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What on earth just happened? A few seconds ago we were stuck on the ground for 17 chapters while Captain Tobyn was prevaricating over his flight plans? And now, I'm pretty damned certain that we are orbiting in Space. 🤪 Aren't you supposed to get some kind of warning about these things? All I can say right now is WOW. That was a totally jaw-dropping chapter that refused to let up. The show, I sense, has finally begun. 🦊🐺

You Wily Coyote, Kellar. Not only a Healer but a Matchmaker too. Great set up with Elinor and Denver: the first of many, if Elinor starts hounding you. No need to worry about Tobyn. You had him pegged right away. He just needs time to get used to the fact that his mom is not being disloyal to his dad and that he will likely have to share her with a new family member. Tobyn has so much growing up to do, in such a short space of time. OK, so Tobyn now has a vested interest, in not wanting to believe in earth mates. So Kellar won't be able to make any inroads there, any time soon. Personally, I really like the angry Tobyn so much better. Previously, he was so frustrating when he was all locked up in himself and refusing to share his thoughts. At least, anger is passion that you can work with and direct it into something useful. I loved the wake up scene too. Kellar is being really patient. A few more morning's like that and Tobyn might start to include his own happiness, in that long list of priorities he has got. We need you to keep this going Gary. Don't let Tobyn regress back into that shell of his. 😘

Sage words my friend. You're quite right. I'm judging Tobyn as if a longer period had elapsed. I do need to get in sync better with the timing of the story. I so much wanted to talk about other things: how the story's other characters were coming to life: Like Tilly having to consider what is in hers as well as Tobyn's best interests. A discourse that she has clearly been having with Adelin, while our boys have been elsewhere. Then there was that wonderful Wolf run scene again (I dont think I'll ever get tired of those) and Tobyn's reveal that that he knew Kellar would come looking for him (a really awesome touch, man). I do need to manage my frustrations with Tobyn better. The truth is that I may even be a lot closer to him, and his ways, than I care to admit. Oh please no! Shoot me with a silver bullet. 😱

How frustrating for anyone having to deal with Tobyn. Sadly, he is beginning to hurt, beyond measure, not only himself but also, those closest to him. He is clueless of finding an answer and may be becoming selfish enough, to consider the option of looking for his pipe-dream elsewhere. He started with a good heart and great determination but without wishing to be unkind, he is currently lacking in wisdom, experience and intellect. He is trying to fix matters of the heart, without listening to his heart and steadfastly refusing to seek advice from wiser people than himself. Sometimes people are just incapable of seeing the true worth of something until it is gone. The relative worth of what they once had, compared to what they are now missing; it has to be felt, not calculated. Go home Kellar and watch your earth mate follow, like a Wolf drawn to the Moon.

Now that was a pleasant chapter after all the torment we've been through. The kids were a fun loving, well adjusted, socially caring bunch. I doubt you'll find any bullies in there. Both Kellar and Tobyn were naturals at mixing with them too. Kellar is surely being charmed by his first experiences of this care-for-one-another community. Whether he stays or not, he is surely invested enough now, to make sure that this community, and it's kids, survive. The fertility issue appears to be a bigger one than we first thought. No live births since Bertram's 8 'and a half' years. Maybe Mountain Doc's healing skills can help here. As to what just went on with Tilly and Tobyn; well, it has been left to go either way. I happen to think that Tilly has been generous of heart, and having got her sister back, she has offered Tobyn the freedom to choose his hearts desire, whoever that may be. I'm sure Mace and Dane have already made theirs. Beautiful chapter Gary. Interesting prospects for a troubled evening ahead and an equally dramatic road trip with 'mom, tomorrow. So finely poised, to head in almost any direction. So why does it feel like the calm before the storm?

For me, this was the first time that I could see Tobyn as anything but an obdurate luddite since he returned to Morningstar. I was way beyond frustrated with him, up until this point. But now, we really get to see his vulnerability when Kellar asks him if he's ok and Tobyn has to turn away and swallow. I think Tobyn's stoic facade is beginning to crumble, as Miss Sybil indicated it would, a few days after earth mates meet. Tobyn needs to hear from Miss Sybil why he is increasingly ill at ease, when he is away from Kellar. In fact, he needs to hear everything that Miss Sybil told Kellar. Or maybe she has already had this conversation with Tobyn and Tobyn brought Kellar there for confirmation and to help Kellar understand what they are both going through. Either way, the two of them could do worse than share one more meeting with the Wise old sage and hear her advice for the good of everyone.

Oh boy, did that conversation with Miss Sybil need writing down. She proved to be a mindful of information about everything Shifters. So Kellar's name is Saviour Healer. Not only could that be prophetic, Kellar may also have a pack of other healers out there that may lead him to his parents ancestry. Miss Sybil's knowledge and experience about earth mates was also phenomenal. I particularly liked how She spotted Kellar's and Tobyn's connection: There was a hint of amusement in her expression. “Is Tobyn still sitting at the outside table?” “Yes, ma’am. How did you know he was there?” “Because you finally settled down. I knew exactly when he returned to the house. You know, don’t you, dear?” Most amusing of all was Kellar's lesson on the birds and bees, Earth Mate style, from Miss S. From the time you meet your mate, your connection is strong. But it’s only a taste of what’s to come after you consummate your union. We call it the joining, and it enhances your senses to an even higher level.” “I see.” He tried not to picture too much, but he couldn’t keep images of Tobyn from his mind. “No, not yet you don’t.” She showed a hint of a smile. “The joining usually requires a few days before it is complete. I may be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure that Kellar couldn't focus on anything, the old dear had to say, after that.

Tobyn is not one for thinking on his feet and dynamically reacting to change. While we can't question his loyalty, we can question his leadership skills. He looked up and set his course, to save the pack, a long time ago. At that time, that included marrying someone he didn't really love, at a future date, to procreate and add pups for the community. Unfortunately, Tobyn has never looked up since to see if he needed to re-evaluate his course, due to a change in cicumstances. It's difficult to be too critical of him, given his tender age and good intentions but there is always more than one way to skin a cat. With the Malaise and other illnesses proving the bigger threat to the community, it would seem that gaining the services of a very rare healer is far more important than focusing on any one fertile man or woman, himself and Tilly included. If only Tobyn could realise how much more he would achieve with Kellar in the pack; something that Kellar already told Elinor he was willing to consider, when he first arrived. Without a doubt, Tobyn knows what it would take to attract Kellar's services. The fact that Tobyn would help both the pack and himself personally, makes this so doubly frustrating. I suspect that it may become a question of just how long will it take for Tobyn to gain the wisdom he needs and how difficult must things become before he does?

Until this chapter Adelin and Tilly were really just names on a page. But now that we've got to meet them; seeing how close Adelin was to death, everything took on a completely new perspective. Naturally, the need to heal, became the sole focus and Adeline's miracle cure: a pivotal moment in the story so far. Almost drained of all energy, the camp's two heroes quickly drift off, into a deserved night's sleep. And who would begrudge them sharing a good night's cuddle, to make that happen? It might be easier, if the whole pack doesn't come running into their bedroom, once they hear of Adelin's wonderful recovery. On the other hand, it could open a way to keep the new healer in the community. If only Tobyn could act selflessly enough to offer himself as a partner to Kellar, for the benefit of the pack. That all makes sense doesn't it? Well whatever happens, its a far better outcome, from what was clearly, a point of despair!

Well that didn't take long for things to become unhinged. Poor Kellar is immediately wracked with Jealousy at the sight of Tobyn hugging Tilly and being just called a friend. He just wants whatever he can get done, over with, and then get out of there as quickly, as he can. The boys both admit the reality of their different priorities in life. As devastated as Kellar must be right now, I expect his nobler need to heal, will get him through the evening. But there doesn't look like anything but a miserable and lonely future ahead for Kellar. At least Tobyn has someone to look forward to. Darn you G. Where are you taking us with this? 😕

Loving all that easy banter on the drive to Morningstar culminating with the "bossy wife" taunt. Tobyn doesn't need any special abilities to read Kellar's feelings, when the big fella keeps dropping lines like: "that rock is now my favorite rock.” In fact, neither of them seem capable of hiding their close feelings for eachother: Tobyn letting slip with the “Sure you should have (Told me about being a Lumberjack). I want to know everything about you.” 🙂 I suspect that Kellar is going to struggle with this trip to Mornigstar. He's not used to being with another Shifter, let alone a pack. He's also contemplating spending time with Tobyn, or even a lifetime, but he also knows that Tobyn is a practical guy, and will do what's best for the pack, including the raring of pups with his existing girlfriend: Tilley. The nobler part of Kellar is telling him not to interfere in their relationship but his heart is begging him to reconsider. I'm pleased that Kellar got to see what a normal mother behaves like in real life, even if she did forget her manners. 😉

A salient point that came through for me was, just how vulnerable, Kellar and Tobyn are becoming as they open up to eachother. Tobyn knows that Kellar can read his feelings, so it's scant comfort that he can't read his mind. After all, his most important thoughts will end up as feelings anyway. Kellar is similarly breaking new ground, by trusting Tobyn, with everything he has learnt about himself but never shared before. What if Tobyn were to dismiss Kellar's understanding, for a simpler explanation, that any pack member would know. I wonder if Fendral's, extra umber colour will prove important later on. I suspect that some herb with the same colour aura will be needed as part of a cure for the Malaise, further down the line. 🤔 The two of them are on a tight schedule right now but they are already taking stock of important questions that they need to ask eachother, once things settle down. Things that the best of friends would do.

Kellar maybe physically capable of looking after himself, but his emotional vulnerability and loneliness keep resurfacing throughout. Almost a lifetime in the wrong sort of foster care has taught him to suppress his need for friendship. It's sad that he doesn't realise who Tobyn is referring to when he says he has a friend in the area. But true to form, the big man bounces back just as quickly, with that enigmatic smile of his. The whole explanation of how all the colours and patterns work was really fascinating. But I wonder why Kellar abruptly stopped and blushed in the middle of it. Was he about to divulge the unique pattern of "Desire" that both he and Tobyn had been exhibiting. Perhaps something special happens when they overlap. That would certainly be one for the 'box'. 😘 Really looking forward to seeing the impact Kellar has, on both the health and the group dynamics of Tobyn's pack. I suspect things will develop quite quickly from here.

Yes, thanks B. I'm beginning to realise the full significance of your remarks. Kind thoughts, indeed.

As if it weren't enough to deepen our understanding of everything Shifters (age spans, numbers, location, keepers, earth mates) the effects of the Malaise and the people in Kellar's and Tobyn's lives. You then have to blow us away with that final scene: that liberating, wild romp that resulted in them laying side by side on a flat-topped rock in the sun. And to have someone licking your face 😂. Enough to destress anyones day 😎 Brilliantly conceived and presented, once again.

G-man's story is spreading like the the tendrilled roots of an old oak. So much to comment on but I love that this is Kellar's world. Tobyn is having to make one exception, after another, not to judge Kellar's actions by the standard mores of the outside world, to which he does not belong. As a consequence, Tobyn has had to accept Kellar's huge junk in his face and hardness in his behind and pissing erect off the porch and not consider it, in anyway unusual. 🙂 Kellar is an independent, intelligent thinker. The whole sexuality dialogue was amusing, even if only for the fact that Tobyn couldn't shut himself up probing Kellar about his attraction to males. It took Kellar a full two minutes to consider all his male interactions before he came back with his measured response: effectively, a "just you!" Who could deny that we have anthing but two earth mates here.

Developing into an intriguing and charming story. Great to see that Keller is now fully independent, owning his own log cabin on a remote stretch of land. He has a caring nature and a fascinating innate healing skills, using colour auras to detect anomalies. Tobyn's arrival and Old Grey have taught us something about the malaise. Starts by weakening the senses and maybe increasing the desire to stay in Wolf form. We're seeing Kellar's impressive stature and striking half white, half dark chestnut looks, in contrast with the diminutive "rag doll" Tobyn. Funny that Tobyn woke up with Kellar's hand near his groin. Brings to mind the old adage of "trust me I'm a doctor". There's indications that Tobyn may want a family with Tilly but he maybe Bi having an attraction to Kellar. We haven't had any indication of sexuality from Kellar, though he's certainly comfortable hanging out au naturel, with other men. Great humour underlying it all too. The raucous call could have been a ‘thank you’ or a ‘fuck off.’ Maybe it was both. Rabbit Stew: “Love it. You can cook too?”...“You’re about to find out.” There's certainly plenty to keep our interest here.

Its a wonderful scene at the end: Kellar being able to Howl away all the years of abuse and neglect at the hands of the foster care system. Taking Warren's new Adidas sports bag and even getting the bitch to carry it to the car, sure would have made for the perfect trophy. I just hope that Kellar doesn't find out that his parents fatal crash, was inadvertently caused by his sudden and unexpected transformation into wolf.

"... burying its most tender spot in soft sand before the rest tumbled and rolled." I thought that's really got to hurt, until I realised that it was just his nose.🙂

The best part of this story is the way we can share in the entire personal experience of what it would be like to suddenly become a shifter. Every aspect is being meticulously considered, including all of the six senses, the whole gamut of emotions and emotional upheaval, intellect, personality and all of the logistical issues that would accompany such a transformation, for both human and wolf. This is way more more fascinating than numerous other stories, where all of this is a given and part of everyday life, for your average group of werewolves. Lets ride this journey! 😉

Yes! Hit that deck running Kellar! You've got a life to live and I've just arrived in time to see where it's going. I've not seen so many opening comments to a story. Its a first for me but for once I dont think i have anything new to add. 😉

Hope you're OK. Would be interested in seeing how you intended this one to finish, some day.

A real heart warming story about caring for life.

Surely, there's no truth to the sheep shagging incident beyond the traditional Welsh jibe or Duke revealing where the source of the Wellington boot tip came from? I'll just have to wait and see. 😉

Great to see that Bill, Danny and most of the students were prepared to stand up to Griffiths even when Lowry had allowed himself to be brow beaten into submission (bloody artists! 😉). I suppose Jock might offer to come clean about who wrote "Mr. Griffiths Shags Sheep" in return for Lowry attending the awards ceremony; throwing himself under the Kings horse, so to speak.