Log Date:
	April 1994

Log Cast:
	Clearsight, Blackmorn, HoneyGold, Tumbleberry, Kimos, Savah,
Kirran, Skybow, Redwisp, Shayilbey, Kalista, Vandalia

Log Intro:
	Much to the fright of the young Plainsrunner Clearsight, her
Walkabout quest has been interrupted when her guardian Blackmorn was
wounded by a foam-mouthed cat. In the days since, she has watched him
grow progressively more ill, her meager skills insufficient to stave
off his sickness; she has encountered two other elves, Lhovrik and Nofti,
and begged them both to seek out healers, frightened of trying to move
Blackmorn herself... and adamant that she must stay at his side as he
has begged her in his delirium, equally adamant that she will not allow
the Preservers with her to wrapstuff him.
	But Blackmorn's condition worsens.....

----------
Clearsight frets softly to herself, casting anxious glances off across the 
  grasses in the direction that Nofti disappeared, or across the mountains 
  towards which Lhovrik vanished.

Blackmorn frowns in his sleep once more, eyes moving, seeing 'something' in 
  his heated dreams, a small uncomfortable sound coming from him every now and 
  again, his hand still locked around Clearsight's.

Clearsight, as if frightened to get up, maintains her post, watching Blackmorn 
  worriedly. "I do not want you to die," she whispers to him. "Please do not 
  die...!"

As something of her concern leaks through to him, he returns a send, a memory: 
  <Someone brings news an elf has passed on, faces around a dim fire(?) grow 
  dark...and in the trees, a shadow casts up one a sendwhisper of.. 
  *<emptiness>*>

Clearsight clasps Blackmorn's hand tightly, eyes dark, as she 'listens'.
Clearsight touches Blackmorn's forehead with her free hand, testing the heat 
  of his skin.

Blackmorn's forehead burns still, perhaps no hotter, but no cooler either. 
  **<The shadow slips away from the rest, to a quiet, dark place..a thin 
  howl.. then a barrier, as the elf who sends realizes what he does, vaguely. 
  **No**>

Clearsight frowns softly... though she is tired, she tries to send, to touch 
  the fevered mind.
Clearsight sends openly ** Blackmorn...? Can you hear me? **
Clearsight's send is tinged with exhausted anxiety.

Blackmorn frowns again briefly, and his eyes flicker a little bit open. ** 
  Who...? Fledgling.. **

Clearsight's breath catches in her throat. *Yes, Blackmorn, yes...! 
  Clearsight... *

Blackmorn smiles thinly as his eyes slide closed again. ** Have..to finish..**

Clearsight sends pleadingly, *You have to get well before we can finish the 
  Walk! Please, Blackmorn, please stay with me...!*

**<Confusion at the tone: ** Stay? Stayed too long.. should go.. miss the 
  hunt..**>**

Clearsight with her free hand dabs the cloth she's been using for that purpose 
  in water, and drapes it softly across her companion's heated forehead. "He's 
  getting worse," she moans to herself.
Clearsight pulls in a breath, and strives for an encouraging tone as she 
  sends, *Go with me on the hunt, Blackmorn?*

Blackmorn sends openly ** <The elf looks up from carving something, a knife 
  perhaps, an image-memory, he is healthy and strong. **Hunt, fledgling? You 
  need to rest..I will go..** He stands and takes a bow from where it leans 
  against a tree.> **

Clearsight blinkblinks at the sudden shift in the sending, but follows it as 
  best she can, thinking she remembers the visceral recollection. *<She stands 
  with him, looking up at him hopefully, saying in her husky voice, 'I want to 
  help.... '>*

Blackmorn sends openly ** <He regards her a long moment, as if weighing 
  something, then nods, and extends the bow to her.. ** I trust you have been 
  practicing.. we will hunt together **> **

Clearsight swallows hard, whispering, "Y-you have taught me well... " *<She 
  nods, a quiet light in her eyes, and takes the bow.>*

Blackmorn sends openly ** <He leads her silently along a path, relatively 
  clear of undergrowth, the trees taller than any others, the leaves over head 
  a canopy, filtering warm green light..> **

Clearsight glances round, looking for Whiteridge's silent presence, frowning 
  to herself as darkness falls again and signals the end of another day. The 
  Preservers, discouraged by her steadfast refusal of their offers of 
  wrapstuff, have vanished.
Clearsight looks down again, her hands steady around your fingers, though her 
  mouth trembles.
In an open send, Clearsight follows, as silently as she can, though not born 
  to the quiet as the wolf-blooded hunter is.

Blackmorn sends openly ** <He leads on, turning back now and again to make 
  sure she is there, the flash of an almost smile at sight of her..he 
  continus, until there is heard a whisperlike sound, distant, and yet all 
  around the two elves.. he stops in his tracks, chin lifted to scent the 
  breeze..> **

Clearsight sends openly ** <Her scarred delicate features set, she comes to a 
  halt beside him, one slender hand gripping the bow. She does not hear the 
  sound, at least not directly... but she looks at _him_, and hears it through 
  his ears... and her eyes darken with concern.> **

Blackmorn sends openly ** <He steps more cautiously now, his eyes narrowed, 
  scanning the few bushes there are...he holds a hand out to the side, keeping 
  you behind him...> **

You locksend ** <She straightens, wide eyes alert, grave; glittering with a 
  hint of sharp-edged starlight. Something tells her not to ask, for fear of 
  distracting... yet, she watches, and wonders, seeking the lingering presence 
  with her own ears as well as with her deeper senses.> ** to Blackmorn.

Blackmorn sends openly ** <Ahead, on the path, an elf steps into view, and 
  greets the two who hunt.. again the surrounding and yet far whisper..> **

Clearsight frowns softly, watching your features, seeking some clue to this 
  dream-send....
Clearsight sends openly ** <She looks over your shoulder, towards the distant 
  figure; instinctively, she _looks_, the starlight unconsciously glimmering 
  more brightly in her gaze as she seeks whether this newcomer is here to aid 
  or harm.> **

Blackmorn sends openly ** <He stands more upright, the figure is familiar to 
  him, and he returns hail, a silent gesture.. the other elf approaches, and 
  He moves closer, motioning for her to stay where she stands.> **
Blackmorn sends openly ** <The other elf, male, nears and then embraces him, 
  He returns the same... but all is not as it should be..> **

Clearsight's frown does not fade... who is this figure? "Your father, dear 
  one?" she whispers, and continues to _listen_....
Clearsight sends openly ** <She frowns, lingering where bidden. But her hand 
  has not left her bow, and she frowns more deeply at the subtle 
  not-rightness. 'Blackmorn,' she calls softly.> **

Blackmorn sends openly ** <As they stand together, the likenesses are 
  evident.. father, yes. Both elves, as one, turn back at the call, the new 
  elf, smiling, another whisper, as he inquires something of his son. 
  Blackmorn nods. The new elf beckons Her closer..> **

Clearsight's mouth tightens.
Clearsight sends openly ** <Her wide eyes narrowed, just a hint, she pads 
  closer - curious, if alert.> **

Blackmorn sends openly ** <His posture changes as she draws nearer, tensing, 
  and he turns to face her, shaking his head. ** Stay, fledgling **> **

Clearsight murmurs the words aloud even as she sends them: ** Blackmorn, tell 
  me what's wrong... **
Clearsight sends openly ** <Resolutely, she stands. 'I will not leave you.'> **

Blackmorn sends openly ** <The whisper again, the breeze returning, this time, 
  the whisper forms some word.. or nearly, the sound of two voices speaking, 
  perhaps..and even as He takes a step back to Her, he stops.> **
Blackmorn sends openly ** <Behind His father, another elf, more distant, and 
  slender, female.> **

Clearsight's eyes flicker worriedly; there's a sense here that troubles her, 
  a feeling of an uncrossable path.... "No," she whispers. And she sends, 
  quietly, calmly, ** Blackmorn, I need you to stay with me. **

Blackmorn frowns and shifts, his fingers tightening, then loosening around 
  your hand.

Clearsight pales, but the set to her mouth and her shoulders remains. With one 
  hand still clasping your own, she touches your temples with the other, all 
  the while sending, seeking to keep that link open.

Blackmorn sends openly ** <He stands between the two ends of the path.. the 
  whisper again... **... stay....**...not clearly heard, and he sends to Her. 
  ** Stay..they want me to stay...**> **

Clearsight's eyes glisten... perhaps with starlight, perhaps with tears. ** I 
  need you to stay. Here. With me. **

Blackmorn sends openly ** <The path darkens and the voices come again, but the 
  breeze grows colder. **Stay** resonates through him, and through Her...> **
Blackmorn makes a sound, like a quiet growl, at the back of his throat, his 
  body tensing..

Clearsight allows herself to relax... but only for an instant. As you growl, 
  she focuses the send: it is at once sharper and more soothing. Her eyes go 
  distant, starlit.
You locksend ** Remember me, Blackmorn... you know me... I am here... ** to 
  Blackmorn.

Blackmorn sends openly ** <The path fades to blackness, almost audible it 
  happens so quickly, but the echoes of ** Stay ** remain.. He and She are 
  dropped into 'nothing', and He grows farther away, the elf becoming wolf, by 
  turns... the growl now echoes after the word and heat returns to the 
  send...> **
Blackmorn's hand closes painfully hard on yours and his head tosses from side 
  to side, eyes slitted open, seeing, but not seeing..the noise from him 
  again, louder now, and a thin line of spittle trickles from the corner of 
  his mouth.

Clearsight winces, her teeth gritting, her eyes filled with reflected pain. 
  With strength she had not known she possessed, she hangs on to your hand, 
  even as your grip threatens to crush her fingers.
You locksend ** <She lurches at the mind-heat... but she does not fall. The 
  sheen of starlight in her eyes grows brighter, as without knowing she seeks 
  her innermost core of strength. 'Stay with me, Blackmorn!' It is 
  simultaneously the elf-maiden's entreaty, and the cry of a young hawk 
  ringing across a star-strewn black sky.> ** to Blackmorn.

Blackmorn locksends ** <Wolf turns on bird and pursues, not a game ofchase and 
  catch, or a test, but the hunter after hunted, instinct taken over, and the 
  wolf rages, hungrily.> **

Clearsight's blue eyes fall on the moisture trickling out of your mouth, and 
  alarm glints in her gaze.
You locksend ** Blackmorn, _NO!_ ** to Blackmorn.
You locksend ** <She reaches for the first defense she can find: images of you 
  as she knows you, the quiet steadfast protector... bow-teacher, 
  path-guarder.... > ** to Blackmorn.

HoneyGold flits back into sight.
HoneyGold flits up to Clearsight, and lands in her hair. Plop. /Honeygold fly 
  far!/

Clearsight with eyes gone darker - yet, oddly, glittering as with reflected 
  starlight - grips Blackmorn's hand as if striving to pull him free of a 
  chasm.....

Blackmorn locksends ** <The wolf shakes his head hard, shrugging off those 
  memories of himself, there is only the wolf...and the wolf in pursuit..> **
Blackmorn's entire body is tense, trembling, his head snapping from side to 
  side every now and again, eyes moving but not seeing.

Clearsight seems barely aware of the Preserver's return, and she eyes her 
  companion's writhing with mounting anxiety - wondering whether she is going 
  to be able to hold him down, should he grow too wild. "Hurry, Lhovrik," she 
  breathes, as she keeps up a steady stream of sendings....

HoneyGold aaaws.. /Silentdark highthing all broken..make wrapstuff now?/

You locksend ** <She will not run. She will not leave. She faces the wolf with 
  a gaze gone infinite in depth, images of an elf-maiden interspersing with 
  those of a mantled hawk.... > ** to Blackmorn.

Blackmorn tears his hand from Clearsight's grip, sitting up, and climbing 
  clumsily to his feet, his breath ragged, some semblance of 'waking' taking 
  over, his eyes very dark and clouded...

Clearsight frowns softly, rising, too. "Blackmorn?"
Clearsight sends the name, too, poised and alert...

Blackmorn steadies himself, and he raises his head to stare at the girl. He 
  sends and nearly growls. ** Why? **

Clearsight feels a tremble shudder through her as the question resonates in 
  her head on multiple levels. But she pulls in a breath, and steadies 
  herself, her gaze unwavering. She answers, her send gone wordless: ** <Sense 
  of the utter aloneness of the hawk without the wolf> **

Blackmorn snarls and moves to her, quickly, nearly stumbling once or twice, 
  but staying upright. He catches her by the shoulders, gripping painfully and 
  shakes her, as a wolf worries a bird in his jaws, side to side. ** Leave him 
  alone!! **, hissed, as it is sent.

HoneyGold flits!
HoneyGold flits. /Nastybad highthing! No hurt silversoft!/.
HoneyGold closes in, ready to wrap at the slightest command.

Clearsight cries out, reeling backwards as if slapped. But she fixes the other 
  elf with blue eyes gone unknowingly piercing. *I. Will. Not. Leave.* She 
  shouts the words even as she sends them.

Whiteridge has arrived.

Clearsight sends openly ** <Her shields are down, lowered by worry and 
  exhaustion. Her emotions flow freely out of her now, desperation threaded 
  through with a fierce resolve to not abandon her companion, her guard, her 
  wolf, her -> **
Clearsight's face, her eyes, flare with determination - and with a kind of 
  aching tenderness. "I will not leave!"

Blackmorn's eyes narrow even more to slits, and he shoves Clearsight roughly 
  to one side, growling as he does so, tearing at the bandage on his arm. 
  Seeing, blearily, Whiteridge, he calls to him by send, swaying on his feet. 
  Whiteridge looks between the two elves, then pads to Blackmorn, a quiet 
  whine in his throat.

Clearsight tumbles, shoved to the ground by the unexpected strength of the 
  push. But she scrambles to her feet, and shouts, "Blackmorn, you _must _not_ 
  _go_!"
Clearsight sends openly ** <A ripple of hurt at the harsh treatment/Frantic 
  worry over your condition/And above all else, obstinate refusal to abandon 
  you!> **

Blackmorn hauls himself painfully to Whiteridge's back, and slumps there a 
  minute, then fairly barks a command. ** Go **

HoneyGold flits. /Honeygold stop?/.
HoneyGold looks confused.

Clearsight snaps her gaze down to the wolf. 'NO!' her voice and her stance and 
  her sending scream, all at once.
Clearsight snaps her gaze back up to the elf. ** <The wolf will _die_ if 
  alone... and the hawk will _die_ without him.... > **

Whiteridge folds his legs, one by one, lowering himself to the ground.

Something seems to move through her eyes: a sudden knowing. She strides 
  closer, pressing on, almost relentlessly: ** <The wolf, pleading with the 
  hawk to stay with him... the song the hawk sings, that makes the wolf's 
  heart hot in his chest... and the abrupt realization that the wolf _knows_ 
  more about the hawk than she had ever dreamed; yet, somehow, this is 
  _right_, this is _good_...> **

Blackmorn raises his head from his heavy, sends to Whiteridge, who flicks an 
  ear now and again, but does not rise again, to look at Clearsight, his brow 
  creased deeply, and eyes suddenly full of confusion and .. fear?
Blackmorn's eyes roll back in his head and he falls forward, draping 
  Whiteridge heavily.
Blackmorn locksends ** <Fear and need.. *Fledgling..* Silence> **

Clearsight's breath catches in a tiny sob, and she rushes to Blackmorn's side, 
  whispering, "Dear one, you n-need not fear me...!"
You locksend ** <Her presence fills your mind, innocent in its radiance... > 
  ** to Blackmorn.
Clearsight awkwardly tries to pull him from the wolf.

HoneyGold flits around Clearsights head, as Tumbleberry flits by Blackmorn, 
  distraught.

Blackmorn is deadweight, completely unconscious once more.

Clearsight's eyes fill with tears, and she sobs softly, cradling Blackmorn so 
  that he lies with his back against her chest. "The foam i-is poison," she 
  mumbles huskily.

Cat enters from the north.
Cat has arrived.

Cat
This long tooth cat has been bonded to Kimos, well kind of. The cat and elf 
  seem to have a similar disposition, a bad one. The light color of the cat's 
  fur is something that helped it to hide itself in the frozen north, though, 
  now travelling south with it's elf friend, the cat has been shedding it's 
  fur considerably. The vicious teeth of the cat are stained with blood, 
  something that should be a deterant to any elf who thinks it's a cute kitty.
Carrying:
Kimos

Cat backs away when it sees the elves.

Clearsight sits sobbing softly, Blackmorn cradled against her; the male is 
  unconscious.

Kimos jumps down off Cat.
Kimos has arrived.

Whiteridge gets to his feet, scenting the air toward the cat and it's rider.

Kimos says "Clearsight?"
Kimos puts his hand on Cat's shoulder, the Cat doesn't look too happy.

Clearsight, not seeing the newcomers, smooths Blackmorn's hair - but at the 
  sound of her name, her gaze snaps up, and around. "Who....?"

Kimos
Kimos is an elf who stands at about 4 feet, his legs taking up a large portion 
  of his height. He wears a pair of new black breeches, even though they 
  aren't worn, they aren't very well put together either. He also wears a 
  number of necklaces that cover his sunbrowned chest. On his feet are a pair 
  of boots that have seen a couple of turns, along with a yellow headband that 
  holds back his sandy blond hair. His eyes, which once looked around at 
  everything about him, are now cold, and dark. It is quite evident that Kimos 
  has changed somehow to those who have known him in the past. He carries a 
  gnarled staff at his side, from the looks of it, his only weapon. He gives 
  you little more than a glance when you look his way.
Carrying:
Polished Agate
staff
cloak
A bundle of clothes

Kimos says "Kimos... I'm a plainsrunner... I thought that i recognized you..."

HoneyGold flits. /Oooh! More highthings!/.
HoneyGold flits curiously around Kimos.

Clearsight blinkblinks tears out of her vision, myriad emotions all playing 
  across her face at once. "You... " She sniffles, and continues, "You are... 
  one of... Chief Darkwind's... elves....?"

Tumbleberry hangs back in mid-air, chweing on a finger /Good highthing?/

Kimos says "I was."

Cat passes anxiously, sniffy the air, growling at the preserver.

Clearsight doesn't stand, not with the weight of the unconscious elf braced in 
  her arms. "M-My mother named me... Clearsight," she whispers huskily, 
  between sobs. "That is... me, yes."

Kimos walks over, "What's happened?"

Clearsight looks down at the white face of the elf she holds, and whispers, 
  "He... was bitten... by a cat with a foaming mouth... "

Kimos looks at Blackmorn, and backs away slightly.

Clearsight looks up to Kimos, and her gaze is pleading, desperate. "Do y-you 
  know if there is a healer near? Did Lhovrik send you?"

Kimos shrugs, "I don't know... I am just wandering... Who is Lhovrik?" He 
  keeps his distance from Blackmorn, but then gets closer... slowly.
Kimos says "From what I have heard there is a group of elves called the Sun 
  Folk near to here."

Clearsight's thin face falls, but she nods. Her shoulders shake, with either 
  exhaustion or emotion - perhaps both. "L-Lhovrik went... to the Sorrow's End 
  place... to find a healer... "

Kimos says "But that is beyond the mountains... and across the sandy plains."

Whiteridge paces back and forth, always watching the new elf...

Kimos gets closer, looking at Blackmorn, "How long?"

Clearsight murmurs hoarsely, "Three d-days... he is out of his head... he 
  tried to leave, but I stopped him... I-I stopped him... "

Kimos shakes his head, a grim look on his face, "I don't know how he is going 
  to survive..."
Kimos points south, "What is that way?"

Cat lies down, taking a nap close by to Kimos.

Clearsight's arms are positioned well away from Blackmorn's slack, damp mouth; 
  she has one hand on his forehead, the other draped along his chest. She 
  swallows hard, and answers stammeringly, "I.... I think that there are other 
  elves, but... there are across a bridge, that sways... I saw an elf n-named 
  Nofti, who came from there... "

Kimos stands up, "I'll go there, and see if there are any healers there..."

Clearsight flashes the other Plainsrunner a relieved glance, and nods shakily. 
  "Please... please hurry...!"

Kimos walks over, and gives Cat a tap with his toe, "Com'mon."

Cat gets up with a grumble, and allows Kimos to mount him.

Kimos has left.
Kimos has arrived.

Cat follows the trail to the south.
Cat has left.

Clearsight returns her gaze to Blackmorn's pale face, beginning to weep again.
You locksend ** <She never stops sending, the young hawk seeking desperately 
  through the void for the slightest sign of response.> ** to Blackmorn.

Blackmorn locksends ** He.. is there.. but always farther away, and unable to 
  truly respond, or return **

Cat comes up the trail from the savannah.
Cat has arrived.

Kimos has arrived.

Clearsight chokes back another sob, as her thoughts are touched by the vaguest 
  of senses. At the return of the cat and the cat-rider, she looks up 
  mournfully....?

Kimos shakes his head, sorrowfully, "There was a camp, but no elves..."
Kimos says "I don't think that there is anything that you can do for him."

Clearsight lets out a long, shuddering sigh. And then cries, "NO!"

Kimos doesn't seem to have too much emotion, but he goes over to Clearsight, 
  and tries to comfort her some.

The tiny apple-green Preserver fluttering distraughtly nearby peeks up shyly 
  at the sobbing girl. /Make wrapstuff, silversoft highthing? Put silentdark 
  highthing in wrapstuff?/

Kimos turns to the Preserver, a faint glimmer in his eyes, "That may work..."
Kimos says "Do it."
Kimos points to Blackmorn's body.

HoneyGold flits. /Honeygold do!/.
HoneyGold flits eagerly over, and spits wrapstuff at Blackmorn!

Kimos hopes that Blackmorn is sleeping.

Clearsight opens her mouth to protest - clearly, the idea causes her some kind 
  of distress - but at last she looks down again at the prone form, and she 
  whispers agreement. She gets out of the Preservers' way, putting down her 
  burden with the greatest reluctance.

Whiteridge growls and pads over quickly, snapping at the preservers, lips 
  drawn back and teeth fully bared!

Clearsight goes to the wolf, reaching a hand to stay him, whispering, 
  "Whiteridge, no... "

Kimos looks on, his staff leaning against his shoulder, seeing the wolf, he 
  turns to it, and says coldly, "Do you want him to die wolf?"

Cat pads over, and lies down by Kimos.

Sends leak out of her, as if unconsciously, towards the wolf: an exhausted 
  sense that this _has_ to be done, so that Blackmorn may live...

Whiteridge swings his head around to look at the girl, his eyes meeting hers a 
  moment, then he whines quietly, and turns to pad away.

Kimos puts his hand on Cat's shoulder, "Looks as though we aren't getting rest 
  this time Cat."

Clearsight sends openly ** <unconsciously, to the wolf: a plea for him to 
  stay, to help her guard> **

Kimos says "We'll take him to sorrow's end as soon as possible..."
Kimos says "I'm going back to that strange forest... see if I can make 
  something to carry him on."

The Preservers do their work quickly, eagerly. Blackmorn's form becomes hidden 
  beneath the sticky silver-white strands.

Kimos orders the cat to stay where he is.
Kimos follows the trail to the south.
Kimos has left.

Clearsight stands slowly, scrubbing a hand across her eyes.

Whiteridge continues, to the shade of a boulder, and there he lies down, 
  watching.

HoneyGold finishes the last silvery strand, then settles happily on the 
  coocooned form. /Honeygold wrap good! All safe, now!/

Kimos comes up the trail from the savannah.
Kimos has arrived.
Kimos comes back, dragging a stretcher/sled thing behind him.

Clearsight looks down at the wrapstuffed form, and answers the Preservers 
  listlessly, "I hope so... "

Kimos goes over to Blackmorn, and lifts the body, trying not to break the 
  wrapstuff, and pushes him onto the stretcher.

Clearsight gasps a little, and moves to try to help.

HoneyGold flits. /Nono!/.

You locksend ** <All the while, she strives to keep that link, that reminder 
  of her presence.... > ** to Blackmorn.

HoneyGold flits. /NO hurt wrapstuff!/.

Kimos points to Blackmorn's wrapped body, "Check that the wrapstuff isn't 
  hurt."

Cocoon
A silverwhite shroud, large enough to hold an elf.
Carrying:
Blackmorn

HoneyGold flitflitflits worriedly, inspecting..

Clearsight looks up at HoneyGold and mutters crossly, "We have to move him, 
  bug."

Kimos has left.

Base of the World's Spine Mountains
You are at the base of the World's Spine Mountains, which loom above you to 
  the north. Directly north of here is a wide mountain pass, which leads 
  through the mountains as far as you can see. Sprawled out to the south is a 
  wide savannah, its low dry grass stretching out to the horizon. A depression 
  in the grass appears to be a trail, heading due south.
Contents:
Stretcher
Cat(#3694Jaep)
Whiteridge
Tumbleberry
HoneyGold
Small grass-hued tent(#5250IJOQ)
Obvious exits:
North(N)  South(S)  

Kimos has arrived.

Clearsight moves to take down her tent and gather other belongings, quickly.

Kimos picks up the stretcher, and walks over to Cat, placing it, and attaching 
  it comfortably to the creature's back.

Cat growls at Kimos.

Kimos sneers, "Quit complaining cat."

Clearsight's hands tremble as she reduces the tent from a shelter to a tied, 
  large bundle of skins. Smaller objects vanish into pouches; lastly, she 
  doublechecks the tiny cookfire to make certain there are no embers left 
  there which might catch fire in the grasses.
Clearsight mutters something anxious under her breath about how she will carry 
  belongings enough for two.

Tumbleberry flits and hovers over Clearsight

Kimos goes over to Clearsight, and wordlessly takes Blackmorn's things, he 
  doesn't seem to be carrying too much.

Tumbleberry flits and hovers over Clearsight's right shoulder. /Is allgood now 
  silversoft highthing./

Clearsight flashes the other Plainsrunner an exhausted, grateful glance, and 
  squares her slender shoulders. "L-let us go... "

Kimos nods, and looks to the wolf, "You coming?"

HoneyGold flits nervously around the coocoon. /No should move../

Kimos looks at HoneyGold, and glares, "Just make sure that it doesn't break 
  open."

Clearsight whips her gaze around to the golden Preserver, and shouts, "If a 
  healer will not come here, we _must_ go to a healer!"

Kimos says "Allright Cat... slowly."

Whiteridge is on his feet, as he has been since the tent disappeared, but 
  stands his ground.

Clearsight's eyes tear over again; her teeth gritted, she begins to stride off.

Cat enters the mountain pass.
Cat has left.

Kimos enters the mountain pass.
Kimos has left.

You climb into the mountain pass...
Wide Pass Through World's Spine Mountains
This wide pass is nearly an entire days' ride from one side to the other, from 
  what you can tell. The sun is still hard and heavy here, but the looming 
  presence of the mountains to either side seem to lessen the drain of the 
  barren waste.
Contents:
Kimos
Cat(#3694Jaep)
Obvious exits:
Northwest(NW)  South(S)  

Whiteridge enters from the savannah.
Whiteridge has arrived.

Kimos says "You do have enough water?"

Clearsight nods listlessly. "There was a-a tiny spring, near the camp. Hidden 
  in the grasses."

Kimos says "Good."

Cat has left.

Kimos has left.

Foot of the World's Spine Mountains
You are standing at the base of the World's Spine Mountains. To the north is a 
  vast, desolate plain, while your passage to the south is blocked by the 
  mountains themselves. To the southeast you notice a wide pass that may lead 
  you further on.
A harsh desert wind blows in from the north.
Contents:
Kimos
Cat(#3694Jaep)
Obvious exits:
SouthEast(SE)  North(N)  

Whiteridge has arrived.

Kimos says "The sand plains are there... we'll have to put the stretcher on 
  the wolf soon, Cat won't be able to carry it all the way."

Cat heads across the desert to the north.
Cat has left.

Kimos heads across the desert to the north.
Kimos has left.

You steel yourself against the harsh desert wind and set off across the barren 
  plain.
Barren Wasteland
Out here in the desert, the unforgiving sun beats down on the baked earth with 
  an almost tangible malice. The parched sands seem to be home to none of the 
  usual desert creatures, and the shadows of the dunes call to you with 
  irresistable promises of shelter. Once the sun has faded, the peace of the 
  moons will flood the barren dunes with sharp-edged blackness, and the chill 
  desert air will bleed all warmth from the grey sands.
You can just barely make out, to the north, the vague shimmering outline of 
  cliffs, although it might just be a mirage. Southwards leads a faint track 
  that could be an old trail of some sort.
Contents:
Kimos
Cat(#3694Jaep)
Obvious exits:
North(N)  South(S)  

Clearsight trudges along with sharp-eyed determination, but she nods heavily.

Whiteridge arrives from the south, trudging through the sand.
Whiteridge has arrived.

Kimos looks to Clearsight, the wind, blowing against him, sweat running down 
  his face, and a sunburn starting to form.

Cat heads towards the Wall of Stone.
Cat has left.

Kimos heads towards the Wall of Stone.
Kimos has left.

You head towards the Wall of Stone.
Wall of Stone
Cliffs overshadow you, forming the edge of the High Plateau and a barrier that 
  even the desert cannot surmount. The sheer rock wall rises farther above the 
  desert than a skilled bowman can shoot and except for a few caves low in the 
  base of the wall there is no way in or over the cliff.{
You can go North, to search the caves in the face of the cliff; SouthEast to 
  the distant shelter of Sorrow's End; northwest towards the ragged canyons 
  that cut into the high Plateau and offer a path to the central portions of 
  Two Moons. Off to the South is a vague ancient trail, leading to the jungles 
  many, many days' hard journeying away.
The brightness of noon fills the hot summer skies.
Contents:
Kimos
Cat(#3694Jaep)
Obvious exits:
Small Cave(N)  To Sorrow's End(SE)  To the Jungle(S)  Canyon(NW)  

Clearsight glances eastward, whispering, "M-maybe we will find Lhovrik.... "

Kimos points to the cave wordlessly.

Cat wriggles through a small opening in the cliff wall.
Cat has left.

Whiteridge arrives from the Barren Wasteland.
Whiteridge has arrived.

Kimos wriggles through a small opening in the cliff wall.
Kimos has left.

You head towards the Elfin Tomb.
Elfin Tomb
You are a tiny cave, hollowed out of the cliff wall. The floor is covered with 
  sand, mixed in with what appear to be tiny bits of bone. Along the rear wall 
  you note a small crevice, which you might be able to squeeze through if you 
  are lucky.
Contents:
Kimos
Cat(#3694Jaep)
Elfin Skull
Obvious exits:
Outside(S)  

Clearsight's own skin is already reddened, over the golden sheen of her face.

Whiteridge pauses to adjust its eyes to the light..or the lack of it...
Whiteridge has arrived.

Kimos looks around, "We can rest here a while."

Clearsight stumbles into the cave on unsteady knees, and leans against the 
  rock wall gratefully.

Kimos drags Blackmorn's body into the cave.

Whiteridge paces outside the cave.

Kimos says "Where are the preservers?"

Cat keeps a distance from the wolf, taking a nap in the shade.

Clearsight looks up at that question; her eyes are shadowed with weariness, 
  her face stark.

Kimos sits, waiting for an answer, while he takes a small sip of water.

You say "I-I am not sure..."

Tumbleberry peeks its head out of Clearsight's hair. /Wethings still here/

Kimos looks up, seeing the presever, nods, "What about the other one... And 
  check the wrapstuff."

Clearsight jumps a little at the green Preserver's voice, but manages a nod. 
  "HoneyGold?" she asks it, almost gruffly?

Kimos leans back against the cave wall, breathing deeply.

Tumbleberry manages a little shrug, and sets about flitting around Blackmorn, 
  peering at the cocoon, spitting poorly spun webs when it finds a thin spot.

HoneyGold pauses to adjust its eyes to the light..or the lack of it...
HoneyGold has arrived.
HoneyGold flitflits.

Kimos glances up as the other preserver flits in.

Clearsight's slim frame is taut, as if she is quite determinedly refusing to 
  do anything but stand. "Is the wrapstuff sound?" she demands huskily of 
  Tumbleberry?

Tumbleberry chirrs /Is notsostrong some places. HoneyGold do!/

Kimos says "I hope so... because we need to get moving."
Kimos pushes his way out of the cave.
Kimos leaves the confines of the sad tomb.
Kimos has left.

Cat leaves the confines of the sad tomb.
Cat has left.

Clearsight, her voice hoarse and ragged, demands of the golden Preserver, "Fix 
  it...!"

Tumbleberry, with that, dives back into Clearsight's hair.

Clearsight then presses outside.

Wall of Stone
Cliffs overshadow you, forming the edge of the High Plateau and a barrier that 
  even the desert cannot surmount. The sheer rock wall rises farther above the 
  desert than a skilled bowman can shoot and except for a few caves low in the 
  base of the wall there is no way in or over the cliff.{
You can go North, to search the caves in the face of the cliff; SouthEast to 
  the distant shelter of Sorrow's End; northwest towards the ragged canyons 
  that cut into the high Plateau and offer a path to the central portions of 
  Two Moons. Off to the South is a vague ancient trail, leading to the jungles 
  many, many days' hard journeying away.
The brightness of noon fills the hot summer skies.
Contents:
Cat(#3694Jaep)
Kimos
Obvious exits:
Small Cave(N)  To Sorrow's End(SE)  To the Jungle(S)  Canyon(NW)  

Whiteridge appears out of a small opening in the rock.
Whiteridge has arrived.

Kimos says "We'll put the stretcher on the wolf."
Kimos goes over, picking up the stretches and heads towards the wolf.

Clearsight struggles her way through a nod, and turns her attention to 
  Whiteridge? *<Help?>* she sendwhispers to him?

Whiteridge stands still, allowing himself to be loaded silently.
  base of the wall there is no way in or over the cliff.{

Clearsight lets out a sigh, and nods, her gaze locked on the wrapstuffed form 
  as she beckons to the wolf to follow them out across the sands.

Kimos carefully puts the stretcher onto the wolf's back, and closes his eyes, 
  his hands glow slightly as the stretcher changes shape to fit the wolf's 
  back more comfortably.
Kimos pats Cat on the back, "Come on."

Cat pads along slowly.

Clearsight blinkblinks, and stares at Kimos, an itch in the back of her 
  mind... but she hastily nods, and presses onward.

You head towards the Deep Desert.
Deep Desert
Nothing grows here at all, and the landscape is an unrelieved shade of brown 
  except for the distant hills to the South and SouthEast. No shelter from the 
  heat in the daytime and no warmth at night under crystal skies unpainted by 
  a single cloud. Far above something circles in the sky, gliding on an updraft.
You are deep into the desert now, but the choice remains the same, NorthWest 
  towards the Wall of Stone or SouthEast back to Sorrow's End.
Obvious exits:
Southeast  Northwest

Cat covers its eyes with its hand as it looks at you. it has arrived from the 
  Northwest along the ancient trail.
Cat has arrived.

Kimos covers his eyes with his hand as he looks at you. he has arrived from 
  the Northwest along the ancient trail.
Kimos has arrived.

Whiteridge covers its eyes with its hand as it looks at you. it has arrived 
  from the Northwest along the ancient trail.
Whiteridge has arrived.

Kimos travels SE towards Sorrow's End.
Kimos has left.

You head towards the Desert's Edge.
Desert's Edge
Dry soil, with traces of sand and broken stones all around. Small clumps of 
  pale dry cactus and dusty scented purple sage are all that grow here. Small 
  creeping and crawling creatures abound, but are active mainly at night. The 
  faint scent of water tantalizes you from somewhere to the south.
You can go NW towards the Wall of Stone and Blue Mountain or you can go SE 
  towards the gate to Sorrow's End.
The brightness of noon fills the hot summer skies.
Contents:
Kimos
Obvious exits:
Spring(S)  Gate(SE)  NorthWest  

Whiteridge arrives from the NorthWest along the Caravan Trail from Blue 
  Mountain.
Whiteridge has arrived.

Cat arrives from the NorthWest along the Caravan Trail from Blue Mountain.
Cat has arrived.

Kimos points to the south-east, "I am hoping that is it."

Cat heads towards the Hidden Spring.
Cat has left.

Clearsight's blue eyes have gone firmly determined, resolved... "It is," she 
  says as if she knows it.

You walk the last weary mile towards the gate to Sorrow's End.
Gate to Sorrow's End
Here is the entrance to Sorrow's End. The village of the Sun Folk is to the 
  South, in a sheltered canyon among the sere hills of the World's Spine 
  Mountains. The foothills are tumbled masses of cave riddled sandstone worn 
  into unusual shapes by the wind. Sunlight reflects back from every direction 
  and the only shade is close by the rocks. Odd cactus plants shaped like 
  ranks of men with upraised arms stand near the verge of the desert, and 
  smaller cactus shows wicked thorns to all who draw near.
The NW Trail leads towards Blue Mountain, across the desert. N across the 
  Northern Desert lies the Tunnel of Golden Light and the heart land of the 
  Trolls. The Eastern Trail leads along the dry foothills of the mountain 
  range. S along the Winding Path is the way into the Sun Village.
Obvious exits:
Barren Desert(N)  Caravan Trail(NW)  Winding Path(S)  
You arrive at the gate to Sorrow's End from the NW desert and the caravan 
  trail.

Whiteridge arrives from the NW desert and the caravan trail.
Whiteridge has arrived.

Cat arrives from the NW desert and the caravan trail.
Cat has arrived.

Kimos arrives from the NW desert and the caravan trail.
Kimos has arrived.
Kimos looks around, cautiously, his hand resting on Cat's head.

Whiteridge pads after Clearsight, always staying close to her.

Kimos goes over to the wolf, and unattaches the stretcher, dragging it the 
  rest of the way himself.

Not quite yet does the maiden allow herself to relax...

You leave the stark landscape of the gateway in search of shelter and water in 
  the village of Sorrow's End.
Winding Path
A gentle winding path, worn smooth by the centuries of loving occupation, 
  meanders among the wind sculpted rock formations of the desert. Here among 
  the guardian stones is the well that sustains the village of Sorrow's End. A 
  sheltering tree grows here with pale leaves adorning it's wide spread 
  branches. There is a stretch of green grass to delight the eye and the small 
  sounds of birdsong and wind rustled leaves to sooth the spirit. The 
  brightness of noon fills in the hot summer skies. 
Contents:
The Well
Obvious exits:
Bridge Path(SE)  Shadowed Canyon(E)  Gate  Crossroad(S)  

You sense in a locksend, Savah touches your mind in gentle query.

Whiteridge approaches from the northern gateway to Sorrow's End.
Whiteridge has arrived.

Kimos approaches from the northern gateway to Sorrow's End.
Kimos has arrived.
Kimos looks up at a send.

You locksend ** <A jumbled blur of thoughts: exhaustion, frantic worry... > ** 
  to Savah.
Clearsight's eyes snap up, and she blinkblinks.

Kimos looks around, "Did you feel that?"

You locksend ** <And, unshielded, a glimmer of stars... > ** to Savah.

Cat approaches from the northern gateway to Sorrow's End.
Cat has arrived.

Clearsight whispers hoarsely, "Someone sent... there's help, here, there's 
  elves...!"

Kimos nods, "Let's see if we can find them."

Clearsight _now_ begins to tremble, as she blurts, "I cannot leave Bl-"

Kimos says "What?"
Kimos hefts the stretcher, "We're bringing him with us."
Kimos sends Cat ahead...

Cat walks toward the crossroads.
Cat has left.
At the crossroads, Cat arrives from the winding path that goes by the well.
At the crossroads, Cat has arrived.
At the crossroads, Cat smiles and hurries towards the Dancing Square.
At the crossroads, Cat has left.

Clearsight rubs her hand across her eyes, and nods tiredly....

Savah locksends ** Peace, cousin..you are safe, now. **

Kimos mumbles something, and continues forward slowly, cautiously

You locksend ** <She is too tired to send words, but she latches onto the sent 
  assurance in desperate, innocent trust... > ** to Savah.

Kimos walks toward the crossroads.
Kimos has left.
At the crossroads, Kimos arrives from the winding path that goes by the well.
At the crossroads, Kimos has arrived.

Whiteridge walks toward the crossroads.
Whiteridge has left.
At the crossroads, Whiteridge arrives from the winding path that goes by the 
  well.
At the crossroads, Whiteridge has arrived.

You walk towards the crossroads.
Crossroad
The paved pathway widens here and the circular paving blocks are set into the 
  sandy soil in a seemingly random pattern. The brightness of noon fills in 
  the hot summer skies. 
You can go into the nearby Visitors' Court for a temporary home, or go South 
  to the Dancing Square. To the West the paved pathway wanders towards caves 
  in the nearby hills. To the North the path leads past the well and out onto 
  the desert..
Contents:
Whiteridge
Kimos
Obvious exits:
Winding Path(N)  Dancing Square(S)  Boundary Path(W)  Visitors' Courtyard(E)  
You arrive from the winding path that goes by the well.

In the dancing square, Cat bounds away.

You smile to yourself and hurry towards the Dancing Square.
Dancing Square
A wide paved square surrounded by brightly colored pavilions and canopied 
  platforms. Gaily colored banners and paper lanterns hang from poles at the 
  corners in the bright afternoon sun. hot summer dip to ground level from 
  time to time.
The sultry afternoon drives most folk indoors, or at least under the canopies 
  and pavilions. You hear the soft sounds of conversation from the shady areas 
  of the village.
Contents:
Cat(#3694Jaep)
Savah
Drum
Obvious exits:
Pool(NE)  Garden <W>  Canopy(E)  Savah's House(NW)  Boundary Path(S)  
  Crossroads(N)  
You arrive at the Dancing Square still smiling a bit, looking around to see 
  who is here.

Cat goes north.

Whiteridge has arrived.

At the crossroads, Kimos says "It's allright cat."
Kimos has arrived.

Cat has arrived.

Clearsight comes stumbling into view, a fragile sunburned figure with 
  tear-filled blue eyes.

Kimos drags himself in, a stretcher with a silvery cocoon on it, drug behind.

Clearsight's gaze falls on the tall figure waiting, and her breath catches in 
  her throat.

Cat walks around Kimos, it's tail flicking back and forth, looking in every 
  direction.

Savah
Tall and gracefully slender is this aged elf, her skin darkly tanned by 
  countless passes of the sun over her desert home. Warm amber eyes, 
  dominating her delicately featured face, regard you kindly and with a trace 
  of amusement. She wears a shimmering dress of subtly shifting colors, now 
  green, now blue, now white. A tall golden headdress is on her cowled head, 
  and a golden symbol of the sun hangs from her intricate belt. Savah moves 
  with calm dignity, at peace with her world. Long brown fingers seem to move 
  in slow motion as she gestures in quiet accompaniment to her words.

Kimos puts the stretcher down slowly, and goes over to check on it.

Tumbleberry peeps out of Clearsight's hair, and its eyes widen. 
  /Ooo..bighighthing. Like the belonging time/ It flits and flutters over to 
  peer at Savah.

Kimos looks up at Savah, a grim look of determination on his sunburned face, 
  "Is there a healer in this village?"

You locksend ** <Leaking unconsciously out of her: a kind of innocent radiance 
  that glimmers like starlight behind her eyes, a fathomless _knowing_.... > 
  ** to Savah.
Clearsight half-crumples to her knees beside the wrapstuffed cocoon.

Savah summons villagers to help the two, and walks up to Clearsight, looking 
  intently at her.

Kimos looks down at Clearsight, but then back up at Savah, and then he 
  croutches down beside his cat, he just seems to be waiting....

At the crossroads, Kirran steps out of the shaded Visitors' Court.
At the crossroads, Kirran blinkblinks, glancing southward, shyly.

Savah murmurs briefly, wonderingly. "Preserver?", then kneels by Clearsight.

Kirran has arrived.

A worried villager runs to fetch Mender, or Skybow.

Kirran comes into sight, eyes wide and startled. "Savah, you called....?"

Cat's fur stands on end as he sees the new elf come in.

Savah touches Clearsights cheek gently with a brown hand, and looks up at 
  Kirran. "Yes, child..we have visitors, they need help.."

Clearsight looks up at Savah with wide, glimmering eyes.

Tumbleberry's face breaks into a wide smile. /Hellohello highthing!/

Kirran pads forward hesitantly, and asks, "Can... can I help, somehow?"

Skybow arrives from the Garden of Shade and Sweet Water, brushing an errant 
  leaf from his shoulder.
Skybow has arrived.
Skybow comes into the Dancing Square, a villager close behind him, "What is it 
  Savah?"
Skybow pushes his hair out of his face, seeing the cocoon, and the other 
  elves, "What happened?"

Clearsight looks around, suddenly daunted by the crowd, and beginning to 
  tremble.

Skybow says "Who is in the cocoon?"

Kirran lingers on the edge of the square, watching the strange elves shyly. 
  But he straightens, and vanishes off for a moment; he comes back with a 
  stone jar, which he brings forth. "Water," he says quietly.

Skybow goes over the cocoon, pulling out his knife, "Let's see what we've got 
  here."

Clearsight flicks her gaze to Skybow and blurts, "He... he is Blackmorn... 
  m-my friend... "
Clearsight looks back up to Savah pleadingly. "Can you help him?" Her voice is 
  ragged, exhausted.

Skybow looks up, smiling, trying to make the elf-maid feel better, and then 
  motions towards Kimos with a flick of his head, "Who's the grumpy one?"
Skybow puts his knife to the cocoon and cuts it open slowly.

Kirran sets the jar down gently by Clearsight, and steps back shyly.

Kimos sneers at Skybow, his hand resting against Cat.

The two tiny Preservers fluttering nearby giggle at Skybow's comment.

Skybow looks up at the preservers, "Well well, what have we here."

Savah nods gently, and briefly touchs Clearsight's brow, in comfort. "We will 
  help, dear one."

You locksend ** <The innocent light in this child's head regards you for a 
  moment, before subsiding into a wash of weariness.... > ** to Savah.

Savah watches as the villagers gently help Blackmorn out, concern in her amber 
  eyes.

Skybow slips his knife back into it's sheath, and looks down at Blackmorn, 
  wondering how bad the damage is...

Savah locksends ** <A warm golden glow, comforting, yet non-intrusive> All 
  will be well, kitling. **

Whiteridge presses his nose into Clearsight's hand.

Clearsight, vaguely realizing that water has been brought, takes up the jar 
  and sips quickly... but as Blackmorn's face becomes visible, she gives a 
  small strangled cry and sets the jar aside, looking at him.

A yound maid gasps at the sight of the bloodstained elf, arm and shoulder 
  swollen and discolored.

Kirran pales, his violet eyes widening.

Tumbleberry flits /Poor silentdark highthing./

Skybow hisses, telling the villagers to stay back, "This doesn't look good."
Skybow edges close to Blackmorn's body, sending to the elf.

Clearsight whispers timidly, "He... he was bitten by a cat... it had foam in 
  its mouth... "
Clearsight leans a little forward, sending herself, or at least trying to, as 
  she reaches instinctively for Blackmorn's good hand.

Skybow looks to Savah, a worried look in his eye, "This'll be harder than I 
  thought... What I wouldn' give to have Mender around right about now"
Skybow pulls away the rest of the wrapstuff, tossing it aside.

You locksend ** <The hawk cries desperately, trying to reach you, her call 
  speaking of help.... > ** to Blackmorn.

Cat growls at an elf who comes too close.

At the crossroads, Redwisp enters from the west, walking the Boundary Path.
Redwisp has arrived.

Blackmorn locksends ** <The wolf lifts his too-heavy head a moment, then drops 
  it again> **

Clearsight's free hand finds Whiteridge's ruff.

Kirran looks up as Redwisp arrives, and he ventures shyly to her.

Skybow carefully puts Blackmorn straight, trying to avoid both his mouth and 
  the wound.

Savah calmly instructs the villagers to take the wounded elf under a canopy. 
  Shelter, from the sun.

Redwisp looks around.

Skybow says "Be careful not to touch his spit, it's deadly."
Skybow heads for the shelter of the canopy.
Skybow has left.

Kirran looks up as Savah gives her orders, and blushes a little as the other 
  villagers tell him earnestly, "Not you, brother!" He blinkblinks, and looks 
  to Redwisp....

Clearsight, shaking and frantic, does her best to assist in the moving.

You head for the shelter of the brightly colored canopy.
Under the Canopy
This is the shady interior of a canopy that has been raised tent-like at the 
  edge of the dancing square, to provide relief from the burning daystar to 
  far travelling visitors. Clay jars filled with sweet water are stored in the 
  shade, and there are skillfully woven blankets and pillows to rest on.
There are guest cottages available for those who will be visiting the village 
  for a while, go north and then east to find them. Animals found sleeping in 
  here will be taken to the stables by the sunfolk.
Contents:
Kalista
Tables
Clay jars
Obvious exits:
Dancing Square(W)  

Skybow has arrived.

Savah has arrived.

Redwisp locksends ** W-what happened? **

A shy young maid brings blankets and pillows, trying to cradle the wounded one 
  as best she can.

Skybow looks at Blackmorn, and kneels down beside him, taking several deep 
  breaths, "This isn't going to be a fun ride brother.'

Savah rests her hand on Clearsights shoulder gently.

Clearsight pleads huskily, "Do-do what you can... please.... "

Skybow closes his eyes, and holds his hands over Blackmorn, humming slightly 
  to try to keep calm. His hands slowly start to glow...

Savah locksends ** You care much for this one..he will be helped, have no fear 
  child. **

You locksend ** <She starts a little, and there is an unshielded glimmer of 
  something in her head, like radiant starlight. You catch an image, a memory, 
  of a foam-mouthed cat leaping, tearing Blackmorn's shoulder....> ** to 
  Redwisp.

Clearsight flicks a ragged glance up to Savah as she clings to Blackmorn's 
  hand.

Skybow starts to take deep breath as the magical energy flows into Blackmorn, 
  sweat, not from the sun, starts to roll down his face. Slowly the poison is 
  pushed from Blackmorn's body...

You sense in a locksend, Redwisp sends with concern, ** I..I'm sure he'll be 
  alright cousin. I-if I can help, please let me know. The healers here will 
  surely help him. **

Skybow opens his eyes to look at Blackmorn, the glow on his hands stops for a 
  moment as he catches a breath, "I have to rest..."
Skybow takes in deep breaths, slowly.

Clearsight clasps her companion's hand to her cheek in a fierce grip. She 
  sends, perhaps unconsciously, faint flickers of starlight behind her 
  thoughts, and visceral impressions of a mantling hawk....

Skybow takes a final deep breath, and closes his eyes again, and allow his 
  hands to hover over Blackmorn, "Poison gone... now to close the wound." His 
  hands start to glow again, the wound in the shoulder starts to close, and 
  the inflaming goes down.

Blackmorn's fingers twitch against Clearsight's hand.

Skybow starts to shake.

You locksend ** <Desperately, she sends, trying to reach you, trying to let 
  you know she is there... > Blackmorn, come back, please....! ** to Blackmorn.

Skybow stops the healing abruptly, sweat pouring down his face, which has gone 
  pale, "I'm sorry... that is all that I can do..."
Skybow asks one of the villagers to get some clean bandages, to cover up what 
  he couldn't finish.

Clearsight remains right where she is, her slender shoulders set, quivering 
  slightly. There's a faint ripple in the air around her, as she sends with 
  frantic determination.

Blackmorn locksends ** <A whisper:** Fledgling? **> **

Skybow says "He will live... I wish that I could do more... but removing the 
  poison drains me so much..."

Clearsight suddenly bursts into tears, as she whispers hoarsely, "H-h-he hears 
  me!"

Savah smiles, relief in her golden eyes. "You have done well, Skybow."

Skybow smiles, and leans back against something.

You locksend ** <A flare of exhausted, infinite relief> ** to Blackmorn.

Skybow lies back and starts to take a nap.

Clearsight murmurs over and over, "He hears me... "

Blackmorn locksends ** <A soft smile: ** You are here..**> **
Blackmorn's face eases.

Clearsight seems about to crumple herself, as tears stream down her face.

You locksend ** Yes, oh yes, I'm here....! ** to Blackmorn.

Blackmorn opens his eyes, very slightly, his sight still unfocused.

Clearsight reaches a trembling hand to smooth Blackmorn's hair back from his 
  eyes.

Shayilbey joins you under the canopy, entering from the dancing square.
Shayilbey has arrived.
Shayilbey bows to Savah-the-hopefully-IC and nods to the others. **Greetings. 
  i was told one was hurt.**

Clearsight starts, looking up again as a stranger arrives. She is pale and 
  exhausted of face, tears and something else glimmering in her eyes; beside 
  her, lies a white-faced, dark-haired elf, with a bandaged shoulder.

Shayilbey nods and moves toward the bandaged one. **How long since he took the 
  wound?**

Savah nods quietly to the pale one.

Clearsight swallows hard, and nodnods, a hint of an unshielded sending leaking 
  out of her: ** <desperation, if somewhat muted, now, with tiredness> ** 
  "Thr-three days... Skybow h-has taken out the poison, but... " She trails 
  off hoarsely, nodding briefly towards the other healer, who has leaned back 
  exhaustedly to sleep.

Shayilbey settles herself near the darkhair. **Easy. Calm.** She chuckles 
  softly, like water running over small stones. **Slowly, explain.**

Savah talks quietly to Ahdri, then looks gravely to Shayilbey. ** Are there 
  healers among your party, my dear? **

Shayilbey puts one hand on the darkhaired one. **I am a healer of some small 
  talent, Lady; Delenbae is the Master.**

Clearsight scrubs a slender hand across her scarred, tearstreaked face. ** < A 
  jumbled send: a memory of a foam-mouthed cat, leaping on her companion, 
  tearing his shoulder.... > **
Clearsight still clings to Blackmorn's hand fiercely.

Shayilbey returns her attention to the darkhair. **My experience does not, 
  unfortunately, lie in the healing of physical wounds. But I can do something 
  for this.**

Savah smiles quietly at Shayilbey. ** Your help will be most appreciated. **

Clearsight, a tangle of emotions continuing to unknowingly leak out of her, 
  nodnods heavily. "W-whatever you... can do to help... "

A young boy tugs at Clearsights tunic, solemnly handing her a cup of water.

Clearsight snaps her gaze around as 'solicitation' flickers through her ragged 
  thoughts. She sees the youth, relaxes, takes the water with her free hand... 
  and promptly tries to see if she can get Blackmorn to drink.

Shayilbey nods to Savah and turns her attention to the wounded one, laying her 
  other hand on his shoulder and bowing her head.

The youth protests softly. "But you should drink, too..."

Blackmorn does not drink, for the moment, unaware of the cup

Savah's eyes rest on Clearsight. "He is well tended to, my dear..Drink, he 
  will need your strength.

Clearsight mumbles obstinately, "H-have to make sure... he's alright..."

Shayilbey laughs softly to herself and begins, pushing her own power through 
  her hands into the wound. She nods a bit here and jumps a bit there, 
  surprised by one thing or another.

Clearsight, her head whirling with dimly perceived emotions all around her, 
  wrinkles her nose briefly, muttering something that sounds like 'loud'...

Shayilbey finally catches up with the rhythms of a different sort of elfinness 
  than she is accustomed to and sighs to herself, still a bit tired from a 
  previous effort.

Clearsight grudgingly allows herself to drink the offered water, but never 
  realizes Blackmorn's hand. Her eyes are glitteringly bright.

You sense in a locksend, Savah touches your mind, calm and focused. Suddenly, 
  the sensations dim, become numb..but for your link with Blackmorn.
Savah touchs Clearsights shoulder. "You need rest, my child. You have carried 
  this burden far enough."

Kalista wakes up(seemingly) from a nap, to sit up, and note the going-ons 
  around her.

Savah nods solemly to Kalista, then regards the healer and the wounded elf.

Clearsight looks up dazedly, blinkblinking, as something changes in her 
  consciousness... she glances up to Savah. "You... you made it not loud... "

Shayilbey's hands remain on Blackmorn's arm and shoulder, her head bowed, her 
  power seeping through her hands into the dark-haired elf, slowly and with 
  little glow.

Kalista blinks a few times, nods to Savah, then glances over at Shay, still a 
  little sleep-dazed.

The tight little blur of emotions rippling around Clearsight suddenly 
  subsides, leaving only an exhausted, scarred-faced maiden.

Savah inclines her head to Clearsight, amber eyes filled with sympathy.
Savah says "For a while...I can shield you, child."

Blackmorn draws a deep, easy breath.

The wound starts to clear a little and become more like the flesh around it, 
  but it is clear that there is only so much Shayilbey can do. She is tired 
  this time, and not working in her own element.

Savah says "Two healers..should be sufficient, for one night. Let him rest, 
  now, until the morning."

Clearsight asks Savah plaintively, "I... I do not have to leave him....? He 
  asked me... "

Savah regards Shayilbey. ** Can he be moved, to a cottage? **

Shayilbey pulls herself away, head still bowed. **I have so little experience, 
  Lad--I wish I could do more. But...yes, i am certain he can be moved.**

Kalista observes with quiet reservation.

Savah smiles, reassuring. "You can stay with him, child. Be at ease."

Clearsight gives a tiny ragged sigh, and clumsily pulls Blackmorn to her.

Shayilbey looks up, smiling a bit, wanly.
Shayilbey nods wearily to Kalista.

Blackmorn frowns slightly a moment, then relaxes again, peaceful.

Savah motions to the villagers, who carefully lift Blackmorn, still wrapped in 
  blankets.

Clearsight makes a tiny noise of protest as he is gently pulled from her 
  grasp. She tries to scramble to her feet, to help... but she's at last 
  swaying from her own exhaustion.

Kalista looks around, then nods to Shayilbey. ** You should rest now, dear 
  one.. **

Savah thanks the Underworld helpers solemnly, and follows the villagers as 
  they leave.

Shayilbey looks concernedly at clearsight. **_There's_ one who should rest.**

Savah ducks out into the dancing square after resting for a while under the 
  canopy.
Savah has left.

Shayilbey looks at Kalista and smiles. **I suppose you are right.**

You sense in a locksend, Savah keeps a comforting shield around your mind. For 
  this night, at least.

Clearsight murmurs vaguely in multiple directions; the villagers smile to her, 
  and acknowledge her barely voiced thanks. "We will take care of him, little 
  maiden!" "Don't worry, now."

Kalista glances up at the canopy..then looks around again, measuringly..Then 
  gently pulls the mask up so that she can smile at Shay.

The villagers carry Blackmorn to one of the cottages reserved for visitors to 
  Sorrow's End, murmuring among them selves.

Clearsight trundles at Blackmorn's side as he is carried out.

You leave the shelter of the canopy and enter the dancing square.
Dancing Square
A wide paved square surrounded by brightly colored pavilions and canopied 
  platforms. Gaily colored banners and paper lanterns hang from poles at the 
  corners in the bright afternoon sun. hot summer dip to ground level from 
  time to time.
The sultry afternoon drives most folk indoors, or at least under the canopies 
  and pavilions. You hear the soft sounds of conversation from the shady areas 
  of the village.
Contents:
Stretcher
Cat(#3694Jaep)
Whiteridge
Drum
Obvious exits:
Pool(NE)  Garden <W>  Canopy(E)  Savah's House(NW)  Boundary Path(S)  
  Crossroads(N)  

At the crossroads, Vandalia smiles and hurries towards the Dancing Square.
Vandalia arrives from the crossroads with a faint smile still on her face.
Vandalia has arrived.

You head north.
Crossroad
The paved pathway widens here and the circular paving blocks are set into the 
  sandy soil in a seemingly random pattern. The brightness of noon fills in 
  the hot summer skies. 
You can go into the nearby Visitors' Court for a temporary home, or go South 
  to the Dancing Square. To the West the paved pathway wanders towards caves 
  in the nearby hills. To the North the path leads past the well and out onto 
  the desert..
Obvious exits:
Winding Path(N)  Dancing Square(S)  Boundary Path(W)  Visitors' Courtyard(E)  

You turn away from the sunlit crossroads and enter the painted gateway marking 
  the Visitor's Courtyard.
Visitors' Courtyard(#668RJ)
This walled courtyard is paved with several sizes of circular tiles scattered 
  in seemingly random patterns. Between the stones moss and thyme grow, 
  creating a pleasing contrast with the cream and brown colored tiles. In the 
  center of the court, a small live-oak grows, gracefully sheltering a small 
  fountain and pool. Planters full of bright colored flowers alternate with 
  wide stone benches along the edges of the courtyard. Clinging vines of grape 
  and wisteria veil the walls and along the south edge of the court the 
  covered arches of a shaded pavilion beckon you out of the sun.
Obvious exits:
Guest Cottages(N)  Crossroad(W)  
You arrive in the shaded courtyard, your eyes adjusting quickly to the soft 
  shadows cast by the huge tree in the court and the covered walkways.

You walk north, heading towards the Sun Folk's Guest Cottages.
Guest Cottages(#671RA)
A circle of small adobe cottages, plastered in soft pastel colors and 
  decorated with symbols of peace and joy and each with a small planter of 
  some green growing plant by the door.
To obtain a home in the sun village, send +mail to Savah. You may select this 
  place or any portion of the boundary path. Caves are also available in the 
  adjacent Wolfrider encampment in the rocky hills.
Contents:
Blackmorn
Skitterpaw
Sand
Obvious exits:
CourtYard(S)  

Clearsight settles down beside Blackmorn dazedly.

The villagers lay Blackmorn on a bed of pillows, and step out quietly.

You locksend ** <Her thoughts have been shielded by someone else, save for her 
  link with you... which she does not drop. She reaches for you exhaustedly.> 
  ** to Blackmorn.

Blackmorn locksends ** <In his own exhaustion, there is a surge of warmth at 
  your touch, and he accepts, offering his own shielding in comfort and 
  familiarity.> **

Clearsight wraps her arms around you, presses her face into your unwounded 
  shoulder, and noiselessly sobs her relief.

[To be continued...]