The seasons were sliding into one another again, readying for change. Change was good, as a general sort of thing. It meant moving forward and growth and accepting what came next. It also left a little time for looking back and considering what--or who--had gone before.Season change put Leaves-in-Twilight in a thoughtful mood. He had pulled himself out of his den, the hollow beneath the roots of an oversized-and-mostly-stable tree that had been washed out by the flood. He stretched, front legs, then back. He shook himself and flicked an ear and Spiritchaser, who had padded out behind him, silently, did the same.
Quiet, today, but not quiet in a dangerous way. The swamp around him was not still, not still at all, but it moved like a contented sigh, the trees and water and yes, the spirits, all breathing together in harmony. He was safe here. His kin, his friends, those who chose to visit with him, they were safe here too. Some were contendtedly drowsing where he could see them. Others having quiet conversations somewhere out of sight, just loud enough to catch an errand word or two.
In the middle of the clearing before the great tree, Twilight Sings knelt in front of a pile of long, curling strips of red bark, white flowers, and dark green leaves. Head bowed so that she might have been dozing herself, Leaves-in-Twilight saw her take a deep breath then shake her head, as if dismissing a thought.He padded closer. "Something troubles you." A statement, not a question.
Twilight Sings didn't bother trying to hide truths from the often-distant leader of the tribe. Not after the first few days among them. Not anymore. She nodded. "But nothing too big. My mind is restless, that's all. It wants something, but I don't know what. A--"
"A story," Leaves interrupted, cheerfully. "It wants a story. A good story always helps." He raised his voice and called out, "Come on! Who has a story they want to tell? Who wants to help me tell a story. I will start and you will follow." He hardly waited for anyone to arrive before launching in.
"Once upon a time, when the Great Swamp was new..."
(OOC: Tribe members are welcome. Those interested in the tribe are welcome, too, or those just passing through... everyone is welcome! XD)
