Redlance: A Treeshaper, nothing more and nothing less

Time now for the next chapter in the story about our Treeshaper, the treeshaper tells his tale of fighting the the Scarred One...




Again, the treeshaper didn’t answer the question, kept silent as he stared into the deep dark pools of his tanner’s eyes. She didn’t break from the connection between them either, she didn’t dare he could tell, but Pike had no qualms speaking up for his brother in all but blood.

“Yes, he meant Crescent, but he also meant you Newstar and he meant Suntop and Ember too.”

“Me?” Suntop asked.

Still Redlance kept quiet, a small smile on his face as Moonshade looked deep into his eyes. Both refusing to break this link. Out among the tribe they waited for a response to the magic user’s question and Pike replied to it as well. “Yes you Suntop, your still a young one. Your father barely made it through you being taken by Rayek in the Palace, but what if it was your father who he took and your mother was the one left behind, losing you and your Sire?”

“It would have crushed me.” Leetah whispered as a shiver ran down her back. She had imagined more than once of the roles reversing like Pike suggested and each time her heart broke. From her side Cutter leaned in and hugged her as Redlance squeezed her hand giving the healer reassurance and love, but never looking away from Moonshade.

A somberness swept through the tribe and Pike could see it, so he set about fixing it. “Do you know why Redlance always stays back and protects the cubs Suntop? Dart?”

“Because he always does, father knows that his duty.” Ember answered.

“And where did Cutter learn that?” Pike asked quickly.

“He’s been the cubs protector since before I took my top-knot. He looked after me and Nightfall and Skywise, all the cubs. He did it without asking, Bearclaw would always give him the task and I just continued doing it. Your saying there is another reason?” Cutter asked back.

The spear bearer was about to tell the why of his questions, the more important part of all this, but it was the tanner who broke in. “You asked Bearclaw for the duty of staying in with cubs?”

Moonshade had inched in closer to her treeshaper breaking the eye to eye contact for a mere moment, but the bonding was still there and he hesitated to utter a sound. It was the oldest among them speaking up this time.

“After Crescent was taken from us, when Joyleaf and all the elders were trying to keep Bearclaw from attacking the humans, I found Pike and Redlance sneaking out from Father Tree one night. I knew where they were going so I followed after them and caught up to them both.” Treestump stated.

“You went to the humans camp?” Cutter asked looking to his treeshaper.

“Yes,” the treeshaper answered finally turning to look at his chief, “I told Treestump I had to see the ones who took so much from us, from Moonshade and Strongbow. At first he looked like he was going to say no, then he said he was going along to see as well.”

“Lifemate!” Clearbrook gasped.

“He said he was going to keep us from attacking the humans, but we knew better my brother and I. I think somewhere deep inside his head, Fur Chin was just as curious as us.” Pike said with a weak chuckle.

“I was, and when we got there and saw what the humans were doing, I felt sick. Then Redlance whispered ‘never again’ and turned to go. We left and never looked back.” Treestump added low, feeling a hand touch his shoulder. He looked over to see Clearbrook moving up next to him, putting her arm around him and hugging him hard.

The treeshaper sighed and turned back to Moonshade. “I watched you and Strongbow slip off into the woods to cry for how many nights, to go and fight the dark of sadness and pain alone, and the humans were dancing happily around a fire. They took so much from you both, from the tribe, and here the humans were dancing. I decided at that moment I’d never let you or any mother lose another cub. I went back to Bearclaw and told him I would be his guard for the cubs staying behind when needed. I would make sure the little ones were always safe. He looked at me hard, told me if that’s what I wanted then he’d let me do the task, but some might look down on me for doing it. I told him I didn’t care, he only nodded, and then walked away before laughing at all three of us.”

“Laughing?” Leetah asked with a bit of anger just as Treestump broke out in his laughter followed by Pike and then the treeshaper. The somberness which held the tribe it a tight grip suddenly broke as they all looked to each other in complete confusion.

“I forgot all about what happened when we got back.” Treestump breathed finally before laughing again.

“What is so funny lifemate? Is this another tease?” Krim asked Pike, who only shook his head and pointed to Treestump. Fur Chin though only shook his head and got enough control to point to the treeshaper.

“Oh, leave me with telling this part of the story you two.” Redlance laughed while holding his aching side. He felt his huntress arms hug him tighter while she whispered in his ear.

“Do not make us beg for what you three find so funny please.”

Redlance nodded getting control back, “Treestump said we had to come up with a story for why we were away from Father Tree, a good story that would keep us out of trouble.”

“And who tells the best stories to get themselves out of trouble?” Treestump asked mockingly while extending an open palm to Pike.

“Me,” the spear bearer proudly said with a smile, “and I thought we could tell Bearclaw we went fishing because all three us were hungry. Only, Treestump brought up the point that old Bearclaw would want proof we went fishing, which meant-”

“We had to have a fish,” the treeshaper took over looking at Leetah and Cutter then to Moonshade and Strongbow, “so we went fishing. You know that scar on my side, the one you all keep asking me about?”

“The Great Mouth? This was the fish that gave you the scar?” Nightfall gasped.

The treeshaper just nodded as Pike continued on. “It was the biggest fish I have ever seen, I didn’t know they could that big.”

“Well some do, and this one was huge.” Redlance stated with a chuckle.

“It was so big when we caught it the fish drug all three of us to the bottom of the stream, scraping us over sunken trees and rocks and everything in its way.” Treestump explained while looking with a far away expression, like he was seeing that niht again right in front of his eyes.

“We barely got back to the bank and when we did there we stood, cut up and wet and no fish.” The treeshaper chuckled.

“And because of these two, when we told that old badger we were fishing he didn’t believe a single word and I have been looked on as a troublemaker like them ever after.” Treestump laughed.

Dewshine shook her head smiling happily, “oh father please, your the most honorable elf among us!”

“Well thank you my sweet cub!” The elder exclaimed just as Pike looked to her with an evil smile.

“Oh Dewshine, the stories I need to tell you about your father.”

“Hey, no telling stories about me, especially the true ones.” Treestump countered quickly with a raised finger.

The tribe was lost now to the mirth of the three elves, all laughing and forgetting about what brought them to this point at the end of the night. It was only when the treeshaper yawned and turned to his healer with a sigh. “Where is the brew for me and Newstar and Dart? I want to drink it and then head up to the den.”

‘Yes, its time to hide my tribe. Pick your dens and move in.” Cutter ordered as Leetah handed the special bowl of brew to her treeshaper.

He took the bowl and started to drink, or it looked that way, but at the last moment he stopped and sniffed the contents twice before looking to the healer. “How much blue leaf did you put in here?”

“Enough to make sure you sleep, now drink it please.” Nightfall answered.

Redlance just smiled and sipped the brew knowing it was futile to fight and he was too tired to, so after a drink he handed the bowl to Strongbow who then handed it to Dart, who hesitated to take and drink from it.

“How long are we going to sleep?”

“If you two are as tired as I am then then just all day.” Redlance answered getting his legs under him, moving to stand up. The other bowls were quickly being passed around and the elves were drinking then standing up as well.

“Just the one day?” Newstar asked taking the bowl from her lovemate before he had sipped. She was tired just like the treeshaper and fighting to keep from taking the brew was just keeping her away from her furs.

Yes cub, just one day. We’re not trying to make you sleep forever like wrapstuff. Strongbow sent with a chuckle.

“I can do that,” was all the weaver said before drinking the brew and then handing it to Dart. He took it and drank the rest, handing the empty bowl back to his father.

The treeshaper took the help of his chief to get to standing before turning to his huntress and stating with a sigh, “I want berries.”

“Berries?” Nightfall smiled while Leetah giggled a little at the remark as well.

“A whole bowl full, go up to the den and I’ll be right behind.”

“No,” the huntress said standing firm with her lifemate shaking her head and smiling, “I’ll go with you and we can get the berries faster.”

“Yes, get the berries and come back to the den as fast as you both can.” Leetah smiled leaning in and kissing her treeshaper lovingly. She watched both head off to get the berries, and then the huntress gave a small signal to her healer behind Redlance’s back. The healer knew immediately what to do and turned to her tanner with a wide smile.

“Quick, we need to get all your things out of your old den and moved into ours.”

“Do you think we should?” Moonshade asked before realizing what she was saying. Her handsome chief leaned over and expressed what she was thinking.

“It will be a great surprise for him, something he has waited for as we all have, and it seems we have need of your old den for Behitha and Ayashe anyway.”

The tanner nodded quickly with a broad smile now on her face. She turned to her soulmate who only nodded back before she turned back to her healer, taking Leetah’s hand in hers. “Come, we can get everything I think with one trip.”

The pair took off in a run followed by Strongbow who was chuckling as he trailed, which made the wolf chief do the same until he saw Dart and Newstar slowly climbing up the side of Father Tree to their den on unsteady legs. He tried not to laugh but failed while calling out. “Suntop, keep an eye on Dart and Newstar, make sure they get home.”

Cutter wondered if they had used too much of the blue leaf as the archer and his lovemate looked ready to fall asleep on their feet. He watched as his tribe, now all as one as it should be, went up to their new dens using the long snaking path on the side of Father Tree, walkways that used to be small oaks till the treeshaper grew Father Tree and pulled those smaller trees into the bole of the Grand Old Oak melding all three into one. He looked over his shoulder to see where Nightfall and Redlance were when he spotted them and a jovial send from his huntress touched his mind.

I need your help my love, he’s about to go to asleep on us.

His treeshaper looked just as unsteady as the archer and weaver were, maybe more, as the pair walked up. Nightfall propped up her lifemate with one arm as he shambled along chewing on a berry, eyes almost closed, and the other holding a full bowl of berries. Cutter laughed even more and reached out pulling the treeshaper next to him giving his huntress a chance to get steady herself.

“You used too much blue leaf,” Redlance pointed out with a slight slur, still chewing the berry.

The wolf chief pulled his treeshaper’s arm over his shoulder while putting his arm around Redlance’s waist. “We used just what we thought was right so hold on till we get up to the den.”

“I’m not going to make it, there’s a nice bush over there who will keep me warm while I nap.” The treeshaper said while reaching blindly for another berry, and if not for Nightfall moving the bowl out of his reach Redlance might have spilled everyone of the pomes on the ground.

Cutter laughed even more as he pulled and Nightfall guided their love to the path to climb up. “We are not leaving you behind to sleep under a bush.” The huntress giggled as her lifemate leaned in on his chief.

“It looks like it could keep me warm.” The treeshaper responded finally swallowing the berry he had been shewing on.

Are you coming up?”

The sweet touch of their healer’s emotion across the family’s lock-send made the trio move a little faster. We are, but our beloved treeshaper is slipping into sleep and now wants to nap under a bush. I think we used too much blue leaf. Cutter answered for them as they passed Dart and Newstar’s den. Suntop was slipping out when he saw the trio and laughed.

No, no, get him up here so we can all be together again! Leetah exclaimed happily, her emotion flowing across the lock-send.

“How are Dart and Newstar?” Cutter asked his cub with a large smile.

[i[We are trying, but he says the bush will keep him warm.[/i] Nightfall laughed again while pushing her lifemate from behind.

It will, it promised. Redlance added while dragging his feet now.

“Snoring loudly in each other’s arms. They might not wake up for two days. You may have used too much blue leaf.” Suntop chuckled making room for his father and Redlance to pass by.

We will keep you warm my love, all of your family, so no sleeping under a bush this day. Leetah sent with her love trying to entice her treeshaper to keep moving.

The trio did just that, moving up till finally the small group made it to the den hole where Strongbow stood waiting, taking Redlance’s arm to help him as the treeshaper smiled more with half shut eyes. Good morn my archer, I brought some berries to eat.

I think we can save the berries till night when it gets here, but thank you for thinking of us as you always do my treeshaper. Strongbow laughed as he watched Redlance slide into the den through the bole hole.
 
Leetah and Moonshade waited patiently and a little eagerly as Redlance slid into the den, the healer catching him as plopped in, pulling him to her, his back to her chest. “Careful my love!” she laughed reveling in the feel of him as the rest of her family slid into the den. Even little Chitter popped in taking a seat in Cutter’s lap before looking up and seeing a strange net of vines hanging down from the ceiling.

“What-is-that?” She asked in a blurt of words as she always did.

“Its for you, to sleep in when you stay with us. I think I got your size right.” The sleepy treeshaper said trying not to, but unable not to, lean against Leetah more.

We are all home the tanner thought with a little worry, a hint of uncertainty for the upcoming moments as Chitter squealed with delight climbing quickly into the web hammock. She helped her treeshaper sit up a little and rubbed his side as he got somewhat settled. He sighed fighting the sleep that was trying to overcome him, pushing it back to stay awake just a little longer with his precious family, and as he did the treeshaper caught sight of the pile of things behind his tanner and archer.

Their things, from their den, and with seeing the small pile all he could do was sigh as it became apparent what was happening. “I think you’ve come to a decision, haven’t you?”

“Yes,” the tanner stated inching up to her treeshaper as she spoke, “we want to come and live here in this den, to be a part of this family. These last two seasons being away, missing you and Father Tree, it told us where we should be, where our hearts wish to be. Please let us come and stay here with all of you.”

Like our chief and our healer and even our huntress, being here with our family makes us feel right and complete. If you will let us stay, we will grow stronger as one heart and soul.

Redlance reached up and caressed the tanner’s cheek with his palm, a little shaky till the tanner leaned into the touch, as he spoke. “I would never deny you my heart or my furs my shy ones, never, so come and stay with this family in our den for as long as you want and need.”

Even knowing he would never turn them away, even knowing this family had let this mated pair come to them ever so carefully so as not to scare them, Moonshade still felt a sweet sensation of relief as the words graced her pointed ears. Her heart skipped as she couldn’t hold back leaning in and kissing her treeshaper sweetly and then whispering. “thank you, so much.”

A small tear ran down Leetah’s cheek as she watched, listened, and felt her soul glow. They were finally together, a true family of souls living as one. She watched with love as her treeshaper reached up and rubbed his archer’s neck, but the arm wasn’t as solid as it should have been. The appendage went a little slack and she knew Redlance was so close to giving in and falling asleep, and yet he still held out as Strongbow felt the same with the hand and took it while sending. Sleep now my treeshaper, the cubs are safe so it is time for us all to rest. Sleep and let us hold you while you do.

“Yes my love, sleep now-” The healer began whispering in her treeshaper's ear.

“I can’t stay awake-”

“Then sleep, rest, and we will be here when you wake.”

And with the healer’s request, Redlance let his body and his mind simply fall into the void that was sleep. As he went limp in her arms Leetah hugged him before looking up to Moonshade and the others while whispering low. “He’s sleeping finally, help me get him of of his leathers and in the furs.”

“Is-tree-growing-father-ok?” Chitter asked with worry.

“He’s fine,” Cutter answered as he helped to get Redlance rolled onto his back in the furs, “but he needs to rest little one so he might not be up to playing much when night comes.”

“Ok,” Chitter whispered from her hammock watching her family take care of the treeshaper, removing his leathers with gentle care.

Nightfall took her lifemate’s leathers and piled them off to the side as the wonderful sound of his wheeze rolled across the den. It was the sound they all wanted to hear, needed to hear, as wide smiles of contentment showed on the family’s faces. Oh how I have missed that, his little wheeze.

It will put me right to sleep, Cutter remarked before nodding to the pile in the corner of the den, can that wait till the night? I think we all need sleep before putting everything in its place.

Yes, it can wait, I just want to sleep with my family now. Moonshade sent with warm emotion.

And with that the family settled in, taking off leathers and then sliding under the furs on the pile. They took up spots opposite each other so three lay in one direction and the other three lay the other. All was right, they were home and together as a whole family. Leetah lay between her tanner and archer, her arms wrapped around both it felt like as her soulmate rubbed her calf from where he was.

The day star began its long trek across the sky as the family slept happily.

Time now for the next chapter in the story about our Treeshaper, the treeshaper tells his tale of fighting the the Scarred One...



“You could have killed him Esmelda!”

Udros stood back silently for a moment and watched what one might call his brother confront angrily what one might his sister, that was if his kind could have such a thing. In truth, the last three of the ‘Old Gods’ were clueless of where they came from or even if they had what one would call a ‘Father’. They just simply existed, it was all they knew or remembered, but that was coming to an end wasn’t it he thought. Esmelda of the Sky said nothing in return to Atok of the Green Forests attack, just stood there among the small vortexes that circled her body staring coldly back. It was her way, to not care, and if one does not care then one has no need to fight or defend one’s self, right?

Well, Udros was not Esmelda, and he felt the need to defend her and him.

“She did not kill him Atok, only helped him as you asked. The red hair spirit is home, alive, be happy with it, with her for not being Esmelda for once.”

“And you Udros, you could have hurt the young archer with your actions!”

“I did not hurt the Little Spirit Atok, and you acting foolish.” Udros countered with a shake of his head and a stern look. It was enough to make Atok hiss and snarl just a bit in response.

Another moment, maybe not even that, and the two Old Gods might have gone to throwing blows just like true siblings even if they were unsure if they were brothers. Then a flat monotone voice broke through the tension between the two, the sheer surprise of hearing the words from the only other being in the clearing shocking the other two.

It was truly rare to hear Esmelda speak.

“I know why now you are so involved with these Little Spirits, Atok.”

The rather trite statement, spoken in such bland tone, stopped both Udros and Atok cold, both turning to look the one who spoke it. Atok titled his head to one side and had to inquire to the meaning of the words. “And what do you know now dear Esmelda.”

“They are small these Little Spirits, so much so one could easily think of them as weak, and yet they are quite the opposite these little ones. They have a fierce heart these Little Spirits, especially the one with the red hair. What makes them this way Atok, do you know?”

“I do not Esmelda, and I have lost the want to know. They have won my admiration for overcoming any adversity that has tried to overtake the.”  

“The red hair, he was never scared from what I could see when running from the humans who chased him. He only thought of this tribe he is a part of, this family he lives with, and I am sure if he had to give his life for any of them to live the choice would have been quick and decisive.”

Atok only smiled, which looked just a touch gruesome for the old. “He is loyal to this tribe of Little Spirits, more than I have ever seen. That is why I watch them, all, because there is nothing and no one like them I have found or come across.”

“No, there is not, maybe I will come and watch them some as well. Till we talk again Atok, if we are given more days here.” Esmelda answered with a simple nod before disappearing.

Udros and Atok stood for a moment staring at the spot where their kin had stood and then turned to each other. Udros spoke, a smile crossing his sharp features. “That is the most I have heard her speak ever.”

“It is,” Atok sighed before continuing on, “thank you Udros for helping the young archer. If the humans had caught him or followed him back here I do not know what might have come of them, these Little Spirits.”

The statement took on the tone of an apology more than gratitude and Udros could sense it, which is why he only smiled more while replying. “They are special these little ones, which is why I might come and watch them more as well. Till we talk again Atok of the Green Forest.”

And then Udros was gone as well leaving Atok by himself, the ‘family’ gathering ended with simple goodbye. There was no hugging, no tears, and certainly no sentimentality. Yet, it was as close to a loving parting that Atok could remember and he took that as a sign that maybe Esmelda and Udros were beginning to be more open. He took one last look back at Father Tree, knew the Little Spirits had taken to their homes in the bole holes and were safe now.

And then Atok was gone and the sounds of the forest was all that was left to hear.        


A small nudge brought Leetah out of a deep sleep, and for a brief moment she was lost in bit of confusion from being woke. She blinked her large beautiful eyes to halfway open and caught a glimpse of her archer sitting up and hugging their treeshaper. What was happening, or why, didn’t and couldn’t penetrate the left behind fog of sleep in Leetah’s mind, so she sat up just enough to watch the pair a little closer. Strongbow broke the embrace with Redlance, touching his forehead to his treeshaper's, before sliding away And over to lay with Nightfall and Cutter. The healer blinked again as her treeshaper grinned and slid up next to her while touching her mind with a gentle loving send.

Why is my desert flower awake?

What are you two doing, and why are you up? She answered him while watching Redlance move into Strongbow’s old spot next to her.

I wanted to change spots, sleep next to my maidens who I have missed so much. May I hold you and our shy one my love? The treeshaper asked sweetly, his send filled with affection and devotion.

Yes, please, I have missed that the most. Moonshade replied quickly. She was smiting warmly as her treeshaper slid into the furs next to her on his back.

Leetah moved over, guided by a hand from Redlance, to lay on his chest letting their tanner take the spot in the crook of his arm which he hugged her with.

The healer thought for a brief moment of not laying on her treeshaper’s chest, his side was still sore, but then she gently moved in and settled down putting her ear to his upper chest. The lovely sound of his heartbeat was as welcomed as breathing, and the healer sighed with affirmation of being more than content. She reached over and wrapped her arm around Moonshade pulling her tanner closer, if that was possible as she was already cuddled up on Redlance feeling warmer than she had in a long time. They held each other these three as they all fell back asleep, and across the full den three other sets of eyes watched with devoted hearts and moist eyes before also turning back to sleep.

Time now for the next chapter in the story about our Treeshaper, the family's first night home..



The sound of someone moving in the den along with the feel of the furs moving woke Redlance from his sleep, still lying on his back where he had slipped back into the welcomed dark of slumber. His eyes opened to find the den cast in candle light, realizing the sun was down below the trees now and day long since passed.

“How long have you let me sleep?” He asked aloud to his family while sitting up, putting his back to the den wall.

His precious family had woken earlier and were preparing for the night, dressing in their leathers and getting on their boots. Nightfall slid in close, up against him actually, and smiled lovingly as she reached out and ran her palms over his neck.

“Long enough for the sickness to run and hide, but not long enough for you to be up and about working tirelessly in your Holt.”

Rain might be coming so there won’t be much of a night to run around in I think. Strongbow sent to his family from where he sat by the entrance to the Den with Chitter in his lap. Both were looking out on the Holt waiting patiently for their family to dress.

The treeshaper laughed and nodded while pulling a handful of sweet berries from the bowl he brought up the night before but couldn’t remember doing so. “There is little I have planned this night. I think I’ll stay in close and check on the grove.”

“That sounds good, stay close so after we hunt and eat our family can spend what night we have together.” Cutter remarked while taking a sweet berry from Redlance’s hand while reaching down and rubbing his treeshaper’s thigh warmly.

The loving touch of the wolf chief wasn’t missed by Redlance, the separation of more than two turns of the season leading to a need to share that flowed across the family’s lock send like a wave from the treeshaper, a gentle but swift rise in want and desire. It was impossible not to respond in kind because the other five souls wanted nothing more than to fly once again in a loving joining. Yet, it seemed, all but the treeshaper knew that the time was not this night but soon as the healer slid in close to her love and spoke low. “No my love, not tonight, we are all still tired and weary from our travels, and you need another night to gather your strength from what you endured.”

“Yes,” the tanner added while sliding closer, “one more night of rest and then we can share and be one soul like never before.”

“I know, and if I have to wait for a turn of the moon I will do that.”

We’re not going to wait that long, are we? The enigmatic archer asked causing his family to chuckle and smile. The levity helped sooth the want they all felt while also noting it would linger and grow till properly fed with a long sharing.

They finished getting ready the family did, Redlance getting his old worn leathers back on, before they all headed down to the ground. Cutter called the tribe together and told them of the night’s plan to hunt in two groups, a mix of the old with the new, the ones who knew the Holt and the ones needing to learn its trails or remember what was lost to time. It was a good plan and the hunters were split evenly between the groups quickly. Then just before Cutter set off with Nightfall in his group and Strongbow in the other, the family hugged again. Even though they knew they would be close and coming back together after the hunt, the family still hesitated to part.  The sting of being apart for so long still fresh in the hearts and minds.

Yet duty called, as it always does, and the hunting party departed heading to the spots the tribe would hunt for their meal this night. Redlance gave a squeeze to each hand of the ones who would hunt conveying his love for them, then to his tanner and healer he did the same before they walked away to look over the stockpile of leathers and furs getting ready to make the clothes the tribe would need for the Death Season. He slipped off to do some work, noting Suntop and Ayashe followed him to the grove, probably to see what he was up to there. All was right finally it felt as he hummed a little tune while walking.

Leetah and Moonshade tuned their attention to their work and walked over to the tanning rack and sewing stand where Newstar was already looking at several stacks of hides. All were tanned and just waiting to be mated with furs to make leathers for the Death Season, and both lifebearers were shocked at how many hides prepped and ready there were.

“You have been hard at work Newstar!” The healer remarked hugging the weaver warmly.

“I just kept myself busy, learning and trying new things.” She answered turning to Moonshade and hugging her as well.

“I think you know tanning and sewing well enough my friend. You did so much!” The tanner chuckled hugging her weaver back just as warmly.

“Add these leathers to the ones we have from the journey home and our task is half done” Leetah commented with a nod and a smile.

“That it is, so let’s lay out what we have and plan on whats’ next.” Moonshade smiled and the trio went to work organizing their horde of leathers and furs and hides.

Soon the hunting parties returned with the meat for the meal and the tribe came back together to eat and talk. As he emerged from the Grove, Redlance saw Behitha standing by Clearbrook and Treestump talking before she noted his presence and nodded to him. The treeshaper only nodded back, thinking the new arrival looked very happy in her new home with new friends. It made him happy as well, and Redlance found his step was a little lighter as he approached his family who were setting aside strips of meat from a tusk hog Cutter’s group had taken. A small cook fire was lit and some of the strips were being grilled for the healer as well as strips of meat from a small buck Strongbow’s group felled. The treeshaper noted Ayashe and Behitha ate the cooked meat as did the others who were not wolf riders.

With the meal done, bellies full, all that was left was to clean up, which was done swiftly by everyone ensuring there was plenty of night left for exploring. The small threat of rain had passed without a drop of water and now the stars above were out in a bright show in the sky. Cutter let the tribe go to do as they wanted with two rules, one was everyone was to be back at Father Tree before the rise of the Day Star to ensure everyone was safely home, and two was no one was to go and try to enter the Troll caves. This was two fold for Treestump and Pike, who both stated with a little bit of hurt they had no intention of trying to get into the caves.

Cutter only nodded with a smirk saying he knew both too well which is why the second rule was made just for them.

Then everyone went out to explore and see the Holt, their new home. The archer watched with a smile feeling very content to be home as well, just not enough to want to explore. He walked over to the tanning racks knowing his lifemate and healer were there working, and silently sat down leaning back against one of Father Tree’s enormous roots. From here he could watch his loves and look out at the clearing keeping a watch for anyone, keeping close as the family had agreed to before leaving their den.

‘Their Den’, it had a such sweet ring he thought as his heart swelled just a bit. He was truly ‘home’ Strongbow thought as out of the corner of his eye he saw two more walking up. His handsome chief and loving huntress came up, and without a word, both laid down side-by-side putting their heads in his lap, resting weary bodies. He smiled even wider, happier than he could put into words, and reached down rubbing his chief’s chest with small strokes. The trio lay there forgetting everything else, the word around them fading to just them, when they were joined by their treeshaper who seemed to appear out of the night suddenly. He smiled down at his archer sending his love to all three before taking a seat and putting his head in Nightfall's lap She sighed with bliss, a peace rolling through her soul which she let flow across the family’s lock-send as she reached and put her arm across him holding her love closer. The group lay in silence not moving a muscle except to secure a small touch from one another till the healer and Tanner finished up their work for the night. Both came over and again, without a word, took up spots with their family. Moonshade sat and curled up in the crook of her lifemate’s arm while Leetah lay down by Redlance and did the same resting her cheek on his shoulder and pressing her body into his. The treeshaper smiled and took her hand in his, pulling it up and across his chest. And this way they lay, this family, enjoying each other’s presence till the others in the tribe began to show up signaling the pending arrival of dawn.

Following their chief’s orders, the members of the tribe slowly gathered by Father Tree and readied to head up into their dens to rest out the day. In small groups they stood talking about the this night and the ones to come, then just before the rise of the sun, Nightfall felt her lifemate stir as did Leetah, his sudden movement in sitting up and looking out to edge of the clearing. Both lifebearers looked to each other puzzled by his abrupt change, as did Cutter and Strongbow and Moonshade.

“What is it beloved?” The huntress asked with a slight worry.

“Don’t be scared, he’s an old friend.”

The response was completely out of place and did not go unnoticed by his family, and yet Redlance did not stop looking to the one spot at edge of the clearing. His eyes were locked to that point and with a lost expression Leetah turned her attention to it, a set of large brown bushes. What are you seeing my love the healer was ready to ask when the bushes shook stopping her question. Cutter shifted behind her as did Strongbow, both moving to get a better look at the spot, and almost in response the bushes parted drawing a gasp from the healer.

A large brown wolf stepped out of where it hid, moving slow but not with caution, The beast strangely  looked quite accustomed to the elves, the large group seemed to draw no concern from the wolf. He moved with a strong confidence Nightfall thought as she rose to a standing position with her treeshaper and the rest of the family. From the side, stepping out of the gathered tribe who now watched in shock with the family as the wolf moved in a straight line toward Redlance.

“It’s Big Brown,” Dart whispered looking to Newstar before turning back to watch the wolf.

“The wolf that saved you, it’s him, but how?” The weaver asked with a bit of awe.

“Beloved?” Nightfall whispered in concern as the rather large wolf approached her lifemate who made no movement to protect himself.

“It’s fine,” the treeshaper answered as he stared at the wolf when it stopped by him,”what are you carrying Brown?”

The wolf lowered its head and a clang rang out as it dropped what it was carrying in its mouth. The treeshaper leaned over slightly to see what the object was, and when Redlance saw it he let out a long exhale. “Where did you find this?”

Cutter stepped up carefully as Redlance bent over to pick up the object, the wolf chief’s eyes never leaving the wolf. “I take it you know him.”

“He saved my life,” Dart answered walking up slowly so as not to scare the large wolf before seeing what Redlance was picking up off the ground, “is that the-?”

“The old man’s knife,” the treeshaper finished standing back up holding the large sheathed blade in his hand. “Where did you find this my friend?”

Brown answered with a small whine and pushed his head into Redlance’s chest wanting an ear rub, not caring for anything else, even ignoring the gathering elves around him. The treeshaper obliged happily, handing the knife to Cutter who took it carefully looking the blade over. He pulled it free of the sheath with a hiss drawing a small ‘ooo’ from some in the tribe.  Treestump moved over to get a closer look as did Strongbow while Nightfall and Moonshade helped scratch the wolf’s head.

“No, did the wolf just bring you back your sword?” Ayashe whispered low in awe, or maybe shock, but probably a mix of both.

“Yes, he did, but I don’t need it so why bring it back to me?” The treeshaper responded.

“How did he find it bothers me more.” Dart whispered while absently scratching Brown’s neck. The wolf barely moved, savoring all the scratching while resting tired feet.

Cutter held the sword up while speaking, examining it closely. “It’s made of different metal than New Moon, feels heavier. What do you think Fur Chin?”

Treestump stepped up, took the sword from his chief, and began to look it over, running his fingers along the blade.  Clearbrook and Behitha moved in close as well, all three sets of eyes scanning and scrutinizing the blade. Redlance and the others waited in silence while scratching Brown’s ears till the elder looked up.

“Its not bright metal like you said, never seen it before, but the sword’s balanced.”

“If we try and heat the blade it might give up its secrets?” Clearbrook stated looking from her lifemate to Behitha.

“Or sharpen it?” She responded to the matriarch who nodded with a wide smile.

The elder handed the sword back to Cutter who took it and stared at it some more before noting the Day Star’s appearance. “It’s time to hide my tribe, the morning has finally come.”

He handed the sword back to his treeshaper, who took it with a lost look before speaking. “Why are you giving it back to me?”

“It’s your sword.”

“I don’t need it,” the treeshaper answered before his lifemate laughed and smiled.

“It was given to you so yours it stays beloved.”

The treeshaper began to shake his head as everyone else laughed and began the process of heading up to their dens in Father Tree, all deciding the sword was his even though he was not ready to give up the discussion. “No wait, I didn’t choose to take the sword, no one else wanted it so I had to take it!”

Leetah laughed as well and rubbed his shoulder, “we know my love, but we’re tired and our furs call us so let’s just decide on what to do with it tonight. Come up and hold us?”

“I need to show Brown where he can sleep, let me do that and I will be up.”

“Oh, is he staying?” Moonshade asked walking next t Cutter.

Redlance bit his lip for a moment and turned to Brown, “are you staying?”

The wolf whined and nodded its tired head rubbing up against him, so the treeshaper sighed and smiled. “Good, being alone is not the best for us Brown. Come, I’ll show you to a den you can rest at and then tonight we can talk some more about this sword or knife or whatever.”

Another small whine came from Brown and the treeshaper gave one last scratch to his ears before leading the large wolf over to where the pack lived. The other wolves were already in their dens and watched carefully as the pair came to a stop in the center of the small clearing. A couple of fallen trees and a mix of broken branches and bushes made more than enough holes for the pack to use as dens and homes. Most were taken, heads and upper bodies protruding from the dark entrances, but two or three were empty and the treeshaper pointed those out to Brown.    

“I think one of these will work, at least you’ll be out of the light and can get some sleep, eh?” Redlance asked, turning to to the wolf.

Only Brown had already decided he was tired enough that it didn’t make much difference which den he slept in. He just wearily walked over and slipped into the closest one, disappearing for a moment before re-appearing at the mouth of the opening. It was under the trunk of one of the fallen trees and would be cool during the day Redlance thought as he watched Brown lay down taking a deep breath as he did.

How did you find me I wonder my friend? Why did you bring me this sword, or better yet, how did you find it?

All questions for another night the treeshaper thought as Brown went to sleep with one last long exhale. Time to do the same Redlance thought and he turned and walked back to Father Tree heading up to his den, just as tired as Brown it felt like. He made the entrance to the den and slipped in to find his family already getting in the furs, so he put the sword up against the wall next to New Moon and the bows Nightfall and Strongbow carried. He took off his leathers and put them in a pile before getting under the furs and taking up a spot. This day they would sleep in one long line, each body laying up against the other with no space in between, a cramped but loving mass. Moonshade slowly climbed on him putting her head on his chest by his neck as Leetah pulled a fur over them, tucking the pair in. He hugged his tanner, who sighed happily, then rubbed his healer’s leg and his huntress too. Cutter’s hand wrapped around his neck with affection while Strongbow reached over putting his hand on his treeshaper’s side.

The family fell asleep shortly after getting set, the sun crossed the sky, and all was back to normal for these hearty elves of the woods.

All was as it should be.

Time now for the next chapter in the story about our Treeshaper, the family's first night home...



“Oh, I see now, I’ll never fit down that.”

Treestump’s admission, or concession depending on how you looked at it, made everyone laugh just a little. For the last five nights he had asked twice or thrice a night when they were going to get into the Troll caves again. In the beginning it had been subtle, just a quick question here or there, ‘Hey, if no one is doing anything maybe we could try and get back into the Troll caves tonight, huh?’. The first two nights of this were bearable, tolerable, and then the third night it became a little annoying. By the fifth, everyone groaned at even the mention of the Troll caves, loudly, and on the last inference Treestump made about the caves Cutter snapped.

“Alright, that’s it, if I say we can go back in the night after this one, will that stop you asking if we can try and get back in?”

The sudden response, and slight touch of anger, was enough to make Treestump step back in surprise. He grinned just a little then after a moment and spoke. “That would about do it, so then after the meal we’ll find a way back in.”

“I know the way in already,” the treeshaper remarked pointing out that obvious fact.

“Of course you do,” Treestump stammered a little, flustered and nodding, “of course, so we’ll just slip back in and open those old caves up. I think that will be fine.”

The others by the tanning rack looked at the Elder with a lost expression, all except Leetah who was slowly recognizing what was happening. “You know you won finally, right? Cutter is letting our treeshaper take you back into the caves.”

Nightfall smiled after another moment of silence, “you don’t know how to act do you?”

“Not at all, never won one of these talks before, so I’ll just go and see you all later.” The elder sighed still lost by Cutter giving in so quick. Treestump was sure he’d have to keep asking for at least a turn of the moon. So he simply turned and looked around still not sure of where he was going.

Yet Treestump finally decided on some destination and headed off to who knows where as the family watched him leave. Cutter looked over to his treeshaper with wide eyes, and he only sighed, “He’s never going to fit down the hole.”. The wolf chief laughed as did the others in the family.

When the moon rose the next night and bathed the Holt in its beauty the family rose and headed out of their den and down to the ground, where Treestump stood waiting. He saw them coming and smiled beginning to talk when Cutter just stopped all that in its tracks. “I’m eating first before we do this.”

The elder only smiled happily on and nodded as everyone walked by, even when Pike looked to his brother in all but blood and stated what the tribe was thinking. “If you don’t get him into those caves tonight I might have to eat my way through that metal door just to make sure he stops asking.”

“I’ll eat a few bites with you,” Suntop added just as everyone chuckled.

After the meal, when the scraps were cleared and the tribe was full, everyone set out for the Troll caves, and as expected Treestump was in front all the way. He only gave up the spot when the reached the caves letting the treeshaper take the spot to guide them to them point where he and Dart got in that night so long ago. It didn’t take long, Redlance remembered where the hole was and how to get there. It was only when the realization of how they were going to get back into the caves did the cautious nature of the tribe come out.

That and how ‘snug’ the hole would be going through it.

“Here we go Fur Chin, just a quick crawl and you’ll be inside the caves.” Redlance pointed out taking off his shirt.  Treestump took one long look at the opening and all the exuberance and excitement just disappeared. Clearbrook and Behitha, both standing on either side of him, stared in concern as the others started in with their thoughts.  

“You have to crawl down that hole?” Ember exclaimed as Teir next to her just shook his head pretty much making clear his intentions on what he was doing. Waiting down by the door would be just fine for him.

“Its not that bad, just a little tight at the end.” The treeshaper stated smiling as he shaped some old broken limbs to use for torches.

Dart laughed and shook his head, “its that bad, I thought I was going to get trapped in that hole.”

“Did you hear what Dart just said? He’s half your size and he almost got stuck!” Clearbrook pointed out with extra verve while Behitha next to him just had to ask a certain question.

“What happens if you get stuck? How do we get you out?”

Cutter sighed low and answered, shaking his head as he did. “I don’t know, you do have a plan if we get stuck, right treeshaper?”

“No,” Redlance stated while growing the vines he used to get in last time back, “Dart and I got through so we won’t need one, unless your as big as Fur Chin there. If he gets stuck we’ll have to figure something out, maybe yank on him a coupe of times from up here or push on him from above and force him through.”

This was the last bit for Clearbrook, who took her lifemate by the arm and whispered while pulling him back from the shaft. “You’re not going to fit down that hole, accept it so we can go wait by the door. With everyone else.”

“I can fit, kind of, if I lie on my side and twist.” Treestump mumbled walking away, then Redlance dropped a small rock down the dark shaft and it took a long moment to hit bottom. There was an audible ‘clack’ as the treeshaper nodded and the rest of the color drained from Treestump’s face.

“Ah, there’s the bottom, now we have to go down head first and when you get to the bottom you have to slide into the side part. Don’t get scared and you’ll be fine, so who’s going?”

No surprise to Redlance, no one took up the offer till his huntress stared to remove her quiver on her hip and the bow on her back. Leetah took both shaking her head, trusting her loves to be safe but not liking this at all. “How far down do we go?” Nightfall asked finishing up.

“Not far, if you use your feet along the walls to balance yourself the drop will be fine.” The treeshaper answered as his chief started to get ready removing his shirt and handing it to Moonshade.

“I can’t let you two go by yourselves, any one else?”

The rest of the tribe was quiet, and for a moment it looked like no one else would be following the trio, till good old Pike stepped up. “I guess I’m going to have to go and keep an eye out for you three.”

“Wait, your going to go?” Krim asked a little shock as her lifemate handed her his tunic. Pike just nodded with a wink before walking over to the hole to get ready. Great, she thought, please don’t let him get stuck High Ones cause I’ll kill him if he does.

Me too, I’ll be the last one in. Strongbow added, taking his things off as Dart smiled.

“Good, everyone head down and wait by the door. If all goes well we should be down there, sometime tonight.” Cutter ordered as Leetah leaned in and kissed all four of her family on the cheek.

“Be careful, please.”

“No kiss for me?” Pike asked and Leetah only smiled as Krim kissed him then whispered.

“Don’t get stuck.”

The spear bearer only nodded slightly as the treeshaper dropped down to his stomach by the hole. He slid out and halfway into the tunnel holding the vine tightly in both hands. Then with a wiggle and a pull Redlance disappeared into the hole, his feet the last thing the four waiting wolfriders watched slip away over the edge. They all stepped up and looked down the shaft and with just a little trepidation saw the last of the treeshaper, the bottom of his feet, slip into the dark and cease to exist. Oh, he was still there, somewhere down there in that tight cramped dark place-

“I’m at the bottom and in the other tunnel. The next one can start down.”

He sounds like he’s so far away Strongbow thought, and yet he was just down that hole, which looks like it never ends. The time for second thoughts had come and gone Pike told himself, and yet watching his brother in all but blood slip out of sight was enough to start him having a few. The joke about having to force someone through the tunnel if they gt stuck, that was more than real now. Yet, before he could ask if this was a good idea, Nightfall followed her lifemate with a quickness, doing the same steps he did, slipping over the edge and into the dark upside down.

She thought if she could just get past the first pat of the drop she’d be fine, no worries, and yet the farther Nightfall went down the shaft the harder it was to breathe. The walls seemed close, which she knew was not the case, the walls were not moving in, or so she had to keep telling herself. It sure felt like the hole was getting tighter with each moment she went deeper, and then her hand touched the bottom and she felt so relieved. The huntress hung there upside down for a moment reaching around till she found the opening for the turn her lifemate said to shimmy into and she did that with a quickness. The faster this crawl was done the faster she could take a deep breath. Nightfall yelled up she was down and someone else could start down, then she began to push with her feet and started sliding through the shaft. The dark now was like a weight on top of her and with each short breath she took that weight got just a little heavier. High Ones just let me get this done the huntress thought, the end has to be near, right? I feel like I’ve been scooting in this tunnel all night she thought just as her top began to rub the stone above her and Nightfall felt a pang of terror hit her mind like a flash of sky fire. The walls were getting closer, tighter, and with each scoot her top rubbed more on the stone above her and the image of getting stuck grew brighter in her mind. Nightfall was barely holding a scream back when her head and shoulders suddenly lost touch with the stone below her and a pair of hands replaced it.

I’ve got you, put your hands here.

Oh thank the High Ones the huntress exclaimed silently as her lifemate guided her hands to a bar and she grabbed it with all her strength. Redlance helped her pull herself out of the small tunnel and then held her, lowering her down to the ground as she let go.

Are you good?

Yes, but I will never do that again, ever, She sent hugging her soul before stepping back as he laughed.

The second time was just as bad as the first. The torches are just at my feet, get one lit. I hear whoever is next coming. The treeshaper stated and it was so dark Nightfall has to feel down his body with her hands to find the ground.

She barely had one torch in hand before Nightfall heard her treeshaper tell whoever followed where to put their hands. The huntress was busy getting the torch lit with a spark just as her chief knelt by her. Are you good my love? she asked just as the old leather on the torch caught fire with a small pop.

Cutter’s face came into view with the harsh yellow light of the fire from the torch as he replied. Yes, but I am not doing that ever again!

Agreed, she laughed holding the torch up so her and her chief could see. Behind them they heard the next to last wolf rider slide out, and then their sharp ears caught just the hint of a word. It was low, to soft to understand, but it was there and it instantly set the elves on edge.  

Did you hear that? Cutter asked with a cautious send.

Barely, it was a human I think, right? Nightfall replied as Pike knelt by them

I don’t know, how are you squirrel cheeks? Cutter sent while staring out into the dark trying to see what made the sound.

Wondering why I agreed to crawl through that tunnel, did someone speak up?

Something did, Nightfall answered as she held her torch still so Cutter could lit the last two handing one to Pike, but what we don’t know. It’s out in the dark somewhere.

The last one through, Strongbow, crept over by the trio and knelt as well.
Where are we? It looks like one of the old rooms where they shaped the bright metal.

It is, not the big one though. I think the way out is over there. Pike smiled pointing over to a pot in the dark as he hopped down out of the of fire pit.

The others, joined now by the treeshaper, all followed stepping down and heading for the spot the spear bearer pointed out, only after a few steps the talking started. It was no longer a single word but a complete string and it was loud enough to hear and know someone was speaking. Redlance froze as did the others and looked around in the dark, his eyes scanning everywhere as he sent, And our friend is back, and still upset it sounds like.

Friend, you know what it is? Strongbow asked.

No, but its going to follow us all the way back to the door.

Why? The huntress sent standing next to him.

I don’t know, but it followed me and Dart last time, so we might as well just keep going. We can follow my tracks from last time, we’ll end up by the door. The treeshaper said letting his archer and huntress take the front spots and lead.

The wolf riders slipped silently through the caves, disturbing nothing but the dust, and all the while the voice kept up with them like Redlance said it would. They made old Greymung’s throne room quicker than last time, but then slowed to a stop. Cutter held his torch high trying to light the room in its entirety, but knowing he couldn’t, it was too big. Still, for reminiscence’s sake, he tried as he could just barely remember it. Those old memories tucked so far back in his mind that it took a massive effort to pull them out tugged at his heart. This was another part of the Holt, just like Father Tree, and if no one was going to take it then he and the wolf riders would. Though what they would do with it still remained a distant decision, what do you do with old abandoned Troll caves?
Didn’t this room glow? Nightfall asked.

It did, but I guess whatever made it glow died out or dried up. Pike answered, the send touched with a little sadness. Guess I’m not the only one missing this old place Cutter thought.

Then the talking turned to crying, sobbing, and the apprehensive feeling all had for the voice started to change, all except Pike. Why is it crying now?

I have an idea, but it might sound like I’ve hit my head. Redlance sent and after a moment of silence he continued on. I think whatever the voice is, its lonely.

“Lonely?” Pike popped up with surprise, speaking with his voice.

“Yes, I think its like our beloved dead, only its been trapped in here for who knows how long all by itself.” Redlance whispered looking around the dark.

The idea doesn’t sound that crazed my treeshaper Strongbow thought, not that crazed at all. He looked around for a moment more then sent to the group. Let’s get tot he door, the others are waiting for us.

“Yes, let’s get to the door so Fur Chin can give us a rest.” Cutter ordered, the last part making the others laugh.

The group quickly headed out following the old tracks of Dart and the treeshaper, making the door in a quick trot. Cutter, Nightfall, and Pike stopped by the large metal portal, while Redlance and Strongbow went to the large metal wheel which one turned and opened the door. The archer and treeshaper began to twist on the wheel, and at first it barely moved but a small tick, but then it started to turn squealing loudly in protest. Cutter and the other pushed against the door to help and after some straining the portal began to open slowly.

“This was easier with Dart for some reason.” Redlance laughed pulling on the wheel.

At the door fingers slipped in between the portal and the frame as a crack stared to form from the portal opening. Someone outside yelled out the door was opening and suddenly more fingers appeared, all pulling as the trio on the other side pushed. The door then began to slide open faster, the weight and rusty hinges no longer able to hold back the will of the wolfriders. Once it was open Treestump rushed in and ran over to the wheel, reaching down and pulling on a lever which then produced an audible clang.

“Wait, what did that do?” Redlance asked looking from the lever to Treestump with disbelief.

“It locks the wheel so the door won’t close.” Fur Chin explained as if everyone knew what the lever was for. Obviously most did not know this.  
       
“Oh, good to know, I guess.” The treeshaper stated as the entrance filled with the wolfriders, all sniffing the air and listening.

“Alright, we’re in, but no one goes in alone and not without telling someone, these caves are confusing and you can get lost.” Cutter ordered stating the new rule for the caves. “If you find anything you alert the elders or Ember or me. And no exploring unless the elders agree to it, there are places and rooms in these caves we have not seen before, understand?”

Everyone agreed, then the wolf chief looked down and noticed what he looked like. Black soot was everywhere and he looked over to see the other four who crawled through the tunnel were just as dirty. “I’m going to go get a bath, try not to get lost the first night in.”

“Wait, has anyone seen Treestump? Puckernuts, has he already headed into the caves?” Clearbrook spat making some laugh.

“Follow our tracks, you’ll find him in the room where the Trolls shaped the bright metal I bet.” Pike offered and all the matriarch replied with in return was a quick nod. She grabbed a torch was ready to head in when her lifemate spoke up from the door.

“You going in tonight?”

Clearbrook shook her head, “I thought you had to get into the caves tonight!”

“Yes, and we got in, so now we can just come and go when we want, maybe tomorrow night we can explore?”

Old fur chin then walked away whistling leaving a stupefied Clearbrook and Behitha to watch him. Leetah turned to her family and whispered, “I’m confused, why is he all calm now?”

“I don’t care,” Nightfall stated looking at her soot covered hands, “I just want to get cleaned up and then maybe find a snake to throw in Treestump’s bole hole.”

“I like that idea,” Moonshade whispered and everyone chuckled, and also made a quick note to never ever cross the tanner. The family made their way to the stream and chose a secluded spot to get out od their leathers and bathe. The treeshaper grew a quick wall of vines to hide them from prying eyes so the family could grow closer amazingly in loving touches and sharing. They flew to new heights, just like the nights before, reveling in being together, in being one, in being a family.