A Shadow Tribe Story
Chapter Three: Playing House
by: Yuuki Miyaka
"These foolish games are tearing me apart, And your thoughtless words are breaking my heart . . ."
-Jewel-
It had been four days since they had eaten together, and Ebony had slowly gotten back to her duties within the tribe. Though things had been strained, mostly due to the fact that other tribemembers didn't understand what she was trying to do by keeping Windrunner at arm's length, she didn't mind. Around her, things were always strained. Now, she was keeping watch again, though her turn was almost up. Her body tingled as limbs tried to remember if they were alive. Ebony hated keeping watch, but she would never admit that to anyone. Better that Winterleaf learn from Ebony how to do it properly.
At that point, the cub arrived, all cheerful grins and happy whistles. Even Ebony found that she enjoyed the sight of Winterleaf when the cub was happy. And she wondered what Winterleaf thought of their newest tribemember.
"Cub," Ebony asked, too curious to ignore her thoughts. "What do you think of Windrunner?"
Winterleaf looked up at Ebony as though confused. "What do you mean?"
"Do you think he is trustworthy? Do you think it would be good for the tribe if he were to stay?" These days, that was all that Ebony cared about. As long as the tribe was happy and thriving, anything else was secondary. But the fact that she finally had a family again outweighed anything else.
Winterleaf looked up at her mentor, trying to understand the dark huntress. "Don't you think he is? He seems like it. He came over to the river the other day and started to show me how to fish. He said that he had caught them before using a boot and that it worked better than a spear. And he's right you know? The boot did work better. I think only people like you can use a spear to fish Ebony. I'm not quick enough, and besides, I don't understand why I can't use my mag . . ." Winterleaf trailed off as she noticed the scowl beginning to darken Ebony's features.
As the silence lengthened, Ebony considered what Winterleaf had said. Finally, she spoke. "Maybe you're right. I don't know." And with that, Ebony crawled along the tops of the trees, leaving Winterleaf to take up the watch.
As Ebony entered the Wayfarer clearing, she noticed Shadowwalker on one of the branches, sharpening his weapons. She wandered over to the chief hunter. She wondered what he thought of their newest friend. But when she finally arrived in front of him, she was afraid to say anything. Their friendship was still on touchy ground, mostly due to her volatile temper. She wondered often if the others in the tribe respected her or feared her.
Shadowwalker looked up and smiled. That encouraged the storyteller, who drew a breath and spoke finally. "What do you think of Windrunner, Shadowwalker? Is he good for the tribe?" The hunter looked at her in surprise.
"I'd think so. He seems to enjoy spending time with everyone, and they all seem to like him. You and Winterleaf seem to be the only ones who are still worried about his presence." At his words, Ebony sat down beside him, thoughtfully. Shadowwalker looked at her in surprise. "Why do you ask? Are you thinking about asking him to stay?"
"I don't know, Shadowwalker. I don't really want to see him go, but I don't know how I feel, yet." Ebony sighed. She shook her head sadly, sighing. "I'm sure the entire tribe has figured out by now that we're Recognized." Shadowwalker nodded sagely, and Ebony glared out at the forest in disgust. "It's been taken care of, but I don't know what I'm going to do about it. What do you think?"
Shadowwalker thought for a long time, considering everything. All in all, Windrunner had been good for the tribe, something he knew that Ebony worried about. Finally, he spoke. "Perhaps you should explain to him what you think. Give him a chance to prove to you that he is worth the worry in the first place. Certainly he has a place here."
Ebony smiled in approval. She agreed with him wholeheartedly. "Sort of like a trial run, huh?"
Shadowwalker nodded, grinning as Ebony jumped up, anxious to put his plan into action. He wondered what the outcome would be.
"Windrunner, we have to talk." Ebony stared directly at the tall elf, wondering if he was as nervous as she was. He didn't seem to be, but she could never be sure with him. And she didn't really want to know, if he was.
"What about?" Windrunner was serene. He had taken to sitting at the edge of the territory, but Ebony was never sure if he was guarding their holt or if he was simply concerned about how he fit into the tribe. Now was the time to find out.
"Are you staying in the tribe?" He had been expecting this question. Ebony didn't want him to stay, she didn't want him in her life. And he couldn't blame her. After all, things were just too crazy between them. Although he admired the spirit in her, the passion between them had not faded after Recognition was sated. Instead, it had merely lost its edge of desperation. He smiled at that thought, then frowned as Ebony scowled at him.
"I had considered it," he murmured. He stared at her. "Would you rather I go?" He was shocked to see her eyes brighten with what he could only assume were tears.
"I thought we might see how you are with the tribe. I don't know what I want just yet. I'm sorry." The old Ebony, the Ebony before this Recognition, would have never apologized. She would not even admit the problems she faced. But she realized that this new Ebony was afraid to be alone, even with the tribe all around her.
Windrunner nodded softly, touching her cheek tenderly. "In other words, you want me to play house with you, to see if we are truly compatible."
Ebony looked away at that, flushing slightly. "If you wish, that is what we will do. And if you want me to leave, then that will happen as well."
Ebony looked back at Windrunner in surprise, in wonder. "Why?"
"Because it is what you want. Because it is good for your tribe. And because I care about both."
As Ebony stared at Windrunner, he leaned down and kissed her. "I will be your lovemate for now. I've found a home in this place. And perhaps, one day, we will be lifemates."
Ebony nodded, and watched as Windrunner stood and walked
away. "Perhaps," she whispered.