The Strangest Meal

When: Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Who: Kureel, Strongbow, Flashfire, Skywise, Ktai, Joth, Marengo.
What: Kureel and Strongbow not literally at each other's throats? Kureel and 
  Flashfire having a conversation that doesn't spiral into insults and threats? 
  A dinner shared among a wide variety of elves? Welcome to the Twilight Zone, 
  Two Moons style.

----


Field before Blue Mountain
   A single mountain stands almost unnaturally into the air before you, grand 
and solid. Boulders and uneven, sheer rock faces threaten those who wander too 
close. Huge cracks split the mountain's roots, down to the assortment of rubble 
at its feet and up, hundreds of heights toward the mountain's spindly peak. In 
either the brightness of day or under the light of twin moons, the entire 
mountain and all the rocks about it have a definite blue tint.
   The field, dotted with boulders, seems to end at the mountain itself. One of 
the larger cracks obviously delves in deeper, forming a short, narrowing cave.

Contents:
Strongbow
Ktai
Khell
Skywise
Kureel
Joth
giant bondbird
Nightfall's tent
Marengo
Briar's Tent
Softstep
Firewater's Tent
Sorrow's End Camp
Huge Tent
Sabor

Obvious exits:
Shallow cave <N>  South


Kureel continues his determined walk towards the camp, altering course to more 
quickly bring him to the archer's sending. The jibe is reacted too, but 
physically, it strikes him like a blow, his head twitches to the side, reacting 
as if slapped. He makes the last few steps, the clutched fist trembling 
slightly.. for the observant, the stark white of his tightened fist is offset 
drastically by the bloom of red, as thin droplets of blood fall from the hand. 
For the moment he says nothing, simply takes a deep breath, turns his head back 
to face the archer and stares, his eyes unreadable, but his scent a alternating 
fan off anger, shame, and a twist of something else... a sense of calm.

Blood. Fresh. It registers across Strongbow's senses, causing his eye to 
immediately seek its source. The hand. Eyes narrow slightly as he takes in the 
white knuckled fist, and various scent of anger and... something not completely 
unfamiliar to the wolfrider. Stopping several paces from Kureel, Strongbow lifts 
a brow, wordlessly questioning the glider: what up, g-money?

Joth makes his way to the campfire slowly and half falls/sits on the ground 
before letting out a long breath. "Ow." is all he says, before settling himself 
more comfortably on the ground.

Flashfire stirs from yet another nap, and as he sits up he flexes fingers, tests 
muscles. Ahh..still sore, but improving. Next, he blinks away sleep as he looks 
around to see what's what.

The GoBack's first comment draws a bemused look from the glideress near the 
cookfire, and she shakes her head at him for a moment, before looking back 
towards the fire. Oh, good. It hasn't gone out yet. Granted, whatever is in the 
cookpot is completely uninteresting to Ktai, but it's there for those who are 
recovering as well as those who are assisting. At length, she notes the arrival 
of the Chosen and the archer's actions. When Joth nears, she offers a faint 
smile, however.

Skywise notices Kureel's blood but responds with only a raised eyebrow. 
Sometimes it's best to just stay silent and be handy, just in case... Though 
it's unlikely that Kureel will instigate any kind of physical confrontation with 
Strongbow, Skywise sill keeps one eye on the two while continuing to survey the 
area.

Kureel meets the Archers gaze, standing strait and proud.. though his back 
muscles scream 'why! why do you hate us so!! We hates the Kureel! we hates it my 
precious!!' After what seems an eternity, the fist, so tightly clenched raises, 
slowly to chest level, still slowly dripping crimson blood dropping, the rhythm 
of their fall almost in match with Kureel's heart. He sends, privately alone for 
his enemy, then spreads his fingers out wide, pushing the fist towards Strongbow 
suddenly, but nowhere near making contact. Two small objects fly the short 
distance to the archer.

Marengo swallows nervously, then takes a few tentative steps away from her lean 
to. Her brow furrows, and she turns slightly to the left, about 75% certain, 
that she is headed towards the fire. A locksend pops from her mind over to 
someone else's.

Joth returns the smile to Ktai with one of his own, before making a soft motion 
with a wince towards Strongbow and Kureel. In is usualy manner, gruff and 
unobservant, he asks, "So whats up with them two?"

Strongbow's hand comes up to catch the two tiny objects. The tangy scent of 
fresher blood rings through the air as they too cut into the skin of Strongbow's 
palm. Fingers close on the objects, obscuring them from view, as the archer 
replies in kind, mind locked for Kureel's alone.

Ktai looks to Joth, her smile quirking to him. It's echoed in her eyes after a 
moment, and she shakes her head. He speaks, so she will as well. "I... I'm not 
sure..." She seems bemused by the Glider and the Wolfrider, but it may just be 
that a good deal of things amuse her. Especially given that they're all alive 
after what has happened. "I've no idea if that's edible, either... but I suppose 
that you could try." She points to the pot over the fire as she speaks.

Skywise catches the scent of fresh blood, eyes widening faintly as he watches 
the two, Chosen and archer, interact without teeth baring. Odd indeed.

Flashfire's eyes narrow as he's caught sight of Kureel, but there's a bit of 
pleasure in seeing the Chosen in as rough a shape as the wolfelf is. In that, at 
least, they share something similar. But, for now he says nothing, rising slowly 
to work those muscles a little by walking slowly.

Kureel nods once... then a slight trace of the wry glint in his eyes returns, 
and a smirk appears. "Challenge.." he mumbles.. "You wish." The smirk almost.. 
*almost* turns into a smile, must be a trick of the light. He speaks a bit 
louder, his face smoothing out, no trace of whatever odd trick of the light that 
made him look like he was smiling. "Thank your mate for me, for attempting to 
save my life, I have heard she made an admirable attempt. I do not think she 
would take to my thanks well if it came from me in person. I trust you will tell 
her this plainly, without any wolfrider *embellishments*?"

Joth chuckles and sniffs the air a moment before answering. "Doesn't smell 
burnt. Mind getting me a little?" he asks, reaching for it slightly and wincing 
under his breath, before just giving up and falling backwards. "High ones....I 
need to get squrrilcheeked. Anyone have anything?"

If Kureel won't grin, Strongbow just might. A very light grin, a partial smirk 
threatens, like a wolf hiding in the underbrush waiting to pounce. The quip 
isn't replied to by anything more than the smirk broadening to show a bit of 
sharp sharp teeth. Turning serious, the grin fades to just a very light smirk, 
brightening his nutmeg eyes as he nods to the Chosen. **The memory will be 
shared,** he states simply.

Ktai rises to her feet and moves to collect a bowl by hand, mostly out of polite 
deference to the GoBack's distaste for anything non-physical in nature. However, 
she stands between him and the pot so that she can use her mind to lift the hot 
lid and not get burned as she ladles some of whatever might be in the pot (looks 
like some sort of stew) into the bowl. She settles the lid on the pot before she 
turns back around to offer the bowl to the GoBack. "Sorry, but I did try to warn 
you that there wasn't much of that nature around here."

At long last, the semi-stinky Underworlder, thats dressed like a wolfrider, 
makes it to a log, near the fire, but not terribly close. Carefully Marengo 
takes a seat, keeping back to the heated warmth.

Joth frowns a moment while taking the bowl and nodding his thanks. "My fault. I 
shouldn't have drunk it all." he says, brushing it off with a deep chuckle. He 
lifts the bowl to his mouth and blows on the stew a moment before taking a sip. 
The sip causes his eyebrows to shoot up, and his eyes to water slightly as he 
makes himself swallow. "Umm...you didn't cook this did you?" he asks Ktai.

Apparently his business done, Kureel turns, a quarter of a degree, winces 
despite his determined attempts to not show pain, and then settles in for 
another turn, readying himself to make his way back to his bondbird.

Flashfire's eyes narrow upon Kureel as he turns away to return to the big bird, 
the tall Wolfrider pausing in his steps to watch the Chosen more closely. A low 
growl starts up in his throat somewhere, but much as he might like to say 
something to the Glider he holds his tongue - verbally and mentally. They both 
survived, and chances are this might not be the last they see of each other.

Ktai shakes her head slowly. "It's a well-known fact where I live, that I put 
fires out, rather than keep them going. I can't stay too close to this one, for 
fear that I'll kill it too." There's amusement in her voice, for by the reaction 
of the GoBack, the stew is rather... warm. And not just temperature-wise. Well, 
it could be worse, she supposes. The Underworlder is given a glance, and Ktai 
purses her lips. Oh yes... she recalls this one from... before. Well, at least 
say hello, Ktai. "Hello there..." she offers quietly.

Marengo's attention seems highly focused somewhere, but not so much that voice 
is not hear. She sits a little straighter, not entirely sure where the voice 
came from, and so a general ** Hello... ** is echoed softly back. Tucked in her 
thoughts, is trepidation about something, worry nervousness and all that jazz.

Strongbow turns from Kureel, having nothing more to say to the Chosen. Walking 
toward the fire, the archer makes his way toward Marengo to sit at her side.

Joth takes another sip of the stew, before coughing lightly and setting the bowl 
into his lap. "Nice stuff." he chokes out after a while. "This would be the 
infamous 'tailkinkers' those Wolfriders use?"

Skywise has slowly faded further from the gathering group of elves, preferring 
to be alone at this time. He wanders off silently, sending a quiet goodbye to 
those he would tell and moves off to find somewhere to soak and think for a 
time.

After a few steps... and the look upwards at the Aerie, so far away, Kureel 
sighs, and looks for a place to sit down for a moment. He settles down on a 
nearby log, near to the fire as he can get without having to get too close to 
anyone. Oh, this is not going to be fun.. must rest quickly, and then go home. 
He trills sharply to Nightsky, 'go kill something...' 'Yes I'll be fine' 'Yes I 
know they smell' 'Yes... I'm sure. Go'

Ktai quirks an eyebrow to the GoBack, unfamiliar with the phrase 'tailkinker', 
and just shakes her head. "I'm not sure. I haven't tried it myself..." To the 
Underworlder, she offers a send: ** Would you care for some stew? I believe it's 
rather... spicy... ** The arrival of the archer does not go unnoticed, but Ktai 
has not met him, and so offers only a faint smile of a greeting. At least the 
stew smells good...

You're joking, right? That brew smells down right rancid. Cooking your meat. 
Honestly. To Ktai's light smile, Strongbow makes no reply, as he plops down and 
reclines against the log, back to the fire, as FAR from the fire as he can get 
and still be near to Marengo. Eyes settle on Kureel a moment before he glances 
over his shoulder at the stew. A moment passes, then he sends toward the glider, 
**There's stew if you're hungry, Chosen.** Someone call the Press! Strongbow 
just offered Kureel some FOOD!

So Kureel isn't leaving just yet. Interesting. Flashfire frowns in spite of 
this, but it gives him a chance to see just how sore Kureel seems to be. His 
head tilts curiously at the Chosen actually joining them for food, and he can't 
help but say something. "Made it..too, I see." He's come close enough, though 
slowly, to be within general speaking range.

** No.. nothing to.. ** Marengo's send breaks off as her head snaps up and over 
directly towards Strongbow. There is no mistaking the adoration written on her 
face, though it is far from lovestruck: think, a happy puppy thats been kicked 
too often and was just given a steak.

Joth chuckles at Flashfires comment and makes a slow sweeping motion with his 
head to encompass the camp. "A lot more made it that I would have thought." he 
says, happy to be counted among the living. He stops a moment, as if recalling a 
memory before looking back at Ktai. "You said you from the palace, right?" he 
asks, his normally easy tone becoming a little guarded.

Kureel smirks lightly. "You powers of observation are staggering, no wonder you 
are an archer." With a tilt of the head, the Glider throws the half-hearted 
verbal jab casually in Strongbow's direction. As Flashfire speaks.. he grimaces 
and considers.. "I survived." He holds a hand out, hating having to ask for a 
bowl, but not sure if even thinking about standing right now will hurt as much 
as the action itself would.

Flashfire's voice gives Ktai cause to look up and she raises a hand to him in 
greeting. The stony silence of the archer doesn't seem to bother her, she just 
shrugs and looks back to Joth. "Yes... I live there..." Oh dear. Here they're 
going to come back to /that/ again. Kureel's words distract her, and she glances 
over to him, a send flickering across to him, though only for his mind.

Strongbow snorts at Kureel's little jab before he pushes himself to his feet. 
**Mind serving me a bowl, cousin,** he asks of Ktai, the wordless emotions 
hidden within his send make it clear he's not going to touch the stuff, but 
rather take it to the glider himself.

Joth seems to ponder the elfesses reaction a moment before asking softly, "Is it 
near here?" His eyes glaze over a little as memories play before his eyes. 
"There was a moment there, where the palace.....nevermind. I just feel it. So I 
was wondering....you know...."

Flashfire nods back to Ktai, but more of his attention lingers on Kureel for 
now. He doesn't seem too interested in sitting anywhere close to the fire, so 
that also means he's unlikely to be bringing Kureel anything either, much as 
it'd make for a nice gesture. He and Kureel aren't much different in their 
physical states of well-being right now, so rest is the important thing. He 
eases himself down on the other side of a log from the fire, draping his arms 
across it.

You locksend to Kureel, Flashfire's send is unexpected, awkward, a bit raw, but 
sincere. ** I tried to..help you..but was too late. Don't like you, but..didn't 
want them to kill you, or anyone. **

"One at a time, one at a time," Ktai murmurs, managing to turn, scoop the lid 
off of the pot with her magic and set it to the side while ensuring the action 
is hidden from the GoBack. As she picks up a bowl and fills it, she replies to 
Joth. "It is near, yes. Suntop brought it to help in the fight." She sets the 
first bowl to the side and fills a second, musing at several sends. Flashfire 
gets a Look, as if she's telling him that he'd better eat, too. Never mind the 
glideress. She's not eating.

You sense in a locksend, Kureel would likely insult you, or at least yell at 
you, if he felt better, the best he can manage at this time is. **And yet they 
died.. do they not count as 'anyone'? And by the looks of you, you had your 
hands full saving yourself.**

Marengo's head bends down, her smile, for there had been one on the 
Underworlder's face, fades and is replaced by a look of intense concentration. 
She folds her hands neatly in her lap, sending.

Kureel reclines on the log, eyes closed sending here there, resting.

You locksend to Kureel, Flashfire can't seem to muster up enough to say 
something all that harsh, either. Maybe that's a good thing, for this. ** Elves 
should not kill elves..but they would have. Had to be stopped. ** Whatever it 
took, they had to do. He adds, in a quieter 'tone,' ** Thought I was going to 
die..was ready to. ** But, things changed. Winnowill healed.

Strongbow leave Marengo to her sending, instead setting his jaw determinedly as 
he steps closer to the fire to collect the bowl. Almost as soon as the bowl is 
collected, the archer steps away and breaths a sigh of relief. After a moment, 
Strongbow turns and makes his way toward Kureel, leaving the bow on the ground 
by Marengo. And what of the curious items the Chosen gave him? Already tucked 
neatly into a pouch on his quiver.

Flashfire watches Kureel idly, looking as though he's singularly focused on 
whatever it is he's doing right now. Sending, perhaps? There's no growling; 
maybe it's not all that bad. Briefly, eye contact is made with Ktai before he 
returns his gaze to the Chosen. He'll eat, but would prefer it not be stew.

Joth grows quiet, and seems to be pondering something in his head as he idly 
draws something with his finger in the ground. He doesn't seem really conscious 
of it, as he draws a square shape with a hole in one side and several 'x's that 
seem to charge the palace. He shakes his head and snaps out of it, sweeping his 
hand to obscure the markings. "Thank you." is all he says, taking another sip of 
the stew, followed by another cough at it's spiceness.

Kureel locksends ** they could have been stopped, but not killed, Kahvi and her 
band never gave us a chance. They killed then without even giving my Lord Time. 
They were to guard, not kill. Can you defend their actions? **

Ktai's send is bemused. ** Well, that takes care of you two... ** Joth's actions 
are noted, and that onyx gaze flickers to the GoBack's. "Planning something?" 
There's arch amusement in her voice as she grabs the last bowl and fills it. 
Flashfire may not want stew, but that's what she has at the moment. Den mother, 
anyone?

You locksend to Kureel, Flashfire offers, ** Won't..try to. Ask them to if you 
want. ** He considers reminding you that the twins had already downed both 
Tsoran and himself before they were defeated, but no doubt you are more than 
aware of it. He settles for, ** Don't know how much time we had left. Could have 
all been dead by then. **

Kureel sits up a bit, watching Ktai carefully, his brow furrowed as a serious 
conversation begins with Flashfire.. a tender subject as well, a subject of 
murder. And with that subject, his eyes fall on Joth. The go-back.. his eyes 
flare for a moment. Seem's not all of the old Kureel was deep-fat fried out of 
him.

Making his way toward Kureel, Strongbow stops in front of the glider squatting 
to be more eye-level. He replies to a private send as he holds out the stew. 
Publicly, he quips, **Eat, Chosen. It's actually cooked.**

A very tender subject indeed. Whatever Flashfire and Kureel are talking about 
remains between them for now, and the wolfelf focuses so much on just that much 
that even Ktai's efforts to supply everyone with something to eat go mostly 
unnoticed. That he and the Chosen are even in the same vicinity of each other 
without one of them - likely the latter - threatening harm is saying a lot.

Joth looks up at Ktai and grins disarmingly at her. His voice returns to that 
deep, playful gruffness. "Me? Planning something? Always, little lady. But then 
I remember that I'm not up to it, and ol' brownskin is the jealous type." he 
flirts, winking, before glancing back at his mussed drawing.

Ktai isn't doing anything worth watching, other than doing what she's been doing 
all day: taking care of those around her without thinking much for her own 
needs. She can do that right now, after all. Rayek and Silverfox aren't here to 
badger her into eating... not that she'd eat any of that spicy stuff herself, 
mind you. It also comes of having cooked meat in there too. That whole charred 
flesh thing is still turning her stomach. Joth's flirting catches her completely 
flatfooted, and she gapes at him for a moment before blushing brightly pink and 
turning to offer the bowl to Flashfire.

You sense in a locksend, Ktai's not about to hold the bowl of stew all night. ** 
Eat, ** is sent to him, though not unkind. It's a distraction, you see.

Kureel reaches out, takes the offered bowl.. "and you know what it looks like.. 
impressive!.. hope for you yet." he mumbles. And then proceeds to begin digging 
in. Oh look, the murderer.. sorry go-back is flirting with a traitor.. how 
fitting.

Marengo continues her concentrated sending, little beads of sweat forming on her 
brow from the lengthy conversation. It may not be a grand distance, but Marengo 
is not exactly the strongest of senders about.

Strongbow quirks a brow at Kureel, forearms resting on his knees. A glance is 
given over his shoulder at Marengo before he turns his gaze back to Kureel. 
**Not really,** he retorts lightly. **I prefer my meat still complaining.** And 
the archer is so friendly! He even shares the feel of warm meat, juicy and 
dripping with blood.

Flashfire's concentration broken, he looks up at Ktai briefly after she's 
extended the bowl of very cooked meat and things towards him, giving her a look 
that seems to say, 'Do I /have/ to?' before he at least takes it and sets it 
down atop the log, nearby. The way he rests against it, his long body and legs 
extend out behind him.

Joth growls softly to himself, bearlike, and pushes himself slowly to his feet. 
"Night folks. I need to talk to my chief." he says, starting to limp off towards 
his tents. 'Its hear....the palace is hear....and with so much of the tribe 
here...could we? Of course.' he thinks to himself as he walks. "Why not?" he 
asks himself, perhaps unaware he's speaking out loud. "We took it from the 
trolls. And they at least know how to war....".

Kureel chokes... and spews out the stew. Spit take! **That was as disgusting 
as....** and then the go-back speaks...that's not good.

Ktai nods to Flashfire as she hands him the bowl, and turns to give the archer a 
bland look before sending with wry amusement: ** I, at least, prefer the teeth 
knocked out first, so it's not trying to bite me in return. ** Very strange 
glider, this elfess. She leans down to pick up the lid, for it has managed to 
cool down considerably, and re-seats it on the pot, making a mental note to find 
some things to add to it later on so that others will have food to eat. ** Eat, 
Flashfire. I didn't fish you out of that mess just for you to starve yourself. 
** She does seem to be at her best when others are needing something. She can 
focus on them, you see, instead of her. Her head lifts, and she looks to Joth 
thoughtfully, her dark eyes narrowing slightly as a send chases him.

You locksend to Kureel, Flashfire's sending cuts out, least for now, after no 
more words seem to be forthcoming from you. An actual conversation, if brief, 
without open hostilities.

Strongbow closes an eye and turns his head aside as he gets Kureel spit-up all 
over him. But wolf keen ears hear Joth's soft comments, and he looks over and 
frowns. Go-Backs. Feasting, Fighting, Fu.... yeah. Shaking his head, Strongbow 
wipes at his face, retorting to Kureel. **Nice.**

"Not starving..self," Flashfire answers Ktai quickly, pausing suddenly when 
Kureel spits up. Not exactly a ringing endorsement, there. He allows himself a 
light grin and sends an open sense of agreement with Kureel's assessment, and he 
hasn't even tried the stuff yet! Then, like Strongbow, his eyes dart towards 
Joth. Whether or not anyone else says anything to Joth, he does. "Better not 
even try." Seems something's helped his mind refocus.

Joth places a hand on his head and nearly loses his step as a send enters his 
untrained mind. He falters a second, then slowly straightens again and resumes 
walking, with even more determination than before. "Don't know whatch'a talking 
about wolfboy." he says, heading for his tent again.

You locksend to Joth, Flashfire's answer is a sharp one, stronger than he 
appears to be physically. ** I think you do. **

Ktai turns, deliberately turns away from the GoBack, and settles herself on the 
ground near the cookfire. Well, everyone who wanted food has been fed, and apart 
from the GoBack's behavior upon departure, everyone /seems/ to be getting along. 
Time for Ktai to sit and be quiet, it seems. It's one of those few moments of 
peace that she can catch here and there. Eventually she'll remember to send to 
Rayek and tell him that she's still alive. One of these moments. Right.

Kureel locksends ** Watch him, watch all of them. Remember how quickly they 
killed two elves, and how quickly they could kill others. The others mistrust 
Gliders, but they may listen to you, watch them, wolf-elf. Watch them well. **

Joth staggers again under a harder, sharper send, but seems a little more 
prepared for it and barely loses step this time. His hand flies quickly to the 
dagger at his belt, then stops there, as the large elf straightens again, and 
heads for the tents.

Kureel wipes his face off with his hand.. and sends briefly to someone. Seeing 
the go-back leave he mutters something, under his breath, difficult for those 
with anything but the sharpest ears to hear. "Murderers all of them"

You locksend to Kureel, Flashfire fought alongside the GoBacks when it came to 
standing against the Twins, but things may only go as far as that. ** I asked 
Ktai to take me to the Palace soon. We will tell them to be aware. ** He conveys 
frustration, adding, ** Would be there now if I was strong enough. **

Flashfire's eyes quickly return to Kureel, and should they make eye contact the 
furred elf actually nods to him before directing a final glare in Joth's 
direction. Grrr. Giving out a huff of breath, he picks disinterestedly at the 
stew, turning his attention to Ktai. "Can you take me to the Palace after we 
rest?" He's decided when he wants to go, now.

Marengo rises abruptly, her expression as blank as she can make it, and moves to 
walk as quickly and carefully as she can, back into her lean to.

Ktai's ears are not that sharp, and she does not hear what Kureel says, though 
if she did, she might find it the one rare thing in which she'd actually agree 
with him. Instead, she focuses on the dirt smudge, the area where Joth was 
drawing, her gaze thoughtful. Perhaps she should send to Suntop... or simply go 
to the Palace herself. Flashfire was wanting to go earlier... maybe this would 
make the trip all the more worthwhile, not that the Palace truly is that far 
away... When Flashfire asks, she turns to look at him and nods. "When you are 
ready, we will go." There is no hurry in her voice, she has managed to keep 
herself calm in the presence of the Chosen.

(Fade out)