Don't think I can get a Merrick post out tonight as I had planned. Sorry guys. Assignments took me until 1am ta finish. :/

I'll try and get one out in between studying tomorrow? I only have one class so I should be home early-ish. No promises though.

Clist is taking me forever to right but I finally got the emotion I was looking for

Working tonight and tomorrow night. Off Sunday. Work again Monday - Wednesday night this week, will have delayed replies til then sincere apologies.~

They've got one and a half brand new leaders (Catori just stepped up and was already leading so she's a half). Ivan could make a fumble. One of the guys who killed his bestie is still alive, so he could be on a hunt or something with some other warriors, see the dude, pursue, and somebody gets hurt because of his rashness. Might also give Cyrus a chance to redeem himself in Vae's eyes because he's not acting like an imbecile

-

Or maybe, since these trials are leveled up, where the apprentices are could have an effect on the clan? So like, since they're in the desert right now, the temperature is unusually high and food starts wilting and water gets scarcer until they move on to the next trial?

Trial 1: heatwave

Trial 2: flooding, more abundant fish or something

Trial 3: sinkholes or earthquakes, maybe more food again?

Trial 4: happy windsday

Trial 5: tsunami, hurricane, some watery disaster

Trial 6: temperatures drop, ocean and water sources have ice chunks

Trial 7: bogge and other creatures escape the depths and attack the clan (Koa ptsd moment)

Trial 8: sunny weather?

Trial 10: more vivid dreams, maybe entering each other's dreams

-

Or the dragons' natural enemies start eeking up on the territory and the clan can't really fight them off all the way because they've only acquired a second shift and not a full one, so the apprentices would have to come in and save the day when they get back?

When I go to edit my posts, it's all one font, but the post itself shows two, so I apologize for the weird look

With some drop outs, there are only 9 trials now (potentially 8). Though, the apprentices are only aware of 8. The Elders will eventually disclose the 9th trial to Catori and Ravae.

As a reminder: The Apprentices have been given a map with the Location, Artifact Names, and how many Trials they face.

Something to be aware of: The apprentice with the Map will feel a "pull" towards these artifacts, to help with direction and identifying them (just so we're not bumbling about lol). So Esen has the map, she will be the only one to feel the pull.

*Apprentices are allowed to change who has the map but only after the trial is complete (Esen can give anyone the map after completing the Fire trial). They cannot exchange during the trial. If the map changes over for the next trial, that apprentice will feel the pull now.

Also, the map can be destroyed so be careful.

I honestly cannot tell which of Mother's ideas I like the most. XD

Perhaps there could be a mix of all three? The second one could indicate the rising power of the dragon's natural enemies - like they were laying dormant for some time while the dragons were gone, but are awakening at them essentially coming back. Them arising once again ta attack the tribe could force the apprentices ta learn how ta properly use their new forms in a shorter span of time (with those forms being the only way ta defeat them as Mother suggested). Though I believe the dream trial leaves the apprentices at the camp, so they could be there initially only ta get their butts handed ta them at first if they have their new forms?

Maybe there is needed evacuation because of these old foes, which could allow Ivan ta almost prove his worth after his fumble (if that route is done) and make up for his mistake? Also, if that is done, that could allow Ravae ta be incredibly stressed about actually have ta heal a more major injury right off the back. Perhaps that'd force her ta turn ta Althaea and Cyrus for aid?

~

Also, I'll see if I can't get a Ravae post out tonight? I'll be practicing for an oral exam most the day so I may be able ta get stuff done between my practice sessions.