EVENT: The secluded glade catches fire during the Bel Ariva festival.
DATE: December 4,1998
LOGGER: Marith

Small Copse: Forest, Stedding Maotai
	The first thing noticed when entering the copse is the oddly placed well 
sitting right in the middle. The next odd thing that might be discovered are 
the tiny windows placed within several of the mounds, looking down in what 
seems to be some living area. Great Trees, beech, apple and many others, appear 
to surround the area, offering protection against the dangers of the forest.
	The sky seems ablaze with a myriad of soft pastel hues, giving the sun a 
majestic farewell as it sinks below the treeline. As day changes into evening, 
several Ogier can be seen lighting lanterns along the path back to the 
clearing. The bright cheerful pastels of spring melt into the rustic colors of 
autumn as leaves slowly begin to change and eventually fall from the trees. A 
crisp wind passes by every now and again, reminding all that winter is coming 
soon. A well, worn path leads toward the south, heading in the direction of 
what seems to be a forest clearing.
                                                      
Contents:
Erilan
Obvious exits:

Delicious smells of various foods permeate the air as the Ogier gather together 
for the Bel Ariva harvest festival, sporting their newest creations with this 
year's harvest.

Marith stands near one of the tables, a small wooden plate within her hands as 
she looks about the different delicacies. Elder Kaliel stands nearby, arguing 
with another one of the Elder's about various needed things about the Stedding.

Karal emerges from his hill home, shutting the oak door behind him. A bit of 
smoke drifts out of the door as it stays open for a moment, and Karal mumbles 
about his inability to cook as he nears the Eldest. "Good evening, Eldest."

Marith turns about just as she finishes getting her platter laden with several 
various foods. A smile touches her lips, and her tufted ears twitch back and 
forth, "Ah, Speaker Karal... what have you brought with you for the feast?" She 
speaks, her manner easy, yet excitedly expectant - especially for the Eldest.

Erilan sits quietly beneath an apple tree, watching the trays of food being 
brought out.

Karal frowns, his ears bent in a sour manner. "There is not much left of what I 
intended to have for tonight but smoke and ash. Cursed cooking. This is why I 
speak, not cook."

A light and airy chuckle escapes from the Eldest's lips, her eyes twinkling 
slightly as she watches the other Ogier speaking in quiet conversations. "Come 
now, your cooking can't be that bad..." Marith comments quietly, taking a bite 
of one of the cheeses she has on her platter.

"Oh, but it is, Eldest." He points to the slow seeping of smoke from te small 
crack below his door. "And that isn't my fireplace going." He sighs lightly, 
and picks up a plate. "Perhaps this food will make up for that disaster."

Another chuckle escapes Marith's lips, then her eyes move to Erilan. She nods 
her head to him, murmuring softly, "And you, Erilan, how are you enjoying 
yourself this evening?"

Karal slips away from the Eldest a bit and greets the other Elders before 
beginning to load up his plate.

Erilan smiles back, from the apple tree. "I am quite well, Eldest. I wish I 
could brought a dish, but I am afraid it would not have last, short though the 
days."

Marith tilts her head to the side a bit, "You could have used the kitchens 
within the Common House..." She gains a curious look upon her features, "But do 
not worry over the matter.. its trivial so long as you are enjoying the other 
prepared dishes."

Erilan's ears twitch very slightly. "It is done all very nice. Thank you for 
asking."

Several Ogier children run into the area, getting a few admonishing looks from 
'mothers' all around. They hoard about the table, though one trips and falls.

Marith glances over at the children, a faint frown coming to her features.

The youngest gets up, brushing some dust from her clothing. She blinks, eyes 
widening a bit as she sees the Eldests frown.

One of the Ogier, a man from the Watch, comes running into the area. He appears 
to be out of breath, and his ears twitch back and forth in a worried manner... 
in fact, haste exudes from this man, "Eldest Marith... Eldest Marith..." He 
speaks, his voice worried, "A fire... in the glade!"

Erilan attempts to stand up, bumping his head softly onto the lowest branch. He 
rubs it slightly, and looks concerned towards the Elders table.

Karal turns, his ears beginning to twitch, and watches the Eldest. Running off 
like a mad Ogier wouldn't work.

Marith blinks, her eyes widening brightly, "A fire?"

The Ogier watchman nods his head, pointing wildly toward the clearing, "Yes... 
Eldest.. come quick, the Watch is attempting to gather all they can to help put 
it out."

Marith looks around at those Ogier gathered within the Copse, "Make certain the 
children stay here." She orders, "Kaliel... stop grumbling about the outside 
prices of Grain and start getting the other Elders together... Davin..." She 
speaks to the young, promising stonemason, "Gather together everyone who can 
carry a bucket of water and get them to the glade." She pauses, looking at 
everyone else, "Anyone else that's inclined to help should come as well."

Erilan steps forward a step to the gathering line.

Jamis comes from the homes, his ears twitching uncomfortably at the commotion. 
Crossing his heavy arms across his belly he rumbles, "Marith.... what's all 
this commotion over?"

Karal also steps into the gathering group.

Iaon walks into the residential area, exiting the guest house.

Iaon walks into the Stedding his travel clothes on and a large backpack over 
his shoulders.

"Gilian has just come in, yelling about a fire in the glade." Marith rumbles 
quietly, pointing to the Ogier watchman standing near her. "We are gathering 
together all who can carry a bucket and help put out the fire before it spreads 
to the rest of the Stedding."

Karal looks about, the twitching in his ears becoming worse. He waves Iaon over 
to the gethering group. "There's a fire in the glade."

Iaon walks into the Stedding his travel clothes on and his large pack over his 
shoulders.

Iaon gasps and says, 'What can I do? I just got back. I knew I smelt 
something."

"Go to your homes and get whatever you can that can be used to douse the 
fires." This comes from the Eldest, who has turned her attention to directing 
the others.

Iaon nods as he runs not walks to his home.

Jamis's ears turn down with his frown, as his nostrils flare, "Again.." He 
feels at his belt as he takes long strides to Marith's side, "Have any been 
hurt?" He addresses Gilian...

Iaon comes back with 2 HUGE buckets.

Worriedly Gilian's ears twitch back and forth, "Taera.... she was trying to put 
out the blaze when it caught her skirts." Taera is a young Ogier woman of 127 
years who has been doting on all the free Ogier males.

Karal hurries to his home and returns with a small collection of large pails, 
easily capable of holding plenty of water.

Jamis sighs heavily, 'The poor girl..." He rasps as he grabs the arm of one of 
the apprentice healers, one of the fear. "Grab me the third jar on the mantle, 
son. Hannalee knows which if you tell her the suituation..." His brow furrows 
as he gives instructions, "Meet me amongst the commotion, as quick as you can 
now..." he releases the young boy and then peers upward... to Gilian, "Was she 
taken somewhere?"

Gilian shakes his head a bit, "Nay, Elder Jamis... she's still in the glad. The 
others were afeared to move her after they got the flames out."

Several of the other Ogier come rushing through the house, the news spreading 
like wild fire amongst them. Some carry pots, pans, buckets, anything that will 
hold water.

Jamis nods, "That may have been best.." He starts to move, "But hopefully away 
from the flames, yes?" Moving with long strides now toward the glade, he 
fumbles with a pouch at his side, and grabs another child, to small to carry 
buckets, sending her off to fetch some obscure item for himself.

"Oh yes... oh yes..." Gilian nods his head, ears moving even more worriedly, 
"If you will forgive me Elder... I wish to get back to the flames afore they 
spread.... they are threatening the Stedding."

Jamis nods heavily to Gilian, "Make haste... make haste, good sir." He finally 
frees a pouch from his belt and peers inside it as he speed walks toward the 
glade.

And make haste Gilian does as he starts running back, post haste, the way he 
came, heading out of the copse.

Marith appears to frown, "This is not good... not good... how did the fires 
start anyway..." She comments aloud, then starts to make her own way toward the 
glade.

Karal frowns and follows the others into the glade.

You walk to the south, entering the clearing.

Clearing: Forest, Stedding Maotai(#328RAJMQ$)
	A rather large clearing, outskirted with trees, flowers, grasses and bushes 
of all shapes and sizes. Several small mounds, can be seen within the clearing, 
though staying toward the outskirts. Looking twice, one might just notice that 
a few of those mounds have tiny windows in them, seemingly formed naturally. In 
the center of the area is a large tree stump, of what could only have once been 
a Great Tree, with several steps leading up to the smooth surface.
	The sun slowly sets, disappearing behind the canopy of the Great Tress that 
tower overhead. The sky changes through the various hues of soft pastels until 
dusk is finally replaced with a splattering of stars shining down on the 
clearing. Lights start to appear in the various underground hovels and smoke 
rises from the chimneys along with smells of dinner cooking. Leaves scatter 
about the clearing, each bearing a different colorful shade, red, orange or 
yellow. The air seems cool and crisp, warning those that reside within the 
stedding that autumn is here and winter is soon to come. Several paths seem to 
lead off from this area, heading into the forest or into the residential area 
of the stedding.
                                                      
Obvious exits:

Karal walks quietly from the north, exiting the small copse.

Jamis walks from the north, exiting the small copse.

Erilan walks from the north, exiting the small copse.

The deep, rhythmic sound of an Ogier singing carries from a distance.

You walk toward the southeast, along the dark path.

Dark Path: Forest, Stedding Maotai
	This small dirt path is thick with trees edging on both sides, providing 
the perfect hiding spot for any animals within. Birch, pine, beechgum, dogwood 
and many other trees line the path, as well as several small berry bushes and 
ivy plants. Looking up, one might see the many branches trying to block the way 
to the sky, offering to protect the path below from any possible light.
	The sun slowly sets, turning the already darkened path into a darker haven 
than before. There is enough light to still see, though it is a strain on the 
eyes. A stray Ogier or two carefully walks along, returning to their homes for 
the evening. The path appears to be dotted with leaves of every kind, shaded in 
the earthy hues of rusty oranges, reds and yellows, as the trees above begin to 
shed their leaves. The air seems cool, though not overly so, as summer tries 
maintain its grasp. The path runs from the clearing to the northwest to thicker 
forest to the east. Toward the south, there appears to be something of a 
secluded glade.
                                                      
Obvious exits:

Karal walks quietly in from the northwest, exiting the clearing.

Jamis walks in from the northwest, exiting the clearing.

Erilan walks in from the northwest, exiting the clearing.

You walk to the south, entering the secluded glade.

Secluded Glade: Forest, Stedding Maotai
	Trees surround the area everywhere, nearly hiding the path used to come 
into this secluded haven. An aura of eternal peace fills the air due to the 
echoing sounds of the small babbling brook that cuts right through the middle 
of the glade. Small stepping-stones can be seen going across the brook, each 
showing a different color.
	The beautiful blue backdrop changes into a myriad of colors as the sun 
slowly sets for the evening. Ogier still lounge about, patiently waiting to 
observe the stars that will soon come forth. Somewhere nearby, a lantern rests 
on a hook, lighting the small glade. The wildflowers seem to fade out as 
brightly colored leaves appear to scatter about the glade as autumn approaches. 
A soft gust of wind flies by every now and again, leaving chills in its wake, 
reminding a few that winter is nearby. To the north, a small path leads out of 
the peaceful serenity of the secluded glade.
                                           
Contents:
Stone Statue

Karal walks quietly into the glade from the north.

Erilan walks into the glade from the north.

Jamis walks into the glade from the north.

A fire appears to roar in the southern section of the glade, though it appears 
to be confined to a small section. Gilian, in his worries, must have been 
exaggering a bit, however the fire still proves to be a danger... too big for 
the few folk here to put out.

Jamis has been removed from extended chargen probation.

Jamis moves quickly onto the scene, the two children he sent off returning 
promtely, both out of breath. The girl hands Jamis a heavy, large blanket, 
which the Elder tosses over his shoulder. The apprentice hands Jamis the jar he 
asked for, which the large ogier promptly reaches into a pulls out a hand full 
of some paste. He hustles, the hustle looking more like a waddle, toward the 
younger injured woman. "Tell me where you've been hurt, young one."

Indigo tipped wings mark the bird that flies swiftly overhead across the grove 
from one tall tree to another.

Karal looks worriedly from the fire to the Eldest, awaiting instructions, his 
ears twitching.

Taera appears to be laying on the ground, her skirts barely covering her 
properly, half burnt.

Taera's legs appear to be burnt, the fire having scorched them pretty good. 
Other Ogier move about the stedding, some pouring in from the path, each 
carrying pots and pans. They go to the water source here, and start a fire 
line.

Jamis's ears twitch in worry as he looks the young girl over, "Light be 
vigilente." he dabs the cream on the most heavily burned areas. "Find me some 
bandages and ... the Eldest. Bring Marith near I need to speak with her." He 
leans down to comfort Taera further.

One of the children manage to get Marith's attention, who has been directing 
some of those already gone to help with the fires. She blinks, eyes brightening 
a bit. She allows the child attendint to her to lead her to Jamis, "YOu wished 
to see me Elder Jamis?"

Karal looks worriedly down at Taera and hurries to the fire line. He steps in 
beside two women, and helps to throw water onto the fire, near the front of the 
line.

Meanwhile the blaze continues, fires licking at the dry pieces of wood, which 
catch quickly. A red-orange glow deeper within the woods shows that the fire 
has already begun to spread, heading northwest, toward the clearing.

The tufted ears of an Ogier child twitch curiously as he looks down from a 
lofty perch amidst the branches of a tree. Seen, he blinks great eyes and with 
haste (for an Ogier), climbs down, and scampers off.

Jamis nods, lifting the blanket from his shoulder. "Yes, Eldest." He lifts the 
a pouch up to her along with the blanket, "This powder, put in water and soaked 
intot he blanket will make the blanket less flamible... It will help smother 
the flames, without allowing the blanket to catch fire as quickly... The powder 
should be enough for several buckets...." He glances down to the girl, "She 
will be fine," He adds in a ogier whisper, "I know how worried you can become."

Marith inclines her head a bit, trusting the sora'har. She takes the powder, 
"Gilian... Kaliel, come help me... you too Erilan..." Marith calls out, as some 
of the Ogier children return with a few blankets, no doubt ordered by a few of 
the other Ogier with a some what similar idea.

Erilan takes a step forward to the Eldest, awaiting further instruction.

Jamis bends back down with that trusted effiecency, and begins to rub the cool 
paste onto Taera's burns, he peers up and around, looking for the bandages he 
called out for. He curses under his breath and then adjusts the girls skirts to 
a more decent position, "Probably best that the girl is unconsious.." he 
mutters to himself.

Marith takes one of the blankets and hands it to Erilan, "Soak this in the 
water..." She points to the stream that moves through here. "Then use it to 
battle the fires, if you please.. but make certain to spread some of this 
powder on it first..." She sets the pouch aside so those done soaking their 
blankets can."

An Ogier napping beneath the spreading branches of a great oak snores 
peacefully.

Lian walks into the glade from the north.

Splash! A big bucket of water flings out a miniature wave of water out onto the 
fire. Karal watches as a tiny portion of the fire is affected, and how well the 
blankets seem to be working.

There is a fire blazing within the secluded glade, toward the southern section. 
Taera is lying on the ground, looking burned. Marith and Erilan are soaking 
blankets. Other Ogier are battling the fire with buckets of water, starting a 
fireline... Jamis is healing where he can with his powders and ointments.

Erilan follows the instructions diligently. He walks over to the flowing 
stream, bending knees to get close to the ground. He dips the blanket into the 
water a little roughly, scaring a nearby bird. When finished, Erilan spreads 
the blanket out in front of him, soaking wet.

Elder Kaliel and Watchman Gilian each take blankets of their own. They both dip them in the water, with Elder Kaliel nearly falling in! Gilian lets out a small 
laugh, but quickly retains it as he gets a dark look from the Elder.

Jamis pats Taera softly as he cranes his thick neck upward, "Have any others 
taken any burns?" his ears twitch back and forth searching for some sound in 
response. But soon the apprentice arrives with bandages and poultice, "You'd 
best get in better shape if your to be a sora'har, son.." He rumbles softly at 
the apprentice...

"Colin..." Taera rumbles hoarsely, after the pain has subsided a bit, "He was 
burned as well..." Her voice sounds saddened. Colin is a young Ogier child.

Lian makes himself as small as possible and stands back out of the way so as 
not to interfere with the adults work.

Jamis twitches his ears once and then they fold down, "Colin..?" Jamis' shifts 
his gaze to Taere's eyes, "How badly was he burned?" Jamis questions, "Do you 
know where he is, Taera?"

Erilan reaches for the remaining blankets, preparing them for use. When 
finished, he asks, quietly, "Are these ready for the powder?"

Marith continues to soak her own blanket, making certain the stream waters run 
over it well. She pulls it out, dripping, nodding absently at Erilan, "Aye, as 
is this one." She murmurs, setting it upon the ground.

Lian calls out, pointing at a small body in the shadows. "There he is!"

And there he is! Colin is just where Lian points out. The small body of a child 
is not too far away from where the flames are licking, tiny Ogier legs 
protruding from the edge of the woods.

Taera coughs, shaking her head from side to side. She winces at the yelling, 
attempting to turn her head toward the direction pointed, "Colin....?" She 
murmurs worriedly, her voice hoarse.

Jamis's head perks up at the shout, "Colin?" his gaze sweeps back to Lian, 
"Where do you see him, son?" And even as Jamis asks his brown eyed gaze follows 
the direction of Lian's point... In response Jamis stands to his feet, "Marith! 
The child..." Jamis' ears twitch as he moves in the direction, but obviously is 
too far away to get there effeciently with so many others so much closer.

Marith blinks, raising her head from her own task. Seeing that Karal is closer, 
"Karal.... get the boy..." She points to a general direction, still only feet 
seen outside the wood.

Karal passes an empty bucket down the line, and looks back to see what all the 
commotion is about. Following everyone's eyes, he sees young Colin, not far 
from the flames. A bucket full of water is jammed into his hands. He instantly 
drops it in favor of saving the young Ogier. He moves closer and closer to the 
flames...

Jamis stands a bit away, awaiting Colin's rescue so that he may be of some aid, 
leaving Taera with his apprentice binding the dirt out of her burns. Jamis 
watches intentfully.

Karal stepping deeper into the shadows, Karal goes to retrieve the boy. He 
disappears for a few moments...

A dark shape emerges from the shadows once again, Karal's short shadow bearing 
a new load, a young boy. He runs past the line of people, mumbling quiet 
reassurances to the boy. "You're going to be fine, Colin. Elder Jamis will get 
you fixed right up..." Quickly, he finds himself at the Elder's side. He gently 
sets the boy down, dripping sweat on the ground.

The fires are slowly brought into check, but still blaze, though not as much as 
before. The smell of smoke permeates the air, causing it slightly hard to 
breath. The waters thrown over the fires appear to be doing some help. Kaliel 
and Gilian move forward as soon as their blankets are ready, dousing the fires 
as quickly as they can, despite Ogier slowneess.

Lian watches fearfully as Colin is brought to Jamis.

Jamis nods, "Thank you Karal.. You did well.." He kneels down to the boy's 
side, "You are well Colin," Jamis smiles weakly in that old man fashion, "can 
you tell me what happened?" He produces more of the same soothing paste and 
rubs in on a few of Colin's burns.

Young Colin's burns appear to be worse than Taera's having been closest to the 
flames. He coughs, smoke having entered his longs, "I was being taughted to 
make a fire, for a campfire.. when the leaves caughted fired."

Karal nods. "Of course, Elder." He gives a concerned look at the boy. "Just 
make sure he heals well."

Work continues on the fires. Marith waits her own blanket, glancing down at 
Erilan, "Are the others ready as well?" A brief pause as her tufted ears twitch 
worriedly, her eyes also tinged with a portion of fear.

Jamis nods, "Rest now..." he produces a leaf of some plant, 'Chew this, my boy, 
and close your eyes." He continues to rub the paste onto Colin's skin when the 
apprentice approaches him, "I'm finished, Elder Jamis'. Taera's clean and 
resting for the moment." Jamis nods, "Comfort the boy then..." He waves a free 
hand at Colin, "Tell him one of them boring stories of yours.."

Young Colin coughs again, the smoke irritating his lungs still. He opens his 
mouth to take the leaf and diligently chews, eyes bright and wide, showing an 
intelligent lad, with tear stains showing on his features.

Erilan glances to the others, his eyebrows noticably looking. They all nod back 
to him. "It seems we're all ready." Powder is sprinkled upon all the blankets.

Marith inclines her head then, taking her own blanket back, "Then let us get 
those flames out, now." Her voice is commanding, no-nonsense. She turns and 
walks to the flames where theothers are working, blanket held before her in a 
careful manner.

Karal takes one last look at Colin before returning to the line. He goes back 
to work, trying hard to quench the flames.

Jamis goes about his work on Colin, spreading a thin amount of the paste onto 
the bandages and then wrapping them tightly about his burned leg. The 
apprentice mutters words of incouragement, but it is obvious he has had very 
much oppertunity to practice his bedside mannerisms.

Colin lets out a small groan at the pressure of thebandages on his legs as they 
get wrapped about his small body. He closes his eyes, tight, trying to 
concentrate on chewing the leaves.

Erilan turns toward the flames, arms visibly shaking. He moves carefully, 
watching the progress of the fires damage; the blanket sways in his hold.

Marith attepts to smother the flames as much as possible, keeping her attention 
focused before her. The wet blanket becomes warm from the heat, but the flames 
appear to repel from it and become smothered where appropriate.

Other workers with similar blankets, or those with buckets of water, manage to 
get the fire down next to nothing. Problem spots are still about the area, 
which need immediate tending before various sections of the glad and the forest 
become burned.

Hannalee arrives with a pair of young gentlemen, and Jamis seems to sense her 
presence. His ears perk up and he cranes his head from Colin, "My good graces, 
woman. What'd you have to do sew the gurney together.." He rumbles at her, as 
his wife approaches with a small cot like structure, cloth stretched between to 
large branches and supported as well, carried by the male ogier pair.

Karal points to a few other Ogier, and leads them toward the areas that still 
pose a threat. He directs their slow movements to try to put out flames 
quickly.

"Well when you leave your things on the other side of the Stedding, dear.." 
Hannalee replies with just as much playful contempt. She motions for the 
gentle-pair to lay it down near Colin, Hannalee having worked with Jamis for so 
long, she nearly knows what he will do before he asks. Jamis steps back and 
lets the younger boys move Colin onto the stretcher.

Soon the fires are put out completely, only leaving smouldering, charred 
remains of various trees. Several Ogier are saddened by the evening's 
progression, their ears wilted as the look at the loss of the precious trees. 
Some start crooning and singing, as if in mourning, while others go back to 
their homes. Marith appears to be at a loss, a sigh escaping her lips.

Jamis motions for the pair of ogier boys to carry Colin, whom he has finished 
with, near Taera. He and his wife turn to gaze at the trees as well, Jamis 
meerly shakes his head in disappointment, "It very nearly got out of hand, 
though it is not as bad as the one a few years back.." A few years back... Like 
a hundred years back..

Karal calls off the troop who was helping him, telling them that they could go 
home now. He weaves his way out of the charred forest, toward the others. "So 
many trees...gone." His ears droop and he walks slowly.

Marith turns away from the scene and sighs, starting back out of the glade. She 
too, appears wilted, but at least none of the few Great Trees here caught fire.