Eibhlin hears her mother Siofra calling her from their treetop home. She climbs up the retractable knotted rope ladder to the great tree they built their house around. Their home is on the southeastern side of the Grey Forest in Impiltur. A remote place where few humans venture around and even when they do. They fail to see the Or-Tel-Quessir village above. Ten families live there in the dense forest quietly subsiding on the bounty that the hunters and gatherers provide.
She gets up to the home that is built around the tree and has 4 sections going round. There is a living area. A kitchen with a small stove made cunningly so that no embers will light the tree they live around. There is her small room and her parents’ bedroom. She goes to the small kitchen.
Her mother is sitting in one of the three chairs at the small table. Siofra is a smallish wood elf of 350. She has dark copper skin tanned by the forest sun they live in. She has brown hair, eyes and a kind face. “Sit down Eibhlin. I have something very important to talk to you about.”
The young girl sits. Eibhlin is slightly taller than her mother at 4ft 11 inches. Her hair is black, and she has bright green eyes. Her mother lights a lantern in the middle of the table then closes the shutters in the room. Eibhlin wonders about it all. Her mother has never done anything like that before. Siofra sits back down.
“Eibhlin, this is a very private conversation. I might say some things. Some things you have never heard before and it’s a great responsibility to keep some of what I say just between us. Ok?”
Eibhlin nods, “Ok, mom.”
“Your 75 today. It’s time to give you some responsibility. Our family… My family have an unending line of daughters stretching back to before Myth Drannor was built and before Netheril was even a nation. Eibhlin, some of your ancestors they saw things others can’t see. They heard and felt things. One in every few generations. I was not blessed with this but am entrusted with…. With certain things. These things I will pass down to you as you are ready of course.
Eibhlin looks at her mother queerly, “Ok, mom. What is this all about? And why do you look nervous.”
“You have to understand. Treasa the priestess of Solonar and Caolan the druid. They… well they don’t see things like this as a gift as something beneficial They think it a threat to the order of things. Your grandmother had this gift, and she was taken away by them. They took her to a special place where the moon goddess clergy of the humans' care for special people. If you start to see things, hear things… or most especially feel things then you cannot tell them.
“I don’t understand mom, special place? Threats? This doesn’t sound like you. They are our priest and priestess.”
Her mother’s eyes crinkle up and she smiles nervously. “I know. They are good people and do their duties to the Seldarine as well as others. The problem is they like being in charge of the village; anyone that has understanding in a different way is a threat to them because they have to share their power. It is sometimes the way the world works. I truly do hope you grow up normally but there is a chance that you will be like your grandmother or great grandmother. If that is so. You’ll have to hide these things. Sometimes even those of great understanding can have narrow minds about the old ways.”
Her mother takes a locket on a chain and slides it in front of Eibhlin. The young girl takes it and opens it. There is a sort of a picture of wound silver filigree inside depicting a woman’s face. “Who is this?”
Her mother shakes her head, “I don’t know. The locket has been in our family for over a thousand years. It is a very important heirloom though. You must keep it until your own daughter is ready to carry it.”
“Is it magic?”
“It is not magic itself, Eibhlin but my mother said it can be used to make magic. I am not sure how. All I know that it and a few other things I have for you when you become a woman are all extremely important. Now you are the caretaker of this locket. You cannot mention anything about it to anyone else, even Dad. Ok, this is only between us. That is also very important. Promise me you will never lose it, give it away or tell anyone else about it until you are ready to give it to your own daughter.”
“Not even Caolan or Treasa?”
“Especially not to those two. This is a grave responsibility not to be taken lightly. You have to promise me.”
Eibhlin takes a long time to consider the notion then nods to her mother, “Family is very important so I will promise. I’ll keep it on me at all times and never tell anyone about it until I give it to my daughter”.
Her mother smiles, “That’s my girl.” She stands and puts the locket around Eibhlin’s neck then tucks it under her shirt. “Happy birthday, now go practice with your bow some.” Siofra kisses her daughter on the forehead. Eibhlin hugs her grabs her practice bow and runs out of the house going to ground. Before she goes to the small range, she touches her chest to feel that the locket is really there.
Eibhlin: The Locket
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Re: Eibhlin
Treasa leads the three girls far north along deer trails in the forest. Shadows follow them both on the ground and trees. All are women hunters 8 in all. It’s the best protection the small village has for this special occasion. They come to a large stand of hundreds of the grey trees with purple leaves. Here the priestess of Solonar stops and takes the bow from her back. The shadows around them either set up along the great tree limbs or seem to disappear into the brush.
The priestess stops. “Anarawd, Eibhlin, Ruhatlan. Do you know the legend of these trees?”
Eibhlin and Ruhatlan nod. Anarawd shakes her head. The priestess smiles. “There was a war many years ago in the grey forest. At the time We Or-Tel- Quessir, the wood elves, and the Tue-Tel-Quessir, the moon elves shared this forest. We were a community together.”
She raises her hand in a dramatic motion and points to the north. “The hobgoblins surged out of the mountains to the north and made war with us. We fought and fought but we knew they would eventually overrun us. We died by the hundreds and they by the thousands but still they came.”
She looks at the trees for a moment and smiles. “Many elves left but there were those who would not give up this forest. It had been their home for centuries. Our cousins the Tue-Tel-Quessir made a great spell. That spell turned them all into the grey trees you see all throughout the woods. This is the largest stand.
Since that time the hobgoblins have never able to advance past the trees. The forest is divided, and there are still many creatures at night that would hurt you if they could. Sometimes our dark cousins come up from the bowels of the earth and try to take us or kill us. If you are ever in danger, I want you to go into a stand of these trees. You will be safe here. The trees will protect you. Understand?”
All three young girls nod. Treasa smiles, “Good. Now you are all now in your late 80’s, early 90’s and it’s time for you to learn about a special ceremony. Though neither I nor Caolan are clerics of Sehanine, we still celebrate a grand tradition. It is a dance to celebrate Sehanine and other endeavors.
Every full moon closest to spring balance, fall balance, high sun, and high moon our women go out with their husbands…. or boyfriends. They collect moon lilies. The lilies that glow in the moonlight. You see them all around you now. Then at midnight the girl dances for an hour and their man watches. Each woman has their very own dance.
The dance is to celebrate the goddess and the love between the two people. Afterward well that is something for your parents to tell you about if you don’t already know.”
Anarawd giggles. Treasa smiles. “Well, I see one of you at least knows. I have brought you out here tonight so you can do your first dance. Make a ring of the moon lilies as big as you need to dance inside. At midnight raise your hands to the moon and think about Sehanine looking down at you, and dance. After an hour then you stop. Ok any questions?”
Ruhatlan raises her hand. “What if your special person is a girl?”
Treasa nods. “Well now. If your special person is a girl, then you dance together. And fall where you stand when you are done. Remember we are celebrating the goddess and her love for us. Our special person and the love between the two of you. I want you all to stay within the grey trees. It’s dangerous outside them and we have your mothers and a few other women guarding.”
Eibhlin raises her hand, “Why are there no men?”
Treasa nods, “When you first dance, we don’t want men around. These dances are very special and the only ones who should really see them is… Your special person. Ok. When you marry or have a long-time boyfriend then you’ll want to dance for them. Any more questions?”
Treasa looks around and sees that none of the girls has one, “Ok then collect your flowers, find a spot away from each other. and get ready to dance. I’ll be around just before midnight.”
Eibhlin starts to collect flowers. She sees Ruhatlan go off to the west and Anarawd to the north. She looks around and goes south. Two shadows follow her. She knows they are from the village, so she is safe. She finds a little grove surrounded by the trees and makes a ring. She isn’t too sure how big it should be, so she makes it about 30 feet in diameter. She then waits.
As the moon comes out the flowers start to glow a soft blue/white light. She isn’t too fascinated by what happens. There are lots of moon lilies in the forest, so she and all the other villagers are used to them. Near midnight Treasa comes into the grove. “Are you ready Eibhlin?”
She nods. “I don’t know if I can dance too well, really?”
Treasa nods. “Let the goddess guide your movements. Eibhlin, you might get a warm feeling during the dance. Don’t worry about it. It’s very natural. It means the goddess sees you.”
Eibhlin nods, “Ok.”
“I’m off to see Anarawd. Have a nice dance.”
Eibhlin watches the priestess leave and waits for the moon to come to its zenith. When it does, she lifts her arms up to it and prays. Something comes over her. She begins to dance. As she get halfway through, she notices a warm feeling in her belly just as Treasa said she would. She continues on to the end. When she is done, she sits down and looks up to the moon. She says a small prayer then stands. That’s when she sees him.
She startles. There’s a strange elven man she does not know leaning against one of the trees. She looks to the sides wondering what is going on. She was supposed to be alone. He laughs, “Easy Eibhlin. I’m not here to harm you. I just wanted to watch your dance. It is lovely.”
“Who… Who are you? You’re not supposed to be here? At least that’s what the priestess said.”
He bows quite stately. “Leofric at your service.”
How come I do not know you and why do your eyes sparkly like stars?”
“Well, you’ve never seen me because you have never come here before. I live here… so to speak with my family.”
“There’s nothing here. No houses in the trees? I see no homes?”
“It’s complicated. I do have a message for you though.”
“A message?”
“There is a stand of grey trees a mile and a half north of your village. I want you to go there next sunrise. There is someone there that wants to meet you.”
Eibhlin raises her hand and covers her mouth. “Who? Who would want to meet me?”
Leofric smiles. “A teacher Eibhlin. A teacher.”
Leofric’s head turns. Her eyes follow him. Treasa is walking up to her as quickly as she can. Eibhlin turns as she comes. Treasa looks around. “Eibhlin, were you talking to someone?”
She nods, “The man over there leaning against the tree.” She turns and the man is gone. She startles again. “He’s, he’s gone?”
Treasa looks at the spot. “What did he look like?”
“Just an elven man… His eyes sparkled in the moonlight.”
The priestess doesn’t say anything for a minute then she turns to her, “Eibhlin, have you ever seen a moon elf?”
She shakes her head. The priestess looks at the spot again. “Alright come along then. We’ll gather up the other girls and go home.”
Eibhlin nods and follows her.
The priestess stops. “Anarawd, Eibhlin, Ruhatlan. Do you know the legend of these trees?”
Eibhlin and Ruhatlan nod. Anarawd shakes her head. The priestess smiles. “There was a war many years ago in the grey forest. At the time We Or-Tel- Quessir, the wood elves, and the Tue-Tel-Quessir, the moon elves shared this forest. We were a community together.”
She raises her hand in a dramatic motion and points to the north. “The hobgoblins surged out of the mountains to the north and made war with us. We fought and fought but we knew they would eventually overrun us. We died by the hundreds and they by the thousands but still they came.”
She looks at the trees for a moment and smiles. “Many elves left but there were those who would not give up this forest. It had been their home for centuries. Our cousins the Tue-Tel-Quessir made a great spell. That spell turned them all into the grey trees you see all throughout the woods. This is the largest stand.
Since that time the hobgoblins have never able to advance past the trees. The forest is divided, and there are still many creatures at night that would hurt you if they could. Sometimes our dark cousins come up from the bowels of the earth and try to take us or kill us. If you are ever in danger, I want you to go into a stand of these trees. You will be safe here. The trees will protect you. Understand?”
All three young girls nod. Treasa smiles, “Good. Now you are all now in your late 80’s, early 90’s and it’s time for you to learn about a special ceremony. Though neither I nor Caolan are clerics of Sehanine, we still celebrate a grand tradition. It is a dance to celebrate Sehanine and other endeavors.
Every full moon closest to spring balance, fall balance, high sun, and high moon our women go out with their husbands…. or boyfriends. They collect moon lilies. The lilies that glow in the moonlight. You see them all around you now. Then at midnight the girl dances for an hour and their man watches. Each woman has their very own dance.
The dance is to celebrate the goddess and the love between the two people. Afterward well that is something for your parents to tell you about if you don’t already know.”
Anarawd giggles. Treasa smiles. “Well, I see one of you at least knows. I have brought you out here tonight so you can do your first dance. Make a ring of the moon lilies as big as you need to dance inside. At midnight raise your hands to the moon and think about Sehanine looking down at you, and dance. After an hour then you stop. Ok any questions?”
Ruhatlan raises her hand. “What if your special person is a girl?”
Treasa nods. “Well now. If your special person is a girl, then you dance together. And fall where you stand when you are done. Remember we are celebrating the goddess and her love for us. Our special person and the love between the two of you. I want you all to stay within the grey trees. It’s dangerous outside them and we have your mothers and a few other women guarding.”
Eibhlin raises her hand, “Why are there no men?”
Treasa nods, “When you first dance, we don’t want men around. These dances are very special and the only ones who should really see them is… Your special person. Ok. When you marry or have a long-time boyfriend then you’ll want to dance for them. Any more questions?”
Treasa looks around and sees that none of the girls has one, “Ok then collect your flowers, find a spot away from each other. and get ready to dance. I’ll be around just before midnight.”
Eibhlin starts to collect flowers. She sees Ruhatlan go off to the west and Anarawd to the north. She looks around and goes south. Two shadows follow her. She knows they are from the village, so she is safe. She finds a little grove surrounded by the trees and makes a ring. She isn’t too sure how big it should be, so she makes it about 30 feet in diameter. She then waits.
As the moon comes out the flowers start to glow a soft blue/white light. She isn’t too fascinated by what happens. There are lots of moon lilies in the forest, so she and all the other villagers are used to them. Near midnight Treasa comes into the grove. “Are you ready Eibhlin?”
She nods. “I don’t know if I can dance too well, really?”
Treasa nods. “Let the goddess guide your movements. Eibhlin, you might get a warm feeling during the dance. Don’t worry about it. It’s very natural. It means the goddess sees you.”
Eibhlin nods, “Ok.”
“I’m off to see Anarawd. Have a nice dance.”
Eibhlin watches the priestess leave and waits for the moon to come to its zenith. When it does, she lifts her arms up to it and prays. Something comes over her. She begins to dance. As she get halfway through, she notices a warm feeling in her belly just as Treasa said she would. She continues on to the end. When she is done, she sits down and looks up to the moon. She says a small prayer then stands. That’s when she sees him.
She startles. There’s a strange elven man she does not know leaning against one of the trees. She looks to the sides wondering what is going on. She was supposed to be alone. He laughs, “Easy Eibhlin. I’m not here to harm you. I just wanted to watch your dance. It is lovely.”
“Who… Who are you? You’re not supposed to be here? At least that’s what the priestess said.”
He bows quite stately. “Leofric at your service.”
How come I do not know you and why do your eyes sparkly like stars?”
“Well, you’ve never seen me because you have never come here before. I live here… so to speak with my family.”
“There’s nothing here. No houses in the trees? I see no homes?”
“It’s complicated. I do have a message for you though.”
“A message?”
“There is a stand of grey trees a mile and a half north of your village. I want you to go there next sunrise. There is someone there that wants to meet you.”
Eibhlin raises her hand and covers her mouth. “Who? Who would want to meet me?”
Leofric smiles. “A teacher Eibhlin. A teacher.”
Leofric’s head turns. Her eyes follow him. Treasa is walking up to her as quickly as she can. Eibhlin turns as she comes. Treasa looks around. “Eibhlin, were you talking to someone?”
She nods, “The man over there leaning against the tree.” She turns and the man is gone. She startles again. “He’s, he’s gone?”
Treasa looks at the spot. “What did he look like?”
“Just an elven man… His eyes sparkled in the moonlight.”
The priestess doesn’t say anything for a minute then she turns to her, “Eibhlin, have you ever seen a moon elf?”
She shakes her head. The priestess looks at the spot again. “Alright come along then. We’ll gather up the other girls and go home.”
Eibhlin nods and follows her.
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Re: Eibhlin
The very next morning Eibhlin gets up before dawn quickly grabs a basket and climbs down to the ground. From there she runs north until she sees the first stand of grey trees. When she gets there, she finds no glade within. It’s thick and choked out with thorn bushes. She works her way slowly to the middle of them and waits.
After about 10 minutes she hears a voice from above, “Eibhlin, I’m up here in the trees. Come up girl.” She looks up and sees a pale elf with specks in her eyes. Eibhlin can tell she doesn’t have wrinkles yet but still she looks in her late 3rd or early 4th century. She decides to climb.
When she gets to the level of the woman the figure smiles. “Ah very good. You probably have a lot of questions. My name is Iwerydd, and I have watched you from the time you were a small one.”
“I’ve never seen you before. How could this be?”
Iwerydd smiles. “An interesting thing. You have seen me all your life but did not understand. Remember your tribe’s legends. The legend of the trees? I was once one of those elves, Eibhlin and I’m here to teach you not only to commune with us but all spirits of trees.”
“I don’t understand why me and not another. Someone more capable like a Caolan or Treasa and what are those speckles in your eyes?”
The woman laughs, “I forgot how isolated the tribe is. I was once a moon elf. We have speckles in our eyes. As to Someone more capable…. Eibhlin, your family has carried that locket for thousands of years. It has been handed down from mother to daughter in an unbroken chain. Though many have carried it, only a few have the natural gifts to use it. That locket represents a long-ago forgotten promise between your family and the forest itself. Open it up.”
Eibhlin takes the necklace off her neck and opens the locket again. On the right side she no longer sees the woman’s face. She sees her own and on the other side there is a filigree tree done in silver. She is stunned. “I don’t… I don’t understand. The locket isn’t magic… is it?”
“It is not. The magic isn’t in the locket. It comes from the forest…. The spirits of the trees themselves. The locket does have a function though. It is a focus, a pact, and a channel between you and the trees. As long as you carry it the forest will be able to channel its power to you. It is a totem in its many aspects.”
“But what am I supposed to do with this power?”
“It’s simple really. You are to be our voice to the world. Tis a great responsibility.”
“But why not a druid like Caolan?”
Iwerydd nods. “The druids have their ways but will never have such a close connection as you will. It is your true purpose, Eibhlin. Because of your birth, your family, and your talent the trees have chosen you. That forgotten promise that your family made to the forests of Toril and the promise the Trees made to them. But you must accept this heavy burden. If you do not. The locket the forest will make what is inside look just as it had when your mother gave it to you.”
“I am not sure. Mother says Trease and Caolan do not like… I’m not sure how to explain it.”
“We know Eibhlin. They do not follow the old ways. They fear it. That is why they sent your grandmother away. They have turned to their gods and though they had not turned from the forest, they do not have the understanding to look as deep as you.”
“What do I need to do? Leave the tribe? Will I be by myself?”
Iwerydd chuckles, “No Eibhlin you will not have to leave. For now, you simply need to come here once a ten day to learn. Like school. And we will be your teachers?”
“What am I supposed to learn?”
“About nature, how to talk to others, how to sense what is underneath someone’ speech. It will be hard, but you will learn to love it as your grandmother and great-grandmother did.”
“Can I think about this, Iwerydd?”
“I’m afraid you cannot. You must look into your heart and answer. Your time has come Eibhlin.”
Eibhlin looks at the locket in her hand then to the woman. If the forest needs a voice and this is the path the gods have led me to then yes. I accept.
Iwerydd smiles, “And we accept you, Eibhlin. The grey trees. You can talk to them all but with other trees that have spirit like the old willow by the lake or the great oak that Caolan attends. To speak with them you must sleep like a bear. It will be scarry the first few times but in time you will get used to it. Though they will send thoughts or feelings to you without hibernating, but real communication has to be done in sleep.”
Eibhlin nods.
“When you get home Caolan and Treasa will be there. Do try to convince them that all you saw was a ghost. As said. They want to keep the old ways from the tribe. If they sense you follow them that you can do things they cannot. They will send you away too like your grandmother. Now come back in a ten-day and you will get your first real lesson.”
Eibhlin nods. And looks around. When her eyes come back to where Iwerydd is; The woman is gone. She climbs back down the tree and collects raspberries for dinner.
After about 10 minutes she hears a voice from above, “Eibhlin, I’m up here in the trees. Come up girl.” She looks up and sees a pale elf with specks in her eyes. Eibhlin can tell she doesn’t have wrinkles yet but still she looks in her late 3rd or early 4th century. She decides to climb.
When she gets to the level of the woman the figure smiles. “Ah very good. You probably have a lot of questions. My name is Iwerydd, and I have watched you from the time you were a small one.”
“I’ve never seen you before. How could this be?”
Iwerydd smiles. “An interesting thing. You have seen me all your life but did not understand. Remember your tribe’s legends. The legend of the trees? I was once one of those elves, Eibhlin and I’m here to teach you not only to commune with us but all spirits of trees.”
“I don’t understand why me and not another. Someone more capable like a Caolan or Treasa and what are those speckles in your eyes?”
The woman laughs, “I forgot how isolated the tribe is. I was once a moon elf. We have speckles in our eyes. As to Someone more capable…. Eibhlin, your family has carried that locket for thousands of years. It has been handed down from mother to daughter in an unbroken chain. Though many have carried it, only a few have the natural gifts to use it. That locket represents a long-ago forgotten promise between your family and the forest itself. Open it up.”
Eibhlin takes the necklace off her neck and opens the locket again. On the right side she no longer sees the woman’s face. She sees her own and on the other side there is a filigree tree done in silver. She is stunned. “I don’t… I don’t understand. The locket isn’t magic… is it?”
“It is not. The magic isn’t in the locket. It comes from the forest…. The spirits of the trees themselves. The locket does have a function though. It is a focus, a pact, and a channel between you and the trees. As long as you carry it the forest will be able to channel its power to you. It is a totem in its many aspects.”
“But what am I supposed to do with this power?”
“It’s simple really. You are to be our voice to the world. Tis a great responsibility.”
“But why not a druid like Caolan?”
Iwerydd nods. “The druids have their ways but will never have such a close connection as you will. It is your true purpose, Eibhlin. Because of your birth, your family, and your talent the trees have chosen you. That forgotten promise that your family made to the forests of Toril and the promise the Trees made to them. But you must accept this heavy burden. If you do not. The locket the forest will make what is inside look just as it had when your mother gave it to you.”
“I am not sure. Mother says Trease and Caolan do not like… I’m not sure how to explain it.”
“We know Eibhlin. They do not follow the old ways. They fear it. That is why they sent your grandmother away. They have turned to their gods and though they had not turned from the forest, they do not have the understanding to look as deep as you.”
“What do I need to do? Leave the tribe? Will I be by myself?”
Iwerydd chuckles, “No Eibhlin you will not have to leave. For now, you simply need to come here once a ten day to learn. Like school. And we will be your teachers?”
“What am I supposed to learn?”
“About nature, how to talk to others, how to sense what is underneath someone’ speech. It will be hard, but you will learn to love it as your grandmother and great-grandmother did.”
“Can I think about this, Iwerydd?”
“I’m afraid you cannot. You must look into your heart and answer. Your time has come Eibhlin.”
Eibhlin looks at the locket in her hand then to the woman. If the forest needs a voice and this is the path the gods have led me to then yes. I accept.
Iwerydd smiles, “And we accept you, Eibhlin. The grey trees. You can talk to them all but with other trees that have spirit like the old willow by the lake or the great oak that Caolan attends. To speak with them you must sleep like a bear. It will be scarry the first few times but in time you will get used to it. Though they will send thoughts or feelings to you without hibernating, but real communication has to be done in sleep.”
Eibhlin nods.
“When you get home Caolan and Treasa will be there. Do try to convince them that all you saw was a ghost. As said. They want to keep the old ways from the tribe. If they sense you follow them that you can do things they cannot. They will send you away too like your grandmother. Now come back in a ten-day and you will get your first real lesson.”
Eibhlin nods. And looks around. When her eyes come back to where Iwerydd is; The woman is gone. She climbs back down the tree and collects raspberries for dinner.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: Eibhlin
When Eibhlin comes home, she walks in on Her father and mother facing off with Treasa and Caolan. Treasa looks over, “There she is the girl of the hour.”
Her father motions her over and he draws his arms around her protectively. Caolan looks her over. “I heard you saw someone during the dance, Eibhlin. Did you?” She nods her head. Her mother looks pensive. Caolan continues. What did he look like?”
“An older elf… His eyes had speckles that shined in the moonlight.”
“Your watchers didn’t see anything. Treasa did not see anything either. Are you sure you saw someone?”
She nods, “Maybe he was a ghost.”
Her mother cuts in. “Everyone in this tribe has seen ghosts of the Tue-Tel-Quessir in those stands of grey trees. It isn’t that uncommon.”
Her father backs her mother up. “That’s true.”
Treasa looks at them. “But they never talk to anyone.”
Caolan keeps his eyes on her. “What did this elf say, Eibhlin?”
“He said his name was Leofric and that I had a lovely dance.”
“Is that all?”
Eibhlin nods her head. “I think he may have been a ghost. He looked very shadowy or wispy.”
Treasa is next to speak, “Eibhlin have you ever seen anyone else like that? You see your grandmother, she was well… a bit touched. Sometimes these things run in the family. Caolan and I are a bit worried about you. So, you must tell us. Have you ever seen anyone else like that?”
Caolon nods, “We don’t want to have to take you to the humans Eibhlin, but if your touched you can’t stay here with the tribe. You’ll be an important member in a few years as a hunter perhaps. You understand that if you keep seeing things we’ll have to bring you to the humans.”
Eibhlin nods and looks to her mother. As their eyes meet, there is a understanding. She turns her head back to the priestess and druid. “I understand. I don’t think it will happen again. If it does, I’ll will tell you.”
Trease smiles. “Good. We will mark this up as you having seen a ghost. I have seen a few among the trees myself. Hopefully that will be the end. Right Eibhlin?”
Eibhlin nods but otherwise stays silent. Caolan takes up his staff. “Well, I’m glad we cleared things up. I have many duties to the grove and to the tribe today. No need to waste more time on ghost stories.”
Treasa looks at Eibhlin one last time before leaving. Once they are too ground her mother asks her father to fetch some water to fill their supplies in the kitchen. He grumbles and also goes to ground. Siofra turns to her daughter. “Did you see anyone else, Eibi?”
Eibhlin nods. “a woman this morning in the grey trees.” She takes off her necklace and opens the locket. “See. Now it’s a picture of me and look on the other side a great oak.”
Her mother hugs her and starts the cry with joy. “We need to be careful now.”
“I tried too but the man surprised me, and I was caught.”
Siofra releases her and looks at her. “You’ll always be my daughter but now you are also a daughter of the trees now. I don’t understand how it works but I’m here to support you in any way I can.”
“They said they want to teach me every once every ten-day.”
Her mother nods. “I’ll cover for you. You take a basket and collect along the way and on the way back too.”
Eibhlin nods and gives her mother a big smile.
Her father motions her over and he draws his arms around her protectively. Caolan looks her over. “I heard you saw someone during the dance, Eibhlin. Did you?” She nods her head. Her mother looks pensive. Caolan continues. What did he look like?”
“An older elf… His eyes had speckles that shined in the moonlight.”
“Your watchers didn’t see anything. Treasa did not see anything either. Are you sure you saw someone?”
She nods, “Maybe he was a ghost.”
Her mother cuts in. “Everyone in this tribe has seen ghosts of the Tue-Tel-Quessir in those stands of grey trees. It isn’t that uncommon.”
Her father backs her mother up. “That’s true.”
Treasa looks at them. “But they never talk to anyone.”
Caolan keeps his eyes on her. “What did this elf say, Eibhlin?”
“He said his name was Leofric and that I had a lovely dance.”
“Is that all?”
Eibhlin nods her head. “I think he may have been a ghost. He looked very shadowy or wispy.”
Treasa is next to speak, “Eibhlin have you ever seen anyone else like that? You see your grandmother, she was well… a bit touched. Sometimes these things run in the family. Caolan and I are a bit worried about you. So, you must tell us. Have you ever seen anyone else like that?”
Caolon nods, “We don’t want to have to take you to the humans Eibhlin, but if your touched you can’t stay here with the tribe. You’ll be an important member in a few years as a hunter perhaps. You understand that if you keep seeing things we’ll have to bring you to the humans.”
Eibhlin nods and looks to her mother. As their eyes meet, there is a understanding. She turns her head back to the priestess and druid. “I understand. I don’t think it will happen again. If it does, I’ll will tell you.”
Trease smiles. “Good. We will mark this up as you having seen a ghost. I have seen a few among the trees myself. Hopefully that will be the end. Right Eibhlin?”
Eibhlin nods but otherwise stays silent. Caolan takes up his staff. “Well, I’m glad we cleared things up. I have many duties to the grove and to the tribe today. No need to waste more time on ghost stories.”
Treasa looks at Eibhlin one last time before leaving. Once they are too ground her mother asks her father to fetch some water to fill their supplies in the kitchen. He grumbles and also goes to ground. Siofra turns to her daughter. “Did you see anyone else, Eibi?”
Eibhlin nods. “a woman this morning in the grey trees.” She takes off her necklace and opens the locket. “See. Now it’s a picture of me and look on the other side a great oak.”
Her mother hugs her and starts the cry with joy. “We need to be careful now.”
“I tried too but the man surprised me, and I was caught.”
Siofra releases her and looks at her. “You’ll always be my daughter but now you are also a daughter of the trees now. I don’t understand how it works but I’m here to support you in any way I can.”
“They said they want to teach me every once every ten-day.”
Her mother nods. “I’ll cover for you. You take a basket and collect along the way and on the way back too.”
Eibhlin nods and gives her mother a big smile.
-
Winterhawk99
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Re: Eibhlin: The Locket
Eibhlin comes out of reverie and goes into the Kitchen. Her mother and father are waiting for her. In fact, they jump out of the corner from around the other side of the trunk. “SURPRISE!” They both say.
At first, she is very surprised, then her shoulders slump as any teenage humans would. She comments, “Really mom, dad?”
They both laugh. Her dad says, “It's your first century and the whole tribe is going to throw you a party. I like that Gethne boy.”
Eibhlin’s eyes roll as her mother comments. “Just a score of years and you’ll be a full member of the tribe and also bear the responsibilities of an adult too.”
Eibhlin sights, “Basically I’ll still be a gatherer and occasional huntress with a little more freedom.”
Her mother shakes her head and smiles. “You could petition take the yearly trip to the human city and see its wonders when you’re an adult.”
Eibhlin narrows her eyes. “Dad says they smell like a muskrat in heat and their city paths are filled with their own refuse.”
“Braelynn! Did you tell our daughter that humans stink like muskrats!........And live in their own excrement!”
Her father goes wide-eyed and shrugs…. “It’s the truth. I’ve been there once.”
Siofra sighs, then narrows her eyes and looks at her husband, “Don’t listen to him Eibi! It’s only a half-truth.” Her father smirks, puts his hands behind his back and leans in his chair. She turns her attention to Eibhlin. “We made a new dress for you, and shoes to match.” She opens a box and pulls out a moderately well-made dress of green and gold.
Eibhlin’s eyes light up. “For me?”
Her mother nods and smiles. “Now a good bath at the lake and don't forget the soapberry and horse chestnut paste. I want you clean before you put on that dress and don’t think your too old now that I still can’t tan your hide young lady.”
Eibhlin jumps out of her seat. Grabs the dress and starts for the rope……. Then she remembers the berries and paste runs back and goes to ground.
In the afternoon the party is held. All the boys want to dance with her, and she accommodates them. There are pies and pastries. A whole deer is slow turning over a spit and lathered with garlic butter. It turns slowly for 6 hours, and 14 layers of the butter are rubbed into it. It is a festive occasion as one of the few members has turned their first 100 years and will be an adult soon in elven eyes.
The celebration ends with Eibhlin’s first taste of wine. The tribe surrounds her as she picks up the crystal glass. Eibhlin looks at all of them and says, “I graciously thank all the tribe as I drink my first drink.” She raises it up and it slips from her fingers. The glass shattering on the ground.
She looks utterly surprised. The others look around at each other. One says, “That is an ill omen.”
Caolan, the druid and leader of the tribe quickly tries to recover the situation and gives Eibhlin his glass. “Just bad luck, lass. Take mine.” As he hands it to her, she fumbles it and it spills on the sleeve of her dress. She suddenly looks very pained.
This time, her father tries to give her his glass. She takes it in both hands and starts to bring it to her mouth but her arm spasms, and the glass tips over, drenching her new dress. She sets the glass back down. Some of her friends step away from her. She hears whispers starting.
Eibhlin runs out of the party and into the woods, tears streaming down her eyes. She heads to the nearest stand of grey trees where she learns she will never taste the wonder of alcohol. The trees won’t allow it.
At first, she is very surprised, then her shoulders slump as any teenage humans would. She comments, “Really mom, dad?”
They both laugh. Her dad says, “It's your first century and the whole tribe is going to throw you a party. I like that Gethne boy.”
Eibhlin’s eyes roll as her mother comments. “Just a score of years and you’ll be a full member of the tribe and also bear the responsibilities of an adult too.”
Eibhlin sights, “Basically I’ll still be a gatherer and occasional huntress with a little more freedom.”
Her mother shakes her head and smiles. “You could petition take the yearly trip to the human city and see its wonders when you’re an adult.”
Eibhlin narrows her eyes. “Dad says they smell like a muskrat in heat and their city paths are filled with their own refuse.”
“Braelynn! Did you tell our daughter that humans stink like muskrats!........And live in their own excrement!”
Her father goes wide-eyed and shrugs…. “It’s the truth. I’ve been there once.”
Siofra sighs, then narrows her eyes and looks at her husband, “Don’t listen to him Eibi! It’s only a half-truth.” Her father smirks, puts his hands behind his back and leans in his chair. She turns her attention to Eibhlin. “We made a new dress for you, and shoes to match.” She opens a box and pulls out a moderately well-made dress of green and gold.
Eibhlin’s eyes light up. “For me?”
Her mother nods and smiles. “Now a good bath at the lake and don't forget the soapberry and horse chestnut paste. I want you clean before you put on that dress and don’t think your too old now that I still can’t tan your hide young lady.”
Eibhlin jumps out of her seat. Grabs the dress and starts for the rope……. Then she remembers the berries and paste runs back and goes to ground.
In the afternoon the party is held. All the boys want to dance with her, and she accommodates them. There are pies and pastries. A whole deer is slow turning over a spit and lathered with garlic butter. It turns slowly for 6 hours, and 14 layers of the butter are rubbed into it. It is a festive occasion as one of the few members has turned their first 100 years and will be an adult soon in elven eyes.
The celebration ends with Eibhlin’s first taste of wine. The tribe surrounds her as she picks up the crystal glass. Eibhlin looks at all of them and says, “I graciously thank all the tribe as I drink my first drink.” She raises it up and it slips from her fingers. The glass shattering on the ground.
She looks utterly surprised. The others look around at each other. One says, “That is an ill omen.”
Caolan, the druid and leader of the tribe quickly tries to recover the situation and gives Eibhlin his glass. “Just bad luck, lass. Take mine.” As he hands it to her, she fumbles it and it spills on the sleeve of her dress. She suddenly looks very pained.
This time, her father tries to give her his glass. She takes it in both hands and starts to bring it to her mouth but her arm spasms, and the glass tips over, drenching her new dress. She sets the glass back down. Some of her friends step away from her. She hears whispers starting.
Eibhlin runs out of the party and into the woods, tears streaming down her eyes. She heads to the nearest stand of grey trees where she learns she will never taste the wonder of alcohol. The trees won’t allow it.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2259
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Re: Eibhlin: The Locket
Eibhlin is not the greatest hunter for the tribe by far. She’s not even considered ranked yet as she is highly ranked as a gatherer at 115 and almost an adult but she still hunts occasionally as needed. She cannot hide or move through the trees as well as others. She does have one advantage, only one other in the tribe knows about: her mother. That advantage she has are the voices in her head.
She comes upon 2 doe and two fawn moving slowly through the forest. She kneels down and watches them. A young elven girl appears to her right and says quite plainly, “See the two bushes up ahead of them that’s your best placement. Still hunt ahead of them slowly until you get there.”
Eibhlin gets annoyed with the young elf and quietly tries to shush her. The young girl giggles. “You know only you can hear me though I do think it’s funny you trying to shush a tree.”
Eibhlin questions her own sanity while wiping her face with her free hand. “Are the does both mothers or is one the mother of two?”
“Only one is the mother. The lead. The other doe is the daughter of three years.”
“Eibhlin nods and does a move/stop/listen to the post the tree said behind the brush. Constantly keeping an eye on the grazing deer. A head comes up and she stops utterly motionless until that head goes down again. She makes it while the deer slowly graze the forest floor for acorns and tubers. An elven man across the way waves and smiles also leaning against a tree. Eibi nearly startles herself but manages not to move. The man jumps up and down and twirls around like a fool. Again, Eibi wipes her face and shakes her head slowly thinking to herself. ‘They do like to play at the worse times.’
The deer move in to about twenty yards. She draws her bow and waits, aiming at the crease of the three-year-olds front shoulder bone. Her arm starts to vibrate from the draw weight as she tries to wait for that perfect front quartering shot.
Just as her arm is about to fail, she releases. The arrow sails striking the middle of the crease. The arrow goes through one lung and straight through the bottom of the animal’s heart. The doe crunches down and starts to run. The others take off. The wounded deer doesn’t get very far. It runs 30 yards and falls with a thud. Eibi waits not wanting to see it’s death throes.
After 15 minutes she walks to the spot and follows the line the deer ran to. It doesn’t take long with such a clean shot. She looks around and digs up some clover and grass. She bundles it up and puts it in the dead deer’s mouth. “A last meal for you. Thank you for your sacrifice she says.”
Never stepping or directly leaning over the animal she starts the real work. First, she cuts off its utters and discards them for the scavengers. She then cuts around the anal tube and up to the pelvic bone. Once there she brings out a small saw and cuts across the bone ¾ of the way. After that she punches it until she hears a small click. She spreads the two pieces of the bone and pulls the anal tube through it.
From there she uses her knife to cut through hide and skin all the way up to the throat. She finds the esophagus and severs it. taking that in one hand she slowly pulls while opening the rib area of the animal. All the organs come out at once. The deer is properly gutted.
She separates the heart and liver putting them in a large beaver skin liquid tight bag. And starts to drag the deer to the village. Her friends start to praise her as she passes by.
“Good hunting Eibi that will bring quite a bit for the village.” One speaks.
As she nears home all of the voices in her head stop all at once. For 40 forty years it has never happened before. All she can hear is the birds chirping. A great sadness overtakes her. She drops to her knees and cries. Her friends are gone.
She comes upon 2 doe and two fawn moving slowly through the forest. She kneels down and watches them. A young elven girl appears to her right and says quite plainly, “See the two bushes up ahead of them that’s your best placement. Still hunt ahead of them slowly until you get there.”
Eibhlin gets annoyed with the young elf and quietly tries to shush her. The young girl giggles. “You know only you can hear me though I do think it’s funny you trying to shush a tree.”
Eibhlin questions her own sanity while wiping her face with her free hand. “Are the does both mothers or is one the mother of two?”
“Only one is the mother. The lead. The other doe is the daughter of three years.”
“Eibhlin nods and does a move/stop/listen to the post the tree said behind the brush. Constantly keeping an eye on the grazing deer. A head comes up and she stops utterly motionless until that head goes down again. She makes it while the deer slowly graze the forest floor for acorns and tubers. An elven man across the way waves and smiles also leaning against a tree. Eibi nearly startles herself but manages not to move. The man jumps up and down and twirls around like a fool. Again, Eibi wipes her face and shakes her head slowly thinking to herself. ‘They do like to play at the worse times.’
The deer move in to about twenty yards. She draws her bow and waits, aiming at the crease of the three-year-olds front shoulder bone. Her arm starts to vibrate from the draw weight as she tries to wait for that perfect front quartering shot.
Just as her arm is about to fail, she releases. The arrow sails striking the middle of the crease. The arrow goes through one lung and straight through the bottom of the animal’s heart. The doe crunches down and starts to run. The others take off. The wounded deer doesn’t get very far. It runs 30 yards and falls with a thud. Eibi waits not wanting to see it’s death throes.
After 15 minutes she walks to the spot and follows the line the deer ran to. It doesn’t take long with such a clean shot. She looks around and digs up some clover and grass. She bundles it up and puts it in the dead deer’s mouth. “A last meal for you. Thank you for your sacrifice she says.”
Never stepping or directly leaning over the animal she starts the real work. First, she cuts off its utters and discards them for the scavengers. She then cuts around the anal tube and up to the pelvic bone. Once there she brings out a small saw and cuts across the bone ¾ of the way. After that she punches it until she hears a small click. She spreads the two pieces of the bone and pulls the anal tube through it.
From there she uses her knife to cut through hide and skin all the way up to the throat. She finds the esophagus and severs it. taking that in one hand she slowly pulls while opening the rib area of the animal. All the organs come out at once. The deer is properly gutted.
She separates the heart and liver putting them in a large beaver skin liquid tight bag. And starts to drag the deer to the village. Her friends start to praise her as she passes by.
“Good hunting Eibi that will bring quite a bit for the village.” One speaks.
As she nears home all of the voices in her head stop all at once. For 40 forty years it has never happened before. All she can hear is the birds chirping. A great sadness overtakes her. She drops to her knees and cries. Her friends are gone.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2259
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
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Re: Eibhlin: The Locket
Eibhlin hangs her deer up and takes the ever-full water bottle to clean the inside out. She starts to pour but there is no water. She shakes it. It’s completely empty. She grabs a bucket and goes down to the lake and fills it up. As she comes back, she hears a loud commotion above. It seems the whole of the tribe is racing around the trees from home to home. There is crying and yelling from several members. She washes the carcass as best she can. It will hang the rest of the day to bleed out. When the task is complete, she takes to the trees and home.
She finds her mother sitting at the table crying and her father leaning against the separation wall smoking his pipe. Eibhlin asks, “What happened?”
Her father takes the pipe out of his mouth. “Nothing magical works at the moment. No one understands it. Caolan has called a meet of the tribe in the grove. Eibhlin You will be there.”
She looks at her dad. “I have 5 years until I’m an adult, dad.”
“Well, you going to have to grow up fast now. It may be temporary, but we don’t know that. If it isn’t a whole lot of our youth are going to grow up fast today. Understand?”
Eibi looks at the seriousness of her father’s eyes and just nods to him. Her mother looks at her. “Have you seen or heard from your friends in the last hour?”
She pretends to listen then shakes her head. “I’ve been hunting. I have a 3-year-old hanging on the racks. I have not seen Anarawd or Gethne.”
Her mother starts to cry even harder. Her father is mystified by it. “Well, you will see them at the meet Eibi.”
She nods, knowing he has no idea what she meant but her mother does. “It seemed to destroy her.” Eibi goes to the table and takes her mother’s hand in comfort. “We’ll see them soon just like dad said, mom.” Her mother leans over and they hug.
Her father gets embarrassed. “Well, I’ll go help with the other families… Help Get them prepared for the meet.” He leaves.
Her mother looks at her. “What are we going to do Eibi?”
“We’ll have to learn to survive in other ways that’s all. They will return eventually.”
Her mother nods, her head on Eibi’s shoulders. The mother and daughter comfort each other until her father returns and they go to ground and to the meet.
Almost the whole of the tribe is at the meet. All 65 adults including the seniors and 5 almost adults. Everyone sits or stands around the circle of the great oak. Caolan leads off.
He stands up, “It seems the weave has been broken. All of our magic things will not work. I cannot cast spells and neither can Treasa. This isn’t the first time the weave has been broken. Legend has it that humans have broken it at least once. However not in any of our lifetimes. I can however assure all of the tribe that the weave will mend. That the magic will return to the land. We just don’t know when.”
He sits down and Treasa stands, “Until that time we must all work together. We will all need to change the way we do things. Solonar preaches in his tenets self-reliance and resiliency in the face of the unknown. If we all pull together and use our knowledge, we will weather this storm as we have weathered the great storms coming in from the Sea of Fallen stars.
Elbow grease will replace the magic we have relied on all our lives. We work together and look for new ways of keeping our homes and children safe until the time when the Weave is restored, and our prayers are answered. Any questions or suggestions?”
One of the elders stands. “We could make a thorn and bramble barrier around the village wide enough so as not being obvious with but a few entrances and exits.”
Caolan stand, “excellent idea. We will start on the morrow.”
One of the younger women and a new mother asks, “What about the hobgoblins to the northwest and the dark ones that come up from the depths every now and again? Our tribe is small. We have naught to lose and little to defend ourselves without the trees keeping things at bay.”
Caolan answers her, “I have no doubt the grey ones still stand vigil over the east side of the forest. The trees still live and spread their branches. We have not to fear Milisandia.”
Another member stands this one a man, “What about our hunter’s injuries. With no healing magic what will we do?”
Treasa answers this question, “Both Caolan and I are well versed in treating wounds without magic if necessary and many of our hunters and gatherers too. We will also have to teach others about wounds and the game we bring should not be greater than we can handle without serious injury. We will stop hunting bears and boar we will stick to small game, and birds. How many know how to make birding arrows?”
Six raise their hands. She continues, “I want all of you to teach everyone else how to make them.” She nods to Caolan.”
There is much more talk, mostly off assigning tasks to individuals such as the hunter and gatherer of first rank. When all is almost done Caolan calls forth all there below the age of 120.”
Eibhlin steps up with the four others. Caolan studies them. “You are all adults now as far as the tribe is concerned and bear the responsibility of being a functioning member of the tribe. I wish it were not so but there may be hard times ahead and we need all able bodied to do their absolute best at contributing to the tribe and children’s welfare. Do I hear acceptance from the tribe on this.”
The cry of Aye goes up everywhere. The druid turns to her. “Eibhlin you are 115 summers and the oldest of this group. You are also our 3rd gatherer in rank. You are to teach the others here of your talent for finding nature’s bounty. Do you accept?”
Eibhlin calls out, “Aye.”
He nods.
The meet goes on for another hour then breaks up. The tribe starts a new life. One without magic.
The long year is hard on them all but not so much as other areas. As small as it is and as isolated as it is they only lose 5: Two to beasts, Two to hobgoblins, and one to their dark brothers.
It is Treasa that brings Eibhlin the news of Ruhatlan who was a good friend of Eibi. She tells the tale of the young woman being caught out in the open at night. She ran to the grey trees, but they could not or would not protect her. The drow caught her and killed her while desecrating an old Illithyr shrine.
Eibhlin asks why they could do such horrible things and desecrate their own shrine. Treasa looks at her. “Eibi, please though you are an adult I wish not to convey the dark things they did to your friend. It would be too much for your young mind. I will say that the shrine was dedicated to a Illithyr goddess that means no harm to us. Most of the dark ones despise this dark maiden for she threw off the evil of her mother and walks in the moonlight.”
After the long year the voices return. At first only whispers then a droning and finally a chorus. Eibhlin resumes her studies with the trees.
She finds her mother sitting at the table crying and her father leaning against the separation wall smoking his pipe. Eibhlin asks, “What happened?”
Her father takes the pipe out of his mouth. “Nothing magical works at the moment. No one understands it. Caolan has called a meet of the tribe in the grove. Eibhlin You will be there.”
She looks at her dad. “I have 5 years until I’m an adult, dad.”
“Well, you going to have to grow up fast now. It may be temporary, but we don’t know that. If it isn’t a whole lot of our youth are going to grow up fast today. Understand?”
Eibi looks at the seriousness of her father’s eyes and just nods to him. Her mother looks at her. “Have you seen or heard from your friends in the last hour?”
She pretends to listen then shakes her head. “I’ve been hunting. I have a 3-year-old hanging on the racks. I have not seen Anarawd or Gethne.”
Her mother starts to cry even harder. Her father is mystified by it. “Well, you will see them at the meet Eibi.”
She nods, knowing he has no idea what she meant but her mother does. “It seemed to destroy her.” Eibi goes to the table and takes her mother’s hand in comfort. “We’ll see them soon just like dad said, mom.” Her mother leans over and they hug.
Her father gets embarrassed. “Well, I’ll go help with the other families… Help Get them prepared for the meet.” He leaves.
Her mother looks at her. “What are we going to do Eibi?”
“We’ll have to learn to survive in other ways that’s all. They will return eventually.”
Her mother nods, her head on Eibi’s shoulders. The mother and daughter comfort each other until her father returns and they go to ground and to the meet.
Almost the whole of the tribe is at the meet. All 65 adults including the seniors and 5 almost adults. Everyone sits or stands around the circle of the great oak. Caolan leads off.
He stands up, “It seems the weave has been broken. All of our magic things will not work. I cannot cast spells and neither can Treasa. This isn’t the first time the weave has been broken. Legend has it that humans have broken it at least once. However not in any of our lifetimes. I can however assure all of the tribe that the weave will mend. That the magic will return to the land. We just don’t know when.”
He sits down and Treasa stands, “Until that time we must all work together. We will all need to change the way we do things. Solonar preaches in his tenets self-reliance and resiliency in the face of the unknown. If we all pull together and use our knowledge, we will weather this storm as we have weathered the great storms coming in from the Sea of Fallen stars.
Elbow grease will replace the magic we have relied on all our lives. We work together and look for new ways of keeping our homes and children safe until the time when the Weave is restored, and our prayers are answered. Any questions or suggestions?”
One of the elders stands. “We could make a thorn and bramble barrier around the village wide enough so as not being obvious with but a few entrances and exits.”
Caolan stand, “excellent idea. We will start on the morrow.”
One of the younger women and a new mother asks, “What about the hobgoblins to the northwest and the dark ones that come up from the depths every now and again? Our tribe is small. We have naught to lose and little to defend ourselves without the trees keeping things at bay.”
Caolan answers her, “I have no doubt the grey ones still stand vigil over the east side of the forest. The trees still live and spread their branches. We have not to fear Milisandia.”
Another member stands this one a man, “What about our hunter’s injuries. With no healing magic what will we do?”
Treasa answers this question, “Both Caolan and I are well versed in treating wounds without magic if necessary and many of our hunters and gatherers too. We will also have to teach others about wounds and the game we bring should not be greater than we can handle without serious injury. We will stop hunting bears and boar we will stick to small game, and birds. How many know how to make birding arrows?”
Six raise their hands. She continues, “I want all of you to teach everyone else how to make them.” She nods to Caolan.”
There is much more talk, mostly off assigning tasks to individuals such as the hunter and gatherer of first rank. When all is almost done Caolan calls forth all there below the age of 120.”
Eibhlin steps up with the four others. Caolan studies them. “You are all adults now as far as the tribe is concerned and bear the responsibility of being a functioning member of the tribe. I wish it were not so but there may be hard times ahead and we need all able bodied to do their absolute best at contributing to the tribe and children’s welfare. Do I hear acceptance from the tribe on this.”
The cry of Aye goes up everywhere. The druid turns to her. “Eibhlin you are 115 summers and the oldest of this group. You are also our 3rd gatherer in rank. You are to teach the others here of your talent for finding nature’s bounty. Do you accept?”
Eibhlin calls out, “Aye.”
He nods.
The meet goes on for another hour then breaks up. The tribe starts a new life. One without magic.
The long year is hard on them all but not so much as other areas. As small as it is and as isolated as it is they only lose 5: Two to beasts, Two to hobgoblins, and one to their dark brothers.
It is Treasa that brings Eibhlin the news of Ruhatlan who was a good friend of Eibi. She tells the tale of the young woman being caught out in the open at night. She ran to the grey trees, but they could not or would not protect her. The drow caught her and killed her while desecrating an old Illithyr shrine.
Eibhlin asks why they could do such horrible things and desecrate their own shrine. Treasa looks at her. “Eibi, please though you are an adult I wish not to convey the dark things they did to your friend. It would be too much for your young mind. I will say that the shrine was dedicated to a Illithyr goddess that means no harm to us. Most of the dark ones despise this dark maiden for she threw off the evil of her mother and walks in the moonlight.”
After the long year the voices return. At first only whispers then a droning and finally a chorus. Eibhlin resumes her studies with the trees.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: Eibhlin: The Locket
Eibhlin is washing potatoes on the ground near the circle with several others of the tribe. She hums while working. Magic has been slowly coming back to the land and now she’s 120 a full adult even though she was declared one at 115 it still seems a special year for her.
As she works her leg suddenly abruptly spasms. A sharp searing pain goes up her ankle and into her chest. She screams and falls. After a few seconds another comes she loses everything in her stomach and screams again. Someone goes to get Caolan or Treasa. Eibi suddenly hears voices in the distance calling her to come quick. She gets up and runs to the northwest as fast as she can, stumbling occasionally from some unknown pain. Her mother watching runs to get her father.
Eibhlin runs as fast as she can through the forest not caring to even step, so she leaves no tracks. For more than an hour she runs until she nears the western border of the grey tree line. There she sees hobgoblins chopping down one of the grey trees. All she has is a hunting knife on her. She didn’t even consider picking up her bow. She doesn’t care she runs straight at them.
Lucky for her they are too involved cutting down one of the trees. They don’t notice the soft footed elven lass. She jumps and buries the knife in the collarbone of the one that had the axe. Her body sails past, and she rolls when she hits the ground.
The Three hobgoblins though surprised pick up their axes and start the chase. At that moment Eibi hears a clear voice in her head. ‘TOUCH THE LOCKET! THINK SAFE PLACE!’ She does so as the hobgoblins bear down on her. A spell goes off. It is a spell called Sanctuary. She seems to disappear right before their eyes. As that happens two arrows hit hobgoblin with the knife in its shoulder and another two hit one of the others. They turn to see two more elves getting ready to nock more arrows. They turn tail and run.
The one with the knife gets hit 3 more times. It dies stumbling and falling with several organs now sliced up. The other two escaped. Eibhlin not paying any attention runs to the tree. “Roibhilin! Are you there?”
An elf appears. He is sitting with his legs out and leaning on the trunk. The tree itself is half cut away. His legs look badly mangled. He smiles while obviously still in great pain, “Our magic is still not fully grown, Eibi. We could not protect ourselves and they figured it out.” He looks at his legs. “It won't be much time now.”
“Roibhilin we can fix this. How do we fix it? How do we make you well again. Show me…. Please!”
He shakes his head, “Eibi, you are too young and too weak. You have just learned your very first spell. I’m dying, as all things eventually do.”
Her father looks to her mother somewhat in shock watching his daughter seem to talk to a tree. “Siofra, what in the hell is going on?”
“Our daughter as taken up the family mantle and is a shamaness of the tree spirits like my mother. Eibhlin can see the spirits within and sees them as the elves they once were.”
Braelynn huffs and concentrates on the tree. “If that’s so why in all the hells didn’t the two of you talk to me about that?”
“Because Caolan and Treasa jealously guard their positions as the leaders of the tribe, my love. They would make short work of Eibhlin until she comes into her full understanding.”
He sighs, “You are right of course but you should have informed me. I could have helped.”
“The less that know the better it is for her.”
Braelynn reluctantly nods to his wife’s wisdom, “Of course.”
Tears start to stream down Eibhlin’s eyes. “There must be a way to patch you up. There must be!”
The elf shakes his head, “The bark has been cut all the way around Eibi. I cannot take in nutrients. The only way is through some fancy shamanic magic, which you are far from capable of yet. It’s time to say goodbye. I feel myself slipping. All things end, Eibi. We will meet again in Avandor.”
“I’m not going to say it. If I don’t say it! You’ll have to stay! Stay with me. Please!”
The elf laughs, “It doesn’t work that way Eibi. I’m sorry. I have lived not far, far past an elf’s life because of the transformation. It is time to walk again, walk another land. Goodbye Eibi. Stay strong, and above all do not lose that caring heart we know lies within you.”
The elf fades from view. Eibhlin hugs the tree. “Please don’t leave. Please, please don’t leave.” She cries. After a few moments she gives up and looks around. She sees all the other elves of the stand come out and make signs of mourning to the desecrated tree. She sees her parents and not far away Treasa is standing there. Eibi startles. Her parents look at her gaze and turn to face the priestess.
Treasa’s face is tense. Dark clouds of thought seem to linger around her face. She nearly shouts when she speaks, Eibhlin has endangered the tribe with her reckless actions. There will be a trial!” She does an about face and stomps off toward home leaving the family with only questions.
Eibhlin’s trial is a week later. Her parents are not allowed to speak. Eibhlin had to face off alone against the combined might, understanding, and shrewdness of both Caolan and Treasa who have been the leaders of the tribe for over 2 centuries.
Even with her training from the trees Eibhlin was no match against centuries of knowledge. They make mincemeat of her. They had witnesses that saw her talking to trees and doing strange things in the forest along with their near perfect oratory and skill. The elders voted that she was to be taken to the human priests of Selune to be put in one of their special hospitals or if she refuses… Banishment.
Eibhlin held her head up high and chose banishment. That is when both her parents stepped up. They told the tribe that if their daughter was to be banished that the tribe was not worth the values, they say they stood for. They chose to be banished along with her. They go home for one last night to gather their things for a long trip.
As they pack her mother asks her father, “Where will we go?”
Her father answers, “It will be hard, but I may know a place. When last I took the yearly trip to the human city I heard some things by some seafaring elves. It’s called the Wealdath. A tribe of wood elves lives there called the Eneyri. They say some follow the old ways. I am not sure, but it is the only rumor I have heard of other tribes. That is where we will strike out to.”
Siofra asks, “How long Braelynn?”
“We’ll want to avoid the human cities. I don’t trust them so it will take much longer than a straight journey no more than a decade.”
Her mother turns to Eibhlin, “Eibi, if we find this tribe and they follow the old ways I want you to break your promise to me.”
She looks at her mother strangely. “Why, mom?”
“If there are other shamans and shamaness there. “You’ll have to tell them about the locket. You will not be able to hide it for long. Understand? But you must verify before doing it. Make sure you know they respect the tradition. If they don’t……… It will be the same story as here.”
Eibi nods, “Ok, mom then I will after I know there are others like me there.”
Her mother nods. The family goes to reverie. By dawn’s early light. They are gone Leaving nothing of real value in the home.
As she works her leg suddenly abruptly spasms. A sharp searing pain goes up her ankle and into her chest. She screams and falls. After a few seconds another comes she loses everything in her stomach and screams again. Someone goes to get Caolan or Treasa. Eibi suddenly hears voices in the distance calling her to come quick. She gets up and runs to the northwest as fast as she can, stumbling occasionally from some unknown pain. Her mother watching runs to get her father.
Eibhlin runs as fast as she can through the forest not caring to even step, so she leaves no tracks. For more than an hour she runs until she nears the western border of the grey tree line. There she sees hobgoblins chopping down one of the grey trees. All she has is a hunting knife on her. She didn’t even consider picking up her bow. She doesn’t care she runs straight at them.
Lucky for her they are too involved cutting down one of the trees. They don’t notice the soft footed elven lass. She jumps and buries the knife in the collarbone of the one that had the axe. Her body sails past, and she rolls when she hits the ground.
The Three hobgoblins though surprised pick up their axes and start the chase. At that moment Eibi hears a clear voice in her head. ‘TOUCH THE LOCKET! THINK SAFE PLACE!’ She does so as the hobgoblins bear down on her. A spell goes off. It is a spell called Sanctuary. She seems to disappear right before their eyes. As that happens two arrows hit hobgoblin with the knife in its shoulder and another two hit one of the others. They turn to see two more elves getting ready to nock more arrows. They turn tail and run.
The one with the knife gets hit 3 more times. It dies stumbling and falling with several organs now sliced up. The other two escaped. Eibhlin not paying any attention runs to the tree. “Roibhilin! Are you there?”
An elf appears. He is sitting with his legs out and leaning on the trunk. The tree itself is half cut away. His legs look badly mangled. He smiles while obviously still in great pain, “Our magic is still not fully grown, Eibi. We could not protect ourselves and they figured it out.” He looks at his legs. “It won't be much time now.”
“Roibhilin we can fix this. How do we fix it? How do we make you well again. Show me…. Please!”
He shakes his head, “Eibi, you are too young and too weak. You have just learned your very first spell. I’m dying, as all things eventually do.”
Her father looks to her mother somewhat in shock watching his daughter seem to talk to a tree. “Siofra, what in the hell is going on?”
“Our daughter as taken up the family mantle and is a shamaness of the tree spirits like my mother. Eibhlin can see the spirits within and sees them as the elves they once were.”
Braelynn huffs and concentrates on the tree. “If that’s so why in all the hells didn’t the two of you talk to me about that?”
“Because Caolan and Treasa jealously guard their positions as the leaders of the tribe, my love. They would make short work of Eibhlin until she comes into her full understanding.”
He sighs, “You are right of course but you should have informed me. I could have helped.”
“The less that know the better it is for her.”
Braelynn reluctantly nods to his wife’s wisdom, “Of course.”
Tears start to stream down Eibhlin’s eyes. “There must be a way to patch you up. There must be!”
The elf shakes his head, “The bark has been cut all the way around Eibi. I cannot take in nutrients. The only way is through some fancy shamanic magic, which you are far from capable of yet. It’s time to say goodbye. I feel myself slipping. All things end, Eibi. We will meet again in Avandor.”
“I’m not going to say it. If I don’t say it! You’ll have to stay! Stay with me. Please!”
The elf laughs, “It doesn’t work that way Eibi. I’m sorry. I have lived not far, far past an elf’s life because of the transformation. It is time to walk again, walk another land. Goodbye Eibi. Stay strong, and above all do not lose that caring heart we know lies within you.”
The elf fades from view. Eibhlin hugs the tree. “Please don’t leave. Please, please don’t leave.” She cries. After a few moments she gives up and looks around. She sees all the other elves of the stand come out and make signs of mourning to the desecrated tree. She sees her parents and not far away Treasa is standing there. Eibi startles. Her parents look at her gaze and turn to face the priestess.
Treasa’s face is tense. Dark clouds of thought seem to linger around her face. She nearly shouts when she speaks, Eibhlin has endangered the tribe with her reckless actions. There will be a trial!” She does an about face and stomps off toward home leaving the family with only questions.
Eibhlin’s trial is a week later. Her parents are not allowed to speak. Eibhlin had to face off alone against the combined might, understanding, and shrewdness of both Caolan and Treasa who have been the leaders of the tribe for over 2 centuries.
Even with her training from the trees Eibhlin was no match against centuries of knowledge. They make mincemeat of her. They had witnesses that saw her talking to trees and doing strange things in the forest along with their near perfect oratory and skill. The elders voted that she was to be taken to the human priests of Selune to be put in one of their special hospitals or if she refuses… Banishment.
Eibhlin held her head up high and chose banishment. That is when both her parents stepped up. They told the tribe that if their daughter was to be banished that the tribe was not worth the values, they say they stood for. They chose to be banished along with her. They go home for one last night to gather their things for a long trip.
As they pack her mother asks her father, “Where will we go?”
Her father answers, “It will be hard, but I may know a place. When last I took the yearly trip to the human city I heard some things by some seafaring elves. It’s called the Wealdath. A tribe of wood elves lives there called the Eneyri. They say some follow the old ways. I am not sure, but it is the only rumor I have heard of other tribes. That is where we will strike out to.”
Siofra asks, “How long Braelynn?”
“We’ll want to avoid the human cities. I don’t trust them so it will take much longer than a straight journey no more than a decade.”
Her mother turns to Eibhlin, “Eibi, if we find this tribe and they follow the old ways I want you to break your promise to me.”
She looks at her mother strangely. “Why, mom?”
“If there are other shamans and shamaness there. “You’ll have to tell them about the locket. You will not be able to hide it for long. Understand? But you must verify before doing it. Make sure you know they respect the tradition. If they don’t……… It will be the same story as here.”
Eibi nods, “Ok, mom then I will after I know there are others like me there.”
Her mother nods. The family goes to reverie. By dawn’s early light. They are gone Leaving nothing of real value in the home.
-
Winterhawk99
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Re: Eibhlin: The Locket
The family sets off on a long journey. They head west at first avoiding hobgoblin patrols then north across the Earthfast mountains. They get lost several times all the while avoiding dangerous things. They come down the other side to Dragon falls. Siofra and Eibhlin wait while Braelynn resupplies.
They then set off across the Vast north striking out for the forest of Cormanthor. They cross the western edge of the Earthspur mountains and slowly around the flooded forest. Once across the inlets they find themselves among several tribes of elves. They winter there already weary from the long trek. Braelynn and Siofra protect their daughter from getting too noticed by the elves' clerics and mages along with any young man that may happen along. They work hard to make enough coin for the next leg of the journey. Braelynn takes up with the hunters. Sifora works in the homes of well to do elves, and Eibi collects winters bounties.
Many are surprised by Eibhlin’s advanced general knowledge of nature being so young but do not get too suspicious after finding out how small their tribe was. In spring they make the next leg of the journey. They parallel the Moonsea ride down to Tilverton There again Braelynn braves the humans and tries to stay out of a major war as Arabel has rebelled against Corymr. He almost gets conscripted into the army but makes it back out of the city after a week.
From tilverton the family takes the caravan trail toward Reaching wood This takes 6 months as again they avoid all traffic and have a have due diligence avoiding monsters that roam farsea marshes and the sunset mountains. When they reach it, the trees demand Eibhlin join them for 6 months. The family stays while Eibi hibernates off and on for ½ a year. She learns new spells and a new ability called Thunderous Might. The family stays in Reaching Wood for almost two years. Living alone and building up meat and other supplies enough to get to Snake wood.
Once ready they move south through The Greenfields avoiding everything and into Snake wood. Once there again the trees demand that Eibhlin join them. They spend almost a year there as she communes with the elder trees of the forest.
After nearly 4 years they strike out once again headed for the Wealdath. They get there just short of five years. Eibhlin has just turned 125 and her parents start to look for the wood elven tribe.
They travel for several weeks in the forest looking for the tribe but not finding it. Eibhlin goes up and hibernates for ten days to learn where it is and communion with the spirits of the forest. When she comes down Her mother and Father have set up camp.
They are both there. Her father asks her if she found the path. She nods. “It will take three days.” Both of her parents are elated and hug her. Her mother asks her if she can collect firewood from the downed branches. She nods and set out into the forest near camp.
As she is collecting something comes over her. Some very dark and very cold seems to touch her like an evil spirit. She drops the wood and runs into camp. Both of her parents are gone. There is something there nothing she can see a feeling of foreboding so deep it nearly chocks her own spirit in a fit of depression. Then she gets another feeling, a feeling she knows from the trees. It means run, run for your life. She does and gets lost. Night comes and she climbs an old tree and makes a nest.
She hibernates for 3 days. She learns something has taken her parents and they no longer live. There is something strange, dark and cold deep within its depths. The trees were vague. They would not tell her what it is. At least not yet. They all cried out for her to have patience. They told her she was too small to do this alone.
When she wakes up the trees lead her on the path to Y’tellarien. There she meets the tribe of the Eneyri along with many, many others. A story ends and a new one begins. One of Eibhlin's life among the tribes of Y’tellarien and the Conclave of druids that lives on the forest floor.
They then set off across the Vast north striking out for the forest of Cormanthor. They cross the western edge of the Earthspur mountains and slowly around the flooded forest. Once across the inlets they find themselves among several tribes of elves. They winter there already weary from the long trek. Braelynn and Siofra protect their daughter from getting too noticed by the elves' clerics and mages along with any young man that may happen along. They work hard to make enough coin for the next leg of the journey. Braelynn takes up with the hunters. Sifora works in the homes of well to do elves, and Eibi collects winters bounties.
Many are surprised by Eibhlin’s advanced general knowledge of nature being so young but do not get too suspicious after finding out how small their tribe was. In spring they make the next leg of the journey. They parallel the Moonsea ride down to Tilverton There again Braelynn braves the humans and tries to stay out of a major war as Arabel has rebelled against Corymr. He almost gets conscripted into the army but makes it back out of the city after a week.
From tilverton the family takes the caravan trail toward Reaching wood This takes 6 months as again they avoid all traffic and have a have due diligence avoiding monsters that roam farsea marshes and the sunset mountains. When they reach it, the trees demand Eibhlin join them for 6 months. The family stays while Eibi hibernates off and on for ½ a year. She learns new spells and a new ability called Thunderous Might. The family stays in Reaching Wood for almost two years. Living alone and building up meat and other supplies enough to get to Snake wood.
Once ready they move south through The Greenfields avoiding everything and into Snake wood. Once there again the trees demand that Eibhlin join them. They spend almost a year there as she communes with the elder trees of the forest.
After nearly 4 years they strike out once again headed for the Wealdath. They get there just short of five years. Eibhlin has just turned 125 and her parents start to look for the wood elven tribe.
They travel for several weeks in the forest looking for the tribe but not finding it. Eibhlin goes up and hibernates for ten days to learn where it is and communion with the spirits of the forest. When she comes down Her mother and Father have set up camp.
They are both there. Her father asks her if she found the path. She nods. “It will take three days.” Both of her parents are elated and hug her. Her mother asks her if she can collect firewood from the downed branches. She nods and set out into the forest near camp.
As she is collecting something comes over her. Some very dark and very cold seems to touch her like an evil spirit. She drops the wood and runs into camp. Both of her parents are gone. There is something there nothing she can see a feeling of foreboding so deep it nearly chocks her own spirit in a fit of depression. Then she gets another feeling, a feeling she knows from the trees. It means run, run for your life. She does and gets lost. Night comes and she climbs an old tree and makes a nest.
She hibernates for 3 days. She learns something has taken her parents and they no longer live. There is something strange, dark and cold deep within its depths. The trees were vague. They would not tell her what it is. At least not yet. They all cried out for her to have patience. They told her she was too small to do this alone.
When she wakes up the trees lead her on the path to Y’tellarien. There she meets the tribe of the Eneyri along with many, many others. A story ends and a new one begins. One of Eibhlin's life among the tribes of Y’tellarien and the Conclave of druids that lives on the forest floor.
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Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2259
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Re: Eibhlin: The Locket
Before I go into hibernation I wish to finally write of my time among the Tribes and Conclave. It has been only 3 ten-days yet so much has gone on. It has been a whirlwind. The first days of the first ten-day I met people very slowly. I wasn’t sure who to trust or put my faith into as friend. Luckily the spring festival has come. I spend the beginning of the festival there meeting a few.
As I enjoyed the festival the Tree spirits sent me a picture of a colony of birds’ nests that were built too close to the rising spring waters of the river close by. I had to go and do my duty to the forest. I missed much of the festival. When I came back the Archery competition was about to start. I stayed and watched it. It was very interesting. I cheered for my favorite and all who made good marks.
Afterward I was called to hibernate with the trees of this new forest. It was my first time among the great elder spirits of the Wealdath. They were unlike any I had known. They were demanding. They questioned my morals, sanity and even the gods themselves. They tried to turn me to other obvious false principles, made me fight for what I believe with the ideas of my upbringing. They questioned everything about me until I questioned them myself then turned it around and told me I had little faith in my beliefs. They made me cry and wonder what they were doing. Why they would be so mean, abrupt and unbending? I wondered if they were trying to dissuade me from my chosen pact and call out for its dissolution.
When they released me from my slumber, I was restless. The grey trees had always treated me as friend and family. They were gentle in their teaching. I was family and friend to them. These trees they are less caring. I am their tool and their servant. That is what I was thinking but now I am coming to understand they need me to grow to be their voice. After the next hibernation I began to understand the meaning behind their rough treatment of me. If I am to be their Voice, I must learn to see through people’s words and understand the motives behind. I must be able to fight with words for the tree spirits goals.
They call me sapling in jest and slight meaning that I am too young and inexperienced to speak for them among the world of mortals. I am bound and determined to prove them wrong. I will know when they call me something else that I finally have their respect.
As I enjoyed the festival the Tree spirits sent me a picture of a colony of birds’ nests that were built too close to the rising spring waters of the river close by. I had to go and do my duty to the forest. I missed much of the festival. When I came back the Archery competition was about to start. I stayed and watched it. It was very interesting. I cheered for my favorite and all who made good marks.
Afterward I was called to hibernate with the trees of this new forest. It was my first time among the great elder spirits of the Wealdath. They were unlike any I had known. They were demanding. They questioned my morals, sanity and even the gods themselves. They tried to turn me to other obvious false principles, made me fight for what I believe with the ideas of my upbringing. They questioned everything about me until I questioned them myself then turned it around and told me I had little faith in my beliefs. They made me cry and wonder what they were doing. Why they would be so mean, abrupt and unbending? I wondered if they were trying to dissuade me from my chosen pact and call out for its dissolution.
When they released me from my slumber, I was restless. The grey trees had always treated me as friend and family. They were gentle in their teaching. I was family and friend to them. These trees they are less caring. I am their tool and their servant. That is what I was thinking but now I am coming to understand they need me to grow to be their voice. After the next hibernation I began to understand the meaning behind their rough treatment of me. If I am to be their Voice, I must learn to see through people’s words and understand the motives behind. I must be able to fight with words for the tree spirits goals.
They call me sapling in jest and slight meaning that I am too young and inexperienced to speak for them among the world of mortals. I am bound and determined to prove them wrong. I will know when they call me something else that I finally have their respect.