Welcome to the lands of the Elderwillow Herd
Sacred
Bonds
Introduction
Elderwillow. The name has a familiar taste to it, but the reason behind it is not readily discerned from the surrounding environment. In fact, there isn't a willow to be seen anywhere, though there is a rather large chestnut Elder soquili resting beneath the middle aged branches of a healthy looking oak. Blinking, you watch the sleeping stallion carefully, aware that there is something otherworldly about him - a trait you attribute to the very obvious fact that the stallion is an Elder.
History has a funny way of repeating itself, as you well know, and the roundabout way the Cerezo Soquili once again became the Elderwillow is a story you'll hear later. For the time being, however, you can't help but notice how active the place is! Even with the sleeping stallion, the very air around you feels like it has a pulse - an energy that you can almost reach out and touch -
"Traveler." The voice distracts you, it is deep and bell-like, yet strangely rusty as if the speaker doesn't do so often. Turning, you are forced to look up at the giant black unikalona - aware that even one of his sharply cloven hooves would be the end of you. "Purpose?" It's a question, though it is posed almost as a demand. Again, you get the impression this stallion is not used to receiving guests, or anyone really. Closer inspection reveals a coat littered with scars and half healed injuries, and you begin to wonder...
"Traveler. Purpose?" He repeats, and you hurriedly state your business as the fiery pelt of the Elder beneath the tree shifts. Satisfied with your reply, the stallion nods once, and gestures with his wickedly sharp horn towards the mountains. "Be wary. Demons abroad. Safe here, for now. Safer down in Heartstone." A pause, and he lowers his head to look you squarely in the eye, his own emerald eyes unblinking. "If trouble, call. I will come. Elderwillow protects all guests - all aid requested against 'shifterss is granted." And with that, he nods once more, and moves off. 'Wait! Your name!" You start to say, but trail off when you realize he's already out of earshot.
A little shell shocked by the sudden turn in that encounter, you stare after him - only turning back around when yet another voice clears his throat. Spinning back, you nearly collide with the chest of the Elder, though a quick step aside takes him out of range. Chuckling to himself, the Elder smiles at you, and motions with his nose towards the retreating back of the black stallion. "Gen. His name is Gen. I hope he was polite?" The Elder asks, his expression kind, though his eyes were oddly unfocused and milky.
Still affected by the buzz in the air, you nod nervously - then realize that the 'unfocused' quality of his eyes wasn't just a lack of attention. The Elder was completely blind! Hurriedly you speak up instead of simply nodding.
"I mean, yes. Yes, he was polite. Is it normal for your herd to immediately offer aid and protection?" Which was weird, truly. You'd only just met them!
Blind eyes leveled on you, the Elder nods. "It is. When it comes to demons known as shifterss, you cannot have too many friends. It is our custom to welcome and accept any who seek us out." He replies calmly, his tail flicking away a bothersome insect. Blinking at him, you glance back at the now distant black unikalona (a new appreciation budding for what his own history must be - given the trials faced by others of his genetic make up) then back to the Elder. "What about those with bad intentions?" You ask quietly, curiosity alive and a little scared.
The Elder remained silent, as if choosing his words carefully. "You met Gen. He serves as the right hand of the Protector." And that, apparently, was that. The Elder appeared quite sure that the skills of the black stallion would be enough ... yet...
"Shifters? You mean the cursed ones turned by Corpse Powder?" Why were you asking all of these questions? Hadn't you come here for ---
"Yes, the very same - along with those drawn directly from the Underworld itself. We've successfully repelled 'shifter attacks three times, and we will do so again for however long it is necessary." The Elder answered, his tone proud - if also a little sad. "Our history is a long one, Traveler, and I must apologize for my own lack of manners. I am Flame, and if you wish to learn more, I would be happy to tell you at dinner. Will you stay the night?"
Suddenly curious about this odd herd with it's odd sentry and even odder greeting party, you nod - then remember to speak. "Uh, yes. Yes, I would like to spend the night and learn more." Flame looks pleased, and you smile hesitantly.
"Ah, there is a smile! Please make yourself at home." He offers the casual comment after a bow and while turning to leave. Shell shocked yet again, you stare after him.
Wasn't he blind?
Governance
Elderwillow is a true democracy with respect to civil responsibilities. The herd gathers biannually to discuss major changes and each member is given the time to make their case in front of the group. As a result, most herd members are strong public speakers and debaters. The more introverted members can request the Alpha to speak on their behalf, and he often does. Flame can also be counted on to present ideas and arguments on behalf of those who cannot or do not wish to present themselves.
In matters of defense, the herd decides how to address concerns that be solved with diplomacy, but when it comes to emergencies - the Protector enjoys unilateral authority.
Daily Life
Daily life starts differently for each herdmember. Some get going long before the first light of day - such as Blais - while others sleep during the day and are the most active at night; Gen. Whatever their schedule, however, each herdmember knows that they have something to do that day. Whether it's an active task or a personal day to meditate, everyone knows what they are about.
This is in no small part thanks to the deep energetic healing of the land itself. It's hard to feel adrift and anchorless when the world around you seems to constantly have you wrapped in a warm hug. Of course, some don't particularly like the smothering motherliness of the central herdlands, but they often take themselves off to range farther and bring back needed resources or news.
Diplomacy
The Protector goes to great lengths to ensure the list of Elderwillow's friends is far longer than that of their enemies.
As it stands, they have a long-standing alliance with the nearby Hakan herd, as well as the Atisvgi lvyi and the Etikaielle Tsidanulu herds. All three alliances have been sealed with lifematings of several key members - and their loyalty to each other is ironclad.
For enemies, it is enough to say that there are four demonspawn shifters lurking the edges of the Elderwillow territory, as well as borrowed trouble from the Hakan herd and their terrifying demon Diabolus.
Roles
Protector
Responsible for all matters of defense, including managing the scouts, and maintaining diplomatic ties with other species.
Tacticians
Usually several individuals, they serve as advisors to the Protector and serve as Ambassadors.
Alpha
Responsible for the smooth operation of the herd's domestic concerns. Mediates internal disputes and organizes the biannual meetings.
Innovators & Artisans
The makers and shakers - this is an innovative group that (alongside the artisans/entertainers) often works closely with the nearby human settlements. Given the limits of hooves, this group is best known for their ability to sense the needs of the land and read weather patterns.
Orator
Serves as the primary 'voice' during the general assemblies. This is a role given during each assembly and is based on the premise that the Orator will not participate in that particular meeting.
Scouts & Gatherers
Some of the less social members of the herd take on one of these far-flung roles, where they keep an eye out on the territory and bring back items the herd needs. Sometimes they pair up with a like-minded familiar or human, but it's almost always a quiet relationship.