Log file from Skywise. 3/21/2000 6:59:12 PM Skywatching branch(#3850RJ) You find yourself atop a thick branch, that could hold perhaps three elves. Looking up you see that the branches have grown in such a way as to let an opening up to the sky, allowing for easier stargazing. The view is excellent, as the leaves are starting to fall, leaving more openings in the canopy above you. The multi-colored leaves fall to the ground gracefully as your movements cause them to drop. It is a cool autumn afternoon. The father tree is quiet as elves and wolves sleep in their dens. Skywise has found a new place to gaze at his beloved stars, far away from the annoyance called Furr. Leaning back, arms tucked under his head and a twig in the corner of his mouth, he seem to be dozing actually. Shenshen clambers quietly up the tree, her head popping out of the hollow trunk as she spots Skywise. Aha. Her scent probably lingers in the air by now, but if he's asleep, she's safe. Shenshen scoots a bit closer, moving out onto the branch. "Skywise!" Her voice breaks the silence rather loudly--intentionally loudly. Skywise grimaces and his hands moves to cover his ears. "Shenshen!" he whimpers, cracking up his eyelids to look at the loud-spoken maiden. "Are you trying to get me to fall down?" "Yes!" Comes the indignant reply, and she gives him a hurt scowl. "Skywise, how could you? I thought you were my friend!" Well, she really thought they were more than that, but.... Shenshen slips out onto the branch next to him, her arms crossing over her chest as soon as she's seated firmly. Skywise rubs his ears and sits up better, looking at you with blinking eyes. "Do what?" He thought they were friends, even closer than friends sometimes. They have same view on many things, to put it that way. "What did I do now?" He cant recall playing pranks on Shenshen. Shenshen's little pointed chin goes up in the air as she stares at him with indignant green eyes. "You told Furr that you were taking me out on the hill just to be deliberately mean to him! And I fell for it! How could you do that?" Skywise's eyebrows move up towards his headpiece, a confused look to his silver- gray eyes. "Huh?" It takes him a moment to figure it out, then he rolls his eyes. "Aw nuts, Shenshen. You know me better then that!" Havent they been flirting around all the time, Furr or no Furr? Shenshen's righteous indignation fizzles as quickly as it arrived, replaced by a relieved look. "Really? But...he said you went up there specifically to tell him you were going to do that. Why would he lie to me?" Her brows furrow together in frustration. "He told me that he had brought the buck for me to make up for what he said. And then he said you said that about me. He insisted, even." "What, that I'd roll with you in the furs to get to him?" Skywise starts snickering now, this elf really needs help. "This is the same elf that said he had no intrest in you at all?" He shakes his head and leans back again, wiggling his butt on the branch. "You choose who to take in to your furs, Shenshen. And you know I will gladly share them with you, and not for the reason to get back at fur-head up there." Shenshen wrings her hands after a moment. "Well, I don't know! I thought it sounded a bit odd, but he was very insistant." A hint of a blush makes Shenshen's dark cheeks take on a dusky-rose hue. "I suppose that was pretty silly of me, wasn't it?" A relieved giggle escapes her. Skywise grins boyishly, which is his way. "Do I ever need a /reason/ to be playing with you, Shenshen?" Even if he did say that he would keep you distracted, it was words said in teasing. He reaches over and tugs you closer. "I think Furr left his wits somewhere." "I think he left his wits in the wrapstuff. Ember's right." Shenshen gives a small sigh, allowing Skywise to pull her closer. A giggle escapes her as she thinks. "You know, you never showed me those image-sends of the joining dance." Skywise's grin grows wider, his eyes narrowing when he does so. "I thought you said your head would turn to mush, if I did." He fuzzles the topknots, then slips a leg around Shenshen so she can lean against his chest. Beats falling off the branch. Shenshen slides up against Skywise, obligingly leaning onto his chest with her own. She turns, resting her chin on his tunic for a moment and looks up at him, batting her eyelashes playfully. "Well, I'd be willing to try it. Besides, my brain always turns to mush around you, you know. I think you must do it on purpose." One finger begins to play with a lock of her curly hair in a teasing fashion. Skywise plays along with this flirtatious attitude, a champion of such still. "Oh? Always?" He winks and curls his hands about the waist of the maiden, then gently prods to open a mind-link. You sense in a locksend to Ember, Skywise, Shenshen: Flashfire's presence surfaces. (Meant as a tribal-send) Been a bit of time since he'd gone off searching for Suntop, and it seems he's returned, though the send is flat and wordless. Shenshen's giggle dies in concentration, as she opens her mind a teensy bit to the mind-link. Still unskilled with her sending, it's a faltering, vague gesture, but all that an experienced sender needs to begin a link. **You'll have to help me...I can't do it by myself <>** You locksend, to Ember, Shenshen, Flashfire: ** Fur-cub! <> ** You sense in a locksend to Skywise, Shenshen, Flashfire: Ember's send echoes Skywise, anxious for news as well. ** Suntop? ** Her mind can be felt reaching past Flashfire in hopes of finding her twin. You sense in a locksend to Ember, Skywise, Flashfire: Shenshen's answering mind touch is soft and unpracticed, but still warm with concern. **Did you find Suntop, Flashfire?** You sense in a locksend to Ember, Skywise, Shenshen: Flashfire's answer is on the raw side, as his sending has been for a while now. Unrefined, and just sort of there. ** No.. ** He's mentally weary, and unsettled. He did not expect it to go this way. Skywise chuckles and keeps the link up, only to loose some of his concentration and playfulness to Flashfire's return. After knowing Suntop is not with him, the 'gazer turns serious and thoughtful. Shenshen's cheerful expression fades as the mind-link is interrupted, and it falters and dies on her end. **Still no Suntop?** Sadness tinges her thoughts, and she gives Skywise a worried look. **Where could he be?** "I don't know, but I have to find out." Skywise says, determined now to go find sun-cub himself. He gives Shenshen's head a soft nuzzle, then gently starts moving off the branch. You locksend ** Ember.. ** to Ember. Ember locksends ** Skywise? ** "Wait for me, I want to come!" Shenshen begins to scramble after him, her footing less steady but quite a bit more experienced in tree-navigation than before. One might think she's almost getting adept at this. "Surely Flashfire found something?" You locksend to Ember, Skywise seem restless and.. guilty. ** I have to look for him. ** Skywise helps Shenshen down the tree, even as he sends to meet Flashfire and Ember somewhere. "We'll ask him." As for the first question, no answer just yet. You locksend ** Where are you, Fur-cub? ** to Flashfire. Flashfire locksends ** Clearing.. ** You sense in a locksend, Ember is obviously anxious as well, though she's managed to hide it to most in the holt. ** I'm coming with you. ** There's no question in her mind. You locksend ** Clearing. <> ** to Ember. Ember locksends ** <> ** You walk away from the tree, back into the clearing that marks the entrance to the Lost Holt. Lost Holt Clearing Here is where the elves of Lost Holt gather for tribe councils, howls and receiving visitors from other tribes. This large clearing is fringed by slender saplings that have sprung up after the fire so many turns ago. The ground is packed in tightly and is covered now with multi-colored leaves that crunch under your feet as you walk. Elves have made the best of the leaves, piling them up in huge stacks and using them as something to lay down on and the cubs as well as the wolves enjoy tumbling in them. In the center there lies a stone ring used to keep the fire safely away from dry leaves. Off to the north you see the massive Father Tree, home to many of the elves of Lost Holt. It is a cool autumn evening. You hear hushed noises as the holt slowly comes to life as elves and wolves awaken from their daytime slumber. Alone in the clearing is Flashfire, his wolf-friend, Stormbrindle, already off and mingling somewhere with the rest of the pack again. As the others begin to show, the furry critter might be spotted taking a seat, rubbing his temples with the heels of his hands, shoulders and posture clearly slumped. Ember comes silently into the clearing from the base of the hill, beckoned by Skywise's silent call and her own mounting concern. Upon seeing her other brother, she crosses to him and crouches nearby to lay a hand on his shoulder. ** Flashfire? ** The send is soft and almost tentative. She wants to comfort, but is also curious and anxious and any number of other things at the moment. Skywise arrives to the clearing, accompanied with Shenshen. It's not that often one see the 'gazer this serious, but he is now. He stops short of the two elves, nodding to Ember before looking intently at Flashfire. After a second, he too crouches down and places a hand to the furry shoulder. Shenshen trails in with Skywise, her hand clutching his own, a worried look on her face. Her booted feet make almost no noise on the ground as she hurries over, then releases Skywise's hand, putting hers on her knees and crouching nearby, watching Flashfire's face intently, green eyes blinking. Flashfire just looks..worn out. It's a physical extension of his mental state, which isn't the greatest right now. "Looked all around and even tried sending as far as I could..nothing." he explains. He's back only because he couldn't go any further on his own without probably getting into danger. Like, if he tried to cross the desert. He glances up at the pair of hands on his shoulders. Ember's expression is tight with her concern. "How far did you get?" she asks quietly. It's not hard to see she's already thinking of following, too. And not surprising, Skywise feels a little responsible as well. "You did what you could, alone, Fur-cub." he says quietly, squeezing the furry one's shoulder before rising again. He is pondering something. "Did you look everywhere, Flashfire? Maybe he went back to the Sun Village." Shenshen's voice holds a quaver of concern, though she tries not to sound accusing at all. At least he tried. "He's got to be somewhere....could he have gone to the Palace to see Rayek? Poor Suntop." A fat tear rolls out of the corner of one eye and she sniffs, wiping it away. "I don't know..I could see the sand but I didn't try to cross it." Flashfire murmurs, rubbing uncomfortably at an ear of his before adding, "I don't want to think about him trying to cross it, by himself." It's an emptiness he feels, not knowing where Suntop is or how he's doing. It's almost painful considering the bond they've developed. Perhaps only Ember would know it better. "He's not dead, though..I'd know. You would, too." he looks to Ember. Ember nods, her expression tightening with consternation. "I would." she affirms. "I would know instantly." Her jaw tightens and she swallows, even as she gives Flashfire's shoulder what she hopes is something of a reassuring squeeze. Skywise crosses his arms over his chest, eyes to the ground as he thinks. Then, slowly he nods as if agreeing with himself. "I'm going to look for him." After all, Cutter did ask him to look out for Suntop, and he 'looses' him. "I doubt he'd cross alone. I will search other places first." Shenshen settles down in the grass, crossing her legs and looking from one elf to another. "Do...do you think the Mother of Memory would be able to find him? Could she send out to him?" She gives Skywise a surprised look. "Find him? Where will you start? You're leaving?" The questions spill out rapidly. Flashfire leans towards both his older 'sister' and his father's 'brother' as they seek to comfort him, unable to simply hide his discomfort at the whole situation as it is. What is it like to not know how someone closest to you is doing? Skywise must know what Flashfire is feeling, yes? "Can I go, too..?" he asks, in spite of himself. Ember blinks and looks at Flashfire. She glances to Skywise and then to Shenshen. In the end, though, she sets her jaw. Blood or not, the fur-cub is family and as bound to Suntop as she is. "Yes." she nods. "But you need some rest." And, yes, she's very concerned about her fuzzy brother, too. Not just her missing twin. Skywise looks between Flashfire and Ember, the two he's likely not able to argue out of following him anyway. He nods slightly, just as concerned about Flashfire. "Alright, you can ride on Skylark." The 'gazer is rested enough, and full of energy he never could 'waste' due to some interruptions. "I'm going too." Shenshen stubbornly proclaims this, standing up and dusting off the seat of her leathers. "You'll need a healer, and I don't think Leetah's going to want to leave the holt right now, and my herbs might come in handy. Besides, you never know when you might need a midwife." This trip is probably not one of those times, but Shenshen's not about to be left behind. "How much, Ember..? When are we going to go?" Flashfire asks Cutter's daughter, eyes lifting again as both she and Skywise decide he can come along again. It's only right..he should probably be there when Suntop is found, one way or the other. But what will Cutter say, do? "I still have Stormbrindle, Skywise..he can probably make it again too." He tries to stand, getting up slowly. Joints are just stiff, s'all. But he blinks at Shenshen's comment about needing a midwife. Maybe...a healer might be more preferable to that, of course. Ember looks between Shenshen, Skywise and Flashfire. "As soon as we can." she says decisively. "As soon as you think you can manage. If we ride our wolves, it shouldn't be too bad on you." That's mostly true, right? Skywise nods and steps up to support Flashfire against him, his eyes narrowing in worry at the fatigue the youth shows. "Are you sure you can manage, Fur-cub?" When Shenshen offers her company, he just nods. Not in the mood to argue at all. "You can mount with me then, Shenshen. And aye, as soon as possible. I'll let Cutter know." Best from him, neh? Shenshen nods emphatically at Skywise. "I won't slow you down, I promise. And Flashfire, you really should get some rest." The midwife's prim gaze is mildly concerned as she looks at her fur-nephew. "I have some herbs that might help you sleep, if you need them." For once, her tone is not acerbic with Flashfire, but a bit gentle. Could Shenshen be wavering in her feelings towards Flashfire? Flashfire leans against the supporting Skywise briefly, but tries to hold himself up on his own to prove he can make another trip. "All I need is a nap or two..I'll be fine. This is for Suntop, to find him." And Flashfire will push himself to limits he doesn't even know he has in order to find his brother. That's just the way it's going to be. Maybe his concern and self-sacrifice for Shenshen's nephew helps the midwife's view of him? "What..herbs?" Well, it seems that Windkin is finally rested from his first search for Flashfire and Suntop as he practically tumbles out of the air. Granted, it might also have to do with the fact that he is no longer wearing Glider clothes. Or maybe he's just accepted the -Now- and isn't going to worry about the past? But at any rate he somersaults down from the skies and doesn't quite land. Instead, he remains hovering. "Ayoooah!" he greets rather cheerfully before the smile fades as he looks at the others. "What's wrong?" He then notices Flashfire and an eyebrow quirks up, "So...decided to find yourself after all, huh?" Ember looks over at Windkin as he arrives. "Shade, Windkin." she says. Then, she turns back to Flashfire. "You need at least one night's rest before we go, I think." she says frowning. "Or else you'll have to sleep along the way." She really doesn't want him burning himself out. "Heyla, Windkin." Skywise respects Flashfire's attempts at trying to stand on his own paws, though gives Shenshen a long encouraging look about them herbs. "We'll leave as soon as Flashfire and Stormbrindle has rested." Gives him time to talk this over with Cutter, too. Shenshen immediately trots over to Flashfire's side, pointing in the direction of the storage den. She casts a glance back at Skywise, sending something privately to him. One small brown hand goes to pat Flashfire on the back encouragingly. "I have some comfrey and chamomile that if you chew, should relax you a bit. And some green-leaves that make you sleepy. You should be fine when the Sun comes up again." Her head tilts up in surprise as Windkin more or less crashes in on things, and giggles. "Hello there, Windkin. Are you going with us?" Shenshen locksends ** I'll give him some herbs that should knock him out for the night, even if he doesn't want to. He needs the rest. He's dead on his feet. ** Flashfire blinkblinks at Windkin's appearance, noting his new garb with a bit of approval before looking confused at the question. "What do you mean, find myself?" he asks, nodding almost as an afterthought to Ember's assessment of the rest he'll need. "Do you think I should have them?" he asks both Ember and Skywise, as Shenshen offers. He's never been one to take herbs to sleep. You locksend ** Alright, though no more then a night. <> ** to Shenshen. Windkin blinks and looks at the group, "Going with you? Where are you going?" He looks to the fatigued Flashfire and a bit of his grin fades, "I went looking for you a short while ago..." and he found traces, but no sign of the wolf-elf. You sense in a locksend, Shenshen giggles mentally. **Of course not. Just a light dosage. He should sleep it off and be fine in the morning** Furr walks up the hill carrying several ravvits which are hung over his shoulder. He blinks repeatedly at the number of elves present. Ember stands with her arms folded over her chest beside the tree that, only a few moments ago, Flashfire was leaning against. "We're going to look for Suntop." she informs the glider. "Just as soon as Flashfire here has rested." The concern she holds for both her brothers is evident in her eyes. Skywise nods to Flashfire at his question, his hand brought up to playfully ruffle his head-fur. "If Shenshen thinks its best." Turning to Windkin, he again nods. "Aye, best we search in a group than alone." And a mid-wife like Shenshen is handy to have, for more reasons than one. Shenshen smiles brightly as Skywise espouses her talents. "That's right! Now come with me, Flashfire, and we'll get you those herbs." She glances over as Furr walks in, giving him a cheerful little wave. "Hello, Furr. Hunting again?" She doesn't seem to hold her grudges long...either that, or she's easily talked out of them. Furr drops the ravvits near the gathering of elves nodding his head towards Shenshen. Windkin blinks and remains floating...yet somehow paused. "Oh." He has a few questions, but perhaps he should wait until Flashfire is rested to ask them. Such as where are they supposed to look? Flashfire's peripheral vision catches sight of Furr, but he doesn't actually acknowledge him. Might not even remember him that well, his mind having been so entrenched on finding Suntop. He just 'ohs' at Windkin, only looking more downcast. "I didn't even find Suntop, and his scent..faded out after a while. Couldn't track it any more." And he'll rest, he'll rest. Then they'll go, together. Surely the group of five will be able to look after each other well enough and have a better chance of finding Suntop than just Flashfire alone. Good thing he even made it back. "I could try the herbs, to sleep better." he acquiesces, coming to gradually lean against Skywise again. Tired. Perhaps the 'gazer can help him along. Ember comes up beside Skywise and Flashfire, then. "Come on, Flash. Let's get you back to your den. You need to rest now, I think." She glances to the others. "We can get the rest of the supplies together." Skywise props Flashfire up again, seeming pleased that he took Shenshen's advice on them herbs. Though, when he catches sight of Furr he arches his brows. After a quick glance at Shenshen, he shrugs and decides that whatever the other told the maiden, is forgotten by the maiden and thus by himself. "Aye." he says to Ember. Shenshen wraps her arms around Flashfire's furry one, tugging at him. "Come. My herbs are down in the storage den. Of course, they used to be allll the way up in Pike's den, but he and Skot kept knocking them over." Her cheerful mood returning with effervescence, she starts to ramble again. "So I had to move them down to the storage den. Do you remember that time that Clearbrook's wolf got in there and ate all my fur-leaf? That was so funny." She tsks in rememberance. "Poor thing had messy bowels for days. And you know, it really isn't supposed to cause that, but things like that happen, I guess. Don't worry, Flashfire." She pats his arm soothingly, smiling brightly at the others. "Your bowels should be just fine! In fact, they might end up in better shape than they are right now, what with the herbs I have." Windkin's feet touch the ground for just an instant before he is afloat again, "Where are we going to look?" That usually helps to plan on what supplies to bring. He finally notices Furr and the dead ravvits. For some reason raw meat doesn't seem too appetizing tonight. Not to say that burned would be better...maybe he just lost his good mood? All the words from the babbling Shenshen end up going over Flashfire's head. Then, he -is- pretty short, not that this fact has anything to do with this part. "I..okay.." he answers mutedly, hoping the herbs don't give him the runs. Windkin's question may be best answered first by him, since he did the initial tracking. "South..it went south before it faded. The scent. I didn't cross the desert, though." If others have ideas where to look, speak now or forever hold your peace. Or just wait until next time. Together, the others do more than enough to help Flashfire along. "We'll start by heading south, then." Ember decides, the chiefblood in her asserting itself. "And see what we find. If we have to cross the desert, we will." She purses her lips. "Maybe Savah will be able to reach him where we can't?" It's possible. "Or maybe she can help me reach him." Now, there's a thought... You locksend ** Didn't Suntop meet someone who could meet him on astral level, one some.. <> ? ** to Ember. Furr clears his throat as he speaks, "May I help in the search? In my time I was one of our tribe's best trackers." Skywise looks at Shenshen, even moves closer to inspect her lungs. Where /does/ she store all that air for the blabber, really! "Y'know Shenshen, you might not need the herbs if you're going to lull him to sleep with your tales." Playfully goodnaturedly, he winks to the maiden. After a brief look to Ember, he darts his eyes over to Furr. He opens his mouth, then clamps it shut and turns back to helping an unsteady Flashfire. You sense in a locksend, Ember blinks and looks at you... ** Aye... I can't remember his name... but... it was on the Islands. Beyond the Raft, I think. Though I don't know. Suntop met Rafters there, too... "What if Suntop doesn't want to be found?" Perhaps Windkin's thought is voiced even though he didn't mean it to be? He realizes the mistake but then shrugs. "It's possible, you know. I mean, he -is- like that..." Shenshen gives Skywise a mock-glare. "Silly. I'm not blabbering!" As Ember speaks up, she nods enthusiastically. "I bet Savah could help us. Let's go see her first?" She seems to have forgotten her 'aid' of Flashfire at the moment, distracted by the people around her. Not that she's the most attentive at times anyways. "And of course he wants to be found, Windkin. We're his family. Don't be silly." You locksend ** Uh huh. Maybe we can go there first. Windkin is right, but we can at least be near him neh? And don't let Furr go, he would likely snap at the elves we meet. <> ** to Ember. Flashfire isn't even going to consider that Suntop doesn't -want- to be found. Don't even go there, Windy. Please. "If Savah can help.." he begins, then pauses at Furr's offer. "There's no scent to track any more." he explains, gritting his teeth as he picks his legs up again and again to move along with the others. Ember regards Furr for a long moment. She chews on her bottom lip and glances to Skywise and then the others. Finally, her lips thin and she makes a decision. "No, Furr. We know Suntop best. If we can't find him, no one can." Her jaw sets firmly. "Besides, the tribe will need someone to stay here in case he comes back." Skywise looks in good mind to just pick up Flashfire, though will not embaress him like that. Instead he looks over his head to Shenshen. "Do you have herbs for stamina too, Shenshen?" Trust it to Skywise to blurt out with something like that, even in a serious moment as this. But he's in a lighter mood already, knowing they are going out to look for sun-cub. Windkin crosses his arms at h is chest, the wingflaps on his clothing covering a good part of his torso. "Am I to scout ahead then?" Or he could just fly ahead to Sorrow's End, see if Suntop is there, and then report back? But they probably want to see for themselves, yes? So they're going south...water then. At least for those on foot. "What can I do to help get ready?" He glances to the others, trying not to poke into any of the side conversations. Furr snorts and just heads back to his bush. Shenshen giggles at Skywise's question, putting a hand to her mouth to try and politely stem the laughter. "Skywise!" It sounds less like a scolding and more like a suggestion. She tugs on Flashfire's arm absently. "Come on, fur-nephew. You're falling over. Let's go to the den." She looks over Flashfire to wink cheerfully at Skywise. Flashfire frowns at Furr's abrupt departure, wondering why Ember's diplomatic answer was met like that. "What's wrong with -him?-" He's been out of the loop, forgotten a few things along the way. He likely wouldn't object if Skywise carried him off, either. No shame when one's worn out. "I'm coming, I'm coming.." he promises, managing a half-smile, picking up the pace. Ember watches Furr storm off. She scowls, but lets him go, turning back to Windkin. "Aye, windkin. That's a good idea. You can see more than the rest of us." she runs a hand through her hair, then, and watches the others depart. Skywise grins to Shenshen, then gives a gentle smile to Flashfire. He leans down and just picks up the smaller elf, then trundles up close to Shenshen. His eyes literally gleam, at his next comment. "You know, I can think of a better way of making someone sleep." Windkin watches the others leave as well before turning to Ember, "You'd know if he was hurt or something, yes?" He knows the twins have some sort of bond...he doesn't know exactly what. If he's still safe, why go after him? Ember nods slowly. "Aye. I'd know... But... He's 'not there'." she says, gesturing with her hands to try and indicate what she means. "I mean, I feel him, now, but I don't. It's like he's disappearing. Not dying. Disappearing." Which makes no sense, she knows. Flashfire whuffs as Skywise makes it easier on all to get him back to the den, holding at his arm for balance. At least he's not full or anything. But he -is- hungry. "I think I know what you mean, Ember. I..can't feel it like you, but.." Skywise looks over at Ember, hefting Flashfire a little. "I'll go talk to Cutter." After he puts the fur-cub to the furs. Does he need furs? Handy little thing, that fur. Windkin looks between Flashfire and Ember and just shrugs. "How long will we search? Until we find him?" That could be a while he thinks. "Or for a moon?" Flashfire does still enjoy the furs, yep. Just because he's got it too doesn't mean he sleeps in a bare den. "Until we know where he is?" Skywise suggests, at least to put parents and others at ease at where he is. Ember nods. "Let's at least talk to Savah... or maybe that magic user with the seaelves he went to visit. I'll know better then." Windkin gives a shrug. He'll go wherever as long as it's not back to the Mountain. "So we're leaving tomorrow night then?" Just so he can make sure everything is ready... Ember nods. "Aye. Tomorrow night. Just as soon as Flashfire's ready." You locksend ** Can we talk? ** to Cutter. Skywise nods and heads Flashfire up to the den, then goes about finding Cutter to inform him of the group leaving. You sense in a locksend, Cutter seems to have been napping but, is quickly blinking himself awake, **Come to my den?** You locksend ** <> ** to Cutter. Cutter is sitting up amidst the furs having just awakened. Obviously, Leetah is already up and about as she is nowhere in sight. Skywise sticks his head in to the den, his eyes giving that characteristic glow which a wolfrider will have in the dark. "I woke you, huh sleepyhead." He tries a nice light tone at first. Cutter smirks and nods as he rubs the sleep out of his eye with the back of a hand then stretches hugely. **You did.** he sends with the sleep still hovering at the edges of his send. His free hand scratches idly at his chest as he asks, **What's the matter?** "Flashfire is back." The 'gazer starts with good news, only to continue with bad. "He couldn't find or reach Suntop." He sits on his behind, resting his elbows up on raised knees. Cutter starts to smile at the news that Flashfire has returned but, it quickly falters at the revelation that it is without Suntop. He lets his head fall back against the furs and he just shakes his head with his expression looking purely miserable. Skywise sighs, feeling a little worse seeing the sire of the 'lost' cub upset. "I.. I'm going to go look for him." he finally says out in the silent den. It's his responsibility to do so, you know. Cutter blinks and pushes himself up on his elbows as his brows draw into a slight scowl. He starts to send but, abruptly cuts it off, knowing that you feel somehow responsible for Suntop's heading off on his own. Finally, he nods as he sits up, **Don't stay gone too long.** he sends and means it wholeheartedly. At that, the 'gazer grins. "You know me. Couldn't stay away too long anyway." He reaches over and nudges you playfully. Don't take much to make him all cheeky again. Cutter chuckles and nods, **Good. Just stay away from the mountain.. if Suntop's gone there, come back and we'll all go after him.** he sends and glances out the tiny window snarling in the direction of said mountain. Skywise thinks that is a splendid idea, if it happens that he /is/ up there. All go. "We'll go towards the Vastdeep first, to see if he sought this other elf's help. Then we'll cross over to Sun Village, to see if he's contacted Savah." Or managed to cross there himself. Cutter smiles and nods as he draws you into a hug, **When are you leaving and who's going with you?** he asks knowing by the we that there is definately more than one elf making this trek. Skywise gladly crawls in to that hug, his eyes gleaming. "Ember, Flashfire, Windkin and Shenshen." An odd group, but a solid one who all cares deeply for Suntop. Nope." Cutter nods, knowing that all are good choices to have go along no matter that Shenshen was claiming not too long ago that she never wanted to wear a pair of boots again. "We'll be leaving as soon as Flashfire has had some sleep." Skywise informs you, drawing back a little. "I can understand Flashfire's deep concern." Seeing he has almost same bond with you, only this bond is special. "You better talk to him before he leaves." Cutter nods and sighs as he gives the stargazer one more good squeeze, **So soon..?** he asks and it seems that he begins to miss you already. At your suggestion of speaking with Flashfire, he nods again, **I will.** Skywise nods, to both counts. He gives a wide grin, reassuring as ever. "See you soon, neh?" Cutter smiles, though there is a tings of melancholy to it, **You will be careful, won't you?** he asks more to reassure himself than anything else. "Of course. Unlike you, I have nice manners." Skywise takes this far lighter then his heart, but you would know that wouldn't you. "And you behave while I'm gone, right?" He teases you gently. Cutter grins and nudges you in the ribs as he lets go of you, **Me..? With my trollish ways?** he asks with a light hearted chuckle. Skywise chuckles too, tipping over at the nudge. "Exactly! Even the trolls think your manners are bad." Okay, that does it. Cutter dives after you with a mock growl, **They do not!** he sends with a startled send. Skywise nearly squeals, squirming away from the pouncing. "They do! Even Picknose would agree!" Wow, just digging himself a grave aint he. Cutter smirks as his hand grabs for a foot, "You'd better be glad that the river's too far away right now." he manages to get out. Skywise laughs and twists around, to peer down at you with his headpiece all crooked. "Bah, cold water does nothing but encourage me." To jump in to someone's furs, at least. Cutter snickers as he starts toward his feet, aiming to catch hold of you and 'make you pay' for that troll comment.