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[Grouse House Guide] Coigreach | Storyline

Posted 2022-11-30 00:34:51
#890622

Storyline & Lore

Chapter 6 Page 8b

 The gentle play of the pups is too much to resist; you decide to join them.

You lower yourself to the ground and with happy yips they begin to use you as a climbing toy. They take turns climbing up on your back and leaping to the ground fiercely and then tussle with one another.

It's a peaceful time, and one that will stay in your memory for a long time to come.

"You seem to have a talent for finding our friend, Maeve."



Mel 🏜️
#201
Posted 2022-11-30 00:35:27
#890624

Storyline & Lore

"Refuse" Path
Chapter 5 Page 16b

 Quany is regarding you with a frown. But is he upset, or just considering your answer?

"Very well, ___. That is your choice. The problem still stands, then. We need to figure out a way to--"

"She can take them. Just let her take mine."

Maeve has gotten to her paws, and she's locking her sad eyes with yours as she speaks.

"Lowen is gone. The pups in my belly will never know him--and I can't do this without him. Better they live with her knowing love than to be stuck with me."



*Return to "Agree" path

"What? No! Don't be absurd--"

Maeve whirls around and goes nose-to-nose with Sirona.

"This isn't your choice, Sirona. What life can I give these pups without Lowen? It just won't be the same..." She's looking at the cave now, deep in thought. "They deserve better. They deserve better than a mother who won't be truly there."

She goes to take a step toward the cave, but Sirona blocks her path.

"Don't make any rash decisions! Think about this! You will love those pups and raise them well, I know you will. You won't be alone, Maeve. I'll be there, Quany will tell them stories--"

Maeve is shaking her head before Sirona even finishes speaking. "No. This is my decision. Stand aside, Sirona."



Chapter 5 Page 17b
Chapter 5 Page 18b

 Maeve glares at you and peels her lips back in warning.

"This isn't up to you, either, Desert Primrose. I'm going."

She pushes past you and Sirona and makes her way to the mouth of the cave. Bronagh's ghostly form is staring unblinkingly at her.

"Can you understand me, spirit? I have your puppies. They're right here!" She turns to the side and shows Bronagh her swelling belly. At first she doesn't move, but then Bronagh seems to hone in on it, as if her focus is only for "her" puppies.

"Oh there you are... Yes, you've been kept away from me, but I see you now."

She takes a step toward Maeve, and Maeve seems to be drawn to her and moves forward. The two wolves are nose to nose, eyes locked, and although Bronagh doesn't have any expression to her face, you could swear something passes between them...



Maeve looks at you gratefully, and Sirona steps back with a sigh.

Maeve makes her way to the mouth of the cave. Bronagh's ghostly form is staring unblinkingly at her.

"Can you understand me, spirit? I have your puppies. They're right here!" She turns to the side and shows Bronagh her swelling belly. At first she doesn't move, but then Bronagh seems to hone in on it, as if her focus is only for "her" puppies.

"Oh there you are... Yes, you've been kept away from me, but I see you now."

She takes a step toward Maeve, and Maeve seems to be drawn to her and moves forward. The two wolves are nose to nose, eyes locked, and although Bronagh doesn't have any expression to her ghostly face, you could swear something passes between them...



Chapter 5 Page 18c
Chapter 5 Page 19b

 Maeve sighs and closes her eyes, and Bronagh steps through her. It's like the two wolves are merging, and Maeve's fur is shimmering as the spirit goes through her body. Bronagh seems to dissipate at the end, and the air goes still.

Swaying on her feet a bit, Maeve blinks rapidly and shakes out her fur aggressively as if trying to dry a soaked pelt. She looks around, eyes wide, and twists to stare at her belly... which is no longer swollen.

"Such good pups, come with mother now. Those Faelcu can't keep you any longer."

All eyes look toward the mouth of the cave as Bronagh materializes again, this time with two ghostly puppies at her side. They whine at her, little tails wagging, and she leans down to nuzzle them gently.



Bronagh turns and, with the puppies following, disappears into the darkness of the cave.

The breath that the earth was holding seems to release--wind stirs the air again, and you can hear bugs and small critters moving around you.

No one moves for several moments. It's as if you're all waiting for something else to happen. But all is calm again, and the energy that once crackled all around you has disappeared.

Maeve slumps heavily to her rump, and Sirona is hurrying to her before either you or Quany have moved.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?" Sirona noses and looks Maeve over as she assures the herbalist that she's fine. You breathe a sigh of relief and as you look back toward the cave, something catches your eye.



Chapter 5 Page 20b
Chapter 5 Page 21b

 Sirona stops worrying over Maeve for a moment and pads over to the mouth of the cave. She noses something shiny into the light--the knot! Gently grabbing it in her teeth, she pads over and then drops it at her paws as you, Quany, and Maeve all peer at it curiously.

"I would have thought she would have taken it with her..." Sirona trails off as she inspects it. It's no longer glowing, or giving off any sort of energy. In fact, it looks rather plain now.

Quany regards it with a thoughtful look. "The pieces of the knot were a physical manifestation of her memories... It was of this world even if she was not. It has no place except here on the mortal plane."

He turns it this way and that with a claw, as if looking for any sign that it's not just a normal trinket.



"Bury it."

Maeve's voice is quiet. You can't read her face as she looks at the group. It's almost too flat... as if she's feeling nothing at all.

"Bury it so we can put this to rest and forget that it ever happened."

She picks up the trinket knot in her jaws and pads a few feet into the cave before dropping it roughly on the ground.

"Take care of my babies, Bronagh. Just remember this: you took Lowen. You took Conall. You hurt so many wolves. So take your peace, for now... but I will not give up. We will find a way to get back the wolves you took. One day. And if we have to go through you to do it, so be it." Her voice is menacing at the end, full of malice. You don't doubt that she will make good on her promise.

Without another word, she begins to dig.



Chapter 5 Page 22b
Chapter 5 Page 23b

 You join her, and Quany and Sirona join in too. Within minutes there is a deep hole in the ground, and Maeve stops digging. Picking up the trinket knot in her teeth, she unceremoniously drops it into the hole.

With a nod of approval, she then begins to kick dirt back in, and working together you soon have it covered back up.

"Wait here, I'll be right back," Sirona says, and lopes away. Where is she going?

She returns a few minutes later holding a cluster of yellow flowers, and sets them gently on the soft mound of dirt.

"St. John's Wort. For peace and healing."



"Not so much thoughtful as a step to ensure she doesn't come back," she replies. "Herbs hold great power. Whether you believe in such things or not, the gesture can't hurt."

Maeve snorts and kicks an extra tuft of dirt on the mound.

"Good riddance, I say. I'm going home," she states, and without another word she turns and heads toward the direction of her pack. Her gait is slow and tender, as if she's taking care to move gently, and Sirona turns to you.

"Thank you for everything, Norka. Don't worry about Maeve, I'll take care of her. She'll be okay after a time. She has the hope of finding Lowen to hold onto. I will do everything I can to help her find him... and Conall."

She hurries to catch up to Maeve, and she lets her lean against her as they walk.

You feel a cold nose poke your shoulder.



Chapter 5 Page 24b
Chapter 5 Page 25b

 "Keep on your guard, ___. It may take some time for the effects of her search to wear off. Trust nothing, especially the lights. Anyway, I'd best go after them or I'll be left behind. I don't move very fast anymore." He stretches with a groan, and you hear his old joints pop.

"Don't be a stranger to the Chaorainn Pack. Come visit when you can. I have a feeling there will be a time when we call on you again." His eyes are hopeful, and you want to believe that hope comes to fruition. Maybe one day there will be a way...

He gives you one final look before he pads off after them silently.

You watch him disappear, and look back at the trinket knot burial site one last time before turning and heading back to your pack.

Return home


You have successfully completed the Coigreach storyline! You have been given the following rewards:

You got a Base Applicator [Moss] and +100 Smoky Quartz!
The storyline continues on 20th November!
The air is fresh today. You raise your nose to the breeze and let the myriad of scents wash over you, sorting through them for prey. Your ears listen for the tell tale rustling that signals something is moving around. You can feel it--prey is close!

Suddenly you hear small yips and growls carried to you from a short distance away. It halts your hunting, and you follow the noise curiously. What are pups doing all the way out here?
Chapter 6 Page 1
Chapter 6 Page 2b

 You round a cluster of trees and are greeted with a pleasant surprise: it's Maeve, watching two strong pups play and tumble with one another. They are stumpy and not very coordinated on their little legs, but they have full bellies and clean fur and clearly don't lack for energy.

One of the pups stops playing as it notices you, looking at you quizzically with overgrown ears and wide eyes.

"Auntie Maeve!" it squeaks, and the she-wolf glances up from grooming her paw.

She gasps and leaps to her paws in delight, tail wagging as her lips peel back to reveal a toothy grin.

"___! It's good to see you!"



You greet your friend, touching noses briefly. Maeve looks well. Her coat is shiny and her eyes are clear and bright.

Before she can get a word in, one of the pups walks boldly up to you and fixes you with a distrustful glare.

"Who are you?" she demands. Her little tail is bushed and pointed straight up, and she's puffed out her chest to make herself look bigger.



Chapter 6 Page 3
Chapter 6 Page 4d

 The pup frowns, hesitating. Not so bold after all, is she?

Before she can answer, Maeve shoves the pup with her nose, forcing her to stumble backwards into the she-wolf's leg.

"Una! Where are your manners? That's no way to greet an elder!" Maeve looks at you sheepishly, as if embarrassed on behalf of the pup.

"Sorry," Una mumbles, looking down at her paws.

Maeve licks her ear gently, not truly cross with the pup, and Una looks up at her.

"This is ____. Remember, from the story?"



The pup's eyes go wide with fear, and she stumbles back. Mean, perhaps, but at least she's learned a lesson.

Maeve leans down and glares at the pup disapprovingly.

"Una! Where are your manners? That's no way to greet an elder!" Maeve looks at you sheepishly, as if embarrassed on behalf of the pup.

"Sorry," Una mumbles, looking down at her paws.

Maeve licks her ear gently, not truly cross with the pup, and Una looks up at her.

"This is ____. Remember, from the story?"



Chapter 6 Page 4e

 Mel 🏜️
#201
Posted 2022-11-30 00:35:43
#890625

Storyline & Lore

Chapter 6 Page 4f

 Before you can finish, Maeve shoves the pup with her nose, forcing her to stumble backwards into the she-wolf's leg.

"Una! Where are your manners? That's no way to greet an elder!" Maeve looks at you sheepishly, as if embarrassed on behalf of the pup.

"Sorry," Una mumbles, looking down at her paws.

Maeve licks her ear gently, not truly cross with the pup, and Una looks up at her.

"This is ____. Remember, from the story?"



The pup ignores you. "Wait, that story was real?" Her eyes grow huge, almost taking over her tiny face.

Maeve rolls her eyes and turns to the other pup, quiet as a mouse sitting between her front paws.

"Go on, say hello, Dwi," she encourages the little female. She wags her tail hesitantly and meets your gaze with big doe eyes.

"Hello."

She falls quiet again and Maeve leans down to nuzzle her fondly.



Chapter 6 Page 5b
Chapter 6 Page 6b

 Maeve goes quiet. As the silence rises to an awkward level, she shakes herself and returns to the present.

"Go play, pups. You need those muscles strong!"

They bound away happily and go back to their game. Maeve sits heavily on the ground and watches them with sad eyes.

"After Lowen, and then my own pups...I needed to do something. Scouting just wasn't enough anymore. So I chose a different path: I am a Pupsitter now, and watch after the next generation. Make them strong, teach them what they will need to survive, and love them. These two are pups of my pack."

Pride shines in her eyes briefly, drowning out the sadness for a moment, and you wonder if this is enough for her.



Maeve looks at you with a sad smile.

"Happy? I'm not sure...It's a form of happiness, I suppose. Content would be a better word. I'm not sure if I will ever be truly happy again, but as it is now I can't complain. Maybe one day things will change."

The longing in her face as she watches the pups is so clear, so strong, that you are at a loss for words.



Chapter 6 Page 7b
Chapter 6 Page 8c

 You settle yourself next to Maeve, offering her silent comfort, and together you watch the pups for a while as they play.

Watching the carefree nature of the pups as they play seems to soothe Maeve. Her sadness dwindles, and instead her fondness for the pups shines through.

It's a peaceful scene shadowed by sadness.

"You seem to have a talent for finding our friend, Maeve."



The gentle play of the pups is too much to resist; you decide to join them.

You lower yourself to the ground and with happy yips they begin to use you as a climbing toy. They take turns climbing up on your back and leaping to the ground fiercely and then tussle with one another.

Maeve joins you after some time, genuine happiness lighting up her face. She loves the pups, even if they aren't her own.

It's a peaceful time, and one that will stay in your memory for a long time to come.

"You seem to have a talent for finding our friend, Maeve."



Chapter 6 Page 8d
Mel 🏜️
#201
Posted 2022-11-30 00:36:26 (edited)
#890626

Storyline & Lore

Chapter 6 Page 9

 You turn with a start at the sound of the soft, familiar voice.

Sirona spits out a bundle of herbs and braces herself for the furry onslaught of two pups as they race toward her, their game forgotten with her arrival.

"Miss Sirona! Can I see?"

"What herbs did you find? Move out of the way, you're blocking me!"

They crowd around the pile of herbs, their little noses going wild.

"Now now, don't ruin them with your stomping!" Sirona scolds. "Take them over there and sort them. I'll be there in a minute to check and see how you do."

They snatch the herbs up and hurry away, leaving Sirona smiling after them with a bemused look.



The Herbalist looks genuinely happy to see you. She appears just as well as Maeve, and you breathe a sigh of relief that you didn't know you'd been holding onto.

"I'm glad you're well, ____." Sirona stretches gracefully and shakes out her pelt. "Our pack has been thriving, despite everything. Although I fear our luck may run out sooner or later."

She looks preoccupied and Maeve sighs.

"Don't be so worried, Sirona! You'll figure it out. Maybe Ciradyl has an idea."



Chapter 6 Page 10
Chapter 6 Page 11

 With a look over at the pups to make sure they wouldn't overhear, Sirona quietly begins to answer.

"As you know, we were able to stop Bronagh. For a time, everything seemed to be fine--but then wolves began to report increasing amounts of disturbances. The lights began to float and dance again, and the whispers started twisting their way into hearts and minds. Luckily, we have not lost anyone else...but I suspect that's due in part to our vigilance.

"We have avoided hunting at night, and travel to open spaces to look for prey. This way nothing can hide in the shadows and pull wolves in. I've also been making the hunters roll in mountain lion dung."



Sirona laughs and Maeve makes a face, clearly agreeing with you.

"It is, but it's effective for distracting the senses. It won't work forever, though, and we can't keep hunting as we are. It's not sustainable. I've been trying to come up with a mixture of herbs that is more effective that we can use, but so far I haven't been successful."

Her eyes glance toward the pups, who have apparently grown bored with sorting herbs and have begun to tussle once again.

"Let's go wrangle those two before they destroy it all, Maeve. Come see us later, ____. Maybe we can put our heads together and find a mixture that works."

With the pups in tow, they set off back to their pack, leaving you wondering just what it is that you've gotten yourself into.



Chapter 6 Page 12
The storyline continues on 21st November!
Chapter 7 Page 1

 You make your way across the vast land that separates your territory from the Chaorainn Pack. As you head up into the mountains, you feel an ominous heaviness in the air. You don't see anything...but there's something lurking. Keeping your eyes fixed on the path ahead, you try to keep your senses closed off until you reach the denning area of the pack.

As you cross into the clearing, you're greeted by the wolves of the pack. They're cheery, and pleased to see you, treating you like an old friend.



You head to Sirona's den, smelling an awful, pungent smell before you even see the Herbalist. She's chewing up a bundle into a paste, and you watch as she spits it out onto a large leaf. Her eyes stream and she chokes and gags, and you wonder how on earth she can stand to taste something so foul.

"Oh, ____! You're here..." she coughs and wipes her face with a paw, trying to clear her senses from the stink of the herbs.



Chapter 7 Page 2
Chapter 7 Page 3a

 She chokes out a laugh.

"Just one of the endless herbal mixtures I'm trying. You'd think this mixture would work, wouldn't you? But I keep testing it, and it's smelly for a bit...but not enough to protect our hunters for any period of time."

Sirona paws at the ground irritably. It must be incredibly frustrating for an Herbalist to be unable to come up with a remedy, and you wonder how long she's been at it.

"Maybe I just can't find the right herbs..." she murmurs, and turns to go through various piles she has tucked at the back of her den.



She nods. "I'll be alright...it just takes me a moment. You'd think this mixture would work, wouldn't you? But I keep testing it, and it's smelly for a bit...but not enough to protect our hunters for any period of time."

Sirona paws at the ground irritably. It must be incredibly frustrating for an Herbalist to be unable to come up with a remedy, and you wonder how long she's been at it.

"Maybe I just can't find the right herbs..." she murmurs, and turns to go through various piles she has tucked at the back of her den.



Chapter 7 Page 3b
Chapter 7 Page 4

 Sirona shoots you a grateful smile.

"You are a kind wolf, ____. I did have an idea, if you're up for it...?"

She peers hopefully at you, and excitedly launches into her plan when you nod.

"I've tried every combination of herbs I can think of that I can get around here. Your territory is quite a distance from here, and I can't help but wonder if maybe you have herbs there that might be what I'm looking for. Would you be willing to bring me all that you can find?"



The herbalist bumps her head against your shoulder gratefully and turns back to her piles of herbs.

"Thank you. I think we can do this, ____."

She looks fiercely determined, and stands tall. You can't help but notice how she seems a bit different... she's more confident and self assured than she was when you saw her last. Sirona had always been intelligent and one to speak her mind, but she certainly has more of a presence now. It's good to see her like this.

I'll be back!
Chapter 7 Page 5

Bring me the following herbs:

  • Sirona will ask for 7 random herbs, one of each, found all around the map.
Chapter 7 Page 7

 "Great! Good job, ____. Let's try mixing them and see what we get."



You hover over Sirona as she finishes mixing the combination of herbs. The stench is rancid, and seems to hover in the air above the leaf where the paste sits.

"What in hell's name is that smell?"

The entrance to the den is blocked by a large shadow, and a familiar shaggy head pokes through with his paw hooked over his nose.



Chapter 7 Page 8
Chapter 7 Page 9a

 Quany peels his lips back and makes a noise of annoyance.

"Ha! A great opener, must be the best I've ever heard. Truly the highest mark of intelligence is your amateur attempt at snark. Try again, pup." He turns away and frowns at Sirona. "Haven't you made enough of those awful concoctions yet?"

Sirona's tail is wagging excitedly as she inspects the paste, paying no mind to Quany's grumbling.

"I think this is it! Every other mixture I tried before ____ brought me these herbs from their territory has failed. This should be able to stay on fur for extended periods of time without needing to be reapplied or fading."

She scoops up the leaf and tosses it Quany's way.

"Try it!"



The old wolf snorts indignantly.

"I should have known you were involved. Sirona, haven't you made enough of those awful concoctions yet?"

Sirona's tail is wagging excitedly as she inspects the paste, paying no mind to Quany's grumbling.

"I think this is it! Every other mixture I tried before ____ brought me these herbs from their territory has failed. This should be able to stay on fur for extended periods of time without needing to be reapplied or fading."

She scoops up the leaf and tosses it Quany's way.

"Try it!"



Chapter 7 Page 9b
Chapter 7 Page 10

 Quany recoils with a snarl and glares at the she-wolf.

"You try it! I won't be able to get that out of my fur for weeks. No pup is going to want to help me, either."

Sirona's eyes dance mischievously as she turns away from the pouting elder and looks at you.

"We need to test it to be sure. I'll have our hunters try it tonight. Would you take some back with you too, ____? It would be best to test it as much as possible to be sure it works."



Sirona laughs at your obvious displeasure of having to trek back to your pack with the stinky mixture.

"I promise it will be worth it, ____. The smellier the better, so if it's still holding such a pungent odor by the time you get back, that's a great sign. Get some rest, too." She presses her nose against your cheek gently, and you can tell she's genuinely grateful.

You turn with a sigh and make your way out of the den, and as you pass by Quany you notice he's holding his paw gingerly. Perhaps he had stepped on it wrong? It would explain why he showed up when he did. You hurry away, knowing he won't let Sirona help him if you are eavesdropping.



Chapter 7 Page 11a
Chapter 7 Page 11b

 Sirona wags her tail happily.

"Perfect! Make sure you get some rest, too. You've earned it. We can reconvene in the morning."

You make your way out of the den, and as you pass by Quany you notice he's holding his paw gingerly. Perhaps he had stepped on it wrong? It would explain why he showed up when he did. You hurry away, knowing he won't let Sirona help him if you are eavesdropping.



There's nothing left for you to do here today. Come back after your next rollover!
You rise early the next morning, and hurry back to Sirona. She is furiously preparing something, her fur going every which way and her eyes excited.



Chapter 7 Page 12
Chapter 7 Page 13

 The Herbalist turns with an excited wag of her tail and gestures around the den.

"It worked! Oh ____, it worked!"

The den is a wreck. You look around in amusement at the scattered herbs and general disarray. Had she been up all night?

"The hunters reported that the patch of fur they applied the paste to kept its fragrance and they didn't have any sightings of lights, or hear any whispers. They were too busy focusing on the prey-scent over the smell of the herbs. How did yours fare?"



Sirona's excitement grows.

"That's wonderful news! After our hunters came back, I started making more, but we don't have much left. We'll need to get more herbs to make more of it."

She turns and casts her gaze over her den, not looking at anything in particular. She is lost in thought.

"We can't just keep this to ourselves, ____. The other packs nearby have not been as lucky as we have...the stories I've heard..." Sirona falls silent for a moment, then shakes herself and meets your eyes.

"We have to help them, too."



Chapter 7 Page 14
Mel 🏜️
#201
Posted 2022-11-30 00:36:37 (edited)
#890627

Storyline & Lore

Chapter 7 Page 15

 "I was thinking we could--"

"Sirona! Sirona, are you in here?"

A young wolf bursts into the den, out of breath and eyes bright. His dark fur is slick and clean, and muscles ripple beneath his pelt. He's fit and smells like prey, with a familiar paste smeared on the underside of his throat. A hunter, perhaps?

Sirona jerks back in surprise, then grins.

"Lorcan! What are you doing here? Did something go wrong this time?" Her face becomes concerned, but the exuberant wolf shakes his head.

"Not at all!" He turns to you with a smirk. "And who might you be?"



Lorcan opens his mouth to say something, but shuts it again just as quickly, rendered speechless by your incredulous reply.

Sirona snorts and shoves him playfully.

"Nothing to say? That's a first. Quit your teasing."

He sheepishly looks away, not meeting your or Sirona's gaze.

"Okay, okay. Whatever you say, Ma," he mumbles and tries to casually sit next to you without being obvious.

"Anyway, what do you need, Lorcan? We're right in the middle of something."

The young wolf brightens, seeming to remember his original reason for coming to the den.

"That gross, smelly paste; got any more? We need to go back out," he replies.



Chapter 7 Page 16a
Chapter 7 Page 16b

 Sirona rolls her eyes.

"Lorcan, you know very well who this is. Stop teasing poor ____."

The young wolf's tongue lolls and he goes down into a languid stretch, taking the time to show off each and every one of his muscles. Was he trying to impress you?

"Alright, alright. You're no fun, Ma." He pointedly sits next to you, sneaking looks out of the corner of his eyes.

"What do you need, Lorcan? We're right in the middle of something."

"That gross, smelly paste; got any more? We need to go back out," he replies.



His eyes widen and he turns to Sirona.

"Really? We used it all already?"

"Unfortunately, yes," she sighs. "We didn't have much to begin with. We have to gather more herbs, and we have to help the surrounding packs. We can't just leave them to fend for themselves when we have this paste at our disposal."

Lorcan jumps to his feet in excitement.

"I can go! I never get to go anywhere anymore when I'm not hunting. Not since Lowen--" He halts abruptly in the middle of speaking and looks down at his paws.



Chapter 7 Page 17
Chapter 7 Page 18

 He raises his head and nods, touched by your concern.

Sirona steps forward and nuzzles him gently.

"I know. We'll find your brother one day," she reassures him.

So this is her other son...she had never outright mentioned him, but you had suspected Lowen wasn't her only pup.

She turns to you. "Are you ready, ____? I'm sorry to ask so much of you."



She sighs in relief.

"Good. Now you just have to decide what you want to do, ____. It's your choice. You can either come with me and gather more herbs, or you can go with Lorcan and seek out wolves from the surrounding packs and take them the news of the mixture. Which will it be?"



Chapter 7 Page 19



* This choice affects aspects of an upcoming story element! Learn about how it affects the story [here], but be aware of spoilers! *
Chapter 7 Page 20a

 She chokes out a laugh.

The herbalist looks pleased.

"Wonderful! You gathered the original herbs, so your nose will be very helpful looking for more. Lorcan should be able to manage on his own."

Lorcan, meanwhile, looks crestfallen. It looks like all of the air has left his body, and he's slouched over with a frown. Is he...pouting?

"Fine," he grumbles, shooting you a moody look. He shuffles out of the den and Sirona lets out a snort of amusement.

"Don't mind him, he likes to brood when he doesn't get his way. Come, let's be on our way."

Take quest
The young hunter lets out a small woof of pleasure and steps forward to touch noses with you, stopping at the last second when he realizes his mistake. He looks away bashfully and doesn't meet your eyes.

"Good! Between us, we'll find everyone we can. We'll make ah...we'll make a good team, I think." He fumbles over his words, and you notice Sirona snickering.

"Very good then, ____," Sirona chimes in. "I'll see what I can find on my own. Hopefully it won't be too difficult to find what I need."

Lorcan keeps avoiding your gaze and ducks out of the den. You follow, looking forward to getting to know him better. He's awkward, but you know he means well.

Take quest
Chapter 7 Page 20b
Sirona's Quest

Bring me the following herbs:

  • Sirona will ask for 7 random herbs, one of each, found all around the map.
Lorcan's Quest

Explore to find wolves in explore and bring them the news of the herb paste.



"Without delay you tell the wolf about the herbal salve that Sirona has created to protect wolves against the light and whispers. You tell them what herbs to use, and how to make it. The wolf brightens upon hearing this, and promises to tell their herbalist right away."
You return with Sirona to the den after having successfully gathered enough herbs to make the paste for many days if needed.

Lorcan returns around the same time, looking rather glum. He tries to hide his disappointment, but Sirona picks up on it before he gets the chance.

"What's wrong, Lorcan? Did something happen?"

The young wolf sighs. "I'm not good at this stuff. They..." His eyes dart around the den, refusing to meet Sirona's eyes. "No one believed me. They thought I was mad."

The herbalist shakes her head sadly, going up to nuzzle him consolingly.

"We did what we could. If they choose not to believe us, there's nothing we can do. Come on; let's get these herbs mixed." She gently guides him to the herb pile, and he glances back at you hopefully.

"You'll stay, won't you?"



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 You return with Lorcan to the den after having successfully found wolves from all of the surrounding packs

Sirona returns around the same time, looking pleased with a rather small wad of herbs in her jaws.

"I wasn't able to find much, so I'm not sure how much more we can make," she admits, dropping the herbs on the ground. "It would have been helpful to have you along. We'll manage with what we have, though. Did you find success?"

"Yes!" Lorcan replies cheerfully. "We were able to give the recipe to all of the surrounding packs. ____ is a great partner. I bet we'd make one hell of a hunting team."

His praise catches you off guard, and you find yourself unsure of how to react.

"You'll stay for a bit, won't you?"



"That's right," Sirona replies before he can get a word in. "____ has helped us enough today. Let them go back to their pack."

Lorcan looks dismayed, but he turns and begins sorting the herbs out for mixing.

You bid them farewell, and let your aching paws carry you back home.



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 "Oh, yes! I want you too!" he replies, practically dancing in place. "We could work on mix--"

"Now, now," Sirona interjects. "Don't encourage him. I can tell you're exhausted. You need to go back to your pack."

She shoos her son away, and he sulks dramatically as he sorts out the herbs.

You duck out of the den under her watchful gaze and let your aching paws carry you back home.



The storyline continues on 25th November!
Mel 🏜️
#201
Posted 2022-11-30 00:36:56 (edited)
#890628

Storyline & Lore

There's something not quite right...you feel as though you should explore to find its source. It feels as though danger lurks in the land.

Tip: try exploring to find something to continue the story!



FOUND SOMETHING!

You feel yourself pulled to an unsettling sight: a cave, with inky black darkness pouring out of it. You're unable to make yourself go closer...but you can't turn away, either. With a start you realize that this is no ordinary cave--it's the one Bronagh was sealed in! It looks menacing now, no longer the peaceful scene you left it not too long ago. Two sets of eyes peer at you from the darkness and whispers hiss threatening words in your ears. You finally pull yourself away and run away as fast as you can. You need to tell the Chaorainn Pack!
Your pelt prickles with fear as you hurry toward the territory of the Chaorainn Pack. The sight of the portal leaking out from the cave, and the warnings of whatever those beings were...you push down your fear and keep moving forward. You must warn them.

Wind tugs at your fur and there are clouds gathering in the distance; it's almost as if the land itself is warning you of things yet to pass and pushing you on.

You burst into the clearing, startling Lorcan, who is sunning himself.

"____? What on earth?"



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 His voice fades away as you hurry to the herbalist's den. She's hovering over Quany, whose paw is stretched out as she applies medicine to it. They both jump, startled, and Sirona's eyes go wide at your unexpected appearance.

Before she can say a word, Lorcan bursts in after you, nearly crashing into your backside.

"What the hell, ____? You can't just ignore me!"

You can see he's angry, but that doesn't matter now. You tell them in between gasps of breath about what you've discovered--that the cave Bronagh was sealed in is open, and the portal to the Faelcu realm is open for all to access.

Sirona stares at you in stunned silence, while Quany's breath rushes out of him with a small hiss. His lips peel back in the beginnings of a snarl.

"And here I was thinking I would get some peace today. Clearly not. Tell me exactly what happened, ____, and don't leave anything out."



You push past him and hurry to the herbalist's den. His hurried paw steps can be heard behind you as he follows you. She's hovering over Quany, whose paw is stretched out as she applies medicine to it. They both jump, startled, and Sirona's eyes go wide.

"____! What is it? Is everything okay?"

You tell them in between gasps of breath about what you've discovered--that the cave Bronagh was sealed in is open, and the portal to the Faelcu realm is open for all to access.

Sirona stares at you in stunned silence, while Quany's breath rushes out of him with a small hiss. His lips peel back in the beginnings of a snarl.

"And here I was thinking I would get some peace today. Clearly not. Tell me exactly what happened, ____ and don't leave anything out."



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 You recount what had happened with as much detail as you remember:

The cave, once still and peaceful, had turned to an inky darkness, so tangible that it looked like it was leaking out. The lights were numerous and danced, and the whispers assaulted your ears.

From the cave, two sets of shiny eyes stared at you menacingly, and your pelt prickled with unease when they appeared. They meant danger.

The whispers became louder, and two voices above all came through loud and clear:

"Oathbreaker."

"You broke An Aonta. You will pay."



Quany's brow furrows, shaking his head.

"Two, you say? That doesn't make sense. It can't be Bronagh again. Her spirit was at peace when she left. That phrase, too, An Aonta..."

"What does An Aonta mean?" Lorcan, who had been sitting silently by the entrance, finally pipes up. "It's nothing like I've ever heard."

Quany snorts in amusement. "That's because you're a pup, Lorcan. In fact, I don't think Sirona is even old enough to recognize it."

Sirona shakes her head, clearly just as confused as her son.



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 "Are you calling me old?" Quany snaps. He glares at you, but then let's out a sigh and continues:

"Vaguely. We don't use the old language anymore, but some words and phrases still pop up here and there in stories. An Aonta roughly translates to "The Pact." The only time I've ever heard it used is in stories relating to the Faelcu."

Sirona looks thoughtful. "Considering our experience with Bronagh, these old tales having truth to them doesn't seem all that far fetched. What exactly is it about?" she asks.

The elder hesitates, clearly uneasy. Is the story that bad?



"I see your manners are as terrible as ever," he retorts. With a sigh he continues:

"We don't use the old language anymore, but some words and phrases still pop up here and there in stories. An Aonta roughly translates to "The Pact." The only time I've ever heard it used is in stories relating to the Faelcu."

Sirona looks thoughtful. "Considering our experience with Bronagh, these old tales having truth to them doesn't seem all that far fetched. What exactly is it about?" she asks.

The elder hesitates, clearly uneasy. Is the story that bad?



Chapter 8 Page 5b
"Nothing is necessarily wrong," he replies. "It's just not exactly a bedtime story."

"Well that's good, because you suck at those," Lorcan huffs, and Sirona gasps.

"Lorcan! Watch your tongue!" She looks horrified, but oddly, Quany is actually laughing.

"Oh, he's not wrong. He's also just mad that he didn't sleep for a week when I told him a particular favorite of mine when he was a pup," the elder sneers. Lorcan only glares at him and stays silent.

"All of that aside, let me see if I can remember it properly. Give me a moment."

He settles himself, and as if taking it as an invitation, Lorcan looks at you hopefully.



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 The young wolf pads over in delight and sits next to you companionably. It's a simple gesture, but one that clearly has made his day.

"So from what I remember," Quany begins, "the Faelcu used to share this world with us. Over time, a rift formed between the mortal wolves and the Faelcu, which led to increasingly violent disagreements. Eventually, the mortal wolves drove them so far to the brink that they retreated to a place they could call their own: it's what we now know as the Faelcu Realm.

"For a time they left each other alone, but it wasn't long before the curiosity of younger generations that knew nothing of the past strife began to cause trouble again."



You look away, keeping your eyes expectantly on Quany, and notice Lorcan's face fall out of the corner of your eye. He goes to sit by Sirona, making it a point to make his face go neutral.

"So from what I remember," Quany begins, "the Faelcu used to share this world with us. Over time, a rift formed between the mortal wolves and the Faelcu, which led to increasingly violent disagreements. Eventually, the mortal wolves drove them so far to the brink that they retreated to a place they could call their own: it's what we now know as the Faelcu Realm.

"For a time they left each other alone, but it wasn't long before the curiosity of younger generations that knew nothing of the past strife began to cause trouble again."



Chapter 8 Page 7b
Chapter 8 Page 8



* Option will only be available if you previously chose to sit with Lorcan
** Option will only be available if you previously looked away from Lorcan 		Quany shakes his head. "Not exactly. At heart, the Faelcu were playful and loved playing tricks on one another and manipulating the world around them. The mortal wolves only knew of them in stories, and the Faelcu didn't know the violence the mortal wolves had caused.

"This presented an opportunity: the Faelcu enjoyed toying with the mortals who knew nothing of them, and they didn't harbor any ill will toward them without the knowledge of their ancestors. Soon their tales of mischief changed from stories to very real concerns. Their penchant for the Changeling nonsense drove the mortal wolves to once again hunt them down."



"Let me finish, would you?" he growls, and you fall silent obediently.

"This time, though, instead of bloodshed, they eventually managed to make a deal. The Faelcu did not want to leave the mortal realm, and the mortal wolves wanted nothing to do with their tricks.

"In the end they agreed to simple terms: a wolf would join them in their realm when it grew old, to entertain them and tell them tales of the mortal world. They would get what they sought: a way to satiate their curiosity, while the mortal wolves could live in peace without worrying about Changelings, among other things.

"It was dubbed An Aonta."



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 Quany shakes his head. "Not exactly. At heart, the Faelcu were playful and loved playing tricks on one another and manipulating the world around them. The mortal wolves only knew of them in stories, and the Faelcu didn't know the violence the mortal wolves had caused.

"This presented an opportunity: the Faelcu enjoyed toying with the mortals who knew nothing of them, and they didn't harbor any ill will toward them without the knowledge of their ancestors. Soon their tales of mischief changed from stories to very real concerns. Their penchant for the Changeling nonsense drove the mortal wolves to once again hunt them down."



Mel 🏜️
#201
Posted 2022-11-30 00:37:08 (edited)
#890629

Storyline & Lore

"Would you like to finish the story, ____? Clearly you know it better than I do." Quany glares at you, and you feel Lorcan's irritated gaze from across the den. Good for you; you've not only pissed Quany off, but Lorcan, too. Maybe you should take the hint and keep your mouth shut. After you fall silent, Quany continues:

"This time, though, instead of bloodshed, they eventually managed to make a deal. The Faelcu did not want to leave the mortal realm, and the mortal wolves wanted nothing to do with their tricks.

"In the end they agreed to simple terms: a wolf would join them in their realm when it grew old, to entertain them and tell them tales of the mortal world. They would get what they sought: a way to satiate their curiosity, while the mortal wolves could live in peace without worrying about Changelings, among other things.

"It was dubbed An Aonta."



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Chapter 8 Page 10a

 Quany's brow furrows. "That's what I'm not sure of...why now? As far as I know, if this story is to be believed, this is not something the pack has done for generations. If it was something that happened, why did it stop? Why is it an issue now when it hasn't been spoken of for generations?"

Sirona rises to her paws and begins to pace back and forth, her spinning thoughts easy to read on her face.

"This all started with Bronagh. We settled that score; everything should have gone back to normal. And it did, for a time...and now we're thrust back into it." Sirona is speaking out loud, but not addressing anyone in particular.



Text needed



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 "Ever the cheery one, aren't you?" Lorcan mutters under his breath, and Sirona lets out an exasperated sigh.

"Honestly, knock it off, both of you. We're going to be here all day if you two keep interrupting." Her hard stare cows you into silence and Lorcan turns away, ignoring your existence.

"Whether you buy it or not, ____. it stands to reason that there's some truth to it. If this story is to be believed, this is not something the pack has done for generations. If it was something that happened, why did it stop? Why is it an issue now when it hasn't been spoken of for generations?"

Sirona rises to her paws and begins to pace back and forth, her spinning thoughts easy to read on her face.

"This all started with Bronagh. We settled that score; everything should have gone back to normal. And it did, for a time...and now we're thrust back into it." Sirona is speaking out loud, but not addressing anyone in particular.



Sirona simply shakes her head, and Quany stays silent. It doesn't feel the same...but what else could it be?

"Wait a minute," Lorcan pipes up. "Bronagh is the one who opened the portals, isn't she? They weren't open before?"

Quany observes Lorcan thoughtfully before nodding.

"That's right. There was none of the portal nonsense going on with the whispers and lights. What are you getting at?"

Lorcan looks excited now. "So if the portals weren't open before...what if Bronagh's interference opened them, and then they never got closed like we thought? Bronagh was just a spirit; she wasn't a Faelcu. What if she wasn't able to control them at all?"



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 Lorcan's words are met with stunned silence for several moments before Sirona speaks.

"So if Bronagh truly had no power...does that mean the Faelcu themselves were behind this all along?"

"Given what the old stories say, I suppose it's not out of the question," Quany adds. "We don't know the extent of their power, but we do know that they like to prey on mortal wolves with their tricks. It's entirely possible they simply used Bronagh to gain access to our world."



The elder shakes his head, staring off into the distance as he speaks.

"Not forced, no...but perhaps Bronagh becoming what she did all those years ago wasn't entirely a coincidence."

The den goes silent once again, and Lorcan doesn't seem convinced.

"But that doesn't make sense," he protests. When did the portals get closed? How? Why?" He's strangely agitated, and you can't quite get a read on his mood.

"I think we're beyond the point of anything making sense," Sirona tells him softly. "We can only guess. The issue at hand is that they're still open."



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 "He does, ____," Quany agrees, "but Sirona also has a point: we don't really know, and we may never know. It's speculation that makes sense in theory, but that's all it is."

He stands and lets out a stretch, his joints popping.

"If these Faelcu are pursuing An Aonta, how will we ever get rid of them? Something that supposedly happened generations ago isn't something we have any control over," Lorcan points out.

Sirona sighs. "As much as I wish it weren't true, Lorcan is right. Are we truly going to pay the price for something our ancestors did?"



The herbalist peers at you curiously.

"A new one? You mean a new An Aonta?" Her eyes go wide at the thought, and she looks at Quany. "Could it work?"

Quany has a look of admiration on his face; clearly you've impressed the old man.

"In theory...I don't see why not," he agrees. "I've no idea how, but if the intention is there and they get what they want, how could they refuse?"

Lorcan's fur bristles and he lets out a low growl.

"You want to let them take more wolves?" he snarls. "Are you crazy?"



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 The herbalist peers at you curiously.

"They can...are you suggesting what I think you are? To forge a new An Aonta?" Her eyes go wide at the thought, and she looks at Quany. "Could it work?"

Quany has a look of admiration on his face; clearly you've impressed the old man.

"In theory...I don't see why not," he agrees. "I've no idea how, but if the intention is there and they get what they want, how could they refuse?"

Lorcan's fur bristles and he lets out a low growl.

"You want to let them take more wolves?" he snarls. "Are you crazy?"



"Lorcan, calm down. Your temper will get us nowhere," Sirona scolds, and the young wolf struggles to quiet himself.

"My hope," Quany continues quietly, "is to see if we can come to a new agreement--one where they benefit but we don't lose any more members of our pack. Or other packs, for that matter. What remains to be seen, however, is if it will work at all. The Faelcu are not known to be forgiving. It's best we prepare for the worst."

Lorcan scowls and shakes his head back and forth vehemently.

"I'm not letting them take any more wolves; I'll kill them before they do." He puffs himself up, and though he is young, he's still a full-grown wolf with formidable strength.



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 "Yes, yes I am," he snaps, and gives you a hard stare. "And don't think--"

"That's enough. It's not fair to take your anger out on ____, Lorcan," Sirona interjects, and she presses her head against his. "I know you're strong, and I know you want Lowen back. I want him back...but he's gone, and a fight isn't going to get us anywhere. It may very well put us in more danger."

The young hunter slumps a bit, the fight appearing to melt out of him. He lets out a sigh and meets your gaze.

"I'm sorry. Please don't hate me."

"____ doesn't have it in them to hate anyone but me," Quany says tartly.



He glares at you. "Of course it will; are you stupid? What makes you think--"

"That's enough. It's not fair to take your anger out on ____, Lorcan," Sirona interjects, and she presses her head against his. "I know you're strong, and I know you want Lowen back. I want him back...but he's gone, and a fight isn't going to get us anywhere. It may very well put us in more danger."

The young hunter slumps a bit, the fight appearing to melt out of him. He lets out a sigh and meets your gaze.

"I'm sorry. Please don't hate me."

"____ doesn't have it in them to hate anyone but me," Quany says tartly.



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 Looking unconvinced, he begins to move towards the entrance to the den with a gesture to Lorcan.

"Come on, pup. Pretend to help me back to my den so your mother feels like I'm being looked after."

The herbalist simply rolls her eyes and says primly, "Time for a nap, old man?"

Quany whips around, his mouth agape. You can't say you disagree. In fact, you're wondering if it even happened at all--did Sirona really just say that?

"I..." He seems caught off guard, unsure what to say. The herbalist peels her lips back in a toothy grin, which seems to pull Quany back to the present.

"You'd like that, wouldn't you. But no, I'm going to be far more useful than that. I'm going to try and come up with an idea...and nap at the same time."



He startles you by barking out a laugh so hard that it throws him into a coughing fit.

"Touché, ____," he gasps out, then clears his throat and gets a hold of himself.

"Come on, pup. Pretend to help me back to my den so your mother feels like I'm being looked after," he tells Lorcan, moving toward the entrance to the den.

The herbalist simply rolls her eyes and says primly, "Time for a nap, old man?"

Quany whips around, his mouth agape. You can't say you disagree. In fact, you're wondering if it even happened at all--did Sirona really just say that?

"I..." He seems caught off guard, unsure what to say. The herbalist peels her lips back in a toothy grin, which seems to pull Quany back to the present.

"You'd like that, wouldn't you? But no, I'm going to be far more useful than that. I'm going to try and come up with an idea...and nap at the same time."



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 Sirona snorts softly, and Quany pointedly ignores you.

"Be careful out there." Like a switch, his sour, teasing demeanor becomes serious, and he looks back and forth between the two of you.

"I have no idea what they're capable of. Stay close."

With that, he turns and walks stiffly out of the den, limping on his paw again.

A cold nose pokes your shoulder, and you turn to the smiling herbalist.

"Let's go back to your territory together. It will be safer that way. I think we all need some time to come to terms with this and prepare for whatever is about to come." Her face darkens and becomes troubled.



With Sirona at your side, you make the trek back home. Her company is not unwelcome as the whispers and lights dance at the edge of your senses, haunting you the whole way home.



Chapter 8 Page 20
The storyline continues on 28th November!
Mel 🏜️
#201
Posted 2022-11-30 00:37:22 (edited)
#890630

Storyline & Lore

You pull yourself from the warmth of your den early the next morning and make your way back to Quany and Sirona. It's time to face the Faelcu.

As you approach, you make out three forms sitting together near the edge of the pack's denning area. Sirona, Quany, and Lorcan are all waiting for you.

Upon seeing you approach, Lorcan trots to meet you. "Hi, ____. The Faelcu didn't get you last night, it seems."



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 "He won't be persuaded otherwise; trust me, I've tried," Sirona replies with a grimace.

"I'm not a pup! I'm more than capable of handling myself," he shoots back.

"I'm still your mother; I'll worry about you no matter your age." She turns to you hopefully. "Maybe you can make him see reason?"

You can tell Lorcan is annoyed, but the look on Sirona's face tells you there's more to it than than a mother's concern. She already lost Lowen...the worry of losing Lorcan must weigh heavy on her.



Lorcan peels his lips back in a snarl.

"Oh yeah? You're going to make me, are you?" he growls.

"Lorcan, please," Sirona's voice cracks, and he whips his head around to look at her. "Please...I can't lose you and Lowen...and then Conall..." She slumps over, and Lorcan looks away.

"I'm sorry," he murmurs. "I can't just stay here. I can't. It's not fair that I have to stay,"

"It's not about fairness, pup. It's about respecting your mother. Which you could learn to do more of," Quany says pointedly.



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 The herbalist glares at you, and Lorcan looks encouraged.

"That's right, I will be," he assures her. "I have the three of you. It's not like I'm going to do anything rash."

Sirona looks unconvinced by his last statement and shoots a look at Quany, appealing for his help.

"I'm not getting in the middle of this. It's none of my business," he replies.

This seems to fuel her anger, and she almost grows taller.

"It's my business. Lorcan, you're staying here. That's an order. From your leader." Her eyes are fierce and you feel as though you may shrivel under her gaze. That's right! Without Conall around...



Sirona simply shakes her head, and Quany stays silent. It doesn't feel the same...but what else could it be?

"Wait a minute," Lorcan pipes up. "Bronagh is the one who opened the portals, isn't she? They weren't open before?"

Lorcan claws agitatedly at the dirt and turns away in a huff.

"Fine. It's not like anyone wants me here anyway."

"Lorcan, you know that--" Quany cuts Sirona off with a shake of his head, and you watch in silence as the young wolf stalks back to the pack.

"He'll be alright," Quany assures her. "He's angry now, but it's better than the alternative." With a grimace he turns and starts to descend the rise. Sirona finally tears her gaze from where her son disappeared and follows, and you take up position in the rear.



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 A growl starts deep in Lorcan's throat. Leader or no, she is still his mother. He is programmed to go against her wishes, like any pup.

"You can't make me stay!"

"Lorcan, please," Sirona's voice cracks, and he visibly falters in his resolve. "Please...I can't lose you and Lowen...and then Conall..." She slumps over, and Lorcan looks away.

"I'm sorry," he murmurs. "I can't just stay here. I can't. It's not fair that I have to stay,"

"It's not about fairness, pup. It's about respecting your mother; and your leader, for that matter. Which you could learn to do more of," Quany says pointedly.



No one speaks as you trek across the land to the place where the cave sits. The closer you get, the heavier the air, and lights dance on the edge of your vision. You swear you can hear whispers, and as you look at your companions, you don't think you're alone. Worry is etched on each of their faces, and as you turn the bend into the clearing where the cave is, you hold your breath.



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 As you approach, two sets of eyes seem to stare straight into your soul. It's as if they've ripped away any sense of privacy that you thought you had in the depths of your mind.

They hover in the darkness of the cave, and when you come to a halt, you can hear yips and chattering. Was that...laughter?



"So demanding for mortals, aren't they, Radha?"

"Indeed, Ailbhe. Especially considering they have everything to lose."

The two beings step out of the cave, splitting off and hovering on either side of your group. There's no turning back now.

They are an odd mix of wolf and something otherworldly; almost as if they were normal wolves once, morphed by the magics of the Faelcu Realm. Or perhaps they were the ones who morphed the Faelcu Realm to suit their needs?



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 "Lies!" the one named Ailbhe hisses. "It was you who sealed us away."

"You're the one who broke An Aonta. Oathbreakers all, these mortals!" Radha hunches, looking like they're ready to pounce.

"Now, now." Quany strides forward, making a great effort to hide his limp. "We did no such thing; do you recognize us? We are not the wolves you have a grievance with."

The two Faelcu glare at him, brushing off his words.

"All mortals are the same. You take what you want. We care not who you are."



"We'll blame you all we want," the one named Ailbhe hisses. "It was you who sealed us away."

"You're the one who broke An Aonta. Oathbreakers all, these mortals!" Radha hunches, looking like they're ready to pounce.

"Now, now." Quany strides forward, making a great effort to hide his limp. "We did no such thing; do you recognize us? We are not the wolves you have a grievance with."

The two Faelcu glare at him, brushing off his words.

"All mortals are the same. You take what you want. We care not who you are.



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 Radha peels back their lips in a snarl. Or was it a smile? You can't quite tell.

"It's not what we want, it's what we are owed. For years you sealed us away and severed our agreement; An Aonta was broken and you will pay its price."

"Yes, oh I so do love that strong wolf, the one with the red mask? The little black one is quite fun to play with, too," Ailbhe adds, and Sirona bristles. She lets out a low, deeply guttural growl, and you move forward to block her way.



"You should listen, little herb-chewer. Going to attack us, hmm? I'd like to see you try." Radha moves to stand beside Ailbhe, creating an imposing picture. They aren't to be toyed with.

"And here I thought you'd be amenable to make a new agreement--as it stands, I'm not feeling very generous, myself." Quany has switched tactics now; he's realized that trying to convince the Faelcu that you aren't to blame for their woes is never going to work.

"Why would we want to make yet another agreement with you, mortal? You never hold up your end of the deal."

"The wolves of our past don't define us. We are not oath breakers like our ancestors."



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 The Faelcu exchange a glance.

"No? Yet you came up with that dreadful herbal mixture that messes with our magics." Ailbhe paces forward and stands nose to nose with Quany. "How are we to take that, hmm? As an act of peace?"

At this point Sirona has composed herself and she boldly walks up to the Faelcu.

"Listen here. We weren't going to stand by and let you take more wolves. Wasn't that part of An Aonta? You weren't supposed to use your magics to take wolves. You're just as much oath breakers as our ancestors were."

Radha snarls and leaps toward Sirona, teeth bared and eyes flashing.



You leap forward without thinking, bracing yourself besides Sirona. Radha retreats a step, surprised by your aggression.

"Enough!" Quany's voice echoes loudly around the clearing, bouncing off of the cave and making even the Faelcu pause. "I'm old and tired, and I don't have the patience for this nonsense. You know what we want: leave this world in peace. Tell us, Faelcu, what is it you want?"

The Faelcu meet eyes with one another, staying silent for several moments. What are they doing? At last they turn back to you, seeming resolved.



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 It's Ailbhe who speaks.

"We want what we have always wanted: mortals. We like this realm; we'll not leave again. Nor will we be tricked into doing so." Their words send shivers down your spine. You can tell they won't be convinced otherwise.

"We won't tolerate your presence here, Faelcu," Sirona says. "You'll not take more wolves, and you'll not play your tricks. I'll make sure of that." Her eyes are hard, and Radha steps forward. You ready yourself for a snarl...but they smile instead.

"So you say, herb-chewer. Tell me, what's more important: protecting the wolves of this world...or your precious packmates?"

Sirona stiffens, and you let out a growl.



Ailbhe makes an odd trilling sound. Are they laughing?

"You seem clever. ____, they call you? It seems we have come to an agreement after all."

"Enough with the cryptic talk. State your intentions, Faelcu," Quany demands, and Radha rolls their eyes.

"You sure are impatient for an old one. We'll say this: if you want your packmates back, you'll have to let us have our pick from the wolves around here. In return we'll leave your pack alone--but we won't be denied what we're owed."

A perfect, still silence is the only response. You can't tell if your friends are too stunned to speak...or too angry.



Chapter 9 Page 14
Chapter 9 Page 15a

 Seeming emboldened by your words, Sirona hisses: "How dare you. How dare you use the lives of our packmates as a bargaining chip!" She looks ready to leap for the Faelcu's throat. You're ready to stop her, but Quany speaks again, giving her pause.

"Sirona." He only murmurs her name, but it's enough: she takes several deep breaths and makes herself calm. Satisfied, Quany addresses the Faelcu once again.

"You expect us to just hand over the wolves of the surrounding packs? I'll not start a war with our neighbors," he tells them.

"We don't expect you to do anything...at all. You will simply watch," Ailbhe replies cooly.



"What?" Sirona whirls around to face you. "Are you mad? I'll not let use the lives of our packmates as a bargaining chip!" She turns, fully prepared to leap for the Faelcu's throat. You're ready to stop her, but Quany speaks again, giving her pause.

"Sirona." He only murmurs her name, but it's enough: she takes several deep breaths and makes herself calm. Satisfied, Quany addresses the Faelcu once again.

"You expect us to just hand over the wolves of the surrounding packs? I'll not start a war with our neighbors," he tells them.

"We don't expect you to do anything...at all. You will simply watch," Ailbhe replies cooly.



Chapter 9 Page 15b
Mel 🏜️
#201
Posted 2022-11-30 00:37:43 (edited)
#890631

Storyline & Lore

Chapter 9 Page 16

 Ailbhe peers at you curiously.

"This one's not as dull as the usual crowd, but you're not especially bright, are you? No, we don't need permission from mortal wolves to do anything. We simply require your acquiescence."

Sirona looks horrified.

"You want us to lie? I'm not going to leave our neighbors to your mercy!"

Radha shakes their head. "Why are the herb-chewers the most stubborn? Fine then, since you don't seem to understand: we're here whether you like it or not, and we will find a way to do as we please. Eventually your little remedy won't work, and then you'll lose more packmates."

Their gaze rests on Quany, and then you. Fear prickles at the back of your mind.



She looks just as horrified. The choices are bleak, and either way someone loses. Now she just has to decide...will she betray her neighbors? Or betray her pack?

"I can't..." Her face has gone blank, and her eyes stare into nothing.



Chapter 9 Page 17



* This option will only appear if you previously chose to gather herbs with Sirona
** This option will only appear if you previously chose to seek out other wolves with Lorcan
Chapter 9 Page 18a

 She blinks a few times, then shakes herself and nods to you gratefully.

"That's right...it's too late. ____ has already made sure the packs around here know about the herbal mixture." She stares down the two otherworldly beings. "They know how to make it; your efforts will be in vain."

Ailbhe cackles. "They may know about it, but they still need herbs to make it. It's settled: you'll destroy the herb patches these herbs come from, and no one will be able to make it. Not even your own pack. Even if you decline, we're fully capable of doing so ourselves. Then you'll have lost the chance to protect your pack."

Radha looks gleefully at Ailbhe. "Ah look, what a dilemma we've given them. Mortals and their morality will always make them weak."

All Sirona can do is stare at Quany helplessly.



She blinks a few times, then shakes herself and nods to you gratefully.

"Of course. They may not have believed Lorcan, but they'll believe me," she insists. "And thanks to ____, we have a multitude of herbs to last us for quite some time. We can get more, too." She stares down the two otherworldly beings. "Your efforts will be in vain."

Ailbhe cackles. "No matter how many herbs you have, it won't matter if they think they're poisonous. It's simple, really: all you have to do is tell a teeny tiny lie. And if not...well, our whispers will eventually turn their minds to think they are. By then it will be too late for you."

Radha looks gleefully at Ailbhe. "Ah look, what a dilemma we've given them. Mortals and their morality will always make them weak."

All Sirona can do is stare at Quany helplessly.



Chapter 9 Page 18b
Chapter 9 Page 19

 "You'll be responsible for your packmates' disappearances that are to come. We don't need your silly little pack...but you certainly need us," Radha says ominously. "We won't pass up an opportunity when it so nicely presents itself...but make no mistake, ____. The wolves of this land are only the beginning. We've heard wonderful tales of the packs in your territory...we might just decide to travel, one day."

They are cold, calculating beings. Did they just threaten you if you didn't convince the Chaorainn Pack to give in to their demands?

The clearing has gone deathly quiet. Both Sirona and Quany look troubled...and undecided. They're too close to this to be able to make a rational decision; it looks like it will be up to you.



Ailbhe and Radha both smile eerily. There's something even more predatory to them than a normal wolf.

"Very good. Go on then." Radha turns to Sirona. "You will go with ____."

The herbalist peels her lips back in a snarl. "And I suppose that's not negotiable?"

"It's not," Ailbhe replies, and looks to Quany. "You will stay here. Nothing wrong with a little encouragement."

They circle menacingly around the group and you find yourself backing up into Sirona. She turns and hurries away and you follow, feeling the eyes of the Faelcu on you.



Chapter 9 Page 20
Chapter 9 Page 21a



This page will only appear if you previously chose to gather herbs with Sirona 		Sirona nods and composes her face to be completely neutral.

"We should split up, ____. We'll cover more ground that way." Her voice betrays nothing and neither does her face...but she's too calm. Something tickles at the back of your mind. Is there a reason she wants to split up? And if there is...should you trust she'll do what the Faelcu asked?



Sirona nods and composes her face to be completely neutral.

"We should split up, ____. We'll cover more ground that way." Her voice betrays nothing and neither does her face...but she's too calm. Something tickles at the back of your mind. Is there a reason she wants to split up? And if there is...should you trust she knows what she's doing?



Chapter 9 Page 21b



This page will only appear if you previously chose to seek out other wolves with Lorcan
In order to get the Annwn base, choose to Split Up.


In order to get the Wisp base, choose to Stick Together.
Mel 🏜️
#201
Posted 2022-11-30 00:37:54 (edited)
#890632

Storyline & Lore

"Split Up" Path
The quest you are given in the following step is based on a previous choice you made. If you chose to gather herbs with Sirona in Chapter 7 Page 21, you must find 10 wolves while exploring.



"You tell the wolf about the poisonous properties of the herbs, explaining that members of your pack have fallen ill from them. You advise it's best to stay clear, and with wide eyes the wolf agrees to let everyone in their pack know."

If you chose to explore with Lorcan in Chapter 7 Page 21, you must explore to destroy 10 herbal patches.

A patch of herbs are growing here... These should probably be taken care of quickly.
Destroy Herb Patches You destroy the herbs, tearing the plant until it's useless and unrecognizable. The tangy scent of dying plants fill the air. -/10 herb patches destroyed so far
Chapter 9 Page 22a

 Sirona looks oddly...hopeful?

"Let's each find 10 herb patches. We'll meet back here." / "Lets each find 10 wolves and give them the news. We'll meet back here"

0/10 herb patches destroyed in explore / 0/10 wolves told in explore

You return, having destroyed every herb patch you saw.

Sirona returns a few minutes later, her breath potently smelling of herbs. How strange. Destroying the herbs was easy to do with your claws...why had they been in her mouth?

You pad into the clearing, and the intense eyes of the Faelcu burn into your pelt.



Chapter 9 Page 23a



This page will only appear if you previously chose to seek out other wolves with Lorcan
Chapter 9 Page 23b



This page will only appear if you previously chose to gather herbs with Sirona 		You return, having told as many wolves as you could that the herbs are poisonous and not to be trusted.

Sirona returns a few minutes later, looking bright. She's breathless and seems oddly excited for the task she just completed. How strange.

You pad into the clearing, and the intense eyes of the Faelcu burn into your pelt.



Radha shoves past Quany and goes nose to nose with Siorona.

"Lies! You may have fulfilled your promise...but this one did not."

Your eyes go wide and a sense of dread settles in your stomach. She had been so insistent about splitting up...had she not destroyed the herbs?



Chapter 9 Page 24a
Chapter 9 Page 25a

 She stands tall, not flinching away from the Faelcu.

"I did what was right. I'll not be bullied by the likes of you, Faelcu. Nor will I let other wolves suffer. We'll keep fighting, as long as it takes."

"Traitor!" Ailbhe shrieks, and launches themselves at Sirona from the opposite side. They tumble to the ground, and Sirona takes on her foe more fiercely than you thought she was capable of.



You prepare to launch yourself to her side to help, but Quany is already moving. He jumps into the fray, clamping down savagely on the Ailbhe's scruff.

They let out a strange shrieking noise that suddenly stops--Quany has let go. Sirona scrambles to her paws, breathing heavily, and Quany stands defensively in front of her.

"Stop this!"

"Move, old man," Radha hisses, going to Ailbhe's side. "Or you're next."

His eyes are wide and he's breathing just as heavy as Sirona. His legs tremble a bit, and it's clear he doesn't have the strength to do more.

"A life," he gasps out. "A life for a life. Take me instead."



Chapter 9 Page 26a
Chapter 9 Page 27a

 "Maybe so, pup," he replies, but looks at the Faelcu pointedly. "But they can't refuse, and they know it."

Alibhe and Radha glare at him.

"You know what you're asking, wolf? You won't be able to come back."

Quany nods. "I'm aware. Will you accept, or not?"

With a hiss Radha stalks back toward the cave, and lights begin to gather.

"I'm done dealing with you mortals. Ailbhe, let's go. And make sure he comes with you."

Ailbhe looks at Quany expectantly.



Quany lets out a deep sigh. "Truly, ____, I wonder at your intelligence sometimes. There's no choice in the matter; I'll not let Sirona be taken."

"Quany no! You can't just--" Sirona stumbles forward, her face horrified. "This is my fault. I never should have..."

He steps up and touches noses with her, his face gentle.

"It's alright, Sirona. You made your choice to protect the pack the best way you knew how--not to mention, you've protected the wolves around us, too." He glares at Ailbhe as he says his next words: "You didn't let them win. And that's worth it."



Chapter 9 Page 28a
Chapter 9 Page 29a

 "Quiet, elder. I'm not beyond tearing your throat out," Ailbhe threatens, but Quany just laughs.

"Yes, you are. You can't actually hurt me. Your bluffing means nothing." He turns his gaze to you.

"Thank you, ____. For everything. Your friendship has meant a great deal to the pack. Look after them."

He turns toward the cave with a pointed look at Ailbhe.

"Well let's be on with it then. This mortal body is a chore these days."



You move to stand by your friend, who looks completely devastated. She can only stare after Quany as he moves toward the cave.

"We don't forget traitors, herb-chewer," Ailbhe snarls as they go after Quany. "Remember that."

The lights hover around them as they step into the mouth of the cave, becoming swallowed by the darkness. Everything goes still, and you find yourself unwilling to look away. At last Sirona slumps to the ground, her will sapped.



Chapter 9 Page 30a
Chapter 9 Page 31a

 The herbalist shakes her head.

"Now...I don't know. We keep fighting them off, I guess." Her eyes never stray from the cave. "We've stocked up on herbs, and I can give them to the other packs. They'll listen to me. They'll be safe. We'll be safe. I hope."

At last she turns away, meeting your gaze intently.

"You have to know...I never meant to be dishonest, Ciradyl. Maybe it was foolish of me, but I didn't trust they'd keep their word. Even...even if it meant not seeing Conall and Lowen..." Her voice catches and she struggles to keep her composure. "They were already gone, while other wolves remained. I wasn't going to risk endangering their lives if I couldn't be certain of anything."



Text needed

Go home
Chapter 9 Page 32a
Chapter 9 Page 32b

 She lets out a moan and paws furiously at the ground.

"I know...I know. I'll never be able to forgive myself. Neither will anyone else." The light has gone from her eyes, and a dull sadness has taken root.

"I just have to hope. Hope that it was worth it, in the end."

Without another word she begins to pick her way along the path, and after a moment's hesitation, you follow.

Lorcan waits for her back home, and your pack waits for you. There's nothing left to do now--it's time to head home.

Go home


You have successfully completed the full Coigreach storyline! You have been given the following rewards:

You got a Base Applicator [Annwn] and +100 Smoky Quartz!
 Mel 🏜️
#201
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