The storm came on suddenly and without warning. In one moment the clan walked the glacier tracking the great mammoths, the next a blinding storm of snow and ice assailed them. The ground beneath them shook, great cracks in the ice pulled the tribe apart and somewhere off in the distance, the bellows of the mammoths could be heard. A group of survivors made their way through the furious winds and cutting ice. Knowing the mammoths were lost, they now looked to their own survival. Through some miracle, guided by the spirits some thought, the survivors found a great rock that jut up from the earth that offered a reprieve from the winds, until it changed direction and they were once again assaulted.

Feeling their way across the massive stone, they came to a cave and eagerly rushed inside. There they huddled in fear. Outside it seemed the world was ending. The ground shook violently, thunder tore the sky open, and a black acrid smoke and the glowing of a million fires filled the world beyond. After a long stretch of time, huddled around a frail fire, sustaining themselves off of the many bugs that occupy the cavern with them, and a tepid pool that is considerably smaller then when they first took shelter here, the storm finally stops.

Braving their first steps outside, the tribe survey a world vastly different from the one they left behind. Through the storm they had traveled to an unfamiliar region, one of great steppes divided by steep ridge lines. To the north, upon the crown of the world, a great mountain bellows fire, with a desolate region of jagged rocks and great pits stretching on beyond the horizon. To the east is a range of snow capped mountains reaching high up into the clouds. South descends into grassy lowlands and rock formations, while the view to the west is obstructed by highlands.

Upon their steppe beyond the cave there are sparse grasslands, dense rocks, and shrubs. Small rodents tunnel through the grasses but they do not seem to be in any great number. Some of the shrubs have berries, fat and black with a strong, pungent odour when crushed. The branches of the shrubs are nimble and not good for much more then kindling. The step itself is bordered by a steep ridge and rocky hills, the only openings are to the north and south, making the area easily defended, along with the haven of the cave that saved the tribe in recent days. The deposits of stone found strewn about the steppe are very hard, and not easy to work with. Being very dense, the stone is heavy and perhaps only useful for hammers and shaping tools.

It is a new world to discover for the tribe, and without the reliance on furs and meat from the mammoths, their future is unclear. Yet they are not strangers to hardship, and it is in such times, as they may discover, that they thrive.

Thag gazed out into this new land with eyes full of wonder. The view helped him put the missing tribe members out of his mind. Part of him wanted to go out and search for the others, but he could not see anywhere they could have survived outside the cave. His eyes gazed upon the flaming mountain and remembered a story Na-Tuk once told. In the story the tribes founder Madu was favoured by the god, Codak and they gifted him with the knowledge of the mammoths. They taught him how to track and hunt the beasts promising they would always provide for the tribe as long as we respected them.

Thag wondered if they had lost respect for the mammoths and they were gone because of it. Was this angry mountain a sign of displeasure from Codak? Thag shuddered with that thought. He would speak to Na-Tuk later about it, he would know what to make of it. For know Thag decided to focus his attention on a more pressing issue. Water. They would soon run out and without it they would all die within a few days.

He scanned the horizon and saw no sign of water. He considered his options before deciding to head towards the highlands in the west they should give him a good view of the landscape and he hoped he would have better luck finding some over there.

He didn't want to go into an unknown area alone however, and so he spoke to other members of the tribe trying to convince them of the importance of his quest.

Where others saw a new home, Garrak saw all the dangers that this new lands possessed. First of all, the mammoths had vanished, which meant they would be forced to hunt for smaller and faster prey, then there was the matter of finding other possibly hostile tribes, there were too many dangers in this new land.

Garrak looked at his fellow tribesmen and saw a band of people that had lost the favor of the ancestral spirits by chasing into the unknown like this. However, he was determined to save his fellow tribesmen from this danger and tool a sharp stone and a nearby branch and chipped at it untill he had a crude spear to defend himself with.

@Brisingr626

However, when he wanted to leave to explore the new land, he had met with Thag who urged him to go search for water. Garrak hadn't thought about this and while he would usually advise Thag to stay inside the cave while he explored, he agreed to go with his fellow tribesman, to protect him if for nothing else.

@Claw2k11
Thag thanked Garrak for his concern, but he would not be dissuaded from going.

Noticing Garrak's spear Thag considered a weapon of his own. He chose one of the nearby rocks and fiddled it in his hand before throwing it as hard as he could into the distance. It impacted the ground and chucked a small amount of dirt into the air. He experimented with a few more rocks. Each time looking at how they hit the ground. He chose to take two of the larger rocks along with him. Perhaps he could kill one of the small creatures if he managed to hit one.

He tried to explain the idea with gestures and what words he knew, but he obviously hadn't done the best job as he mainly saw rather confused faces. That was okay, he would just have to show them the idea instead.

@Brisingr626

Garrak was confused by Thag's odd behavior, even after the explanation, but he guessed that he would use the stones to throw it at any potential enemy and notified him that if it were to come to a fight, Thag would need to run and warn the rest of the members of the tribe about the dangers.

After Thag had gathered enough stones, he tells Thag that they should move before the sun starts to set, as at night they could be easily ambushed by a predator or other hostile people

And with that, Garrak begins to move out, hopefully with Thag following close behind him.

@Claw2k11

Thag followed shortly behind Garrak. While he wouldn't openly say it he was glad Garrak was coming along. He was a renowned hunter and his loyalty to the tribe was beyond questioning. There was no one Thag would rather have by his side in this troubling time. Thag continued to fiddle with the rocks in his hand determined to demonstrate his new idea. But that would have to wait it was better to follow caution for now.

A rousing yawn escaped from the throat of the great cat. A shake emitting from the body of the beast attempting to shake off the cobwebs of slumber. He had slept for much longer then intended, and he could see the sun was already setting in the west. He lifted himself up from his grassy perch atop a shallow ridge, where he commanded a view of the grasslands beyond. It would soon be time to hunt.

Lifting his nose into the air, the cat inhaled the scents of the world, discerning if any prey are close by. A quick meal is the best meal, hopefully granting a kill early enough so it may drag the carcass back to it's cave so it may feast well into the day. There were the small dirt dwellers, whose earthy aroma caught his pallet, but they would only arouse his hunger not sate it. He caught the fast horned runners with flared nostrils but they it took so much energy to catch one, and if they discovered him too soon, he would go hungry.

His wet nose quivered. There was a scent in the air unfamiliar to him. He swayed his heavy head this way and that, trying to place the odd smell. He debated whether or not to investigate this strange creature with it's peculiar scent. His eyes scanned the horizon. Off in the distance, by a high ridge that led up to the knees of the mountain range were several shapes. The creature gave a snort as they shrunk away with the setting sun, fearing the prime hunting hours of darkness. A stream of musty urine marked his territory as he clawed the bark off a tree with one great swipe. If they stray too close...

They'll make a fine meal.

In the end, the cat decided he would enjoy stretching his legs with a run, and pursued a deer, letting a ferocious howl rip through the darkening sky. The night was his.

With the morning air filling his lungs Nis slowly exited from the cave, he was an odd mix of apprehensive and hopeful. Apprehensive that the great rumblings would return and he would have to hide again, yet hopeful that perhaps the mountain of fire and the rumblings had brought more than destruction. So hopeful was he that he began to immediately scavenge around, looking for the crafting stones that once were so plentiful. Yet all he found was the heavy stones that they used to break the other stones. with a sigh he was about to cast his find away when his head was rapped by Wila, who chastised him a short bit about running off, and motioned for him to follow her towards one of the new found bushes full of berries. Grumbling he kept the stones he had gathered and followed. They were cautious at first, taking their time around the brush, observing the barries for signs of scavenging animals eating them, before Nis slowly reached out and took hold of one of the berries and slowly put it in his mouth, chewing slowly as he returned to rock hunting and Wila slowly began to pick more, while keeping one eye on her brother for any sign of trouble with the berry she knew he ate as well as his the inevitable bad luck.

Dust and the scents of animals filled Zarra's nose as she moved in a stealthy crawl along the ridge. Stalking the lower land for prey she could possibly take on her own. The storm had caused her the loss of many a hunt and her current carcass of one of the smaller creatures was nearly gone. What remained was carefully wrapped on her back as she nibbled away at it. Hopefully soon she would be able to replace it. Digging her hands and feet into the dirt she continued moving, Spotting some bushes down the ridge Zarra moved with extracting carefulness before pausing. Moving once more she paused again, scanning her surroundings. Reaching the brush she began digging at the ground, looking for some of the roots she saw the horned creatures digging at. Perhaps they would be edible. She needed food and food was food. Meat or not. Pausing every so often in her digging to peer over at the threatening ridge.

The terrible storm had finally ended, leaving Urza and the rest of her tribe stranded in unfamiliar territory. The red-haired cavewoman sighed wearily and, after slurping down another handful of tepid water, rose from her place beside the pool. She'd spent most of the day recovering her strength alongside Caerwyn, Ryla-Tuk, Nis, Wila and Elder Na-Tuk. Several hours earlier, Thag, one of the younger warriors, ran off in a westerly direction and mighty Garrak had pursued him. The image of Garrak, an expression of utter bewilderment on his face, sprinting after Thag made Urza smile. Not only was the man a truly formidable warrior, but he cared deeply about each member of the tribe. Perhaps he was favored by the god Na-Tuk and Thag always jabbered about? Urza didn't understand why this Codak was more worthy of worship than the spirits, but she also didn't care enough to ask the elder to explain. Regardless, Garrak would make a fine leader once Na-Tuk passed into the Spirit Realm. Maybe he would be interested in taking a certain red-haired huntress as his mate? Pushing the foolish thought from her mind, Urza picked up her ashwood spear from its resting place by the cave's entrance and watched as night slowly engulfed the land.

Without warning, Nis loped out of the cavern, his sister hot on his heels, and Urza let out a hoot of laughter. Wila would make sure "Nis the Unlucky" stayed out of trouble, though the dangers of this new land might prove too much for the intrepid siblings. And anything could happen during the dark time. Running a hand through her hair, Urza glanced at the elder and said, "Urza stand guard here. Make sure nothing comes until others return." She inclined her head respectfully to Na-Tuk and stood in the mouth of the cave, positioning herself in such a way that nothing could get past her. Tightening her grip on her spear's shaft, the huntress proudly lifted her chin, feeling confident for the first time in what felt like ages.

A loud, throaty roar split the night. The hunting cry of a predator.

Urza's pale green eyes widened in horror, but she stood her ground. By the spirits, what else could she do? She wasn't about to run out into the inky blackness, screaming for the others to return to the cave immediately. She'd undoubtedly attract the attention of whatever beast was prowling around out there. Abruptly, Urza remembered Na-Tuk telling her about a clever spirit called Izila the Homebringer. It was Izila's duty to bring the valiant spirit warriors back home after their nightly hunts. Only then, when the lights of the warrior's torches faded from the sky, could the great sun spirit awaken. Only then could a new day begin. And how did Izila convince these peerless hunters to return to her? She roared like an enraged cave bear to signal it was time for the hunt to end. Not even the spirit warriors wanted to fight a cave bear. Taking a deep breath, and whispering a quiet prayer to the Homebringer, Urza let loose a shout that almost sounded like a cave bear's bellow. Looking over her shoulder at the others, she said, "Make Izila sound! We get others back before they get eaten!"

@Claw2k11

Thag and Garrak walked mostly in silence. Thag didn't feel the need to talk, instead his mind drifted to the people they had lost in the storm. The sky slowly turned orange as the sun began to dip a little below the horizon. Thag watched as they headed further into the grasslands making steady progress towards the hills. Thag saw a small animal rush across right across from them.

He flung a rock after it. It hurtled towards the creature colliding it spiraled missing the head he'd aimed for. instead the sound of cracking bone was heard as the rock collided with its hind leg. Thag rushed over to the now limping creature and finished it with a swift strike to the head. He turned towards Garrak. "Rock throw" he lifted the carcass pointing at it with bloodied hands "Dinner" a grin emerging across his face.

@Brisingr626

"Good job!" Garrak said proudly. Thag showed much promise and he would make a very strong warrior, of Garrak would train him. "But not enough for whole tribe, must catch more!" he said looking around for anymore potential prey.

As he looks around, he sees a creature with majestic horns limping from a nasty leg wound. Knowing that the creature wouldn't be able to run away thanks to it's wound he simply walks towards it instead of trying to sneak around it. The creature goes on the defensive pointing it's horns at him. Garrak simply grins and lunges the spear through the creatures skull, knowing that his spear was longer than it's horns.

This enough! Garrak says with a large grin on his face.

@Claw2k11

Thag attached his prey to his belt. grinning as saw Garrak take down his prey. Garrak turned, displaying his prize as the wind slowly changed direction This enough! Garrak exclaimed. Thag nodded, he had never seen this type of creature before. He studied its figure noticing the wound on its leg. The strong scent of urine filled Thag's nostrils and any trace of a smile was wiped clean off his face. Sabertooth! he screamed. he grabbed his rocks from the dirt and he darted towards Garrak eyes scanning the area the creature had come from.

@Brisingr626

As soon as he had heard Thag shouting something about a sabertooth, he retrieved his spear and went in his direction. It was his job to protect his fellow tribesmen and he wouldn't let one fall now, even if it meant losing the large horned animal(male deer), he could find another animal like that, but he couldn't find someone like Thag.

Stay behind me!" Garrak shouted to Thag, looking around to see if the sabertooth was anywhere near them.

@Claw2k11

Stay behind me! Garrak Shouted. Thag rushed over and pressed his back against his fellow hunter's. They slowly circled on the spot scanning the grass for any signs of thier foe. Thag's heart pounded in his chest as the terror of being prey took hold of him. His hands shook from the adrenaline. He suddenly noticed a pair of golden orbs in peering from the grass. A monstrous roar pounded against his ears as the powerful creature pounded at them.

Thag threw his rock with all his might towards the sabertooth. The stone flew threw the air landing right into the gaping mouth of his foe. Blood sprayed as the rock crushed into it's face. The creature was pushed away from its intended location landing a short distance away from them. The demon eyes glared at them as it's jaws hung awkwardly open revealing several shattered teeth and a missing fang. It growled again as it prepared to attack.

@Brisingr626

However, this time, Garrak was ready for the beasts attack and as soon as the beast pounced on them, he lunged his spear at it, wounding it on it's flank. Wounded and with several teeth missing the sabertooth slowly backed down from the two growling before letting out a louder roar, as if to call someone.

Seconds later, several more roars were heard from the distance, that's when Garrak remembered that the sabertooth cats sometimes banded together to take down larger prey... or smart prey, like them. Realizing that, he signaled Thag to get a sharper rock to cut some meat from the deer and then run back to the shelter.

@Claw2k11

Thag dove towards the deer franticlly searching for something to cut into it. His ran his hands through the dirt desperate he grabbed the the first thing he could. It was the fang of the sabertooth, wasting no time he plunged it into the deceased being and sliced a line down it's stomach. He ripped the tooth back out and started to run. He threw his last rock as he ran. It flew far above the sabertooths head.

Run! he screamed as he rushed past Garrak. He glanced backwards to see a new sabertooth digging into the deer. The wounded one, however, was too enraged to be stopped now and it pounded after him quickly catching up the distance. It pounced and by some miracle it missed Thag. The beast now infront of him snarled.

Thag had no choice using his last weapon, the fang he charged towards his foe. Great claws swung. Thag leaped towards the sabertooth desperate to dodge the claws. He almost escaped but his flesh was flayed from his shoulder. The great jaws went for his neck and Thag thurst the fang deep into the beasts throat. The broken jaws clasped around him, the broken teeth was all that saved him from certain death. Thag wasn't strong enough to keep himself and the sabertooth upright and so he fell backwards.

He landed awkwardly and his vision blurred, but he could still see the hate from the those golden eyes. The beast wasn't dead.

@Brisingr626

As soon as Garrak had seen that the wounded sabertooth had pounced on Thag, he ran right towards it and as soon as it was about to bite down on Thag's neck, he drove the spear through the creature's skull, finally killing it.

Next, he got the creature off of Thag, who had been wounded on the shoulder, but was otherwise capable of walking. Even so, he cursed himself for not being able to properly protect Thag. However, he grabbed another rock and smashed it on the dead sabertooth's jaw so that he could take it's other dagger like tooth.

After that he helped Thag up, someone back at the cave should be able to fix his wound up. Then he turned his look back to see if any other cat had chased them, however, the pack was too busy gorging on the deer to bother with the two.

He then signaled Thag to go back to the cave with the meat they had, it would be enough for now.

Thag ripped the fang from the throat of the beast. Part of him wanted to drag it back to the tribe so all could eat, but their was no telling how long the deer would keep the others at bay. They walked back towards the cave. Thag's shoulder ached, but on closer inspection the wound wasn't too bad and it didn't stop him using his arm. His hands traced the scratch marks across his neck and he shivered when he realised how close to death he'd come.

His mood only grew worse when he realised they hadn't made it to the hills he would have to try and convince the others to try again tomorrow. He started to perk up when they were about half way back. The sun had disappeared awhile ago, but there was still some light left. He prayed the others had had more luck than himself and Garrak. At least they had the rodent like creature.

Thag gazed at his tribesman. There was a guilty look on his face. Thag wondered on this for awhile before he paused and laughed. Garrak face showed his confusion. Thag soon stopped laughing and look at his friend. We should be dead! Yet here we stand! The Gods haven't abandoned us! Thag grabbed Garraks shoulder and raised his fang before tapping it against Garrak's own fang. I owe you my life my fang brother! Thag laughed again. His body was battered and bruised, but he felt well and truly alive.

Hearing sounds of a fight, Zarra moved towards the noise as she heard the sound of a fight. The shriek of some great cat had snapped her out of her foraging. A cat meant a kill, if she could get to it. It also meant death as she well knew. Peering through the falling darkness, she dropped to a crouch as she heard the sounds of more cats, and a second sound she had not heard in a while. Man noises, laughter. Fear settled in her stomach as she thought of the meat she carried. Would the cats smell it? Would they hunt her and what of the Men. For as she peered through the darkness, she could just making out two figures. Sniffing, she smelled the tang of blood. Moving slowly Zarra eased closer. Perhaps they made a kill, if they left it she could forage. But then again if they had meat on them could she get it? Take them both on? No, that would be foolish. Pausing after a few steps she mused over what to do. Calling out risked attracting the cats, saying nothing risked alarming these two. Zarra shifted, perhaps she should simply wait.

@Brisingr626@Claw2k11