The great hernmeet

((please only woodwose and Ariel post here, this is a thread for their downtime))

In a woodland clearing deep within the heart of the great wood many trees have grown to create a great cathedral like canopy over head. Houses seemed to have been hollowed out of trees and up above there are many rustlings through the leaves. Large groups of hernkin wander this area, each one baring the colouring of each different clan. Here the great hernmeet begins and the elders gather along with their clans to discuss the changes to the woods around them.

Unlike normal wild elves seem to have intergrated themselves here, acting in a similar manner to the hernkin around them. With dark skin, hair and eyes, wearing furs and leather they seem to be at home here as much as the trolls themselves. Also with these new comers are the local sprites, pale of skin with green hues to their bodies they watch what is going on.

The oldest of the elders sits in the hollow of a great oak covered in furs and wolf skins against the cold. In his gnarled hand he clutches a long stick with small bone shards hanging from the handle. A large buck's head with antlers tops the staff. From beneath the hood that is pulled up over his face a long pair of tusks jut out. "So you finally return to us. What news for us do you have?"

Cern sighs, "Grave news. The war continues. I have seen with my own eyes that it has now spread to the great Dwarf Kingdoms. There are also whispers in the forests that the Sleeping Ones may soon awaken to play their part in this conflict. I have brought with me a friend who can tell you more of the war. I have known her long enough to vouch for her, she is honest, brave and trustworthy."
Cern steps to one side, gesturing for Lady Beremond's captain to step forward.
"If it pleases the Elders, I ask that Ariel be allowed to speak."

Elders and hernekin. I have seen with my own eyes the rising of He Who Waits. I myself am one of the few who swore to fight him. To this end, up until recently, myself and others have committed themselves to find a weapon which will destroy He Who Waits.

Still, even if this weapon were to be assembled it would not be enough. Everyone is massing to fight this age old enemy. If we do not stand together then all will be destroyed.

This world is a haven for all who come here. I myself remember a time when this was not my home, but now it is. I am willing to fight and die to protect it. I ask respectfully if any will stand with us.

The elder looks up revealing two yellow eyes, "I ask for proof and you bring an elf? Her word may stand but we need more than just her word." He tries to stand and spend some moments struggling to his feet. "I do hope you bring more than just an elflign here. Her wild cousins may not vouch for her as you do."

Cern nods, having expected this.
"There is more, about a year ago, I saw The Lady of the Woods, the Huntress. She lead the chosen against agents of He Who Waits. For the first time in a Millenium the Wild Hunt rode out."
He centres himself, breathing deeply. Then prays. Not a prayer for himself, but one for his race, for the forests he loves, a prayer for the world that is his home, for the Huntress herself, a goddess he honours and loves more than any mortal woman.

"Huntress, hear me. Your Father's people...your people need your guidance. The growing war threatens this world, threatens your forests. We can no longer stand by and take no action. Help me convince my race that we must stand tall and once more take our place with those who defend this world, natives and newcomers alike. Appear among us Huntress, feast with us, dance around the fires with us, be here with Your People."

A strong wind picks up and the sound of the drackicks screaming can be heard. Some around you cower, others stop what they are doing and listen. The warriors draw their weapons. From the edge of the clearing an antlered figure moves into the village. At her side walk two huge drackick's, their jaws dripping venom. Her long brown hair is bound back with green ivy vines and her delicate silf like face is covered in dark, dripping red war markings. Leather armour intricatly detailing the hunt clings to her body and in her hand she holds the spear of Herne, bronze and bone gleaming from some recent cleaning. A long bow is strapped to her back along with a quiver full of arrows. She seems aggitated and restless.

"Well I had started to wonder when someone from here was going to call. I just wish it had been at a different time. Humans trying to set up another power station." She sighs and rolls her eyes, "Will they never learn?"

*Cern bows to his goddess, sinking to one knee and lowering his head before her in a gesture that he knows she does not approve of, yet he will always make as a symbol of his devotion.*

"I welcome the Lady of The Woods to this humble gathering." He says in a voice that although soft, is firm enough to carry to all nearby.

She looks around her at those gathered. The hernkin do not seem to know what to do while the sprites and wild elves bow low to her. Some of the later even go to start near her. However the elder does not look at all impresed, "I thought long ago that I told you Cern. We only worship the horned GOD."

*cern rises slowly to his feet, sighing. He turns to the elder.*

"And I told you over a year ago, Herne is no longer in this world. His responsibilities, his duties have been taken up by his fair daughter. When a wolfpack's Alpha dies, or grows old, does not a younger wolf step into the Alpha's pawprints? To stubbournly say that we only follow a god of the hunt makes no sense. As a people we do not say that only women may raise children, or only men may be warriors, that one gender must hunt while the other must gather. To impose those views on our gods is...is....human.
The world is changing. No-one is free from the influence of the growing war, this includes the gods themselves. The forest around us adapts, learns to change, why is it that we do not? I have spoken with The Lady, she has told me of her father's disapperance. She wishes only to tell us the truth, I trust her, I...( Cern glances sidelong at the Huntress, his cheeks colouring )...love her. Please, at the very least, listen to what she has to tell us."

The huntress smiles unpleasantly at the elder and walks over to him. She takes his arm and waves her hand across the trunk of an old oak. "Come along old one," she says almost respectfully as a room seems to open up in the tree, "let us go and have a talk shall we?" She waves at Cern and Ariel after pushing the man through, "Take care you two, I shall see you both later at some point."

"Poor bugger." Cern says softly.

Once the oak seals behind the two the rest of the hernkin, elves and spirites continue about their buisness giving the tree a wide berth. You are offered food and water and a place on the hunt this afternoon. Evetually though you must return to the city as your duties call you there. There is yet no sign of the huntress or the elder though noone in the small village seems concerned at this.
((if everyone is happy this thread is now closed))