[Elektra]

The fine, black grains of sand fell through his fingers as he scooped it up, feeling it.  After a while, he was satisfied, and began to shovel some into a small pail.  His master would be most pleased at the bounty he had found, for all glass makers knew what amazing pictures they could make with glass from black sand.  It was fine and smooth, perfect for such makings.  Willow Wisp was his name, and it fit him exactly.  He wasn't able to control his flames yet, but he could still make small wisps of flames.  But of course, that was why he was training.  To be the greatest glass maker ever.  Well, maybe.

[Elektra]

"And you believe that by standing there and feeling the sand you will become a master glass maker?" a voice said from behind the small Lubshii.  From the fronds covered in the black sand behind Wilow Wisp emerged a Candle Shinzo, who rolled his eyes.  "Have I not told  you that such lolly-gagging is not acceptable for any apprentice?  You have seen the way the other three apprentices work.  They work with diligence and descipline, and they, above all, have respect their masters."  He yanked his apprentice up by the ear, who in turn whimpered.  "Stop it Embero!"  It was a funny sight, those two.  From afar, you would've thought they were father and son, having a fight, but if was far from such.

[Elektra]

Finally, Embro let go of his apprentices ear, shaking his head.  From his neck was the rope of his familiar burlap bag, but the bag itself seemed to be missing.  Noticing his apprentice's curiousity about its location, he said, "It's right here.  Brought along a few containers.  Start scooping this up.  Nothing but sand though.  Use the fine strainer.  Okay?"  Willow Wisp nodded, and began.  It was a bit tedious, but they had well over a gallon of the sand by the time they were both finished.  "Amazing..." the young Lubshii muttered.  For once, Embro smiled at him.  Finally, he thought.  He's finally appreciating what I'm teaching him...

[Elektra]

It was at least a two day journey back to Idalani Falls, and then they would have to send for help to transport the sand back up to the caves.  Their home was a complex one, and just as amazing.  Where a jagged rock had once divided the flow of water at the top of the falls, there was an entrance to a cave.  It had been dug out for over five years, and was still in the process of being enlarged by its current occupants, whose numbers seemed to grow every day.  From the outside, the entrance was impossible to spot, but once inside, a person could become lost in the vast maze of tunnels and rooms if they weren't familiar with the place.  Near the back was Emro's shop, where he lived and worked all his days.  Connected by a small door was Willow Wisp's own room, so that his master could call on him if need be.  But, recognizing the time and effort that such a journey would take in the first place, the two collected as much sand as they could carry, and set out for home.

[Elektra]

"Embro, please slow down!" Willow Wisp complained to his master, who at the time was walking ahead with what seemed like a never ending supply of energy to carry him through the journey.  If only that were the case with his apprentice.  Slowing down, the Shinzo sighed, and sat down, removing the bag that contained jars of fine black sand they had collected.  "We can stop for only a short while, and then we will begin again.  Are we clear?  I want to be back to the Caves as soon as possible so I may begin the window.  Now that we have enough black sand, I'll be able to finish the scene."  He turned away and picked up his bag.  Motioning to his apprentice, he set off again.


That was all either of them said for the rest of the day.  It was obvious that they both needed to rest, but neither wanted to admit it.  Finally, both of them collapsed after walking the whole day.  "I don't think we should stay out in the open..." Willow Wisp commented slowly, not sure if there would be a harsh answer from his tired master.  But, surprisingly enough, Embro said nothing, and simply nodded.  The two walked over to a patch of trees with shrubs at their bases, and used those as cover.  Immediately, they fell asleep.