More Than What Meets the Eyes
This will be a slightly alternative universe story. This veers off of canon a little. You will see that I made Dodia's son a tiny bit younger than what was represented in Barry Blair's "Fire Eyes." Sorry for canon lovers.
Doesn't look like there are a ton of EQ lovers here, but I wanted to tell a story of one of my favorite background characters that I think needs more attention. I love Chot.
Please review and let me know what you think, but I don't expect this story to be seen by very many so I'm not begging for reviews.
I own nothing. Poop!
Chapter Six
"Let me talk to Cutter and Leetah," Dart decided as Yun finally let him go, "They dealt with Shuna's pain. She was both emotionally and physically abused by her sire and it sounds like Chot was just a hair's breadth away from being put through the same as a cubling. They can tell me how they reached Shuna."
"My human sister loves her 'good spirits of the forest,'" Ember mentioned as Dart frowned, "She opened up because she believed that our people are ever good and gentle. It won't be the same for your friend, Dart. Chot won't respond like Shuna has since he's been so jaded by life."
"Correct," Dart agreed, "But some of what Cutter and Leetah used to help Shuna might help Chot too. Timmain's advice is sound. Listen and learn. I need to see if I can discover a way to listen better and learn ways to help Chot. Maybe if I learn more I'll know what to do next."
"Act when necessary," Yun sighed nodding her head before scowling at Dart, "I'll help in any way that I can. Keep me in the loop, Dart, or I'll cut off your ears."
"Duly noted," Dart chuckled in amusement for a moment before sobering, "Do not spread this information around. Chot is too guarded and will disappear on us as soon as possible if he feels any pity or that he is being pushed."
Yun, Ember, and Tier agreed as Dart left to seek out his former chief. Dart was a bit confused when he couldn't find Cutter anywhere outside so he finally sent.
-Cutter, I have need to speak with you, if you have a moment.-
-I'm in the Father Tree, Dart. Come to your friends' new den.-
-Aye, Chief.-
Dart was a bit confused. Why was Cutter with Chot and Door?
"What is going on now?" Dart thought to himself as he hurried back to the Father Tree to seek out the answer to his question.
He found Cutter standing with Door, watching Leetah as she seemed to be healing Chot within the newest den added to the holt.
"His headache became so bad that he was getting dizzy and nauseous," Door supplied at Dart's questioning look, "After Chot lost everything in his stomach, I couldn't take it anymore and called for Leetah despite Fledgling's snarling. He's been unsettled and upset all day. I feel bad that I went against his wishes."
"He's a stubborn cuss," Cutter snorted making Dart and Door grin for a second, "It was time to call Leetah. You did the right thing, Door."
"I agree. Leetah will settle him," Dart answered as Door looked unsure, "Cutter, may I speak with you? I know that Chot is in more than capable hands with your lifemate and I have questions for you."
Cutter agreed and led Dart away after the younger elf had patted Door's back to reassure him. Dart quickly explained everything that he had learned today and what Timmain had said. Cutter hummed in thought as he shook his head finally.
"Not a good situation," Cutter grunted leaning back within his den, "Go-Backs are too stubborn to admit when they need help. Skot was that way and so too, Krim. Kahvi was the most stubborn of all elves I've known and I have dealt with Rayek. Shuna was easy to coax into talking."
"And that is what I came to find out, Cutter. How did you and Leetah coax her?" Dart asked as Cutter studied him.
"You are still leading," the chief chortled as Dart sat up straighter, "Kimo still turns to you for guidance. So too does Jethel, Windkin, and my own son. Yun trusts you to do right by Chot. Jethel is also leading his little band. So I have a mini tribe within my own tribe, hmm?"
"I-I am not trying to overstep. Nor is Jethel," Dart denied before grunting as Cutter slapped him hard on the back, "Oof!"
"You are doing what needs to be done for tribemates as is Jethel," Cutter laughed, "That is a worthy thing, Dart, and not something that oversteps any boundaries. However, Chot has Leetah worried too. She senses the pain and despair within him and has been talking with me about all she feels. Knowing more, I see the problem. Elves don't do well alone. We just don't. It seems Chot was always an outsider looking in from early on. That is true for his time with the Sun Village, but it is sad to know that it was true within his tribe of birth. We will lose him if this continues."
"Then we will lose Door," Dart breathed shaking his head, "That cannot happen. I need to know for Chot's sake, Cutter. How did you and your lifemate help Shuna?"
"We listened to her and allowed her to voice what she was comfortable with," Cutter began, "Then as old wounds began to heal, we slowly pushed at Shuna to reveal to us other things. She had many recurring nightmares. I was glad when she finally began to reveal the contents of these dreams so Leetah and I could help her work through the hurt and betrayal she felt. I wish now that I had been the one to end her sire's life. No one should ever treat a cub like my daughter was treated. I'd break every bone in that man's body if I had the chance."
"Kimo and I would help," Dart growled, "Shuna is dear to us as well."
"That I know," Cutter snorted before sobering, "The healing process was very hard for Shuna. I think there is much strength within my daughter."
"I agree with that, but how did you push at Shuna to get her to speak freely?" Dart inquired before he and Cutter looked up at Leetah ducked inside.
"We had to use her love against her," Leetah supplied as Dart pondered the answer, "She wanted to do right by us so we urged her to speak with us so she could follow our ways. We taught her more about the Now of the wolf so she could let go of the pain of yesterday. It was hard on Shuna, but look at how strong my daughter is now. Cutter and I are very proud of how much our daughter has grown."
"You used her love against her," Dart repeated in deep thought, "Chot is dedicated to those he cares for and I know that dedication is his way of showing his love. Perhaps using that devotion against him and pointing out that he can't fulfill his duties tangled in old pain will help him let it all go. What do you two think?"
"Not too fast," Cutter warned, "Slowly work at this or Chot will shut down. Shuna did once or twice and it scared Leetah and I badly. Don't push at him now. He needs to be physically stronger and I don't want an out of control rock shaper to have to take down if Door goes off because you accidently hurt his soul brother. The Glider needs to be informed of all of this. Door cannot be left in the dark when it comes to anything involving Chot."
"Are you sure?" Dart questioned rubbing at his chin, "What if Chot picks up on Door's feelings or thoughts?"
"Good point," Cutter sighed, "I still think Door should know. He will sense your meddlings with Chot. Door will pick up on Chot's feelings and move to shield his soul brother. The pain of loved ones makes an elf react first and think later, Dart."
"I see," Dart allowed, "By your permission, I'd like to stay here with your tribe until I can help Chot. My new tribe cannot stay here as long as what is needed and I will formally ask Ember as long as I have your permission."
"Ember and I have already discussed this," Cutter admitted as Dart blinked, "She and I both know that your loyalties lie with the ones that need you. Chot and Door need you right now so you have both my daughter's and my own permission to do what is necessary. Plus, your parents will be happy to have you for an extended visit. Go speak to Door. Ember is already aware of everything and I will let her know we talked."
"Thank you," Dart answered feeling relieved, "I'll do so now."
Dart found Door and Jethel talking softly over Chot's sleeping form. The Go-Back looked relaxed, but his pale complexion made Dart pause. Chot's suffering was clear. The Wolfrider made a split decision and lock-sent.
-I need to talk with you two. Both of you, especially you Door, need to keep your emotions in check, okay?-
- What is this about that you can't wait? Chot is finally resting deeply and I don't wish for him to be disturbed.-
-I understand, Door, but this is important. This is about Chot.-
Jethel and Door sat up straighter and glanced at one another before spearing Dart with their eyes.
-Speak quickly then. Chot has both of us concerned. He is on edge and withdrawing when asked to talk. I want to know what is going on with my brother.-
-Understood, Jethel, but I need to know you two will stay calm.-
-I speak for both Jethel and I to say for Chot's sake, anything. Tell me what you know about my soul brother. I will keep my emotions in check. Jethel?-
-I'll do the same. Tell us, Dart.-
Dart fully explained every detail of what he knew about Chot's life prior to coming to the Sun Village. Both Jethel and Door listened without interruptions.
-That is horrible. How could anyone…what kind of a tribe of elves are the Go-Backs?!-
Dart winced at the anger in Jethel's send, but it was Door that reached and patted the young elf's shoulder.
-Be calm as Dart has asked of us. My fledgling has told me many times that Go-Backs have harsh, rough ways to survive in the icy cold, but it sounds like Chot went through something worse than just brusque behavior. He was abandoned by family and forgotten among his tribe due to the dedication to raising strong girls. I have always sensed there was something behind Chot's tales of his youth. A dark secret he keeps guarded.-
-I've felt the same, Door. Brother would tell a story that felt half told. This goes back to what Sunstream and I have felt all along. Dart, is there really someone who convinced Chot that he is not important? Tell me!-
-I'm not sure, Jethel, but Yun is absolutely furious. She and I are wondering if it was Chot's father, or Zey's sire, or even Zey who convinced Chot that he is less than.-
-Zey?! Don't ever mention that name to Chot or I again!-
Dart and Jethel both winced at Door's send. Chot stirred fretfully sensing the anger of his soul brother and immediately Door's dark scowl lifted as he reached to soothe the sleeping elf by stroking his back softly. After several minutes, Chot settled and Door looked back up.
-I apologize. I shouldn't have lost control of myself.-
-Door, why does that name upset you? There is no way you met Zey so what has Chot revealed to you? Do you know something about that elf?-
-I don't wish to speak of it or that…creature, Dart.-
"How does that help Chot, Door? He is an older brother to me and I want to know what that Zey might have done to him. So does Dart. Being stubborn is not going to help Chot. What did Zey do to my brother?-
Door sighed and looked down to Chot for a moment. Jethel and Dart both waited patiently. It was obvious that the Glider was trying to gather his thoughts.
-I don't know what Zey did to my soul brother, but he did something. I know I sense old betrayal and pain from Chot when he mentions Zey. The feeling is overwhelming and I hate to sense it from my wild Go-Back. I've tried asking Chot only once about Zey and his rage was so intense I've not tried again. It pulls at me horribly to know that Chot is in any type of pain.-
-Which is why we are going to help him.-
Door and Jethel looked up sharply. It was Door who nearly blasted Dart away in his eagerness.
-How so?-
-We need to keep him from picking up on what we know. Door, keep any anger or information about all of this from your soul brother. Chot needs to get stronger first before we can begin anything. Then we will work carefully to help him feel safe enough to talk with one of us. The palace hurts him because he doesn't understand love and belonging completely. It is time he learned.-
-We will learn together. Fledgling and I can set up a new life, free of pain for both of us. This will be hard. Chot covers a lot due to his Go-Back nature. It will take time to get him to speak and I understand that Cutter and Leetah used Shuna's love against her, but Chot will not react like that maiden. Fledgling is strong willed and fights to show his strength to overcome obstacles. He prides himself on this-
-True, but he also prides himself on protecting his tribemates, Door. We can slowly convince him to talk with us by using that loyalty against him. Chot will speak when he realizes that not speaking creates a weakness that might cause any of us harm if he loses focus. I know Chot. He'll speak then, but probably to you or Jethel.-
-I will do anything, Dart. Just let me know so I can help Door and Chot. They are family now. Both of them.-
Chot startled the three when he gasped loud and woke looking panicked and confused. He had obviously been having a bad dream.
"Huh?" the Go Back panted rolling onto his back, "Door?"
"Here, Dearest," Door answered as Chot locked eyes with him still looking groggy as the Glider leaned over the Go-Back, "What is wrong? Tell me."
"I…I don't…Door?" Chot stammered as the Glider began to whisper softly to calm the skittish elf, "Don't leave me."
"Never, Fledgling," Door promised as Chot blinked sleepily, "Close your eyes. I'm here. You are safe. Relax."
"Safe. It is safe?" Chot whispered as Door stroked his hair and he fell back to sleep after a few minutes as Dart realized that Jethel looked just as troubled as he felt.
-I will not allow Chot to suffer any longer than necessary. I will do as you ask, Dart, and protect my soul brother from knowing what I do of his past. Both of you leave for right now. I think my emotions are spilling over to my Fledgling and disturbing his dreams. He needs good rest to strengthen. We will all work together to figure this all out. Thank you, Jethel, for caring for both Chot and I as family. I am proud to have that title and so too will Chot. For now, I need to clear my mind so that Chot can sleep. Thank you, Dart, for all you found out.-
-Call if you need Jethel or I.-
-I will. Thank you again, Dart, for caring enough for my soul brother to have investigated everything as thoroughly as you have. I will forever be in you debt if we can settle Chot's anguish.-
-That goes for me too, Dart.-
Dart smiled softly at the two and stood to follow Jethel out of the den so that Door could watch over his soul brother.
"Jethel, whatever happened to Willowsnap?" Dart asked as the younger elf turned to him in surprise, "The preserver would have been useful to wrap Chot within it's webs when he was so sick."
"No-name was very upset that his mother left," Jethel began with a sigh, "Chot asked me to send Willowsnap to find Dodia and stay with her so that the cub would feel better. No-name calmed a lot after he knew his mother wasn't alone, but Dodia wanted nothing to do with Willowsnap at the time. It ended up finding it's way back to the palace in hopes of finding Windkin. Willowsnap and I have spoken on several occasions since I got here. Poor bug thought it was no longer needed. We all agreed to keep that secret from the cub so don't tell No-name."
"Ah. I won't," Dart hummed as he looked over to see Jethel in deep thought.
"What are you thinking of?" Dart inquired as the younger elf paused at the foot of the Father Tree.
"Do you…do you think we should try to contact Zey's spirit?" Jethel offered as Dart startled at the thought, "I was told that a lot of spirits with left over pain from their life sleep a long time within the palace so they can recover and heal. Do you think that maybe Zey has healed enough to tell us about Chot?"
"I don't know," Dart hummed as excitement filled him at the idea, "But it doesn't hurt to try. Zey might very well have the answers we need so that we don't have to push at Chot so hard to talk. Go get Yun. She will want to be there too. Meet me in the palace."
Jethel nodded and took off quickly. Dart jogged to the place that might help him find the answers he sought only to see all of Ember's tribe gathered.
"Ah, Dart," Ember greeted, "We are returning to our holt. Father has said you will be remaining here to assist your friend's recovery."
"Aye, Chieftess," Dart agreed, "I will return to the tribe as quickly as I can."
"Good," Ember continued, "Take what time you need. Windkin is also staying here for a time to assist Door in being a little more social. I will see you two when we next meet and let all of your former tribemates from the forevergreen know that they are welcome to join our tribe anytime. I would welcome them gladly."
"Thank you, Ember," Dart grinned out, "I will extend that invitation as soon as Chot is well and safe again. Good journey."
"Please have Sunstream keep us aware of Chot's recovery," Tier begged, "It saddens me to know that one of my mother's people is dealing with so much."
"I will," Dart promised as he waved to his tribemates while Skywise led them to the pod to take them home.
The Wolfrider turned to see Jethel and Yun hurry into the palace.
To be continued…