Eloin

**Eloin** is a red deer hind of the Home Herd.

## Appearance

Eloin is a beautiful, 5 year old red deer  with a smooth body,  sleek fur, a proud muzzle, huge eyes

In chapter 8, Eloin is now 7 years old. She has a smooth red coat, and her eyes are huge, proud and defiant. In the lines around her scent glands, she looks aged more than her natural span due to tragedy.

## Story

Brechin goes to see to Eloin, who is expected to give birth soon. Eloin is described as five years old, and had mated with Brechin late the previous winter. At four she was not exactly old to mate for the first time, but some in the herd whispered that she’d been holding herself back. Her pregnancy is unusually long, and she is one of the last hinds to drop her fawn. Brechin knows this is dangerous for both her and the fawn. Brechin's concern and affection toward Eloin confuse him, as red deer often separate after mating.

Non-traditionally, Brechin did not need to win her in The Rut. Occasionally a brave hind will attempt to choose a mate for herself. Eloin padded up to Brechin, and without even lowering her head, touched the base of both his antlers with her muzzle. He simply nuzzled her in return and walked away together. All agreed that their mating was made by Herne. Drail is very jealous, having wanted Eloin for himself.

Brechin licks Eloin to awake her, urging her to rest and be strong. Eloin informs him that she will be the last to calve. When he tells her of the council meeting, she urges him to be careful, aware of Drail's jealousy. Brechin promises he will, and when he returns, won't leave her until she has calved. As he leaves, he asks Bhreac to watch Eloin.

Blindweed joins Bhreac and Eloin and are with her when she gives birth to Rannoch. His birth nearly costs her her life. She names him Rannoch, after one of Starbuck's calves. She worries for Brechin after Blindweed tells her of the attack on the Outriders, and anxiously awaits his return. She doesn't understand why Blindweed wants to hide Rannoch's fawn mark, but seeing how serious he is, she agrees and allows him to cover it. Eloin is terribly sad when Bandach tells her of Brechin's death, but then is determined to protect Rannoch. She is told how Drail wants her, and Sgorr is coming to kill her fawn. When Sgorr arrives, Eloin speaks to him rudely and angrily for what he has done. She says she would rather die than stand with Drail, and when Sgorr implies she may be his mate in the near future, Eloin is in disbelief, stating she'd rather stand with Drail than him in 10 thousand years. When Sgorr asks to see her fawn, Eloin defends it, then steps aside, revealing Bracken's dead fawn which was swapped with Rannoch. Sgorr falls for the trick. Eloin threatens to eat poisonous plants, refusing to go with him to Drail, but after Blindweed, Bhreac, Bracken, and Rannoch are threatened by the Draila, Eloin agrees to go with them. She feels as though her heart is being torn out as she leaves Rannoch. She silently vows she will never have another calf. As she passes Bandach's body, she whispers a thank you to him, for giving them time to save Rannoch.

The night Eloin goes to the Home Oak, she grieves so badly for Brechin and Rannoch, Drail thinks she will die. But she grows strong again, longing for Rannoch. At anlach, Drail tries to mate with her without success. While the other hinds in his harem are dismissed, Eloin is forced to stay constantly at Drail's side. Eloin is often seen pacing the hillside and running up to where Brechin died, looking out eagerly in hope of spying Rannoch. Eloin is terrified when Drail receives news of a fawn with an oak leaf sighted in the herd. When Drail decides he'll kill all the yearling bucks, Eloin sneaks away to warn the selach hinds, and encourages them to leave with Bracken, Rannoch, and Bhreac. Many of the hinds believe Eloin is trying to trap them and don't trust her. As some prepare to leave, Eloin decides to stay in the herd, for she may have some influence to change Drail's mind, and if she goes, he will never stop hunting them. She emotionally says goodbye to Rannoch.

## Trivia

Coming Soon

1. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 179
2. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 11
3. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 56
4. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 197
5. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 11
6. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 10
7. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 50
8. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 179
9. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 11
10. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 12
11. ↑ Fire Bringer, chapter 4