ORP - Why Then the Darkening of the Light?

Wisteria the Elder : One of the oldest living Ti'rhyn, this unicornis lepus draconis is guardian to the Gloaming Grove and bonded to the ancient Wisteria tree that rises from the center of it. She helps the hatchlings learn to find their gemsong and acts as a medium (or ceremony leader) to those adults who wish to bond as lifemates. Ti'rhyn Legend tells of a type of 'rhyn (not Le'rhyn) that once performed these tasks but none of the gemkin that used to do so are around any more. It is said they were able to communicate with other sentient beings as well which is a skill that no Ti'rhyn carry these days aside from the vague sensory bond that Ka'rhyn share with their Keepers.


To begin with all Ti'rhyn will be gathering in the Gloaming Grove. If you are playing a Doe, she will be seeking out and gauging the available Bucks as well as the competition from other Does. If you are playing a Buck, he will be doing his best to attract the Does, possibly by building 'nests' of fallen leaves or by showing off one or two of the more fascinating or valuable pieces of his hoard. Alternatively, if your Bucks and Does are already decided upon their mates they may just be there to share the company of their brethren beneath the warming branches of Wisteria's tree. This isn't to say you have to play adults only, all the Ti'rhyn will be gathering here regardless of evolution!

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Tonight Arolaah has come at last to meet the elder that Anemoi has told her of, Wisteria, whom it is said, recalls all the names of those who have passed her way. There were names the Ja'rhyn sought that no other could tell her and she was not certain even this elder Le'rhyn would know them. Still she came, in hope...

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Anemoi had accompanied the enigmatic Aroolah to the Grove tonight out of friendship but then, he would have come regardless. He attended most nights in hopes of catching a glimpse of [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] he had seen one day in high summer... He had only caught a glimpse of her the once but her image had haunted him most nights since. He had brought with him one of the larger opals from his hoard, full of rainbow fire and curls of white light. So he too came, in hope...

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As the stars began to glimmer into life one by one in the half-night of the evening sky, Selene darted forth, outstripping her coterie but accompanied against her wishes by the coterie's newest buck. Tonight she had wanted to visit the grove to dance among males she did not know and, even though her father still believed her too young to think of such things, perhaps gain the future interest of a buck. As it was, though she used her half-formed wings to jump and dart among the trees she could not seem to shake her unwanted escort, though her parents and the rest of her family were left behind to make their way more casually to the grove.

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Loping along to keep up with his younger charge, Athanasios did not remprimand her for trying to elude him. Instead he thought back to the previous day, when the young doe's father had approached him and pleaded with him to watch her for the night, knowing that he and her mother intended to become lifebonded and would be too busy to watch her. 'Just... make sure she doesn't do anything foolish.' He had said with a rueful shake of his head. And so here he was, following the wilde child through the trees even as she attempted to outrun him, single mindedly dedicated.

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Not far from where the Pu'rhyn and her Ma'rhyn babysitter pelted through the woods walked another, a shadow among shadows. Saluki had chosen to approach on foot rather than aloft for the first time in quite a while, curiously eager to attend a gathering that she would have normally avoided at all costs. She was unobserved, and so walked unshielded, her shadow merely her own as she had fed a mere hour before, leaving the demon sated and content to be unseen. Did she hope to find a mate at this gathering? Even she was unsure of that, but where there were 'rhyn there was fun to be had, and after the incident on the night of the Fiapuri she had been sorely starved of fun.

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Rhapsody found himself traveling with the others toward the Gloaming Grove. He had taken extra care with his fur and wings that day, and had brought a small pouch of particular shiney things in case there should be a female that caught his eye. He sauntered smugly toward the tree, acting as though he had not a care in the world.

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Cara Mia followed Rhapsody rather more closely than the young buck realized, and smiled to herself. The Gloaming Grove had many stories, and she was sure this year would prove to be another year of stories to share with the hatchlings to come. This year she had chosen to come to look for a mate, to give her her own hatchling. She had never been a mother before and she was willing to seek out the special mushroom that it would take for her own breeding that year. She would be listening and watching this year for many things.

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Shaila took a side path on her way to the Gloaming Grove. Something shiny had caught her eye, and then something tasty had darted in front of her, so her trip had a few side quests that she hadn't been expecting. Now that her tummy was full, and the shiny object was safe within a pouch, she was ready to join the others in the Grove. She had heard much of Wisteria, and wanted to see the Le'rhyn with her own eyes. She wondered if the Elder would be willing to deal with a young doe's questions. She wriggled with joy at the thought and made her way to the tree at the center of the Grove.

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Out of their own coterie's grove moved an unlikely trio of 'rhyn. Together, Kyl'kage, Enele, and Virdana were nesting mates, two does sharing the affections of a single, very happy ka'rhyn buck. All three were excited and hopeful about the coming of breeding season, their dearest wish to find a rare Veil Cap that Enele and Kyl might make a nest together. Too, there were bound to be many interesting souls to meet, and friends to make at the gathering in the Grove..

At what she believed was a discreet distance, but was in fact quite obvious to anyone not wrapped up in their own thoughts, Kish'afina followed the trio. Upon finding that Kyl already had not only one, but two mates from his life before joining their coterie, she'd been hurt. In her young heart she'd dreamed of calling the dark one her mate, and laying him a clutch of eggs. Now she was quite happy to have kept this to herself; revealing this to Kyl would have mortified her, and wounded her further. Not sure why she followed, she did anyway, partly out of hurt and partly from curiosity, and a longing that Kyl had left in her heart.

Trailing behind the others, a soft ma'rhyn doe made her way forward. Pacha had not met any of her own type since coming to live with the falipae she adored. She missed being among ma'rhyn, and had come to seek them out, and to see if she could help ease the ache in Kish'a's heart, which had not gone unnoticed by this sensitive doe. Mayhaps with a bit of luck she would find a buck to flirt with, and even lay her first eggs.

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The bright green hatchling made her way tentatively closer to the large Le'rhyn female, Wisteria. She just knew the wise doe had some really good stories she could share. If she would. Usually one to stay in the shadows, unobtrusive and unobserved, Éireann continued forward. Perhaps it was that she too was a le'rhyn that Éireann felt she could approach the doe. Éireann neither knew nor really cared.

Er, um, excuse me, she sent. I was wondering, that is to say, I hoped, maybe. Blushing and ducking her head some, Éireann rushed on faintly, Could we get a story?

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Amunet watched with amusement as the young le'rhyn of her newly-joined coterie made her way to the wise one under the ancient wisteria. From what she had thus far observed such boldness, tentative as it may be, was unusual in the little one. In fact, Amunet couldn't remember hearing the le'rhyn utter one word. Watch, listen, and cuddle with an available adult, but not really send any messages. Then again many in the coterie still looked at her oddly and became quiet when she came into sight. Hopefully here in the Gloaming Grove she would fade into the background as the Ti'rhyn turned their focus upon the opposite sex in search of mates. She was especially interested to see if the bonded ones behaved as the wild ones. Did they change with time spent in the presence of two-leggers or were they much the same as before?

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Mahina nibbled on her small pile of berries as she watched the activity about the ancient wisteria. Each buck especially caught her attention. At least long enough to measure him as a potential mate. She was feeling the pull of the season especially strong this year, but she really wasn't sure what she was looking for in a buck. She had never participated before. What made one buck more special than the next? Hm, that one sure has nice stripes. Oh, would you look at that one's eyes!

Wait. His eyes? He was looking at her! Quickly she looked the other way as heat filled her face. Now how was she supposed to connect with a buck if she couldn't even maintain eye contact?

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Eshe hurried into the clearing and looked around, hoping to find a warm 'rhyn to go talk to. Shivered raced over her hairless body. It was cold out there!

She quickly spotted a red-horned buck displaying some of his treasures and moved over on the pretense of looking them over. While she was interested in forming a bond with a male this season, most of her interest in this one was the heat radiating off of him. Maybe when she was a bit less cold she would be interested in more.

Hm. He is a wild buck and his treasure are interesting, but he was not the right buck for her. The chills were at least under control now and her attention began to drift. A bright red Pu'rhyn buck caught her attention as he moved closer to the ancient wisteria, but it was quickly diverted when a young Pu'rhyn hatchling burst from the brush around the grove. The quick glance she cast into the trees behind her had Eshe watching to see what (or who) was behind. Before she could see her attention was reclaimed by the buck she had been visiting. With a slight smile and a polite answer she scanned the grove for the Pu'rhyn and her pursuer(s).

There. And behind...

A hum of interest escaped her. Excusing herself, Eshe moved on, making her way to the young Pu'rhyn. If she made herself know to the hatchling she should be able to exchange words with the Ma'rhyn buck as well.

Hello, youngling. How are you this chill evening? she sent.

((Excellent! Eshe joins the fun. And so, by extension, shall Elija...))
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Hovering nervously at the edge of the clearing was the small, pale form of Elija, his startlingly red eyes trained on the slowly gathering crowd of 'rhyn that had (thankfully) yet to notice him. While he did clutch a rather striking black opal, and several smaller shards of diamond, he was unwilling to approach a single female. Too many, too varied were the 'rhyn that arrayed before him... The smells alone were overwhelming, and what with the poor light of dusk already weakening his eyesight he may as well have been in a swirling, headache-inducing cocoon. Instead, he cowered at the edge of sight, like a frightened hatchling, with no intention of crossing the threshold.

That was, until he spotted a whirl of familiar colours amongst the confusion. Spots of pale lilac against black-blue skin, and eyes like an eclipse... The go'rhyn doe he had spotted in the forest had come! A new, conflicting emotion set his head throbbing. He longed to approach yet feared the crowd, drowning in the sights and smells. He issued a small, pathetic whimper and closed his eyes against the night.

Selene had been moving so quickly in her efforts to escape her 'babysitter' that she had little time to slow down before she burst through a drift of overhanging foliage and into the clearing itself. With a delighted gasp she pulled herself to a stop, skidding nearly a metre in the process, as her attention was immediately absorbed by the multitude of wild and even bonded 'rhyn of every gemkin she knew (and even a few she didn't!) gathered in such a small space.

It took her several moments of unavoidable gaping before she realised that another doe had wandered over to speak with her. Eyes bright with excitement, she turned to face the go'rhyn, flicking an errant tendril of wisteria from above her eye.

I am well! The warmth of the run has left it's fire in my veins... Luckily I am yet to feel the night's chill. And you?

Several metres behind her loped the ever-vigilant Athanasios, seemingly uninterested in the goings-on around him. As he got closer, he realised how little time it had really taken his young charge to get herself into the proceedings. Why, already she was talking to a rather striking adult doe, her young form practically buzzing with unbridled excitement.

What goes on here, little one? As his lope slowed to a leisurely walk, a gust of wind stirred his unique scent into the air around him. Undoubtably masculine, the heavy scent of juniper and musk was like a cloud around him.

While her intent had been, in part, to keep an eye on the young go'rhyn whose heart ached, Pacha was distracted-very effectively-by the strong scent of juniper and musk. Instantly aware of another of her kind, Pacha's head swiveled in his direction, eyes, ears, and nose suddenly alert. She broke out into a wide smile at this unexpected turn. With a glance at Kihs'a-who was sulking under the wisteria branches-she turned and loped toward him, and the kid to whom he was speaking. She was a delicate looking little pu'rhyn.

Greetings, all. A fine chill night for sharing the company of others, is it not? Her warm smile and soft eyes took in all of them: the buck who'd caught her by surprise, the little pu' he'd followed, and a lovely mottled go'rhyn doe who happened to be furless. Such a mutation was new to her, but she stared not, only noted it as something unusual to her eyes.

From under the wisteria, Kish'a watched as Enele and Virdana fawned over Kyl. Her heart was not happy, and her thoughts were heavy. Idly she pulled a blossom from the branches and began tugging off its petals, annoyed. Every so often she glanced back in the trio's direction, fuming silently and then falling into sadness again. She knew she should be happy for them, but couldn't find that emotion in her heart.

Enele noticed her sour mood, and frowned. Excusing herself form the ka'rhyn pair, she loped over to the young go'rhyn. Be at peace, Kish'a. I was not aware that my arrival would cause you such unrest. She sat down near the go' but not close enough to anger her further, she hoped.

Kish'a was a bit embarrassed. No, Enele, it's not your fault. I mean, I don't even know why I feel so bad. I's not like Kyl ever said he...or I told him....just silly. She blushed under her fur, dropping what was left of the blossom to the ground. The ke'rhyn smiled, moving closer.

A crush? Yes, I know how you feel. I was like that with him, too, when I was still a kid and he was fully adult. It was different with us, though; fate had its paw in bringing us together, and then Vi joined our happiness, too. But do not fret, or be so sad that Kage is not meant for you. Some special buck out there is, and you'll not find him sulking under this tree. Go, now, and find someone to talk to. We have our happiness, and you deserve yours.

Will it be different when i's real? When it is love, and not just a silly crush? Kish'a's silver eyes were full of hope and longing.

Yes, Kish, it will. Now go and look around. The night's growing older the longer you sit..... Gently she nudged the younger doe forward, who, giggling, hopped off, blushing like fire, not knowing what she was doing. Enele watched her go, another brief flash of her life before sliding through her memories. What little she knew of her past came from those flashes and the stories of her mate-sister and bonded buck. With a bit of luck she hoped to recover more, soon.

While his attention had been focused on his own charge, Athanasios could not but help catching a whiff of another of his kind, her crackling, stormy scent catching up to him well before she herself did. With a delighted grin, he having not expected to meet another of his kind here so soon, he turned his head in the direction of the delightful aroma and caught sight of the stunningly patterned doe. With a warm murr, he returned the greeting with surprised joy.

Indeed it is! The silver fire of the stars above and cold white of winters blanket make for beautiful scenery indeed, though perhaps that is not what most are here to look at.

Selene noticed the doe's approach to late, turning a startled gaze when she sent from so close. At a loss for words, she could only utter a stammered, [i]Greetings![/b] before turning with an embarrassed blush back to the furless doe who had first approached them, silently trying to come up with something better to say. It infuriated her that her 'babysitter' could be so at ease so quickly, seeming unfazed and perfectly prepared for any situation. It irked her that she could not do the same.

I am afraid the night's chill causes an allergic reaction in me, Eshe responded to the pu'rhyn kid with a light of mischief in her eyes.

Her speaking with the little pu'rhyn had the desired effect when her escort (Athanasios) joined them, but no sooner had his juniper scent wrapped itself about Eshe than the fresh scent of rain on the hot ground joined the first.

It is indeed a fine night for company, she replied to the striped doe. The warmth of fellowship is a fine thing on most any night, but especially so in this season. And the stories that are told of an evening are especially fun, wouldn't you say, young one?

To any but Éireann it seemed perhaps that Wisteria still slept for a long moment after the verdant hue'd Le'rhyn hatchling had approached her. For the little unicornis however the elder's awakening was made immediately obvious by an internal response meant for her alone.

'Well met my little 'kin...' the faintest crack of an eyelid released ultraviolet light as the darkfurred doe peeked at the petite green one. 'I have many stories to tell Éireann. Was there any particular kind of story you were hoping to hear?' Externally, a subtle tail curl and flick of an ear gave hint of the internal dialogue but no other sign was shown.

Éireann's ears swiveled back and forth and her tail twitched as she thought about the different tales she had heard in her short life. What to choose? She began to bounce a bit while sitting up on her hind legs while totally focused on her internal debate. While others detected no response from the dark Le'rhyn, Éireann in the manner of the young knew only what she was seeing, feeling and doing. She had the wise doe's (Wisteria) attention, and the possibility of a fine tale. She must choose well.

Absently her eyes drifted about the glade, pausing on this group and that couple. Oh, I know, she finally sent. Can we have a story about the first life mates? Dreamily her thoughts wondered to romance, but not all that silly, mushy stuff just a handsome buck. She wasn't sure why she should want a buck, handsome or otherwise, but the story still seemed like a good choice.

With an understanding nod, Selene grinned and allowed a similar mischief to creep into her own pale orbs. The night had barely begun, and already she had found someone exciting to hang around with, leaving her with an excited humming somewhere deep in her chest that quickly dispersed the annoyance she felt towards her unwanted escort.

The warmth her bolt through the forest created had begun to wear off without her noticing, and it wasn't until a brisk wind swirled past, chilling her damp fur and sending a shiver up her spine that she realised that the furless go'rhyn doe hadn't been downplaying the night's cold. The wind eased off as quickly as it had come, but the chill didn't dissipate and she pulled herself into a tighter ball to keep herself as warm as possible.

'Oh yes!' She nodded a little stiffly, still trying to shake off the chill that had a hold on her spine and at the same time remembering the last time she had, ehem, run into the Elder 'rhyn whose stories the doe spoke of. 'My mother used to bring me back the most amazing tales.' Athanasios, who had gone back to watching for trouble after curiously examining both the intriguingly furless doe and the stormy-scented one of his own ilk, suddenly rejoined the conversation. 'I recall my first time here… I was little more than a headstrong kid who thought he could have any doe who caught his eye.' A deep chuckle resonated through his body. 'I have since learnt better.'

Reminiscing seemed to put the buck in good humour, and he continued to smile ruefully to himself as he remember past fruitless ventures.

The ma'rhyn buck's comment, "perhaps that is not what most are hear to look at", earned him a playful smile and coyly tilted head. Indeed this buck was quite a handsome one; Pacha'd not seen his like in many seasons. Her own glade being empty of like company, she was eager to share thoughts with one who understood her on a deeper level.

As she returned to her mate and would-be sister, Enele cast her eyes about for another returned, but saw none, at least as yet. Kyl and Vi seemed to be in the midst of a heated, and private, conversation, so the ke'ryhn doe turned instead to the le'rhyn doe beneath the wisteria tree. It looked as if younglings were gathering near for a tale. Enele moved over to join them, curious what it would be about this evening.

Pacha myrrhed her amusement, her smile, all for Athanasios, softening her gaze. We have all learned much since those first timid forays into love, save for those to whom it is a new thing. Much luck to them! They'll need it. She flicked her eyes to the unique trio from her own coterie, two now wrapped up in one another, the third heading for the wisteria. She hoped also that Kish'a had taken her advice, and set out to mingle.

Dancing among the shadows of the night, laughing for the joy it brought her, the young go'rhyn took in all she could see. Here was a pair of le'rhyn, apparently decided to bond this season. There, a young sapphire buck looked around himself nervously, not meeting anyone's gaze. He's cute, she thought, but he's so insecure. Not him, not this season. Then her eyes fell on something....odd, given this social event. Another go'rhyn (Elija), this a buck, lay on the ground, his white fur gleaming in the night. He seemed to be...hiding? Kish'a frowned as she made her approach. Hello? Are you all right? Up close he was truly stunning, with bright red curls and wings that recalled obsidian contrasting his snowy fur. Kish'a found herself fighting a new blush.

((Had to fix all the little errors))

With his tail twitching back and forth, leaving scores in the soft dirt, a playful grin lit his eyes in response to the ma'rhyn doe's own smile. Athanasios nodded his head in concurrence. 'Indeed. Those new to the never ending dance of life and love will find it much more dangerous than they could have imagined. But the rewards so much greater…' His words trailed off as he realised that Selene was looking at him with a combination of awe and disturbance. Obviously, she had never though of the normally silent buck as ever having taken a mate before, and while this brought him up a notch in her mind, she also didn't want to think of there being little Athanasios-hatchlings tumbling around somewhere. One was more than enough, in her mind!

Selene shook her head, a self-assured cast to her smile and determination sparking in her eyes. 'Who needs luck? I'm just going to make sure I pick right the first time.' A muffled myrrh started up beside her, and it took her a moment to realise her presumed escort was laughing at her. She shot him a glare that could have sent a Ka'rhyn running, but he merely continued to chuckle to himself, unfazed.

A voice broke through Elija's silent despair, and with a strange mixture of hope and fear he opened one gleaming red eye to gaze up at the doe who had spoken. His initial reaction was one of disappointment… This wasn't the doe he had come looking for. After a moments hesitation, however, he allowed himself to actually look at the go'rhyn who stood before him, and he found her to be just as intriguing, if not more so! He found himself getting lost in her markings, they reminded him so of the star-spread night sky. Her wings held more colour than his, where he had plumage the shade of coal, her spread was of a deep, resplendent blue. And her eyes… He had to look down for a moment, so shocking were her lustrous orbs, and allow himself to conquer the fear that had immediately sped his heart. She meant him no harm, she meant him no harm…

When he lifted his head to meet her gaze once more, he was considerably more in control of himself, though the tip of his tail still twitched with the nervous anticipation of fight-or-flight. 'I… I am fine, I think. He blinked, taking in what he could of the doe's expression with his poor eyesight. 'I'm just not used to such crowds… I spend most of my time by myself.'

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] crouched in the underbrush just outside of the clearing. Feeling strange with all the recent attention he had been receiving from the does in the coterie, he just wanted to get to Wisteria and the tree without having to interact with anyone.

Beside him [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] sat, blending in with the shadows. So, tell me when you are ready, and [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] and I will create a distraction, she sent to her heart-brother.

Asha sat on the edge of the clearing in full view of the rest of the clearing, all in her fluffy glory. It was hard to sit still, for all she was an adult, but she knew how badly her brother-sib-kin-too-many-legs-thingy wanted to get into the clearing as close to unseen as could be. Not that anyone would know exactly where he was, because whereever he did appear to be, he was usually two or three feet off to either side. It was like visual ventriloquism and it made pouncing on him very, very hard. She sighed, waiting for Brujita's signal and scratched idly at her left ear, watching the shiny piece of silver bounce as her scratching moved her ear.

Abrazitos was taking too long and Brujita knew that if she was getting impatient there was only a short amount of time before Asha would forget what she was supposed to be doing and go pouncing on some stranger from another coterie. Brujita nudged the other unique ti'rhyn and hissed softly at him. He turned and growled back and slipped into the clearing, not appearing to be where he was. A couple of seconds later, Brujita leaped into the air and jumped right over him. Asha seeing her cue, raced over and pounced on the other doe and tumbled forward in a fantastic roll of blue, white, black and gold.

For a creature with as little patience and attention span as Asha had, she pulled herself and Brujita out of the roll before they could crash into anyone else. She pushed herself up and took a moment to shake any debris out of her fluffy coat and then began to quickly groom herself.

Brujita took a moment to give Asha a wide-eyed look of surprise, it couldn't have gone that well if they had practiced it. She recovered quickly though, and sat beside Asha to groom herself.

Abrazitos made his way to the tree and softly sent to Wisteria, Greetings, Elder. It is a pleasure to see you again. He stayed low and as much out of sight as he could.

Pacha joined in the laughter, hers taking a gentle, almost motherly tone. I wish you luck with that endeavor. She smiled at the buck, growing to like his company more with each shared word. I do not believe we have introduced ourselves properly. I am Pacha. It's been lovely to meet everyone here this night. Again her large, soft eyes took in the 'rhyn gathred around her, and her smile lit her face. A chill wind rose then, causing her to shiver just slightly. Her smile deepened as she relished the scents it carried.

Kish'a met the buck's gaze as he opened his eyes, which were red as rubies. In them she saw hesitation, even fear, and it seemed he was having trouble focusing on her face. Could it be there was something wrong with his eyes? She frowned, concern filling her. You don't look all right. Can you see me OK? And you shouldn't be so afraid; everyone's here to have fun, and meet new 'ryhn. Suddenly she stopped and sat back, chagrined. Perhaps this wasn't the way to approach him after all. She hoped she'd not made it worse. Look, I'm sorry I said that. I have a really bad habit of talking before I think. Um, is there anything I can do to help you feel better? New hope for friendship filled her and she smiled at him again. She kept a polite distance though, in case she had made him uneasy.

From her position near the elder doe, Enele's attention was captured briefly by a pair of 'rhyn tumbling into the clearing. Chuckling to herself, she turned back to Wisteria, awaiting her tale. She gave a start, however, when she saw an odd-looking 'ryhn with extra limbs sitting nearby. Where had he come from? She wondered for a moment at the tentacles sprung form his back, but then she smiled. He was still a 'rhyn, after all. Ah, another come to listen to her tale, I see. I wonder if she'll tell us of the first lifemates, as the young-ling asked? She nodded to him, not expecting a reply, but wishing to be polite. Such a curious looking buck bore getting to know, if she could. A breeze rustled the still-blooming wistera's upper branches, drifting petals down onto those beneath. She couldn't be sure, but Enele thought she heard a soft sound, as of laughter, drift down with them.

Elsewhere, in a more private corner of the clearing, Kyl'kage lay next to Virdana, the length of their bodies touching. When a cold breeze made her shiver, Kyl extended a wing to wrap around her protectively. This only served to make her laugh. So, Kage, will you really keep both myself and Enele for your mates? Well, you really have no choice; we've agreed, and you're stuck. She laughed at him again, adding a nuzzle to show she was only teasing him. His own laughter merged with hers, and the sound was harmonious. Aye, indeed, Vi, though it someday be the death of me, I'll keep you both. Darkness and light become as one in our bond. I only hope we may find the 'shrooms needed for us to have a happy breeding this season. He returned the nuzzle with equal affection, then cast his eyes out for his other mate. Since her return, Enele had been remote and aloof, reflecting on her lost memories. He hoped they'd return, with her warm and generous spirit, in time.

Abrazitos noticed the nod of the Ke'rhyn doe (Enele). He returned the nod and sent to her, Greetings. He wasn't sure how to act around other 'rhyn from outside of the coterie and threw a slightly worried glance over his shoulder at Brujita - who didn't seem to have a care in the world about her slightly different appearance. As he glanced over, he sighed, seeing another 'rhyn on the edge of the clearing.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] sat on the edge of the clearing, placing herself in a spot where the moonlight hit her multi-colored body. She saw exactly where Abrazitos was, having gotten used to Brujita's presence being a hint to where he was. Her tail swished and she took a moment to stretch out her wings. She looked at the clearing and wondered briefly if Fae would be interested in the scene before and took a moment to try to send what she saw to her Keeper. She would return later and try to share more with the Falipae.

She stepped forward into the clearing, making her entrance, so to speak. It would have been fitting of her person, but [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] and [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] chose that moment to go scampering past her. She sighed to herself and then watched with a hidden bit of joy as the two raced forward to the wisteria tree.

Inara was excited to be near Wisteria again, as she had been there when Inara had evolved into a kid. Dieter followed behind, quiet, and barely visibly curious. He stared up at the tree and at the elder Le'rhyn. He wondered if he would ever be like her, so wise.

Abrazitos followed his coterie kids with his eyes. Inara, showed more and more that she was her mother's daughter everyday. Dieter, was a kindred spirit, and noticed Abrazitos watching them. Greetings, Creepy'rhyn, sending to the displacer 'rhyn the nickname that the kids of the coterie had given him.

Selene grinned broadly as the elderly doe spoke. 'Tis like I said, who needs luck? But I appreciate your well-wishes, it is good to know that some still have faith in the power of love.' Here, once again, she shot the elder male a withering glance, but although his laughter quietly died out, the ensuing silence was not annoyed or ill-natured, but merely full of a wordless understanding and amusement. For although to all outside appearances the pair appeared to find each other incredibly annoying, they held a deeper respect and faith in each other.

'Ah, how rude of me indeed.' Athanasios lifted a paw to his chest and committed himself to a shallow but heartfelt bow, his eyes leaving the doe only for a moment. 'I am Athanasios, and it has indeed been an honour to run into such kind-hearted 'rhyn this fine night.' He let his eyes and his nose wander distractedly to the stars for a handful of moments then, breathing deeply of the nights varied scents and exhaling a cloud of white fog, his warm breath condensing in the frigid air and the stars shining through it. What a wonderful night it was indeed…

---

A wavering, rueful smile lifted the corners of Elija's snowy-white muzzle as he took in the entrancing doe's words and the concern behind them. 'Ay… I suppose I am not alright in that sense… But there is little anyone can do for me.' He blinked, forcing the shame and fear that rose in him at the thought of his 'disability' down into the depths of his mind. He pushed away thoughts of his childhood, spent huddling in fear or shivering from one of his constant fevers. The illness seemed to have diminished as he grew, but still his 'albinism' (as the warm canid he had bonded with kept calling it) plagued him, clouding his eyesight and making his limbs weak and shaky. And this fear, this constant and unnatural fear that clung to his every waking moment, that was a product of it too…

While he struggled with his inner turmoil, the doe seemed to reach some conclusion of her own and sat back, away from him. A spark of panic flared in his chest, and without realising he took a small step forward, towards her. His eyes widened slightly in surprise when he realised, and he looked up at her with a mixture of shock and hope. 'It is alright… Just talking is helping.' A small, optimistic smile lit his face in answer to hers. 'I have not talked this much with another rhyn in a long while…'

---

Soft laughter echoed down from the Wisteria tree and fell upon the ears of a white Ke'rhyn doe (Enele), who passed it off as nothing.
But hidden there amongst the boughs, having finally reached the clearing, was the dark, imperceptible form of Saluki who had finally arrived at the grove after taking her time on the journey. She had walked until she had reached the edge of the clearing, then thrown up her shield and continued on, through the centre of the throng unseen. Well, unseen but not unnoticed… There an extended tail to trip a passerby, here a trailing wingtip up the spine of a chatting doe, grinning at the wide-eyed glances and confusion that followed her. When she reached the centre, where the great tree was rooted, she leapt and sank her claws into the bark and climbed up into the branches.

And it was there she now sat, watching the 'rhyn below scurry back and forth, talking and preening, the males showing off their 'treasures' and wooing any attractive doe that passed their way. She couldn't help but snort with derogatory laughter, shaking loose leaves down on the heads of those beneath her.

Wisteria stretched her dark toes and arched into a yawn. Altogether the motions were not words, but in a silent way Éireann and any other nearby le'rhyn would know that the elder was preparing to tell a story.

The coldness of winter screamed through the forest night outside her grove, but within, all was soft and warm and gloaming. Wisteria's bright eyes shone with love for her 'kin and cousins alike as she settled into a sitting position with her back nestled comfortably against the curved root of the tree which was her namesake. When she sent now, it was to address all those gathered.

'Little Éireann has requested to hear the story-song of the first Lifemates. If any one else would hear it this night, gather unto me now as I will soon begin.' Her sending was a warm smile unto it's self and the light of her horn gleamed invitingly.

((it liiiives!))

Enele turned her attention to the elder doe eagerly. Though an adult back from the dead, she still had a very kid-like nature,and enjoyed story-songs as much as any youngling. To her sister-mate and beloved, she called, The elder Wisteria begins a tale you may wish to hear. Come sit with me. A smile lit her face, and the butterfly that marked it seemed to take flight with the movement.

Hearing her call, Kyl and Vi both stood and headed toward the tree, tails nearly entwined as they went. They, too, enjoyed hearing stories, though it was more for Enele's sake than their own. Seeing her light up like a kid warmed their hearts. It reminded Kyl of how, and why, he'd come to love her, brought to mind the difficulty of their childhood. It made him feel big and strong, protective of his mate. For Vi, seeing Enele's joys at such simple, pure things brought out a side of herself she'd never know she had.

Reaching her, they settled down, Kyl between the does, grooming and fussing over each other. Thanks for telling us; we didn't want to miss it, Kyl's sending was soft in her head.

When the white buck took a step toward her, Kish'a was relieved. She hadn't scared or offended him. That was good. She moved back closer, though not quite touching him, when he did. So then you don't have a lot of friends? That's OK; I don't really know anyone outside of my own coterie, either. 'Course that's mostly because I sit up all night watching the skies. Everyone else is asleep! Then she heard the call for a story-song. She brightened. Oh, do you wanna go sit and listen with me? I haven't heard this story abut the first life-mates before. Kish'a waited, almost dancing on her paws in eager anticipation.