“River!” yelled Salcha as she scurried down the statue. Tulak continued to watch from above, lifting his eyes to scan the woods behind River. Satisfied that there were no enemies present, he cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled down, “North River Eye, you are welcome amongst your people. You may join the clan.” River was taken back by his formality; this was not the Tulak she remembered. Years ago, when she left, he was a rambunctious little twerp who liked to wrestle and stalk her when she went about her business. But now… his presence… his tone…this was a warrior. Silently Salcha dropped to the ground next to River. “Oh, I am so glad to see you,” she said as she reached for a hug.
River reached back for her, cautiously at first, not quite believing it’s really Salcha until she felt the warmth of her friend’s embrace. Hugging her tightly, River said, “Oh Salcha, I’ve been worried sick about you all! Is everyone okay? How did you get here?”
“The Black Panther led us here. Our normal range area was being overrun with…” She paused, “It was awful… there are creatures, unnatural creatures, that roam the Margreve. The very touch of some is enough to kill plants and trees. They have brought a blight to the Margreve. Our normal hunting grounds were destroyed, wildlife fled, nothing would grow. Sometimes, they would pass willy-nilly through an area and only kill a few trees…” Tulak interrupted from above (was his hearing that good?), “like those dead trees there.” He pointed toward the forest in the distance, where dead trees were mixed with living.
Salcha nodded. “And for those areas that are now completely dead, an eerie smell arose from the ground. Oh River, it is awful,” Salcha said, with a quiet voice. There was a moment of silence. “But the Black Panther came at the right time– after some of the elders called to the Cat Lord for help. He led us through the Margreve to these beautiful falls. We are safe for now, but the elders have sent many of our more experienced warriors to investigate the source of these unnatural creatures. But they have not returned for many moons.”
“The Moonwell near our range has been corrupted,” River told Salcha. “That corruption is the source of this evil. I first heard of it from a realm bard in a town I was in, and it was confirmed by a friend who was tied to The Moonwell and is now gone. I had a vision of you all starving in the mountains and have been on the road to find you. What do the Mountain Speakers say?”
“The Mountain Speakers will want to hear this news. Come, they are not far.” Salcha says, “I will lead you.” She turns toward the small valley, nestled between the steep, rocky cliffs and mountains, but stops. Looking up at Tulak, she yells, “I am taking River to the Mountain Speakers. I will bring a new watch.” Tulak nods stoically, and his eyes return to scanning the forests from where River came; one foot placed upon a rock and his hand resting on his sword hilt, he is confident, brave, and you feel a certain twinge of attraction. He looks like a leader, perhaps a future Elder, certainly not the little twerp you remember.
As Tulak turned his gaze down toward where River and Salcha were looking up at him, he said, “Have no fear. I will keep you safe.” His tone was boastful.
Salcha sighed, and looked to River and said, “Ignore him… he thinks he is the chief already… constantly bossing everyone around with his ‘I’m in charge now voice.’”
“Seriously! And he was just chasing his tail last week after dinner,” Salcha added.
Tulak glared down and said, “There was mud on my tail. I was trying to get it off. I was NOT chasing my tail.”
Salcha shifted her weight as if to say, “Really… then why were you giggling?” Tulak seemed to get nervous as Salcha glared at him, and his confidence faded. “What?” he questioned. “I am keeping you safe.. and you should be thanking me.” He returned his gaze to the forests, narrowing his eyes and trying to look quite serious. “I know what you’re thinking… yes, he is still a twerp,” said Salcha. “Let’s go… the Mountain Speakers will be glad to see you.”
Conscious of Tulak’s dignity, River rubbed the bridge of her nose and said, “Well, Salcha, I have to confess that I have a ball of yarn in my pack that I play with and chase from time to time. Nothing wrong with acting like a cub every once in a while.”
Salcha raised an eyebrow and pondered what to make of that admission. River could tell that she was not sure how to react to that. Finally, she said, “Come, our camp is about a mile from here.” The two of them walked cautiously into the canyon.
As they walked together, she said, “You have been gone a long time. We didn’t think we would see you again.”
River shrugged. “My task is to learn about the outside world and bring that knowledge back. There’s never been a question in my mind about returning, only a question of when. I left when I was 18, so I’ve been out for 13 years with some visits back, but Whiskers was 25 years about the world before coming home for good. I am starting to miss it, though. Life is very clear-cut here, compared to a lot of places I’ve been. I’ve met some good people, good friends, but I’ve also seen a lot of people who only care about what they can get for themselves. It makes me appreciate belonging to a group who care about each other and about the world around them. I don’t get to stay now, though. My first concern was to find you all and make sure you were safe. However, I made a promise to a friend that I have to keep. The corruption of the Moonwell doesn’t just affect us. It is a gate that a lot of evil is pouring through that will destroy everything if it’s not stopped. It’s not just us who are affected. It’s going to be everyone in the world. I don’t know what I can do now that…” she paused and then shook her head. “Anyway, I have to try. I have friends who will help me if they can, but I have to go back to our range and try to find out how to fix the Moonwell. I’m not sure I’ll make it back out. If I do, I think I will find it pretty hard to leave again.”
As they walked together, River asked Salcha, “Did Ghost make it out?” Not only had Snow Water Ghost been a Mountain Speaker since before River was born, but he’d also held that honor since before her grandparents’ day. River’s mother had told her that there had been another when she had been young, but that one had been older than Ghost and had “gone on” some years before River’s birth. Mountain Speakers didn’t die, it seemed, but no one knew what happened to them. One of River’s first memories was of the celebration for Blue Flower Star becoming a Mountain Speaker, and it was only later that River had learned that the festival had been so emotional because there had been fear for days that Blue wouldn’t survive her trial. Again, no one knew how Mountain Speakers proved their powers; it was apparently very different than how River had proved her years, and she was a bit apprehensive for Edge. Dark Cliff Edge had been a playmate and was about a year older than she. It had been no surprise when the Mountain Speakers had claimed him. He had always seemed to know where the best hunting and foraging was, and if you went with Edge, you knew you were going to come back with the goods. Ghost would be the only one who might remember a cleric among their people. The Stone Shadow clan had never had one to her knowledge, but one had arisen in another Mountain Tabaxi clan some generations ago when its territory had been invaded through a dimensional rift to the Fire Plane, and the cleric had helped them drive the Interlopers back with the help of the Cat Lord.
As they walk, Salcha says, “I’m sorry, River… we have not seen Ghost since we had to flee. Along with some of the Clan’s hunters, he went to find the Moon Well and consult with the Arch Druid months ago. He promised to find help and to lead the Clan to safety as the Margreve was failing?” She stumbles over the word “failing,” not certain how to describe what is happening. “About a month after Ghost and a few others left, a Black Panther arrived. At first, we thought him a predatory, come to eat our young, but he never harmed. He watched and often drove away demons and other unnatural creatures. Finally, he spoke to Flower, who, as you know, is quite old and wise. He explained that he is the cat lord! He explained that he was here to reestablish a vibrant relationship with tabaxi and that he would leave us to safety. Many in the Clan were confused by this Black Panther, but for weeks, he continued to protect and finally, when the conditions of the Margreve were unbearable– that is, trees dying, food impossible to find, and even our water turning poisonous, he came to us one night after clan meeting. He simply said, “Follow me. I will protect you.” We did follow. We packed up our meager belongings and followed him south through the dying Margreve until we arrived here. At this time, you emerge through the trees, and she points. “Welcome home River, to our clan.”
Hidden deep in the canyon, River saw a beautiful cove with freshwater pouring from two waterfalls. One was a natural stream flowing over a cliff, and the other was a freshwater stream pouring over a colossal statue of a sitting Margreve native. Both waterfalls filled a clear pool, and along the shore she saw familiar faces of the Clan as they fished, washed, and swam. They were safe, and they seemed happy! A little way from the water, she could see the make-shift tents and lean-tos that formed the sleeping area for the Clan. Around the campfire, she saw Blue Flower Star sitting, eyes closed. She was accompanied by two younger Tabaxi, one that she did not recognize.
River stopped and took it in. It was a nice place and suitable for a while, but she preferred their high mountain ranges. She smiled. She had been so worried, and at times had felt like she’d never see her Clan again. She looked at Salcha and laughed, and then headed for the camp.
As River’s eyes swept the small, temporary camp, a sense of “being home” came over her. There were three young Tabaxi scampering around in carefree play, pouncing on one another and then suddenly tearing off in one direction or another with the others hot on their heels. As River and Salcha entered the small camp, Salcha called out, “River has returned!” All heads turned, and Edge, whose back was to them when they entered, turned, and a huge smile crossed his face. He rushed forward as Blue emerged from one of the lean-tos. “North River Eye! You have returned and at just the right time!”
River ran forward and threw her arms around Edge in a massive hug. After a moment, she suddenly remembered his status as an apprentice to the Mountain Speakers and released him somewhat abashedly.
“Edge, my friend, it is so good to see you safe. I’ve been so worried!” She then turned to Blue and greeted her more formally, still with a smile on her face. “Blue Flower Star, I rejoice to find that you are still here to guide the Clan.”
Blue nods a greeting as she stands. She looks older, more tired. “Greetings North River Eye… it is good to see you. How did you find us, given that we had to flee our normal range? It matters not, the Cat Lord has been guiding us, and he continues to provide blessings.“ Her tone became more serious. “River, it is good that you have returned, for we, all of the Mountain Tabaxi clans, are in danger– something evil has been attacking the Margreve herself. We Speakers believe that the very heart of the Margreve has been damaged. The others are foraging and will return before dinner. Edge will show you to a sleeping mat. At dinner, we will hear tales, and I will share what has befallen our people.”
Edge punches your arm, “So you return after the hard work is over.” He was smiling. “Come on, let’s get you something to drink before the dinner meal– everyone will want to hear your tale. And, I can tell you understand our plight–dinner and stories tonight will be a welcome treat from the misery we have been through.”
“There’s much afoot in the outside world, Edge. The misery is not only among the Tabaxi in the Margreve.” River’s voice was melancholy, and she was silent for a moment before shaking it off. “Why aren’t you out with the foragers? How will they find the best stuff without you?” she teased.
As the foragers returned and the small clan gathered for dinner, there was much excitement that River had returned! Despite any attempts by River to help with the meal, the Clan handled everything, and soon the comfortable feeling of home set in.
After much banter and questions, the meal was served, and Edge, Tulak, Salcha, and others all told stories of what has befallen the Margrave and its inhabitants.
A few months ago, demons began to appear in the Margreve. That, by itself, was not that rare, for strange beasts lived in some of the underground caverns and Blackclaw Mountain, which held the Grendleroot- the very heart and soul of the Margreve region. No Tabaxi had ever set foot in the Blackclaw, given that it brimmed with monsters. However, soon the Margreve started to die– swaths of trees just shriveled, turned brown, and died. Demons ran wild, killing magical creatures and destroying secret groves and magic plants. And then, the worst news ever, the ArchDruid who guarded the Moonwell went missing, and the Moonwell itself was poisoned!
Suddenly there was lots of chatter and everyone tried to talk at once. Blue Flower Star slowly and silently stood. It took but a few seconds for the other Tabaxi to fall silent, and all eyes turned to her. She said, “North River Eye, Ghost led a small contingent of Tabaxi to the Blackclaw to find why the Grendleroot is in distress. They have been gone for over three months, and there has been no word from them. The Black Panther told us that he would bring help– as he was prevented from entering the Blackclaw. He did not tell us that he would bring you back. I believe that you have been brought back by the Cat Lord, by Bast herself, to aid us in our time of need. All of the Margreve is in trouble. Will you find Ghost and help him heal the Grendleroot? Help him restore the Moonwell so that we all may return to our ancestral lands?”
From the shadows of the campfire, a black panther emerged and rose up on two legs, standing quietly behind Blue – dwarfing her. He said, “Serve your Clan by serving me. I will give you my power for your quest.”
River quietly glances down at her hands, folded in her lap, and River quietly glanced down at her hands, folded in her lap, and then looked up at the Cat Lord, meeting his eyes. Her voice was soft and mild, but her eyes were as hard as agates. “Master Bashiro of the Kitsune told me that you were in the Margreve searching for your lover. I am honored that you think me diverting enough to draw your attention away from so worthy a quest, all things considered.”
The panther clasped his hands together slowly, and a smile crossed his face. “Rumors can run across Vala before the truth get its boots on. The truth is that I love life and liberty, and all things of beauty, so talk of my search for a mate has been misinterpreted as my search for the beauty of freedom. The freedom of the Tabaxi and their love of life and liberty has always drawn me to them. I suppose you can say that when the Tabaxi return my devotion with worship, I bless and protect them. When a worshipper turns from me, yes, I am a jealous lover; yes, my fury can be intense. But I don’t compel worship– how could I when I value freedom and liberty? I am actively involved with the Tabaxi now because the threats to the Margrave are bigger than just your home or even the Moonwell. The evil here threatens all of Vala. I need the Tabaxi to deal with this evil, but I recognize that this small Clan is not enough by themselves. I have arranged for additional resources to help. Even now, that additional resource is headed this way on the wings of a falcon.”
“To some, ‘freedom’ and ‘liberty’ mean ‘irresponsibility.’ And you say that you don’t compel worship but are enraged when one of your worshippers turns from you.” River’s eyes narrowed. “I have experience of turning away. I served one before, who would not help when I needed it most. Why should I trust you to be any different? Why do you need me? Surely there are others who would happily dance on your strings.”
The panther slowly closed its eyes and made a chiding “tisk…. tisk… tisk” sound. He then shifted his head and opened his eyes. River saw visions in his eyes, and his shape changed into a female cat — Sharess or Bast. “You told your friends that you carry a ball of yarn in your pack, and you even validated that it is fine for Tulak to chase his tail. That is play and pleasure, and that is what I am about. There are times when one could see play and pleasure as freedom and liberty, and yet to another, it looks like ‘irresponsibility.’”
She continued, “I dangle a string of play and pleasure, and yet you see my strings as binds to control. I think you are confused with what it means to serve me.”
“I want you to serve me– you have a spirit that is powerful and indomitable. I have other followers that I could send into the Margreve, but you know this land, and you care, I mean really care, about the inhabitants of the Margreve. What you have been doing before, coming to the aid of your people, was related to saving all of Vala. That makes me desire you to be my follower. You know that the Gods compete for followers – let me show you what it means to be my follower.” She raised her hand and began to radiate with glorious power that was so bright that River had to avert her eyes. She could feel a divine sense of power run through her–the power of a cleric. It was incredibly powerful, intoxicating, and satisfying, giving a sense of joy and safety, a sense of belonging.
Sharess smiled, “Do you like my strings?”
The rest of the Tabaxi, including Blue, Salcha, and Tulak, all dropped to their knees, worshiping Sharess as she radiated her glory.
River curled her lip. “No. I’ve felt them before. I suppose I should give thanks to Anord for teaching me to see traps.” She paused for a moment. “I will not follow you. It may be someday that our paths will diverge, and I will not be told that I can’t go my way. With that said, I have need of your power, so I will serve you, in this time, until the threat to Vala has been dealt with or until our purposes no longer coincide. We can discuss what will be afterwards.”
Sharess laughed a playful laugh, “I love your spirit…. it is so much fun to have a live one give me praise. My power is yours so long as you provide me with praise and thanksgiving. My followers, and specifically my clerics, are causal. I do not require temples or buildings. But I do require celebrations and feasts. And at these celebrations, my followers are encouraged to indulge in every pleasure imaginable— there are bounds– whatever makes you happy translates into pleasure, and I feed on your pleasure.”
“As a cleric of Sharess, you shall celebrate the rising and the setting of the sun. Upon the completion of your vesper devotions, I will grant you power for the next day. Annually, when the sun is at its apex of the summer, you shall hold a Midsummer’s Eve festival, where the pursuit of pleasure had no boundary [It is April in-game]. But be aware of the group of werecats devoted to both Selûne — they seek to destroy my followers, my pleasure seekers. They call themselves the Eyes of the Evening, and, on nights with full moons, they hunt down my followers.”
“Very good,” said Bast, “Here is what you need to do to help your people and to please me. First, head to the mountain north of the ‘Dead Druid’s Run.’ Once at the top, you will find an abandoned temple. Light the braziers in the tower as this will be a sign to the Watcher; I believe you have met him already. Wait there until a falcon arrives. Once the falcon has arrived, you must search the Margreve for clues that will help you find Moonwell and uncover the source of its corruption and end it. And now,” she said,” I must be going, as I have other followers to visit this evening.” With that, she turned back into a black panther and sashayed into the forest.
River watched the panther depart, and then expelled a breath as her shoulders slumped. “I’ll help my people,” she thought, “but I don’t give a tinker’s damn about pleasing you.” Turning, she met Blue’s eyes. “Don’t trust her, Blue. Our needs will always be secondary to their wants. Don’t let yourself get into a position where you have to depend on her, and never get into the habit of doing what she says without considering the consequences.”
She turned and walked into the forest, leaving the rest of the Clan at their meal. After a brief search, she found a large tree and climbed into the branches. She supposed that she should do her “devotions”, but Bast didn’t specify what those should be. Finally, after a few minutes of thought, she reached into a pouch at her waist and brought forth a ball of yarn. It was the color of summer berries and was the softest thing she’d ever felt.
As she gently rolled it between her hands and tossed it back and forth, she remembered the hour she had spent in the spinner’s stall in the market of a small town, learning about how baby camel hair can be spun with silk to create something so soft that it almost couldn’t be felt. “I don’t know if this is what you want,” she said out loud, “but this… this gives me pleasure in this moment.” After playing with it for a few more minutes, she put it back in the pouch, and then stretched along the branch she was on and went to sleep.
As she gently rolls it between her hands and tosses it back and forth, she remembers the hour she spent in the spinner’s stall in the market of a small town, learning about how baby camel hair can be spun with silk to create something so soft that it almost couldn’t be felt. “I don’t know if this is what you want,” she says out loud, “but this… this gives me pleasure in this moment.” After playing with it for a few more minutes, she puts it back in the pouch, and then stretches along the branch she’s on and goes to sleep.
Pingback: River’s Journey – Part 4 – The World of Vala