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Urthwyfe, Ch 5

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Tahra and Shael arrived at Mott just after mid-day. She encouraged the gryphon to land outside the village and then walked with him by her side up to the gate. The village guards had apparently caught sight of her since there was a decent sized gathering waiting for her as she approached. All those in attendance, led by the four village elders, greeted her by bowing low. As they straightened up the people behind them bowed while the elders, in unison, raised their right paws up to their faces, touching their index finger against their foreheads-- the rest of those in attendance followed suit as, in unison the elders all said "Warm greetings, Urthwyfe."

The people behind them, once they had also completed the honored 'salute' spoke as a whole. "Trail's blessings to you, Spirit Shepherd."

She touched her middle finger to her own forehead in response to their greeting, offering by rote the proper response. "As given, so received."

From there, the four elders led her into the village. Those in attendance made way, giving them plenty of space to pass by but Tahra felt the hundreds of eyes on her as the crowd remaiend. Amidst the gathered villagers there were much less formal calls of greetings, warm shouts of welcome, well-wishes, and warm regards. Tahra offered a polite smile to them, occasionally raising a hand to touch her forehead with her index finger then gesturing to whomever called to her in acknowledgement as she followed after the group of elders. It was a fine greeting-- much nicer than she receied on the other side of the mountains.

Led to a large meeting hall, Tahara followed the elders inside. The interior was lit with a collection of torches along the walls and a large hearth in the center; it was a simple, serviceable structure with sod floor and crudely carved but sturdy-looking benches. The elders all sat down, two to a bench among the four surrounding the hearth. Having not been stopped from entering, Shael hopped up onto one of the benches and flopped down onto it, his body so wide that one of his hind legs had to hang down off the side.

Considering there was one remaining bench, Tahra found her way to it and took a seat, facing her hosts. Having walked through the town, she had noticed that the village was a species-specific town; the majority of the population were Wolves, Oxen, and Horses-- there was one elder representing each race. The fourth elder, a Rat, likely represented those species that made up the remainder of the population.

It was, in fact, the Rat who spoke first, his voice slightly harsh from age, but no less clear, and it projected with a tone of one who was used to being heard. "We are pleased that you've arrived so promptly, Spirit Shepherd. It appears you made good time over the mountain thanks to your companion."

Judging from the measured tempo and glances shared by the elders it was readily apparent to Tahra that they had likely taken some time to rehearse the conversation but, before the Ox woman could more than open her muzzle, the Urthwyfe interjected. "Yes indeed. On our way over the Spirt's Cradle we encountered a family of travelers from this town... a family of Wolves and their adopted Spirit companion."

The Ox closed her muzzle. It was the Wolf elder who, after clearing her muzzle, answered. "Indeed. They are celebrated by our community. The adoption of a Spirit into a family in this village is a good omen. It is a sign of closeness to the spirit world and their acceptance of our ways."

Tahara had long understood the superstitions of rural communities and the thought of a Spirit entering into a union with someone from a village being a 'good omen' was little more than baseless optimism. While it was true having a Spirit be well-inclined to a settlement had a lot of benefits, it could just as easily lead to some unfortunate side effects. She didn't bother raising those concerns with the council of elders, choosing instead to keep her discussion focused on more applicable considerations. "I trust a place has been set aside for the Spirit in the family's home?"

The Wolf elder nodded. "Of course. We honor the Children of the Forest in accordance with the old ways, and when we heard that one was to join with one of our families we instructed the house on the proper steps to take."

Tahra was pleased to hear that the village elders knew that there were certain steps to take-- she just hoped that they knew the right ones. Rather than belabor the point, however, she realized that idle concern was getting her no closer to the point of her visit. "I'm pleased that you know how to coexist with Spirits... however, I presume you didn't call an Urthwyfe to address the needs of a family welcoming a Spirit into it..."

The next hour-or-so was spent with the Elders returning to their prepared statements, following a ritualistic approach to welcoming Tahra officially (which they'd already done, but she wasn't about to disrupt their planning further) followed by introductions. She registered their names in the back of her mind; considering the numbers of tasks she took on in a fortnight she rarely bothered registering the names of her employers for long.

Shael, part way through the conversation wandered back out of the building; Tahra made him promise not to cause problems and he acknowledged that he knew how to not frighten villagers. From there, she focused again on the elders and the purpose for her visit: they needed a ritualist to help them with a Devotion to the Spirits of the forest.

Devotions were normally the purview of a priest or shaman but Urthwyfes could lead such a ritual if none were available. Before she could point that out, however, the Rat elder explained that the Elder who held his seat had been the village priest and he had left to join the ancestors when the seasons last changed. Considering what they were willing to pay for the role, Tahra could find no reason to object and so she had only one question for clarification. "When will the Devotion take place?"

The Stallion serving as the Elder representative of the Horses spoke up for the first time they'd entered the chamber. "Five days. You will be a guest of Mott until then. We shall give you accomidations, see to your meals, and have your gryphon cared for... and tend to your needs for two days after, including provisions for your departure. This is in addition to the offered pay for the task."

The Ox woman spoke up before Tahra could respond. "Is that acceptable?"

Concluding the business to the affirmative, she reached out and shook each paw offered to her before saying her farewells. The Rat elder gave her directions to the hut they had set aside for her and, with business done, she was released to make her way around the village with the promise that they would speak with her again the day before the event to ensure that everything was ready to her satisfaction. Meeting complete, Tahra headed out into the mid-afternoon light and the sounds of lazy village life surrounding her. First order of business, she decided: make sure that Shael was not causing trouble.

As it turned out, he wasn't, much to her approval. Several of The Folk had already seen to the gryphon, treating him with nearly as much reverence as they did with her. He had his own shed with a copious amount of hay strewn about the floor and a number of The Folk were taking turns offering him little tidbits of butchered meat and, in one case, a half of a rabbit, which Shael accepted greedily, scarfing it down whole. Those around him cheered his gluttonous acceptance of the gift.

All of those gathered provided the ritualistic greeting to Tahra, referring to her as Urthwyfe or Spirit Shepherd. She accepted them in kind and, with less gruff guidance than she normally would, requested that they leave the gryphon alone. As they disbursed, Tahra reached out and laid a hand on his flank. "Looks like you're making friends already, hmm?"

Shael's response was simple and to the point, indicating that was content in the village; he still didn't like being east of the mountains, but he was fairly sure that he'd be okay among the people that treated him well. Tahra laughed at his thoughts; she certainly couldn't argue that he seemed to have a good thing going.

She spent a few more minutes with Shael, who promised that he'd behave and, only then did Tahra finally make her way to the hut that the village elders had offered her for her stay. It was relatively close to the center of town which put it near to the elders' homes. As far as a shelter, it was perfectly acceptable for her and, unlike some of the other residences, appeared to be about the right size for the Human-- considering Horses and Oxen made up a large portion of the village it was refreshing to see that she'd received a place to stay that wouldn't require she climb up onto the furniture.

The one bedroom hut was furnished with a small table, two chairs, and a bed, all positioned around the central hearth which, Tahra noticed, was not lit. Moving over to the fire pit she held her hand over it; there was no warmth. It made sense for the village to set aside an unused home for their guest so she wasn't insulted but she still had questions. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Tahra extended a sense that was not one of the five used by most mortal beings.

She had her answer in short order-- not just because she was able to discover it, but because of a firm, female voice calling it out from the doorway. "This hut belonged to one of the prior village elders."

Turning to face her visitor, Tahra recognized the black-furred Wolf immediately; it was the female who'd been traveling with her family through the pass. Rather than address the visit, the Urthwyfe instead pointed out something that caught her attention even more acutely. "You made good time on the path. I had thought it would be dark by the time you and your family returned."

The Wolf responded by bowing, touching her forehead with the middle finger of a paw in greeting. "I am no stranger to the mountains, Urthwyfe. Anyone who knows the way can make it in a matter of hours..." straightening up, the she-Wolf offered a social smile, tail wagging slowly back and forth. "Besides... it is not THAT long until sunset."

Glancing past her visitor, Tahra realized that the light beyond looked to be gaining a gold tint. "Ah... so it is."

Remaining by the door, the Wolf gestued over her shoulder. "My family and I wanted to ask you to join us for supper this night, Spirit Shepherd. Would you do us the honor of accepting our invitation?"

There were a number of excuses that Tahra could have offered but, in addition to being hungry, she realized that she couldn't always be antisocial. "Very well. I accept your hospitality and will join you for a meal."

* * * * *

Tahra joined the wolf family for a dinner a quarter hour later having been give directions to their home. The extended family, consisting of the three siblings, two of whom had partners, occupied three homes in Mott. The home to which she was directed was the furthest from the town center, and owned by the black-furred female and her creamf-furred male mate; it was the two of them who welcomed her into their home.

Once she was seated and given a sweet-smelling mead, the Wolves and the Spirit-in-Wolf-form sat down with her; Tahra could smell the scent of roasting boar, reminding her that she hadn't eaten during the day but, based on the idle discussion taking place it was readily apparent that the meal wasn't quite ready. Fortunately, the Wolves seemed to be quite adept at small talk, and they, entertaining an Urthwyfe, apparently had plenty to discuss.

The talks started with names... Tahra was never very good at names but, for the sake of propriety, she tried her best. It helped that they introduced themselves slowly and in context, starting with the mated Wolves and, more specifically, the black-furred female, who started the topic. "It brings me such joy that you were able to do us the honor of joining us for dinner, Spirit Shepherd. My name is Ayre, Matriarch of this family and head of this household."

The Human had remembered hearing that several communities on the eastern side of the mountains had a matriarch-based society so she wasn't entirely surprised. When Ayre's cream-furred mate stood up next she regarded him; his voice was deep and smooth, with a pleasant rumble and a welcome tone. "You grace our home, and for that I am grateful, Urthwyfe. I am known as Ying. Ayre, my beloved wife and I have been friends since cubhood, and, with a Spirit Shepherd as my witness, I could not be happier."

The two mates turned to one another, touching noses and rubbing muzzles in affection. Tahra had numerous experiences of couples putting on airs and making a show of their relationship so she'd become quite adept at identifying an act; she was pleased to see that their connection seemed genuine. To that effect, she offered her input. "You don't need an Urthwyfe to witness what the two of you have. It is a blessing to find one's soulmate in youth and grow that seed of a relationship into such a... fecund harvest."

The smaller of the two brown-furred males shot a glance to the striped-furred Wolf holding his paw, then stood, clearing his throat. "Blessed Urthwyfe, if it pleases you, my name is Bight, and I serve this village as a hunter in training."

He continued on, explaining himself, and that he moved out of his parents' home once he started the path of the hunter. Since his sister moved into the family home of her mate, that left his older brother to inherit the family home after their parents passed. His sister thought that he should have the home since it was more centrally located in town. All-in-all, it sounded to her like someone attempting to downplay their position in fear that they would be misunderstood and so she offered a casual nod, further acknowledging his meandering introduction with a succinct "It sounds as though it was a good fit then." Based on him sitting down with a slow wag to his tail, her response seemed to grant him the relief from judgment that he sought from her.

Once Bight fell silent the Spirt-in-Wolf-form beside him spoke, maintaining hold of his mate's paw as he did so. "My beloved gave me the name of Doon. I am Of the Forest, but now spend my time here in Mott... with him."

The two looked to one another with loving glances and Tahra didn't bother responding, not even when the two exchanged a similar loving muzzle-touch to that which Ayre and Ying had shared. They took it a little further than the older Wolves, however, including some light touching-- right up until Ayre cleared her throat, at which point the Wolf and Spirit disengaged, but remained close to one another; the insides of Bight's ears reddened slightly as a result.

Only then did the larger of the brown Wolves speak, facing the smaller brother, rolling his eyes as he spoke. "Bight... a fortnight ago you complained about Ayre being intimate in front of us with Ying, and now you are doing it with your partner in front of us AND our Spirit Shepherd guest."

Fighting back the kind of impish grin one would expect of a puppy caught with a paw in a jerky bag, Bight responded. "Well... that's because I hadn't found 'the one'. I think once you find YOUR 'special someone' you'll understand how it works... right, Ayre?"

The Sister folder her arms across her chest. "First, I don't want to get involved in your spats but, if you're involving me: Bight, just as we stopped when you said it bothered you, I would expect you to stop if it bothers Aeolas. Second, Aeolas, you didn't speak up when we did it, but you did when Bight did. Finally, please give deferrence to our honored guest; both of you should know better than to cause a ruccus with a noble Spirit Shepherd present."

Both brother offered a brief apology to her, followed by one directed to Tahra. Once that was settled, the elder brother finally spoke up. "Please forgive me for not introducing myself earlier, Urthwyfe. My name is Aeolas. I serve the village as its butcher." He glanced briefly to his younger brother, who was once again holding paws with his partner then looked back to Tahra. "It is not as glamorous a career as a hunter, but I do my daily tasks with dilligence regardless."

There was a certain tenseness in the air after that; Tahra could feel it and was apparently not the only one. She realized quite quickly that Ying was the peacekeeper in the extended family much like Ayre was the adjudicator. Thanks to the cream-colored male, the conversation was steered toward much calmer topics, including the day-to-day activities of Mott, how the citizenry spent their time, the importance of scouts and hunters (the roles most respected among the town's Wolves), as well as the efforts put forth by the field laborers, forgers, and farmers (those held in high esteem by the Oxen and Horses).

Ayre excused herself after Tahra engaged Aeolas in conversation, asking him for more details about his role as a butcher. The Urthwyfe watched the female Wolf, dividing her attention between Aeolas and Ayre to see if there was more to the departure than met the eye. In the end, Tahra determined that it wasn't because the sister was aiming for a social slight-- the meat just happened to be ready. That assessment was further reinforced when Ayre called out "It looks like I'm ready to serve up. Ying, please come help with the roast. Aeolas, would you please show our guest to the table?"

The larger brother nodded to his sister and, standing, held out a paw, palm up toward Tahra. She looked at it for longer than she probably needed to, noting the callouses on the four pink finger paw pads as well as the black palm and pinkie pads. She did not comment on her observations, instead accepting the offere assistance. He readily pulled her up from her seated position as if she weighed nothing, and escorted her to the table, speaking mildly with a warm expression as he leads her to her seat. "The foot of the table is reserved for our honored guest, Urthwyfe."

Dinner proceeded in short order after that. It had been quite some time since Tahra had a meal she hadn't prepared herself, and even longer since she had one she didn't have to pay to receive. That, coupled with the realization that Ayre definitely new how to cook improved the Urthwyfe's mood significantly. In fact, the Wolves also seemed to lighten up and, between bites of food and drinks of sweet libations, the conversation turned even more celebratory-- they were, after all, hosting a congratulations for the union of Bight and Doon. One thing that Tahra did notice, however, was that Ayre did not partake in the mead.

The atmosphere was certainly festive but Tahra remained subdued; it was, of course, her duty as an Urthwyfe to keep a clear head. Part of that was to help maintain her perception of the situations she experienced and, despite the levity of the night, she noticed that Aeolas didn't seem quite as enthusiastic as the rest of his family; he spent most of his time focused on his meal, or alternating his gaze between Bight and Doon and, when he apparently thought she wasn't looking, at her as well.

As the night wore on the family moved from the table to a selection of chairs and cushions, spreading out in the living area to continue the conversation in a more relaxed manner. Ayre and Ying sat next to one another on a simple sofa while Bight and Doon cuddled on a large pillow on the floor; Tahra herself had chosen a padded armchair and Aeolas had selected a wooden stool next to her. The conversation rambled and meandered as much as it had at the table, but, after about a half hour, Ayre excused herself to tend to the dishes; a short time later Ying went to join her.

From there, Bight and Doon took over most of the conversation, thanking Aeolas for joing them on the journey, discussing their upcoming plans for the fortnight, and how they were looking forward to the harvest festival at the end of the season. From there, they spent more time talking to one another than the butcher or Urthwyfe, at which point Tahra seized the opportunity to lean over and speak quietly to Aeolas. "I couldn't help but notice that you seem less engaged tonight than the rest of your family."

The brown furred butcher cleared his throat, remaining facing his brother and the spirit, but he spoke out of the side of his muzzle in response to her question. "I am pleased for Bight, but he selected a SPIRIT as a mate..." he turnd more toward her so he could meet her gaze. "Urthwyfe... am I wrong to be... hesitant to celebrate such a union?"

She remained facing the two young lovers as the joked and laughed together on their floor-bound pillow, but her statement was aimed at the butcher. "You are within your rights to your own opinion... one I share, in fact."

Her candor seemed to surprise Aeolas. His ears rose as he asked her the single word follow-up question. "Truly?"

She provided him even more honesty. "Such a pairing could work, but relationshps are difficult enough between two mortals. In most cases, a mortal and a spirit couple is a recipe for disaster."

Despite the lack of apparent discretion in the butcher, he was surprisingly tactful in excusing himself. "Bight, Brother... please excuse me for a moment... I need to seek the blessed Spirit Shepherd's guidance over a matter of some importance."

Smiling happily, the younger brother wagged his tail, nodding at his older brother as he rubbed muzzles with his beloved Spirit-in-Wolf-Form. "Of course, Brother. We'll be here when you get back."

Aeolas offered his paw to Tahra; it was a needless gesture but spoke of a degree of politeness that was dead in most cities. Accepting his assistance, the Urthwyfe stood and followed after the butcher, who brought her away from the rest of his family to stand by the door leading outside. Once they were a good distance from the rest of the family, he spoke his next question. "If you think their union is a bad idea why aren't you speaking up?"

Rather than answering his question she turned it back on him. "You have your reservations as well, and you are family. Why aren't YOU speaking up?"

He squirmed under her gaze once she forced him to face his own inquiry. "I.... I'm glad my brother is happy, truly... but..."

It was more than she expected him to actually put into words, and was actually pleased that he had trouble finishing the thought; although she hadn't known him long, she could tell that Aeolas was a good man, so she helped him complete his statement. "You realize that he is happy now but he'll be dealing with grief later."

The butcher nodded. "Yes."

He seemed thankful when she spoke what he was hesitant to say aloud: "Unions between Spirits and The Folk just aren't meant to be."

A pained-but-vindicated smile creased his thin, black, lupine lips. "I'm glad that I am not the only sane one under this roof. Thank you for your council, Urthwyfe... do you believe that I should say something?"

It was another worthwile question, and she respected him for asking for guidance rather than just pushing forward with the idea. She could tell that he wanted her to say yes, but she knew better. "No, Aeolas. Often, especially among family, offering unsolicited advice often drives those we care about to do the opposite. It would be a bad idea to get involved in such a way. Just continue to offer what support you can while you stand by weeks or months or seasons to render even more should things go poorly."

He offered a half-hearted smile. "Excellent advice. Thank you."

She inclined her head. "In that case, I hope you shall choose to take it." Tahra glanced past him, noticing that their host and hostess were finishing with the dishes. "And, on that note, dinner was lovely, but I believe family time should be about family... I should show myself out."

Aeolas nodded succinctly. "I can respect that, Urthwyfe... and, in truth, if you are saying your farewells that will make my own goodbye easier. It's getting late and I should see myself home too."

Tahra offered her hand to him and he glanced down at it, clasping her wrist with his paw as they acknowledged one another. Although she hadn't meant to do it, she opened herself to the empathic senses inherent among her role and she felt it: a sense of resigned loneliness, but also... something more. Perhaps it was that lingering sensation she felt from him that made him give his paw a little squeeze, offering a demure smile. "Perhaps we should leave together then."

The butcher seemed taken aback by her suggestion, his expression shifting several times as his brow furrowed as if trying to answer a riddle she hadn't asked. In the end, he apparently elected to take her suggestion as a jest, or perhaps just shrug off what he presumed to be a misunderstanding of her meaning, and he laughed it off as a joke-- until she placed a hand on his forearm. "You have a good head on your shoulders, Aeolas... that isn't something I encounter often, and your home seems much more cozy than the hut the elders offered to me for the night."

She knew that Aeolas was probably not the most socially capable Wolf, and his confused attempts at making up excuses further cemented that but, in the end, she could tell that his deflections were not because he didn't want her to join him but, rather, he just didn't know how to say 'yes'. In the end, ears red, he shrugged. "My home has been in my family for many years... it IS very comfortable, yes."

It was probably the closest thing to 'yes' she would get from him and, acknowledging that as a yes, Tahra used her connection with Shael to let him know that she would not be at her hut that night. He wished her good 'hunting' and let her know he was enjoying hay and game meat; that understanding left her feeling much better about him being settled in for the night and she was able to devote all of her attention to Aeolas.

Offering a collective good night to the rest of the Wolf clan, Aeolas let them know that he would be escorting the Urthwyfe with him and would not be returning. Those present were so involved with their own activities they likely read nothing into the statement, which Tahra found humorous since the butcher made no attempt to clarify that she'd be joining him at his home-- it was none of their business of course, and he shrewdly didn't bother offering any further details. She found his method refreshingly simple.

Arm-in-arm, Tahra let Aeolas lead her to his home, opening the door for her. There was a faint trepedation in his tone. "I... have never had a Human guest before."

She could read into the statement. "Nor have you entertained an Urthwyfe, I would presume?"

Once they were inside he closed the door behind her and went to add some tinder to the smoldering coals in the hearth. She was able to audibly hear the sound of his swallowing againt the tightness in his throat, his follow-up statement pushing for clarification. "I have also never... 'been with' a Human woman..."

Tahra found his sheepish shyness from a Wolf his age endearing and she waited until he looked back to her before she loosened the straps holding up her halter. "Nor have you 'been with' an Urthwyfe?"

Rather than answer her question, he stood and approached her, a shaky paw reaching out hesitantly. She took hold of his wrist and guided his sandpapery paw to her exposed breast. Acknowleding that it was the closest thing she would get to an answer, she smiled patiently, stepping closer to him, whispering softly. "It's alright, Aeolas... I'll guide you."

He nodded mutely, finally speaking as an afterthought. "Thank you, Spirit Shep--" but she silenced him with a kiss.