Accountability and Pending War
"So, did they visit?" Shanku asked.
"For a time," Chena said as she pulled the knot free. "Once every ten years. Then twenty. Then fifty. Then a hundred. Then they stopped. The Sylvans stopped first, what with the squabble with the humans and all."
"How'd you know about all that? The Highlands and Islanders didn't even know," Shanku inquired.
"It wasn't long after that that the raiding parties started," Chena said flatly, her ears just as flat by her head.
"Oh," Shanku said quietly and looked down.
"Yeah. Big 'oh'," Chena growled. "Not just us, the northern Prairie clans and sometimes the humans too."
"Gee..." Shanku said nervously as she scratched the back of her head. "I knew the Ferals and Imperials had issues with each other. That might be why. My clan harbors Prairie folk during the winter."
"I don't know which tribe is responsible, but either way, you can not stay here!" Chena said as she put down her knitting and glared at Shanku. "We're on the verge of declaring war on the Sylvans, and the Prairie clans will join us regardless of any help given to their southern kin."
"H-hey! It's not my fault!" Shanku stammered. "I've been exiled for ten years!"
"I know. Which is why you weren't killed shortly after being spotted near our village. We need you as the only Sylvan who'd listen," Chena said firmly and then pointed a finger at her. "When your exile ends this spring, you will go home and you will make our intentions clear. If you fail, we'll also hold you accountable and you won't be spared." Shanku yipped and drew herself up as Chena snarled at her. "You may go now," Chena said curtly. Shanku wasted no time in scampering out the door.
Notes & Commentary
November 27, 2014, Thursday
Accountability and Pending War
And cue freak out by Shanku. I hope I didn't just turn this into one of those cliché "unwilling hero" stories... I think I'll just stay off of TV Tropes for a little while. For those who want to know who Koru and Yiki are, go drop by the "How the Kurach Came to Walk on Two Feet" story in the store. I have a free version up so you can at least read it. And I'll get it on KaBlam one of these eons when I'm able to finish the interior images.
And those shaky leaves and logs in the first panel is freak out aftermath from me! When I say "I don't like unexpected phone calls", I mean "my cell phone is personal, private, and for family only, and all spammers will be reported to the FCC and DNC so long as I'm on the Do Not Call list". Not that the FCC or DNC are good for much, but it makes me feel better to file a complaint online since they can't hang up on me mid-sentence when I ask to be taken off the junk list. I've filed three complaints today alone.
Working on this page encountered a new difficulty. I'm used to having burst blood vessels in my hands since I'm pretty clumsy and always running into something or another, but this time it happened in the pointer finger of my drawing hand. Awkward!
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope all of you have warm, yummy meals and time with loved ones. 
A reminder that next week the December newsletter goes out. Along with discounts for 25% off, there is also a 10% Christmas discount. Which means an 8"x10" usually $30 would be $19.50 and my $15 OC Sketch Sheet would be $9.75. So if you're buying a gift or wanting a holiday-themed piece, you get the additional 10%. Sign up at art.raven-wing.net
Characters - Shanku Ravenwing - Chena -
Tags - Just Another Day -
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