Cloudy skies

[Silas]

*The clearing was silent, carpeted with snow that reflected the bleak grey sky of the morning. But, the clouds were slowly receeding to blue as the day wore on, brightening the winter haze that seemed to grip the statues in the clearing in a malicious stranglehold, releasing its grip.*

Crunch!

*Still, snow remained, determined to pester the statues with an infinite cold that seemed to weigh them down, ironically so due to the fact that they were made of stone to begin with. They stood, forlorn in the clearing, surrounded on all sides by imposing trees, most of them appearing dead in the winter chill, giving everything an ominous mood that seemed to broadcast itself in the silence that radiated outward.*

Crunch!

*But somebeast walks hither, to disturb this deathly silence, the slumber of the statues in winter's icy grip shattered by each step he took. Onward he walked, into their midst, looking up at them with his deep blue eyes. How odd they look, covered in snow. It seemed only yesterday that the beast wandered into them by chance on a summer afternoon.*

*The poses they took, the intricate detail and air of dignity mixed with fulfillment and happiness seemed marred by the snow. Pure white as it was, it still managed to change the figures into lonely towers of stone, what they truly were. The beast sighs, exhaling with a puff of vapor from his mouth. Usually he would come here to think, finding comfort in the secluded clearing. But now, something, something was different...*

*The beast came to one of the statues in particular, rubbing its surface free of snow before sitting with his back to it, looking to the other beasts of stone in quiet contemplation.*

((Howzat?))

[Terragon Scrufftail]

*Terragon breathes in, the cold air taking her by surprise. She gags on the iciness, her breath out turning to steam in an instant. Footpaws bare, the snow is comfortably hard and solid between her claws as she walks. Though Terragon's pace is face, from seasons of hurrying after Ashnel, she hardly seems in a hurry and takes in the settlement coolly with her earthy brown eyes.*
*Moving into the cover of the trees, where the snow has not fallen quick so thickly, Terragon takes another deep breath, the scent of pine needles, damp wood and grass filling her nostrils.*
*Faded brown tunic, black trousers, the squirrel finds herself making her way towards the meadow and Citadel Clearing. One corner of her mouth twitches in a smile as she passes the statues, but as her gaze roves across the assembled stone figures, Terragon expression changes to a faint frown that creeps across her face. She takes a step forward, mouth half-open as though about to say something. When the leaderess finally speaks, it is one word, uncertain and surprised,* Silas...?

[Silas]

*The beast, with those blue eyes, looks up to the leaderess and smiles thinly. He never thought he'd see anybeast here, let alone Terragon. He responds in a casual manner, as he had always done, but without that feeling of a slightly noticeable formality in his voice, discarding the 'Mistress' as he says,* Hey, Terragon. How've you been?

*He had no particular reason for his warm greeting and cheery demeanor despite the fact that he was somewhat 'out there' in terms of the village residents. Normally one would see him at a distance, walking the path and kicking a pebble, or on Leafback's battlements, or even walking around town near the Tavern if he was feeling adventurous. But today he decided to go somewhere different, to see what he could find. Apparently he wasn't alone as he thought he would be out here.*

[Terragon Scrufftail]

*Terragon says nothing about the note Ashnel found in Leafback-Fort and nods.* Me? Brilliant, *She answers.* But y'self? It's been a while. *Terragon looks around the clearing with a slight frown. The boiling sky turns from grey to blue in places and the trees shiver occasionally.* Listen, I'm going to walk down to the meadow. Come too, if you like. Tell me everything. *Another warm smile and a paw to help the other squirrel up.* Danniar will be glad you're back, *Terragon murmurs conversationally, (sp?), the words doubling as simple way of not mentioning Ashnel.*

[Silas]

OOC: Spelling's fine, BTW.

*Silas takes the offered paw and gets up, brushing the loose snow from his tailfur. Of course, even though it had been nearly a full season since he left, the squirrel remembers the note he left behind. Though Terragon was avoiding the subject, he assumed that that would need to be explained as well. Nodding as she finished speaking, he replies once more, showing his understanding* Uh-huh. *He waits for Terragon to start walking before he says,* Which part d'you want to hear first?

[Terragon Scrufftail]

OOC: Thanks.

BIC: *Terragon sets off at a moderate pace, tail twirling idly every few moments.* Everything, really, *She replies with a smile.* The good news first. And then I suppose you'll probably want to know what's been going on here in Terralux. *Terragon makes a mental note to tell Silas about The Order of St. Ninian. It strikes her that the warrior squirrel might be interested in the patrols, the guarding and suchlike. The trees thin soon after the clearing and the snow returns, deep and crisp beneath the squirrel's footpaws.*

[Silas]

*The squirrel thinks as he walks, keeping pace with Terragon through the snow, which was only ankle-deep at its highest. Though the weather was cold, Silas shows no concern, even while wearing a short-sleeved tunic.* Well, the good news in my opinion is that I'm back here, I guess. *He looks up from watching the snow in front of him to Terragon. How would he explain his abrupt departure to her, if anybeast? He ponders this as he walks, adding,* I figured I needed to travel someplace for a bit back there..." *He gestures vaguely to the north-east* "Can't stay in one place for too long..."

[Terragon Scrufftail]

*Terragon shrugs. She's not angry with him.*
Nor can Ashnel. Nor could I, for a while, *She admits an instant later. Terragon gives another small, lopsided smirk at this. The squirrel walks on in silence for a while before she turns to Silas again.*
And the bad news? *Terragon enquires quietly and she politely waits for a response, dropping her eyes away from Silas' momentarily. She couldn't leave the question un-asked.*

[Silas]

*The squirrel thinks a moment again, twirling his tail. Well, there was some bad news, but most of it was either trivial, or he didn't think he would want to discuss it with Terragon. Yet, there was one thing that he considered to be bad news. Leastways to himself.* Well, the only thing I can think of is that Keia left somewhere... *He sighs, shrugging.* Other than that...

Other than that, my money's running out, I'm alone in Leafback, and I hear that Blackstar's trying to take over Terralux...

[Terragon Scrufftail]

*Terragon nods, and bites her lip in concern.* Yeah... *She looks across the lake which is growing nearer, huger with every step.* So you'll be on your own in Leafback? *Terragon shakes her head. That won't do at all, she decides.* I could see if there's space in the Tavern. Or... well, there's a spare room in Starsett Hollow now. *She assures herself she doesn't regret telling Silas this. It's not trying to replace Ashnel and besides, she doubts whether the other squirrel will accept anyway.*

[Silas]

OOC: Is the lake frozen over, BTW?

*Silas also looked ahead to the lake, hearing Terragon speak as he crunched through the snow alongside of the leaderess.*

So you'll be on your own in Leafback?

*He stops, letting out a short sigh and facing her as she offers to put him someplace, someplace with other beasts. Normally he would've declined the offer completely, claiming it was his duty to stay in the house-fort and watch over things. But today, it was different. Very different. Well, he had stayed in the Tavern a night or two before moving over to the fort, but it felt a little small and 'full' to him... Well, the fort felt big and empty. To this point, he examined the third option, also doubtful that he would choose to take it.*

Uh, well, I guess I could move someplace... *He says aloud.* Wait... *Then, a thought came to him, as he noticed that when he was at Starsett Hollow, there were no open rooms. He then looks upon Terragon in question, his blue eyes easily translating that feeling into a sort of visual sign.* ...Did somebody leave Starsett Hollow? *He inquires with a slight frown, concerned.*

OOC: Um, also, I just wanted t' know.... How am I doing post-wise? Been in this sorta rut for the past few... well, months...

[Terragon Scrufftail]

OOC: Hm. Good question, actually. Well, Terralux isn't far from the sea, so I'd imagine that only the edges - right by the banks - would be frozen over by now.

BIC: *The lake is iron-grey in colour today, Terragon decides. She turns her head to study Silas' frown; concern and puzzlement. The puzzlement, the squirrel can tolerate. But concern?*
*Terragon stares back across the lake, considering the question and how to answer it. Silas had, admittedly, been honest with her as far as she knows. It's the concern in his face that worries Terragon and so she speaks still looking to lake, her face - could Silas see it - an open mask and a small smile in the weak winter sunlight.* Ashnel left a few weeks ago. *Though truthful and simple, the leaderess is not satisfied with her own response and adds, this time meeting the other squirrel's deep blue eyes,* It's alright. *Because she feels she has to say it.*

OOC: You're doing better than me; much better. And I noticed your RPing has improved dramatically.
My only comment would be you very occasionally switch between tenses - not sure if this is purposefully done. NB, your last post, "Then, a thought came to him..."

[Silas]

OOC: Really? *Blinks in surprise* You're too hard on yourself, Terri. Your posts're good too. And I never knew I actually... Improved. *Shrugs*

Oh. *The warrior seems to get the message without furthur clarification. Perhaps Ashnel left for the same reasons he himself did... Well, supposedly did. Yes, his reason for leaving was a small lie, but it was truthful as well, a gray area, of sorts. He sighs, and looks out onto the lake too, the image reflected in his pondering gaze. Such peace was put before him, yet even then, it didn't feel right to him...*

*Then, he decided to answer Terragon after a short pause, speaking while looking out towards the lake.* I don't think I could take Ashnel's room, Terragon. Sure, I'd like to stay somewhere else besides Leafback for a bit, but... *He let the sentence trail off of its own accord, looking back at the leaderess to see if his own meaning was recieved.*

[Terragon Scrufftail]

Ah. I suppose, *Terragon agrees.* Though, *She adds, after a moment's thought.* You could put up a hammock or stay in the main room of Starsett... or anything, really. Any help you need, *Terragon concludes with a shrugg. Her gaze falls on one of the small islands that punctuate the lake and she gives a faint laugh.*
Did I tell you about the Myth, Murk and Legend Festival we had this year? *She knows she hasn't told Silas and continues.* We held it on one of the islands this time. It w's brilliant; the dibbuns made decorations and we used some of the lanterns from the Tavern. We might be organising a Spring Festival over there anyway... if Terralux lasts out 'til then. Blackstar, *Terragon reminds the other squirrel, growing serious once more.* We got a letter from him a few days ago.

[Silas]

Oh. *The squirrel says, remembering the situation Terralux was thrust into unwillingly. Yet, instead of pursuing the subject, he looks towards the others first.* Well, I guess I could stay for awhile with you and Danniar... *He replies to each matter in sucession,* As for the myth and whatnot week, I saw the whole thing. *Here he lowers his head a little.* Um, I was the Marlfox... *He looks towards Terragon to gauge her reaction via expression.*