Log file from Wotm -- Ember. 04/04/00 8:56:06 PM


Field before Blue Mountain

   A single mountain stands almost unnaturally into the air before you, grand 
and solid. Boulders and uneven, sheer rock faces threaten those who wander too 
close. Huge cracks split the mountain's roots, down to the assortment of rubble 
at its feet and up, hundreds of heights toward the mountain's spindly peak. In 
either the brightness of day or under the light of twin moons, the entire 
mountain and all the rocks about it have a definite blue tint.
   The field, dotted with boulders, seems to end at the mountain itself. One of 
the larger cracks obviously delves in deeper, forming a short, narrowing cave.


Aroree floats down from the aerie above, just a spec at first, then she hovers 
overhead and looks at the scene before her with a sigh.

Ember stands beside her wolffriend, the others no doubt loosely gathered around. 
A hand up to shade her eyes, she stares up at the moment, awaiting the glider, 
actually. As soon as she sees Aroree, and thinks she's in earshot, she raises 
her voice softly. "How is Shenshen?" Doesn't look like the wolfchief's concern 
has lessened any over the journey.

Flashfire's been like a shadow to Ember for the duration of the journey, and 
though she stands he remains straddling Stormbrindle's back, holding a small 
handful of the wolf's ruff. With him is his spear, which he holds in his other 
hand, perhaps wondering if he'll need it or not. At the sight of Aroree and 
Ember's call, his eyes narrow slightly. She'd -better- be okay in there.

Aroree drifts downward "She is quite well, she has been well treated." her voice 
lowers as she gets closer and shouting is no longer necessary "Perhaps now that 
you are here she will be willing to come out and speak with you and you can 
convince her to leave."

Skywise is nearly standing on his bond, though bounces off as he catches sight 
and scent of Aroree. He trots up beside Ember, holding a hand up to narrow the 
view for himself. He sends, rather then raising his voice, even as he turns to 
check on the others with them.

Redtide is in the far back, though in front of 'his' group. His eyes flicker 
over the mountain, yeppyepp, he do so much prefer the ocean to this.

Ember nods in response to Aroree. "Can you bring her out here?" It might be a 
vain hope, but who knows? Maybe they can just walk away without ever having to 
go into the mountain. Wouldn't that be a treat?

Aroree frowns slightly, glances over her shoulder at the stone monalith she 
likes to occaisonally call home. "I shall see... you will wait here?"

Get Shenshen back and not even have to go inside? Now there's something that'd 
be just fine, to Flashfire. He merely nods, glancing to Ember briefly, though he 
doesn't say or send anything yet.

Skywise steps forward at that, hey he can go right? "If she doesn't come, I'll 
go with you?" Question and statement in one. Question for Ember, statement for 
Aroree.

You sense in a locksend to Ember, Skywise: Flashfire's send is a mild but clear 
protest. ** If one of us goes in..we all do... ** He might not want to, but he's 
already had this talk with Ember. Something similar, at least.

Ember nods. Oh, sure she'll wait here, if there's a chance Shenshen will be 
smart and come out. She looks to the others, eyes not quite betraying her 
apprehension. "Aye." she says to Aroree. She looks at Skywise...Her lip juts out 
as she considers it. A faint scowl comes over her brow. She glances to 
Flashfire, and begins to chew on the inside of her cheek. Then, she nods again, 
sending privately.

You sense in a locksend to Ember, Flashfire: Skywise patiently sends back. ** 
Aroree can carry me in, easily. Don't even need to be noticed. **

Aroree bites her lip, nods. never could refuse Skywise ;) and raises higher in 
the air again to return to the aerie. Now if shenshen is sensible and the Chosen 
don't interfere...

You locksend, to Skywise, Flashfire: Ember can see the advantage of both 
positions. ** But, what if you do get caught in there, Skywise? ** (Probably a 
good thing Shay'la's a rockshaper...)

Redtide stops a few steps behind the wolfriders, head tilting back to watch 
Aroree float up. Fancy trick, that.

You sense in a locksend to Ember, Skywise: Flashfire answers back quickly, ** 
With -her- inside? ** No question who he's talking about.

Skywise locksends, to Ember, Flashfire: ** Aroree said she's not there. (Earlier 
anyway). I can always get off one send, I'll let you know.. <<It's a logical 
solution, really.>> **

Flashfire watches Aroree off, the picture of suspicion. His golden-hued eyes 
then flit between Ember and Skywise, hopping off Stormbrindle a moment later as 
he waits to see just what Ember and Skywise will do. He is, of course, still 
below them on the decision-making ladder.

Cascade stands at the back, near her chieftain, quietly. She feels like a 
definite fish out of water here, and wonders why she ever wanted to travel away 
from the Raft.

Flashfire locksends, to Ember, Skywise: ** I don't trust any of them, Skywise... 
<<concern>> **

Skywise turns away and looks to Ember, his lips set nearly stubbornly. 
Apparently there are sends flicking between these elves.

You locksend, to Skywise, Flashfire: Ember grinds her teeth slightly. ** /She's/ 
never paid close attention to Skywise. Of all of us... He's right. It is the 
best idea. <<To start>> ** Directly to Skywise, she says firmly, ** But /make 
sure/ you call for help as soon as you need it. **

You sense in a locksend to Ember, Flashfire: Skywise sends a sense of 
reassurance to both of you. ** Of course I will. **

Silverthorn stays where she has stayed for most of the trip, right at the back 
of the small Raft holt group. In her hands she holds her silver braid, tugging 
on it unconsciously, staring up at the mountain, everything about her tense. 
Beside her, Fenris wags his tail and sniffs about the clearing.

Ember isn't happy. Her expression makes that very clear. She fixes Skywise with 
a particularly direct look. Her send evidently matches it, given the look in her 
eye. Her hands rest on her hips and her lower lip juts out just like her 
father's.

Even as serious as the situation is, Skywise's cheeky grin is never far off. It 
moves over his face quickly, as he nods to a send. He turns back around, to look 
up at the sky, waiting for Aroree to show up again.

Flashfire glances away from both Ember and Skywise, apparently not too pleased 
with whatever decision has been reached. To distract himself, he brushes a hand 
along Stormbrindle's flank, slowly. He's got a bad feeling about all this.

** This is it? ** Redtide's send is moderated, but suddenly 'breaking the 
silence.' He doesnt at all seem impressed at the mountain, then again, his 
domain would be water neh?

Aroree returns empty handed and looking somewhat puzzled

Skywise moves towards Aroree, frowning. "What happened?" he asks, looking up at 
the mountain, then at the maiden. Where'd she hide Shenshen huh?

Aroree blinks a few times and collects herself "Shenshen is... coming. She said 
to be patient she will be out in a moment."

Shenshen is being carried out by Ietro as he glides out of the mountain, an 
excited look on her face. **Ember?**

Ietro settles down on the ground just outside the 'door' as it shapes itself 
shut again, and sets Shenshen down gently on the ground, before gliding back to 
stand -very- close to the mountain, a little nervous looking.

Ember regards Aroree warily. "She would? From where?" She's not happy. Shenshen 
better show up soon, or she's going to get even more unhappy... As soon as she 
hears her aunt's send, however, she spins. "Shenshen!!!" Her eyes fly wide. Is 
it really possible? "Are you okay?" She rushes over to her. "What happened? Did 
they try to do anything to you?" 'They' actually means Winnowill and any 
nastybad chosen that might want to take potshots, of course.

Flashfire's hackles raise as he sees what Shenshen's wearing, then his lip 
curls. What have they done to her? "What..what are you doing, staying here?!" he 
blurts, leaving Stormbrindle's side suddenly.

Shay'la remains quietly in the background, the tall shaper looking up 
impassively at the mountain. She arches a brow as she sees the glider and object 
of this excursion. She then flits her eyes back to the closing 'door,' that 
holding far more interest for the shaper then the happy reunion.

Ietro darts quick looks at the wolfriders, the sky, their surroundings... ** 
These are your friends? ** he asks nervously of Shenshen, ** you will be safe 
with them? **

Shenshen squeezes Ietro's hand thankfully in return for the ride, and then 
begins to stumble forward, an airy giggle trailing through the air. "Ember! Why, 
what do you mean, am I okay? I'm just lovely! Isn't Blue Mountain nice? Look at 
what Ietro made for me! It's just lovely!" She gives a bit of a twirl for them 
to admire her garb, beaming. "How did you all get here so quickly?" She titters 
behind one had at Ietro's comment, just nodding.

Skywise looks around Aroree, then darts for Shenshen too. "Shenshen!" he skids 
to a halt though, eyeing what she's wearing. Puzzled, he stays a step behind 
Ember. As Ietro sends, he shoots a look at him, lower lip sticking out. "Safer 
with us than you." Even if she'll be spanked for this.

Redtide watches the reunion, then casts a glance at Shay'la. A send moves 
between them, before he turns his eyes back up at the mountain. Interesting that 
door.

Ember looks at the glider finery and tries not to grimace. She does flick a look 
at Ietro, though. ** She's my /aunt/. ** she says, trying to keep her tone 
polite. ** She'll be fine, thank you. ** She frowns at Shenshen. "We've been 
travelling for /days/." she reminds her. "Why didn't you come back?"

Aroree drifts downward "These are her people Ietro, she is quite safe with 
them." eyes the tailor, noting his skittish countenance.

You locksend ** We've been worried sick about you! ** to Shenshen.

You sense in a locksend, Shenshen's response is guilty. **I know, and I was 
going to come back sooner....**

Ietro nods, ** I... do hope some of you will be willing to stay with us for 
dinner this evening. It will be most pleasant to have more company. ** and , 
seeing all is well, beats the hastiest retreat you've ever seen- the door cannot 
open fast enough for him, he pushes through it, no doubt locksending to Malene, 
or whoever the shaper on duty is, to hury up...
Ietro slips through the magically shaped cave wall into Blue Mountain before the 
rock melts back into place.

Flashfire glares at Ietro for a moment. He's a glider. He wouldn't understand. 
That works, eh? "No, Shenshen..Blue Mountain is -not- nice! It's a bad place, 
with bad elves inside! Like Winnowill!" he blurts, no attempt to hide his 
concern - yes, concern - for her well-being. He's holding his spear still, not 
exactly brandishing it but not hiding its place in his hand, either. Just being 
protective, that's all. "We don't want to--" He doesn't even get to properly 
finish before Ietro's gone.

Aroree shake her head and mentions idly "ShenShen, how did you manage to get him 
outside?? He's never set foot out of the mountain in several milenia."

Ember continues to regard Shenshen. Her expression is tight, even once Ietro is 
gone. She pulls herself up, looking for all the world like her father, and sends 
again to her aunt.

Skywise has to blink at the hasty retreat, his ears picking up those stray 
comments here and there. He levels a look at Shenshen, but manages to not blurt 
out what he really wanted to say. Instead, he turns to Ember, tilting his head 
curiously.

Shenshen gives Ember and Skywise a prim, almost scolding look. "I've been quite 
safe. You two think I'm totally helpless and I'm really not. I've been quite 
fine, really. Tsoran hasn't even had the nerve to show up again, more's the 
pity. And Winnowill was quite gracious, you know. Though she has no idea where 
Suntop is." A worried look crosses her face again, and she gives Flashfire an 
odd look. "Winnowill was quite lovely. We had a nice little chat."

You locksend ** So, why didn't you? What would have happened if I'd had to have 
found /Mother/ and bring her here to look for you? ** to Shenshen.

You sense in a locksend, Shenshen just sighs. **Tsoran was missing, and I wanted 
to talk to Winnowill about...well, Suntop**

Ember's eyes fly open. "You told her he was missing?!??" All colour drains from 
her face (a real feat, given her dark skin!) and she covers her eyes with her 
hands. OH Highones... When she takes her hand down, her expression is pained. 
"/Why?/" Oh, this is not good. Not good at all...

Flashfire's jaw just..drops, oh man... "You TOLD her about Suntop???" he nearly 
shouts. That..was a mistake. A flash of worry strikes him, worried that 
Winnowill's already taken steps to get to Suntop somehow. Oh, this is soooo not 
good. It's all he can do not to tell Shenshen right here and now how foolish 
she's acted. Oh, his spear? It lies on the ground now, having fallen from his 
hand.

Flashfire locksends ** <<worry/concern/fright>> She..she's going to hurt him! **

Shenshen flinches and takes a step back as everyone begins to scream at her. A 
hurt look crosses her expressive face, and she abruptly bursts into upset tears.

Aroree clears her throat, wondering if this would be a bad time to bring up some 
tidbit of news...

Skywise gawks at Shenshen, eyes widening in shock. He's really in a loss for 
words, how could she after all the history.. He looks back over at Aroree, as 
she clears her throat.

You locksend to Flashfire, Ember is as consternated as you. ** I know... **

Shay'la continues to impassively look over the mountain, mainly focusing on the 
area of the 'door.' She seems totally disinterested in the entire 
conversation... having never met this Suntop anyway.

Flashfire locksends ** What are we going to do?? **

You locksend to Flashfire, Ember grasps for ideas, trying to pull herself 
together.

Shenshen's words begin to pour forth in a teary babble. "I was scared of 
Winnowill, you know, but I thought I'd be brave because Suntop needed me. I 
tried sending for him, but he was out of range. And you know she can send a lot 
farther than me. And she was really nice to me, just like Zirek." She pauses for 
a moment to draw in a gasping breath, wiping at her cheeks. "She said that she 
didn't know where Suntop was, anyways. And that he probably didn't want to be 
found." Her brow wrinkles in puzzlement. "I didn't know what she meant. And I 
know it was wrong, but I wanted to help Suntop." She begins to wring her hands 
anxiously, her excitement over her new clothes suddenly palled.

Redtide frowns slightly, turning to give his group a slight look and a send.

Redtide locksends, to Silverthorn, Cascade, Shay'la: ** If we go in, do /not/ 
leave my side. <<not like he needs strays in there>> **

Ember crosses to Shenshen, taking her by the shoulders. "Okay, okay, okay." she 
says quickly, trying to calm her, and herself, down. Even so, the consternation 
in her eyes doesn't fade. "We'll sort it out..." She looks back at the others. 
"If Suntop's not in there, then we should go back to the holt. Tell Father." 
Yes, this has gone way too far, now. Time to bring in the big guns.

Aroree drifts down near Skywise and says, very very softly "I spoke with 
Winnowill as well."

Flashfire's hands cover his face briefly and he drops to a knee, shaking at 
something. Fear for Suntop, probably. He can remember what happened when both he 
and Suntop were here. This could be worse. "You..we warned you..not to go with 
him.." he stammers, the words directed at Shenshen. "But you didn't listen.." 
And now what? In spite of her explanation, there's no doubt in his mind that 
Winnowill's already taken steps to gain some sort of advantage. It's just the 
way he sees it. Calm? What's that? Oh..right. Better gather yourself, wolfelf.

Skywise blinks and reaches up to climb? Aroree, looking in to those sad eyes. 
"And?" he urges her on, curious as a bug.

You sense in a locksend, Flashfire reaches out, knowing no better way than to 
work on calming himself again than by leaning on you.

Silverthorn shifts at Redtide's send. She swallows and nods, a hard light in her 
eyes as she fixes them on to his face. She moves closer to him, one hand 
straying to her dagger. Fenris raises his head and bounds over to her, tail 
still wagging.

Aroree looks over at the group, knows this isn't going to go over well. *sighs* 
"She... told me SunTop was in Sorrow's End."

You locksend to Flashfire, Ember tries to share what strengths she has. Her mind 
is racing to take in everything.

Aroree spoke softly, quietly... but was not whispering. assuming you aren't 
totally out of it you may well have heard that clearly ;)

Shenshen's face seems distracted in a send, losing track of the conversation. 
"Mmmm....." She says noncommitally, letting Ember put her hands around her 
shoulders.

Flashfire's head snaps up again as Aroree's words reach his keen ears. "Oh, 
no..." Then if Winnowill knows...

Shay'la turns her head to look at Redtide. Her brow arches for a moment, 
hesitating, before giving him a slight nod.. in response to which send, you can 
puzzle out on your own.

Skywise's eyes flickers back to the other two, and a tentive smile toys with his 
lips. "See?" Then, puckernuts. Winnowill knows he's there? "Did she say if he's 
alright?"

Redtide eases Silverthorn with a slight motion, no need to provoke anything. He 
in turn looks back at Shay'la, his eyes calm and steady. Good.

Shenshen gives Aroree a curious look, catching snippets of Skywise's 
conversation. "Who knows what's where?" She turns to Ember, pulling her close to 
whisper, "If you're looking for Winnowill, she might be gone again. She wasn't 
here when I came..."

Cascade's green eyes flick between her tribesmates, ending with the chieftain. 
She doesn't nod, but the sober expression on her face says a lot, considering 
her usual demeanor.

Ember turns to look Flashfire for a moment. Her expression remains tense as she 
sends to him. Her head turns to Skywise as she hears the conversation as well. 
"She /knows/..." Horror doesn't begin to name the expression on her face. As far 
as she's concerned, apparently all right or not, there's no way he could be if 
Winnowill knows where to lay her claws on him. At what Shenshen whispers, she 
inhales her breath sharply. "Oh, puckernuts!!" she hisses. That only serves to 
confirm her fear, not allay it.

Flashfire didn't hear what Shenshen whispered, and he's suddenly on his feet 
again and showing even more concern as Ember reacts the way she does. "What, 
what?!" he blurts, dreading the news already. Nope, this isn't good.

Flashfire locksends ** What'd she say? <<rushed>> **

Shay'la turns back to look at the mountain, for all intents and purposes 
ignoring the conversation around her, or at least pretending to. Her face is an 
impassive mask as her gaze drifts over the mountain, as if memorizing it in 
detail.

You locksend to Flashfire, Ember's tension has gone through the canopy of the 
trees by now. ** Winnowill has /left/ the mountain. **

Skywise's shoulders sag down, a hand moving up to run over his face. Stars, when 
will this end? And where's Cutter when they need him! Sinking down, he decides 
sitting on a rock to think is just as well. "She's gone after him.." he murmurs 
to himself, not aware.

You sense in a locksend, Flashfire -tries- not to let out a cry of distress. He 
manages, somehow, but you can easily feel the way he feels, probably the other 
way around, too. ** She..she went after him.. ** He just knows it.

You locksend ** <<That would be Ember's fear, yes.>> ** to Flashfire.

Shenshen begins to wring her hands again, looking anxiously from Ember to 
Skywise, to Flashfire, to the other mysterious elves that have shown up. "Great 
Sun.....is everyone coming back to Lostholt with us?" She gives them all a 
puzzled look. "We're a bit far from the Raft now, and it's silly to have 
everyone just come visit." It certainly doesn't seem like a friendly visit, 
after all.

Aroree shakes her head "I think not... she... she asked me to."

Flashfire whimpers softly at some pretty bad news, expression going blank for a 
moment before he glares at the mountain. Then, suddenly, he bolts for 
Stormbrindle. "Going..home. For father.." Feel free to stop him, anyone.

Ember has pretty much come to the same conclusion as Skywise. Her eyes flash and 
her jaw sets determinedly. She frowns, then, at Aroree's words. "What do you 
mean?" she says carefully. "She wants /you/ to go get Suntop for Her? Then where 
has /She/ gone?"

Skywise blinks, then double-backs at the speedy actions around him. "Fur-cub!" 
He darts to his feet and runs for Flashfire. "No! Wait." Got to hear all of it, 
before going running about y'know.

Aroree sighs "calm yourself please... she did not ask me to fetch him."

Ember spins, then, suddenly realizing Flashfire's actions. She sends and 
Burrtail goes pelting after him.

You locksend ** Hrim! No! Wait! Come back! I still need you here! ** to 
Flashfire.

Aroree looks from Ember, to ShenShen to the others, oh HighOnes, when did life 
get this complicated? a deep breath and she continues the tale. After all, 
Winnowill did not forbid her discussing it. "She told me Suntop was having 
troubles and that I should go help him."

Shenshen watches the others begin to dart away with a wide eyed expression of 
surprise. "Sun Bless Me. What a rescue party." She looks worried at the thought 
of Flashfire going to get Cutter, though. He's sure to be rather angry with her. 
And no Suntop to show for her bravery, after all.

Redtide steps back, at all the hustle, with a frown. What now? Didnt they say 
the elf they were looking for was not here?

Burrtail launches himself through the air in an effort to pounce and pin 
Flashfire. He's an extension of his elf, now, this wolf. And he's not at all 
concerned about Stormbrindle's reaction in the process.

Ember is torn between Flashfire and Aroree. "Help him how?" she asks sharply, 
eyes staying on her wolf's efforts to catch her brother, already beginning to 
move to bolt after them...

Flashfire may be fast, but he's not thinking straight and even Stormbrindle 
backs away from him, giving Burrtail enough of an opening to pounce on him and 
pin him down, on his stomach. "Ooof!" he gets out, grimacing. "Get off.." he 
blurts again, struggling at first before finding he's not going anywhere just 
yet. He's got enough to growl at Aroree, though. "You..you knew and didn't come 
tell us..?" He feels hurt, betrayed by someone he never even really trusted to 
begin with.

Stormbrindle's ears go back against his head at Burrtail's actions, but he 
chooses well and takes a few more steps back.

You sense in a locksend, Flashfire's send is hurt, sort of wounded and confused 
and distraught. ** Kai... ** he pleads.

Shay'la finally turns back to look at the gathered party for a moment, she 
arches a slight brow and then turns back to the mountain. The area of the 'door' 
once again capturing the shaper's attention.

Skywise dances aside, so he doesn't accidentally get knocked over. But it 
doesn't stop him from doing same as Burrtail, his own bond standing puzzled 
watching the happenings. He moves a hand atop of Burrtail's neck, reaching down 
to place a hand to Flashfire's shoulder. "She said she was being sent to /help/ 
him!" At least Winnowill herself didn't go!

You locksend to Flashfire, Ember sends strength to you, and what calm she can. 
** It's okay, Hrim. We're going to /find/ him. We'll rescue him. I /won't/ let 
the Black Snake near him. But, I'm going to need your help. Stay with me. **

Ember moves towards Flashfire, letting Burrtail get off of him. She kneels 
beside him and takes hold of him. "Come on." she says gently. "Just get up and 
stay here with me." Tension is written all over her face.

Aroree frowns "I didn't have time to" is her simple defense.

You sense in a locksend, Flashfire almost desperately clings to the support, 
glad at least you have some to offer. He didn't mean to react like this..but 
when he heard about Suntop and Winnowill knowing... ** You..need me? How can I 
help? ** he answers, carefully.

You locksend ** Because we can search farther /together/. We both know who 
<<Sahn>> really is. And, if Winnowill's involved, it may take both of us to 
bring him back. ** to Flashfire.

Shenshen glances up at Aroree, worry crossing her brown features. "Where is 
Suntop, if you were supposed to get him?" Her hands are clasped over her breast, 
their typical spot when she's tired of wringing them in anxiety. "Was he not in 
the Village?"

Skywise gets to his feet, turning to rest his gaze on Aroree. He sighs heavily, 
shifting between Shenshen and Aroree, he finally approaches the last. "Please 
Aroree, just tell us what is going on now." Before /he/ looses his mind too.

Flashfire ain't going anywhere until Burrtail lets up on him, and he isn't quite 
sure just what to make of Skywise's words. He doesn't trust the gliders, any of 
them. It's just that simple. But Skywise knows Aroree. Seems like they're pretty 
close in their own way. Must account for something, right? He slips into Ember's 
hold, not afraid to do so even if it gives off a more needy appearance. He does 
need the help, and he fights to control things again. "I,,I'll stay.." he 
murmurs, nodding to Ember afterwards.

You sense in a locksend, Flashfire can't argue with that logic..at least going 
farther together. After all, he failed on his own to find Suntop and had to come 
back. ** Aye..I..I'm sorry, Kai. I didn't mean to run. I just want him back, 
safe.. ** Just like you and everyone else.

You locksend to Flashfire, Ember reassures you as best she can. ** I know. I do, 
too. And, we'll find him. Somehow. **

Aroree looks at Skywise when she speaks, needing the strength of an non-hostile 
face to say what needs to be said. Her voice is low, as if it were just Skywise 
here and no one else. "I have a skill Winnowill believed would be helpful... 
Suntop, she said, is troubled by dreams. She told me to fly for Sorrow's End, 
and that I could use one of the bond birds for the journey... I was going to 
leave on the morrow."

Ember looks up at Aroree from where she holds Flashfire. Her expression is still 
intense as she waits for the answer to Skywise's question. By and large, she's 
rather unconcerned about the Raftelves now. If Winnowill's not inside, and 
neither is Shenshen, there's no chance of getting an apology here.

Ember frowns, then. "How does /She/ know about his dream?" There's a new 
wariness in her eyes...

Shenshen's gaze slides from Ember to Aroree in puzzled worry. She's suddenly 
lost track of everything that's going on. She looks over at Flashfire, a 
relieved look crossing her face. One less thing to worry about with that.

Skywise nods, a shade passing over his eyes as he realizes Aroree is going on 
the Snake's bidding again. "Did she talk to him?" he asks, speaking too as if no 
one else was around. Best that way, isnt it.

Yeah, how? Flashfire doesn't look any more comforted by how much Winnowill seems 
to know about things that'd been thought to be known to Lostholt only. He holds 
one of Ember's hands, cheek against a collarbone, letting his eyes shut just to 
listen..try to, anyway.

Redtide crosses his arms over his chest, only to roll his eyes and itch at his 
clothing. Right, back home to the sea for these elves, these pesky leathers aint 
one ounce of fun to wear!

Aroree sighs and closes her eyes "She did not tell me that, and I did not ask."

Skywise moves over to Aroree, his hand finding hers. He believes her, he's never 
had any reason to doubt what she says. "Why did she choose you to go?" he asks 
quietly, peering up at her. Now, that really tickles his curiousity see.

Shenshen gives a sudden gasp in alarm, moving to head back towards the mountain 
again suddenly. "I've forgotten my herb pouch with Ietro. I'll be right back." 
Now's a good time to sneak away, after all. Especially since they're all so busy 
harassing Aroree.

Ember glances to Shenshen. ** Stay here! ** Yes, it's a command. She's not 
losing her again if she can help it. Then, she turns back to Aroree. ** Okay. ** 
she sends, tired, now. ** Start from the beginning. Exactly what did Winnowill 
say to you? Where has she gone? What does she want you to do? And what do you 
know about what's happened to Suntop? **

Shenshen gives a guilty squeak as Ember's send pierces her mind. She stops 
abruptly, nodding and turning to watch her quietly. **I suppose the herbs are 
replaceable, after all.**

Aroree takes a deep breath, looks at Skywise sadly for a quiet moment, then 
looks away, at rocks, trees, anything but another elf. "I do not know where 
Winnowill is. And I know no more of Suntop's difficulties than what Winnowill 
told me. He is troubled by dreams."

Nothing new then, from Aroree. Flashfire almost glares at Shenshen's, er, 
foolishness, but that's hard to do when he can't quite see her from his current 
position. Good Ember, though. Don't let Shenshen out of your sight.

Skywise suddenly wishes he was ten feet tall, to be able to catch Aroree's eyes. 
Though, sends to hopefully catch her attention. This is like squeezing water out 
of a rock!

Aroree offers "If he is indeed in Sorrow's End, likely I can find more from him. 
Perhaps even I can fly him back to you."

Aroree is still looking at innocent scenery, sending to Skywise.

Skywise's head tilts, as if catching the scent of something odd but there's no 
smell. He tugs at Aroree's hand now, hey down here darlin! He continues to send 
to her, his eyes narrowing slightly at what he learns himself.

Aroree allows herself to be pulled lower, glances at Skywise briefly, then back 
at the shrubbery. No, can't look at him now.

Aroree takes a deep breath, closes her eyes and tells him.

Ember scowls, watching everything and everyone, now... If she weren't holding 
onto her brother so firmly, her arms would definitely be crossed over her chest.

Redtide looks to the wolfriders, then suddenly decides to go inspect that wall 
which his lovemate is so fascinated by.

Flashfire shifts against Ember, turning to stare at both Skywise and Aroree. Why 
are they keeping things between themselves?

Shenshen glances over at Flashfire and Ember, losing concentration on the scene 
unfolding between Skywise and Aroree. She's sure to hear about it later anyways. 
"Are you sure I couldn't go inside for just a moment?" She whispers, "I'll be 
very brief, I promise. And come right back out. It was such a lovely herb 
pouch." She takes a few furtive steps towards the door as the other elves move 
closer to it. Migration is a good thing.

Shay'la's eyes remain on the mountain.... not really worrying about what goes on 
with the other elves... or at least that is the appearance she gives. Her hand 
rests lightly on her hip, right above the hilt of her sword.

Ember looks sharply at Shenshen. A send flits out firmly.

Skywise's lips draws back in a silent snarl, at the private send. He just cant 
help himself there, honestly. He again tries to catch the sad eyes, stubborn as 
anything.

You locksend ** Leave it. Moonshade can make you a new one. ** to Shenshen.

Flashfire then blurts, actually glaring at Shenshen, "No, Shenshen! Don't you 
know how to listen?" Okay, so maybe that was a bit much, but he doesn't think 
so. "You're just going to cause more trouble!" That -was- a bit much.

You sense in a locksend, Shenshen's mental sigh is one of dismay.

Shenshen sends to Ember, then scowls at Flashfire, her hands going to her hips, 
resting on that lovely glider clothing. "Flashfire! How dare you! I was trying 
to -find- Suntop! At least I was doing something!" She gives him an incensed 
look, not an easy feat considering who she is. Her topknots fairly quiver with 
outrage. "It was more than you did, after all."

Skywise stiffens, eyes widening at what he now learns through the send. Even his 
mouth falls open, come hither, flies! In fact, he stands so still, one has to 
wonder if he is bothering to breathe. Then, suddenly, he proves that he did. 
"You /can't/ do that!" he exclaims, forgetting the others for real now as he 
reaches up to attempt to make Aroree look at him.

Redtide lifts a webbed hand and runs it over the surface of the rock, tilting 
his head curiously. Alright, so he's not as fascinated as Shay'la is. With good 
reason though.

Ember growls audibly. To Shenshen and Flashfire, she snarls. "Stop it. Now. This 
doesn't help and /I/ need to consentrate." She rises and spins on Skywise, 
crossing to him. "Can't do what?! What's going on?" She glares at Aroree, 
demanding, tired of being left out. "What do you know?"

Uh-oh...that was a mistake, Shenshen. Flashfire's eyes narrow to slits and he 
tries to worm his way out of Ember's hold. "You, you..." Curse it, he can't 
think of anything really suitable to say that's insulting, but he's thinking it, 
steamed. "More than -I- did?! I tried to find him right after he left, while you 
probably just rolled with Pike! -We- went to the island to see if anyone else 
saw him, and -you- let Tsoran trick you into going with him! All -you- did was 
make things worse by telling Winnowill about Suntop! Why--" He suddenly cuts off 
at Ember's growl, and perhaps his ears would go flat if they could. Wait..what 
did Aroree tell Skywise? What did he miss now?

Aroree has tears in her eyes, and no will to resist, legs fold beneath her and 
she settles to the ground lacking the heart to resist gravity right now as well.

Skywise has totally forgotten the others, even as Ember strides over, he cant 
let go of what he is sharing<?> with Aroree. As she sinks down, he is there to 
curl his arms about her, protectivly. Which must look rather comical, 
considering the size difference here.

Shay'la lets her eyes drift briefly to Redtide before turning back to the 
mountain.... besides all that is going on has nothing to do with her. She only 
came to get Shenshen out of the mountain... so now her only job is to keep the 
other elf out.

Aroree is not telling Ember. Sorry, Ember you know how much it took to tell 
Skywise?? far as I know he's the first Non-Chosen to hear tell ;)

Shenshen seems to flinch repeatedly as Flashfire lets into her. She says 
nothing, her lower lip sticking out in a small pout. "I did not roll with Pike 
when you were out looking." The words are small, and hurt. She was, after all, 
rolling with Skywise. "And I didn't make things worse. Winnowill wasn't here 
when I......nevermind." The small jaw snaps shut and she crosses her arms over 
her chest, the brilliantly green sleeves rustling with the movement. Her nose 
goes in the air and she turns away.

You locksend to Skywise, Ember's eyes lock onto you. ** What. Did. She. Say? ** 
The wolfcub is getting a little short tempered.

Ember ignores her brother and her aunt for the moment. As long as the 
sunvillager doesn't make a move for the 'door', her attention remains on 
Skywise. Her patience is /gone/, folks. Long gone. Her eyes are narrowed and 
there's a distinct sense of wolf about her. It's not wolfsong. It's wolf. Her 
twin is in trouble. It's that simple. Therefore, she wants answers. She 
/expects/ answers. No matter what. Another step takes her closer to the glider 
and the stargazer. She regards Skywise with an implacable expression.

Skywise closes his eyes and squeezes Aroree, not that it will help much to what 
he's now aware of. And, it seems he's only drawn closer to the sad-eyed Glider 
at this.

You sense in a locksend, Skywise seem so sad.. very very sad. ** I.. cant.. ** 
He just cant tell yet, he has to first comfort Aroree and also sort this all 
out.

Redtide even knocks on the surface of the rock, then turns his back to the 
mountain and looks back at the group. What by the tentackles of the squid is 
happening now?

Flashfire catches on a few moments after Ember stalks towards Skywise and 
Aroree, and perhaps it's good for everyone that he lets Shenshen be. Suntop -is- 
still in trouble, right? Right. He may be Ember's twin, but there's also a bond 
between he and Flashfire as well. Better share, 'gazer, and fast. He certainly 
doesn't look as stern or commanding as Ember, but he falls into place behind her 
and a couple steps to the side.

Shenshen continues to stand off to the side, her nose in the air and her arms 
crossed over her chest. She is not participating in any more of this at all. 
Hmmph! At least not until she gets a well deserved apology.

Aroree has her arms tight around Skywise who has his arms tight around her, 
seated on the ground, fortunately for Skywise. She is looking particularly sad 
this eve. Ember's looking angry and advancing on the two (apparently getting 
tired of not being told things) ShenShen's nearest the door, um... I forget 
where everyone else is though Shay'la's looking toward the door too.

Ekana stands at the opening of the opening of the mountain, or more specificly 
the former opening. Her hands glow as she closes it behind her. She watches this 
gathering from the slight height wondering for a moment just what is going on.

Redtide more senses, then sees something behind him. Spinning around, his eyes 
widens and he stumbles back a step. Not exactly used to having elves stepping 
out of rocks like that, who can blame him? And he's no wolfrider, on top of 
that. ** !! **

Ekana blinks and reaches out to try and keep Redtide from following, ** Careful 
**

Shay'la arches a brow as the 'door' opens, the Underworlder's stance shifting 
and her hand slipping closer to the hilt of her sword even as she watches the 
rock closely and carefully. She takes a step forward as the strange elf moves 
towards Redtide... No one ever said that the Underworlder was the trusting type.

Aroree releases Skywise slightly, to dab at her eyes with her sleeve, slowly 
regaining composure now that the truth is out.

Shenshen turns at the 'door' and the commotion nearby. "Ekana!" Her voice rises 
in a cheerful chirp once more, and she moves forward to greet her. "Did you 
decide to come with me to visit Lostholt after all?"

Ekana chuckles softly, ** Come on now Shenshen, we're outside the mountain, call 
me Wolfflame. **

Redtide flails a little, this is not water so he's not of the most graceful 
ones. Though, he manages to gain balance and take that steady step back now. His 
eyes flicker over the elf with two names, curious.

Aroree turns and blinks at a send, when did WolfFlame get here... blink. and 
When did Ember get to be so close and look so mad? she clears her throat 
"WolfFlame, These are ShenShen's folk... her to collect her."

Ember's eyes flit to Wolfflame, breaking the hard stare she gives Skywise for 
just a moment. Then, satisfied there's no apparent threat there, she returns her 
attention to the stargazer. ** Skywise... ** There's a low sense of warning in 
the send. Don't make her push, please.

Skywise cracks open his eyes and loosens his embrace of Aroree, only to catch 
sight of Ember and wanting to crawl up Aroree's skirts. Well, almost anyway. His 
head turns, as the other elf is announced.

Ekana ah hahs and nods, ** A long trip when we were going to return Shenshen. **

Flashfire isn't giving Skywise much of an opening to appeal to him, just in case 
he thinks of doing so. Sorry 'gazer..not this time. "What did she tell you?" he 
asks, doing a pretty good job of gathering himself again just after exploding on 
Shenshen. Quickly, he glances towards that opening just to make sure all is well 
over there.

Aroree looks at Ember, then at Flashfire. oh puckernuts. "Skywise... please... 
don't"

Shay'la relaxes slightly, but only slightly, her hand drifting away from her 
sword again. Since everyone seems friendly with this new elf then she can't be 
all bad. The Underworlder is still wary, but her eyes move from Ekana back to 
the 'door' again.

Ekana leans back against the stone idly watching. SHe was going to hunt, but 
perhaps she should stay here and keep an eye on things.

Aroree takes a breath, steadies her voice "I told him part of the why... 
otherwise I have already told you all that I know, please be content with that."

Skywise looks from Ember to Flashfire and back to Aroree. Talk about putting him 
on the spot! He nods quickly to what Aroree says, is a good thing to listen to 
her. It's obvious though, he's very torn here.

Ember turns her head away from Aroree for a moment. Her eyes close and her brows 
crease. Then, they open and she looks back at her, fire in her eyes, a send 
crackling from her, unheard by any but the flyer.

Shenshen moves to stand closer to Ekana, quietly, her attention drawn to the 
tall glider and the stargazer. What's there to say, after all?

Redtide backs off, until he's right in front of Shay'la. Guess there's a way in 
and out of the mountain huh, but does he really want to see the inside after all 
this hustle?

Flashfire sure can't help but see that look in Ember's eyes, and even he takes a 
few steps to one side. Poor Aroree..poorpoor Skywise.

Ekana puts a gentle hand on Shenshen's shoulder and murmers softly to her

You sense in a locksend, Flashfire is oh, so careful. ** Kai..? **

Skywise would likely stand up for Aroree, if it hadn't been Ember apparently 
sending to the maiden. He instead moves up a little, looking away from his 
tribesmates. His brows furrowed down a bit, before he turns to look at Shenshen 
for a second.

You locksend ** Let me be really, really, /really/ clear to you, Aroree. 
<<implacable>> Suntop is my /twin/. We share the same /soul/. You and I /both/ 
know what Winnowill is capable of. You and I both know that she has /always/ 
wanted to twist him to her dark designs. I will /not/, I WILL NOT! allow <<Her>> 
to touch him. And if you are in /any/ way putting him in danger by /not/ telling 
me /everything/ I need to know to /stop/ her, I swear by the blood of the eleven 
chiefs that come before me that you will rue this day for the rest of your 
cursed immortal life. <<Very strong alpha wolf, now.>> ** to Aroree.

Shenshen leans in to return the whisper.

You locksend to Flashfire, Ember is too absolutely focussed on Aroree to 
respond. There is a phenomenal sense of implacable alpha wolf about her.

Ekana nods once at the response, her eyes turning back to Aroree and Skywise.

You sense in a locksend, Flashfire meekly withdraws, not even daring to chance 
anything.

Aroree winces from the force of Ember's send and turns to look at the young 
chieftess and comes close to meeting anger with anger, the glider not being at 
her best right now "I Do Not Know! You think the Lord of Blue Mountain confides 
her heart to Traitors??! I have told you all I know. Yes! she probably means to 
use me for ill, you think I do not know that? I was -Hers- before. -If- she is 
not lying about your brother being in the sunvillage, -if- she is not lying 
about what afflicts him and -If- HE ACCEPTS my help I will help him."

Aroree pants after breath after that outburst and starts to regret it already.

Skywise is up on his feet, about half-way through Aroree's surprising outburst. 
Hesitating between standing up between the Glider maiden and Ember, he struggles 
yet again with this situation. Finally, as Aroree ends, he diplomatically sticks 
beside her, giving Ember a long look. "It's not her fault, she's.. " he 
swallows, hey this is not a good position to be in. "Don't push her." he then 
whispers, which should be loud enough for wolfriders to hear.

Ekana definately perks up at Aroree's outburst and takes a step forward with a 
frown on her lips. SHe's heard tales about this Ember.

Shay'la seems to be doing her best impression of a porcelain statue at the 
moment, dark eyes barely blinking and attention solely on the 'door' before her. 
Of course the shaper has always been one to be fascinated by rock... it takes so 
little to capture her attention... just the simple act of solid rock to doorway 
to solid rock... go figure.

** Help /him/. ** Ember demands, eyes still flaming, stance unchanged. And by 
"him" she means Suntop /and/, in fact, the rest gathered here. ** NOT Her. ** 
She's very definite about this. Her jaw sets and her nostrils flare slightly. ** 
You have defied Winnowill before. You do not have to listen to her, now. If you 
betray my brother to her I /will/ keep my promise. ** The promise in the 
locksend. She spares a glance for Skywise now, eyes glittering.

You sense in a locksend, Aroree's send is almost anguished ** there is nothing 
more you need know. ** there are other emotions in there, sorrow and shame, and 
ah, a touch of wounded pride.

Cascade stares at everyone rather uneasily during all the fuss. At a private 
send, her attention flicks over towards Redtide, and Shay'la who's not far from 
the raft chieftain.

Flashfire thinks he can figure our what Ember did - told Aroree, in no uncertain 
terms, to spill it. It's all he can do not to blurt out something more damaging, 
worried that Winnowill -does- have Aroree wrapped around her finger without the 
glider even realizing it. "Don't know why any of you trust Winnowill at all.." 
he does manage.

Shenshen takes this moment to pipe up, giving Aroree a puzzled look. She's just 
catching snippets of the argument. A hurt little gasp escapes her. "Aroree's 
going to capture Suntop?" She gives the tall glider a wounded look. And just 
when they were becoming friends!

You locksend to Aroree, Ember's overwhelming concern for Suntop breaks through 
her anger, a response perhaps to your anguish since it reveals some of her own. 
** I just want my brother back! ** There's consternation there actually. ** And 
I don't want Her anywhere near my family. ** It's bad enough that both of her 
cubs are in that accursed place. By choice.

Ekana sends openly ** We have had quite enough threatening here. I've managed to 
keep the Chosen from coming down to see what is going on, but I will not have 
you threaten Aroree. ** **

Aroree murmurs "no Shenshen, I'm not going to capture Suntop. I am not going to 
capture anyone."

"No she's not!" Skywise is really frazzled now, this is all getting a little too 
much. He sighs, then looks back and forth. Yeah, just what they need. Chosen 
eight to show up, gotta love those whips of theirs.

Ember stands there still, nearly trembling. Still, she regards Aroree. Her fists 
ball at her side. When her attention is drawn by Ekana, her expression closes 
off. She says nothing aloud still.

You locksend to Skywise, Ember is more than frazzled. She's just about at the 
end of her rope. ** Skywise! /What's/ going on?!!! **

Aroree sighs "Ember. I will do what I was going to do reguardless, and try to 
help Suntop if I can."

Shay'la arches a brow slightly at the mention of chosen... see she is listening. 
The look on her face for any who see it is something akin to 'I would give 
anything for a neat row of eight loaded crossbows just in case.'

Flashfire can't help but give Ekana a Look. ** Stay out of this. You don't know 
Suntop like we do. He means more to us than you can know. ** But, well, Chosen 
would be bad, yes. Aroree had -better- not be capturing anyone..feh! He 
approaches Ember again, growing more concerned about what all is going on, and a 
hand reaches out for her arm. Stormbrindle's trotted off somewhere, getting away 
from the tense scene.

You sense in a locksend, Skywise is very torn. ** Ember please, if this 
continues we'll not only get ourself in trouble. But Aroree too. <<And you can 
tell there's a definite protective thing about her he has, even more so now.>> I 
/can't/ tell you, just trust me! **

** What is this Chosen thing again? ** Redtide turns to talk to Shay'la, she 
should know what all that means neh?

Shenshen steps in front of Ekana...no, Wolfflame protectively, scowling at 
Flashfire. "Nephew! Don't you threaten Wolfflame! She's just trying to help!"

Ekana smirks at Flashfire's comment, ** Suntop is a friend of mine as well, but 
if you don't tone it down someone will come out and look to see WHAT is going 
on. **

Ekana sends openly ** REMEMBER where you are. **

Shay'la turns to look at Redtide, arching her brow up and momentarily giving him 
a look that speaks volumns... and those volumns being something along the lines 
of 'Do I look like a glider to you?' She does locksend something to him... but 
only he would know what.

Ember knows darn well where she is. /That's/ the whole problem, as far as she's 
concerned. They should never have been here in the first place. The looks she 
shoots Ekana is one of pure irritation. It doesn't linger there, though, since 
it also takes in Shenshen. Finally, she returns her attention to Skywise, gaze 
going flat and lips thinning into a thin white line.

You locksend ** Tell me she's not put Suntop in danger. ** to Skywise.

Skywise locksends ** If anyone can help him, /she/ can. **

You locksend ** But /how/! <<Frustration spikes>> ** to Skywise.

Ekana just shakes her head, disgust in her eyes as she watches Ember. She had 
hoped the tales weren't true but everything that she sees proves otherwise.

Redtide gives a 'Whut?' look to Shay'la. How is he sposed to understand all 
this? He has hard enough time understanding the whole Alpha wolf thing, even if 
he is very much the Alpha in his own tribe. But he's a FISH! Oh wait, no a 
seaelf, yes. Though, it seems he understands somewhat now.

** We know where we are. ** Flashfire answers Ekana, glaring at her briefly. 
Maybe there's a bit of Ember there? ** And I'm tired of hiding from gliders. ** 
Shenshen gets an...annoyed and dismissive look and he shrugs off her 'threat' 
comment. He didn't threaten Ekana at all - just told her to stay out of it. At 
least he didn't snap at her again.

Aroree looks over at Wolfflame, nods slightly and gets to her feet "This is not 
the place to discuss this... As you see ShenShen is whole and unharmed by her 
stay with us. I shall be leaving for Sorrow's End in the morning. I shall if you 
like go to LostHolt on my return trip with news." calmly, buisnesslike. 
collected once again.

Skywise looks back and forth, after locking eyes with Ember for a brief moment. 
Tomorrow? Hey, that is like, soon! He turns and looks back up at Aroree, a 
silent question.

'With news'? How about 'with Suntop'. /That/ would make Ember happier. Her gaze, 
however, remains locked on Skywise, waiting. She still expects an answer. Ekana 
means absolutely nothing to her at this particularly moment. (Sorry, E.)

You sense in a locksend, Skywise gaaah's. ** Trust me, I /know/ she can. **

Ekana sends openly ** Then perhaps you should remember just WHY Zirek is staying 
here in the Mountain. I don't see anyone worth his sacrifice. **

Redtide finally takes the time to look at Shenshen, the maiden who caused such 
havoc and ruined his party. Well, at least she's not within the belly of the 
mountain, all is good then neh?

Aroree's calm demenor is, of course, a flimsey mask, she is rather shooken up by 
events. Not promising with Suntop, that requires promising he will agree to come 
with her.

Ekana turns to Shenshen and offers her an apologetic smile. ** It was good to 
see you my friend. Safe journey home...I assume that is where you are going. **

Flashfire growls in frustration, managing not to snap at Ekana again, but rather 
stalk off a few feet. Then a few more. All he wants is Suntop back, safe. No 
more, no less. Well...Shenshen can be thrown in as well, he supposes.

Shenshen reaches out to clasp Ekana's hand sadly, a sniffle coming from her. **I 
will miss you, Wolfflame. Promise to come visit sometime, please.** She clasps 
her friend to her warmly, then steps back, wipiing at her eyes. She looks over 
at the others sadly....though can't resist preening a bit when she catches 
Redtide glancing at her.

Okay. /Now/ Ekana is worth Ember's attention. All emotion drains out of her 
small form. She stares at her for a full three heartbeats. Then, wordlessly, she 
glances back to Skywise. There's a simple nod of her head to him. She's not 
happy, but she's letting it drop. Burrtail comes over to her, whining softly. 
She kneels down beside him and buries her face in the fur of his ruff for now.

Ekana gives Shenshen a hug, ** I hope to be at the next festival in Sorrow's 
End. Perhaps we can meet there. **

Redtide's attention is drawn back to his tribesmates, and he nods to Cascade at 
a send. ** We need to camp, before heading back. ** Have feet to walk on, not 
them fancy furry rides. Flashfire not included in that catagory. Or.. nevermind.

Shay'la has no idea who Zirek is or what he has to do with anything... nor does 
she really seem to care. Actually the Underworlder hasn't really seemed to care 
about much of anything since leaving. She returns to her statue impression, only 
occassionally breaking the impression to have her eyes shift about warily.

Skywise sighs heavily and moves closer to Aroree, now that helps. It appears 
things will settle down slowly here, not a happy group but at least still 
outside the mountain and such.

Aroree closes her eyes, take a moment to breathe, opens them, looks over at 
Skywise, not sure what more she can say but needing to say something... "You 
will be at LostHolt?"

Shenshen nods absently at Ekana, glancing over at Ember warily. This mood of 
hers is almost....scary. Quite like Cutter when he gets into one of his 'moods'. 
Her head perks as Aroree speaks up, and she glances over at Skywise expectantly, 
wondering what her friend will answer.

Skywise looks up at Aroree and nods, even as he seem to have sent something 
privatly. "Aye. You will come, no matter what.. right?"

After getting far enough away from everyone to be apart, yet still within sight, 
Flashfire crouches and rubs his forehead with his hands, running them over his 
head a few times. He knows it's not going to do anything, but he still cuts 
loose with a desperate, wordless send, trying to find Suntop just in case he's 
not in Sorrow's End like he's said to be. No luck...

Ekana turns her eyes over the gathering, her eyes definately not those of the 
serene glider, but the fire of a wolf protecting it's home. Her eyes meet Embers 
(If she is looking that is) briefly before she looks over the others.

Aroree nods "no matter what."

Nope. Ember's got her head buried in wolffur. She dun' see nuthin'. Burrtail 
continues to whimper softly, nuzzling the maiden somewhat as she holds to him.

Cascade glances over at the chief and nods. Yeah, they need to camp, but here? 
** can we move a bit away from this mountain before camping? **

Redtide looks back up at the Mountain, and Ekana. Uh, yeah, guess it will be 
away from the Mountain. Hope he doesnt head towards the hoomuns now, as he takes 
Shay'la's hand and starts stepping down slowly.

Shay'la casts one last look at the 'door' and the mountain before following 
Redtide, her hand in his. No one should worry about him heading towards the 
humans since Shay could keep him in line even if she had to knock him out and 
drag him off by his hair.

Flashfire sits down slowly, tucking his legs beneath. Stormbrindle, like 
Burrtail with Ember, comes over to nuzzle him a couple times, pawing at a hand. 
The wolfelf's chin tilts back slightly, sniffing the air for something or other 
before he half-heartedly rubs his wolf-friend's ears.

Silverthorn follows close behind Redtide and the others, she having stayed 
mostly out of the events passing here. Fenris bounds along side of her, tail 
still wagging playfully, the cub unaffected by most of the angst about him. 
There is a look of quiet relief on the maiden's face. Yes. Time to go home. Home 
would be good.

Aroree holds out a hand to Skywise, a silent offer.

Skywise glances to his tribesmates, then takes Aroree's hand and steps closer to 
her with complete trust.

Skywise locksends, to Ember, Shenshen, Flashfire: ** Don't worry, I'll be back 
shortly. <<Something he has to do.>> **

Ember raises her head now, out of the fur. She looks over to Skywise, a crease 
coming to her brows again.

Cascade eagerly falls into step with her tribesmates, happy to head back for the 
Raft. Despite her earlier wishes to go atravelling, she is looking forward to 
getting back to the water. And out of these leathers.

You locksend ** Where are you going? <<concern>> ** to Skywise.

Aroree raises into the air, gliding magic encompasing Skywise as well and 
bringing him aloft with her.

Shenshen smiles faintly at Skywise's send and immediately moves over to Ember's 
side, pulling on her arm. "Niece! Let's get away from this mountain, shall we? I 
do believe it's making you get wrinkles."

Flashfire blinks at a send, suddenly darting his eyes towards Skywise and 
Aroree.

Skywise locksends ** She needs a friend, before she goes. <<And he is making 
sure, its /them/ she'll help.>> **

Flashfire locksends, to Ember, Skywise, Shenshen: ** What...? **

Ember nods, then, locking eyes briefly with the stargazer. She rises to her 
feet, one hand ever on her wolf's fur. Then, she nods to Shenshen and silently 
turns to lead the others back into the woods. This is a good place to leave 
behind.

Ekana leans back against the stone of the Mountain her arms crossed before her 
as she watches the goings on. At least her friend isn't being attacked anymore. 
She glances up towards the Aerie briefly as if to assure herself that the Chosen 
aren't going to stick their noses in things. ** I can show you a place where you 
can set up your camp for the night if you wish. And you are welcome to hunt **

Shenshen beams a grateful smile at Ekana, still pulling Ember away from Blue 
Mountain. "That sounds like a lovely idea, Ekana. Thank you!" She gives Aroree 
and Skywise one last, worried look, but then turns her attention back to the 
task at hand...namely, calming Ember's ruffled feathers.

Redtide will be the first one out of these leathers, have you any idea how it is 
to have one's fins tucked away like this?! He does glance over, when Skywise is 
taken away. Oh geesh, not another one? Then, seems like things are calm. ** How 
about fish? ** he asks, fish would be good.

Ekana nods, ** There is water nearby. **

You sense in a locksend, Flashfire's send is blunt, sudden. ** I'll be in the 
woods.. ** There's a heavy feeling to him, an emptiness. He's not..comfortable 
that now Skywise has left for the moment, but what can he do?

Oooh! Water?! Redtide nods slightly, not eager at all. ** Lead the way, then. **

Ember pauses, turning back to regard Ekana. Then, she glances to Shenshen and 
finally to Redtide. Oh, sure. Whatever. Into the woods and away. She swings up 
onto Burrtail's back and encourages him forward, leaving most of the others 
behind.

Flashfire rises to his feet again, frowning at the departure of Aroree and 
Skywise before he shuffles off towards the woods, pace picking up. He's not 
waiting on anyone, it seems.

You locksend to Flashfire, Ember's send is hollow. ** Aye. Just find the camp 
later. **

Ekana nods to Redtide and starts down towards the forest.
Ekana heads towards South
Blue Mountain Trail

You stand on the dusty trail that leads up to the base of the great blue peak 
that looms overhead, blotting out a portion of the sky, a darker blue dusted 
with greens. The trail is lined by massive old trees that provide shade from the 
sun, but taper out the closer you get to the rocky slopes of the great mountain 
that provides shelter for the Gliders.
To the north, the trail winds up towards the mountain proper. To the south, it 
extends back towards the river.

Ekana leads those that follow her down a faint path. She stops in a small 
clearing along the trail, ** Many find this a comfortable spot. ** she glances 
around briefly, ** Delenbae may be near here, so don't let him startle you. He's 
a healer if anyone needs it **

Ekana makes a motion towards the south, ** There is a river in that direction 
with some nice fish **

Cascade brightens at the thought of water. Lots of water is a good thing, cause 
it means fish. And maybe even - ** Is the river wide enough to swim? **

Shenshen smiles brightly at Ekana. "It sounds quite lovely, don't you think, 
Ember?" She nudges her niece chidingly. "They're being quite hospitable. Blue 
Mountain was really a lovely place to visit, though awfull dark."

Redtide nods to Ekana, stopping in the middle of the clearing. He looks towards 
the river, eyes sparkling. Oh yeah, a bath.. mmm.

Stormbrindle tags along with the others..apparently Flashfire has sent him with 
them and he's decided to listen. The furred elf's decided to go his own way for 
a time.

Ekana nods at this, ** I enjoy a swim there from time to time. ** she looks to 
Shenshen and nods, ** It is too dark in the Mountain, that's why I spend much of 
my time out hunting as much as possible. **

"Can we camp here?" Ember asks, voice neutral. She sort of nods at Shenshen's 
words, not entirely acknowledging them.

Ekana nods at the question, ** It is probably better here than in the field **

Redtide glances to Cascade, then heads towards the river. Leathers are peeled 
off as he goes, a nearly audible sigh of relief as his fins get air to them 
again. ** I'll catch our supper! **

Ember dismounts, then. She opens her pack and begins setting up one of the 
tents. Might as well. She has to wait for Skywise.

Shay'la briefly looks about and then simply nods... this place being as good as 
any other. It isn't like the Underworlder could truly enjoy everything about her 
being she has this aversion to the light and so tends to spend most of her time 
under wraps. She finds a place to sit and wait for Redtide to return with food.

Ekana watches a moment longer, ** Is there anything else I can do? **

Cascade just isn't staying on land, not if there's enough water to swim in. She 
takes off after her cousin, though has enough sense to keep an eye on where 
she's going.

Ember shakes her head, working on the tents as Shenshen wanders off to follow 
Cascade and Redtide (wanting to watch the male, no doubt). "No." she replies to 
Ekana. "This is fine, thank you."

Ekana nods at this and turns to go, ** I'll try to keep the Chosen away from 
this area. They don't hunt like they used to now that we do the hunting. *

You sense in a locksend, Flashfire's send is a bit on the faint side, but he at 
least gives you something to 'lock on to,' just in case. ** I don't know if I'll 
be at the camp tonight, Kai.. **

You locksend to Flashfire, Ember seems to actually understand that. ** Just 
don't go too far, Hrim. I need to know where you are. ** If only for her own 
sake. She really doesn't want to have to freak out over /two/ missing brothers.

Flashfire locksends ** <<Seems there's a slight, tiny improvement just hearing 
you call him by his true name>> I won't..I promise. I'll hide if I have to. **

"Good to know." Ember replies softly, finishing up on her tent. She regards 
Ekana once more. "Forgive me. But I /do/ need to hunt if we're to eat tonight." 
Redtide's fish just doesn't seem appealing at this moment. So, she'll rectify 
that /and/ work off some steam all at once. Good deal, yes?

You locksend ** <<satisfied>> Thank you. ** to Flashfire.

You sense in a locksend, Flashfire returns a quiet sigh and then goes quiet 
after a 'nod'.

Ekana nods at this, ** Good hunting ** at that she turns and starts to head back 
towards the Mountain

As for Flashfire, he checks in with Ember briefly, then continues to go his own 
way, not too far but keeping his distance from the others. Stormbrindle 
participates in the hunt, but not the wolfelf. He'll probably catch something 
small himself, and curl up someplace safe.