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There was a rumble in his chest as he started to search for the entrance. He could be sure that he might've been one of the last to walk the treacherous path down to the Gate, and like hell he'd be told that he couldn't go somewhere. That was not Teodan's way. Strong paws carried him around the rock pile, and after a moment, he realized that one of the smaller fragments of rock was scratchings from the pride. Gently, he picked them up and tucked them in a satchel with all the respect in the world. These were important.

+



Ilunena was surprised by the state of the ground, but decided to try to climb a bit higher. There had to be something that she could do, something that would let her get in to the Hell gate, and see its splendor. So distracted was she that her paw caught in a crack and she tumbled half- forwards. Her nose was almost in lava, making the creature squeak and get back to her paws, running back to the rest of the group with her tail tucked.

The air stank of fouled eggs as the group continued searching. It was dangerous wortk, moving in so close, but it needed to be done. Calithil and Nanoh themselves took to collecting what they could -- stone, scratcvhings -- and they moved along carefully.

What they finally found was one exit of the volcano -- or perhjaps a former entrance. It was no longer the brilliant caverns into hellgates and trials but a dark overhang, allowing them to enter.. And look down upon naught but all-consuming hellfire and magma.

Calithil paused, allowing Nanohto inspect the area, before the lioness moved, setting stones to prevent anyone from falling. Caslithil watched intently, and shifted as Nanoh worked to watch, looking up, then down.

The caverns inside were caved in save this small hole, and the trial paths had all fallen away, leaving only the first scratchings and art upon the entrancer, and as Nanoh finished, there was a sense of concern in the Chil.

The Hellgate itself no longer welcomed them. It no longer allowed this land to be theirs and it was clear from the samples, butthis...

Still they could enter it almost like a temple. A pity the water wasn't drinkable -- that the Hellgate was still aware and awake, and Calithil felt a sense of... Something. Failure? Fear? Concern? Disappoinment? She wasn't really sure what it was but she did know that it was unpleasant and the lioness looked to Nanoh questioningly.

"This area's stable." Nanoh said quickly. "Our little hole is fine.It would take the mountain exploding to destroy it."

Calithil eyed her at the idea, but did not argue, instead nodding slowly and turning.

"Friends... Our old trails throughthe Hellgate are gone. We only have this space left -- it seems as thoughthe hellgate itself must have wanted to bring a realm only fit for our demons into this place. Come, we must make haste to the pride and report our findings. See what is to be done with this Hellgate now it does not welcome us firther than this space; and see if we mightyet be safe. Perhaps there will be good news when we return."

Calithil bowed politely, silently thanking each whom had come before moving for the trek back, Nanoh moving to follow her pace immediately.

Their old home was gone -- but they saved what they might, and they found new hope in bringing something home. Perhaps the scratchings of records might help seek something. For now, however, they needed to rejoin their pride.

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