Flight From Sorrow's End Part 4
The hunters had found a pair of deer. Before Rayek could move forward, Zhantee put a restraining hand on his shoulder, and tilted his head back to the new hunters. The dark-haired elf scowled. It was alot of meat. If one of them fumbled... Resisting the urge to sigh, he nodded. Zhantee gave his shoulder a squeeze - knowing how hard it had been for him to agree. He then waved the hunters forward. They closed in quietly, and Rayek gave a sharp nod of approval. But as they began to notch arrows to their bows, one stepped back onto a fallen branch. The snap of it breaking was loud in the winter forest. The deer's heads shot up, and they turned to run.
With a snarl, Rayek lept forward - his eyes catching one in it's track. He was aware of the twang of someone's bow. Once; twice; three times? But his concentration was on the deer he held bound.
Hidden not far from them Dart stared at him - eyes wide. 'High Ones! He...what did he...?'
He was interrupted when the deer bounded past his hiding spot. The twang of a bow close by alerted him too late as a young hunter crashed into him. They fell in a tangle of limbs. As they began to sit up and pull away, the other elf froze. "You..you're..."
"The deer!" Dart reminded him, turning.
The arrow had injured it and sent it crashing to the forest floor. It was rising unsteadily to its feet, though. At the same time they notched an arrow and loosed it - both hitting home to finish the kill. There was a pause, then they turned to look at eachother - breaking into smiles.
*You hunt well!* Dart sent without thinking.
The Sunfolk youth reeled back, grabbing his head in surprise. "Wha-? You...You spoke in my head?" He stared at him.
Dart stared back - startled by the reaction. "You really don't know about sendings?"
"Sending? I remember the Mother of Memory speaking of it. The High Ones-"
"Shushen!"
"Midday Fumes! That's Dodia. If she sees you-" Shushen cut off - glancing around. The other elf wasn't in sight.
"Shushen!" Dodia froze, eyes wide. "Sun Bless Us! You got it!" She looked over at him, and began to giggle. "You're covered in snow!" She dusted the white powder out of his hair. "What happened?"
"I...tripped." The youth excused, pulling away. "But my arrow flew true."
"Maybe this will soothe Rayek's temper. Come on." She headed over to the deer.
Shushen glanced around. "I didn't even get his name..." He whispered.
Wolf-sharp ears heard the whispered words. He dared not speak, but... *Dart.*
The sending was hard on one unskilled and unprotected. Still, Shushen couldn't help but smile even as he winced at the word that buzzed through his skull.
Rayek finished the kill with practiced ease, before he whirled on the hunting party. "Did you come here to hunt or didn't you?" When the group winced at his sharp words, Rayek's lips curled into a snarl. "Do you know what this meat is to us now? Survival. Without it the village will starve."
"I-I'm sorry. I didn't know that the branch was there." One of the hunters stepped forward nervously.
"If you aren't going to pay attention, then stay at the village." Rayek spoke coldly.
Zhantee rested a hand on the golden-eyed elf's shoulder. "Gently, please. This is new to them." He whispered.
"If he doesn't pay attention to a branch, what happens if there's a snake? Or a tail to one of those wild dogs?" Rayek hissed back.
"He doesn't know that."
Rayek glanced back at the hunters. The one's defeated pose reminded him of something he hadn't thought of in years. A young Sunfolk village boy who'd met his first defeat at the teeth of a jackal. Himself. He glanced back at Zhantee, who urged him forward. For a moment Rayek scowled, then he relented.
"Today our prey ran when startled. Tomorrow it could turn and attack. If you don't pay attention, we could lose more than meat. We could lose one of you." He hesitantly placed a hand on the shoulder of the hunter who'd messed up. "There's too few of us as it is."
The hunter looked up, startled, then brightened. "I won't mess up again. I'll definitely bring down prey next time!"
Rayek couldn't help but smile at the boastful words. "Oh? Should I hold you to that?"
"Huh? Er..." The youth quickly deflated - looking nervous. When Rayek chuckled, Zhantee began to laugh. The others soon joined in - dispelling the unpleasant moment.
Dart, back in hiding, watched as some small animals were chased away by the loud laughter. He sighed at the waste. 'Hopeless...'
A few colored lanterns had survived the Sunfolk's journey. No-Hump hair braided into rope held them up between poles in the center of the new village. Snow had been dug away in a large circle for dancing, and a small square for those who were honored that night. Blankets took the place of where platform and chairs would have been at Sorrow's End. As Ahdri led Rayek, Leetah, Shushen, and Shenshen to it, though, her heart felt light for the first time in weeks. Smiles and laughter filled the village. Hope. For the first time since the fall of Sorrow's End her people felt hope. They watched her as she stood in the square of honor - waiting.
She felt a nervous flutter in her chest. 'Savah always made this look so easy!' She thought as she stepped forward, straightening her posture. "Sunfolk, we have endured many trials these past moons. The loss of our village. The loss of loved ones. At times it seemed our future was grim indeed. But tonight we begin anew. Rayek and Shushen have provided us with bountiful meat. And Shenshen has yielded a plentiful harvest of berries and tree nuts from inhospitable woods. Tonight we shall feast - and celebrate. We, who are the children of the rootless ones, have found ourselves rootless once more. And now have found a home again. And so I name this village "Rootless." For though it may not endure, we have proven for once and all that we will. Now let your joy rebound from the hills themselves!"
The gathered Sunfolk cheered. Musical instruments - some carefully preserved and some newly made - struck up a merry tune and dancers quickly filled the circle. Some Sunfolk dared to don their desert garb - emerging shivering from the dance circle to warm blankets, hot drinks, and the cheers of their fellow villagers.
From the nearby woods, some of the wolfriders gathered to watch the display. Some with awe and delight; some with contempt.
*Can't they do anything without making so much noise?* Strongbow grumbled.
"It's not so bad." Pike told him.
"I think the music is pretty!" Rainsong agreed.
"Hmph. All that ruckus could draw humans." One-Eye pointed out.
"We haven't seen humans since the fire." Clearbrook reminded him. "And dancing is always pleasant." Her eyes sparkled with meaning.
One-Eye chuckled, pulling her close. "Aye, though I've never heard of so many elves dancing in one place."
"It looks like fun!" Newstar put in.
"I'd have to agree." Skywise grinned. "They certainly have some pretty flowers down there."
Newstar clamped a hand over her mouth as she started to giggle. Her brother blinked at the older elves in confusion. "But I don't see any flowers." He said.
"Heh. Maybe I should slip some dreamberries into those baskets..." Pike began to slip forward.
"Oh, no you don't!" Woodlock grabbed his hood and hauled him back. "Cutter said we do no more than watch."
Clearbrook looked over to where Nightfall was watching the celebration. She frowned at the odd look on her friend's face. *Nightfall, is something wrong?* She lock-sent to her.
Nightfall started a little, glancing over, before turning back to the Sunfolk. *I- no, not wrong. But - they're so very different from us.*
*Are they? Look closer. That's music and song - whatever its form. See that mother with her little one? And those two holding eachother close by the fire? Not so different, I'd say, in what matters most.* She looked over, but Nightfall seemed intent again. She followed her gaze to where a group sat around the leader of the other elves. But at their distance she couldn't say who she was looking at. Clearbrook frowned, glancing back at Nightfall. Something seemed wrong, but the young huntress had sent otherwise - and no one could lie in a sending. Struck by an idea, Clearbrook scanned the gathered elves for the black-haired hunter who'd carried Nighfall off, and found him near the leader - exactly where the other's eyes were locked. She glanced back at Nightfall - eyes widening. 'Oh, young friend, could it be...?'
"A forest flower for our best gatherer." Zhantee held out a red bloom for Shenshen.
The elf maiden giggled. "How did you find a flower?" She asked as she accepted the gift. "All this praise is going to puff me up!"
Zhantee grinned in reply, before moving to sit down by Rayek. "Have you noticed?" He whispered to the head hunter.
"That we're being watched? How could I miss?"
"Dodia noticed too. But most everyone else seems unaware. What do we do?" Zhantee paused, noticing Rayek's distant look. "Rayek?"
Rayek tore his eyes from the woods. "Don't say anything. Just be alert. They're just curious."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I...I just am." Rayek looked out at the woods again. Zhantee watched him for a moment, uncertain, then turned back to the festival with a slight frown.
Though she could not hear their whispered words, Leetah noticed their exchange. Her eyes followed Rayek's to the woods, and for a moment she thought she saw eyes shine out of the darkness. At first she was frightened, but when she saw no more, she glanced back at the hunters. Zhantee was now watching the dancing, but Rayek's eyes were on the distant forest still.
A feeling of agitation swept through her. Rayek had been her lovemate for hundreds of years. He infuriated and delighted her in turns, but his persistant affection had been as consistent as the Daystar to her. So many other constants had been ripped from her. Savah; her parents; her home; even the very unfallibleness of her powers.
In both the fight and flight from Sorrow's End there had been wounded. Many wounded. Too many. Strength gave out; powers waned. With rest they returned, but how many did death claim while she slumbered? How many lives lost for every life she saved? Death - her ancient foe - seemed to mock her in her weakness. Never, never had she felt such utter failure - such powerlessness to stop what had happened.
And now? Now to lose Rayek too?
Her hands clenched around her scarf. No. She wouldn't - not without a fight. Standing up, she stepped lightly over to the two hunters, letting her scarf flutter down to fall over Rayek's eyes.
"Eh?" Startled only momentarily, Rayek smirked and with a guesture lifted the scarf from his face and pulled it out of Leetah's hand with his magic.
"Oh! Not fair!" Leetah pouted down at her lovemate.
Rayek eyed her suspiciously. "What are you up to?"
"Joining the dance." She stepped past him. "Care to join me?"
Zhantee pushed at Rayek's shoulder. "Go on! Show off! It will do you both good!" He whispered.
Rayek hesitated, but relented - floating Leetah's scarf back to her, and taking her hand at they joined others in the circle. Their motions were smoth, and graceful. Their steps seeming to naturally match with knowledge gained from centuries of practice. For a moment in time it was as if nothing had changed. They could have been back in Sorrow's End, dancing at the Festival of Flood and Flower as they had countless times before.
But then the song came to an end, and Rayek began to lead her back to where they were seated. She dug in her heels, pulling at his hand. "Once more!"
Rayek looked distracted as he glanced back. "No, Leetah, not tonight. Come, let's sit again."
A part of her wated to rebel and return to the welcome forgetfullness of the dance. But glancing back she caught sight of the woods, and remembered her original intent. "Another night - promise me!" It was more of a demand than a request, but Rayek did not disappoint her.
"Any night you wish. Come."
She flet a smug smile curve her lips as she let him lead her back to the place of honor by Ahdri. She glanced over her shoulder at the woods. 'There, you see?' She felt like shouting. 'You hear? As ~I~ wish. It's me he wants. As he always has.'
Nightfall watched the dance. Over the music even wolf-sharp ears could not make out words. But when the healer sent a smug look back toward the woods, she knew who it was meant for. She was ill prepared for the mix of emotion it caused. Slipping down from the tree, she left the group of wolfriders watching the festival without a word. The cool night wind was no comfort. Back at the holt she curled up in her bed, biting her lip to muffle her frustrated sobs.
Lost in misery, she at first didn't notice the comforting arms wrapped around her. "R-Redlance?"
Her lifemate's smile was gentle as he brushed aside her tears. "My brave Nightfall. How long will you try to hide the truth?"
Fresh tears spilled over and she turned to bury her face in his chest. "I'm sorry! So very sorry."
"Hush. You aren't at fault. Neither is he. Recognition is recognition."
*But I wanted it to be you!*
The sending pierced his heart, and for a moment Redlance let his own disappointment shadow his face. Pushing it aside, he held her close. *As did I, but it does not change our hearts, beloved.*
"What about the child? Our tribes are so different."
"It will be what it will be."
"I...can sense things about him. He wants what's right for his tribe. He strives for that. But...he's so rash and impulsive. What kind of father will he be?"
"Bearclaw was rash and impulsive. Did you ever doubt his love for Cutter? For any of us?"
"...no."
"He'll make mistakes, all parents do. We will, too, no doubt."
"We?" Nightfall glanced up at him.
"Cubs belong to the whole tribe. Right?"
Nightfall managed a smile. "Right." She buried her face back into his chest. "He has a lovemate too."
"He's probably as confused as you then. You need to talk to him."
"I will...tomorrow..."
The Sunfolk celebration lasted late into the night, as was their custom. Rayek found his attempts to slip away as he had often at Sorrow's End thwarted time and again. He was accustomed to his people depending on his skills, but though he'd always welcomed their praise, he'd also enjoyed the freedom of coming and going at will. A freedom he no longer seemed to have. In some ways he found the restriction maddening.
It was when the festival was waning that he finally was able to seek the solitude of his hut. In some ways relieved for the peace and quiet. But there was an aching desire inside of him that being alone made harder to ignore. And worse - a feeling of being unwell had begun to come over him. He felt his strength ebbing a little each day.
When his doorway was parted he glanced back and for a moment in the darkness he mistook the figure at his door for another. 'Twen...?' But he shook off the shadowy vision and looked again.
Leetah stood watching him from the doorway, both carefully and suspiciously. "Were you expecting another?"
A part of him wanted to tell her the truth. Never, even once, in Sorrow's End, had there been lies between them. But those days were slipping away. It seemed everything they'd once had was slipping away from them. "How many times have I told you? You are the only one worth having."
Leetah came to him then, holding him close. For a moment her hands, her powers, erased the feeling of illness. But the ache was still there - even as he tried to ignore it. They held tighter to eachother than he was certain they ever had. Went farther; deeper than ever. At that moment his beloved healer would have given him all of her - as he had always wanted. Only now it was too late. He could feel the distance growing between them even as they clung to one another.
They did not sleep, but for a long time neither moved. He felt the small quakes of Leetah's silent sobs - felt her tears on his skin. His own fell to mingle with her hair. Still no words passed between them as the sky began to lighten. When Leetah rolled away from him he did not pull her back. Instead he rose to his feet, collected his clothes and hunting spear, and left the hut.
To Be Continued...
I hope you'll all enjoy where I'm taking this fic. It might not play out quite as you'd expect it to. But hopefully you'll find you like it anyhow. The final scene between Leetah and Rayek is taken from the novelization of the first part of the comic series. It's one of my favorite additional scenes. I think I had alot more sympathy for Rayek as a character after reading the novel. I actually had a bit less sympathy for Leetah afterwards, contradictorily. Reviews make my day, btw. LOL