[b]The Night-Walkers, Population 28 (17 in Khlin, 11 in Imlona)[/b]

[b]Age of Rising Shadow, Night of Hidden Light (New Moon)[/b]

[i]"For years, the Night-Walkers slept in the treetops of the Homelands, hiding from the world. Awaken, glorious shadows of night, awaken and face the world. Face the world and show it our worth!"
-Estrella[/i]

Night has fallen in the Homeland village of Khlin, the light that managed to sneak through the trees now gone. Now, those known as the Night-Walkers are awakening from their huts and nests in the trees. First to awaken is Bolach, chief and elder of these people, pleased to find that the gods have blessed them with a night of total darkness. Second to wake is Haixun, a younger Walker trained in the art of scouting, who has seen the strange intruders who travel into the Homelands when the accursed fire burns away the safety of darkness, taking water and meat.

The tribe stirs with the last of the vile flames being suffocated by the holy waters of darkness, in the sacred night where they may move in total safety from the servants of fire that they must hide from in the day. Now that the tribe has finally risen, Bolach climbs onto a nearby branch and gives the duties of the night. The people accept their responsibilities as they do almost every night, and now that total darkness is upon them in this sacred night, they may begin to debate about important decisions that the tribe must take. Haxiun begins the tribe meeting by speaking of the "Ravenwoods" (known to others as the Ferream) and "Molemen" (Herenthor) who have been reported crossing in and out of the Homelands (as they have for many, many years). He holds up his belief that it is necessary that we begin to interact with these creatures. They seem to have the ability to think and communicate. Others argue that they are dangerous and will destroy the tribe if they find us. This went on for a time until Bolach signaled for silence.

-"Both sides make good points, the moon seems to have gifted them with the waters of thought, as she has done for us. I will speak to the people of Imlona and see if they have any reports on these outsiders."

Bolach then signaled for the young Haxiun to approach

"You wish to have us reveal ourselves to these things from outside the Homelands. You will take the responsibility for tracking them and finding their homes. We need to know who we are dealing with before we start speaking with them."

Haxiun smiled with an air of assurance

"You can count on me, chief. I will have a report for you after the sky-flame is gone tomorrow."

Chief Bolach addressed the rest of the tribe, "I can understand your concerns for our safety, but we must become more connected to our world, for otherwise we will be burnt to ashes by the inferno of destruction that we call time. This council is finished, get to your duties and we will speak again after Haxiun has a report and I have heard the reports from Imlona. May the darkness guide us."

And with that, the council was over, and the people went about their duties for the night, knowing that this may be the beginning of a new era.