A stormy beginning

Caught in what can only be a Border Storm, a strange recent occurence said to be a result of the Dawn War over 50 years ago. The storm is filled with strange events, lightning that brings hills to life, and rain that makes plants and animals grow at unusual rates. The winds are bluster and shift in chaotic fashion but the liquid that falls as rain has healed all wounds, removes fatigue, and rejuvenates all it touches. The trio leading their horse see a lone figure stumbling through the rains and pause before moving to join as the hill animated by the storm lumbers away slowly with a swishing tail behind it crashing through the wagon abandoned moments before.

The harnes is easily burst by the tough hide and expanding form of what waas a horse. As you retreat you regroup with the new arrival. The unusual storm continues to rage around you with wind, rain, thunder, and lightning. Fortunately is seems to be weakening and through the grass and shrubs on what was simple grassy hills has grown to rediculus heights.

The animated hill has wandered off but the transofmed horse plods along behind you . By this point it has rown to about 10' tall at the shoulders and is now about 30' long. It's thick neck and tail make it more lizard like though with longer legs than you have seen on any reptile. It stands contentedly though still startling a bit at the thunder each time and shifting a bit closer to your group when it does.

Elyse custodian approaches and the beasts behavior confirms her suspicions as the beast tries to nuzzle her and nips at her cloaks hood. The four ladies gather closer to the large houre-lizard and use it for a bit of shelter from the storm that is slowly moving on and now looks normal with all the odd portions well past you but it's effects lingering.

Hazel looks over the newcomer with trace of uncertainty and confusion but the questions about her wagon snaps her out of it. Glancing up at the beast she murmurs We can likely rig up a pack harness, I've got the rope . . . Yeah, thanks great idea. I wish we had some rope to shape a halter for the beast. and she begins trying to entice the



Now fully recovered due to the effects of the storm July looks around before shaking her head. I want to head home but, . . . . Lets focus on getting out of this situation first. The village always pulls together in adversity and if the storm hit there then they are likely better of than we are at this time. As you chat and walk back to the wagon the former horse begins rubbing its head against a tree it is passing and after a few moments of vigorous friction tosses its head triumphantly to reveal a pair of short horns that grow visibly. A bit shocked at this additional transformation you quickly learn it is still willing to be lead and make it back to the wagon and Hazel begins sifting through the wreckage of the overturned wagon. The tarp that used to cover the wagon is converted to a couple of large bags to hold the various recovered goods and supplies. Some crates are emptied into this after the rough pack is secured to Tiny. The entire process will take quite some time if Hazel is allowed to continue on in this manner and the cold of the storm is making everyone uncomfortable and increasingly aware of the diminishing daylight.

The tall grass and falling rain has ensured that everyone is wet all over no matter how you move or are covered. There as f large trees nearby but as you scan the area through the thickening gloom you spy a ribbon of taller trees that is likely following a stream or small creek. Tiny seems unbothered by the rain, cold, and growing weight of the packs. Hazel directs the loading to balance both the weight and bulk of items secured. She keeps setting items to one side that either go into the top of the two large "sacks" draped over Tiny or into smaller travel packs for her and July. Hazel finally admits that what is left is not worth the effort and time and you make your way towards the treeline.

The refreshing effects of the life giving Border Storm are fading and the constant rain is beginning to drag you down by time you reach the trees. Your guess proves correct and what was likely a small stream before the storm is now a gushing torrent several yards wide and hemmed in by tree roots that likely have weathered similar deluges of water. You search for any place dry but are out of luck. Fortunately Hazel has a small waterproof tent that you erects in a raised and relatively flat area. However it is too small to house all four of you so you decide to take turns on watch and tend the fire while the other three sleep. As you work you chat and Zeva learn a bit about Hazel of Avonley the merchant and July who hired on as her guard. Hazel was heading to a city that was lost at the Breaking and is being reclaimed. With a bit of dry wood, wax, and efforts you manage to transform a spark into a decent flame to make heat and light for the night.

Let me know of any other preparations for the night and the order you will be standing watch.

From what you have observed Tiny still thinks and acts much as a horse, though somewhat more sedate than before as proven by its reduced concern over the storm. I grazes much as before but you note that she is more willing to nibble on other foliage than grass and is currently stripping low branches she can reach of their leaves. It still enjoys the feed butt hat was left when packing up as Hazel deemed there would not be and problem for the time being securing enough fodder.