A cat?
Lunzie Istari

I never thought of that. I'll try, maybe we can figure out just where we are.

Surprise, surprise
Dragon Phoenix

Hiding in the covering of ferns, the shadowy figure watched.

"What luck!" The harsh whisper came gleefully. "They managed to fall out of a portal right in my path. Lucky I hid in time. And the little one seems to be unconscious. Even luckier! She would have lead them right to the oak."

Crouching in the pouring rain, the figure watched as Lunzie trotted off into the trees in her new form. "Well, well. Winter is not a common thing here, but I believe a storm is on order..."

Wha? Where? Huh?
Aerimara Elf

Okay...this was a strange thing...one moment Aerimara was eating cookies and milk...next she was in a stormy forest....

"Wha?!?" She yelled to the grass, to the trees, to the sky. No one else seemed available. What was the last thing she remembered? Ranak. Ranak coming through the window...and then, nothing...So what was she doing here? Had she just wandered here, mind on other things? No...she would have at LEAST remembered getting here. Here. Where was here?

"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalp!" She cried

Strange Weather
Dragon Phoenix

The humidity of the forest suddenly began to decline around the wandering group. An icy breeze shifted the air. Then, the strangest thing happened.

Snowflakes. Flurries. Sprinkling down to the earth lightly at first, until a whirlwind of them came down all at once. The air got colder, and the clouds grew darker overhead. The snowflakes grew bigger, and the wind got icier.

Fog floated down around them, making it hard to see. The wind penetrated their clothing, and the snowflakes built up on the ground like a thick blanket.

Meanwhile, in another part fo the forest, a hooded shadow made its way down an overgrown path, seeking an old gnarled oak tree.

Strange Indeed
Jess Phoenix

Jess had felt the strange presence leaving the area just as the wind turned bitter.

He wondered what it meant and would have investigated further if not for the group.

As the wind turned icier and the snow started falling, he looked to Shalana and Enchanted and all three gathered the group close together.

Jess gave Flute to Shalana to hold and turned into the fiery bird whose name he carried.

He only hoped that until the weather eased up a little and they could find better shelter that he would be able to provide enough warmth for their little group.

In the meantime, he hoped that Lunzie would stay safe.

Snow?
Elyen Elf

Elyen caught 'Mara in his hand as the fae fell from heaven-knows-where. Then other things started falling from the sky.

Snowflakes.

The elf stared upwards in confusion. It just didn't snow in climate like this! It's unnatural... He grimaced. And that meant Magic At Work. He hated Magic At Work...

What the. . ./ Snow?
Aerimara Elf

Still confused, Mara fell from the sky with the rest of the fodder. Only then did she notice that it was snowing more than just herself. White flakes drifted down by her side and she marvelled a bit, the strangeness of it all somehow penetrating the cobwebs.

"Wooooooow....uhm....wait a moment...wooow" she said alternating between disbelief of her situation and a sense that something was not quite right. But that was abruptly cut short as she hit something not altogether hard, but still not soft from her fall. "Wumph" "I hate magic!" She heard someone say, only a mumble in the roar of revolt her mind was giving her. "Shhhh." It said. Mara did not know if that comment was directed to her, but she shut her little mouth anyway...and the surface that she was on suddenly grew dark as the cupped hands were closed about her.

Farther along the path
Lunzie Istari

Lunzie stopped when it started to snow? I didn't know it snowed here. I should get back to the others. . .Wait a minute! What was that? Lunzie broke off and hide in the dense foliage beside the path when she heard someone coming.

A cloaked, shadowy figure moved past where she was crouched and continued on the path. Waiting a bit, Lunzie followed the figure at a safe distance. When it stopped in front of a large old tree, Lunzie knew it had to be the old oak tree.

Turning around, Lunzie quickly made her way back through the storm of snow to the group. Behind her the figure was smiling as it started to cover the tree in ice.

The tree is at the end of the path. Someone or thing was there, it seemed almost familiar, but I couldn't tell through all the snow. Do we want to go find it now or wait till the storm passes?

I suppose it's time to wake???
Flute Istari

The cold woke Flute, not to mention the angry whisperings of the plants & the angry tirade by a certain grumpy old voice.

As the tirade became softer & softer, the whispering became louder & louder.

"Lana???" Flute whispered Shalana gave a start & looked down at Flute. "You're awake little one?"

"Oak tree.... hurry...."

"But we do not know where it is."

"Follow ... *pant*.... Lucy..." Flute managed before slumping back into Shalana's arms.

Shalana looked worriedly at Flute before telling the others what Flute had said.

After a short discussion, the group decided to followed the half-hidden snow tracks left by Lunzie.

Storms.
Elyen Elf

"The tree is at the end of the path. Someone or thing was there, it seemed almost familiar, but I couldn't tell through all the snow. Do we want to go find it now or wait till the storm passes?" Lunzie padded quietly up to them as Elyen closed his hands about the shivering fae. Maybe some of the heat of his hands would help warm her from the snow.

They were in trouble though. They weren't dressed for that kind of weather. If they didn't move fast and were caught in the snow storm, they'd probably freeze. And if they stuck around for too long, long enough for the snow to melt quickly in the hot weather, they might be caught in a flood.

Looking at her shivering friends,
(warm kitty) Lunzie Istari

Lunzie slowed until she was walking next to Enchanted. Looking up at the Rebern Elf, Do you think you might be able to do something about the need for warmer clothes, Hesheña? Jess and I should be fine, but I worry about the others, especially poor little Mara. Pathed Lunzie.

Ice is nice
Dragon Phoenix

Approaching the ancient oak tree, the figure smiled in satisfaction. The group was still struggling through the snow, and the oak tree would die.

Raising its arms, the sleeves slipped back to reveal long, slender fingers and long, pointed nails. The figure mumbled, and slowly but surely, a thin coating of icy matter began to spread over the limbs and trunk. The ice penetrated the bark, and spread to the core fo the tree. The limbs grew heavy, and the leaves fell quickly. The old oak gave an inaudible groan as it was slowly killed.

The figure smiled, and left.

Unforseen
Enchanted Elf

Enchanted looked at her sister and nodded. Jess was providing warmth as the firebird he was named..and the snow around them was starting to melt. Unfortunately it seemed that whoever was controlling the weather, forsaw this, and soon the storms intensity increased.

Without hestation, Enchanted flashed soul. In moments the magic was known to her. Using this strange magice that she planned to examine later, the snowfall stopped, leaving the group in sudden white silence. Together, Jess and Enchanted worked to evaporate the snow, water and ice. Soon the band of travelors were warm and dry.

"I think we better continue on before something else hits." Enchanted said quietly to her sister, as now it was obvious someone or something did not want them to find the tree.

We see the tree
Elyen Elf

The elf didn't care. As the snow melted with the help of both Jess and Enchanted, the elf squelched mightily after a frost-covered oak. They had returned to the clearing where they had originally landed. And the oak was standing before them.

Except that the oak was frozen. If the heat could touch the tree, they might yet save it...

What Next?
Dragon Phoenix

The figure walked quickly among tangled paths. There was no saving the oak tree now. No matter what magic they performed...too much time had gone by. There was just one problem. Would it still be able to speak to them as it died? Hopefully the little girl stayed unconscious...

Shivering and shivering and shivering
(shivering) Aerimara Elf

From inside Elyen's hands, Aerimara could only make out muffled noises. Something about atree..and the infernal cold which surrounded her, making any rest fitful. she wasn't quite awake, somewhat frosty....too cold....just want to sleep...Slowly she closed her eyes again.

"Do you think it will speak as it dies?" She heard through the fingers encompassing her.

She awoke enough to talk deliriously "Dying? No...not dead yet. Not dead yet! Nothing dead...life....dead...no."

Then she closed her eyes again and began again her tiny sleep

Working quickly
Shalana Elf

Without hesitation, Shalana, Jess and Enchanted began to work with the tree. Shalana was a healer, however, she was not sure this was a patient she could save. She watched as Jess gently warmed the bark. Her mother carefully placed Flute in Elyens arms as she joined Jess and touched the tree with dreams.

Flute stirred within Elyen's arms and soft moans came from her. Shalana stared at the dieing tree and wondered if it would in death share its secret.

Oh deary me. . . .
Flute Istari

The oak tree groaned with the intensity of the pain the conflicting cold and warmth brought with it.

The trees surrounding the old oak tree whispered with anger and with the pain of their soon-to-be-dead-ancestor.

Flute woke and felt the pain and sorrow from all the plants. With tears wetting her face, Flute looked up at Elyen. "Please... Ellen.... nearer??"

As Jess, Shalana and Enchanted work their magic. Flute placed her palm on the oak tree's truck. Feeling the cold, the pain and oak tree's knowledge of its pending death, fresh tears flowed down Flute's cheeks.

Stretching herself from Elyen's arms, Flute wrapped her arms around the oak tree's truck.

"I'm sorry.... I'm so sorry.... Please don't die.... please??? I beg you???"

The oak tree gave a shudder before the green light glowed from the oak tree to envelop Flute. Surprised, Elyen almost dropped Flute.

The tears continued to flow down Flute's cheeks as the green light grew softer and weaker until it was completely gone.

"NOOOOOO!!!!" Flute wailed. "I DON'T WANT YOUR LIFE!!!! COME BACK!!!"

Jess took Flute from Elyen. "Hush little one.... your crying won't bring the oak tree back to life...."

"Don't you see... *sob*... it's my fault... *sob*... that he... *sob*... died....*sob*...."

"It's nobody's fault. Hush now...."

*Sob*

*Sob*

*Sob*

It's not your fault dearie
Elyen Elf

Elyen almost dropped the little girl in his arms as she hugged the tree and began to glow. Then, as she began to cry, Jess took her from his arms, leaving the elf to stand beside the tree feeling utterly out of his depth.

Magic.

The elf wandered over to where the others waited, smoothing Flute's hair in an odd gesture as he passed her. The girl would be fine. She had to be. He walked past the dead oak and pressed a palm against it in regret. His people felt a certain tie to the verdant green, and the loss of the great oak had struck a chord, however minor compared to Flute's loss.

"Now that the oak's dead... do we have any other way to find Lantri, Lunzie?" He came up behind the tiger-vampire and asked quietly.

Goodness...I'm a tree now???hehe...
Flute Istari

Flute continued crying, sobbing, wailing.... erm... whatever... before finally calming down.

Staring at nothing in particular, Flute overheard Elyen's question.

"North." Flute said to no one in particular.

"Did you say north, little one?" Jess asked Flute

Flute looked up at her Firebird and nodded.

"How do you know? Did the oak tree tell you that?" Jaina asked

At the mention of the oak tree, fresh tears flowed out of Flute's eyes.

Flustered, Jaina tried to take back her words and comfort Flute at the same time.

Flute wiped her eyes, nodded and said to Jaina, "He sort of told me that."

Looking worried all of a sudden, Flute grabbed Jaina's hand and said, "Don't die Nana. Don't die. Promise me you won't die."

Puzzled, Jaina could only nod her head. Reassured, Flute dropped Jaina's hand and settled back into Jess' arms before falling into a troubled sleep.

Not knowing how to answer Elyen's question,
(Lunzie-Tiger) Lunzie Istari

Lunzie was glad Flute had an answer. What she said next worried Lunzie immensely. Don't die Nana, don't die. Jaina? What was wrong with Jaina?! Looking up at her friend, Jaina? What is she talking about? Asked Lunzie as Jaina paled.

We should keep moving
Shalana Elf

Shalana, didn't like everything that had occurred. She sensed there was a force deliberately working against them. Gently she stroked Lunize's hair as she met Jess' eyes, knowing he felt the same. Looking over at her Nisha she said quietly "We can talk later, I think we need to find a safe shelter, being out in the open is not good right now."

Looking back at her Añeshia, Lunzie
(Lunzie-Tiger) Kamiana Calrissian

couldn't think of a place nearby where they could go. She didn't even know where they were. Looking over at Flute, Lunzie asked the girl if she had learned of a place they might go from the tree.

Sleeping tree. . . .:)
Flute Istari

In her sleep, Flute vaguely heard Lunzie's question. It sounded like Lunzie.... Rest.... Where to rest???? Rest means sleeping and maybe a little eating. Eating means food.

The knowledge of the oak tree filled Flute. Sheltered glen, west from here.

"West...." mumbled Flute in her sleep.

"Alrighty.... West we go... Come on...." and Elyen started in the western direction.

West it is
Enchanted Elf

Enchanted, silently said goodbye to the die tree in her own way, with a gently dream. Flute, it appeared, had recieved a gift from the old oak, and now west would be the direction they needed to take. Carefully she quested, as they followed Elyen in the westerly direction, for danger. She still sensed a presence that was not friendly, but couldn't pinpoint it. Dissatisfied with the results of her quest, she sighed and pondered over what would face them next

Newcome
(Iriana) Elyen Elf

As the group of travellers drew nearer, she pulled herself up from the sprawl she had fallen in. Brushing mud-encrusted hair away from her smudged face, the girl whimpered as the adult male stepped down close to where she lay. Should she cry out? Indecision gripped her. She didn't know these people. Please, her ankle hurt so much...

Even as the last member of the group passed by, she cried out in hopelessness. Did they hear her? "Please!" She cried out, stopping a dark haired woman in her tracks. "Please! Help me... I'm injured..."

What's that mean?
Jaina Jade

Lost in thought, Jaina never heard the prone female's cries for help. Instead, the vampire hunter pondered her own mortality.

One of my wisest teachers once told me, "Everyone is immortal -- until they're dead." I hope I remain immortal for just a while longer. I wish I could promise Flute that I won't die. But I can't. In my profession, lifetimes are often cut short. Why should I be any exception?

Suddenly shivering, Jaina quickened her pace. "Don't worry, Flute. I won't go that easily." And by Bast below, I hope I spoke truly...

Child or Woman?
Shalana Elf

Shalana silently fell back until she was at the back of the group. With her mother towards the front with Jess and Elyen, she felt a guard at the back was needed. The death of the tree disturbed her. Yet she knew that Flute had been blessed with a gift from it. Help me. ......

Shalana froze and swiftly turned scanning the area. Her brown eyes fell upon a mud-crusted girl. Without hesitation Shalana knelt beside the girl. She was unable to determine the age or even actual appearance, as the dishevelment was so complete, Shalana found herself grimacing for her.

A quick quest to Jess and her mother brought the group to a stop and turning to rejoin Shalana. Slowly she reached out and gently pushed the girl's hair out of her face. "I am Shalana." She said gently. "Will you let me help you?"

The group stopped and made an aboutface.
(Lunzie-Tiger) Kamiana Calrissian

Shalana had found someone. Jaina almost kept walking away from the group but she became aware of this mistake quickly and remedied it. As the group gathered around 'Lana and the girl/woman she had found, questions started to fly.

Who was she?

Where did she come from?

Should they help her?

Slightly confused, Lunzie turned to Shalana, You found her, what do you think we should do with her?

Little stepps
(Iriana) Elyen Elf

Elyen followed the group to where they clustered around a fallen girl. He took in the way her ankle was twisted and winced. Fractured, at least.

"Anyone skilled in healing?"

Iriana sat up gingerly and tried to stand. As she tried to rest some weight on her left foot, a shot of fiery pain flared up her left leg, bringing a cry to her lips and tears to her eyes.

She looked up into Shalana's eyes and bit her lip as she answered. "My name... is... Iriana," her voice shook, "I... fell." She looked at the male elf who had spoken and said in a small voice. "Could someone set my feet? I think I might have broken ... something..."

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