Yahtzee's light illuminated their party, and Cora could see silver metal glinting in the air. [i]Hah! I know what that is.[/i]

A sleepy grin rose on Cora's charred, burnt face. [b]"Will and Gilfred Mason, united at last. Where the hell where you, man? We've been here for hours--"[/b] Her voice dropped a note. [b]"Well, mourning everyone, really."[/b]

[i]"At least they survived, This means that half of our original group has returned... Do you think anyone else survived?"[/i] Phil asked. 

Cora gave the question a moment to sink in. Her gut feeling was usually never wrong, but not even it was giving her any hunches. Nothing. Her feelings were listless. 

[b]"No."[/b] She said finally. [b]"No, I think this is it."[/b]

She glanced around Gilfred, moving to avoid the water splashes as Tsunami appeared. Outside the black world was silent, obscure. It wasn't the darkness she didn't trust, it was what could be hidden [i]within[/i] it. All the more reason for them to leave as soon as they could in the morning. 

[b]"Well, what are we all doing standing around the entrance? Let's welcome our new family in like real people."[/b] She chuckled, moving back over to the fire pit. The flames were quiet, but some more logs and some expert fire-poking got the pit healthy and bright again. Cora sat facing the cave entrance, pulling her arms through the sleeves of her hoodie and zipping it up. 

It occurred to her that Yahtzee wouldn't recognize these people. She beckoned him to come sit by her. [b]"These two newcomers you see were part of the rescue party when Will and I were taken hostage. Gilfred is Metal, and the lovely lady he has with her, Thema, can control plant life. She's also a healer, from what I can recall."[/b]

Her gaze shifted. [b]"I'm probably going back to bed in a couple minutes, but I want to hear how you two got out of the battle."[/b] Cora said, a hint of curiosity in her voice.