February 2021 Grab Bag - stories | poetry | art

Stories, poetry, artwork, whatever your talent to share - must be ElfQuest themed - and may contain canon ElfQuest characters (Cutter, Leetah, Skywise, etc) or custom characters of your own (as long as it's in the "ElfQuest" universe).

Your submissions should include at least one of these things (for art), and at least 3 of the 5 for stories (but let's see you use all five!)

Stories can be as long as you want them to be.


February 2021 Grab Bag Elements:
- Adventure (whether going on one, talking about one, etc)
- a veil of silk
- A snack
- cave
- stare

Two tribes - all elements used for both. The Windfetcher part felt great to write. Felt like I really reconnected with the story and got inside her mind. Links to images of the new elves at the very bottom.

===========

February 2021 Grab Bag Elements:
- Adventure (whether going on one, talking about one, etc)
- a veil of silk
- A snack
- cave
- stare

Recap Cliffnotes for YEARS of story writing is here: http://www.tawmis.com/stonehowl/stonehowlrecap.html


Windfetcher sat on the cliff side where she always came when she needed to think. Her auburn hair blew in the wind as her earth brown eyes scanned the distant oceans for answers to questions that raced too quickly through her mind to grasp.

In the end, Rumdreer’s own people had turned on him – proving that his hatred was too much even for them. Especially the way he treated not just the women of his tribe – but all women. The brutal stories he claimed were true were almost too vile to believe. But Windfetcher in her time on this world had seen much and heard more. She’s heard and seen the viciousness of human, troll and elf alike – against one another and even against their own kind.

She had come to realize that they were no different. Long ago, she believed that humans were vile and cruel and irredeemable for the things they’d done. But then there was people like Buren who proved her wrong. She thought that trolls were filthy, dirty and ignorant, but there’d been trolls such as the troll she’d known who’d gone by several names – from Trollblade, Trollhammer, to Trollforge. She’d believed elves beyond any such evils, but her tribe told her how Blackstar had killed his own lover, Suncaller, by pushing him off of a tall tree. (All the way back in Feb 2008 - http://www.tawmis.com/stonehowl/feb2008.html ) The truth of the matter was that they were all alike, no matter how much they may hate one another – and if they could all see – and embrace that – perhaps the hatred felt by all sides could one day be put aside. As the waves crashed, hundreds of feet below her, she couldn’t help but smile. She sounded like their old chief, Shadow, she told herself. Shadow had a different way of thinking, after taking over as Chief of the tribe, when his best friend Wildthorn had perished. Windfetcher recalled the story of how a human had mistook Purespring, Shadow’s own sister, as a deer during a hunt – and Wildthorn took revenge on the human’s mate, who had been pregnant – and paid the price. (Story told back in August 2007 as a tragic mistake and misunderstanding - http://www.tawmis.com/stonehowl/august2007.html ).

And now, here she was – only twenty three seasons in age – and she was now the Chieftess to the small tribe that remained – a mixture – from her own parents, Vineweaver and Stillbreeze, along with her brother, Echo; the daughter of her former chief, Snowspring; Stream, their healer; Buren, the human and love mate of Stream; and then Stonecutter, the son of Stream and Buren. But the tribe had been home to others – such as Spearclaw from the Pridewalkers; Stoneridge and Jagged from a tribe called Twopoint; Whitefeather and Freefall, from a tribe called Skymountain; and Sanstorm and Highsun, from a tribe called Oasis – just to name a few. (They’re all briefly mentioned, but not really expanded on back in Sept 2010 - http://www.tawmis.com/stonehowl/sept2010elfquest.html )

And now?

She looked over her shoulder and could see the stone shaped cavern that had been made to look like a wolf’s head howling staring back at her, much like their original home – their numbers had dwindled down yet again. They only numbered eight. If there was any hope of surviving they would need to grow their numbers – but cubs without Recognition was nearly impossible – and with so few, Recognition among one another was not likely.

She could go back to the Palace – to see if she could recruit more to return with her. But they would have followed Shadow when he left if there was a desire to leave. Something Rumdreer had said was now echoing in Windfetcher’s mind – he’d mentioned that he killed “demons on giant birds” – elves, like the ones from Skymountain – who had flown on giant birds. Her mind also recalled when Buren told her of the exploits his father, Balgar, endured against the “sea demons.” (This was mentioned back in June 2015 - http://www.tawmis.com/stonehowl/june2015.html )

She slid down from the rocks and made her way towards Stream and Buren’s cave. She ducked her head in and looked around. She saw Stream tending to Buren’s leg still. “Still no healing?” Windfetcher asked.

“It comes and goes,” Stream sighed. “But the wound has been tended to and will not get infected.” (Stream’s healing was pushed to the limit when she’d tried to heal Buren back in September 2015 - http://www.tawmis.com/stonehowl/sept2015.html and again in December 2015 when she pushed her magic to enable her to bare his child - http://www.tawmis.com/stonehowl/dec2015.html  and their child Stonecutter was born in the April 2020 story - http://www.tawmis.com/stonehowl/april2020.html ).

“That’s good to hear,” Windfetcher smiled as she sat down and took a bite of an apple that had been sitting on the floor. She looked over at Buren whose brown hair was disheveled from Stream constantly pushing on his head to force him to sit back and relax. Windfetcher took a bite of the apple again, making a crunchy, juicy sound. “Rumdreer,” she said the name, forcing Stream to gasp, “mentioned that he and his people killed ‘demons on birds’ – people like myself who rode birds. Are you familiar with the elves he was speaking of?”

“Yes,” Buren replied, looking at Windfetcher. “Why do you ask?”

“Do you think his words are true? That he killed them all?” Windfetcher took another deep bite from the crimson apple.

“He was not one for exaggerating,” Buren answered. “My tribe was well aware of his violent tendacies, and though my father never admitted it; he feared him greatly, knowing it would not be long before he would turn his attention against my father and his clan. Truth be told, I believe that’s why my father took many of his people and sailed here originally – in hopes of escaping Rumdreer’s insanity – and when he found your kind here – he knew that would attract Rumdreer if word ever got back to him – so my father had to try and kill your kind for fear that if word got back – Rumdreer would sail here as well and kill your kind as well as my father and his clan.”

“But,” Windfetcher said, waving away the other details, “these elves were bird riders were they not?”

“They were,” Buren nodded.

“Would it not make sense that some of them took to the skies? Out of the range of arrows and spears?” Windfetcher inquired.

“Yes,” Buren continued to nod. “That would make sense. I’d seen the bird riders many times – they were not foolish.”

“So Rumdreer could have been lying, preserving his reputation, in saying that he killed all of the bird riders,” Windfetcher concluded.

“That would make sense,” Buren acknowledged. “His followers feared him – so they would have vouched for his stories. Part of Rumdreer’s tactics is the fear he invokes on those he encounters. That’s why he spoke so much about what he’d done when he encountered you – it wasn’t just to brag, but to shake and break your nerves and make you fearful in battle.”

“He did talk a lot,” Windfetcher nodded, recalling the moment of his own clan had run him through – leaving his axe deep into the tree as a reminder. “You also told us about ‘sea demons’ your father often spoke of in an area called ‘The Crimson Reef.’”

Buren was puzzled. “Why are you asking me about all of these things, Windfetcher?”

Windfetcher smiled. “Just entertain me. Tell me about these sea elves. Do they have feet made of scales and fins like fish?”

Buren shook his head. “No. Most look like you,” he shrugged. “There are some that look slightly different – their eyes, teeth and skin tone are different – they tend to be the more violent ones. The Crimson Reef got its name because these elves fiercely defend it – often spilling blood. And when blood is spilled in the reef – those elves – the ones that I told you look a little different – they become like redfins.”

“Redfins?” Windfetcher asked.

“Large grey fish, with a mouth full of hundreds of teeth; attacks anything that swims in the water and can smell blood for miles and will go into a frenzy,” Buren explained, drawing a shark in the dirt. “The problem that my father’s people had is there were large fish in the Crimson Reef – as well as unique plants that were used for medicine and healing – but getting to them was nearly impossible because of the ‘sea demons’ – or,” he said, with a nod of his head, “the Crimson Reef elves. It was as if the very animals came to their defenses.”

Windfetcher lifted a veil of silk from the ground that had been part of the covers that her mother, Stillbreeze had made, and stretched it out and blew into it. She peeked over it slowly and smiled at Buren, “Do you think you could teach us to make boats that used these wind catchers?”

“Sails,” Buren smiled. “They’re called sails. And yes. But why?”

“Because I think it’s time for me to go on an adventure,” Windfetcher smiled. “I want to find other elves, the way Shadow did. Some heard the call of the Palace – but by the sounds of it, these bird riders and the Crimson Reef elves did not. There may be others like them. If I can find them – and bring them together – my tribe has a better chance of surviving. There’s so few of us – that if Rumdreer’s people had not turned on him – we might have been wiped from existence.”

With the help of Vineshaper’s plant shaping ability, work on these new sail ships was much easier than any Buren had helped build, as a child, for his father’s people… but still, it would take weeks, for just building the ships was not enough. Buren had to teach them how to understand the sea, and use her power and might to their advantage.

Hundreds of miles away in the Crimson Reef…

Amberjack’s sunset red hair swayed gently in the water as she sent to her lovemate, Driftwood. “{My love, what are you doing?}”

Driftwood, whose name has originally been Tidebreaker, had adopted the new name after a battle with the humans – he’d thought to have been dead, only to be found, days later, floating among the wreckage of the human’s boat, like driftwood. He’d now been swimming near the bottom, running his hands across the sands when he finally found a bracelet that had been made by humans and sank to the bottom of the Crimson Reef. He held it up and swam to Amberjack, his short brown hair flowing around him. “{A gift, for you,}” he smiled as he slid the blue bracelet around her wrist.

Barrier, a reef shaper, swam next to them. His complexion was tanner, his eyes more animalistic, his teeth sharper. Barrier had what the others called ‘the redfin gene’ – which meant his skin would be tanner, his teeth sharper, his eyes different, and his attitude, typically more violent. His best friend, Shellseeker, was a master craftsman. He’d been taken prisoner by the humans once, and tortured for information about the Crimson Reef – but during his capture, he observed the humans and learned how they made the metal weapons and armor – and used that knowledge, along with Barrier’s magic, to create weapons made from shells into armor and weapons. Shellseeker, who unlike Barrier, was no born with the ‘redfin gene’ was far more light hearted than his friend and had the sides of his head shaved, with the hair pulled back into a small ponytail. Other than how they complimented one another through skill, most of the elves in the Crimson Reef also believed they complimented one another in attitude – a darkness and a light, anger and laughter.

Bloodwave, Chief of this Shiver – named after the school of fish which redfins were called – had been born with the redfin gene – making him far more susceptible to anger and fury – especially when it came to the humans. Bloodwave’s first mate, Watermoon, had been killed by humans  - as if that were not already cause enough for Bloodwave’s unforgiving and relentless attacks on the human vessels that got within miles of the Crimson Reef, the genetic ‘redfin gene’ only fed the fires of hatred. Bloodwave had an ability to speak – and even control – several types of aquatic life, such as redfins, dolphins and whales – which he often used in his attacks against the human vessels.

His Recognized mate was Seastar, who did not have the redfin gene, and despised Bloodwave’s aggressive attitude. Seastar was born with the rare gene of light blue hair, which is believed to be passed down through the blue-fins, a type of redfin beast. She also has a unique appearance that her right eye is green, while her left eye is blue. Through Recognition, she had a child named Starfish who was now sixteen seasons old and quite eager to prove herself to the Shiver – often endangering herself and others, in her attempts to prove she was worthy. Like Seastar, Starfish was also born with the light blue hair – and trains with Blowfish to learn how to use a spear.

Next to Seastar and Starfish was Blowfish – who was the resident expert with a spear. Blowfish had long, flowing blond hair, and eyes that sparkled like the stars above the seas. She was beautiful and had an incredible smile that was both warm and inviting – but there was none among them – even the males – even the males with the redfin gene – who could best Blowfish when it came to combat – especially if she had a spear.

Kelpweaver was a plant shaper; and like others in the tribe, had the rare redfin gene. However, she seemed almost the exception – where she was no one to become aggressive, unless she was under great duress – then did her emotions exploded from her – especially if her Recognized mate, Lakewood was mentioned. Lakewood had been killed defending the Crimson Reef from blood frenzied Redfins that Bloodwave had lost control of, during an attack against humans. Kelpweaver was the mother to her daughter Redfin, who was born with a unique genetic makeup – where she had no hair on her head, however, she had a red dorsal fin, similar to the redfin sharks, and thus her name. However, her flesh, eyes and teeth did not reflect the standard marking of those born with the redfin gene.

Next to them was Morningsun and Stormtide who could not be more different had they tried. Morningsun had flowing blond hair, and deep green eyes, and pale, white skin, while her Recognized mate, Stormtide was born with the redfin gene – so that his skin was a deep tan, his eyes were ice blue, and his hair, as black and thick as the bottom of the lightless sea floor. Morningsun was a tanner, and the primary maker of the clothing worn by the Crimson Reef elves, while Stormtide was gifted with the ability to shape and control water – creating waves, riptides, and small whirlpools. Together, they have two children through Recognition – Sunfish, their older son who was sixteen seasons, and a daughter named Riverlance, who vanished one night – without a trace. Most had thought she’d gone on one of her ‘adventures’ she always wanted to go on. She’d been one year younger than her brother, Sunfish.

The last of the Crimson Reef was Urchin – who had spent years looking for Riverlance – disappearing for years at a time, in an effort to find her. Like Seastar and Starfish, he was born with blue hair. He wielded two axes that he had become proficient in after observing humans using it.

Morningsun swam towards the wreckage of one of the human boats that they’d capsized a few days ago and cut away at the sails to use as material for clothing. She found several rolled spindles of material, including a small veil of silk, which she wrapped around her waist. She watched as Bloodwave stared at her – despite their disagreements – he would never let anything happen to her – or any of his tribe. He was always ready for a fight – he just needed the reason; and sometimes he didn’t even need that much.

“{We must return to the caves,}” he sent to everyone. “{Rummage through the wreckage, gather what you can. Daylight comes, making us easier to see in the oceans.}”

The Shiver returned to their abode in the coral reef that had been shaped by Barrier’s family long ago. It’d been shaped in such a way that anyone who was not a skilled swimmer would impale themselves on the jagged coral reef wrapped around the outside of their abode.

Blowfish took a bite out of some food she’d found among the wreckage as she turned towards Starfish. “{Ready for more training?}”

======== End? Or a new beginning? ======

• Vineweaver (Male Soul Name: Reyk) – Auburn Hair, Blue Eyes (Tree shaper, Soul Mate of Stillbreeze, Plant Shaper)
• Stillbreeze (Female Soul Name: Hewl) – Brown Hair, Brown Eyes (Soul Mate of Vineweaver, Tanner)
• Echo (Male Soul Name: Ayav) – Brown Hair, Green Eyes (Cub of Stillbreeze & Vineweaver, Magic)- About twenty three years old.
• Windfetcher (Female Soul Name: Burm) – Auburn Hair, Brown Eyes (Cub of Stillbreeze & Vineweaver) – About twenty three years old, Chieftess
• Snowspring (Female, Soul Name: Tylo – Black Hair, Green Eyes) – Fourteen years old. Daughter of Shadow and Foxhair.
• Stream (Female Soul Name: Vree) – Red Hair, Green Eyes (Healer)
• Buren (Human, Brown hair, hazel eyes) – About 25 years old in human years
• Stonecutter (half elf/half human, son of Stream and Buren – brown hair, green eyes) – About seven years old

Attaching my original Crimson Reef notes – most of it stayed the same, but some of it I fleshed out more in the story above:

Crimson Reef Sea Elves

IDEAS:
- They come from High Ones who took the form of Sharks, and over time forgot their true form; so much so that they changed themselves on a genetic level. As the years waned by and the magic grew weaker, despite remaining in Shark form, they began to birth elves. Centuries have passed, and over all, most of the Crimson Reef look like normal elves who can simply breathe underwater (similar to Aquaman, for example). However, every once in awhile, a genetic “hiccup” happens and the “shark genes” get introduced, giving birth to tanner elves, who tend to be far more aggressive.
- Of the current elves, those with this genetic trait are: Barrier, Bloodwave, and Stormtide
- Recognition only happens to those with the “shark gene” – such as Barrier, Bloodwave, Kelpweaver and Stormtide
- - Seastar, despite her dislike of Bloodwave’s ways, unfortunately Recognized her Chief, but she is the most vocal oppose of his ways
- Their group is called a Shiver (similar to what a group of Sharks is called)
- Similar to sharks, the Crimson Reef members age slowly (also perhaps due to the High Ones blood in there), thus making their numbers lower
- The Crimson Reef elves are very sensitive to movement, and those with the “shark gene” can smell blood in the water from miles away
- Some of the Crimson Reef elves are born with blue hair (or blue tinted hair) which comes from the “Sea Shark” (similar to the Blue Shark) bloodline; they do not have the violent tendencies of others born of “shark genes.”


Bloodwave – Chief (Male)
Male chief, extremely violent. No tolerance towards humans. He believes the humans hunt for sport, as well as for food. The idea of hunting for sport and joy has driven him to a seething hatred for humans.  Has the ability to command certain marine life (dolphins, sharks, whales) and he will make every attempt to command the whales (humans call them “sea giants”) to slam into human ships, while the members of his Shiver (Crimson Reef) attempt to spear the humans and pull them from their ships, so that the razor-fins (sharks) can feed off the humans. His first (unnamed?) life mate, love mate, soul mate – was killed by humans who had harpooned her, mistaking her for a dolphin (which the humans hunted to eat). Bloodwave comes from a very long line of members in his family, all of whom are consumed with an indescribable hatred for humans due to the “shark gene”

Barrier – Stone Shaper (Shapes Coral Reefs) (Male)
Barrier is the one who shaped the home for the Sea Elves (or perhaps someone from his line of generation of stone shapers). In any case, he is the one that now maintains the shape of the large coral reef tunnels that they now live in.

Stormtide – Water Shaper (able to control elements of the ocean, cause tides, waves, currents to do his bidding) (Male)
Don’t recall seeing any water-shapers (perhaps somewhere in the Wave Dancers this was already done? Probably?). Essentially Stormtide is able to create spouts of water (which are used to overturn ships, small boats, rafts, etc.) – he can also shape the tide, by causing riptides, change the current, etc.)

Kelpweaver – Plant shaper (Female)
Standard plant shaper of the tribe. Shapes kept and other plants, that the Sea Elves use for food (as well as shelter to hide their coral reef home).

Starfish – Female Elf
She is a young elf; eager to prove herself to the others (almost to a fault, where she often puts herself, and others in needless danger)

Seastar – Female Elf
The smart, wiser, elf of the tribe; she is not prone to follow Bloodwave, whom she does not get along with.

Sunfish – Young Male
Young male Elf, also does not like Bloodwave’s violent tendencies.

Redfin – Young Female
Young, female elf, named as such, because she was born with a red Mohawk for hair, which she still has (natural birth effect). So they named her redfin, since her hair resembles that of a shark.

Shellseeker (Male)
Makes the armor for the tribe; using shells, and help with Barrier, who helps shape things that Shellseeker comes up with. He also is primarily responsible for the weapons.

Morningsun (Female)
Born with sea blue eyes, and golden blond hair, like Seastar, she does not agree with Bloodwave’s method and hatred against the humans, and has spoken up against him. She is a strong, independent female, but does not possess the intelligence of Seastar.

Driftwood (Male)
Got the name, was thought dead, found in the wreckage of a ship at some time.

Amberjack (Female)
Amberjack is a very free, loving, spirit. She’s in a relationship with Driftwood, but it’s a very open relationship.

Blowfish (Female, expert spear)
Expert with a spear (similar to how one might consider Strongbow the expert with a bow). She’s quite playful. She’s beautiful, but refuses to acknowledge it.

Urchin – Male
Flesh shaper who has control to make his hair and finger nails razor sharp, a unique form of “flesh shaping.”


Bloodwave (Chief, Mate to Bloodwave)
Seastar (Mate to Bloodwave)
Starfish (Daughter of Bloodwave and Seastar)

Stormtide (Mate of Morningsun)
Morningsun (Mate of Stormtide)
Sunfish (son of Stormtide and Morningsun) – Year older than Starfish
Riverlance (daughter of Stormtide and Morningsun) - Disappeared

Kelpweaver (Mother  of Redfin)
Redfin (Daughter of Kepweaver)

Barrier (Best friend of Shellseeker – shapes shells for Shellseeker)
Shellseeker (Best friend to Barrier)

Driftwood (Lover of Amberjack)
Amberjack (Lover of Driftwood)

Blowfish (Expert weapons)

Urchin (Loner)

Meet the Crimson Reef:

Amberjack
Barrier
Bloodwave
Blowfish
Driftwood
Kelpweaver
Morningsun
Redfin
Seastar
Shellseeker
Starfish
Stormtide
Sunfish
Urchin

(Having a hard time not spamming a party theme while reading, so happy to see the old Tymber's story weaving!)

Awesome bridge into a new chapter of your world. Not an end, a segway to a fresh exporation of your world, your characters, and your storyforging. A healthy way to move on to new places to explore that interest you in the now without completely removing your old tribe and hard work from the scene. Whether this is a one off or beginning of a new serial, it is good to see you excited to write again, and it is good.

A whole new tribe to explore in a whole different world, and a possible potential problem to perplex the patrons of your stories when Windfetcher enters their domain... And who will go with her? (I read a story once that had a stone worker as a key crew member of the ship, this thought teases me when reading this, in a way) It will be neat to see what you do with this if you decide to continue with it. I hope you do.

Thanks again for the great story!

TrollHammer wrote:

(Having a hard time not spamming a party theme while reading, so happy to see the old Tymber's story weaving!)
Awesome bridge into a new chapter of your world. Not an end, a segway to a fresh exporation of your world, your characters, and your storyforging. A healthy way to move on to new places to explore that interest you in the now without completely removing your old tribe and hard work from the scene. Whether this is a one off or beginning of a new serial, it is good to see you excited to write again, and it is good.
A whole new tribe to explore in a whole different world, and a possible potential problem to perplex the patrons of your stories when Windfetcher enters their domain... And who will go with her?  (I read a story once that had a stone worker as a key crew member of the ship, this thought teases me when reading this, in a way)  It will be neat to see what you do with this if you decide to continue with it. I hope you do.
Thanks again for the great story!

Thank you for taking the time to read it. At the bottom, I made pictures using HeroForge to provide myself a better visual for this new tribe.

I am sure, at some point, Windfetcher and the tribe will show up again - but I think I may take the next few grab bags (should I be around to write them!) and focus on the Crimson Reef tribe - just because, as you said - something new and different - but still woven into the ongoing existing storyline.

And another one gets addicted to Hero Forge.
I have never used the given elf ears for my Elfquest elves but changed them into "Elemental Ears". Those are the "Heavy Features" for the face you have chosen for your shark-blooded ones, it seems.
Oh my, more Sea elves, and they are fierce guys like my Sea Raiders. I may have a good time reading such stuff.

"Stormtide – Water Shaper (able to control elements of the ocean, cause tides, waves, currents to do his bidding) (Male)
Don’t recall seeing any water-shapers (perhaps somewhere in the Wave Dancers this was already done? Probably?). Essentially Stormtide is able to create spouts of water (which are used to overturn ships, small boats, rafts, etc.) – he can also shape the tide, by causing riptides, change the current, etc.)"

Yes, the old Wave dancer chief Surge was a water shaper. That`s why I have chosen that my OC Yeee has this ability too because it still existed in EQ and it is a wonderful and powerful ability.
.
" Seastar...She also has a unique appearance that her right eye is green, while her left eye is blue"

Looksee (Preserver talk) another elf with two different coloured eyes! they look cool.

It is always good for me to learn some new words concerning sea life , "shiver" as a fish- school word is interesting.

Yeee wrote:

And another one gets addicted to Hero Forge.  

Heh. I've been using Heroforge since March 14, 2017 - according to my email. Although, I used it for actual Dungeons & Dragons molds.

But I realize in a writing medium - sometimes it's nice to have a visual - so went ahead and used it to make the Crimson Reef elves too.

Yeee wrote:

I have never used the given elf ears for my Elfquest elves but changed them into "Elemental Ears".  Those are the "Heavy Features" for the face you have chosen for your shark-blooded ones, it seems.
Oh my, more Sea elves, and they are fierce guys like my Sea Raiders. I may have a good time reading such stuff.

I'd hoped my Crimson Reef elves would interest you. When I think of Sea Elves, you come to mind.

Yeee wrote:

"Stormtide – Water Shaper (able to control elements of the ocean, cause tides, waves, currents to do his bidding) (Male)
Don’t recall seeing any water-shapers (perhaps somewhere in the Wave Dancers this was already done? Probably?). Essentially Stormtide is able to create spouts of water (which are used to overturn ships, small boats, rafts, etc.) – he can also shape the tide, by causing riptides, change the current, etc.)"

Yes, the old Wave dancer chief Surge was a water shaper. That`s why I have chosen that my OC Yeee  has this ability too because it still existed in EQ and it is a wonderful and powerful ability.

I assumed as much (I am not very familiar with the Wavedancers). But I figured stone shaper, wood shaper - clearly, somewhere in the Wavedancers, there had to be a "water shaper" too.

Yeee wrote:

" Seastar...She also has a unique appearance that her right eye is green, while her left eye is blue"

Looksee (Preserver talk) another elf with two different coloured  eyes! they look cool.

Yes. I have a friend who has two different colored eyes (although the friend I know - it's brown and blue, rather than green and blue), who was the inspiration for this character's look. I remember, that you have Yeee with also two different colored eyes?

Yeee wrote:

It is always good for me to learn some new words concerning sea life , "shiver" as a fish- school word is interesting.

Yes, a group of sharks (or as the Crimson Reef elves call them - "redfins") is called a Shiver.

I briefly looked through many of your characters, there was mention of a spear in your story, but only one character holding a spear (and I assume this is a Forge spear, not necessarily what you have in mind)

What tech era are these elves (wood, bone, stone, copper, bronze, iron, steel, stainless, composite, other/magical), and do you have any style thoughts? (Can mix era styling vs tech level, or your own ideas) I have some ideas but it is your tribe.

Havent gotten inspired for writing this month but its early. I did have a non grab bag but instead current comic inspired story in the storyforge but its stalled too. Ill get there. I want to make a spear first.

TrollHammer wrote:

I briefly looked through many of your characters, there was mention of a spear in your story, but only one character holding a spear (and I assume this is a Forge spear, not necessarily what you have in mind)
What tech era are these elves (wood, bone, stone, copper, bronze, iron, steel, stainless, composite, other/magical), and do you have any style thoughts? (Can mix era styling vs tech level, or your own ideas) I have some ideas but it is your tribe.
Havent gotten inspired for writing this month but its early. I did have a non grab bag but instead current comic inspired story in the storyforge but its stalled too. Ill get there. I want to make a spear first.

Technically only Blowfish is holding (an unusual) spear (that looks like a giant arrow) because Starfish looks closer to holding a polearm. But it's supposed to be a spear, as she's being trained by Blowfish.

As for the era for weapons - it would be, for the elves - wood, bone, stone - but the humans, who sail - are copper, bronze, steel - so the Crimson Reef has looted weapons from humans that come from the surface world - but clearly, being water elves - have no way of actually using a fire forge. But I dabbled with the idea of using lava flows on the ocean floor as a means to do this.

Quote :

It was only when scientists began sampling the deep ocean floor in the 1950s and 1960s that they realized that most of the ocean floor is composed of lava flows. In fact, more lava has erupted on the sea floor than anywhere on Earth, mostly from mid-ocean ridges -- the longest chain of active volcanoes on our planet.

Since I mentioned, one of the Crimson Reef elves had been captured by humans and observed their forging abilities.

@Tymber : "I'd hoped my Crimson Reef elves would interest you. When I think of Sea Elves, you come to mind."

Yes thanx, that you thought of me. I am indeed interested.

" I have a friend who has two different colored eyes (although the friend I know - it's brown and blue, rather than green and blue), who was the inspiration for this character's look. I remember, that you have Yeee with also two different colored eyes?"
Yup, Yeee has yellow and sea grey. Your friend has a brown and a blue eye? This mix is seldom (bue and green is more often) and really cool. I would like to see his eyes, but he will surely not like to show them in the internet.

Yeee wrote:

Yup, Yeee has yellow and sea grey.  Your friend has a brown and a blue eye? This mix is seldom (bue and green is more often) and really cool. I would like to see his eyes, but he will surely not like to show them in the internet.

Aye, it's a she. But yes, she is really conscious about it, because it's very noticeable and people always comment on it.
This is NOT her - but it's a similar color for both.
link to image.

Just realised, while you might not be able to have metal smelted underwater (though anchor chains do come loose from time to time, and bronze era ans copper era metals would last a long while underground and dont take heat to form) there could be ample amounts of obsidian and other volcanic glass, or even beach glass (agate, left from lightning strikes on sand). Or, come up with a novel way (fiction is fun) for an energy shaper to cobtrol lightning in a storm to flash heat ore or something, using magic in novel ways to solve the problem. Shoot, make up a pet sea wyvern that breathes fire? A leftover "failure' of Winnie's that had a mind of its own and wants to belong to a group instead of prey upon sentient creatures?

But as far as stone, bone, and shell is concerned, stone can be tempered (guy at work makes stone knives amd has a piece of tempered stone he prizes too much to knap yet, as its rare and hard to work), whalebone and other bone has been used for harpoons and fish hooks, and shells of some magically shaped mollusks might be extra hard and sharp... Imagine an oyster that makes arrowheads instead of pearls? Sorry, I get a little hyper chasing story possibilities... I need to get back on my half written story... Friday should be a possibility to complete it.

Anyway, keep up the good work, your tribe is really fleshing out!

TrollHammer wrote:

(Snip)
I need to get back on my half written story... Friday should be a possibility to complete it.

Yes you do. So far, I am the sole person to write for the month. So it'd be awesome to see other people write or draw or whatever in here.

TrollHammer wrote:

Anyway, keep up the good work, your tribe is really fleshing out!

Thank you. Curious where the future will take me with these new characters. I am sure Stonehowl will pop up again - but I figured, explaining that they're building boats is a nice way to take a break from them and focus on some other elves that had been mentioned - and still tying it to Stonehowl's story.

"Sorry, I get a little hyper chasing story possibilities."

It is very good, when you share your ideas. I had no idea of "agate" and what that is. More brains than one find more solutions for EQ story problems.

Absolutely any time. I love chasing hypotheticals and theorys and stories. Tymber and I used to bounce ideas off each other all the time, just PM me if anyone has a "behind the scenes" question they dont want public yet.

February 2021 Grab Bag Elements:
- Adventure (whether going on one, talking about one, etc)
- a veil of silk
- A snack
- cave
- stare


Previously...


"Are you not tired?" asked Yeyeen, "or are you so fond of your bird-friend you would rather watch it?" Yeyeen's smile was not mocking, but almost had more interest and friendliness than anyone had expressed since Jaida had awakened.

Sensing a way to keep from explaining her thoughts, Jaida allowed herself to brighten a bit at the reference to Flurry. It was not all for show, she had always felt drawn to birds of prey, with their freedom and strength, and though Jaida loved her family, at times she envied these mighty bird's ability to remain alone, not seeing one of their own kind for months. Again, though, words failed to fully convey her adoration. "This one's name is Flurry" was all she could muster.

"Flurry... and white like the driven snow, so unlike the birds from this area. Flurry has been with you for some time, then? You've traveled quite some distance I'm guessing, and seen much?" Yeyeen was much more animated with the talk of birds than Jaida had ever seen.

"Far." Jaida responded with a little regret, as she realized that it was likely that Flurry would fly off after leaving this place. The snow-owl was so far from its home area. "We have hunted much, together."

Yeyeen glanced at the door a moment, as though considering something that broke convention somehow. Hesitantly, she asked "Would you like to see my bird-friend?"

***

And now...

Several variations of single large birds and flocks of smaller birds had flitted through Jaida's mind ever since she'd seen the giant perch in her den for what it was. For her room to be so cavernous, yet have the feature be so at home in scale caused a conflicting sensation in her: It was quite proper for the size of the area, but far too large for any bird she could conceive of. As it was, Flurry had walked along it as though it walked along the ground, feet outstretched as though it were flat, such was the scale of the perch. Jaida's mind permuted through flocks of eagles or crows, perhaps two or three larger than average condors, with plenty of room to maneuver around the cavern without running into each other... but the perch was still too thick for such mighty birds to grip as would be natural. It would be natural for that glimpse of what she thought she remembered before awaking here.

So as Yeyeen led her down the passages up into one of the areas she'd not been in, she decided to rid her mind of such thoughts, the truth would be revealed soon enough. The entryway to Yeyeen's den had a thin, almost transparent, and silky curtain across it, hung such that one could walk through it and it would flow around passersby, but still keep mild drafts down. The room was comfortably warmer, and felt welcoming. The cozy area was relatively cluttered with artifacts, from twisted pieces of wood to colorful rocks, tree-cones to what appeared to be an arranged sculpture made of bleached bones of small animals. It was still sparse, but compared to the starkness of the rest of the mountain, it was downright stuffed with the collections. The room swept around a curve in the wall, so that Jaida could not see everything at once, but she took everything in slowly as she followed Yeyeen through the room. The sleeping area was piled thick with furs of various colors and sizes, likely gleaned from years of hunting.

Jaida was startled when the wall behind the furs moved. From out of the corner of her eye, she'd thought it was a curtain over a window or several bear hides stitched together, but as Flurry's claws dug into her shoulder and her eyes darted upward to see the movement, she nearly fell to the floor, reeling from the sight, for there, with it's head almost touching the top of the cave, stood an unimaginably great bird. Each feather's barbs were as long as her Flurry was tall, and Jaida imagined she could use a feather from a wing to shield herself from rain and snow, if the wind didn't take her away. The bird's beak was scored deeply with wrinkle like impressions, scratches, and even cracks near the mouth making it look more like ancient weathered leather, but she was sure the bird regularly tore through deer, bear, elk, or anything else it chose to snack on.

She was trembling. As much as Jaida enjoyed watching and studying birds, the fact she would hardly be a snack for this one,and there would be little she could do about it, disturbed her. Her terror, or the fact she'd been staring, must have caught Yeyeen's attention. "Fear not, Jaida. You are my guest here, and my bond-bird is quite smart. Farflight wouldn't eat where he roosts anyway, it would soil his perch." Yeyeen seemed to be making some kind of joke, like there had been some story from when the bird was younger. Yeyeen waved the comment away. "To be serious, though, if you meet any of the other great birds here, one of them is egg-sitting, and will bite your head off if you get too close. There is nothing for it, and her rider sleeps elsewhere. These birds are extremely protective of their young, and no amount of training will keep any of us safe from a brood-mother." She gestured at Farflight. "But this one is gentle. Please do come up and feel him up close. He likes his skin scratched under the feathers of his belly."

Jaida's eyes got wide, while her feet seemed to move of their own accord. Hesitant step after step, she closed the distance between she and the great bird. She held her hand up and touched Farflight as high as she could reach. The coarse barbs and barblets of the feathers felt almost like the bark of a tree, and was firm, hardly giving way at all when she pressed against it. She looked up across the chest at the bird's head, which hardly had to cock its head to the side to look back at her, the eyes having the downward slant of a bird of prey. Far above her, the eyes were still large and deep.

"Respectful but not fearful... I can't say I'm surprised, but it is unusual. Whenever we visit others outside of Blue Mountain, we usually see others run for cover and never approach." Yeyeen's statement told Jaida volumes of information, and she wondered if that was the purpose or if it was a slip of the tongue.

She pressed her luck anyway, just to get clarification. "Other... Elves?"

"No, you are the first elf we have seen from the outside for an age. I meant the five-fingered ones. There is a tribe of them at the base of the mountain that offer us all manner of things, and there are some smaller tribes nearby." Yeyeen looked intently in a seemingly random direction, up high on one wall. "I was going to offer you a ride but it has gotten later than I thought. Perhaps tomorrow, if our paths cross again." Her pride was obvious, and it seemed as though the reason for her disappointment was mostly because she couldn't show off. "Are you hungry?"

"Not really." Jaida stated simply. The generous amount of food she'd been provided earlier had been more than she'd usually see in a week, and she was sure she'd not feel any need to eat until tomorrow. What gnawed at her more was that she'd been away from her family this long. Long hunting trips away were not unusual, but it had already been a few days before she'd been taken here. She broke her gaze away from the giant bird and looked around the den, trying to sneak a glance up where Yeyeen seemed to look. Other than a vacant dark corner, there didn't seem to be anything telling or out of the ordinary, but the curves of the twisted rock in the ceiling might have hidden some small opening outside that could shed light inside during the day, though, and such an opening might be a way out.

"Well, I feel a bit hungry, myself... Can you find your way back to your room?" Yeyeen asked. Jaida considered for a moment whether she should feign ignorance, that she couldn't remember a few simple bends or that the place was too convoluted to recognize simple paths, but it seemed the path was too simple to be believably forgettable. She closed her eyes in mock concentration before nodding.

Jaida was mildly surprised that she was allowed to walk unaccompanied. She took her time walking back with Flurry on her shoulder, acting as though she was unfamiliar with the path, in case she was being watched. If indeed there was a path for light to shine into Yeyeen's 'room', which would make sense, since birds rarely chose to fly at night, there may be other passages for observation, signaling, ventilation, and so on... perhaps one of those could lead outside without having to go through Yeyeen's den.

She didn't find definitive signs of any passages or hidden holes in the walls, just curves that would be too difficult to inspect without drawing attention. she ended up back at her 'room', and Flurry launched off for the perch. She wondered if the bird felt small or intimidated after seeing the larger bird, but she recalled seeing even smaller birds chase after Flurry and other bird friends she'd had that had gotten too close to the small birds' nests. Birds didn't think the same way elves did, didn't shrink away or get intimidated with a size difference. She nearly laughed to herself thinking of acting the same way with a bear, running by, slapping it's backside to try to scare it away....

She looked at the bird, which looked so small now that she'd seen what the perch was designed to support, and walked over to sit with it. She relaxed and took in the view from the perch, trying to imagine what it would be like to be a large bird. It wasn't a rare thought for her. She'd watched her various bird friends over the years as they soared over the trees, caught updrafts off the rocks, and circled overhead. The den had been constructed for the comfort of the avian occupant, with plenty of room to move around, stretch, preen, and sleep without bumping into anything. There was also a small, dark hole in the ceiling with a small, distant light shining through. She moved her head around and the light disappeared. A little experimentation and she realized it was a star, that the dark hole was an opening to the outside for the bird to see outside. In this way the bird would still be able to know when to sleep, what the weather was like, and so on, but more importantly, the hole was shaped such that a variety of sizes of birds, sitting here, could see out while they grew. Best yet, it may be large enough for her to fit through, or at least see out of.

She caught Flurry's attention, and gestured to check it out. There wasn't a lot of ways for them to communicate other than a few simple signals, so she could help direct a hunt or bring Flurry back to her. Night may be a hindrance for most birds, but owls were just as at home hunting at night as during the day, and Flurry flitted through the opening and out into the night. Judging by the way Flurry's wingtips grazed the edges of the hole, it would be a tight squeeze to get out that way.

While Flurry was away, Jaida looked around the room to see what else she had missed. It seemed as though there was something missing, and her attention was drawn to the far end of the den toward whatever it was that was covering a large opening. She hopped down off the perch and studied the covering, which appeared to be made from several hides fused together. It was as though the hides had been shaped together to make one large piece without gaps, stitches, or openings. It was stretched tight from one side of the den to the other, as though it were a drum skin. At the bottom, in the middle, a tied cord held the skin tight. Jaida touched the hide, and felt the cold vibrations of wind blowing across it, a sign that it was, indeed, a path outside for a great bird to launch into the skies.

But it couldn't be as easy as that... Jaida was sure that if this opening were to reveal a path that lead from the mountain out into the forest below, there would be more than a flimsy skin to keep her from it. Birds did not require ground paths, simply a ledge to land on. If she untied this, she'd need help re-hanging the hide, signaling the others she was trying to leave. If she was wrong, she could always slip through it as a last resort.

As Flurry darted through the passage above like an arrow, breaking to circle around in Jaida's direction. The bird couldn't send, and Jaida wasn't sure what she'd thought the bird would have been able to tell her, but the passage was open, and that was enough for now.

She would wait for daylight before she would try to escape.

TrollHammer wrote:

She would wait for daylight before she would try to escape.

You and I should one day, team up and write something. You do a lot of focus on detail, while mine is mostly always dialogue driven. It'd probably be a great marriage.

Now it could be that I am not remembering - but why would Jaida want to escape? I thought she was studying them - curious. Also, I didn't feel like Jaida was a prisoner so much? Especially being freely allowed to go back to the room on their own?

This month was kind of a bad month for writing, took three sessions to get just that down and wasnt feeling it by the end, so it probably lacked some of the polish it needed.

We were going to do a collabo a few years ago but I flaked out on you, and I apologize, Id love to work on a project with you, as I highly respect your imagination and ability to create. I like your Neverending Nights series (though I still havent gotten through it all) and have some ideas to toss around with you when you have time and inclination, Id like to try again doing a collab sometime (I need to work on my team skills anyway, Ive always been a loner). Also I suck at dialog, so it might be a better match than not. PM me if you like.

That aside, the story up to this point (since december or whenever it started) is summarized as follows:
Jaida was hunting for her clan/family unit, and was out with her bird friend when Yeyeen snatched her to present to Winnowil as an addition to her collection of elves and playthings. Jaida is a go-back that broke from that group, possibly prior to the "clensing" of wolf blood, and it is implied she has wolf blood herself, to which Winnowil mused over. The wolf sense has manifested in her family as a semi strong pack like grouping, that can function well as individuals but are attuned to each other such that very little verbal or mental communication is needed, as such she is very short when she does say something. She is intelligent and observant, and has an innate ability to remember fine detail about a path she has taken, and therefore is not easily lost.

She was knocked out when Yeyeen's bird Farflight grabbed her. Its not explained if her birf friend Flurry followed or was taken with her to Blue Mountain, which she had just come within sight of.  She has not exactly been treated as a prisoner, and not been told she must stay, but she has not been shown the way out, and she has sensed that the areas she's been taken to are purposely chosen to keep her from finding out amything important or enable her to leave. I believe she has mentioned she needed to get back to her family, but internally she has been urgently looking for a way back. Her family has been on the brink of starvation for so long thry are used to having very little as they make their way toward warmer climates and more plentiful game. She hasnt decided if her family needs to be brought to Blue Mountain or if they need to get as far away from it as possible, but as she cant rejoin her familu to discuss it, nor provided with a way out, or any sort of actual decisions, she feels trapped amd in need to flee, as would any cornered wolf

Yeyeen is a bit of a variable in the ridgid confines of Blue Mountain's story, mostly since her character was kind of a throwaway background character in the OQ (literally). I am having her find fascination and kinship with Jaida in their mutual interest in birds. She is kind of going behind Winnie's back by stealing Jaida away to see her bird (when Winnie never took Jaida to the aeries in the first place) and again breaking with Winnie's will by letting her go back unescorted and offering to fly her out the next day... We will see what happens from there.

Thats the short of it, I think, but other than a rough character and setting, I try to let the elements dictate the direction of the story... That said, Id like to get her home sooner rather than later (just never ends up that way. You know how it is).

Edit: specifically, I-as-Jaida feels draen back to her family since A) she isnt there by choice, b) she wants to make sure they are well and c) she isnt sure if their coming to look for her would be a good thing, as, yes she is being well fed but she hasnt been able to wander game trails or hunt or or be with family or do anything her inner being longs to do (still not sure yet if she strictly has wolf blood driving this or if its just inherant in her family unit, either way, she isnt free to be herself)

She ismt going to let anyone hold her back though, but she isnt going to let the elves of blue mountain know what she is capable of... Just as one wolf would not draw attention to its strength of the pack if found out, she isnt going to let on that she is more than the wide eyed uninitiated. At least for now.

TrollHammer wrote:

This month was kind of a bad month for writing, took three sessions to get just that down and wasnt feeling it by the end, so it probably lacked some of the polish it needed.

I get not feeling it; but I couldn't tell. Read quite smoothly.

TrollHammer wrote:

We were going to do a collabo a few years ago but I flaked out on you, and I apologize, Id love to work on a project with you, as I highly respect your imagination and ability to create. I like your Neverending Nights series (though I still havent gotten through it all) and have some ideas to toss around with you when you have time and inclination, Id like to try again doing a collab sometime (I need to work on my team skills anyway, Ive always been a loner). Also I suck at dialog, so it might be a better match than not. PM me if you like.

I think we both flaked at the same time. We both vanished from the forums for awhile around the same time. Life gets in the way of having fun - so there's no blame.

TrollHammer wrote:

She ismt going to let anyone hold her back though, but she isnt going to let the elves of blue mountain know what she is capable of... Just as one wolf would not draw attention to its strength of the pack if found out, she isnt going to let on that she is more than the wide eyed uninitiated. At least for now.

Got it! Yeah - it's mostly I don't remember much anymore.

Tymber wrote:

TrollHammer wrote:

This month was kind of a bad month for writing, took three sessions to get just that down and wasnt feeling it by the end, so it probably lacked some of the polish it needed.

I get not feeling it; but I couldn't tell. Read quite smoothly.

I'm glad. I figured you might understand, I still feel like I should be more invested in a story or move on.... There's many stories to tell!  I just need to focus on the one per month... that other two I was writing on top of my usual 'distractions' (not a bad thing) is probably stretching my limited attention span... lol.

Tymber wrote:

TrollHammer wrote:

We were going to do a collabo a few years ago but I flaked out on you, and I apologize, Id love to work on a project with you, as I highly respect your imagination and ability to create. I like your Neverending Nights series (though I still havent gotten through it all) and have some ideas to toss around with you when you have time and inclination, Id like to try again doing a collab sometime (I need to work on my team skills anyway, Ive always been a loner). Also I suck at dialog, so it might be a better match than not. PM me if you like.{/quote]
I think we both flaked at the same time. We both vanished from the forums for awhile around the same time. Life gets in the way of having fun - so there's no blame.

I actually have a couple things I'd like to run passed you, but I also know life's busy, especially these days. Just let me know what you want to work on when and we can see where it goes. I don't want anyone to get burned out again.

Tymber wrote:

TrollHammer wrote:

She ismt going to let anyone hold her back though, but she isnt going to let the elves of blue mountain know what she is capable of... Just as one wolf would not draw attention to its strength of the pack if found out, she isnt going to let on that she is more than the wide eyed uninitiated. At least for now.

Got it! Yeah - it's mostly I don't remember much anymore.

Lol, I totally get that. I'm having to reread a certain series that has meant a lot to me for a long time because I seem to have forgotten certain key details... Also have been taking a page from your cheat sheet and snip a piece of the last month's story, partially to help the reader,but mostly to remind myself where the heck I left things.

Well, hopefully we will see some other contributions, though one I'm sure will be understandably late this month, I'm guessing.

TrollHammer wrote:

I actually have a couple things I'd like to run passed you, but I also know life's busy, especially these days. Just let me know what you want to work on when and we can see where it goes. I don't want anyone to get burned out again.

Well, I only have a few more episodes of Neverending Nights to do. But I think when I finish, I want to do something.

But I have several D&D games I run, where I make up the entire campaigns rather than use pregenerated ones. So I am always trying to do something creative.

So we can shoot for something. Even if it's like the monthly grab bags. We could come up with a tribe, or a one or two characters, out there, traveling.