And we're off!
Enchanted Elf

Ambrosia . Somehow Enchanted had the feeling, the name of the planet did not match what they would be encountering. Obtaining from Lunzie a clear image of the planet, Enchanted looked around at the others to see if they were ready. Taking a deep breath she cast a portal and held it, indicating for the rest to go through. She shivered suddenly as she sensed a presence that had been hovering close by draw nearer.

As the last one through, Enchanted took a deep breath then entered, allowing the portal to close behind them. This planet was different, almost jungle like in appearance, and the sounds from the animals were very unusual. Finding the tree here was definitely going to be an experience.

Let's see, if I recall
Lunzie Istari

correctly, there should be a clump of Oak trees in a clearing somewhere in the middle of the jungle.

After many grueling hours of cutting their way through the dense foliage, the group arrived in a large clearing. The clearing was nothing but tall (aprx. 3 1/2 ft.) wild grasses with a clump of Oak trees in the center.

Out in the open the sweaty adventurers could see it was getting dark, and they should make camp. There would have no shortage of kindling and firewood, but why would anyone want to build a fire on a steamy, hot, tropical night?

Steamy? Yes. Hot? Well, maybe not.
Elyen Elf

Elyen stamped out a circle in the clearing. It was lousy of him to do so on near-virgin ground, but an elf gotta do, what an elf gotta do. Even when it meant flattening out some land for them to sit on.

It was odd how the grasses were so moist. Usually the taller ones like the lalang were drier. Still...

Equatorial forests might have come close to this one in terms of temperature and moisture. But they were to this what a small trickle of water was to a waterfall. The elf wiped off a bead of perspiration as the ladies settled on the grass that he had flattened along with Jess. Jungle days were warm and humid. Jungle nights on the other hand...

It's gonna get cold soon. He looked up and wondered about fires. It would be stupid to light one in so much greenery... not that it wouldn't be a minor miracle if they found dry wood. It looked like the monsoon season had just passed.

Scurrying to catch up
Jaina Jade

The portal left Jaina just enough time to answer Jess's question before jumping through. "I met Lunzie some time ago, in the course of my business you might say." She hoped no one would press for details. Her "job," killing evil vampires, wasn't exactly something to write your grandmama over.

Use of magic never failed to stun Jaina. The new world the travellers stepped into was immense and gorgeous. Jaina edged nearer Lunzie. "Sister, if you don't mind me saying... do you know for sure where we're going? Because I don't have a clue!"

*I'm BACK!!!*
Flute Istari

Sending hateful looks at Elyen, Flute stormed around the clearing, muttering.

"What is wrong, Little one?" Jess asked in concern.

"What is wrong? WHAT IS WRONG? ELLEN STORMED ON ALL THE GRASS IS WHAT IS WRONG!!! CAN YOU IMAGINE THE SCREAMS THAT'S STILL RINGING IN MY EARS???"

"Erm.... sorry Flute..... If I didn't do that, we won't have a place to sit..... so I, erm, I stepped on them and, erm, you know, get us a place to, erm, sit?"

Flute flopped down on the ground and whispered sadly. "You could have asked me to help. They would have moved if I asked..... Now...... now, they're all angry and that's bad."

Getting up, Flute went over to Shalana and snuggled up beside her. "I'm scared 'Lana. They won't let us pass so easily now......"

"Why do you say that, Flute?" Jess asked curiously.

"Coz they won't lead us out of the maze and they'll give all the wrong directions and that grumpy old oak tree won't be found and we'll be stuck here....."

Rest
Shalana Elf

Shalana would admit she was not use to this type of heat, and was very tired. Slowly relaxing she was suprised as Flute gave the some discouraging news. She gently stroked Flute and looked over at Jess. The plants would actually hinder them now, this didn't sound promising at all. Sighing she leaned back against the tree she was next to and decided she would let the others decide what they were going to do.

Well so-orry. . .
Elyen Elf

Elyen huffed as Flute cried about angry grasses and grumpy oaks. Were they his problem?

Don't answer.

He stomped (gently) towards the circle of trees near the centre of the rough circle that Jess and he had stomped out and sat by one large tree. If anything, at least it wasn't raining.

It started raining.

Soaked
Jaina Jade

"Just great," Jaina grumbled, and then she noticed Elyen's face. That was harsh, she reprimanded herself. "Sorry. Elyen, I didn't mean... it's the rain!"

She didn't know Elyen well enough to tell if her bumbling cheered him or not. Perfect. As usual, everyone's mad at me. Just wonderful.

Jaina eased her way to Flute's side. "Little one, is there any way for us to apologize to plants? So they won't be so angry?" Gods, I hope so! she prayed silently.

Seeing Jaina's face
Lunzie Istari

Lunzie walks over to her friend. Jaina? Are you ok? Crouching down so she is on eye level with Flute, Lunzie continues. Flute, please, is there a way to tell the plants that we are sorry? We can use all the help we can get.

Raining, raining.....the world is wet....
Flute Istari

Pondering both Lunzie & Jaina's question, Flute looked at the trampled plants.

"Well...."

Everyone looked expectantly at Flute.

"Ellen can start by saying sorry to them."

Elyen spluttered.

Everyone looked expectantly at Elyen.

I'm doing no such thing. If you guys think...."

Everyone glared at Elyen.

"I'm not the only one who trampled on those plants. Jess trampled too. How come he doesn't get to do the apologising??"

"Firebird has to straighten them!" Flute announced

"Straighten them?", Elyen looked at Flute blankly

"Yes, straighten them. Now get to it will you?"

As Elyen went around apologising to every single plant that was trampled, Jess went around straightening them.

"Ok.... all's done. Now where do we sit? And I hate saying this but they still look positively wilted to me."

Flute frowned at Elyen.

Moving into the middle of the wilted plants, Flute sat down, palms placed on the ground infront of her. Slowly, a soft green glow emerged from Flute's palms to spread out into the ground around her. The wilted plants slowly turned green again and stopped looking wilted. The green glow disappeared from Flute's palms.

Flute stood up unsteadily before falling on the ground unconscious.

Oh dear. . .
Elyen Elf

Elyen went over to the unconscious Flute and picked up the little girl in his arms. Dang but he shot off his mouth too fast sometimes... OK, more than sometimes. Flute hadn't deserved the stomping he'd done.

Feeling a tinge of shame, the elf stood up and walked closer to the gathering of trees in the center of the glade. It seemed apt that Flute rest in the middle of the verdant green life.

Maybe it would regenerate her.

"Hell, it's raining. What's a little rain?" He called behind his shoulder. "The trees should help shade us... until the morning comes, at least."

In the trees
Jess Phoenix

Jess had taken off the cloak he had been wearing before the rain had started and was glad he had done so.

He had started towards Flute when she had started fainting but Elyen had arrived there before him and picked the girl up.

Both headed towards the copse of trees, so Jess followed, taking his cloak with him. Upon reaching the elf and the little girl, he took his cloak and wrapped it around her.

Watching Flute sleep, Jess thought the least he could do was weave a few happy dreams for the happy little girl laying there.

Brushing a few strands of hair from her face, he wove those dreams and thought back to other times. Feeling Shalana come near, he took her hand in his and held it close.

Ambrosia is it?
Dragon Phoenix

The shadowy figure had returned to the planet just in time to see them jump through the portal to Ambrosia.

"Ambrosia," the figure whispered. "the planet of dinosaurs, and that sour old oak tree who threatened to tell my secret. Well, we can't have that."

Chuckling wickedly, the figure placed the ring back on it's finger, and disappeared once more.

What now?
(soggy) Jaina Jade

Jaina stayed close by Jess and Flute. The girl looked drained but happy enough in her sleep.

Now of all verbs, why did I have to use "drained?" Jaina sighed. Jess, near enough to hear, glanced at her. She didn't notice. Drained. It brought a flood of best forgotten memories.

Gently, Jaina brushed Flute's hair away from her face. She's so peaceful. She softly swept ahead.

"Lunzie?" she asked. "I'm fine, I guess. Um, where are we going from here? I mean, aren't there big nasty lizards with sharp teeth and all?" She swallowed hard. "Please tell me you know what you're -- WE'RE -- doing here!"

Deep Sleep
Flute Istari

Flute has fallen into a deep, deep sleep and she's dreaming a happy dream. Yet, something was wrong. Fear kept intruding into the dream.

The daisies were soaking up the sun's rays & Flute's chasing a deer. All seems well until the deer transformed into a hugh monster. The monster started trampling on Flute....

Flute started whimpering before screaming in terror.

Pet Dinosaurs
Dragon Phoenix

The figure rode on top of a large triceratops, traveling a well-beaten path.

"I must beat them to the oak tree, and trample the nasty thing." It spoke out loud."Perhaps my pets can help me."

They came out into a clearing, where a small group of triceratops waited. Their leader was carrying the hooded figure they had seen before, and had come to respect.

A cold smile appeared beneath the rim of the hood. "Better yet, instead of trampling the oak... Now, is this a job for the triceratops, or the T-Rex?"

Not dinosaurs!
Elyen Elf

Elyen looked up from his watch of Flute. Something was wrong. Elven ears picked up the sudden silence of the night and he stood up, looking around.

It was too silent. Far too silent for his liking. Then he heard it. A breathing...

"Shh, Jess, did you hear that?" He cocked his head to one side, unsheathing his sword as the women gathered around the sleeping child in the grove.

A step moved towards them, a large step. The elf froze as the monster stepped into the moonlight.

Oh gods, crap! The large lizard-like monster with razor sharp teeth was looking right at them...

SHALA AND KYTHRI!!!!!!!!
Lunzie Istari

The outburst was as unexpected to Lunzie as it was to the rest of the group. She had just been about to answer Jaina's question when the Thunder Lizard appeared. Gathering around the sleeping Flute, everyone prepared to fight.

Normally I would suggest that we just stand still. These beasts have poor eyesight and the rain would interfere with their sense of smell, but I think this one is following someone's orders. Anyone have any suggestions? If not, I suggest that we

RUN!!!!!!

Better than nothing
Jaina Jade

Jaina gaped at the huge reptile. "Imagine what those canines would get from the Tooth Fairy!" she quipped, stomach sinking.

Lunzie and the others didn't find it very funny. "We need a place to run!" cried Lunzie over the beast's screeching.

"Umm... cover me while I try something!" Lunzie looked skeptical, but moved in front of Jaina. The vampire hunter closed her eyes and Searched. C'mon c'mon! There must be something resembling bats around here.

"What's she doing?" asked Elyen.

"She's trying to find a bat cave for us to hide in," replied Lunzie. "I hope it works."

"So do I." Elyen never stopped watching the T-Rex.

Lunzie's aura is so powerful... There! Her eyes flew open. "To the north! There's a large subterranean cave. We can rest just beyond the mouth. An overhang keeps it dry from rain. Let's go!" she babbled, pulling people's (and elves' and a vampire's) arms to get them moving the right direction.

ARG!
Lunzie Istari

Jess! Grab Flute! Yelled Lunzie as she was pulled along by Jaina.

RUN??? How about a portal???
Enchanted Elf

Enchanted watched quietly as Flute was taken care of by Elyen, Jess and Shalana. She didn't mind the rain; in fact she had an affinity with water. However, she did mind big reptiles that appeared very very hungry. She had never seen a lizard this huge before, and she was sure her eyes had to be as big as the lizards. She was vaguely aware of her sister yelling RUN, however Enchanted wasn't sure where they would run. None of them were familiar with this area, what if they ran into another large reptile like the one coming at them.

Jaina's cave find was exactly what had been needed. In the chaos that ensued the quickly gathered their belongings, Jess took Flute, and they all began to run. It didn't take Enchanted long at all to decide this was NOT going to work. The lizard with its long strides was catching up fast. "WAIT!" She yelled as she quested to Jaina and obtain the exact location of the cave "Lets do this the easy way!" So saying Enchanted cast a portal to the cave and motioned them through. The roar of the Dinosaur was deafening. Looking back over her shoulder she paled....gawds they better hurry or all this would be moot.

Shoo!
Elyen Elf

Elyen herded the rest into the portal after Enchanted, all the while looking back over his shoulder at the approaching dinosaur (that didn't look like it cared much for meals that run).

As Jess leapt into the portal, Flute in his arms, Ari following closely behind, Elyen could finally join the others. With a soft pop!, the portal closed behind them, and they were safe in the caverns...

Anyone remember what happens in caverns when it rains? Limestone/chalk don't hold water. Prepare to swim for your life as the subterranean cave starts filling up with a sudden flash flood... *weg*

Company?
Shalana Elf

Shalana could not beleive her eyes as the huge lizard came at them. She quickly followed Jess and the others staying close at hand to protect Flute. Through the portal and into a darkness they all went. She stopped and did not move. How interesting, they were now out of the rain, away from the dinasours and in a pitch black cave. She sighed, hoping someone was able to provide some light. When a low growl came from ahead of them, Shalana did more than sigh, she froze, not sure she wanted light to see what they were facing next.

Darn!
Dragon Phoenix

The T-Rex returned to its master empty-handed (or should I say empty-stomached?). Still, it was rewarded with directions to a nearby sick steggosaurus. It would have its meal.

"That portal." The figure mused. "Where did they go? It does not matter, I have many pets on this planet. I will find them again. Hopefully, dead."

Lunzie was about to see if anyone could shed
Lunzie Istari

some light on their situation when she heard the growl. Lunzie froze and felt everyone else freeze too. Her eyes adjusting to the dark quicker than the others, Lunzie could make out the rough outline of a rather large creature, far larger than should have been in the cave. Taking this fact into account, that meant that there was another way out, if only they could get past this creature and find it.

To fully understand our situation: We are in a cave, there is an UAA (Unidentified Alien Animal) in the cave with us and the rain is seeping in through the opening. Gee, do we stand there and drown or do we find another way out?

Oh gods
Elyen Elf

What kind of sick, deprived, animal would stay in a cave? The thought chittered through the elf's mind as he brought up his sword. Good gods, were those Fangs he saw gleaming off the faint light that Enchanted conjured?

He frowned, they really should start moving. But running might instigate the creature to move faster, and they weren't going to go anywhere in the dark, where they may trip over gods-only-know-what. And no one outruns a flood. That left: Portalling.

But how to prevent this cat (it looked like a cat, though his mind desperately tried to ration that no cat could be this big) from leaping into the portal after them?

Just a short note: Floods in caves resemble flash floods. They just come rumbling down, sweeping everything in its way... Think about falling down a giant sink, and you might get there... ;)

Here kitty kitty
Shalana Elf

Shalana could not believe that the only dry safe place they found was now filling up with water and was not safe at all. She tended to get cranky when wet, and as the group began to slip and slide she finally lost it.

"OH Hush!" She said to the creature, one of the biggest cats she had ever seen. "I have no idea where this will take us..."Shalana trailed off as she opened a portal and then cast a spell to freeze the angry animal. "Shall we leave?"

Leave? Yay...*waves a small flag*
Elyen Elf

Elyen heaved a sigh of relief as they leaped through the portal. Anyplace should be better than this watery cave.

They fell through the portal and slid through the warm climate, rain now falling down on them in steady sheets. At least there was no dinosaur chasing after them now.

Large ferns surrounded them as they filed into the jungle. Mud squelched under their feet and skirts caught on the vegetation. Life was, altogether, miserable. And they were no where near the Oak either.

Elyen turned back to look at the sleeping Flute in Jess' arms. She had been unconscious for a long time, and the elf was beginning to worry.

Looks like we came in time for Monsson season!
Lunzie Istari

Elfie, you ever consider pants? They are a lot easier to move around in. And, anyone know where in Kimbak* are we?

*Um. . .you don't really want to know what Kimbak is! I wish I didn't!

We need to keep moving
Enchanted Elf

Enchanted agreed with Elyen as she looked around the jungle they were currently in...Life was altogether...Miserable! And where was that OAK???

She looked over at Jess as she intercepted Elyen's worried look. Flute was still out, but it appeared to be a natural sleep, and with a reasuring smile she lightly touched her cousins arm.

"We can't keep portaling around this planet." Enchanted said as she hid a small shudder. "We need to keep moving and find the oak." Casting a glace over at her sister Lunzie she said quietly. "Perhaps in one of your forms..you could scout ahead...I know as a cat you could probably move much faster."

Looking over at Jess she knew he could also, however he was currently doing the most good taking care of Flute.

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