Closed Out of the Cold

[Eleret]

Winter 6, 512 AV evening The caravan traveled slowly enough that Eleret mostly walked; not being accustomed to the saddle, she saw wisdom in training to it gradually. The little horse-pony cross she had purchased seemed to have no complaints about going without the added weight of a rider; mature and of phlegmatic disposition, she was equally sanguine with the caravan's plodding pace. To the Konti, the experiences of traveling with a mostly-human caravan, with wagons and horses, and having a horse of her own to look after were all still novelties, exciting in a quiet and understated manner -- it had only been ten days ago they started, after all. Though even Eleret admitted the trail rations were already losing that new-experience shine, when pressed. If not in precisely those words. Syna now hovered upon the horizon, painting the lightly wooded landscape with a distinctly orange tinge. The caravan master and the drivers had just finished circling the wagons, creating the boundary which sentries would watch over through the night. Eleret had watched, with Skye standing just behind and to side, chewing idly on a mouthful of grass. The Konti wore a blue shirt and brown pants; for the moment, she eschewed both cloak and scarf, warmth still lingering from the day's exertion. The night would grow cold fast, though, sapping that away soon enough. One of the drivers waved those waiting outside on into the circle, where they would make camp and prepare for sleep. Eleret started forward, Skye ambling along behind her, mentally reviewing what 'making camp' would consist of for her. That, too, was still new enough that she needed to think about everything that had to be done. And she was sure she would forget something -- but that was the joy of traveling in company. Sybel would surely point that something out, whenever it happened.

[Vul]

A flash of white on hardened ground. A rabbit. It was unlucky enough to be so pale at the beginning of winter without snow to hide it. The Hunter’s eyes followed the motion until the rabbit came to a stop. It began to munch on the short, coarse winter grass, unknowingly eating it’s last meal. The Hunter crept forward, it’s stomach hugging the ground, it’s tail straight as an arrow. It froze as the rabbit looked up from its feast. The rabbit must have felt safe enough, and it continued to eat. The Hunter crept closer then dashed forward, grabbing the defenseless hare by the neck, killing it instantly. After it's meal, The Hunter looked around to see where it was in relationship to the small clearing it used for it's home. He was a bit east of it, as far as it could tell. He didn't normally come near here. There were usually a lot of humans around and another fox had claimed territory here. But that fox was old and sickly and smells indicated that the poor thing died sometime ago. Off a little ways was the glow of a human's fire that was surrounded by large wheeled box-like things. The Hunter was usually a careful one, suspicious of other, but tonight curiosity go the better of him. The Hunter, seemingly pulled by insinct, stole closer to the caravan. He poked his head between two wagons, cloaked by shadow. The sun had set and the only light, and warmth came from the fire dancing in front of him. Shadows danced and lept, and the humans smiled and laughed with merriment. How he wished he could join them, for he, too, was human, at least partly. He could change from human to fox, and back again, if he wished. But, he had been hiding from people. He had run from imprisonment and his in the forest using his simple possetions and his foxly instincts to survive. It was almost to much, and he nearly went to join them, but the fox in him held him back. He was fox first, then human. He hesitated unsure if he should run to or away from the fire and it's warmth, so instead he waited.

[Sybel]

Eplah seemed to appreciate the even pace the ladies kept, her shoes leaving soft indents in their wake. Normally, horse tracks could cause a considerable issue. But for that particular voyage they’d deigned to travel with a caravan. It was an easy choice considering the presence of Eleret and the onset of Winter. Sybel could escape potentially life-threatening situations by herself; she’d done it for too many years. The addition of her inexperienced friend however, changed things slightly. It was too dangerous to chance some epic chase through the countryside with an inexperienced rider. If Eleret so desired, they’d start slow and work up to some of the more valuable skills... But for now there'd be none of that.

Glancing over her shoulder, she again noted that the Konti walked beside the pony she’d purchased, both parties seemingly content. Not entirely eager to ride the whole excursion and quite prepared to walk, the young woodcarver had opted for the latter approach. Knowing her friend, Sybel figured before long she’d consider it another member of their group and treat as an equal. Eleret had a gentle heart that she very much appreciated, even in spite of the saddle sores. Grinning, she simply shook her head.

When they finally came to a stop Sybel began to set up their respective tents, a simple courtesy performed in the interest of time. Bel was eager to trouble some of the merchants for ale. Which was yet another benefit of traveling in a group. It wouldn’t do to be too drunk, but just enough helped her sleep a bit sounder. Purposefully she set up the frame and began draping the canvas, when a flash of red caught her eyes. In the newly flickering firelight she almost missed it, yet there it was. A tiny little head, made barely visible by the crackling hearth that’d just been lit in the center of their makeshift encampment.

“Eleret, look.” She said in a low tone, a friendly smile stretching across her cheeks. “I think it’s a fox…” Gesturing to the crevice between the two wagons, she slowly moved to stand at the Konti’s side. “I can’t be positive, but it doesn’t seem to be afraid of us.” That was true. Perhaps it was rabid. Her expression became somewhat dubious. No, if it were rabid it’d already be on the attack. For some strange reason it seemed to be observing, as if it understood what it perceived of the human behavior.

“What a silly fox.” She said a little louder, arching her left brow.

[Eleret]

Eleret busied herself with removing her pony's gear while Sybel set up the tents, taking everything off in the reverse of how it had been put on. The horse tossed its head and whuffed at her, drawing a smile from the pale woman. She had just knelt to rummage through one of the saddlebags when Sybel spoke, pausing with one hand in the midst of the bag. The Konti turned to look at Sybel, then past the other woman towards where she had gestured. There was a splotch of red fur, with pointed ears and a very black nose, down between two wagons where Sybel had indicated. A slow smile lit Eleret's features, even as her companion came over beside her. "I have never seen a red fox before," she remarked quietly to Bel, without glancing away from the fox. "A white one, in Silverwood." So much on the Island was white; so much here was brightly colored. Another point of difference, though one she had prior experience with. The Konti did look up at Sybel as she raised her voice, apparently now talking to the fox. Her lips tugged sideways in an amused smile. Brushes in her hand, Eleret rose slowly to her feet, standing beside the woman and considering the fox. "Why is it here?" she asked, looking in towards the fire and the people working or relaxing around it. Not that she expected an answer, but Sybel could conjecture. "It is not so cold. No snow yet." And it looked healthy enough, albeit from a distance, that it surely had no trouble hunting...

[Vul]

The Hunter was captivated by the smells coming from within the camp. Horses, people, cooking meat. He hadn't eaten roasted meat in so long. Last time was... before he had his freedom. Freedom was better than any meat, roasted or not. But, he just couldn't pull himself away from these enticing smells. Laughter eminated from the middle of the camp. He missed people and laughing. Foxes don't laugh. Their to busy surviving. They also live alone. The Hunter, when he was Vul, like being around others. They made him feel... almost, important. The Hunter sat. Maybe he would just sit here awhile. He might even be able to eat some of the scraps that was left over when the people fell asleep. He stopped as he recalled that, when he was not in the wild, humans always set up people to watch in case others came. And so, the Hunter just sat. He listened and remembered. He smiled a fox-like smile. Some of the people began to dance. He almost want to join them. Almost. Instincts held him back. Finally, he had to do something. He got up and ran back into the woods. He dashed back to his clearing. He pulled a cloth bundle out of a rotted out fallen log. He picked it up with his teeth and lept away, back towards the camp. He dropped the bundle and watched, indecisive. Then he backed up. The was a muted flash. It was haft hidden behind a wagon. Vul walked back to his bundle. Vul's curly black hair shinned glinted in the the firelight. His exposed skin was tanned from years in the sun. His hazel eyes, which were more brown then green, shone. He bent down and untied his bundle and began pulling on his clothes. Then Vul just sat and watched the people. His feelings were more acute as human, even if his senses were dulled from those of the Hunter. Now Vul could see green, red and yellow. The colors of the land made him smile slightly. He hadn't see color for sometime. It was a nice change. Humans had a much more beautiful world then foxes.

[Sybel]

The Konti turned upon summons, having temporarily disengaged from the saddlebags. Almost immediately she recognized the tiny creature. "I have never seen a red fox before," she spoke in a low tone. "A white one, in Silverwood." she qualified, as most creatures on her island were some variation adapted to the colorless environment. It was nice and simple, to be able to share such things with someone else. Whereas normally a companion could care less about the simple beauty of nature, Eleret was fascinated. It lent an air of total acceptance to their partnership.

It seemed she was amused by Sybel’s teasing of the fox. "Why is it here?” She inquired, rising from her kneeling position. That really was an excellent question. "It is not so cold. No snow yet." The woman’s mind turned over all the various possibilities. None of them seemed to fit with its behavior, so she decided to take a more philosophical route. “Perhaps they watch us as we watch them. I wonder, who is observing who?” With a small laugh, the Benshira shook her head. “Sometimes its hard not to feel as if nature is laughing at our human conceits.” With a small shrug she went back to erecting their nights shelter.

When all was said and done, one merchant’s son pulled out a lute. It was a squat, merry little instrument. They all ringed the fire, Sybel with mug in hand. Only half in cups, she sat quietly next to her companion. The boy began to play. When the music ran into her veins, it urged her to dance. The Benshira as a people loved to dance and would do so at every given opportunity. Eleret was not aware of this fact, and so she found it necessary to enlighten her. When the kid had a good rhythm maintained, the lank woman set her cup down gingerly and stood.

“Would you like to dance? I can teach you.” In order to demonstrate, she began to move. It was a simple sort of gesturing with hands and feet, a three-part step followed by a little spin. It could be done with partners. In place of the single spin, the couple would raise their hands together and prance in a circle. It was very quaint and traditional and could be very fun. But then again, the Konti was most likely not drunk. Other members of the caravan sprang up – a man and woman, a little girl and an older gentlemen. They all danced to a similar rhythm, but in very different ways. Much like life on the whole, the woman thought to herself.

“C’mon Eleret!” She laughed.

[Eleret]

Eleret smiled at Sybel's laughing reply. "Maybe," she agreed. She turned back to look at the fox, just sitting there with every evidence of polite manners -- but that was a conceit. Eleret smiled slightly at her own whimsy, then turned back to her own task, moving over to where her horse waited. After reminding herself which brush to use first -- the stiffer one -- the Konti set about brushing the day's dust and dirt from Skye's coat, attention the little horse greatly appreciated. Later, after she had finished that chore and others, Eleret joined the rest of the group around the fire. She had been talking with some of the merchants before the music started; after the boy brought his lute out, though, the conversation ebbed that they might appreciate his playing. Or, in the case of one girl who might have been the boy's sister, shout a jibe at it. He just grinned at her and kept on. Sybel rose before the discussion Eleret had been in could resume; the Konti turned to look curiously up at her companion. "To dance?" she echoed in surprise, then watched closely as the woman moved through the steps. Eleret got up to her feet and stepped away from the ring of people around the fire, getting some space before she attempted to imitate Sybel's motions. one, two... three, and... around. "Like this, yes?" she asked. She grinned at the Benshira. "I can do that." Then her expression changed, as she looked past Bel -- becoming thoughtful, and slightly curious. There was someone sitting between, beyond the wagons, not part of the assembly around the fire. Eleret tried to remember if she'd seen him before -- but so many here were unfamiliar that her lack of recognition meant nothing. She shook her head a bit and cast a smile across the way at the watcher, then on impulse raised a hand, fingers curling in a beckoning invitation. Join us?

[Vul]

Vul's molten gold eyes watched the humans with interest. This dance was one that he hadn't see before. It must have been from the lower, hotter areas of Mizahar where he never traveled before. His coat would be to hot and he would have needed to stay in his human form. Vul wasn't as comfortable when he was Vul as he was when he was the Hunter. His senses were reduced greatly that he felt handicapped. However, feelings he never had when he was the Hunter emerged. He could feel jealousy, happiness, envy, sadness, greed, confusion, vanity, pride, compassion and even love. He was not as focused on survival and was able to feel different emotions. Right now, he longingly watched the dance. Then he saw the blonde beckon him to come and dance with her. He hesitated, then stood. Vul skirted around the fire, half-hidden by shadow, close to the wagons, still not sure of himself. He came on her side of the fire, the flames dancing in his molten eyes. His white shirted billowed slightly in the gentle wind. Nervous, he ran his hand through is curly onyx hair. He hadn't danced with anyone since he was forced to dance with his master's plump daughter with breath that smelled of garlic and onions. She didn't know how to dance and kept stepping on his feet. Nothing could be worse than that, right? He watch to see what she would do.

[Sybel]

"Maybe," Eleret had mused, before turning back to her genteel little pony. The brightly colored fox continued to loiter. Sybel gave it a lingering stare before returning to erect the tents. For some reason, her thoughts kept turning back to that event. Seeing a fox was not outside of the norm, but this struck her as different. Wild animals did not approach humans so readily - unless they were hungry and desperate. In that case, he wouldn’t have allowed himself to be seen at all. The animal’s behavior just didn’t add up.

Drinking helped. The ale tore through her veins erasing all inane thought. So naturally, when the dancing started… Her little conundrum was all but gone. "To dance?” The Konti looked somewhat startled. With a light chuckle, she nodded. Sybel wouldn’t blame Eleret if she chose not to take part. But much to her surprise her companion hopped up. After a few moments observation, Eleret began to imitate the arabesque movements. "Like this, yes?" Her answering smile was encouraging. "I can do that." The woman opposite her was full of surprises! They moved together for a few minutes before Eleret paused, looking past the Benshira’s still moving form.

Sybel arched a brow at the seer’s small gesture and turned to see where the she looked. There was a young man huddled in the shadows. The fire glinted in his eyes, making them appear strangely vulpine in the flickering light. The fact he was crouching struck her as odd. That was beyond the idea that Sybel had never seen him before in her life.

The woman was terrible with names but brilliant with faces – and his was certainly not one she remembered. She froze for a moment, her face locked in a dubious expression. “Ellie,” she spoke very quietly, pretending to turn away. “I don’t think he’s from the caravan.” No, he certainly wasn’t. Of course she hadn’t quite put two and two together. Her mind slogged through the drunken haze, trying to place the sense of familiarity. There was something tugging at the edges, trying to get through.

Not wanting to startle the squatting man, she kept up the dance.

[Eleret]

Eleret looked to Sybel as the Benshira spoke to her. She glanced past the woman's shoulder to the strange man beyond her, who had come around to stand on their side of the fire -- young, she thought. He moved diffidently, even nervously, with a wary and uncertain caution. Bel was probably right -- he didn't seem to have have the assurance the rest of the gathering possessed, the self-knowledge that he was in the right place. She didn't yet feel concern, however. The Konti strained her senses, but wasn't sure if her Gift could even pick up the scent of his emotions. The happy scents, floral and fruity and touched with tones most reminiscent of a bakery, those belonged to the encampment at large. They wove in and around the distinctive smells of the campfire, a pervasive ambiance. The thread of cinnamon was almost certainly Bel's, though it was only detectable against the prevailing aromas because of her proximity. Whatever his mood was, she couldn't reliably detect it at all from here -- unless it happened to be the same as that of the rest of the gathering, in which case she wouldn't know the difference. So she took her own uncertainty into hand, and set out to resolve it. "I will come back," she assured Sybel, stepping away from the dancing woman and walking over to the stranger. Eleret smiled at him, careful not to make any quick or overly large motions as she approached -- though she wasn't entirely sure why she instinctively took that caution. It wasn't like the short, slight Konti would be taken as a threat by very many people, anyway. "You see the dance?" she asked as she came close. Now, in proximity to him, the scent of the strange man's own mood overrode that of the gathering at large -- a distinctive sharp smell, and a thread of something green and earthy woven through that. Eleret took that to mean his apparent uncertainty and interest were both real -- and that he probably didn't mean harm. "You will join?" she asked, offering him a delicately scaled, web-fingered hand. Theirs had been an open dance, a series of mirrored movements without contact between the partners; she thought it could adapt to a third easily enough.