The sun reflected off the water sharply, and Janna turned away from the lake a bit as she bent over her fishing rod. Biting her lip she struggled to hold the thin line and tie on the bit of fluff and ribbon she had salvaged from the debris pile behind the Inn. Her smaller, stunted arm was awkward but she had long ago learned to discount it. She held the line down with her bad arm using the other to twist the line round her lure. Eyes narrowing she huffed out a breath as the knot took hold and tightened it quickly. Beside her Windracer yawned and rolled over in the warm yellow grass. You two-legged’s have the oddest notions about fishing. His tongue lolled out playfully and not for the first time she suspected he was laughing – at her, at humans in general, at life. Fish tastes better caught in your jaws, Chime.

 

Since my mouth is no where near as big as yours this will have to do, she laughed at the flash of surprise in his golden eyes and turned to the lake. With a motion borne of much practice she flicked the end of her line into the water and leaned back against the moss covered stone. Expertly she lodged one end of the rod between her twisted left arm and her hip and sat watching the surface of the water. Dragonflies droned an afternoon lullaby as they darted amidst the reeds, their wings casting rainbows in their wake. A waterbug darted around Janna’s line, seeming to dance with the bit of fluff for a moment before zipping off again. Birds of every shape and size lit quickly from one tree to the next, some diving down to the surface of the lake for a quick dip. The sun was warm and golden, high overhead and soon a soft snoring joined the birdsong.

 

Glancing aside Janna smiled indulgently at Wind, sprawled on his back with his paws twitching in the air as he chased some rabbit in his dreams. He whined a bit and she reached out with her good hand, ruffling the fur beneath his chin until he quieted, paws still trembling occasionally as he pursued his dream quarry.

 

She had planned to fish the afternoon away, returning to her small cabin with supper and a quiet night by the fire. But even as her future supper tugged sharply on the fishing line a scent caught her attention. She paused, the fish still dangling over the glittering surface of the lake, twisting and turning on the line. Eyota, she surmised, with a Wanderer in tow. Neatly she flipped the fish to the shore and cut the line from the rod. All her hard work at tying the lure was for naught but at least she had her supper. Tucking the rod next to the rock (her favorite fishing spot) she gently shook Windracer awake and nodded toward the eastern rise.

 

He jumped up immediately and ran toward it, eager to see both Eyota and Random, Janna not far behind with the fish hanging from her crippled hand. Eyota topped the rise looking tired, but his eyes warmed as he caught site of the gray wolf lopping toward him. The girl hung back a bit, eyes wide and clutching a small bundle to her chest. When Windracer stepped forward to sniff at her skirts she started slightly and then again when Janna spoke.

 

“Welcome home, Eyota,†it was still a struggle for her to not call him Aurin but she was getting better. “I see you’ve brought us a new Wanderer.â€

 

“Janna Telenvar this is Odette Rachma lately of Saldea.†He beamed at his newest charge and Janna felt a flash of jealousy. That was completely ridiculous of course, she considered Eyota a brother. Didn’t she? Though Randon cocked his head at her curiously, Aurin seemed oblivious. “You two should become fast friends, both being from the Borderlands.â€

 

Irrationally she didn’t want to be anything to this slip of a girl, let alone a friend. Still as Head Tracker it was her duty to make new Wanderer’s feel welcome after all. She held her good hand out and tried to smile, “Welcome to the Stedding, Odette. If your headed to the Infirmary I’ll come along.†Turning to Aurin she began to relate what had happened in the Stedding during his absence.

 

Janna Telenvar

Twisted Chime

Head Tracker and Wolfsister

Companion to Windracer

 

OOC: Odette if you can rp your reaction and then arriving in the Stedding to see the Sages we’ll prod Steve to post next as Miryana. ICQ me with any ?’s. Windracer is a gruff and gray wolf and Janna is approx 22, dark hair tightly braided and a twisted, crippled left arm.

The leather cords that were wound tightly around her bundle were pressed against her chest, releasing the store of cold they had gained from exposure to the crisp spring air through her the worn cloth of her dress. A mother cradling her newly born child, Odette clutched tightly the bundle to her red bodice like it were as precious as the world itself. In a way, it was - it was her world. The few remaining artifacts of her life were tucked away safely inside that bundle.

 

The bundle itself was a small blanket she had brought with her, to stave off the chill during the cold Saldaen nights. Wrapped inside was a cloak that was needed to keep her warm during the brisk mornings on her journey. The later was no longer needed now that the journey had taken them far enough south and the season had turned to full spring. Buried inside those two layers of cloth were two objects: a small flute of Carhienien make and chunk of crumbly cheese. Both of which were integral parts of Odette's world.

 

The flute itself, housed inside a small wooden case, was small and intricately designed. Despite it's delicate construction, the only songs that Odette knew were harsh Saldaean songs of battle and glory, suited for an audience of hardened travelers and brash aspiring young soldiers. The cheese in contrast was hard, dry and moldy.

 

At first she had been saving the cheese for herself. There had been no reason to share it, she had only trusted Eyota enough travel with him without fear of being harmed during her sleep - there was no reason to share her cheese with such a strange stranger. But like the rest of the things in her life, in her world, that changed too. Gradually and naturally, like autumn encroaching on summer's end, her trust in Eyota had grown to implicity. To have shared a meal of that cheese would have been a blissful respite from both the mundane travels and the bland meals of dried venison and foraged greens. But sharing that meal would have been tantamount to confessing that she had been selfishly harbouring her precious treasure, risking damage to the fragile kinship Eyota and she were developing. Instead, Odette kept the cheese hidden, letting it fester alongside her guilt ridden conscience.

 

There was, of course, a new world to explore here in the Mountains of Mist. The sharp pungent scent of the Saldaean spruce was replaced with the overpoweringly sweet balsam of brilliant green poplars. The wind wasn't a cutting bitter blade but a wash of warmth. Smells were stronger. Everything looked sharper, cleaner and more vibrant, even the sun seemed larger, it's crisp golden rays penetrating deeper. Eyota was a part of this new world too, in a way, he was almost the centre of it. It was he who had helped her understand who she really was, he had held her hand as she crossed the threshold into this new realm. It was he who was introducing her to the changes, the smells, the sounds, and to the wolves.

 

With each step, Odette grew more hesitant, each step brought them closer and closer to the place that Eyota called home. She clutched tightly to the bundle still in her arms, a small bubble of her old world threatening to wink out as the new world relentlessly expanded. A wafting warm breeze carried the scent of fresh water to Odette's nostrils. From what Eyota had told her, there must be a lake just beyond the trees ahead of her, and that lake marked the outskirts of the Stedding. Almost home.

 

Eyota had taken the lead, for being so close to his home had filled him with a renewed vigor. It seemed their proximity hadn't gone unnoticed either. Odette could see the smile on Eyota's face expand when the gruff grey wolf came bounding it's way towards him.

 

The cadence in Odette's chest fumbled twice. Once when the grey wolf swung it's attention to the tattered hem of her skirts as they billowed slightly with the wind. Then again, when a woman's voice cut through the woods. "Welcome home, Eyota," the woman called out, making her appearance just to the south. "I see you've brought us a new Wanderer." Odette had tried to brace herself, tried to prepare and not be shocked. She had gotten used to looking into Eyota's eyes, but to see another person with those golden pools of liquid fire truly drove home the fact that this was real. Odette could only stand there doe-eyed as the woman, Janna as Eyota introduced her, exchanged pleasantries.

 

"Welcome to the Stedding, Odette. If your headed to the Infirmary I'll come along" The question seemed almost rhetorical, since the infirmary, was indeed the place she and all other wanderers were sent.

 

Despite their golden hue, Odette felt a wisp of green-eyed contempt welling up inside of her when Janna fell in step beside Eyota. Shoulder to shoulder the pair walked ahead, casually discussing the tedious events that had passed during Eyota's absence. Here she was, this crippled chit, whisking away the centre of her world with the same indifference as she held the sad limp trout that was dangling from her malformed arm.

 

At least she still had Tail Chaser who had finally made his appearance. His front quarters were dropped to the ground and his tail twitching slightly, Odette knew he was about to pounce. His playful manner was always welcome, and sometimes Odette was convinced there was a calculated intelligence behind his play, always seeming to come when the time was needed. Indeed, a pearl of wisdom, the young at heart will play and that was his nature. Odette was just beginning to understand, still a grain of sand amidst her cluttered mind, she at least let Tail Chaser's sense of play invade her.

 

Tangled in her skirts Tail Chaser pulled Odette to the ground. She couldn't help but let escape a laugh as Tail Chaser's hair brushed against her bare leg, while desperately clinging to the world she clutched in her arms. Tail Chaser was indignantly shaking his head about trying to escape the snare of her skirts. Both Janna and Eyota turned their heads to look back at the commotion.

 

The obliging smile on Eyota face told that he was pleased his new charge was in better spirits. "Are you coming Ms. Odette Rachma? Or would you prefer to idle the day away rolling around in the dirt?"

 

Odette returned a flash of a smile and made her way back onto her feet, not bothering to brush the dirt of her heavily travel stained clothes. "I'm coming, don't worry." She said before leaning down and giving a gentle shove to Tail Chaser's shoulder.

 

The trio continued on along the meandering path, weaving through the breaks in the trees. Janna and Eyota talking the entire way, speaking of names and places that were unfamiliar to Odette, and would remain unless she made this place her new home in her new world. For the most part Odette ignored them, preoccupied by trying to dance out of the way when Tail Chaser would attempt another pouncing.

 

Then, as magical as Eyota had described it, a small village nestled away an the base of a mountain, appeared as they came around a bend in the path. "And this Odette, is the Stedding." Eyota's arms spread out, and Odette followed them as the arced across the village's landscape. "Are you ready? The Sages are no doubt very eager to meet you." Odette nodded her acknowledgment and followed as Eyota led his way to the building he referred to as the Infirmary.

 

OOC: Sorry about the delay, in addition to computer problems, I'm not that fast. Hope it's ok! ^_^

Firion heard whispers, or very far away talking that a new wanderer had come in. He gathered up his flute and headed to the infirmary. Cloud Hunter decided to come along.

 

He approached and the new Wanderer, "Nice to hear you again, Janna. And who may I ask is our new Sister?" The smell of men and women being quite different to him. Firion then picked up another smell. "Eyota, I've been wondering where you went off to. Nice to smell you again, Mentor."

 

Firion pulled out his flute and began to play "A Tinker in the Kitchen." "Excuse my manners, I am Firion, my surname doesn't really matter anymore; formerly a Gleeman's apprentice. Travelled from the World's End to Mayene, and from Fal Dara to Windbiter's Finger. My pleasure to meet you." Firion began to play his favorite song, "Return From Tarwin's Gap."

The trees had thinned the higher into the mountain pass they had gone. However as they rounded the bend and came into a valley it became clear there was still a mountain oasis that the wolfkin called home. They had yet to enter the stedding but Eyota had seen the Rangers posts a ways out and had given them the customary single of a bird whistle to let them pass undisturbed.

 

The rangers were certainly the most skillful fighters in the woods and even Eyota who had a lifetime of training could sometimes miss their passing or hiding. Now they were nearing the boundry of the stedding; his skin tingled with anticipation. He hadn’t warned her of what it would feel like. It was always a pleasant if strange experience the first time you crossed that boundry.

 

Just as the had crossed into the stedding but before they came to the village Windracer came bounding towards them. It was a relief to see him, and he knew Janna wouldn’t be far behind. It had been a long time since he had seen her. Picking up Odette had taken longer than he thought it would. Seeing her again would be like a cleansing to his soul, he had a lot to talk with her about. Finding Odette had brought up a lot of painful memories of his own loss of humanity, it would be good to talk with her and sort out some of his thoughts.

 

The grin splitting his face was obvious as Janna approached. “Welcome home, Eyota, I see you’ve brought us a new Wanderer.â€

 

“Janna Telenvar this is Odette Rachma lately of Saldea. You two should become fast friends, both being from the Borderlands.†Randon had cocked his head slightly as Janna took the means and measure of Odette, and Eyota thought he could almost smell some jealousy wafting from her, but that wasn’t possible, was it?

 

Janna and Eyota took the lead catching up on his journey while Odette listened to them as they walked. He knew that his new charge was worried and a little scared about coming to the stedding. He still wasn’t sure if she believed him about how many of them there really were. He also knew that she had some food she had been hiding for some reason. He could never seem to understand women; the creator seemed to have a sense of humor he supposed. Perhaps she hadn’t trusted him at first and later felt guilty about it; he’d just have to chalk it up to one of those unknown mysteries of life. "And this Odette, is the Stedding." Eyota's arms spread out, and Odette followed them as the arced across the village's landscape. "Are you ready? The Sages are no doubt very eager to meet you."

 

Odette nodded and they quickly made their way to the infirmary; Eyota pointed out shops and people as they went hoping to make her feel more comfortable and at home.

 

OOC: Sorry that took so long. Andular will be along shortly to give you a check over and then we’ll get you your mentor and set up!

The afternoon sun warmed her shoulders as Miryana busied herself around her garden watering and tending to her herbs. The stedding had been quiet of late and for that the Sage was grateful. More likely than not when she found herself busy it meant tending to injuries or a outbreak of one sickness or another. Brushing her long auburn hair behind her ears she bent to pick some dead leaves off of a Gheandin Blossom plant and let out a sigh. Gheandin Bloosom was a rare herb and she hated to loose even one leaf off of the plant.

 

As she stood the sound of voices carried on the wind reached her ears. A smile split her face when she realized it was Eyota and Janna. Their scents quickly reached her and another as well. “A Wanderer has been brought to us the light be blessed.†Smoothing out her skirts Miryana hurried inside and placed a pot of water over the fire in anticipation.

 

Not long after the front door to the infirmary opened and the familiar faces of Janna and Eyota entered followed by a young woman. “Be welcome friends.†Miryana greeted and embraced Janna then Eyota giving each a kiss on the cheek. “Miryana may I introduce Odette.†Eyota announced as the young woman hung back a nervous look on her face. Stepping back Miryana took Odette’s hand and led her over to the examination table.

 

“Sit child so I can have a look at you.†Odette cast an uneasy glance toward at Eyota who smiled at her reassuringly.

 

Once up on the table Miryana poked and prodded at the young woman while humming a soothing song. “You seem well child I take it the trip here has left you tired?†Odette cleared her throat and nodded slightly. “Well we will have to spend some time together you and I young woman there is much to be learned from us Sage’s. Too many of the new ones care only about fighting and the ways of the Rangers.†Removing the tea kettle from the fire with a think cloth she poured four cups that she had laid out before they arrived.

 

Handing Odette a cup she let Janna and Eyota take theirs before she took one herself. “You are safe young woman and now would be a good time to ask any unanswered questions you have. When we are done Eyota and Janna will see you are settled and find you a mentor to teach you our ways.â€