As the Rangers move through the Grasslands, they are joined by more of their clansmen, both Prairie Thunder, Black Shield and Sky Watcher.

Melock spies Wild Pastures riding towards him and not far behind is Hakaris Greyeyes, Iye and  Maska, the three young Rhino lads bouncing along on their mounts, waving madly and whooping with joy.

Questions come in from every angle and word is sent ahead to warn the elders that the scouts have returned.

Kobal smiles and greets those who gather by the sides to welcome them.  Originally he'd thought to make straight for the elders' tent, but on second thought, he steers Black Hoof toward his father's tent first.

Henal looks around calling out greetings to friends and relatives as they come in.

"Look at what we've brought back" he yells pointing at the beasts they are leading in. "Lots of news, but we have to speak to the elders before we can tell of all that has happened on that long journey".

Ohanzee grins as once again he watches the faces of the members of Urrak's Sept as they recognises friends and beasts again, more Rhino gathering together, certainly more than he has seen in one place since Moonbroth!

He nods at Henal's words and adds "Yes and after that I should report to Feather Wait it he has more questions that are not raised before the elders."

Melock smiles like a madman when he sees Wild Pastures on her white headed bison, he quickly makes sure Stinky won't wonder off then when Wild Pastures is near enough he runs to her, and using her saddles pommel, he pulls himself up to her to greet her more personally. Once finished, he slips to the ground and looks up to her, "I've missed you, how are you?"

Amara's eyes lit with joy when she saw Hakaris. The smile reached from ear to ear as she slowed to meet him "Another few weeks and you've grown in size and stature. How much bigger and stronger will you be if we leave for a season?" she said smiling and reaching out to hug him.

"Where's Hoskar?" calls out the Condor brave's cousin, his brother quickly adding his worried voice.

The youth, so near to being a man smiles happily, embracing his sister and then with a look of alarm rides over to his brother "You've lost a leg!"

With tears of joy in her eyes Wild Pastures pats her belly "We're fine thank you. So, so happy that you're back....Who's she??" she adds spying the woman on Melock's Bison.

"He's safe and well, but had to go to the Giant Finger Holes with Sehana, one of the new Rangers to sort something out. Hopefully they'll be coming back over to join us all again soon." Henal replies to the Rhino riders.

"I'm glad you're both well." He half turns back to Stinky, "She's an ill unicorn rider, we found her on our way here." When he looks back up at Wilds, there's a mild look of discomfort on his face, "There's more to the story, but the short version is I listened to Raven again. I'll tell you the rest after we've done all the official stuff." He fakes a yawn, "Hopefully that won't take to long."

Ohanzee, still walking in solidarity with his Raven friend, can't help but take the opportunity for mischief as he overhears the exchange in passing "Yes, nothing going on there, she's not an oasis lass." and he passes on his grin hidden.

Amara nodded to her brother "Greeshar is Greeshar. His leg will return in time, but for the time being it is wise to avoid mentioning it. It makes him irritable. The only consolation being that it is much easier to run out of his reach." Amara grinned as she finished her words.

And now the Rangers are home, weaving their way through familiar tents, fielding enquiries and receiving warm greetings. Family members quickly escort the braves to their sept corrals, so as to get refreshed and ready for their meeting with the elders...