"The Storm of Sand" Log Date: 9/14/2002 Log Cast: Wing, Gentlestorm, Savah, Shendia, Lifefire, Rosewind, Falyeril, Longspear, Snowstorm, Starfire, Silverclaw, Woodlock (emitted by Wing), Rainsong (emitted by Wing), Hetho (emitted by Lifefire), Yatta (emitted NPC child), Gernon (emitted NPC child), Keral (emitted NPC child), Twig (emitted NPC child), Husa (emitted NPC child), Coolwater (emitted NPC child), Mender, Rikia Log Intro: In the middle of their midday sleep, the Sun Folk are surprised by a sendshout telling that a sandstorm, worse than everything they have seen before, is coming in from the desert towards Sorrow's End. Just minutes before it hits the village, the elves flee towards the Wolfrider caves, for it's the only safe place. As the incredible devastating sandstorm rolls over Sorrow's End, most of the elves huddle in the caves, yet there are still elves outside or caught in their houses. This Log is recorded a few minutes before the storm hits Sorrow's End, until it's over. The rest is fade to black. ---------- Crossroad by the Well The paved pathway widens here and the circular paving blocks are set into the sandy soil in a seemingly random pattern. Behind the pattern, one can 'view huts' scattered about. In the area to the north, a tall stone wall rises upward. 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 through an open portal in the wall and out onto the desert. The village goes about its everyday business, villagers tending the fields and working at their crafts. The fields where the Sun Folk grow the bulk of their food surround the Well. The fields currently contain winter-wheat, turnips and rye. The fields are watered, the soil dark and fertile. There are 0 weeds. The harvest is thriving. There have been 204 units of food grown since last harvest, for a daily average of 5. (Currently available commands are 'water fields' and 'weed fields'.) The seven stars of Goodtree's Rest fade into the glare of morning as light fills the warm spring skies. Contents: Grassfang ForestBurn Dreamberry Bush The Well Obvious exits: POTtery Forge Northwest Courtyard Portal Dancing Square Boundary Path Visitors' Courtyard Stripes enters from the west, walking the Boundary Path. Stripes has arrived. From Stripes's back, Lifefire looks over at Wing, "Wing get to the caves now." He looks around as a steam of sun folk are headed to the wolfrider caves in the east all ready. Stripes moves around to each hut as Lifefire knocks on the side. You finally arrive at the wolfriders caves. You climb up into the Wolfrider Cave to the west. Wolfrider Cave(#683RAJLV$) A long, narrow cavern with small cracks and niches along its interior, guarding other small dens. If one "views the dens" it is easy to discover which den belongs to which elf. Piles of fur and a few mattresses lie about, the kind used by the Sun Folk. The chamber could easily sleep twenty, or more. During the day, the room is nearly empty as long as the weather permits. At night the cavern is filled with the sounds of talking and sleeping elves. It is always dark in here, and cool. Contents: Longspear Snowstorm Obvious exits: Out Falyeril clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Falyeril has arrived. Snowstorm directs people from cave to cave and directs the supplies to certain areas... ** That way, Faly.... ** Falyeril staggers into the cave, a large jug of water in each arm. Stripes clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Stripes has arrived. Lifefire lands easily on the ground by Stripes. Lifefire has arrived. Lifefire leads the last of the sun folk in that he could find and dismounts from Stripes, "That's all I could find." Snowstorm looks at Lifefire, ** Did you get them? Did you get them awake? Savah needs to be moved with her critical things... ** She gives a harried look to Lifefire, nodding she says, ** Please help get supplies together then... Food, medicinal plants... We may not get away without injuries. Help the healers get things together... ** Falyeril rests just a moment to catch his breath, then obediently carries the jugs where Sandstorm orders. Lifefire nods, "I got as many of them as I could and all I found were all ready awake. I saw Savah's handmaiden and a couple of other males helping her." Guided by his family, namely Woodlock and Rainsong, and by his wolf, Wing runs into the caves, panting. "Okay, here we are." he breaths hardly, shivering from adrenaline. While Woodlock and Rainsong go deeper into the caves with food and water, Wing goes up to Snowstorm and Lifefire, "Is there any help you need? Scraper and I are fast, and if we need more things from the village..." Rosewind arrives from the LifeFire's Cave. Rosewind has arrived. Falyeril waves tiredly from where he sits against a wall. Snowstorm sendshouts to all within and around the caves, ** EVERYONE IN ... NO ONE ELSE IS TO GO OUT WITHOUT PERMISSION! ** Lifefire looks around, "Where is Shendia and Gentlestorm?" Shendia clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Shendia has arrived. Falyeril is just milling around, looking at the assembly with a mixture of concern and excitement. This must be some storm coming, a really bad one, for folks to be this wrought up over it. Still irritated Wing looks at Falyeril for more than a heartbeat, and smiles confused. He has been experiencing some sandstorms, they happen relatively often, but this one seems to be more than just a simple breeze, at least what he has heard from the scouts that ran across him on the way to the caves. His eyebrows narrow at Snowstorm's sendshout, and his eyes start to glitter in an expression seldom seen on him, **Snowstorm, let me help.** Shendia has two large jugs of water under arm and a large pack of food and healing herbs in her back. She looks at Wing and just shakes her head. Savah clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Savah has arrived. Gentlestorm clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Gentlestorm has arrived. Gentlestorm looks around, ** Is everyone in? ** Gentlestorm looks upset... he doesn't want to seal the caves... ForestBurn clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. ForestBurn has arrived. DesertBright has arrived. Shendia calls DesertBright to her, who runs to her. DesertBright runs off with a wolfish grin. Falyeril moves to help Shendia with her load. ForestBurn comes scrambling in just before the cave is shut.... Snowstorm looks around, ** Everyone was called in... Seal the door before it is too late. ** Frowning, squinting against the wind and sand that are coming in, she turns to those in the cave. Savah sits on an outcropping of rock, her face lined with concern. ** Yes, seal the entrance. All are here who will be. ** Lifefire frowns as he turns to get a last glimpse of the outside world before it's shut. He looks towards his cave and hopes that Rosewind and Starfire are still sleeping. Falyeril stands on a high spot and tries to count, but people are moving around too much. Rosewind slips out of the small cave with Starfire hugging her leg, making it harder to walk. "Noticing the caves rustling with alot of activity she blinks and with a yawn. "What's going on?" she rubs the cub's shoulder and looks around curiously. Gentlestorm sighs, placing his hands on the walls, he seals the cave except for the tunnel he formed. That remains open. ** Done. The tube leads to the well. High Ones willing, the thing I made to it will hold so we have enough water... That tubing is connected to the tubing in the general areas. Those who didn't get out... I'll be waiting for them near the well.... ** Gentlestorm looks pale for him and somewhat stressed; however, he walks through the tubing... reinforcing it as he goes. Gentlestorm leaves the cave. Gentlestorm has left. Snowstorm frowns as her son leaves but doesn't stop him, ** Sandstorm. ** is her one word answer. Wing frowns as Snowstorm is just ignoring him and gets his 'look'. With a last glance he looks as the caves are sealed, then he turns his head down. This storm will surely be quite devastating, and it will not only be a 'flood' that drowns all the houses, but will also kill the fields .. He glances towards Savah, and then deeper into the cave to his parents, and then decides to sit on a stone. His wolf, Scraper, moves next to him, and he places his chin on his hands that lie on his knees. Longspear wanders out from helping others stow their gear. He looks at the sealed cave, eyes widening, swallowing slightly he says, "I think I'll go help Gentlestorm..." Shendia looks sharply at Longspear. "No you won't, you'll stay here. No one else should be outside." Falyeril is almost as relieved as Lifefire to see Rosewind and Starfire already inside. ForestBurn looks around, obviously eyes and ears for Gentlestorm... Sandstorm walks in from the fissure in the rear of the cavern. The one that leads to Dart's cave. Sandstorm has arrived. Savah looks around at all her children. "Dear ones, we must all stay here. It is the safest place there is, and there is nothing we can do to help Gentlestorm. Only he can do what needs to be done." She smiles gently. "Let us think of something to distract the little one's attention. Perhaps some stories of your valiant sires?" Snowstorm looks at her youngest... She holds out her hand to him, with a shaky smile. ** Everyone had better settle in for a long haul... This looks to be a bad one. ** Nodding to Lifefire she sends, ** Thank you for helping despite your doubts about me. ** Turning, she continues to direct those who are displaced... Lifefire cuts through the crowd towards his lifemate and gently caresses her cheek, "There is a storm of sand outside and everyone has come in here for safety." He looks over to Snowstorm and shrugs a little. Shendia sets her water jugs and pack down near the other supplies. Turning to her sister, she caresses Snowstorm's dark hair for a moment before sending quietly, ** This is all I could bring, but I do have my herbs as well, sister. Not that I hope to use them at all. ** Longspear gives Shendia a look, and wanders down the tunnel. "He can't shape and help those who need help too." Sandstorm yawns and rubs the sleep out of his eyes. "Wow!" The cub exclaims as he sees all the people and jumps up to try to see his mama. ** Mama! ** Longspear leaves the cave. Longspear has left. Longspear clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Longspear has arrived. Longspear leaves the cave. Longspear has left. Moving his head a bit, to glance at Savah, Wing seems to ponder, but says nothing. Instead he grabs a waterskin, opens it and takes a sip from it, opening his hand to form a place for Scraper to drink, "Here, dear friend." he whispers to Scraper, as the water runs into his hand and the wolves licks it from it. Rosewind looks around and nods slowly "A storm of sand?" How interesting. " She moves to have a seat against the edge of the cave and settles Starfire in her lap as she sits quietly and watches. Shendia sighs and settles in against a blanket produced from her pack. "It is not so much interesting as it is sad. We shall be digging ourselves out of the sand for days. Snowstorm sighs as the young cub walks down the tunnel, ** Lifefire, prevent any other would be heroes from going down that tunnel... Those needing rescuing will need to be able to freely walk up it. One helper is enough. ** She looks around all all the would be rebels. Snowstorm to her sister she comments as she finishes delegating placement duties to others so she can take a break, she sends, ** Better to dig out homes than bodies. Hopefully Dja gave us enough warning to prevent that. ** Some of the more /braver/ sunfolk males look at the tube, "I think GS will need my help too." Hetho says in a loud voice. A few other agree with him and speak up as well. Lifefire strides over to help Snowstorm. He knocks an arrow and points it at Hetho, "Am I only saying this once, no one is going down there without at least one arrow in their leg." Outside, it is possible to hear the wind howling and sand scratching against the outside of the cave. Snowstorm's lips twitch at the stance LF takes... she says nothing though... Falyeril is a prankster, not a rebel. He sits obediently down. Longspear clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Longspear has arrived. Savah chuckles, and gather the little ones to her. "Who shall we hear about, kits? What grandsire would like to hear a story about?" Hetho and the other males back off at the arrow and they go to sit down to hear the story nothing better to do. Lifefire lowers his arrow but he leaves it nocked in the bow string. Longspear carries a bundle or two while two stragglers follow him up the cave, "Gentlestorm says that the cave down at that end will not hold many people... He also says he wants food." He looks at Savah, "He asked if there is anything you want him to do. He said send.... you and his mother." Looking down he says, "He looks tired...or something." The young wolfrider shrugs. Snowstorm stands quickly, dashing into Ashi's cave to ask the young elf what GS probably eats after a lot of rockshaping... Sandstorm giggles as he continues to jump up and down trying to get a glimpse of Snowstorm. He pushes through legs and a yelp is one sun folk doesn't move his leg fast enough out of Sandstorm's way and he gets bit. Snowstorm has left. Lifefire looks over at Longspear, "You stay here. Snowstorm or Ashi will see to GS's needs." Snowstorm has arrived. Savah nods. She looks around at Wing, listening on the edges. "Why don't you tell them about the wolfriders, or the trolls? Don't get them too stirred up, hm?" She smiles at the little ones, and rises to go to Gentlestorm. Her face is still lined with care, but she walks with surety. Savah leaves the cave. Savah has left. Snowstorm comes out with bundles of food. ** Here... ** She hands the bundles to the younger elf. Chewing her lip she sighs, ** I can't leave the tribe, Lifefire. Longspear will have to go. ** She heard the comment on her way out of the cave, ** He can better be spared right now... I can't go, and you can't either.... ** Lifefire lets Savah and Longspear pass as he has become the guard of the tube. He looks over at Wing and sends to him. Rosewind grins and nuzzles Starfire before he moves closer to Savah with the rest of the cubs eager for a story. She gets up and goes back to the cave she sleeps and returns a few minutes later with an armload of plump juicy oranges and sarts to pass them out to who might want one. Lifefire locksends ** Tell them about the flight from the fire and the troll cave. ** Longspear leaves the cave. Longspear has left. Snowstorm looks around at the young ones... Rolling her eyes, she sends, ** Well.... I guess one of us has to tell the story... ** She looks at the adults. ** What about a story of the forest? Most haven't heard much about that... ** Snowstorm goes to her cub and cuddles Sandstorm... Wing looks up as Savah addresses him, and he smiles while he nods, "Yes, I will tell them the story of the Wolfriders and the trolls." He then stands up, walking over to the place where Savah was sitting, and sits down. "So, do you want to hear how Cutter, the young Wolfriderchief, left the green growing place and came here?" In his eyes reflects sudden amusement, "And about the nasty trolls?" whereas he stretches nasty with a grin. Snowstorm eyes Wing, ** And just how old were you when this happened, Wing? ** Sandstorm hugs his mother tightly and then looks towards Wing as the story start. "Come sit with me mama." A little girl, Yatta, says "What's a troll?" Nightrose tugs on Shendia's skirt. " 's go listen to story, momma." She grins and points. Shendia rises, taking the kit in her arms, and sits at the edge of the group to listen in. Starfire oohs and nods to Wing as he scrambles closer to him and beams. "I wanna hear about cutter. He is a big strong wolfrider like my papa." Gernon grins, "An ugly smell creature like you." The smart alek replies before he gets a frown from his papa. "Sorry." Wing grins again and simply ignores Snowstorm, as he did with Wing. "A troll is a big fat and green nasty creature.", he grimaces and mimics a troll, "They strive under the earth, because they are so ugly that even wolves run away from them!" He leans back a bit, looking at Gernon, and grinning. "Yes, and they smell so ugly that they simply have to stay underground!" Yatta sniffles, and looks to any close by adult for comfort. "Okay." Savah clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Savah has arrived. Starfire holds on to Rosewind's hand as they move over towards the circle of cubs. He sits down and leans against her to listen. Gernon grins as he was right about troll. At least a little bit. Snowstorm goes to her cub, and cuddles him and Yatta. Sandstorm snuggles with Snowstorm and Yatta and doesn't mind sharing his mama's lap. Shendia moves back to her place on the rock-chair and listens to the story being told. One of Yatta's friends, a green eyed, red haired spitfire, gives Gernon a hard poke. "Stop teasing her!" Savah enters, her face a little light and smiles at the gather kits. A blond hair brown eyed male gives the spitfire a poke, "Don't poke my best friend." Adults wander around, setting things up so that everyone has room to settle in. Outside, the wind howls and the sand attempts to wear away at the wall... Lifefire moves aside so Savah can get through and chuckles a little at the cubs. Savah sits on the rock ledge, her tall frame just fitting in against the curve of the ceiling. She grabs a spare blanket and spreads it on the cold rock before sitting, and listens to the little ones. Spitfire grins, eyes flashing... mischief, "Oh Keral! I thought -I- was your best friend!" She gives brown eyed Keral the hug and snuggle of his life. Rosewind smiles at Starfire and pulls him up to her lap. she grins and turns her attention to the storyteller and chuckles at the poking going on between the cubs. Shendia laughs as Nightrose nods to a question another cub asks her, and does not notice that her mother crept back to her spot elsewhere. Wing claps into his hand, his eyes just lying for a second on Savah, before he returns to the crowd of children lingering to his feet and listening with huge eyes, "Anyway, let me tell you the story now." His eyes close for a second, and he knows the story far too well, even though he was just one turn of the seasons old... "It all began with the nasty humans. Bloodthirsty as they were they randomly elfnapped tribemembers, and one time they elfnapped Redlance who, against all warnings, went out too far from the holt and was caught." He then begins to tell how Cutter lead an attack to the humans to free Redlance, so that he doesn't had to be sacrificed to the human god Gotara. With a dramatic pause he continues with telling how the Wolfriders, that went with the rescue, got back to the Holt. Yatta giggles at her friend and gives her a wink of thanks. Too shy to retaliate on her own, she decides to snuggle with the cub next to her, Sandstorm. "They said you're doing all this. Why'd you make us have to be here?" Nightrose giggles. " 's not Sandy doin it, 's a REAL sandstorm doin' it." She pokes her cousin. "He can't make us be here! But my momma tol' me 'bout sandstorms, and she said they're real bad." Sandstorm snuggles back and nods in agreement with Nightrose, "I wish I could control the sandstorms. I would make them go to the black snake." Yatta looks at Sandstorm, "What black snake?" By far, she is the youngest and possibly the most gullible... Keral geeps as he is snuggled hard and ums. "You are my best female friend, Twig." Coolwater a blond hair green eyed cub next to Keral ooohs, "Keral and Twig sitting in a cave. S. N. U. G. G. L. I. N. G." Savah frowns. "Someone we will not talk about, kit." Sandstorm gulps and nods as he only over heard it from his cubsitter peyote. "She is mean and bad." He whispers. Husa shushes everyone, "I can't HEAR! I wanna know what happened." She looks at Wing, "Why didn't they just put out the fire?" As things settle down, the adults gather around... Rosewind frowns at the mention of humans but manages to not get angry like she used to. A small laugh excapes her however as the cubs tease each other. "Now listen to the story. If Wing sees you aren't paying attention, he might stop his story." She winks. The three male cubs settle down although Keral get another poke in before the turn to lesten to Wing. Starfire moves out of Rsoewind's lap to sit with the other cubs. "Hi Starfire." Coolwater says softly and the other cubs wave. "Suddenly the brave wolf of Cutter alarmed us with a howl that the humans were near the Holt, coming with fire. We knew that they didn't come in peaceful means, how could they? All they were longing for was our blood." Wing closes is eyes for a second, before he looks with an earnest face at the children. "The males of the tribe, that went to rescue Redlance, and with them Cutter, gathered to see what brought the humans so close to the holt, and armed they rode on their wolves - faster as the wind - towards were the humans lingered." His left hand describes a bow, following it with his eyes, then, slowly, he drops his arm, looking into the distance, telling that the humans came to set the forest on fire. "It was the turn of the dry season, and it hadn't been raining for days. The fire leaped out as fast as the wind, that rose the fire to a wall that devoured in just a few blinks of an eye the trees and bushes. You could hear the animals scream, and with the few hunters that Cutter went to face the humans they couldn't dim the fire. All humans were killed ... but the fire was burning high and devoured everything on its way." Twig looks at the others, trying to FROWN them into compliance... mentally she mutters, ** Loudmouths... ** Yatta's eyes widen, "How did the elves get away?" Sandstorm nods, "Good, the human deserved to be killed." He crosses his arms looks up at his mother, "Right?" Snowstorm looks at her youngest, ** I think that a clean death for anything, including humans, is a better death. As for what I think about humans... Cub. We'll discuss that later... ** She smiles, nuzzling both Yatta and Sandstorm. Gernon grins, "I bet it has something to do with the trolls." Coolwater nods in agreement and Keral still snuggling with Twig shush the other two, "Just listen." Coolwater and Gernon overexagerate snuggling up with each other to make fun of Twin and Keral. A slight crack is heard... in the area of the sealed cave's entrance... at the top. Wind seeps in through, sand starts wearing away at the small hole...the whistling sound gets louder. Savah turns her head sharply to the cave entrance, and send just as sharply. Lifefire looks at the cave entrance and frowns, what he wouldn't give for the elder rockshaper, Gentlerock to be here right now. Gentlestorm clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Gentlestorm has arrived. Falyeril mutters under his breath and looks around for something to stuff in the crack. Wing smiles for a second and continues, "As fast as they could the hunters went back and Cutter gathered the whole tribe - together with the wolves - and they packed just what was needed, food and water. Memories were left behind, it was just important to rescue the life." He then continues, telling of the smoke that burned in their eyes, and the screams of death of the animals that couldn't escape the spreading fire. "The only way to escape was to ask the help of the trolls. Their caverns lay deep beneath the ground, and no fire could get in there for their entries were sealed with stone doors. Cutter spent much time for shouting and screaming before they opened." Continuing with how they were allowed to get inside with a trick, he mimics the troll's surprised faces as they entered their main chamber where the troll king was sitting. As the sound of the Snowstorm emerges he pauses for a moment to look to the whole. Rosewind smiles smugly hearing the humans suffered and then died. When Starfire moves away from ehr lap and goes over to join the littles arounf the cirle, she glances towards the tube and gives a litle frown hoping everyone int eh village is safe from this sandstorm. Sandstorm covers his ears and looks at his mama, "Make it stop please." The other kits listen to the story until it's inturpted by the whistling. Gentlestorm comes running in, eyes casting up. His hands touch the wall, the crack seals. He reinforces the whole thing, "I'm sorry... it's really bad out there... Stronger winds than I've seen in a long time. It's wearing away at the tunnel too. Not too fast but..." He sighs. I'll stay here for now. Longspear is going to send if someone taps. Falyeril finds a rag and borrows someone's spear, using the latter to stuff the former in the crack. This requires several tries, but he finally succeeds. Wing coughs a little before he continues, the others will take care of that. "After argumenting with those nasty trolls, we got food and water. Heh, we have hunted for them and traded it for brightmetal and other goods, now it was their turn to help us .... and they offered us help ..." he pauses again, looking angrily now, "But they tricked us, instead of leading us to another forest, they led us to a cave with an opening. The sun was shining too bright for the night- used eyes of the Wolfriders to see what was awaiting them, and before they realized where they ended up, Picknose - one of the most ugliest ones of them - made the tunnel crash down, so that there was no way back... after that we realized that they haven't send us to another, beautiful forest, but to the desert. And that with scarce food and water!" He frowns, shaking his head, continuing to tell how Cutter then decided, cleverly, to just go out at night of this tunnel that was now a little cave. Sandstorm frowns, "Nasty trolls. I hope something bad happened to them." He snuggles a little close to Yatta. CoolWater growls audiably, "Stupid trolls. If I ever see on I am going to cut him open from throat to gut." The little hot head spouts off as Gernon nods, "Yeah." Keral just nuzzles Twig gently. Mender clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Mender has arrived. Yatta gasps, ** But... where is the tunnel? ** Twig looks at the growling wolfrider cub, ** Why bother? He's bigger than you and far from here for now. ** She shrugs. ** Beside that, the elders probably will have taken care of him by now. ** She sticks her tongue out at CoolWater. Rosewind frowns a bit as GS comes into the cave. She still sits over by the wall listening tot he stry for a few mintues before she starts to fidget. Finally she stands and goes voer near the tube entrance and whispers to GS "Is there anything I can do to help?" Other than sitting there on her rump. Lifefire looks over at his lifemate, ** Come help me guard the enterance to the tube Rosewind. ** He gives her a smile. Wing smirks at the commentaries, and then answers Yatta, "Far from here, very far. It's at the end of the desert." he dramatically adds, his eyebrows narrowing. "It took the Wolfrider's three days to wander through it. At day they rested, and at night they wandered. Luckily Skywise had this little stone - of what I told you a while ago - from the trollking, and it led them through the burning wasteland. It always pointed in the same direction... and now you can guess where it led them to?" he smiles warmly. Gentlestorm smiles at Rosewind, "Finish my hook weaving for me?" He only smiles at his horrid attempt at a joke. Sandstorm pipes up, "Who is this Skywise?" Gernon speaks up, "Is he a High One? Did he come from the sky?" CoolWater snorts, "There are no High Ones left, except for Timmain and that's only cause she became a wolf." Savah chuckles. "Skywise was just a little wolfrider himself, youngling. But you're right about Timmain." Twig gives Gernon a look, "High Ones all got killed except for Timmain -I- thought!" Husa giggles and cuddles with her friend, Keral, "What do YOU think about this story?" Rosewind nods to Lifefire and moves over to stand near the entrance as she looks to GS and smirks "I'll get right on that for ya then." She doens't make an attempt to move however as she tilt sher head "Hmm. I did want to speak wioth you about he loom..." CoolWater smiles brightly as he is proud to be a wolfrider and why shouldn't he be. Starfire grins, "I know. They led them here. I traveled here with my mama and papa." Keral grins brightly as he has two females cuddling him, "I think it's a good story, but I want to hear the end too." Gentlestorm sighs at Rosewind, "I'll try to instruct you during breaks from repair... but..." He looks down, taking his hand from the wall of the cave entrance, "I really messed up..." Snowstorm looks at Savah, her mind reaching out. Falyeril's ears perk up, and he edges closer to Gentlestorm. Lifefire looks over at the wall and shakes his head, "No you didn't. You did as best you could." "Skywise is the brother of Cutter, though not in blood." he winks, "They are soulbrothers, and their bond is stronger than everything you can ever imagine. And no, he is no High One, he is a Wolfrider too, one with the most sensitive abilities - almost as our dear Suntoucher." he smiles. "And even more attached to females than our dear Mender." he grins brightly. He then continues with their travel through the desert, how they were almost starving, and how they had to leave Nightfall and Redlance behind because of Redlance's injuries. To the questions if they hadn't had a healer he shakes his head, going on with the raid on Sorrow's End, and how Cutter recognized Leetah. As he comes to Rayek he grimaces him, making him seem to be like a blown up frog as he argumented and tried to rescue Leetah. Leetah could convince the Wolfriders to come with them to Sorrow's End, even the females that hid as long as their male tribemates didn't return. He explains the necessity for this, for the lifebearers are very important to a Wolfrider tribe. He then continues with telling how Suntoucher greeted them, and how Cutter suddenly realized that they left Nightfall and Redlance behind, and that Leetah went with Cutter back to where they left the two Wolfriders, "And of course Rayek felt like he would need to protect her - like if she belonged to him - and went with her and the Wolfriderchief to heal Redlance." Sandstorm snuggles with his mama as he listens to the story and continues to snuggles with Yatta. "What happened next?" Savah places a hand on Wing's shoulder. ** Do not speak so of Rayek. You do not know him as well as I do. ** Her face is a pained. Rosewind shakes her head at Gentlestorm "You did not mess up GS. We are here in the cave and safe from the storm." She glances over to the littles and smiles at the rapt attention to Wing's story befor turning her gaze back to GS "And about the loom I had an idea that I wnt to talk to you about when things are calmer." Gernon grins as he stands up, "I am going to be like Rayek when I grow up and I am going to fly all over." He jumps up as his first attempt of flight, a failure as his feet hit the ground and then his rump. Coolwater laughs, "I am going to be like Cutter. Chief of all the wolfriders." Keral grins, "I am going to be like Skywise. He has a nice life." He snuggles up to Husa and Twig. Starfire chuckles, "I am going to be like my papa and work in the forge." Lifefire over hears this and smiles brightly. Sandstorm snorts at Coolwater, "Maybe the other wolfrider, but I am going to be Chief of Sorrow's End's wolfriders when I get older. It's my right to." Shendia chuckles at the antics of the little ones. Wing coughs a little and reaches for his waterskin, taking a sip, then setting it back down, "Well. As they arrived at Redlance and Nightfall's place, Redlance was almost dead, but the powerful and beautiful Leetah was able to heal him so that he awakened from his deathlike-sleep" he smiles warmly at Savah, seeming to exchange some words with her in a locksend, before he continues his story, telling of how how they got back to Sorrow's End, and how all the Wolfriders were happily reunited. Making peace with the Sunfolk, Suntoucher introduced the Wolfriders to the most wonderful, most beautiful, and wisest elf on this rough world - Savah. **I think it's your turn now, dear Mother of Memory.** You locksend ** I am sorry, I didn't mean to say something bad on Rayek, it was just meant for the atmosphere of the story. ** to Savah. Gentlestorm sighs at the two trying to make him feel better, "Oh... I messed up. I didn't attend to the rockshaping duties until reciently. Only those things I've recently delt with have a chance to survive this storm... houses, walls, all of that ... they'll probably come down." He nods to Rosewind, "Later then." His focus returns to the rocks... and he wanders down the tunnel, hand grazing the sides... Gentlestorm leaves the cave. Gentlestorm has left. Snowstorm looks at her cub, shaking her head, ** Think you that it is also Gentlestorm's right, cub? Your brother is much older than you. ** Lifefire gives a wave to Gentlestorm as he lets him pass. The girls giggle. Yatta looks at all the others, eyes wide, muttering, "I'd rather just be me..." The kitlings' eyes move to Savah as the main story teller. Sandstorm shurgs, ** Maybe, but I really want to be chief and he doesn't want to be. If he did he would have take it after father left. ** He shushes up along with the other cubs as Savah becomes the focus of attention. Rosewind sighs as Gentlestorm leaves and gives her head a shake "He has been doing all that he can for the village. And beats himself up too much." She glances back to the cubs as they turn the attention to SAvah waiting for another story. Savah speaks softly. "The villagers and the wolfriders did not seem to get along too well at first. Indeed, there was a challenge from Rayek to Cutter for the honor of attempting to win Leetah's favor. They fought long and hard, in a test of strength, honor, and will. They balanced blindfolded on a pair of planks set on two barrels. They had to find their way through the caves and retrieve their weapons, using no magic. They had to face their greatest fear, and Cutter proved to have the most mettle of the two." Lifefire nods, "Yes he does take to much on himself and blames himself to oftens when things he can't control go arry." Wing slips from the rock he was sitting on to sit among the children, listening to Savah too. He has been hearing this story over and over, but he just loves it. He was too young to have the *real* feeling of belonging to this wonderous tribe Cutter led, and the story is simply too fascinating, changing so much in the history of the elves... Snowstorm looks at Rosewind and Lifefire... wondering what was being said. She's too far away to hear... She just saw her eldest walk out with a look that isn't good. Coolwater grinned, "See I told you Cutter would win." Gernon snorts, "That's only cause he recognized Leetah." Rosewind nods to Lifefire and leans back agaisnt the wall, crossing her arms in front of her and smiling softly at the cubs. She chuckles softly at Starfire's coment. Husa sighs, "Yes, but who is to say Rayek didn't win in a way... by being defeated?" Husa, the far seeing one. Sandstorm chuckles, "No cutter won because he was the stronger and faster and smarter." Keral nods in agreement with Husa, "Rayek defeat just opened a new path for him to follow, he might be better for it." Husa comments to Sandy, "Who is to judge that? The contest was won, yes. But what do we know of the methods used by the players? The conditions? What if any of those had been different? Would the same victor have emerged?" Twig mutters, ** Cutter STILL would've won at least two out of the three. ** Savah laughs. "Cutter won, dear ones, because he showed fortitude and kindness. He saved Rayek from falling off the Bridge, and also crossed it, his own challenge. But, as Leetah saw it, she still had the right to choose. Rayek was her lifelong friend, and it is hard to leave such links behind. Now, yes, Cutter won. And...eventually...Leetah gave in to her Recognition and they joined. Rayek left." Her voice grows sad for a moment. "He left to find the High Ones' magic, and also to find his happiness." Wing smirks at Husa, grinning at the other children, but instead of saying that even if Leetah had turned to Rayek with love, Recognition was unfightable, and Rayek would have never accepted that the Wolfriderchief and his pretty Leetah share at least some moments to fullfill recognition ... who knows what devastating actions Rayek would have done when it had come to this? ** And two out of three is a victory.... ** Twig sends with certainty. Sandstorm shrugs a little, "Well it's over with now. No sense in chewing over an eating bone." Snowstorm sighs, ** True, it is over, but some seem to believe in absolutes. ** She looks away. ** Why doesn't someone else tell of their Journey to Sorrow's End? So many of us have had to pass the burning desert to get here but... rarely have I heard of anyone telling of the story... ** Savah nods. "That is all I wish to tell, for now, dear ones." She rises to listen at the entrance to the cave, her thoughts turned inward. Snowstorm looks to the others... Rosewind and Lifefire... they traveled here.... Rikia clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Rikia has arrived. Wing looks as Savah stands up and motions away, a sad expression on his face too. He then stands up, moving to the rock he has been sitting on before. "Do you want to hear another story of the Wolfriders?" he smiles at the children. Snowstorm looks around, shrugs and goes to the talking rock, depositing cubs gently on the ground. DesertBright clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. DesertBright has arrived. Rosewind off in the direction Gentlestorm slipped off before turning her attention back to the circle of cubs and grins as they seem eager for more stories. Snowstorm sits... With a sigh, she speaks. A husky rusty sounding alto-for-a- female-elf voice is emitted. "I will speak only because many of the younglings can not hear sending." She looks very annoyed at having to speak but gets over it. Her eyes cast down. "I have had two comings to Sorrow's End. Three if you count my being born here." She shrugs. Sandstorm snuggles with Yatta as he listens to his mama's story as the other cubs pay attention too. Rikia sits in his place, a little bit away from the group, perhaps the farthest off. In the shadows he seems to observe, and think. Wind comes howling up the tunnel with force. Suddenly, it is cut off. Sand settles... Snowstorm looks at the cubs, "I cannot tell you of the first coming. I don't recall it any more than you recall yours. I can tell you of the second or the third. Which do you wish to hear?" Sandstorm grins, "Tell the third mama." Starfire nods, "Yeah tell the last one." Noticing that Snowstorm took over, Wing just withdraws, shaking his head about Snowstorm and goes back to the place where his wolf is, sitting down and talking with his father in silent sends, that sits next to him. Rikia takes a brief moment to look in Falyeril's direction. Then he turns his eyes back to the storyteller. Snowstorm looks at the other cubs for their opinions... Twig asks Sandstorm, "What's so interesting about the last one?" Sandstorm grins, "It's the one that is closest to my birth." Gentlestorm clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Gentlestorm has arrived. Gentlestorm comes back, scrubbing his eyes, tears streaming down his face.... He evidently felt his way back to the cave... Lifefire looks at Gentlestorm, "What happened?" He moves to help his friend. Rosewind looks around quickly as a whistle gets her attention and she sees a hole worn from the sand scrubbing violently outside. She narrows her eyes a bit to as wind starts whipping around the cave in little burst. Snowstorm stands, going to her eldest... ** Gentlestorm? ** Gentlestorm mutters something about the wall collapsing... ** Didn't you all feel the wind?! ** He sighs, ** I wasn't prepared for that... it got in my eyes! Get me some water! ** Forcing himself, he doesn't scrub hard... just enough to get the sand from the tears... Shendia brings a small skin of water to GS. "Here, use some of this..." Lifefire holds GS's hands, "Don't touch your eyes unless you want to go blind." He motions for some water, "Just lay back." Lifefire gently eases GS down. Rikia's attention soon looks over at Gentlestorm. He begins to move his, slightly too tall for the cave body to go to help Gentlestorm "Can I help?" Snowstorm helps, tilting her eldest son's head back and getting his eyes open. ** Pour... ** Rikia sighs as his magic is the only thing that got him through. Shendia nods and pours a small stream from the flask over GS's eyes. Rosewind winces as she sees GS's condition and stands back so others can take care of him. They seems to have everything well in hand and she would just be in the way. Gentlestorm works not to squirm away. He doesn't fight the restraint by Lifefire or Snowstorm. What he says via sending to those helping him probably doesn't bear repeating though. He's not happy. Sandstorm looks over at his brother with worry on his face. Snowstorm snorks at GS's comments. ** Blink. Is it out? ** She lets go of the eyelids she's been holding up and out... Gentlestorm grumbles, blinking, red eyed... ** Yes... It's all out. I've got to go back. I just had enough time to seal it off and try to reinforce it before my eyes got too bad... ** Longspear clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Longspear has arrived. Rikia settles himself, as he translates the silence into the fact that his services are not needed. He leans his head back with a sigh. Worried, Wing lifts an eyebrow at Gentlestorm, but his father just lies a hand on his arm, shaking his head. Yes, it would make no sense if he would offer help too, there are already people taking care for him ... Still he draws back his arm frustrated. As a storyteller he had something to do, but else from that all he can do is sitting here, and waiting til the storm is over, leaving behind so much sand that the village will drown in it. Keeping on exchanging silent sends with his father, and his mother, Wing mutters and starts to scratch Scraper's neck. He is surely not the only one that is frustrated about the situation. Shendia hands a thin cloth to GS. It's rather like a light linen. "Put this on." Longspear comes in looking worried, "I know you told me to stay but..." He looks back... "The sound is getting loud..." Lifefire nods as he helps Gentlestorm to his feet, "Rest for a moment, Rosewind get some meat and more water from GS." Rosewind nods a she moves quickly to Lifefire's cave and comes back shortly with some fresh meat and a clay pitcher of water. "Passing them both through the tight circle of people to GS 'Here it is. Are you alright Gentlestorm?" Gentlestorm nods, tying it around his face. Better to save his eyes... "Thanks." He shakes his head... "I can't. That storm can't get in here or everyone will get hurt. The cubs more than the adults." He stands and leaves.... Gentlestorm leaves the cave. Gentlestorm has left. Lifefire sighs a little as he watches GS go and he looks at Longspear handing him the food, "Make sure GS Eat this." Longspear goes into his cave and grabs a cloth for his face and goes after GS. Longspear leaves the cave. Longspear has left. Rikia sighs He whispers quietly " I should be helping...." Though it not likly anyone but the shaprest hearing elf could hear him. Sandstorm moves over to Rikia and looks up at the tall elf, "What's the matter?" He heard him because he was the closes to him. Snowstorm looks at Rikia, ** Would you listen for people coming up and offer to float their things here? That will keep Longspear down there with Gentlestorm... ** She sighs as she sits back down on the storytelling rock... "So. What did you cubs decide?" Starfire pipes up, "The last time you came to Sorrow's End." Savah looks up and towards the direction of the portal. "There is someone out there!" Rikia thinks for a moment on how to answer. He then hears Showstorm and nods. He looks down at Sandstorm. "Just thinking of what wonderful stories my son Volek could tell." He looks up again. He nods at Savah. "I hear it to." Rosewind blinks towards the portal and opens her mouth to say something, but Savah speaks up before her. "Is there anyway we can help them?" She peers around before her gaze settles on the cubs. Snowstorm's head snaps up.... ** Great... ** Snowstorm looks at Rikia... ** Go down the entrance... see what you can do... Gentlestorm and Longspear may not be enough. You've got two ways to lift... ** A concerned look is on her face... Lifefire moves to one side to let Rikia pass. Rikia stands and nods he flies at his fastest, which is quite fast. He heads toward the mouth of the cave. Rikia leaves the cave. Rikia has left. Sandstorm goes back over and the cubs are all calling for the last coming to be told. Falyeril stands by Lifefire at the cave entrance, watching. Worried, Savah casts her spirit out to look for stragglers and anyone unlucky enough to be caught in the storm. Snowstorm glances at Savah briefly, taking a breath, she sits... again. "Does anyone have an objection to Sandstorm's request?" She looks around for dissenters. Starfire shakes his head as does Keral and CoolWater. Gernon shrugs, "I don't." Snowstorm sighing begins, "Well.... I was at Warren. I had come in, hearing elf voice and needing company. I had been there for a while when Gentlestorm appeared. He was angry with me. We didn't get along at all at first. He wanted me to come back to Sorrows with him to see his father and I didn't wish to go." She looks away from Sandstorm... thw one who would've suffered the most had she not come. Sandstorm stands up and moves over to sit in Snowstorm's lap. He smiles up his mama, "But you did come." Twig tosses her long sunny yellow hair, "Of course she came. YOU wouldn't be here if she had not!" Husa, still close to Keral, sighs, "Well, we'll never hear what happened if you all start arguing again! You're wolfriders, why don't you SEND. Keral has his arms both around Husa and Twig, "Then lets stop fighting and start snuggling." Coolwater looks over at Husa, ** Cause she wants to make sure some of you mind dead sun folk can here. ** Gasping, Twig scoots away from the two snuggle cubs, "No way!" Snowstorm taps her foot, waiting, "May I continue?" She looks around, effectively silencing inattentive cubs. Sandstorm nods as he goes quite along with the other cubs. Snowstorm says "Anyway, I didn't wish to go. Gentlestorm wanted me to go. So... he... and Firestar, my new wolf friend, conspired to get me here. He ... knocked me out and kept knocking me out all the way to Sorrows." All the males cubs snort and burst out in fits of giggles. Snowstorm shrugs a bit wryly... "I came here and cried all over Savah when I had a chance. I didn't want to be here and certainly didn't want to confront Gentlerock. Both happened though. And we made our peace. Gentlestorm and I made peace a bit later than that." Smiling she says, "Believe it or not, that is the story of my third coming to Sorrow's end." She hops off the talking rock, lifting Sandstorm to take him with her. Snowstorm looks around, ** Next story? ** The female cubs glare at the male ones, one says, "That was mean! He shouldn't have knocked you out!" Several look at other female elves, adults, for support. Coolwater jumps up, "Even stories I say a came of touch me touch you." He tags Keral, "You're it." The cubs scatter as Keral gets up to chase. Sandstorm shrugs, "My brother just wanted to make sure my mommy got back here safe." he wiggles to be put down to play Husa eeps as her snuggle partner knocks her sideways to get at ColdWater. "Keral! I'm going to get you!" Husa gives chase! Snowstorm puts the cub down and watches them all scatter around the main cave. Keral giggles as he runs from Husa and Starfire dashes infront of Husa. Gernon watches and gets ready to run if anyone comes near him. Sandstorm giggles as he joins in the chase. Savah comes back to herself with a sigh, like slow wind gathering into her body. "Everyone seems to be under cover now," she says softly. "And we are indeed getting buried..." Rosewind chuckles to herself as the cubs start up agame of chase. She looks to Savah "Was anyone hurt fromt eh storm Savah?" Savah shakes her head. "None too badly that I could tell. Some sand in uncomfortable places, but we are Sun Folk; we know how to take cover, even if we haven't had a storm in many turns." Snowstorm frowns, ** Someone out there doesn't know the signs though... ** Lifefire nods as he guards the entance to the tube and smiles, "That's good to hear. Lots of digging out afterwards." Snowstorm looks at Savah... "What are our duties once this is over, Savah?" Rosewind chuckles "It's a good thing I went ahead and asked Mender to heal my ankle then. I'll have to be more careful of those sneaky benches though." Rose giggles and glances over to Lifefire briefly before turning her attention back to Savah and just managing to skip out of the way of the cubs as they zip past her. Savah sighs. "We must dig ourselves out of here. We will need some to watch the kits and make sure they are out of the way. We will need to dig out and uncover the well. Then we will need to discover what can be salvaged, what will need rebuilding, and what we shall do for food. It is thankfully spring, and the seedlings still underground. We will need to dig out the fields, if possible." Lifefire smiles, "And the hunters need to go out hunting to see if we can find some meat." Wing intervenes all the sudden, "Can't the rockshapers form us a tunnel out of here? I mean above the sand? I don't think that we can so easily dig ourselves out of here." Rosewind looks from elf to elf as they speak and nod with the suggestions. "I will either go hunting or watch the cubs. Which ever I am needed to do." Lifefire nods, "I will go hunting out hunting." Rikia clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Rikia has arrived. Silverclaw clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Silverclaw has arrived. Gentlestorm clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Gentlestorm has arrived. Rikia returns to the cave in a brisk walk, levitiating behind him A wolf and Silverclaw. Shendia turns to look at the new arrival, a worried look on her face. Mender seems a bit busy elsewhere, which leaves her... "What is hurting?" she asks, her small herb bag out. Lifefire smiles at Silverclaw and her wolf, "Ah...I was wondering where you two were." Gentlestorm comes in with the few things Silverclaw had left with her, "Well, we found one." He looks at Savah, "I hope that if anyone else is out there they can send as loudly as she can!" He grins, happy with a successful rescue. "She may need Mender or Kiralee..." Silverclaw looks around at the crowd of eoves and mere blinks. As soon as she spots Lifefire, she smiles weakly and offers a little wave. Rosewind glances around as the glider returns with GS and Silverclaw. "Why didn't you seek cover when the storm started Silverclaw?" She goes over and offers the elfess some meat. Rikia lets Silverclaw down to the ground. He eyes the wolf uneasily as the cave is not high enough for him to get that far out of the wolf's way. He hopes for the best slowly setting him down next to his elfbond. Silverclaw stands well enough on her own once she's on the ground. To Rosewind, she smiles and shrugs a little, ** Moon and I were jsut returning from a short excursion to find him some meat for him. ** She graciously accepts the offered meat from the lass and calls her wolf to her once he's on the ground. Sandstorm smiles at Wing, "My brother can rockshape anything." Wing sighs and looks at Sandstorm, "I think it will be a good idea to shape a way out of here, for when we try to open the gates out of this cave, the sand will just sweep in, and anyone that has tried to dig a whole in the sand knows how impossible it is to dig our way out if the storm is really that heavy as it seems. If we get out of here over the sand, we can dig the cave free later, better to be up the sand." he then sits down again, glancing at the newcommer, Silverclaw, whom he hasn't seen before. **Welcome to ... Sorrow's End** he smirks. Lifefire nods in agreement with Wing, "I am sure once the sandstorm ends we will find a way out of here." Rikia takes a step back, or maybe stumbles back. He walks back to his rock in the shadows. Quiet has been the most faithful to him today. As he still senses nothing of his Lovemate. He looks over at Wing. "Well, maybe I could lift the sand out of th way." Wing nods at Rikia, "Your powers will be needed, indeed, and with it we have a better chance of keeping the sand away." He then stretches and takes a fruit that hands Rainsong to him, **Thanks mother.** he sends to her, replying her smile. Silverclaw hehs softly at the greeting from Wing and nods in answer. For now, while she eats, she listens to the conversatins around her. Rikia settles in his place. His gaze falls back to the ground.. Lifefire smiles at Wing and nods to Rikia, "I am sure we will all need to pull together." Sandstorm moves to continues to play tag. Rikia nods, though his head is already down. He let's out a half attempted "Mm Hm" Rosewind slips off back to her spot by the tube entrance as Silverclaw eats. Starfire comes oveer towards her "I wanna go outside." Rose sighs and croushes down as she shake sher ehad a bit. "WE can't get outside yet cubling. We'll have to wait til we we can dig or way out of here." Wing moving his hand down, the one with the fruit, he sends, brushing back his hair with the other hand, **Furthermore I would suggest we make some ... tools. The last time when there was such a nasty sandstorm we had no rockshapers around and tried to move the sand away with huge stone-plates ... what if the rockshapers now shape plates in the form of a rake that is used for the earth on the fields and in the gardens.** he glances around, ending with his eyes on Savah. Lifefire nods to his cub as he kneels down, "The sand storm is still going on outside, it's not safe yet." Silverclaw leans against her wolf friend while she listens and watches little Starfire. She can't help but to smile a bit him. All the cubs except for Starfire as still playing a game of touch me touch you in the center of the cave. Squeals and giggles can be heard. Rosewind reaches out and hugs her cub gently as he frowns. "Why don't you go back and play with the other cubs. I bet you can catch them being as quick as you are." she grins and winks as he looks over to the cubs and grins mischiviously and moves off skiping and howling after teh other cubs. Silverclaw chuckles softly while she watches the antics of the cubs. While she watches, her wolf nudges at her hand and whines softly to her, the only response she gives is a light scritch atound his ears and shakes her head a bit. Rikia lifts his head up finally He nods. "It sounds like a great idea Wing." Th sooner we are out the better. So many who aren't here... Lifefire nods as he listens to the planning, "Better to plan stuff out now so we will know what to do when we do get out of here." Wing nods and withdraws himself a bit, "Our primary goal is to free those that couldn't flee to the caves and are caught in the cellars of their houses, we can't leave them burried there...." Rosewind listens to the plans for a few mintues and then slips off to the cave to do a few things. Rikia remains withdrawn. He nods absently though. Lifefire nods, "Exactly. We will start a hut by hut search. If we can find them. We can rely on sends to find those that are trapped underneath. The wolves can help too. Their paws are made for digging." Wing nods agreeingly towards Lifefire, "Indeed, the wolves will be a help too, and with the help of the Rockshapers we will be faster than last time..." He sighs, looking after Rosewind, "I just hope that the Sunfolk has not forgotten how to send. I remember that we once taught them to recieve sends, and send, at least the basics... but there might still some that haven't been training." Lifefire nods to Wing, "But let Gentlestorm rest first. He has been doing alot of hard work today. He deserve some time to rest and get something to eat." Rikia looks over "Well we have to wait till the end of the sand storm" Lifefire nods, "Yes, hopefully it will end soon without any more incidences." Wing shakes his head, folding his hands on his lap, "I think the priority lies in rescuing those that are caught under the sand." He pauses, looking up at Lifefire, "I agree that Gentlestorm has to recover from all the work he has been doing so far, but we can just give him time til the storm ends. Besides from that we have Ahdri that must be here somewhere too, or maybe she could escape into her own hidings." he sighs, looking at all the people here in the cave. Lifefire nods, "I agree that getting the elf out of their hut is our first priority, but the rockshapers are few compared to the number of other elves we have. If we can dig out the forge first I have a number of shovels I had finished work on and hadn't had time to dig out." Rikia looks up. "We are all aware of our places in the tribe. The magic useres more than most. Espically in a time of crisis. As I'm sure Gentlestorm needs a rest, we have many elves out there to save. We all hav our jobs to the do." Lifefire nods, "I know, we have to save the elves first then divide the tribe up into two groups, those that will dig out sorrows end and those that will go hunting. We will need food if we are to rebuild. The store are not inexhaustable." Silverclaw perks up a little at the mention of hunting, but still keeps quiet. Wing nods and smiles for the first time, "Yes, that is right, and it's neither the last time we'll have such a storm, nor is it the first time. The Sunfolk knows what they have to do." He then sighs again, his fingers running over his forehead, massaging it. "Most of the Sunfolk has a lot of food in their cellars, and most animal will be either dead or knew where to hide. The first time after the storm will be a time of organizing and helping, then we can go hunting." Rikia nods and withdraws again. "Though I'm sure some of us will be looking for someone." Mender comes out from deeper within the caves, moving to stand near his brother Wing. "Whatever happens, we'll see it through." He says, looking to the others in the cave. Rikia looks up at Mender and nods slightly. Gentlestorm stumbles back down the cave's tunnel. "Everything's reinforced..." Bleary eyed, he mutters something about sleep and curls up on the first set of blankets he finds... Wing looks up to his younger brother and smiles, "Yes, we will." He then looks at the children playing, "The children can help too... " Interrupted by Gentlestorm, he examines him. Snowstorm sighs, walking up to her cub, and covers his body with a blanket... Looking at Mender she asks, ** He's just tired from rockshaping, right? His eyes are okay? You were busy elsewhere when he came in with a ton of sand in his eyes... ** Mender quirks a slender brow at Gentlestorm as he curls up into the blankets, and looks to Snowstorm. "Did someone at least wash the sand from his eyes? I can see if there's any damage though.." At least if Gentlestorm falls asleep fast he can't really get much of a protest in about that. Snowstorm nods, ** Shendia poured, Lifefire held him, and I held his lids up but he was scrubbing at his eyes... ** She shrugged, ** We stopped him as soon as we could. ** Snowstorm waves Mender toward her cub, ** He's sleep now. He won't complain... if he does, I'll finally get to knock him silly for once... ** Here silver eyes, the same ones she has passed onto her eldest, sparkle with humor as she looks at the healer. Rikia sits in the shadows, watching all the activity. He is on call for any who needs him, but now his thoughts have taken over him. His Lovemate and his son... neither here with him. The sounds of the storm start lessening... Rainsong, whispering something to her son, Wing, moves back deeper into the caves, and Wing stands up, "I need to withdraw myself now from this discussion." His hand moves to his hair, brushing it back, "It seems as the storm will come to an end now, and I will help the other Sunfolk to get things straight for leaving this cave." He then nods and follows his mother deeper into the cave. Snowstorm sighs, looking down at her son, muttering mentally, ** He would go to sleep now... ** She looks at Wing, ** It's going to be blasted hard to do anything until Gentlestorm opens the entrance... I won't wake him up to do it though. We can get him to dig out the forge though to get to those digging things Lifefire has made. ** Mender hardly notices his brother leave at the beckoning of their mother, as he moves to attend to Gentlestorm while he rests. His hands rest delicately on Gentlestorm as to not rouse him, as he works on any damage caused by the sands in his eyes. A few moments pass before Mender looks up at Snowstorm. "It wasn't very bad, but he is quite exhausted. We should let him rest, I'll help as much as I can to get the entrance opened." Gentlestorm stirs in his sleep, muttering about rock and repairs. There is silence outside the cave entrance... Gentlestorm's eyes snap open at the silence. ** Did it stop? ** Snowstorm looks at her son, ** It appears to have finished, yes. ** Gentlestorm scrubs at his eyes and stands, "I'll go to the well and unbury it. I'll work us up to the surface from there." Gentlestorm stands shakily... and heads to the entrance... Gentlestorm leaves the cave. Gentlestorm has left. Snowstorm sends to her son, ** He'll dig to the forge... ** Mender watches Gentlestorm leave, and sighs a little. "I hope he doesn't overwork himself too much, it isn't good." Rikia looks up and watches. He stands though fosen't move. Gentlestorm clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Gentlestorm has arrived. Gentlestorm looks somewhat disgruntled when he comes back... "Well... it's open... but we should be glad that the shield walls were there. There's still a lot of damage but we're not too buried, or rather not as buried as we would've been had those walls not been there. Wind appears to have done the most damage with the sand that is there." Coming back from preparing to leave the caves, Wing brushes off his clothes, looking around and seeing that the storm has ended, "Can I be of any help?" he asks loudly. Snowstorm sighs and shakes her head, ** Everyone should rest for a while... I'm going to see what's out there. Snowstorm leaves the cave. Snowstorm has left. Snowstorm clambers into the Wolfrider Cave. Snowstorm has arrived. Snowstorm sighs, returning, ** It's mid-day. We have to do work later. Rest for now. ** [End log.]