Date: Thu, 14 Oct 1993 12:23:49 EDT From: Mike Sander <344LWKC@CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU> Message-ID: <93287.122350344LWKC@CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU> Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Keywords: Talk with an animal, walk with a plant Subject: [Little Rat][Green] Into the Woods [ADMIN: Post-wise, this follows "My Little Pony" (it hopefully should anyway, though that's yet to show up on _my_ site. Time-wise, this starts the 2nd day _after_ the party. Char-wise, Little Rat (and Iramus) belong to The Dreamer; A'ree, Ar'Elya, and Critter to Penny Hutchison; Kev to Stephen Hutchison; Kron aka the Green to HWRLMNBSOL; Lancos & Bast to myself -- thanks to all for their input.] Lancos found himself awake soon after dawn came to Nexs, as if even his instincts wanted him to make the most of the day. After gathering his clothes, he put on a robe, and headed for the shower across the hall. Besides keeping him acceptably clean, the force of the water loosened up his muscles, and made him feel more awake. After finishing, and giving himself a quick shave, he returned to his room. He woke up Bast, the cat seeming angry about it until she received a small chunk of dried meat and a stratch on her head. Then he mentally went over his equipment. 'Let's see... Food and water, which the 'kan will no doubt add to. A bedroll and blanket, which Rat could use, but I'll need something for Kev, and probably a tent in case in rains again. Flint and steel for firebuilding... Rope, lantern, miscellaneos supplies that, like my weapons, I'll only need in an emergency. Hmm... have to talk to the 'kan, see what they've got; I might have to do some shopping...' * * * * A'ree stood in the stables, gathering some supplies together. A wolf reclined off to one side, staring resentflly at the chestnut pony in front of the warrior maid. <> she asked. <> -- Yeah, right! -- the wolf snarled. -- Like I REALLY wanted to be a pony. Besides, you know we have to go home soon, so there's no way we could do this. -- (smug, Girl feed pony, Girl comb pony, Girl sleep on straw in pony box. smug smug) -- And you're helpless without her, you little grunt. -- (pony clever open latch eat grass) <> -- I'd deny it but it's true. So half-pint, are you going to be okay while we're gone? -- (placid field with thick carpet of clover) A'ree nodded. <> (saddle? Girl ride? boy not ride. bite boy.) -- Wrong, Pony. Kev's coming along, too. -- the wolf retorted. <> (Lancos? tall leafsmell human do what pony tells) <> (tall leafsmell human hear pony talk, pony pull his reins) A'ree rolled her eyes, and sighed. <> (apple) The wolf laughed, tongue hanging out. -- He's got you over the apple barrel again. You suppose Lancos can handle him? -- Before A'ree could answer, a gentle voice spoke from the air beside her. -<< Lancos is leaving his room >>- The pony shied back, and the wolf laughed again. -- It's just the house, Iramus. -- The pony snagged an apple from A'ree's hand, ignoring Critter, and the wolf ran into the lighthouse. * * * * Lancos and Bast stepped into the east room, only to find a woman waiting for them, with a large, white dire wolf at her side. She was tall, fit and clad in armor, and stood with the easy grace of the natural athlete. The early morning sun ignited her hair, creating a fiercely burning halo. "Good morning, Lancos." The tall red-head dwindled slightly into ar'Elya's familiar body. "You've wanted to see some of my other selves. This is my female warrior." As she finished, she once again grew into the armored figure. "In this form, I'm A'ree. I've been conducting Little Rat's warrior training, and thought it best to see her off this way." "Pleased to meet you, A'ree. In fact, I'm glad you came by... I was just about to gather up some supplies." "That's what I wanted to talk to you about. We figured that in exchange for following the rules that were set up, we'd provide what's needed." "Thanks, though it wasn't necessary. What did you put together?" "Well, I'll let you see it, if you really want. Really, it's just your basic food, clothing and shelter, along with a pack horse to carry it all, and a pony to help Rat and Kev get used to riding. Oh, and your 'beeper'." she plled out a ring, and handed it to the ranger. "Just speak into it if you need to." Lancos gave a quick inspection, of the ring, and then slipped it on his left hand, not surprised when it was a perfect fit. "Ok. I'd also like to know what you've taught Rat about horseback riding." "So far, mainly the basics. She's comfortable on horseback. She can mount and dismount by herself, and knows how to handle the reins. We've shown her a few different terrains, but she's most comfortable at walking speed, and on flat, clear ground. Of course, we'll be teaching her more later. After all, most _real_ warriors travel with a mount." she teased. "I'll keep that in mind; I'll keep the pace at a walk and help her out down the lighthouse's hill. And for myself..." The warrior let out a small chuckle. "Well, I suppose I just got used to relying on what I could carry, never really having a horse I could call my own. Of course, there were times _not_ having one was actually an advantage..." "I can imagine." A'ree said. -<>- "What is that?" Lancos asked, curiousity getting the better of him. "The house has a spell that lets it tell us things we want to know. I told it to inform me when you and the Rat got up and around, so we can get this trip on the road." "I'm all for that! All we need to do now is wake up Kev, and do some last-minute checking, and we should be ready." "Well, Kev has been awake for hours now. But didn't you want to get some breakfast first?" "Actually, I thought that we'd have breakfast at the park. I can't think of a better way to have her stay close to the familiar territory of the streets, or a more comforting activity than eating." "Better give them an apple and a glass of milk then, before you start out. You do _not_ want to be on a walking trip with Kev when he's hungry." A'ree grinned. "Otherwise sounds like a good plan." "Thanks. At least in this case, I have personal experience and knowledge to draw upon. Anyway, shall we?...." * * * * Little Rat watched for a few seconds as Lancos checked over the equipment, and A'ree loaded it on the pack horse, before turning away. If Kev hadn't been there to talk to, she was sure she would have been rather bored by the whole procedure. Thankfully, it was over soon enough. "Sorry about all this." Lancos looked at A'ree, although the words were equally meant for the children. "I guess this is one time I feel I should make sure everything's perfect." "No problem. It's good that you took such an interest. I assume you're happy with the preparations?" "Very. I should've expected that you'd have the right supplies." He moved to the front of the pony, and instantly noticed the intelligence gleaming in its eyes. "And an excellent steed." (leafsmell man got food?) Iramus asked A'ree, causing her to chuckle. Little Rat approached the horse and, Lancos noticed, easily mounted the animal, grabbing the reins. Kev followed quickly behind, gripping close to Rat without making the contact too tight. For his own part, Lancos hung on to the reins just behind the bit, and led the group forward. A'ree waved goodbye, and the trio returned it briefly, as the Lighthouse slowly shrank out of sight. Not too long afterwards, Lancos heard mumbling behind him. He turned around and asked "What are you two talking about?" When Kev and Rat gave each other a questioning look, the warrior added, "C'mon... we should be open with each other." There was a moment's pause, before Little Rat spoke up. "Kev says you ain't gonna take us Outside. Is dat true?" "Yes, partially. We'll go into the countryside some other time, but today we're going to a place called Kron Park." "Why is dat? I thought dat you said I was ready for da Outside." Although she sounded slightly disappointed, her features showed him nothing. "You _are_; I just want to start slow. After all, if you were showing someone around Low City, you wouldn't start with the Buff', would you?" "Neg; course not. Dere's too much bad stuff a numbnog could run inta." "Yeah." Kev added. "Da more ya knows 'bout the Buff' first, da better off you'd be." "Exactly, Kev." Lancos smiled. "The park will help you get used to most of what you'll see in nature. Once we know you're comfortable there, we'll plan another trip, probably to a small forest not too far away." "Dat sounds good." Little Rat replied, with a hint of a smile. "Why is ya holdin' onta da reins? I kin ride Iramus good, an' Clyde too, y'know." "Who's Clyde?" "He works for da 'xaminer. He's real weird lookin' 'cause he gots a boy's top and a horse's bottom. I learnt how ta ride on him while you was sleepin'." Lancos flashed a look of surprise, unaware that a centaur had been at 'Raelf's, and wondering how look he had slept, to miss meeting him. But he put those thoughts away for now, to concentrate on answering Little Rat. "I'm sure you're good enough, but I have my reasons. First, I'm just helping you handle this hill. Second, I'm making sre we go the same speed -- I don't want to lose you." Little Rat recited in a sing-song voice, "Goin' up a hill, whip me not/ Comin' down a hill, hurry me not/..." (leafsmell man listen Girl) Lancos heard in his head. He looked arouund casually, but only saw Little Rat and Kev talking between themselves again. (pony sticking nose in leafsmell man ear. snort, preen. leafsmell man hear pony talk in head.) It wasn't speech exactly. More like a series of pictures, mental images with a peculiar horsey overtone. Lancos concentrated for a second, looking at the animal, and then responded. /Mind touch. It was Felria's preferred method of communication. Especially for our... well, never you mind./ (snort. pony clever. pony wise. guard Girl.) /That makes sense. Are you here to watch over me, too?/ (pony guard Girl. leafsmell man guard Girl, guard Pony. Let boy go where wants, boy eaten by T-Croc. leafsmell man kill T-Croc, protect Girl, protect Pony. leafsmell man good stallion guard.) /Thanks... uh, Iramus, is it?/ (little Girl talking to pony, call pony Iramus, pony like little Girl.) Lancos looked back at the girl, wondering to himself about the origin of the name, and about the depth of affection Little Rat felt for Iramus. But it wasn't an easy subject to broach, at least until he was sure he had gathered enough trust from her. /Thanks again. I enjoyed my first talk with an animal. I better end this now, though; this is somewhat of a pain to maintain./ (Pony talk. leafsmell man guard. leafsmell man got apple?) The warrior grinned, and reached into his backpack. He produced two apples, and gave one to each of the horses. Eventually, they reached the entrance to Kron Park. They crossed the main gate, leaving the grey streets behind in favor of the lush green of nature. Lancos led them to a rest spot, one where Little Rat could still see the streets, if she was so inclined. At the moment, however, she seemed enraptured by her surroundings. And, while she and Kev dismounted, and slowly took in the scene, Lancos decided to practice up on his tracking, on an apparent campsite nearby. And as they took in the place, the Green also observed them: [REMOTE UNIT 7: Incoming party. Sending probe to investigate...] [PROBE 11: Group consists of three humanoids, one feline and two equines. Two of the humanoids are male, the other female. Preparing for scan of possessions, and of possible intentions... WARNING: Adult male has two weapons. Recommended action: Alert Kron, and ready for removal of items if necessary.] [REMOTE UNIT 7: Initiating contact... standby...] [Kron1: Kron here. What is it?] [REMOTE UNIT 7: PROBE 11 reports subject entered Green with weapons.] [Kron1: Really? Let me see the info... Hmm, with the children and animals there, I doubt he's hostile. But keep an eye on him anyway, just in case. Kron out.] [REMOTE UNIT 7: Affirmed. Disconnecting hookup with Kron1. PROBE 11, report in.] [PROBE 11: Staying near subjects, as requested. Confirm lack of hostility: purpose of visit apparently to satisfy curiousity.] [REMOTE UNIT 7: Good. Update if there's any new information. REMOTE UNIT 7 out.] * * * * As far as he could tell, there had been five of them here. They had slept in a group. One had bedded down here under the tree; three others had slept in the nearest bower. The fifth had climbed the tree and napped in the lowest crook of the branches. That one must have been a child, judging from the small size of the pad, and the bounty of discarded sugarberry husks. The man, or largest male, had slept outside, presumably as a kind of watch. Not that this looked like the most perilous place. Must have seemed that way to him, too, because from the depth of the bowl he must have eventually slept, and deeply too. He had chewed a wad of Cha before settling down. What else? One was a woman, judging from the length of the blond hair and its scent. They were unwashed. They passed the night without incident. They woke up with the sun and left the clearing on the southwest trail. The child must have been on somebody's shoulders. They wore no shoes. One limped. Lancos paused, noticing that the sun was starting to get bright. The warrior shielded his eyes and rose from his crouch. His knees popped. He turned his attention back to Kev and Rat, and saw them stretching after the ride. It seemed like they had gotten through the experience without any pain, although he frowned slightly when he remembered that they wouldn't admit any injury they felt. He scanned his surroundings. 'What is this place?' he asked himself. It seemed not quite right to him. Not because of the abundance of people, or the apparent lack of danger, for that was to be expected while they were inside city limits. However, things were strange: There were flowers and grasses here that he had seen before, but never in Generica, and never as intermingled as they were here. It was a puzzle. Another mystery was the facts about the group he had been practice- tracking. First, there was no evidence of spoor of any kind, which simply wasn't normal. Second, the trail seemed too faint for one night's passage, despite the rain; the traces were eroding unnaturally fast. Third, there were no broken branches or other signs of passage. And fourth, there was little evidence of food consumption, apart from the husks... Suddenly, he heard a noise in the trees. Lancos whirled, peering into the heavy growth for a flash of movement. All he saw was a few waving branches. He moved to investigate. The berry husks were gone. They had been there a moment ago. Now they had disappeared. Who would take berry husks? Squirrels?? As he pondered this, he called back to the children, "Bring the horses up here. We'll tie them to this tree if we have to, and unpack a bit." "Sure thin', Mr. Lancos." Rat said, glad to feel useful again. She and Kev each took one set of reins, and carefully led the animals forward. Lancos looked back. Now the bowl under the tree was gone. The hollow in the moss was now perfectly flat and even. There was no sign that anybody had slept there last night, or ever for that matter. Lancos eyed the moss suspiciously. He whirled again, this time much more quickly. That bush was definitely rustling. Lancos stalked up to it. "All right, whoever you are, fun and games is over. C'mon out." He stepped up to the bsh and slapped the branches aside. The branches slapped back. Lancos sat down on the turf as, with a perceivable air of wounded dignity, the redhanded bush uprooted itself and grumpily stomped off into the undergrowth. The warrior, still a little stunned, looked up and noticed for the first time that the trees were swaying without any wind. "I'll be damned!" he muttered under his breath. Little Rat and Kev -- the latter grinning a disturbingly familiar grin -- came up not too long afterwards, and handed Lancos the reins. "What ya lookin' at?" Rat asked. By this time the bush had settled down again. Lancos refocused his attention. "Uh, I was just thinking. We should stop here, for some breakfast. Then we'll go on a small tour of the park, and I'll try to answer any questions you have." 'As well as hopefully a few more of my own.' he added to himself, intrigued by the idea of sentient plants in this place. Little Rat nodded, and pulled down a basket from the horse, which she had helped pack with food (and plenty of sammidges). ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Love and Peace and The Unexpected, Michael Sander 344lwkc@cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu