[ORP : Evolution Event] Songs of the Crystal Caverns

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Anres and Lhast had been one of the last two to end up under the great Wisteria tree. They had been caught up, Eponine and Brekken had stayed home, and the unfortunate combination of a grumpy big 'sister' and a forgetful keeper had them rushing in at the last moment. Anres was upset and worrying, a scowl on his little red face, whereas Lhast was particularly excited now that they had actually arrived. Look, look, it's Wisteria, Lhast had said, staring up at the wise le'rhyn. Anres wasn't quite so impressed. Stress still clenched around his little ti'rhyn chest. He hated being late.

The song Anres then heard in his mind was a quiet one. Dark, deep, low notes vibrating through his self. Lhast heard one that was different - still soft, nothing more than an inkling of a tune, but it reminded him of dancing and of Eponine's sparkling jewelery. He liked it. Even if it was soft, it was exciting. He shifted his feet around, trying to focus on it more, but in the end it was Melazalee who was called forth by Wisteria. Anres simply shrugged it off. He wasn't optimistic about it in the first place. Lhast watched the transformation from hatchling to kid with awe, silently congratulating the little lu'rhyn.

Then the group was on the move. Anres and Lhast, as if stuck in the habit of dawdling that had landed them almost late for the beginning of the event, brought up the rear of the group of hatchlings. Ahead of them, they could see others choosing partners. They needed partners, too, they knew, and they could be their own partners, but Lhast knew Anres had a habit of getting sick of him. They didn't hop to grabbing partners until Wisteria spoke again. The sense of urgency hit Anres like a hammer - he hissed at Lhast to follow and skittered, a little panicked, up to Lava and Kusha.

You... you two... don't have partners yet? Or are you partners already? Or can we be two groups of partners? Anres asked, red-and-black ears twitching a little. Lhast was a little nervous, too. Clacking creepers? He pressed his ears back flat to his neck. Hopefully Lava and Kusha needed partners. He'd like a partner right about now.

Something in the bushes? Vi returned nervously. A few moments later, Wisteria confirmed Aria's sending. In her sudden excitement and slight fear, she hardly noticed the two late-comers. Instead, her eyes sought Casta, who, if not partnered, was at least with oher 'rhyn. Relaxing for her friend's safety, Vikyl placed herself on full alert, eyes and ears alert for whatever a "clattering creeper" was.

The elder's warning set Lucasta's fur on edge. I don't know what it is, but I don't think we'll like it, she replied to the buckling (Shdrach). She glanced around, taking everyone else into account for a moment, noting everyone was already heeding Wisteria's command. Since they were already together, she decided to pair with the buck, at least for now. I think we'd better stick together until those creepers are dealt with, she suggested. Though calm on the surface, inside, she was scared, too.

"Did you hear that?" Zari sent to Rani as she heard a clacking in the bushes. Soon after, Wisteria sent that clacking creepers were on the way! "Oh! What shall we do?!"

"C-c-clacking c-creepers! W-what should we d-do? Run?" Fia sent with an ear piercing whimper.

Despite his usual funky disposition, Sheakohl seemed honestly relieved when Oren agreed to be partners. He still wasn't sure he trusted the whole "partner" dynamic, but so far things seemed all right.

"Uh-uhm... my cryshtal.. yesh, exsh... exshited," the young buck might've been seen to flush a deep red if he weren't such dark colors already. He only then noticed his partner's ears were perked and he was alert; Oren asked him if he heard anything, but he shook his head, and suddenly looked tense, his gaze starting to flick around him as he became instantly uncomfortable in the unfamiliar surroundings.

A bit further back, Lindele was glad it seemed other hatchlings were interested in pairing with Lava and Kusha; she didn't want to be forcing them around the whole journey, and they were due some interaction with peers. The twins seemed to genuinely awaken as Navlon, Anres, and Lhast all approached looking for partners. The new smells were too much for the twins to bear; Lava set to work trying to sniff the entirety of Navlon while Kusha did double-duty attempting to unlock the scents of Anres and Lhast. After a moment, the twins looked satisfied.

"We're Lava and Kusha," they stated, in chorus... which was slightly unhelpful, for it was impossible to tell which was which. They neglected to acknowledge this oversight and both smiled, "We'd love to have you as partners."

"Do you have any food with you?" the more-blue-colored twin (Kusha) piped up on his own, his bright eyes peering gently at the three newfound friends curiously.

"Shh," Lindele interjected as she picked up on the general alert and tense feeling of some of the 'rhyn in the group... a feeling that was only heightened as Wisteria warned about the 'clacking creepers'. Lindele was beginning to hear the strange sound she assumed meant the creatures were approaching.

((Hopefully it's all right if Lava/Kusha are partnered as they are; if not, Navlon can split off with one of Reky's hatchlings. Hiii, reky!

Darakesh x Arjuna
Lew'Siffer x Fiachra
Aria x Vikylana
Fi'atrilari x Kaled
Zari'Umil x Rani
Lucasta x Shadrach
Krešimir x Eman
Sheakohl x Oren
Rowara x Kevrit
Lava and Kusha x Navlon x Anres x Lhast ))

Kevrit was glad Rowara accepted his request for partnering up, and was almost startled to note the odd sound she pointed out. Even distracted by trying to find a partner, how had he missed it? Even as he noted it, it grew stronger, and he flicked his ears nervously. I do... He replied, his tone trailing off for a moment. Do you know what it is?

Oren moved closer to Sheakohl, when the other buckling didn't hear the same noise and tensed. He would definitely stick close to his partner, as this was likely the very reason Wisteria had insisted on them partnering in the first place. Don't worry; I'm sure together we'll be safe enough. Otherwise, I'm sure the elder would have told us to form larger groups! He nodded in what he decided was a reassuring manner to back up his claim.

((I am assuming Lucasta was actually replying to Shadrach? As that was the diamond buckling who was talking to her >.>))

Navlon nearly giggled to himself as he approached the twins; apparently, he was not the only one who felt they needed a partner! Two other hatchlings (Lhast and Anres), late arrivals from the look of them, also asked if the twins needed partners. The go'rhyn couldn't help a bit of a giggle, though, when the redder of the twins sniffed him over quite thoroughly. I am Navlon, he said to the Lava and Kusha and the two newer arrivals. He didn't hear the noise that was setting so many of the others on edge, but he could feel the tension coming from them. He turned part of his attention to their surroundings, not wanting to be surprised by anything dangerous, but not wanting to ignore his new friends, either. Do any of you know what clacking creepers are? I really don't like the sound of them...

Many of the hatchlings in the rag-tag group seemed to be turning in the same direction, and at first neither sibling could work out why. Their mutual question, thankfully, was soon answered by an authoritative sending by the Le'rhyn Elder leading the company. Clacking... Creepers? Rani had never heard the like! Turning to face east along with the rest of the crowd, she looked quickly down at her partner (Zari). From the look on the small striped doe's face, she obviously didn't know any more about the creatures than she did. Bracing herself low to the ground, the diamond doe eyed the rustling bushes with trepidation. 'We wait? Maybe they'll pass us by, then we can move on ourselves.' She answered, sounding calmer than she really was.

Behind them, Kaled was trying to calm his smaller lop-eared companion. The tiny emerald doe was obviously panicked, so the buck moved as close to her as he could, taking up a defensive stance. 'I'm sure it's nothing.' He answered in warm, soothing tones, looking down at Fia all the while with calm eyes. 'And anyways,' The Jy'rhyn continued, half-wrapping his tail around the doe and turning his gaze to the bushes. 'I'll be right here to look out for you if anything does happen.'

The second the bushes began to rustle, Darakesh's hyperactive senses alerted him. He dropped to the ground, trembling beside his larger Jy'rhyn partner (Arjuna), eyes flung wide and focused intently on the moving foliage. It was bad. Sure, he wasn't sure exactly what it was yet, but there was no way it could be anything good. When the lavender-horned Le'rhyn identified the cause as being creatures called 'Clacking Creepers', some small part of him was relieved that it wasn't her. But then again, and even larger part of the obsidian buck began to conjure the most horrific images possible as to what a 'creeper' was. Ears back against his head in fear, the ka'rhyn tensed his legs to flee if any such nightmare creature emerged.


Annoyed at having her 'entertainment' so rudely taken away, Saluki slunk around the edge of the mushroom circle before following the group from the shadows once the small same-smelling buck (Sheakohl) had left the grove. It didn't take long for the gaggle of rhyn to run into (what she assumed) was trouble. From her position, she couldn't see or smell anything amiss, and obviously whatever warning may have been passed along them had not been shared with her. But it didn't matter. There was little out there she was afraid of, and instead of watching the bushes like the rest of the group she turned her sharp gaze on the small purple-striped hatchling, grinning in an all-too-predatory way.

The sound came now from what seemed to be all directions and it was more than just the noise of rustling leaves under crunching snow and crackling ice below...

It was a clattering snapping noise of many hard shells beating against many hard bodies...
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Rapidly the first of the horde would be spotted; shiny irridescent bodies glancing in and out of the frost-patched forest floor.

They were like a moving rumbling carpet weaving it's way in and out of the surface of the planet; little branching feelers flipping dirct clumps; bits of ice and snow or whatever other rubble is in their way when they break surface over their shoulders to leave a trail of debris. They were gnashing their mandibles and searching... searching for warm flesh. Wisteria leaped up onto a stump; horn and eyes gleaming brightly in the dim forest as she mass sent to the hatchlings encouring them once again to spread out in pairs and to get off the forest floor if possible!

As soon as Lindele saw Wisteria leaping free of the danger, she, too, found a large rock and leapt atop it. She noticed Melazalee, still listening to the strange sound, oblivious to the ti'rhyn fleeing to higher ground around her... with a harrumph, Lindele leapt back down, grasped the kid up by her scruff, and pulled her back up onto the rock.

Sheakohl felt uncomfortable having Oren try to bolster his spirits, through no fault of the other hatchling's. The compassion felt odd to him, like wearing a too-small, extra-itchy woolen sweater. He tried to shrug it off. He wasn't afraid of whatever a 'clacking creeper' was... sheltered as he had been in Pristine's care, he was actually more afraid of his fellow ti'rhyn than anything.

However, it was clear when the Clacking Creepers emerged, that they were a danger. Wisteria leapt gracefully up to a tree stump and called out a warning, but Sheakohl did not see any such tree stump nearby him. "Should wesh trysh to climbsh a treesh?" he seemed to point to a nearby tree which, while tall, had some low-hanging branches he suspected they could climb to. Without waiting to see if Oren approved of the plan, Sheakohl leapt toward the tree and attempted to leap up and latch his claws solidly into the bark.

Pristine carried out 1 launched of one six sided :

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[i]"Clacking creepers?" Lava almost mimicked Navlon as he asked.

"Never heard of them," Kusha replied nonchalantly, as though it were perfectly normal for one of them to answer for another.

"Those are probably them," Lava pointed just as Wisteria was removing herself from the beetle-stampede and calling out for everyone to do the same.

[i]"Is there a rock we can climb onto or a tree stump we could use? We can boost everyone up..." All-of-a-sudden, Lava leapt up onto Kusha's head and shoulders, and balanced there as Kusha stepped forward eagerly, trying to find the nearest platform to help Navlon, Anres, and Lhast and seeming unconcerned that they would need to find their own way up onto the platform. It almost looked like it was a game to them.

((I assume my 'rhyn's partners are attempting to move to safety as well. Please let me know if I need to edit.))

The noise of the creepers grew quickly louder, till suddenly a huge mass of wriggling beetles became visible. At first, they did not seem dangerous-after all, they were only bugs-but Wisteria's sharp warning led Vikyl to understand what a threat they were. Quickly, her eyes sought a place off the ground-just there, one of a pawfull of smallish trees with low branches. Aria, come on! We've got to move! Her urgent sending was accompanied by her best attempts to shoulder her companion toward the low branches; upon reaching them, Vikly leapt as hard as she could, her claws scrabbling for purchase, hoping Aria was doing the same.

FeliciaQueens carried out 1 launched of one six sided :

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The sound of the coming beetles made Lucasta's skin crawl. She didn't like most bugs when they were doing their own thing, away from her, but these insects were heading toward the hatchlings en masse. Th elder's warning made it clear these beetles were a danger to them all. Casta hardly needed any warning; her aversion to them was so strong, and so instant, when she laid eyes on their wriggling, squirming bodies, she bolted, only calling back, Everyone, get away! as an afterthought. She made for a rock, low to the ground but, she hoped, high enough to get out of their path. Making a leap for it, Casta looked back for the diamond buclking (Shadrach), whose name she hadn't even learned yet.

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In my opinion you can never be too careful Arjuna assured the young ka'rhyn (Darakesh). When the buckling hugged the ground and trembled, Arjuna lifted himself to better see all around. What was going on? His protective instincts were surging up inside him. Ears swiveling this way and that, the ja'rhyn buckling became worried. The sound seemed to be all around them. He had to find someplace safe for both himself and his new friend. With a nudge to a blue shoulder, Arjuna sent, Over here, let's get on top of this rock. With a push and a nudge, the larger hatchling worked to get his buddy to higher ground.

Lew'Siffer looked around at the surrounding cover, ears perked. He didn't hear anything, at least not at first. As the approaching sounds settled in his ears excitement coursed through him. Oh, yes. A little hunting would be splendid! Crouching down, he couldn't suppress the excited wiggle that trembled down his length. And then he registered the numbers coming toward them and The Elder's warning to seek high ground. The hunting would be easy with so many to choose from, but The Elder said to get off the forest floor. He battled with himself for a moment, casting a side-long glance at the young doe he was partnering with. Unbelievable, caution won. Let's move up onto this log, he sent to Fiachra, then once they are past we can attack from the rear, a self-satisfied smirk clear in his tone.

Krešimir had chuckled a bit at Eman's comment about his sister. Looking around, the buckling confided to his new companion, I am really glad The Elder said to pair up with others. I get a little tired of the stuff my coterie mates get up to. Looking around, Krešimir became aware of a noise coming closer. Lifting his head he sniffed the breeze, but really it was no help. He didn't recognize all the scents he was catching. Still, uneasiness rippled through him. Just as he was about to speak, Wisteria's warning came to them, get off the forest floor if possible!

That sounded good to him! Looking around, Krešimir noted what seemed to be a sturdy limb from a near-by evergreen. Over here, Eman. Let's get up on this branch. Leading the way, Krešimir made a leap at the branch...

The member 'geob' has done the following action : rolls

#1 'six sided' : 2

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#2 'six sided' : 1

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#3 'six sided' : 1

Aria froze for a second at the sound of the clattering of the mass of bugs. Oh, ew! She shivered and made a face at the sound, but moved when Vikyl shouldered her. She scrambled at the branches herself, hoping that she could get up and offer help to her companion should she need to.

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Shadrach was right behind Lucasta paying more attention to the little le'rhyn than the bugs. He didn't want to meet the bugs anymore than she did and was more than happy to move as far away from them as possible. He hopped quickly, happy to scramble onto the rock his companion had chosen. I hope they move quickly! He sent to her. By the way, I'm Shadrach, he added, belatedly.

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Fiachra looked from Lew'Siffer to the oncoming bugs, to Wisteria, to Lew'Siffer and decided that her companion's decision to run to the log was probably a better choice, than trying to hunt the mass of bugs coming at them. Yes, attack from behind, that's an excellent decisions. We can get the weaker ones. No need to allow the strong ones a chance at our toes! She chimed in as she jumped for the log. She would take time to look back at them, once she had found a safe spot to stalk them from!

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Deja watched from afar, wondering if the bugs would cause a problem to those gathered beneath Wisteria's tree. She sat ready, prepared to fight if she needed to, but sure that those within the Grove would be safe. The hatchlings would have an exciting story to share with their families, if this was just the beginning of their adventure.

Fia shrank into the embrace of Kaled's tail until she heard Wisteria tell them to try to get off the forest floor. She looked to the larger buck to see where he was going to try to hide... The last thing she wanted was to loose her partner with danger about.

Zari glanced at Rani and sent, "Come On! Hurry!". She ran a little way to the nearest tree and tried to scramble up to the first branch. It was low, but off the ground.

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Every muscle tensed in fear, Darakesh was slow to respond to the first of his new friend's nudges. On the second, he took a sluggish step toward the rock that the big white Jy'rhyn (Arjuna) had pointed out. After the third he started to walk, then run, leaping toward the small boulder single-mindedly and scrabbling for purchase to pull himself up. Was this high enough? Could the enormous swarm- for he could see it now, the moving carpet of snapping black mandibles, headed straight for them- could this veritable wave of 'creepers' possibly be put off by a simple rock? He trembled, but there was no time now to find higher ground, so he merely hunkered down close to the icy stone surface and waited for it to be over one way or another. He could feel his partner near, like a warmth, but the other rhyn's presence did little to make him feel safer.

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Ears and eyes alert, Kaled took the call to higher ground with instant seriousness, quickly picking out a branch that both he and his partner could reach. 'C'mon Fia, we'll be safe up in that hollow over there.' The Jy'rhyn quickly directed the smaller female toward a slightly lopsided tree where, most likely, lightning had struck and left a small but easy-to-reach hole. He loped toward it, making sure to keep his pace to that of his companion, and bending to give her a boost up when they reached it. There wasn't much else he could do, and once the doeling was secure he leapt up after her. There wasn't much room to move, and the buck left a considerable loop of his tail outside to make sure the other hatchling wasn't squished, but they would be safe and out if the marauding insect's way. He hoped...

CosmicDragon carried out 1 launched of one six sided :

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Rani, realising her partner (Zari) had been faster to move than she had, leapt into pursuit. The other doe had chosen a somewhat low-lying branch as close-by as possible, but seemed to be having a little trouble getting up to it. Sticking her head beneath the sun-striped rhyn's posterior, the diamond doe shoved upwards with a grunt. 'Come on, come on...' She muttered, somewhat nervously. The moment the way was clear she leapt toward the branch herself herself, not quite making it all the way but digging in her claws and hanging on for dear life nonetheless.

CosmicDragon carried out 1 launched of one six sided :

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When Wisteria jumped up on the stump and told everyone to get off the ground, Oren looked first to his partner, who had already started speaking. At Sheakohl's suggestion that they climb a tree, the lu'rhyn nodded quickly, and also moved towards the tree. Keeping one eye on his partner, he started to climb.

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Navlon was impressed by the twins; now that they seemed wide awake, they were quite quick to react to Wisteria and the advancing horde of beetles. Lava and Kusha's acrobatics were intriguing, and as the go'ryhn looked around for something to climb, he thought he would ask them later to teach him. Spotting a tree not too far off that wasn't already being climbed by other hatchlings. It had relatively low-hanging limbs, and Navlon moved towards it. Here; I think we can all fit on this one, he called to all of his partners (Lava, Kusha, Anres and Lhast) as he moved, hoping that the others would join him.

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At the arrival of the beetles, Kevrit quickly examined their surroundings, and spotted a boulder, just a few feet from his current position. Nudging Rowara, he motioned to the boulder. I think we can both make it onto that, and be well above the creepers. Let's go! He moved for the boulder, and began to climb.

Lectral carried out 1 launched of one six sided :

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((Sorry if I over-anticipated anyone's reactions - I have to go out shortly, and I am not sure I will be back before the deadline to post, if I wait any longer >.>))

((I fail. Got distracted by Sons of Anarchy. Composing my post now. ))

Eman nodded rapidly to Krešimir , his eyes showing white with fear. Quickly, ears flattened to his head, he hooped up after his new friend; scrabbling at the needle-clad tree.

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His coterie-sister, Rowara seemed for a moment to be more interested in watching the impending carpet of beetles than getting out of the way but Kevrit 's sending broke her fascination. Oh yes! Good idea! She hopped after him, making to leap up as well...

Starwind carried out 1 launched of one six sided :

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((wow I forgot about the dice in the editor >.<))

The two ti'rhyn were glad to have found partners in the nick of time. Anres was a little worried; a group of five seemed cumbersome. But perhaps it was better? Safety in numbers, he told himself, but he was already very shaken. Lhast didn't bother worrying about the number. Five was fine and cozy. The clacking creepers, whatever they were, were still coming. Lhast sucked in a sharp, deep breath and held it. He could see the shimmering backs of the beetle-like creepers coming towards them, and it wasn't something he wanted to see. He turned to Lava, Kusha and Navlon for help. Lava and Kusha were already looking around, and so was Lhast. Navlon was first to find the best place.

Oh! Navlon! That's great! Lhast panted. He scrambled over to the tree and tried to hoist himself up onto one of the branches, scrabbling at the bark.

Anres wasn't so sure if he could make it up by himself. He was looking around too frantically to notice how the others were faring at getting up into the tree. There was really only one thing to do, though, and he couldn't waste any time. The clacking creepers were coming! They'd probably eat him up, for breakfast, and for real - not in a mean but teasing way that Brekken always grumped about. Wasting no time, but spending all his mind processes on worrying, Anres went for it. He jumped, hoping to get that branch...

((Derp, rolls are below. I accidentally put them both in the post, and in that post below because I don't know what I'm doing. Edited out the ones in the post so there's only two.))

The member 'Rekyrem' has done the following action : rolls

#1 'six sided' : 2

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#2 'six sided' : 6

((I just realized I only rolled once. Sorry about that. Should I roll again for Fia? I can't find the dice option anymore... =/ ))

((Sorry I wasn't back to answer sooner Dray. It's ok what I will do is split the single roll between them both. Your partners rolls also have an effect on the outcome for your hatchlings so it should be fine. ))

Here are the results of your efforts and rolls! All partners rolls affect one another, if you got a poor roll you might be SAFE! if your partner got a better one! or, if you only rolled 'ok' you might be IN DANGER! if your partner rolled worse. Look to the bottom of the post for what you need to do in response!

((Pristine, I wasn't sure about Melazalee because you've only got 2 rolls in there and she's a kid now so, I am just leaving her out of this event. Assume she is safe with Lindele ))

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• Sheakhol and Oren find that the bark of the tree is thick and sturdy but soft enough for their claws to cut into. Sheakhol slips at one point and would have fallen to the ground! But Oren's firm grip on the tree helps him keep his partner from falling and they are soon up and out of the way! (Sheakhol and Oren are SAFE!)
  
  
• Lava, Kusha, Navlon, Anres and Lhast make a lot of noise tottering and scrabbling about. None of them seem able to make it up on their own but when Lhast takes a turn as the base of the hatchling ladder they all manage to get up; the ametrine buckling(Lhast)'s strong back legs making that last leap upwards once everyone else is in a bit easier, though he still only makes it with the combined effort of the others pulling him in after them! (Lava, Kusha, Navlon, Anres and Lhast are SAFE!)
  
  
• Aria and Vikylane try their best to make it up into the little trees; but the trunks are soft and bendy and it does not seem to hold their weight at all! They try again and again but to no avail. On the clacking creepers bome! (Aria and Vikylane are IN DANGER!)
  
  
• When Lucasta made the leap for the rock she had spotted the poor little le'rhyn fell short; just her front paws scraped the stone and she tumbled back on to Shadrach. The buckling bounded up onto the rock, carrying his partner along. It would be hard for him not to feel like he was the hero of the day! (Lucasta and Shadrach are SAFE!)
  
  
• Together, Darakesh and Arjuna huddle upon their chosen safe-stone. Everything seems fine at first but then, a slip of one's foot or the others and the stone tips! It rocks, first one way, then the next until at last it flips! The two bucklings find themselves right back where they started only now they are in an unfortunate tangle of limbs, ears and tails! (Darakesh and Arjuna are IN DANGER!)
  
  
• Distracted by his hunting plans, Lew'siffer slips as he attemps the artful leap up onto the log. He would miss his chance all together but Fiachra lands (in the very spot he had been eyeing!) and turns to offer him a paw up. It would seem suiting to any adult Does in the vicinity who might witness this; that the doeling was the one to save the buckling in this instance. (Lew'siffer and Fiachra are SAFE!)
  
  
• As Krešimir scrabbles at the pine branch, Eman does the same, wincing at the prickles a little. The tree limbs bounces and swings from side to side threatening to slip the little bucklings right off! It is only really through sheer luck and perhaps a little bit of an affinity for tree climbing on the part of the le'rhyn that the two manage to make it up and close to the trunk shortly before the rumbling horde of beetles arrives! (Krešimir and Eman are SAFE!(just!))
  
  
• Fi'atrilari is lucky indeed to have Kaled for a partner. The buckling helps the unusually timid doe up into the tree hole and together they huddle there in safety. (Fia and Kaled are SAFE!)
  
  
• Zari'Umil and Rani make it on to the tree branch but the swinging of the latter's hindquarters bends the branch over far and the two slide off to land with a thump; a shower of tree debris falling down around and upon them! (Zari and Rani are IN DANGER!)
  
  
• Kevrit scales the boulder with no real difficulty and Rowara makes it look like a walk in the Grove. (Kevrit and Rowara are SAFE!)
  
  

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The rustling sound of the Beetles grew louder; overwhelming all other noises as the mandibles gnawed at the heated under-belly of the forest floor. The chemical reactions of decomposing leaves and forest debris gave off heat and heat was exactly what attracted these creatures. Their antlerish fore-feelers were porous and each little hole in them drew air in from around as they shoveled forward; sensing changes in temperature that would hint at high heat (and thus high energy!). The larger the heat source the more attracted they were. The only downfall of their method was perhaps the short range of their senses. it was not until they were within a couple feet of the hatchlings that the clacking creepers picked up on the heat signatures ahead of them.

When they did however, oh the noise! The crushing volume of their wings beating even louder now and the suddenly twice as eager gnashing of their mandibles swarmed forward as they made for the little ones who were still on the ground.

Wisteria reared up on her back legs. So many of the little ones had not made it to safety! But she would not interfere unless it was truly needed. This was a chance for them all to find their gifts and that would help them all be better able to recognize their crystal's song. Still, she sent to the other adults near by, warning them to be ready should the wee ones have need of their aid. Then she sent to the hatchlings...

'Sing and Send little ones! You have been caught upon the forest floor and your enemies will swarm over you if you let them but you can defend! And you can fight! You are all gifted with unique gifts from the Three Sisters! Find yours within and make use of it now!'

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Being dumped unceremoniously on the ground by a rock, a rock that HE had chosen, had Arjuna greatly embarrassed and a bit humiliated. What kind of jy'rhyn was he if he couldn't even pick a decent rock upon which to claim sanctuary? Sensitive to the insecurities of his new-found friend, Arjuna did his best to untangle himself while at the same time looking for someplace else to get off the forest floor. He hoped Delaynie was not disappointed in him.

Flicking his ears to and fro, Arjuna listened to Wisteria's sending. As her words sank in he, without thinking, began to sing the song from under the ancient wisteria. The notes swelled up within him, vibrating out around him as he backed toward the rock that had thrown them, trying to keep himself between the oncoming hoard and Darakesh. Nervous energy ripped through him. What to do? The rock was surely no more stable now than it was before. . .

Accepting the help up onto the log, Lew'Siffer surreptitiously glanced around hoping no one had noticed his close call. It would never do for word to get back to the other hatchlings, especially his nest-mates. He was a bit startled to see Arjuna still on the ground, but not at all surprised to see him putting himself before the danger.

Krešimir balanced precariously on the branch, hoping his nervous trembling was not noticed by Eman and wishing for the calm he aways felt when Telets or one of the other ma'rhyn were around. Those creepers on the ground could use some that calm too, in his opinion.

Fia watched as her coterie sister fell back to the floor of the forest and heard the clacking creepers getting closer. She wanted to help, but she was both afraid and wedged into the tree hole too tightly to get free. Secretly she was slightly glad of the excuse to not leave the hole. She was scared, but oddly content to be snugged away with Kaled. He was a fine protector even if he was practically a stranger. She closed her eyes so she wouldn't see her coterie mate's demise and tucked her head into his side.

As she heard the clacking creepers getting closer Zari'Umil panicked. She took a deep breath and suddenly the realization washed over her; this was the cycle of life. Everything must die eventually to keep the balance of the forest. She no longer felt scared and vulnerable... Well, she was no longer scared to die at least, this was the way life worked; Yin and Yang. Zari closed her eyes and prepared to be eaten when suddenly she felt the earth tremble. She opened her eyes to look around but everything was dark. She took a few tentative steps wondering if this was death but she bumped into a solid surface nose first. She took a step back, sniffed, and realized she was in an earthen cocoon. (Fia had unwittingly opened the earth for her) She let out the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding in and hoped beyond hope that it would keep the clacking creepers out. She also wondered if her partner (Rani) had been close enough to be enveloped as well she felt a need to protect her partner from the nasty buggies. She tried to send, "Rani, are you in here?"