| Logs |
2022 March 04
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Taps Logs |
Traveling Lady Stay A While
The Friendsville wolf-hearted have been reading and studying the ritual that Caroline found. She's been working with them to continue with the translations and trying to clarify some of the wording in the ritual. Vashti seems a little wistful that they aren't able to do it on Solstice since they associate the coming of the sun -- who they see as female since it's the sun that helps crops grow -- as a very auspicious time for starting things. Past that, though, Imbolc is also excellent. It's the beginning of spring. The blessing of the tools. The lambing season.
Suraksha and the rest of the caravan are invited to the ritual and Vashti makes a special point of saying that fertile couples and pregnant women are especially welcome. They are, after all, trying to call down the blessings of fecundity, and there are several couples and singletons in the caravan who have either babies or toddlers, as well as the older children. Sura asks (for her people) if there's anything they should bring: themselves and the children, of course, but... anything else? Vashti thinks on that for a few minutes and says, "If there are any symbols of fertility you have, bring those." Sura nods thoughtfully and agrees to do so... and she passes that information on to those who wish to come and participate.
Rituals would normally be undertaken either in the sacred space behind Malachai's homeplace -- where every townie is taken upon coming of age -- or they would take place in the town's church... but everything seems to indicate that this should be done outside. To that end, one of the larger fields has been cleared of snow and a space for a bonfire laid out in the middle. Most townies will be wearing clothes due to the weather, but Vashti and Abishai will be naked since there's some indication that the ritual might bring on a change and they don't want clothes to tangle them up. Plus, the bonfire will provide warmth. Things are laid out and blessed: a spindle, a bushel of winter-stored apples, dried rose petals, and several pieces of malachite.
Each person that comes into the circle is given either an apple (from a different bushel) or a small bundle of wheat. The caravaneers who arrive have a few symbols of fertility of their own as well, of course: the Sokoloffs and their associated family members bring intricately decorated and colored eggs, round little loaves of bread decorated with sigils of the sun over wheat stalks, and painted and nested matryoshka dolls. From the traditions of the deep South of the continent there are preserved snake's eggs and rum from Rattler. The fey bring delicately woven and beribboned wheat dollies, while Suraksha and her daughters are all visibly wearing their Lady of Serpents pendants, and the little girls have colorful spirals and triangles painted on their cheeks and foreheads. Ohkwari brings dried maize and a small twist of tobacco.
Abishai and Vashti are both wearing loose garments that look like chemises and once everyone that is participating is there, they walk around the circle deocil starting in the east and dab something on each forehead. When they come to the first of the caravaneers -- Suraksha and her little family -- they pause and speak quietly, "This is blood from a freshly butchered cow. If you have an objection, say so. No one will be upset."
Sura smiles as she murmurs, "We are fine with it, though you might want to ask each family individually."
Vashti smiles and nods, "That was my intention."
The daub of blood is just a small thing, right over where Suraksha knows the third eye is. Along with it is a quiet blessing. Along behind the alpha and beta come a young couple that are perhaps fifteen and that Sura knows were newly wed just this last Solstice. She carries a chalice and he a loaf of fresh bread. Each person is offered a sip and a bite with the words Sura has heard before: "May you never hunger. May you never thirst." They are careful to ask the caravan parents before offering wine to the little ones, but they are making sure that everyone in the -- very large -- circle gets at least a sip and a nibble. Sura lets each child have a taste, with her holding up Rohana and Rattler holding up Rishima, though the children don't really need more than that. When it comes time for her sip, Suraksha finds the wine tastes richly of blackberries. She smiles at that, quietly repeating back the little mantra to the young couple.
Rattler repeats back the mantra as well with an addition, "May you never fear the darkness." This makes the townies smile and nod as if this is something that means a lot to them. As the ritualists step on toward the next people in the circle, Sura smiles up at Rattler, and the fingers of her free hand tangle with his. To her and her people, the darkness is a place of rest, of nesting, of recovery before new action. She knows that there are those who fear it... but she really likes that her beloved and Chosen Rattler does not. The king-in-hiding squeezes his beloved's hand and lowers his head to murmur to her, "De dark a place to res' an' t'ink. Always know t' respect it, me, but never be 'fraid."
Sura's golden eyes nearly glow with happiness as she leans against him and whispers back, "Love you so much, sweet man!"
Rohana ducks her face into her mother's shoulder as she mutters, "Eeew, mushy stuff!" Rishima simply giggles -- as does her mother!
Rattler snorts and murmurs, "Ain't goan mind mushy stuff one day, y'all."
Once the whole circle has been blessed and offered the bread and wine, the newly-married couple joins the rest of the townies as the priest and priestess move toward the fire and pull off their robes. It leaves them naked and barefoot in the cold, but neither of them seems to mind the weather. They start to move around the fire, murmuring quietly and in unison. They make nine circuits before they stop and drop to all fours as the change starts. Sura watches in silent fascination, murmuring internal prayers to the Lady of Serpents -- and whomever this Freya or Frigga person is -- to bless the wolf-folk and their families. They really need to refresh their bloodlines if they are to survive, after all... but they also need to not lose the wolf-heartedness that runs in those same lines.
The change is not fast or easy. Sura has seen it and every townie over the age of eleven or twelve in this circle has experienced it at least once. People are beginning to sway and here and there around the circle, wolf-hearted begin the change as well. It's as if they cannot stop themselves. There are howls of what sounds like supplication even to the untrained ear. The sounds rise and swell and dance on the wind and the fire. People begin to step forward and put either their dried apple or their wheat bundle into the fire. Sura and Rattler each take a child by the hand so the girls can be carefully supervised as they both toss their handful of wheat and apple into the fire as well. Other caravaneers are doing similarly with the apples and wheat. Past that, however, many of the traveling folk will not be destroying their fertility symbols -- they come from cultures where you keep the symbol close when you wish for a fertile time or field or livestock. One exception to this is Ohkwari: when he steps forward, he tosses the tobacco in the fire so the smoke can carry the prayers up.
Some of the caravaneers come from very musically inclined cultures, and they have both drums and rattles with them. The steady, light drumbeats and regular shooshing of the rattles underscore their low chanting as they sing their own people's supplications for fertility for the Friendsville folk. They're careful to match their beat to the rhythm of the howling wolves and human-hearted as they do so. Sura finds herself starting to sway with the beat, and the girls are both jigging lightly from foot to foot as they watch. Even Roy is swaying and murmuring what Sura probably recognizes as a prayer to Damballa. She's heard him pray like this before. Firelight washes all their faces in dancing gold, and the wind whirls the bonfire's smoke up into curlicues and ghostly figures that never quite make sense... and the ritual chanting continues as the wolves start finishing their changes.
The pack gathers around their alpha and beta and circle with them around the fire, howling in strange and beautiful harmony. The howling goes up and up and comes to a crescendo, and then... silence.
Everyone is very quiet and very still, looking around, holding their breath as they wait to see what's going to happen. They wait. And wait...
...and nothing happens.
People start to shift nervously around and there's worried murmuring in the circle. The wolf-hearted are starting to snuffle and whine softly, obviously confused. Before the ritual frays any further into worry, Sura glances over to Caroline -- who, unsurprisingly, has the translations to hand -- and calls quietly to the bookish woman, "What should happen next, Caroline?"
Caroline murmurs back with worry obvious in her voice, "There should have been a flash of light. 'Like the sun' it says in the book. And apparently the spirit of Freya or Frigga would be obvious."
Sura thinks for a moment, then pragmatically says, "Well, run through the ritual again, sweetie, and let's see if something got forgotten, all right?" To everyone else she calls reassuringly, "Hold the faith, please! We'll work this out yet." She smiles encouragingly at Caroline to go on and read aloud.
Caroline starts the reading and people settle again. At first it's just her voice, but the wolves start to join in at a part that mentioned 'the songs of the children of the moon.' Step by step they go through the ritual again -- and again they reach the crescendo and nothing happens.
There's more quiet murmuring and Vashti and Abishai change back. Sura frowns thoughtfully, studying the increasingly despondent crowd... then says quietly to Caroline, "Sweetie, can you read out the ingredients, so to speak, of the ritual? Are we missing something there, perhaps? Does there need to be another invoker, or a certain number of people, or something?"
Caroline reads and shakes her head, frowning as she comes to the end of the list. They had everything listed. Sacrifices. The priest and/or priestess. The blood. The fire. The howling. Vashti and Abishai come over, looking tired as they sigh quietly while looking over the papers with Caroline and Sura.
"I think..." Vashti sighs again, "I think we need to go home for the night. That was strangely exhausting. More tiring than a simple change should be. We will study..." She smiles, but her eyes show worry, "We'll come find you in the morning if that is OK with you?"
Sura looks around at the crowd, then back at Vashti. Her voice is pitched low so only those near her can hear as she murmurs, "Vashti, look at them all -- their hearts are breaking. They won't have the spirit, the hope to try again -- they won't believe, you know?" She frowns again, her golden eyes worried. She can see there are folks present who look very much like they'd prefer to quietly wander away... and once one or two break, she fears the entire group's cohesion will irrevocably shatter. Urgently she murmurs, "Is there... anything else we can try? Something to maybe help raise their spirits a bit... anything you can think of?!" At that point, Abishai murmurs something in his alpha's ear.
Vashti's ears would perk were she in wolf form and she turns toward him, "Yes! Yes! Bring one of the old ones! And the jewelry!" Abishai nods and lopes off toward the town -- stopping to murmur to some of the townies on his way -- while his alpha turns back to Suraksha, "You are a priestess, yes? You helped with the shriving of the dead last time." There is naked hope in her voice.
Sura nods puzzledly, "Yes, of course -- all my matriline are. Er... to the Lady of Serpents usually, though... if, um, that matters?" She pauses, remembering just how many old gods she... administers to, and grins wryly, "Actually... I guess it doesn't really matter, does it? So yes: I am a priestess of my people, for all those deities who speak to me and need me." That, she decides, is the best framing of the truth.
Around the field, people are beginning to sing. It's in that same language they've heard from townies before, so it's not easy to pick up the words, but it is easy to pick up the melody and the rhythm. As her people sing, Vashti grabs Sura's hands and asks urgently, "Would you be willing to do the ritual? You were our alpha, however briefly, and you are a priestess."
Suraksha blinks a bit startledly up at the taller woman, "Me?! But I... ahh..." She thinks about Vashti's words, and Caroline's translations. If she understands correctly... all it takes is a powerful spirited leader of the people to perform the ritual? That, Sura is pretty sure she can do: she knows she's a powerful shifter, she is indeed a priestess of standing with what are effectively several minor deities, she leads her people to the best of her ability... but... she's not a wolf...?
Curiously, it's the glance out at the tiredly singing, waiting townsfolk that crystallizes Sura's thoughts into abrupt determination. Vashti and Abishai are both relatively young and inexperienced in the world -- and both are new to their positions. Nevertheless their hearts are in the right place: they tried their best to perform this ritual for their people! Further, the people themselves are as much in dire need of assistance and fecundity as are their current alpha and her beta. They deserve joy and light and strength in their lives... and if performing this ritual with all her heart and power and soul will give it to them... then Sura will do it -- and drag the goddesses here herself, if she must!
The small woman's shoulders go back and her chin rises -- Fantine can easily recognize her lady assuming her Queenly demeanor -- and with firm confidence Suraksha says to Vashti, "Yes, of course, dear. I would be delighted to help you all as much as I can. Bring me a wolf pelt, please, in case the goddess prefers wolves... and we will make this ritual happen!" There is a fierce conviction in her voice, and her eyes flash -- and then she turns to the crowd and raises her arms, calling, "Good people, listen closely, please! Vashti is going to lead you in what your responses should be, while I will dance through the ritual about the bonfire. We can make this work -- but it will demand your utmost faith and trust in me! Do you understand? Together, tonight: we are going to summon a goddess for you all!" With that she starts calmly stripping off her clothing and unbinding her hair.
In the dancing firelight she turns into a near mythic figure herself: a slender, small woman of surpassing beauty with silky, jet black hair streaked in scarlet reflections from the leaping flames. She waits, wearing her queenly stance like the most glorious of cloaks, for Abishai to come loping back with his arms full... but she rapidly realizes if the townsfolk are to truly assist with their faith, they're going to need a little encouragement. She glances around thoughtfully... then nods once and turns to Vashti, "I think the people would warm up and feel better if they participated as well, dear. Can you help me get them started in circling as well? The stamping and singing will help them stay warm, and hopefully they'll feel more enthusiastic too."
When Vashti nods a little uncertainly, Suraksha flashes her a bright grin of thanks -- then turns and calls cheerful instructions to the caravaneers. They know and trust her far more than the townsfolk, after all... and sure enough, Ohkwari figures out the quickest what it is she's trying to do. He nods gravely as well, then turns and begins a chant accompanied by a drumbeat and a slow stamping dance. The Sokoloffs are always up for dancing! They join right in, and Rattler has both little girls giggling and skipping around with the Sokoloff children in short order.
As all the caravaneers who are present follow Sura's directions and start a wide, slow deocil circling around the bonfire and the two women standing by it, the townsfolk are gently urged to do so also. Vashti is also calling directions, and there's perhaps still a bit of remaining instinct to obey the (sort-of?) mate of their former thane and alpha. The townspeople are a little dispirited at first, but then the stomping and the drumming begin -- and they see that their alpha and their previous alpha's intended mate working together -- and they begin to feel hope again. Before long, the dancing and singing has moved around the whole field. The children have almost, without saying anything about it, started to move out into the open space between the adults and the fire. Watching that, Sura smiles; she can't imagine any fertility goddess resenting children participating gleefully in Her rituals! The dancing of the children is spontaneous and without prompting, but there is something about it that seems inspired. Little ones don't usually move in such ease and unison.
After that, though, Sura simply waits for Abishai to return, trusting Vashti and her own trusted caravan family to keep the townsfolk moving and upbeat and participating. In the firelight her eyes flash like molten gold and her night-mane ripples gleamingly with the faint wind. She meditates silently, preparing herself as best she can to perform this ritual successfully for these good and very deserving people.
Abishai returns and slips into the circle as silently as a ghost. The pelt he's brought is not the golden one that Malachai tried so hard to gift to Suraksha on the caravan's last visit. Instead he's brought one of the ancient ones they found beneath the hearthstone of the old thane's home. With it are five pieces of jewelry. One is a necklace and the other four are either anklets or bracelets. He steps up to Sura and murmurs quietly, "You won't need the drink with this one. It's different than the others were." The jewelry glistens with gold and stones and the ivory sheen of wolf's teeth. Sura nods once, her motions deliberate and almost regal as she gestures for Abishai to assist in the process of assuming the pelt's form -- she's doing her utmost to be as appropriate and devout a priestess/alpha/summoner/whatever these people most need for this goddess' manifestation.
The town's beta goes to one knee and guides Suraksha to put her feet up on his leg one at a time; resting a small hand on his shoulder, she does so. He clasps the anklets in place with a murmur after each one and quietly testing that they are secure. Next come the bracelets. They seem identical to the anklets, but that would make sense if these were fashioned originally for a wolf: all four limbs are shaped much the same for lupines. Abishai kisses the backs of each of Suraksha's hands when he's done. The necklace has the four canines that would have come from the jaw of the wolf whose pelt she'll be wearing. At the center is a pendant with a tree incised upon it. The roots are almost as intricate as the limbs. Sura takes a moment to reverently regard the curiously lovely thing... then lifts it over her head and rests it on her bare chest. An arm slides under her midnight hair, pulling it free as well... and then she stands proudly adorned, waiting for the last element of this small inner ritual.
Last of all comes the pelt itself. It is quite a bit larger than the golden one that Suraksha wore before and the fur is frost-white in many places. If this came from a wolf, it would be larger by nearly a quarter than any that Suraksha has actually seen. Vashti steps forward to help with it, placing the head atop Sura's and murmuring, "The change starts once all the clasps have been done. Are you ready?"
The small woman's smile is slow and confident, "Of course. Continue, please. We have a goddess to bring over!" Vashti nods and starts doing up the clasps. There's one each at wrist and thigh and then one at the throat and one at the waist. Once the last one is done, Suraksha can feel the energy wash. It's powerful -- stronger than she remembers with the golden pelt and the drink -- and it comes on much faster. It's as if the other, smaller pelts held only a fraction of the magic of this one. Sura is well experienced with both shapeshifting and magic, however -- she doesn't merely let the energy fall about her. Instead she draws on it, drinking it down and calling on its power with a roar, "Let it come!" She's not even sure what she's saying -- just that she welcomes it and is determined to use it for what it was truly intended for: to bring over the old gods to their welcoming and needy people!
In the weird lighting of the wind-whipped bonfire Suraksha is for a heartbeat just an indistinct silvery gray figure -- and then for another heartbeat the erratic firelight drapes dark-striped shadows over a gorgeous fiery-gold pelt -- and then the wind itself roars as well and a gust of acrid smoke causes people to blink suddenly-watering eyes. When their vision clears there's a soft 'ooooh' from the crowd -- as a jet-black wolf standing a good four, nearly five foot at the shoulder shakes herself vigorously to settle her fur. She glances around at the people surrounding her, her golden eyes glowing faintly in the darkness and her ivory fangs gleaming -- then she tilts her head back and howls. It starts low and soft, building and calling that all present howl with her as well... and it ends on a powerful, near-demanding belling note which seems to harmonize with the nightwind itself.
The wolves join in the howling. The two human-shaped wolf-hearted also throw their heads back to join in the belling wave of sound. After that, every townie starts to join in. They have all howled with the wolves at some point in their lives and they all know the basic language of it. Rattler joins in with a sound that's somewhere between a laugh and a whooping howl and that sets off a domino effect with the caravaneers, each raising their voice in a sound of joy and supplication -- even down to Ohkwari's chest-vibrating roar. After that Sura glances around commandingly at all the wolf-hearted, drawing them in to dance with her as she begins the nine deosil circles of the bonfire, within the larger circles being danced by the mingled townies and caravaneers.
The Naga priestess is doing her best to pull all the power of faith and community, joy and love, wildness and fecundity... from the people, the wolves, the fire, the night itself -- to build it into a massing, insistent, reverent supplication of energy which she will be able to throw, to nearly burst into a means of summoning the goddess Freya into the here and now. She knows the wolves cannot speak like humans, but she leads them in chanting in their own lupine tongue as the circling begins. She tosses her head to make eye contact with Rattler as well, barking to him, "Call her! Call Freya!"
It takes him a moment to decipher her (admittedly thick) speech -- but then he laughs and shouts, "Freya! Freya!"
The name fleets about the people like a spark, with laughter and excitement, and it becomes a chant as well, as the people stamp and clap in rhythm together, "Frey-ya come! Frey-ya come!" The crackling fire, the rhythmic drumming and clapping, the howling wolves and whispering wind -- all weave together in a curious harmony that provides a near-feral musical background to the people -- and the rhythmic chanting gets louder and more joyous, rising over fire and wind and roar. The faces of the people are alight with more than just the firelight now -- there is an intoxication, a near-ecstasy as they all pour their need and emotion into the ritual's song. Sura leaps and stalks and prances through the bounding, pouncing, excited wolves, leading them into an ever-more exuberant dance.
The exhilarating emotional arousal builds and thrums with energy, boiling up around the gathered ritualists and struggling to free itself as Sura gathers it in more and more tightly, coiling it firmly up with each completed circle by wolves and people. Three times they all circle, then five. Seven times, as the energy is formed, and the wolves are panting with effort; some of the people are becoming a little hoarse... the ninth circle starts and Sura snarls, shoving her way through the gluey-feeling energy with passion, forcing a path for the wolves and the humans to follow, each in their own way.
Ohkwari has done this before; he knows how hard it can be -- he's doing his best to help by leading the humans, but even his massive body is leaning as if into a stiff wind. Curiously it's only the children who seem unaffected by the growing, heavy pressure of the building power -- it is as if they shed energy so naturally that they cannot feel it -- and yet it is their innocent and smoothly danced continuation of the ritual that feels the most sincere and unaffected... and ultimately it is for them that Suraksha nearly claws her way through those last... terribly difficult... nearly desperate steps -- then pants for a few heartbeats before she tosses back her head and roars triumphantly, "It... is... DONE! Freyja, COME!" All about her there is a cacophony of tired but delighted cheering, howls, banging, and other joyous noise as everyone celebrates: they have given their all to this -- and Suraksha feels the tightly coiled energy practically explode forth as she shoves it free, carrying their imbued meaning and desire with it!
At the culmination of the ritual, the bonfire roars upward into a column of light and for a moment, the whole field is lit as if it is the brightest of days and they are gathered directly around the sun. The shouts stop as if on cue and everyone stills. This time, the silence seems to sing rather than fall dead.
Two heartbeats.
Three.
Just as people are starting to catch their breath, a figure steps directly out of the fire... as if it were a doorway.
She is tall for a woman: almost six feet in her bare feet. Her hair is a blonde so white that it almost rivals the snow around her. Her figure is lush as only a mother's really can be. For a moment, those are the only things anyone can make out about her... and then the fire dies back down to the light of a normal fire and she -- no, SHE -- is standing amidst the wolves and the people. Sura pants for a moment... then gives a lupine smile. It worked! Now maybe Friendsville will thrive and survive.
All around the fire, eyes are open wide and no one is breathing. Vashti starts to go to her knees only to have the woman -- no, the goddess! -- step forward and stop her with a murmured word and a smile. The alpha looks at her, having to tip her head up to see her and murmurs, "Freya..."
When she hears her name, Freya nods and smiles, "Ja, det er jeg, barn." Her eyes, now that they can be seen, are a blue like glacier ice and she looks around until she spots the enormous black wolf.
Sura nods her head once in slow dignity as she rumbles, "Welcome, Bright Lady. Our thanks for your coming. The need here is great."
"Takk skal du ha. Mitt folk trengte meg. Samtalen din brakte meg," Freya's voice is rich, and as warm as her hair and eyes seem cool.
Vashti steps in and says, "I think... she says thank you. Her people needed her. Your call brought her." The alpha speaks carefully, as if she hasn't had to translate the words before and she's trying to map them into English.
Sura grins at that, then settles down into a sphynx-like pose, her tongue lolling as she pants gently and thinks for a moment. Finally she rumbles, "You are welcome, Lady Freya. What do you need, please, to strengthen you and help you stay here with your people?" She's been Hetaera and priestess to deities before, after all. If that's what Freya needs, Sura will do her best to help here as well.
Freya looks at Vashti, speaking so the Friendsville alpha may translate slowly. Vashti listens to the reply and laughs softly before turning to Sura, "She says what she would most like is warm clothes and shoes." Freya laughs with her. That chuckle works on the children like a magnet -- they all rush in toward the goddess, laughing as well and reaching out to touch her skin or her hair. The tall form crouches easily and reaches out to each child with an answering smile and murmured words. Even someone not speaking the language can tell the words are friendly and even indulgent. Freya looks up and speaks to Vashti again, this time more seriously.
"She says the apples and the wheat were very good. Very... it's like she's saying 'tasty,' but I don't think she means a physical hunger?" Vashti translates. "And that what she most needs is the joy of her people."
Sura's laugh is rumbling at that, "Well, then -- it seems the least we can do is throw a party for her, aye?" She lowers her head to snuffle gently with Rufus and Rachel, murmuring quietly to them, "Tell folks who're interested we're having a party here, please? Need... more music, blankets, food and drink, dancers... pass that on, please?" They both bounce back, tails wagging wildly in agreement before they both gallop off towards the caravan. Sura looks up at her friends and traveling family and grins, "Friendsville welcomed us warmly before with food and laughter and drink -- let us bring out more, and more firewood, and show an even warmer welcome to the newly arrived goddess Freya, yes? Some warm clothing for the Lady as well, please?" Several folks dash off towards the town, clearly excited as they chatter back and forth with each other, planning what to bring out for the impromptu celebration.
After that Sura gently encourages the children to sing some songs for the Lady -- that will give the Sokoloffs time to throw something fun and entertaining together, and for Gajara to amble over from the caravan with all the goods that are coming for the party. The ambiance turns into one of mixed awe and almost gleeful excitement as, for a few minutes, people rush about to set things up. Freyja is rapidly clothed in fur-lined boots, loose trousers, an embroidered long woolen tunic, and a warm, heavy cloak with a hood -- though the people seem almost shy of touching her, instead making their offerings with slightly ducked heads and quietly happy smiles.
Freya notices this reticence to touch her by the adults and laughs, making sure to touch the ones that bring her the clothes and boots. She speaks to them with Vashti translating the goddess's thanks. Once she's dressed she turns to Sura and tips her head, examining the enormous wolf. Sura grins with lazy relaxation at the study, taking the moment to fascinatedly watch the goddess right back. It is not that she is not respectful, so much as that she has seen several deities by now. They're all awesome and wonderful and she's thrilled to meet a new one -- especially one so desperately needed and wanted! After a moment Freya says carefully, feeling the words out, "You are not one of my people. You are a priestess of someone else -- and I think not a wolf. A cat, I believe." That last makes her smile widely and say with a childlike happiness, "I like cats."
Sura chuffs a quiet, rumbling laugh, "Aye, Lady; one of my other forms is a tigress. This form was but borrowed to facilitate calling you. I will return it when it wears off in the morning; it rightfully belongs to the people who live in this village here." She tilts her head thoughtfully, her ears pricked up with interest as she adds, "Can you 'see,' then, who I have offered worship to?" She suspects Freya would quite like Onca, though she knows the odds of getting them both together are slim to none. Still... it would not be the first time Sura has carried messages from deity to supernatural to deity and back again. She'd be happy to help Freya befriend as many other deities as desired. The more powerful entities that are connected... the more likely the continent will stay strong and healthy and free of tyrants, as far as Sura is concerned.
Freya examines her carefully, tongue caught between her teeth. "A cat, I think. A little big one." Sura grins and nods as the goddess makes motions to sketch out the size of the cat -- it seems to be about the dimensions of Onca. "And a snake. A very large one and a smaller one. Both very old." Sura's ears tilt in perplexity -- two sna- oh! Damballah, perhaps? Also her own Lady of Serpents -- sure, that makes sense. Sura laughs with pleasure, tongue lolling as she agrees again, then continues listening. The pale brows furrow for a moment, "The other is... darkness? Hunger? Both? Also quite old. He is, I think, less a god and more a... I do not know this word... personifiseringen... he is a piece of nature in a man's form." She smiles brightly.
Sura thinks about that, then suggests slowly, "Personification, maybe? Like..." she glances around until she spots Ohkwa seated on a stump and calmly smoking his pipe as he keeps an eye on the fire. He's built it up for more warmth, as well as raked out some coals for the handful of women who are cooking fresh food or heating beverages. Suraksha's smile is affectionate, "Like him, but perhaps larger, I think?"
Freya looks over that direction and her eyes widen happily, "Bear! He is Bear in a man's form! Yes! Like that!"
Sura laughs and agrees, then adds proudly, "The one you saw in me before? One of my Chosen? You are right, Lady: he is a personification of both the night and of hunger." She sighs a bit wistfully as she adds, "I wish he could be here tonight. He would welcome you!"
Freya smiles, "It would be fine to meet him. Some of my people and our allies are like that. Thor is Thunder and Loki," when she says that name, she rolls her eyes, "is Fire." Sura nods thoughtfully -- she's not that familiar with the names, but she can imagine what their personifications might be like. The thunder and lightning that brings the rain is just another, rougher form of fertility -- somewhat masculine, perhaps? Fire too can be a real problem if it gets out of hand... and incredibly useful when controlled. That would agree with the assessment she'd heard of Loki as Trickster, too.
Around them, the party is getting started with a good will and people are starting to sing, play musical instruments, dance, and/or hug one another. Several women are beginning to pour hot drinks to be passed around by the children, and the delicious smells of food begin to drift on the wind. Young folks of both caravan and town are hastily setting up tables and all kinds of chairs, ranging from simple blankets on the ground to short sections of logs and stumps, to stools and more. A very nice, comfortable chair is brought out for Freya herself, and people shyly smile as they offer her more apples, hot drinks, mittens -- anything she likes!
The Sokoloffs -- with Gajara's help -- are swiftly rolling out thick carpets, because the ground is very cold and hard. Sabrina is cheerfully leading the children in a long, tail-like dance where they're all touching the child before them. The entire length is weaving and winding in and out of the various clumps of people, with much laughter and gleeful shouting back and forth. Sura glances out over the wonderful, controlled chaos of creativity, then grins back at Freya again, "This is good? It helps you, Lady?"
Freya is bouncing her head with the music and holding a mug of hot mead between her mittened hands, "Yes! This is very good! Very good!" She looks around and starts picking people out of the crowd, pronouncing them either mother or father and then pointing to the child -- and in some instances other adults -- that are their progeny. When she gets to Rattler, she points to Rohana and then her head tips and she looks back at Sura, "He is your Chosen too? I think that girl is his and yours?" There's no judgment when she points to Rishima and says, "But that one has a different father."
Sura laughs and nods, "Aye! Though both fathers choose to father both children, of course. We do not play favorites." She grins broadly as she adds, "Would you like to meet them?" There's mingled love and pride in her voice -- she's a fiercely devoted mother not just to her extended traveling family, but also to her little immediate family!
"That is very good! It is an honor to get to claim a child as yours! I would love to meet them." Freya sits up a little straighter. "I would like to meet many of the parents, but there are so many that I think it will take days."
Sura chuckles as she rumbles, "Lady, I suspect the townsfolk will gladly give you all the time you want to meet them all! They've been isolated for several centuries now, and their bloodlines are making it difficult for them to breed well... let alone for them to keep alive the wolf-hearted amongst them. It is our hope you will be truly a blessing to them for that." She glances out over the crowd and gives a soft, chuffing bark -- and moments later Rohana comes scampering excitedly up, tugging on her daddy's hand to bring him along. Rattler is chuckling at 'Hana's excitement, and carrying a shyly staring Rishima in his free arm. Sura rises, shaking her fur out a bit before she leans to gently nuzzle her beloved little family. If she were in big cat form she'd be purring! She introduces them all to the goddess with clear pride.
Rohana rushes up to hug her mother tightly about the broad, furry head -- since she can't reach Sura's neck, considering the jet wolf's height -- then nearly squeals excitedly at Freya, "I'm gonna be a big, big wulfie just like Momma when I grow up!"
That makes both Rattler and Suraksha laugh with quiet affection. Rattler murmurs in his musical Creole drawl, "Might do, 'tite chou. Might just do."
Sura rumbles amusedly, "A wolf? Why not a tiger, sweet girl? Or a pretty leopard like your Payti and Payttan?"
Rohana blinks and says, "But you're a tiger and they're leopards! I hafta be my own thing! You're only a wolf when you're here!"
Sura laughs at that, nodding in amusement when Rattler cheerfully notes, "Got'cha dere, her!" He bounces Rishima on his hip and teases her, "An' what my peu timide goan be?" Rishima ducks her head and plugs her thumb into her mouth after murmuring something just loud enough for Rattler to hear. He turns to the goddess and his beloved, "Says goan be a bear an' a horsie an' a dragonfly, her." His eyes twinkle as he explains, "Know people she love dat all dose t'ings, her."
Freya looks at Rattler with interested eyes and then turns to Vashti, "What language is he speaking?"
Sura knows Vashti likely doesn't know herself, so she rumbles in explanation, "It's Creole, Lady, from the deep South of the continent. Mix of French, English, Spanish... li'l bidda dis, li'l bidda dat!" There's mischief in her grin at Rattler as she attempts his accent on that last bit!
Rattler snorts and winks at Suraksha and then makes an effort -- he can speak fairly proper English when he needs to, after all, "I said she says she's gonna be a bear an'... and a horse and a dragonfly. There are people my li'l shy girl loves that are all those things." Even with the words spoken more clearly, there's a lilt to them. "That's what peu timide means. My little shy one."
Freya ahhs! and smiles, "It is lovely! It is musical, like my people's language!" She holds her arms out and smiles at Rishima, "I am not scary, little shy girl. You said hello to me before."
Rishima smiles a little and then murmurs to Rattler again. He chuckles and says, "She says that she thinks your hair is pretty. I'm sure she'll come around. She's a little shy, but she likes people. She just isn't a social butterfly like her maman and papa."
Sura laughs quietly at that, leaning to gently nuzzle her smallest child, "She'll shine in her own way when she's ready."
The goddess does not seem upset by the child not wanting to come to her, "Ahh. Some children take some time, yes." Freya looks around and sees the dancers, eyes lighting up again, "I think I shall go dance!"
Sura settles back into her relaxed reclining position and rumbles, "They will be thrilled to dance with you, Lady." She watches a little wistfully herself as well -- she knows she's kind of stuck in this form until morning, after all, and she would have liked to dance with her sweetheart and everyone else here. Still, she did get the important part successfully done: the goddess arrived and is happy to be here. She grins and gives Rohana a gentle nose-nudge, "Go and dance and play with the other children, baby -- enjoy yourself!"
Rattler watches Rohana skip off, then settles next to Sura with one arm over the big wolf -- which makes his beloved nearly purr with happiness as she shifts slightly so she's more comfortable to lean against. Rishima wiggles down and cuddles up between her parents, watching with wide eyes as Roy murmurs to his beloved, "Goan be a blessin' for dese people, her." Sura nods thoughtfully at that, also silently watching. Roy, like Suraksha, is used to dealing with gods. After all, the loa are not a bit shy about riding their people.
While they're watching, something starts to become obvious: Freya is paying particular attention to the women. She seems to know which ones are townies and which ones are not and many of them get the goddess's hand laid low on their belly as she dances or speaks with them. Many of them are left blinking and looking happily dazed in her wake. The pregnant women are made even more of by the goddess and their bellies are stroked as if Freya is directly petting the children inside. Some of the not-pregnant women so caressed begin to persuade various men to slip off with them. Sura smiles thoughtfully as she watches, rumbling quietly to Rattler, "Oh, good. Looks like all of the young girls may well end up in a family way... and those that already are will do well. I'd been a bit worried about poor Zilpah, due to her issues with morning sickness... but maybe it will finally be smoothed over now."
She sighs softly and rests her head on her forepaws as she adds even more quietly, "Sorry I can't dance with you tonight, or in bed later, sweetheart. I hope you feel the trade-off was worth it too. I just... well, I couldn't not help them, you know? Even though it took a wolf form to do so." She wonders thoughtfully if Freya will have any blessings for the caravaneers as well. That'd be nice, if so, though Sura thinks they need more fecundity in trading rather than in breeding, honestly. Though -- she considers for a moment, then grins wryly: actually, considering the enormous load of quartzes they currently have, they've already experienced great fecundity! Hmm... well, what else could a goddess maybe bless for the caravan?
Rattler arches one brow at his lover and murmurs, "Goan have plenny chances do bot' dose t'ings, us." He leans in to whisper right next to her ear, "Bes' doan plan on gettin' oudda bed early t'morra d'ough." His dark eyes are twinkling.
Sura chuffs a small snort of laughter, "What, you're going to come wake me up at dawn when I shift back to human shape, and drag me off to bed with you?" She considers that for a moment -- not as much fun as dancing tonight & lovemaking later, but better than nothing, true! Demurely she adds, "Not that I'd protest unduly, naturally...!"
Rattler looks surprised, "T'ink you ain't sleepin' our wagon, you?"
Sura's reply is wry, "Not sure I'd fit in it with the bed down, sweet man! I'd figured I'd likely be sleeping on the porch with Alg and Rufus and Rachel, you know?"
The water Tap snorts, "Den leave de bed up, us. Woan be de firs' time sleep on a floor, me."
Sura blinks at that thought... then gives a short bark of laughter! Her tone is affectionate as she nuzzles Rattler, "This is why I keep you around, sweet man -- you make all my problems go away!" She giggles -- a very odd noise from a wolf -- as she adds, "Well, that and the extraordinary sex!" then deadpans, "Hmm... though I have this vague recollection there were other reasons too. Now what were they... was it the fabulous mucking out of the horses, maybe...? Or maybe it was your amazing calm and lack of temper...!" There's a grin at the corner of her wide canid mouth, and her ears are tilted back in amusement!
Rattler tips his head back and laughs, a happy roar, "Knew de sex part, me! Ain' never had nobody heat me up like you do, cher. An' de soul o' discretion, me -- ain' never oncet tol' somebody dey ain't fit to speak yo' name... 'least where you could hear!" Sura blinks with a bit of surprise at that... has she missed something? Or... oh! Maybe he's referring to his jealousy in Chicago. She smiles; he's come a long way from that hot-headed, slightly arrogant young jackass, as Sna'thaid would acerbically put it. Roy strokes a hand down Sura's back and seriously considers seeing if he can borrow the other wolf pelt for the night. "Tame me right down, you. You an' all t'ree our girls. Cain' go 'roun' beatin' people down no mo', me." His eyes are twinkling as Sura snorts disbelievingly. He knows damned well that he's been in a few fights while with the caravan. Being with them has let him revert a little to pre-royalty days, though he's not got the same death wish he did when he was a merc -- much to the relief of both Suraksha and Alan!
Once she's made a circuit of her people, Freya makes her way over to toward Suraksha and smiles, "You lead your people, yes?"
Sura looks up from where Rishima has been almost dreamily rubbing her Momma-Wolf's ears and singsonging quietly to her beloved parents, to rumble a relaxed reply to the goddess, "Mm? Mmhmm."
Freya smiles and asks, "Would your people like blessings? I would thank you for being tonight's priestess, but I do not know if your people wish children or some other kind of fertility? Perhaps of creativity? Traveling people often try to keep the number of children carefully controlled."
Sura blinks at that, abruptly quite interested! She thinks carefully for a few moments, then rumbles slowly, "I... know that we have quite a few children already in the caravan; we probably do not currently need more. Creativity, though; hmm... or -- oh!" She looks up in sudden hope, "Do you know what a Tap is, Lady? Can you augment that ability? I know at least two of our Taps would absolutely love to be better at what they do...?"
Freya tips her head and says. "Taps... this is not a term I know." Then she looks excited, "A new thing! I like new things! What are these Taps?"
Sura glances inquiringly at Rattler -- does he want to explain? Rattler makes the effort again to speak plain -- or as plain as he can -- English, "Taps are humans that can control or sense different things through using something called leylines..."
Freya interrupts briefly to says, "I know leylines! Please, go on."
Rattler nods and says, "I'm a Tap. I can control water in any form." He reaches a hand over and demonstrates by creating a little whirlwind of snow in the same way Sura's seem him create waterspouts. "Our Li'l Joe can sense storms incomin'. Dom can feel when eart'... Earth is unstable an' can control it a li'l bit. Some Taps got healin' abilities. Some can talk to each ud... other in their minds, but dat one rare. Even seen some air Taps, but somebody tell me they're rare 'cause wind ain't so connected to the leylines."
Freya listens carefully and nods before saying, "Sorcerers? Or is it a true magic that comes from within instead of from outside? Odinn was the one that worked with runes and sorcerers. I deal with more of the inside things. The things that are a creation of yourself. Women's magic. Seiğr."
Sura nods at that, "From what I've heard various Taps say, it sounds more like what you do, Lady." She glances inquiringly at Rattler, who nods thoughtfully.
Freya smiles and nods, "Then I am sure I can do this for your people! Would you wish this for them?"
Sura looks rather pleased, "If they are willing, I would greatly appreciate that, Bright Lady!" She grins at Rattler, nudging him gently, "You willing, sweetheart?"
Rattler grins and it brightens his whole face in a way that makes it very obvious just why he's so successful with the ladies -- which makes Sura grin in quiet amusement to herself, though she says nothing. "Ouais! That is yes! I would be very willing!" Roy's not precisely power-hungry, but he is very proud of his Tapping ability. Increasing it would make him -- an already spectacular water Tap -- almost a true force of nature.
Freya looks surprised and pleased, "You would not be ashamed to know women's magic?" It's clear the society she came from was very set on men's and women's things.
Sura laughs, and the water Tap blinks and says, "Hayull no I wouldn't be ashamed! People useta say healin' jes' a women's t'ing, but my chirurgeon -- my healer -- back home, he a man. An' people useta say fightin' was jus' men's stuff, but ma cherie one a' de fiercest fighters I've ever known."
The big black wolf awwws and nuzzles him affectionately, "You charmer, you!"
Rattler nuzzles Sura's ears and murmurs, "'S why you love me," which makes her grin delightedly! Then he looks at Freya, "I'd be much obliged and very thankful, ma'am."
Freya smiles again and says, "Wonderful!" She settles on her knees, since the other two are on the ground and reaches out, laying her hands over Roy's chest and murmuring something in her own language. As she speaks, the Tap's eyes widen and he sways even though he's sitting down.
As the goddess raises her hand, Roy speaks with obvious awe in his voice, "Sacre dieu!" He lays one of his own callused hands on his chest and says reverently, "I can feel it, Lady. Down in m' soul."
Sura beams with pride! She thinks her Chosen is an amazing man; she hopes this helps him realize all the amazingness she sees in him. To Freya she rumbles, "Would you like me to get the other two Taps, Lady? Oh! Also I think we have one very weak Tap who doesn't realize it's more than just her training -- I'd like to bring her too, please?" She's thinking of Suze, whose healing has been pretty amazing both with and without the quartz. She adds, "Also, if you wish I am happy to ask around and see what others in the caravan might wish for?"
Freya smiles, "I can do that, yes. But I think I need some rest tonight. My people are stronger than humans, but we are not able to simply go on and on and on. The sacrifices and offerings tonight have let me do what I have."
Suraksha nods in understanding, "That's fine, Lady -- we still have about a month before we'll be packing up to head further south." She smiles, clear happiness in her lupine expression as she glances at Rattler and adds to Freya, "Our great thanks to you for coming, Bright Lady -- and please let us know if there's anything else we can do for you! Knowing what strengthens you will help your people help you, after all. In a way, we're all re-learning here. Please, take care of yourself as well as of them."
Freya nods and strokes Sura's head as if she is not afraid of a wolf reacting badly to what could be seen as dominant behavior. If anything, Sura is faintly amused -- she's had Onca do similar caresses, after all. The goddess murmurs, "You remind me of one of Odinn's wolves. They were so very large..." After that she stands and smiles, "Rest well. Vashti has told me they have a place for me to sleep."
"We shall, Lady. Again, our thanks for your coming." Sura watches Freya walk off... then turns with an excited grin to Rattler, "Well?! Well well well what's it like how're you feeling what happened go on?!" She laughs, clearly enjoying his good fortune.
Rattler wraps his arms around the wolf's neck and laughs ecstatically, which makes Rishima giggle and clap happily for her Papa! "It 'mazin, cherie! Feel like could move de whole ocean, me!" He puts a hand over his heart and says with reverent awe, "Been a horse before, me. Felt de lwa reachin' t'rough me to de worl'. Dis was her reachin' t'rough me de udder way. Was like she widened de pipe, her, dat let de ley energy inta me. Like it from dis..." he holds his hands up with a space between them like a dinner plate, "to dis..." and he widens his hands out to two or three times that size. "Kin'a wanna go see what can do, me, but mos' de water froze." His eyes roam around until he spots a drift of snow and hops to his feet. He strides over and holds his hands up toward the snow. Sura knows he doesn't necessarily need hand motions, but sometimes it helps shape the intention. After he's been concentrating for a moment, something begins to form. The snow moves and shifts, building itself in a little sculpture of a building. It is, in fact, the facade of Roy's palace in Baton Rouge. Suraksha has seen him form images in water before -- he made her face for her in Chicago when he finally admitted he was being a jealous jerk -- but never so quickly or quite so detailed as this.
Sura doesn't move, since Rishima is still cuddled up against her fur, but she laughs with pleasure at Rattler's clear delight! "Well, isn't frozen water still water, sweetheart? You told me once it was just different levels of energy like electricity, right?"
Rattler grins over his shoulder at her, "Ouais, always able to work wid snow, me. But dis..." he motions at the little sculpture, "usually take lot longer. Can be hours wid dis kinda detail."
Sura's ears prick up and her tail wags happily, "Fabulous, lover! That's wonderful news!"
Rattler steps back from his work and nods, beaming, "'Course snow, she harder to work wid den liquid water. Li'l more stubborn." He rubs his hands together and turns back to her, "Damn. Really do wish we could dance now, me."
Sura grins wistfully, her ears flattening, "I'm sorry, lover! I'd love to too." She glances around, then hesitantly asks, "We... could try?"
Rattler crouches in front of Sura and strokes her ears, "Naw, cherie, dance togedder when got two feet, you. Doan t'ink it be so fun t' tango widda wolf, no madder how belle y'are." His dark eyes are gleaming, "Really too bad ain't a shifter, me."
Sura looks sad, leaning over to lightly lick Rattler's cheek and murmur, "I'm really sorry, sweetheart. Love you regardless though."
The lick makes him laugh and he hugs her around the neck, "Doan be sad, you! Amazin', dis! Tomorrow, me an' you goan play wid de water. Tonight we goan sleep all snuggled up inna caravan. Dis happen cuzza you!"
That cheers the big wolf up a bit; her ears tilt back up to half-mast and there's a slow sweep of her tail. She can't help the very small sigh, though, as she looks around the party. It... really would have been lovely to tango with her sexy man here! -and then tumble together into bed fo- uh, no. Nopenope, not thinking about that just now! Better not to go there -- not while in a totally-wrong-for-human-mating body!
After a moment Rattler grins, "Le's dance ennyways, us! Jes' a happy jumpin' dance. Bet 'Shima could show us one, hey?" Rishima brightens at showing her parents a dance and she bounces happily to her feet.
Sura laughs quietly, rising easily to her four paws and shaking out her pelt again... then she grins and leans her head down to affectionately nuzzle her littlest cub, "She's my li'l jumpin' bean girl!"
Just as they're beginning to head over toward the rest of the dancers, Vashti slips up beside them and smiles, "Abishai said something to me and I thought I would come and ask the pair of you." She smiles warmly though her lips never part, "It would be wrong, we think, to have our priestess separated so much from her mate and there is the other pelt..." She lets it hang, waiting to see their response.
Sura's ears prick right up with excitement at that! Her tail lifts, starting to slowly wag as she glances inquiringly at Rattler. What does he think? She doesn't want him to do it if he'd rather not, after all...? The water Tap blinks slowly. It hadn't even occurred to him that he could ask. When it really starts to sink in, however, his grin widens and gets a little roguish, "Well now, how'm s'posta turn dat down, me?" Sura laughs, tongue lolling and her forefeet almost dancing as her tail wags!
Vashti seems very pleased, "Abishai thought you would say yes. He's already brought the other pelt."
Sura grins as Rattler looks around for Abishai, then leans her head down to murmur to Vashti, "Thank you so much, dear -- this was truly kind of you both!"
Vashti motions and Abishai steps forward with the second pelt. The gray of this one is much darker than the one Suraksha put on. The alpha says, "I will warn you that your mate shifts much more quickly than we do..."
Rattler nods and says, "Saw dat, me, when y'all shift 'roun' de fire. Look kin'a painful, dat."
Vashti breathes a sigh of relief, "Yes, it is not comfortable. Especially the first time, but I promise that the experience is worth it."
Rishima looks between her parents, eyes wide as she bounces foot to foot, "Papa gonna be a wolfie, too?"
Rattler looks down at her and grins, "Yes'm, 'tite timide. Papa goan be a wolfie wid yer Maman."
Abishai smiles at Rattler, "You'll need to take off your clothes. At best, they will get in the way; at worst, you will be tangled in them and they could cause harm." The water Tap nods and starts to slide out of his jacket and shirt -- and Abishai smiles again, "It is good to see that you have no false modesty."
Rattler laughs, "Got nuddin' t' be shy 'bout, me."
That makes Sura laugh and murmur, "And you'd never brag!"
Rattler winks at Suraksha as he continues shucking his clothes, "Not dat it ain' nice t' unwrap somebody for de firs' time, but dis ain't flirtin'."
Sura raises one furry eyebrow and grins as she watches, murmuring, "Speak for yourself, cherie!"
Once he's down to skin, it's Vashti that helps him with the jewelry and the pelt this time. Abishai explains to Suraksha, "It's thought that having someone of the opposite sex help completes some sort of circuit. At least it seems to go better and easier when done that way." Sura huhs quietly, nodding as she watches with great interest.
When the last clasp is done, Rattler's eyes wide and he gasps, dropping to his knees with his back arched. The change is slow, the fur seeming to enwrap and meld with him as bones crack, change, reform. His jaws are clenched at first, refusing to make a sound that would indicate that the change hurts, but once it's complete he throws his head back and howls triumphantly. Sura laughs aloud with joy -- a series of yipping barks -- then tosses her head back and howls with her beloved mate. He is smaller than Suraksha, but still large for a wolf -- just as the wolves whose pelts these are once were. Instead of black, he is twilight gray with an icy-white belly and eyes that are too dark for a natural wolf.
The howls from two such joyous, huge, and clearly powerful wolves echo off the nearby mountains, demanding response -- and one after the other, the various wolves of Friendsville prick up their ears to listen, then lift their heads in reply. Even Vashti and Abishai cannot resist such a compelling siren's song; all the many voices mingle and twine together in eerie harmonies -- a paean to the united pack, strong in health and numbers.
Once the howling starts, the alpha and beta start to change. This is a pack thing -- they will run with the pack. Suraksha doesn't mind. She's calling together all who wish to hunt, after all. Even as the howling continues, Alg drops lightly onto her back, cackling at having two humongous wolves to bounce off of! Sura laughs, nuzzling him affectionately before she murmurs, "Alg, sweetie, we're going to hunt soon. Can you guard the cubs, or do you want to hunt too?" In her current form, 'cubs' encompasses not only her own children... but also all the humans present. There's a part of her that remembers welcoming and accepting the Friendsville pack as under her protection while she was there with Malachai, after all.
Alg bounces around and cackles happily, "Alg watch cubs! Best guardian!"
Sura beams in relief, "Wonderful! Thank you, sweetie!" She glances at Rishima, adding with warm affection, "Can you find Nanny Fanny and tell her your Maman and Papa Rattler are wolfing for the night, honeybunch? Also that Alg is on guard duty -- you'll all be quite safe while we're off hunting!"
The small child nods, still bouncing excitedly from foot to foot -- then she steps forward and wraps her small arms about Sura's foreleg, "Be good hunter, Mommy!" Sura laughs quietly, leaning her head down to gently lick her youngest daughter's hair... then watches fondly as Rishima toddles determinedly off to take Fantine's hand. After a moment of talking, the loogaroo glances up and smiles with a nod at the giant black wolf.
Next to Sura, Rattler lolls his tongue out and then tries to pin the goblin down to lap over the furry little man's face. This is part of his pack -- the goblin must be groomed properly! The king in Rattler has him holding himself proudly, tail wagging lazily as he looks around. Once Alg has been properly groomed, he lets the goblin up and steps over to Suraksha to share nuzzles with her. Yes. This is his proper mate. She smells of their cubs.
Sura's tongue lolls happily and she wags her tail, returning the affectionate nuzzling. After that she glances around, studying the gathering wolves. Curious... is she the only one that can talk? Still, they all seem happy and healthy -- rolling about and playing with each other, or coming up with low-wagging tails to carefully lick her chin and whine eagerly -- all of which pleases the instinctual part of her. They also pay their lupine obeisance to the alpha's mate, which earns most of them ear-licks. Once it looks like they're all present she raises her head and gives a low, carrying whuff! That draws everyone's attention and lets them know the big wolf has decided it's time to hunt. She turns towards the forested hillside and lifts her head to scent the air: snow, wind, smoke from behind her... and good things to eat out there. Hmm... if the hunt is successful enough, perhaps they'll bring back part of the kill for the cubs as well! She whuffs calmly again, starting to trot out into the darkness. The hunt begins!
When Suraksha looks around, she realizes that it's not just the Friendsville pack that's joined them. Some of the more wolflike of the caravan pack have joined them as well, making them nearly two dozen in number -- which makes her grin again; this is going to be nice! The warm bodies stream along into the night and they bounce and play with one another as they head into the hunting grounds. It's simple exuberance and happiness. Rattler bumps his shoulder against her and murmurs, "T'ink can't talk, dem, but still get what dhey sayin', me."
Sura blinks in a bit of surprise, "You can talk!" and Rattler lolls his tongue in amusement as he lopes beside her. She laughs, playfully nipping at him as they run -- which causes the two of them to bump shoulders and shove amiably in affectionate companionship. They make an excellent pair, really -- following them, the pack falls into an easy hierarchy. Vashti and Abishai don't make any dominance challenges, which isn't really surprising considering the sheer size of the two lead wolves -- clearly for tonight, at least, these two are their alphas. The Friendsville wolves start to spread out between the trees, dancing from shadow to shadow and melting into the forest. The caravan's wolf-dogs move with them and work on instinct as Sura leads them in the hunt. This is joy. This is pack. This is right!
Having two sapient entities leading makes for curious tactics -- at least to an instinctual wolf. Thus when a couple of moose are scented ahead, Sura calls back the more experienced wolves, splitting them into two groups -- and then sending the caravan's pack of guard dogs in a gleeful, barking, undisciplined rush to flush out the young calf. That, of course, brings both moose cows bellowing and charging with lethal intent -- and they run directly into the waiting pack of wolves! The lighter wolves dance around the smaller cow, snapping and snarling to distract her long enough for the larger, heavier wolves to bring down the big, sturdy, older cow. She fights well but honestly is no match for two wolves who're nearly half her size and weight. As soon as she's starting to stagger, though, Sura howls for the wolves to swap targets -- and the lighter wolves now simply harry the larger cow, waiting her out as she slowly succumbs to her wounds.
In the meantime, the dog pack has brought down the calf, and the heavier wolves simply mob the remaining younger cow. Once they're all done Sura is immensely proud of her little pack -- no one severely injured and only a few glancing blows to recover from! She strides over to the larger cow, gently shouldering aside those few foolishly eager young wolves who are impatient to start eating -- as alpha she gets to eat first, thank you very much! After her and Rattler, of course, everyone gets to feast to their heart's content. The caravan's wolf-dog crosses eat most of the calf, and everyone else makes short work of the old cow. Sura keeps the younger cow mostly untouched -- and when they're all done she hoists it over one shoulder and starts dragging it down the mountainside with her. There are cubs in the village below who will appreciate this nice fresh meat, after all!
Rattler watches with a bit of perplexity, but then figures out what his mate is about -- and he grins and ducks a shoulder under the carcass to help carry it. About halfway down the mountain Sura rumbles perplexedly, "Where should we take this to be butchered?" After a few moments' thought she adds, "Maybe... Vashti's place?"
Rattler wags and shifts his weight to make sure the carcass is as distributed as it's going to be and listens to Sura's comment, "Got a butcher, dem? Could take it to Buddy. Be fair 'bout givin' it to de Friendsville folks, him."
Sura nods decisively, "Excellent! All right, let's go!" She cheerfully grabs back up her part of the carcass, then continues the careful trot down the mountainside. It hasn't immediately occurred to her that the arrival of nearly 20 wolves or wolf-dogs -- two of which are of truly monstrous size! -- might be a bit startling. On the other hand, if there's any group of folks who would take such a pseudo-invasion with aplomb... it would have to be Corbett's!
When the pack swarms around Buddy's chuckwagon, the big minotaur recognizes some of the wolf-dogs and looks around at the ones that are not. He's had the news about the pack running off with Suraksha and Roy at their head. His booming voice says, "What? Just the one?"
Sura blinks interestedly, "Did you want more, Buddy? We ate the other moose, but I suppose we could go try to hunt down another if you really want?"
Buddy snorts and it belies his bovine heritage even though he looks entirely human at the moment, "Nah. I think I can deal with just one moose. Who's this go to?" He seems to have picked up that it's not for the caravan. Or not just for the caravan.
It's Rattler that speaks up, "It for de cubs! Godda eat 'n grow strong, dem!"
Sura grins and nods, "The combined pack brought the moose down, so I figure we can share. Is that all right with you, Buddy? Also, do you need a hand? I don't currently have hands, but my jaws are strong if you need something held still?"
There's another of those bullish snorts, "Sounds good. It's for the kids of both places." Sura nods, tail wagging. The minotaur continues, "I'll butcher it and we'll have a li'l ones meal tomorrow." He hefts the moose up onto his butcher block. The big table usually stays stowed atop his wagon on the road, but he gets it out if they're going to be in a town for two or more days because they often buy whole sides of meat for him to salt and cook.
Rattler lolls his tongue out in a wolfish grin and leans over to lap at Sura, "Godda feed de bebes, us. Ours not nursin' so much no mo'."
Sura snorts quietly, muttering, "Thank the Lady for that! Was getting really tired and ouchy." She doesn't mention her mild annoyance at Malachai's peculiar herbal drink bringing her back into lactation, though... she feels it would be rude to do so while his packmates are lying heaped about them.
Rattler licks her ears, partially so he can be close enough to murmur roguishly, "But de nursin' do such nice t'ings..." Sura chuckles, giving Rattler an affectionate nose lick. So many years on... and he's still entranced with her breasts! She thinks it's sweet... and kind of erotic!
Sura says to Buddy, "Do you need us, Buddy, or shall we take all the wolves to their home?" She pauses, looking around as she considers that. If they take the pack to Friendsville, then return here to her vardo -- where she wants to sleep with her mate -- will the werewolf pack stay there or try to follow? She's... not sure. She looks at Vashti, remembering how instinctual the Friendsville werewolves are, and gives it a try: speaking slowly and clearly, she asks, "Vashti, I'd like to take you all home, then leave you there while we -- Rattler and I -- come back here. Are you all right with that?" She watches thoughtfully, ears pricked up to see if there's any indication of understanding. Sleeping in a big, heaping pile of wolves sounds lovely, honestly... but she really wants some privacy in the morning to make love with her beloved mate and Chosen!
Vashti and Abishai both look a little disappointed at that. Rattler lolls his tongue again and snuffles at Sura, "Leddem sleep wid de caravan, cher. Can pile up roun' de vardo." That makes the Friendsville pack wag and play bow. Even if the two largest of their number want to sleep in their own little den, the pack wants to be nearby.
Sura's voice is worried, "But... it's freezing at night, sweetheart. They'll wake up nude, too. I don't want them getting hurt, you know?" Something like sense seems to come over them at that, and Vashti looks toward town. Her den is that way, and the pack has gotten used to using it on the nights of hunts. Eventually the town's alpha takes a step or two that way... but then pauses, one forepaw in the air as she glances over her shoulder, somewhat unsure. Is the temporary alpha going to lead them home?
Sura smiles, tongue lolling as she watches -- she's relieved to see they understand! She cheerfully nudges Rattler, barking, "Come on! Let's gallop on back to town and make sure they're all safe and warm!" She's laughing as she bounds off, darting between and over the smaller wolves that excitedly dash after her. She knows quite well, after all, that the best way to get dogs and wolves to go where you want... is to act like something wonderful is over there -- and last one there doesn't get any! It doesn't take much to get them all enthusiastic, especially since Rattler is just as happy to wrestle and leap and play with the expanded pack. The whole lot of them boil in a sea of lupine bodies across the fields and back to town, enjoying themselves tremendously on their way to a good night's sleep.
The door of Vashti's house has an interesting latch on it. In fact, most of the house doors in Friendsville have the same idiosyncratic latch. It's built to be easy for a lupine paw to operate. A couple of pats at it has the door swinging open. Sura opens the door, then steps aside and watches as the werewolf pack all go trotting neatly inside. She grins, tilting her head to look in as she calls, "Goodnight to you all! Was a lovely hunt!" Every member of the Friendsville pack laps and nuzzles the alpha pair before they trot with tired happiness back into the house toward what is likely Vashti's bedroom. After that Suraksha closes the door, then turns and canters relaxedly back across the fields with Rattler to their home. Darting and dashing happily about them, Rufus & Rachel head home too.
Once back at the caravan, Rufus and Rachel make their way to the wagons where they normally sleep and pat at the doors to be let in, leaving Sura and Roy alone at the vardo. Sabrina has taken the girls off to sleep with some of the other caravan children, knowing (from previous discussion with Sura) that the naga and the Tap will want some time to themselves. Sura taps open the door, pauses to give Alg an affectionate nuzzle, then wipes her paws on the mat before she slides neatly into the now-crowded vardo. She's touched to discover Fantine has laid many blankets on the floor and left the bed fastened in the upright position. The huge wolf waits until Rattler's in the room too and the door is closed, then turns around three times and settles comfortably next to her beloved. She gives a gusty, contented sigh as she rests her chin on him and feels him curl up similarly next to her... then closes her eyes and drifts off to sleep. Tomorrow they'll be human again... tomorrow they'll play again, but in the human way! Rattler settles in, tangling up together in the way that only creatures with no cares other than being together can, the way that mates should be able to do.
[Previous Log] [Index] [Next Log]