*Shortened to include the less confusing parts; see Caileana's logblog for the rest :D*
The Cavern of the Lists
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The Cavern of the Lists is clearly dwarfs’ work. What was probably initially a moderately-sized cave running into the western cliffs has been hewn out into a much larger chamber, carefully braced with thick wood struts, and hung about with iron lanterns in bracers on the walls. There is a large cavern opening at the far side, leading into the main list. A large bear stands next to it, dozing cheerfully. A smaller opening to the south leads into the training lists, while a third, to the northwest, leads to the gallery.
The cave opens to the east, leading outside.
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You can go: List Cavern <W>, Gallery <NW>, Practice List <S>, Out <E>
Contents: A wolf of intimidating size and strength (Nevarre); A wolf with a snow-white coat and golden eyes (Eirwyn); A wolf with half of a left ear (Virika); A wolf with iron-gray fur (Lovisa); and Combat Tournament Kiosk.
Indra enters from above, joining you in the cave.
Eirwyn leads Nevarre into the lists, panting. “Is everyone here…?”
Virika helps Lovisa to the cave, shaking with every movement. When they reach the list, she draws back panting. Her body is shaking all over. “You… you gonna make it?”
Caileana sticks close to her mother near the back of the group. ‘Yes, Alpha,” she tells Eirwyn, panting slightly.
Indra stays at the back of the group, entering the cavern last and standing near the entrance to watch.
The ground trembles faintly as you hear heavy footfalls to the east.
Lovisa smiles faintly at this. “I’ll live, I imagine”, she manages. “Thank you, Virika…”
Nevarre limps into the practice list with Eirwyn, his facial features showing extreme pain. He surveys those gathered and says, “Did Petraverd make it out safely?
Virika smiles a little and laughs weakly, “Good. Would look horrible if something too bad happened to you here…” She tries humor. She looks to Nevarre growing serious. “Yes. He’s safe by the shelter tree.”
Nevarre sighs deeply, “Thank you Virika”
Thunderfoot enters from above, joining you in the cave.
The ground trembles beneath your feet.
Lovisa keeps her eyes on the entrance to the cave. “He’s as safe as any of us can be, but there is only one way to ensure he remains so. They will turn their attention elsewhere if we are unavailable to them…”
Thunderfoot smashes in after the big wolf that called him stupid, “YOU!” he screams searching the crowd, “ME SMARTTTTT!” he holds his bloody sword in two hands and searches for his target.
Caileana howls out a warning as the giant comes crashing into the cavern.
Caileana throws back her head and howls into the sky.
Eirwyn stays close to Nevarre. She gives a sigh of relief at Virika’s words. She then nods to Lovisa’s words but then growls and turns quickly at the sound of smashing and yelling. She yells to the others, “Fall back!” She says to Nevarre, “Come on….”
Lovisa weaves a little on her feet as she shakes off some of the debris, but she is swift to try and place her own body between Nevarre and the encroaching giant.
>>> Lovisa nips at Thunderfoot! Thunderfoot winces, the bite stinging him a bit.
Virika hears the approach of the giants and stares at the entrance. She smirks — until she sees the giant smash through the roof and walls. Her eyes widen in terror. She snarls and bites at Thunderfoot. “GET OUT.”
>>> Virika nips at Thunderfoot! Thunderfoot winces, the bite stinging him a bit.
Indra exclaims, “Lovisa, Virika! Fall /back/.”
Nevarre growls violently as the giants smashes through the rocks of the cavern. Hearing what the wretch says. He says quietly, “He wants me…” He looks at all of his wolves in turns and says, “Protect each other, the den, and the waste”
Virika moves toward Lovisa and wheezes, “Further in!”
Without hesitation, Nevarre gets to his feet with what strength he can muster and runs out of the cave to get the giant to follow
Caileana echoes her mother’s sentiment but doesn’t retreat until the rest have. She gapes after Nevarre.
Thunderfoot slashes as he sees his target running past, turning to follow.
Eirwyn shakes her head at Nevarre’s words. She yells after him, “NO!”
Lovisa growls at Nevarre, “This is folly! You are far more important. Get back!”
Nevarre trots up the path, exiting the cave.
Thunderfoot walks up the path, exiting the cave.
The ground trembles faintly as you hear heavy footfalls to the east.
Virika stares in horror as Nevarre runs out. “NEVARRE!”
Eirwyn stands frozen, her own look one of utter terror. She growls and looks back to Lovisa, “What do we do? I can’t go after him alone.”
Virika limps to Eirwyn’s side. “I’m coming with you. You won’t be alone.” She wheezes.
Indra steps forward as well, “Me too.”
Lovisa turns to call to Eirwyn, panting, “Get reinforcements. I am well enough to start for Sted Cair. There is something else behind this…”
Caileana snarls after Nevarre, her jaw clenching. “Yeah right, Alpha.” She runs after him.
Along the Western Cliffs
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You stand at the base of the Western Cliffs, the bluffs of incredible height that mark the western border of Narnia. This area is shady, but open. The trees of Lantern Waste can be seen just to the east, but the foliage here is sparse and sacrubby, the ground rocky and hard.
The cliffs continue northward and southward. Ahead to the south, you can see an opening in the cliff-face.
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You can go: South <S>, North <N>
Contents: A giant wearing a tattered blue cape (Thunderfoot) and A wolf of intimidating size and strength (Nevarre).
>>> Thunderfoot mercilessly rams his blade into Nevarre! Nevarre is cut deeply, the blow sending blood flying everywhere!
Caileana follows her Alpha’s and the giants tracks at full speed, her jaw clenched and golden eyes flaming.
Indra comes trotting toward you from the south.
The ground trembles faintly as you hear heavy footfalls to the south.
The ground trembles faintly as you hear heavy footfalls to the south.
Nevarre lays weakly on the ground. He raises his head just slightly to see Caileana arriving along the path. He shouts, though weak and ambiguous to who, “Get back!”
Caileana howls as she sees Thunderfoot pierce Nevarre with his blade. She leaps forward to put herself between the two, ignoring Nevarre. She snarls at the Giant. “THAT IS ENOUGH. STOP THIS, THUNDERFOOT!”
The ground trembles faintly as you hear heavy footfalls to the south.
Caileana throws back her head and howls into the sky.
The ground trembles faintly as you hear heavy footfalls to the south.
Thunderfoot roars in anger, not even hearing the words, much less acknowledging the other wolf coming in. As she leaps in front of him he roars, “MEEEEE SMMMMAAAAARRRRTTT!” and swings aiming for Nevarre, but with the other in the way, who knows?
Nevarre gets up to his feet and says quietly to Cail, “I told you to stay away.” He then shouts to the giant, “Hey stupid! Follow me!”
Nevarre trots northward, following the cliffs’ base.
Thunderfoot walks northward, following the cliffs’ base.
The ground trembles faintly as you hear heavy footfalls to the north.
Indra comes up behind Caileana. “Lion,” she mutters. “Nevarre–”
Caileana grits her teeth and follows them
Along the Western Cliffs
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You stand at the base of the Western Cliffs, the bluffs of incredible height that mark the western border of Narnia. This area is shady, but open. The foliage here is sparse and scrubby, the ground rocky and hard but the trees of Lantern Waste can be seen just to the east, a thick wood of dense trees and undergrowth.
The cliffs continue southward and northward.
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You can go: South <S>, North <N>
Contents: A dwarf with a red beard (Larkbeard); A giant wearing a tattered blue cape (Thunderfoot); A leopard with black fur; and A wolf of intimidating size and strength (Nevarre).
>>> Thunderfoot mercilessly rams his blade into Nevarre! Nevarre is cut deeply, the blow sending blood flying everywhere!
COMBAT> Thunderfoot has DEFEATED Nevarre!
Indra comes trotting toward you from the south.
Nevarre sets down a leather satchel.
Nevarre sets down a Bone Pendant.
Nevarre continues to run north with the giant following him. As the giant’s sword hits him hard, he flies forward and lands hard on the ground, unable to get up
Caileana snarls again and leaps after the two. “I said stop!” She directs this at the Giant and leaps at him.
>>> Caileana bites Thunderfoot hard, her teeth sinking into Thunderfoot’s skin. Thunderfoot winces, the bite stinging him a bit.
Indra says, “CAILEANA.”
Thunderfoot picks up the Bone Pendant.
Thunderfoot picks up a leather satchel.
Thunderfoot ignores the attacking wolf entirely, still focused on the one, he scoops up the wolf and everything around him and tries to run him along the edge of his blade
>>> Thunderfoot mercilessly rams his blade into Nevarre! Nevarre is cut deeply, the blow sending blood flying everywhere!
Nevarre FAINTS!
Thunderfoot picks up Nevarre.
Indra cries out.
Caileana howls and howls. She attacks the Giant again.
Caileana throws back her head and howls into the sky.
Caileana throws back her head and howls into the sky.
Indra throws back her head and howls into the sky.
Larkbeard walks in from the north.
>>> Caileana nips at Thunderfoot! Thunderfoot winces, the bite stinging him a bit.
Larkbeard looks at the giant and the wolves.
A leopard with black fur walks in from the east
The ground trembles faintly as you hear heavy footfalls to the south.
A giant with a large warty nose comes walking toward you from the south.
The ground trembles beneath your feet.
A leopard with black fur pieces the story together
The ground trembles faintly as you hear heavy footfalls to the south.
Thunderfoot turns now, smiling victoriously as the wolf goes down again, finally he spins on the othe wolf that’d been attacking him
>>> Thunderfoot mercilessly rams his blade into Caileana! Caileana is cut deeply, the blow sending blood flying everywhere!
A giant with a large warty nose comes from the south. “KING THIS STUPID.”
The ground trembles faintly as you hear heavy footfalls to the south.
Indra howls her daughter’s name.
Indra throws back her head and howls into the sky.
A giant with huge ears comes walking toward you from the south.
The ground trembles beneath your feet.
A giant carrying a club comes walking toward you from the south.
The ground trembles beneath your feet.
A leopard with black fur runs south
Caileana goes limp and collapses as Thunderfoot pierces her with his blade. She struggles to get back to her paws. “Listen…to…your underling…Thunderfoot.”
A leopard with black fur pads southward, following cliffs.
Larkbeard pulls out his axe.
Indra runs to her daughter, standing before her in case of another attack. “Caileana, he won’t hear it.”
Thunderfoot looks up, actually now hearing the wolf’s words and looking to the others, “What stupid?” He says dangerously.
A giant with a large warty nose points to the wolves.
Larkbeard moves closer to Caileana.
Caileana pushes herself all the way up and eyes Thunderfoot and the other Giants. “Then he’ll listen to my teeth,” she growls low. “He’s not taking Nevarre.” She doesn’t move just yet, waiting to see what the Giants will do.
A giant with huge ears pokes Jotun with one forefinger. “Want fuzzy.” He eyes Caileana speculatively.
Thunderfoot shakes the bloody one in his hand and grips his sword “Me have mine.” he says maliciously, “You get own. Dey fine if you want.” he nods to the two wolves near.
A giant carrying a club frowns at Ears. “Take then.”
Indra says, “Think. It is your only asset against them. If you blindly attack you will be the same as them, except less powerful.”
A giant with huge ears, speaking of blindly attacking.
>>> Bumblegub swings his fist at Caileana, grazing her. Caileana is left smarting from the blow!
Indra growls at the oncoming giant, defending her daughter.
>>> Indra nips at Bumblegub! Bumblegub winces, the bite stinging him a bit.
A giant with huge ears says sternly, “BAD FUZZY.”
Caileana quivers and looks as though she’s going to answer Indra. She staggers sideways at the giant’s blow.
The bone pendant slips through a gap in Thunderfoots fingers, landing unnoticed in a clump of weeds near the cliff wall.
>>> Bumblegub tries to hit Indra, but misses.
>>> Indra dodged!
Thunderfoot sets down a Bone Pendant.
A giant with a large warty nose says, “STUPID.”
Thunderfoot has had enough, “THEN SMASH STUPID! You can!” he roars angrily, walking away now. South again, apparently lost?
Thunderfoot walks southward, following cliffs.
The ground trembles faintly as you hear heavy footfalls to the south.
A giant with a large warty nose says, “UUUUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHH.”
Virika comes trotting toward you from the south.
Caileana places a paw on the pendant as she staggers. She looks down sharply, and grabs it between her teeth. She looks torn between her mother and the shaking ground to the south.
You pick up the Bone Pendant
Indra manages to dodge the big giant’s attack. She stays standing between the giants and Caileana.
Virika runs in from the south, looking worse for wear. She howls.
A giant with huge ears aims another smash at the gray wolf.
Virika throws back her head and howls into the sky.
>>> Bumblegub swings his fist at Indra, grazing her. Indra is left smarting from the blow!
A giant carrying a club says, “Loud.”
A giant with huge ears agrees, “Too much loud.” He smashes at Virika too, because why not.
A giant with a large warty nose scowls at Jotun. “You loud.”
>>> Urmgalag tries to hit Jotun, but misses.
>>> Bumblegub swings awkwardly at Virika with his fist barely making contact. Virika is bruised!
Caileana stuffs the pendant into the small bag she’s wearing close to her side and snaps at the Giant who hits at her mother.
>>> Caileana bites Bumblegub hard, her teeth sinking into Bumblegub’s skin. Bumblegub winces, the bite stinging him a bit.
Indra takes a hit but manages to dodge most of the blow. “He has Nevarre,” she tells Virika.
A giant carrying a club growls. “What that for?”
>>> Jotun beats Urmgalag mercilessly with his wooden club! Jotun’s weapon is dull! Urmgalag is bruised!
A giant with a large warty nose exclaims, “AAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUWWWWWWWWWWW!”
Virika dodges the first but not the second. She rolls as she hits the ground, regaining her feet shakily. She yells, “I know!” She pants and draws back.
>>> Urmgalag tries to hit Jotun, but misses.
Indra asks, “Where is Alpha Eirwyn?”
A giant with huge ears shouts, “OWWWWWW! YOU STUPID!”
A giant carrying a club doesn’t seem to notice the second attempted hit.
>>> Bumblegub smacks Caileana hard with his fist! Caileana is seriously injured!
Caileana calls over her shoulder at her mother, “We need to go after Thunderfoot!” She calls out just before staggering under the fist of the giant.
Indra jumps to defend Caileana, “No, Caileana. Remember your father!”"
A giant with huge ears blubs, “Oww!” and retaliates.
Virika says, “With Lovisa… they were behind me…” She snarls, “NO. That’s what got us into this mess in the first place… Oh bother!” She yells as she watches the two giants fight, “Draw back, let them fight each other.”
Larkbeard picks up a Roasted Rabbit.
Larkbeard picks up a Pack of Hardtack.
Caileana’s ears flatten. “If we can get to him before he takes him out of the Waste…” She starts
A giant carrying a club lumbers towards the dwarf picking up the food. “Hungry!”
Virika yells, “WE CAN’T.”
Larkbeard says, “No, this is for you.”
A giant carrying a club attempts to take a rabbit away from the dwarf, but… sort of can’t. Not very dextrous. He ends up hitting the dwarf instead.
>>> Jotun tries to hit Larkbeard, but misses.
>>> Larkbeard dodged!
Larkbeard hands Roasted Rabbit to Jotun.
A leopard with black fur comes padding toward you from the south.
A giant with huge ears, thoroughly frustrated, flies into a temper tantrum and swings at any wolf in reach.
>>> Bumblegub smacks Caileana hard with his fist! Caileana is seriously injured!
COMBAT> Bumblegub has DEFEATED Caileana!
Larkbeard says, “Try it.”
Caileana’s eyes darken. She pulls back just in time to be smacked again. She collapses in a heap.
A giant carrying a club looks surprised to find himself in possession of a rabbit. He goes back to ignoring all the other creatures while he eats it.
Virika glowers at the dwarf, “You fool! Leave the food and RUN.”
A giant with huge ears hits the most convenient fuzzy again.
Indra cries out. “Virika, help me get Caileana out of here. Larkbeard, run!”
>>> Bumblegub tries to hit Caileana, but misses.
>> You dodged!
Virika runs to her packmates, “To the den!”
A leopard with black fur walks in from the south
Larkbeard says to the giants “Who wants a Rabbit.”
Caileana rolls to the side only just enough to avoid the blow from the giant with huge ears. She grunts and starts attempting to get back up.
Indra shrugs Caileana’s body over her shoulders.
A giant with huge ears shouts, “NO! MY FUZZY.”
Virika helps Indra get Caileana up. “Take her.”
>>> Bumblegub tries to hit Caileana, but misses.
>> You dodged!
Indra moves as swiftly as she can under the weight.
Virika snarls and snaps at the one grabby handed giant.
A giant with huge ears hollers, “YOU CAN’T TAKE MY FUZZY!”
>>> Virika bites Bumblegub! Bumblegub winces, the bite stinging him a bit.
>>> Bumblegub tries to hit Virika, but misses.
>>> Virika dodged!
Virika snarls, “BACK OFF.”
A giant with a large warty nose grabs for the rabbit, “ME”
>>> Urmgalag tries to hit Larkbeard, but misses.
A giant with huge ears lets out a roar that sounds something like a spoiled three-year-old denied a favorite toy. Times fifty.
At the Base of the Western Cliffs
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You stand at the base of cliffs so tall you can only barely make out where they stop and the sky begins above you. The forest presses close against them here, making this area cool and shady. A large cave opening yawns into the side of the cliff, the path leading in tilting sharply downward and disappearing from view almost immediately. To the east, a path winds through the trees, lead to the large clearing that makes up the Gathering Circle.
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You can go: Gathering Circle <E>, North <N>, Cave <W>
Contents: A wolf with a smoky coat (Indra).
A giant with huge ears comes walking toward you from the north.
The ground trembles beneath your feet.
A giant with huge ears pelts after them, hollering, “COME BACK FUZZY.”
Indra struggles to get away from the giant, but Caileana’s weight encumbers her and she can’t get to the den in time. She makes for the closer cave instead.
The Cavern of the Lists
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The Cavern of the Lists is clearly dwarfs’ work. What was probably initially a moderately-sized cave running into the western cliffs has been hewn out into a much larger chamber, carefully braced with thick wood struts, and hung about with iron lanterns in bracers on the walls. There is a large cavern opening at the far side, leading into the main list. A large bear stands next to it, dozing cheerfully. A smaller opening to the south leads into the training lists, while a third, to the northwest, leads to the gallery.
The cave opens to the east, leading outside.
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You can go: List Cavern <W>, Gallery <NW>, Practice List <S>, Out <E>
Contents: A wolf with a smoky coat (Indra); An unicorn with blue eyes (Lapis); An unicorn with flowers braided in her mane (Trianna); and Combat Tournament Kiosk.
A giant with huge ears enters from above, joining you in the cave.
The ground trembles beneath your feet.
Virika enters from above, joining you in the cave.
Indra labours into the cave and into a back passage where the giant can’t fit.
Practice List Cavern
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This cavern is considerably smaller than the others, but it has the same rough-hewn appearance that belies its origin as being the result of dwarves pickwork as opposed to natural process. Some lanterns hang here to illuminate the cavern, their flames casting a flickery orange-green glow that dances on the stone walls and ceiling. The chamber is approximately round, and at the center of the room there are several wooden boxes set up, around which you can see the remnants of straw and torn burlap. At the distant end of the room, Chinafar the dwarf sits with a thick needle and twine, sewing more targets together for patrons to use for practice.
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You can go: Main Cavern <N>
Contents: A wolf with a smoky coat (Indra); Chinafar; and Straw Target.
You hear a bunch of REALLY ANGRY ROARING and stuff from the outside chamber.
Indra trots north.
Eirwyn arrives from the main cavern to the north.
Lovisa arrives from the main cavern to the north..
Indra arrives from the main cavern to the north.
Caileana is sort of collapsed in the center of the Practice Lists, her head raised and ears up. She looks like she’s tried to get up several times.
Indra half-collapses as soon as they enter the cavern, wheezing.
Trianna arrives from the main cavern to the north.
Lapis arrives from the main cavern to the north.
Eirwyn pads into the practice list with Lovisa, panting but otherwise not looking particularly injured.
Lapis barely dodges a third attack on herself from the giant before bolting hard southward.
Lovisa makes it through the entry just as Eirwyn does, finally taking the time to assess her wound, which has opened up again. She, too, is breathing hard.
Virika arrives from the main cavern to the north.
Trianna whinnies to Eirwyn. “We were looking for Petraverd. Where is he?”
Lapis trots over toward Lovisa, glancing to Trianna. “Do you have anything to heal her?” she asks her herd sister.
Eirwyn pants heavily. She says to Lovisa, “Sit….”
Indra moves over to Caileana to assess her wounds.
Caileana watches the Wolves and Unicorns filter in, sides heaving and blood streaming from a particularly nasty stab wound. She drags her paws under her but doesn’t succeed in getting up.
Trianna shakes her head. “I emptied the load I carried at the Cail days ago. There are things I could retrieve from the woods. Unfortunately we may be stuck.”
Virika scampers in a few moments after the unicorns.
Lovisa answers the unicorns first. “He made it out. Alive, at least, though…injured.” She weaves on her paws suddenly and has to do as Eirwyn suggests.
Virika stops and turns to look back to the north, trembling as she stands. Her ear and a half perk as her breath comes in ragged gasps.
Lapis says, “I don’t think its save to leave the caverns.” She whinnies painfully as she spots Caileana in pain. She trots over to the wounded scout, lowering her head to help support her and get her toward her packmates.
Indra says, “Stay still.”
Trianna looks around at the injured wolves. “Where might we find him and how might we help you?”
Virika remains facing northward, her muscles tight. She lowers her head and listens.
Eirwyn looks over to Caileana. She nods and says to Caileana, “Just… rest a moment, Caileana.” She then looks to Trianna, “Virika helped him to the shelter tree. You’ll find him there.”
Caileana offers Lapis a wavering smile but her ears flatten to her skull when Indra addresses her. She nods and noses the Unicorn’s cheek slightly before resorting to panting in a controlled attempt to get her breathing under control.
Trianna looks at the mouth of the cave. “Is it safe to venture out? We shouldn’t leave you with so many wounded. We must find Petraverd and take him to the naiad, though. Esynyn will heal him.”
Indra says, “You’re bleeding pretty badly, and if you move you’ll lose more.”
Virika keeps her head low and moves several steps forward.
Lovisa sinks to her haunches to tend to her wound. “Your mother is right. See to your own safety or you cannot help anyone…”
Lapis’s white muzzlefur is now stained a bit red from Caileana’s blood. “They may be safe here,” she says to Trianna, “but I don’t think any wolf is in any condition to fight. It may just be up to us. If that giant is still holding onto Nevarre … we won’t be able to free him, not through fighting. Maybe … if we had something to barter with …”.
Virika cautiously moves northward.
Virika trots north.
Virika arrives from the main cavern to the north.
Trianna shakes her head and watches as Virika moves north.
Caileana just grunts at all the comments aimed at her and swings her nose around to eye her wound. She catches sight of the leathery string sticking out of her money bag. “Alpha,” she wheezes.
Virika returns and says, “The big one’s gone but I hear more thunder… and not the storm kind. It was a bit beyond the entrance. I think we should wait a while more.”
Caileana tugs the bone pendant out with her teeth.
Eirwyn surveys the other wolves in the pactice list. She remains quiet for a long time, shaking slightly as she takes in their conditions. She then looks back to the Unicorns and frowns. Her voice is pained. “There is little you can do now.”
Lovisa struggles back to her paws and speaks to the unicorns this time. “No. I am ambassador to Their Majesties, and I say this is beyond any of us. The Waste is more important. You may tell your dominant that the castle will hear of this. Do not pursue without the reinforcements they can send.” Her eyes fix on the pendant.
Indra pulls the pendant out of the bag for her daughter, “Alpha Eirwyn. Caileana recovered this before the giants could take it.”
Virika lingers near the entrance, listening.
Caileana fixes Lovisa with a black stare as her gaze fixes on the pendant. She sits up and straightens her shoulders with a grimace of pain.
Lapis looks to Lovisa. “Should one of us try to reach Their Majesties to let them know we’ve been invaded and attacked?” she asks. “I am strong and healthy enough, I haven’t been injured by the giants … but I don’t know the way. I’m sure, though, other Narnians would help, and I could ask any I meet, to have their warriors come to Lantern Waste.”
Eirwyn simply nods her agreement with Lovisa. She pads over to Indra and Caileana, looking almost blankly at the pendant. She gives a small nod. “Thank you, Caileana…”
Virika asks quietly, “Alpha… I–I don’t hear it. Should I should go to see if the coast is clear?”
You hand Bone Pendant to Eirwyn.
Trianna clops toward the entrance a few paces, her hooves echoing in the cavern. She looks back at the younger mare. “No, we have our duties here. We must find Petraverd and take him safely back home.”
Lovisa meets Caileana’s glare with some asperity. “Throwing your life away will not assure the return of your Alpha. I will bear the message myself, as soon as it is light. This is no time for anything but sense.”
Indra says, “Let me scout the way. I’ve survived giants before.”
Eirwyn nods. “Indra, perhaps you and Virika should go together.”
Virika takes a step towards the unicorns, “WAIT.” Her voice is sharp.
Virika looks to Indra, “I’ll follow your lead.”
Lapis looks to all. “I was with Nevarre and Petraverd a few days ago,” she recalls. “Nevarre asked Petraverd to help defend the Ulfden dens in case the giants did attack … is there anyone left there?” she asks.
Caileana gives Lovisa a flat look and doesn’t say anything. But her look conveys quite clearly, “Don’t try to pretend like you know me.”
Indra nods to Virika. “Let’s go then.”
Virika nods and cautiously departs with Indra.
Virika trots north.
Indra trots north.
Lovisa lets Caileana’s expression roll off of her and sinks down again to let herself start to recover.
Eirwyn moves over to Caileana. She speaks quietly to her. “Not now, all right? Just rest. Please.”
Trianna eyes the wolves as they leave. “And if the coast isn’t clear, will one come back for help?”
Caileana hehs. She nods to Eirwyn but doesn’t lay back down.
Eirwyn nods. “Or they will retreat, or howl for help. They are both wise Wolves.”
Lovisa nods in agreement with Eirwyn’s assessment of her pack. “They have demonstrated as much to my satisfaction this day”, she says.
Caileana’s head dips slightly between her front paws, which are braced against the stone floor.
Trianna scrapes at the ground with a hoof and sniffs it. “If you are not in need of us here, it is useless for us to stay. Especially if Petraverd was wounded enough to be taken somewhere.” It’s obvious her expression is pained. “I wish not to offend you. It’s appreciated that your pack would be so kind to scout.” She looks back at Lapis. “I think we should go.”
Lapis looks over the wolves carefully. “If we find any Ulfden wounded or stranded, we should bring them here,” she says to Trianna.
Eirwyn frowns. “Any of ours should be brought to our den, if it is safe enough to be out in the Waste as it is. I would advise remaining until they return.”
Virika arrives from the main cavern to the north.
Indra arrives from the main cavern to the north.
Petraverd arrives from the main cavern to the north.
Caileana twists around with a grimace and starts, after a moment’s pause, licking her wound clean.
Indra comes into the cavern with Petraverd and Virika, moving to back of the group again as they enter the caverns.
Virika returns after a good number of minutes have passed. She and Indra move cautiously. Virika remains close to Petraverd’s side. Her expression is grim.
Lovisa’s ears are pricked forward, listening for any signs of someone returning. She picks her head up to see who is coming.
Lapis’s ears perk and swivel at the approaching paw and hoofsteps, the once familiar echo much distorted by the contorted destruction in the List Cavern entrance.
Petraverd’s movements are stiff and stilted as he makes his way into the cavern with Virika and Indra. His own appearance is ragged, his coat stained, and his expression, while doing its best to remain relatively calm, betrays his own pain.
Trianna looks over Petraverd and gasps. She whinnies angrily at Virika. “Why would you bring him here? It’s too far to travel with such a wound!” She snorts and trots over to the stallion. “Oh, Petraverd. Are you alright?”
Virika’s gaze snaps to Trianna. Her mouth draws in a tight line and her eyes blaze with indignation. Her body trembles violently.
Eirwyn sits down not far from Caileana. She continues to shake slightly, but she frowns deeply when Trianna whinnies angrily. She gets to her paws and pads over to Virika. She whispers something to her quietly.
Caileana’s head raises as the threesome arrive, and her own expression shadows at Trianna’s tone. She inhales and watches quietly, for the time being.
Petraverd manages a faint smile as he says simply, “I’ll be fine.” He adds something in a lower tone.
Lovisa maintains her calm, attending to the matted fur around her own wound. “Safer here than in the open, and closer than the Dale”, she observes.
Lapis bolts quickly to Petraverd’s side, leaning into him to help support him. “Peridot, Quicksilver and the other Un’aireken got to safety in the Cail,” she tries to assure him.
Indra explains mildly, “This is the safest close place.”
Petraverd mumbles “And… take … … … don’t … … be … … other’s …at a … … …”, to Trianna.
Indra nods to Lovisa.
Virika’s jaw tightens further. She swallows hard as Eirwyn whispers to her. She gives a very slow nod to her alpha. Her eyes, however, remain locked onto Trianna and her expression is decidedly unfriendly.
Lapis mumbles “… … … hold … … … … … holding him seemed … uninjured … … most … … … … have … idea … he … … … … their clutches. … I … … conversation … Nevarre … … … … … … Defending … … …”, to Petraverd.
Caileana watches Virika and Eirwyn closely. “Hunter,” she says weakly, after a moment and motions Virika close to her with her muzzle in a distinctly hopeful, but not commanding, gesture.
Trianna gives Petraverd a look and mumbles something to him.
Indra paces the entranceway of the cavern. She seems mostly fine on the outside, but her breath comes in wheezes, and she struggles a bit to move.
Eirwyn takes a moment to look over Petraverd’s condition, but remains at a distance as his herdmates go to him. She then looks to the north and the exit, her expression and tone even, numb, as she asks Virika and Indra, “Were they still close?”
Virika draws several deep, shuddering breaths in and out through her nose. Finally she speaks. Her voice is cold and devoid of emotion. “They’re gone. It should be safe to return to our homes.” Her gaze remains locked on Trianna.
Petraverd closes his eyes a moment, taking a few breaths to steady himself. He gives the faintest of nods toward Lapis’ words, but his attentions shift to Eirwyn, the pain in his face giving way to concern.
Trianna mumbles “This is … … … … … … trusting. Our herd is being … … … … … strong enough … … … to … … … … … too far, …”, to Petraverd.
Lovisa directs her next words to Virika in a low, even tone.
Petraverd frowns deeply at Trianna’s words, and replies.
Petraverd mumbles “If not for the wolves, … would … … standing … … now.”, to Trianna.
Lovisa mumbles “Do … … … the trouble … … … … for the … … … herdmate ought not … be mistake … … offense. … would … the … in … … of … … … suspect. Be … …”, to Virika.
Virika’s gaze moves to Lovisa. She replies quietly.
Virika mumbles “Concerned yes. … not … so. … … not … the ones … helped save … … my own.”, to Lovisa.
Virika mumbles “… am deeply wounded by … rebuke … … will… … … pass.”, to Lovisa.
Lovisa replies with a faint smile.
Trianna snorts a little and looks Petraverd over. She shakes her head and mumbles to
him.
Lovisa mumbles “… … … … … the … wisdom … …”, to Virika.
Indra moves over to Eirwyn, “Do you want a full report on what happened, Alpha, or would you rather wait?”
Caileana glances between the whispering parties with a faint frown. She exhales a lengthy sigh and then her gaze rest on Eirwyn and the bone pendant. Her eyes shadow. She sinks to the ground completely and lays her head on her paws.
Trianna mumbles “Yes. … … still be where you … … taken … safety so we… … … together. As a … … wolves. I … … … have … but truly … … unicorns … to … … own … … …”, to Petraverd.
Virika manages a slow, grim smile to Lovisa, although it does not reach her eyes. She lowers her gaze and her expression becomes sorrowful. Her breathing is raspy and she trembles where she stands. She finally looks up to Petraverd, “Do you need my help getting back to your home Petra?”
Eirwyn turns her attention to Indra. She pauses for a long moment before saying quietly, “Best not to wait. Lovisa should hear this too, so she can bring as much information to Their Majesties.”
Indra nods once, “Here, or someplace more private?”
Trianna shoots an angry glance at the wolf and replies for the stallion. “NO!”
Lovisa shifts a bit to take some of the pressure off of her injuries. She tilts her head toward Indra and Eirwyn at the sound of her name. “I am yours to command for the present”, she says mildly.
Virika ignores Trianna, keeping her gaze on Petraverd. Her expression flickers.
Lapis lifts her head to listen intently. She glances toward Eirwyn, as though she has something to say, but patiently awaits the report.
Petraverd looses a rather sharper whinny than one might expect considering his state. “Enough!” he says toward Trianna. “I can speak for myself.” Turning to Virika he says, “I think my herdmates can support me well enough on the way home.” Finally he turns his glance to Eirwyn. “We’ll speak later?” he says simply.
Virika gives a slow nod. “All right.”
Eirwyn is about to respond to Lovisa and Indra, when she hears the sharp whinny. She looks over to Petraverd and nods. “We will. Petraverd, thank you for everything tonight, and be well.”
Trianna’s ears flick forward in surprise at Petraverd. She returns, “And you usually speak for all of us.” She looks back at Lapis. “We are leaving. Now.”
Virika says quietly, “Petra?”
Caileana watches silently, her eyes flickering.
Indra glances up at the whinny as well.
Petraverd nods toward Eirwyn, replying, “The same to you.” He regards Virika with a small smile, saying, “We’ll speak later as well. Thank you for leaping to my aid tonight.”
Lapis turns to face Eirwyn, vowfully. “I will, however, return, and do my best to help protect the den, as Nevarre had asked.” She looks to Trianna. “Ulfden, Un’aireken … we are all Narnians, and … when we can … we should stand as one.” She moves to leave with her herdmates, protectively near Petraverd.
Trianna nods. “We fight together. We live apart. Unicorns and Wolves are different.” She looks at Petraverd. “Shall we start off slow?”
Petraverd nods once toward Lovisa. “We will need each other even more in the coming days.” He wavers slightly, and lets out a breath. “Let’s go. I should be back at the Cail before my strength gives out.”
Trianna trots north.
Lapis trots north.
Petraverd trots north.
Virika blinks at Trianna’s words and stares at the wall ahead of her. Her expression is grim.
Lovisa lets out a breath of her own, not without some effort. “I did not expect I would have yet another front to fight on…” she says quietly.
Caileana murmurs quietly, “Welcome to the Waste.”
Virika looks to Lovisa. Her voice wobbles, “What… did I do… to cause /that/?”
Indra looks surprised and confused as well.
Lovisa watches in the direction the unicorns left. “I would say…nothing. Such resentment was not the product of an afternoon.”
Virika looks down at her paws, carefully drawing breaths in and out. Her frames starts to tremble again.
Caileana speaks up again. “No. Trianna strikes me as protective of her herd. And she does not agree with Petraverd’s closeness with us all. It is not so much you as he, Hunter.” She makes a pained face and falls quiet.
Eirwyn is unable to respond to Lapis before they leave. She sighs, beginning to lose her composure as her breathing hitches. “I have never known Trianna to say such things, whatever her opinion.” She inhales deeply, trying to calm herself again. “For now… Indra, that report? Here will be fine. I am loathe to move the injured just yet, and this is as private now as anywhere.”
Virika very slowly lowers herself to the ground, resting her head on her paws. She stares at the wall, her expression becoming vacant.
Lovisa settles herself to listen.
Indra nods and finally allows herself to sit. She breathes carefully, “As you know, Caileana followed after the Alpha, and I after her. Upon arrival I saw that Alpha Nevarre was quite hurt. Caileana did her best to distract or fend off the Giant, but he was fixated upon Nevarre.” She pauses and releases a great breath before continuing, “He hardly even looked to her until Nevarre–” She stops again and glances at Caileana. “Caileana fought even after,” she leaves after what vague, “The giant dropped the pendant, and Caileana managed to recover it. He eventually tired of us and walked off carrying the Alpha.”
Indra glances to the other Wolves who were present.
Virika gives a low whine.
Indra says, “I… believe the Alpha was still alive, but I am not certain of it.”
Caileana nods, her golden eyes filling with grief. “Yeah, I think he was alive. But he was at least unconscious. Likely the one with huge ears would’ve taken me too if it hadn’t been for my mother.” She looks down at her paws. “I’m sorry, Alpha.”
Lovisa gives a solemn nod. “Then…it is as I suspected. If they did not kill him right there…”
Virika immediately looks to Eirwyn, her expression becoming concerned.
Eirwyn’s knees buckle and sits down heavily. She shakes her head, her composure finally breaking. She says nothing for a while, her breathing irregular as she tries to stay calm. She asks Lovisa, her voice cracking, “Then…?”
Virika forces herself up. She stands beside Eirwyn protectively.
Indra says, “There were more giants. We fought them until they became distracted and then returned here. They had begun fighting amongst themselves. Caileana fought until she had no strength left, Alpha.”
Lovisa murmurs, “And beyond, it looks like…”To Eirwyn, she replies, “We have so little to go by. As I said, it is possible they want him as a pet. If so, they will not harm him if they aren’t provoked.”
Caileana watches Eirwyn carefully, her expression concerned and pained. But her ears flicker at her mother’s added words, and she glances at Indra with some surprise in the depths of her eyes. It’s overpowered by sheer exhaustion quickly. She gives a small nod to Lovisa’s comment.
Virika says gently, “He’ll get out of this Alpha. He’s strong… and can be clever… I know he’ll get out… he’ll want to come back to you, so he’ll do what he needs to survive. You’ll see.”
Indra nods to Virika’s remark.
Eirwyn listens to the others talking, her expression pained. She glances to Virika as she speaks, her eyes watering. She blinks rapidly and then she says to them, “You all fought so admirably. Thank you for that.”
Indra says, “I am sorry, Alpha.”
Virika looks to Eirwyn, her ears pressing against her skull. Her expression is sad. “You and Nevarre led us well… we had good direction.”
Caileana gives a soft whine and blinks herself. “I wish I could’ve done more.” She looks away and murmurs near silently, “Again.”
Lovisa replies, “No need to speak in the past tense. I have negotiations to conclude and I intend to do all that I can to see Nevarre is back to take part in settling matters. We all did what was needed tonight, and we stood together.”
Eirwyn nods. Her voice is quiet, “Everyone did eveything they could. There is no need to feel as if you could, or should, have done more.” She nods to Lovisa, “And good… thank you.”
Virika gives a slow nod to this.
Caileana nods to Eirwyn slightly. Her muzzle slips back onto her paws, and she exhales wearily. Her eyes slide shut and she appears to be listening just with her eyes closed for a few moments, before her breathing deepens and she is asleep.
Indra glances between Caileana and the others, “I think we should assess injuries, leave someone here with those who ought not to move, and let the others go on to the den.”
Virika says quietly, “I can carry her. It’ll be better to have us all together… where we belong.”
Lovisa offers, “I will stay, since I alone have no place in your den, if one of you will come relieve me at first light so I may begin my journey to report to Cair Paravel.”
Indra glances at Eirwyn for a decision, rather than arguing her view.
Eirwyn looks to the others. “I think we need to do what will be best for those who are injured, even if it is to remain here for the night. I would rather not make something worse by moving one. However, if they are well enough to be moved, then perhaps the den is where they should go.”
