Clan of the Wolf

Mistress

Lit's Original Mistress
Joined
Feb 17, 2001
Posts
13,167
The long winter had brought many of our people to death, mostly elders and some small children. The Healer worked for days upon days trying to heal those who were sick and dying. His efforts went unnoticed to most, as the hunters dug more and more holes in the frozen ground. It wasn't that he was incompetent, but mainly he was only one man, he could not carry the weight of the Clan upon his woren shoulders. He needed help, so he had to choose among the young for an assistant.

I never understood why he had picked me, I had never shown an interest in learning the ways of the healing earth. Yet I was chosen, and given my condition I accepted. Though I was older then most of the new mothers in the Clan, I had yet to marry and take up a hearth of my own. In the mornings when I woke my stomach would twist and turn from the morning sickness I felt from my pregnancy. The father of my coming child killed during a hunting accident not long after the conception. Two full moons have now been shining down on the tiny babe that grew in my still flat stomach.

I resisted taking a husband, though I had seen 22 summers pass by my clear blue eyes, and it angered the elders. I lived at the hearth of my parents who passed on during the winter, alone I tended to my life without the much-needed help of a man. The old medicine man had taken it upon him to supply me with the needed food and drink while I trained under his watchful eyes.

The morning air smelled damp, as the dark clouds hide the sun from view. It had been a stormy night, and the front of the cave was soaked through. Once the summer weather graces the land we will be able to move out of the cave and into huts. I licked my dry lips and frowned, placing a hand on my stomach. Squeezing my eyes shut as it turned.....

Squatting on the heels of my feet I search through my many pouches for the right ingredients. Finding what I was looking for I smile, realizing that maybe I will start to remember which plant is used for what. I added one part of black horehound, two parts of meadow sweet and one part of chamomile to a bowl. After the mixture comes to a boil I let it simmer for ten minutes then strain it into a small wooden cup.

I take a drink of the tea and grimace, I take my time and drink it all. The tea, if drunk three times a day helps nausea, and with as weak as my stomach had been I needed all the help I could get. I heard a small delighted laugh, turning I see the Healer and nod to him. He had watched me make my mixture and was pleased with what I had learned so far. He smiled and nodded then headed on his rounds to the elderly of the Clan.

Sighing I slowly stand and stretch my back then make my way to the front of the cave. The wind blowing my long curly dark hair about my shoulders, tangling it as I stared out at the new day. I pull it back from my pale features and tie a small strip of leather around it to keep it back. Soon summer would be here, and it will be then that I will have to start my search for a husband......
 
Lynx

Just as the snows started to blow into my face I saw the opening of the cave and felt instant elation. I had been wishing to see the cave for the last three days now but with the hunt the way that it was going I knew that our group wasn't going back. It had not been a good hunt as we had gotten less food than we should have and one of the men of the group had been killed by a mammoth, one of the only animals that we had gotten.

I stood there and looked behind me looking at the rest of the group as I rested my spear on my shoulder. They were going slowly at the moment as they were carrying a lot of meat although it was less than I had expected. I knew that I was a hard person to work with but as the main tracker of our clan I was expected to be quick on my feet.

It was then that I felt the sudden drop in temperature and looked up at the clouds to see that they were turning into a menacing gray color. I turned to the group and shouted out to them and with a look up at the clouds they knew that there was a storm coming, something that was feared more than anything. I moved down and grabbed a person's load of food and began to drag it quickly towards the cave, every muscle in my back straining with the weight.

It took us ten minutes to reach our home but as we did the snow began to fly at us and we were glad for the cave. As soon as we entered we were all greeted by shouts of joy from the wives of the group but one of the group of wives started crying when she found out that her husband was dead. Every woman in the group went to help her as she began crying loudly and as I stood there I knew what she felt and that is why I didn't want a wife, I didn't want to hurt her when I didn't come home.

I walked to the middle of the cave and shouted out that we were back and almost instantly there was a rush of people. They looked at the food and then at me, expecting an answer as to why there was no food but I couldn't say anything- I had no explanation for it Without saying a word the food was divided up and everyone went back to their hearths, each carrying their food.

After they left I walked to my hearth and put my food over the fire, knowing what would happen if I didn't then sat down and put my spear down, enjoying the quiet.
 
Sabra

I watched as they carried in what little food they had managed to get, then I watched silently as the other women gathered around Marimi. Saddness filled my chest as I knew how she felt. When my lover never returned from his hunt I cried for days. Then later on, when my moon flow stopped, I cried more. I was alone, way past the marriage age, and pregnant.

I saw Lynx walk in, his face grim, I respected the man. He was a good hunter, I knew it must be bad if even he could not find kill. He carried alot of the weight on his shoulders like the Healer did. He worked hard, I always wondered if that was why he did not have a family yet.
 
I sat back and looked at the meat that was cooking and wondered if the excuse that I gave myself why I didn't have a wife and family was a good one but then I saw Marimi sitting down with tears flowing down her face and I knew that I was right with my excuse. I didn't want to hurt anyone that much when I didn't come back and it seemed that every hunt we had been going out on lately we had lost someone and I felt as if was my fault- I led every hunt out.

I closed my eyes and wished that I could bring Marimi's husband back but I knew that even I couldn't do that, nobody could. Not even the healer could bring anyone back from the dead. I got up from my hearth as I didn't want to be alone with my thoughts and walked to the entrance of the cave, watching the snow continue to fall.
 
Shera watched the hunters returned. When Marimi began crying Shera felt her heart break. Marimi had been like a mother to her ever since her mother had died during the last sickness. Walking over to her Shera put an arm around her comforting her as best she could. She knew what it was like to lose someone dear to you, she also knew that there could be no comfort only time. Marimi clung to her sobbing and all Shera could do was hold her letting her vent her anguish. She looked up and saw Lynx, he wore a pained expression, she had known lynx for all her life. She knew what must be going through his mind, the guilt he must feel. Shera sighed softly wishing there was something she could do help the people of her tribe but like everyone else she was helpless against the pain life caused.
 
Sabra

I moved away from the cave entrance and out into the cold air, feeling rather flushed. My hand clutching my flat stomach as it turned. Sighing I leaned against the rough rock wall and close my eyes licking my lips. I heard movement and opened my eyes as Lynx came to the entrance. I nodded to him in greeting, but didn't speak, the nausea rising. Blinking, I cover my mouth with my hand and run from the cave, managing to make it to some bushes just in time. Kneeling on the ground, I cough, gaging some more, throwing up again. Tears come to my eyes as my stomach heaves my breakfast onto the frozen ground.

Groaning I slowly stand, and make my way back to the cave, I slide down the rock wall to the ground and sit there in the snow. Not speaking, not moving, trying to calm my body and feeling slightly embaressed.
 
Lynx

I watched as Sabra ran out of the cave and wondered what was wrong with her but then I remembered that she was with child. I walked out of the cave to see how she was to see her sitting in the snow with her back to the rock wall. I walked over to her and looked down, wondering what to do then sat down beside her and looked at her, not saying a thing as I didn't know what to say.

I wasn't sure whether or not she need company at the moment or not so I stayed where I was, unsure of what to do. I leaned my head back and looked up at the sky to see that the dark clouds were still there but luckily it wasn't snowing that hard, which was a blessing.
 
Sabra

I didn't know what to do or say when he sat down next to me. It was unexpected, and it seemed as if he didn't know what to do either. I cleared my throat, and glanced over at him,"You are a good hunter Lynx, do not let this time get you down."

He looked over at me, a little surprised. I smiled and nodded,"Soon spring will be upon us, and we will find more game to hunt. The Gods, always have a plan, the people who's spirits have been taken from us will be reborn. It will all come together in time, my friend."
 
I looked at Sabra and at first didn't know what to say but then I realized that she was right.... things could only get better but he still felt as though it was his fault that Marimi's husband was dead.

"I know that the gods have something planned for us, I just wish that they didn't have to take people from the clan the way that they do. I know that it is my fault that Rolth died and I can only take the blame for it; I led the hunt and nobody else. I will feel the guilt for this death for a long time."

I then moved, as I couldn't look into Sabra's eyes.... to see the look that was there.
 
Shera watched as Sabra ran out of the cave and Lynx followed her. She was unsure on how she felt about that, then she just shrugged. It was none of her business, her and Lynx were only friends. she lightly stroked Marimi's hair who was now just whimpering. She felt so helpless... and so very alone.
 
Sabra

He turned away from me, and I knew it was for good reason. He did not want to see the emotion in my eyes, I nodded silently and slowly stood. "All will come around my friend, you shall see."

I made my way back into the cave, and headed over to the my hearth. The poor woman's wails echoed off of the damp cave walls. Maybe I should make her a seditive tea, something to sooth her. I sat down and rumaged through my bags, I knew I had the ingrediants in here some where....
 
I stayed there out in the snow, looking out at the plains and wondered what was happening with the hunting. It had begun to get increasingly bad and I had no real explanation for it. I knew that I should go back into the cave but right now I didn't want to because I knew that the first thing I would see would be Marimi and she would blame me for getting her husband killed and I knew that she would be right.

I wrapped my cloak around myself and sat there as the snow started to fall down onto me. I looked up at the sky and said, "Gods, why do you have to take all the men away from this clan- please, I have to know why."
 
Marimi finally stopped crying and fell into a fitful sleep. Shera covered her with a blanket. She looked around and noticed Lynx had not come back in. Standing she brushed herself off and headed outside. She saw him sitting not to far from the entrance. Approaching him she frowned at the pained expression on his face. She sat down next to him gazing up at the sky "it wasn't your fault you know". He looked at her and she could tell he didn't believe her. Her gaze met his for a moment then she looked back up towards the sky "Sometimes the gods deem it time to take our clansmen and no one can stop them. Not even you Lynx" she looked once more at him and lightly touched his shoulder "don't blame yourself, the clanspeople love you, you have been a strong hunter and warrior and no one not even Marimi blames you. The only one who blames you is you and you have to stop" she smiled softly hoping to coax him into smiling.
 
I looked at Shera and saw that she was looking straight at me, trying to see what I would say or do.
"It is my fault Shera. I should have prevented it, even if I had to die to do so. Marimi shouldn't be in there crying because her husband will never come back. It should have been me that died because I know that nobody will miss me if I was killed today."

I then saw the total shock that was on Shera's face and even though I knew I had said what was on my mind I knew I could have put it another way, a way that wouldn't have been so nasty.
 
Shera felt shock at Lynx's words then her face took on a very sad expression "How can you say that" she felt her anger rising "How can you say no one would care! Don't you think I would care? Do you not even realize how much the tribe cares about you how much I care about you?!" she bit her lip to stop herself from yelling "If you were to die many people would feel a great greif and emptiness" she looked away so he wouldn't see her tears "I don't know how you can be so selfish to think that your the only one that should die. When the gods want someone they take them and you can't prevent every death!" she faught the tears that came her eyes at the thought of his death and won. "name me one person in this tribe who wouldn't give a damn if your died? just one!"
 
Lynx felt shock at Shera's words and knew instantly that he had felt something wrong. He then realized that she had asked a question of him as to who wouldn't miss him if he were to die and he came up with one person but if he said it it would cause more grief than there was already but he had to say it.
"There is only one person that I know of who will not miss me if I die and that is me."

He then saw that that answer had totally shocked Shera and got up off the ground then began to walk away, into the snow. He walked for a little bit and then stopped, looking around. He looked back at the cave and knew that there were people there who depended on him but sometimes he didn't want that responsibility and this was one of those times.
 
Shera gasped softly at Lynx's words and the pain she heard in them cut straigt to her heart. He got up and walked away and she could only stare at him the cold beginning to numb her fingers and toes. Disregarding the pain she stood up and followed Lynx determined to find out why he was in so much pain. They had been friends for so long and she could not bear the thought of him being alone right now. He had his back to her and she softly touched his shoulder. "Lynx why do you feel like that?" she asked her voice shaking slightly. She wished she could take all his pain and suffering into her.
 
Baer walked sullenly through the snow. It had been going on steadily for an hour. He didn't know where they were going. Food had become scarce in his tribe; that's why they were travelling so far to get food.
"We should turn back," one member from the back called. He sounded weak and cold. All of them stopped, and turned back to find the voice. One new warrior with a spear had wide surprised eyes as he stared at the group.
Behind him, a pack of wild saber's jumped from the snowfield. Baer cried alarm, running off into the forest. Three of them jumped for some clansmen. Baer didn't have time to see it though, trees covered his visions. Snow wasn't helping him either. The problem was, he didn't particularly care about watching the other's die. He had his own problems now.
A club bounced along his side as he made his way through the forest. He ran until he grew tired, and then walked.
It was over, the group was gone, he was probably the only one alive. Weak emotions didn't get the better of him, yet. He had to find food, and shelter, he couldn't stay outside for long.
Tracks.
He looked on the ground, a clan, tracks led up the side of this hill. He sniffed the air. He couldn't smell anything dangerous, they must be a ways off. He began following them, his club in hand.
Soon he was upon more tracks, and smells. Food, people, hearth's aflame, all of it got his nose. He walked cautiously. The rival clan lived near here, although he had never been anywhere near here. There were too many new smells, it was all weird to him.
He moved behind a bush. There was the cave. Inside he heard many people moving around, but outside there were only two. He watched them cautiously. A young female... of good birthing years, and a powerful male. He didn't know what to do. He needed food and shelter, but he couldn't just stroll up and ask them. Clansmen were killed for less. He didn't know how to do this.
All he knew was brute force. And even his thick skull knew brute force wouldn't work in this situation. He would have to try something different. Talking to them.
He stepped out, his club in hand and half raised. He didn't look threatening, but he looked far from anything else. He stepped closer and closer to the two outside.
 
I didn't turn to look at Shera, I couldn't bear to see the look on her face. I knew that I should say something to her but there were no words to describe what was going through my head. I then cleared my throat and turned to look at her, "I feel like this because I have alot of responsibility to this clan. They rely on me to get there food and bring the hunters back as well but lately I have been finding less and less food and a hunter has been killed on each hunting trip. I know that I have this responsibility for a reason but it is getting far too much for me to handle."

I saw by the shocked expression on her beautiful face that the answer was something that she didn't want to hear but I knew that I had to tell her. It was then that I began to feel the cold and said, "We should head inside. We need to get into the warmth."
 
She just looked at him for a moment knowing what he said was true. The clan did depend on him an awful lot. "Lynx you don't have to carry it all on your shoulders alone, there are plenty of other able men who can take over or help you" She shivered but not from cold, she felt as if someone was watching them. She looked around a frown on her face, "I agree lets get back inside"
 
I saw the shiver from Shera and as if by instinct threw my cloak over her. I walked close to her as we walked back to the cave but as we walked there I wondered who was watching us and why. I stopped and looked around but when I couldn't see anything I turned and looked at Shera, "Let's get out of this snow and freezing cold."
 
Baer watched them. They seemed nervous. Had they smelled him? He checked the wind. Now, it was blowing the wrong way. They couldn't smell a thing. That wasn't good, a cave should be downwind, especially it's front. They must have chosen this case in haste. It was big, but not at all worthy of clansmen. Their leader must not be that good.
Baer came out of the bushes, looking at the two in complete bravery. He walked, as calmly as he could into plain sight. His mind was torn, part of him wanted to stop this. With any luck he could kill enough for them to accept him as leader, but he had never been completely sure about jumping into things.
They were walking inside. Inside there would be more people, and he wouldn't have a chance if too many people were around, and were hateful towards him.
He could take on those two easier than an entire clan.
"Hello," he called, not trying to put any emotion in his voice, anger, fear, or otherwise, "Hello."
 
I stopped as soon as I heard the voice and turned to see the person standing there. I didn't know what to expect but I knew that this person wasn't part of our clan and if he wasn't part of our clan what was he doing here?

I went to grab my spear and cursed myself when I saw that instead of a spear in my hand I was holding Shera's hand. I knew that I couldn't start a fight here, not with her here or she would get hurt, something I didn't want to happen. I watched the person closely and wondered what he wanted before calling out, "What is it you want here?!"
 
Shera gripped Lynx's hand tightly when she saw the stranger. She sensed conflicting feelings in this man but she couldn't pin point what they were. Shera had inherited her mother's gift of sight. Not many knew about it because she had chosen to keep it secret. She glanced up at Lynx wondering what he would do and knowing that he was worried about her getting hurt. Glaring at the stranger she was determined no to let this man hurt either of them or their clansmen!
 
Baer watched them both move slightly. One tried to reach for something that wasn't there, the other seemed to put herself between him and the cave. He looked at them carefully, making sure they didn't do anything more than just move slightly.
"Listen," he called, "I lost my hunting party. We were tracking a mammoth, when a pack of saber's took the party. I think I was the only one to survive. I have been running for hours, all I ask is to get warm and maybe a night's sleep."
He walked closer to them, his club still only half raised.
 
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