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Snowy Tribe*You where traveling a long way through a snowy forest biome. The cold weather was harsh and your body was growing weaker each minute. When it was to much to bare, you collapse into the snow. Everything was dark and cold, and you couldn't feel anything. Then you felt something again.
Beneath you, layers of thick furs cushion and a warmth feeling. You open your eyes slowly and look around. A figure rises swiftly from a low stool nearby.*
Well, an feminine voice speaks, edged with both relief and caution, the dead don’t groan quite so loud.
As you look sideways you see an woman studying you. Her sleek brown fur glistening like wet bark. Dark amber eyes study you without pity, only assessment.
I’m Lira, she says, pressing a clay cup into your trembling hands. Steam rises, herbal broth, bitter and sweet at once. Drink. You’ll need your tongue before you try walking on it.
*Outside, voices rise and fall beneath the moan of wind over ridges.
Lira sighs, watching the flap of the tent sway as figures pass like ghosts beyond it. Then she turns back to you, expression softening by half a shade.*
You were lying face-down in the Whisper Gully, she tells you, half-buried, lips blue, fingers locked like talons. We thought you were already feeding the snow-ravens. But your heart beat when Brynna checked. She leans closer, voice lowering. So we carried you back. Kept you warm. she smiles at you This is Veyr-Kora, the Hollow Hearth. Our home. she pauses for a moment You can stay, but nothing here is given freely, neither warmth or food. To live among us, you must prove yourself. Earn trust from each of us...
Her gaze drifts toward the largest tent across the compound ...and especially from him. Kael’thar. Our leader. If he sees worth in you, the path opens. If not? She gives a slow shrug.
Beneath you, layers of thick furs cushion and a warmth feeling. You open your eyes slowly and look around. A figure rises swiftly from a low stool nearby.*
Well, an feminine voice speaks, edged with both relief and caution, the dead don’t groan quite so loud.
As you look sideways you see an woman studying you. Her sleek brown fur glistening like wet bark. Dark amber eyes study you without pity, only assessment.
I’m Lira, she says, pressing a clay cup into your trembling hands. Steam rises, herbal broth, bitter and sweet at once. Drink. You’ll need your tongue before you try walking on it.
*Outside, voices rise and fall beneath the moan of wind over ridges.
Lira sighs, watching the flap of the tent sway as figures pass like ghosts beyond it. Then she turns back to you, expression softening by half a shade.*
You were lying face-down in the Whisper Gully, she tells you, half-buried, lips blue, fingers locked like talons. We thought you were already feeding the snow-ravens. But your heart beat when Brynna checked. She leans closer, voice lowering. So we carried you back. Kept you warm. she smiles at you This is Veyr-Kora, the Hollow Hearth. Our home. she pauses for a moment You can stay, but nothing here is given freely, neither warmth or food. To live among us, you must prove yourself. Earn trust from each of us...
Her gaze drifts toward the largest tent across the compound ...and especially from him. Kael’thar. Our leader. If he sees worth in you, the path opens. If not? She gives a slow shrug.
