The noise from the bushes continues unabated, something that now seems as if it could be a huge butterfly tries to lift skyward, but is tethered by a strand of the ’thin rope’ that joins the glowing balls. On the bush a large spider tries to haul it in. As Callum approaches the bushes the spider turns and hisses and clicks at him, but it only in passing, as its attention is really fixed on the butterfly struggling to get free.

The battle causes the bushes to rustle loudly and the lights to bounce around on the bushes in, what would normally be, a fascinating display of colour.

The noises and Smilo’s shouting are enough to ensure that the whole party is awake and cannot immediately return to sleep.

Why not get involved?

By lechrist
who plays Elsbeth

Elsbeth comes to life, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. As she moves over, pulling her cloak about her, her eyes widening. As much as she knows that the battle for survival is hardly fair, she still can't help but notice the struggles of the butterfly. "I don't be knowing for sure," she whispers, "but shouldn't we help the poor thing?"

She shivers as she sees the spider. She's never been fond of spiders.

Oy!

By Jim
who plays Smilo Hairfoot

"Oy!" shouts the hobbit at the monsters, "are ya in need of a hand?"

Why get involved?

By Brad
who plays Rolf

Finally becoming aware of what struggle is taking place, Rolf lowers the bow. Elsbeth asks her question, feeling something for the snared butterfly. Rolf shakes his head. Then, realizing that the dimness makes the gesture useless, he says, "I think not, gentle Elsbeth. It is only part of natures plan or so I reckon."

Resigned

By lechrist
who plays Elsbeth

Elsbeth sighs, realizing only then that she had been holding her breath. "Mayhap," she replies in resignation. "Tis nature's plan, the good and evil. But I be not liking one o'er the other, and it shows." She clasps her arms about her and shivers, still unable to pull her eyes from the spectical before her.

Later

By JohnB

After a few minutes the disturbance ends with the "Butterfly" being pulled down towards the bush, and then the nises and rustling gets more intense for a short while, before it all goes quiet.

Eventually the spider seems to disguard the wings and then heads off to it lair with the still form of the butterflies body.

Everything returns to normal and the rest of the evenings watches pass uninterupted.

In the morning, investigation will reveal the wings of the butterfly lying close to the bushes, one of the glowing balls has become detached and is stuck to one of the wings. The ropes from the glowing balls disappear into a small hole in the ground but, being forewarned, you can see the outline of the larger trap door that surrounds the "rope hole".

Peter prepares a quick breakfast from some previously cooked pork.

Aftermath of the spider

By Brad
who plays Rolf

In the morning, his fast broken, Rolf looks about at the battlefield in the light of day. The huge butterfly wings are torn and rumpled, but beautiful none the less. At times, nature seems a harsh mistress, or so the spider and the boar who provided breakfast would think.

Seeing the glowing ball on the wing, Rolf steps cautiously nearer, trying to get a good look at it. While studying it, he wonders which of his companions would best be able to speak of it knowingly.