Raina felt the first crunch of snow under her warm winter boots and felt a smile come to her lips. The crisp clean air hit her lungs like adrenaline and the biting wind whipped at her face. She pulled the hood of her parka up around her head- it was lined with fax fur and she tightened the draw string. She spun on her heels to grin evilishly at her boyfriend, brother, and friends. "And you thought winter in New York was cold." she grinned her breath coming out in little whisps. They had landed in Iqaluit only a few hours ago. The city itself hadn't been too cold the buildings offering shelter from the biting wind. Snow was a way of life here 10 months of the year and was packed down hard as if there were no streets below it.

"Iqaluit was techinically founded by Americans you know." Raina explained as she led the way along the snowy wooded path they'd been taking now for nearly half an hour. "So you all should feel quite at home here." she teased.

She felt touched that so many important people in her life had decided they would accompany her on this journey. It was scary to go back home after the conditions in which she and her brother both left. But Raina knew it needed to be done if she wished to regain her power. She'd explained to the others just exactly how she had lost it and when Naveed's ability didn't work to reverse it this seemed like the only option. She was scared. But with Luke, her brother, and her friends at her side... afterall she may be a NewYorker Mutant... but deep down Raina really was an Inuit girl.

Soon she saw the smattering of houses that marked the tribe. She wasn't sure if her friends expected to see wigwams and igloos but she was relieved to see the small circle of modest houses still standing. To Raina they looked like relics of the past- built with logs and shoddy carpentry. But there were lights on in the windows and smoke coming out of the chimneys. "it's like a mini-reserve. Technically the whole area is a reserve... but our tribe is like one all of it's own."

She exchanged glances with Naveed. She'd been leading the group now for close to 45 minutes. They'd touched down in Iqaluit after a long plane ride and after making their way through the city she had led them on foot through the beaten path to the tribe. In hindsight she should have arranged snow mobiles- but honestly she couldn't afford it and was reluctant to ask Luke to spend money on this.

She heard a yip which broke her off her thoughts and she turned to smile at the husky pup now known as Star. She'd explained to her friends that she and Emerald had accuired Star before her trip to Paris and Naveed thought it would be good for Star to come along and be around other sled dogs. Raina had full intention of keeping Star as a pet but she obliged her brother- if he wanted to train Star that was fine with her. The pup seemed happy enough to be included though he was so small Naveed opted for carrying him through the snow.

Her gaze looked to the larger community builiding made from a portable. "That's where we're going." she said pointing. She turned to face everyone again. "I don't know what we're in for... and I hope you survive the snow... but Im really greatful you came with me." she grinned at them all before leading the way down the small rivine toward the little circle of houses in the middle of nowhere.

Naveed had been horrified to find out what had happened to Luke and Raina when they had gone away to Paris. He was angry that Luke failed to protect his sister, somewhat jealous that they had gone away on a romantic trip, and feeling rather over protective. When he'd seen the state of Luke and Raina he kept his mouth shut and that was very hard for the man who could tell you "to take a hike" and you would to do.

He had hoped a simply counter attack would repair Raina's power. It wasn't like the Derek character had rid her of mutation but rather switched her brain off so she couldn't use it. It was still here. He had tried various sentence combinations to try and undo what was done. He couldn't be sure if Raina had developed a resistance to him or if he was subconciously unwilling to order her own sister- either way his power didn't do a darn thing.

He'd thought about heading back home several times but didn't bring it up to Raina until he decided he was man enough to go with her. They'd both been cast out of the community for different reasons. The tribe didn't reject their gifts rather they were afraid and ill equiped. For the safety of everyone else- and since Naveed had killed someone he knew it was rightly so- the tribe asked them to leave. They weren't forbiddon to return... but it was likely unexpected.

He hadn't expected Raina to move things as quickly as she did. She already assembled a few people and a small pup and made flight arrangements as soon as possible. Naveed didn't think her friends knew what they were getting into with the tribe and the weather- but he was glad to not have to share the burdon alone. Plus he was starting to get attached to the little pup- not that he admit that.

The flight didn't seem to take long. Naveed slept through the whole thing. He could sleep anywhere as long as he wanted. Apparently he'd been next to a tantrum toddler the whole trip and he had no idea. That was Naveed for you.

The same nostalgia that washed over Raina when they had stepped down washed over him as well. She was optimistic and excited returning home. He was weary for her and her friends. He stayed close behind her as they travelled trying to beat the snow down underneath his feet to make it easier for the travelling companions coming behind him- though he doubted with all that fur and claws the cat woman would have any trouble with this terrian. He wondered what the tribe would think of her. She was the only one of the group with such a visual mutation.

Raina made jokes here and there about the weather but really Luke was the only one he thought would be effected. Kitty had her fur, and CS was likely used to cold things. Roughing it in terrain like this might be a bit of an adjustment but on the bright side this could probably count toward training for them or something- not that he understood how the mansion worked for things like that or anything.

As he came to a stop behind Raina and exchanged glances with her while she addressed the group he momentarily thought of Sapphire. The puppy yipped and brought him back to reality. His eyes fell upon those little houses. There was something forboding about them. Something that made even a man like Naveed shiver. His face was stone but beneath the surface his mind was raveging and wondering. Did they know he had killed? Had they figured out it was him?

The plane ride was less than pleasant for Sara. Poor Sam had the joy of sitting next to her and her claws might or might not of dug into his arm at take off when Sara grabbed for the arm rest.. .. .. Then again at the landing when she nearly ended up in Sam’s lap.

Durring the ride, Sara managed to sit there and stare at the back of the head in front of her. She wasn’t looking at the tiny room the seats were in, or the window that showed how high they were off the ground and Sara’s tail was thick and bottle brushed the entire time. No matter how much she tried to smooth the fur down. “Sorry about your arm, Sam.” Sara kept mumbling near him as they walked. Every time she thought about it, her nose darkened in a blush.

It was about 25 minutes into the march that Sara felt like she was even starting to gain her dignity back. This place felt so much more right than the city. For Sara’s nose it was like the sense was woken up rather than Sara purposefully taking in the different smells. Because the city was full of the equivalent of white noise to the nose. She could actually hear the wind, and her own heart without the motors or the horns, or the people. She couldn’t believe how clean her ears felt now that they could properly open.

She was dressed light for the weather. The fur of her face was brushed by the wind and down Sara’s neck. A leather coat was tied around Sara’s hips and a thermal vest hugged the turtle neck shirt she had chosen. Though she wasn’t fond of the long sleeves. She kept messing with them to make the fur on her arms lay straight. It was a loosing batter and Sara was thinking about just ripping the sleeves off. It she was sure her fur thickness was enough against the cold at night, she would have. Her feet were left bare. No boots ever fit and if she wore anything there, she was likely to fall on her tail. Cats use their toes.

Toward the end of the hike she found herself just behind Raina’s right elbow.

Planes, a way of transportation also a great way to be turned into a scratching post, he was lucky enough to sit on the isle seat next to Sara who was not a fan of cramped place, so between the cat woman’s nails digging into his arm and the flight attendant bringing the drink cart so it bumped into his elbow hitting his funny bone in the process Sam had a great flight.

He immediately regretted not offering to fly the X-Jet, which would have saved him the pain of the claw marks which Sara kept apologizing for and all Sam could say between gasps of breaths trying not to scream, “No Problem!” but in fact it was a problem, even if he wouldn’t tell her. Sam kept thinking about icing over his arm but decided against it, he figured ‘she wouldn’t do it again’, but every time he let his guard down she must have thought it was good timing to dig. The best part about the plane ride was towards the landing; she nearly jumped from her seat to on his lap. If it wasn’t for them touching down Sam was going to comment on the color change of her nose.

Once they stepped on the snow after a short march through the snow Sam extended his hands and reached for the stars that glittered in the night. He could see his breath and everything. It would have been could by everyone’s standards but Sam was walking barefoot because he didn’t want to get his shoes and socks soaking wet. The snow was crushed in between his toes as he walked; he loved the feeling of the snow compacting to his toes.

Cargo shorts to most would seem strange to be wearing in the coldness of upper Canada but the cold never bothered Sam, which was another reason he adjusted his the large black bag around his shoulder, nothing to big for Sam in the bag but blankets and a few changes of clothes not to mention his swim suit just in case. The blankets weren’t for him but rather for everyone else. He didn’t know how well they adjusted to the cold but he figured since his bag would be empty he might as well fill it with things the others could use.

Yawning as the houses came into view Sam grinned and said, “So who am I bunking with tonight?” half jokingly as he walked next to Sara and Raina. Looking at the few houses that seemed run down but were way more comforting than the run down shacks he slept in before he came to the mansion. “So when was the last time you guys were last here?” Sam asked curiously as he lifted his left foot off the ground to scratch his right back leg.

After their return to Paris, Luke & Raina had checked with everyone they knew at the mansion to see what could be done about getting her voice back. It seemed like anyone that might have the abilities to do anything was away or unavailable and even Naveed had failed. He had tried his best but somehow his own control hadn't been able to counter what Derek had done to Raina.

At first Raina had seemed rather depressed but then Naveed had made the suggestion that they try going back to their village. The very suggestion had seemed to perk the young woman up and immediately she began making arrangements. Luke had cleared his schedule of everything, completely ignoring the complaints and issues that Uncle Oliver tried to throw his way. Raina came first and there was no way he was going to let her go without his support.

Of course, when it came time to actually take the trip, Luke found out that maybe she didn't need his support as much as she might think. Not only was Raina's brother going but she had also invited Sara and Sam.

The flight to Canda was rather quiet and even though Luke had been sitting next to Raina they didn't talk a whole lot. It was obvious she was expecting and anticipating for something special to happen back in her home country and Luke could only hope and pray that she was right.

***

For the most part Luke avoided the snow, especially since he was so often trying to keep up the pretense of being blind. Anyone that thought about it would quickly realize you rarely saw a blind person out in the snow and yet here Luke was. He had dressed as warmly as he could and yet he could still feel the chill that was trying to push right down to his bones. Sweatpants and a sweatshirt formed the base layer and from there Luke had built outward for warmth. On his feet were thick woolen socks covered by Heavy Water-Proof Winter boots. Over his sweatpants were pulled on a nice pair of black water-proof ski pants that would keep him warm and dry all at the same time. Pulled over his sweatshirt was a Burgundy Hybrid Snowboarding Jacket.

Luke had stayed quiet for most of the hike as they made their way toward Raina's village. There was no need to be saying anything because he knew that just his presence would give Raina all the encouragement she needed right now. He was here with her and he wasn't going anywhere. For now, Luke trailed slightly behind Sam, Sara, and Raina. It was kind of strange... she was his girl friend but yet she had a history with both Sam and Sara that he wasn't a part of. As the three of them chatted back and forth Luke turned his attention to Naveed.

"How long after Raina left did you leave?" Luke asked quietly, turning his face toward the man even as his sonar continued to sweep the area, "Did you follow after you pretty quick?"

"Two years." Raina said turning to answer Sam. "And I didn't leave under the best circumstances." she wondered how much she should explain to them before they actually met anyone and how much she should explain now. "They're weary of mutation... some are afraid. They aren't bigots or anything..."she suddenly said defensively. "but they believe in spirits, in power, in mighty creatures. Tradition wouldn't allow them to keep me here when my powers became known. They were both amazed and afraid at the same time. They thought it best I go on a journey to both keep the group safe but also to better control my gifts." that would be enough for now. After all... Sam would probably be the first one to be declared a deity. A smile hung on her lips at that thought.

Sara came up behind her and she grinned. Of course she hadn't known the entire adventures with Luke- only what he'd said- but in her mind Sam and Sara were the perfect people to accompany them. She was nervous as how the elders would react to Sara. Some of the younger tribe were just as modern as her and could be open minded- Sara wouldn't possibly be the first mutant they'd ever seen... but for the elders who lived here in seclusion such a vivid mutation... well it would be a much needed shock as far as Raina could tell. As she approached the building in the center of the errily quiet place her stomach started to knot in anticipation. She took a breath. "Now or never."

With that she pushed the doors open of the community hall. She had expected to find it empty but there was a roaring fire and a small figure sitting in an arm chair next to the fire. The fireplace was at the furthest end of the mostly one room center. Between the figure and Raina were tables and chairs- a community stage off to the right, and bathrooms off to the left. It was a pretty standard community center- the walls were even covered with traditional paintings done by the young. Nothing to show that this was anything out of the ordinary.

Despite what Raina thought was the obvious noise of the door and release of the outside cold into the room the figure did not move. She entered cautiously. There was only the light from the fireplace. She motioned for the others to follow and her movements suddenly took on the air of a mission. Raina nearly jumped when the figure spoke with a soft but commanding femanine voice.

"Raina. You've brought friends. I've been expecting you."

Raina stared through the darkness in disbelief. How could this person know who she was so quickly? And through the pitch black?

"The lights told me you would be coming."

Then everything clicked. There was only one person in the tribe who would read the Northern Lights and she was quite elderly.

Raina's shoudlers dropped as she relaxed. "Shamen Sedna!" Raina exclaimed making a dash to the figure who emerged as an older woman eager for Raina's embrace.

"I was wondering how long it would take you child! The lights fortold your arrival for weeks! Of course I relayed this to the others. But you know how they get as the world modernizes. Even the older ones forget. The woman hugged back. In the light it was easy to make out the figure of Sedna. She was a smaller rounder woman with eyes dark and shaped like almonds. Her hair was long and gray but was pulled neatly back safe for a few strays. Her skin was darker than Raina's and worn with deep wrinkles. However she still retained an air of beauty. It was easy to see she'd been quite the catch in her day. She parted with Raina and surveyed the group in the dark.

"You brought Naveed. I know why you left. she said directly to him. "But I also understand. And I am the only one. I have not said a word. It's good to see you well. she nodded her head curtly as she made her way walking past the people as if they were her troops.

She stopped at Luke and stared at him - her eyes bore into his. "You are like Lumak" She observed. And with that she moved on to Sara.

While she addressed Sara Raina moved to explain to Luke. "I think she's probably a mutant. But our people revere her as a shaman- maybe even an old deity." she watched and added "Lumak was a blind boy in legend. He knew everything that was happening even when people tried to trick him. Legend has it a beautiful female Loon took him out to sea as if to drown him. After losing his breath three times when Lumak resurfaced again he could see." she grinned proud of herself for remembering the whole story from her childhood.

Meanwhile, Sedna was addressing Sara. "What a wonder you are child! The very epitimy of your guardian animal spirit. If I didn't know any better I'd say you were a spirit come down in form yourself. You have a very special purpose in life. A wanderer who guides." she grinned whole heartidly at Sara for Sedna believed she was gazing into the eyes of an animal goddess.

She moved to Cold Steel and looked him up and down. "I can feel your energy coursing within you. You are not unlike our Raina. We prayed and sang to the gods to send one of themselves down to us and when they finally did in young Raina she was cast out. she turned her eyes momentarily to Raina and then back to Sam. "I can feel an ellement of the earth within you- but you... you don't need to sing for it to appear. You're something else entierly. Something much more powerful." She stepped back from Sam as if a little awe struck.

She headed back to the center of the group. "You are expected. But we did not know when. I've been here every night. I hoped my energy would draw you to the center. As you can imagien your return will be met with mixed emotions. But we are your tribe and we will help. For now you should stay here for the evening. There's a storage room next to the bathroom that has foam mattresses and blankets. I will fetch you all something to eat."

With that Sedna took her leave out into the windy snow. It was now dark outside and the fire was a welcome warmth as Raina approached it. She let the silence linger for a moment and then she spoke up to her friends. 'So- what do you think of Sedna?" she smiled.


ooc: Be sure to check out the link on Sedna- really cool! I'll post an NPC for her soon as I get a chance. Please do write in your reactions to everything she does! And when you feel comfortable with her as a character please feel free to try her out!

"Two Years." Naveed said in unision with Raina. It was true the tribe had sent her away nearly 5 years or so earlier (he couldn't quite remember) but it had been two years since she had last been here. She came all on her own to check on someone who had been dying. She hadn't told him but he had found out and because they held the person in common he had followed her to check as well.

However he might of just blown his cover. "I wanted to see her too." he spat at his sister incase she heard him. Then he purposly turned his attention to Luke who thankfully had asked a question- he'd avoid explaining things to Raina for now. "We both were very close to someone in the community whow as dying. So she sneaked back two years ago to say goodbye to them and I followed." he explained.

"Raina left before me- that is true." he added surprised Raina had told Luke that much. "I left a few months afterwards under different circumstances. They do not know my ability here. I would like it to stay that way. " His eyes flashed red though he hadn't intended. He'd just ordered Luke. Oh well.. couldn't be helped now! "They know I left to take care of Raina- which is true" that and to get stronger so he could exact revenge on all those who opposed the ancient ways. Yeah, he had a bit of a chip in his shoulder about Raina getting the boot.

While he and Luke had been conversing Raina had discovered Sedna. Naveed had mixed feelings about Sedna. She always seemed to know things that she shouldn't. She made him feel less powerful. But there was a warmth to Sedna that was indescribable. Something anciently familiar. And for the soul fact that she upheld the ancient beliefs (even fought for them tooth and nail) in a time where people wouldn't even accept mutants let alone anything mythical.

Like Sedna Naveed didn't think he was a mutant. He knew he was a God. He believed he was a re-incarnated spirit sent here to restore things. He refused to think it was simply genetics. Naveed was special. He had a cause.

As Sedna made her rounds Naveed tried not to shutter when she said she knew. Of course she knew. He'd be an idiot to think he'd get anything past one as wise as Sedna. But she concluded she wouldn't elaborate on anything and he was content with that. He started having much more fun when she started assesing the others. Of course he had hoped she'd make comments about how weak they were.

Finally Sedna finished her speal and left everyone. He was quiet as he looked around the room and curious as to the reactions of the others. He'd spent many sleep-overs in this very hall. He had fond memories of it. Memories of a simpler time. When Raina spoke up her gave a half smile. "Sedna is Sedna." he said starting to move some of the tables. He'd start setting up while they discussed. He was tired again and wanted to sleep.

Sara Sighed. “Two years is a long time.” Sara chose to let her eye wonder and look at all the little visual distractions in their surrounding, as Raina continued on her explanation of why she had left. “It’s understandable then. I didn’t come here expecting to win a popularity conest.” Sara sad lightly. She’d never actually been in contact with people like this but she also wasn’t lacking in the education department. In her early years, Sara had been taught definitions and meaning of words by the people who kept her, but it wasn’t till she was out in the open that she actually understood words related to anthropology. People watching had become her best education. The information Raina gave wasn’t a complete surprise. These people were like her, in Sara’s mind. She hadn’t known or understood things till she saw them, and Sara still knew there were subjects in human nature that were still beyond her Care, knowledge, and grasp.

As they started walking again, Sara pulled at the longer sleeves of her turtle neck. Still not able to make her fur lay right under the fabric. “Sam, you have to be the only man I know who has to show off the tan on your legs, in the middle of winter.”

Once in the community center, a whole new world of different scents greeted Sara’s nose. The furniture held onto more smells than the snow or the wind, and Sara picked up on a number of different individuals that passed through the doors and sat at the tables. Her attention was drawn to the fire just before an older woman started to greet them. Sedna and Raina exchanged hellos and Sara let herself relax as the older woman began to make her way around them.

What a wonder you are child! The very epitimy of your guardian animal spirit. If I didn't know any better I'd say you were a spirit come down in form yourself. You have a very special purpose in life. A wanderer who guides."

Sara didn’t exactly know how to take this. The short exchange with Luke was nothing compared to being told what she was. Sara wondered most of her life. She still wondered, but guiding wasn’t her. Sara didn’t have the heart to disagree with a woman that just greeted her with so much respect though. It wasn’t often Sara had the luck of getting off on the right foot with people. Just ask Luke and Sam. Sara dipped her head respectfully to the woman. At least she seemed to have gotten Luke right according to what Raina had said. “Thank you Miss.”

Sara staid quiet till she was finished with Sam. It felt odd. She seemed to get everyone else right on the ball except for Sara, witch secretly confused Sara. She sighed as Sedna left, Sara padded Sam’s shoulder, on her way past him to help Neveed move things around so they would have a place to sleep. “You’re not going to let all that give you more of a fat head, are you?”

‘Two year?’ asked Sam to himself a she silently agreed with Sara, he like her had a similar childhood and he didn’t say anything because he had a feeling she knew what he was thinking. After he scratched his leg with his foot he looked to Sara and grinned, “I worked hard in Hawaii and I figured I’d show it off, can’t very well show it off at home can I?” he started laughing, “People might start to think I’m a mutant, not like the ice that has a tendency to shoot up where ever I go isn’t a dead giveaway.”

He looked to Raina as she gave her background of her village and nodded, “Showing off to a minimum then is it?” he sighed jokingly and shrugged his shoulders, “Guess I can try for you two then.” He let out a small laugh and kicked up some snow as he followed them down to the village.

As they approached one of the larger buildings that was placed towards the center of the village Sam couldn’t help but look around, small house after small house smoke stacks and it made the village give off an everybody knows everybody vibe. Something that reminded him about the mansion and something he enjoyed when he ran threw the small towns as a kid.

Once inside the building that screamed town hall Sam set his bag down by the door and rolled his shoulders slightly as to loosen up. Then immediately tensed up as a voice called out to Raina. It turned out to be an old woman but Sam didn’t loosen up until Raina and her hugged. Sam started at the woman gathering in all her expressions and features. They way she moved was like poetry she showed to be quite a warm old woman, which gave off the presence that she was beautiful once upon a time.

The way the old woman spoke she seemed to either have great knowledge or she was simply a pre cog, how else would she know they were coming? Unless some one made a phone call of some kind but he didn’t think that was the case. ‘Lights?’ Sam asked himself as he looked around ‘what lights could she be talking about? Guess I’ll ask Raina later…’ Sam thought as the old woman walked over to Luke and spoke, then Sara.

The old woman stood in front of Sam, as she seemed to be sizing him up like she did the others, he felt a little awkward as the old woman gazed upon him with those almond shaped eyes.

"I can feel your energy coursing within you. You are not unlike our Raina. We prayed and sang to the gods to send one of themselves down to us and when they finally did in young Raina she was cast out.” "I can feel an element of the earth within you- but you... you don't need to sing for it to appear. You're something else entirely. Something much more powerful."

Sam just blinked at her slightly in shock, he didn’t speak right away but rather blushing slightly at the old woman’s take on him Sam waved it off with his hand slightly then bowed his head and the upper half of his body to show respect to the woman. When she stood back and looked at Sam with a awe struck face he smiled and said, “Consider it a blessing I don’t have to sing for my powers to work,” he grinned and shot a glance over to Raina, “Not all of are gifted with voices like that” he then looked back to the old woman and smiled.

After the ‘Shaman’ left Sam looked around for something to do but he had questions about the old woman so he went to the one he trusted the most who had the knowledge, “Raina,” Sam said hesitating for a second to find the right words, “She is great but I got to ask, what lights was she talking about?”

Frowning to Sara Sam added quickly, “To late, my head is already swelling!”

"I left a few months afterwards under different circumstances. They do not know my ability here. I would like it to stay that way." Naveed answered Luke quietly before the sound of his voice changed. The last statement wasn't said in the normal tone of voice but instead with a power behind it that Luke had never heard before. "They know I left to take care of Raina- which is true"

Luke stood quietly, his mind suddenly arguing back and forth. He had no reason to tell anyone about Naveed's ability but suddenly that was a much stronger impulse than it had been a few moments before. "He just ordered me." A part of Luke's mind screamed in protest, "How could he treat me like that?" Luke doubted that anyone would normally realize that Naveed had ordered them to do anything but maybe it was because the two of them couldn't meet eyes. Luke knew that an order had been given but even with him knowing that, it would be difficult for him to fight it off. Not that he really needed to when it came to this subject but it was the principle of the thing!

He was still lost in through as everyone walked into the community hall. Really without even thinking about it Luke's sonar swept through the room quickly noticing a figure sitting over near a fire. Right then a voice rang out identifying Raina without the slightest hesitation. The mysterious woman named Sedna began to talk to first Raina and then Naveed before pausing in front of him.

"You are like Lumak"

Raising an eyebrow questioningly Luke watched the woman move off to face the others. Who in the world was Lumak and what did he have to do with Luke?

""Lumak was a blind boy in legend. He knew everything that was happening even when people tried to trick him. Legend has it a beautiful female Loon took him out to sea as if to drown him. After losing his breath three times when Lumak resurfaced again he could see." Raina explained quietly.

Nodding his head slowly, Luke accepted the information even as he continued to watch Sedna speak to the other two. Once again he was left behind. First off he had been left behind in powers by these other mutants and now he was barely finding out anything about himself. Sedna was providing all this information to Sara and Sam but all Luke got was a simple statement about how he was like someone from legend.

"So- what do you think of Sedna?"

"She's... knowledgable." Luke said quietly, his head turning to look out the door after the old woman. She was mysterious but he still felt somewhat gypped. Compared to everyone else her simple statement to him seemed to be something of a rip off.

"Sorry of my life." He thought with an inward sigh before turning to follow Naveed and Sara. He might as well help get the mattresses and then... then he'd figure out what else to do. It was a strange situation and Luke still couldn't wrap his mind around things. Why was it he always seemed to get the short end of things? Other than the fact that he was now getting to date Raina, what else in his life had gone right? The company he owned he couldn't truly claim, his powers were nothing compared to any other mutant, his latest manifestation of power he couldn't yet control, he hadn't been able to protect Raina when it counted most, and now this 'seer' or whatever had nothing more to say than to compare him to some old fable.

***

After the mattresses had been moved out into the main area, Luke slipped away from everyone and out the front door. Moving over to an exposed rock he took a seat on it and just stared off into the distance. He still wasn't sure what exactly he was doing here. Other than trying to take care of Raina he had no grand purpose to his life. He was just a guy trying to find his path in the world and thus far it wasn't looking promising. It was just like his sonar. He could see a hundred yards away from him but anything beyond that was was hidden. His life's path was just the same. He could see perhaps a few days or maybe even a week into his own future but beyond that it was murky shadows.

"What am I doing here?" Luke muttered quietly to himself, "Raina doesn't need me with her other friends around so why am I here?" His only answer seemed to be the cold wind blowing against his face.

Raina laughed at her friends reactions to Sedna. "Yeah. She's something. I thought you'd like her Sam. Officially she's the shawman for our tribe. But logistically she doesn't get to do a whole lot as the tribe modernizes." she was surprised Sam didn't get what Sedna meant by the lights- but then again to Raina it was quite obvious. "She was talking about the northern lights Sam." she grinned

She talked and explained while she stoked the fire and set to work moving everything. "But this was the easy part. Sedna knows our hearts in whatever way she does-" Raina thought Sedna was a mutant like her. "and she's easy to win over. I don't think anyone else is going to be so easy. I guess for once I can say it's a good thing our parents aren't around. They weren't exactly good for this kind of thing from what I remember."

Raina wasn't about to explain that statement any further but the preoccupation with a brief memory of her parents destracted her while Luke walked out. She hadn't noticed it as she continued unpacking and adjusting things.

--
Sedna was on her way back to the group carrying a pot of cooked caribou stew with oven mits and a bag of plastic utensils tossed around her wrist when she spyed the young man standing in the doorway.

She was silent in her approach as if she meant to pay him no regard but the instant her hand reached out for the door knob she froze. "Yes you are much like Lumak." she remarked. "He too killed the one that had wronged him." Raina had left that part out of the story. Lumak had killed his mother as she had tried to decieve him. With that one statement it was very clear in that whatever regard Sedna had any power... she'd definently just used it on Luke. "But such is survival." she said grimly leaving Luke to his own thoughts to return to the others.
--

Raina looked up as Sedna returned. "Mmm something smells good!" she exclaimed. Sedna smiled as she put the hot pot down on one of the near by tables and fished out the bowls and spoons.

"It's all you'll be getting from me today. Tomorrow you'll hunt for you own food in preperation for your vision quest."

Raina looked up with a shocked and somewhat confused expression. "Vision Quest?" she stamered out.

"You didn't expect I could simply wave a hand and make your voice work again did you?" well actually.... "No you must heal this injury yourself. Your friends have injuries too. I can sense it in them. They will all need spirit guides. But we can talk of this in the days to come. The elders will want to have their say. They know you've arrived now but they'll be here at dawn."

She stepped back to eye Sara once more. "I wonder ... if your spirit guide is truley feline would you split in two?" she said the comment as if it were nothing and went about her business but Raina wore an apologetic look of horror that she shot Sara's way. Sedna had a way of making uncomfortable observations.

"I think we're all set for the night Sedna. Thank-you for staying up for us." said Raina with a little bob of her head eager to get the woman on her way.

Sedna simply smiled and lingered a little longer before bobbing her head back and turning to leave. Raina made for the soup and lifted the lid to smell. "It's caribou." she explained. "Im not sure if you'll like it... but it's warm and there's veggies." she started pouring herself a cup feeling nervous for the coming morning.

Naveed winced at the mention of their parents as Raina went stammering about. "Dead." he explained staring holes into anyone in the room. "Raina doesn't like to talk about it." well that was obvious. He was a bit relieved to see that the others had enjoyed Sedna and was surprised she made no mention of little Star. But then again in a room full of mutants a wee pup could be missed.

Star was currently leaning against Naveed's leg panting away. He picked the mutt up under one arm and went to the bathroom to hold him under the sink so he could drink some water. When the pup had finished lapping it all up Naveed put him to the ground and he took off running with an excited chirp of barks to the fireplace where he curled up at the foot of the chair Sedna had been sitting in. "I like dogs." said Naveed. "So much easier to please than people."

He resumed moving the tables and went to the storage closet to pull out the matresses. There were three. He looked about the group. Raina and Luke could share one that would be fine... he suspected. But who of the remaining three people would share? He didn't think sharing a bed with a giant cat would be the best idea and resigned himself to the idea he'd likely have to share a bed with Sam. It wasn't the end of the world. He could sleep anywhere. He started rolling out the blankets.

Sedna arrived soon with food and he made a bee line for it. "I love this. I haven't had it in ages." he quickly took a bowl and poured himself some soup. "You shouldn't be so surprised to hear vision quest Sis." said Naveed. To the others it might seem strange to see the usually gruff and quiet Naveed so friendly with his sister. But Raina had a way of bringing that out in people- even her thick headed brother. "They don't believe they're mutants. It's all about the spiritual power. Personally I think it's just something psychological going on. This will do you some good. Help you confront a few things."

He knew full well that his sister probably thought a vision quest was a load of bull.. but Naveed believed in the power of these types of things. He knew it would help Raina to find her spirit animal as that would be a vital part of her identity. But this whole thing would help heal the wounds of the past. The Camps... the cop.

Thinking of the cop he wondered to himself if Raina had told Luke about the Cop. Personally Naveed would love to team up with Flloyd and Luke and teach good ol Rupey pants the meaning of pain. He wasn't sure Luke was that kind of guy... but of course if Naveed really wanted to... he could always convince Luke he was that kind of guy.

He sat smiling and eating his food. All the while dreaming of the ways he could exact revenge on Rupert. And overthrow the tribe. yeah, That was pretty high up there.

“To late, my head is already swelling!”

“Good thing I’m here to stop that from happening then, huhh.” Sara said as she gave Sam a gentle wap across the back of the head. “Seeing as I have that magic touch of guidance.” Sara got a sort of playful smirk on her face. “I bet I could take you on, even out here.” Oh no. Sara didn’t think highly of herself at all.. .. ..

Things were just about sorted out for their temporary living quarters when Sara noticed Luke slipped outside. She chose to give him a few minutes while she arounged her coat vest, and pack near a corner of the room. There was too much relief when Sara tugged her black turtle neck off over her head, so that she was just in one of her tank tops that didn’t bug the fur on her arms. The fur that had to be itched and smoothed not that it was all laying in the wrong direction.

” I guess for once I can say it's a good thing our parents aren't around. They weren't exactly good for this kind of thing from what I remember."

"Dead. Raina doesn't like to talk about it."

Sara had looked slightly confused for a moment before she looked back at Neveed and just nodded. She didn’t talk much about her possible family either. She chose to distract herself by looking for another mattress, mat or cot. Ok so there were three. That’s right. the cat could count, and a fourth cot would be nice so she didn’t have to share with anyone. In fact Sara wouldn’t share. Not after the plane ride and poor Sams arm that now sported her claw marks. Plus a few other principles. “I can make myself comfortable in one of the chairs.”

Sara heard someone at the door saying something, and it took her a moment to recognize the voice through the door as Sedna’s. She chose not to decipher the words, except for Lumak. Though at least it meant that Luke probably hadn’t gone that far. Sara finished folding her vest and turtle neck, just as Sedna pushed the door open and Caribou meat found it’s way to Sara’s nose.

"It's all you'll be getting from me today. Tomorrow you'll hunt for you own food in preperation for your vision quest."

"Vision Quest?"

Sara raised an eye brow at Raina. She didn’t know her own plan here? “At least the hunting shouldn’t be that much of a problem.” They had brought a predatory cat with them after all. Sara sort of assumed that was the mane reason why she had been invited. It had been a long time since Sara took down her own meals, but she’d done it as a teen, and was confident she could get her own meals again. Mean while Sedna went on.

"I wonder ... if your spirit guide is truley feline would you split in two?"

“Ummm.” Sara blinked. Her feline confidence faltered and she just sort of stared back at Sedna. Sara thought that she was use to all the little things that people said about the way she looked, and she knew by the tone of voice that this one wasn’t meant to be mean, like the others but as much as it didn’t mean to be mean, it took Sara by surprise. She could see Raina’s face in her peripheral vision and Sara finally laughed. “You never know. We will have to see.” The tip of Sara’s nose darkened as Sedna left. And she bit into her lower lip.

Sara sighed and with a quick glance around she decided there wasn’t much else that still needed to be done. She followed Sedna out the door, and headed straight for Luke. Sitting on the wind swept rock next to him. She pulled her feet up and curled her tail around her knees. Making herself nice and comfortable. “Sedna brought food inside.” Sara said lightly to him. “Incase you were too distracted to smell it. Should probably get some before Neveed eats it all.” She knew Luke well enough to know this was the thinking expression. She’d seen it during their last visit in the alley way when she knew he was judging her about ill gotten cash, and all her emotions were spilling out. “Sedna said that we’ll be visited by the tribal elders at dawn. They know we’re here, and just sitting outside isn’t the best of ideas in weather like this.” Sara's eyes swept over the dirrerent houses around them and her ears flicked back and forth. Her problem wasn't actually the weather, but the weather made a god excuse and a good something to blame for her worry about being around new individuals.

Knowing full well the hit was coming Sam did nothing to stop it, “You think so Sara?” Sam asked grinning, “Guess we will have to have a little contest and see who is better out here,” he let out a laugh out and then pointed to himself, “Be a terrible ice mutant if I lost toy you out here…” he then poked a little fun at her, “I’ll bet I can guide you head first right into the snow,” Sam the looked around and realized that Luke wasn’t back yet. It was cold out especially with sun down and all it would be rather cold out.

Turning his head to Naveed who was hard at work pulling the mattresses and blankets about for people to sleep in. Naveed someone he didn’t talk to much for no particular reason other than he came off as sometimes mean to his buddy Streak he didn’t know if that was because Streak and Raina were always talking or if it was more of a rivalry thing. Sam just smiled and said, I don’t need a bed either, think I’ll sleep outside for the night, can see the stars way better out here than the city. I plan on taking full advantage of that.” Sam yawned and stretched his arm and smile, “Which means everyone gets their own bed I Sara takes the chair,” he grinned and hoped that would be acceptable for everyone.

Taking the bowl of what was what he found out later as caribou Sam smiled at the smell, “Smells good,” he took a bite, “And tastes good!” the closest thing he had to caribou was deer but that was to far back to remember but from what he could remember it tasted nothing like this. His ears twitched slightly as he heard the hunting bit, “That I can do, this is after all my element,” he shot a challenging glance over to Sara and smiled as she spoke. Then looked back to Sedna and everyone else, “Hope you guys like fish, think I’ll need a net but other than that I’ll be set…” he had planned on trying fishing underwater, something that he had never tried in the artic before.

Sam finished his bowl of soup and stretched again, “Think I’ll turn in for the night…” he waved to Raina and Naveed and walked outside following Sara who left a few minutes after Sedna. He spotted Sara and Luke quickly after he left the building. He walked over to the pair as he heard Sara mentioning the weather, “It’s not so bad, I just got to find a spot to bunk down for the night…”

Looking to Luke who looked like he was thinking about something Sam asked, “Whatcha thinking about Luke? Penny for your thoughts?” as he looked around and decided that the best spot would be on the outskirts of town a little ways off.

(OOC: I'm using Sedna just a bit this post. Raina, let me know if I did anything that doesn't quite fit her personality.

IC:
"Yes you are much like Lumak. He too killed the one that had wronged him. But such is survival." The shaman woman had come walking through the snow carrying something that smelled quite good. Just before going in she had adressed Luke one more time and then dissapeared inside.

For the next few moments Luke remained silent, his sightless eyes continuing to stare off into the distance as he tried to understand what he had been told. Greg had died in Paris but Luke hadn't fought him because of what he did or tried to do to Luke. He had fought him and all the others because of what they had done to Raina. So how could it be that he had killed the one that wronged him when he had simply been defending Raina? Or was he making himself out to be to innocent. Greg's death had been an accident but it had been one that he wanted to have happen. The first time Greg had touched the woman, Luke had gone into a rage and all he could think about was killing the man. What kind of person did that make him?

As the wind began to strengthen slightly the door opened once again and the old woman came back outside.

"The others have a purpose." Luke spoke without bothering to turn to face her, "A power and a reason to use it. I feel lost. I may be like Lumak, but I am not him."

"The spirits teach us many things." Sedna replied quietly, pausing next to Luke for just a moment, "You are like Lumak but you are also like Luke. Before you can find your path you must find yourself."

"I hope I don't sound impertinent, but that doesn't help much." Luke spoke softly, a slightly wry note in his voice.

"It is what makes you, you. Rest. Answers will come."

Luke nodded slightly, his sonar automatically tracking the old woman as she moved away. She was still within range of his sonar when the door opened behind him once more and Sara walked outside. It made sense that in this small group is absence would have been noticed by someone and of the group, Sara and Sam were the two that could probably handle the cold the best.

"I smelled the food, but thanks for the update." Luke said with a slight smile, his head turning slightly as he heard the call of an owl off in the distance. Even in this peacefulness the sounds of nature were all around. A wolf's howl, the hoot of an owl, or the cry of the whales in the water some distance away. Life continued moving forward and everything had its purpose for living. It was strange but at this moment, Luke even envied the nature that surrounded him.

Just as Sara began to talk about the cold and the idea that they needed to go inside, yet another figure joined them.

“Whatcha thinking about Luke? Penny for your thoughts?” Sam spoke as he glanced around the area.

"Just enjoying nature while wondering why I'm really here." Luke replied with a tight smile as he slowly stood back to his feet and stretched, "I thought I was here to help Raina but now I just don't know. There's something about that woman, Sedna... about this place. There are mysteries here that I could never hope to understand and yet it feels like there may be answers as well."

With one last sweep of the area using his sonar, Luke turned back around so that he was facing the other two. "It is starting to get cold." He finally admitted, his smile natural once again, "And since I don't have fur or any ice controlling ability, I better get back inside. You two coming?"

(OOC: If anyone wants to, they can feel free to GMod Luke going inside.)