Synopsis: Tsoran bothers Flashfire and Ember before making off with Shenshen right in front of them. Panic ensues. Players: Lots. I know I'm not going to get them all here. Flashfire (logger), Ember, Shenshen, Aroree, Tsoran, Rena, Surfsinger, Silverthorn, Starsong, Pip, Windkin, and more. Logged: 3/26/00. Scene had begun before this log started. ----------------------------------------------------------- Waterfall - Surface - Raft Holt The waterfall towers before you, the surroundings so magnificent, everything coming together in perfect harmony here. When the daystar is up, the mist created by the water flowing down into the big pool at the base, create a faint image of a rainbow. A cliff juts out just by the waterfall - vines dangles down from a tree on the very edge, the grass thick and green up there. The sounds of the water rushing into the pool dominate the area, a crescendo that carries out into the jungles. The pool is naturally formed, a big oval shaped edging, a big stream running into the trees, heading for the ocean. A ledge, wide enough for an elf or wolf to pass has been pulled from the cliff face. It runs along it heading behind the crashing waterfall. The grass is thick and lush surrounding the pool, a few rocks and boulders closer to the very base of the waterfall provides perfect seating. Wildlife tend to drift this way, across the pool one can catch a glimpse of some creature wanting a fresh drink. The whole place is open, lined only by the trees which leads deeper into the forests, a path can be seen there. Midday brings the languid warmth of noon. The daystar is high overhead until it beings the slow fall into the west and sunset. The brightness of noon fills the chill winter skies. The sun high overhead dancing attendance. Contents: Shenshen Aroree Rena Ember Skywise's Tent Dreamy's tent Obvious exits: Tunnel Into the pool Cliff Waterfall Path Aroree is standing on the edge of the group, usual morose glider mode. Ember just got out of the water, Rena is sitting on the water's edge and Shenshen's... um... somewhere inbetween I think, just splashed water on her face, waking up still. Shenshen moves to settle down next to Rena, folding her legs under her. She gives her fellow villager a cheeky grin and begins to unconsciously straighten one of the lagging topknots. "Well, that's certainly true. And I suppose water between your toes is better than sand, right! And less snakes!" She gives another cheerful giggle. You make your way up the path to the cliff. Watcher's Cliff - Surface - Raft Holt The view from the top of the cliff is absolutely spectacular. Down below you lays a pool of water and the surrounding lush forests. It is an ocean of blues and greens, the color of water and the color of the wildlife blending in a brilliant harmony of color. The sounds of falling water blend with the sounds of wildlife to bring forth a brilliant symphony of sound. Water rushes from a stream in front of you down the face of the cliff to form the spectacular waterfall. The area here is full of life, lush grass surrounding you all the way to the water's edge. Trees and flowers are scattered about up here, lending more color to the whole scene. When the daystar is up the light from it and the mist from the waterfall create the image of a rainbow. The whole picture is one of peace and serenity, a perfect place for relaxation. When you are done relaxing you can even move to the edge of the cliff and jump down into the pool of water below, there is even a thick vine which you can swing yourself further out with. The water is deep enough to accommodate for the drop. For the less daring, the path back down the cliff is relatively easy and far less wet. Midday brings the languid warmth of noon. The daystar is high overhead until it beings the slow fall into the west and sunset. The brightness of noon fills the chill winter skies. The sun high overhead dancing attendance. Contents: Surfsinger Obvious exits: Dive Path Down Flashfire peers down, deciding to take the plunge just once, before his group goes. W H E E E E E !!! Waterfall Pool - Surface - Raft holt Cool, fresh water envelops you. Pristine blue and clear, the waters are a refreshing changes from the testy waves of the Vast Deep. The bottom of the pool lays far below, the exact floor shrouded in shadows. The deep waters make it perfect for diving, making every elf have to constant look overhead for daredevil divers falling from the top of the cliff. The pool is naturally formed, shaped into an oval. Water cascades down the side of the cliff, forming an elegant waterfall that rains down into the pool, causing an ever-present mist to surround you. A stream leads away from the pool, recycling the waters into the ocean. The pool is ringed in greenery, the lush carpet of the forest coming right up to the water's edge. A scattering of rocks and boulders wrap about the pool, providing perfect seating for those who wish to watch and not swim. Midday brings the languid warmth of noon. The daystar is high overhead until it beings the slow fall into the west and sunset. The brightness of noon fills the chill winter skies. The sun high overhead dancing attendance. Obvious exits: Climb out On land, Rena nods. **Much less snakes. But then again you have to watch out for sharptooths..** You climb out of the pool. Aroree mentions idly "not, I would imagine, in a small pool as this" Ember purses her lips, pulling on her tunic. "I think I saw a watersnake around the other day." she says idly, lacing it up. "But, no. There aren't quite so many here." Windwalker gives a cheerful wave at the gathered elves. That was a howl coming along right before the splash, and a few moments later a certain Flashfire hauls himself out of the pool, soaking wet. Immediately, he takes to shakeshakeshaking the excess water out. "Whoa..!" Shenshen gets an alarmed look on her face. "Sharptooths?" She glances around behind her warily. "I haven't seen any of those." She glances up at the newest arrival and offers a cheerful wave, her mood seemingly ebullient now that she's fully awake. "Shade and sweet-water to you." She turns back to Rena, giving her brief leathers a longing look, commenting, "I should have probably thought to--" Her words die in a shriek as Flashfire begins to shake himself off, raising her hands to shield her face. Ember turns quickly to see her fur brother shaking himself out. She grins widely. "Ayooah, Flashfire!" Actually, she's laughing as the spray goes flying everywhere. "Finally decided to take the plunge, eh?" Her eyes dance. Aroree takes a gliding step back to avoid getting sprinkled with water droplets from the shaking furry wolfrider with a slight, brief smile. Windwalker steps over to the pool, peering into it. "What was that about snakes?" No snakes there, just a wolfelf, wet. The shaking stops after the closest elves are suitably sprayed (sorry!) and Flashfire lets out a quick breath. "I can see why Skywise liked that!" he exclaims, fur all matted and stuff. [Rena had to go.] Ember looks at the new arrival. "Oh, nothing." she chuckles. "There aren't really too many snakes here. I probably didn't seen anything other than a water weed." Besides, she really just wanted to get a reaction. And Flashfire's plunge would have scared any snakes off, anyway. She grins at the furcub. "Gonna be fun to groom out." she comments dryly, tossing down the leather scrap she'd been using as a towel. "Want this?" A seat, you know. Away from the sand. Shenshen gives Flashfire a less than pleased look, tossing her hair back. "Hmph. I'm starting to wonder about the both of you." She settles back down in the sand with a patted yawn and watches the others for a moment. "Where is Skywise, anyways?" Aroree says "Some of the water creatures are quite good eating as well, eels and the like. I don't believe we ever caught snakes in our nets, though." Aroree perks up at that question, having as a matter of fact been wondering so herself. *sigh* Skywise... Windwalker grins, and makes for the pool himself. Windwalker slips into the cool water of the pool. DarkWing has arrived. Flashfire accepts the leather scrap and looks at it. Oh, it's to sit on. Okay, good. Spreading it on the ground, he then plops down on it. "Thanks, Ember." Then he considers Shenshen, confused. "Wondering what, about us?" He's just doing what's natural to him. A wolf gets wet, he shakes it out. "Skywise is probably off with the maidens.." The tall Aroree gets a glance afterwards. Has he seen her before? Hard to recall. DarkWing hovers in the sky, casting a shadow on the gathered elves. Aroree peers upward with a frown "I've a wish to speak with him..." Tsoran slides off DarkWing's back. Ember looks up at Aroree. "We'll tell him." she says. "We're likely going to be leaving soon." As soon as she can speak to Redtide, and pull Skywise off of the maidens' rafts. Shenshen gives Ember a moue of disappointment. "Leaving? But we just got here!" And she hasn't had time to meet all the men around, either! A shadow falls over her normally cheerful face as the large bird passes over, depositing Tsoran into the area. She falls immediately silent, looking at Aroree warily. Flashfire's eyes creep upwards at the sight of DarkWing's shadow, and he swallows. Erf. "Ember.." he begins, warily. Tsoran floats down, leaving Darkwing to find a perch on the nearby cliff. He hovers an elflength over the others. "Aroree." He regards the others, as if deciding whether they are worth greeting. Aroree offers Tsoran a polite "Good day Chosen, enjoying the festivities?" In the pool, Windwalker has disconnected. Ember looks up, noticing Tsoran's approach. She moves casually towards Flashfire and kneels beside him, beginning to work the water-matted knots out of his fur. Her eyes aren't quite as casual as the rest of her demeanor, though. She keeps at least her periphery on the Chosen. Ember locksends ** It's okay, Brother. I won't let him do anything. ** Flashfire's yellowed eyes flicker from the approaching Ember to Aroree, then lock on the sight of Tsoran, watching him with undivided attention. This, in spite of Ember's helpful grooming started up. She might notice tense muscles. You locksend ** <> ** to Ember. Tsoran's cold regard lingers on Ember, as well. "There have been some amusing moments, yes. Ah, there is the killer elf. Fortunately for her, Zirek has re-assumed his duties in the Mountain." You sense in a locksend, Ember's send relects your own. "Well!" Shenshen's forced-cheerful voice rings out. "There certainly are a lot of gliders here, aren't there? I'm quite impressed." She fluffs a topknot and glances over at Tsoran, giving him her best charming, dimpled smile, though it fades when he refers to Ember as a killer. Aroree's demeanor hasn't changed much, except perhaps the ghost of a smile which had been threatening to appear is long gone. "Charming as ever, Tsoran." Ember's jaw tightens, but she will not acknowledge the jibe. Instead, she continues tending to Flashfire's fur. "Are you, Shenshen?" she asks, her voice casually light. "I'm not. Not even the Gliders can stand the stench of their Mountain for long." "And how many has your chief hurt, Tsoran?" Flashfire's teeth show suddenly as he calls Ember a killer, regardless of how true it may be. Blocked by his wet body, one of his hands takes hold of Ember's ankle nearest him, just holding it. Aroree sighs and rubs at her temple briefly, an all too familiar headache forming "This is too lovely a spot of flinging insults." "My goodness." Shenshen's olive-green eyes widen in alarm at the suddenly ugly turn that the idyllic scene has taken. "I'm sure he didn't mean to call Ember a killer, now did you?" One finger idly curling in her hair, she glances over at Tsoran and offers him another warm smile. Aroree mutters to the Chosen "Tsoran, we are guests here, please apologize." Tsoran turns his attention to the diminutive Shenshen. "Shall I take it you are unfamiliar with the tale, then? Of this one's cowardly assassination of a defenseless glider? I would be only too happy to enlighten you." You sense in a locksend, Ember's teeth clench and she tries not to pull on your fur. Her mind begins to wrap in around itself, though, pulling back. Aroree gives Tsoran an angry look. "Merely a friendly suggestion, Chosen." You locksend to Ember, Flashfire's own sense of self discolors greatly at that, along with a mental growl. Moonfall steps out of the foilage from the waterfall path. Shenshen gives Tsoran a rather blank look. "Why, I do seem to recall my sister saying something about that, but I confess, I really didn't pay much attention. Why, Ember's too sweet to harm a ravvit, even." She gives a light giggle, tossing her hair in a flirtatious gesture. "And of course she's not a coward. Don't be silly. Now, what I really want to know is--how did you ever get your bird so big?" Trust Shenshen to try and change the subject to something inane. Aroree looks a bit agitated, wrapping her arms about herself tightly, that last sending hitting a bit too close to the mark. Assassination of a /defenseless/ glider? /Defenseless/?!?? Sar? Ember's jaw tightens. It is a phenomenal act of will that keeps her from launching herself at Tsoran, despite Flashfire's hand on her ankle. Even so, she, for one, will try to remember she's a guest here. ** He knows nothing. ** she sends coldly, her voice flat. Tsoran floats down, landing in front of Shenshen. He does appear to be ignoring Flashfire and Ember, for good or bad. "His name is Darkwing. He is only dangerous if I want him to be." Aroree frowns, glancing from Ember and back to Tsoran again, wondering, and not liking the thoughts that brings. Tsoran locksends ** What an interesting couple. Do you care for the elfkiller, Flashfire? ** Flashfire has heard the tales about Ember and Sar, and from what he knows, Tsoran's hardly being truthful. "You're crazy, Tsoran. To think that he was defenseless??" It's meant more to bait Ember, but seems to bother him just as much as he gets to his feet, though he stays right next to big sister. Aroree moves closer to the wet wolfrider and fiery chieftess, a slow, carefully measured glide to place her in a spot where, high one's help us, she may be of use should trouble arise. You locksend ** She's my sister now, bird. ** to Tsoran. Moonfall slips behind the waterfall and disappears into the tunnel beyond. A low growl comes from the back of Ember's throat. She rises beside Flashfire, placing a tight hand on his shoulder. She regards him steadfastly, never once looking at Tsoran. "Don't." is all she says to her brother. Her body is tense. Tsoran murmurs, still watching Shenshen. "He was unarmed, Ember was not. He is dead, Ember is not. Would he not have fled, if he had seen the attack? Clearly, it was a backstabbing attack by a coward." You locksend ** <> ** to Ember. Tsoran locksends ** Your sister. How amusing. Do you care for her well-being, little one? ** You locksend ** <> You shut up! ** to Tsoran. Tsoran locksends ** Perhaps it is time for action rather than words, then. ** Shenshen gives the glider a confused look, a send flashing in her eyes. She's beginning to feel a bit like a butterfly trapped in a cage. "Why...I don't know, really. Do you know Mender? He would never flee an attack. My goodness, he's got quite the temper. I saw him chase down one of the wolves once because they ran off with his sandal. It was quite funny." She continues to smile brightly as she babbles, trying to move between Ember and the glider. Aroree intones a measured "Tsoran... " really not liking this last accusation, though herself a bit shocked at it... no one had told her -how- it was Sar died. just that he had. can't be true... can it? Ember can't help herself. She does look at Tsoran now, fire in her eyes. She has to be true to character, after all. Her body trembles now and her fists clench into tight balls. Her growl only increases. ** You. Know. Nothing. ** she sends, desperately warring with herself. Trying /not/ to give in to the desire to rip out the arrogant flyer's throat. Flashfire's eyes widen at Tsoran's accusation and the calling of Ember as a coward, those eyes darting between Tsoran and Ember as he, too, hesitates before doing something. He growls at the Chosen as his eyes narrow, something privately sent back and forth not leaving him too comfortable. Ember told him not to let himself get baited, but it seems they both aren't doing too well in that respect. ** You should leave.. ** he warns. Aroree moves to put a restraining hand on Ember's shoulder, brow furrowed. "We have all done things we can regret, such anger does not befit a chieftess, nor a Chosen." Tsoran says mildly. "Anger, Aroree? I have no need of such emotions. I am an elf, after all, not a savage beast. No, there are far more constructive ways of dealing with... tension." Ember locksends ** <> ** Shenshen's head tilts slightly, a look of surprise showing on her face as she seems to be lost in a private send, glancing over at Tsoran. You locksend ** <> ** to Ember. >From afar, Ember chuckles. "We're in trouble, aren't we?" You paged Ember with 'Might be, aye.'. Aroree frowns "Forgive me if I implied you contained an emotion, Tsoran. You are, however, adding to the tension here deliberately." Flashfire isn't doing much to dispute Tsoran's claims of wolfriders as savage beasts, a less-elfin look coming to pass over him as his wolfen side threatens to take him over. His lupine-slanted eyes have already narrowed; now his upper lip curls menacingly. "You aren't fit to call yourself an elf, you bird dung eating cur." Tsoran raises his hand, apparently in some silent signal, for Darkwing immediately launches from his perch and swoops down. Shenshen's hands clasp together in a mixture of excitement and alarm, and she slides a glance over at Ember and Flashfire, then looks back to Tsoran. Tsoran's thin lips curl into a faint smile, and he offers his hands to Shenshen. Aroree sighs and looks at Flashfire, "That doesn't help either, wolfrider." Tension. What a... thoroughly glider way of putting it. Ember looks up at Aroree. As the bond bird moves, though, her hand strays to her dagger at her side -- though she doesn't draw it. "He's not fit for anything but being the Black Snake's whipping boy." she snarls to Flashfire. "Come on. This place stinks and I'm /not/ going to waste my time here." No matter how much she really wants to. Dang, but it bites having to try and be chieftess. High Ones, but it would be nice to have Cutter along. Her eyes fly open, however and she stares at Shenshen. ** NO! ** Shenshen gives Flashfire a reproachful look at his words. "I'm sure you didn't mean that, Fur-nephew." She reaches out and takes Tsoran's hand, giving the bird another wary look. "and you're quite sure he won't bite me?" Shenshen climbs onto DarkWing's back and settles herself between the giant wings. Flashfire ducks his head at the flight of DarkWing, and before Ember coaxes Flashfire off, he also shouts at Shenshen. "Don't!" He bolts after her, trying to get her away from Tsoran! Tsoran floats up, lifting Shenshen with him to meet the hovering Darkwing. Tsoran climbs onto DarkWing's back and settles himself between the giant wings. Ember lunges after Shenshen as well. ** NOOO! ** she sends again. ** ShenShen!!! ** She tries to grab hold of her before it's too late, diving for the bird. On DarkWing's back, Shenshen glances down over the side of the bird, putting her arms around your waist anxiously. **Do you think they'll be okay? They're awfully worried. Maybe I should get down?** On DarkWing's back, Tsoran keeps an arm around Shenshen's waist. Always a good idea, this high up. "Oh, I promise he won't bite you. Don't worry about that at all, little one." On DarkWing's back, Shenshen locks her arms around his waist tightly, wide eyes on the ground below. DarkWing shrieks in defiance, and beats huge wings to make for the sky above. Flashfire leaps up in vain, forgetting all about the menacing DarkWing as he tries to snag one of the maiden's legs. "Shenshen..! Don't trust him! Get down before it's too late!!" If he was angry before, he's done a 180 and is now very afraid. Aroree says "He's not going to harm her, do not..." Silverthorn has connected. You sense in a locksend, Shenshen's send is scolding. **I know what I'm doing! Calm down! You're going to make things into a big mess!** Aroree mutters "Puckernuts" under her breath and goes to intercept the elves "Stop, he's not going to harm her, it's perfectly safe..." You locksend to Shenshen, Flashfire's send nearly explodes in your mind, he can't help it. ** No you don't!! He's bad!! ** Aroree is nothing if not swift, she reaches for the nearest wolfrider and pulls them back from the grand hawk as it takes off. (which one I get or don't I leave up to you two ;) Ember isn't paying Aroree any mind at all. She's picking herself up off the ground and trying futilely to leap up to catch the bird's legs as it beats its wings and heads for the sky. Any wolfrider in the area can now definitely sense the wolfsong about her. You sense in a locksend, Shenshen's mindlink is pulled away with fright. **You're hurting me!** On DarkWing's back, Shenshen's arms squeeze tightly around Tsoran's waist, her eyes shutting in a painful send. **Maybe...maybe I should go back? They're getting upset at me.** And it's strong in Flashfire right now, too, his eyes wide with fear for Shenshen as Tsoran flies off with her. He's the one Aroree tries to hold back, but he struggles against her, feet digging into the ground in an attempt to get away, even if reaching the big bird isn't going to happen now. "Shenshen!!" he shouts again, voice shaken. Silverthorn comes running from the woods. Fenris is right on her heels. She seems concerned about something but isn't sure what when she breaks from the trees. **What's going on??** You locksend ** <> ** to Ember. You sense in a locksend, Ember's send fairly howls in response. DarkWing has left. Shenshen locksends, to Ember, Flashfire: ** <> I'll be fine. I'm just going to try and make him see that he's wrong about Ember. We'll be back soon! ** You locksend, to Ember, Shenshen: ** <> ** Aroree lets go of the squirming mass of wet furry wolfrider as soon as the bird's high enough and repeats "Calm yourself! He is NOT going to harm her." Ember lands on the ground with a thump. She stares up at the receding form of Tsoran's bondbird and howls. "Shenshen!!!" Grief, rage, and panic are all on her face, and the wolfsong is in her voice. "Bring her back here, Glider!!!" You sense in a locksend to Shenshen, Flashfire: Ember's only response is a howl of panic. You sense in a locksend to Ember, Flashfire: Shenshen's send seems to be receding in range. **I'll be back soon, promise! You'll see!** Flashfire stumbles forward as Aroree lets him go, nearly falling flat on his face before bracing himself to mimic Ember's stance and expression, howling after Shenshen as if she may well be lost for good, his hands in little tight fists at his sides. What are they going to do?? Silverthorn watches the bird leave and doesn't understand what's going on? **Who took Shenshen? Why?? Someone talk to me !!**The anger is creeping into the small wolfrider's voice now. She doesn't care for the thought of someone being kidnapped in her home. Aroree sighs and shakes her head "Be calm... he's just... argh. Tsoran why do you have to be so difficult? He took the maiden for a ride. He will not harm her, it's not his way." In the pool, Surfsinger comes flying through the air from above, straight into the pool. In the pool, Surfsinger has arrived. In the pool, Surfsinger climbs out of the pool. Surfsinger climbs out of the pool, water droplets trickling down her body. Aroree scowls up at the sky "She went willingly and he will return her." I hope. Flashfire whirls on Aroree now, not meaning to snap at her, but he just can't help it. He's not going after her, though. "How can you say that?? He hurt me every chance he's had! He baited us! And now he took her!" He clutches at his head, grimacing as he sinks down to a knee. Nobody's sent to him, but this is overwhelming him. There's no trust - none whatsoever towards Tsoran. Perhaps part of his outburst will answer Silverthorn's questions. Silverthorn growls **Surfsinger saw him from the cliff.. she says he is headed towards the mainland!** Then she turns to Aroree. **Where would he take her?** Surfsinger plummets from the cliff below and surfaces out in the middle of the pool. She swims quickly to shore and hoists herself out. Both send and expression are laced with concern, and a certain authority. ** What's going on? What happened? ** She looks at the visitors and then at her sister. Aroree sinks to the ground, wishing to comfort the wolfrider but not sure how she can "I have never witnessed him attack anyone physically... he did get the maiden's permission before taking her aloft." she sighs and repeats again "He will not harm her." Ember stands shaking in the center of the clearing. "He took her!" she says, her voice raw with emotion, not trusting herself to send. "That muck eating son of a reaving carrion bird took Shenshen!" Cutter's gonna /kill/ her for this one! Nevermind Leetah. Anxiety doesn't begin to cover what Ember's feeling right now. She looks around quickly, crossing to Flashfire and grabbing hold of his shoulders. "We've got to find Skywise. We've got to go get her!" Aroree turns and glances toward Surfsinger, looks away again, so much for being quiet guests at a festival. "Likely he will take her over our regular hunting territory... hopefully they will return soon." "He tricked her into saying yes!" Flashfire blurts as Aroree tries to explain it away. "He never hurt me that way either, but he did other ways!" He's shaking, nearly jumping at Ember's touch. And that was a better insult than his was to Tsoran, too. Maybe he'll learn that one sometime. He shudders as Ember takes hold of his shoulders, resisting at first, as if he wants to just tear away from her and run. "She's gone.." Surfsinger frowns, her hands coming to rest on her hips. ** You say she went willingly? ** She says to Aroree. Then, at Flashfire's outburst, she blinks, her frown increasing. Actually, it becomes a scowl. ** Alright. Someone tell me what happened. Slowly and from the beginning. ** Neither Lostholter looks terribly coherent at the moment. So, someone better come forward. Silverthorn walks over to put a hand on Flashfire shoulder also. **We will get her back. Somehow** she promises. Then turns at her sister's words. **Just WHERE are the regular hunting grounds??** How far can those huge birds fly is what she really wants to know. Ember holds Flashfire firmly, actually drawing him into a fierce hug. "We'll get her back." she promises. "Even if I have to face Winnowill down myself." Slowly, ever so slowly, she tries to push her wolfsong down and away. Aroree sighs and takes a moment to rub at her eyes, just when you thought it was safe to leave the Mountain... "Tsoran insulted Ember, she naturally responded in kind... he has a way of, provoking such reactions." Aroree gestures at Ember "That likely shall not be necessary. If he takes her to the Mountain, which he may well not do, I can retrieve her with little commotion." Surfsinger expels a breath slowly. ** Tsoran's the one you told me about. ** she recalls. ** Then, who is it he's taken? ** In all the commotion, she missed al that. She looks at Aroree. ** Can you really retrieve her? ** Or will it require a rescue party? Flashfire initially struggles as Ember wraps him up in a sense. There's nothing he can do right now, but he's not as good at shutting it down as she is, probably thanks to the mucking Winnowill did to him back in the past. There's a brief moment of lucidity as Aroree's words register. "Could..could you?" Silverthorn tries to calm down as well. She came into the middle of this also but she knows clear heads are better for planning. **Just how easily?** Somehow she doubts anything involving this Winnowill will be easy. You sense in a locksend, Ember shares your emotions and tries, as difficult as it is, to lead you some of her strength. ** We'll find her. I promise we will. I /won't/ let them hurt her. ** Though, she really hopes its not already too late. Aroree sighs "yes. If that is needed, which I don't believe it shall be... Tsoran's goal being achieved easily enough by a short flight over to the shore. He wanted to prove your lack of civility, remember?" You locksend to Ember, Flashfire's send is shaken, but he gets it out a moment later. ** You..you can't face her.. ** He does latch on to the strength right away, however. It's hard.. You sense in a locksend, Ember seems nearly in tears, though she's not really. It's just her distress. ** I have to. This has to end. ** What 'this' is, though, isn't entirely clear. You locksend to Ember, Flashfire interprets it a certain way, though. Only one way he knows of to end 'this.' ** I'm coming.. ** Ember looks up at Aroree, fire in her eyes. "He /lives/ to provoke." she snarls, trying hard to stay in control. "Civility means /nothing/ to him." If Tsoran was truly trying to prove their lack of civility, perhaps that worked. It doesn't take much, sometimes. "You have to find out..please." Flashfire stammers, still shivering against Ember. Aroree replies quietly "of that I am well aware. Please, believe he will not harm Shenshen. Despite his faults, Tsoran does not attack innocents, and even he must see the sun village maiden as such." Surfsinger nods slowly to Aroree and regards Ember and Flashfire. She spares a sidelong glance at her sister before she responds. ** But, what if he doesn't return her? ** She hates to bring that up. ** How easily can you retrieve her? ** Another thought occurs to her, though she doesn't send it aloud. You sense in a locksend, Ember nods to you, wrapping you up closer to herself. Interesting mix, she is. The fierce wolf, like you, and the gentle sunvillager, like Suntop. You'd likely begin to sense that, now. Silverthorn looks at her sister and nods solemnly. Her eyes seem to get whiter as an old anger builds up quietly within. It is never easy to get back what was stolen, there is always a price somewhere. **Ember? Can you send to her? Perhaps ..he is already bringing her back.** She tries to offer something to do besides stand here and yell right now. Her mind is already sifting thru the needs for a rescue party. Aroree says "I do not have a hawk so cannot fly as fast or far as Tsoran, but the Mountain is not so very distant. It would be a simple matter of flying there, collecting ShenShen and returning." Aroree leaves out such complexities as what if she's stopped by the Chosen or other such nastiness. "Lord Winnowill has of late expressed" rather confusingly "a desire for friendly relations with other peoples, I doubt she would interfere." Flashfire doesn't understand how Aroree can stick up for Tsoran like she does. Must be a glider thing, yep. "I don't trust him to think he won't do something.." he murmurs, still not all there right now. "If..if he's got her there and won't let her go..we'll get her back." he stammers again, energy starting to leave him as Ember holds him securely to her. Panting, he fights to settle himself, latching on to something from Ember for additional help. But then he spits at Aroree's words. "She's evil!" You locksend to Ember, Flashfire's thoughts are like a mixed stew, elfin and wolfen clashing and battling inside. The fierce wolfen side is still trying to stay on top, but as you lend that support, he manages to catch on to the gentler Sun Villager side, trying to use that as something to center on. He knows how peaceful they are. Ember looks at Silverthorn. Her jaw tightens a little and she closes her eyes, trying to reach out to her aunt. After a few long moments of strain, she grunts and opens her eyes, anguish in them. "No. She's too far out of range. And can't send as far as a wolfrider." She, too, looks to Aroree. "Winnowill has never been anything but manipulative." she fairly spits. "If she's looking for 'friendly' relations with other tribes, it's only to her own advantage and furtherance of her own aims. She'll turn on them. She turns on everyone in the end." There's a reason Nightfall calls her 'The Loveless One'. Aroree shakes her head "I would not argue with you, young chieftess, about Blue Mountain's Lord. She is not exactly one I trust, though I will not speak more against her." for reasons she leaves unsaid. Then a sad look at Flashfire "I know Tsoran, child, I've known him for many years, he will not harm Shenshen. Trust in me if you cannot him." Surfsinger's lips thin into a tight line. She closes her eyes and rubs her forehead. Oy. Headache. Where the frack is Redtide when you need him? A deep breath, and she calms herself. ** If Shenshen went willingly, ** she says slowly, ** then it is likely best to wait just a bit and see if she is willingly returned. ** She regards Aroree. ** Would you be willing to go and see if that is in fact going to be the case? And return with news? ** One way or the other. Silverthorn turns towards her sister and sends flicker between them. She is definitely not amused by this. The wolf cub at her feet turns and runs back into the woods as if on an errand. At Aroree's words, she turns back to her. **If..he was just going to give her a flight..WHEN would he bring her back?** Details are just a tad important here. **How far did you say it was to this ...mountain?** Flashfire sags now, needing to be held up by Ember for a moment just to keep him from the ground. Then he gets his feet underneath him again, fortunately looking in better shape than before. It's going down..slowly. Whatever 'it' is, but any wolfrider should know. His eyes train on Aroree, slightly out of focus. "How..how can I trust you?" Aroree frowns slightly, she is not as familiar with this trip than others, as she calculates. "A matter of hours, likely, if it were only a brief flight, a stretch of the wings... if he returned to the mountain... on DarkWing flying straight that would be most of the afternoon." **And how long would it take you?** is the next send from Silverthorn. Details please. Aroree sighs, and though she is loathe to send, does so, briefly, to Flashfire. You sense in a locksend, Aroree indeed sends quite briefly, a mass of emotion barely held in check behind the words, every color of sorrow, despair and... shame? how can you trust her? ** I wish I knew. ** and that is all, cut short before her control slips and more is revealed in the sending that she should like. Aroree says "Twice as long, at least. Depending upon the wind." Ember straightens a little as her brother calms. She calms as well, enough to send aloud, hoping it will make things clearer. ** It took us nearly half a moon cycle to reach here. Even Windkin, when he flies can't do it in less than half that time. ** She turns to look at Aroree, still some anger in her eyes. ** If she's not back by morning, we're going after her. <> ** [OOC] Aroree says, "eh, so I don't know my times so well ;)" [OOC] Ember chuckles. "Gotta love bird flight, yeah?" You locksend ** <> I..I'll try.. ** to Aroree. Aroree almost laughs of a sudden, how could she have forgotten? "Savith!" a glance around at the blank looks that illicits and she explains "We have another great hawk here, Winddance, Savith's bond, he is here as well." Silverthorn jumps at the sound of the laughter and blinks. **Another?? Where is this Savith then? Would he help?** Is that a glimmer of hope? Flashfire may be under control again, but he's still not fully settled yet. He slips down as Ember straightens and continues to deal with things in a chiefly way, clutching faintly to one of her boots, around the shin. Ember blinks. She looks at Aroree and scowls faintly. Her arms cross over her chest and her lower lip juts out slightly. Then, one hand falls down to her hip, the other to rest in Flashfire's head fur reassuringly. ** Then, that will make going to get her easier. ** One track mind, this elf. Aroree nods "Savith has learned quite a bit more diplomacy than his fellow Chosen, he would likely be more than willing to ease your minds and lend the aid of his bond." Surfsinger regards Silverthorn for a moment, returning a send. Then, she turns back to Aroree. Seems to her that Ember's right. ** That should simplify matters. ** she agrees. ** I think we should speak with Redtide and Stormgrace as well. ** Her send rings with a similar sense of no compromise to Ember's. ** This type of upset will not sit well with them. ** High Ones know it doesn't sit well with her. With the Lostholters already searching for Suntop, this is just the -last- thing anyone needed. Flashfire's head tilts up as Ember's hand finds his hair, nodding uneasily to the talk of Savith's bird but remaining silent for the time being. He leans against Ember's boot, cheek to knee. Even with her here today, things went wrong. Silverthorn matches her sister's tone exactly. **Yes. Then he can go just go fetch her and bring her right back here.** Somehow she doubts that it will be that easy but for now, it is all she can offer. **While we wait I think we should make preparations now in case..you are wrong. There will need to be supplies gathered, traveling clothes seen to..** She doesn't mean to cast shadows but she is the huntress first and foremost. Always look for the trap. **It will be better to be ready to ride as soon as possible. Then lose more time after we find out the news.** Plus it might give everyone something to focus on and burn off energy right now. Surfsinger nods, agreeing with Silverthorn. ** Aye. We've plenty of provisions. So, there'll be no problem there. ** She runs a hand through her hair, sighing somewhat. .oO(And this was supposed to be a celebration.) Aroree shakes her head "I would argue against a large rescue party... you do not want to be mistaken as an attacking force." Ember nods to Aroree's words, for once agreeing with a Glider. "She's right." she scowls. "Winnowill's not stupid. She'll know we're coming." This doesn't make her happy. "And, Father will want to know..." Oh puckernuts... And here Cutter and Strongbow just got back from a trip to the mountain, recently. Now there's more trouble, possibly. Not good. At Ember's last, Flashfire shakes once, knowing that won't sit well with the chieftain. Erf. Silverthorn half-growls now. **IF the maiden is not returned..then it would be an attacking force! I don't take kindly to guests being stolen from the holt I live in** Ok, so she has had cubs stolen by a witch before. She is a little sensitive about such things. You locksend to Ember, Flashfire's presence just..lingers, periodically, as if needing to feel the link. Surfsinger looks at Silverthorn, her own face reflecting her sister's determination. ** That's right. We don't stand by and watch our own, or our guests taken. ** A purposely controlled calm emanates from her, regardless. ** However, we /will/ wait and talk to the Chiefs. And to see if the maiden is returned. If she is not returned or otherwise found to be safe, ** She regards Ember steadily, ** You will have as large a party as we can muster to go with you. ** Aroree looks at Silverthorn sternly "No, you will not lead an attack force against my home, it is not needed." Time to speak up again. Flashfire's nodding along with both Surfsinger and Silverthorn, agreeing with their words. As Aroree tries to quell the idea, he growls in his throat. "You don't get to decide that if we don't get her back. If you want to stop it, bring her back. We're not going to stand by while they continue to harass us." He's sure Ember will back him on this, too. Aroree shows a rare flash of anger, if there is one thing she does not like it is violence. "-If- she has been taken to the Mountain, which I still doubt, then I and Savith can fly there and retrieve her quietly with no bloodshed or threats." Silverthorn turns to meet Aroree's gaze evenly. **Then you had best do it quickly.** Ember looks at Aroree. As before, were she a wolf, her ears would be flat against her head. ** Then you'd better hope that works. ** she says to the glider flatly. ** I and my family have been tormented enough by the likes of Winnowill and Tsoran. I will /not/ let /anyone/ harm Shenshen. She is /not/ a wolfrider. She is /not/ a warrior. ** Determination rises in her send. ** She will /not/ be left to languish there. /Find/ her, glider. Bring her back to us. Safe. Or there /will/ be a party on your doorstep. ** Oops. Chieftess got ticked. Aroree stands smoothly, very tall glider and looks down at the chieftess for a quiet moment, emotion drops from her face slowly, anger melting quickly, sorrow more slowly, leaving a placid visage and then, she bows, just slightly and rises into the air. Now -there's- a good answer from Ember. Flashfire finds a slight smile for her, agreeing fully with her declaration. If Aroree doesn't want trouble, she can nip it in the bud herself, if Shenshen's where they seem to think she is. Finally Flashfire stands up again, brushing at his legs. He's gone quiet again, though. You locksend ** <> ** to Ember. Surfsinger watches Aroree rise. Her expression becomes bleak at Ember's send. More so as the glider backs away. So much for a party. And where /is/ that lifemate of hers, anyway?! She regards Aroree steadily, in particular. You sense in a locksend, Ember is angry and determined and every ounce the chieftess now. Her returning send hold affection and reassurance for you, as well as strength. Nope. She's not backing down. Not this time. Silverthorn watches the glider make the correct choice and turns away from her. She looks to Ember and Flashfire quietly now. What to say to the ones who lost there family? There is nothing to be said that can comfort now. **There is a pouch of berries at my tent. If you would like some to ease the tension while we wait you are more then welcome to join me.** Yes, she intends to get berry-wasted right now. Who knows what the morrow will bring. You locksend ** <> ** to Ember. Aroree flies away swiftly and silently, not trusting herself to respond kindly, well, it has been years since she flew as hard and fast as she possibly could. Ember watches Aroree go until she's absolutely out of sight. Finally, she turns to Silverthorn, glancing to Flashfire. Dreamberries... For a moment, her eyes cloud, memories of her last visit to the mountain full in them. Pain, deep soul-pain is the clearest emotion there. Slowly, she nods. "Aye." she whispers. "Perhaps just a few." "Just a few.." Flashfire repeats as Aroree flits off. She'd better do what she needs to quickly, or Blue Mountain is going to have a group at its entrance. A very unhappy and potentially hostile group at that. He'll follow Ember's lead here, as usual. Surfsinger also watches Aroree go, receiving one last small send from her. She nods and sighs deeply, turning to smile at her sister. ** Aye, Silverthorn. There's still some festival left yet. These matters will keep for a few hours. ** No, she's not making light. But, she's a warrior, too. She understands. Aroree steps through the foilage, disappearing down the path towards the clearing. Silverthorn nods once to her sister. The two always support each other and seem to know the other's thinking on most everything. "This way then" she says in a forced lighter tone. There will be time enough for serious later. "Let's go back towards the beach." And leave this place and the tension for now. Ember takes one last look up to the sky. Then, wordlessly, reaching out to take Flashfire's hand, she begins to follow Silverthorn to the beach. Flashfire comes along with Ember, the wolfelf silent as he holds her hand. [To the beach.] Surfsinger has arrived. Ember has arrived. Surfsinger walks over to the fire as the small party makes there way to the beach. She stirs up the embers in the pit there and slowly coaxes it into something of a small blaze by feeding it nearby kindling. She glances up to the camp as her sister goes to retrieve the berries and then settles back against a log. Ember follows Surfsinger down to the fire and settles down on a log on the opposite side to her, twisting a little to glance out at the waves. Everything looks so peaceful, but her mind is not on the peace. Nor is Flashfire's, as he continues with his hand in Ember's, sitting down next to her. He's thinking about Blue Mountain. If Tsoran was really just taking Shenshen for a ride, they should've been back by now. The longer they don't return, the more convinced he becomes that they won't be back. His free hand runs through his mane of hair, briefly burying his head in the hand afterwards. Silverthorn walks down the sands carrying pouches of dreamberries and a skin that smells of wine. She hands the pouches and skin out and sits down beside her sister. Her eyes drift out to the tribal raft in the cove. She can just make out the sail that Surfsinger and she made. The one that shows the last time someone was taking against their will from this holt and the battles that came after. The thoughts that drift thru her mind are heavy indeed. Surfsinger takes the wineskin from her sister with a small smile and uncorks it. She tips her head back, setting it to her lips, and takes a full drink from it. Then, she reaches about the fire and passes the skin to Ember. ** Here. ** she says. ** It's a good draught. ** Ember blinks slightly, drawn out of her thoughts by Surfsinger's send. "Thanks." she grunts, taking the skin from her and then taking a sip of it. She nudges Flashfire and passes it to him when she's done. "Yeah, it's not bad." she agrees, though she really wasn't paying /that/ close attention to it. "Here, Flashfire." she says, not even bothering with her usual nickname for him. "You have some, too." She settles back, then, hoping the wine works faster than berries. "Me..?" Flashfire murmurs, sniffing at the opening in the skin as he has it passed to his hands, brow wrinkling. Smells pretty potent. He's not sure he -wants- to forget what's happened..not yet. But if she likes it and thinks it'll do him good...okay. "Hmmf." Tentatively, he lifts it to his lips, head tilting back. >From afar, Ember snickers. "Now watch the two of them become morose drunks dwelling on the terrors of the past." Long distance to Ember: Flashfire oyyyy. A few berries pop into Silverthorn's mouth. She tries to come back to the beach, to lighten the tensions. A minute or so later, here comes the overgrown wolfcub yipping up the beach. He seems pleased with himself as he is carrying something in his mouth again. Silverthorn looks over at the cub and groans. She shakes her head and sighs..."That wasn't what I meant" she mumbles. Surfsinger arches a brow and looks at her sister's cub. ** What's he got? ** she sends curiously, reaching for a couple of Silverthorn's berries. **I said get CURRENT!!** she mutters...Oh yeah, that one will get her in trouble for sure. SpiritDawn wades up on the beach, water droplets trickling down her body. Ember looks over towards the wolfcub, as curious as Surfsinger. She reaches out for some berries, too, since her brother still has the skin. "What's he got?" She echoes the raft musician unthinkingly and leans a little forward to get a better look, a little closer to the fire. Tern wades up on the beach, water droplets trickling down his body. Flashfire peers at the skin again after taking a good, healthy drink. "S'good.." he agrees, occupying himself with another long sip from it. Maybe it'll take hold of him quickly, if he's lucky. He passes the skin to whoever's next, settling on the log with his forearms settling above the knees, fingers twining together as he stares blankly ahead of him. SpiritDawn arrives on the beach, in high good spirits, or so it would seem. As usual, the need for sustenance has drawn the shy healer from her cavern, and she now roams over the slim pickings that are still available on the shore. ** Tides, all. ** Silverthorn takes the skin and drinks it eagerly. Yes, drunk is good right now. **It's Current's loincloth.** She says simply and tries to think how to explain this one to her mate. **Fenris gets...confused sometimes** Tern surfaces in the water and follows her mother silently into shore. As she rises in the water, she slicks her hair back and pauses long enough to take stock of what's happening. After a beat, she wanders after her mother, typically saying nothing. Surfsinger grins wryly as the explanation is heard. ** Oh. I see. ** And there's a snicker in her send. ** Well, I'm sure he'll get it straightened out one day. ** Her eyes twinkle and she pops the two berries into her mouth, raising a hand to SpiritDawn. ** Tides, healer. ** Ember takes the wineskin back from her brother and takes another swig. "Aye." she agrees. "'S good." She does, however, snicker at Silverthorn's answer. "Won't he miss it?" The loincloth, she means. Flashfire glances towards Fenris and the loincloth, shifting to rub at his forehead slowly. "Don' have that problem.." he murmurs. Obviously, since he doesn't have any clothes. Silverthorn chuckles dryly. **Once he realizes it is missing.. I am sure.** She pops a few more berries into her mouth and pats the wolfcub's head. Hmm, she doesn't seem all that upset by the thought. Her eyes twinkle just a little with pure mischief. Must be the wine. Oh yeah, sure it's the wine. Silverthorn stirs up more mischief sober than most pips! Not, of course, that she doesn't have help... Surfsinger snickers softly at a send and reaches across to Ember, sort of gesturing for the skin. Ember blinks a little, taking the skin from her lips. She grins crookedly and hands it back to Surfsinger with something almost akin to a giggle. Almost, but not quite. Oooh. That wine is definitely more potent than the berries... She reaches for the pouch. Might as well get well and truly soused. Tomorrow ain't gonna be pretty. (Gee. You'd think she was a Go Back or something.) SpiritDawn grins at Surfsinger, and finally manages to scrounge a piece of fruit from the rock-lined pit it was stored in. ** I see we're running short of gathered food. Should I take a basket inland and see if anything can be brought back? ** Tern moves quietly up beside her mother and peers into the pit. Yep. Look at that. Nearly empty. She glances to her mother, and then to the gathering about the fire. You know, she never realized how many dreamberries these people could go through before. Surfsinger smiles wryly at SpiritDawn. ** If you'd like. ** she replies, a bit of fuzz in her send. ** We've got berries here, though, if you'd like. ** You don't really want /real/ food, do you? Flashfire lived like a GoBack for a couple turns..there's something to be said, sometimes, for getting smashed. He pops a few berries in his mouth after reaching inside Ember's pouch, slipping off the log to land at her feet. So, he just leans against her. Silverthorn giggles at her cub and waits for her turn at the wine skin. **I think the Go-backs have the ...way of it** She sends fuzzily. **Kiri taught me that life is too short. Enjoy what you .. can when you can** Yes, the more bombed she gets right now the better she will feel. SpiritDawn laughs at Surfsinger a little, realizing that what mother eats, baby will eventually be subjected to. Can anyone imagine little Cadence drunk? And who needs the berries after having been so glum for so long? Not Nemmie. She's happy as she is. Tern blinks and looks at Silverthorn, a pensive look coming across her features. She glances up to her mother again and wrinkles her nose slightly, keeping her thoughts to herself. Finally, she sends. ** Do you want me to go get you something, Mother? ** Surfsinger grins at her sister and passes the wineskin over. ** Aye. ** she agrees, wholeheartedly. She hasn't met Kiri, but hey! It sounds good, anyway. And, yes. She can imagine Cadence drunk. Though, she doesn't expect to see that for many turns yet. Unless that pip ends up being as curious as Shadowfur and Tern were... Ember reaches out and fuzzles Flashfire's head, moving slightly and rubbing his shoulders. In fact, she actually massages them for a moment, for no real reason. Then, she decides it's time for more berries and leaves off that to fish some out. "Go Backs are like that." she says, trying to sound sage about it. She nudges Flashfire. "Right?" And she hiccups. Flashfire's eyes droop shut at the fuzzling and massage, a low rumble in his throat. Well, for the moment, this beats worrying about Tsoran and bond-birds and Shenshen being gone and perhaps storming Blue Mountain. "Yesh.." he mumbles at the nudge and question, almost forgetting how hot he is. Silverthorn looks around thru fuzzy eyes at her companions and grins. Wonder if anyone will be sober enough to tell Redtide what happened? She doesn't want to be the one that's for sure. Somehow she thinks Redtide will take it better then her own mate will ..if she is to go off with the party. Yes, drunk is what she needs to be. More berries get popped into the small wolfrider's mouth. SpiritDawn ponders, turning to her daughter. ** A basket would be nice. ** she sends, trying to figure out how she's going to break Tern of that habit of asking her what she wants before she knows she even wants it. In the back of her mind, Surfsinger is all too well aware of who's going to have to tell Redtide. That would be why she settles back against the log now, in the comfortably buzzed state, instead of rip-roaring drunk state, and pulls out her flute. With out a thought, she raises it to her lips and begins to play. Ember nods definitely to Flashfire's agreement and grins. She crushes a berry in her mouth and lets it seep into her consciousness, her mind beginning to wander in that way dreamberries are wont to cause the mind to do. Tern nods to her mother's request and turns, trotting up towards Silverthorn's tent, instead of to the water, to retrieve a basket of her own she knows she has laying there. Some few moments later, she returns with it, to stand by her mother again. Flashfire curls up at Ember's feet, eyes shutting again as a general heaviness settles over him, surrounding him near totally. It seems to crush out everything else..push it aside. Starsong has connected. Surfsinger's music continues, a remarkably light melody, all things considered. It's a lazy tune, too. Well suited for lounging by the fire eating berries as this group is. She smiles idly around the instrument and watches the wolfriders unwind. Good. SpiritDawn hugs Tern, laughing all the while. ** Come on, then. You and I need to talk anyway, li-- Tern. ** Silverthorn watches the now-grown cub thru fuzzy eyes. **Tern..will you play with Surfsinger now? I think you know where the drum was if you want to play it** Why does she seem a little irritated by the cub's actions? Tern blinks and looks between Silverthorn and SpiritDawn. Her face remains serious, almost neutral, except for the wariness rising in her eyes. ** I... ** She looks up at her mother again. And then back to Silverthorn. ** I will come back and play when I am finished. ** she promises the wolfrider. Her mother wants to talk to her, you see... Starsong walks in from down the beach, glancing at the water. Still amazed at its greatness. She quietly walks into the clearing, looking at familiar and not so familiar faces. SpiritDawn notes the tension in Tern, and the sudden bossiness of Silverthorn over her daughter. While this doesn't really /please/ her in point of fact, she isn't going to pick a fight over it. ** We'll bring back some fresh fruit with us. ** she sends, finally. Ember takes another berry, one hand absently circling through the fur on Flashfire's head as he leans against her. She sort of watches the exchange between the healer and her daughter and Silverthorn, but doesn't really have the energy to even raise an eyebrow in curiosity. And Flashfire, for all intents and purposes, might not even know the exchange is going on. He at least feels the touch by Ember, settling further at it. "Rrrr.." Tern's eyes darken a little and her mouth sets just a bit. She grips the basket and nods to her mother, beginning to follower her up the beach. Fin wades up on the beach, water droplets trickling down his body. Silverthorn nods and smiles quietly. Good, there is spirit still in Tern. It is by her own choice that she follows. **Enjoy then Tern. There is always time to dance** Her sends might be fuzzy but don't be fooled. This small maiden knows exactly what is going on. Surfsinger simply continues to play. She closes her eyes, intentionally blocking out the tension. It's far safer right now. So much for festival. Purposely, her tune takes on a slightly quicker beat -- though not much -- and a more lively cast. Fin comes splish splashing noisily out of the water. He shakes himself off a bit and makes his way to the party. ** Tides ** he sends quickly in greeting, wondering where his father is. SpiritDawn frowns briefly, before heading into the lush greenery up the beach. It's up to Tern whether she goes or stays, Nemmie isn't going to /make/ her do anything. Starsong sits on down on a log not too near the rest of the group. She scans the faces once more, noting the condition of each. She smiles at Fin and gives him a small wave when she notices him. Tern spares another nod to Silverthorn and moves steadily up the beach after her mother. She's got the basket, after all. SpiritDawn makes her way further up the beach. Tern makes her way further up the beach. Fin waves to Tern and Spiritdawn as they head down the beach, they look busy, so he won't bother them. He heads for the music and waves back to Starsong. He looks at the food on the table, then back at Starsong, pondering. Finally deciding, he rushes over to the table, grabs some food then rushes over to Star ** Sorry, was hungry ** Starsong shakes her head and can't help but smile. ** So I see** She pats him on the head and watches him stuff fruit in his mouth. ** Where's your father? ** She looks around. Silverthorn flips the piece of cloth in her hands around idly. She looks at it quietly and nods to herself. With a heavy sigh, she gets up. **I suppose I should return this before he goes looking for it.** When she stands up, she takes a long swig off the wineskin to brace herself it seems. **Let me know when Aroree returns** she sends quietly before heading up the beach to where Splash's tent is. Surfsinger glances over to her sister and nods, the slight tension she senses not affecting the music. She's practiced, after all. ** I will, sister. ** she responds quietly. ** We'll be here. ** Silverthorn quietly enters Current and Silverthorn's Family tent . Fin didn't see Silverthorn or Surfsinger, he waves and smiles. Then sticks some more food in his mouth. He also looks around and shakes his head ** Not sure... ** He looks down to her foot ** Any better? ** Ember closes her eyes as the healer and her cub leave. Her fingers continue to play through her brother's fur and her mind continues to drift. She takes another berry and chews on it. A faint scowl comes over her brow and she sighs a little. Starsong smiles and nods at Fin ** Its better, thank you ** She stands and starts for the tent clearing ** See you later Fin, say hi to your dad for me ** She makes her way past the other elves. Flashfire uncurls at the distant feel of Ember more or less grooming him, sprawling out on his back as one arm drapes across his belly, the other extended to one side in the sand, his mouth hanging open. The berries and wine have knocked him out..nearly. There's little awareness present just this minute. Starsong has disconnected. Fin nods at Star and waves after her, a small frown creasing his lips. Ah well, now what is he going to do. He shuffles around in the sand and pops the last bit of fruit in his mouth. He looks to the other elves and wonders if there's something he needs to be doing right about now. Surfsinger glances over to Fin and smiles. ** Heyla, pip. ** she sends, her music continuing. ** What have you been up to? ** Fin shuffles over to Surfsinger, still looking back to Starsong. He stands near Surf and scratches his head ** Not much ** He looks around at the others and smiles ** Some party huh? ** Ember remains still, not entirely oblivious, but definitely zoned out. She could almost be said to be in the Now, except that she's far from the Now. She's very much in the past. Her scowl only deepens. Flashfire might not even be thinking about anything right now..that's how floored he is. Awareness? What awareness? A bond-bird could probably come down and snatch him up and he wouldn't even notice it. Surfsinger smiles wryly to the pip. ** Aye. ** she agrees. ** Some party. ** There's a distinct twist of irony to her tone, though it may not be overly apparent to the pip -- or any of the soused wolfriders. ** You danced very well the other night, Fin. Almost as well as Redtide. ** Her eyes twinkle a little. Fin's eyes grow wide as he remembers that night and his cheeks redden. He fidgets a bit and smiles ** Aww.. thanks ** He looks around the beach quickly, then turns back to Surfsinger ** Where's cadence? ** He wonders if his Da has her. Surfsinger continues to play, her music still idle and light. She smiles at the thought of her daughter. ** With Shay'la, I think. ** she responds. ** Redtide's out scouting and Stormgrace had some errands to run. ** Which would explain why neither of the Raft chiefs were here earlier when the bird poop hit the ferns, so to speak. Fin nods and blushes a big deeper at the mention of Shay'la ** Oh. I see ** He smiles at her and fidgets some more ** Party over tonight? ** He asks with some disappointment. Surfsinger chuckles a little softly in her send, the music rippling. ** Almost. ** she agrees. ** But maybe not. We may let it continue until tomorrow. ** After all, Cadence hasn't been formally introduced to the tribe, though most everyone's seen her. And Redtide has some other presentations he wants to make. Fin nods and knew she hasn't been presented yet. He chuckles a bit ** Yeah, he likes showing her off ** He smiles at the thought of his little sister and flops down in the sand in front of Surfsinger, motioning to the other two "will they be OK?" he whispers. "Unnnh.." Flashfire shifts just a little to rub at an eye, his head spinning. That wine is some potent stuff, that's for sure. Too late to do anything until it wears off, but a hazy send surfaces, trying to seek out his tribesmates. Ember growls lightly in the back of her throat, whatever visions she's having getting the best of her. She shakes her head as if to clear it, opening her eyes a squint. Her brother's send sort of rouses her. ** Flashf...?? ** Cascade comes down from further up the beach. Surfsinger glances over to the Lostholters and gives Fin a rueful smile. ** In time. ** she assures him, certainly hoping it's so. She adjusts herself on the log by the fire, the berries at her feet largely ignored, now, in favour of her continuing flute. ** They just need to let the berries sit for a while. ** Fin nods and looks back at them again, hoping they get their friend back. He shakes his head and looks to the fire and wonders in send ** I wonder where everybody else is.. ** ** Em..ber..? ** the wolfelf answers, curling up again into something of a fetal position, knees drawn in close. His hand brushes over a booted foot, and he gets a whiff of her scent. Oh..there she is. Whew. Ember rrrrs softly and shifts, sliding off the log and closer to Flashfire. Hazy regard settles on him and her shins press against him. She reaches around her knees to touch him with her hands, automatically scritching his fur. "We'll fin' 'em... " she says, speech slurred and tone almost belligerent. "We'll fin' 'em..." Fin shakes his head, he can't help but feel sorry for them. He looks back at Surfsinger and shrugs. Cascade skips down the beach, her usual scarily bouncy self. She trots over to the fire, seeing as how that seems to be where every one is. ** Tides, everyone. ** Her feet are refusing to stay still, specially with that flute continuing. Surfsinger looks up and down the beach. She gives Fin another fond look. ** Oh, they're likely still recovering from last night. ** Her expression becomes somewhat more concerned, however, as she hears Ember's words and sees the siblings draw nearer to each other. Her brow creases for a moment, but it clears as she purposely leaves darker matters for later. Fin turns his head and waves at Cascade ** Tides ** He echoes and smiles. Surfsinger glances over to her lifemate's cousin. ** Tides, Cascade. ** she sends, keeping her tone light to accompany her music. There's a slight hint of a berry buzz in it, but it's not at all too far gone. ** How fare you? ** The music plays, but it's muted in Flashfire's head. Even if he wanted to, he couldn't dance to it anyway right now. He feels Ember near, wriggling gently at the bit of scritching. Soothing. Comforting. The haze isn't even enough to distract him from finding both Suntop and Shenshen, hoping nobody else is going to turn up missing. "Aye.." he mumbles, nothing more. Fin stands and decides to go find something to clean or fix. He waves good bye to the seaelves and gives another long look to the wolfriders. ** I'll be back later ** He dismisses himself with a smile and trots down the beach. Cascade smiles at both Fin and Surfsinger. ** I'm well. See you later, Fin. ** She finds herself a seat, where she can be comfortable while her feet taptaptap to the music. ** How is everyone here? ** Surfsinger watches her mate's adopted son trundle off, with a smile, and glances to Cascade. ** Berryfuzzed. ** she answers. ** Care to join? ** ** Of course I would. ** Cascade's eyes brighten as she looks for where the berries are. After all, she was too busy painting to enjoy berries yesterday. Ember shakes her head and rrs again, trying to clear the berryfuzz, now. Not good. Berries bring memories, not oblivion. Too bad she forgot that earlier. Her head falls against her knees and her hands come away from Flashfire to wrap about her legs. She whispers a name, a dead glider's name, in a broken sigh. Life sucks sometimes, don't it? Sure does. Flashfire picks up the name, thinking it's the one he heard earlier. Sift through memories..ergh. He sits up slowly, uncomfortably. Cursed berries and their effects. They're good, but not when they make things worse in the end. "Gon'..gonna get them..both." he murmurs, a promise made as much to himself as anyone else listening, Ember especially. Ember, whom he shifts to curl around slightly, resting his chin on her shoulder, from behind. Cascade walks over to get berries, having spotted some over by Surfsinger. Even she is picking up on the vibes around this place. For a party, it doesn't seem very upbeat, does it? She finds a seat closer to the berries, not to mention the flute music and sits there. Motionless. Ember sighs again and actually settles against Flashfire for the mutual strength and comfort the two siblings can bring each other. Her eyes open and she stares into the fire. Who knows what she really sees, though. Surfsinger watches Ember and Flashfire for a long moment. *Sigh* Remind her later to tell Silverthorn that berries are, in fact, /not/ the answer to everything. She shifts and looks at Cascade. ** I saw your new outfit. ** she smiles. ** It was lovely, Cascade. ** Small talk. Windkin comes down from further up the beach. Flashfire's eyes close again, and now it's his turn to see if he can't help Ember out a little. She's got even more history with the gliders than he does (not that he has much). He tries to convey soothing, calming thoughts in a loose send, hugging her from behind by the log, his cheek nuzzling hers. Cascade looks up at Surfsinger's comment from her spot on the sand, then ducks her head a little. ** Thanks. ** She is trying to match the mood around here, really she is, but somehow, that one left foot starts to tap oh so gently in the sand. Windkin speeds in from the inner part of the Island, pausing a moment to try and find his tribesmates before floating over to them, ** I heard something...talk is going around about gliders? ** He wrinkles his nose at the strong scent of dreamberries about them. Surfsinger looks up at Windkin, mildly startled. She looks at the two wolfriders and realizes neither of them are in any condition to answer. ** Aye. ** she says matter of factly, laying down her flute now. ** The one called Tsoran has taken Shenshen back to Blue Mountain. ** And the Raft elf doesn't look terribly ecstatic about it, though she is /trying/ to remain neutral. Ember sort of stirs at Windkin's entrance, and Surfsinger's words. Her expression is bleak, her eyes clouded with the effects of dreamberries. "Windkin." she slurrs, one hand moving to grasp Flashfire's arm and tighten about it. "Shensh'n..." Flashfire and Ember are quite a sight right now, both still in the tight grip of a dreamberry and wine fog, having been encouraged to perhaps waste away a bit of time in the wake of what happened. "Mount'n.." he echoes, blinking glassily at the floater before taking hold of one of Ember's arms, too. Both were near to wolfsong earlier... Windkin turns quickly from Surfsinger to Ember, his eyes wide at first before narrowing. ** A lot of good you're doing, drunk on dreamberries when she's... ** All right. Maybe he shouldn't say what Tsoran is probably doing to Shenshen. "Bah!" He does a dismissive gesture. "You're no use like this. Go cry some more." He'll get Skywise to help him get Shenshen. Cascade pops a dreamberry into her mouth as she watches and listens. Even though Surfsinger has stopped playing the music, one foot taps gently. Possibly even in her sleep that foot continues its ridiculous tapping. Surfsinger rises swiftly to her feet. ** Hold on, flyer. ** she sends firmly, beginning to stride after him. ** I don't know what your history is in the Mountain, but I do know the state these two were in when the Chosen took your friend. /This/ is a vast sight better. ** No matter how much they're blubbering. ** Aroree has gone after Tsoran and has promised to return with news, one way or the other, about Shenshen's wellbeing. There's nothing to do until then. We have already started getting supplies together for them and Redtide ** the chief ** will be informed. Then, we'll decide what to do. ** Evidently the rafter has taken the 'abduction' rather personally herself. It was a breach to the hospitality of her holt, after all. And she /is/ the chief's lifemate. Ember shakes her head, trying to clear it and the blasted berry fog out of it. She struggles to try and find her feet, still holding on to Flashfire. Her sends come in images and sensations only, that being the clearest way to communicate. ** <> <> ** Slowly, her anger cuts through the fog, indeed clearing her head. This is better? Windkin is even further angered. They were drunk when she was abducted? Well, who knows where he learned his curses, but he learned them well...and many of them! All of them are spent before he turns challenging eyes upon his tribesmates and Surfsinger, ** And what can your chief do? Can he get into the Mountain and demand her return? ** He doubts that. But he knows the Mountain well enough to go find her and bring her back. Flashfire winces at the tone of Windkin's send, the one who apparently doesn't even bother to find out the whole story before overreacting. "Quiet..Windkin. Weren't there..don't know whut happen.." He fumbles over the words, rising wobbly as Ember does, the pair of them using each other for a crutch. "Tricked Shen..left wif her.." And no, they most certainly were -not- drunk when it happened. Surfsinger meets Windkin's gaze steadily, bright fire blazing in her eyes. Her jaw sets determinedly and she squares her shoulders proudly. ** If he must. ** she says, her tone remarkably even. She knows her mate more than well enough to know he'd do just that. Ember does rise to her feet, now, shaking her head again. Dang, where's a healer when you need one. She glares at Windkin, mainly because he's flying and that's what her brain registers. "Will go to the mountain if we have to." she says, her speech getting clearer as she moves and forces herself to sober up. "We'll find Father and we'll get Shenshen back." Then, they'll go find Suntop. Starsong has connected. Cascade sits quietly with a few forgotten dreamberries in her hand. Although her one foot is tapping, it moves very slowly and she is intently watching the other elves around the fire. How could they have allowed this to happen? Windkin finds it hard to believe that they could just stand by and watch while Shenshen was taken away. ** You know it's death for you to go to the Mountain, Ember...they want your hide for Sar. ** He was there long enough, he knows these things. At Surfsinger's tone he quirks an eyebrow up haughtily and asks, "And how does he intend to get in? Can he fly as well?" It's times like these that he most resembles Tyldak...perhaps it is just the attitude. Starsong quietly walks over to cascade and smiles a greeting at her. She keeps her distance from the other wolfriders, knowing the predicament they are in. Flashfire's not taking this too well, isn't liking Windkin's attitude one bit. In another moment of lucidity, he snarls warningly at the floater. "We did everything we could..he tricked her..she took his hands and he took her! We tried to grab her legs but they left too fast!" Temper flaring again..clearer memory of the whole event in question, and he sends the scene quickly to Windkin, hoping that'll get him to wake up. In it, he'll see that they weren't drunk, did everything they could to stop Tsoran, but it just happened too quickly. Then he falters, dizzy again. The log invites him to sit down upon it. Surfsinger continues to regard Windkin steadily. ** Flying or not, he would find a way. ** she says with conviction. She didn't say the rafters would fight their way in, after all. Though, they definitely would try if they had to. She's distinctly unimpressed by Windkin's haughtiness. Then again, she dealt with Tethysia. She's seen worse. Cascade blinks as someone else wanders into her line of sight. She catches the greeting and smiles back at Starsong. ** Tides. ** she sends automatically. Her eyes lower and she catches sight of the dreamberries in her hand. She holds them out enquiringly. Ember jerks back as if she'd been slapped. Sar has come up /far/ too often today. She sets her jaw defiantly. ** Then maybe it's time I faced them. ** she says to Windkin, anger burning in her send, along with echoes of the emptiness of her soulmate's death. ** If I know Tsoran, that's /exactly/ why he took Shenshen. So, I /will/ go. I /will/ see her released safely. ** And she knows better than to guarantee her own safety. Tsoran? "Tsoran?!?" Windkin cannot believe he is hearing...or seeing this! "You let her even speak to Tsoran?" Well, they deserve whatever they get then. He's not surprised the lot of them weren't captured. "I had thought you a little more astute than this, Ember." He then makes to float away. Maybe he won't help them...they got themselves into this mess, they can get themselves out of it. Starsong smiles and shakes her head, declining politely. She moves to Cascades side and sits down. She watches the other wolfriders, a bit of sadness in her eyes. Flashfire's eyes narrow. If something can burn out the haze quickly, it's anger. "Shenshen's old enough to think for herself, Windkin." His hands ball into fists at Windkin's way of reacting to this, and he gets up again, not as wobbly as before. "You..have no place to judge." he growls, standing next to Ember before looking up at her, jaw set. "I'm coming with you when we go." If they go. SandPiper has connected. Surfsinger watches Windkin, an impassive expression on her face. She's standing in for the chiefs again, so she's not about to back down now. And, from Silverthorn, she's learned all about the meaning behind 'showing throat'. That's something else she won't do. ** This is useless. ** she snaps. ** It happened. Blame and recrimination helps no one. Least of all your tribe mate. ** She sets her jaw, steel in her eyes. ** A Council will be called and the issue will be dealt with. Even now supplies are being gathered. We only wait now for Aroree's return. ** And she, for one, has no reason to doubt the one the lostholters name cub-stealer. Silverthorn arrives from up the beach. Ember flicks a look at Flashfire. Her lower lip juts out in that way it does when she decides to get stubborn or pugnacious about such things. Her words growl out of her throat. "We're guests here, Windkin." she says coursely. "/I/ didn't start the fight with Tsoran. I /tried/ to stop Shenshen. You /know/ how she gets when she sets her mind on something." A lot like her sister and niece, actually. "He had his cursed bird, with him. There was nothing I could do!" And it stings her to admit that. Starsong has disconnected. Windkin turns back to look over his shoulder, "You could have warned her." It might have been enough. Of course, he's cursing himself too that he wasn't there when she was abducted...he could have probably caught up with them. SandPiper comes from the bushes with sandstoe her sunand hads for the outher elfs on the beach ans smiles on her face Flashfire's eyes briefly meet Ember's, his own expression not far off from hers. He's going, if they do. Even if he doesn't like the Mountain and might be afraid of it still. He does will his lip to uncurl, stopping to rub his temples, head still pounding. "I /tried/!" Ember returns forcefully. She switches to sends now to make it just that much clearer what she's thinking and feeling. ** I /did/ warn her. She /chose/ to go, Windkin. To protect us! ** And, no, she's not at all happy about that fact. Silverthorn walks slowly down the beach. When she picks up on all the conversation she moves to the guests gathered there. **Shade. I take it there has been no word yet** Surfsinger remains where she is, merely watching the exchange, now. She's said her piece. The sense of steel remains in her gaze, but she feels no need to interrupt at all. This is now between tribemates, it appears. Her head turns towards her sister at the send. ** No, Silverthorn. Nothing yet. ** Windkin still isn't too convinced. Surely something could have been done. "Why was Tsoran here in the first place?" Cascade is sitting on the sand, merely watching. She is holding some dreamberries in her hand, but appears to have forgotten all about them as she leans forward to listen to the conversation. "Why do you think, Windkin?" Flashfire can't help but growl again, throwing up his hands at the beach. "Did you forget there's a -party- here?!" SandPiper stops dead in her tracks as she reache the outhers the smile fading.what did she just walck in to just now. SandStone squels loudly at all the loud sends and voues Surfsinger tries not to snirk at Flashfire's words. They are terribly ironic, though, don't you think. Some party... You locksend to Ember, Flashfire complains. ** What's -wrong- with him?! ** Ember glances to her fur-brother. No point adding to what he said. It's supposed to be a party here, anyway. ** He was a guest here. ** she returns, her tone clipped and terse. You sense in a locksend, Ember is irritated, now, too. ** I don't know. ** She suspects it's his glider blood, though. Of course, that's very uncharitable and purely a reaction to the moment. She's not /really/ serious about it... Windkin didn't think Chosen would be invited. In fact, he even voices it, "If I had known that Chosen were to be here, I would have declined the invitation." At this rate they'll never find Suntop. You locksend to Ember, Flashfire begins to agree, only to grow more upset with Windkin at his lack of politeness towards the invitations extended. Surfsinger arches a brow coolly. ** The invitation was general. ** she says smoothly. ** To celebrate the birth of my pip, among other things. ** Her eyes rake Windkin up and down. He's floating, isn't he? ** And, until now, I, for one, had never even heard of the Chosen. ** Silverthorn moves into the group and sighs a little. She sends to her sister to catch up on whatever she has missed. Flashfire's eyes narrow. This isn't right, fighting amongst each other, even one's own tribesmate. "You should be sorry, Windkin, if that's how you're going to treat the hospitality of others here. They didn't have to invite anyone." He shakes his head, trying to clear it out the rest of the way. "Can't change what's already happened..it's not worth fighting about. We have to make sure we get her back, all right?" As it is, he's on the verge of storming out to a quieter place. SandPiper looks to her trybes man to try to figer out what is going on but she is not saying a thing knowing she shoud stay out of it Ember scowls fiercely, now. "Flashfire's right." she says, her tone indicating she's about had it with the arguing. "/Now/ we work on getting her back. Safely." Emphasis on that last word. She pins Windkin with a look. "You can either help us or you can go home." So, she's not always the best chief around. She can pull it off when she has to. Quickblade wades up on the beach, water droplets trickling down his body. Windkin is very tempted to go home, but Cutter would flay him alive if he did. "I suppose you're going to ambush the Mountain." The way she's talking about it, that's what it sounds like. SandPiper looks to surfsinger and asks **what is going on who is missing???** Ember continues to scowl. "Like we could!" she nearly snaps. "Winnowill /knows/ by now we're coming." The Black Snake would have to be /stupid/ not to guess that as soon as Shenshen showed up. And it's /highly/ unlikely she would have missed the sunvillager's arrival. "But, that's not going to stop us from going." She glances to Surfsinger. "Only Aroree" or someone, "bringing her back will stop that." Stormgrace rises from the water, heading towards the beach. She pauses to wring the excess water from her hair before stepping onto the dry sand. She starts to send a greeting but noting the tension she raises a brow and strides forward, **Calm waves** Oh go home if you really want to, Windkin. Flashfire won't object to it very much. "Maybe you -should- go home, and tell Cutter." he slips in, glancing SandPiper's way before looking at Windkin again. "We're ready to get her back if Aroree can't." he adds. Or, getting ready. Stormgrace's greeting goes unanswered by him. Sorry. Quickblade enters in from the beach. he stops short as he hears the conversation, which he started hear a little ways back he shrugs and seats himself on a log, leaning back. Surfsinger glances to SandPiper, locksending an answer to her question to her. At Stormgrace's approach the musician-huntress seems nearly to sigh. With relief. ** Warm tides, Stormgrace. ** she greets, her eyes conveying exactly how frustrating the situation is. ** We've been looking for you. <> ** To the chief's sister, she also locksends an explanation. You locksend ** <> I need to get away from everyone here. ** to Ember. Silverthorn tenses at the send from her sister and sighs. **Let's calm back down everyone. We agreed to wait til Aroree came back before jumping to conclusions. If we settle down we can get thru this. No one wants to see anyone harmed.** She is trying to be good. Even tho she was one to state she would help get Shenshen back. **Windkin..it couldn't be helped. Done is done. Now help us figure out how to get her back...that's what needs done now. Thinking..not yelling** Her send sounds so like a mother scolding children that it might make everyone hesitate at least. SandPiper nouds in under standing of the privet send sahr than sends back to surfsinger Quickblade sighs and runs a hand through his hair ** She's right. Decisions made in haste haven't got a chance of being successful. ** Stormgrace pauses at Surfsinger's send, brow arching up near her hairline. She frowns and steps forward, moving towards Ember at this moment, **I am sorry that this happened here... know the resources of the raft tribe are at your disposal in getting back your tribesmember... Anything we can do to help we will try and arrange.** She has slipped into diplomacy mode, likely thanking the high ones that her volatile brother is nowhere to be found. You sense in a locksend, Ember lends you more of her strength. ** Go, then, Flashfire. /I'll/ deal with Windkin. ** Ember glances first to Flashfire and then turns back to Stormgrace, straightening to meet the seaelf chieftess's gaze with an equality of her own. ** Thank you. ** she says, even sounding somewhat regretful that this has happened at all. ** I appreciate it more than you can know. ** She takes a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, though her eyes still glow. She nods to Silverthorn and Surfsinger. ** We'll wait for Aroree. ** And hope she gets back soon. Windkin crosses his arms at his chest and doesn't look pleased with the decision at all. But what else is there to do? He certainly doesn't want to go back to the Mountain. SandPiper sits and waches now seeing the tachon retreating just a littl Quickblade looks on for a moment then sits up "Ahem" ** I don't mean to intrude. But I would be willing to help your cause too. ** Without a word of explanation, Flashfire steps away from Ember, stalking towards the east, the general direction of the waterfall. Well, Ember knows why he's going. Cascade looks up as each elf arrives. She's not involved in the riveting discussion and just nods a greeting, so as not to interrupt anything. When the tension eases up a little, she notices she's still got some dreamberries in her hand and pops one into her mouth. SandPiper remdering she has her sun in her arems puts him down so as she can go play Stormgrace looks at each elf in turn, a frown marring her features. This is definitely not something she had planned for the festivities... which were supposed to be festive... or at least that was the plan anyway, **Everyone is welcome to stay as long as necessary while awaiting news. Though I hope the wait will not be too long.** [Flashfire left here, thus ending his part of the whole thing.]