, and it will 'speak' to you after a fashion. You cannot lie to it, for it knows you own heart of being perfectly. If you are worthy, it may bestow upon you your heart's_ true desire. Aside from this, I cannot tell you more, for you must learn the rest for yourselves...though I shall tell you this: while I may assist you, the exact path must be up to Dahmietra, Kurietta and Meri, for this is your journey."

Mashera sat down and Master Spirit Feather stood and asked, "Are there any questions?"

Dahmi stood and asked, "When do we leave?"

Mashera answered so that all may hear, "Whenever you are ready."