When Eyes Meet Eyes…
Part 1
He could hear her coming, her footsteps soft but set securely against the tree. Though a Wolfrider, not a hunter and certainly not tough, but highly annoying, according to him. He pulled the fur over his head, trying to remain the state between sleep and waking, but somewhere deep in his consciousness he knew it wouldn't be long before she would waking him rudely with her exaggerating happy mood in the early night. He heard her coming closer, almost reaching the opening of his den. Didn't she have any notion that he had had the dayshift? He kept his eyes tightly shut and almost prayed that this was a dream and yet hoping it was not a nightmare, in which she starred.
"Wake up, sleepyhead. Time to get up." Moonshade stood in the den opening, an empty basket under her right arm, her left hand holding aside the hide that separated the den from the world outside. Her hair shone in the bright moonlight, which made it seem like silk. With her big bright gray eyes, she examined the den. She had never been in his den before and was surprised to see it like it was, clean, despite the various bloodstains on the ground, and neat. She had never known that Strongbow was such a neat freak. She kind of liked it, though it was not her idea of a cozy interior. It was mainly functional and empty. Somewhere she had expected it to be like this.
**Go away!** A sleepy sending reached her mind. **Don't you know?** Moonshade frowned, searching in her memory what was to know. She didn't forget to take something with her, did she? What was it that separated this night from other nights? Suddenly realization hit her and she slapped her hands to her mouth, dropping the basket. "Oh, Strongbow, I'm sorry. I forgot. I'm so sorry."
**Yeah, well, Sorry doesn't help.** He pulled down the fur, only to show his face as her looked at her angrily. **You better leave, before I'll show you out.** Disappointment clear on her face, Moonshade left, leaving the basket lying on the ground, suddenly not in the mood to pick berries.
Strongbow grunted and turned, hoping to get some well-deserved sleep. However, sleep didn't come. His mind was so full of thoughts, he couldn't set it to relax and give in. He hadn't meant to sound so angry, but he wanted Moonshade know how he felt having his privacy being invaded and certainly when he hadn't slept for one night, because of a dayshift. He didn't mind to be on guard during the day. He could think about things, though many didn't see him as a thinker. But he was always glad when it ended, and so he could get some sleep. Annoyed he rose to get dressed. It took some time before he was finished, but finally he was ready and he grabbed his bow and quiver and climbed down the tree. His tree was on the far end of the Holt, because he hadn't wanted to make a home in the Father Tree. He walked through the Holt, passing the creek, where children were playing and after that, he walked past Woodhue, who was sitting against a tree, sharpening his knife, while watching Clearbrook and Rillfisher doing something that looked like some kind of game with stones.
"What are you doing up so early?" he asked when he noticed the archer passing by. Strongbow turned to look at his friend and tribes mate, deep dark circles under his eyes. He sat down next to him and sighed. **Do you need to ask?**
"Ahh, I see," Woodhue grinned. "Let me think -- Does it have to do with some certain lady, brown, curly hair and big, bright eyes?"
**And a big mouth,** Strongbow remarked dryly. Now Woodhue leaned forward to look into the archer's eyes. "What did you say to her to upset her?"
**I just told her to leave.**
"Sure you did. What else?"
Suddenly Strongbow stood up and spun angrily. **What else?! Go and ask her!** His teeth gritted and eyes blazing with fire, the archer looked at his friend and Woodhue knew he had struck a nerve. "Strongbow," he said deadly seriously, "You should apologize."
**The hell I won't! What do you know about these things? You don't have someone who wakes you without thinking and following you 'til you going crazy!** He turned and walked away, furious.
"But you can at least talk to her!" He called, but the archer gave no indication he had heard him
*****
The next night, the wolves called for the hunt. It was always right after sundown. Bearclaw joined them, and one by one, the hunters would appear, from the trees or the bushes, together with their wolf friends. Then, after everyone had arrived, they went into the woods, hoping to find some deer or other big animals. Hunting was a dangerous thing, because humans could lie on wait. And they had grown strong. But the elves needed food and the only way to get enough was to go hunting. And most of the hunters liked to hunt. It was a time where they could both enjoy and work. But it still was dangerous. Fortunately, no one was often hurt.
Clearbrook and Moonshade watched the hunters go in front of Moonshade's den. The tanner was busy making clothes for the winter and Clearbrook thought she could use some help and found it a surprisingly pleasant experience. She rather joined the hunt, but Bearclaw had it forbidden for women to hunt. She sighed. "I wish I could hunt."
"But Bearclaw doesn't let us hunt, because there are so little women in the tribe." Moonshade said, not looking up from her work.
"I think it is unfair," The silver-haired elf complained. "I should stick this -- thing in his ass." She gestured her words with the stick she held in her hands. "And then I should nail him to the ground with it and let him stay there for a while." Moonshade attempted a smile, but it wasn't very convincing.
"What's the matter with you lately? You seem to be a little, you know, absent the last few days." Clearbrook proceeded with her work. "Do you mind telling me what it is?" Now the tanner closed her eyes and a sigh escaped her lips. "I don't know. Well, actually, I do know, but I don't understand. Did I do something wrong?"
"Oh, that. You shouldn't worry about it. Strongbow has always been pigheaded."
"But why does he say mean things to me? He has never been nice to me." Clearbrook grinned and laid a hand on Moonshade's shoulder. "You just always happen to be on the wrong place and the wrong time. Believe me."
"I'd really want that, but--"
"No but, you hear me? It's not your fault. Sometimes Strongbow can be so rough and heartless. But it doesn't mean he really is. You've got to take that from me. He's been my friend for many seasons."
"But why--" Moonshade started, but was interrupted by the wolves' howl. The howl sounded different from usual and Moonshade looked at Clearbrook, who shrugged. Moonshade stood up and started walking to the opening of her den to look outside. Clearbrook came to stand next to her, but soon started to climb down. "Come on, let's take a look." Moonshade nodded and followed her.
More Wolfriders had come out of their dens to look what it meant. Faces full of curiosity thy looked at each other, shook their heads, and shrugged.
Not long after the two women had arrived, Bearclaw's sending reached their minds. It was an open sending. **Healer,** he sent, **Where are you? We need you.** Immediately Rain responded to the call. **What is it my chief?**
**Strongbow's injured -- very injured.**
To Be Continued…