[ORP : Evolution Event] Songs of the Crystal Caverns

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GIA quickens in her slumber, Elder Bucks and Does begin to venture forth more often from their burrows. It is the only way to seek refuge from the hatchlings therein who are becoming increasingly rambunctious. Many Ti'rhyn are fighting the onset of warren fever. Life beneath the ground makes for a dark winter of many naps and very little activity for most the the Ti'rhyn. But with the promise of spring carried in the smell of the sap soaked roots around them, it is time to awaken!

Outside the rootbases of the Everforest, trees are still covered in snow but the open areas near creeks and clearings where the Daystar can shine his light down have melted clear to reveal fresh green sprouts; Snowdrops and crocuses aplenty dot the undergrowth. Crisp white and fuzzy purple blossoms beckon the more vegetation hungry individuals out to see the super-powered spring foliage. Little insects and other mini-beasts who are competing for that very same vernal feast provide an easy hunt for those who prefer the taste of meat

As this is an In Character event there are a few rules that need to be followed.


- All posts should be In Character. Please keep OOC notes to a bare minimum and always qualify them with ((brackets)) so that everyone knows that is the USR and not the Character speaking.

- Questions and Chatter pertaining the the roleplay may be indulged and is even encouraged in the Portal here on the forums or in the current thread on PI ->[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]<-

- The Roleplay takes place in EverForest. There is not a great deal of info posted about the woodland where most of the Ti'rhyn reside yet but are Broadleaved woodland networks of high biodiversity including Temperate Cloudforest in it's most central aspect, Oak-Laurel forest to the north and Broadleaf Decidious to the west. The eastern end of the forest is more Boreal but the Ti'rhyn very rarely go there...

- Please read the Roleplay page on the website >[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]< for reference on the abilities your Ti'rhyn may have! If you have any questions about them please ask in [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.].

- You may not bring any more than five Lepus Draconis into the roleplay. Your Phaefyr do not count towards this total but it is best to limit your Ti'rhyn as we move along it will become more difficult to keep up if you are running too many. Please also note that only the hatchlings will be entering the cavern proper. Any kids or adults that come along will wait at the entrance for them to re-emerge. They don't fit through the entrance!



- During the roleplay when composing a post that includes the characters of others that yours is interacting with, please BOLD references to the other USRrs characters. This helps everyone keep track of who is trying to talk to/interact with them. Some people chose to also bold their own characters name the first time it is used in the post as well as any statements of importance. This is acceptable but not required and one should avoid too much bolding as it clutters and confuses your posts.

- If you wish to include a picture of your character in their introduction post (the first post your character inhabits in the roleplay) you may do so. The forums automagically reduce image sizes that are too large for the threads so don't worry about creating thumbnails and smaller sizes.

- Please do not post the actions or responses of other USRs characters. The only characters you can decide the actions and response of are your own. Try to use open ended actions that allow others to respond as they see fit, rather than closed ones that already decide the outcome before your fellow roleplayers have a chance to engage. If you want to have a certain interaction contact the USR via PM to see if they want to play it out the same way you do.

- Respect your GM & RP Leaders!
The GM (or Game Master) is myself, Starwind. My say is final on all occurrences within this universe because it is MINE! I will at times need to let you know what your character is seeing / hearing / smelling / etc... sometimes I may need to let you know what your characters limitations are. (IE: No your hatchling may not teleport through space time to arrive ahead of the group and find all the crystals before hand. ) Ultimately You will still decide your characters actions and responses within the possible range of the Lepus Draconis reality.

The RP Leaders, or Rangers, are Pristine, Faemien, CosmicDragon & geob. They know what they are talking about! If they PM you with advice or a post edit request or they are simply answering your questions; you can trust that they are not telling you something I would disagree with. In my absence, they are my eyes and paws.

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A small, bounding form leaps from a dip in the path, soaring gleefully over a protruding root before landing gracefully and setting off at a run once more. 'Come on, Kaled! We are going to be late.' Without even once looking over her shoulder the elder of the two siblings leaves her brother and father behind as she races eagerly forwards. Rani lifts her nose to the air once more as she pelts ahead, following the faintest of scents in the air that she is nonetheless sure leads her toward her destination.

At a fast-paced trot, one larger and one smaller 'rhyn follow, used to the female's impatient dashing about. Kaled, small but sturdy, his ears flopping around his head as he looks up at the buck beside him. 'Are we nearly there, father?' He is answered with only a calm smile and nod, but the hatchling needed nothing more. The two continued on in a near-perfectly matched pace until they caught up with the enthusiastic young doe, who had stopped to star up at the seemingly endless tree that rose before them. Sprays of purple blossom, heavy with life, curled along gently swooping branches.

Slowly now, brother and sister took their first steps into the clearing, jumping lightly over the line of thin-stemmed toadstools. With both unable to stop staring at the truly enormous tree, Gallifrey took the initiative, nudging them away from the outer ring with an amused little grin lighting up his face. He was sure he had done the same thing at their age!

'Cor... It's really big, Rani...'
'Yes, Kal. It really is.'

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'Keshi...'

The small blue Ka'rhyn twitched nervously, looking around with wary eyes. Even though the fact that his motherDoe could be right beside him without him ever catching on was a something he had learned early on, it never failed to scare him half to death when she did pop up. The shadow-rhyn he was unfortunate enough to call 'mother' had never shown no interest in him... Until recently, when she had begun to make an unnerving habit out of showing up just to taunt or scare him. Why couldn't my mom have been a normal Doe... He kept his thoughts to himself as he walked through the forest undergrowth.

Darakesh had started his journey quite early, and so it was of no surprise to him when he arrived at the sacred tree that he was among the first to do so. Stepping carefully over the delicate ring of fungus, he made his way as close as he dared to the trunk of the great Wisteria before crouching down and attempting to relax himself.

His paranoia wasn't unfounded, however. Having followed one of her hatchling sons to the grove, Saluki had immediately chosen to hide in the enormous -if somewhat over flowered- 'sacred tree'. Crouched amongst the lower branches, she settled in to watch, a shadow amongst the leaves.
Occasionally, just to make sure her offspring was alert, the doe would reach out and swat at a loose branch showering the hatchling below in petals and small twigs. Spooked, the boy would jump and look up, and as always there was nothing to be seen but the serenely swaying branches.

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The group of six hatchlings made their way into the clearing, then, as a group, paused to look around. There was only a smattering of other young ones gathered about the base of the enormous tree-vine. A few they were familiar with, having seen them at one time or another around the Ranger Station when visiting there with their two-legger, Gail; but most of those present were strangers to them. Wild hatchlings maybe?

Slowly the group dispersed themselves about the sacred tree. The doelings both made their way over to a small cluster of some kind of white flowers which they sniffed. "Eat them already," Lew'Siffer thought to himself in disgust. Doelings could be so silly!

The other bucklings made their way over to where Arjuna already crouched. The white jy'rhyn had been napping under the big tree for some time. He had come earlier with Éireann. Éireann had returned to the warrens showing off her kid self, but Arjuna hadn't returned with her.

Lew'Siffer continued to watch from the edge of the small glade, sniffing with disdain at the antics of this one or that. There was a white-faced, blue 'rhyn (Darakesh) that kept jumping and looking into the branches above him. As another wave of petals and twigs drifted down to the ka'rhyn, Lew'Siffer waited in anticipation of the coming start. He wasn't disappointed.

Shaking his head, he finally joined the others under the tree. He needed to be close so he didn't miss anything important. He was determined to join his brother, Jelani, as a kid and as quickly as possible so at least the obnoxious lo'rhyn wouldn't be able to lord his larger stature over his ka'rhyn brother.

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The day had finally come, the day that marked the last hours of being a hatchling. In spite of the snow that still covered much of the forest, and the chill that accompanied it, three small 'rhyn were bounding at an eager pace toward the Grove. Enyl had found her crystal some time ago, and had grown into a lovely little kid. One look at her and her parentage was obvious; she had developed her mother's hues and her father's markings. Seeing as how she had already heard her crystal's song, Enyl naturally felt as though it was up to her to guide her half-sibling and fellow hatchling through the process. Hurry up, you two! she teased playfully as her longer legs took her through leaps and bounds much greater than they could yet make. I bet it's going to start before you get there! She chuckled in soft little huurrfs.

Though she loved her half-sister, Vikyl sometimes found her irritating, and now was such a time. Somehow her two ka'ryhn parents had hatched a go'rhyn, and she felt, at times, a bit strange due to this. She huffed her annoyance at Enyl. We're going as fast as we can, sister! It's not our fault you got so much bigger than us! She turned to look at Lucasta for agreement, but the le'rhyn girl was, as usual, wrapped in her own thoughts, and not paying much attention to the sibling bickering. Try as they might, the others hadn't really made a friend of her, in spite of close quarters keeping them near all winter.

Just now, Casta was gazing around her at the snow-covered trees. She had a sense she couldn't explain that they would all be waking soon. She could also sense, as they drew nearer to the Grove, a change in the air. All the little 'rhyn would be feeling the strange energy soon, but Casta seemed more sensitive to such differences in energy. Can you feel the air changing? she ventured to the others.

Air changing? What are you talking abou-oh! Enyl had reached the border of the Grove, and as she stepped across the border of snow and not-snow, her spine tingled, sending a ripple of ruffled fur down her back. I certainly do! It feels....I don't know what it's like she finished. She had never seen a thunderstorm yet, so the electric feel in the air lightning left behind was unknown to her, or any of them. Vikyl had crossed, too, and gave a little oooohh! as the energy stirred her, too. The three of them paused at the edge, suddenly unsure what to do. Even Enyl, who thought of herself as self-assured now she was bigger, hesitated. Oh but there are already others here. She felt suddenly shy.

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Trailing slowly behind the excited hatchlings were two nervous fathers. Kyl was calmer, having seen Enyl grow up already, but Cern had only his own memories to draw on. How do the does handle this so well? I almost don't want it to happen! Cern exclaimed. He was thinking about Lucasta, and how she would be even more withdrawn as she got older, no longer wanting to cuddle up to him on chilly nights. Kyl chuckled. Oh, relax, man. Casta will do great; you'll see. Enyl is more independent now, but she sure still needs her cuddling, especially when the winter wind is blowing! He said this for his friend's benefit; he know how Cern treasured those moments with his daughter. I, for one, am a bit relieved. It will be nice to spend more time snuggling with Vi and Enele for a change! He churrred with amusement. Oh, yes, you and your does. I take it we'll be seeing more eggs this spring? Of course! Well, with Vi at least. Veil caps are so hard to find... he trailed off.

Finally, though the delay was all their own fault, they caught up to the youngsters. Soft smiles, borne of happy memories, and love for their offspring, settled on their faces. Enyl hopped over to her dad. We're not first, there are others in there, and the air feels funny! Kyl chuckled. That's because of Wisteria, love. She makes the snow melt, and the flowers grow, here in the Grove, even in winter. Someday, Casta will be able to do that, too. Why don't you all go on in, say hello?

For a moment, Enyl seemed torn. Safety and familiarity were in her father, but the excitement of the unknown lay just ahead. She must have hesitated too long, for suddenly, Kyl scooped her up and, leaping, glided over to the clearing. He set her down, firmly, inside the ring of toadstools. Come along, Vikyl. She hesitated for just a moment before deciding she wanted her sister and scurried toward them both, little wings open in a pantomime of her father. Kyl nodded politely to the elder, then stepped away again. This is your journey, daughters, not mine. I will be close; look for me if you get nervous. Then he was gone again, though not far, as he had promised.

Lucasta needed no such urging; in fact, while the others had been hanging back, nervous, she'd gone on ahead. Moving softly among the low, sweet branches, she'd chosen a spot near, but not exactly beside, Wisteria. She felt a kinship to this elder, felt safe in her presence.

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As usual, Melazalee had bounded out ahead of her coterie companions. Always eager to get anywhere and do anything, Mel's enthusiasm had increased threefold at the knowledge they were headed to the Gloaming Grove. With much pushing and prodding, Lindele had managed to also bring along the stubborn Sheakohl, and the twins Lava and Kusha, the latter two seeming interested only in the promise of possible tasty treats.

As she leapt into the Gloaming Grove's clearing, Mel could already tell she felt more 'alive'. There was magic in every leaf of every forest, but here it seemed to spring about like a child at play. Mel couldn't help herself, and bounced in a tight circle joyfully as the others caught up.

Lava and Kusha almost immediately began to graze when they entered the clearing, paying little attention to the wealth of playmates at their disposal as their hungry eyes searched shoots of grass, flowers, and tiny plants for the perfect colors of green. It was only Sheakohl who seemed unmoving... literally, as Lindele - with much effort - managed to shove him through the dirt on the last leg of the journey, right into the grove. The hatchling still had one paw over each eye and his ears pressed back defensively against his head, refusing to budge.

Lindele rolled her eyes and instead moved to watch Mel and make sure she didn't run into anything.

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Arolaah welcomed the warmth around the Wisteria tree. Though spring was approaching it was still very snowy outside of the Gloaming Grove. She did not feel the cold as much as her little entourage did but that was precisely why she was glad to be out of it.

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The le'rhyn, Eman had complained the whole time about the cold; wincing and tip toeing through the snow as though it was hurting him with every step. Aro was certain it did, to an extent, but her concern fell more naturally upon Rowara who suffered it all silently despite the fact that her body trembled from the chill breezes and her obvious stiffness and discomfort from the coolness made her silent resolve all the more apparent.

The dark coloured ma'rhyn hatchling looked up happily as they entered the grove and hopped closer to Arolaah's right hind leg. It is sooo beautiful!!!

Gold-bright eyes shone down endearingly. Yes Rowara, it is possibly the most beautiful place in the Everforest.

Eman darted forward, affecting a cough. Much better than out there! Why don't weall soend winter here! he shot the sending out like a challenger to all the adults within sending range. He was an uppity one all right.

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((Participating hatchlings))

Navlon, Kevrit, and Oren were clustered together as the horde of hatchlings bounced, skipped and scurried towards the Gloaming Grove. At least, that was how it seemed to Evquevan, the buck who had volunteered to help Ichtevat escort the coterie's hatchlings to the grove. Neither buck expected them all to find their crystals, or even all make the trek into the Crystal Caverns, but they all wanted to see the Grove at least, so they were escorting them all. Ten hyper, fidgeting little furballs, as Lectral would likely call them, if she were here, Ichtevat thought, as he considered their Keeper. She'd called them all that at various points, but always in a tone of affection.

The three little bucks, though; they looked serious about making the attempt. Navlon, one of his own offspring, tended to be the leader of the trio, and had a very determined look on his face, as he looked from one of his friends to the other. Kevrit, while technically the newest of the hatchlings, was not necessarily the youngest, as he was a wild hatchling, and no one really knew when he had hatched. He was a bit quieter than his friends, but no less mischievous. Oren, the little galena buckling, was not quiet in the least, but still managed to maintain an air of mystery. At least among the other hatchlings. The adults indulged him, and the kids, well, they tended to ignore his attempts at sounding important.

The trio was the first part of the group to enter the grove, though not by much. All the hatchlings stopped and looked around in awe, and even the adults stopped to appreciate the special qualities of the tree that sheltered the grove. After adjusting to the sudden warmer temperature, the first thing Navlon noticed was the ring of glowing toadstools. He looked at each of his friends quickly. Come on! I want to see those glowing things closer. Oren and Kevrit scurried forward, right on their friend's heels, as he headed towards the center of the clearing.

Evquevan started to move after them, but Ichtevat called him back. They'll be fine while everyone is still in here. Once Wysteria starts the trek to the Caverns, then we can worry about making sure they go where they should. And decide who will go with them to witness their emergence from the caverns, and who will keep these other troublemakers in line! He mock-glared at the hatchlings around him, which cause most of them to giggle. They knew the ka'rhyn meant nothing by calling them troublemakers.

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((Escorting adults))

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Fiachra was nearly under her father's feet. She'd tripped him accidentally at least four times now and she was still waiting for him to yell at her.

Abrazitos hadn't tripped over his anxious daughter yet. He wasn't quite sure how to handle her nervousness, his headstrong, little, drama queen wasn't the same since her sister had evolved. Oh she was every bit the moody, little thing she always was, but some of her confidence was missing.

Like at the moment, she was visualizing her mother's disappointment in her for not having achieved her evolution. It wasn't her fault that the cavern she had chosen had been so dark that she couldn't tell one rock from another. You should have felt it, her mother had said.

She shivered dramatically at the vision of her mother as an evil, slathering, death beastie and stopped short in her tracks, and her father nearly collided with her.

Fiachra, for the love of the Three Sisters, GO! You don't have to stay with me, I'll be right behind you! Abrazitos bellowed for all to hear, then sent more softly, If I can get your pokey brother to hurry up.

Fiachra sat there just looking at her father for a moment. She was used to this sort of thing and wanted to know if he was serious. He nodded toward the Grove impatiently, and she flicked her tail in thanks and took off like a shot.

This was such an important trip! She'd be able to tell what crystal was her's this time. She would find it, or her flame-breathing mother would be hot on her tail.

She imagined her black rock, the one that would sing to her. The one that would change her little life. She pictured obsidian, tried to feel obsidian... and she noticed a flicker of purple not far off and she knew that it had to be her sister.

Deja was just a little bit ahead of her and off to the left, doing her right best to find the driest spots to hop to and from. She looked a bit ungainly with her newly acquired tentacles kind of flapping about, she was still learning how to hold them and use them. It made Fiachra smile, until she thought of what her own wings would feel like... weird, but important.

Deja stopped, knowing her sister was nearby without either one having to make a sound. She chirped a greeting to her sister, and Fiachra returned the chirp. Fiachra for some reason, did not send in words, but in images and senses. Or if she was feeling particularly annoying she did the normal grunts, chirps, and trills, along with body language that her father had been teaching Fae for awhile. Deja and Abrazitos were patiently waiting for the day she would slip up and whine at them about some inane thing.

The two stopped when they got to the edge of the clearing. Both took a deep breath and looked at the beautiful tree and the ti'rhyn gathered beneath it. So many had already gathered and there were still more to come. Deja looked over the group for the ones that had evolved in the same trip as she had, while Fiachra looked over the other spelunkers.

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Aria had stayed behind with her adopted father when her sister-kin took off ahead. She tried to help hurry the pokey little diamond brother along, but he was more interested in playing in the mud or sniffing flowers. She wanted to get out of the cold and into the promised warmth of the Grove. She sighed, more loudly than she meant and she saw Abrazitos give her an understanding look. Go and find your sisters, we'll be fine. She gave a happy trill and pranced ahead toward the Grove to enjoy its wonders.

She bounced her way into the clearing and then she stopped short, gasping in delight at the gathered ti'rhyn, the glowing mushrooms, and the beautiful Wisteria. She suddenly felt lighter and happier - and of course, warmer. She tried to take in everything around her and her eyes just grew wider and wider. So much to see, so many pretty 'rhyn, maybe they would be her friends!

Wisteria watched quietly as the hatchlings and their companions came to the Gloaming Grove. It always warmed her heart to see the young ones so excited and flush with the wonder of what was often for most, their first spring. What should have been a serene morning, watching the Coterie all come in from the woodland, was broken by a disturbance in her grove-host. Above her, the tree whose name she had taken whispered through it's blossoms and leaves and the elder le'rhyn's pale-bright eyes flickered with anger. She did not send to the trespasser though she could easily have forced Saluki, Shadowclad or not, from the wisteria with the light of her horn, the le'rhyn doe knew the tree would deal with it in her own way. She waited... and time passed.


Once she had confirmation from her tree that Father Day Star above was now high in the sky, Wisteria stretched and rose. Preturnatural grace marked the doe's movements as she hopped down from the large root of the tree upon which she had been perched and padded to a central mossy stone which marked the place of attention within the Gloaming Grove.

A hush would fall over all when her pale claws clicked upon the balding surface of the grey rock and sendings would qiueten to murmurs as the adults hastened to gather and draw the attentions of their young ones to her now as several Phaefyr flitted over to place crystals upon the natural pedestal before her. It was almost time to begin...


((You have 36 hours to post your 'rhyn gathering up to pay attention to the elder. One of the hatchlings present will find their crystal song within the ones the Phaefyr have set upon the stone. You may chose one present hatchling from your Coterie and describe them sensing a song in your post. Be descriptive, but not overly so. Do not ignore the rest of your Coterie in the post. The best posts will contain attention to all of the ti'rhyn you have brought with you as well as a depth of character and sense of 'rhyn type. After 48 hours I will reveal which hatchling actually found their stone. ))

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Jardana was nervous... this would be the first time she had been to the grove since her own growing ceremony. Amulette had let her take the hatchlings ahead only Zari'umil and Fi'atrilari were ready for growing... Corvan was scared so he stayed home with the males.

Amulette's Coterie was strange... so far none of the males had shown a great interest in hatchlings, But Dana loved them. The two hatchilings she brought today were very different from each other; Zari was outgoing and curious while Fia was very shy and like to play it safe.

"hurry girls we're late!" She thought to them as they neared the grove. She could see Wisteria's tree from where they were, but she was afraid they would not be allowed to enter late.

They finally made it to the edge of the grove and quietly rushed up to the edge of the gathered Lepus just in time. Dana nudged the girls into the ring of toadstools and sat back quickly.

((Dray, you can chose either to edit your post to include the response to the prompt I gave above or you can add another post once someone else has responded. ))

The Creatrix wrote:

((Dray, you can chose either to edit your post to include the response to the prompt I gave above or you can add another post once someone else has responded. ))

((I'll wait so I can see what to do... I've never participated in this sort of RP. Thank you for giving me the option! ))

With a trill typical of his gemkin, the young dark pink pu'rhyn drew the attention of the two doelings from his coterie away from the flowers they had been admiring and sniffing. The elder, Wisteria, was gathering all the hatchling to the ancient tree. The seven hatchlings of Gail's coterie drew together as they approached. Arjuna almost seemed bored as he approached the sacred, flowering tree-vine, while Krešimir had awe written in every line. Keeping to his tough-lepus facade, Lew'Siffer managed to keep an indifferent expression to the fore while inside he worked to pick up his jaw. No matter the outward expression of each, they all watched with careful attention as the phaefyr set out the various stones. Various ears pricked and noses twitched. This one moved two short hops ahead of the others while that one froze in place only to slowly pick up his fore-feet to sit up on his haunches.

Lew'Siffer knew this was important, so he made certain to watch closely every move of each of the Phaefyr as they placed the stones upon its pedestal. When a spider crawled by one particularly bright stone his gaze drifted with the arachnid. The poor boy never even noticed that his attention at shifted.

Krešimir watched the goings ons with studious attention until his ear began to itch. He ignored it as long as he could, then he just had to scratch. The young buckling applied himself vigorously to scratching that annoying itch.

Without much hope of anything really happening for him (had he not sat through this with Éireann?) Arjuna kept his attention focused casually upon the proceedings when a hum began to register upon his conscienceness. He cocked his head and listened closely. The young jy'rhyn never knew colors had a sound, but the humming he heard had definite overtones of blues and greens. It radiated with serene energy and brought to him peace. A strange feeling filled him and in some odd way it seemed to include the six hatchling of his coterie. A portion of his mind stopped here to dwell upon the feeling, a feeling that seemed to assess all that was about and measure it for threat. The rest of his attention was absorbing the whole of the song, for with all its layers, song it was. He wrapped himself in the music, closed his eyes, and softly hummed along.

Lindele's coterie-hatchlings took some convincing to cooperate. Sheakohl's eyes had adjusted to the light and he'd skittered into the shadow of a bush, hissing slightly. Though obviously anti-social, he seemed mildly interested in Wisteria; unfortunately, Lindele knew she would still have to keep an eye on him.

Her gaze switched to the twins, Lava and Kusha, who had found two fronds of a rather frilly, deep green plant and begun to chew, placidly, almost seeming to doze off in the warmth and bounty already. She thumped her tail on the ground near them and they startled a little. Her eyes deceived her a moment, surely, as their image flickered into two pairs of twins and back into one... but they were suddenly awake and immediately intent on the elder and watched as the Phaefyr dutifully arranged the pieces of the important ritual.

Only Melazalee seemed immediately interested the moment the elder moved. She crowded up close with some of the other hatchlings, and her eyes followed the Phaefyr and the proceedings with clear obsession. She watched as hatchlings around her seemed to perk up, including Arjuna, who seemed overcome with peace. The Lu'rhyn hoped her song would be like that.

And then, she heard it: A single, clear note of a chime. It rang louder, and louder, and the Lu'rhyn felt her mind seem to draw to a pin-small focus. A deeper, bassy chime rang out, and then a higher note, and as each successive tone rang out, it both joined and changed the overlapping tone of the ring, which continued unabated for several moments until it created a wall of chiming sound that felt, somehow, like a sturdy barrier to distraction. She could hear the noise begin to waver and break into a delicate, humming cadence, and as the Grove surely filled cacophonously with the random humming of several hatchlings, Mel joined in, oblivious to it all.

(("Don't be overly descriptive"? You make me fret; you know I talk too much. :P))

Enyl watched with wide eyes as the elegant little phaefyr began fluttering down, moving carefully around Wisteria as she took her place on the moss-stone. They were new to her, and she wanted to know more about them. Oh my! I didn't know this was going to happen! From their places at the edge of the clearing, Kyl and Cern both watched in equal amazement. Huh, I guess things change. I don't remember any of them at my growing ceremony. Kyl mused. But Cern chuckled. Then your memory must be slipping, friend. I do seem to recall such beings when I was here....though my own memories are hazy, now. They churrred in mutual amusement.

Kyl's eyes fell on Vikyl, wondering how she would react to this. He noted she was focused utterly on Wisteria and the phaefyr, rapt in her attention. She listened carefully as the elder explained what was going to happen next. Her task was simple: listen for the calling sound of your stone from among those now placed on the pedestal. It helps if you close your eyes and forget about everything else, Enyl encouraged her. Giving her sister an almost imperceptible nod, Vikyl tried just that, wondering what her crystal sounded like, after all....

Wisteria's movements caught Casta's attention at once, being seated so close to her. She'd been sniffing and delicately nibbling a fallen blossom, soaking in the warmth of the clearing, when the elder moved gracefully down to seat herself in the center of the clearing. Finishing the sweet treat, she followed, with less grace, to watch as the little winged beings brought forth a collection of stones. So this is how it works. Enyl said if mine was there, I'd know it.... Her thoughts were distracted by a low, resonating hum that felt as though it could surround the whole forest and keep it close and protected. Then came a lighter note, one that sang of the warmth of the daystar, a promise of the warmth and sweetness of grass and flowers. Then another tone joined in, and another, until all the different harmonies wound themselves into and around the first deep hum. It was gloriously peaceful, giving Casta a hint of her future gifts as a le'ryhn. Without realizing it, her voice joined in the chorus of humming hatchlings.

Seated as they were, both fathers noticed at once how Casta's focus had shifted so suddenly inward. They exchanged a hopeful glance, wondering if perhaps she had done it already. Enyl and Vikyl, who had given up when she heard no stone song, noticed it too. Enyl was glad, Vikyl a bit disappointed, but pleased for her coterie mate.

((Did I overdo it? If so blame Casta; she told me to write it. ))

((Just to confirm. The Phaefyr are a retcon and it should be accepted that they have always been in attendence))

Jardana saw some familiar faces from "her girls'" Hatching ceremony, though they seemed deep in conversation and she couldn't seem to remember their names... When the phaefer began to flutter around bringing the crystals in she forgot completely about anything but watching her hatchlings. She may not be their true motherdoe but they were hers none-the-less.

Zari'Umil tried to focus on hearing her song but the fluttering of the phaefyr was so distracting... She hoped one day she would find a phaefyr fast-friend and her mind began to wander to daydreams of the shimmerseed adornments her phaefyr friend would make for her...

Meanwhile, Fi'atrilari had frozen. Her eyes fixed on a purple and blue phaefyr carrying a chunky green crystal that had caught the light for a moment, drawing her attention. When he set it on the moss covered stone she heard a deep gong that trailed off to a soft hum in her mind, followed by a trilling that reminded her of new plants struggling through the snow to reach the light above. A rumble that sounded like a boulder rolling down the hill above her den then joined the sonata in her head and without noticing or trying she began to hum in unison with the other hatchlings.

Suddenly, at the sound of Fia's humming, Zari snapped out of her daydream and realized that quite a few hatchlings were humming along. In a desperate attempt to not be left behind, she too began humming... wildly with no purpose, trying to catch up to the others. She was clearly faking it.

Jardana was surprised to hear Fia begin to hum sooner than Zari, but she was very proud of the shy one for hearing a song. She would have to have a talk with Zari about lying when they got back to the den though. She caught Zari's eye and gave her a pointed look, stopping the young one's foolish attempts to cheat.

((I hope I did that right... If not, I'll know for the next growing. ))

When the elder doe arrived, Ichtevat and Evquevan herded the majority of their charges forward, finding a nice place not too far from the pedestal where the phaefyr were setting up the selection of crystals. The ka'rhyn buck settled his wings to his back, and sat back to watch, several of the hatchlings choosing to cuddle up next to him. A few were still a touch shy around crowds of ti'rhyn not in their coterie. Ichtevat flicked an ear towards the original trio, and commented, It might be a good idea to get those three to pay attention to the crystals, instead of the mushrooms.

The ma'rhyn nodded, and moved towards the wayward three. Evquevan hadn't been completely sure he would really be of use in this excursion, especially since he was new to the coterie, and had no true ties to any of the hatchlings. He had taken some responsibility for the little ma'rhyn hatchling, Kevrit, who had not really warmed up to the other ma'rhyn found in the coterie. Moving up next to Kevrit, he spoke to all three. I'm sure the mushrooms will be there later; perhaps the crystals will be interesting for now.

Navlon and Oren looked up at the adult, their thoughts quite visible on their mischievous faces. Could they ignore the older buck? It was obvious they decided otherwise, or at least, that his words were worth listening to, when they both moved away from the glowing ring, and towards the array of crystals. Kevrit, though, seemed to ignore the older tellus buck, but not by continuing to the ring of toadstools. He seemed not to hear the others at all, having already focused his attention on the display on the pedestal.

Kevrit barely heard Evquevan's approach, or his friends' movement towards the crystals. Something the phaefyr had set down had already caught his attention. Moving closer to the stone, he twitched his ears, trying to get a clearer sample of what had caught his attention. As he approached, he could feel the sound resonating softly, and he could no longer tell if it was actually a sound to hear, or if it was something more felt than heard. Maybe it was both, he thought curiously, as he moved closer to the crystals. Whatever it was, he liked it.

Watching the other hatchlings stumble and leap in the grove in their wake was interesting, but both [bKaled[/b] and his sister kept to themselves as they attempted to count the many branches of the ancient wisteria. 'There has t'be at least a hundred of them...' The young Jy'rhyn's mind voice was not-so-much tinged with awe as it was slathered in it, whereas Rani attempted to sound a little more practical and straightforward. 'Definitely not.' She flicked her ears back for a moment before shaking her head decidedly. 'I'd say there's more like 70-something... 100's too big a number.'

Their father, his attention more widespread, flicked his gaze toward the magnificent Le'rhyn when she clacked her claws against the large moss-clad stone that hunched almost central to the gathered lepus. Ah... it was time. Moving slightly closer to his somewhat absorbed offspring, Gallifrey huffed quietly. 'Little ones.' His tone was light but urgent, and both hatchlings immediately turned. It only took a moment for the two to absorb what was happening, and with an eager smile the elder of the hatchling pair leapt toward the group, attempting to worm her way to the front. Half-way through nudging past a buckling with unusual wings (Oren), the young doe froze in a way quite unusual for one so normally active. An odd, almost lyrical thrumming had wormed it's way into her consciousness. Not a sound, no, not even a little... It was more like a sending, humming quietly in the back of her mind and causing what the hatchling was sure must have been an illusion. For even though she couldn't understand it, the ti'rhyn doe could smell the sound. Like the charged air around her, it was something that didn't quite fit in with the wintry air outside the grove. The scent reminded her of warmth, and sunlight. It sound smelt like spring, in the strangest of ways.

Her younger brother was somewhat slower of the bat, moving forward like a sleepwalker to where the makeshift podium lay. Even from here, small 'rhyn felt encumbered by the crowd, and he tried to shift himself as close as he could get from behind the group, not nearly as pushy as his sister. His heart was pounding in his ears, but beneath that normal sound lay a deeper beat, like the hide-drums he had heard two-leggers use and yet somehow completely different. The rhythm seemed to come from within and without, and the young 'rhyn found himself lost in the noise, the tip of his tail flicking agitatedly.

---

High above, the shadow of a large rhyn was visible amongst the branches, a fact that would have greatly vexed Saluki had she been aware of it. Her cover was slipping, but to the distinctly annoyed doe it seemed she had greater things to worry about. The fur at the base of her neck stood straight up even as her eyes scanned the branches. She felt... Watched. By the tree? No, that's ridiculous... Nonetheless, the irritating almost-paranoia continued. Reaching out to move further out from the trunk, the dark-hued 'rhyn was vaguely concerned with how slowly her limbs responded, almost as though through water. And indeed, the air did feel thicker! The fragrance of the wisteria's blossoms had slowly turned from 'fragrant' to nauseatingly heavy, and an irresistible urge to merely flop down in exhaustion began to creep up her body. As her lashing tail fell still, her eyelids flickering, a spark of urgency lit up her mind like a flare on a stormy night.
Get out

With faltering movements and wings spread wide to garner whatever balance she could, Saluki moved as quickly as she could toward the very end of the branch before half-leaping, half-falling to lay on the ground below, outside of the subtly glowing ring of fungi. Almost immediately, the feelings began to subside... Though the lingering effects left her unable to do much other than glare at the gathering within while carefully resurrecting her 'invisibility', her playful 'good-humour' quite effectively dissolved.

Her son, having noticed the fleeing shadow, let out a brief sigh of relief. Uncurling slightly from where he had been all-but cowering, he headed hesitantly over to the group that had formed before a scattering of small chunks of stone. Curious but unable to shake of his paranoid nature, Darakesh circled around at an angle, eyeing the rocks from gaps in the crowd. A subdued murmur seemed to form behind his eyes, but fear held him back from approaching to find the source of the odd 'noise'.

Abrazitos moved up beside Aria, where she sat staring at the edge of the clearing. You should go up with the other hatchlings, he sent to her, breaking her out of her state of awe. She looked up at her adopted father and quickly nodded and got up to join the other hatchlings.

Not far away Deja and Fiachra made their way across the clearing to the gathered hatchlings. Aria joined them as they got closer to the pedestal and the two hatchlings trilled in delight as the Phaefyr began placing stones on it.

Aria watched the Phaefyr in delight, looking at their colors, their clothes, and their tiny wings and tails. She very much wished that she would make friends with one in the future. She snuck a look at Wisteria again, feeling awe wash over her as she looked the elder over. She backed up a step, feeling shy and found herself colliding with Deja, who gently nudged her forward.

Fiachra was watching one particular Phaefyr and the crystal he was carrying. As he drew closer to the pedestal and closer to her, she heard an odd sound, almost like a low whine. As the he set it down, Fiachra's eyes went wide and unfocused. The whine had changed to a low tone that seemed to grow. A beat joined it, steady, yet rhythmic, growing stronger and stronger. A low moan of wind joined in with the tone and the beat, and the song grew in volume. Her body seemed to vibrate with the sound she heard, and she didn't so much hum, but growl a harmony to it. It came to a point that she didn't so much hear the song anymore, but felt it deep within her bones.

Deja watched the humming hatchlings, surprised at the song coming from them. She looked at Aria, who started backing up again, until she was between Deja's front feet. She too watched the hatchlings, unsure of what to make of the humming, but still enjoying it and the magic that seemed to weigh heavy in the air.

As the coterie and their hatchlings settled Wisteria watched observed quietly with her shining eyes. Around the little ones who began to show signs of haring their songs a searching stillness fell and then after what seemed ages of quietude and humming hatchlings, the reverbrant sound of the elder le'rhyn's sending came.

Not expecting the voice of the elder le'rhyn to single her out, Melazalee suddenly froze and became silent, looking a mix of surprised and self-conscious... but it didn't last long; she was very rarely conscious of her image and got over it quickly, eager to engage in the experience before her, something she'd been waiting what seemed like lifetimes for...

Pulling on her straight and respectful face, Mel slunk up to the myriad of stones presented and looked over each carefully. Her heart began to thump louder, faster, until it was nearly racing with anticipation. Her tail twitched behind her as her eyes slid over the possibilities. Which to choose, which to choose... everything looked awfully pretty. She felt the need to hum a little song to herself to pass the time, and began humming the tune she'd heard moments before, amidst all of the other hatchlings... and suddenly, the choice was easy. The hunk of galena seemed to almost shimmer in her vision as she reached for it, certain.

She felt, at once, a sensation she could only describe as both cool and warm, both fuzzy and sharp, both joyful and sad, both white and black... she very suddenly felt like two sides of herself. But those sensations suddenly began to meld together, to balance and harmonize just as it felt her soul was beginning to...