14 April 2002, festival campsite, plainsrunner territory
who: Shadows, Nightfall, Greenleafs, Lavender, Reed, Zirek, Savith, 
Sureflight, Telia, Surfsinger, Silverthorn, Dawnstar, Thorn, Tacit, 
Firesong, Malandor, Cutter, Aurayai, Hummingbird, Wildfire

Summary:  A slew of people from the previous hunt gather together to plot 
another go at the herd and the bull.  Some suggest using a BondBird to life 
someone over the bull to issue a challenge, so that others on the ground can 
use the distraction to kill it.

Rolling Hills(#1433RJ)

As the land slopes from north to south it becomes a basking view of rolling 
hills and arroyos. Sturdy grasses and an occassional slump of brush cover most 
of it with short trees, only in the lower areas, which collect moisture from 
the infrequent rain or from the underground springs. Veins of little arroyos 
lead southward and meet a grand arroyo. These water ways channel water to a 
grand arroyo which then takes the water to a stream. In the distance, towards 
the north, is the peak of Plains Mountain. Because of its low altitude is bears 
no snow, even in the dead of whitetime (winter). This peak is visable from 
anywhere in the plains.

The heat of the hottime day on the plains becomes unbearable were it not for 
the occasional wind that sweeps across the plains and swirls in the canyon. The 
rising temperature is harshest especially to those who are foreign to this 
land. Creatures of all kinds keep cool in the shadows of the canyon walls and 
low trees. The ground is dry and dusty.

Shadows has snuck out of the camp with his wolf in tow. He seems greately 
relieved to have gotten out of there without having to 'introduce' himself to 
anyone. A contented sigh. Perhaps he can find some elves he knows to hide 
behind. That'd be safer.

Nightfall has found a good deep shadow to sit in, and she seems to be deep in 
thought, though it is somewhat broken when others enter the area. She looks 
up, only half interested, to watch.

Shadows frowns as he finds himself 'chased' and begins to break into a run AWAY 
from Greenleafs. However a familar scent catches his nose and he launches to 
where Nightfall is attempting to get behind her for safety.

Shadows locksends ** help! **

Nightfall blinks as she finds her arms and space full of Shadows.

You locksend ** Whoa there, little one, what's wrong? ** to Shadows.

Greenleafs slows his jog down to a walk as he nears the two elves. "Heyla 
there." He gives a nod to Nightfall and looks past her to Shadows. "That one 
all right? Fell off a wolf in the camp..."

Nightfall looks behind, a bit puzzled, and shakes her head. "So far as I know, 
he's alright. He's always been a bit...skittish, though..."

Shadows is shaking like a leaf. He better watch it or he might end up with the 
Leafshaker nickname that's following him about. He has his head buried against 
Nightfall. ** S....sorry...... ** He tries to calm down using Nightfall as a 
shelter of sorts.

Shadows locksends ** there's so many elves.....I thought I was doing okay and 
suddenly I got really afraid again. **

Nightfall reaches around to put an arm around Shadows shoulder. Shadows seems 
to suit, since he seems to like hiding in them.

Greenleafs stops a few feet from Nightfall, and as seems to be his habit, 
crouches down to be more eye to eye with the elf. "He didn't hurt anything in 
the camp but that may have been a nasty fall."

Nightfall shrugs. "We all fall from our wolves from time to time. It just means 
you have to get back on him and try it again. You ride? It's hard before you 
really get used to your wolf, and used to riding."

Shadows shakes his head, ** Didn't get hurt.....Skyeyes just sat down when he 
shouldn't.....I... I'm fine. ** He breathes a bit easier as Nightfall works her 
magic on the jumpy elf. Violet eyes open after a few moments. ** I'm sorry....
I don't meet others very well.....**

Nightfall chuckles and very gently rubs the younger elf's back, much as she 
would a jumpy wolf. Not a cub, per se, but Shadows still seems a little afraid 
of the bigger world.

Greenleafs peeks at Shadows in Nightfall's arms. He tries to give the elf a 
friendly smile, showing off pinkened teeth. "I've got two wolves that run with 
me from my old holt, I know how a fall can put you off your kilter." He wipes 
his mouth with the back of his hand and sends, ** Ah, well, meet me now and 
next time we see one another you can be easy, I'm Greenleafs. **

Nightfall shrugs. ** It helps that he is already a little off kilter, if you 
take my meaning. He's a good elf, though, if a little skittish. ** She laughs a 
bit, remembering for no reason in particular, how close it was to her dinner 
time. ** Just nod, Shadows. He's not gonna hurt you right now, ok? **

Shadows nods a little and sighs, ** And I'm not off kilter. I can ride just 
fine. Skyeyes likes to see if he can dump me though. **

Nightfall chuckles and shrugs. ** Then you need to let him know that's not a 
fun thing for you. You are supposed to be friends, so talk to him. **

** Act like the alpha wolf and tumble him onto his back a few times. ** This 
is Greenleafs' two cents on the matter. ** Darktail kept trying to dump me 
into ponds when we went by them before I did him that way. **

Greenleafs looks over at the big wolf, both eye brows creeping towards his hair 
line. ** Your right on that one, might be a bit hard to keep him in line. But, 
he is your friend right? ** Greenleafs looks back over at the other two with 
the last question.

Nightfall laughs. ** You DO have a wolffriend of your own, right? **

Shadows pats Skyeyes when he comes close, ** Of course he is my friend. We talk 
alot about stuff he's seen and we go hunting together. **

Greenleafs nods slowly, he looks back towards the Trader Camp a moment before 
two normal sized wolves come lopeing out. One is a light gray with his tail 
going more towards black, the other is a brownish red with large brown eyes. 
** These two comeing here, they are my friends, though... ** He looks back 
again at the other two. ** Darktail is my 'wolffriend'. ** he tries to convey 
the different meaning through the send.

Nightfall nods. ** And the other is...? A brother to your wolffriend? **

Shadows seems to automatically calm with the appearance of more wolves. He's 
definately calmer around the four legged ones. ** They are nice looking...they 
won't start with Skyeyes will they? **

Lavender emerges from the small travelling camp.

Woodbiter walks towards Shadows, giving him a sniff. Upon discovering a 
friendly smell, he sidles up and nudges the elf's hand. << Hello, bondmate's 
friend >> the wolf sends to Shadows (yes, they do send).

Darktail and Softeyes both trott up to Greenleafs, noseing him and bumbping 
into him almost enough to make the sturdy elf fall over. With a chuckle though, 
he keeps his balance by looping an arm each over the wolves. ** Oh no, they 
are friendly, litter mates they are, Darktail, ** Greenleafs ruffs the wolf's 
ruff, ** And Softeyes wont hurt other wolvesless they attack. **

Shadows cuddles Wolfbiter and sends back ** Hello woodbiter. ** He lets Skyeyes 
make his own tailwagging introductions. He seems so happy around the wolves 
where he's so afraid around the humans.

Woodbiter whuffs a bit at the attention, giving his bondmate an eye as if to 
say, "THIS is what I like."

Darktail and Softeyes seperate themselves from Greenleafs and with a small nod 
from him start over towards Shadows. The Trader seems as comfortable with the 
wolves as Shadows is but not near as frightened of the other elves.

Nightfall sighs. ** I'd watch out if you have anything of carved wood. I didn't 
call him Woodbiter for nothing. **

Shadows bounces Woodbiter and chews on the wolf's ear. Skyeyes immediatly gets 
jealous and starts biting on Shadows who breaks down into audible laughter. He 
wiggles about as finds himself being 'mauled' by a pack of wolves.

Lavender walks into the area and yawns a bit looking around. She blinks 
noticeing the other elves and then tries to make herself invisable, she isn't 
very comfortable around others just yet.

Nightfall chuckles, and notices a bit of movement--she is a hunter after all. 
** Hullo there, why don't you come join us? ** she sends gently.

Greenleafs's eyes move a fraction after Nightfall's. He stays crouched down 
a few feet infront of Nightfall, Shadows and all those fun loveing wolves. 
** We are just talking. ** He tries to urge the other elf out as well. The two 
wolves that came with him try to make their way into the pile with Shadows, 
happy, young wolves.

Shadows climbs out of the group of tail wagging wolves and climbs up on 
Skyeyes. ** Nothing nicer then wolves.... ** Yup he's a happy elf now. ** 
Should grow some dreamberries or something. **

Woodbiter walks over to the new elf slowly, and gives her a sniff.

Lavender falls back in shock as she's found! ** I uh...I...I'm....I'm okay 
right here....really... ** She stands slowly watching them with something of 
shock as she didn't expect to be caught, Though she does take a moment to brush 
herself off.

Nightfall nods and waves to the reluctant elf. She's used to shy ones.

Greenleafs isn't so used to shy ones, but is working on it. ** Its really 
okay, just.. come on over. ** Darktail and Softeyes, finding the play getting 
up onto the back of Skyeyes, they pad over to Greenleafs and once more get one 
on either side of him.

Shadows smiles a little at Lavender seeing a kindred spirit. He just keeps 
smiling a little and doesn't try to do much in the way of making friends.

Lavender blinks and looks at Woodbiter, there is some hesitation on her part 
before she backs up a step from the wolf and walks over towards the group 
however she still keeps her distance from them ** I uh...I...I'm 
L-Lavender... **

** I'm Greenleafs. ** The elf drops down to a seated position, urgeing the 
wolves to lay down with him. They pile together like they were all three of the 
same pack.

Shadows decides that that's a good idea and after sliding down from Skyeyes, 
Shadows hides himself in the shadow by Nightfall. It takes a little bit and 
finally there's a quick quiet, blink and miss it send from the shy elf, "I'm 
shadows."

Lavender looks over all of them, well all except Shadows. She nods a bit and 
seems to relax, very slightly though ** Nice to...meet you... **

Nightfall nods, and gives Shadows a little nuzzle and a smile. She's happy 
he's getting a bit more comfortable with meeting people. But so as not to 
disturb either of the skittish elves, she turns her attention to Greenleafs, 
who doesn't seem disturbed by any of it.

Greenleafs nods deeply to Lavender and turns back to Nightfall himself. Maybe 
if the two of them talk, the others will join in more easily. ** Where is your 
holt at Nightfall? **

Nightfall smiles to herself, glad Greenleafs took her "hint" such as it was. 
** Lostholt, under the arms of the greenest Father Tree. ** She loves her 
home. ** And youself? **

Shadows smiles at the nuzzle and just relaxes against Nightfall. Yup he's 
gotten better it seems.

Lavender fidgets uncomfortable and sits down merely watching for now.

Greenleafs jerks a thumb towards the Trader camp. ** For now I'm in there. Is a 
good place for an elf who wants to get around, see the world ya know. ** He 
begins to idlely scritch one of the wolves he is piled up with. ** Before 
that, I was in a holt towards the mountains from here. **

Nightfall nods. ** Which way? ** She points towards sun-comes-up (east) ** 
Mine is that way. **

Shadows watches Lavender and grins slightly ** You can sit by me if you like."

Greenleafs seems to be enjoying laying out in the sunny patch where he, 
Darktail and Softeyes are. ** From here? I think, maybe off that way. ** He 
waves a hand in the general direction of the north. His dark eyes flick towards 
Lavender, but he tries not to keep his gaze on the young elf too long.

Nightfall nods, as her gaze to flicks for just a fraction of a second to 
Lavender. She smiles, seemingly at Greeleafs. ** I have been up north. It was...
cold. **

Lavender blinks and looks over at Shadows and fidgets a bit more ** Um... ** 
She hesitates a bit before standing and moving to sit near Shadows, but she 
still keeps a little distance.

Greenleafs nods to Nightfall. ** Yes, it could get cold sometimes, but we had 
this little valley see, that had all this soft grass and warm glades. We loved 
it. ** Greenleafs adopts a dreamy smile to his face, giveing Darktail and 
Softeyes each a good pat.

Shadows seems to be getting tired as he curls up a bit more while still 
somewhat leaning on Nightfall. ** Guess I shouldn't get so worked up.... **

Nightfall ahs. ** I see. Where I went, it just snowed. Alot. ** She puts an 
arm around Shadows.

The leaves rustle in the oak tree on the far side of the clearing. Something 
seems to be moving down from the higher branches.

Lavender looks around and hmms softly standing slowly ** I think...I'm going 
to have a look around... **

Nightfall nods. ** Have fun. **

Greenleafs looks over at Lavender. ** Be careful. ** A small warning that 
comes too quickly these days.

A red fruit falls to the ground with a dull thud. This is then followed by 
mild cursing. More leaves rustle about and then a long chestnut braid drops 
into view.

Nightfall blinks, and looks up. ** What in the world is that? ** She points.

Greenleafs tilts his head back, then around a little and says with strong 
conviction. "That, is a braid."

Nightfall lifts an eyebrow. ** I can SEE that. My question...oh, phaw. What 
is it doing up there, and who is it attached to...? **

An elf maiden makes her appearance by hanging down from the branch. **Troll 
Rot!** Seems she's just short of reaching her dropped fruit. Then she realizes 
she's being watched. Braid pooled on the ground, she grins upside down.

Nightfall once again lifts an eyebrow. ** Uhm...hi. Who are you? **

Reed waves. **Greetings**

Greenleafs chuckles at the grin Reed gives them. ** Hey there. ** He gives a 
wave to yet another elf.

Reed sends openly ** I'm Reed. **

Nightfall grins. ** I'm Nightfall. You enjoy hanging upside down from trees 
like a limbrunner? **

Darktail and Softeyes are both starting to fall asleep around Greenleafs. 
The elf begins to extract himself from them. ** And dropping things at othe 
elves? **

Reed reaches back up to grab the branch and jump down. Retrieving her fruit, 
she wipes it clean. She does not eat it right away and makes her way over to be 
more social. **It's been a long long time since I've been able to play in the 
trees. I used to be of the former holt, Wolfhaven. **

Nightfall nods. ** Trees can be fun...I know a Shaper who loved to make all 
kinds of climbing places for me... ** She sighs wistfully.

** Odd how much we like the trees, even when our blood is so close to the 
ground isn't it? ** Greenleafs as his question as he rolls away from Darktail 
and Softeyes, the two wolves moveing closer together sleepily.

Nightfall thinks on that. ** Not really. The trees come from the ground. And 
we used to be alot taller, so maybe we like the trees because in a way, 
they're like we used to be. **

Reed tosses the red fruit back and forth in her hands. **Or it's just all 
about survival like our wolf brothers and sisters. Trees high up from danger.**

Nightfall's philosophical view on the idea has Greenleafs' brows pulling 
together in thought. ** But.. how.. ** Reed's idea makes it more easily into 
his mind. ** I think she is right. ** He nods his head towards Reed, ** We go 
where it is safe. **

Nightfall chuckles. ** Or you could just say that, yes. **

Reed looks around at all the elves in the area. **There are so many elves 
here. Each day I find new ones to talk and hardly the same twice.**

Greenleafs winks at Nightfall, a grin spreading over his face then looks over 
at Reed. ** Oh aye, elves of so many different holts, tribes.. races even. 
THey are just all around. I'm glad our chieftess, StormTossed has met quite a 
few of them. **

Nightfall chuckles. ** I've been here for a bit...since just before 
the...changed shagbacks incident. **

Reed remains standing, tossing the fruit still. **my Lord and I did not 
arrive till after that.**

Nightfall tilts her head. ** Your lord? **

** Your... Lord? ** Greenleafs looks confused at that. He is finally on his 
feet and stretches his arms over his head, working out some few kinks.

Reed smiles softly **Yes, my Lord Malandor. Yes yes it's a long story. **

Nightfall lifts an eyebrow. ** Right. Ok then. **

** I'd say. ** Greenleafs rolls his neck, more kinks being worked out. ** 
Want to tell it? May liven us up a bit. **

Reed stops tossing the fruit and peers upwards. She knew she would have to 
deal with explanations and well so far it's not been to bad. **I'll give you 
the short version. After loss of holt and lifemate...I return to my former 
captor and in exchange for refuge i serve His needs. I am well treated. I 
choose to forget the past.**

Nightfall ohs and just nods. ** I see. **

** I don't. ** Greenleafs crouches back down to look at the others. ** Why 
would you go to someone you call a captor? **

Zirek sits tight-lipped with his arms crossed over in the shadows somewhere 
nearby. He doesn't speak, or in fact give any indication of his presence.

Nightfall lifts an eyebrow. ** Another shadow sitter. How original. ** She 
sighs. Why is so many elves lately are afraid of just being friendly?

Reed sighs. It's always the same questions. **Because I see Him with new 
eyes...<pausing>..He calls for me now. I must go.** With that she gives a 
short nod and turns on her heel to see to her Lord.

Zirek flicks a glance to Nightfall.

Greenleafs shakes his head and turns back to Nightfall. ** Times are strange 
and elves are getting stranger I say. **

Zirek locksends ** Because we're wasting time. We should be planning a way 
to drive off those beasts. **

Nightfall lifts an eyebrow at Reed and shivers a bit. Underworlders...sheesh. 
She looks at Zirek and gives an incline of her head.

You locksend ** Indeed, but there are a bit that are injured, and we need as 
many hunters as possible before we can attemptit again. ** to Zirek.

Zirek sits, grim and impatient. He speaks aloud, angrily "What good is it going 
to do for us to just ride out there again? We were useless against them 
before! Would we fare any better now? I think not. It doesn't matter how 
/many/ we throw at them... we need some sort of edge!"

Greenleafs turns at the loud, angry voice. There is surprise on his face. He 
dosn't say anything just yet, instead, he moves towards the two wolves who are 
now sound asleep in their patch of sunlight.

Zirek glances sidelong at the healer and then away.

Nightfall sighs. ** True, but....what "edge" can we find? They're covered in 
armor, they have... those tails...horns... I saw that catelf girl get killed. 
They're not easy prey but there has to be a way. **

Zirek slams his fist into his leg "Well, we should make a plan, then."

Savith glides in, after spending time searching the plains for more evidence 
of the mutated creatures. His features troubled as the loud voice catches his 
attention... a familiar voice... His eyes narrow as he drops down to fully 
enter the area, his feet coming to rest mere inches above the ground. **What 
would you suggest,** comes his cold, disdainful question directed at Zirek.

Zirek's eyes widen at Savith, then narrow. "Savith." he says by way of 
greeting. He rises, unsure of exactly where he stands with the Mountain folk 
these days. He brushes the dirt off his breeches.

Zirek appears a little nervous, like a dishonorably discharged soldier 
facing someone he served with in better days.

Greenleafs is truly lost it seems. The not so familiar elf backs his way 
over to Darktail and Softeyes, nudgeing them both with a toe.

Nightfall lifts an eyebrow, but stays out of it. Not her business, and she 
isn't too fond of Mountainfolk, or Underworlders for that matter, though she is 
polite as can be.

Savith has just entered, and addressed Zirek. At the other elf's lack of reply 
to his query, he turns to Nightfall to add, **I haven't noticed any new in 
scouting from the air, Nightfall. Just the large, wide trial that I'm sure you 
can follow easily. The herd is some distance from here, and does seem to still 
be on the move. Winddance and I can head out, to see if I can dissern a 
direction, if you feel it needed.**

Zirek steps toward Savith, a wistful look flitting across his face before he 
hides it.

Nightfall shakes her head. ** If it's easily trackable, then that's fine. We'll 
do it then... unless anyone thinks they're smart enough to circle around to 
attack us? ** Her brow furrows. ** These things bother me. They don't act like 
predator or prey, exactly... **

Savith flicks a glance at Zirek, returning a lock send, a corner of his lips 
flicking up slightly.

Zirek blurts out, to Savith, "WHAT?!?!" He looks like he's about to take a 
swing at the other elf, but stops himself. "Who?" he demands tightly.

Savith turns his attention back to Nightfall as she sends, finishing his mental 
touch with Zirek, **That is disquieting...** It seems he's about to say more 
until Zirek's outbrust. The Chosen turns cold green eyes to the half-breed, a 
brow rising, as he replies sensabily, **... a potential addition to the Chosen, 
Zirek, as is a sensible conclusion to your abandoning of the bond.** Is there a 
tone of accusation in his send, or is it imgination?

Nightfall purses her lips a bit, though whether it's at Savith comment to her 
or to Zirek, it is hard to tell. She does carefully watch the two, however, 
trying to not be abvious about it.

Zirek struggles to contain himself. "Aban... Tsoran... Argh!" His frustration 
makes him inarticulate. He takes a deep breath and falls silent, trying to get 
a grip on his temper before he makes the situation worse.

Darktail and Softeyes stir at Greenleafs toeing the both of them. The two 
wolves swing their heads almost in unison to look at the larger gathering of 
elves, then, as one, they get up and trot into the Trader Camp. Greenleafs 
starts the same way himself but keeps glancing back at the two argueing elves.

Savith seems, almost, to find Zirek's reaction amusing as a smirk crosses his 
face. It doesn' entirely fade before he turns back to Nightfall, continuing 
their conversation, ** As I was saying, I can see how the herd's actions can be 
uncomfortable. I assume they are easy to see coming before they strike?**

Zirek says through gritted teeth "What we /need/ to do is fly over the herd 
with one of the big hawks and use a crossbow to kill the leader."

Nightfall thinks back. ** Well...not exactly. While they are shagbacks in a 
way, they move faster than usual. It seems their...leader...has a good control 
over them, and he may lend them strength as well as swiftness not normally 
found in normal shagbacks. **

Nightfall shakes her head. ** Problem is, he'd probably know you were there, 
and he can blacksend. **

Zirek says "They didn't look up, remember."

Greenleafs slips into the Trader Camp.

Savith seems intrigued, **There is a leader?** At Nightfall's detail, 
Savith's eyes widen then
narrow calculatingly, **That is very interesting, indeed.** He listens to 
Zirek's proposal and
adds, **At the very least, it diserves testing.**

Zirek almost smiles. "Anyone got a crossbow? You have to stay out of range 
of the sending."

A send comes from outskirts of the gathering, ** They didn't look up because 
there was nobody above them. Could you stay in the sky while the waves of 
magic are of rolling over you, or the beast is blacksending? ** Telia steps 
forward into view.

Zirek says "As I said, stay out of range."

Savith glances at Zirek then at Telia, nodding, **Cerntainly, depending on 
the strength of the send. I've done so more than once.**

Zirek spares Savith a familiar look. Oh yes, every Chosen knows what a 
blacksend feels like.

Nightfall nods to Telia. ** I was going to mention that. And yes, could you? 
I know it was difficult enough for the wolfriders to stay on our bonds...I 
can't imagine what it'd be like on a bird. **

Sureflight listens to the heated debate ranging around her. She seems 
relatively calm. **Perhaps we should wait for the Plains chiefs to tell us what 
they have in mind. It is there hunting grounds that the shagbacks are 
destroying after all.** The send is quiet but a hint of respect for another's 
holt rings quietly thru it.

Zirek insists, "I still don't think they would know you were there if you 
didnt' give it away."

Savith purses his lips, thinking, **I would say the first thing to do, would 
be to uncover facts and ranges before anything is tried, as well as the 
relative strength of these Black Sends. If they are anything near My Lord's 
worst, we may very well out matched.**

Telia shakes her head. ** These things are smart. The minute you hurt them, 
they'd know you were there. Probably have to fly in take a shot and fly out of 
range over and over again. ** She hmmmms. Been a while since she's plotted 
combat a birdback.

Zirek nods to Telia "Still possible!" To Sureflight "The Plains chiefs' 
leadership is what got one of us killed and one of us injured already. They 
should be grateful for the help."

Nightfall winces just a bit. ** They're...pretty bad, comparatively from what I 
understand. ** She also nods to Sureflight. ** Yes, it is their hunting 
grounds, but they have already included us once in a hunt for the beasts. They 
apparently want our help. I"m sure that if we go to them with whatever plan we 
come up with, they will be glad to consider it. We are friends here, hence the
joining of tribes for this festival. **

Savith gives Zirek a look, before turning back to the matter at hand, thinking, 
**I have my bond, and I'm willing to do tests, and see how much it would take 
to get this 'leader' to notice something above, if at all.**

Zirek gives Savith an icy look, worthy of his GoBack half. He remains 
silent, since this all seems to be the best tactical idea he's heard yet.

Nightfall sighs. ** Only problem with an aerial hit, besides being seen, is 
where to hit and with what. **

Savith tilts his head, **There's only one way to be sure of what can and 
cannot be hit from above, as well as if the beast even looks up.**

Zirek nods, "I suggest Savith try a pass or two."

Telia nods. ** Those things got fairly armoured backs. ** She pauses. ** But 
if our goal is to get the leader, perhaps we can come in from the air land a 
few people right on top of it. ** Okay, it might be a bit suicidal for the 
elves who end up on the ground, but it would get them close.

Savith turns to regard Telia, **Perhaps a net?**

Nightfall lifts an eyeborw. ** A net? With those horns? **

Zirek shakes his head to Telia "Normally, I'd be all for that, but the ones 
you'd drop in wouldn't stand a chance once it started blacksending."

Zirek says "It has to be a range attack"

Zirek considers, "A spear from above, for instance...."

Savith shurgs lightly at Nightfall, **I have yet to see these things with my 
own eyes, so getting up there and looking is the only way I'll be able to know 
for sure, while at the same time testing for you if an arial attack will or 
will not stand a chance of working, as well as determining the relative 
strength of this Black Send, as compared to what I'm used to.** Used to?

Surfsinger enters the conversation, arching a brow as, adimittedly, she only 
catches the end of Zirek's words with her approach across the grass. ** Do none 
of you remember the blacksending?  It's nearly fried all of us... **

Zirek glances at Surfsinger "It seemed to affect those with better sending 
worse. Now if only we had some humans to do the spear-lobbing. They're 
immune..."

Silverthorn frowns with her soulsister. "Frankly, we were all close to passing 
out and being trampled. What good will that do anyone?" She scowls a little at 
the gliders. "Humans?? Oh, there's a grand plan. Let's just round up a bunch 
and toss them like pick-up sticks at a rampaging herd of whatever those are. 
That's going to help us out of this mess."

Telia shrugs, she was off tangling with tenticaled wolves while the others 
were dealing with blacksending shagbacks. ** I'd suggest perhaps you tie 
yourself down to your bond's harness securely if you're going to go. That way 
if you're incapacitated your bond can fly you back here. ** She chuckles wryly 
at Zirek's comment. ** Humans could never move fast enough to get in close 
enough to do any damage. **

Nightfall nods. ** The better your sending the worse you got hit. And aerial 
scouting...well... just don't get noticed. ** She turns to other members of 
the discussion. ** The best way I found to kill the things was what we did. 
harried them with lots of arrows, and slit their throats...but we don't have 
enough experienced hunters to do that. It required...well, precision. **

Zirek explains with relative patience "A human ON the bird. Throwing the 
spear, see?"

Nightfall tries her best not to laugh at that. ** A human....on....a bondbird? 
You're...serious? Have you any idea...no, nevermind, you wouldn't know what a 
human can and would do to any elf that got near him... ** Deep anger at 
humans, indeed.

Zirek shrugs, "Humans're rather pathetic, but they can be servicable. What's 
the big deal?"

DawnStar walks into the area, listening to the suggestions being tossed around. 
She takes a deep breath. "I would rather not invite Humans /back/ into the 
Plains if you don't mind. The ugly creatures that have invited themselves to 
this Festival are plenty enough to manage, thank you." The healers crisp tones 
show just how bad an idea that is.

Nightfall nods to DawnStar. ** I'd rather not...well, see anyone caught by 
those ugly brutes again, either. Honestly. Humans are a danger and an 
unharnessable animal. **

Zirek turns to Savith "So, are you going scouting or what?"

You sense in a locksend, Zirek briefly sends honest confusion at that, his 
source of reference being primarily Winnowill's 'pets'.

Savith gives Zirek a look that could kill at the mention of a filthy HUMAN 
on /his/ beloved bird, and whistles loud and clear, catching Winddanced 
attention. A squawek from her perch and the giant hawk swoops down, **Yes. I'm 
going, and no I'm not tying myself down as it will hinder me. Should I fall, 
Winddance can catch me. Anyone coming with me, or am I going alone?**

Zirek calls up, "What, you think you need a wetnurse?"

Savith flies up, readying to meet his bond. A sneer on his face as he 
replies aloud, "Hoping you'd join me and fall, half-breed."

Thorn seems to have appeared at the edges of the group, soon after Dawnstar, 
silently listening. He glances at Savith, and frowns, but says nothing at all.

Sureflight turns towards Dawnstar relieved that a least on of the hosts have 
shown up. Maybe they can stop this madness. "Dawnstar, It's good to see you. 
The gliders were just suggesting how to... attack the creatures themselves' 
All alone don't you know. There is a faint hope that Dawnstar can talk them out 
of that fool plan.

Zirek gives a rude and specifically GoBack-spawned guesture to Savith, but he 
grins. He missed his fellow Chosen. He misses /being/ Chosen, even with all 
the animosity and jibes...

Telia shrugs. She'd forgotten the arrogance of the chosen. She's faced those 
things in the air without a bird, and she'd just as soon not do it again. And 
she's not sure she could face riding someone else's bond after all this time. 
** Try not to get killed. **

Nightfall sighs. ** Humans...are...just...they're not something we want to 
talk about anymore. ** It brings up bad memories, especially for her.

As Winddance nears, Savith groans, faltering slightly in the air. A shake, 
and he turns his gaze down to Thorn, eyes narrowed in a private reply.

Thorn speaks up, finally. "No humans. I've had to kill enough of them 
already. They stay to their own lands now; leave them there."

Tacit moves across the grass, angling towards the group that seems to have 
gathered outside the festival site. Her bow is across her back and she pauses 
at the perimter, watching with creased brows.

DawnStar turns back to watch her mate. She steps to the side to let him draw 
the attention now. Her eyes dart to the others, hoping they will listen to 
reason, this time.

Surfsinger stands quietly as well, now, frowning herself. She doesn't know much 
about arial tactics. The seaelf has enough to keep land tactics straight. She 
glances to Silverthorn and gives her a wry smile. Something about this seems 
all too familiar.

What did change Savith's mind, for as his bond nears, he joins it in flight, 
to coo at her, before she cuts a large circle and returns to her perch? As he 
returns to a mor epolite distance, Savith quirks a brow at Thorn.

Thorn says "They might be immune, but they would cause more harm than good. 
As for the sending... it does not seem to be the herd. Only the bull."

Silverthorn finds a spot of to the side to watch the others. Why argue? When 
it's all said and done most plans fall apart and you survive by the skin of 
your teeth. She passes a dreamberry over to Surfsinger nodding at a private 
send.

Zirek explains patiently, "That is why we are going to take the bull out." 
He makes a quick gesture like slitting a throat.

Nightfall sends openly ** So do we have any jackwolf riders from Sorrows? 
They're used to dealing with similar herd animals. **

Sureflight nods her head at the Plains Chief. **Aye, it wasn't until he 
joined in that we felt the
sends.** She seems thoughtful as she turns to see her own Chieftess, Tacit 
approaching.

Zirek snaps his fingers, "They would be immune to sends too, Nightie.. Not 
one of them I met could send worth anything."

Thorn folds his arms, watching Zirek. "You'll have a hard time doing that, 
until you separate him from the herd."

Hearing Sureflight's send, Tacit glances about, spotting the younger huntress. 
Wordlessly, as usually, she nods her a light greeting and moves towards her, 
now. Coming to stand at her side, she arches a brow at the conversation. A dry 
expression twitches at her lips, though her expression isn't openly readable.

Savith glances at Zirek and shakes his head, **They are elves, half-breed, 
Pure and simple. The fact that they aren't skilled at sending, doesn't mean 
they can't.**

Surfsinger takes the berry from Silverthorn. She looks down at it and then at 
the others debating. Well, heck. What's a seaelf supposed to do in council 
with a bunch of 'landers? She pops the one back, though she won't likely touch 
more than that one and snirks a soft chuckle at a send from her soulsister, 
nodding her agreement with whatever was said.

DawnStar clenches her hand once resisting the urge to bash skulls. Even the 
kits in the tribe don't bicker like this.

Telia shakes her head. ** Too bad he's too big. Otherwise we could just lift 
him up and move him. ** She guestures with her hand, moving a rock to go with 
her words. ** I was tossing those snake-wolves we found around quite a bit, but 
the shagbacks are a great deal bigger. **

Nightfall lifts an eyebrow. ** Nightie? I wouldn't suggest you call me that 
again, please. And it's more that jackwolf riders would be skilled at 
separating the bull from the rest of the herd, as they do it with zwoots and 
other herd animals. **

Savith turns to Telia, interested, **How many Gliders are there, currently?**

Zirek blinks, considering the options. "The big bird could lift him, I bet. 
Drop him like an eagle dropping a turtle..."

Nightfall blinks too. ** Yes, how many Gliders are here? If we distracted 
the herd, and the bull, could they, in concert, lift him? **

Thorn says "And be poisoned by the tail-snake within seconds."

Silverthorn perks her ears up a bit at Thorn's suggestion. **That is what we 
should do. Seperate off the master buul. Kill him, and the rest are just 
mindless beasts** The wolfrider nods her approval of the idea. **What did you 
have in mind.. THORN** She defers to the local chief for his thoughts now.

Savith nods to Nightfall as she has the exact same thought he does. Shocking!

Surfsinger snirks again at the idea of a bird grabbing the beasts from 
above. ** A big bird would slice its talons up on the bone ridges... Or did you 
not notice them before? Besides, the thing's twice the size of the rest of the 
herd beasts. Can the birds really lift that much? ** At her sister's words, she 
glances to the plains chief, now. Yeah, there's a good idea.

Telia gives Savith a how is she supposed to know that look. She points at the 
other two of glider blood and than back at herself. ** The three of us. And I 
saw Viresse around too. Anybody else come with you? **

Thorn says "There is a simpler answer. I don't know that it's easier. But it 
certainly doesn't have as many ways to go wrong."

Sureflight turns to listen now. **Simpler?? Let's hear it** She doesn't say 
much, but her attention is with Thorn now. **That's usually the best course**

Zirek turns, "Oh, then why didn't you tell us BEFORE some of us got killed, 
oh great leader..." He gives Thorn a dark look. "If you KNEW the answer all 
this time why didn't you bloody say something?"

Savith nods to Telia, his sending softer in deference to the leader here, as 
he answers before going silent, and giving Zirek a hard look, and lock send, **
One other, but he is a child yet, and still has trouble floating his own 
weight. Along with that, is my reluctance to endanger his life. << Almost 
parental defense, just a hint, but there! >>**

Tacit remains quiet, eyes flicking to each different speaker. Briarholt's 
acting cheiftess runs a hand through over her bandana and shakes her head 
faintly. She looks about and then backs a pace or two to find a nice rise of 
grass to settle down upon. Simpler ideas or not, this might take a while. Her 
hands drape over her knees as she continues to listen thoughtfully.

DawnStar turns her back on Zirek to watch her mate now. Something in his tone 
hints that the plan while simple is not one he's particularly fond of.

Thorn smiles, showing enough teeth that any wolfblood in sight should catch 
the hint - and anyone else is at their own risk. "If that's a challenge, come 
out and say it. Two of *my* tribe were the first to die, warning everyone else 
of the danger. As to why I didn't say it before... because, until the last 
hunt, we didn't know enough to find it. If anyone has died since then, out on 
their own, they were warned against it. Yes, separating the bull from the herd 
is important - it's hard to shoot straight when you can't see. I suspect 
you'll find it hard to focus on lifting it with your magic when it's screaming 
in your mind, either. We hunt herds, here, too. Kill the bull, adn the rest of 
the herd will be confused, easier to deal with. But we have to get him apart, 
or we'll never stand a chance of getting at him through the rest."

Savith flicks a glance at Zirek, locksending.

Savith sneers at a private send, staying focused on Thorn as well. He takes 
in what the chief says with a nod and a thoughtful look, all the while a 
portion of his mind is focused on Zirek, giving the thoughtful expression of 
the Chosen a dark-glint.

Zirek crosses his arms and looks down (slightly) at Thorn. "How exactly do you 
propose to get him apart?" He's had no reason to learn respect for this elf, 
and to him, a chief is all about earning respect. His isn't given freely, and 
nothing Thorn has done has prompted him to feel any.

Nightfall sighs, just shaking her head a bit. She turns her attention to Thorn 
as well. No matter who died, from what tribe, everyone was connected in this, 
and everyone who died affected everyone who saw it, knew about it, or even 
thought about it.

Surfsinger raises her voice, now. ** We did that with the seawitch. Issued her 
a direct challenge. Our hunters kept her creatures busy while a smaller group 
of us approached her lair and defeated her while she was distracted. ** She 
regards Thorn as she says it.

Silverthorn doesn't meet the Plainsrunner's chief gaze now. This is not her 
quarrel. She is not about to challenge the wolf in his own lair. Another nod 
at Surfsinger before pursing her lips.  **How would you kill the bull??**

Sureflight lifts her eyes up quietly to Thorn as if the rest of the elders 
didn't matter to her. **You mean to challenge the bull don't you.** It's a 
simple statement. One that her young turns should not have allowed her to make. 
Except, she's done just that herself before.

Thorn nods, particularly at Surfsinger. "It can send. It is a bull. That means 
it should have enough mind to understand a challenge to it's territory. 
Someone strong enough to focus through it's sending will have to make that 
challenge... but that may draw it out of the herd, far enough to deal with on 
it's own."

Tacit's eyes flicker between Zirek and Thorn. The wolf in her feels her hackles 
raise somewhat, but she glances away from the confrontation, her own attention 
on the Raft contingent's ideas. Her lips purse as she considers how to 
challenge it. Looking between Thorn and Zirek, she muses an open send towards 
her tribesmate, **<<Maybe a wolf challenge.>>** is the overall sense of it.

Thorn glances at the next sends, and frowns. "I don't know if a wolf-challenge 
is going to make it care. It might. But it might just take it as a threat, and 
stay with the herd, instead. I don't know."

Zirek stares at Thorn. "You are absolutely headsick! It is NOT a wolf. What 
makes you think it would care about your challenge?"

Nightfall licks her lips, thinking about this. ** Challenge it...that might 
work, becuase wolf or shagback, they both respond to a threat to its territory, 
and this...thing, seems to be a combination of prey and predator. But not....a 
wolfchallenge. Something it would respond to. **

Thorn glances at Zirek - and narrows his eyes.

DawnStar whistles between her teeth and stares at the ground. No wonder her 
mate has been up chewing this bone. "It's the alpha of it's herd". Something a 
non-wolfrider doesn't always understand. "IT would understand a challenge"

Zirek aghs, hands going to his head. "W-Wi..." He realizes it's not Her, 
though, but another placing himself in her place. It's not blacksending, but 
Ouch!

Zirek falls to his knees in pain.

Thorn turns his head away, and says, once, with a low rumble, "*That's* why."

Nightfall lifts an eyebrow. Games...useless bickering. But he did seem to call 
it upon himself, didn't he? ** Thorn, let him go. He's learned his lesson for 
now. Not everyone knows why a wolfrider chief is actually chief... **

Firesong has come late to the council and it looks like she missed some 
excitement. She raises an eyebrow, and takes a seat, waiting until she has 
some context of the conversation.

Zirek rises slowly, seething with fury. "If you didn't want help, you should 
have bloody told us and we'll leave you and your stinking tribe to deal with 
those monsters on their own. I hope you roast in the trollpits."

Silverthorn watches the glider fall and Thorn's reaction. Well, challenge a 
wolf, feel his teeth. "So you would.. bait it? With what?" She disregards 
Zirek now. Challenge was lost. There are other matters at hand now.

Thorn glances at Zirek. "We do want help - but we would prefer to see you live 
through it as well. As for the challenge... I don't think I, or any of the 
wolfriders, can manage to make it anything other than a threat to the bull. 
It's too... ingrained."

Sureflight looks at Tacit once, quietly, then back to Thorn. ** I think we 
should hear Thorn out. ** The maiden however is frowing deeply. One webbed 
hand rubs absently at her gills on the left ribcage.

Savith watches teh exchange with a smirk as Zirek drops, before he calms his 
face and regards Thorn again, awaiting being put to use.

Thorn says "And whoever does it will be in danger; we can try to protect them, 
but they have to be in contact with the bull... and close enoguh to the herd to 
draw him out."

Savith offers, **I can take the Lurer out on my bond. It will keep them from 
being too easily trampled.**

Thorn says "I *do* think the power of the Gliders can find good use... but 
it seems like they would help most with the main herd, where the sending would 
not interfere."

Nightfall nods. ** Good idea. They can...well, keep the herd separated from 
the bull, and also keep them from attacking too many of the distractors.

Tacit also looks away from Zirek. An outburst because of a lost chalenge isn't 
worth much attention in her book. She inhales a deep breath and lets it out 
slowly. She looks at Sureflight. And then to Thorn. ** I can do it... ** she 
sends directly after a moment's thought. ** Or at least, I can try. **

DawnStar frowns at the ground. Mentally she starts adding up the very few 
healers available and groans at the results. "It should be someone with a 
magic touch.. or used to it" She offers not liking this plan at all.

Zirek just shakes his head and walks away. If everyone else wants to follow 
a clearly insane leader, let them. He's seen it before and is not interested in 
hanging around for the carnage.

Firesong tries to catchup on the conversation. ** Normally I would say the way 
to challenge a herd bull would be to seperate one its herd and make him come 
and get it. But these things don't appear to be normal. **

Silverthorn chews on the berry in her mouth thoughtfully. This is very 
familiar to her as well. She lost quite a bit to the seawitch. But this is not 
her holt. She will go with the chief's plan.

Nightfall shakes her head. ** They're definitely not normal. They act 
like...well, more like a wolf crossed with a shagback...or something similar. 
They are still herd beasts, but the bull drives them to do things they normally 
wouldn't. Most shagbacks don't attack you if there aren't any young around to 
protect. **

Zirek pauses, staring at Savith.

Telia folds her arms and just listens. She remembers the previous council 
and how stubborn Thorn got.

Savith has turned to grin coldly at Zirek, almost laughing in his face. 
Actually, for the Chosen, the expression is akin to laughing, humorlessly, 
hurtfully.

A very deep silence surrounds Sureflight. She doesn't blink when her chieftess 
offers to taunt the bull. But, a webbed hand is placed on Tacit's shoulder. 
**No, Thorn. It should be me. Tacit's arrows will be needed. I have.. ** She 
pales just a bit. **I have done this once before**

Surfsinger glances to Silverthorn. She rakes a hand through her hair and smiles 
a little wryly, perhaps echoing the wolfrider's thoughts. She regards Tacit for 
a moment and makes a soft, thoughtful noise, before Sureflight speaks. Then, 
the seaelf arches her brow in surprise.

Firesong sighs and shakes her head. ** Well, I think there are a few of us with 
the strength of mind. ** And her words make it clear she puts herself in that 
group. ** We must decide where and what skills are most needed. **

Zirek refrains from trying to wipe that smirk off Savith's face and just heads 
to gather his things before this whole place is trampled.

Savith actually laughs aloud as Zirek turns from him, a loud, cold, 
heartless laugh.

Tacit straightens, frowning now, as Sureflight makes her offer. She regards her 
directly, sendings flying between them, now. The acting-chieftess isn't 
particularly happy about this idea at all... Sureflight /has/ done this before. 
And it nearly killed her.

Thorn looks at Surfsinger, and then Sureflight. "This is not something which 
I can decide. I think that Savith's idea of flying whoever does this in may 
help, but..."

Nightfall sends quietly. ** It doesn't always take the strongest sender to make 
a good challenge. Just one who is experienced and can use their Sends to their 
best ability. Believe me, I've seen it done. **

Telia watches Zirek leave and shakes her head. She rolls her eyes at Savith, 
and shakes her head again. ** Does this plan require that the one challenging 
be standing out in plain view? They could just as easily be standing on a cliff 
or something over the herd. **

DawnStar blinks at Sureflight, barely older then her daughter, seeing her for 
the first time. A strangled sound slips from her. But she remains silent. It's 
not her place to decide.

Thorn glances at Telia. "I don't know. But it needs to be close enough that the 
bull considers it a real challenge. I don't know how close that means."

Savith redirects his attention as his name is spoken, though that grin is 
still on his face.

Surfsinger's own thoughts drift to her own daughter, and Sureflight's 
similarities to her. She frowns, now, perhaps echoing Tacit's expression. She 
remembers fighting the seawitch. These things remind her of that. She'd never 
let Cadence anywhere near them, if she could help it. She looks to Silverthorn, 
brows creased, her thoughts perhaps plainer to her sister than to anyone else.

Sureflight shakes her head and stands up. The maid is not looking at anyone 
other then Thorn now. One last send is for Tacit, before she approaches the 
other chief. There is nothing about the young one that marks her from others. 
Except the gills, given to her before birth from Winnowill's own hand. And the 
very aged grey eyes that pear out from under her dark hair. **It will have to be
very close. Otherwise the bull will not leave his herd unprotected.**

Nightfall sighs as her send is all but ignored. So much for trying any other 
method. And the only help she'd be is...well...bait and distraction.

Silverthorn chews her lip, not liking sending a cub into such danger. Her own 
cub was barely that old when he tangled with the seawitch. She almost lost him 
then. But there is something in Sureflight's stance that hints she might be 
able to handle it. Maybe. But will there be anything left when it's over.

Tacit rises, now. ** <<Surefight>> ** The send is sharp, now. Serious concern 
is in her eyes and she moves after her, towards Thorn, a hand reaching out to 
lay on the younger huntress' shoulder. She actually has heard Nightfall's 
words. And she knows Sureflight's experience in such things. The young maiden 
has seen far too much of it as far as the scout is concerned, and that's what
shows in her eyes. She locksends with the lass, now, lips pressed together 
in a whiteline.

Savith floats to sitting position, arms crosses, regarding the lock sending 
elves.

Thorn looks at Sureflight, silent, probably sending.

Firesong sighs and thinks both of two locksending elves are too young for this. 
She muses more to herself. "Wonder if it would get confused if we threw several 
challenges at it."

Sureflight nods once at Thorn understanding him clearly, just as he understands 
her. Then she turns to her mentor and more, as close to a mother as Sure has 
ever had. One last send, eyes locked, unflinching. It is not a challenge. It 
is.. a statement.

Savith has watched the transaction, and nods, more to himself than anyone else, 
as he bears silent witness to Sureflight's apparent decision, and strength of 
will in facing her elders.

DawnStar doesn't reach out to Thorn now. She wants nothing more than to make 
him change his mind. Whatever he has decided, she knows she can not change it. 
That's why he's chief.

Tacit's frown deepens as her tribesmate and heart's daughter makes her silent 
statement. Her arms cross over her chest, which seems to swell for a moment. 
Then, however, her jaw sets grimly. She regards the young huntress with an 
evaluating glance. In the end, she chuffs wolfishly and nods once -- not 
showing throat, but assenting finally nonetheless. ** <<Huah!>> I guess there 
was a reason I named you Sureflight. ** she says to her and looks to Thorn. 
** Just as long as we get her out alive. **

Silverthorn blinks as the cub's chief offers her up for the bait. She shakes 
her head trying to clear the memories of Sureflight as the wild child she was. 
** Well... ** she takes a deep breath. ** You have your bait. How do you 
purpose to keep her alive? **

Surfsinger rakes another hand through her hair and looks towards the 
Briarholters. She then takes a deep breath of her own and looks out across the 
sea of grass in the direction that she knows a more watery sea lays.

Thorn looks over at Tacit. "I want everyone out alive. Savith's idea has some 
merit; if the bull is busy with her, it might not focus on others. And his bond 
is probably immune, or close to it."

Firesong tilts her head to one side. ** Well, the goal is to draw the bull out 
to kill it right? So kill it before it gets to her. ** Seems simple to her, but 
than she's not much of a hunter.

Nightfall sends openly ** If we have her lifted in by a bird, we can get a 
wolf in on the ground... **

Savith peers over to Thorn, and nods to confirm, ** She is. My Lord's 
sendings can not reach her. **

Thorn nods, once. "Then there is at least some hope that she will be immune, 
or close enough to it, to the bull. At worst, she can fly away with both of 
them."

Tacit looks to Savith. She's not a big fan of gliders. Her tribe hasn't fared 
well with Gliders. In fact, she largely blames Gliders (okay, specifically 
Tsoran) for Sureflight's past troubles. her arms cross over her chest again, 
jaw jutting out stubbornly. ** It's entirely up to Sureflight if she's willing 
to ride a bird. ** The strategist in her admits that the cub has less chance of
being trampled in the air, but she's really not high on the idea of just 
handing her to someone from Blue Mountain. Not when Sureflight has Winnowill's 
marking all over her. ** We have wolves that know how to run and run fast. ** 
Thus, she looks at Sureflight. ** It's your hide, lass. What do you say about 
it? **

Telia shakes her head. ** No, she can't go in all alone by bird. What would be 
the point? But we should leave that option option for retreat. She draws the 
bull to an area where the hunters are ready, and they kill it as quickly as 
possible. **

Nightfall nods. ** We do have wolves, and riders, who can ride fast. And are 
willing to. **

Savith nods and adds, **If the worst should occur, we can tie our Lure to 
Winddancer's back, and she is trained to return home, should anythng befall 
me.** But how safe would that be?

Sureflight shivers on principle about trusting her life to a bond bird. Well, 
if it must be. ** Where is the nearest water from the herd? I will need to be 
taken there ... when my part is done. ** Most would not think to drown her to 
keep her alive. **And some of my tribe will be waiting for me /there/. There 
will be no tricks right?** Oh, Winnie would love to have her hide for a trophy.

Thorn says "The spring here. Or the river, to the south."

Savith grins at Telia, **I will, of course, be controlling my bond, and will 
fly with your child, if that does worry you.**

Malandor steps into the area, and stops, looking around at the large gathering 
and some of send conversations going on. Hmmm. Very interesting. He keeps 
quiet, for now, but makes no effort to conceal his presence.

Nightfall sighs. ** Really, if she is uncomfortable about flying, someone 
can ride her in...and it would give that someone the opportunity to slit it's 
throat while it's occupied. **

Thorn says "She'd better understand that 'home' means here, and not the 
Mountain."

DawnStar frowns more, catching Sureflight's distress. "I think we would /all/ 
feel more comfortable if a wolf took her in and out. The birds will be needed 
to harrass the remainder of the herd."

Nightfall nods. ** I've dove under one of these things before...and woodbiter, 
as silly as he seems, is no cub. **

Silverthorn looks at Nightfall. **Yes. Let's keep her on the ground. Then we 
can get her to that water she will need without dropping from high in the 
air.** The wolfrider won't mention her strong dislike for the birds.

Reed heels to her Lord's left and works at rebraiding her hair. Besides that 
her attention is totally on Him yet she is aware that something is 'buzzing' in 
the air with the others present.

Savith clarifies for Thorn and Sureflight, **Sadly, 'home' is her nest in the 
Mountain, but I think, if you give me a few days, I might be able to coax her 
here first.... I know the chance would be higher if my ward, Volek, is near by 
to call her, should I fall.**

Tacit keeps her send civil, but now that her tribesmate is so personally 
involved, she can't help but send, ** Her name is Sureflight, not 'the 
Lure'. ** She's unhappy enough that she's putting her in danger at all. No need 
to dismiss her as an object. ** And I'm well aware you'll be controlling your 
bond. But, let me make it clear... Your 'Lord' has already had her dark hands on
my friend. If your bond even starts towards the mountain with her, I'll shoot 
it down myself. ** Given her choice, Tacit would fly /with/ Sureflight. Or ride 
with her. Just to be sure there's someone watching her back.

Firesong nods with Nightfall. ** My daughter Bramble's wolf, while silly, is 
built to run. And he'll let either me or her ride him. **

Savith nods to Tacit, almost a humble bow, **My apologizes. She was not 
introduced to me.**

Nightfall nods. ** Yes. And Biter has carried more than myself before. So 
there is the ground option, if someone would only listen to it? **

Thorn says "I don't know that we *have* a few days, at this point. We might. 
Or we might not. Perhaps a wolf is a better choice. However... it is *her* 
choice. Let her make it."

Sureflight turns towards Savith and crosses her arms. ** I will take a wolf.** 
She stares up at the glider and there is a sense that this is not a child you 
are dealing with. Something in her eyes that might hint at the number of times 
she has faced death.

Woodbiter looks up and tilts his head. His tongue lolls out in a grin.

Surfsinger's eyes dart from speaker to speaker. Presently, she says, ** I can 
wait at the river, if you'd like. So that someone is with her in the water. ** 
She looks to Tacit and to Sureflight as she makes the offer. Realistically, 
what else can a /seaelf/ do in this fight?? She understands Sureflight's need 
for water. She at least has some understanding of how the gills work, though
none of the rest of her people have them. Windsurge and Sureflight are 
unique in that respect.

Savith regards Sureflight, brow quirked high. A moment passes as he thinks, 
then nods, offering again, **As you see fit, Sureflight, though I do hesitate 
only because I have no wish, as the others here, to see anyone, yourself 
included, trampled.** Another pause as a mind touches his own, and he 
replies, **No, I can not make the same claim.**

Nightfall sends openly ** Woodbiter and myself could...unless there's 
someone older here? **

Silverthorn clears her throat **I think there is a way to help her. There have 
been times at the Raft holt when we have linked our minds to form blocks. Let 
those of us who can link like that... form a shield of sorts. So that the 
hunters who will bring down the bull can shoot without pain. Those shielding 
will take the brunt of the blacksends after Sureflight's challenge. **

Tacit chuffs softly at Savith's courtesy. Somewhat mollified, she glances to 
Sureflight and lays a hand on her shoulder, relieved the huntress chooses a 
wolf over a bird. This whole endeavor, she thinks, is risky enough, without 
adding Blue Mountain into the mix. She does, however, adopt a no-compromise 
attitude. ** I will ride with her. ** she states flatly. And it will take a
challenge to make her change her mind. It also puts someone she's already 
somewhat linked with close by to support the shield idea Silverthorn speaks 
about.

Firesong frowns. ** Can you teach that "blocking" to others? ** The more 
with the skill and strength the better. ** Is there enough time for that? **

Malandor speaks up for the first time. ** Planning an attack against the 
beasts, by the sounds of it? **

Thorn turns, and quirks his head at Silverthorn. "That... is an interesting 
thought. And if it works... it could help a great deal."

Sureflight turns to the others. **MY mate's wolf will do. He knows me. ** 
And it's the only way she can convince him to let her do it most likely. Oh, 
the fight she will have with him. **I think that is a small matter now. Best 
consider the other matters. Killing the bull and the herd.**

Surfsinger nods emphatically to Silverthorn's words. ** The blocking works 
best with a closeknit group, ** she says. She's done this many times, and 
taught others. ** I can show you how, regardless. But, it's like weaving a 
net. **

Nightfall sighs. ** We need someone else out there with you Sureflight. And 
it would not do to have a chief out there... **

Nightfall sends openly ** and we do need the stronger senders to make 
the...block...? **

DawnStar nods and turns to looks for someone "A healer works like that. 
Perhaps if you had a strong one in the link.. to show where to knit?"

Tacit isn't about to change her mind, however. She regards Nightfall with a 
blunt, flat look. ** I /will/ ride with her. ** she repeats.

Savith turns to the Underworlder and replies, nodding, **We are.**

Reed looks up at her Lord, staying close. She does not want a repeat /ever/ 
of her last mistake. Being in His favor is of utmost importance to her.

Surfsinger nods to both Nightfall and DawnStar. ** We have Splash with us. 
She is stronger than either you or Shiver. ** she says to the plains healer. ** 
And she's been in links like the one I speak of before now. ** She's a raft 
elf, after all. Most of their tribe knows how to do it. They've had to practice 
far too often. ** And, I think Shiver will learn it quickly enough. ** Her 
intincts tell her the plains healer will be forced to stay behind, 
regardless. ** But, aye, strong senders support the weaker senders and 
everyone creates the link. It's much like a tribal sharing? ** She's just 
hoping most here are familiar with that concept.

Nightfall shakes her head. ** Well, if you wish to put yourself in danger, 
and risk losing yourself in support of her, please, go ahead. One was merely 
offering options. **

Silverthorn nods at Thorn **A handful ride as shield for those hunting. I do 
not know how many to send against the bull. But the chiefs should direct the 
hunting against the main herd. Split them up. Each chief takes a side and works 
/with/ each other to kill off the herd once the master is isolated.**

Malandor glances at Savith, since he's the only answer he's gotten. ** I 
see... ** He glances around. ** I have only myself and the couple of guards we 
brought with us that are combat-able, but we would be willing to help, if it is 
desired. **

Firesong ponders. ** Perhaps, since we're offering the challenge, we can choose 
the ground. Certainly an area with cover, either natural or something we make, 
that can Tacit and Sureflight can retreat into if they're in danger. **

Savith is not one of those familiar with 'tribal sharing' though his mind is 
used to having another's drift in, almost completely. He stays silent, however, 
as he's reached the limit of his tactical mind. He is, afterall, just a 
mindless lackey, is he not? And such a polite one at that... Under orders, 
maybe?

DawnStar sucks air thru her teeth and doesn't believe what she is going to say 
next. "Malandor. We are grateful for your offer. Perhaps you could remain 
behind with the hunters that must stay to defend the cubs?" Well, if all the 
stronger wolfriders will be gone, she will need every strong arm she can find.

Thorn glances at Silverthorn, and nods. "Yes. The herd is large... they will 
need coordination to deal with it. But as for the bull... it's my idea. If I'm 
going to let someone else challenge it, it's only fair that I be out in front 
to deal with what happens. If it's a bad idea... well, we'll all know too fast."

Malandor considers for a long moment. ** When are you planning to perform 
this? **

Nightfall sends openly ** I, for one, would like to be doing something, 
rather than....nothing, if you will. I don't know about linking, but...I am 
going to defer to the host chief to arrange for the best distribution of 
talents. **

Tacit's hackles seem to relax a little as she feels the challenge to her 
decision back off. At this point, only Thorn or Sureflight herself could make 
her change her mind. The acting-chief is just that. An /acting/ chief. She's 
not a full chief and never wants to be. So, it's not the same mentality a 
permanent chief might have. Even so, she still looks terribly unhappy about all 
of this.

Savith peers about, then glances at his bird inthe distance. He turns to 
Thorn, sending privately.

Silverthorn lets out a wild laugh that matches the one in her eyes. **Cousin. I 
am sure we will all find plenty to do! It's just a shame that we can't use the 
meat from these things to feed all the mouths here.** She smiles over at 
Nightfall, content to let the chiefs sort things out.

Nightfall shrugs. ** I just don't want to see needless waste, or sacrifice, 
to fight these things.
We all have talents that should be used in the right way.

Surfsinger lets out a slow breath. ** I know how to form the link. ** she says. 
Perhaps she won't end up waiting by the river, after all. ** I'm willing to 
ride with you again... though... ** and at this she glances wryly at her 
soulsister, ** Perhaps there's a wolfback I could double up on, instead of a 
no hump? ** She's decided she really doesn't like those creatures. She glances 
to Thorn. ** Or whatever you think is best. ** Fish out of water, again, don't 
you know...

Telia thinks forcing Thorn to sort all this out is being a little cruel to the 
plainsrunner chief. She'd not want to figure out the strength and weaknesses of 
all the different elves here and how best to deploy them.

Nightfall sends openly ** Again, I offer up myself and Woodbiter, as we have 
carried wolfrider and non wolfrider alike. **

Sureflight looks over at Thorn. **I think each tribe's chief knows what 
strengths they have.** She does. **Let each chief decide who goes with each 
huntpack. Those who can link and kill in close go for the master bull. Those 
who need more room stay with the main herd. Each chief can give Thorn the 
names of who goes where in the morning.** That way it's not the Plainsrunner 
chief who decides who might die on this hunt.

Reed shifts the her weight to the other foot, reaching up a hand to idly caress 
the back of her collar. She looks up to her Lord, privately sending her 
thoughts of all this.

Thorn says "I have two wolves who are not bonded... but familiar with elves, 
and riding."

DawnStar knows she will not ride out on this hunt. She must stay behind again 
to deal with the non-hunters. And she is not amused. But she says nothing only 
watches her mate quietly.

Thorn nods quietly at Sureflight. "That would be best... though the group 
dealing with the Bull should not be larger than necessary. If there are too 
many, it will sense a threat, and not come out."

Malandor sighs and shakes his head, and repeats his question. ** When are 
you planning on doing this? **

Savith straightens, and seems ready to fly off, but something holds him...

Silverthorn turns to Surfsinger and laughs **You will ride with me Sister. 
As always!** And she would never think of putting her on a nohump again. 
**Redtide would skin me alive if I let you fall off of someone else's wolf!!**

Surfsinger blinks at the idea of riding a wolf without another to ride with 
her. Well. /That/ could be interesting. She glances to Silverthorn... Think 
you can sendshare your skill, sis? The seaelf may need it... Then, at 
Silverthorn's assurance, she flashes a rather relieved grin. ** Aye... and 
Current would have /far/ too much fun telling everyone about it. ** In revenge 
for how she laughed when Silverthorn's wolf pitched him off her back, over her 
head, and into the drink.

Malandor sends openly ** The reason for my question is this - if enough time 
permits, I can summon rockshakers here to make safe caverns for those left at 
the camp, or perhaps traps elsewhere. **

Cutter strolls into the area with Ashefur by his side. The wolf looks as if the 
two may have just come in from a run as he flops down at his bond's feet and 
rolls over looking every bit the frolicking, carefree wolf that he is. Cutter 
chuckles at the wolf's antics and settles himself nearby to listen to the send 
conversation floating around him. Finally, his calm send rings out as his gaze 
settles on Surfsinger, **You can ride Ashefur if you like. I can fight just as 
well on foot if need be.** He then glances over at the Underworlder and arches a
curious brow at him before turning to Thorn, **Forgive me but, it may be better 
if she rides a bonded wolf.. so the wolf's bond may be able to help her if she 
gets into a tight spot.**

Savith has turned to THorn fully, and .... actually bows! **You have only to 
send for me. I will fly to Obey.** What in the world?! A Chosen.. treating a 
Wolf Chief.. wtih the respect he'd give... Her?! With that he flies off, headed 
toward his bond.

Reed nods in wholehearted agreement with her Lord's sending to her and her 
silvery gaze drops in respect.

Nightfall grins and waves her chief over.

Thorn simply nods, silently, to Savith - then turns to Cutter, and nods 
again. "A true enough point. Though the offer stands; I rarely ride either of 
them, and they came to me well beyond bond-age, so they are as good to anyone 
else as to me."

Telia follows Savith's departure with narrowed eyes. She shakes her head, 
something is up, but she's not sure she wants to know. ** So it looks like we 
have three groups? Those attacking the bull, those attacking the main herd, and 
those staying behind to protect those who don't go? **

Thorn says "Perhaps better, for those who are not used to running."

DawnStar stares at the Underworlder and chews her lips. No, she doesn't know 
that she /needs/ more of them near her holt. But still. Silently she turns to 
Thorn only to see a glider bowing to him. She drops her jaw in disbelief before 
slamming it shut quickly.

Cutter locksends ** All of this makes me lonely for the safety of the trees. **

Tacit arches a brow at Savith's gesture of... respect. Her ears rise and fall 
ferally and she chuffs softly again. Ultimately, however, she gives Thorn a dry 
smile, agree with a silent send. Her hand drifts to her quiver, fingers 
playing absently over its mouth, around her arrow shafts.

Nightfall sends openly ** Those that want to attack can also ride with 
wolfriders with room to share. **

You locksend ** I agree ** to Cutter.

Surfsinger is just as happy to stay with a wolf and elf she knows. Besides... 
there's no one here she'll link with as strongly as she will her soulsister. 
Keeping them close just might be a good idea. ** My thanks. ** she sends to all 
the offers. ** I'll ride with Silverthorn. ** On some level, it's just safer. 
Her gaze moves somewhat curiously to Malandor, now, however, to inspect him -- 
what features may be visible to the world to identify him...

Ashi winds into the crowd, taking her time. She always became more inverted in 
the presence of large crowds. Walking a few steps, she would often pause, 
rising on tip-toe to see over the head of the closest elf in an almost comical 
fashion. From here she would continue to traverse and avoid the closely knit 
bodies, veering left or right when the situation called for it.

Sureflight settles back down on the ground near where she began. The rest of 
the details have little to do with her. She is BAIT. There is only one thought 
for her. She must lure the bull to the others. And survive. Her webbed fingers 
pick up a blade of grass to twist it idly.

Tacit moves to join Sureflight -- perhaps a little protectively. But, 
really, she's done about all she can here, now. She'll be where she'll be and 
who knows... Maybe she'll get a chance to send an arrow into the thing's eyes 
or neck before they have to flee.

Cutter gets up and moves over to Nightfall's side. Ashefur, tired of rolling, 
wanders further down the canyon in search of less serious company. The 
kinseeker reseats himself next to Nightfall and drapes an arm over her 
shoulders as the two share a quick locksend and he offers her a small, if
slightly strained smile. Battle and war.. Cutter certainly saw enough of that 
countless turns ago and this discussion serves to bring forth a memory of that 
time.

DawnStar blinks more from a send then nods quietly. "Yes Malandor. We can 
use your rock-shapers. If they don't make it in time for the hunt, that's 
fine. I am sure there is still more things waiting to find our camp" Like the 
birds, the jackalopes, the hell-hounds.. "Thank you"

Cutter locksends ** It's too bad that we don't have some of those metal 
skins that Two-Edge made. **

Silverthorn follows her sister's glance and frowns at the mention of the Raft. 
Doesn't he look.. ** Well then, I think Surfsinger and I will just go off to 
figure out how to teach everyone else to link. ** She tugs her soul-sister's 
arm once, to get her attention.

It's the name, you know. DawnStar spoke the Underworlder's name. Surfsinger 
hisses an intake of breath, now, and stiffens. Regarding him sharply, her mind 
drifts to the tales his sister Shay'la, who's soulname she also shares, told 
her of him. Her fist clenches at her side and she rises, glancing to 
Silverthorn. At the mention of the Raft, however, she arches a brow. ** Which
Rockshaper of yours was at the Raft, Malandor? **

You locksend ** too true. They would help. And I think they looked pretty 
spiffy too. ** to Cutter.

Nightfall gives her chief a quick hug and a grin at a send.

Aurayai trails into the area, looking around at those gathered. Her pale 
face is impassive and blank, completely devoid of personality. Someone sends a 
familliar name, and her head turns, caught by that single word. There, just 
before her, she takes in the sight of another Underworlder. Him. Curse be her 
luck.

DawnStar turns to Firesong "Thank you for that. I thought your strangleweed 
balls did help with the changed ravits" Yes, if she must choose how to defend 
the kits, the more magic around the better.

Tacit rises, now, as well, completely unconcerend about the Underworlder and 
most anything else. She looks to Sureflight and locksends, glacing meaningfully 
towards the river. Far as she's concerned, there's not really much left for 
these two to decide here. They've got their roles already straightened out. And 
they can get the rest of the details from Thorn later, before the ride.

Malandor glances at Surfsinger. ** Tamaris was there until a couple days ago 
- he has already started his journey back. Why do you ask? **

Firesong grins wryly at Dawnstar. ** They did make a bit of a mess of the 
camp though. It was a regular thicket before I was through. **

Sureflight raises an eyebrow at Surfsinger. Oh, she knows Shay'la. But at a 
send from Tacit, she nods once. **A swim. Yes, I hope that river is deeper then 
I remember. Maybe if I sleep there tonight, Sorrell will speak to me in the 
morning.** She sighs, knowing that her mate will have strong words for her for 
quite some time.

Reed is keenly aware of the less than kind expressions and her gazes darts 
from her Lord to 'them'. She is to be good and quiet but never hurts to stay 
alert.

Cutter chuckles softly at a locksend and nods before he looks up, noticing the 
tension mounting not so far away, **We have enough troubles without bristling 
at those offering their aid, don't you think? LostHolt too, has had its share 
of... difficulties... with the Underworld but, don't you think we should accept 
help from whichever corner it will come right now?** His lupine gaze shifts to 
Malandor who he settles a calm, piercing look upon, **There is nothing he can 
gain by causing trouble right now. One thing I've noticed about the 
Underworlders.. they are intelligent enough to know when they are 
outnumbered.**

DawnStar laughs at Firesong "Yes, but the kits made a grand game with them 
later. Sort of a tugging match with mudpits on the end. You either get tangled 
up or muddy. They were quite happy for a very long time" And that's just a 
good thing in her eyes.

Ashi edges around the others, finally breaking free of the main grouping. Her 
head turns about, as if unconvinced she is actually liberated of the clusters 
of elves. A sigh of relief escapes her lips, and she clambers up to a small 
outlook from where she could survey everything below.

Surfsinger shakes her head. ** No reason. ** she says to Malandor, tone neutral 
and polite -- an echo of Shay's tones really. She's had practice. She even has 
a light smile on her face. ** I simply wasn't there to meet him and was 
curious. ** She's been travelling for a while, herself, so it's not really a 
surprise. She doesn't think of Shay'la now, however. Studiously doesn't
think of her. Instead, she glances to Silverthorn. ** Aye. I could use some 
rest before I get into a mass send lesson. ** Actually, she just needs a really 
good excuse to escape and regroup. She nods once, somewhat formally to Thorn. 
** Send to me when you need me. ** If you need her. She's perfectly willing to 
take direction at to who goes where later. Right now, she lets Silverthorn 
guide her away.

Malandor glances at Cutter. ** If we wished to cause trouble here, I assure you 
we would have done so already. You, moreso than most, should be well aware of 
that, chief. ** He's getting irritated with all the accusations, comments, and 
gazes, especially after offering his support.

Malandor looks at Surfsinger. ** Aye. He was there for a few weeks after 
finding Shay'la there, as she was his goal. **

Tacit gives Sureflight a tight smile and also nods to Thorn. Then, she lays 
a hand on the yonger huntress' shoulder and heads off towards the river.

Sureflight turns around once before heading off to the water. **If we can't 
agree to be calm with each other. Then the bull's work is done. Any sign of 
weakness from any of us.. and it will kill us all** She sends quietly before 
just walking off with Tacit.

Tacit walks towards the spring in the east.

Aurayai easily sights down Malandor from those in the crowd. After all, did 
they not stand heads and then some above most of the rest? Her surprise 
schools into an impassive fascade once more, although there is a set to her 
jaw. After all Kithesh's work to evade other Underworlders, and here they were. 
The irony was almost laughable.

Silverthorn follows the path of an arroyo for several days southward.

Sureflight walks towards the spring in the east.

Malandor glances around and spots Aurayai. He arches a brow, and pins his 
gaze on her for a moment, before moving on.

Telia chuckles a bit under her breath to find somebody else the subject of 
suspicision. Too often its her, with little cause.

Aurayai glowers after Malandor, tension ringing up and down her spine.

Reed nodders quiet excitedly at her Lord.

Malandor glances at Reed, and nods once in acknowledgement of something, and 
another glance to Aurayai.

Surfsinger stiffens at Malandor's information... ** Indeed. ** the Raft 
chief's mate says, turning towards him. ** Well, then, I'm sure he has seen she 
is well. ** Her send is still polite and as neutral as Shay might give. 
** Redtide and I have made sure to see to that. As we will certainly continue 
to do. ** It's just a statement of fact. After all, Shay is rather deep into 
Redtide's affection... let alone Surfsinger's.

The seaelf then gives the Underworlder a courteous nod ** Bright skys, 
Malandor. ** With that, she turns to follow her sister.

Malandor smirks. ** Yes, his mission with Shay'la met with... moderate 
success. **

Surfsinger follows the path of an arroyo for several days southward.

Cutter dips his head in a slight nod at Malandor's reply, **Indeed.** He 
glances at those around, pinning everyone left in the arroyo with a gaze that's 
very similar to the one he just stuck on Malandor. He nods once more at 
Aurayai's send, **She has the right of it. We must find ways to get along with 
each other.. and let what's in the past die.. Once this is over, then... and 
only then.. can we worry about the lesser troubles between the various tribes 
here.** He drops his arm from Nightfall's shoulder, gets to his feet and walks 
over to Malandor, extending his hands as if just greeting the Underworlder for 
the first time, **The rest of you may do as you will..** his attention this 
shifts completely to Malandor, **Welcome cousin, it gladens me to know that the
Underworld offers its aid in this time of trouble.**

DawnStar frowns deeper at all the tension. She clears her throat, **Please 
remember. All who are here are /GUESTS/. There will be no fighting in the 
campsite. Any harm done will be dealt with.** She pins all the ones looking 
back and forth at each other with a gaze that means she is serious. Chief she 
is not. But she is in charge of the festival and it's visitors.

Reed has no idea about what is spoken, but all this she ponders in her heart 
and mind. Never know what information will help a future situation. She feels 
bumps on her skin from all the tension she senses in her Lord and those around.

Thorn looks both quiet and grim. Why not? Chances are that if Dawnstar doesn't 
do it, he'll have to. And he's got enough on his mind already.

Malandor looks at Cutter, and bows politely. ** Indeed. Such is the first 
welcome we have truely received since our arrival. **

Nightfall sends openly ** Then we have been amiss. My greetings to you as 
well. **

DawnStar nods at a send, turning a little more to Malandor. She is already 
planning how to increase the defenses around the camp.

Ashi draws her knees to her chest, folding her arms around them. She watches 
those on the slope below her through half-lidded eyes, simultaneously 
supressing a burgeoning yawn.

Firesong has generally stayed out of conflicts between elves. The Gathered 
tribe has always been a mix of backgrounds anyways. ** Sorry, we hadn't yet 
had time to meet, or I would have offered my greetings earlier. The council 
distracted me. **

Reed takes a step back so not to interfear with her Lord's business. She smiles 
to herself remembering Cutter from long ago and is good to see he is still as 
fine a leader as ever.

Aurayai tears her eyes away from Malandor for a searing instant, but then 
they revolve back into their previous position. Her expression almost appears 
defiant, but beneath the resolve is an echoing fear that she dare not exhibit 
in front of the others.

Malandor nods to Nightfall and Firesong. ** My thanks, then. We were expecting 
to be asked to leave upon our arrival. I am... pleased... to see that was not 
the case. **

Malandor glances to Aurayai.

Thorn rises, and says quietly, "It is an open festival. We haven't turned 
anyone away, including a human or two I think. No reason to start now."

Cutter dips his head in a polite bow toward Malandor before turning and 
strolling back over to sit down beside Nightfall once again. He drapes his arm 
over her shoulders once more and leans against her.

DawnStar eyes her mate and nods quietly. She gets up now, to stand beside 
him. "Please enjoy the food and entertainment that is around. Best to relax 
now, enjoy what is here." She smiles and waves everyone back towards the food 
tents. Muscians begin to play something light to break the tensions.

With talk long since turning from stragegy for the upcoming hunt, Telia 
silently takes her leave. Gliding off to meld into the night.

Cutter locksends ** I think we'd better send a runner for Redlance and the 
others.... they might be needed sooner than we expect. <<worry>> **

You locksend ** I think you may be right. Clearbrook said Redlance got back 
to the holt not too long ago too. ** to Cutter.

Nightfall lays her head against Cutter's shoulder, glad the talk, angry, 
productive, or otherwise is over.

Cutter sighs and leans against Nightfall. His gaze shifts skyward as he lets 
his thoughts wander to those still at the holt... who he will soon be calling 
upon for further help in this dire circumstance.

Malandor sighs and looks around as everyone just disperses. Nothing was really 
decided in the Underworlder's mind, but hey, if that's the way they want to do 
it, he'll make wagers with his guards as to the body count.

Aurayai narrows her eyes at Malandor, apparently attempting to scruntinize his 
motives. Failing that, the Underworlder turns her head several times, perhaps 
scouting for a certain comrade in the jumble of the crowd. After this was 
labeled a lost cause, she strides up to the other pallid elf, stopping a few 
paces away with an odd expression on her face.

Hummingbird comes towards you from the ridge of green forest to the east.

Shadows has of course slept through most of what has been going on. Call it a 
defense mechanism but being asleep was better then him running. He shifts 
slightly to get more comfortable and after a moment yawns.

Hummingbird RUNS in, as fast as she ran through earlier. This time, however, 
she's got a gleam in her eye like she's walking on starlight! She runs and 
tackle-hugs into the first elf she sees, whomever the unlucky soul happens to 
be! "Guess what!"

Nightfall winces a bit at the exuberant Hummer.... "What's that, little one?"

Hummingbird bounces excitedly and rambles, "I went out looking for feathers, 
and I ran into Zirek and he said he was going to LostHolt and that he knew some 
gliders, and he laughed at Lord Winnowill's Second Chief, " there's only the 
briefest pause as she makes a quasi-Kureel like face before continuing, "and 
seemed mad that Second Chief's preservers spit up on me and then he /FLEW/
me!" She seems MOST excited about getting to that last part.

Shadows blinks his eyes wide open and then braces in case she comes his way. 
Hmmmm mvoe slightly, hide behind Cutter. No one bothers him right? Sides, he's 
comfy to sleep by too.

Malandor mentally slows the youngsters speech down and adds in the needed 
syllables. Oi. Childlings.

Nightfall chuckles to humor her. "Really? Flew you? Sounds fun." She looks 
at her chief.

You locksend ** Going to the Holt? ** to Cutter.

Hummingbird nods grandly at Nightfall's humoring and scambles down. Once on 
the ground, she opens her arms WIDE and runs about, as if flying, "He went 
swoosh! swooshie-swoosh! SWOOSH!" She runs in a BIG circle, only to falls to 
her back at Malador's feet, downed by a fit of giggles.

Malandor keeps an eye on Aurayai as she approaches,

Cutter's brows shoot skyward as Hummingbird comes shooting into the area and 
nearly flattens both himself and Nightfall, what with his arm tucked neatly 
around her shoulders. He chuckles at the exuberance of youth and listens to the 
cub carry on about flying.

Hummingbird peers up at Malandor for a moment before pointing up, her 
giggles fading as words tumble from her mouth, "Are you a Glider-Elf too?"

Shadows lifts his head at the mention of a glider elf and freezes as he 
stares at Malandor. Violet eyes stare at the Underworlder. Not a sound or send 
comes from him.

Malandor shakes his head. ** No, childling. I am an Underworlder. ** He 
moves to find himself a comfortable place to sit and does so.

Aurayai turns her head, her body following. She chooses to ignore Malandor 
for the moment, and focus on the others. She stops cold as she sights down 
Shadows.

Hummingbird picks herself up and seems about to reply, when something in the 
wind catches her attention. She turns, peers behind Cutter, her head bobbing 
side to side, before a smiels brightens her eyes and she RUNS back over, 
"LeafShaker!!!"

Nightfall blinks, as she is partially pounce, Shadows being more behind her. 
** Leafshaker? ** she asks.

Cutter shifts a bit to look over his shoulder as the cub breezes past 
himself and Nightfall. He then turns back to the rest of the gathering with a 
grin and a small shrug that's just as eloquent as if he'd chortled and said 
"Cubs."

Shadows cries out as his stupor is broken by an over exuberant child. He allows 
himself to be pounced and just keeps Cutter and Nightfall between himself and 
the underworlder. He sends shakily, "Yes?"

Cutter locksends ** No but, I will be sending someone to get them and bring 
them here. I think the holt is safe for now but, we will be very likely to 
need every wolfrider that can be here if that was just the beginning of it. **

Hummingbird nuzzles 'LeafShaker' a moment before hopping back to her feet, 
"I've got to go find Pappy!" Like Shadow's Chief doesn't /already/ know he's 
here. OY! With that, Hummer runs off, rushing past Aurayai in a brust of 
energy!

Malandor sits and watches the commotion the childling is causing with what 
appears to be wry amusement.

Aurayai lifts one arm for all the word like someone flagging a charging bull. 
A swoosh of her robes, and the child flies past, leaving even the tall 
Underworlder with a quizzed expression in her wake.

Shadows watches her go and sighs with relief. ** Leafshaker is what she 
calls me.....its sorta a nickname..... ** Okay snug back by Cutter and 
Nightfall.

Cutter locksends ** Well, at least we know that Ember wasn't the only one to 
be born with that much energy to burn off. <<chuckle>> **

You locksend ** <laugh> True...still scary though. Unnatural. ** to Cutter.

Cutter chuckles at the cub as she goes tearing off in search of her 'Pappy' 
but, the chuckle stops immediately as he snaps his attention to Nightfall. His 
expression becomes one of mixed shock and indecision before he shakes his head 
and gently baps her arm with the back of his hand. "First Skywise, and now you, 
eh?"

Nightfall gapes, and looks suprised. ** I...eh...what?? No, I... ** she 
shakes her head.

Malandor looks at Cutter and Nightfall quite oddly indeed. Those two over 
there aren't making much sense.

Nightfall nuzzles at Cutter's chin apologetically. "She's 
just...very...energetic."

Malandor tilts his head and glances at Cutter.

Shadows mock growls at Cutter and Nightfall and suddenly without 
warning.....TICKLE ATTACKS the pair.

Nightfall acks and reverse-pounces Shadows, gnawing on a toe...or a 
finger....or something....

Malandor mmms, and leans back again, still looking at Cutter.

Cutter's gaze shifts to Malandor and he chuckles softly. Obviously the two 
are conversing privately at the moment.

Nightfall lifts an eyebrow and straightens herself, sitting up once again.

Malandor glances at Nightfall and then back to Cutter.

Shadows nips Nightfall back mirthfully and then realizes that there is 
conversation going on. He notes the gazes and begins to back up from the pair.

Cutter locksends ** Lord Goumando does not understand how we can be so close 
and yet not mates. <<amusement>> **

You locksend ** Ah, I see. Well......it isn't like we haven't shared furs 
once or twice, but it is only in friendship....and closeness is what keeps our 
tribes together and working, yes? ** to Cutter.

Nightfall chuckles at a thought.

Cutter locksends ** I'm trying to explain that to him though I doubt he will 
understand it. **

You locksend ** Hmm.... ** to Cutter.

You locksend ** Tell him, that as wolfriders, like our wolves, the alpha has 
know all in his pack, one way or another. ** to Cutter.

Malandor smiles and shakes his head.

Shadows starts shaking as he backs away. He looks about for an escape and 
then locks eyes with Malandor again.

Nightfall lays a hand on Shadows' arm. ** Steady there, little one. **

Malandor blinks and looks at Shadows, a little confused by something it 
would seem.

Malandor narrows his eyes at Shadows. ** I'm afraid I have absolutely no 
idea what you're going on about. **

Shadows now looks really confused, ** But, but you were there! In the 
darkness....You were there... ** He turns to look at Nightfall, panic 
rising, ** You believe me right? **

Nightfall furrow her brow and peers at Shadows. ** Shadows, dear one, I 
don't know what you're talking about. **

Malandor tilts his head, looking at Shadows and just shakes his head.

Shadows stares at his shaking hands and then curls up next to Nightfall. ** 
I...I didn't imagine it all....I, I thought I remembered it.**

Nightfall was just lounging, mostly against Cutter, but is now also peering 
at Shadows intently.

Shadows locksends ** Nono..I can't slip back....I can't fall back. I came so 
far.....please no... .. **

You locksend ** Shadows...QUIET. CALM. ** to Shadows.

Malandor is sitting upright, looking at Shadows with a rather confused 
expression on his face.

Shadows is laying by Nightfall and Cutter looking like the rabid wolf gnawing 
away at his own feet. He stares at his arms and then at Nightfall.

Cutter is sitting near Nightfall, there doesn't seem to be a fire lit anywhere 
nearby but, the moons are full so there is plenty of light for those present. 
His attention shifts back and forth between Malandor and Shadows.

Wildfire is rather bored, everybody seems to be off doing their own thing, 
she spots a group of elves and jaunts over to them "Heyla!" She shouts a 
greeting as she nears.

Shadows FREEZES still and just stares at Nightfall a moment before curling 
up besides Nightfall quietly and obediantly like a scolded cub.

Shadows locksends ** I'm sorry....Zlay's sorry...I was afraid. Don't be mad! 
**

Malandor looks up at the new arrival. ** Greetings. ** He shifts back and 
takes a more relaxed posture.

You locksend ** [Shadows], it's ok. Just calm down, ok? Just close your eyes 
and be near me, don't think of anything else. ** to Shadows.

Cutter reaches over and places a hand on Shadows's shoulder offering a bit of 
comfort to the frightened Wolfrider. He shifts his gaze toward the newcomer and 
smiles, "Ayooah!" he calls out before he turns his attention back to Malandor 
and a ripple of send magic passes from him.

Wildfire slides to a halt, a bit of dust takes flight as she does so. She 
smiles warmly to each of them, hands comming to a rest on her hips ** How are 
you all this fine night ** switching to sends.

Nightfall waves to Wildfire. ** Fine. Some of us are overly tense, but fine 
otherwise. **

Malandor looks to Wildfire. ** Doing well enough, for being a stranger in a 
strange land. **

Wildfire scratches her head and finds a twig embedded there within, she tugs 
at it till it comes free and tosses it to the ground ** Thats good to hear, 
mind if I join you? ** She doesn't wait for an approval, just flops down on the 
ground and smiles.

Shadows sighs as he is patted and just closes his eyes. He's among friends. 
Mostly. He settles close to the pair of Lostholters.

Cutter chuckles at the newcomer to the group and nods his head even as she 
seats herself. He glances over at Nightfall with a slightly worried expression 
on his face.

Cutter locksends ** We should probably mention this to Quickblade. **

You whisper "Which? About Shadows? He's...done it before." to Cutter.

Cutter whispers "Yes but, if he's going to have relapses like this, perhaps 
he should be kept out of the fighting.... <<concern>>"

Shadows locksends ** You are here, you are both here and I am 
safe....[Shadows] is safe **

You locksend ** Yes...safe. ** to Shadows.

You whisper "I'm worried. He...regresses when extremely stressed, and it's 
usually because of an underworlder or glider...i'm not sure which." to Cutter.

Wildfire makes an arrangement of odd faces as the silence hangs over the 
crowd. She looks over each elf, the smile never leaving her face.

Malandor examines Wildfire for a moment, and then follows Cutter's gaze to 
look at Nightfall.

Nightfall tilts her head and smiles at WildFire, then tilts it the other way 
to regard Malandor.

Cutter glances down at Shadows as the worried frown creases his brow a bit 
more. He gives his head a bit of a shake as he sends to reassure the curled up 
elf then lifts his head back up to regard the others.

Wildfire draws her knees to her chest and hugs them to her. She watches the 
curled up elf with a mixed expression of curriosity and interest. She blinks at 
him a few times.

Cutter locksends ** Perhaps it is just the resemblance that the two tribes 
have to each other... **

You locksend ** I am thinking it might be underworld...I believe it was 
something about being taken by them... ** to Cutter.

Cutter locksends ** Yes but, the Gliders to resemble them in height so, that 
could be why they bother him so... and yes, something did happen to him while 
he was in the Underworld. **

You locksend ** Ah, yes, they do. Hm. And gliders are disturbing enough as 
is. ** to Cutter.

Shadows seems to be trying to sleep or something. He just lays there curled 
to Nightfall. Maybe they're related? A slight smile appears on his face.

Malandor mmms softly, and looks straight ahead, and slowly closes his eyes. 
Those that can would sense a good deal of sending magic from him.

Wildfire looks to cutter, brow raised. She blinks once, twice... then looks 
at Shadows again.. then Malandor and shrugs slightly. A perplexed look on her 
face.

Cutter feels the send magic boiling off of Malandor and arches a brow at the 
sheer power that raises gooseflesh along his arms. Very few times has he felt 
such from another elf.. In fact, he can probably count the number on one hand, 
perhaps two if the Now doesn't cloud his memory.

Nightfall blinks herself, edging just a little further away from Malandor. Her 
noggin still smarts from the bull's blacksending, so she's just a little 
sensitive that much magic being produced near her.

Malandor lowers his head, and the power is upped considerably. Malandor is 
sending to someone quite a distance away, and even the most magicly 'dense' 
elf could feel it now.

Wildfire can feel the magic tension rising in the air like fog off a lake at 
dawn. She twitches her nose and looks from Malandor to Cutter, then back again

Shadows starts shaking at the feeling from the sends and well. He reacts the 
only way he can think of. Assorted plants begin to writhe and try hooking into 
Malandor.

Cutter moves quickly as the plants start going for Malandor, he turns to 
Shadows, places a hand on either side of Shadows's head and begins sending to 
the frightened elf. **No! He is not a danger! He sends only for help. Call 
back the plants, Shadows!**

Malandor blinks as he feels something grab his leg and the sending is cut off 
immediately. ** What...??!!! ** He whips out with a dagger and slices at the 
plants, jumping up as soon as he's free.

Wildfire notices the action out of the corner of her eye and whips her head 
around, she stares wide eyed as plants start grabbing at the tall, funky 
lookin elf. She yipes and jumps to her feet, eyes drifting over to Cutter and 
Shadows.

Nightfall grabs hold of Shadows. ** Don't hurt him! **

You locksend ** [Shadows], call back the plants! ** to Shadows.

Shadows immediately stops as he is assaulted physically and mentally. 
Everything stops completely and the plants just seem to droop. Violet eyes 
stare into Cutter's. He puts his own hands on Cutter's and closes his eyes 
** I'm sorry....**

Malandor looks at Shadows, his dagger remains in his hand. Two dark, robed 
figures are running for this area, the moonlight glinting off weapons already 
drawn.

Nightfall stands, one hand still stretched towards Shadows. ** He didn't 
mean anything...he was.. ..he thought he was protecting himself... **

Wildfire takes a step back from Malandor wondering what to do, her hand 
instinctivly grips her weapon behind her back.

Cutter doesn't look up from Shadows as he enters into a locksend with the 
younger elf. His expression is one of definate gravity though. All the rest are 
apparently ignored for the moment as he works to calm the frightned 
plantshaper.

Malandor takes a few deep breaths. ** He... ** he gestures to Shadows with his 
off hand, his dagger in a defensive position, ** did that with the plants? 
/Why?/ ** By now the guards have arrived, taking up places beside Malandor, 
one looking behind the other forward, one with crossbow drawn, the other with a 
crysmetal sword.

Nightfall shakes her head. ** He's...skittish, and very confused when he's 
upset and stressed...** which, admittedly, is often... ** and he just...has 
had a very hard life, and reacts badly to things. ** She notices the guards, 
and knows exactly where her two daggers are.

Wildfire takes another step back looking from one face to the next quickly, 
unsure of what to do. Her hand still gripping her spear, just in case

Cutter sighs as Shadows, crestfallen at the send from Cutter and too system 
shocked by everything else, promptly faints. The kinseeker shakes his head and 
stands, knowing that at least like this, he will cause no intrusions if the 
Underworld Lord wishes to continue is summons. Cutter looks to Malandor then 
and sends, **I don't believe he even realized what he was doing.** He eyes the 
two guards standing watch over Malandor, **Like yourself, he has his own 
protection measures and he was frightened already.**

Malandor eyes Cutter. ** Frightened by /what/? I was merely sending to 
members of my House back in the Underworld. **

The guards lower their wepaons, but remain ready and alert.

Cutter moves a few steps closer to Malandor seemingly unworried by the weapon 
weilding Underworlder facing him. **As I told you in send, he came back from 
the Underworld much as you see him.. a broken thing.. unable to hunt, to even 
bear the touch of another. It has taken him much to be what he has become 
since then but, even now, he still grows fearful of those born under the 
surface.**

Malandor sighs and his dagger is put away, hidden beneath one of the many folds 
of his outfit, then smoothing it out - the weapon is completely hidden. He 
moves to a different location and settles back down. He glances at the guards, 
and they turn and walk back to the tents, slowly. ** I would encourage you to 
teach him how to control his temper. If he was down in the Underworld with such 
behavior, it's no wonder someone felt the need to attempt to correct such
deficiencies. **

Nightfall narrows her eyes a bit. ** He got the "deficiencies" because he 
was down there. And he _isn't_, so we will treat him duly. **

Wildfire releases her grip on her spear and looks around at the others. A 
bit of anger flashes in her eyes but her facial expression remains emotionless. 
She looks back and forth as the conversation progresses.

Cutter bristles visably at the arrogance in Malandor's send. A send begins to 
ripply from him but is abruptly cut short as his mother's wisdom seems to well 
up within him. He sighs as he looks over at Nightfall, **We will get no closer 
to peace between our tribes if we continue to exchange barbs.** He turns back 
to Malandor then. **Shadows is healing, albeit slowly. I realize that your
tribe has little patience but, in this, I would ask that you be patient with 
him. Given time, he can learn to control his fears.**

Malandor arches a brow. ** My tribe has extraordinary amounts of patience 
for items that require such. We are immortal, we have no problem waiting eights 
of eights of eights of turns for something to come to fruition. I myself have 
many things occuring which I won't see results on until well after your 
death. ** Malandor reaches under the folds of his robe once more, but this
time pulls out a pouch. He opens it, and plucks some food from it, mushrooms 
mixed with berries, spices, and other items, and pops it into his mouth. He 
chews slowly in contemplation. ** I will try to avoid such unsettling items for 
him, but if the simple matter of my sending disturbs him... ** Malandor shrugs.

Wildfire is getting confused, she knows not of what they speak about, she's 
not been in contact with underworlders for an extended amount of time and 
doesn't know of their ways. She just shakes her head and suddenly feels like 
she doesn't be long there. She takes a step back, followed by another. While 
they are adamant on each other,she slips away towards the encampment.

Nightfall shivers very slightly, so that maybe only Cutter can see it. ** 
You wouldn't understand then. **

Cutter sighs, **We will see if Quickblade will try to keep him away from you 
but, we can not guarantee that he will not cross your path. All I ask is that 
he is damaged no further.. in any way.**

Malandor looks at Nightfall. ** Wouldn't understand what? ** He looks at 
Cutter. ** Quickblade? Quickblade is here? How... interesting. **

Nightfall shakes her head and just squats down beside Shadows, checking on 
him to hide her face.

Cutter frowns a bit wondering what exactly is going through the crafty 
Underworlder's mind at the mention of Quickblade. He gives a small nod of his 
head, **Aye, he's here.** he replies before glancing over at Nightfall and 
Shadows.

Cutter locksends ** How does that one know Quickblade? <<wonder>> **

You locksend ** I do not know. << anger >> ** to Cutter.

Malandor smiles a bit, then pops another mushroom piece into his mouth. ** I 
see. ** He contemplates for a moment and then sighs, closing his eyes once 
more, and his sending resumes, gaining in power and intensity, back to where it 
was before.

Nightfall growls sharply and snaps her head to look at Malandor. ** Could 
you please do that quieter? Or elsewhere? He may still be able to react! **

Cutter glances over at Nightfall and gives a little shake of his head. A silent 
call of his own has Ashefur racing to join his bond and as the Underworlder 
gathers himself to send his call, the kinseeker lifts the unconcious 
plantshaper to Ashefur's back. **I'll take him back to Quickblade so, he won't 
be likely to react.** That sent, he gives a mental nudge to Ashefur and the 
wolf bounds off toward the Grove camp.

Nightfall sighs and nods. ** Fine. **

Malandor glances at Nightfall for a moment. ** No and no. If he can react 
while unconscious, that would be very interesting indeed. Now be still, this 
won't take long. ** He again closes his eyes, and the sending continues for but 
a couple seconds more before that tingling disappears once again. ** There. 
Finished. **

Nightfall narrows her eyes at Malandor. She tries...really tries...to be 
fair and just, but sometimes her patience is tried.

Cutter returns before very long and slips from Ashefur's back. Shadows is 
nowhere in sight. He notices Nightfall's expression and looks to Malandor. He 
then shakes his head and moves over to sit down close to his tribesmate.

Cutter locksends ** We will never know peace with them if we do not try to 
be calm whenever they bait us. **

You locksend ** I am doing my best...to bite my tongue. ** to Cutter.

Malandor relaxes and takes another bite. ** Now, longer answers to your 
questions. No, I could not do it 'quieter', as it takes some doing to cover 
that amount of distance. And no, I could not do it elsewhere, as time was quite 
essential. For a House Lord to suddenly break off sending contact is a high 
emergency, necessitating a... full-measured response. **

Nightfall takes a deep breath and calms herself. ** I see. **

Cutter leans against a nearby stone and looks up toward the sky, **Something 
that would probably happen if I were to send to LostHolt in a similar 
circumstance.** he muses quietly.

Malandor nods. ** Indeed. So you can imagine the near panic my House was in, 
even in those short few moments. ** He takes another bit of food from the 
pouch.

Nightfall sighs and nods. ** Makes perfect sense, of course. **

Cutter locksends ** Let's sit together and see if we can't enjoy the rest of 
this night? <<tired/worried>> **

You locksend ** Alright. << tired >> ** to Cutter.

Cutter nods slowly, **In that much, we are alike.** he muses to no one in 
particular.

Malandor puts the pouch away and stands up, brushing himself off. ** I would 
hope, however, that LostHolt doesn't have to practice such contingency plans on 
a regular basis. Or have had to use them several times in the past. **

Cutter smiles at that and shakes his head, **No.. we don't often have to do 
that.** he replies, happy in that knowledge at the very least.

Nightfall sits down, back where she had been, this time with Woodbiter 
curled behind her.

Malandor mmms, nodding. ** Very different worlds. ** He glances up at the night 
sky. ** I'm afraid I must retire now, and shall see you in the morning. **

Cutter nods and lifts and hand to wave a goodbye to Malandor. **Yes, very 
different...** he replies in a quiet tone.

Nightfall waves wearily. ** Goodnight to you. **

Malandor proceeds towards the Underworld tents.

You step quietly into Nightfall's tent.

(end scene)