<< Lostholt Council >> Dusk settles over the holt casting everything into shadow as the moons begin to rise in the eastern sky. A howl breaks forth from the wolfpack as a send rings through the holt: a council summons from the over tall chieftain. Clearbrook simply emerges from within the tree, peering around and is met by her aging wolf pushing at her hands. She simply nods at her chief, looking solemn and sits on one of the great roots of the father tree. Strongbow, of course, is already present and accounted for, waiting. After all, it was he who mostly made this council come to be. He stands, sternly, leaning against a large root of the father tree. Nightfall appears, silent as a breeze, on an upper branch, rubbing the sleepiness out of her eyes. Looking about the clearing, she spots Cutter and smiles a greeting, then her gaze continues on, scanning the rest of the area. Suntop actually makes an appearance as well, looking a little pained but slightly more together...and awake than he has the last few evenings. Rubbing at his temples he moves to take a seat on one of the roots...in the area of the Council, but not really a part of it. After all, he never really was...just sort of habit. Council? What's that? It's been so long since Flashfire's been at one, but the call seems to be recognized well enough and he trots in from the west, slowing as he sees a number of others already there. Along a branch, that's the way Ravenfire comes. As quietly as she can, overhead. She's not trying to hide, she's just taken a liking to being off the ground of late. She does let go a subtle shimmer of , just so that she's not counted missing. Kai appears from tree branches, dropping to the ground with a crunch of snow underfoot. He leans on the base of a tree, to watch. Cutter leans casually against the fathertree, arms crossed over his chest and eyes steadily meeting each pair of eyes that appear from the various places in the holt. A slight, chill breeze blows through the clearing, lifting his pale mane from his shoulders as he glances down at Leetah who sits at his side. Judging by the look on the lifemates' faces whatever reason council has been called, it's serious. Cutter's gaze shifts away from Leetah and he begins to speak quietly, "As we all know, Rillwhisper came to us well before leaffall asking that Wayfound be allowed to stay with us until she can convince her tribe to leave the mountain.. It's now whitecold and no one else has come." His bright gaze shifts around the clearing as he waits for his words to sink in. Kai makes a face. Mountain means Gliders. He met _them_ in the jungle. Strongbow has, of course, had this talk with Cutter. Arms fold and he waits, simply enough. Clearbrook allows her eyes to harden slightly at the mention of the Mountain. She composes her expression again and merely nods, her mind working on where this could go. Nightfall frowns slowly, expression darkening a bit with concern. More prisoners in the Mountain? She hopes not. Suntop didn't know this, but he hasn't been quite together since the return from the Underworld. Blue eyes look through the trees as if he could see the Mountain from the Holt. Ravenfire glances up through the bare branches of the tree, herself, as if she might be able to spot a bondbird, or see Gliders overhead. Surely not, there would have been a warning, but not even wolfriders can forget all of the clashes with that tribe and its chieftess. Flashfire didn't know this, either. Heck, half the time he has trouble remembering just what he did a few nights earlier. He just can't recall whether he was in any discussions about this or not. "Are they coming?" he asks, lingering at the edge of council. Cutter notes the looks on the faces of everyone then looks to Flashfire, giving his head a shake, "We don't know. If they were, someone would have come by now," He lets his hands fall to his hips as he straightens and moves away from the father tree to do a bit of worried pacing, "There's been no word from them at all, and it's not safe to send to them with them being so near to the Black Snake." Once more his gaze passes around the tribe, it seems he's leading up to something. Leetah sits up a bit straighter as she realizes what Cutter seems to be leading up to. Worry flickers through her vernal eyes as her brow knits, mirroring the emotion showing in her gaze. Clearbrook tilts her head, a wry smile on her face. "So, my chief, you would suggest that we go in body to find out what has gone wrong." Her expression is not quite approving, not quite disapproving. Nightfall shifts to a crouch from her reclining position, soft voice floating down from her perch. "When are we going to go looking for them?" ** Exactly, Clearbrook. ** Strongbow answers, a nod following. ** Hear him out, though. ** he instructs. Kai draws his blade and fingers the edge. ** Ready. ** It is an effort for Suntop to bring his attention back to the Council, but after a jab in the ribs by another tribesmember he pulls his gaze away from the distance and makes himself pay attention. They're going to the Mountain? His eyes widen and a somewhat insistent, "No..." escapes his lips before he can hold it back. It seems to be in response to going to the Mountain. Strongbow snaps at Kai, ** No. We are not going to go in looking for a fight. ** Not everyone is going to go, either. Flashfire definitely isn't going to go, but he stays quiet to hear what else Cutter has to say. After all, he's chief and leading this council, aye? His eyes settle on Suntop, concerned. Then they flicker between Strongbow and Kai, a frown following. Kai snorts, producing a cloud of vapor. ** We will get it, if we look for it or not. You best of all know what they are like. ** Clearbrook sends a sharp look over at Kai. "We can certainly be stealthy enough to avoid a confrontation til we know what is happening." ** Which is -why- we will not go in looking for a fight, first. Now listen. ** Strongbow answers Kai, that stern, narrow-eyed gaze locking on him. Ravenfire sinks into a crouch over her heels, one hand dropped to balance her on the branch. She doesn't interrupt, not yet, though her eyebrows do draw together. Cutter frowns and shakes his head, **No blades.. not unless we have to.** he sends with a stern glance between Kai and Strongbow. That sent, he turns and starts to pace in the opposite direction, allowing his long, slow strides to carry him nearly halfway across the clearing before he speaks again, "/We/ are not going. I am." Once more his gaze becomes stern as his left hand leaves his him and moves in the graceful arc that would, at one time, have been a quick, slicing gesture than signified that his decision had been made. "I won't have anyone else risking the Black Snake's trickery," he finishes. Clearbrook, the calm one, immediately stands, frowning. "You know that's twice as dangerous. If you were taken, how would we know to rescue you?" Leetah's eyes cloud with deep concern as she leans forward even further on her seat. A hint of horror flits across her features at the thought of Cutter going back into that den alone. A slim, brown hand lifts to her mouth to keep herself from blurting the first thought that comes to mind, an adamant 'No'. Strongbow's eyes immediately narrow further, this time locking on Cutter's back. Nothing verbal, yet. This won't be good. Suntop frowns and a repeated, "No!" is even more insistent. Now, he knows that he shouldn't be contradicting his chief, but he just has to say it. Granted, he's on the periphery of the meeting area...will he even be heard much less acknowledged? <> escapes Ravenfire before she can bite it back. It's followed by embarassed apology, but she sends, not a little urgently, ** You went before, and you came back ... <>. ** That was a mistake that prompts more wary embarrassment. ** Changed. ** Flashfire's eyes just widen that much more at Cutter's decree. ...what? How can he go alone, into -that- place? He quickly begins to bite at a couple clawtips, nervously. Nightfall's jaw loosens at Cutter's announcement, then clamps shut with a determined click. ** You know that some of us will follow you; you're our -chief-, and -friend-. ** There is more to her sending, mainly emotions, directed on a more private 'band' to Cutter. Kai snorts again. ** That snake has done _quite_ enough to you already. We refuse to lose you completely to her treachery. ** You locksend to Cutter, Nightfall's concern about losing you, and her unwillingness to let you face danger alone, drive her. Cutter chooses not to acknowledge the angry glare aimed at his back, instead, his cerulean gaze meets Clearbrook's, "Ember will be here to lead you all if something happens but, I won't ask any of you to follow me into that snake's den again." His gaze shifts to Ravenfire and he offers her a ruefull smile before looking toward Nightfall giving her the same expression, "I'd rather you stay here and be safe." He looks to Kai and a hint of a humorless chuckle escapes him, "I hear that the Black Snake has turned nice but, I don't trust her and I won't trust her with any of you." Finally, his gaze shifts to Flashfire's giving the cub a hint of reassurance in a quick send.. then to Suntop and something passes between the two of them. And last, he faces Strongbow and he shakes his head, "Your talents with a bow will be needed here more than there if we're to have guests." he says in an attempt at sounding light. You sense in a locksend, Cutter is just as concerned but, would rather have the knowledge that everyone is safe here in the holt. Nightfall watches Cutter steadily, expression thoughtful -- though no less concerned. You locksend ** And what of you? If you go alone and something happens to you, how will we know you're safe? ** to Cutter. Clearbrook shakes her head, her face expressionless in it's seriousness. "Would you let any of us go on our own?" Kai steps a pace from the bade os a tree. ** What if it is a trick, to take you from us when they attack? What if they want.. ** He shakes his head, and turns away from the group. Suntop hugs himself as his magic-feeling goosebumps raise at the talk of Cutter returning to the Mountain... Strongbow pushes away from the root, not at all liking this and not at all willing to allow this. ** No need to ask. I go with you. You. Are not. Going alone. I'd be an addlebrained fool to allow our chief to go in there by himself. ** He then glances around at the others gathered, not at all concerned about the safety of the holt should he also go with Cutter. ** The rest of you can protect the holt just fine. I have no doubt. ** Then, something else for Cutter, private. Cutter's gaze sweeps around the gathering starting with Leetah and ending with Strongbow. A tense moment passes as he digests the sends that clutter his mind all of a sudden and he finally nods, "I'll take Strongbow." he finally conceeds to at least take someone. Why not the only other person that can talk to those confounded rockshapers called Door as a general reference. Kai continues on his way, shaking his head. Kai walks around to the back of the Father Tree. Ravenfire's gaze drops quickly to Strongbow, flickers to Cutter and darts back again. Still she remains quiet. Clearbrook smiles with some satisfaction at that, and glances at Strongbow with the faintest hint of humor. "And how long do we wait before we all come after you?" Flashfire doesn't look all that reassured even with Cutter's send meant for him, ducking his head faintly at Strongbow's demand of going as well, expecting Cutter to blow up. Surprise hits him when he doesn't. Whew. Maybe he feels just a little more comfortable with it since the archer's going to be with the chief. Not that he was to begin with. Might Strongbow be a tad surprised at how easily Cutter acquiesced to his demands? Perhaps..if so, he doesn't show it. ** Good. ** he answers the chief, nothing more needing to be said on that part. Indeed, if worse comes to worse he should be able to force any Doors there to open, like he has in the past. ** Depends on when we leave. ** he answers Clearbrook, glaring at Kai's back as the younger elf skips out. Hmph. Nightfall's frown doesn't lighten... but it doesn't deepen either. ** When do you think you'll go? And .. when do you think you'll return? ** She's still worried, but she's a bit relieved at the addition of Strongbow. Leetah simply keeps silent as all of the pertinant questions seem to be flying at her lifemate, besides she'll have time to talk to him later. Won't she? Suntop is only slightly relieved. But no one seems to be listening to his warnings, and some of that old frustration begins to renew itself... Cutter glances around the clearing again and the corners of his mouth curl into a smile that's an attempt at reassurance but, it's clear that he's just as unhappy about having to go to the mountain as anyone else is, "Tomorrow.. and we'll return as soon as we can. If we haven't returned by newgreen..." he lets the rest of the sentence dangle as he glances at Strongbow, "Don't expect us to." Nightfall glances toward Suntop, curious, but her gaze is wrenched up to gape at Cutter in absolute horror at his pronouncement. ** Whatever you do, do -not- come after us if we don't return. ** Strongbow follows up Cutter's decree with something of his own. ** Ember is a capable chief, and you will be fine. ** Left unsaid is what Moonshade might do if he didn't return. ** We'll be back, though. ** What? Suntop slides off of his root and steps closer to the others. Did he just hear right? ** Let me come with you too then...** He blurts out, making his way to the others. ** Then, at least...if something -does- happen, then I can send back here...** Clearbrook fingers her sword, raising an eyebrow at Strongbow. "And you'll stop us from following how? Although I hope we don't have to go to the bother of collecting you... " she says, sounding for a moment much like her lifemate. Nightfall nods promptly, agreeing with Suntop. ** If you're not going to let anyone else come, at least take Suntop with you. Would you -really- leave us wondering like that? ** She fixes Strongbow with a look, ** There is more than one way to catch your prey. ** Flashfire swallows at the orders from the two tallest Wolfriders in the council. "But father..!" he begins in shock, not at all knowing what else to say. And as Suntop speaks up, he only grows more unsettled. "Suntop..no! You can't! It's too dangerous there!" Much concern for his 'brother,' he has. What if he never returned? Cutter glances at the son that looks so very much like himself but, acts so differently. He gives a firm shake of his head, "No one else. Just, Strongbow and me. If we don't come back, no one is to come looking for us. You're to stay away from the mountain and follow Ember." His voice rings with the authoritative note that says he's set and there's not turning him on this one. Clearbrook's lip curls slightly, but she remains silent. A bridge to be crossed if it, high ones forbid, comes to it. Nightfall's jaw tenses and shifts, untenses and shifts, but she drops her eyes from Cutter in unwilling acceptance. Strongbow knows no matter what he or Cutter says, it'll be pretty hard to truly keep anyone else from trying to reach them if something does go awry. He can only hope the others are smart enough to just let it go. ** If it comes to it, Suntop should be able to find what he needs from here. ** Suntop doesn't look pleased...but he also doesn't return to his seat. Is he going to challenge his father again? Granted, this is a little more important than just going to Sorrow's End for a jaunt. Nightfall sends openly ** And what if he can't? ** Ravenfire ducks her head, and curls her arms around her knees. Cutter's jaw tenses a bit as he faces his son and his friend, **Then you assume the worst and let us go.** he replies, clearly preparing for a challenge in this should one arrise. From the looks of it, he'd rather die right now than back down, too. Nightfall closes her eyes, pain flashing across her face. Then raises her eyes to meet Cutter's again, but not in challenge. You locksend ** ... Please. Come back safe. ** to Cutter. Clearbrook locksends ** I don't care what he says now... if something happens, we will find him. ** You locksend to Clearbrook, Nightfall vehemently agrees. ** A turning of the seasons would be enough time, more than enough, to find out about the Willowholters and perhaps bring them back. ** Suntop keeps his eyes locked on his father's for a moment, the resemblance quite strong. But only for an instant for then Suntop turns away and starts to leave the Clearing. Strongbow may be glad that Cutter answered that question and not he, for he really wasn't sure just how to put it. He does try to soothe things, to an extent. ** We know you don't want us going. But the Willowholt are close friends. We must see that they are well. ** He's already said a little more than is normal for him, but he finishes. ** The rest of you need to keep the holt going if the worst happens. ** His tone tries to suggest that the worst won't, though. Clearbrook nods at Nightfall, eyes flashing. She then turns to nod at Strongbow "We cannot not let anyone languish in Blue Mountain's grasp if we can prevent it. But you are just going to find out if they need help, no?" Cutter smiles softly at Nightfall then watches Suntop start to leave the clearing, regret flashing across his features for the span of a heartbeat before he turns to Clearbrook and nods, **Aye, just to see if they need help and if not, we're leaving there. If they do, we'll stay long enough to find out what we can do to help and return.** he replies to her question. Nightfall frowns, sighs, then leaps to land lightly on the ground, expression hidden by her motion. When she straightens, walking directly to Cutter, her expression is revealed -- she has faith in her chief, but cares too much to not worry. Standing lightly in front of him, she reaches her hands forward, ** I hope the scent is clear -- and Winnowill is hibernating! ** Flashfire looks after Suntop as he starts off, nibbling at his lower lip as he sends to the mystic, privately. To say doesn't know what to make of all this is an understatement. Clearbrook smiles at Nightfall's comment, whether it was meant in humor or not, and makes her own attempt at lightening things. "And Strongbow, watch out for those birds." Strongbow nods once at Cutter's explanation, down, up, and back to center. ** Supposedly the Snake is changed. Won't believe that until I see it myself. ** he grumbles, shaking his head at the thought. Once the Snake, always the Snake in his eyes. Anything else is just a plot. Running a hand through his hair, he almost, -almost- cracks a half grin at Clearbrook. ** Always. ** Cutter looks down at Nightfall and draws her into a swift, fierce hug, **We will be careful..** he sends to everyone as he releases her from his embrace. He glances up at Clearbrook and offers her a true smile, showing off his cubbish charm for a brief second. Flashfire nods to something from both Cutter and Strongbow, then he finally decides to hang it all and approach the glider-tall Cutter, seeking a hug of his own. Figures he needs it. Nightfall smiles warmly at Cutter, returning the embrace without hesitation, then turns to grimace sidelong at Strongbow, ** That's like saying a rotten old tree has changed. It may look different, but the wood is still unworkable. ** Such faith in /that/ one, she has. Clearbrook stands silently between two of the great roots of the father tree, her slight smile fading. Cutter draws Flashfire into a warm hug, though his gaze travels to where Suntop disappeared. His brow knits slightly but, he's quick to return his attention to Flashfire. The hug finished, he steps back and sighs, nodding in reply to Nightfall's send. Strongbow snorts at Nightfall. Is she deliberately trying to make him smile? ** Indeed. ** he snorts, rubbing the back of his hand over his mouth, pausing at the facefur at his chin. He hopes Flashfire doesn't try to hug him, too. That would be awkward. Flashfire buries his head against Cutter's side at the embrace, then glances at Strongbow. You're out of luck, archer, for he does approach him to try and hug him as well. "You have to come back..Nightfall's a really good teacher, but you're still better." It's not meant to be a slight on Nightfall of course, just statement of fact. Strongbow's the best there is at what he does. Nightfall makes a good-natured face at Flashfire, then turns to look for Suntop. Her concerns about Cutter are allayed... for the moment. Suntop isn't in the immediate area, but he didn't go too far. In actuality, he is merely sulking up in a nearby tree. Strongbow should be more careful what he hopes against next time. ** Aye, cub... ** he answers, caught almost speechless at the combination of Flashfire's send and his attempt to hug the archer. Awkwardly, he leans down slightly to give the short wolfelf a slight hug, standing upright again just a moment after to step back. ** Don't worry so much. ** he adds. Clearbrook brings herself out of her revery "I suppose someone needs to start gathering food and such for traveling packs... " Making an effort to distract herself, the silvery haired elder approaches Cutter to give him a thoughtfilled look, and a swift, hard hug. Walking back to enter the tree, she also exchanges glances with Strongbow and briefly touches his arm. Cutter's eyes take on a faroff, troubled glaze as he looks once more toward where Suntop disappeared. He sighs wearily and shakes his head before turning toward Leetah to share a private send with his overly quiet lifemate. Flashfire wasn't even thinking about embarrassing Strongbow or anything like that. Normally he wouldn't even try to hug the stiff archer, but this might be the last time he sees him. Had to try. "Thanks, Strongbow..I'll try not to." Then he moves towards Clearbrook. "Can I help?" he offers. Leetah watches Cutter through all of this, unable to take her eyes from him. Her heart suddenly feels as if it's been torn out and she has to fight to keep her emotions in check; but, she manages somehow. Lowering her hand to join the other in her lap, she knots her fingers together to keep herself seated while everyone else has their moment with Cutter. She'll have her own time with him later, such is the way of a chief's mate. Nightfall looks thoughtfully after Suntop, then sighs almost inaudibly, unsure she has much to offer him. Turning her gaze on Leetah, she sends a silent message of caring, then climbs up after Suntop, letting the chief-pair have some time of their own. The younger wolfrider gets a nod from Strongbow before he glances to Clearbrook at her touch, sending silent reassurance her way that all will be well. He's going to have to have it out with Moonshade, who most likely won't approve. She's always supported him, in any event. Flashfire heads over to Leetah to give her a big hug too, not one to leave 'mother' out. Then, he goes to help Clearbrook out. Suntop glances over as he senses Nightfall's approach. But he says nothing, preferring to sulk for the moment. He has been so strangely moody of late... Leetah hugs Flashfire tightly and then release him, letting him go to help Clearbrook with the packs. She gets to her feet and decides that might be the best thing for her to do as well. She starts toward the father tree, trying to cover her shock at Cutter's decision with a stiff bearing and a slight smile that does not make it to her eyes. Nightfall considers Suntop for a moment, then reaches out and touches him lightly with the tips of her fingers. ** If you need an ear... ** Suntop looks over once more, ** I don't know...It's good that we are seeing what happened to Willowholt, but...* He shakes his head, golden curls falling over his shoulders, ** I don't think they're thinking things through. ** Strongbow nods once to Cutter, getting the answer he seeks. Then it's up to his den with himself, nary another sound made. Either he misses Suntop's words or opts to leave them alone this time. Cutter's gaze shifts toward Suntop is and his eyes narrow dangerously, **What you do after I've gone is between you and Ember. It will hurt her if you go after us.** Nightfall nods slowly to Suntop, electing to not acknowledge Cutter's sent words. ** They have thought about it, I'm sure of that... Strongbow wouldn't have said the things he did if they hadn't spoken about it. At some length.** She sighs softly, pensively, ** I'm worried, though. ** Her glance sidles around, including Cutter somewhat apologetically, ** I don't think they've really considered what might happen. But. It's their choice. ** Suntop buries a sun-darkened hand in his hair, ** Their choice that could leave us without them. ** he glares at his knees. ** Ember has led the tribe in father's absence...but I don't think she's ready to be a full chieftess. ** He doesn't say this out of malice...just what he has seen in her. After all, the twins are still relatively young. Not as young as Cutter was when he became chief...but they have been allowed their childhood and are now getting used to the benefits of adulthood...and the responsibilities. Cutter turns and walks out of the clearing shaking his head, **Strongbow and I are well aware of the Black Snake's trechery..** is his only respose as he melds into the forest, presumably to find Skywise since the stargazer seems to have been missing from the meeting. Nightfall settles on a nearby treelimb, loosely wrapping an arm around her knees to get comfortable. ** We'd still be without them if they were out hunting and were killed by a bear. Gone is gone. ** She drops her gaze, a thread of unhappiness touching her tone, ** If they don't come back... << hard to consider! >> If they don't come back, we'll still be a tribe, Wolfriders. We'll mourn them, try to finish what they started... ** Shaking herself out of her ruminations, she nods to Suntop, accepting his words about Ember. No one else can feel it. Perhaps it's a heightened sensitivity because of the dreams, but Suntop has this terrible foreboding feeling. ** No, it's...something bad is going to happen, NightFall. I can feel it. ** Like that means anything, but with the mystic...sometimes it does. Nightfall looks Suntop over, consideringly. Then nods. ** I believe you. ** She remains quiet for a few moments, thinking. ** Can you sense any details? Or just ... something bad? ** Suntop shakes his head, ** Just...something will happen. I don't know to whom, but it won't be good. ** Something as bad as Cutter's reshaping...would Winnowill try and shape Strongbow? No...that doesn't work. Nightfall sits quietly, waiting, perhaps, for more details. When they're not forthcoming, she grimaces, more worried now than she was earlier. ** Is there anything you can do? To know, somehow, if She's doing something? ** ** If it were Ember, maybe. But otherwise, I don't think so. ** And it frustrates him to no end. That and the fact that his dreams are still plaguing him... Nightfall doesn't know much, if anything, about whatever is disturbing the mystic, but is perceptive enough to see that there's more to it than 'just' Cutter, Strongbow, the Willowholt, and the Mountain. ** What's wrong? I know you're upset about this << the council, the trip >>, but there's something else, isn't there? ** The dreams, Nightfall. And the fact that the only way he can stay lucid now is to essentially blast his own mind with a send...and even that doesn't last all that long. Maybe if he could find Timmain, but searching for her right now might cause him to lose what he holds right now. As it is, he can feel the control on reality slipping. Nightfall shifts, surprised and somewhat discomfited by the response -- or, perhaps more accurately, the /type/ of response. Quietly, clinging to the mundane, she reaches to touch the younger elf, asking "Are you .. all right?" Suntop gives a bit of a start as Nightfall's hand touches his arm. "I...High Ones." No, he's not all right. Rubbing his face with his hands he starts to move, "I should get down before I fall out of the tree." But he's never fallen out of a tree before... Nightfall lets her hand slide to Suntop's shoulder, pressing him gently into the tree. "You'll be okay; just lean back, relax, and remember that you're safe, here and now." She gives him a more thorough look-over. ** You look like you haven't slept in a moon-dance. ** (month?) Suntop offers a weak smile, ** But I have...I've been sleeping for most of the day...and some of the night. ** Yet he still looks quite exhausted. Maybe if he can shove himself into the 'Now' things will be better? But for now, before the dreams cause him to fall asleep where he stands, he should get back to his den. Nightfall tilts her head, considering. ** Tomorrow... will you go hunting with me? ** The invitation is more to get him out and about than a ploy for companionship; she normally hunts on her own, or with her mate. ** Even if we don't catch anything, you look like you could use the change in ... surroundings. ** That does take him by surprise. "Hunting?" Should he? He's not really a hunter, but Nightfall could be right. A change of scene could help. "All right..." The season is early whitecold (winter). [OOC] Flashfire hmph! I couldn't get you to hunt if I made you! :) [OOC] Suntop says, "Nightfall's prettier ;-p" [OOC] Flashfire fehs. [OOC] Flashfire steals one of Nightfall's outfits. There. Nightfall grins, amusement lighting her eyes, ** Dress warmly, so you don't catch a cold. << play on words intended >> ** In a more serious tone, ** There should be some younger critters, learning about their first snowfall, not realizing that they leave such nice tracks. ** She doesn't, however, ask Suntop about a weapon. He's an adult; his choice of weapon (or lack thereof), is precisely that -- his choice. Suntop nods as he carefully climbs back down to the ground, "I shall..." He'll also try to remember to ask Ember if he can borrow her spear. Who knows, they might actually catch something! Nightfall nods, takes that as a promise, and takes to the trees to scout out a couple of likely hunting spots that aren't too far away.