Nettle Remains

[Johan]

Maccabeus felt his spirit lift from the husk that was his body as the collective of Mahiya's symphony resonated all about him. Even as Ashe's words rang through his mind, his feral nature rose in his throat and he joined his brothers in singing to Mahiya. The wind kicked up in a small twister over the trio singing upon the ridge, spinning debris from the forest floor around them. Maccabeus could feel Vallenwood join in the primal song from his home at the Ring of Mists. Somewhere high above a raptor let forth his own accompaniment.

At length, their song ended. Maccabeus alit back within his body. He was dizzy, a bit disoriented, and energized. And joyous too, he noted. Wolf was also energized and although he stood majestically stoic, Maccabeus could tell that his hunka-brother was excited like a cub whose parents had just returned from a long hunt.

To Maccabeus, Istian seemed gladdened also, but as he had only just met the Great Ursa, Istian was as yet inscrutable to Maccabeus.

[Wildfire]

Wolf slowly walked over to Maccabeus. Instantly Maccabeus could sense something was different about Wolf. He was still the brother he had known but he seemed even more lupine…if that was even possible. To the outside observer there would be no apparent difference. To those that know wolves, the change would be profound.

As Wolf drew close, his eyes caught Maccabeus’s. He turned his head in the typical fashion and stared at his brother intently. Then, Wolf’s eyes began to change.

They went from being the dark of his natural bloodline but switched to the fires of Kossuth and flashed out brightly. The light subsided and Maccabeus could see the celestial body of Akadi, then Istisha, then Grumbar, and finally the Symbol of Mahiya. It was the same symbol that Maccabeus and Ashe bore on their chest and that Istian had in his own eyes.

Wolf began to lick Maccabeus’s face and tumble with him playfully. For the slightest second, Maccabeus sight changed and he could see himself. He could see himself through Wolf’s eyes. Then his sight went back to his own.

Istian hunkered back down and watched the two brothers, his eyes gently glowing in a soft myriad of elemental light.

[Johan]

Maccabeus's heart leapt joyfully. He didn't understand the depths of what was going on, but he was not one to let his ignorance impede merriment.

He gruffled with Wolf playfully, reveling in the knowledge that his clan here in Threshold continued to grow; that the honorable siblings of Mahiya were gathering here, and were allowing him into their lives.

He turned at last to Istian and dropped in a kneeling bow before the Great Ursa. "Thank you, Great One." He said, although whilst kneeling he was even lower than Istian's nose. He did not know what to say beyond that.

He rose again, or tried to. He found that his legs were rubbery from the unexpected gift that Wolf had received, and as he rose he fell forward, his head planting itself in Istian's great nostril.

Istian quickly blew the little gnome out and Maccabeus fell backwards, rolling to halt upside down against a tree. "Sorry." He said meekly.

[Wildfire]

Istian regarded the Dale Gnome curiously. It had been a long time since he saw fellow of such slight stature but that was by no means a measure of one’s quality.

Sensing the sickness of the trees and frailty of Whisper, Istian said in thought, “The Minions of Zyxu draw closer with every day…I can smell them…as can your brother. Be sure to rest your head about the Golden Fey…she’s under my protection now. Tend your grove my kindred.”

[Johan]

Maccabeus picked himself up, shaking his head ruefully. "Aye," he said aloud. "I can see she's well tended. Wolf and I shall away, then. Uh..." He began to realize that his role was now delegated to 'hurry up and wait'. He was anxious to set out on his journey to the Valley, but Ashe said that he'd need  a few days to research, and then the true quest would commence. What to do in the meanwhile?

Well, there was some groundwork to be laid, he supposed. He must converse with his clan now and let them know the urgency of what is to be done; he must find companions for this quest as well, without leaving Threshold herself bereft of protection.

He realized that he was standing stupidly in the lovely grove, and needed to be on the move. Istian stared at him expectantly.

Maccabeus bowed properly, with proper respect and a balanced being. "We go to make our preparations, Honored One. Until we meet again." Wolf helpfully came to Maccabeus and the little gnome hopped upon his brother's back. They were off like a sling stone, running towards the Ring of Mists.

It was time to lay the plans.

[Johan]

We done with this thread, WF?

[Wildfire]

For Friday