11/13 Patrick and Hank offer to escort Sep out to the caern. The new Warder asks us to Summon Crow, which is great fun. Afterwards, Blinks adds comic relief in the middle of a serious discussion with Thorn. Fog is suggested, and rejected, as a "too obvious" means of hiding the caern. Finally, Brittany gets her nose tweaked--literally--by a mule, after which she actually makes a useful suggestion.
Osprey Drive, 1400 Block
Homes run along the south side of the street, but the northern side of the drive is occupied by the monolithic marble structure of the Church of St. Uriel. Homes along this stretch of road belong to quiet families, many quite religious in manner. Yellow school buses roll below the over-arching trees regularly on weekdays, once in the morning and once late in the afternoon.
Osprey Drive runs east-west past the Church of St. Uriel which sits forbodingly on a small hill that rises up in the north. A private school, of the Catholic persuasion, sits quietly across the street from the church.
Contents:
Hank
Patrick
Obvious exits:
1435 Osprey Drive St. Uriel's School St. Uriel's Church West East
Hank stands bored next to Pat.
Sepdet slips out from behind a hedge, looking excited and nervous, and smelling like a Bone Gnawer.
From afar, Hank baps you for that remark. ;)
You paged Hank with 'Well, I've been living as one for 2 months. :)'.
Patrick sniffs for a moment, then looks over at Sepdet for a moment before really recognizing her. He grins at her, saying, "Good to see ya again. Ready to go home?"
Sepdet glances warily at other people on the street and drops her hands in her pockets casually. "Thanks so much. I sure am."
l patrick
Patrick is a young man, probably in his late teens, standing about 6' tall. Freckles run across his nose just below his bright green eyes, which sparkle slightly back at you. His sandy blond hair is sticking out from under his tan leather cap. He's fairly well-built and tanned, with his light brown knotted arms contrasting with his shirt. He's wearing a red, white, and blue vertical striped Tommy Hilfiger shirt, and a pair of Levi's 501 button-fly jeans. On his feet are a pair of brown leather loafers. His smile seems to punctuate whatever he does, regardless of circumstances, and he stands in a rather relaxed pose.
Hank nods to Sepdet. "Hiya."
Patrick nods, looking around. "You planning on walking or running or would a cab or something kill you? Unfortunately, my car's in the shop, and Mom and Dad are still getting the blood out of the van." He adds the last as if it's a jest.
Sepdet digs into her pockets and comes out with a random assortment of bills. "I'm running a bit low in the pickpocket department, these a-days, but I'll manage. Cab's safer than a quiet stroll through the whole city, anyway."
Hank nods. "Definitely."
Sepdet says this rather softly, eyes casually on the richer-looking individuals going about their business on the street.
Patrick shakes his head. "My treat. Trust me, I have more than enough to cover this one." He pulls out his flip-phone and dials a cab company.
Sepdet looks at Patrick somewhat enviously.
Patrick hails a cab.
Sepdet takes another casual scan of faces, almost but not quite concealing nervousness.
[take a cab to Kent Crossing]
Patrick looks around, and strides as non-chalantly as possible (given the rather wide disparity of garment choice between himself and Hank and Sepdet) out of town towards the woods.
Sepdet sniffs the air carefully, glancing up at the sky. She favors the pair with a childish grin, and ambles as slowly and carefully as she can after Patrick.
l hank
Hank appears to be somewhere in his early teens, though exactly where is hard to say. He's about 5'7", and his arms and legs seem a bit too long for his body. He's also fairly skinny, though not unhealthily so. His hair, what little there is of it, is dark brown. It's been cut close to the scalp, all except for a forelock that doesn't quite reach his brown eyes. A glint of gold can be seen in his left ear. Although pleasant enough, nothing really stands out about the rest of his face. It tends to have a serious expression on it, broken by a grin now and then.
Hank's clothes show a fondness for one color in particular. He's wearing black denim jeans, and the leather belt holding them up is black, except for a silvery buckle. The ends of the legs are tucked into a pair of older-looking army boots, black and scuffed to a matte appearance. He's also got on a red plaid flannel shirt, and over that, a black leather vest hangs open. A 'button' is pinned to the left side of the vest. On his right hand, he's got a black fingerless glove, with a silver buckle on the back.
You paged Patrick and Hank with 'A goth, a preppy, and a street rat. So :)?'.
Eligio Sacateca pages: Get here, quick, please. We need you at the Caern.
e
You set off down the highway to the east. The trees seem to close in around the roadway as you travel; after a time, you find yourself faced with a wall of forest as the road turns south.
Highway 22, Near the Forest
Obvious exits:
North South West
You paged Eligio Sacateca with 'Comin'!'.
Long distance to Eligio Sacateca: Sepdet is being careful.
Hank comes down the road from the west.
Hank has arrived.
Patrick comes down the road from the west.
Patrick has arrived.
Sepdet quietly waits until she can smell and hear no sign of cars, helicopters, or other signs of the world we left behind, and drops down to a shape she hasn't donned in a long time. "I should be okay from here," she whispers.
Sepdet's eyes dance as she changes shape.
+shift lupus
Sepdet contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Hank glances at Sepdet. "Sure?"
You shift into Lupus form.
Set.
Patrick tilts his head to look at the wolf. "You sure? I don't mind continuing the escort if you want."
Sepdet's tail twitches, nose taking in the scents of the woods like a pup let out of a car. If you don't mind, it's probably best. Last one to the Wheel's a frog in a pot!
Hank contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Hank shifts into Lupus form.
Patrick contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Sepdet gives an impish soft yip, and tears off into the underbrush without another sound.
Patrick shifts into Lupus form.
[...]
Southern Curve of the Wheel
A whisper of wind and a glimmer of light, one behind and the other ahead, bring a faint tingle to your senses. Ahead, light reflects somberly off a clear pool of water, while behind air swirls and stirs the leaves of trees. A pathway of soft dirt winds between the two and south, off the wheel.
Obvious exits:
Pool Windy Spot Center of the Wheel South
Whitestreak comes in from the woodland to the south.
Whitestreak has arrived.
Whitestreak heads into the center.
Whitestreak has left.
Hank comes in from the woodland to the south.
Hank has arrived.
Thena pages: Ooooh. I'm roastin marshmallos. :)
At the center, Whitestreak skids to a halt just *barely* in front of the Table Stone and turns to look at Sepdet. Beat you.
Sepdet runs into the caern, nose twitching, and looks all around. She snorts at Whitestreak. That's because I /let/ you, she says haughtily, and makes a dash and nip at his shoulder.
At the center, Brian's gaze follows Drew's, his attention resting mostly on Eligio. He does not speak, though he does move out of the center to take a place beneath one of the trees that shadows the caern.
Near the Fire Pit, Dylan looks back at Natasha.
Hank's mouth drops open in a laugh.
Near the Fire Pit, Natasha says, slowly and clearly, "I am going to find a teacher. I am going to learn everything I need to know to function in this vicious little society of yours. And then I am going to make that woman wish her parents had never met."
Near the Pool, Eligio Sacateca looks at the newcomers, a faint hint of suprise crossing his face.
Near the Fire Pit, Dylan blinks as Sepdet and Whitestreak make a precipitous entrance, and stands up. "Natasha. I will teach you anything you ask me to. I think more than that would upset your...friends. Walk well.
Near the Fire Pit, Kosh chuckles darkly. "Too late..." He sears a marshmellow over the fire.
Near the Fire Pit, Arcadia hehs at Natasha. I got out of her way before she could hit _me_.
At the center, Whitestreak chuffs good-naturedly to Sepdet. Maybe. I know how fast Anubis moves. I still won.
Near the Pool, Cyllan looks over towards the fire pit, blinks a few times in surprise and then whispers to Eligio. ~Sepdet? Whitestreak? Should we ask them?~
Near the Pool, Al Harsin raises his eyebrows at Sepdet's arrival.
Near the Pool, Eligio Sacateca says, ~Indeed.~
Near the Pool, Eligio Sacateca heads into the centre.
Sepdet quivers all over, ears only half heeding Whitestreak's taunts. Her eyes are darting over every line and pebble of the wheel. She's barely focussed on the people in it.
Near the Pool, Eligio Sacateca heads into the center.
Near the Fire Pit, Dylan heads into the center.
Drew steps back from the stone at the two lupus' arrival, not looking entirely pleased at the narrowness of Whitestreak's stop.
Hank continues to watch from the south curve, his stance looking a little unsure.
Dylan smiles at Sepdet, and whispers something to her as he passes.
On the eastern curve, Soulcatcher makes his way out of the woods to the east.
Near the Fire Pit, Kosh ahems as his marshmallow cooks. He looks to Arcadia and Natasha. "A thousand pardons, we have not been introduced..."
On the eastern curve, Soulcatcher stops at the edge of the Wheel, ears forward as he surveys the circle.
Near the Pool, Al Harsin remains by the Pool, scuffing at the grass.
Near the Fire Pit, Thena picks a fuzzy off of one of her marshmellows and roasts it nicely.
Brian's attention wanders back and forth between Sepdet and Whitestreak, and Gauntlet. He does not speak, does not move.
Eligio Sacateca calls ~Groundskeeper. You must be a Harbinger, indeed, to have shown up now. Please, the homecoming can wait. We need you.~
Dylan whispers, "I am glad you are back. The wood was heavy."
Sepdet makes a nervous dance-skip to one side, brushing against Eligio's shin. Warder? Her body language makes it come out almost a stammer. Tell me what you need. I'm...my feet aren't on the ground, but I'll do my best.
Near the Fire Pit, Natasha says "My name is Natasha. I'm told I'm a Shadow Lord."
On the eastern curve, Silent Storm makes her way out of the woods to the east.
Dylan heads south, out of the Wheel and into the forest.
Dylan has left.
Near the Pool, Moon Otter pads nervously back and forth near the pool's edge, pausing near the Caster.
On the eastern curve, Silent Storm pads in from the east, following silently behind Soulcatcher.
Eligio Sacateca says, ~I expect nothing less.~ He turns to his tribesmate. ~Whitestreak, do you have time as well?~
Near the Pool, Cyllan shifts restlessly on her feet, waiting for Eligio to finish.
Near the Fire Pit, Arcadia looks at Natasha and then at Kosh. Swift-silver. Little moon, if any, and nobody has bothered to claim me yet.
On the eastern curve, Silent Storm nods to Moon Otter as she spots him.
Near the Fire Pit, Seeker makes his way towards the fire pit from the woods. He glances into the center, then heads inward.
Dylan pages: Tell everyone involved with the gauntlet stuff I'll be back in maybe 15 minutes, okay? Carey wants on.
You paged Eligio Sacateca with 'Erk. Sepdet's about as well-grounded as a puppy discovering a kitten in its house, just now. :)'.
Near the Fire Pit, Seeker heads into the center.
Near the Pool, Cyllan whispers quietly to Moon Otter.
Whitestreak tilts his head to look at Eligio. ~Not much. I need to get home soon. What do we do?~
Near the Pool, Moon Otter huffs an affirmative and slips from the group near the pool, padding by packmates to whuff briefly with them.
On the eastern curve, Soulcatcher heads into the center.
Seeker heads south, away from the center of the Wheel.
Near the Fire Pit, Kosh bows. "Greetings. I am Speaks-Like-A-Vorlon. Kosh. Crescent moon of the Glass Walkers. Would the spirits let me use my computer, I have a macro that says all that..."
Eligio Sacateca says, ~We have a Rite to perform. Go your way, we have enough, perhaps.~
On the eastern curve, Silent Storm looks around, then turns to Soulcatcher, eyes shining. Quickly she follows after him.
On the eastern curve, Silent Storm heads into the center.
Sepdet finally sorts Brian's scent out from everyone else's. The Strider seems to be having trouble focussing on all the smells at once. She dips her eyes hesitantly to him, trying to stand still and not twitch.
Near the Fire Pit, Roj eyes the sudden activity all about bemusedly. "Someone must've sent up a signal flare."
Near the Fire Pit, Natasha watches the center closely.
From afar, Soulcatcher oops. Whatcha doing here?
Drew, looking around at the comings and goings, spots one or two and moves over to their location.
At the center, Drew heads southeast to the pool.
At the center, Whitestreak dips his head to Eligio. ~Coon's Luck on you, then, Alpha. Call me later and tell me how it goes?~
Near the Pool, Al Harsin bounces on the balls of his feet.
Near the Fire Pit, Thena snickers.
Seeker looks down at Sepdet, studying her for a moment silently. "I am Seeker, ahroun of the Silent Striders."
Seeker senses "Sepdet is dancing and quivering like a barely-weaned cub. This may confuse you."
From afar, Seeker looks *way* down. :)
Brian flashes a half-smile towards Sepdet, dismissing the display of deference with a shrug. His attention, then, moves towards Eligio. "Warder," he says, his voice pitched to cut above the din of the caern.
Silent Storm follows Soulcatcher's eyes to the southern curve, stopping when it locks on the approaching Metis.
Hank glances around and sees Oscar and Drew, and heads towards them.
Hank follows the Wheel to the Pool.
Hank has left.
Eligio Sacateca snorts. ~That will be difficult. I have no phone. I'll send word.~ He turns towards the new Alpha. ~Yes?~
Sepdet comes to attention as she is addressed and sniffs the Strider's feet on all sides, then looks up at him with ears flickering. Yes, I know who you are. I am glad you are here, yuf. Sepdet, Harbinger. I am needed now...we will talk more later, I think.
Near the Pool, Always Hungry cuffs a greeting as she slips up onto the wheel here.
Near the Pool, Drew greets Hank with a surprised look, then nods with a grin.
Whitestreak chuffs at Eligio in amusement. ~You have ways.~
Brian lifts his shoulders in a slow shrug, obviously reluctant to take much of Eligio's time. "We should speak."
Eligio Sacateca touches Soulcatcher's shoulder with one slim-fingered hand as he waits for Brian's response. ~Stay for a moment,~ he says softly.
Near the Pool, Hank nods to Drew, and looks surprised at seeing Moon Otter. You are back.
Seeker nods. "Of course."
Seeker narrows his eyes somewhat at Sepdet's body language, but does not comment.
Near the Pool, Cyllan bounces lightly on the balls of her feet, obviously impatient to get started.
Near the Pool, Moon Otter was called back from the wolves. There is work that needs doing.
Near the Fire Pit, Kosh looks about. "The congregation begins. What news abounds?"
Near the Fire Pit, Arcadia looks at Kosh. Can you tell me what Tribe I am?
Soulcatcher's gaze, lingering on Sepdet, is drawn to the Warder's touch, and then his words. His ears come forward and the wolf chuffs lightly, nodding.
Near the Fire Pit, Thena shakes her head. "My, my, my."
Near the Pool, Always Hungry follows the Wheel north past the Pool.
On the eastern curve, Always Hungry follows the Wheel to the Fire Pit.
Near the Fire Pit, Always Hungry circles the Wheel, arriving from the eastern curve.
Near the Pool, Hank looks at Moon Otter. What is going on?
Eligio Sacateca says, ~We should do more than that,~ he says in a low voice. Then ~But speaking will be enough. I will catch you as soon as I have time. With the...~ At this point he switches to English, "Helicopters..." Finally, ~And the Dancers I have time for little but to arrange the Caern's safety.~
Near the Pool, Moon Otter pads over to quietly converse with packmates.
Silent Storm quietly expresses confusion to Soulcatcher. This one thought Sepdet was Warder, who is the new Alpha. Succumbing to perplexity, her ears splay, this one does not understand.
Near the Fire Pit, Natasha listens closely, barely able to piece together some of what is being said.
Near the Fire Pit, Always Hungry chuffs a greeting to White Mane.
From afar, Therru notes her grammar is atrocious.
At the center, Whitestreak heads south, away from the center of the Wheel.
Whitestreak has arrived.
Near the Fire Pit, Arcadia whuffs at Always Hungry.
Sepdet gives the ahroun her tribesmate a /very/ grave glance, and then hops sideways towards Soulcatcher.
Near the Pool, Cyllan looks up at Blight-Render and sighs. "gonna be midnight before we start."
Whitestreak nips at Sepdet's shoulder as she hops towards Soulcatcher, then heads off into the woods.
Whitestreak heads south, out of the Wheel and into the forest.
Whitestreak has left.
Brian simply nods, then turns to regard the other assembled Garou. "Hear me," he says, his voice pitched to carry across the Wheel.
Sepdet's ears go straight up at Silent Storm's words, and she peers at Soulcatcher with a mock-accusing glance. Then she settles down to listen to the alpha.
Near the Fire Pit, Kosh ponders Arcadia's question, then turns to hear the new alpha.
Seeker turns his attention to the Alpha, listening.
Near the Pool, Al Harsin's eye moves to look at the pool, then pauses as the Alpha speaks. He looks up, head hunched down. He shoves his hands in his pockets.
Near the Fire Pit, Always Hungry turns toawrds the sounds.
Near the Fire Pit, Thena turns to look.
Eligio Sacateca simply waits, patiently and silently.
Silent Storm catches the hint, turning respectful attention to the Alpha.
Near the Pool, Drew talks quietly with two people, then breaks off, falling silent as he faces the center.
Near the Pool, Hank looks towards the alpha.
Eochaid comes in from the woodland to the south.
Eochaid has arrived.
Near the Fire Pit, Natasha notices everyone else's respect for the man at the center, and pays all the more attention.Brian draws a breath, then begins, in the speech of the Garou. ~Mother Rat and the Sept of the Wheel have made peace. She has given her word that her servants and her children will not harm this Sept or this Caern. The pack called Invisibles remain Anruth, for they choose Rat before Sept or Caern. But they are not our enemies, and I will hear of it if they or any other of Rat's children are mistreated.~
Seeker curls his lip in distaste at the announcement, but says nothing.
Near the Fire Pit, Kosh dips his head, eyes darkening.
Eochaid stops in his tracks as he sees Sepdet in front of him. A big, brilliant smile alights his face as he walks over to her, all but oblivious to the announcement at the center.
Eochaid says "Good eve, lass. Glad to see you back."
Eligio Sacateca, the announcement having been heard, passes his gaze over the Wheel. With a silent gesture to his packmates they head out.
[Mass migration to the north]
Near the Pool, Drew nudges Hank in the ribs.
Near the Pool, Hank nods to Drew, nudging him back.
Near the Fire Pit, Thena turns back to the fire, apparently without opinion.
At the center, Silent Storm looks confused for a moment, then hesitantly follows Soulcatcher.
At the center, Mac walks into the wheel and heads for the Alpha as he sees him.
Sepdet relaxes at the alpha's announcement, and gives Eochaid a gentle whuff of agreement. Good to be back. And already needed again. She gives his shin a light nip, and then pads after the others.
Near the Fire Pit, Always Hungry looks confused at the sudden exodus of people.
[....]
By the Bone Arches
Deep in the forest, hidden by tall trees all around sit the Bone Arches. These two mighty ribs reach seven feet in the air, a single pace apart and tilted slightly toward each other. Strung from the zeniths is a deerskin bundle that rocks slightly in the breeze. Thick underbrush, some with prickly thorns, others with trailing vines, covers the forest floor only a few paces from the monument, rolling away in lush, grassy waves far into the distance.
Winding through the underbrush, a number of trail-like impressions can be seen in the dirt. The most prominent of these leads southwest.
Contents:
Al Harsin
Drew
Moon Otter
Cyllan
Eligio Sacateca
Soulcatcher approaches from the southwest.
Soulcatcher has arrived.
Eligio Sacateca allows his packmates to explain why they are here.
Al Harsin looks around. "Magpie's not talking much. WEe gotta find out why."
YAl Harsin says "Instead of barking up her tree, I thought we should try another one. Cyllan and Moon Otter think it should be Crow."
Hank approaches from the southwest.
Hank has arrived.
Al Harsin lets them explain the thinking.
Silent Storm approaches from the southwest.
Silent Storm has arrived.
Silent Storm pads in, following the mix of scents. As she approaches she sees the congregation and stands a respectful distance from it.
Hank pads up, going over to his packmates.
Cyllan says "Crow's close to Magpie, and in a way they're both birds associated with Visions and secrets. Kinda like cousins."
Always Hungry approaches from the southwest.
Always Hungry has arrived.
Sepdet glances up at the sky consideringly, and then back around at everyone's respective shapes and guises. The rather giddy Strider has quieted down now, and listens quietly to the explanation with only a violent twitch of the ears from time to time.
Silent Storm nods to Always Hungry as she approaches.
Always Hungry looks curious as she enters quietly.
Moon Otter huffs his agreement. Magpie and Crow seem to be alike, and this place has an object of Magpie's in it.
Eligio Sacateca shakes his head as the Silver Fang enters the clearing. ~No. I will not risk a cub in this. Return to the Caern.~
Always Hungry looks down, but turns back towards the caern.
Always Hungry wanders away from the Bone Arches.
Always Hungry wanders through the forest.
Drew slouches, hands in his jeans pockets, as he listens to the reasonings and whyfores.
Always Hungry follows the trail to the southwest.
Always Hungry has left.
Soulcatcher's eyes dart amongst those speaking as the explanation is given.
Al Harsin says "We need something strong. That's why there're so many of you. You're gonna have to give of your strength."
Cyllan looks at Eligio and Blight-Render. "Fire? Should I build one?"
Eligio Sacateca stands silently by while the others explain. He shakes his head. "No, no fire. Not after last time."
Cyllan nods.
Hank watches Al Harsin, listening.
Sepdet's muzzle lifts slightly back from her teeth, and she steps softly over into place next to the two Wendigo.
Soulcatcher's head drops slightly at the reference to the other attempt, but he quickly brings it up again.
Moon Otter lifts and replaces a paw as the last time gets mentioned.
Al Harsin undoes his beltpouch and quickly marks out the usual circle. "Gonna need stuff Crow's gonna like. Cough it up folks."
Silent Storm moves silently, approaching her pack mate and Sepdet, tilting her head in respect as she does so.
Hank contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Hank shifts into Homid form.
From afar, to Hank, Eligio Sacateca, Moon Otter, Drew, Soulcatcher, Silent Storm, Cyllan, and Sepdet, Al Harsin gives people a chance to pose positioning around the circle, and offerings to Crow for the center.
+shift homid
Sepdet contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
You shift into Homid form..
Drew brushes back his hair. "Things?" He unpins a safety pin holding his shirt closed, and squints at it. "Like this?"
Al Harsin looks at Drew. "Uh, sure, I guess."
Soulcatcher contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Soulcatcher pauses, his form losing its continuity and twisting into Homid form.
Eligio Sacateca manages to come up with a small silver hoop and a small, earthen jar of pigment. He strips to the waist, leaving only the Crow hairpipes in place on his chest.
Silent Storm looks around, uncertain, but eventually joins the others in shifting to homid.
Silent Storm contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Silent Storm shifts into Homid form.
Al Harsin takes out a few bits and pieces of food, and a few coins, and puts them in the center of the circle.
Moon Otter contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Moon Otter shifts into Homid form.
Cyllan drops some shiny twine and a recently dead mouse into the center. Then she takes a place next to Blight-Render. She strips bare and tosses her clothing well out of the circle.
Sepdet wrinkles her face, as the smell of her city clothes--though recently washed--wafts around her. She looks thoughtful for a moment, before tugging a rolled-up bit of parchment out of a pocket. She glances up at Magpie's bundle with a faint smile, then adds her gift to the pile.
Drew unfastens the remaining pins on his shirt, and builds a small pile of them in the center.
Al Harsin stays thoroughly clothed.
Hank looks at Al Harsin. "Shiny stuff?" He digs into his pockets, coming out with a couple nickels and dimes, a few pennies, and adds it to the center, then finds a place to settle near Drew and Oscar.
Eligio Sacateca uses the pigment to draw Uktena's mark on one side of Cyllan's face and Crow's on the other and repeats the same on his own, without a mirror, just by touch.
Oscar fishes around in his pocket and comes up with a sightly rusted and battered Swis Army knife. He deposits it into the collection in the center and shifts back to a warmer form.
Theressa Storm pats at her clothing, despairing that she may have nothing. Her hands slip into a pocket, returning with some of the shiny metal coins, and a pawn shop receipt.
Oscar contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Oscar shifts into Lupus form.
Theressa Storm tentatively reaches out and places the contents among the others.
Sepdet grins and tosses a few chips of carnelian and lapis after. Then she drops back into place next to Joseph and brushes his hand with two fingers, eyes half-closing as she begins to sort out her thoughts in preparation for trance.
Al Harsin concentrates, forcing his hand to shift claws. "What we do, we do for the Wheel Renewed." He slashes at his face, letting blood fly, in the manner of the Get. With that, he begins the opening howl-chant.
Joseph shifts up, and reaches into his bag. Rumaging for a moment, he withdraws a small set of beaded glass and adds it to the treasure before stepping in place.
Cyllan raises her head and lets out an ear-splitting shriek that settles into a higher-pitched version of Blight-Render's howl.
From afar, to Hank, Eligio Sacateca, Moon Otter, Drew, Joseph, Theressa Storm, Cyllan, and Sepdet, Al Harsin gives people a chance to pose whatever howls/chants/dances they feel like as he makes the entreaty.
Eligio Sacateca tilts back his head, weaving a song of great age and twisted harmony about his packmate's howl with practiced ease. The words are Yaqui but the meaning is clear and he gives them up to Crow for his own.
Joseph returns the small Strider's gentle touch with one of his own, and then relaxes. Shutting his eyes, he silently weaves the rhythms pouring forth and finally adds to them his own song, quiet and drawing.
Sepdet tips her head back and makes a harsh wordless cawing cry, her own speech canted to the tongue of the spirit being sought. *Hail black-feathered seeker, and welcome!*
Drew glances about uncertainly at the various chants and howls, and attempts a feeble, unrhymatic "Come to us, Crow. Please?"
Theressa Storm shifts down to her more comfortable form again, raising her howl up. Raising her lone wolf-howl, she begins the musical call to friends of the Arctic wolves.
Theressa Storm contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Moon Otter tips his head back and belts out a howl. Arr-Arr-Arooooo! It sounds, strangely, like something out of a B-rated werewolf flick and is punctuated by an odd bird-like noise as it closes.
Theressa Storm shifts into Lupus form.
Hank looks around, listening, then starts to hum quietly, matching his pitch and rhythm to parts of the others.
Al Harsin's voice modulates, single eye on the heavens. "Crow, we're running blind, our eyes plucked out. Your cousin's flying solo, when she needs her brother and sister. We offer treasure, blood and howl. We offer carrion to keep your children through the winter. We offer our need. Bring us your need. We offer power!" His voice sinks to an ecstatic groan as blood leaks down through his beard.
The call goes unanswered for the longest time. The minutes crawl by and voices go hoarse with the din that they provide. And yet, in the silence, the wind has picked up. It starts to toss the branches of the trees this way and that. This, too, goes on for some time.
Silent Storm alters her pitch, not matching the wind's but modulating with it, allowing her voice to be carried by it's movement.
Cyllan's howl shifts and blurrs into a low thrumming chant in Cherokee. Anyone who knows the language well can recognize that Cyllan does not speak it fluently, but she manages a smooth call to Crow. Picking up where her packmate left off, she slips into the Mother Tounge. ~We give what we have to you. Answer our call, taste what we have to offer.~ She takes the knife that rests at her feet and traces down the insides of her arms, letting dark blood spill down into the earth.
There is not thunderous drumming of wings, no burst of sound or shower of blackness. Instead, a single black feather floats out of the sky, tossed by the wind this way and that until it lands squarely in the centre of the bone arches. A harsh caw sounds from above.
Dylan approaches from the southwest.
Dylan has arrived.
In the trees above perches a ragged crow. Black feathers worn like a tattered coat, orangish beak yellowed with age. Two of the talons that grip the branch on one foot are broken off. And, yet, for all of this there is an undefinable sense of majesty that this creature projects. Majesty and anger, too. *Owl's children have gall to call to me,* it croaks in the language of the spirits.
You paged Dylan with 'We're Summoning Crow to ask her where her cousin MAgpie is.'.
Dylan comes to the opening of the clearing and stops, silent on bare feet.
Cyllan turns to greet the spirit with a deep bow. *Owl's children recognize that Owl is not the only, nor the most far seeing of all the birds.*
Al Harsin looks up into the tree. *We're Magpie's too. The Wheel's protection, pack of the Warder. Gaia has more than one wing.*
Sepdet tips her face up to the wind, face bare and open to the spirit, meeting its scrutiny unafraid and silent now.
*Owl's children have gall to offer me treasures,* it rasps, then cocks its head. *Such pretty treasures, though,* it concedes. *Such pretty words. What would you have of me? What would you pay for my secrets?*
From afar, to Cyllan, Sepdet, and Al Harsin, Eligio Sacateca guesses, rather sadly, that asking everybody to give up a secret would be too time consuming with this many. Ah well, I'll try something else.
Long distance to Eligio Sacateca: Sepdet notes her scroll is a Strider story, which no one except Striders have ever heard; Sepdet's usual gift to Magpie.
Al Harsin frowns a bit. *Food for the crows through the hard winter. Corn and kill.* he eyes Cyllan, the diplomat of the pack.
Cyllan tosses her hair out of eyes and steps foward to speak with the spirit. *We offer the power we have raised here. We offer to tend your children and to shelter them through the winter. We offer our secrets and our knowledge to you. Ask me, and I will give it if it is in my power.*
Dylan tilts his head to one side, listening rather wistfully once again to the speech he cannot understand.
The crow drops, like a stone, from the branch to the mound of treasure. He tilts his feathered head even further and looks at each of you with a glittering black eye. With one foot he paws through the treasures, resting momentarily against each. *Tend my children, then. Each of you will leave an offering each month until the snows are gone.* It stops at Cyllan. *What secret do you offer me?*
Cyllan drops down so that she is kneeling in front of the crow. In a crystal clear voice (although still in spirit speech), she says *I have offered my house for shelter to one whom my race would hunt.* Then her voice drops and she whispers to the bird.
Al Harsin looks with confusion at Cyllan.
Hank glances over at Cyllan.
The bird hops to a higher perch when Cyllan is done, black eyes glittering brightly. *I will come to each of you,* it says, still in spirit speech. *In a dream. You will each tell me a secret.*
Dylan pages: Think it's appropriate for Dylan to stay? They /said/ to come, when I got back on line, but I can't really get /into/ the ritual, now....
Sepdet shivers, but her chin dips in an unconscious nod to the spirit's request.
Drew watches the exchange blankly.
Hank mmms to himself, then nods slightly.
He emits a harsh caw, then rasps. *And for this knowledge, I offer you this. My sister is troubled. Dark visions cover her like wings and fire sparks on the horizon of her forest. Three hold power where once there was one and it tears them apart. Three hold tight to a dream and a dark cloud spills over them. There is a place, far from here, that holds her attention like a silver nail.*
Cyllan wipes at the blood crusted on her arms and wrists. *And can we aid her?*
Dylan watches the spirit intently, as though willing himself to be able to understand, and failing.
You paged Dylan with 'Oh what the heck. It will be over soon, anyway. And it's neat to watch!'.
Al Harsin talks excitedly over Cyllan. *What holds her attention? Where is it?*
Cyllan gives her packmate a mild glare and turns back to the bird.
Moon Otter twists his ears from one side to the other, as if changing angles could help decipher the language being spoken. He eventually gives up and settles for watching.
Drew watches the crow blankly, failing to make out the meaning.
Silent Storm seems content with allowing others to speak, and to comprehend. Still her attention rests fully on the spirit, head tilted down respectfully.
The crow surveys the crowd with black eyes, leaning close. Its harsh voice drops low as it considers this. *Go there, maybe. Ask for her. But the winged mare's children hold this place for my sister. One among you they might accept for bitches you must be to knock at their door and they would not take a mule to their inner circle.*
Cyllan's eyes widen slightly as she glances around the circle. *And will you show me the way?*
Hank chews his lip a little,listening.
Joseph's eyes narrow, but he remains silent, intently watching Crow.
The crow hops to a thinner branch and it bends down low, close to Cyllan's face. It pecks once, experimentally, at her eye. *Like sunshine. I will take you, if you can keep up.*
Cyllan flinches back slightly. *I can keep up.* she says with much more confidence than she probably feels.
Al Harsin looks vaguely distressed.
Sepdet's face grows still with sudden comprehension and worry as she observes. Her fingers slip absently for Joseph's hand.
Joseph squeezes the Strider's hand instinctively as it touches his. He watches the Caster tensely.
The old bird leans back. *I will show you the paths. When next the moon lights up my world. I will show you Cypress Rising and you may ask my sister what news she has.*
Cyllan nods. *I will look for you.*
Crow's answer is a harsh caw and he takes wing in a flutter, climbing high above the treetops in an instant until the dwindling speck is gone.
Silent Storm watches intently as the crow departs, keeping her eyes fixed upon the black form until nothing is left.
Cyllan takes a hesitant step backwards, then turns to face her packmates and the other Garou. "Well. It actually worked."
Drew watches the dwindling spot, then nudges the Theurge of his pack for a whispered translation.
Dylan lets out a breath, and looks at Cyllan.
Eligio Sacateca remains tightlipped throughout this conversation though the worry lines are etched plainly on his face. "Indeed," he says, in a voice that is at once soft and sharp like a razor.
Al Harsin looks after crow, then at Cyllan. "Of course it work. My ideas always work." He chews his lower lip for awhile, then silently cleans up the ritual space.
Cyllan chuckles softly at Blight-Render and then gives Dylan and the others who do not know Spirit speech a quick rundown of what just happened.
Al Harsin yawns, clearly tired.
Al Harsin contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Silent Storm nods as she is given the explanation. This one could travel with you, if required. Silent Storm is no stranger to the people of Pegasus.
Al Harsin shifts into Lupus form.
Blight-Render staggers into the woods to look for a place to sleep.
Dylan nods, and whispers, "Comes Too Late," to himself. He leans against the tree where he stands at the entrance to the clearing.
Cyllan looks up at Eligio. "We'll ask Crow whe we see him. Right now, I must sleep. And heal." The girl shifts into lupus form and trots off into the woods.
Joseph lets out a sigh, his eyes drifting to Eligio.
Sepdet glances across at Dylan sharply at the name, and shakes her head. ~It went well,~ she says simply, many worries and doubts making her voice softer even than usual.
Dylan says, "I'm glad," and does not seem to be ignoring the Strider's ambivilence, but accepting it.
Silent Storm notices Dylan at the edge of the clearing and whines a cheerful greeting.
Eligio Sacateca watches his packmates depart, silently. He heads back to the Caern with a worried expression on his face, to take up his post.
Sepdet calls to Eligio. ~Semsw. I need to ask you somethin.~
Dylan starts to speak to Eligio, then falls silent as Sepdet speaks before him.
Eligio Sacateca turns, partway through the trees. ~Yes?~
Sepdet glances back at the others apologetically. ~Elsewhere.~
Silent Storm lowers her head in respect to Sepdet. This one has waited long to meet you, and hopes to speak with you soon.
Long distance to Dylan: Sepdet looks apologetic.
Joseph lets go of Sepdet's hand, nodding. "I'll meet you later, under the trees." He smiles, seemingly at somethign particular, and then finishes. "Welcome home."
[After talking to Eligio]
You head south, towards the Great Wheel.
Northern Curve of the Wheel
Between the elements of fire and earth, the lines of the Wheel come into particular focus. About two yards apart, both defining grooves are composed of three quarter-inch thin lines, criss-crossing and weaving back and forth in a repeating pattern. Fire has scorched the edges of the path to an easily seen black. The small hill is forward on the Wheel, the firepit behind, and a path crosses to the middle of the clearing from outside.
Obvious exits:
Earth Mound Fire Pit Center of the Wheel North
In the Windy Spot, Silent Storm tilts her head, and then shifts up to facilitate conversation.
In the Windy Spot, Silent Storm contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Near the Fire Pit, Thena grins. "Not at all, glad to have another ex-Philadelphian around the joint."
In the Windy Spot, Silent Storm shifts into Homid form.
Near the Fire Pit, Kosh shakes his head. "Not at all..."
Near the Fire Pit, Roj says "Key word here is 'little.' We met?"
Near the Pool, Thorn's gaze shifts to the north as Sepdet appears.
In the Windy Spot, Theressa Storm's movements turn into a shrug. "I'm doing well enough, I guess. We may have made some progress with Magpie, the lost totem."
Near the Fire Pit, Mac smiles and sits on the ground close to the fire. He holds his hands up to the flame and smiles over to Thena. "So...Why'd you leave, or did you tell me this already?"
Sepdet looks over the Wheel patiently, leaning against a tree and pressing her cheek against it like a long-absent littermate before venturing in.
Near the Pool, Thorn heads into the center.
In the Windy Spot, Dylan nods. "Yes. I wish Cyllan luck." His eyes drift toward the north, momentarily, and the smile returns for a moment, before he looks back at Silent Storm.
From afar, to Sepdet, Dylan aghs at his prose...tired...
Near the Fire Pit, Thena shrugs. "Too many leeches, too few bullets. Actually, I lost my job, and I kinda need one."
At the center, Blinks turns to Eochaid, looking relieved to have an excuse to escape the gaze of the strange Strider. "I heard you speak of Rat. Does that go well?"
At the center, Thorn inclines his head towards Blinks, Seeker, and Eochaid. Most of his attention remains on Sepdet, though.
In the Windy Spot, Theressa Storm nods. "We were told to look for a blond with features of the pure ones. I guess Cyllan was her. Anyway, it is good to see you again."
Sepdet catches the Ritemaster's approach and strides to meet him, face taut with excitement, frustration, old strain. Eyes bright, she drops to one knee unaffectedly in front of him.
cw
You turn to the south and make your way back to the hub of the Wheel.
Center of the Great Wheel
This circular clearing is about 40 yards in diameter and completely bounded by the Wheel of Nature inscribed in the ground. Soft green grasses cover much of the ground, but several paths have been worn to bare dirt over time. The only landmark within the Wheel is the low Table Stone at the center, but four important landmarks make up sections of the Wheel: the windy spot to the southwest, a small pool to the southeast, a firepit to the northeast, and a large mound of earth to the northwest.
Contents:
Thorn
Blinks
Seeker(#1689PJc)
Eochaid
Table Stone
Obvious exits:
Windy Spot South Pool East Fire Pit North Earth Mound West
In the Windy Spot, Dylan nods. "And you. How are you finding things, here?"
Near the Fire Pit, Mac says "A job? Never had one, really."
Sepdet favors Blinks with a faint smile as she draws in close.
Thorn's face creaks into a smile of greeting that is tinged with more than a little concern. "Hello, Sepdet-yuf."
Blinks spins around. "Sepdet! *Sepdet!*"
Eochaid shrugs helplessly. "Beats me. I think Brian patched things up Rat, well, as much as anyone can patch things up with a Totem. I'm not sure what he did, and I'm not sure people are happy about what he did."
Near the Fire Pit, Thena grins. "Yah, well I have this little birth defect, makes living without a roof kinda difficult."
In the Windy Spot, Theressa Storm looks around. "Interesting," she says, and pauses. "I'm worried actually, the Dancers are very strong here, stronger than any other caern I've visited. And the plague from the homids is unrelenting." She stops, hearing Sepdet's name, and turns toward the caern's center, picking the Metis out of the group.
Sepdet looks up,a sad mixture of relief and worry slipping across her face. ~Thorn-yuf. It seems--~ her face crinkles into more of a smile at the lupus' dance-- ~It seems the Dancers already know of the Wheel, because of Bringer, so I guess I can do more good here than by hiding in a hole. The Warder seemed to think so as well.~
From afar, Eochaid snorts. The Dancers knew of the wheel a long, long time before Bringer.
You paged Eochaid with 'Well, yes. But Sepdet is paranoid and Litany-minded, and didn't want to lead the Dancers chasing here straight here if she could help it.'.
Near the Fire Pit, Kosh nods and checks the sky. He stands. "My apologies...I must depart soon..."
Blinks watches impatiently as Sepdet speaks with Thorn. He turns back to Eochaid for a third time. "Ah. Good. I guess."
Near the Fire Pit, Kosh bows to all around the fire.
Near the Fire Pit, Kosh says "Good night."
Near the Fire Pit, Thena smiles. "See ya around the Boarding House."
Thorn casts a mildly amused glance towards Blinks. "Go on, don't let my presence stop you from greeting your friend."
Blinks pages: Actually I'm in homid. I was going to try be private and sneaky, before the wheel turned into a mosh pit.
In the Windy Spot, Dylan nods, and his expression saddens. "Yes," he says simply. "But there is also a great deal of strength here, if only we use it right."
Thorn smiles lopsidedly at Sepdet. "Well, that's mixed news, I guess. I'm glad you're here, but I wish it weren't because the Dancers already know where *here* is."
Near the Fire Pit, Kosh heads into the center.
Kosh has arrived.
Kosh bows to all as he moves through silently.
Kosh heads south, away from the center of the Wheel.
Kosh has left.
On the southern curve, Kosh heads south, out of the Wheel and into the forest.
In the Windy Spot, Theressa Storm nods solemnly. "I was planning on talking to Sepdet about a plan I had, but it involves some danger to her. It may be a way to trap at least some of the Dancers."
In the Windy Spot, Theressa Storm is speaking softly, continuing to gaze in toward the caern's center and the subject of her conversation.
In the Windy Spot, Dylan's mouth twitches slightly with unexpected humor. "I'm sure she will be interested."
Blinks's face brightens at Thorn's words. He runs toward Sepdet, then stops, perceiving that jumping on her and licking her face is not the thing to do.
In the Windy Spot, Theressa Storm smiles with Dylan's half-smile. "Everything here seems confusing. It seems like so many things need to be done, and there is no way to know where to start."
Near the Fire Pit, Casey Scott limps in from the woods, hands stuffed deeply into her pockets and hat pulled low over her forehead.
Sepdet grins at Blinks and steps forward. To add to his confusion, she leans forward to give his shoulder a gentle wolf-nip with human teeth. ~Heya, Blinks.~
Near the Fire Pit, Mac pushes himself to his feet. "I need to go check on some of my overzealous tribemates. I'll catch you all later."
Sepdet speaks softly, both for Thorn's benefit and that of her tribesmates. ~I have a little more mixed news as well. I have a Strider we rescued from the Dancers some time ago. They hurt and tainted him. But his soul, I tell you, is still untouched, and he wants nothing more than to help us.~ Her voice is raw and wistful. ~There are many more important things that need doing, right now, but when you can, Thorn, I would be very grateful if you can test him. I think he will serve the Wheel with the same spirit I do.~
Near the Fire Pit, Thena waves. "Take care of yourself. Yell if you ever need help."
Near the Fire Pit, Mac nods to Thena. "I will."
Near the Fire Pit, Casey Scott gives the large bum a curious look as she finds herself a seat near the fire.
Near the Fire Pit, Mac heads into the center.
Mac has arrived.
Mac nods to Sepdet as he walks on by.
In the Windy Spot, Dylan stands up, unfolding himself from the ground like telescope. He stretches. "I go to hunt," he says quietly. "Walk in beauty."
Blinks turns to look at Thorn, and says very seriously, "Excuse me, Thorn-rhya." Then he wraps both arms around her and gives Sepdet an awkward but sincere bear-hug, before stepping back and letting them resume their conversation.
Near the Fire Pit, Casey Scott cranes her neck slightly to scan the rather crowded caern. "Wow. Moot tonight?"
Mac heads west, away from the center of the Wheel.
Mac has left.
Seeker listens to Sepdet quietly.
On the western curve, Mac heads west, out past the rim of the Wheel.
In the Windy Spot, Theressa Storm smiles up to Dylan. "I'm amazed that you can keep yourself fed at all. You always seem hungry."
Thorn watches Mac pass, then sighs and bows his head. ~I'll do what I can, Sepdet, of course. More immediately, though, we need to do something to prevent the human...~ He switches to English to accomodate the word, "Helicopters." And he resumes the Mother Tongue, ~from spying on the Caern.~
Blinks sniffs curiously at Sepdet's shirt, knitting his brows at the strange smell.
Near the Fire Pit, Thena smiles. "Nah, just all hell breakin' loose, as usual."
Sepdet reaches up to ruffle Blinks' hair absently.
Near the Fire Pit, Casey Scott brightens. "Yeah? Say, what happened with that fight before?"
In the Windy Spot, Dylan gives Theressa a small, one-sided smile. "Yes, I suppose I am. It taught me the woods quickly, though."
On the western curve, Sterling works her way free of the dense treeline to the west.
Seeker has disconnected.
Sepdet replies to Thorn with as reassuring a tone as she can manage, ~Of course. I spoke to Beth yesterday, and she mentioned an idea you had. If you need my help, I will be here, or else with my br-~ she catches herself in time --~My tribesmate in the city, and Soulcatcher can bring me word.~
In the Windy Spot, Theressa Storm smiles and nods. "Please take care of yourself, Dylan. And remember to get in touch with me if I can help."
In the Windy Spot, Dylan dips his head to Theressa, giving her a startled, curious look at her last words, then passes through the center of the Wheel on his way out.
In the Windy Spot, Dylan heads into the center.
Dylan has arrived.
Near the Fire Pit, Thena snorts. "The ahroun beat up the cub, what did you expect."
Dylan does not even try to get to Sepdet's side, amidst the othrs who are welcoming her, but simply waits to catch her eye, and then dips his head.
On the western curve, Sterling stays at the edge of the Wheel, testing the air for scents after a single short sneeze.
Near the Fire Pit, Casey Scott cocks her head. "That was a cub?" She scratches the back of her neck. "Huh. Guess it was. She looked kinda awkward in Crinos."
Sepdet looks across at Dylan and gives him a clear brief smile.
Near the Fire Pit, Thena nods.
Eochaid pulls himself fully upright to watch Sepdet.
Blinks asks Sepdet, "Your /what/ in the city?"
Thorn nods. "Yes, the idea's a little... finicky, so I wanted to get other opinions. I was considering the possibility of extending the distraction wards into the sky with Falcon's help."
Dylan smiles back, and slips back toward the south and in amongst the trees, dropping and blurring as he goes.
Dylan heads south, away from the center of the Wheel.
Dylan has left.
In the Windy Spot, Theressa Storm sits on the granite, letting the wind blow at her clothing and through her hair -- minimal but growing. As she sits she watches the crowd around the returned metis attentively.
On the southern curve, Dylan heads south, out of the Wheel and into the forest.
On the western curve, Sterling seems somewhat unnerved by the Bone Gnawer smell from the slight girl at the center, and moves to where the winds are sweeter.
On the western curve, Sterling follows the Wheel to the Windy Spot.
In the Windy Spot, Theressa Storm nods slightly to the approaching wolf.
Near the Fire Pit, Casey Scott tugs absently on her gloves, pulling them more snug onto her hands as she watches the activity in the center of the caern.
Near the Fire Pit, Thena stretches. "Wanna marshmellow? I've only got two left."
Sepdet looks mischievously at Thorn. ~Coyotes and Raccoons with wings would be quite effective,~ she speculates. She seems to have missed Blinks' question, and then turns back to him to reply softly, ~Brother. Tribe-brother.~
Blinks nods.
Near the Fire Pit, Casey Scott shakes her head at Thena. "I filled up on pizza just an hour ago, thanks."
Near the Fire Pit, Thena smiles. "Ah much better food, that. I've been living on Ramen noodles and these today."
In the Windy Spot, Sterling approaches Theressa's location with regal calmness, almost dismissing the girl, then pauses. Eyes on the wind-whipped Wendigo, she seems to regard her in a new light, and gives her a berth, taking a different spot in the wind.
Thorn's gaze focuses on infinity for a moment.
Near the Fire Pit, Casey Scott blinks at Thena. "Not even a Dorito to make things more interesting?"
In the Windy Spot, Theressa Storm gives the wolf a friendly smile, and then turns her attention back to the caern's center.
Near the Fire Pit, Thena shakes her head. "Friday is payday, bills ate most of the first one this month."
Sepdet suggests thoughtfully, ~Short of that, a good brisk wind-spirit or three couldn't do any harm.~ Then she notes Thorn's concentration and takes a step back, looking between her tribesmates.
Near the Fire Pit, Casey Scott ohs and nods distractedly at Thena, her attention caught by the center again.
Thorn quickly pulls his attention back to the present and nods at Sepdet. ~Something along those lines, yes. We do need a carrier, though, and I think that barring Magpie, Falcon is the best choice.~
In the Windy Spot, Theressa Storm after another moment watching the attention the newcomer is drawing, she gets up and heads around the wheel to the east, and then into the woods.
Sterling pages: Still have that /smell/ about you, Mrs. Norton?
You paged Sterling with 'Yep, a bit. I washed my clothes, but I had to come up through the pipes.'.
In the Windy Spot, Theressa Storm follows the Wheel past the Windy Spot.
On the southern curve, Theressa Storm follows the Wheel to the Pool.
Near the Pool, Theressa Storm follows the Wheel north past the Pool.
On the eastern curve, Theressa Storm heads east, back into the forest and away from the Wheel.
In the Windy Spot, Sterling decides her nose is too sharp to prolong her stay in Lupus, and shifts to Homid, assuming the seat where Theressa vacates.
In the Windy Spot, Sterling contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
In the Windy Spot, Sterling shifts into Homid form.
Near the Fire Pit, Thena stretches. "Well I should pack out." She puts a few twigs in her hair, and burrs in her wrap. "Do I look the lost hiker or what?"
Sepdet shrugs at Thorn. ~Crow, Falcon, Owl, let's get them all to dance.~ Her eyes sparkle, although her tone is serious. ~Falcon's good, though. I'm sure he'll be eager and willing to fight, right now.~
Near the Fire Pit, Thena smiles to Casey. "See ya around. I need to do some work on my latest toy before I can sleep. Gaia guard you and your composter."
Near the Fire Pit, Casey Scott grins at Thena. "Real nature girl," she jokes. "See ya."
Near the Fire Pit, Thena heads into the center.
Thena has arrived.
Blinks suggests to Sepdet and Thorn, "Maybe we should stop the fire?" He glances over Sepdet's shoulder at the fire. "Moon is almost full anyway."
Thena nods to those in the center as she wanders through, whistling the tune to Lost in Space.
Thorn turns very faintly red and smiles self-consciously. ~I guess I am a little biased. I am familiar with the forms needed to summon Falcon, though... so in that sense it's easiest.~ His expression sobers. ~And Falcon is, I think, in a fighting mood.~ He straightens his robe and stands up a little straighter. ~Given the Warder's approval, we'll conduct the Rites tomorrow evening, a few hours after sunset... ~ He stops and looks at Blinks as if the young man had a tree growing out of his head.
Thena heads west, away from the center of the Wheel.
Thena has left.
Thorn asks, disbelievingly, "Stop the fire?"
Eochaid shakes his head, turning to Sepdet. "Have ye got time to explain to me the delicacies of what's going on?"
Sepdet bites her lip at Blinks' suggestion. She glances at Thorn. ~We're not that desperate yet, Blinks, thank Gaia.~
On the western curve, Thena goes behind a tree, and hefts her huge back-pack. "Nature-wom's revenge...now where was that road, again."
From afar, Thena grins. Her lost hiker routine is one of her best. :)
Thorn turns back to Sepdet, still stunned by the suggestion. ~Where was I?~
On the southern curve, Always Hungry comes in from the woodland to the south.
Sepdet snorts at Eochaid. ~I'll do my best. Give me a moment.~
Near the Fire Pit, Casey Scott gets up and limps into the center, attracted by the number of people there.
Near the Fire Pit, Casey Scott heads into the center.
Casey Scott has arrived.
On the southern curve, Always Hungry looks about the wheel as she arrives back.
Blinks turns slightly red. ~Ah. I mean, maybe make it less... bright?~
On the western curve, Thena heads west, out past the rim of the Wheel.
Sepdet points a finger at Thorn. ~Summon Falcon. Whip up the wind-spirits. Get the birds to do cartwheels around the stupid humans. Did you get my message about what the humans are going to try next?~
On the southern curve, Always Hungry heads into the center.
Always Hungry has arrived.
Always Hungry looks at Sepdet.
Blinks turns slightly red. ~Ah. I mean, maybe make it less... bright?~
Sepdet looks at Blinks gently. ~It's a good thing to worry about, Blinks, but that's almost as desperate as ripping up the grave markers. It's part of the spirit of the Wheel.~
Sepdet says, ~I will keep it lower, though, and make sure the wood in my shelter's good and dry. No point in smoking more than we must.~
Blinks pulls his shirt closer around him, and shivers. ~Sorry.~ He casts an angry look at the fire, as if his embarassment were its fault.
Casey Scott sticks her hands into her pockets, leaning most of her weight on her good foot, the right one.
Thorn glances at Blinks again, then smiles faintly. ~The fire is part of the life of the Caern... we daren't quash it.~ He looks back at Sepdet. ~Right... well, I must be going.~ The Ritemaster clips his words, as if he were in a rush. ~Please spread the word to all Theurges, we'll need aid to pull this off. Tomorrow night, a few hours after sunset, here.~
Always Hungry looks at those here. ~One greetings you Thorn-Slowly-Wins-Rhya, Hope-Star-Rhya.~
Long distance to Thorn: Sepdet siiiiiiighs. But but but...I was about to tell you all the Fed's plans to spy on us!
Thorn pages: At the moment, Mask's relaying Anubis' situation to Thorn. Anubis is at the Park surrounded by Gnawers he doesn't know who don't know him.
You paged Thorn with 'Yipe. Shooo.'.
Thorn pages: Thorn is, to say the least, torn. :-)
Long distance to Thorn: Sepdet sounds the cavalry horn, and luckily doesn't know IC or I'd be tempted to follow. After all, I'm the Strider ambassador to the city scum!
Thorn cocks his head at Always Hungry. ~You are Silver Fang?~ The Ritemaster's words are quick, and his eyes reveal just a little tension.
Sepdet inclines her head to Thorn, starting to add something. Then she gives him a closer look, raises both brows, and merely nods before turning away.
Always Hungry chuffs to Thorn-Slowly-Wins, One is Silver Fang, Rhya. She met you once before.
Always Hungry lowers her head and tail to her Elder.
Blinks contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Blinks shifts into Lupus form.
In the Windy Spot, Sterling looks from Always Hungry to Thorn, and back, and touches her brow, gently.
Casey Scott cocks her head to one side. A hand comes out and pushes her fedora further back onto her head.
Thorn blinks a few times, then nods. ~Right, yes. The one who doesn't know her moon. Come with me.~ Without a pause, he strides towards the pool.
Thorn heads southeast to the pool.
Thorn has left.
Always Hungry follows her Elder.
Always Hungry heads southeast to the pool.
Always Hungry has left.
Near the Pool, Thorn barely breaks stride as he steps through the Gauntlet.
Near the Pool, Thorn's eyes stop on his reflection in the pool.
Near the Pool, Thorn gazes into the pool, and suddenly he vanishes.
You paged Joseph with 'They might, if their WP was high.'.
Near the Pool, Always Hungry's eyes stop on her reflection in the pool.
Sterling pages: WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Look at the Gnosis on that boy!
Near the Pool, Always Hungry gazes into the pool, and suddenly she vanishes.
Long distance to Sterling: Sepdet He's THORN
Eochaid leans back on his hands, waiting quietly and respectively for Sepdet.
In the Windy Spot, Sterling seems to marvel at the speed in which Thorn crossed over.
On the eastern curve, Rholeen makes her way out of the woods to the east.
On the eastern curve, Rholeen heads into the center.
Rholeen has arrived.
Sepdet glances back at Eochaid. ~In short, I understand that the humans are trying to get pictures of us, and are investigating what they call "Worgs". Using "Helicopters".~ Her face wrinkles. ~Thorn was suggesting whipping up some Wyld-spirits to bedevil their flying machines and throw them off course. We need more theurges for that, though....~ She trails off, looks at Rholeen, and grins. ~Who will need to be here at sunset, tomorrow night, to join us in helping.~
Blinks-at-Fire heads east, away from the center of the Wheel.
Blinks-at-Fire has left.
On the eastern curve, Blinks-at-Fire heads east, back into the forest and away from the Wheel.
Sepdet doesn't even give the poor girl a chance to get a word in edgewise. ~Meanwhile, there are Dancers everywhere, and Magpie has her attention off at some Fury caern, as we just found out from her cousin Crow tonight. Said Dancers having just turned two of the Wheel to the spiral, assasinated our alpha, and made it quite clear that they want me and a good friend of mine to join them in their wretched dance.~ She bares her teeth in an unfriendly smile.
Casey Scott frowns faintly and looks at Sepdet. "Fuckin' heap of mess, yeah," she agrees.
Sepdet pushes her fedora back on her forehead, chin tipping up with an almost manic gleam in her eye, evidently born of more than a little stress. ~Any questions?~
Eochaid blinks at the strider, plainly stunned. "Shit," is all he manages to say."
You paged Rholeen with 'And you think /you/ talk too much. I'm done now. :)'.
Rholeen walks in quietly, and looks about to make sure she isn't interrupting. "Well," she says softly, "At least it's not raining?"
Sepdet looks up at Rholeen. Then her face melts into a child's smile. ~I /like/ rain.~ She takes a step forward, and then embraces the other theurge quietly. ~Heya.~
Eochaid scratches at the back of his head. "Well. I'll be sure to tell all the Theurges I meet to be here tomorrow."
Rholeen smiles, and hugs Sepdet. She then frowns a bit, looking concerned. "I don't want to speak out of line, but are you sure this 'air spirit' thing is a good idea?"
Casey Scott scratches the back of her neck. "Me, too," the teenager offers. Then she chuckles. "Though th' only one I can think of off-hand is Kosh..." Her voice trails off.
Sepdet tilts her head at Rholeen. ~We're asking Falcon to be in charge of it. He should keep them from getting too out of line.~
In the Windy Spot, Brittany says "Of course. Falcon rules the sky just as his chosen tribe rules the Garou."
Sepdet gives Brittany an assessing look, and just smiles.
In the Windy Spot, Brittany brushes some annoying dirt from her jacket, then looks to the center agin, hair tosseed by the wind.
Rholeen shakes her head, "What I'm concerned about is that if strange and unusual conditions happen here it will only increase their interest. I can see them saying 'Gee, it's real hard to keep our helicopters in the air, we better leave 'em alone.'"
On the northern curve, Moon Otter emerges from the thin treeline to the north.
Sepdet bites her lip at Rho. ~I overheard them talking about us, last night. /They/ think we're just giant wolves, or at least, that's what they said. I know it's a risk. But it's the most 'natural' means we've though of thus far...we ruled out fog as being too obvious.~ She looks hopeful. ~If you can think of a better idea, I'd be very glad.~
Eochaid heaves a weary sigh, flopping down onto his back again.
Casey Scott shifts her weight slightly, mutters to herself, and then drops to all fours, shifting as she does so.
Casey Scott contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Casey Scott shifts into Lupus form.
On the northern curve, Moon Otter pauses as he clears the treeline, stretchin his legs and letting out an impressive yawn before shaking his coat out and surveying the caern.
Sepdet's eyes dart between Eochaid and Rholeen, suddenly going mischievous for a split second. She mutters something, and then smooths her features into a solemn, dignified mask.
Rholeen looks confused, "Fog is too obvious? I'd think it would be perfect. It's certainly natural, and it messes up the one reason they are up there...to spy on us."
In the Windy Spot, Brittany says "It would seem wise that when one is being looked at, it is better that they see what we wish them to see, rather than nothing, or, worse, someething that would make them return."
Long distance to Eochaid and Rholeen: Sepdet whispers, ~'scuze me. I think I need to meet this Fang. Be /right/ back.~
In the Windy Spot, Brittany mentions this towards the group, then falls silent again, checking to see that her gloves aren't too dirty.
Eochaid chuckles quietly, apparently at nothing.
On the northern curve, Moon Otter heads into the center.
Moon Otter has arrived.
Sepdet takes her hands out of her pockets, and ambles gravely over to Sterling.
Bitter-Water shakes out her fur and sits down, resting her weight on her right hip.
ws
You head from the heart of the Wheel to the southwest, where the winds swirl.
Windy Spot
Something here serves to direct the air -- perhaps the stately trees rising around the rim of the clearing, perhaps the smooth slab of granite beneath your feet. But no matter the cause, a wind stirs unendingly here, swirling against your back like cool fingers. Behind you, an earth mound rises starkly from the ground. Forward, a glint of light off water catches your eye.
Contents:
Brittany
Obvious exits:
Forward Back Center of the Wheel
At the center, Bitter-Water looks at Moon Otter. Hi.
Brittany can't help but wrinkle her nose at the ?Bone Gnawer?'s approach.
At the center, Moon Otter pads over to the unfamiliar wolf, inspecting her. Greetings. Who are you?
l brit
Dignity and breeding all but glow from the vision before you. By far, her most striking feature is the alabaster hair that tumbles about her shoulders, playfully dancing as she moves. Her brows are fine and well-arched, matching the white of her crown. She has pronounced bone structure and a slim chin, matching the look of many European models, accentuated in this by the piercing gaze of her silver-blue eyes. Her neck is swanlike and graceful, blending into milk-white shoulders, her whole skin lacking as much as a blemish. Her lips are slightly thin, but her ivory smile shines freely. She is tall and of regal bearing, like a modern day princess, and knows it.
Staying warm in the cold, she is huddled into a champange-colored parka. The hooded jacket is metallic in texture and trimmed with fox fur along the collar with elastic cuffs and waist, with drawstrings to ensure a warm closure. Her pants are a billowy blend in white, tucked into thick ski-style boots, which are, again, trimmed in fur.
The ice-queen's cool aura of nobility and utter self-confidence are, as always, in perfect form. Her chin routinely tips up slightly so that she may, literally, look down her nose at anyone she deems lesser.
+fin Brit
Information for Brittany (Alias 'Sterling'):
Brittany is connected.
Location: Windy Spot
Other Name(s): Brittany Sterling Jefferson
Race: Garou Sex: Female
Breed: Homid Auspice: Philodox
Tribe: Silver Fangs Rank: 1 (Cliath)
Position: Practicing Lawyer, trying for Jr Partnership.
SIlver Fang Historian
Sepdet looks up at her assessingly, brows quivering slightly, and seems to take great pains not to smirk at something. ~Heya,~ she says softly. ~I don't believe I've had the pleasure, milady.~
At the center, Bitter-Water snuffles briefly back at the regal looking black wolf. Bitter-Water is what I'm called. Gibbous moon is then I was born. The Children of Gaia raised me, though I really dislike the peace and love and understanding shit. Both my stupid parents were Garou, and it's been years since the hell that was my Rite of Passage. hi.
Brittany nods, rising, which, purely by accident, of course, takes her nose one step further back from Sepdet. "No, I do not think that you yet have, Bone Gnawer. I am Brittany Jefferson, of the Virginia Jeffersons, named Sterling by the great First Tribe, CLiathed in Honor by the Sept of Liberty, and daughter and Princess to the King of the Virginia Protectorate, Thomas Jefferson, so named after our greatest of ancestors. And who might you be, whelp?"
At the center, Bitter-Water looks over toward the windy spot. Long name, long pedigree. Pegged her for a Fang right off, though, she comments to Moon Otter, as an aside.
At the center, Eochaid asides a sarcastic, "OoooOOoo," to Bitter Water.
At the center, Moon Otter splays his ears at the introduction. This one is called Moon-Calf-Who-has-no-more-sense-than-an-Otter, though most call him Moon Otter or Little Storm. No moon. Guardian. Alpha of Secret Service. He assumes you have already met another Guardian and have had many questions asked and, perhaps, answered?
At the center, Bitter-Water wuffs an affirmative to Moon Otter. Met the Warder, met the head Guardian, met your other tribemate, Thunder's Claws, too. Got told about the walking rules and the table stone. Was checked for Wyrm, took the oath. Uh. Anything I'm missing?
Sepdet casually reaches a hand into her vest as she speaks, her soft whisper carrying quietly across the caern with the authority and simple pride behind her words. ~Oh. Just Sepdet. Seer. Strider. Keeper of Land, and Hope's bringer to the Wheel Renewed.~ With a sudden flash of movement so fast that only a few Striders could mimic it, a gray ceremic blade is suddenly in her hand, quivering an inch in front of the Fang's supercilious nose. ~But you may call me whelp-Rhya.~
Sepdet tips up her head, eyes sparkling, losing her dignity to mischief.
At the center, Moon Otter thinks that covers everything with the exeption of taking a bit of your blood. His tone is, obviously, not entirely serious.
At the center, Eochaid calls out to the winds, "Also, or so I've been told, a favored of Coyote."
At the center, Rholeen has her attention on Sepdet, and can't entirely hide her enjoyment of the white wolf being taken down a peg or two.
A small blue spark jumps from Shark to the tip of Brittany's nose.
From afar, Moon Otter hees! Long distance to Moon Otter: Sepdet winks.
At the center, Bitter-Water is distracted from Moon Otter by the activity toward the winds. Her ears perk. Oh, nice move!
Brittany's nose hardly needs the tilt it gains to look down at the repugant lil' Gnawer. She seems surpried at the speed of the draw, but her perfect face shows not a hint of concern. "And why, Sepdet, Seer, Strider, Keeper of the Land, and Hope-Bringer to the Wheel Renewed, would I ever deign a sloppy wretch such as yourself, who seems to take less pride in her apperance than her repugnant scent, as my Yuf, much less my Rhya?" She turns her head to St Claire, then back. "St Claire is that way, I think the sewers call their own."
From afar, Moon Otter considers using beast speech. /Hey, owl? Go to the tree over there and crap on that person. I'll hunt a few mice for you./
+shift crinos
Sepdet contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
You shift into Crinos form.
Cleared.
Set.
You paged Brittany with 'How fast are you?'.
You paged Brittany with 'You have a moment's grace, since I'm shifting. :)'.
From afar, Brittany is sloooow.
At the center, Bitter-Water gets up and hobbles closer toward the windy spot, obviously much interested. Kick her ass, the Child of Gaia woofs to the Strider, encouragingly.
From afar, Brittany looks at her Wits. Errr... :)
At the center, Eochaid sits up again, a brilliant grin alight on his face. "Ooh. This is going to be good."
At the center, Eochaid turns around. "Did anybody bring popcorn?"
Brittany is caught blinking from the spark, one hand rubbing her nose, as the shift takes to Sepdet.
At the center, Moon Otter turns to the Windy Spot, cocking his head curiously at the activities.
At the center, Rholeen shakes her head, "The commissary was out. No Junior Mints either..."
Sepdet grabs the woman by one shoulder and gives her face a good hard <whack> with the flat of her klaive, in one smooth motion.
You paged Brittany with 'That should really, really hurt.'.
From afar, Brittany ooooos. Ow ow ow. Couldn't do that if you were a human, shorty. :b
Long distance to Brittany: Sepdet yeps. :)
At the center, Bitter-Water's tail starts to wag. Nice shot!
At the center, Eochaid shakes his head. "Bloody hell. What kind of caern is this, anyway?"
~If manners and words mean nothing to you,~ Sepdet says sharply, ~And the service we do for this caern, and honor, and the esteem my people hold me in, perhaps the rank of Fostern will. A pity.~
Brittany's head is grabbed, then <snaps> back from the contact. Her hair sticks out for a momment from the sparks, but her nose gives way in a quick and clean break, and she staggers back, holding her face with both hands. "My faith!"
Eochaid pages: My dear, you're more like Toxic than anybody would like to admit. ;)
Brittany lowers her hands, somewhat reddened by the blood from her nose, even as her body grows. She snarls, red spittle flekking from angry teeth as Crinos is reached. The anger is there, but a greater Will holds it back.... barely. She breathes hard, trembling to control a Rage. ~You... You...~
Brittany contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Long distance to Eochaid: Sepdet AWWWWWWWWs. That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said.
Sterling shifts into Crinos form.
At the center, Bitter-Water limps a bit closer. Oooh, the silver bitch is mad now. I wonder if she fights as well as she looks down on people.
Sepdet looks up at her quietly. ~Control yourself. And next time, think before insulting those you don't know. Your tongue does you no honor.~
Sterling vents her anger in slow, powerful breaths... through the mouth... as she looks down at the far smaller Garou. ~You are... fortunate... Sepdet-Rhya. Both in that your words are... correct... and that my vows... and Honor... kept me from retaliating. Again.~ She calms, slowly, as she speaks, then blinks as her nose pops into place.
Sepdet sheathes her klaive calmly, her voice disconcertingly soft. ~I advise you to take a dunk in the sewers youself to toughen your skin and backbone, before you insult Rat's people. I have fought Dancers at their side, and more, I think, than you.~
Sterling shrinks in on herself, to Glabro, voice alered by the hand over her nose. "You are Fostern, Rhya, thus proving you have done more. I have fought my share, and seen loss as well. Forgive my quick tongue, but you -do- carry a reek." With that, she returns to Homid, and tests her nose again, just in case.
Sterling contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Brittany shifts into Homid form.
:doesn't press her point further. With a quiet nod, she returns back to the center.
Sepdet doesn't press her point further. With a quiet nod, she returns back to the center.
Sepdet contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
You shift into Homid form.
You turn to the center and return to the hub of the Wheel.
Center of the Great Wheel
This circular clearing is about 40 yards in diameter and completely bounded by the Wheel of Nature inscribed in the ground. Soft green grasses cover much of the ground, but several paths have been worn to bare dirt over time. The only landmark within the Wheel is the low Table Stone at the center, but four important landmarks make up sections of the Wheel: the windy spot to the southwest, a small pool to the southeast, a firepit to the northeast, and a large mound of earth to the northwest.
Contents:
Moon Otter
Rholeen
Bitter-Water
Eochaid
Table Stone
Obvious exits:
Windy Spot South Pool East Fire Pit North Earth Mound West
Joseph pages: Thats it, we ahve to pack together so we can comunicate immediately. :P
In the Windy Spot, Brittany starts to say something to the smaller girl, but holds her tongue, and, instead, seeks a clean cloth from a pocket to attend her nose.
Eochaid grins brilliantly up at the strider. "Well played, lass."
Bitter-Water wags her tail at the small brown girl. Good form!
Sepdet's eyes dance as she returns back to Rholeen. She mouths a silent, ~Sorry.~
Sepdet grins impishly, back to the Fang.
In the Windy Spot, Brittany looks to Sepdet, then winces, eyes dropping slightly in respect.
Rholeen chuckles, and nods to her mentor. "Well, she probably is going to get into a lot more trouble than that if she doesn't open her eyes."
From afar, Moon Otter sniff sniffs. How bad you stink?
From afar, Brittany has an 'I would like to speak with you later' look.
Sepdet lifts her chin and returns to the earlier conversation withoout missing a beat. ~Indeed. As to the fog-- If it stayed here many days, the humans might also wonder. But it's a good thought. Can you come, tomorrow? We could use your help.~ Long distance to Brittany: Sepdet is sure we will.
Eochaid suggests, "Maybie using both fog and wind, alternating randomly, will keep them at bay longer?"
Sepdet smiles at Eochaid. ~Well /I/ llike maximum chaos. Let's ask Thorn.~
Rholeen runs her fingers through her tangled hair. "I'll be here" She then nods encouragingly at Eochaid. "I like that idea."
Sepdet smiles at Rholeen. ~'Sides. I want Second Coon to meet you.~
Moon Otter returns to his conversation with the CoGgie. Welcome to the sept. It is good to have others to defend the caern. If you will excuse this one, he would like to run a patrol near the Talon's section of forest.
Bitter-Water turns her head to chew at an itch on her shoulder. She wuffs a distracted farewell to Moon Otter and then turns her attention back to Sepdet.
Moon Otter heads south, away from the center of the Wheel.
Moon Otter has left.
On the southern curve, Moon Otter heads south, out of the Wheel and into the forest.
From afar, Always Hungry grins and is having a blast. Thorn took me with him to the Harbor park Umbra and when we got there, told me to shift to Homid to go through. so now I am swaying on my feet having only had 40 minutes total as homid before and nude since he forgot about clothes.
Long distance to Always Hungry: Sepdet LAUGHS. Thoorn was really, really worried about Anubis. He's not usually that careless.
Rholeen looks interested, and a little mock-wary. "Second Coon? That sounds mysterious."
Sepdet winks. ~Just wait til you meet Top Coon,~ she says solemnly.
Sepdet adds, gently, ~Thorn-yuf is Second Coon. Our Moon-Elder.~
From afar, Always Hungry logs this, it is too good to miss.
Rholeen blinks as understanding comes over her. "Oh....ok. What's he like?"
Rholeen pages: I was wondering, where do I eat and sleep? I've been assuming I've been sleeping in lupus in the burial mounds and eating the food I brought for the RoP...but I'd like other alternatives.
In the Windy Spot, Brittany moves her way towards the water, and clean water.
In the Windy Spot, Brittany follows the Wheel past the Windy Spot.
:scrapes her foot on the ground ruefully. ~He's fair. I have a lot of respect for him.~ Her eyes twinkle proudly. ~That's why I challenged him for Fostern.~
Sepdet scrapes her foot on the ground ruefully. ~He's fair. I have a lot of respect for him.~ Her eyes twinkle proudly. ~That's why I challenged him for Fostern.~
On the southern curve, Brittany follows the Wheel to the Pool.
Bitter-Water lies down on her belly, ears cocked toward the conversation.
Near the Pool, Brittany pool
You paged Rholeen with 'There's a faint scar on her foot.'.
Near the Pool, Brittany looks at the pool, then looks to Sepdet. She take a minute to find her voice, and asks, "Sepdet-Rhya. Groundskeeeper. A question."
Sepdet glances back at the Fang calmly. ~Mhhmm?~
Near the Pool, Brittany says "Must the water be kept clean, or may I clean my cloth in it? I dislike the look of my blood on mine own item."
Bitter-Water snorts loudly.
Eochaid turns to Sepdet, memory sparked. ~Is the turtle still in there?~
Bitter-Water looks puzzled. Turtle?
Sepdet looks at Eochaid sadly. ~I don't know, I've been gone a while.~ She returns her attention to Brittany. ~There's a pool nearby...~ she points south and west. ~We usually use that instead; it's more respectful to the spirits that dwell here.~
p rho= :sorries. I've been on the phone this whole time, and not typing as fast as usual!!!!
Near the Pool, Brittany nods, turning her head to, perhaps, hide a frown, as she looks the direction told her. The direction that leads to the water so far away, through the woods, and dirt, and... She turns her head back. "I shall wait, then, until I can make time for this needed action."
You paged Rholeen with 'As for where you sleep, there's my shelter, down by the alpha compound. Go southwest instead of ne to half moon pool, and you'll reach it. It's stocked with some food.'.
Bitter-Water gets up and starts up an awkward, limping, four-legged, shuffling dance, wuffing softly. Princess Pea, Ivory Lady, gleam at the Wyrm, baby, gleam at the Wyrm. Maybe if you're pretty the Banes won't touch you. How do you sleep with that pea under your mattress?
You paged Rholeen with 'And you /are/ allowed to go back to the city, whenever you want!!!'.
Eochaid casts a glance to the taunting wolf, puzzled and distraught
Sepdet covers her mouth in amusement. She is beginning to look rather strained, however. ~Um. I think I need to go see someone. I'll be at the Burial Mounds, if anyone needs the Keeper.~ Long distance to Joseph: Sepdet is escaping to the Burial Mounds.
From afar, Joseph is stuck waiting on Chloe. :(
p joseph=Where?
You paged Joseph with 'Where?'.
Joseph pages: In Kent Crossing.
Joseph pages: You leaving now? Rholeen senses "Sepdet looks, at a close glance, to be exhausted. She's been running on adrenalin and excitement ever since she got here, so happy to be back in the Wheel she's almost dancing. But the strain of the last few months is still very much there, and she's a bit shellshocked from all the people."
Sepdet looks around at the Wheel. ~You cannot imagine how much it /means/ to be back. As soon as my brother is here...~ She bites her lip. ~Soon. I must go tell Dusty everything.~
Near the Pool, Brittany looks to the dancing wolf. "Frankly, we sleep well, knowing that the purity of our hearts, untouched by the Wyrm's many ways of rot, are as pure as thee fur which you now mock. Better, I would think, to take to task those whose twists are seen by all.
Eochaid shakes his head dismissively, turning to watch the Fang's reaction to the taunts.
Long distance to Moon Otter: Sepdet sorries, losing track of stuff while Thena was babbling at me. I only have afaint whiff. I washed my clothes before coming, but I /did/ have to walk through a few pipes before reaching the surface.
Long distance to Eochaid, Bitter-Water, and Rholeen: Sepdet poots. I don't want to stop RPing anymore, but Sepdet needs to go to the Burial mounds and greet her dead friends. :)
e
You make your way along the pathway to the east, between two Wheel quarters.
Eastern Curve of the Wheel
Between the firepit ahead and the clear pool behind, the path makes an almost contradictory change as it arcs along the east end of the Wheel. The sparse grasses near the pool diverge into two groups, dispersed between the deeply etched lines: some are dead and wilted, almost singed to death; and some are strong and a healthy green. A path leads east, away from the Wheel.
Obvious exits:
Fire Pit Pool Center of the Wheel East
Rholeen pages: Is that shuffling/mocking song a bit spooky, or is it just me?
You paged Rholeen with 'Yep.'.
Eochaid pages: Poot. Will she talk with LeeF?
You paged Rholeen with 'Metis are weeeeird. :)'.
At the center, Bitter-Water lowers her head; the gesture is not submissive. More like that of a bull or a stag lowering its weapons. She shakes her head back and forth and lolls out her tongue. ~What will you do when the Dancers come, Princess Pea? Sit pretty in your Ivory Tower?~ She tosses her head up, tail cocky and arrogant. I've known Fangs, China-doll, good ones. You, you look pretty, but how well does it hold up under stress? Will you hold, or will you break? China shatters if it's dropped, you know.
p eochaid=If she goes to the burial mounds sure! From afar, Eochaid is thinking she might. Give strange, cryptic answers, then fly off again.
e
You make your way east, away from the rim of the Wheel.
Off the East Side of the Wheel
You stand on rising ground, amidst a healthy forest of evergreen trees. Pines and aspens rise around you, all but obscuring the sky above; the ground below your feet is soft with browned needles, although you can see sizable rocks jutting from the earth here and there. Looking out through the trees towards the eastern distance, you think you can make out the snow-capped, clouded peaks of the mountains; below them, the dark stone of the lower cliffs presents an imposing sight at even this remove. The forest is all but silent around you; a cool wind brushes your face, vanishing into the woods from whence it came.
A path wends its way east through the forest, and another appears to open into a small clearing to the southeast. To the west, the trees thin before giving over onto the Great Wheel.
Obvious exits:
To the North Side of the Wheel To the South Side of the Wheel East Story Tree Wheel
st
You make your way onto the pathway that leads to the Story Tree.
Around the Story Tree
This quiet little clearing is home to soft grasses and bright flowers almost year-round. Near the center stands the Story Tree. The squat pine has broad branches for sitting under, and a thick, climbable trunk for a Garou to sit in. Sharp, green needles can be found buried in the grass.
A pathway leads out to the northwest toward the Caern, and a much less-worn path leads into the forested foothills to the east.
Obvious exits:
East Northwest
e
You walk eastward through the woods, up into the foothills.
Burial Mounds(#3207RJ)
This wide clearing in the midst of short, dark pines is obviously a burial ground of some sort. The air is a bit cooler up here in the foothills than below, and the majestic peaks of the nearby mountains rear up over the eastern treetops. There seem to be several separate groups of burial mounds, somber rows of graves marching back eastward into the forest perpendicular to the trail by which you entered. In addition to these, there is a vine-covered boulder ringed round with a circle of graves standing under the edge of the somber evergreens to the east. Finally, in the exact heart of this area open to the sky, a single black finger of stone is sunk into the grass.
Each mound has a small flat stone inset in its surface, carved with a name and three glyphs. The air is preternaturally silent and somewhat eerie.
(+view to examine the markers.)
A faint path leading downhill to the west is the only exit from the clearing.
Contents:
Thom Crowley's Corpse(#2654C)
Obvious exits:
Path
l thom
Once tall, with long, shoulder-length hair, and just reaching the frame of adulthood, this young man studied the world through what dark brown, haunting eyes, his profile aquiline and strong, his coloring pale and dangerous. His bearing and demeanor were somehow more aloof, yet engaging, something compelling in his occasional smile and casual stance. A deep heaviness shrouded him in the end as with a mantle of black.
Thom's face is streaked with dirt, blood, and tears, his clothes torn as by briars and brush. His throat is split from side to side, as if the young man turned it open willingly to the executioner's blow.
You sense that you have a new +mail message from Thorn in folder 'main'.
Oddly enough for him, Anubis leaves a message at the Umbral place. For a while, he can be found at Harbor Park, oddly enough.
--Anubis
Keeper of the Ways, Member of Crossing and Harbinger
==============================================================================
Options: +add note=, +delete, +forward, +move, +reply, +replyall, +save
==============================================================================
Message: 81/81 in folder main Received: Mon Nov 13 23:40:23 1995
From: Thorn
To: Theurge (global mail alias)
Subject: A Summoning.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow night, a few hours after sunset, Thorn wants to gather a group of Theurges. (This is 8:30pm MUSHtime on tuesday.) The Uktena are holding moot then, so we should have some spiritual assistance readily available, but even so, Thorn spreads this news, as do Elizabeth and Sepdet. The purpose of the gathering is to summon spirits and extend the confusion wards into the sky, to thwart the helicopters. Hope you all can make it!
Brittany comes up the trail from the west.
Brittany has arrived.
Brittany steps in, steps graceful but lacking the woodslore to be silent for long. She waits, patiently, to be recognized.
Sepdet is kneeling before Dusty's grave, carefully setting out a small and beautiful carving that appears to be made out of...bread? She is almost crying, as she whispers, ~Here my friend. Let the creatures of the forest take of it, and share, as we used to share all our heart for others together. I told you, the Dancers would not kill me, not yet. You must wait for me...just a little longer. The Wheel needs me still..~
From afar, Rholeen heys, "The table stone...is that where Aslan was sacrificed?"
You paged Rholeen with 'ACK.'.
You paged Rholeen with 'You're too damn sharp, you know that? :)'.
From afar, Rholeen grins.
Brittany very, very quietly, clears her throat, just in case.
Sepdet rises, half turning to move to the next grave, hand already digging into her pocket. She stops in surprise, child's face open and wild as the desert and sad, caught in an unguarded moment. In another instant, the mask of Strider soberness has drawn itself carefully back over her features like a cloak. ~Yes?~
Sepdet's voice is soft and reverent, in keeping with the aura of this place.
Brittany returns her eyes to Sepdet from the woods. She never saw this unguarded momment. Really. "I... would have words with you. As Groundskeeper, it would be best to ask you before mentioning my thoughts to others."
Sepdet lifts her chin and clasps her hands behind her back. ~Please, speak.~
Brittany says "I have been giving much of my time to both the auction of the estate and to pondering the entirity of the situations with the potential breech of the Veil, here."
Sepdet nods. ~I'm afraid I've been in hiding, to throw the Dancers off the trail of this place.~ She glances soberly at Thom's body. ~Alas, they found other means. So I haven't heard all the news. Please, tell me what you can, and I will pass it to the Warder and alpha, who are probably the ones dealing with this as best they can.~
Brittany paces, slightly, hands lacing behind her back. If there is any retained hostility to the small Metis, it doesn't show, save, perhaps, for the distance given. "The Caern has been flown over at least once by helicopters. At night, and with searchlights. In the day, it is even more vulnerable. This, combined with the enormous ammount of Garou, here, and their traipsing to and fro from city to Caern is troublesome. I would reccomend naming this a crisis situation, and to close the Bawn. Allow only the Positioned, the Guardians, and those Metis that cannot pass for human, to remain here, or, even, to attend, save for vital Moots. Maintain this state until no longer needed. It will be an inconvinience, but I feel it will be for the best."
Brittany says "As for the estate, the lands of Demilune will soon be placed up for sale. We are hoping to purchase it, or, failing that, moving it into the hands of the Park."
Sepdet bites her lip. ~My Father--~ she stops, and explains pointedly, ~Stepfather mentioned that. His human mate has money, he said, and is going to help us buy the land. But she may not have enough to fight off all the other humans.~
Sepdet adds, ~as for your suggestion, it would critically weaken us against the Dancers, and the Totems and spirits would be upset. We /already/ have Magpie lost. We may have to do it, but...if you were paying attention...we may not need to. The helicopters may no longer be a problem by tomorrow night.~
Brittany says "The Loggers will, I believe, make the largest bid. I am still trying to see what can be arranged. If the land -is- sold, and it becomes neccessary to abandom the Caern, I fear that there would be many... problems." She looks across the mounds. "Let us pray that it does not fall to this.""
Sepdet lifts her head. ~Still. I was thinking we ought to get out people who don't need to be here. You're right.~
Sepdet glances back at the Burial Mounds. ~Trust a Harbinger's word on this, milady. It will not happen. I know my death is here, for my caern. And it is not coming, not quite yet. So I do not think the caern is going to fall to the humans. It is going to be difficult, but I advise you not to give up hope quite yet.~
Brittany seems to notice, finally, those freshly-placed items. "Forgive me, I did not realize what I was interrupting. You have your charges to attend to, and this Honor must not be disrupted. If you will excuse me, I will leave you to them, but I would speak more with you on this when time is available. If it pleases the Rhya?" She lowers her head in a bow.
Sepdet nods to Brittany. ~It will. And I will inform the other caern elders of your thoughts. Thank you.~
Brittany takes this dismissal as final, and dearts on a well-turned heel.
Brittany heads westward into the woods, following a faint path.
Brittany has left.
+mail lj thorn brian=Sepdet passes this along to you...
-Brittany suggested the following to her, tonight: "The Caern has been flown over at least once by helicopters. At night, and with searchlights. In the day, it is even more vulnerable. This, combined with the enormous ammount of Garou, here, and their traipsing to and fro from city to Caern is troublesome. I would reccomend naming this a crisis situation, and to close the Bawn. Allow only the Positioned, the Guardians, and those Metis that cannot pass for human, to remain here, or, even, to attend, save for vital Moots. Maintain this state until no longer needed. It will be an inconvinience, but I feel it will be for the best."
Thoughts? I told her Thorn and the theurges (sounds like a rock group, don't it?) were already hatching something to take care of the choppers.
