Nathaniel Abrams Buckingham

First Step Toward Union (Jude, Mia, Kaz, Hummingbird)

2008-09-04T21:00:50Z

It's a cloudy day and rather ideal for more patrolling. Hel sniffs around the borders of the Southern Bawn, her tail twitching in impatience and partial annoyance. Weaving across the underbrush and plant-life, she stops near one particular tree and gets right to work in urinating in order to freshen up the territory markings.

Two individuals are making their way through the bawn, in homid, and following an old trail. Nathan smiles easily at his current companion, nodding. "Well you're a lot different from most Wendigo people have a chance at meeting, and that's not to say it's good or bad. Just different. I think it suits you."

The female of the approaching pair laughs lightly at this, shaking her head lightly, "I hope it does, because I haven't been too good at learning to be anything else." Jude gives him a crooked smile as they walk along, thumping her walking stick against the ground lightly.

There is a moment where Hel pricks her ears at the sound of someone's approach. She slips away from the newly marked tree and circles around the pair to watch them from behind and to the left. Recognizing Nate, the she-wolf slowly shifts up to her homid form, taking her time until she is in homid form. "Well that's an interesting sight," she comments with a little smirk to attract their attention.

Nathan turns toward the voice, "Yes, I know. I don't have my blazer on today. I'm roughing it you see." Nate answers in mirthful reply. He turns to face the Get, "Mia! How /are/ you doing?" he asks quite pleasantly. "Oh, this is Jude. Jude, Mia. This is great, the two of you can finally meet."

Jude turns toward the voice, too, her smile easing back just a bit. "Mia-rhya, it is good to meet you. Finally," she says, in an echo of Nathan's own words. "Jude Blackfeather, Taleswapper. Cliath Gibbous Moon of the Wendigo and guest of the Hidden Walk."

Stepping towards the two, Mia slides her eyes towards Jude and her lips curl up as she greets evenly, "Jude Blackfeather, I have been meaning to meet you. Mia Wagner, Hel's Judgement and She-who-wields-the-bloodied-blade. Fostern half-moon and the Get of Fenris Jarl. Currently the Guardian of the Southern Bawn unde orders of the Warder." The last part is said with a bit of strain as she looks towards the two.

"Well... congratulations. I do hope that your tribe has a leader with wisdom and clarity in her mind and honor and understanding in her heart," Jude says, her tone sound very much like she were quoting a well-practiced phrase. "Are there many new Guardians since the challenge for a new Warder?"

"It's a call from the Warder," Mia returns evenly. "The alpha of your tribe actually. She also recruited a Star Gazer, another member of my tribe and a Silver Fang to protect the Southern Bawn." Her lips press into a thin line at that before she looks back towards the trees briefly. "Apparently this new hive that is being built is a danger to others; but all the information I've been trying to gather is-..." She grunts her dissatisfaction before she looks back to the two; "But if the Warder does need the protection of the Get's might, who am I to argue," she practically sneers that out.

"Yes, I heard she is taking charge rather firmly, as any Warder should." Jude leans a bit against her staff, watching the Fostern with a small, upturn of just one corner of her mouth. "As I understand, Spiral hives are always a danger, but I can see how it would be particularly so to the last Caern of Grandmother. I would think we all can agree that the /Caern/ needs the protection of all the tribes connected to it."

Nathan looks between the two women as they introduce eachother and discuss the safety issues and what not. A nod follows, "There are busy times here. We all need to be doing as much as possible to work toward the same goal." A pause, "Speaking of such goals. There's still the idea of my pack to be kept on one of the burners."

"Yes, /all/ the tribe," Mia continues as she slides her eyes towards Jude. "What I am wondering is why focus with me? I am a tribe elder, there are others who are sitting on their asses doing nothing. Maybe she did call on the others but there is no Moot to discuss planning, to see where talents are best needed. She shoved me with a bunch of people I never met and expect me to lead them as a proto-pack." She lets out a soft grunt before looking back towards Nathan, "Despite me telling her that I might join another pack. I don't mind patrolling the Southern Bawn or helping the Caern, but I do not like being tossed around like a pawn despite doing my damn best to get things working when others are free to do fuck all." She lets out a sharp snort before reaching up to drag her fingers through her hair. "My apologies, but days of patrolling with nothing to do is setting me on edge."

"Maybe she believes the others will follow in the example their leaders set for them." Jude spins her staff in her fingers lazily as she talks, "I was honored when I was chosen to serve as a Guardian at my home sept, and served for nine months. In that time, I learned much about the responsibilities the Warder holds in her hand. Even with that experience, I can only imagine how much more difficult it is, being surrounded by the horned serpent here, with its brood breathing down the necks of the wolf-changers here."

Nathan looks to Hel with a grin of understanding. "You sound like me Mia. Always eager, never wanting to sit still and wait for the enemy to come to me. Jude is right though, there's great honor in your being here as a first line of our defense." He takes a shallow breath and lets out a sigh, "I'm horrible at subtly when I'm anxious, so I'll be blunt. I've spoken to both of you about the possibility of packing together. I'd like for the two of you to explore that possibility more in depth."

Mia eyes Jude warily for a moment before she shakes her head. "Perhaps I have dealt with things differently. It /is/ honorable," she returns steadily, "but when you are on the front lines then tugged back, it makes you wonder why you are the one singled out among hundreds of others, and shoved in a situation where you are a leader among strangers. Perhaps I have just dealt with too many politics in my old Sept to make me paranoid." She relents with a gruff tone. At the note of packing, Mia glances back towards them as she quirks her eyebrows while nodding. "Yes, of course," she returns, sliding her eyes back to Jude. "I didn't mean to insult your elder, I'm just frustrated about my situation."

"It is difficult, not to be able to be where you believe yourself to be the most useful. But it is my personal opinion that we need strong wolf-changers /here/, where the enemy may choose to slide in and attack when the sept is off to war." Jude gives a nod to Mia, "And it takes a good leader to be able to lead those they are unfamiliar with." She looks back over at Nathan, giving him a quick wink at his latter words.

Nathan nods to them and smiles. "You know what? You both have just tickled me pink. Thank you for that." That brightness creeps all the way into his eyes. "I obviously am not looking for answers here and now, but while I have both of you handy, let me tell you what I hope to accomplish with this pack. If you have time?"

"I tickled you pink?" Mia asks in honest confusion as she looks towards Nathan, as if having never heard of that phrase before. She nods her head in Jude's direction however but she doesn't comment just yet. Her eyes flick back to Nathan when the pack is mentioned again. "Lets keep walking while you talk if you don't mind, Nathan-rhya."

"Funny, you still look pretty white to me," Jude says, teasingly, toward the Adren. "Please, the more I know about your intentions, the better." She stands up straighter at Mia's words, though, picking up her staff, ready for a walk herself.

Nathan nods to Mia's request, "Of course. And tickled pink is... a saying that refers to being very pleased about, or by something. And yes, very very white. You should see me try to dance." He chuckles a little and falls into an easy gait as the three walk. "The pack. It would be a combat oriented pack, packed under a totem of either war or respect. I've been thinking on it a lot lately, and I'm leaning strongly toward the idea of seeking Merlin."

"/Merlin/?" Mia returns curiously as she cants her head to the side, "Hrmm, I suppose it could work, though I am not exactly a...small person," she smirks at the thought in amusement as she looks down at herself. "Although being able to throw myself at bigger opponents does make my blood surge in anticipation."

"How Silver Fang of you," Jude says, a crooked smile on her face. "I take it this isn't the Merlin from legend? Old man with a magic stick and a pointy hat? Although that would be a lot of fun in a battle in the Spirit World."

Nathan nods to Mia, "There are plenty of wyrm things that dwarf us, so I'm not too worried. I'm fond of merlins courage and notion of intelligent, yet swift combat." Jude gets a grin, "Merlin the raptor. Similar to a kestrel, but very different."

From the direction of the Caern comes someone singing-- "If I Had A Million Dollars". It seems to be getting nearer.

"Totem for the underdogs, essentially," Mia returns towards Jude with a little smirk. She stops, however, at the sound of someone else in the woods. Tapping into her rage, she melts down immediately and begins to sniff in the voice's direction, bristling as she does so, all alert and hungry.

"Ah, I see. Shame, I was looking forward to the hat." Jude raises an eyebrow at Mia's description, looking over at Nathan with a little surprise, "You view yourself as an underdog?" She, too, pauses at the singing, and she looks toward the voice for it's owner.

Nathan's heard it enough to recognize the voice, or if not the voice itself, the fact it's singing. "Well, less underdog, and more the fish that's going against the flow. But, it was just an option. We'll see what the other options are once we've got a roster penned out in ink." He turns then toward the alpha's voice.

Kaz, peculiarly enough, smells of city and of the Caern. She emerges from the woods and gives Mia an interested look. "I ain't an invader. Prommise."

At Kaz's smell and appearance, Hel lets out a low huff as she bares her throat in submission before slowly shifting up to her homid form. "I'm just a bit over-eager," she explains well enough once she has the right mouth and vocal chords to speak.

"I do have a question, Nate. This pack. Hunting the enemy or guarding the territory?" Jude smiles again when she sees Kaz coming and she even gives a wave, "Kaz-rhya, good to see you again."

Nathan nods his head toward Kaz, submissive to her authority here, "Afternoon Kaz." He turns to Jude, "I'd like to be wherever we're most needed. Given the spread of packs right now, I think that closer to the city would benefit most. But with the big fights on the horizon, I imagine we'd be wherever those are."

Kaz grins at Mia. "Given y'new position and all, that ain't a bad thing." She beams at Jude, and then listens to Nate with interest, fairly quiet.

"Mmm," Mia returns, deciding not to add to Kaz's note. She pushes her hair back and away from her face. "So a mobile pack. If it is still necessary, it might be honorable to keep guarding the Southern Bawn since it's not taken yet. If you want to be the type to be on the front lines however..." her lips curl up into a vicious grin.

Like a magic word, 'city' brings a more genuine smile out of the Wendigo, but it is gone a moment later. "Either of those options are good. If you get enough of a crowd, you could even split people up between the two locations." She does blink over at Mia at that grin, though, her crooked smile returning.

Something moves, off aways in the distance. Some largish creature or other abroad in the midday sun. Larger than a squirrel or a badger, smaller than a deer or a bear.

Nathan nods to Get and the Wendigo before looking back to Kaz, "Of course, I'd love your input on this as well Kaz. On where you think a strong warpack would be most beneficial?" The Fang intent with his focus on Kaz, he catches only a peripheral view of motion, turning to study that direction briefly.

Mia seems to notice it as well, her eyes narrowing as she tenses once more. She murmurs something akin to an 'excuse me' before she starts making her way towards the movement, directly and with a dominating presence as she all but bristles.

Kaz looks slightly curiously at Jude. In an interested kind of way. But she answers Nathan. "City, definitely. But I think makin' sure you're mobile enough'll be important. With the variety of folks you got here, you need... flexibility." She glances that way herself, but lets Mia deal with it.

Jude glances, too, but lets the Guardian go about her business. Instead, she looks back to Nathan and Kaz, "I haven't spent too much time in the city since getting here. Things bad out there?"

The creature works its way closer, not taking particular pains to conceal itself. Once it comes into view, it is revealed as something entirely out of the ordinary, at least to anyone who knows the local wildlife- a wolf, out in broad daylight, and a particularly southerly subspecies at that. For someone looking with Garou eyes and instincts, it also has an unmistakeable air of nobility and good breeding. It spots Mia soon enough, regarding her with bold eyes and black-tipped pricked ears as it trots smoothly towards her, its tail lowering somewhat in deference.

Nathan nods his head, grinning at the quick consensus between the gathered. "Well it sounds like a good niche for us." He listens to Jude and then waits for Kaz herself to answer. A glance is given to Mia as well, but he just seems to grin more widely at watching her.

Noting the wolf and the deference, Mia lets out a soft grunt before she cants her head. "Who are you?" she all but demands as she continues with her dominant stance. She is a bit relaxed from before at least, as she notes the breeding and its presence. Shifting her weight, Mia glances over her shoulder to see if the others recognize the wolf as well.

"Well, you know, we ain't least ain't got an infestation of Wyrmy drugs no more. The sewers are f'not so literal shit, there's a coupla minor blights down'n the warehouse areas, th' Wyrm and the Weaver get together for dances down near City Hall, and Skindancers is infiltratin' the cops. But other'n that," Kaz says, brightly, "We're just fiiine."

Jude can't help but chuckle there at Kaz's claim, shaking her head lightly, "Not the time for vacationing in Hawaii, got it." She looks over toward Mia again, though, raising an eyebrow at the demanding question.

Kaz adds, casually, "And that's an Uktena dude."

Nathan grins, "Plenty to get involved with, don't you think Jude? Right up my alley too." He glances back to the Uktena dude and the Get halfmoon.

The the new arrival looks back with bold and turbulent amber eyes, pride warring with submission and held in check with the assistance of instinct. This wolf is the hummingbird-that-comes-out-of-the-mountain, he states in reply to the demand, although there are several who might not recognise what the lupus is indicating with the first word. I know your smell, daughter-of-the-war-wolf-rhya, he adds. And yours, falcon's son-rhya. His tail dips lower, his tongue licking at his jaws as he turns his head just enough to not quite look directly at Kaz, ears turning a little sideways. Ears-rhya. He snuffs last in Jude's direction, curiosity sparking faintly through his generally prickly manner.

As Hummingbird announces himself, Mia blinks before she relaxes and smirks, her dominance easing as she reaches up to brush her hair to the side. "It's you," she greets well enough. "Like the fur," she adds with a nod in his direction. She glances back to the others and begins to return to them to see if she can catch the last of the conversation.

Kaz tells Mia, "I should bug you about somethin' minor, but you're still talkin' pack-- I can find you later." She grins faintly at Hummingbird, asking, possibly out of the blue, "How'd you kill them Seattle Dancers, anyhow?"

"Oh, that sounds like just enough," Jude says with a grin toward Nathan. She does look toward Hummingbird, though, giving him a friendly enough wave. She doesn't give an intro, though, as Kaz's question seems to spark her interest as well.

Nathan shakes his head at Kaz, "No no, go ahead Kaz. I can run myself out here later, I'm sure you're pulled in more directions than I am. It was a rather random meeting actually." He nods toward the Uktena, "Nathan Buckingham, Heart-Strike. Adren Ahroun and, as you've already learned, son of Falcon."

Hummingbird's lupine head opens in a wolfen grin both wide and sly, pink tongue lolling with dark amusement, only an earflick to acknowledge Nathan's introduction, noting that he has heard it before. This wolf is not seen until this wolf breaks a fallen one's head, he says, paws dancing somewhat excitedly ont he leaf-litter, a battle-dance of gleeful bloodlust. This wolf takes the fallen one's thunder-stick. This wolf hits another fallen one with the thunder-stick until his skull breaks too. This wolf hides again. Quietly, quietly, into the two-leg-den-place. Quietly, quietly, watch and watch and watch until this wolf sees where the fallen ones are. Quietly, quietly watch until fallen ones argue about kin. Let fallen ones make each other bleed. Kill one. Kill fallen one kin. This wolf let last fallen one try to speak of the horned serpent. This wolf listen as the fallen one speaks ~riddle~-words of fallen one plans. This wolf brings words back for the ~Sept~, he concludes, paws still at last, head tilted with pride, ears pricked and tail waving a slow applause to himself.

At Kaz's words, Mia blinks before she nods her head solidly and curtly. "Sure thing, Kaz-rhya. Whenever you are free." She studies the elder curiously however before she is tugged back towards Hummingbird and Nathan. Ooh, Dancers. When the Ragabash lists his accomplishments, Mia actually quirks her eyebrows in response, her lips curling up at the corners.

Kaz narrows her eyes slightly. "How'd the last dude die, then? Was he fucked up by his friends so bad he wasn't a threat to you no more?"

There is a smile for the story from Jude, a sense of pride there. She nods to the story, not interrupting, just taking it in.

Nathan is another that joins the grinning crowd. He nods along to the story, looking both impressed and excited by the retelling.

If the Uktena was showing some semblace of the good mood before Kaz spoke, it is gone as soon as the words leave her mouth. This wolf not kill third one dead until after last one spoke, he notes, looking furious with himself. Last one alive ran while this wolf killed third one dead.

Mia remains silent now, her eyes flicking between Kaz and the Uktena as her smile melts away.

Kaz says, practically, "Well, on the other hand, that prophecy thing of his's been useful. So... Yeah. Sometimes you gotta make choices." She shrugs. "Anyway. Thanks. I'd been curious f'awhile."

Nathan looks between the gathered, putting a hand on Jude's shoulder for a moment. "I need to run. I'm glad we all ran into eachother out here though. We'll talk more, again, soon. Mia. Good seeing you again." He bobs his head to the wolf, and then more respectively to Kaz, "Always a pleasure Kaz."

Jude nods again to the story, her smile turning more toward the Uktena. "Jude Blackfeather, She Calls Her Brothers to the Fight. Or Taleswapper. Cliath Gibbous Moon to the Wendigo." She looks up at Nathan when his hand touches her shoulder, "Of course. Later, Nate."

"Gaia be with you, Nathan-Rhya," Mia returns towards the elder as she relaxes a bit more. Her eyes flick between Hummingbird and Kaz once more before she glances to Jude as she introduces herself.

Hummingbird grumbles to himself in irritation, scraping up the leaf litter with his claws and snapping at invisible imaginary fly on his flank.

Kaz leans on her good leg. "Yeah, hey, Fernando, lissen, bug Stacey sometime? We're lookin' to get Raggies and theurges t'scout out some ambush spots out in Spokane, so we can start bashin' Dancers' heads in again." Then she looks to Mia. "Can I talk to you a sec? Policy thing." She jerks her head over toward the caern.

Parkside Debates (Quentin)

2008-09-04T04:17:56Z

Summer is still holding strong in St. Claire tonight, and that means a lovely couple is making use of the benches near the fountain. The man has one arm around the woman beside him, eyes bright and body posture leaning in as he talks to her excitedly about something.

"Hey, hey, if it isn't the Buckinghams..." A grin curves to Quentin's lips as he catches sight of the family over near the fountain, one hand raising as he draws nearer, shifting the laptop bag slung over his shoulder to a more comfortable position, "...hope I'm not intruding, you two."

Nathan looks over as Quentin arrives, "Quentin, hey!" He scoots around to be more approachable but doesn't take his arm off his wife. Sarah smiles as well, "Hello Quentin. Are you out on litter patrol again or has Nathan hired you as security?"

Quentin's lips curve in a grin to that, "Oh, I'm usually 'round here somewhere. Pretty soon, I might even have a title an' official reason t'do it... how's it going?"

Nathan smiles at the Walker, "Good good, sit down, join us. The weather's just great isn't it?" He scoots over, closer to his wife (which she doesn't seem to mind at all) and gives the other some room. "Things are going well for us. The house is settled, the kids are in school."

Quentin steps along over, easing himself down to sit on the bench's corner; one hand resting on his knee as he brings the laptop bag around to rest in his lap, chuckling, "Cool-- must be a relief to you with them at school, Miss Buckingham."

Sarah chuckles a little, "Well it lets me get more involved in other things again, yes, but doting mother and all that. What about you Quentin, are you spoken for or chasing around small blue-haired children yet?" There's a fondness in her eyes that Nathan mimics. "Careful Quentin, she's a matchmaker at heart."

Quentin can't help a grin from curling broad to his lips at that, his head shaking just a bit. "No children yet, but... spoken for, damn straight," he admits one hand raking back through blue-dyed hair, "Love 'er t'death."

Nathan looks toward the younger Galliard and smiles. "Great feeling isn't it?" His arm tugs his wife closer and she leans into him. It's the misses that gives the next bit of advice, "Well you do well to keep her happy Quentin. A happy woman makes for a happy man."

"I'll do my damndest," Quentin admits, shaking his head a bit, "We'll see how it goes. Still a few stumblin' blocks there, but... I love her, so, nothin'll keep me from that." A glint to green eyes, "Nothing. Anyway... how've you been, Buckingham? Settling into th'area well?"

Nathan nods, "Well as possible so far. Antsy, but that's in my nature. I've just about got things settled as far as membership privelages go, then I hope to kick into high gear."

Quentin bobs his chin in an easy nod, "Good, good-- you hear about th'storytelling session I'm holding in a few weeks? Should be a good time... trade some stories, see what folk have t'tell."

Nathan perks up at this, "Where will it be held? I'll definitely be there. Jude! That's the perfect chance for you to meet Jude." Sarah looks at this, "Jude? The... same from Earthspine?" Nathan nods to her and Sarah smiles, "Oh that's wonderful. I always liked her."

"At th'story tree," Quentin offers amicably, "Someone'll show you where it..." A brow lifts, glancing between them, "...Jude?"

Nathan grins wider now, looking mischievous. "Wendigo. The one I mentioned before in regard to packing."

"Ah." Quentin hesitates a moment, one hand raking back to scratch at the nape of his neck as he looks away and over the park's fading greenery, "Well, that's... great, I'm sure it'll be great t'meet her."

Nathan studies the other and then lets out a soft chuckle, "You know, I don't usually like to pry Quentin. But I've more often found this tendency of extreme dislike flowing in the other direction. Did something happen that's put you so against that tribe?" Sarah remains quiet now, listening to her husband and remaining an unopinioned third party.

Quentin slants a glance over, a faint and rueful smile crooking up at one corner of his lips. "...nearly caused a tribal war in this sept over their treatment've kinfolk. Ended up wi' one of our kin nearly killed, amongst other shit," he admits with a snort, "An' when th'sept chose not t'call Wendigo as their totem when th'caern was revitalized after its dormancy, half of them nearly turned against th'sept entirely. I've seen more internecine conflict started by them than anyone else in th'sept. They're racist, hateful, bitter sons of bitches with all th'heart of their own totem."

Nathan raises an eye at this. "Every single one of them hmm? Just as all of the Glass Walkers are softened, misguided souls who forget what Gaia looks like and bolster their own dens without thought for how it affects Gaia?" Sarah grins sweetly, standing up and kissing Nate on the top of his head, "I'll run and get some coffee for us." The kin makes a swift, yet subtle escape even as Nathan continues, "And just like every son of Falcon is a maddened fool and a pompous ass insistent on ruling by the grace of Kings past. I don't discredit that you've had trouble with them before, but sweeping judgements lead to permanent division. And we'll not win this war with a divided front."

"Every one that I've met," Quentin replies with a grunt, slanting a look over, "I'm open-minded, Nathan. I've seen good'n bad in every tribe. Except th'Wendigo. All I've seen from them is their hunger for hate'n blood. Second to th'Spirals in th'damage they've done t'this sept's unity."

"I see." There's a look of thoughtfulness about the Fang then and he folds his hands together. "You realize, your own words recite that hatred right back, yes?" Nathan sighs, "I know Jude, as I've mentioned before, from the sept I was at just prior to coming here. I trust her completely. I've met and trained with Jacinta, and I see an honorable, hard working woman who has fought tooth and nail to preserve this caern. And there've been countless others I've met in my time. Some more difficult to work with than others, and some downright intolerable in their own ways. And yet, I would never dare to put them on the same line of thought as the Spirals. Ever." There's an intensity to the Adren now. "I gravely dislike when I have to defend the nation from itself. Each tribe has its place. And if you think you've seen only bad from then, then look harder."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm a fuckin' hypocrite..." A shrug of Quentin's shoulder, grimacing as he tilts his head to look up to the skies, "...an' we'll have t'disagree on Jacinta. I've seen different sides've her than that. An' I'm not convinced at all that her takin' Warder isn't jus' one step towards pushing all th'other tribes out of th'sept. Her, Leonard..." A shake of his head, "...fuck, Nathan. They drove me out of th'Hidden Walk once before. Jacinta one of th'big reasons for that. You're not going t'get me t'like them."

Nathan looks to the other now, eyes more stern, "Watch it." He pauses to let that sink in and then continues, "You don't have to /like/ them, but you damn well better respect them; especially when they are a garou of rank a holder of sept position. What work you and your tribe accomplish in the city is just as important and crucial as the work the pure tribes accomplish, and I will not reiterate that again with you."

A sidelong look, Quentin's jaw tensing briefly. "As you say, Nathan-rhya," he says quietly, chin tilting up briefly to bare more of his throat... and then he pushes himself up to his feet, "Is there anything else? I have some more work t'do in th'park t'night."

Nathan lets out a short nod of acceptanace and then shakes his head, "Clean up work, or something else? If you'd like some help I'd be more than happy to come back after dropping Sarah off at home."

"A bit of clean-up, then I need t'go meet with some local contacts," Quentin allows with a shake of his head, shrugging the laptop bag more fully over his shoulder, "No need t'worry yourself with it. Enjoy th'time with your mate, sir."

Nathan nods his head, "Safe steps tonight Quentin. I'll catch up with you later." The Adren doesn't seem to hold any of that previous sternness he did a moment ago as he waves to the Walker. He settles back onto the bench some more and turns to see where his wife's gotten off to. A moment later he's up and heading in her direction.

Ragabash And Revenge (Kevin, August)

2008-09-03T21:52:05Z

An irregular clunk... clunk... clunk sound may be heard coming from the direction of the sept compound. It's not loud or particularly menacing, but it is unusual, enough so to possibly tempt anyone who overhears to investigate.

Unusual noises don't go long unchecked when Nathan is around. The Fang begins moving in the direction of the sound with a gait that suggests determination. He's wearing just a pair of dark denim jeans this afternoon, with a blue polo shirt.

Once he gets close enough, Nate should be able to see the source of the noise easily enough; a tall, cadaverously thin young man with a great bushy mop of dark brown hair is standing at the treeline at one side of the clearing that forms the Sept Compound, and is pitching chunks of wood across its width, trying to hit a mark on a tree at the other side. He doesn't appear to be a bad shot.

Nathan steps a little closer to the odd phenomenon. "Hello?" he asks, hoping that the greeting alone will trigger communication.

The youth's wrist jerks in the act of throwing and his missile goes astray, vanishing between the trees. He pulls a face and turns round to seek out the source of this interruption. "Yeah? Whozat?"

"Nathaniel Abrams Buckingham is whozatbe. Falcon's Heart Strikes the Darkness, Ahroun. Silver Fang. Adren." Nathan finishes stepping in the rest of the way, eyeing the youth curiously. "I have to assume you're supposed to be out here, but it'd be reassuring nonetheless to get your name."

Kevin blinks once, then twice, and seems to shrink a little in the face of Nathan's well-groomed but firmly commanding presence. "Kevin Lockwood," he mutters, "cliath, ragabash, Glass Walker, and yes I'm meant to be here, at least for a month odd. They call me Power-in-the-Darkness."

Nathan nods his head, "Glass Walker hmm, well, good to meet you Kevin. Was that simple target practive there or did the tree cause some offense to you?"

"Eh? Target practice," Kevin says, as indignantly as he dares given Nathan's innate superiority over him. "I wouldn't go damaging trees wantonly on the bawn. Can't you imagine the Wendigo throwing fits? I'm a good garou, I am." If Nathan's paying close attention he might see a flicker of worry in Kevin's eyes as he makes that proclamation.

Nathan gives a thoughtful nod to the Walker. "So what brings you out this way then? Not that I have anything but respect for your being out here. It's rather promising. I'm finding this sept to be full of surprises."

"I made an error of judgment," Kevin says. He's regained composure some, and speaks politely and smoothly to Nathan. "Luckily nothing too bad came of it, but as a result, I have been confined to the bawn until this time next month, to teach me a lesson and give me time to reflect on my error."

Nathan nods again, grinning slightly. "Sometimes those lessons are the hardest. The ones where we're asked to figure them out on our own? Still, you're almost there Kevin. Dawn is in sight." He smiles as he looks around.

The quiet steps of someone barefoot are just audible through the trees. After a few moments, August appears at the edge of the clearing, his form half-obscured by the tall grass. He peers at those gathered, then nods to them, heading over.

Kevin peers at August for a moment, then recognises him. He waves him over. "I never stop learning," he assures Nathan.

Nathan grins, "That's the best way to climb a mountain Kevin." August's arrival earns a wide smile, "Hey August, how's it going?"

August grunts and nods to Kevin amicably, and dips his head to Nathan. "Okay, Nathan-rhya. Out here enjoying the summer's last days." He cants his head at Kevin. "Whatcha learning?" he inquires, oblivious to the context of the conversation.

"Learning the number one rule of being a ragabash," Kevin says with equanimity. "How not to get caught..."

Nathan narrows his eyes at that. "I've always thought the number one rule of being a ragabash was to make one think without realizing they've been tricked into thinking. Big difference there I suppose. I'm just not the type that thinks Ragabash get the easy grading curve just for being ragabash."

August frowns. "That doesn't seem right to me." He crosses his arms, nodding as Nathan speaks. "Yeah, I thought Ragabash were for bending the rules, not breaking 'em."

"I didn't say what I was learning not to get caught at," Kevin says with immense hurt dignity. "Once again, everyone leaps at a chance to think the worst of me, I see."

The Adren looks to the Ragabash with a faint, soft grin, "I thought we were discussing the role of -a- ragabash, not the credentials of the one we're talking to." The Fang doesn't look the least bit riled or upset, or even judgemental really.

August gives Kevin a genuinely sympathetic glance. "You said the wrong thing," he observes, and moves to take a seat on the grass, within talking distance of the Fang and Gnawer.

"Yes, evidently I did." Kevin seems genuinely affronted, and the sympathetic glance doesn't mollify him. "I think I'll take myself away before I give you any more excuses to cheapen me in the eyes of a high-ranking garou." With a nasty look on his face he turns away from August

Nathan lets out a regretful sigh as the Walker leaves, turning back to August then. "I've no idea what that was about. Do you?"

August blinks once, but then hardens his expression, settles back onto his hands and grunts at Kevin. "Suit yourself. Gaia watch." He turns back to face the Adren and shrugs, his gaze resting on the ground. "Ragabashes are weird. I've known a few who aren't all, eh, but..." He trails off and shrugs.

Nathan nods his head, "Sometimes the conscious can play weird tricks on a garou. Gaia knows I've had my endeavors down that narrow path." He lets out a soft sigh and then looks up to the sky. "Still, too nice a day to let the small things bring in an overcast. What's new with you?" he asks with a smile and a genuinity about it.

August gives Nathan another shrug. "Almost done with chiminige, and tribal stuff. I saw our tribal territory down in Wolf Woods. A lot of grouse there, good eatin'. Then went and got my ass whooped by my future Alpha. Which was cool." There's no sarcasm present in that last bit. He pauses and says, "And you? May I ask you something, Nathan-rhya?"

Nathan chuckles, "Future alpha? You're packed under Blackriver with Wildfire right?" He grins with soft amusement, "And sure August, ask away."

August nods. "That's right." He clears his throat and straightens his posture. "Well, I was wondering... what do you think are the qualities of a good Ahroun? Other than the standard 'leading the charge and inspiring your packmates in battle?'"

"Above all? Heart." He studies the Gaian briefly, "A man, or a garou, can be a great warrior by training, and learning martial skills and being strong. But without heart, they're lack the sincerity of what motivates them and inspires them. And I don't mean the heart to kill the enemy, or beat the crap out of their opponents, I'm talking about the heart to live and love. It's a better motivator." A pause, "What's on your mind August?"

August frowns and looks away from the Fang, into the forest. "Nothing," he mutters, but then after a moment, does answer the question. "I'm motivated by that, like, love for Gaia and bein' Garou and life, but..." He leans forward and turns back towards the Adren. "Well, what about revenge? Is it okay to be motivated by that?"

Nathan brings his knees up and loops his arms around them in a loose armrest type of hold. "Hmm. That's a line we will all have to walk August. Some of us meet it sooner than others. You've seen Star Wars right?"

August blinks. "Star Wars?" he repeats dubiously, though he does nod. "Yeah, I've seen it."

Nathan nods, "Yoda was always spouting off words of wisdom to Luke, remember? There's truth in them. The fear of loss leads to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger to hate, hate to the dark side. Etcetera. We have to tread carefully. Let me ask you something August, and right now, I'd like us to speak as equals, alright? What /is/ revenge?"

August nods slowly, though that doubtful look never leaves his face. He keeps his gaze down. "Eye for an eye, I guess. Takin' your pound of flesh for the wrongs that have been done to you and yours. I understand it's bad for healing old wounds."

Nathan nods. "See, here is where it's hard. The goal of revenge usually consists of forcing the wrongdoer to suffer the same pain that was originally inflicted. Now, we can look at it as an eye for an eye, yes. But what they do to us? If we let revenge along fuel our claws against them, then what separates us from becoming the same thing?" He waits just a moment before offering the answer. "Hope." A pause and cant of his head, "And Heart. See, they know only corruption and madness. Their ways are not our ways. That's not to say I believe in sparing them, not in the least. I've lost too many friends and loved ones to them, I've lost too much of /myself/ to them to give them that chance. But I watch that line carefully, and I know that to cross it is to open the door for them."

August grimaces. "Sure, but sometimes I can't help the way I feel about it," the younger Ahroun admits, picking at a blade of grass. "As a Gaian, the Ways would have me be more like Rommy, like some Zen warrior Shaolin monk defender. But I don't have the heart that he does."

Nathan nods his head, "Don't discredit yourself for having a different heart than your tribemate August. Gaia has a plan and place for all of us. If revenge fuels you, then that's your place right now. Just tread cautiously on that line so it doesn't consume you, because I like you much better as a guy on our side, then a guy on theirs." He watches the Gaian a bit more, "What does the call for vengeance make you feel like?"

You sense that you have a new +mail message from Jude in folder 'main'.

August bristles at at the suggestion he might switch sides, though he catches himself and is silent for a moment. He measures his tone when he answers. "Good, during. Not good, after. I understand not to give into it too much, Nathan-rhya."

Nathan nods his head, "I have total faith in that actually August. If you weren't aware.. you'd not have these thoughts or concerns about your motivations. You know, you can take that feeling of revenge and twist it just a little bit and the edges get more defined. Likewise, you could use a thought process my wife uses while watching what she eats." He chuckles at this, "She asks herself, 'How will I feel after giving in and eating the brownie, versus how would I feel if I resisted it and passed it up?'"

August snorts. "I guess I could," he mutters, and adds, "I usually try to remind myself it's 'work,' too. But it's hard." He dips his head to the Fang. "You mind showin' me a few moves?"

Nathan smiles and reaches a hand out in a gesture meant to help eachother up. "I would love to. Only if you return the favor and show me a few?"

Jamethon has left.

August rises and takes Nathan's hand, his posture brightening. He snorts again, but nods at the question. "If I can." When the Fang is to his feet, his asks, "Which form?"

"Moon's thin so I'm fine with anything. I've been roughing up your tribemate, Coriander, a bit. She's a real sweetheart." The hand taken gets both Ahroun up to their feet.

August melts up to Glabro. "How about this?" His brow furrows slightly in concern at the mention of Coriander. "Yeah, she's awesome," is all he says.

Nathan nods his head and moves to meet in Glabro. "She voiced some concern over the coming fights, so I told her to come and pester me for practice whenever she wants." Once in his taller thicker form, he nods to the other. "Ready."

August nods absently at the talk of Cori's training. He takes a fighting stance, and smiles playfully when the Fang announces his readiness. He takes a few quick jabs with closed fists, testing the Adren's speed, before weaving back, trying to evade rather than block any counterattack.

The Adren Fang shows all the traits one would expect a thirty-something Ahroun to possess. He's quick and thoughtful with his defenses and offenses. The two exchange hits, ducks, parries, and shoves; Nathan, all the while with a look that promises both genuine concentration as well as good natured enjoyment of the exercise. Each of them sharing a few personal tricks with the other, the round ends with Nate clapping his hand on the Gaian's shoulder. "Nice moves there August."

August grins at the Adren, accepting the clap, though he doesn't move to touch the other. "Thanks man. You rock," he beams, sweaty but not winded from the sparring match. "That was fun, and I appreciate you givin' me some of your time /and/ not dislocating any of my limbs today," he says with a smirk. He gestures off towards the woods, shrinking back into his birth form. "I feel like a run now. Gaia watch?"

Nathan nods his head, "Absolutely August. Hey?" He looks to the other, "Keep me posted. I like being around for others to just talk at sometimes. Alright?"

August gives Nathan a smart nod. "Sure." The Gaian turns to head into the woods, but looks over his shoulder before jogging away. "And thanks. Again. Gaia watch."

Hanging out at Fury House (KL, Melodie)

2008-09-03T17:29:14Z

Morning in the Fury House, and KL has just finished a fairly extensive workout in the gym. She hauls herself up the stairs, sweat causing her t-shirt to stick to her body, hair plastered to her forehead.

There is a knock at the front door. Outside of it is Nathan, standing casually and holding a brown bag with twined handles. 'American Eagle' is printed in fancy lettering on the bag and tissue paper hides the insides from view.

KL cracks open the door and peers through. Her eyes widen as she sees who it is, and she pulls the further. "Nathan-rhya!" she greets. "I didn't know you even knew where we were." She doesn't seem *overjoyed* to see him, just surprised. "I'm not exactly in the best state to receive visitors, but come in." The house, inside, apart from the spider web, is spotless.

Nathan smiles at the other, "You're fine, you're fine." He insists. "I was stopping by to give something to Melodie, or drop it off if she's not here right now. You're looking good. Are things going well?"

"Melodie is currently doing a good impression of a hibernating bear," KL says, with an indulgent smile. "With pigtails. But I can give it to her when she deigns to move from beneath the sheets." She shrugs. "I'm bored of being pregnant, bored of being stuck here and fucked off with not being able to do anything to fight Dancers and things. Other than that, pretty good." She gestures to a seat - one of the un-damaged-and-repaired ones, and sits in one of the others. "How are you finding things?"

Nathan nods to this, handing the bag over. "I was shopping with my daughter this weekend. I thought of Melodie when I saw this. I hope it's alright?" He sits down then, relaxing easily into the chair and grants her a nod. "I can understand that frustration, which is not to say I know how you feel," he laughs. "Either way, I won't prattle off condolences or reassurances that I am sure you've both heard a hundred times before, and which won't do anything to really solve the problem."

KL laughs, and peers inside the bag. "There's only one thing that will solve the problem, and that's having the baby. I tell you, it takes forever." She peers up at him. "Do you have kids?"

KL laughs, and peers inside the bag. "There's only one thing that will solve the problem, and that's having the baby. I tell you, it takes forever." She grins, on seeing the bag contents. "Oh yeah, she'll love this. It's pink, for a start." The Fury looks up at Nathan. "Get me anything pink, ever, and I'll eviscerate you. In a way that submits to your higher station." She holds "serious" pose for a moment, then the facade cracks. "Thank you. She really will love it. Seriously, how are you getting on?"

Nathan raises an eyebrow and grins at KL's promise. Both hands come up in a show of understanding and surrender, "No no, I only knew that Melodie had a fondness for pink." He crosses a leg over the other, ankle to knee. "Slowly. Slower than I'd like to be honest. I'm trying to get introduced and learn the sept so I can put a pack together. My chiminage will be complete soon and I'll want to get cracking fast."

The Fury Elder looks thoughtful, lifting up her hand and rubbing her chin. "What kind of pack you looking to form?" she asks. "And, yeah, it's a weird Sept. Lot to learn." She pauses. "If you have any trouble with any of the Furies, you come to me and I'll kick them into next week, right?"

Nathan smiles at her, "I don't usually have trouble with Furies KL, but I'll be sure to keep you in the loop should any arise. As for the pack. Warpack. One that's intent on really getting into the dirt. Lead by example."

KL looks thoughtful. "Warpack?" she asks, brow furrowing. "Tempting." She shakes her head, not saying any more. "And yeah, we Furies are pretty good about not being total pains. Except when we're total pains." Her eyes glint for a second. "Pity you're not a woman. Would be so much better."

Nathan studies KL quietly for a moment and then grins widely, "I think that was a compliment, so thank you. And yes, I'm looking for people to put together into the pack. Are you aware how many Garou here are /already/ spoken for?" He sighs with evident disappointment. "On one hand that's great. On the other, on /my/ hand, it's proving to be extremely frustrating."

"Packs break up," KL says. "Be patient, who knows what incredibly fast-moving very tough but not-so-good in the umbra Ahrouns may flock to your banner, given time." She laughs. "People are going to want to follow you. You're Adren, you're Silver Fang. But they won't want to pack with you until they trust you, and that takes a bit longer."

Nathan nods his head, "There's truth in that I suppose. It's hard to be eager and patient at the same time I suppose. But that's my struggle. There are a few I've met that are unpacked, Jude, who I know from Earthspine, I very much want to have at my side. There's also Mia and Quentin. But, if I somehow pull together a Get, a Glass Walker and a Wendigo, people are going to mistake my arrival as Christ's second coming. And that's pressure even I don't want to deal with." He chuckles.

The Fury grins at him. "Well, personality is more important than tribe." She points at herself. "Look at me. I'm a dyke, good at archery and interested in equality. Who'd have thought that I was a Fury?" She looks wide-eyed and innocent at the end of this.

Nathan laughs along side this announcement. "And a mother." He nods easily, "You know, my father first came to the states by request of a Fury who was looking to make a difference. She changed him from the traditional, pompous, royalist Fang he'd been raised as, to an outgoing /doer/ that wasn't afraid to stand up against the old sods." There's fondness in his telling of the story. "And the saying about apples falling from the trees is true, as I packed under a Fury at Gaia's Bones for a long, long time."

KL looks a bit confused. "Apples...fall from trees... because of gravity?" she asks, a little tentative. "I don't see how that applies to packing under a Fury." She shakes her head, and sets the bag with Melodie's present on the table. "Want to see my axe?" she asks.

Melodie appears at the top of the stairs, looking sleepy. She's still in her giant pink nightshirt, and fuzzy bunny slippers, her hair all tussled. She runs a hand through it while looking downstairs. "Hey, morning."

Nathan nods at KL, "The saying goes that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I'm like my father." The mention of the axe perks him up though and he bobs his head, "Absolutely!" Melodie's arrival earns his attention to the stairs and he can't help but laugh softly, "Morning Melodie. I've got something for you once you wake up."

The Fury Elder grins up at Melodie, "Morning, sleepyhead," she says. She disappears into the "office" area, returning moments later with Lady Enyo, her labrys. The blades have leather covers, to prevent her accidentally slicing someone's head off, but the metal shines brightly in the morning light. KL offers the handle to Nathan, suddenly seeming a bit tense.

Melodie walks downstairs, rubbing a little bit of gunk out of her left eye. "Huh, you got me something, why?" She admires the Axe when KL returns. "Ooh, that's a nice one! I bet that's fun to fight with, huh?"

Nathan looks toward KL as she brings the axe back. There's a sudden seriousness from the Adren, and as the axe is offered, he very delicately and respectfully holds his hands out to receive it. He doesn't unsheath the blades, but he experiments with the weight and feel of it in his hands. "It's an amazing piece KL. I'd love to see the two of you in mid-dance." He grins and hands it back. "I'll take an IOU on it, but I won't forget." Nathan glances toward Melodie and nods to the 'American Eagle' bag that is set near the chair.

"Well, the first time I tried I nearly sliced my leg off," KL admits. "And it's not really suited for the warform. It's more of a symbol than anything else." She accepts the axe back, running a proprietorial hand over the haft. "But... yes. She's lovely." She looks at Nathan and gives a little nod, just recognition of what's gone between them, and then turns to look at Melodie and the present.

Melodie can't help but get a little excited, and she grabs the bag off of the table greedily, pulling out the pink hoodie inside. "Oooh! Hey, it's super soft, too." She grins. "American Eagle, that's stylish. I guess Fangs know that kind of thing." She dashes over to give Nathan a hug. "Thanks!"

Nathan grins at KL first, looking pleased about something. Then he's being hugged by Melodie. He laughs and returns the quick embrace with a shake of his head, "I haven't a clue on it really, but I have a seven year old who assured me that if you liked pink, that you'd love it."

KL smiles at Melodie hugging the Silver Fang, and takes the opportunity to stow Lady Enyo somewhere safe. "Mel, how many pink things do you have now?" she asks. "Because, I think if you reach a certain number, there's an explosion or something."

Melodie giggles. "I should do my hair up pink again, that was fun!" She slips on the jacket, which fits fairly well. "This'll be nice now that it's almost fall. Your daughter is cool, Nathan-rhya, tell her thanks too."

Nathan smiles at Melodie and nods, "I will." He turns back to KL then and shakes his head, "Think she'll grow out of the pink fascination or is this a life long love affair?"

The Fury Elder shrugs. "I don't know. One of the freedoms we want is the freedom to not be judged solely by appearance. And to be allowed to express our individuality." She looks at the large tattoo on her arm. "Which reminds me, Mel, after baby, we're going to head back to the ink shop."

Melodie seems really amused. "Yeah, I can choose to express my femininity if I wanna." She tilts her head curiously. "Oh? You got another idea?" She grins. "I like how the tattoo guy was surprised that I could take it, that was really funny."

Nathan looks between the two with amusement. "Ink hmm? What have you got already? Or.. are they places that are showable in present company?"

KL lifts her sleeve, to show the slavering Wolverine. "My former pack was under Wolverine. He and I get on well," she explains. "There's a tattoo of Pegasus on my back, but kind of hard to show." A look at Melodie. "Not so much an idea as a desire for another one. They are a bit addictive."

Melodie sets her right leg up on a chair, to show of hers. "Mine is this little caterpillar here, and it crawls around my leg, an' then comes back a butterfly! That's to remind me not to judge on appearance, and look for the best in everyone, an' help them become something better. And also, I like butterflies."

Nathan nods first to KL's wolverine and then to Melodie's art. "Nice, both of them. I've never considered getting a tattoo. It sticks though huh? Do you just, not shift while it heals? Then the body accepts it as part of the norm?"

"Yeah," KL says. "You just have to give it a couple of days. I mean, this is me, perfectly healthy and healed." She points at her body, then at her arm. "Tattoos aren't open wounds." She considers. "I have to be careful with piercings, though. If I take them out and shift, then they tend to heal really fast." She shakes her head. "Oh, it's all magic anyway. I don't get it."

Melodie nods. "An' it's a good exercise in willpower, to not shift for a few days. My main ear holes never close up, 'cause I've always had them, but I used to have a nose ring and it's all gone now. I dunno anything about science, though, I'm sure it makes some sort of sense." She shrugs.

Nathan grins at them, "Well it is magic in a way, and some things are better left trusted on faith. A nose ring hmm?" Nate looks at Melodie, canting his head sideways before nodding. "I can see that. Sam wants to get her ears pierced already. But up on top, not the lobe." He rolls his eyes at this, "I told her we'd talk about it at report card time."

KL laughs. "Maybe I should try this plan with Mel," she says. "Mel, we'll talk about you getting another tattoo come challenge time." She nods definitely at the Philodox, before turning her attention back to Nathan. "How old is your daughter?" she asks.

Melodie gives Nate a cute look. "Oh, I like those, they look neat. But the lobes are the best, because you can put both big and little stuff in 'em." She snickers at KL. "I'm not even close to ready to be a Fostern. It's way too much work! Maybe when I'm sixteen."

"She's seven, my son is ten. Actually, I'd love for them to meet you both. My wife would be thrilled too, and if you're ever looking for someone to just talk to KL, Sarah's really pretty good at that." Nate smiles at Melodie, "When is your sweet sixteen Melodie?"

KL nods. "That'd be cool," she says. Then she plucks at her t-shirt, which is sweat-stuck to her body. "I *really* need a shower," she decides. "If you'll excuse me, Nathan-rhya?"

Melodie answers Nathan, "Not until July. I'm just barely fifteen. I guess seven is a little young for more than earlobes." She gives KL a little wave. "Try the new body wash I got in there, it's supposed to be super good for your skin! An' I got a non-smelly one this time."

Nathan nods to KL, "Of course, of course. I should go. I just wanted to stop in for a quick visit and drop off the bag." He turns toward Melodie, "Those were my thoughts too. Plus she's a rough and tumble little sock puppet. I think she'd end up finding them a lot more work than she expects." He stands up then and grins, "I'll see about bringing the family over to Edgewood while the moon is thin still. I'll check in here too when I do."

Morning Jog (Coriander)

2008-09-02T18:08:50Z

A rather dressed down Nathan is jogging through the bawn this morning. Sweat pants, running shoes are worn, but he's shirtless. A sheen of sweat is on him but he has the look of someone that's being invigorated by the run rather than exhausted.

Through the trees to the side there is a quick flash of white fur. It's accompanied by a rustling, which cuts off after a moment. And while the wolf in the woods ends up hidden behind the trees, there is the tell-tale panting that gives away its position. All the signs of someone trying to be sneaky. Trying.

Nathan turns his head in the direction of that blur. He grins a little and then changes his course to put it on the trail of the sneaky wolf. In this form, he relies on his eyes to track his target.

Oh, that fur is there, but only just visible around a tree trunk. But, it disappears again, into some bushes to hide better as he changes course. There is, of course, plenty of noise as it moves through the woods.

"Who is that out there hmm? And are you joining me on this jog or am I being led someplace?" The Fang continues on, kicking up his speed a bit to keep after the noise trail.

As the question is voiced, the noise stops and there is a momentary pause before Curiosity leaps out from the bushes and romps over. To tackle the Fang to the ground. Playfully. Her tail wags, her ears are perked up and her jaw is open in a sort of lupine smile.

Nathan lets out a laugh as he's met with the length of a wolf trying to tackle. He reaches out to try and hold onto the lupine (and keep himself steadied) but he just wasn't expecting it at all. A few stuttered steps backwards and then drops down onto his rear. He's all smiles and laughter though as he ruffle-wrestles the wolf. "This has to be Coriander."

When she's gotten him to the ground, Curiosity lifts her head back to let out a little howl of triumph. She leans into the ruffles, panting a little, but keeping her front paws on his legs. She barks an affirmative to the identification and does moves back a little, to lowers her head toward the ground, her tail still wagging away.

Nathan just -beams- at this. "You're in a good mood today Curiosity." He ruffles her a bit more and then looks around. "I think we need to level the playing field though." With just a bit of concentration and effort, the Fang shifts through his forms to land in lupus. And now he's pouncing her way!

Curiosity-Saves perks up more as Nathan shifts and she's suddenly pounced upon. She does try to wiggle out from under the Fang, twisting a little to nip at his fur.

Heart-Strike pounces, nips, wrestles and body shoves the lupus Gaian. Now what are you going to do? he seems to ask of her.

The poor little girl wolf, shoved and wrestled to the ground. No fair! You are bigger! Stuck as she is, there is another attempted wiggle, then she just turns her head to look up at him, amused and excited still. But, for an answer, she just lifts her muzzle to lick at his face.

Heart-Strike gives the Gaian another nuzzle, You are a bright hearted garou Curiosity. He steps back a little to let the other up, shaking out his fur and panting lightly.

Curiosity-Saves does get back up to her feet, but she does return the nuzzling. And you are a kind hearted one. The Gaian sits back, ears still perked. I saw you running and wanted to say hi.

Heart-Strike noses her again, I am glad. Join me for the rest of the run? His tail is flagged happily and he sniffs over the younger wolf almost protectively.

Yes! Curiosity hops right back up onto all fours. She does stand still for the sniffing, smelling mostly of the woods (and marijuana, of course), but she does give him an affectionate shoulder nudge.

Heart-Strike starts running, nipping her tail and encouraging her to chase after in this game of wolven tag. How long since you had your firsting Curiosity?

Curiosity-Saves yips lightly and takes off after him, trying to catch up. There is a bit of a pause at the question before the Gaian comes up beside the Fang. More than a year. Wait. She does slow her gait to ponder. A year and another half?

Heart-Strike drops into an easy lope himself and gives another soft nip at her ear. I would have liked to see you as a cub! I can hardly imagine. He wiggles his tail again and then comes to a more abrupt halt. The wolf snaps at the air and shakes his head before scooting a few paces back and dropping into homid. His hand comes up to pinch at his nose and he looks to the Gaian briefly before turning away from her.

Same as now! Just more obedient. Curiosity chuffs lightly, but before she stills at his halt, head tilted in curiosity. She blinks, but trots along after him. Is Heart-Strike okay?

Nathan gives a faint nod, "Fine, yes. Just, daydreams. It's nothing. Sorry to startle you, it's alright." He rubs at his head a moment longer and then drops his hand to return a bright smile at the Gaian. "Pesky at times is all."

Curiosity-Saves steps forward again, rubbing against his leg. She looks up at him and takes a few steps forward. Walk maybe, instead of run?

Nathan nods his head at her, reaching down to scruffle her behind the ears. "That sounds good. You can tell me more about Stacey maybe? Since she will be our wyrmfoe for the upcoming battles."

I can do that! Curiosity's tail starts to wag again, her steps take on a little bounce to them as they walk along through the woods.

Meeting with Masquerade (Stacey, Melodie)

2008-08-29T16:38:39Z

Heart-Strike has carefully trailed his way through various trails and scent marks before arriving on the outskirts of Masquerade territory. A more detailed sniff assures him he's found the border and so it's here that he lifts his voice to the inhabitants. A long, steady howl goes up, It is Heart-Strike, son of Falcon. I seek Pathwalker and her pack.

It's not long that there's a response from where Pathwalker had been patrolling within the woods. Pathwalker is here! You are welcome! She has heard that you have been looking for her.

From a slightly different direction, the young Fury also approaches. "Oh, hey! Welcome to our place, huh, Nathan-rhya! Isn't it splendid?"

Permission granted, Heart-Strike continues on, now using the hints that come by both sound and scent. Soon, the silver-grey wolf is stepping lightly toward the Gaian, though one ear flicks toward Melodie's voice as well. His tail held high, it wags at the Fury's presence.

Pathwalker comes into view as he nears her posture friendly, if confident. Curiosity told me of you, she chuffs as the three converge. There's a pause as another chuff of greeting is given to Melodie before she returns her attention to Heart-Strike. I am Walks-the-Path-of-the-Moon or Peacemaker, Fostern Ahroun and Voice of the Goddess of the Children of Gaia, Alpha of Masquerade under Chimera.

Heart-Strike licks his nose once, letting the other announce her introduction first and accepting it with a pleased wiggle of that tail of his. Falcon's Heart Strikes the Darkness. Adren Ahroun of the Silver Fangs. It is good to meet you! A moment of polite hesitation and then he steps forward to sniff at the other and learn her scent.

Melodie would be holding her tail low, if she weren't in homid. She stands aside from the two, eyes wide and looking like she'd be happy to do anything either wanted.

Good to meet you as well. Honored, even, says Pathwalker, her own tail lowering a bit as the Silver Fang steps closer, and she lets him get his fill of her scent before she takes in his. You were looking for me?

Heart-Strike gives a chuff of acknowledgement at this, but before doing anything else he meanders toward Melodie and shuffles up against her in an almost feline like way of greeting. Good to see you too! he announces before stepping aside slightly. It is safe to shift here?

Melodie nods respectfully at the visitor. "Si, we're way out in the wild. There's no civilization out here at all." She seems to appreciate his friendliness, even if she's a little unsure of how to respond to it.

Pathwalker chuffs her agreement to Melodie's words before she shifts up into homid, as if to demonstrate that it is safe. The wild-looking young teen smiles at him. "Nathaniel, correct?"

Heart-Strike follows suit after, rising through his forms and smoothing a bit of hair into place. A bright smile is given to both of the younger garou. "Yes, Nathan or Nate is fine." A hand comes out in offer of shaking, "Very good to meet you Stacey. I've met both Coriander and Melodie here already and I have to say you have a couple of brilliant young packmates at your side."

Melodie blushes a little under the praise. "Well, thanks. But Stacey-rhya's the best yet, she's our leader for a reason. Oh, and there's Kenneth-rhya too." She means to not leave him out, but it comes out the way it does.

Stacey grins broadly as she reaches to accept the hand. "I think it'd be very, very hard to find better packmates. I can't imagine being any happier than running with this pack." Mel gets a grin at her compliment. "I try t' lead them well, and they do a damn good job of watching my steps, too."

"That's the way it's supposed to work. So." He glances around briefly and then looks to the grass below. "Should we sit and talk for a while, or is here not good?" Nathan smiles at them both.

Melodie asks politely, "Should I go somewhere, or is it okay? If you need to talk about elder stuff or something. I'd offer you some tea, but we're in the woods." She seems apologetic.

Stacey gives a shake of her head to Melodie. "Should be fine for you to stay, Mel. Especially if this is about what Cori mentioned. And how about that spot over there for sitting?" she asks, pointing to an area with thicker grass. "You can speak 'bout most anything. I didn't smell anyone unwelcome nearby."

Nathan nods his head to Stacey and agrees with her, "Stay Melodie. I rarely have the need for private discussions or asking others to step out." He follows them over to the offered spot and sits down quite casually and comfortably. "First things first. I'd like to teach you a gift Stacey. So long as I have something you could make use of learning. I've heard a bit about the trials you've been through lately, and I feel very strongly about sharing some of my learnings with you." He grins, "Now, while it's part of my chiminage and I won't hide that fact from you, I also want you to be assured it would have been offered even if it weren't."

Melodie looks excited. "Ooh, that's cool! I bet Ahroun gifts are really cool, aren't they? Not that I'm complaining about my auspice, I got the truth gift and that's, like, critical to everything working." She sits down on the grass, cross legged.

Stacey actually almost mirrors Melodie, as she also moves to automatically sit cross-legged on the ground. "A gift? Me?" she asks, her brows raising before she smiles, although it dims at the hint towards darker happenings. "That's an offer I certainly couldn't refuse, especially if it will help your chiminage. We could use more good warriors here."

Nathan grins, "Good! Because that's the second part of why I was hoping to meet you. I'd like to be included on your plans against the enemy. I understand you've been charged with taking alphaship of this assault and I will absolutely respect that." A little twitch of something more intent and dark crosses him, "So long as I can get my claws wet."

Melodie listens intently to this part. "Yeah, I wanna know more about that too. We totally owe them an epic smackdown, huh?"

Stacey lifts her chin slightly at the mention of the enemy, her smile leaving. "Yes, Kaz spoke with me about a week ago to see if I would lead this, and I accepted. As I said at moot, it's time that I took action, that I /did/ something with what I learned during... my captivity. And as you say, Mel, we owe them..." There's a pause as she attempts to shake off a bit of tension, and then she nods. "I won't turn away any genuine offer of help in this. We'll need all we can get. So I can definitely guarantee, you'll see more than your share of fighting before this is done."

Nathan nods to her, an encouraging smile reaching his eyes. "You already have your pack beside you, but now, remember you have me as well. For whatever you might need my help with." He pauses for a moment, looking at the young Ahroun with a studying silence for a moment. "Would you like to learn how to fear your opponents so deeply they become incapable of attack?"

Melodie makes a little ooooh sound, but lets her elder ask the real questions this time.

Stacey gives a nod to Nathan, along with a feral smile. "Don't worry. I won't forget. I am interested in knowing how much you're aware of with the situation, as well as how best you think you can help, since you of course know your skills better than I." At the offer of that gift, she at first looks uncertain, but in the end gives a small nod. "I... could see how that would be useful. Against enemies."

"Well, that, or I could share how to inspire your packmates and those who fight beside you. The other gifts I'd have to steal you into Falcon's brood for." Nate gives her a smile at this and then hmms. "My skills. I'm... my god I cannot believe I'm going to use this analogy. There're no Fianna around right now, right?" He glances left and right. "Consider the movie Braveheart. My skills like much like Wallace's. Inspiration. Hope. Encouragement. They can make up for so much in a fight, and especially when used against the Dancers. Simply put, these are the things they do not, and cannot possess. It's our advantage." He loops his arms around bent knees now. "I've fought them personally. At Earthspine they held tremendous power for a time. And I know their capabilities..." At this he glances to the young Ahroun. "Because I had the same opportunity to learn about them as you have."

Melodie tilts her head, thinking. "Huh, that's a tough choice, isn't it? I think you're more inspirational than scary, but maybe that's why that gift would be more helpful, huh? An' I know I'm afraid of them, honest. I don't wanna think about who's gonna die when we attack on our side, but you know that some of us probably might, huh?"

Stacey gives a faint smile. "I know how to inspire my fellow Garou, so perhaps... now is the time for me to learn to strike fear into my enemies as well. And as much as I honor your tribe, I'm rather attached to my own," she adds lightly. His words that follow turns her smile to one of vague admiration. "You're going to be valuable indeed in the battles to come. With our skills and knowledge combined, the Dancers will not be able to stand against us."

Nathan looks to Melodie first, "Not if I can help it Melodie. There's never any promises, but careful tactics help a lot." To Stacey, he reaches out a hand as if sealing a deal. "Then we'll start the teaching as soon as you're ready Stacey. Now though? I would /love/ a chance to see your territory, to see the packs you look after? If you don't mind giving me a tour that is."

More Introductions and Advice (Jude, Jason, Jack, Garrett, Kaz)

2008-08-28T21:44:16Z

The front door opens and in steps Nathan. He has an easy gait about him this morning as he looks at the occupants. "Morning. Kaz," he nods his head to the Gnawer first, "Jason." The newcomer gets a smile and a bob as well.

Jason laughs a little. Yeah, that sounds like the Sept alright, he thinks. The cub lifts his head up a little to try and see where Kaz drew an X, frowning slightly. But he's distracted again as yet another Adren walks in. He raises a hand in greeting, "Morning, Nathan-rhya. Muffins in the kitchen if you're hungry."

"Thought so - wasn't quite sure, though. Rhya it is, then." Garret, who happens to be hanging around to one side of the door at the moment - thumbs hooked into his hip pockets and shoulders somewhat slouched - offers that in a nod to Kaz before taking a step closer, the better to see her map with. "Hunh. Cool. I didn't want to risk tripping across someone without much of an explanation, y'know? I mean..." He cuts a sidelong glance to Kaz there, lips quirking in something of a vague half smirk "They'd get really pissed at me if I started the invasion early, y'know?" At that, however, his attention flicks back to Jason - then carries onward to the newest arrival.

Kaz shoots a smile at Nathan. "Hey, dude," she says, equably, and then looks back to Garret; she hands the map over. "Trippin' ain't no fun, no." She laughs at the salley. "Well, 'course, the Shadow Lord invasion'll have the trains runnin' on time." (But her nose does twitch, before she leans against the wall.)

Nathan smiles at Kaz and Jason, "No muffins today thanks. I need to watch my figure." He glances toward the map briefly, but most of his attention lies on the unfamiliar face. "Invasion hmm? I swear they must have me tagged and collared, always a step behind my shadow." The man nods toward Garret, "Nathaniel Buckingham, Falcon's Heart Strikes the Darkness, or just Heart-Strike when a mouth full's too much. Adren Ahroun of the Silver Fangs. That your car out front?" Genuine appreciation there, "Nice."

Jason grins and whistles at Nathan, moving his hands in an hourglass shape to outline the Silver Fang's physique. "Too right. Gotta stay pretty for the underlings," he jokes, perhaps a little crudely, taking into account the company he's keeping.

Kaz finishes her Coke and wanders off to find another. "I ain't got no figure problems," she says over her shoulder.

Long distance to the room: Nathan waits on Garrett since it'd be funny to .. pose over him with where it was left hanging.

"Invasion. Subjugation. Infiltration. You know." Garrett replies with a single nod. "The usual." Smirk. Again. Ever so very slightly as he shifts back and upright once again, rolling his head to one side, then the other as he takes the map from Kaz and turns, slowly, to the newest arrival. "Garrett Kobrin, Stormstrike; Shadow Lord Ahroun. That'd be my baby, yep. GT500 with the advanced Supersnake upgrade; full seven-twenty-five horses."

"Yeah, I..." He pauses again for a moment as a soft buzzing sound comes from, what appears to be, his hip pocket. Slipping out a black Razr, Garrett gives it a quick once over before, expression darkening to something of a scowl. "If you would please excuse me... I need to take this." With that, he half steps back and, glancing first to Kaz, then Nathan, he hovers for another moment before slipping back towards the kitchen.

Nathan gives a nod to the Lord, quick and terse before eyeing Jason. "I'm no hourglass Jason. We're talking triangle here, all broad uptop." Kaz's comment earns a chuckle and he moves in to find a seat as the Shadow Lord makes his exit. "How're things?"

The front door to the Edgewood House slides open as Jude lets herself in. She seems to be heading straight for the information board there before she spots the others in the room. There is a nod for each, but it's Nathan who gets a smile from the Wendigo. As the subject matter is noticed, that smile turns a little teasing, "Did I get here in time to judge the wet t-shirt contest?"

Kaz calls, "Hey, hiya, Jude!" and shrugs. "Things is things," she says, as she comes back with her Coke. "Got us a new Walker half moon. Which's good. And that dude there. Just need s'more /raggies/ so Stace cana send 'em on their merry way. Speakin' of, Ms. Galliard, you hear about that?"

Jason puts on a serious look for Nathan and puts his hands up straight, tilted out to form a wedge shape between them. "Right, brawny man." He chuckles to himself, then sits up a bit straighter as the black-haired woman comes in. Woah. The cub's eyes widen in an expression that, if you've been around teenage boys, is very familiar. However he glances up and down her and lays back, a little bit of doubt creeping in on his face. Which is replaced with pure disappointment when Kaz refers to her as "galliard". "Hey there...I wish there was a wet t-shirt contest, but we'd need more girls for that." He grins and waves to her, "Jason Bard, ragabash cub of stag."

Nathan laughs at Jude, "Hello Jude and no, no t-shirts here. Wet or otherwise. Come join us." He glances to Kaz then, nodding, "I asked Coriander to let Stacey know I'd like to speak with her. Offer my claws so to speak."

"Kaz-rhya, good to see you again! And as for the Little Elder, I heard her rousing speech at moot, but have heard very little since then. So rousing, I wonder if she's trying to put us out of our job, rallying the troops and all. And I was looking forward to plagiarizing Aragorn's big speech from The Return of the King." Jude looks over at the cub, a crooked smile on her face, "Jude Blackfeather, Cliath Gibbous Moon of the Wendigo, and guest of the Sept for the moment." She does move over to join them at the invite from Nathan, snapping her fingers at the disappointing news from the Fang.

"What broad where?" This, as Garrett moseys on back into the room, snapping the phone shut and slipping it back into his pocket. "Oh, hi." A quick nod follows, towards the woman who seems to have shown up in his absence, before the Shadow Lord drops back, again, to lurk against the doorframe. "Sorry about that - leave the nest, and all the old birds decide to start pecking at you."

Jason rolls off the armchair to offer it to Jude as she comes over, standing and brushing off his knees. "Well, good to have ya. I'll work hard on getting a contest organized, and I'll call you if one every comes up." He winks, then looks around, seemingly noticing that he's surrounded by superiors for the first time. "Hmmm...anyone want a drink from the kitchen?"

Kaz tells Jude, "Stace's lookin' for ragges and theurges, to go scout out ambush locations nearer t'Spokane, so we can start takin' the fight /to/ the assholes." She glances at Jason. "Rited ones, I mean. Though I bet you could make /that/ into your Rite, in a more relaxed Sept..."

Nathan watches Jason rather intently as he speaks with Jude, but doesn't say anything. He puts his attention onto Kaz when she begins, nodding with eager agreement. Garrett's return earns a raised brow and the Fang falls into speculative silence.

"I'm good, thanks." Garrett replies, hoisting what looks to be a glass of iced tea in demonstration before taking a sip from it. Head canting to one side, then the other, briefly though otherwise he seems to fall into silent listening for the time being.

Jude gives Garrett a two fingered wave as he reenters, and she moves to take the vacated seat from the cub. "Are all the cubs here as goal oriented as this child of Stag?" She asks the room at large, her crooked smile still in place. "I'll take some water, Jason Bard, it is a long walk from the lake." When she turns to Kaz, though, her expression turns more serious, "Well, I'll pass word along up the mountain."

Jason shrugs at Kaz, "Yeah, I'm working on it, Kaz-rhya. Working my ass off. And hell, that sounds like a /fun/ Rite more than anything else." He beams in pride at Jude's comment, and snaps fingers at her, "Water for you and..." he turns fingers on the rest of the crowd, "Just soaking in the atmosphere for the rest of you. I'll be right back." With that, the boy spins on his heel and disappears into the kitchen.

Nathan give a faint shake of his head as Jason scurries to the other room. "Settling in well enough Jude? Remember to keep me in mind once your done with your chiminage and everything." He glanes back to Garret as well, "I didn't catch your rank Garrett, if you don't mind?" he asks very casually.

Another sidelong glance is leveled towards the departing cub, though Garrett only shakes it off after a moment or two of thought. Following up with a likewise tea-glass salute towards Jude, the young man finally turns back to Nathan after that last speaks. "Ah, Cliath - sorry; guess I've said it so much over the last couple of days, you'd think it'd be reflexive by now."

"Well enough. And believe me, your offer is firmly in mind." Jude even lifts a finger to point at her temple. "I still have to meet the Get you spoke of, but I will do so, you have my word there."

The sound of ice clinking in a glass and water running comes from the kitchen as Jason fills up Jude's drink order. He returns shortly, a glass of ice water that he gives to Jude in one hand, and an open Coke in the other. His task completed, he folds one arm across his body and leans against the wall, regarding the gathering casually as he sips his drink.

Nathan nods to Garrett, "I know the feeling. My own keeps getting shorter and shorter here." He watches as Jason hands out the glass and then smiles at Jude. "Good. I'm anxious to put a group together I admit. Especially given the battles that are no doubt coming up."

"Yeah. Believe me - I try to avoid using the full blown thing whenever I can. I can barely remember it myself, really; much less pronounce half of it. Meh." Garrett follows Nathan's comment with a slight shake of his head, again, and another long sip from the iced tea. "Anyway - what else is there to do around this place short of watching the paint dry? I'm still waiting to meet the right people at the right places."

The door squeaks open and Jack makes his way in; the philodox just looks /tired/ despite it being early yet. The long-sleeved shirt is off and held crumpled in one hand, just wearing a black wife-beater that's a little wet, as are his jeans. Probably washed off outside. His limp is a little bad today - he's favoring his right leg stiffly - and he looks generally a little scuffed up, but nothing severe. The group is eyed in somewhat of a wary, reserved fashion, and Garrett's comment is conveniently met with a dry, "Take a walk around. This place has a way of getting exciting really fucking fast," as he drops the shirt he has in hand on a hook on the rack near the door.

Jude takes the glass from Jason, giving him a smirk in return, "But can you do it on one foot?" She looks back over to the others, though, her expression softening some, "I miss the long introduction. It's very impressive. Of course, I'm guilty of shorthanding mine, too." There is a shrug for Garrett's question, the Galliard leaving the actual answering up to the others. She looks over at Jack as he comes in, raising an eyebrow at him, "Spoken with the voice of experience, I see."

Jason pipes up, "If you're a music fan, Garrett-rhya, there's a few clubs down in St. Claire that play some kickass music, particularly the Slaughterhouse." He grins, "Although I've heard there's some interesting stuff happening just around the city in general--" he's distracted by yet another newcomer, but he blinks in surprise at this one. He must be an expert in excitement. "What happened to /you/?" Looking down at Jude curiously, he shifts to one foot, takes a drink of his Coke, and holds his arms out in a Ta-da! pose.

"Yeah, I heard about that place." Garrett replies with a nod in Jason's general direction. "Haven't had a chance to go check it out just yet, though." He turns, then, to the newest arrival and, after taking another healthy swing of the glass of tea in hand, replies "Well, I've kinda been doing that - driving more than walking, really, though just as aimlessly - for the last few days. Not saying that I'm _bored_ or anything, but today was the first day I actually managed to find out where my tribe hangs out, thanks to Kaz-Rhya over there."

Nathan chuckles at Jude, "You may hear it yet." He turns to the door again, "It's like a saloon here sometimes, with swinging doors. And they're right in that there is a lot going on here lately. Hard pressed at every side so to speak." He watches the cub again briefly before turning to Jack, "We haven't met." He stands up and gives Jude a grin, "Nathaniel Abrams Buckingham, Falcon's Heart Strikes the Darkness, son of Speaks the Past Undaunted and grandson of Dawns First Light and Fury of Kings. Ahroun of the Silver Fangs by Gaia's will, and Adren by deed and determination. Good to meet you." A hand comes out to offer a shake to Jack.

Kaz comes back from the bathroom. "Well, y'know, one've my jobs, that. Hi, Jack."

Compared to Nathan's introduction, Jack's is fantastically lackluster. There is little outward reaction to the announcement of rank, though he accepts the handshake well enough. "Jack Moore, Fallout. Cliath, Walker, Philodox." To Jason, he merely replies wryly, "Excitement." And, just noticing Kaz, he does look aside, answering with a gruff but not impolite, "Hey," as makes his way further on in. For the record, he's a little scuffed up. And damp. Like he washed up outside.

There is a chuckle for Jason, and Jude looks over at Nathan. "This one is fun," she says with a point of her thumb over toward the cub. She does look back to Jason, though, "How long do you have to wear the Scarlet Letter, cub?" She grins back at Nathan, and settles back for the spiel. "And I'm Jude Blackfeather, She Calls Her Brothers To The Fight or Taleswapper, if you're in a hurry, Cliath Gibbous Moon of the Wendigo. And given the moon I was born under, I'm forced to ask... Fallout?"

If Jason notices the Adren watching him, he doesn't show it. Instead he just beams at Jude's comment, raising a finger up to tap at his cheek. "Ten more days, and then I talk to my elder again," He raises his Coke to Jack respectfully at his answer. "You lucky bastard," is his grinning reply. Seeing that the cliath is intent on just getting inside and, supposedly, drying off, the cub forgoes an introduction for now, instead settling back against the wall again. Still, he raises his eyebrows curiously...Fallout?

"Garrett Kobrin; son of a whole mess of people who's names ended with 'vos', 'vitch', and 'eck'." This, of course, from the dark haired young man hovering by the entrance of the kitchen. "And who equally involved alot of names having to do with darkness, thunder, so on and so forth. Cliath Ahroun, Shadow Lord, ritenamed Stormstrike."

Nathan grins slightly at the Shadow Lord as the intro is given again and then turns to study Jack. "Well good to have all these new arrivals. It's always nice to get a calvary unit it /before/ the assault begins."

"Cleans-Up-The-Ashes-of-Fallout," is Jack's simple, gruff answer. "War on Spirals went upside down before we shoved it back in their faces. Aftermath wasn't pretty. Took a lot of fixing." Apparently, he's not overly eager to tell the whole story, but. "Someone's got a sweet as shit car outside, by the way." This said with a vague gesture outside as he heads to snag a beer from the kitchen.

Kaz disappears into the bathroom again.

"Well, good luck, cub," Jude says with a raise of her glass toward Jason, "And no more screwing up. I hear, for the second offense, we all get to line up and have a shot at you." Her attention moves back over to Jack, giving him a nod, "It sounds like a story worth hearing." She leaves it at that, though, and looks over at Nathan, "When you speak to Stacey, if you catch her before I do, could you work into the conversation that I'm here to lend my claws as well?"

Jason toasts towards Jude, "Most everyone in the Sept seems to be taking a shot at me, anyways. I'm going to avoiding it happening again as much as possible, I promise." The cub watches Kaz disappear again, and looks at his Coke worriedly. He carefully sets it down on the coffee table, rubbing his hands off on his pants.

Nathan turns toward Jason and offers a very faint but serious bit of advice. "Avoiding as much as possible is not nearly as reassuring as telling us it won't happen again. It's called positive self talk. The sooner you convince yourself it won't happen, the better the chances you have of following through on that promise."

"Yeah, that'd be mine." Garrett replies, appearantly in Jack's general direction. Drawing another long breath, the Shadow Lord lets his eyes half hood for another second then - with a very faint upturn of the very corner of his lips - he turns his attention towards the other two. "Hey, that's the way punishments work as far as I've seen - either they shun you, or it's alot like high school; you get shunned, pointed at, laughed at, et cetera."

Jack retrieves a beer and promptly props up the doorframe leading into the kitchen, leaning a shoulder into it. See, he's useful. He's making sure the house won't fall over. Jason is eyed, and the philodox gets out his keychain bottle-opener as he looks to the cub. "What'd you get punished for?"

Jason nods at Nathan. "In that case, it won't happen again," he reiterated, with sincerity, "Thanks." He raises his amulet up for Jack, turning it so the glyph can be read. "Being part of a /very/ bad decision with another cub. My first big mistake, and also my last." He lets it drop down onto his chest again, "Name's Jason Bard, by the way. Ragabash cub of the Fianna. Aaaand I'm not going to bore you superiors with my lineage." He laces his fingers together behind his head, grinning.

"Listen to the Fang, cub, he's good for advice." Jude shrugs a shoulder at Garrett, "Shunned, laughed at... he is just a cub, that's when we're supposed to screw up. Then you learn to correct yourself and, hopefully, figure out how things work in this society." She looks back to Jason, giving him a nod, "Much better. Sounds less like you're planning more trouble for yourself."

Nathan nods in agreement with Jude, "Half of the battle for succeeding in anything Jason, is to assure yourself you're capable of it. Doubt is like a mischievous cat catching the strand of yarn on a sweater. It unravels quickly."

The bottlecap is popped off, and Jack almost doesn't catch it, but he manages. The glyph is eyed with an unreadable expression, and he shrugs a shoulder. "Fianna. Charach." He snorts. "You got lucky if /all/ you're getting is a little bit of people poking at you, kid." There's no real venom behind it, just matter-of-fact bluntness.

Jason chuckles and shrugs, "Confidence I've got plenty of. Common sense seems to be where I've been falling short, eh? Still, I know I can be a good Garou, so I will be." He nods to Jack, "Yeah, I know how lucky I am. And fuck me if I'm going to squander my luck by screwing up again. Not gonna happen." Despite his claim, the new words seem to have put a bit more force behind the cub's words. He's convincing himself as well as others, now.

"Well, cub, I think we'll all be interested to see how you turn out. For now, I have messages to pass along to my tribe and our brothers, the Uktena. I am quite sure I'll be seeing you all again." Jude stands back up, handing her glass over to Jason, "Take care of that, huh?" She moves to clap Nathan on the shoulder, "Let your choice of Get know I want to meet with her? Better than a Wendigo showing up on her doorstep unexpected." She nods to the others and turns for the door to make her way out.

Nathan looks to the cub and nods, "Good man Jason." He even claps the boy lightly on the shoulder. "I should get to the city before the wife calls. Is there anything that any of you need while I'm there?" He smiles at Jude, "Of course, I'd like to be there for the meeting as well. And there's a Glass Walker who holds some merit if the combination doesn't prove combustive."

Jack merely gives a grunt to the cub as he pushes himself up and starts heading for the stairs as the others announce their exits, taking the beer with him. Nathan gets something of a mock salute with the bottle as he goes. It's a respect thing, even if he's somewhat cavalier about it.

Jason takes the drink from Jude without complaint, accepting the clap on the shoulder with a grin. He salutes them both with the empty glass. "See you guys later. Nice to meet you, Jude-rhya. And good to see you again, Nathan-rhya. Good luck with...everything, I suppose." The grin falls off his face as his stomach rumbles. "Oh crap...ummm, nice to meet you all in fact. I'd better go..." Without further comment, the boy steps into the kitchen, puts the glass in the sink, and hurries quickly into the nearest vacant bathroom.

Conversing with the Galliard (Cole)

2008-08-28T17:34:16Z

The day is a bit chill, even for the end of summer in Washington. A fair-skinned figure cuts his way through the low layer of ground fog as he makes his way from his BMW up towards the door of the house. There seems to be no particular hurry to Cole's movements, and he appears quite relaxed.

Nathan is sitting on the top step of the house, a cup of coffee in his hands. When he looks up to the sound of the car arriving he smiles slightly and takes a final sip before setting the mug aside.

Cole looks up, and when he spots Nathan, draws to a stop a respectful distance from the adren. "Good morning, Nathan-rhya. I heard from my cub that you were looking for me?" Though still in his affable tone, there's definite respect for the man's rank and breeding visible in his demeanor.

Nathan grins a little, "Sure sure, sit down? Did you want a cup of coffee or anything? The pot's pretty fresh."

Cole nods his head, looking grateful. "Yeah, we ran out at my apartment this morning before I got mine. I can get it, though, thanks. You want a topoff?" He makes his way up the stairs and holds his hand out for the Silver Fang's cup.

Nathan looks to the mug and nods, "Sure, thanks Cole." He stands up as he hands the cup over and looks into the house. "You want to talk outside or in?"

"Outside works for me. It's peaceful outside, at least. There's gotta be at least a few cubs inside." Cole grins as he disappears into the house, before coming back a moment later with a pair of cups. "First of the brew to the highest in station," he intones, handing Nathen's cup back to him. "What's up?" He settles on the edge of the steps, wrapping his hand around the mug.

Nathan takes the cup with a bright smile, "Thanks Cole. Nothing overly pressing. I wanted to get your opinion on some things. About the sept, the state of its members, things like that. I hear a lot of complaints on things, but they come from younger Garou. Not that it disqualifies their concerns... but I'd like to hear from you. I have a lot of trust in the singers of the Fianna."

Cole takes a sip of his coffee as he listens to the Ahroun lay out his concerns, and then, somewhat unusual for him, he spends a few moments composing his thoughts before speaking. "You came at an interesting time, Nathan-rhya, I'll give you that. Alot of things are changing pretty rapidly. Kaz-rhya's the ALpha now. Who'd have thought? Not that I don't privately think it's a step up from having Vera-rhya in charge of thigns, just between you and I. And the Dancers being so active...well, let's just say you're not going to see us at our most organized right now."

Nathan chuckles, "That's sort of the scenario I am used to arriving into, and I'll do what I can to sort it out. Mostly, I'm curious about some of the complaints I've had regarding broken litany tenets and a general disregard for the Ways."

Cole smirks, cocking his head to one side as he looks out on the morning. "Complaints? I'd be interested in hearing who had them. As far as litany tenets...well, the biggest violation unfortunately came from within my own tribe." He scowls. "Jason is a charach, as I'm sure you must have heard by now. He...seems to have learned his lesson, and I'm holding out hope it was a dumb-as-shit cub thing, and not some flaw he'll have as an adult. As for anything else..." He shrugs. "The usual stuff. The most common violation I'd guess would be the respect levels around here."

Nathan nods, "Those are what I've heard as well. Charachs and a lack of respect. You've seen the same problems then? Is there a desire to correct those things here do you think? Or has it become simple status quo?"

Cole frowns thoughtfully as he thinks long and hard about that one. "There must be. I know we're kind of a liberal sept here, but I hear enough from the others who've been here more than a year, and they seem to feel mostly the same. A few exceptions of course, but I think by and large, we want to become better than we are."

Nathan nods his head, "That's the most important thing you can ask of another Garou. Good news that. How are things typically handled? I know there are some newcomers with more strict ideals that have shown up. Do you think that there can be a compromising of intentions between the two?

Cole smiles a slight, tired smile. "Things seem to be typically handled by the elders of the tribe. Not that I'm saying it's a bad thing. I know I wouldn't want anyone meddling with the Fianna . But it means that we're kind of uneven in the way we deal with things, you know?" He takes another sip of coffee. "We have some traditionalists coming in. Could be a good thing, could cause a lot of tension. Jury's still out on it. And I think they'll either have to be some compromise, or it'll come to blows sooner or later."

Nathan nods at this, mmming thoughtfully as he sips his coffee. "What about you Cole. Where do you sit on this spectrum?"

Cole snorts at that. "I'd guess that depends on who you ask. Ask one of the Pure Ones, especially that Silvertip," and here there's some bitterness in his voice, clearly heard, "And he'd probably tell you I'm an incompetent moon-calf or the Wyrm himself. Depending on if I just pissed him off by being so white and Irish. Try not to be resentful, but it gets awfully hard when you don't count for much because of how you were born. If you're asking me, though...I'm in the middle. I love the Ways. Our history, our stories, make us what we are. And I wouldn't change that. At the same time, what worked in the past isn't always what works now, you know? I could have killed Jason for what he did. Some old timers probably would have. But I think he can be taught better, and the Wyrm won't have one less Garou to fight come the Apocalypse."

Nathan smiles at Cole as the information comes out, nodding his head not only in a way that speaks of agreement, but eagerly excited about the confession. "I think we've got a lot in common then. Which, as a Silver Fang, makes it a less paved road than most would want to travel. I carry a spare flak jacket though," he winks at this. "What're your thoughts on Kaz? From what I've seen she's a hard working Gnawer that has every intention to put the sept first. You've known her for a while. Is she the type to condone some of these more liberal views... ones that are truly against our litany, or will she guide the sept in the right path?"

"The right path," Cole responds without any hesitation. He spares a grin at the mention of their similar outlooks before continuing. "She's the one Garou here who's universally loved, I think. Or at least tolerated. I haven't heard that the Pure Ones have much problem with her. And even though she's a Gnawer and a metis, everyone respects her. Hard not to. Been here for years, and all of it is full of things she's done for the Sept. And she's earned her rank two times over from what I've seen. I'm sure the Litany is in good hands with her."

Nathan smiles at the reassurance, "Excellent. I had the same suspicions, but as I've said. I've heard a lot of grumpiness. After all, I'm a Silver Fang," he says this with exagerrated grandiose, "I should be horribly offended that a metis Gnawer has taken the reins of this sept." The grin he passes to Cole suggests that his actual feelings do not at all mimic his words. "Still, it's good to know from someone that's been here, what it looks like. Especially when that someone is Fianna. Thanks Cole."

Cole flashes an amiable grin. "My pleasure, Nathan-rhya. Always glad to help one of the tribe of Kings. I'm gonna get going on some of the stuff I have to do today. Thanks for the coffee, and Gaia bless until we meet again."

Nathan nods his head, "Was my pleasure Cole, and oh, if you find some unpacked Garou you think would work well with my plans, let me know." He stands up and moves to put his cup back into the house, "Safe keeping!"

Cole lifts his hands in a salute and makes his way back to his car.

A Little Lesson and Relaxing (Coriander)

2008-08-28T02:13:25Z

Nathan is out on the bawn again today and settled in a small clearing. His eyes are closed and he seems to be breathing slowly and with concentration.

On a walk from the general direction of Masquerade pack territory, Coriander can be heard walking along through the woods. Twig snaps and rustling leaves, she certainly isn't trying to make a secret of her coming. But, when she steps into the clearing she pauses when she sees Nathan there, and even steps back a little.

Nathan blinks his eyes open at that and turns around, "You." He announces, "Come here, come here."

Coriander jumps a little, as if caught doing something wrong, but does comply. She walks forward and kneels down in front of him, sitting back down on her feet.

Nathan reaches out to the young Gaian and takes her by the shoulders, studying her intently, eye to eye. "Am I dreaming? You're Coriander of the Gaians, right?"

"Yes, that's me." Cori's brow furrows as she looks at him, and a hand comes up to cover one of his, "Nathaniel-rhya? Are you alright?"

Nathan studies her a moment longer and then nods, smiling. "Absolutely dear. I spent some time with Melodie last night. She's charming!" He releases her and grins, relaxing suddenly as if nothing were amiss. "Nate. Nathaniel is a mouthful yes? Come sit with me for a while. Tell me about your pack. And your elders. I am to speak with Stacey about the upcoming fight."

While Cori still looks troubled, she gives a nod to his first words. "Melodie is great, I love her to death, Natha-Nate. Rhya." Her expression does relax some, but not enough to smile, it seems. "Masquerade? Oh, we're looking after the wolf kin and parts of Wolf Woods, and we keep an eye out on the umbra and guard that boarder of the bawn against the wyrm. Kenneth is the broody, suspicious one, but he's a good Garou and a good Philodox. Mel is, too, even though they're very different in how they judge and such. Stacey is young, in human terms, but there isn't an Ahroun out there I'd rather follow. No offense to present company, of course. We're fluid, our pack purpose is to be whatever the sept needs us to be. Like now, we're going to war."

Nathan nods his head, "Sounds wonderful. I spoke with Kaz, and she caught me up, in brief summary form, of the situation. I have a lot of experience under my belt, and I'd like to help. Can you take me to see your alpha, or tell her that I seek her?"

"Oh yes, I can do that. I'm not sure where she is right... now, but I can tell her. Help would be great. This is... to tell you the truth?" Cori pauses to look around the clearing before she leans toward him a little, "This is more than a little out of my league, so I'm all for grabbing all the people who're willing. Wolves fight better in groups anyway. And Jacob, that's the other Gaian elder, and Kenneth are helping get me more ready before The Day."

Nathan smiles at that, nodding to her eagerly. "You'll be fine I'm sure." A hand comes up to pinch at his nose and his eyes close once more. "What is it you need help with anyway?"

"Mostly, I'm just nervous. And I lack the experience of actual... battle. I mean, I fought on my rite of passage, but I had help." Cori spreads her hands out in front of her, "I've never even seen a Dancer, ya know? And we're planning on going after the big bad one... I'm sure Stacey will place me where I'll do most good, but I'm still nervous. I'm a healer. I know we're all able to fight and so on, but I dunno."

"Do you want a lesson now? Moon's thin and I promise there's no chance of my hurting you." Nathan smiles, looking like he would very much like the distaction.

Coriander blinks at that, but a smile does come to her face after a moment. "Yes! If you don't mind, I would be honored," she says with a series of nods.

Nathan waves a hand, "Stop being so formal. If people continue to be so stiff around here, my wife won't need to starch my shirts anymore. Come on, up we go. Take your warform and let me see your stance."

"You're married?" Cori blinks at this, but does stand up to her feet. "I'll try, but it's hard to forget rank. I don't want to offend or... disrespect your position." But, that being said, she does shift up into Crinos, taking on a defensive stance, rather than offensive.

Nathan laughs, "I am, I have two children as well." He moves to rise up into his warform as well then shaking out his fur and studying the other. ~I don't ask you to forget rank. I ask you to see me beyond 'just' adren. Pretend I am the enemy and you have just found me. What do you do?~

~I will try," Curiosity notes with a dip of her head. ~Normally, I would call Masquerade to me, or howl for the Guardians. Or both.~ She steps back from him some, watching him studying her. ~Before going into the fight.~

Heart-Strike gives a huff and a nod of his head, ~Smart. Now the enemy is not going to wait, so ready yourself.~ He comes forward then quick and fierce. There's no rage or anger in his eyes but it's clear the Ahroun reacts with a second nature to this. His charge is aimed low in attempt to knock her off her feet.

~That is very tr-~ Curiosity's reply, however, is cut off as the Ahroun leaps right into action. Her first move is an attempt to dodge to the side as he charges right at her.

While the girl dodges, she doesn't escape him and the fist of the Ahroun reaches out to 'tag' at her stomach. The claws don't even come close to breaking the skin and he holds himself there rather than pull her around. ~The most instinctive and simple of moves, is also the most easily predicted. You must outthink your opponent before you can even worry about out-gunning them.~ He stands up taller and backs up, ~What could you have done differently to avoid that?~

Curiosity-Saves lets out a sigh as she's tagged, disappointed in her own performance. ~Several things, I bet. I could have gone backward along with the direction of the charge, to have time to act. I could have stood my ground and used your momentum to my advantage. I probably could have even charged myself, although that probably would have been the bloodier of the options, if this were battle.~

Heart-Strike gives a faint nod, ~But now you're thinking of options, so already you are a step ahead of where you were two minutes ago. The lower you stand, the less likely you are to be toppled, and it allows quick momentum shifts. Here, come at me in a tackle.~

~Two minutes too late, if you really had been the enemy,~ Curiosity replies with some amusement in her tone. Even so, she nods to the advice, ~How do you keep it all in your head? There is so much to remember...~ She does, though, go at him in a tackle, her lack of experience rather clear. But, she does have some confidence in her steps as she rushes forward, her shoulder shifting when she gets closer to aim at his midsection.

~Good. That's a good feint.~ As the blow comes, he takes it and uses the momentum, and his low stance, to his advantage. He skids back a little from the impact but does not topple, and then he's twisting to throw her own balance off. ~I don't keep it all in my head, it's well practiced now Curiosity. Something that you'll have in time too. Now, feel my push on you. Counter it. Figure out how to take that push and turn it to your gain.~

It takes a moment of pondering, but Curiosity moves with his twisting, trying to regain her own footing. As far as using it to her own advantage, though, she simply lifts one of her feet to bring it down in a stomp on his own. Fierce warrior tactics, these.

The reaction is for the Ahroun to pull back his foot, which leaves him on just -one- leg and the Gaian can feel the sudden loss of sturdiness in him. It's the perfect time to return the push and force his balance off.

Which she does seem to notice, as there is another shove of her shoulder into the Fang. Curiosity hops back after the push, though, as if trying to dodge any sort of counter that might come.

The topple comes and the Ahroun grins widely as he flails briefly to catch himself. ~Good work!~ he encourages. ~See there, you mixed thinking with instinct and look at the results. In time, confidence will grow and you will push the attack further, instead of dodging back after gaining ground.~ He shakes out his fur briskly and steps toward the other again. ~Want another go?~ he asks.

Curiosity-Saves looks rather pleased with herself, particularly at the encouragement, although she ducks her head sheepishly at the note of her jumping back. His question is met with a broad grin from the Theurge. She doesn't nod this time, but takes a lower stance before she makes a second run at him. And likely a third.

Conversation at the Waterfall (Melodie, Evan, Lefty, Kaz, Belquis)

2008-08-27T05:06:30Z

At the caern's center, a man sits facing the stone boulder with an intense gaze. He's sitting indian style and he speaks softly to himself a long list of (possibly) important sounding names. His tone is smooth and well practiced, but as the recitation goes on one would notice a sudden and frustrated stumble which inspires him to begin again from the beginning.

Melodie makes her way into the Caern, stopping quietly a respectful distance from the older warrior. She pauses, unsure what he's doing or if it's okay if she interrupts her, and ends up mostly standing there watching him instead.

This happens two or three times before it finally earns the adrens total frustration. He snarls and brings a hand to his forehead, pinching at the bridge of his nose as shoulders rise and fall tensely.

Melodie bites her lip, considering. She then pipes up, "Uh, excuse me, rhya. I don't wanna interrupt, just, you know, passing by."

Nathan startles at this and turns around to look at the other. A moment of silence and then he looks to more fully pull his irritation into line. "No, no. It's fine. You're not interrupting anything, caern is a public place for us after all." He lets out a controlled breath and turns back to the stone. "What brings you out here tonight Melodie?" He seems eager for the distraction.

Melodie looks really nervous in the man's presence. "Uh. I was just thinking of spending some time by the waterfall, is all. It's my favorite spot in the Caern. Maybe spend some time in the Spirit world after sunset, while there's still a little moon left, si? Oh, but, do you need anything?" She looks almost hopeful that he will.

Nathan looks over to the young Fury and smiles at her, "Some company?" he asks. He stands up then and brushes his hands off, "This spot by the waterfall, is it a place you wouldn't mind sharing for a while tonight?"

Melodie grins slightly. "Sure! It's a good spot to get control of your emotions, an' remember what we're here for. The beauty of Gaia an' all that. I'm sure you know that, of course, I'm just a kid really." She looks a little embarrassed to even express that much of an opinion.

By the waterfall, Lefty makes her way down the steep slope of the caern's rim with careful ease. The Strider follows behind her. When she reaches the bottom, she brushes off and gestures to the wide space like Vanna White might. "And this is it. what'dya think?"

Nathan shakes his head, "Don't sell yourself short Melodie. You're a rited Cliath of Pegasus, yes? Then you're no child, not in Her eyes, or mine." He loops his arm out then, offering her the crook of his elbow as if escorting a women at an elegant ball. "Show me this place?" he asks with a smile.

Melodie steps up proudly, a bit overwhelmed. "Okay, the waterfall's just right over this way. Hey, there's someone over there." She peers. "Oh, Lefty, she's easy pick out, an'... some guy. I guess we should say hi." She grabs on to Nathan's arm and drags him off towards the Waterfall.

Nathan smiles at her and lets himself be lead off by the young Fury.

Evan follows along with his guide, keeping a careful and monitored pace attempting not to disturb anything. The strider looks around for a time, taking in the sight, "Seems peaceful enough. How close are we to the city from here?"

Lefty shrugs her shoulders. "Never measured it. Maybe thirty miles? Maybe?" she spies the incoming Fury and Silver Fang, and the Gnawer grows a little more tense than she normally is. Even still, she wears the same easy smile as they approach. "Hey you two," she greets. "Oh! Uh, this is Evan. He's a new Strider. But, I'll let you all do your introducins."

Melodie comes up from the caern, leading the much taller Silver Fang. She does her best to stand up straight and look a little taller than her under five foot frame can manage. "Hi, I'm Melodie Rodriguez, Castrates the Mighty Bull, Cliath Philodox of the Black Furies, and packed under Chimera. Nice to meet you! I was just coming to look at our waterfall, isn't it bueno?"

Nathan grins as he's lead up by the petite Fury. He gives the other two an easy grin and a faint nod, "Lefty, Evan. Nate Buckingham, Heart-Strike. Adren of the Silver Fangs and, in the process of getting the inside scoop on the best spot of the caern ever." He nods toward Melodie with a smile.

Kaz comes limping creakily down the path, managing just barely not to stumble. "Hey, it's people!" she calls, enthusiastically, once she notices them.

Evan inclines his head respectfully and then straightens, "Evan Daniels, Etched-in-Sand. Claith Ahroun of the Silent Striders. I think that is what Lefty was showing me too, the best places in the area."

Lefty relaxes visibly with appearance of Kaz. Her grin widens, as well. "Hey boss," she says with a wave. "And, yeah. I think the pool is the coolest part. But each aspect of the caern has its charms."

Melodie smiles up at Kaz. "Evening, Alpha. I'm glad that you guys make it out here, yeah. I dunno when I last saw a Walker here. Isn't that weird? It's so beautiful, and most people are never allowed anywhere near here. It's like our secret cathedral." Despite the casual slam of the Cockroach tribe, she speaks with reverence in tone.

Nathan looks at them all and nods, "Good to meet you Evan. And yes, Melodie was just showing me around a bit too." Kaz's arrival brings a smile from the Fang as well, and the frustrations of earlier are suddenly long gone or well hidden. "Kaz, good to see you again as well."

Kaz grins at Lefty. "Mon capitan!" she calls. Slowing to a stop, she shrugs at Melodie. "They got homes. I don't, so I hang out here half the time an' the city half the time. Easier, f'me, bein' more mobile, kinda thing. And I do see Mouse here a lot, f'example. But--" She glances around, words suddenly quieter, a little more vulnerable. "I do love it."

Evan offers a wave to Kaz as she arrives. "Seems a busy night for the most secluded and secret spot." The strider chuckles a little. "Just how many of us call this city home anyways?" He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a chromed lighter, flipping it over in his palm repeatedly.

Lefty takes a step back. She doesn't really offer an answer to Evan, as there are more qualified people to answer such questions. She crouches by the pool, using her good hand to stir ripples into its mirrored reflection.

Melodie dips her head submissively at Kaz. "Yeah, Mouse's a credit to their tribe, I guess." She shrugs at Evan. "I dunno, a few dozen? People come an' go, it's hard to keep track really. Sometimes at moots, it feels like there's a hundred Garou there." Clearly counting is not her contribution to society. "We've got alla tribes except the Red Talons. We've even got a Stargazer!" She says that like it's quite a feather in the Sept's cap.

Nathan nods to this and moves just a bit away from Melodie, "Is over here good?" He looks back over his shoulder and moves to find a seat that will serve as a good view of both waterfall and company. He settles into place and lets out a content sigh. "Stargazer hmm?"

Kaz leans on her good leg. "It's sorta hard to tell, because not all te folks who live in the city are Walkers or Gnawers, and some of /them/ don' live in the City-- Calls the Stars to Dance don't. But there's like, 10 Gnawers around, and about 15 Walkers, and the /Sept/ is about 80-90 folks, altogether." Evidently, Kaz is the person you want to ask. "But I mean, do you count th' ones who're Anruth but got guest privs? It's all kinda nebulous." She winds down a bit, and adds, "It's got fewer folks than it did when I first got to town about 10 years ago, though."

Evan listens to Kaz, nodding. "Always seems the way, people either move on or..." The strider decides to leave that one unfinished and shifts his satchel around front of him as he finds a comfortable place to sit down for a moment.

The conversation draws the Gnawer ragabash's attention again. She looks between KAz and Evan, and then her gaze settles briefly on the newly arrived Silver Fang. It moves on again fairly quickly. "Sometimes it's not about how many so much as it's about the who are they. This place is a good home."

Melodie nods at Nathan. "Looks good! The sound of the falls kind of drowns everything out sometimes. That's like the laughter of Gaia, don't you think?" She snickers. "Yah, we have a Stargazer, but he's kind of prickly. I need to learn from him, though, if I'm really going to follow Chimera for my pack."

"Chimera is the caerns totem as well, right? Do you find that mysteries are solved her? Dreams answered and all that?" Nathan asks of both Melodie, and the other longer standing residents.

Kaz mutters to Evan, "Well, you guys do that more'n most folks." But she's rerailed by Lefty; she smiles at her, the vulnerability there again. "Yeah," is all she says. And then she snorts at Nathan. "Often times mysteries are /created/ here. The answers? We find ourselves. Which is how it should be."

Lefty's gaze is drawn back to Kaz, and the older Gnawer can't help but widen her grin. She dips her hand back into the waters of the pool and makes more ripples.

"Dreams answered..." The strider repeats quietly, suddenly looking introspective. He snaps out of it quickly however when Kaz speaks to him and he returns the comment with a wry grin. "Yeah well guilty. Hell I've even been through here two or three times now before deciding to stop for a while."

Melodie tilts her head. "I dunno, I think sometimes! Like, when we had a Dancer spy, some people had dreams, an' Mouse-rhya figured it out and we caught her, that was cool. I mean, it was an awful time, but the dream part, that's cool. An' I know I've been having lots of vivid dreams since I joined the pack. Last night I dreamed that Mama Clinton, I mean Hillary, she was Bone Gnawer kin an' was giving a speech at the Story Tree, an' we inducted her as an honorary Fury too. I don't know what that means, though."

Nathan gives a faint nod to Kaz, "Still, she helps to answer them sometimes?" He turns toward Melodie then at the mention of Mama Hillary and can't hide the wide, amused grin and the soft chuckle. "I think I would be frightened of a Crinos-formed Hillary."

Kaz blinks slowly. "Huh. I'd'a said she was Fury born and bred, and /Bill/ was the Gnawer." Then she shakes her head, and grins at Nathan. "Ayup, like she said. Y'just gotta figure it out on your own. She don't spoon feed us, y'know?"

Lefty looks over, blinking at the turn in the conversation. It cracks the ragabash up, and she doubles over, giggling at the edge of the pool. "Oh, that's awesome. You should see the image in my head."

"It would definitely give Bill second thoughts about cheating..." Evan stands up and dusts himself off. "Well folks, I have to find myself a place to rest my head and I have some kin to track down... Nice meeting you all. Seeya Round Lefty, thanks for the tour." The strider waves a little and then starts heading off.

Melodie giggles. "Si! If she was Fury, Bill'd not gotten off so easy. But we still like him." It's unclear who the 'we' are in that. "Uh, I think you were asking something?" She blushes a little, realizing she derailed the conversation. "Oh, goodnight, Etched-in-Sand! Travel well."

Nathan lifts a hand to the Strider, "See you again Evan. Night." He chuckles at the conversation as well. "Now you've got me pegging tribes to all the candidates and congressmen. Thanks a lot!" he announces with playful chastisement. He looks to the remaining gathered and just shakes his head slightly, "Their politics is so different than ours, and yet, despite are instincts and formalities, we have just as much as they do."

Kaz waves to Evan, and then glances back at Lefty. "Did you go the leather route, or somethin' else?" She coughs, and then tries pasting on an innocent expression as she turns to Nathan. "Yeah, it's... also just on a smaller scale."

Lefty simply falls over on her back, her laughter redoubling. She rolls, holding her stomach while she gasps and giggles. For the moment, she's out of the general conversation.

Melodie gives Lefty a funny look, before turning back to the two Adren. "Politics in the Furies are simpler, I guess. At least, as long as I've been around, we just follow the best warrior. Maybe I just don't worry about it because it's not me."

Nathan turns to look at Kaz, and then Lefty, and then he's laughing too, "Dear god, my eyes are burning at the thought." He smiles at both of the Gnawers and shakes his head. Melodie gets a slight nod, "You know, I beta'd for a Fury at Gaia's Bones as a Cliath. Rise of the Arrow. Ahroun. The only thing that was more impressive than our fighting eachother, was our fighting /together/." He grins fondly at this memory. "I've a great respect for your tribe Melodie." He says this with all sincerity and then nods toward Kaz and Lefty, "Yours too."

Kaz gives Lefty a fond glance, and then leaves her alone. "Zeke bein' a putz sometimes is politics, too, y'know. It's just politics on a small scale." At Nathan's words, she turns to regard him. "Yeah? Huh. Maybe we can get shit done after all, then."

Lefty remains prone on the caern floor. To some the very posture may seem irreverent, but the Gnawer doesn't mean it to be. She lazes, happily, starring at the sky as she catches her breath. The comment about the metis Fury makes her turn her head toward Kaz. "Hey, leave Zeke alone," she says, defensively.

Melodie seems to take the compliment to her tribe well. "Someday, I wanna travel an' meet some of our real heroes out there." She shrugs a little at the mention of Zeke. "He's kind of the Omega of the tribe, because of who he is, but we like him anyway. An' he's a good Philodox for sure, he was my main teacher as a cub." She looks curiously at Nathan. "So, uh, what are you gonna do, here? If you don't mind if I ask." She tries to be as polite as she can with her tone, but she's not so practiced at it.

Nathan looks toward Kaz with an easy grin, "Were you doubting that before?" He chuckles a little and sits up, first looking at Melodie as she offers him his segway, and then turning to face Kaz directly. "Good question Melodie." A breath and a grin follow, "Kaz, I'd like you to hear this from the source, especially considering the amount it's come up on my end. I don't plan on challenging you for alphaship of Hidden Walk; at least, not so long as you do what needs doing, in a way that honors the doing of it. Which, speaking frankly, if you didn't already work like that- you wouldn't be who and where you are today." His hands fold together loosely as he speaks, "I'm not one that believes I deserve that title or position just because of the color of my breeding, but I do believe I can be a leader here. While your Alpha, that means I'm leading under your wishes and command. And I personally, do not object to that in the least."

Kaz holds up her hands at Lefty, as he Ragabash gets defensive. "Dude, he's my /packmate/. I love him. He's just sometimes a putz." And then Nathan makes a speech, and she watches him, carefully. It takes her a moment to say anything. "Nathan-- Nate? Oh, whatever, I'll call you Fangboy. Anyway, my point is, I seriously would not mind if you /did/ Challenge me, because t'be an Adren Ahroun, a Silver /Fang/ Adren Ahroun, that means somethin'." She grins, suddenly. "Though if you did it before I'd gotten a chance t'know your style or how you lead, I miiiight not play entirely fair. But y'know. If I don' do what needs doin', well, we got this system for a reason."

Lefty scowls at Kaz's description of the Fury metis, and she seems like she might argue more. But the Fang's speech, and Kaz's rebuttal, are far more interesting. In fact, they make the gnawer sit up. The tension from earlier creeps into the way she holds her shoulders, and she looks quickly between the two. By the time Kaz is done speaking, she's at least a little reassured, but the whole thing has dampened the ragabash's mood, slightly.

Melodie looks entertained by the exchange. "Si! An' it's good to have another war leader. Stacey's getting us all excited about gettin' the ones that tried to hurt Cori. Do you think we should bring Silver, or is it too dangerous?"

Nathan grins at Kaz widely, "I would expect no less of you Kaz, and Nate works, or Nathan. Anything really." He pauses, "Well, except Fangboy. That sounds like crappy fanfic for a Marvel Universe." He looks at Lefty and Melodie as well then, "Honestly, I need to hear more about the situation in total. Rather than bits and pieces from all over being held together by post-it notes and scotch tape. Silver in the right hands can be great against Dancers. But it also gives them the chance to turn it against us."

Kaz blinks a lot that a Fang would even know what fanfic is, but she's derailed by the last part. "Would you like an info-dump right here and now, or d'you wanna get it from Stace, who's in charge of the situation now, lookin' f'Raggies and scouts to go scout out ambush locations, and who has a whole lotta righteous wrath to dish out?"

Nathan nods his head to the Gnawer metis. "Catch me up, please. Then I can go to Stacey with some information alread at hand and ask her how I can help best. She's the one heading up the charge then?"

Lefty decides to lie back down again. The Gnawer folds one leg comfortably over the other, and she clasps her hands behind her head as she listens to Kaz and the Silver Fang. For the moment she doesn't have anything to add.

Melodie grins a little up at Nathan. "I dunno really what the plan is. But we fought two dancers and two Fomori when we rescued Cori. I got one of the Fomori, boy did he taste awful." She makes a face. "I wonder what they were thinking, our Totem led us straight to her."

"There actually ain't a lot to tell, when you get down to the highlights. We got Skindancers-- Dancer Kin-- infiltrating the City, but all the Dancers themselves are comin' from Spokane, down by the Mountain there. They're hangin' out at and usin' a place called Traitor's Grove-- way the fuck too many of them to count, which is why we want ambush spots, so we can start winnowin' 'em down. They keep kidnappin' our Septmates, and I think they want to use 'em as part of the ritual to, well, make a fuckin' Hive, there. Thing is, there's this big assed Wyrm thing underneath there, bound up by the sacrifices of a whole bunch of Uktena and Wendigo, and it's... restless. Some dude by the name of Carnage, he's leading the Dancers that wanna let him go. And Carnage... Carnage ain't safe. At all. There's more to it, involving more recent betrayals and Ronin and all kinds of confusing shit, but like I said," Kaz says, pacing a bit, "I'm just doin' highlights."

Belquis steps into the area, following the voices to the waterfall in the center of the caern. Upon seeing the three Elders, the Galliard Fang immediately adopts a more submissive posture as she closes the distance, and greets, "Sidis-" before turning to Melodie with a shallow smile, "Ms. Rodriguez."

Nathan gives Melodie another soft, amused smile and then turns full attention on Kaz. He nods through out the information relay and folds his hands tighter as thoughts sink in. "Carnage. I've heard him mentioned a few times here now. Big wyrm thing hmm? Well, truthfully, the Dancers will be the easier thing to take care of depending on the size of this thing." He looks over as Belquis arrives, "Evening Belquis."

Lefty catches sight of the approaching Fang, and she lifts her good hand from behind her head just to give Belquis a friendly wave of greeting. It gets folded back comfortably a moment later. She listens to the info dump, but other than a hard look at all the talk of kidnappings, she has nothing to add.

Melodie smiles up at Belquis. "Hi. We were just talkin' about the enemy. I can't wait to show 'em Gaia's wrath, huh? I bet if I did Sense Wyrm there, I'd just pass out!" She giggles.

Kaz says, "Heya, kiddo," to Belquis. Despite the word itself, her expression is quite respectful. "Oh, yeah, them Dancers'll be buttloads easier than Dancer kin infiltratin'. We got some of our Kin guys workin' on it, but that'll take longer and'll be pricklier, since some of 'em're in the police and all. But that's... more their end of things than ours, basically." Kaz sounds worried by this, but she also seems to assume their own Kin can handle it. "Anyway. Stace'll definitely appreciate the help come ambush time, and if you could get ducks movin' in the same direction /before/ that, that wouldnm't be too awfully amiss, either."

Belquis grins a little at Melodie, and nods to Lefty before her attention is dragged back to Kaz and Nathan. Looking somewhat nervous, she tells Nathan, "Sidi Buckingham, I wanted to report that my chiminage is complete, and that a new Silver Fang kin, Mr.Windsor, wishes to join the Sept. He boasts blood as pure as mine, and I would like to be his liaison to the tribe. I'd also like permission to train him and make sure he is safe- he is somewhat bookish and frail...and as Ears to the ground Sidi noted, the city is not safe just yet."

Nathan nods to Kaz, "I like organizing ducks. And... regarding the city, it's good to know. I'll have to inform Sarah about it." Melodie gets another grin and he has to bite his lip to keep from reacting more than that at her anctics. He then turns to Belquis. "Adrian Windsor yes? I spoke with him a few days past. I told him that his seeking us out and informing us of his presence and intent to be a part of our lives automatically makes him a part of this sept. He doesn't need to /do/ anything. You'll need to confer with Blackriver on the rest though Belquis. Until my chiminage is settled, she is the Elder of the tribe. I am grateful for the information though; I'm glad you've met him. He's a charming young man." He grins.

Lefty regards the silver Fangs idly, remaining comfortably prine by the pool. She even closes her eyes, after a while.

Melodie glances up at the moon. "Huh, it's getting late. I was gonna go meditate in the Umbra a little, I'd better do that before I get too sleepy. Unless you guys need me, see ya later, okay?" She turns towards the pool, to start the tedious process of crossing over into the Umbra.

Kaz gives Melodie a mock-salute. "Later, chica."

"He is interesting, yes. I will speak to Blackriver Sidi as well," Belquis allows, and steps back to let Kaz and Nathan continue their conversation, nodding to Melodie as the Fury crosses the guantlet.

Nathan nods to the Fury as she departs, looking a little contemplative himself as she disappears out of sight. He smiles at Belquis then, looking pleased. "Excellent." He turns toward Kaz then, "I think, if you wouldn't mind excusing me for a time, I will look after Melodie's crossing. I'll get in touch with Stacey and ask how I can help. It was good to get things in order with you. Melodie's right, this place is a good spot." He gives Belquis another grin, "The moon's thin, it's a good time to help Adrian get settled. Let me know if either of you need any help, okay?"

Kaz shakes her head. "Don' mind at all. I'll catch you around, hey?"

Belquis takes that as an order and gives Nathan another stiff nod, "As you wish, Sidi." Belquis adds, "Goddess watch over you."

Melodie is still there for quite a bit before she manages to cross over. This girl is obviously of homid birth, but she doggedly continues until she manages to find just the right mindset, and vanishes, poof.

Outlining Clear Intentions (Viktor, Jason)

2008-08-26T23:10:07Z

"You misunderstand. You can't hate the Litany, because it is a tool. It's like you hating knives because they can kill people. The Litany is not a person, it is a tool, whose purposes I've outlined," Viktor says, holding up his finger. "It's been modified in the past, as well. Did you know that?"

Jason snorts, "I never said I hated the Litany. But if it is a tool made by mortal hands, it's a tool that might have some flaws in it. Hell, it might have a lot of very /significant/ flaws that we refuse to acknowledge." Jason shrugs, "Doesn't surprise me. If it's not divinely inspired, course it's gonna be changed as times change."

"The Veil was an addition," Viktor mumbles with a shrug, drumming his fingers on the table. "It may be fallible, but if it is, it is fallible because the greater consensus of our people don't have the mental faculties or perception to accomodate for every single circumstances. Yet it comes down to a philosophy of utter simplicity: are you above the law at any time? And for me, the answer is no. I am not. And neither is anyone else. The law may change, but that does not mean the law changes to accomodate wants, it changes to accomodate efficiency."

Jason smirks, "Ok, I think I see where we diverge here." He flicks a fork at Viktor, all pretense of submission in his posture gone has he gets into the discussion, "You follow the law, even if it conflicts with what you want or need, because it's the law. I try and follow what's right, regardless of whether the law says otherwise." He holds up a hand quickly, "And before you can say how stupid that is...I know I'm nowhere near as smart as all the rest of the Garou put together, so I'll follow the law as best I can. But when something smacks of idiocy, or when I think I come across a situation that needs a little bending of the rules, I swear to Gaia I'll bend em and accept the consequences gracefully. Cause thirteen 6-word sentences can't anticipate all that life will throw at you." He takes another bite of the mac'n'cheese with vigor, chin up proudly.

"I'll put it this way," Viktor says with a very serious look, turning quickly to ice. "You may do what you what you think is right, and that is fine. I do what I think is right too. And I believe the law is right. If you bend the law, I will be the face of the law when it snaps back."

The front door opens and then closes as someone enters. The sound of shoes being brushed off against the mat follow, and also precede the arrival of Nathan into the room proper. He gives a nod, a smile and then a glance around to see if anyone else is there.

Jason nods to Viktor at this and looks down to gather more mac'n'cheese on his fork. If he's cowed by the threat, he doesn't show it. At the sound of the door opening, the cub leans back to try to get a look at who it is, from the kitchen table.

Turning to observe who may have come through the door, Viktor spies Nathan and immediately lowers his gaze below Nathan's. "Nathan-rhya, good afternoon."

Nathan steps into the kitchen then, giving Viktor a wider grin. "Afternoon Viktor. How're you?" He glances to the other and gives a curious cant of his head, "Don't think we've met..?" The tone and hue of the statement suggest the other is asking for an introduction.

Jason smiles casually at the newcomer, though the grin is wiped away at Viktor using "-rhya" when addressing him. Dropping his gaze as well, Jason nods to the Fostern. "Morning, Nathan-rhya. I am Jason Bard, ragabash cub of the Fianna. Also known as Dives-Off-Cliffs."

"Quite well, thank you kindly," Viktor mumbles without much of anything else.

Nathan nods to the introduction and then returns his own, "Nathaniel Buckingham, Falcon's Heart Strikes the Darkness, Ahroun of the Silver Fangs and Adren. Good to meet you. Anything of interest going on here today?" He sniffs deeply and grins, "I smell Mac'n'Cheese. Is there any left?"

Jason's eyes widen further and he looks up at Nathan in surprise. Wow, an Adren. "Ummm...let's see..." the cub leans forward to peer into the pot. "Yeah, there's some left. Would you like me to get you a plate?"

Viktor shakes his head. "I've just been teaching Jason about the Litany," he replies to the Silver Fang.

Nathan nods to the cub, "Yeah, please. That would be great of you. Is it extra cheesey?" He moves to sit down at the table then and looks to Viktor, "Ah, always important that. The Fianna tend to know the litany almost as well as the Fangs do." The last he says in a lighthearted way. "Of course, most Fangs tend to get a little OCD about it as well."

Jason gets up and grabs a plate from the cupboard and a fork. Taking it over to the table, he starts piling mac'n'cheese on it. "Hmmm, well, it's got cheese in it. I dunno what you're used to, so I couldn't tell you." The Fianna cub grins and winks at the Adren, sliding the plate in front of him. "Oh yeah, I know the 'what' of the Litany back to front; my dad was a galliard. Viktor-rhya is helping me out with the 'how' and 'why'."

"Right," Viktor mumbles with a shake of his head. "Specifically I'm interested because of the mark you can clearly see on his cheek. That the Fianna saw fit to spare him is surprising, and I would be loathe to see him throw his life away because he did not understand the intricacies of our way of life."

Nathan takes the plate with a nod of thanks and then glances to Viktor. "Have you been charged with training him?" The Fang takes a mouthful of the food and smiles delightedly, "Ah, cheesey enough. "Fianna are a passionate bunch. Always thinking and doing, pushing and striving. When it's aimed rightly, it's an amazing thing to see. When aimed poorly... it can be very hard to watch from the sidelines."

Jason smiles with an apologetic shrug as he sits, picking his own fork back up. "When I made my decision," he says, referring to Viktor's comment, "I thought I was making the right one for the situation. I see now that I didn't appreciate how important it is to keep to the Litany."

"Watch?" Viktor says with a bit of a frown. "Why would you watch someone make a mistake?"

"Why would you watch someone make a mistake as heinous as that?"

"It's like the old saying Viktor, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink? And Fianna have a tendency for being stubborn." He points a fork apologetically at Jason, "Again, when it's aimed correctly, a fabulous trait." He glances toward Viktor. "The litany shouldn't be broken. Especially willfully. Sometimes a Garou makes a choice that may end up being a case of lesser of two evils. These are, while still requiring judgement, more forgivable. The choices made in direct defiance of the Litany though? Those we're given a very short inning of chances with."

Jason gives Nathan a very unoffended look and a shrug. "Hey, can't argue with the truth." As Nathan goes on though, the cub's smile quickly fades and he looks down at his plate, pushing his macaroni around with a fork.

Viktor seems to recieve this talk far less enthusiastically, but he doesn't appear to have anything to say. He puts his arm behind the chair and looks at his empty plate and glass.

Nathan looks between the two young men, "What's with the long faces?" He swallows his mouthful and sets the fork down.

Jason looks up with a blink, and the contrite expression on his face disappears. "Hummm? What? Am I not supposed to look ashamed?" He glances between Viktor and Nathan.

"You seem rather passive to me," Viktor admits with a frown, his brows knitting together. "Which worries me," he continues.

Nathan looks to Viktor first, "Are you saying /I/ seem passive?" he seems pretty shocked at this, and a grin that's hard to discern between amusment and annoyance comes over his features.

Jason looks between Viktor and Nathan, amusement very plain on his face though he tries to hide it.

Viktor runs a hand through his hair, his lips pursed in a bit of pained confusion. "Yes, I am. I honestly would like to be proven wrong."

Nathan sets the fork down and folds his hands twined with eachother on the table, nodding. "Alright. Give me a scenario then Viktor, and I would tell you how I'd react, or handle it." He eyes Jason as well, and the glare suggests a quick disappearing act on that amused look.

"The Litany is broken. It is this one: Respect those below ye in station - all are of Gaia. This is done repeatedly and without reproach, for whatever reason," Viktor says after a few moments, sitting back in his chair and looking uncertainly at Nathan.

Jason's smile disappears faster than a Fianna's beer money. The cub drops his eyes to his plate again. He does chance an interested glance up at Viktor however, quietly regarding him.

Nathan hmms, "That's rather a vague example. First, has it been judged by a halfmoon? Or am I witnessing the act as it occurs? And -what- is the act?"

"That is vague," Viktor admits with a wave of his hand. "Let me clarify...give me a moment to think of an example," he mumbles, leaning forward a bit and clearly thinking. Then something occurs to him. "Right. Let us say someone has been a guardian for some time, but wishes to leave the service. But let us say the Warder won't respect this, and attempts to impress this guardian into the service. Guardianship, as you know, is a volunteer act, and honorable. No, a halfmoon would not have judged this. You hear about it secondhand. How would you act?"

"Hearing about it second hand proves a few critical flaws. For one, I am an Ahroun. It is not my place to judge or dictate corrections on litany violations. If it's beyond my tribe, then it is also another's territory to be dealt with. If the guardian feels wronged by the Warder, they should settle it with the Warder or ask a half moon to step in and mediate. Then, then it is the halfmoon's place to judge the situation. Furthermore, guardians as a volunteer position speaks of a grave shortcoming at a sept. If the local Garou are not intent and willing to form packs to guard the caern, then we're at a great loss and the alpha, along with the galliards should be regaling the sept with the importance and the honor of such a position. If it still garners no guardians, then the Warder, as is charged by the demands of that position, has right and rank to impress others into it for the safety of the caern. My act then, would be to gather up my pack and report to the bawn for guardianship."

Jason listens intently to the conversation, drinking in every word as he absently aims an empty fork at his mouth.

Viktor shrugs his shoulders. "That works for me, then."

Nathan glances back to Jason just briefly, "Now, if you're asking what I would do if I were to come upon a Garou mating with another, or breaking the veil, or eating the flesh of man? No, I would not sit back and merely watch. They would find my fist and fury on them in a heartbeat. I would not kill them, for it's not my place to exact judgement and execution. But the act would be halted. Without. A. Doubt."

Jason looks a little disappointed at Viktor's terse reply, and doesn't meet Nathan's glance as he continues, the look on his face turning stoic and distracted.

"I think any Garou who was worth their salt would do the same," Viktor comments dryly with a raise of his brows, leaning back in his chair. "But I wasn't asking. So."

"You may not have asked, but you accused me of being too passive. I wanted to make sure you were clear on where I stood." At this, he goes back to his macaroni, spooning up a mouthful and hmm'ing at the taste. "I don't think I've met the Fianna elder yet, tell me where he hides out?"

Jason speaks up now, "Cole-rhya lives somewhere in the city, I think. Otherwise, he spends a lot of his time at the grotto. I don't think I've seen him here at the house in the past few months." He's being helpful!

"I was asking you to prove me wrong. I think I'll speak plainly where no one else will, or can from their position," Viktor says, holding up his hand, palm-upwards. "I think when you came around here, people were wanting, expecting you to step on someone's toes. People thought - this is someone who might turn things around here. I know I want to see that. But watching you seeming as if you are just passing through is fairly disheartening." Viktor is stoic, and not particularly aggressive with his commentary, but his gaze is hard.

Nathan nods to Jason and then turns to Viktor. "Of course, Silver Fang shows up and I should grab the reins, pull the horses to a halt and trot them off all polished and full of prance, right? First things first Viktor. I'm a warrior. A damn good one, and once I get my claws into the thick here, you'll find fighting beside me a thing of legend. Secondly, I have not completed my chiminage, and that means, until I do, I am a /guest/ here. I've heard that Kaz is a solid Garou with a lot of respect given her, and if she's hard working and determined enough to challenge a Shadow Lord, and succeed in both rank and alphaship? Then I trust the system well enough to honor that she's /earned/ that right. If I see otherwise, I will do something about it. Right now. I am settling my chiminage, pulling my tribe in order, and forming a pack so that we can get around to some ass kicking here. I understand you have a big-shot Dancer mucking with you? Well, he's about to be surprised by a big shot Silver Fang that's rolled into town."

Jason frowns and mutters, forgetting to keep his thoughts to himself, "There's already too much bitching and toe-stepping around here, from where I'm sitting."

"I actually quite agree, Jason," Viktor mumbles with a frown. "And you are right to respect the Sept as a guest. If I might ask: what is your chiminage?"

Nathan turns his attention to Jason now, "What do you mean too much bitching and toe-stepping?" Viktor gets a faint nod, "I'll be supplying a couple of talens to Kaz-rhya, as well as training the Fostern Ahroun with knowledge of the gifts I have learned. And I'm curious how you can worry about one being too passive, and in the next breath say there is too much toe-stepping going on."

Jason gets a mild deer-in-the-headlights look as he gets the attention of the Adren, "Ahhm, er well just that people haven't been terribly civil to each other, from what I've seen. Y'know," he replies, meekly, shrinking down a little.

"The fact of the matter is, he's right, Nathan-rhya," Viktor says seriously, tilting his head back a bit. "There is little respect or grace in people's words around here, and it is disconcerting. It occurs often from the lower in station to higher, and is often quickly stomped underfoor (as it should be), and occurs often between those of the same rank and from the higher to lower. I find it sad," he mumbles. "All that aside, in regards to what you're saying. it's simple. Maybe you come as a warrior and not as a leader, Nathan-rhya, but the fact of the matter is, there are plenty of us who want to see you as a leader too. And that's just the fact of the matter."

"Well Viktor, Jason." He looks to both. "Garou have a pecking order. It's instinctive, it's natural, it's the way of things. That pecking order, especially among shared ranks, shifts, sometimes often. If the younger ranks are not capable of showing respect, then those of higher rank should be setting the example. It takes time, sometimes, to change the perspective of a place." He pauses, "As for leading. I need not be alpha to be a leader among the Garou here. I submit to Kaz as alpha of the sept, but my rank earns me submission and respect, and, I hope, you will find that my actions and dignity earn me a following that comes from more than simple demand." He stands up then and clears his plate. "I'll be in the meadow if either of you want to discuss this in more depth. For now, I'll let you think on that."

Jason raises a hand in a short wave. "Gaia watch you, Nathan-rhya."

Of Gnawers and Fangs (Lefty)

2008-08-24T18:07:12Z

The newest Silver Fang has returned to Edgewood this morning, as is evident by his sedan parked out front. He is, however, out back by that pond he has become so attached to. He's sitting there very quietly with a sense of some kind of meditation or focused thinking.

Lefty's actually inside. From the kitchen, she can see the Silver Fang out by the pond through the window. After grabbing what she was hunting for--a bag of barbecue flavored potato chips, she wanders outside, purposefully interrupting his quiet, peaceful scene. The bag crinkles as she sticks her hand in, and Nathan can hear the crunch of chips being chewed too. "Hi."

Nathan gives a glance over his shoulder and then grins. "Morning." He looks back to the pond and then reaches down to gather his watch out of the grass and check the time. His head cants slightly, "Are those barbecue?"

Lefty watches him, checking out the watch, too. Anyone not too trustworthy might suspect she was scoping it out to steal. At his question, though, her eyes quickly come back to his. "Yeah," she says, grinning. The bag is offered over to be shared. "Want some?"

Nathan grins and gives a nod, "Sure, come have a sit. We've met a few times but never really on a personal level."

Lefty agrees with a nod of the head, even as she comes forward to sit. She settles in the grass, facing the pond, another chip munched on loudly. "Yeah. True. Name's Lefty. In case you forgot. Gnawer new moon."

"How many people do you come across that forget your name is Lefty?" he asks this wish playful surprise as he nods toward her missing limb. "Battlescar or something prior to Garou life?" Nate asks easily.

Lefty snirks, admitting with a little duck of her head, "Not many. Point. Just....well, nevermind." His question makes her look down at her right arm and it's missing hand. "'Scar. Happened in New York. That's where I'm from, originally."

Nathan nods his head at that and reaches toward the bag. "I love these kinds of chips. The onle one I like better is the vinegar and sea salt. Ever had those?" He crunches down on the little tidbit and offers a smile.

Lefty nods easily, a little smile curling her lips as she eyes the Silver fang with some confusion. "Yeah. I have. But I hate those. Well, hate's a strong word. Fact is, I'll eat anything. But they're not my favorite."

Nathan laughs at that and looks at her more directly again. "You're... I'm sorry there's no polite way to say this. You're older than most of the Garou here. Which I consider a compliment, I swear. But you said New York originally, where abouts? I spent some time at Falcon's Eyrie when I was a young upstart."

Lefty grins, taking the compliment as a compliment. "Sept of the Green. that's where I was Rited. But I only stayed there a few years. I've been gone from there....a long time." She sounds almost sad and regretful. Almost.

"Miss it, or just think about it sometimes?" he asks very conversationally.

Lefty shrugs a shoulder, grabbing more chips from the bag. she eats them between talking, just to be polite. "A little of both. What about you? You miss home?"

"I've had a lot of homes. I can't say for sure where I'd consider THE home to be. Probably Pittsburgh. I grew up there and I think most people tend to consider their childhood residence 'home'. I do anyway." Nate tackles a few more chips. "Been here long then?"

"A little over a year," Lefty answers, but doesn't go into too much detail beyond that. She glances at him and then back toward the lake. "I like it. Made some good friends."

Nathan nods and laughs, "That's the part I hate most. What I wouldn't give for a few people to just knock back a case of beer with without all the other pretenses and what not. I've moved around a lot, so I know it will come in time but it gets harder the older I get."

Lefty grins a little. "I suppose it depends on where you go, too. Gotta find a place you fit into." She pauses, looking at him again. "So, what brought you /here/?"

"A caern once lost, reclaimed and now under heavy attack again? Right up my alley. My last stay was at Earthspine, where the Dancers and their fomori were extremely infiltrated and involved in the local nuclear plant there. It was bad." He pauses then, grinning proudly. "Was." He reaches a few more chips out. "That was settled and I look to the next hub of activity. Hidden Walk."

Lefty listens, brow raised in admiration at his little story. "Huh. Well, we certainly could use a hero to save us from the Dancers." As sarcastic as it sounds, there is an underlying note of sobriety to the Gnawer's words.

Nathan raises an eye at her, "Is is that bad? Or are you just pulling that kiss-ass move on me?"

Lefty smirks, eying the Fang with both amusement and sincerity. "Oh, it's bad. Has anyone brought you up to date on things around here? What's been going on, and all?"

Nathan nods. "A hard hitting Dancer pack with their hands into a lot of pies. It doesn't seem as if we're half as organized as they are. Why is that?"

Lefty doesn't know, which is kind of embarrassing for her. So, she falls back to her own prejudices. "Probably because until a week or two ago, we were lead by a Shadow Lord, who was more concerned about herself than she really was about us, or anything else?" Her smile widens. "But now we got Kaz. So."

"You have a lot of faith in Kaz. What is she like? I've only got my first impression to go off of, but I hear a lot of rabble and I'd rather get your take on it." Nate grins.

Lefty eyes him again, suppressing that smile, for the moment. "Why, because I'm a Gnawer too?" she asks, but she immediately goes on, so it's unclear if she actually wants an answer or not. "Kaz is the bomb. She's smart. And sensible. She cares about /everyone/, not just certain people. And she's...hands on. Unlike other people I could mention. How about you? you the kind of Silver Fang that doesn't mind getting his hands dirty?"

"Actually, I was asking because you're old. Wisdom generally comes with age, for our lot, that's even more true." The Fang dusts off the chip dust from his hands and then leans back to prop himself up. "I don't believe there is any -other- way to lead the Garou. Hands on, I mean. I can't ask someone to do something I wouldn't do myself. And I certainly wouldn't ask them to do it alone if I am capable of going with."

Lefty snorts, nearly choking on a chip. "Wise. That's funny. If only you knew me better." That said, the Gnawer quickly shuts up, concentrating on the rest of what he said. "Good. Hands on is good. Then maybe you and I will get along."

Nathan laughs, "Is this a test Lefty? Listen. If you're expecting me to come down on you with some Iron Rod of Kingship, stop. I've spent a lot of time with your tribe. Close, personal, time with them. And I have no intention of challenging Kaz just because she is a Gnawer, and I am Fang. I'm not so blindsided as that."

Lefty studies him more intently. There's a small bit of surprise in her eyes at his words, too. "Really?" she says, her voice neutral, as if she hasn't decided whether to believe him or not. Then, slowly she smiles again. "Alright. I guess we'll see." A pause, and she asks, "Where'd you spend time with my tribe?"

"Oddly enough, during my stay at Falcon's Eyrie. Bunch of pompous self righteous asses, Gaia pardon my disrespect. And I trust that confession can stay between us..." He reaches for another round of chips now. "The Sept is insular--almost a single large extended family; it is financially well-off and maintains close ties to the Kinfolk and.. in general is a cesspool of blinder-wearing royalists. The Gnawers there weren't part of the sept proper. They ran the city from various glades."

Lefty stares at him, expression suddenly hardening. "Sounds familiar," she says, venom dripping from the words. At least it doesn't seem to be aimed at the Silver Fang himself.

"The Gnawers there held a fetish, a Fang Dagger, that the Silver Fangs believed should have been relinquished to them. It was my Fostern challenge to retrieve it from them by any means." He glances to the Gnawer then and a glint of mischief comes over his features. He reaches into his blazer and shuffles against fabric for a moment, finally pulling out the item itself. Made from the horn of a black rhinocerous, there's no mistaking that this is the Fang Dagger in question. And yet, that grin seems to be almost baiting.

Lefty's eyes widen, her jaw running slack a moment. But this all happens before he produces the weapon in question. she seems somehow more surprised or impressed byt what he said. she looks at the weapon on secondarily, but once she does it gets an eyeful from her. "How'd you get it?" she asks, grinning.

"I sought them out and got dragged into the bowels of the city. Lil'Miss." He smiles fondly at this, "Became a very good friend of mine. I stayed with them for several months, fighting beside them and sometimes with them. I was a young cliath then, and your lot are hardy survivors. I took my share of lumps and learned just what it meant to live as a Gnawer. I found true friendship there... not the kind that is forced by arrangement or status ladders. Loyalty like I've never seen before." He chuckles, "So when the alpha finally cornered me and wanted to know why the hell some Silver Fang spent the last six months with them, I confessed what sent me to them in the first place."

Lefty listens, attention rapt. She leans back on her elbow, getting comfortable. There's a soft laugh at the last, and she asks, eager for the answer, "What'd he do when you told him?"

Nathan grins, "I told him I would rather see that fetish in the hands of someone who would /do/ something with it, than someone who would sit back on their laurels and only brag that they possessed it. I was forfeiting the challenge." Raul listened to the story and started grinning back at me with those wild eyes of his and said, and here I quote, "Fuck failing that shit man. You're right. The fetish /does/ belong in the hands of someone that will do something with it. First of all, you are those hands. Furthermore, I ain't letting those cocksuckers have any reason to fail you." He laughs, "And yeah, it did erupt into a shit storm with the Gnawers at first, but he was boss, so." He looks to the dagger. "Turned into a storm back at the sept too, when I reminded them they only said the fetish belonged in the hands of -a- Silver Fang, and that meant it didn't have to be their hands. Master of the Challenge was a wise and fair old sod though, and he ruled in my favor. As for this, I promised Raul it would only ever see the hands of another Bone Gnawer once it left mine."

Lefty laughs, dropping down into the grass as she does, looking up at the sky. "I bet the bastards fumed over that. Did you /tell/ them that little stipulation? That you promised the Gnawers you'd give it back to them?"

Nathan laughs, "I told them it would leave my hands /by/ my choosing and to someone /of/ my choosing. And yes, great plumes of fuming." He turns to watch her as she drops to laughter in the grass. "So, that was my time with the Gnawers. It was a hard, but well spent time, and I still cherish the friendships I made among them."

Lefty turns her head to grin at him some more. "It'd do your kind good if the lot of them tried that," she says, then looks back to the sky.

Nathan nods, "It would. But too many of them believe traditions must only be followed in the traditional way. I try to encourage the idea that there are many paths that lead to the same outcome. But by Helios they can be stubborn."

Lefty laughs again. "No shit," she says, but the Gnawer's guard is down now, and she seems quite at ease with this Silver Fang. "Can't blame them, I guess," she finally says. "If I had all that money and power, maybe I'd be tht way too."

Nathan nods. "It's not made -my- goals and plans easy, but thankfully I've a fair bit of fortitude. So do you apparently." He nods to her limb again. "Fair's fair. Your turn on the old tales." He smiles charmingly at her now.

Lefty turns back to him, not sure what he means til he glances at her arm. "Oh," she says, but she doesn't seem in a tale-telling mood, so the Silver Fang gets bare details. "It was a failed fostern challenge. Like you, I've run into my share of people that think Gnawers belong....well, below them. They sent me into a nest of banes without backup. I think they expected me to just not come out. And when I did, except for my hand, they figured me more for a coward than anything else." She shrugs. "Doesn't matter."

Nathan takes that news with a glare of annoyance and a shake of his head. He actually has to turn away from her for a moment to concentrate on cooling his temper and then lets out a sigh. "I'm sorry," he finally answers to her. Then a faint smile, "If you ever consider rising to Adren? I know of a few people that I think I could trust to give you a fair shot." He crinkles the bag and takes one last handful, "You better hide this bag before I overdo it."

Lefty blinks at him, staring. "Me? Adren?" she starts laughing, loudly. "Oh that's..." she eyes him, a sort of sweet but sympathetic look. A look you'd give a child who's not that smart but tries hard. "That's very swet of you." She takes the bag and climbs to her feet. "I better get back. Got some things to do."

Nathan looks up and scowls, though it's lighthearted. "I said /if/. And besides, I don't think it's that absurd. You're not dead yet, so why stop where you're at?"

The Gnawer wars with something. She stands there, looming above the still prone Silver Fang, weighing whether or not to explain or to simply make a new moonish quip and leave it at that. Eventually, a heavier expression takes her, and she says, "I'm a charach, among other things." After a pause, she adds, "Some people are destined to lead. To do great things. some of us are just lucky to survive. I'm lucky." There's nothing sad or pathetic in the way she says it. In fact, she smiles rather proudly. "See ya."

Nathan looks to the Gnawer with a more studied perusal now. There's a moment where impending judgement seems likely, and then, he gives a faint nod and exhales swiftly. "I'll see you around, I'm sure, Lefty."

Lefty's perceptive enough to pick up all of that from the Silver Fang, but there's really no surprise or reaction from the Gnawer. She simply gives ihm a little wave and wanders back to the house.

Harbor Park Picnic (Quentin)

2008-08-24T18:06:09Z

A picture perfect day in St. Claire has brought Nathan out to the city park. The sedan remains parked in one of the lots and he's currently running after a youn girl of perhaps seven years. She's full of energy and spark and giggling happily as the man chases after you.

It's a beautiful day, but that just means there's people in the park-- and garbage! Quentin might not look the type, tattoos and blue hair and all, but he's meandering around with a garbage bag in hand, currently crouching down beside the remnants of someone's picnic and picking up wrappers and trash and stuffing it in. As a girl runs past giggling, he looks up, a hint of a wistful smile crooking his lips briefly before he glances up after her presumable father.

The little girl is pretty alert for her age and as she runs past the punk-styled man she's able to take in just what he's doing. She rounds a big fat tree and slows down, picking up an empty Lunchables container and comes back with the call of 'Time out' for her father. She moves toward the blue haired man and stuffs the item into his garbage bag with a smile. "Here ya go. Want more help?" The father catches up with a small smile and rests his hands on her shoulders, "Morning, nice day isn't it?" He leans down to the girl, "You're a good girl Sam."

As the girl waltzes over with the container, Quentin grins-- raising the bag up and opening it for her, "Thanks, kiddo. Gotta keep th'glade clean, eh?" Perhaps odd phrasing there, of course. "I think I can handle it, though, you should be enjoying the day at your age-- hey, man. Yeah, nice day for once-- prob'ly means it'll rain any time now..."

Nate cants his head at the terminology for a moment and then studies the blue-haired man a little more closely. "I hope not. Last weekend before school starts and the tempers are starting to wind up." He gives the girl another little squeeze and she leans back into the tall man, "Daaad you promised to not bring up the s word." He laughs, "Sorry sorry. So," back to the man, "Do you do this often? Tidy up other folks messes? And, have I seen you before?"

"I try to keep things tidy here when I got some free time," Quentin admits, pushing himself up to his feet with a brief, crook'd grin at the man and his daughter, "Working on gettin' some more organized clean-ups going soon, actually-- place's gotten kinda nasty in recent years. And--" A pause, one brow quirking as he looks the man over thoughtfully, "--could be. What's your name, mister?"

Nathan gets a poke from his daughter and she pops her own name in there, "Samantha Elouise Buckingham, nice to meet you." The man chuckles and nods, "And I'm Nate, also a Buckingham. Good to meet you."

Quentin's brows raise just a bit-- and he exhales a chuckle, shaking his head, "Yeah. Yeah, you might well've-- Quentin, good t'meet you young lady, sir. Speaker, t'family. I've heard a lot about you, Buckingham..."

Nathan perks up at this and lets out a laugh, "That'd explain your interest in the glade. Moot, yes?" He leaves it at that and grins, "This is my daughter Samantha, my wife and son went off for ice cream. We have a cooler back by the benches, you want a beer or something?"

"Great kid," Quentin compliments with a grin down to her before looking back up to Nathan, shrugging the bag of trash up and over one shoulder, "Yeah-- and yeah, I wouldn't mind a beer. Been a hot fu-- er, freakin' day out here, could use a cool-down."

Nathan smiles at him with amusement, and that's when Sam pipes up, "I like your blue hair Mr. Quentin. Daddy can I have blue hair for school?" Nate looks to her, "You can have a blue backpack for school. Run back toward the table hon, I see mom on the way back." As the little girl runs off the Silver Fang turns back to Quentin. "Good to see a presence out here, even just casually like this. Do you have much help with this kind of thing?"

Quentin's lips twitch a bit at the query about blue hair, unable to help a grin; shaking his head, he scratches one hand back over the nape of his neck. "Got a few people out 'round here-- as I said, gettin' some folk together for a more organized thing once th'moon gets a li'l smaller. Been talkin' to a few of th'kin... actually, been wanting t'talk to you about that, since you took over from 'River."

Nathan ahs, "Well, that's not official yet. I've work to finish before I'm a full fledged member. But sure, what's going on?" He leads the way back to the cooler even as Samantha runs off to meet up with mom and brother. He bends to the cooler and pulls out two MGD's, handing one over.

"Tristan Steel," Quentin replies as he walks along beside the other man, reaching over with a grateful smile to take the offered beer; setting the bag down to one side, he pops it open, gesturing towards Nathan, "I'm going t'need funding for this place, and he's got more money than he knows what t'do with. Not going to go around poaching other tribes' resources without askin' formal-like first, though."

Nathan laughs a little at that. "Mr. Tristan Steel. Yes, he's an interesting one. I can't quite get the hang of him yet. Wants to help but doesn't want limits, wants this, but not that. So what are you looking to do here? Is this, your territory?" he asks subtly.

"It's..." Quentin gestures vaguely about the park with his bottle, "...kind've Vanguard turf. Kinda general protectorate. It's th'living heart of th'city, and if we lose it, we lose St. Claire." He says it firmly, honestly, almost fierce in his believe there, green eyes flashing as he looks back to Nathan, "Not about t'let that happen. Got some serious plans-- settin' up a non-profit to work towards improving th'park, doing some fund-raisers t'finish off th'construction here, then gettin' a neighborhood watch program goin' to push out all th'drugs an' shit. Got some-- ah-- less mundane plans too, to revitalize th'plantlife."

Nathan smiles at this and looks very pleased and interested. "Sounds like you have a good handle on it. I have no problem with Mr. Steel helping to fund this so long as he's willing, and it won't dry him so much that his own tribe suffers for it. Given his standing, I doubt that will be a problem." He sips at the beer and the rest of the family arrives. He waves them over and nods to Quentin. "Anne, this is Quentin. Business associate so to speak. Quentin, my wife Anne and my son Daniel." The woman grins widely and holds out her hand, "Nice to meet you Quentin. Are you going to be giving my husband some fashion tips because, after twelve years I have to say the khakis and blazers aren't quite as exciting anymore." The son gives a wave, far more shy than the younger daughter.

Quentin shakes his head with a low chuckle, "Yeah, I doubt I could make a dent in Tristan's bankroll if I /tried/, honestly..." As the others step over, he reaches out to accept Anne's hand in a firm clasp, grinning broadly, "Well, he doesn't much seem th'sort for leather and denim, I'm afraid-- hey, kiddo, good t'meet you-- good meeting you, Mrs Buckingham."

Anne smiles sweetly, "Oh I don't know. I think that'd be worth the fuss of convincing him to try it. Would you like a sandwich Quentin?" Nte rolls his eyes gently, "She does this every time she meets someone with a bolder sense of fashion than me." He nods the man over a bit more, "We have plenty so have a sit, a bite to eat. Too nice a day to let it go to waste." The son and daughter sit down to start digging into chips and sandwiches. "Well you defiitely have my support in this Quentin. How else do you keep busy?

"I -could- recommend a guy that does some good inkwork," Quentin suggests with a grin over to the Silver Fang, before nodding easily to his wife, "--and yeah, a sandwich sounds great, thanks." A step over, and he drops down to settle in, fingers raking back through his hair and the beer gestured vaguely, "Oh, there's always work t'be done. Cleaning up messes, dealing with unpleasant sorts in th'city, making sure lines of communication in and out of th'city are -clear- and not full of dangerous gossip or, worse, dead silent..."

Nathan nods his head, his voice lower out here, "So is your pack centered mostly out here I imagine?"

Quentin lifts one shoulder in a slightly uncomfortable shrug, admitting as he looks across the park towards the fountain, "No pack that has room for me, 'round these parts." The bottle's lifted up, and he takes a swig.

Nathan studies the other very carefully then and gives a faint nod. The perceptive would note the deep sense of thought the Adren has on his features. "What kind would you see yourself running with anyway?"

"Not sure," Quentin admits, scratching briefly under his chin as he lowers the bottle, "We were going t'form a pack around th'park once-- had th'direct support of th'Warder in that, even. But, people drifted away, died, joined other packs. In the end th'only ones left were me'n Cutter, so, that couldn't really work. Really, most of th'packs claim woodsland, and-- well--" A wry look over, "--I don't much fit into th'wilderness."

Nathan nods his head, "How many are there that claim parts of the city?"

Quentin considers for a moment, expression thoughtful. "Vanguard, o'course, th'boss's pack. Tenacity has parts've Kent's Crossing, that's borderline city... mmn. Vendetta claims th'waterfront-- but I think they're pretty much breaking up, have been since Mama Kaz left them."

"So who in the city proper? Outside of Kaz's upcoming group?" The Ahroun seems deeply interested now, almost bordering on concerned. His wife leans over at just that moment to hand each of them a second beer.

"I think that's about--" A pause, then, and Quentin glances to the Fang bemusedly, "--Kaz's founding another pack? Huh." Pause. "She didn't mention it." The bottle's taken, cap twisted off with a murmur of thanks to Anne.

"You said the boss's pack, I assumed you meant Kaz?" He shakes his head, "City needs more than that. This is a big city, and the Fallen tend to dwell and breed in them as a preference. Listen. I'm not one to sit idle. I like to get things done, and I like a good group of hardworking companions to get it done with. I also have no idea why you're not already accounted for, but I'd like to change that."

"Oh, no..." Quentin shakes his head a bit, gesturing vaguely, "/My/ elder. Mouse. She'n I don't always see eye t'eye, but, she's still th'boss." A sip of beer, and he glances over to Nathan with a brow's lift, "Oh?"

Nathan ohs as things are clarified and then nods. "Well, it's something I'd like you to think over. The more I talk to people the more I realize where I want to set up. And this place," he waves a hand to the city, "Needs more than one or two groups taking care of it. That you're out here on your own doing your thing says a lot about your character. More than the blue hair does." He grins at this last, playful and mischievously.

Quentin's lips twitch in a wry curve to that, his head canting to one side as he considers the Silver Fang. "...was for camoflague, originally, when I was cubnapped," he admits, "Decided I kinda liked it, though. N'my girl seems to." He glances back over the cityscape, then, "You're actually planning a city pack? No offense-- surprising, though. Most of your family doesn't want much t'do with urrah."

This is when Anne lets out a laugh. "No, the fancy cars, the tall houses, the good clothes. Our family hates these things." Nate looks to Anne with a grin and chuckles. "I think there should be a balance. We cannot get rid of what's been created by the Weaver. But we can work to keep it from being corrupt. And the city seems to be where I'm needed most, where another pack will have the most effect and benefit."

Quentin can't help but grin at that, "Hey. I drive a Prius, damn it, nothin' fancy." A wink, then he leans back, fingers raking through his hair as he admits, "City -does- need more packs. Lotta shit goes down 'round here."

Nathan nods. "Hey, no answer now, I just, there are a lot of folks already packed, and honestly, a lot of folks I can't see being up to what I need them to be up for. I don't get that feeling with you. So, keep the idea floating. For now, tell me more about yourself and kick back with that beer. Truth be told, I could REALLY use a break from all the stuffy stiff responses."

Quentin laughs, leaning back and stretching his legs out. "...I can do th'whole super formal thing if y'like, comes with th'moon, really," he admits, gesturing a bit with the bottle, "I jus' think it gets in th'way most of th'time. Too much intertribal tension, too many politics-- hell, you saw how things went at th'moot. Surprised there wasn't blood on th'grass..."

Nathan nods at that, letting out a faint chuckle. "There's times and places for that formality, but people can be relaxed around eachother while still being respectful. I imagine here with so many different groups though, it keeps that tension on the edge."

"Yeah," Quentin admits, tapping the base of the beer against his thigh, "Anyway. Hm. Anything you want t'know? About me, th'city, th'sept...?"

Nathan grins, "Just anything ya feel like talking about. Shoot the breeze. Tell us about this city and the places around it."

Quentin laughs, leaning back a bit and looking up to the skies for a moment. "Well, then, settle your blue-blooded butt down and I'll start talkin'. Just throw somethin' at me when I've been talkin' for too long..." And he talks. And talks. Hey, he warned him.

Where I Stand (Blackriver)

2008-08-23T05:01:42Z

Blackriver is spread out in hispo, the huge wolf having taken advantage of the nice weather today to sunbath. Now it's dark, but she's still napping, chest raising and falling gently. There's several large gashes and stab-wounds down her back, just narrowly missing the spine, that are in the middle of scabbing over.

Having followed her scent for the last quarter mile, Heart-Strike has found the location of his tribemate and sends up a short, questioning howl. May I join you?

The howl jars Blackriver out of her semi-blissful sleep, and the wolf blinks groggily for a few seconds before slowly pulling herself onto her feet. She throws back her head in a half-hearted reply of consent.

It takes just a short time longer for him to arrive, and when he does he's anxious to step up and nose over the halfmoon. What happened? he asks curiously as he sniffs the wounds.

Blackriver is slowly sniffing around the clearing by the time Nathan arrives, pausing to let the adren inspect her. ~My pack was patroling. There was a weaver-runner. And dead apes. And then the non-dead ape became a fomori and tried to eat the dead apes. We killed it though.~ She sniffs back lightly at Nathan.

The story brings an eager and pleased wag of his tail. Well fought Blackriver! You are still sound yes? A cant of his head follows and he gives her one more checking over before being satisfied.

Blackriver blinks. Sound? She tips her head to the side. ~I hear lots of things. And make lots of noise.~ She decides, yawning once and then going back to sniffing around the ground. Her coat smells somewhat vile, green fomori blood still caked on her fur.

Heart-Strike slips easily to hispo then, ~No, sound. Whole. You are in one piece. That is good!~ he celebrates with a brighter wag of his thick tail. He drops back to rest on his haunches, tongue lulling to the side of his muzzle temporarily. ~Blood-Seeker is feeling conficted. I was hoping we could settle things.~

Blackriver starts to munch on some grass, carefully sheering off a few blades with her front teeth, although her ears prick when Blood-Seeker is mentioned.

~She says you demand that she not stay quiet, and keep voicing the traditionalist view whenever possible. I have told her she may speak freely to me when I allow it, but I will not have her question, nor insult my ways.~ His tail flickers once and he studies the other wolf. ~Do you tell her to do this?~

Blackriver looks up at Heart-Strike, and blinks once. ~No.~ She answers. Well, that was easy, she goes back to inspecting the dirt a second before deciding Nathan might want more. ~I told her to act like a Galliard. And I told her that means honoring and telling others of the traditions.~ She tips her head to the side. ~You are adren and she is cliath. She cannot question or insult you.~

~She may have taken your words beyond what you intended, or perhaps takes them to use for her own means. I just wanted to make sure that my having told her the same will not earn her disobedience in your eyes.~ The Ahroun seems very satisfied with the clearing up of this detail and so lies down to stretch his forepaws out. ~My ways may not be exactly the same as hers, or yours, but they will seek to accomplish the same goal.~

~She is a galliard.~ Blackriver repeats, as if that should explain everything. When Heart-Strike lies down, she sits down too, resting back on her giant hispo haunches. ~Why do you not honour our traditions?~ She asks, tipping her head slightly to the side.

~Tell me how I have failed to do so thus far.~ The reply comes back easily and without instant frustration or defense.

~You say you will not challenge Ears-to-Ground for alpha, when the traditions say mules should not be alpha. You also say our tribe should not lead more than others, when the traditions say our tribe should lead. When our tribe's purpose is to lead.~ Blackriver too doesn't seem particularly riled up over this, though her fur does lift a bit in unease.

Heart-Strike licks at a bit of fur on his leg, smoothing it out over an old scar. ~I do believe the Silver Fangs should lead. I do believe we are Gaia's First Tribe and meant to be Alpha's for the nation. I also believe, though, that it is a right that is earned and not merely given. Ears has earned it. I will complete me chiminage and I will fight beside her. If she proves to be a good leader and controls the Sept in a way that improves it. Then I will not challenge her. If she fails to lead it though, I most certainly will. Not all Silver Fangs are capable of leading. And not all from the other tribes are incapable of it.~

Blackriver tips her head very slightly to the side. ~You say our tribe is meant to be alpha, but then you say that you will not be alpha here unless needed, and that not all of our tribe should be alpha. Ears-to-Ground is a Bone Gnawer and a mule. Not just not a Silver Fang, but from a tribe and breed meant to be omega.~

Heart-Strike gives a soft huff of acknowledgement. ~And yet she is Adren and Alpha. Does that say something negative about her? If anything, it shows an amount of determination that surpasses most Silver Fangs. Life is not easy for either Gnawer or metis.~ He lets out a soft groan then, still fussing with that bit of fur. ~My Fostern challenge paired me with the Bone Gnawers for over six moons. I learned much from them and about them. Ears is no omega. If she were, she would not carry that rank or that title.~

~But that is not her place.~ Blackriver protests. ~She has her own place, and she has abandoned it to become an alpha. Maybe because she needed to then. But now you are here and she doesn't need to.~ She gives her coat a shake. ~And if she is a real alpha, she would win when you challenged her.~

Heart-Strike gives a little warning growl then and stands up, ~If it was not her place, who was there to challenge her? Who was there to challenge the Alpha before her? Are you telling me the entire sept sat stagnant while a Gnawer rose to power, and no one did anything then, but will complain now because someone else has arrived that could challenge and remove her from such? A metis must work twice as hard to get half as far and you dare to speak of her place as omega? After she has accomplished what she has? Enough! I am tired of defending the alpha's position. Until you, or Blood-Seeker are fit and willing to challenge her, then I will not hear any more of this argument. She is warranted your respect, obedience and submission, just as she is warranted mine. If. If the time comes for me to challenge her, I will. Otherwise, I will expect the same respect and obedience as is warranted /my/ station. You will see that a Garou can lead in ways far beyond merely donning the title of Alpha.~

Blackriver quickly flattens her ears and flicks her tail underneath her belly, shifting down into lupus as she does so. She says nothing, letting her posture speak for itself.

Heart-Strike lets out another snort and then shakes out his fur and lets hackles and tension fall. ~There is a new kin in town, homid. Named Adrian. He is eager to fully participate among his tribe and sept. Would you like to arrange to meet him?~

Blackriver's posture slowly eases back to normal, although she keeps it a touch more submissive than it was before. Is this the kin Blood-Seeker says she will not mate with? I have already met him.

Heart-Strike has to think about that for a moment. ~No. I don't think so. Adrian has just arrived in the last few days. He comes from Falcon's Eyrie. He was married a very short while by arrangement there, but his wife died during the Great Hunt.~

That is not the other kin then. That kin ran away from his old sept, but his old sept does not want him back. Blackriver slides back down to rest on her belly. I would like to meet him. I do not understand the ape-kin, but I like to smell them.

Heart-Strike tosses his head and licks his nose once. ~Let me know when and where and I will bring him.~ He lets out a large, hispo sized yawn then. ~Does Blood-Seeker know your tale yet? Of your recent fight? If not, she should hear it so it can be told at the gathering.~

Blackriver will meet him when the moon is smaller. Bring him to the weaver-river in my territory and howl for me. She yawns. You should talk to the other kin too, I do not know much about ape-kin, but I think Blood-Seeker and Falcon's Wing are fighting over him. You should make sure he is alright. She chews idly on a forepaw and then indicates that she will tell Blood-Seeker about her fight, though the lupus doesn't seem to think it's that important.

Heart-Strike licks his muzzle once more and chuffs in agreement. ~I will. Heal swiftly Blackriver.~ He puts a nose to her shoulder gently in farewell, then drops to lupus to make his way out again.

Blackriver lighty bops Heart-Strike back with the flat of her nose, and starts to wind her way towards the woods once it's apparent the Ahroun is leaving.

On Challenges and Differences (Belquis)

2008-08-23T02:46:34Z

Quiet afternoon on a sunny day finds Belquis by the natural pool in the silent valley. She's wearing a long shirt and little else, the rest of her clothes are set by the rucksack on the ground while the Fang is busy trying to figure out how to swim. Right now, Bel is standing in the middle of the pool, water up to her waist, and frowning faintly at her reflection.

After spending some time in lupus to trail his tribemate, Nathan has once more taken homid so he can offer his greeting. "Belquis?" comes Nate's voice all cool and casual. "Can I join you?"

Belquis's head snaps up at the call, and she ducks down into the water. A bad move as the Galliard begins sputtering when the water gets up to her nose. Standing up again, she coughs once more, face flushed in embarrassment, and awkwardly folds her arms over her chest (two tries before she gets right). "Yes, of course, Sidi."

Nathan looks on at her with a curious half grin, "You're alright out there? Oh. OH!" He seems to catch on to the small issue and looks to the shore, "Well, I could wait for you to join me here instead if you'd like, or..." he pauses in thought then and looks to the water. "Hell with it." A playful glint of mischief comes over him and he sheds his shirt and blazer. With just his pants on he moves to join her in the water, shivering once at first. "There, more even ground. And this is good actually. Because that's just what I wanted to speak with you about." He wades his way out toward her with a chuckle.

Belquis's cheeks turn a shade darker when he approaches, and she tries to look anywhere but him. It's obviously difficult to keep to her usual stiff and formal posture with only a shirt on, so the poor girl stops trying by the time he reaches her. She crosses her arms more tightly over her chest and glances at his. "You wanted to speak to me about swimming, Sidi?"

"Do you know how?" he asks with a troubling little grin. He also takes a step closer to her and splashes the water a bit, "Water's pretty nice after the initial jump actually. When I was younger, much younger, my siblings and I would spend hours upon hours in the creek. We set up a rope to swing off of and would take turns pretending we were Tarzan or Robin Hood."

Belquis takes a step back, and almost slips. "Robin Hood did not swing from tree tops," she mumurs, eyes never lifting to his face. "But no, I do not know how to swim..I am..teaching myself." If anything, the girl is made even more awkward by the confession, as if she's admitting to a deep failure on her part.

Nathan nods his head and then moves closer, "I've never been one to follow the philosophy of sink or swim, but there's no reason that jumping into the deep end has to be done alone either. Give me your hands." He reaches his own out toward her.

Belquis's gaze flickers towards his for an instant, nervous suspicion quite evident in her eyes. Swallowing, she holds moves to put her hands in his.

Nathan nods his head and takes hold of her hands. "I'm going to pull backward and I want you to lift your legs off the bottom and start kicking them under water. I won't let go and your head won't go under if you keep your chin up."

Belquis pales a little, and she says in a rush, "You do not have to teach me, Sidi! You have many other things to do -important things -" she racks her mind for an example, and comes up with, "Like finishing your chiminage!"

"Belquis, -this- is important to me. I want you to trust me." He keeps hold of her hands gently. "Besides that, there are few things I enjoy more than helping someone accomplish something. Whether it be defeating the enemy or learning how to swim. Come on, now." He smiles encouragingly at her. "Unless you want me to go first?"

"No, I can do it," Belquis insists, though she doesn't move from her spot. Glancing up at him, the Galliard sighs, "I do not know who you are or where you stand, Sidi. I am sorry, but I am not sure what you want me to trust."

Nathan grins a little at the admission, "Trust me Belquis. Just, trust me." He pulls on her hands again, just gently, "Let go and kick, I've got you."

Belquis frowns, though careful to keep her gaze away from his, and gives a mute nod. She lifts one foot of the ground, then the other, and begins to thrash at the water, panic taking over as she finds herself sinking.

Nathan lifts up on her arms as promised, and the hold raises her head above water easily and keeps her from getting anything up her nose. "Relax I have you. Just get used to kicking. Paddle, like a duck. Up and down and alternate your feet."

If she looked a little awkward before, she definitely epitomizes the word now. Her legs kicks at the water, following his instruction, and probably splashing him in the face, but she's having trouble finding a good balance to keep herself afloat, body rigid and tense.

"Loosen up a little, propel forward with your kicks. Little kicks, kick kick kick kick." He's smiling though, not at all bothered by the water, or the splashing or fact this might take a little time and effort.

Belquis seems incapable of loosening up, or rather, she feels her body sinking a fraction of an inch in the water whenever she tries to relax and seizes up again. But the kicking doesn't stop, it becomes faster and more frantic, propelling the Galliard forward. Eventually, she stops and searches for the bottom with her foot before standing up again and letting go of him. Wiping the water off her face, she murmurs, "Thank you for the lesson, Sidi, may I speak frankly?"

Nathan lets her regain her footing. "There, you've nearly got the first half down pat." He stands up and wipes some of the water from his face as well, "Yes Belquis, you may. So long as you promise to get back in the water again."

Belquis glances at the water by her waist and frowns again, thinking. Finally, the Galliard sighs and nods, "Alright." She looks up at Nathan, frown still in place, and asks, "Why are you so adamant about accepting a Metis who does not follow the true Garou way as an Alpha?"

Nathan gives her a faint nod of understanding. "I'm no Galliard Belquis, can you put up with a long, poorly told story about how I came to be what I am today and how it shapes my thoughts and plans?"

Belquis nods, and wades to a rocky ledge to sit down and listen. "Of course, Sidi. Blackriver-Sidi has all but given over the Alphaship of our tribe to you, it is best that I know your story so I can regale it to others."

"Then, where do you want to begin from? My father, or me?" He moves to the side with her and settles himself up on the ledge, feet still in the water. "Do you want to hear my moments of victory, or the ones of defeat?"

Belquis shakes her head, "I want to hear what has pushed you away from the path of tradition and our forefathers. Questioning you infront of one who is not of our tribe was a breach of etiquette and protocol, and you were right to punish me for it. But the question remains, and the suspicion and lack of faith. If your tribemates do not believe in you, then the rest of the Sept will not either. I must believe in you if I wish you to challenge the Metis Alpha.." she trails off, looking a little guilty and shamefaced by her confession.

"I have to ask you Belquis, if there is nothing to believe in with me, how is it that I've earned this rank? How is it that I'm an ahroun and yet breathing and fighting? There are a lot of paths that will lead to the same destination. A polar bear will teach its young to swim simply by diving in and expecting them to follow. While the sea otter carries its young on their bellies and wrap them in kelp to keep them floating like corks when they have to hunt away from their young. Both creatures though, become masters of the sea." He looks to her, "My father was not always a dreamer. He met a Fury who brought him to the states and he learned just how desperate times were becoming. He raised me to believe that new times and new challenges call for new ideas. It's not a popular ideal among the Fangs, and I've endured the mocking of the others my entire life and yet I rise in rank and experience. If you ask me if I think the Fangs are the First Tribe. The leaders of our nation, I'll say yes. But I'll also say that we have been lacking a true leader for a long while, and that the nation deserves action and not just circumstance."

"That is a question I ask myself when I think of you," Belquis admits in a quiet murmur, not looking at him. "But this Sept is so against tradition, that I would not be surprised if the Fangs in your previous Sept were the same." She lets out a breath, "My Sidi in Howling Winds tells me that the failure of the Fangs comes from unclean blood. The purer the blood, the closer we will come to our original purpose: regaining our place as the First Tribe. In the meantime, we must remind the other tribes of who we are, and who we were, of the traditional and true path of the Goddess. So that when the Legends of Old arise again, when their souls find a body fit for their destiny and finally decide to leave the Goddess's side, they will be welcomed and recognized by the whole Nation."

Nathan nods, "I believe the same, just, in a slightly different view. I believe in pure blood, I would see Fangs take Fang mates. But I believe the others have been too long without believing in the Silver Fangs for mere stories to renew their hope in us. They need to see action from us. Deeds, promises, glory. Victory. But because they don't see us as their leaders, to step in and demand such based on old ways and old heroes is only going to breed resentment and bitterness. I want them to see a man, a Garou, that believes in them as well. One that they would willingly follow out of trust instead of tradition."

Belquis scowls up at him, though it's clear her frustration is not aimed at him as the girl flings her wet arm to indicate the Sept, "Those rabble? They thwart tradition left and right, and the litany is being broken again and again as a result. You should /not/ have to coddle them or curry their favor. You are bigger and better than that, and they know it. They are like wild children who will resent being disciplined at first, and then be grateful for it." She pauses, as something registers, and her scowl fades, "Are you thinking of taking over the Alphaship of this Sept in the future? Please tell me that you are."

"I need to complete chiminage, and then I need to get the tribe in order. You cannot respect one who takes the reins of a twelve horse hitch when they are run ragged by a two horse wagon." Nathan looks to her, "I promise you, that if I see a problem with the leadership of the sept I will not hesitate to step in. You judge Kaz based on her tribe and her breeding. But she has been alpha for, what, two weeks? Let's see what mettle she has. I cannot challenge now even if I wished to."

Belquis tilts her head, thinking, then nods again. "You are right in pushing for our own tribe to be in order first - however, I do not think you should wait until you see a problem with the current Alpha. By then it may be too late. I judge Ears-Sidi on how she behaves, and what she believes in. She has no qualms about upsetting balance for the sake of calling herself Alpha of the Sept. No sooner had she gained rank, she challenged Vera-Sidi of the Shadow Lords. The Gnawer did not hesitate or try to curry favor, you should not have to either, especially when those who follow the true path towards balance know that a Silver Fang is always the one who leads, not a Gnawer, and certainly not a Metis. I had an Ahroun Metis try to order me around yesterday as if I was a cublet. This is not how we conduct ourselves as Garou."

"Belquis, you realize that you are telling me I should not work to earn the favor and following of those I would lead, when you yourself have admitted you cannot follow me until you trust me. And if I were not here? Then who would lead. A fostern Fang? Blackriver perhaps, lead the entire Sept and handle the affairs of the city as well? We're far from our roots Belquis, and we need to be willing to adapt in some fashion or we'll disappear altogether. From what I have learned, Kaz has already gained /great/ favor among this Sept." Nate sighs softly, chuckling a little. "I have followed Get, and Silver Fang and Fury. My life has been saved by Gnawers and Shadow Lords. Do you think every single Silver Fang that is born has the right, and the ability to lead?"

Belquis frowns at him, "I would have followed you until the ends of the Earth, into and past the Apocalypse, when I first met you. These doubts came only after your acceptance of the current leadership and less than traditional views have shown themselves. I remember being so happy when I first saw you. Simply standing there, and talking to the other Garou, you exuded leadership, and inspired me to be at my best. The Gnawer does neither of those things. She is plain, and rough, and lacks everything one would see in a leader. For the others she is symbol of rebellion, a way for them to say 'look, these are strange times, we can do whatever we wish.'" She pauses as she studies him, then shakes her head, "I do not believe every Silver Fang has the ability to lead, but I know a leader when I see one."

Nathan looks to her and smiles faintly, nodding lightly to her. "You're very strongly set in your ideals Belquis. And while I allow you to speak freely to me, your words often become insults. I have not yet decided whether the current alpha needs replacing. When I do and if I do. It will be /my/ decision, not yours." He studies her with a look that suggests the free speaking part of the discussion is over. "If you know one when you see one, then their ideals would not so quickly tarnish your vision of them."

Belquis's cheeks flush again and she drops her gaze immediately, taking a deep breath as she realizes that she may have gone too far again. "Of course, Sidi."

"I would like if you could give both me, and the rest of the nation, the benefit of the doubt for a time Belquis. This rank is not earned lightly and I have challenged adren and athro for my station, and /they/ saw me fit to succeed. Doubting me doubts them, and shakes the very foundations of leadership and greatness you are so adamant I uphold." He stands up then and nods to the water. "You owe me some more swim time."

Belquis sighs and nods, "I apologize. I not only follow Blackriver-Sidi's orders because she commanded me to do so, but also because I agree with them." Her eyes widen a bit at the reminder, and she takes a bracing breath before standing up. "I do.."

Nathan nods. "I do not mind disagreement, especially voiced rationally. But *I* have not been here more than a half moon and you both already have decided my ways are wrong, that they fail us and make a mockery of us. My record speaks otherwise."

Belquis shakes her head, "It is only our desire to regain balance that forces us to push you so hard towards challenging for Alphaship. The longer we wait, the more time the Gnawer Alpha will have to convince the Sept that tradition does not matter. Your hesitation, though understandable at some level, is worrisome."

"The discussion is over Belquis. I've given you a chance to speak freely on multiple occasions. From this point out, I expect the submission and respect that my earnings award me from you." He grunts, "If the Gnawer alpha really begins to convince the others that the Litany and the traditions are without their place, I will have her challenged before she can finish speaking such madness. But she has not to this point done that. And she is due our respect. If I have to continually defend her from you, I will not be happy."

Belquis looks pained by this, "Just so I am clear on what is expected of me, Sidi. Blackriver-Sidi demands that I not stay quiet, and keep voicing the traditionalist view whenever possible. You, Sidi, are asking me to do the opposite. If Blackriver-Sidi, Alpha of the tribe, seeks to punish me for following your orders, will you support me?"

Nathan looks to her. "Voice them. But do not voice them against me." He looks to her and then stands up, "Next, add the arms. Start with the doggy paddle until you get used to being buoyant." He gives her a slight nod of his head and then turns to head back to his shirt and blazer.

Belquis nods, "As you wish, Sidi," though still looking somewhat confused and frustrated. She slides into the water, up to her chest, and regards him with a faint frown as he heads back to the shore. With a sigh, the Galliard starts trying to swim again.

Adrian's Arrival (Adrian)

2008-08-22T21:16:01Z

It's a cool breezy morning and Adrian Windsor has found himself awake on the couch in a strange house, after a long night. That was hours ago. Now, he sits, dressed, shaven, and showered, with a plate of toast and a glass of orange juice, admiring the decoration for the umpteenth time.

The front door opens and Nathan walks in. "Hello, anyone home?" The words come out before he's fully inside so he doesn't see the occupant right away.

Adrian lifts his eyebrows and adjusts his glasses before standing up and dusting the crumbs from his hands onto the plate. "Hello! My name is Adrian Windsor. Who might you be?" He gives a friendly smile and offers a hand to shake.

"Ah Adrian, good to meet you. Nate Buckingham, I got your message late last night. Please, sit sit." He points down to the seat the man just rose from and then moves to take a nearby one. "Glad you got in touch, there's a lot happening for the tribe here lately."

Adrian sits back down. "Oh! Nate! Wonderful. Glad you're here. Yes." He sits, blinks his eyes twice, and folds his hands in his lap. "I'm glad to be here. Please, if you would, go on."

Nathan chuckles a little, "Well, I've just come into town myself. Right now, the tribal elder is a lupus halfmoon named Blackriver. Once I finish chiminage I'll be stepping into the position. How familiar are you with the area and its level of activity?"

Adrian arches his eyebrows again. "A lupus elder? Fascinating. I must meet her at some point." He pauses thoughtfully and responds, afterward, "I am familiar with the City. I spent my last ten years at SCU, acquiring degrees in Psychology. However, aside from the general...scummy nature of Saint Claire, I'm afraid I don't know much about its activity at all."

Nathan nods, "The Dancers in the area are quite active Adrian. They've made attack on both garou and kin, so we need to keep our guard up. Ah, sorry. Look at me assuming the typical. How well versed in our society are you?" He grins.

Adrian nods. "Quite, actually. My parents were rather active in Falcon's Eyrie." He runs his fingers over his naked ring finger distractedly. "And, ah...Spirals killed my wife. How active, exactly, are they here?" A mild tinge of worry touches his eyes.

Nathan looks to the man then, "Falcon's Eyrie? Did you stay there through your upbringing?" There's a barely noticable flicker of deep interest mingled with tension at this.

Adrian cants his head slightly, and then replies, "Yes, until I was 19. That was..." He stares into space for a moment then snaps back to reality, "1998. I'd be happy to ramble about my lineage for a while, if you'd like, but, I do understand it can get boring."

Nathan holds up his hand and shakes his head, "No no, I'm sorry to hear about your wife. I can't imagine the loss." He sobers deeply at this and clears his throat, "They've kidnapped several kin and a few garou. All have been reclaimed, but, they're quite active."

Adrian frowns. "Er." He knits his eyebrows and peers at Nathan, a little worriedly. "I have just opened a practice in the city. Is it safe for me to be working there? Should I...should I abandon it?" The prospect clearly hurts him.

Nathan shakes his head, "No, I don't think that will be a problem. But I would like if we kept communications open so that if anything goes amiss we can be quick to move."

Adrian nods fervently, looking relieved. "Oh yes, of course. I'm making contact so I can be a part of this Sept now. Speaking of, how exactly do I go about that? I know I was to contact you and Derrick and Tristan, but beyond that I am frankly in the dark." He spreads his hands as if in demonstration.

"I can relay your arrival and readiness to Blackriver. You're a Silver Fang Adrian. You're being here right now makes you part of this tribe, and by proxy, part of this Sept. As far as what you can do to help, that'll be mostly up to you and what you're willing to contribute."

Adrian nods and smiles. "Well, I'm not sure how helpful I can be, but as a Psychologist I may be of some use to someone, somewhere. And I'll keep my eyes out on the city. I also have ample resources, if the Sept is in need." He blinks twice again: it seems to be a tic. He smiles warmly enough though.

Nathan chuckles, "Have you worked with Garou much in regard to your practice? I can't imagine sorting through the traumas we endure."

Adrian scratches his head. "Well. That is sort of my aim, but honestly, I've just opened my practice this month. I just got my Doctorate in June, you see. But eventually, I do want to try to help, somehow, if I can."

Nathan nods, "I'm sure you'll do fine Adrian. With regular patients and the furry abrasive kind as well." He gives a good natured smile then, "So how was Falcon's Eyrie when you left?"

Adrian smiles warmly at that encouragement, then peers into the depths of the coffee table in thought. "Well, before I left, the Great Hunt went badly, and that was the end of my wife. And, ah, my mother and brother. But we'd only been married three months anyways so...that is my wife and I had only been married three months...so it's not that...not that bad. Well, of course, it is that bad, but I have since gone through mourning. Other than my family sort of falling apart, the rest of the Sept seemed to be doing rather well."

The news seems to shake Nathan as well and after a moment of intense debate, he chances his question, "Were there many losses? How was it your family was involved so deeply? Your wife was, garou?"

Adrian breathes deeply. "My wife was garou, yes. Claire Speaks-in-Riddles. They were all a part of the pack that went on the Hunt. My brother was going, to prove to the pack totem he was worthy, actually. My mother was head of the pack. My wife was chosen for me because she was in their pack. I suppose, except for their deaths, the Great Hunt was a success, actually. I mean, none of the wyrm types survived."

Nathan nods his head and a flicker of relief seems to wash through him. "You never remarried after that?"

Adrian shakes her head. "No, didn't really want to. Well I /do/ want to but I want to...find the right girl first, I suppose. Not that that's how it's done, but..." He trails off. "No," he says finally, "I just decided to go to college."

Nathan nods his head and reaches out to clasp the man's shoulder. "Settle in here. Get your practice set up and find your grounding. You'll find I work a little differently than most of our tribemates."

Adrian nods. "Alright," he smiles. "I'll do that." He looks almost relieved that line of questioning is over.

"Do you have a place to stay yet? I've a house in uptown, my wife and children are there and there is a spare bedroom that we can set over for you."

Adrian smiles. "That would lovely. I've been living in my office, but I haven't gotten around to purchasing furniture yet. Haven't found any I significantly like." He trails off, then pipes up almost a second later, "Actually, I really don't mean to be rude, but do you mind if I ... take a look at it before I accept? It's not you, and I have no doubt it's quite nice but..." He frowns. "I have synesthesia. Do you know what that is?"

Nathan cants his head slightly and then shakes it, "I'm not sure that I do."

Adrian sniffs and leans forward, looking very much like a psychologist talking to his patient. "Synesthesia is a condition where your neural paths are crossed in your brain. It makes your senses ... mix, for lack of better word. So, for example, certain tastes make me see colors. Certain patterns make me feel sensations. It's...it's not too altogether unpleasant really. But it makes me rather particular about my surroundings, sometimes. I can certainly tolerate a bad color, or a prickly sensation, but."

Nathan grins a little and looks really, quite interested in this, "That's rather amazing in a way Adrian. It doesn't suffer you too much does it? And absolutely you can visit first. I should have you and Tristan over for dinner. The wife will love that."

Adrian brightens up with a big smile. "It doesn't suffer me at all. It's quite nice sometimes, really. It's...it's kind of like always being on LSD. But without the bad parts, I suppose. Er, well, anyways, I appreciate the invitation unduly and I would love to meet your wife and children. And Tristan too."

Nathan nods. "You should meet the rest of the tribe too. Are you comfortable with meeting Blackriver?"

Adrian smiles and nods. "Oh yes. I do believe I could make a good impression. Unless there's something I should know about her?" His smile doesn't leave his face.

"Other than her preference for the lupus form... well, she does not speak English well, it's not her native tongue. Beyond the fact she was wolf born." He smiles. "So we'll be sure to have someone else there as well to bridge any gaps."

Adrian ahs and nods. "Well then it will be nice to meet her, especially with another there. Fascinating. Do you think if I made picture cards it would help?" He looks thoughtful.

Nathan shakes his head, "Nono, god no. She's intelligent and clever Adrian. English is simply not her language, it would be like throwing us into the middle of Russia and hoping to catch every nuance and intention in the discussion."

Almost Like a Rave (Edge, Jake, Tim, Belquis, Cordelia)

2008-08-22T01:54:18Z

Edge tromps backwards, letting Jake stomp into the room without any doltish collisions. "Want some water or something, Jake-rhya? Beer? Coke?" he asks, clearing his throat so as to not sound so sleepy and croak-y. "Y'just caught me napping. I get training at night and I sleep when I can, is all."

"Yeah, a beer'd be nice," Jake says, eyeing the cub a little dubiously. "You're doin' night training? Shadow shit?"

"Nah," Edge says as he tromps into the kitchen, the rubber lip of the refrigerator smacking as he opens the door and pulls out a Shiner Bock. "I usually get up at dusk, 'swhen my elders come around. That and I like the night better, really." The fridge smacks closed as he walks over to a drawer and pulls out a bottle opener, the cap clinking against the surface of the counter. About a moment later the cub returns from the kitchen with a glass of bubbly amber brew, with only a thin layer of foam. "Here y'go," he says, holding it out to the Ragabash.

There is a creak of the door as a well dressed and dark haired man walks in. He gives the room a look about and offers a faint, but curious nod. "Afternoon. Some new faces I see."

The Get closes the door behind him and follows Edge to the kitchen, watching him get out the beer and pour it. "Thanks," he says when it is offered, "Right. So, your Elders come around night then? Any of them-" he turns to look over his shoulder and says, "Howdy."

Edge looks in Jake's general direction but respectfully avoids eye contact, while heading for the couch. His gaze turns to the dark-haired man who has just appeared and, rubbing his eyes a little, says, "Oh, hi."

"Nathaniel Buckingham." He steps in a bit more and like the man before him shuts the door in his wake. "Introductions in order I assume?"

"Jake kills under the cover of darkness, Get Ragabash Cliath, currently of Granite under Flea. Not tied to a Sept. Lookin' for the wielder of the bloodied blade, heard she's running my tribe around here."

The Ragabash steps forward and offers Nathan a hand.

"Edgeworth McElvaine," the cub off to Jake's side offers as introduction, nodding his head in a bow. "Man-born Theurge cub of Stag's people."

Nathan reaches out to shakes Jake's hand with a confident but not oppressive grip. "Falcon's Heart Strikes the Darkness. Adren Ahroun of the Silver Fangs, good to meet you." He nods to the cub as well, "Both of you." He pauses thoughtfully, "You're looking for Mia Wagner?"

Outside a motorcycle can be heard briefly, then the engine noise cuts out somewhere behind the garage. After a few minutes a man enters through the door in a familiar but cautious manner: he has a dark grey shoulderbag bearing numerous hand-sewn patches slung across his chest, and is carrying a loudly colored motorcycle helmet in one hand. He pauses in the mudroom and begins tugging off his gloves, nodding at the current occupants of the house. "Gentleman," he says.

"If that's her name," Jake says, smiling broadly, "Didn't get much info from your Guardian. She wasn't real specific about where you guys hung out either." His shake is strong but doesn't attempt to overpower the other mans, noticably easing as the man mentions his rank." He looks to the door as it opens again, his eyebrows shooting up. "She wasn't kidding about this being a meeting place though."

Edge turns to face Tim, and seemingly already in the business of introductions dips his head to the Strider. "Hi," he repeats, though in a slightly different variation (perhaps in an attempt to not bore himself) "I'm Edgeworth Pool's-Edge, Man-born Theurge cub of the Fianna."

Nathan nods to Jake again, "The Get have a place in the city they reside at often enough. I'm not sure Ms. Wagner stays there though." The new arrival brings his attention to the back and with the cub already giving his intro, he waits to hear the others response.

"Well," Tim says to Jake, "Gotta mingle somewhere. Disco died in the 70s, so the sakting rink's out." He nods at Edge, and says to all of them. "Tim, or Golden if we're wanting our Clubhouse names. Dark moon and first rank. One of owl's." He bobs his head at Nathan in defference, hangs up his jacket and the helmet in the hall, then makes his way to one of the couches. "Just breezing through."

"Heh," Jake laughs, grinning at Tim, "Jake. Kills under the cover of shadow. New here, looking for the tribe hancho."

Edge pays attention to Tim's introduction, and the goes over to the couch to submit and avert his eyes from all the elders, not saying anything either. Just looking rather sleepy.

"Nice to meet you Tim. Nate Buckingham. Adren Ahroun of the Silver Fangs, Heart-Strike. And yes, the more I have to say it in the same hour, the shorter it gets." He grins widely at this and bobs his head to the Strider. "Just breezing through the sept, or the house? Hard to tell with Owl's children sometimes."

Tim gives Edge an amused look, Jake a friendly grin, and settles himself into the couch a little more thoroughly. "Both, at the moment," he replies. "I know some people around here, and I just wrapped up business a bit south so I figured I should try to get a little less brutal heat for the rest of summer while I had the chance." With as curious a look as he dares give an Adren, he asks, "How about you, rhya? New or returning to your roots...?"

Jake takes a drink from his beer, glancing sideways at the cub and making a questioning face. "All new arrivals?" he mutters softly.

"There is an amazing weaver killing weapon in the gar-" Belquis's sentence is cut short when she realizes who's in the room as she walks in. Blinking at the two unfamiliar faces, and passing over Edge without much thought, the Galliard focuses on Nathan, expression slamming to neutral almost immediately, "Hello, Sidi."

"Been a cub nearly three turnings of the moon, Jake-rhya," he tells the Get, only to turn around at Belquis' sentence and blinks a little sleepily. "Good afternoon, Belquis-rhya," he says, nodding his head respectfully.

Nathan looks to Tim, "New in town. Lots of action here I've heard and I like to keep busy." He turns to face Belquis and gives her an easy and genuine smile, "Evening Belquis. So, most of us are new faces then, when it rains it pours."

Tim raises his hand in greeting to Belquis, supplying her with, "Tim. Or Golden. Whatever suits your fancy. New Moon form Owl's nest. Depending on which weaver toy you're looking at, could be mine." He sighs a little wistfully in response to Nathan's comment, and observes, "Yeah, it was busy last time I was here too. Practically a twenty-four-seven Rave at the Not-Really-Hidden Walk."

Belquis bows her head to Nathan, back straight and posture formal. She then turns to Tim, nodding again, "Belquis Al-Zaidi, Blood Seeker of the Heart, Silver Fang Cliath Story Moon from Sept of the Howling Winds in Yemen, born under House of the Wise Heart.." here she breaks into a nervous smile, glancing timidly at Nathan before admitting, "The motorcycle weaver machine. Yes. It smelled wonderful, and looks very exciting." Eventually, the Galliard turns to Edge, smile still there, and nods to him. "Hello Little One."

Edge nods quietly to Belquis once more, then just turns his eyes down to the floor, again avoiding eye contact with the gathering of Elders. He puts his hand over his mouth, stifling a yawn, and rubs his eyes for a moment or two before putting his hand down again.

"Rave huh? Just more fur and less glowsticks." Nate grins a little and then turns to each of the gathered. "Motorcycle?" A wide grin follows there too. "So, are all of you planning on staying on for a time?"

"Jake kills under the cover of darkness," the Get says to Belquis, "Cliath new moon Get of Fenrir. Nice t' meet you." He steps forward and offers the Fang his hand. He looks over to Nathan and shrugs. "Don't know," he admits, "Not really sure."

"It's not a bad ride," Tim tells both Belquis and Nathan. "Got a lot of miles, though." He shrugs at the question about staying, then with a booted foot, he nudges at Edge. "So what's your story? You from around here?"

Belquis glances at Jake's hand, and then gives it a light shake, smiling politely as she nods at both introductions. Once that's done, the Galliard moves to stand at an angle from Nathan, posture stiff and formal, as if expecting an inspection from the local general. And yet, there it is, a flicker of a pained expression when the casual talk swarms around the Adren.

Edge seems to be awakened from a mild reverie. "Oh, I'm from St. Claire," he tells the Strider in something of a reserved tone, his voice reedy with youth. "I'm a waning moon, just trying to learn all that I can. Where have you come from last, Tim-rhya?"

Nathan nods to the responses, "Lots to be done here if folks are looking for some action." He turns to look at Edge and hear the cubs story, showing even the youngest of the group genuine interest. He moves toward one of the chairs and sits down.

"Vegas, as of a few days ago. Hotter than a naked Sarah Michelle Gellar down there, too. Praise Gaia for AC." Tim holds up one of his hands, making it easier to see that his fingernails have all been painted black. "When in Rome, and all that. So, a *local*, and a crescent. Not sure they have too many of you. You think they'll Rite you here, or ship you off for some fostering?"

Jake's shake gives just the slightest pressure then he releases her hand with a smile. He looks to Tim, his eyebrows shooting up, "Gotta say one thing, those cycles get you around quick. What's the word from down there?"

Belquis's pained expression intensifies as the Cliath continue to converse around Nathan. Finally, the Galliard takes a deep breath and pipes up, "The Little One is also a good story teller." She's not looking at anyone, and especially not at Nathan.

Edge seems to perk up at the comment, as though stunned out of a relatively comfortable silence on his part. "Well um, I went with my Elder to the Shadow," he explains, "And a Salmon-spirit honored me my speaking to me in the Mother's Tongue. He bade me tell a story to others that he told me, and well, I shared it with Belquis-rhya." He shrugs and lets a nervous smile come to his face. "I -am- one of Stag's children. Or will be. All glory to Him in the telling."

Tim gives Edge a satisfied look, and grunts at Jake's question about Vegas. He pulls something out of his shoulderbag and toys with it; closer examination reveals it to be a business card. "The word is, fomori still suck, the mafia still sucks, vampires still suck, and, humans are good at getting themselves into shitloads of trouble without knowing a goddamned thing about any of the above." His curiosity shifts and he tips his head at Bel. "So you're not local either. Come here for anything specific?"

Nathan listens to the short relay of the story from Edge, smiling and nodding. "Stag's children are known for their melodious ways with words. I'm sure it was enjoyable to watch the young one at the beginning of his career." He turns toward Belquis as Time asks his question.

Jake laughs and nods at Tim, "Sounds the same as ever." He glances between Belquis and Edge and says, "Well now I'm curious so /one/ of you has to tell the story."

Cordelia enters through the front door and instantly stops in her tracks. There are.. people. Gosh. Big green eyes blink a few times and the tall girl with the ankle-length black sheet of hair looks around the room until she spots Edge and smiles at him, a little bewildered. For the moment, she merely closes the door behind her and remains still.

Belquis seems slightly panicked by Tim's question, and glances at Nathan again before answering the Strider. "The Goddess led me here." Satisfied with that vague reply, the Galliard nods to Nathan, before answering Jake, "I believe the Little One should tell it again - the honor for such a tale should go to him." That's when Cordelia walks in, and Belquis simply blinks back at her.

"Now *that* was evasive enough to do even Fog proud," Tim says to Belquis with a wink. He stands up and hands the business card to Nathan. It advertises for a used record store in Flagstaff, Arizona, and on the back in faded red ink is an Arizona phone number. "My cell. Particularly if you have Kin who need something, Rhya. The humans don't spook much around me either." He gestures at everyone else, saying, "You're all welcome to take it down. And now, if you don't mind, I am gonna wash a few hundreds miles of dust off. You," he points at Edge, "can tell it again to me later on." He drags himself off of the couch and heads into the bathroom, snagging a towel from the linen closet on his way.

Nathan takes the card from Tim and nods, smiling. "I appreciate that. So will the wife. Do you do babysitting?" He grins at the Strider brightly and turns back to Belquis with another small grin. Almost as if on cue, a small buzzing sound comes from the Adren's pocket and he pulls a phone out to look it over. A chuckle, "She knows when I talk about her, I swear. Excuse me everyone. It was good meeting the rest of you, and Belquis, I'd like to speak with you soon, with the rest of the tribe." He stands up and makes his way toward the door to take the call outside.

Lessons and Scars (August)

2008-08-21T21:19:37Z

August is easy to miss on this cool, overcast day, laying down on his stomach in the tall grass. Only his feet are visible over the brush, his legs kicked up vertically at the knee. The Ahroun is a good distance away from the house, watching the waters of the tiny brook trickle past.

While the Ahroun is hard to see himself, the prospect of magically floating feet is enough to bring a curious eye (and the body it is attached to) over for a look. "Hello?" comes the cool voice of the Silver Fang.

August rolls over and sits up to squint at the source of the voice. It takes little time for the Fang's presence to register, and the Gaian's lazy posture evaporates. He gets to his feet quickly, and answers, "Hi. I'm August, Turns-Around-Hope. Cliath full moon of Unicorn's Children."

Nathan holds up a hand and grins slightly, "Nate Buckingham, Silver Fang Ahroun, Adren. Falcon's Heart Strikes the Darkness. Good to meet you August. Can I join you for a sit?"

August smooths down the front of his overalls, now fairly damp with dew. He returns the Adren's grin with a subdued smile and nods. "Sure, I don't mind." He lowers himself back onto the grass and leans back onto his hands.

Nathan drops down onto his rear and leans back in much the same way. "Interesting deed name you have. It a shareable story?"

August shrugs. "My teacher at the Western Eye gave it to me. Whole thing is He-Whose-Battle-Turns-Around-Hope, but I never say that, it's too long."

Nathan grins and nods. "Hope's a powerful thing August, it's a good name." The Adren lets out a long, slow exhale. "Western Eye has a strong Gaian count, doesn't it?"

August chuckles. "Yeah, I know," he agrees, nodding. "Mostly Gaians, yeah, and it's pretty big. There's some Uktena."

Nathan nods, "Did you like it there? I've never been through there actually, Gaia's Bones yes, but not there."

August hms. "No?" he admits. "But I learned a lot there." He looks at the Fang curiously. "But I never been to Gaia's Bones. What Sept are you from?"

Nathan grins and finds the honesty and ease of answer refreshing. He chuckles at that, "Most recently Caern of the Earthspine. But I have moved around several times in my career. Is this home for you, or just the next spot?"

August grunts thoughtfully. "This is home. I was Rited here at the Hidden Walk... Do you move around because you're Adren?"

Nathan shakes his head, "No, I move around because I'm eager to keep my claws busy. I like to challenge myself and constantly strive to improve. I heard about this Sept and I felt strongly that I could make a difference here."

August watches Nathan with clear reverance as he speaks. "From what I understand, you'll be needed. What did you have in mind?"

"Have in mind? For making a difference you mean?" The Fang smiles, "Getting the tribe sorted out for starters. I hear that there have been some bumps in the past and I want to get that smoothed over. I've spent a lot of time fighting organized Dancer cells as well, so I hope to add experience and wisdom on that front. I've been asked, and in some cases, pressured about my intent, or lackthereof, to take Alphaship. I'm not here to overthrow anyone and set down a banner of Fang rulership. I would challenge if I felt it would better the sept, but only for that."

August looks down at the grass when the Fang hints at criticisms. He picks at a clover for a few seconds, before asking, "Could you tell me a little about, uh, your battles with the Dancers?" He tries to ask casually, but there's a darkness in his tone that can't be avoided, given the subject matter.

Nathan looks over to the other Ahroun and nods. He rolls up his sleeves somewhat and shows off the scarring down his forearms. "This happened at Earthspine. There is a nuclear plant there, that was under the organization and employ of the Dancers. My pack and I had been working on it for months, and on this particular mission, we failed. We were held for six days." He pauses at this and takes a breath, backing up and repeating his story, but slower, more darkly toned. "I told you about hope being a powerful thing. My being here is thanks to hope. We refused to give up that hope, and our determination won out in the long run, thought it was not easy, or without sacrifice."

August breaths in slowly as he looks over Nathan's scars. He lets out the breath and says, "They like to try and turn us. Give up hope, and they succeed." He scowls deeply for a moment, before reigning that in and adding, "Dancers gave me a scar too."

Nathan nods lightly, "Did you want to share it?" The Adren has a surprisingly gentle spirit about him during this conversation and he presses only lightly. "Share your stories?"

August undos one overall strap and lets the front flap hang down. He lifts up his shirt to reveal the sunken hole on his lower right side, about the circumference of a child's ball. The pink scar tissue is thick and smooth, suggesting there's some age to the wound. "I let myself get flanked," the younger Ahroun grunts.

Nathan studies the wound for a moment and nods, "Hard lesson learned there, hmm? But you're here yet." He smiles at the younger Ahroun proudly. "Don't ever turn on yourself for something that taught you, or gained you experience. We're Ahrouns. Our lessons often come with scars."

August repositions his clothing and nods back at Nathan, though his expression is serious. "That battle changed a lot for me. For the best, but... yeah, it was very hard. I hadn't been Cliath very long, then. I was used to 'homid cub hard,' not 'Garou hard.'" He chuckles darkly.

Nathan grins at that and nods. "I remember that transition myself. What about now. You have your sites set on Fostern any time soon?"

August purses his lips and shrugs. "Sometime, yeah. Build up some renown here first... I'm looking to join up with Wildfire, after I get chiminige done."

Nathan nods his head again, "Excellent. Wildfire, which pack is that? I admit that I'm having a hard time finding unpacked Garou for myself. Which, really is a good thing, albeit frustrating."

August says, "Blackriver's the alpha. They're under Wyvern." He cants his head at the Adren and asks, "You looking to start up a new pack, then?"

Nathan nods and grins, "Ah that's right. I remember that now. Yes, Blackriver mentioned Wildfire. Sound choice there. And yes, of course, I can't stroll in and meander about all bored and directionless."

"Were you looking to start a city pack, or woodsy?" August asks, no judgment in his tone when he mentions either choice.

Nathan shakes his head, "I usually decide that after piecing together who will make the pack up. I've run all over, city, woodsy, bawn packs. I like packing where I can take the fight to the enemy. But I also like to protect what needs it the most."

August snorts. "Yeah, ain't that the thing? Both are so important... I'm thinking about serving as Guardian for a while, after I get packed up, and get my claws wet a little."

Nathan grins, "That'll be good. I hear that the area gets attention even near the bawn. Which, is never a good thing, but it keeps the ahroun guardians busy. You seem a solid guy August. I'm anxious to get to fight beside you and see you in action."

August's face breaks into a startled smile at the Adren's compliment. "Thanks, man. Likewise." He gets to his feet slowly, and stretches. "I'm about to go hunt down some food," he says, casting an eye towards the forest. "Care to join me?"

Nathan thinks about that for a moment and looks oooh soo torn with wanting to go. "I'd like to, but I need to see to some things here. Good hunting though August. I'll see you later?"

August grunts an affirmative to the Fang, and gives a wave. "Gaia watch your steps," he says, and then heads towards the treeline.

Clearing out the Story Tree (Harry, Lefty)

2008-08-21T16:57:11Z

Through broken cloud, the sun shines on this summer morning, into the clearing in which the Story Tree stands at the centre. And this morning, one of the strangest scenes the old tree has ever seen is being played out. A trestle table has been set up, with a large hamper sitting on it. There are a couple of folding chairs, too, but these are not by the table, no - they're set, facing the same direction, about ten yards apart from each other. Standing between them is a giant of a man, with his arms spread wide. Five yards in front of him, is a small, dapper man, wearing suit trousers and a shirt and tie. He's rolled his sleeves up, however, and he appears to be wearing a handkerchief, it's corners knotted, on his head. A rollup fag hangs from one corner of his mouth, unlit, and he's currently staring at the soccer ball on the floor in front of him. "Martin Peters," he says, "ready to strike one of his famous free-kicks."

Nathan had been spending another morning in exploration of the bawn and so he comes to find the unusual scene at the story tree. He clears his throat, "Excuse me. Can I help you gentlemen with something?"

Harry, the dapper man, is mid-way through taking his shot, when Nathan's voice comes, causing him to spin round. The ball trickles towards the big guy, who picks it up, pointing at Harry and laughing. "That doesn't count, Dave," Harry says, angrily. "I got distracted." He turns to see who it is. "Good morning, sir!" he calls. "And that depends on whether or not you can kick a ball."

Nathan eyes the two men more curiously. "This is not an appropriate place for such games. Who are you?" The man steps forward with confidence and authority. "What are you doing here?"

"I am Harry, this is Dave," the man says. "We live in the city, usually. I am the proprietor of the Cornucopia of Excellent Goods at Low Prices, St. Claire's premier dealer in new-to-you memorabilia. Always a bargain, always a deal." He turns to face Nathan. "And we are having a picnic and a bit of a kickabout. Hopefully that answers your incredibly impolite questions. Still, it is a pleasure and honour to make your acquaintance." He proffers his hand.

Nathan reaches forward and grabs hold of the hand more firmly than is necessary. He steps into that handshake and stares at the man before him, gaze bearing down on the man. "Your games belong elsewhere Harry. This area is not for public use."

"Well, let's just say I got a little permit? My name's on the list? I'm a member of the club?" Harry says, not moving. He smiles winsomely. "And it's not like we're doing any harm now, is it. Unless you have a particular hatred for jam sandwiches and what I say myself is a particularly excellent piece of cheese." Dave comes forward, still holding the ball, to stand by Harry's shoulder.

Nathan eyes Harry first and then nods his head to the other, "And him? If that's the case Harry, why don't you introduce yourselves proper." There's a hard edge to the Silver Fang now, his eyes sharp on the two dapperly dressed men.

"This is my cousin, Dave "The Midget" Hall, I am Harry Hall, proprietor of the Cornucopia, sometimes known as Works-Every-Angle, Ragabash of the Bone Gnawers. Career Cliath. A member of the Sept of the Hidden Walk, chim paid, done deal." A wide grin. "And now I think it's your turn."

Nathan gives both of them another look before nodding. The wide grin is returned by Nathan as well as he nods his head, "That's some small relief then. Nathaniel Abrams Buckingham, Falcon's Heart Strikes the Darkness, Ahroun of the Silver Fangs, and Adren- for now." He looks to the chairs and the set up. "I think you can find a place that's more suitable for your kickabout than the Story Tree."

Leftie stumbles upon the odd scene by accident. She's wandering vaguely down one of the trails, backpack slung loosely over her good arm's shoulder. Looking up, she blinks. "Oh, hey." she eys all three of them a little warily.

"Nobody's using it at the moment," Harry says. "And we aren't doing any harm. Nor being disrespectful, or abusin' territory." His moustache quivers. "Here, got something for you." He walks over to the hamper, and returns moments later with a piece of bread and some cheese on a little paper plate. "Here you go, some nice strong cheese for a big cheese."

Nathan gives a cursory glance over his shoulder as someone else calls out, but returns quickly to Harry. He smiles very handsomely and looks to the plate of cheese. "No thank you. In fact, I'd like you both to clean up the area and, if you want to continue your game, do so elsewhere. I might even be convinced to join you if you could do that for me."

Leftie looks between the two, brow furrowing a bit. As she takes in the spread, she slowly begins to grin. But, the Gnawer does /not/ interrupt. She simply stays at the outskirts and watches, for now.

Harry looks briefly at Lefty, without noticeable recognition, then back at Nathan. "Clean up the area, go elsewhere?" he checks with the Silver Fang. "Right Dave, there's a lot of stones out of place here. We gotta collect them all up, then sort them into the right sizes and put them back in the right places. Also, there's a bunch of twigs the Story Tree has dropped, they all need to be collected. Good job we brought plenty of food, cos it's gonna take at least a week to tidy up." He leans over and starts picking up stones busily.

Nathan chuckles with strained patience and then reaches over to the bent Gnawer and grabs hold of the scruff of his shirt to pull him back up. "Drop the witticism. Pick up the chairs, the table, the hamper, and move it off the bawn. You should know better."

Leftie can't help the little grin, though there's no sign of her coming to her tribemate's aid. Nope. In fact, she sort of snickers to herself.

Harry's head turns towards Nathan, eyes suddenly hard. "That ain't what you said, Mr Silver Fang," he says. "Now, just in the spirit of good natured enquiry, what exact harm have I been doing? Or is this just to impose your seniority on me. Because I assure you that I fully believe that yours *is* longer than mine, and I want no part in a contest. I also think you can fire urine father, take more people in a fight, drink more and are undeniably more attractive to the opposite sex. So I am unsure *quite* what we are proving here."

Nathan grins again, "Good natured inquiry hmm? Let's begin with the fact that this place is for story telling; for inspiring our people and for keeping them focused on Gaia's path. That alone should give you the common sense that kicking around a soccer ball might be out of place here. Furthermore, the chairs and table, these things do not belong here. I was told that the bawn has a weaver ban in place, and while such mundane things might hardly seem offensive, the rule exists and should be followed." He cants his head slightly then, "And Harry, I need no reason or circumstance to impose my seniority on you. Your behavior alone marks the difference in us. Now gather up the gear and find another place for your picnic."

Leftie continues to watch fromafar, but now the Silver Fang erases some of her amusement. She starts forward. Though she still has no intention of challenging the adren's issued order, she does ask, "You think Gaia would mind a little party?" Then, she re-iterates, "/You/, Falcon's Heart. Not the warder or groundskeeper. What do you think?"

"My chairs? My little table? Weaver things?" Harry's eyebrows rise incredulously. "Where's your mobile telephone, oh great one? What has it got in its pocketses?" He's obeying, though, as he does, folding up the table and the chair. "I want it entirely clear, though, that even though you're a class A tit, who probably got his rank through bribery, I am doing precisely what you said." He's not really submitting though, obvious, and the tension in his face, which he can't hide, indicate that he knows he's dancing a line.

Nathan lets out a soft hiss now, his ire aimed at Harry still. "Are you incapable of respect or just so intent on trying to put me doing for being a Silver Fang that you can't pull the blinders off your eyes? I asked two things of you. Two. Your introductions that I might know you were welcome here in this place, and that you move your game away from the Story Tree in a show of respect for what it is, and the rules that the Guardians and Warder have put in place. Now I'll ask the third thing from you. Find your manners. You're old enough to have some."

Leftie doesn't interrupt him or demand an answer, either. She follows his tirade of words to Harry, watching him pack up while Nathan speaks. She remains standind opposite, unmoving except for an obviously wounded foot that she doesn't want to keep much weight on.

Harry straightens up, and looks Nathan in the eyes. Once again, he's line riding. "You said, "Who are you?". That was hardly polite, now, was it. I think I even called you sir. All I've done is exactly what you've said. All the time. And if you think I don't respect you, well you don't seem to be respecting me, either. And I am definitely below you. So, one of us has done what we're supposed to, and the other one of us is breaking the litany." His words are measured. "Now, shall we get a philodox out here to judge this? I didn't think a little kickabout with a soccerball was really worth that." He looks sad. "You Yanks never do understand it."

"Caern of the Silver Wind. That's my birthplace. And if I spotted real submission to my station, you'd have found my temperment far more agreeable. You push, and you test. In that, at least, you're honoring your role as questioner. But there's a line there as well Harry, and I am telling you now, you've reached it. Asking who you are is no show of disrespect, especially in a place where they have had repeated assaults on their territory. Now, if you'd like to start this over, and move the game elsewhere, perhaps we can enjoy the sun and the game in a more appropriate place, because," and here he looks toward Lefty, "I do not think Gaia opposes a party, so long as it's not offending anyone, or any rules in the process."

Leftie continues to look between the two, though it's Nathan that garners most of her attention as he speaks. And when he looks her way, the Gnawer's small smile grows into a wider grin. She glances Harry's way to see his reaction.

"Oh god," Harry says, "you're not just a Fang, you're a proper toff." He tugs his forelock. "Gawd bless yer, guv'nor. I'm just an honest chap enjoyin' the sunshine. I'll be on me way, then, sir." He packs up the hamper, and puts the soccerball under his arm. Dave picks up the trestle table. "Can I just ask, milord, where it would be proper for us to have our lower-class pursuits?"

Nathan looks toward Harry with a chuckle now, "Harry!" He tries to stop him, "Relax. Would you? Take it to the edge of the bawn, or even Edgewood Meadow would probably work out great. And furthermore, I could give a rats ass about where I was born or what my great grandfather did. But you insult my own hard work again, and you'll have my claws at your throat. Alright?"

Leftie can't help but continue grinning. She eyes the food, too, but for once the Gnawer continues on her way rather than be diverted. She limps along northward with little more than a look for either of them. She apparently has somewhere important to go.

"Cor, lovaduck," Harry's *really* laying it on thick. "It's a pinkie. I'm sure you couldn't give the proverbial, m'lord. Of course, those of us not priviledged by birth or wealth, well, we don't get the option do we?" A twinkling smile. "And I'd never think to insult your hard work, sir. It would be like insulting the Great Banana Creature?" He blinks. "Wait. You said "they", earlier. Are you not a Sept member, milord."

The Ahroun lets out a glare at him. "You did insult it Harry. And my chiminage is in process."

"Well, m'lord," Harry says, with a little salute. "I shan't trouble you any more, you are welcome to continue to stand in my Sept's little clearing here. The time of day to you." He moves to leave. Dave, heavily laded with table and chairs, following behind.

Nathan watches him go with a growing look of frustration. A moment later he's turning around himself and marching off toward the caern with a syncopated stride.

Wendigo Conversations (Michelle, Jude)

2008-08-21T04:07:26Z

Things have quieted somewhat for Nathan and he sits near a tall oak this evening. He seems thoughtful but not unapproachable.

From a ways off, there is the sound of rather traditional sound Native American singing, but just as Jude comes into view, the song shifts to rather /non/-traditional lyrics, "John Wayne's teeth, John Wayne's teeth, are they plastic, are they steel..." And while she might normally go on repeating herself for sometime, when she spots Nathan, the song cuts off and she goes to lean against the very same oak. "One of the great mysteries in life, John Wayne's teeth. All those movies and you never see them."

Nathan looks up at the Wendigo with a smile. "Jude. Steel is my guess. How are you doing?"

"I always put my money on plastic. Huh." Jude returns his smile with a crooked one of her own. "Alright, considering the moon. How about yourself?"

Nathan nods. "Testing the depths of the waters here. I'm afraid some of the tribemates I have here don't agree with my vision of the Fangs future. Or at least, they don't agree on the best way to get there."

"They don't have to agree. They just have to follow. Or will, once you step in and take up eldership here." Jude sits herself down with the Fang, facing him with her walking stick across her lap. "Eventually they'll see, if they open their eyes."

Nathan laughs, "How is it that a Wendigo Galliard has such willing faith in me and my own tribe cannot trust that I've learned a thing or two in my years?" He studies her with a smile. "Are you settling in here well enough?"

"Because I've seen you work," Jude replies with a light chuckle, "And you're still a stranger to them. Although, I am more than a little surprised at the lack of respect for rank and ritual around here in general..." Her lips tug into a frown at her own words, and she gives a shrug to his question, "Oh, well enough. I've met a few that I like, seen a few I don't. My tribe is going to take some easing into. It's been a while since I was around the more... traditional."

Nathan hmms and nods, "Sounds as if you and I are on the same lake, if not in perhaps the very same boat. Have you set your chiminage?"

"They are waters I am familiar with. Mountain Sun and I never truly fit well together, either. But still, I am Wendigo. I have claws and fangs and stories to tell," she says, a defense that sounds well practiced. Jude shakes her head at his question, "Not yet. Jacinta-rhya is the new Warder of the Caern. I believe I will bother her about my chiminage once she's had time to settle into that position. How is yours going?"

Nathan smiles at that, "Like you, the shift in command has put a short halt in the progress. I am still teaching Jacinta the gift, and will find another to teach after that. The talens I will ask Kaz about now." He thinks for a moment and then glances to her. "You're different from most Jude. Can I ask you something important?"

Jude gives him a deep nod, "Shifts of power tend to do that. I try to think of it as an exercise in patience." The Galliard raises an eyebrow at his last words, "Of course."

"You remember I'd asked you to think about the idea of packing with me, yes? Would you be able... more importantly, would you be willing to, if there were a Get of Fenris also in the pack?" Nathan gives her a curious grin at this, eager to hear the answer but not posing any judgement.

The sound of someone whistling can be heard off in the forest, followed by the crunch of pine needles underfoot. Whoever it is is a ways off, but heading closer.

While the Galliard nods to the first bit, the tribe named stops the gesture short. She blinks over at Nathan, taking a brief moment to be shocked before she answers. "Get of Fenris?" Jude lets out a long breath and rubs a hand at her forehead for a moment. "You know I don't hold the same prejudices, usually, that my tribe is often known for, but you did see the rather... lackluster impression they made at Moot, didn't you?"

Nathan gives a faint grunt, "Yes. I actually met with Viv and Poe after the moot, and they were flustered over Mia's eager jump in. She's traditional for her tribe, but not unwilling to look in new directions. And if she could so easily come in and challenge the Jarl, when the others had not, I would question them before I questioned her. Mia, however, is the one that I've considered a possibility in the mix as well. But I understand that Get and Wendigo is a stretch that would turn heads." Here he grins, "But I've always been one that likes to do that, haven't I?" he winks.

The whistling off in the woods gets closer, and soon Michelle can be seen making her way through the undergrowth, the young woman kicking at the idle stone or two as she moves along. Once she sees Nathan and Jude she stops, standing awkwardly to the side and narrowing her eyes as she takes the two newcomers in.

"And you do it so well," Jude says with a laugh. But, the laughter fades out, her expression replaced with a more serious one. "I will have to think about it, Nate. Seriously think about it. It isn't something my tribe or the Uktena would be happy to hear, me packing with a Get of Fenris. I would almost think that would be worse than if it were a Shadow Lord. Maybe." She does look over as Michelle approaches, her countenance seeming on the grumpy side, but she does lift a hand in a wave.

Nathan turns toward the sound and then the young woman that accompanies it. His words are for Jude though, "Would they be happy to hear about you packing with me, or any other of the foreign tribes?" He nods in the other direction as he shifts focus, "Do you know her?"

Michelle stiffens as Nathan mentions her to Jude, and her gaze oscillates between the Fang and the Wendigo. She doesn't offer up any introduction yet.

"No, but I could blame it on your charm and fast talking, then," Jude says with a playful wink. She shakes her head at Nathan's second question but her hand moves in a beckoning gesture to the other girl.

"Why don't you come join us and introduce yourself? I'm Nate Buckingham, of the Silver Fangs. Ahroun and Adren. Though you've caught me in a rather lackadaisical mood as far as introductions go. I hope you don't mind the short and sweet version?" Jude gets a grin as well, "I'll have to work hard then to earn their blessing of you packing with me."

Michelle's lips tug down into a frown. "Michelle. Seagull who shouts at the mountain. Cliath angalkuq of the Wendigo. It's an honor to meet you, Nate-rhya." The tone's respectful enough, but rather forced, unsurprisingly. The young Theurge's gaze then turns to Jude expectantly.

"Jude Blackfeather, She Calls Her Brothers to the Fight. Cliath Gibbous Moon of the Wendigo. Good to meet you, tribesister. Sit?" She gestures with the offer toward the ground near her and Nathan. She looks back to the Fang, her won grin rather crooked, "I hope you find my addition worth the challenge."

Nathan nods in agreement to Jude's invitation. "Good to meet you Michelle. Jude and I met a while back at Caern of the Earthspine, and now we've arrived here to cross paths at nearly the same time." He doesn't seem threatened by the Wendigo at all and the easy grins that he shares with both might suggest the very opposite; he's interested.

Michelle's eyes narrow as she peers at Jude. "You're the one from Mountain Sun, right?" Her eyes flick to Nathan briefly and she slowly, hesitantly, takes a few steps forward. "Earthspine?" She prompts, her gaze drifting back to Jude.

"I am," Jude answers, her smile fading for a more neutral expression. "But I haven't been there in some time. I traveled to spread the word of my teacher's decision to take the journey after a long, successful life. I'll be telling his story to the tribe and Jacinta-rhya's pack soon."

Nathan nods his head, "In Colorado. There was a great need for warriors there and I spent the last several years working to halt the wyrm's encroachment."

Michelle's lips twitch into a smirk for a moment, then she smoothes her expression out again. "Who's this then? Who died." Nathan's reply gets a curious glance from her. "Oh? What brings you out here?"

"His name was George Chasing Horse. Or Dreamkeeper, as he was better known. He held the stories of our people and our tribe and I was honored to have learned from him." Jude's expression drops further at her words, but she looks over at Nathan, waiting for his reply to Michelle's question.

"The same thing. The need, and desire, to stop the wyrm's approach." Nathan smiles easily, "That's the easy answer. To see this place restored, in more ways than mere numbers and security, is another reason."

Michelle nods to Jude, the majority of her attention shifting over to Nate. "And why" She asks, "Is this place so special? Why does it need to be restored more than others? What do you mean by restoring? And why do you thing you are so necessary for this?" The questions come slowly, ponderously, the Theurge's tone flat, for all that there's a certain bitter edge in her voice.

"Because it is the last in this entire state, Michelle. Because the horned serpent is looming over this place, ready to rip at its throat at any moment. The Hidden Walk needs warriors. Grandmother needs warriors here. Other places have warriors, this place /needs/ them and Grandmother guides those she wants here to this place." Jude looks over at Nathan, although she still addresses Michelle, "It would be wise to welcome the warriors willing to set their feet here."

Nathan is about to reply when Jude steps in and unleashes a melody of reasons. He grins at her, "That is what I have always admired about you Jude. The ability to take the words I would have spoken, and spin them with the Galliard's touch." He turns to Michelle then. "I have experience and heart Michelle, I also strive to lead the Garou to victory and restore hope. Though I am finding that this place has not lost theirs and that is inspiring in and of itself. But sometimes when the war presses most fiercly, ours ways and our ideals are pushed aside. If they're forgotten, then whatever number of battles we win in the temporary, we risk losing in long haul."

Michelle scowls at Jude. "Oh, thank you so much for counseling me on what it /wise,/ newcomer." She hisses, "This is true of almost every place. I just wanted to know why this place in particular." She rests her eyes on the ground, gritting her teeth. "I apologize. The moon is causing me to lose my temper."

Looking over at Nathan, she smirks a little, "And I have always admired that you don't mind my stepping in and babbling on." Of course, Michelle's words bring her attention right back to the other Wendigo, an eyebrow raising. "Apparently such counsel is needed, if you're questioning the capable warriors that offer you their claws," Jude fires back, eyes narrowing. "Why not this place? Why not this time? Your questions lead one to the conclusion that there is some reason a warrior /shouldn't/ be coming here."

Nathan holds up a hand and tries to calm the air, "Easy. The moon runs fat still and there's no need for us to raise our hackles here. To answer your question Michelle, as to why this place in particular? It is the last caern in the area. It has fallen before and was reclaimed by the Garou who called it home. It is home to almost all of the tribes, a feat rarely accomplished even in our most trying times. There is history and hope here, and I would be honored to have the chance to help lead these garou into a series of victories."

Michelle smiles coldly at Jude. "Of course there are reasons warriors shouldn't be coming here. That's why not every Garou in the nation calls this place home. I'm simply asking questions, not concluding anything yet. That's preferable to coming to conclusions with no knowledge, yes? Nathan-rhya is new, I'm trying to learn about him. That is all." She turns back to Nathan. "Sorry. I'm glad you think there's something worth saving here. Many Garou think it's a lost cause. I'm not one of them. Jacinta-rhya isn't one of them, and neither, I believe, is Kaz-rhya. And if you want to make changes, you've come at a good time, a lot of things are being shook up."

"You might think about how to phrase your questions, Michelle, and how that phrasing reflects on this place you call home." Jude gives her a smile, which... while it isn't cold, it is fake. She looks over to Nathaniel, her smile fading back down, "I believe I will take some time now to think about the offer you've proposed to me, and I hope to see you again very soon." Using her walking stick, Jude brings herself back up to her feet. Michelle is given a nod before the Galliard moves to walk off.

Nathan nods to Jude as she gets up and ready to go, "Safe keeping Jude. Whatever your answer, I will be pleased to know you're among those I will fight beside here." He turns back to Michelle then and nods. "I'm of the same impression as you when it comes to Jacinta and Kaz, and I think there is greatness on the horizon here in Hidden Walk."

Michelle nods back to Jude as she walks off, quickly turning back to Nathan. ~I hope so. We've had that before - promises about change. And usually that's all they've been, promises. But I hope so. And I'll do my part to fight the Horned Serpent here, and welcome any who would fight besides me while honoring Grandmother's ways." She sighs. A more Wendigo sounding sentence couldn't be found.

Nathan nods to her. "I have a long track record of keeping my promises Michelle." He takes in a breath and then looks over his shoulder to the treeline that hides the Edgewood house. "I think it's time to retire for the evening. It was good meeting you and I hope for another chance to speak with you soon."

Michelle nods back to Nathan, eyes drifting back to her shoes as he leaves, lips pressing and whistling slowly starting up again.

Traditions! (Belquis, Madeline)

2008-08-20T22:54:15Z

The moon is thinning and so too is the tension that Nathan has worked to keep under lid. He's taking a casual stroll along the western edge of the bawn not too far from the Edgewood house this afternoon.

In the distance, a grey wolf can be seen, of compact but powerful build. She approaches the stranger, her posture challenging. Stopping a short distance away, she growls out a challenge. Who are you, to be in this territory?

Nathan turns his attention on the wolf as it comes up. There's an easy confidence about this man as he smiles and tips his head at the creature. Shoulders remain raised as he speaks, "Nathaniel Abrams Buckingham. Falcon's Heart Strikes the Darkness. An Ahroun of the Silver Fangs by birth and an Adren by action and deed. I've been granted permission to the bawn by the Guardian Yi and offered chiminage to the then alpha Vera, Culls-the-Herd."

Enduring Glory's demeanor changes utterly, showing her throat submissively. This wolf is known as Enduring Glory, also a daughter of Falcon, and Guardian of the Hidden Walk. How may I assist you, rhya?

Nathan grins at her, "Good to meet you. Actually, if you have a few spare moments to talk, I wouldn't mind learning a bit more about you. I plan on staying on here and am interested in knowing my tribemates."

Enduring Glory nods. Excuse me a moment. The wolf then slowly blurs up through the forms, eventually ending up in homid. "Pardon the rude introduction. Guardian protocols, of course. My human name is Madeline Stewart. Ahroun of the Silver Fangs, currently Cliath, and as I mentioned, Guardian."

Nathan nods his head and reaches a hand out, palm up, to offer her in greeting. "Good to meet you Madeline. How long have you been here and serving as guardian?"

Enduring Glory clasps the hand in a guesture of comraderie. "I was rited here, in truth, over a decade ago. But I've spent most of that time at Western Aerie, in British Columbia, before it fell." She scowls a little, clearly unpleasant memories. "I returned here in the winter time, and have been a Guardian for the vast majority of that."

Nathan nods his head, "Excellent. So, tell me about the tribe as you see it here then? Speaking freely, please. Blackriver told me of Lightning and the trouble that hovered over the tribe recently. I'd like to start the tribe off on a fresh foot here."

Enduring Glory frowns a little. "Cedric-rhya was... extremely well bred. I hope his children have sharper wits." She looks reluctant to say even this much of a negative. "Blackriver-rhya is a Lupus, and seems to me to be fairly typical for that type, traditional and respectable. Derrick, we've known each other since being cubs. He's a natural leader, if you ask me, but he seems reluctant to really embrace his potential. I know he's had some unusual challenges in recent years, however. I don't much know the mule that's about, or the new Galliard, though I've heard that the rabble dislike her, so she must be doing something right." A small smirk at that.

Nathan chuckles and nods, "Belquis is from the Middle-East and no doubt has customs and traditions that will seem foreign even to us. And what about you Madeline? Where would you see the Fangs in this sept?"

Enduring Glory answers easily, "To set an example, of course. Not everyone likes the Fangs, for whatever reasons they may have, but they must respect us. Some are leaders directly, others must merely set the standard for the role we do choose. That is what it is to be Fang."

Nathan nods and smiles brightly, "I'm so glad to hear that Madeline. Let me speak freely in return then, so that you know what my intentions are here. I believe that we are the First Tribe, and that Gaia has gifted us with the means and potential to be great leaders. I would like the Sept here to see us as these leaders, but I do not believe our mere existence warrants us that instant respect or following. Yes, our heritage is filled with legends. But these legends of the past live on in stories and on canvas. The nation needs heroes now, and we're destined to be those heroes. Too often I see Silver Fangs coast lackadaisical through life as if a platter of success should be handed them. I want us to work for it here."

Madeline seems to appreciate the sentiment. "Yes. Nobody will give you a free ride, not in these days. But I believe most Garou want the Fangs to be the heroes of legend. They want something greater than themselves to believe in." She pauses. "It's not really a task I often feel suited for, though. I'm a soldier, dutiful and loyal, at heart. Such things do not inspire the cubs."

Nathan nods, "Few tribes raise their cubs to properly understand what they've been born into. I know that we can become a greater, a brighter presence here, and I want to make sure that we as a tribe are on the same page with this task."

Blood-Seeker, in wolf form, trots into the area, following a distinctive scent, and clearly agitated about something. She stops when she finds the target of her search with another one, and sniffs the air once to discern who it is. Unfamiliar with the girl, the wolf closes the distance and moves to stand by Nathan. Falcon's-Heart Sidi, hello..who is this?

Madeline turns her attention briefly to Blood-Seeker. "Madeline Stewart, also known as Enduring Glory, soldier of the Silver Fangs, and Guardian of the sept. I've been rather scarce lately from most socialization, doing the graveyard patrols." She smiles a little at Nathan. "It seems like a proper goal. Especially with the new Alpha. I respect Kaz-rhya considerably, but there are qualities that the Bone Gnawers lack, that the Sept members will be looking for elsewhere now."

Nathan looks down to the wolf as it approaches and smiles, "Blood-Seeker, hello. I've had the chance to meet Madeline here finally. We were talking about the tribe and what goals lie ahead for us. Tell me Madeline, you said you rited here, what do you know about Kaz?"

Blood-Seeker sits on her haunches, a vague expression of respect on her lupine features at the mention of Guardianship. Blood Seeker of the Heart, from Sept of the Howling Winds, Cliath Galliard Silver Fang born under House of the Wise Heart. The lupus tilts her head towards Nathan in agreement. It is good to see another woman in the tribe. She then scrutinizes Madeline more closely. Yes, very good. Blackriver-Sidi has demanded to meet the new kin, Tristan, and that he mate with an appropriate tribe member. You share the same amount of blood purity as he does from what I can tell. You will both do well to mate each other.

Madeline looks like she's considering the idea. "Having children is a great service to Gaia, of course. I have a daughter, living with some Kin in California. Kinfolk, but the breeding is magnificent. The disadvantage is that the process greatly hinders my ability to fight, and so seems at odds with being a guardian for the moment." She returns her attention to Nathan. "Kaz-rhya actually first showed up here after I'd mostly left. I worked as a messenger for a time, so occasionally made it through these parts, but we didn't concern ourselves overly with the city tribes. But since returning, I've seen that she's a strong warrior, and a planner. She leads from wisdom first. I would not mind following her into a battle."

Nathan looks to Blood-Seeker with an amused grin tipping his features but says nothing on the matter. He seems further pleased at Madeline's handling of the statement and gives a nod. "I've spent a lot of time with the Bone Gnawers myself, when I was a young Cliath trying to earn my Fostern rank. They're a loyal bunch, and despite outward appearances, many are extremely hard working and unrelenting in their tasks. We'll have to see how things come along in the near future."

Blood-Seeker dips her lupine head a bit, respect in her posture. I will tell the Sidi of your concerns. Her ear flicks in annoyance at the mention of Kaz, and the Galliard shakes out her coat as if ridding herself of a bad smell. The Bone Gnawers are not meant to lead, nor are the Metis. Having one as Sidi of the Sept is a farce, Blackriver-Sidi has made sure I remember who we are. Leadership is not just bred, it is born as well. My old Sept has worked hard so that I may bring forth the Legends of Old. That will not happen if we lose our traditions. Ears-to-the-Ground Sidi does not behave like an Alpha, she likes to tease and entrap me. Make me suffer for believing in the one true Garou way, a way that says what she is doing is wrong.

Madeline shrugs a little. "As a tribe, they lack discipline. Some of them here are little more than bait for the Wyrm. But if they follow the litany, an exceptional individual can come from any background, just as a lazy Silver Fang is unfit to walk in my shadow. Still, I tend to think that one should be prepared to accept leaders that one is not in a position to challenge. A soldier who will not follow a bad leader and will not challenge him either is not Garou. So our choices end up being simple, and no use grumbling about whichever path you take."

"I've met many great leaders who were not Silver Fang Blood-Seeker, and while I will always strive to achieve a position of authority where I can lead not only by right and earnings, but by example, I will not discredit another who has done the same thing simply because they are born of another tribe." Nathan gives this reply quite resolutely. "If Kaz proves to be ill fit as a leader, I will challenge her. But she has already earned a following here, and if that respect and comraderie she has will benefit the sept as a whole, and in a way that I cannot? I will not tear it from her hands just to say 'It is the right of the Fangs to lead'."

Fortunately for our tribe, we have a choice. Blood Seeker moves to circle around, and tilts her muzzle towards Nathan. Your blood carries leadership in it, Falcon's-Heart Sidi. Garou of lesser tribes and lesser blood tremble under your gaze because deep down they recognize the truth. They know it by instinct. Why pretend otherwise? To serve the Goddess is to restore balance, and we all can see how much this Sept is thrown off balance- Charachs walk proud, and Metis usurp honorable Garou, the Fallen can sense it and bite at our heels. This is your calling, Falcon's-Heart, Sidi, the Goddess brought you here for a purpose. Rise up to it, and we will follow you- even carry you on our shoulders if we must.

Madeline looks somewhat noncommittal in this. "I'm sure that if Falcon's Heart-rhya feels that the time has come, he will not hesitate to do his duty. This Sept's tolerance of Litany breakers is something that we should strive to change. I believe the new Warder shares your views on this, at least."

Nathan studies the Galliard as she moves around to face him, and gives a narrowed gaze to her. "It is not pretending Blood-Seeker, for me, it is wanting.. demanding more than instinctive acceptance of my place. I would take ten heartfelt followers, ten garou who believed in /me/ regardless of my tribe, over fifty that would follow me because my breeding and heritage alone screams to them that they should. There is much to do here, I do not deny this. And we will, as a tribe, help bring the curve around to where it should be and to where it pleases Gaia. And I will tell you this for certain. Whether I am called Alpha of this Sept, or whether I stand as Beta to a Gnawer. Whether I lead with a crown and a gold trimmed mantle, or with nothing more than the stripes of my efforts, I will be seen as a leader here. A role model to those that fight beside me. And a Hero to those who struggle to find hope and direction. A true leader, a true hero, knows that what he does reaches far beyond what title he holds."

The Alpha has a charach in her tribe! Blood Seeker bristles a bit, the moon making her more aggressive than usual. A charach who invites another cub charach to sit next to him in pride and companionship. What does this tell you? Her tribe encourages such filth! The Warder's influence can only go so far, certainly not far enough to effect the city tribes that need it. The lupine head turns to gaze at Nathan. Falcon's-Heart Sidi, if you right the balance of the Sept, then /all/ will recognize you as a leader. We are Garou, we are led by instinct and blood. Do not let the city tribes fool you into thinking like a human - or worse, like urrah Garou who have forgotten their roots. You are a /Silver Fang/, every Garou in this Sept knows your right place, including the Alpha. It is not a question of us believing in you, it is a question of you trusting your heritage, and the balance the Goddess accorded to us. Legends of Old, is that not why you said you would refuse to give me permission to mate with another? Blood and purity and leadership all go together. For you to be accepting of a Bone Gnawer Metis as your Alpha encourages the farce to others.

Madeline seems a little agitated by this speech, though it's difficult to tell exactly what it is that's displeasing to her. She scowls, and very pointedly waits for the Adren to answer the passion of the younger Fang.

Nathan bristles slightly, and if he had fur in this form his hackles would be slowly raising. "We live in new times Blood-Seeker. The ways are buried under generations of humanity and a pull away from our traditions. My heritage will give me the tools I need to reach the position Gaia wishes me to hold, but it will be my actions and words and character that will get me there. And I said that the Garou do not need Legends of old, they need Heroes of now. And a Hero does not ascend to rank, position or title, simple because they are Silver Fang."

Blood-Seeker's fur shivers with disappointment and disapproval at the Adren's reply. The young wolf continues to circle. Traditions do not change with the times, that is why we rely on them. If we lose faith in Tradition, then we lose faith in who we are, and soon the Litany will crumble as well. Your heritage gave you those tools, yes, and in return you honor it by using them to rise up to your proper place and bring back balance. /Proper/ balance. As much as it pains and dishonors me to say so, I will not stay in a Sept where my Sidi will not recognize his true place and honor all the work that the Legends of Old. With that, the Galliard finishes her circle and moves to head out of the clearing, movements stiff with anger.

Madeline lets out a little snort of displeasure. She does not comment directly on the matter, however.

The young Galliard's continued speech brings an intense look over the Adren and with a quick shift through his forms, the Ahroun arrives in lupus and is leaping forward to bowl her over and put her to her back in a quick, decisive show of dominance.

Blood-Seeker is easily knocked back by the Adren, and slides on the ground with a yip of surprise. She lays there, rolling on to her back to flash her throat in submission. Blackriver-Sidi punishes me for not being traditional enough and calling you out. You punish me for being to traditional. If you do not follow tradition, Falcon's-Heart Sidi, then expect many more to attempt to thwart your authority.

Madeline watches silently, not feeling as if it is her place to intervene.

Heart-Strike lets out a growl. Enough. Look at me. I have earned my scars, and earned my respect. I have bled and cried in battle. I have challenged Silver Fang, and Get of Fenris, and Shadow Lord for my place. I have won these challenges even among the royalists of our tribe. And you think to thwart my authority? His jaws reach out and grab hold of her throat. Tell me what tradition it is that permits you to leave our discussion and turn your back to me as if you were my better?

Blood-Seeker's body shudders under the growl, and her tail tucks between her legs. She goes eerily still when his teeth grab her throat. No tradition! That is my point - if you do not adhere to tradition completely, then it all crumbles away. She goes silent after that, completely submissive in her posture.

Madeline clears her throat. "I believe that the Adren has made himself clear on the subject." She acts like she really expects that to be that.

The lack of immediate and total submission brings the Ahroun's rage to the forefront and a look of bristled shock fills his eyes. His jaws press fiercly now and his fangs break into her throat in a show of how serious this has become. Hard eyes meet her own with a look that speaks very clearly, 'One way or another, you are done.'

Blood-Seeker doesn't, or rather can't, reply to this. She struggles to get some breath into her lungs while still keeping her submissive form.

Madeline stands still, at attention, nothing to see here.

Heart-Strike holds his position over her a moment longer, making sure that she understands his position of authority. When he is absolutely certain, and not a moment before, that she is putting the argument to rest he releases her throat but remains standing over her. One does not gain this rank by failing the ways. You would do well to remember that.

Blood-Seeker rolls to her side when the pressure on her throat is released, lupine chest inflating as she takes a deep breath. Eyes closed, the Galliard shudders again. Yes, Sidi.

Heart-Strike steps back and licks at his muzzle to clear some of the scent and taste. He pushes his nose toward the other then and takes her wounds into consideration for a moment. The force of dominance over, the Adren seems to hold no grudge against the other and his anger, while stirred, is not directed at her at this point. We will talk again once the wounds are healed. I will seek out Blackriver as well and we will have a gathering of our tribemates by half moon.

Blood-Seeker rises up to her feet, blood staining her silver white fur. Of course, Sidi. There's still a sense of frustration, though not aimed at Adren or Madeline. Matter settled, the Galliard communicates asking permission to leave.

Madeline nods. "That is wise. I suspect that you and she have some issues to resolve regarding the tribe's direction. And best to do such things, as the humans say, behind closed doors, so that we present a united and disciplined front to the other tribes." She doesn't particularly acknowledge the loser of the dominance struggle.

Nathan gives a soft whuff as permission to Blood-Seeker and then turns his attention toward Madeline. I have spoken to her already, I will speak to her again. Once chiminage is settled I will be taking eldership of the tribe. Until then, she remains as such.

Blood-Seeker flicks her tail at the news, concern apparent, and heads out of the clearing at a slow pace, throat still bleeding.

Madeline watches as the young Fang slinks off. "She needs to learn to channel that passion into discipline. Ah well. There are a lot worse problems to have, I suppose. I presume that Blackriver will have no issues with your taking control. Having an Adren in charge makes the tribe stronger."

Heart-Strikes shakes out his fur and his raised hackles disappear. A moment later he's retaking homid form and smoothing his hair back into place as if nothing out of the ordinary or intense had just happened. "She and I spoke at some length and she feels it would be easier for her as Beta. The tribe is comprised mostly of homid born and she's admitted a struggle in understanding them at times. She will be however, a vital and important part of keeping the tribe balanced. I would like to have us all gather and discuss things though."

Madeline nods curtly. "I should return to patrols. Excellent to meet you. I'm sure our paths will cross again soon."

Nathan nods his head, "Hopefully under calmer tides next time. Safe keeping Madeline."

Meeting up with Mia (Mia)

2008-08-20T17:59:54Z

Stepping out of the master bedroom, Mia has a towel around her shoulders. She takes one edge to scrub roughly at her hair, trying to dry it out. Her lips are pursed however, and there is irritation in her movements.

Nathan is just on his way out of one of the rooms when he spies Mia there. "Ah, morning." He's somehow already dressed and groomed and the scent of his cologne hangs lightly on him.

Mia's nose twitch, but it isn't a look of distaste on her features, more like curiously. "Nathan-rhya," she greets lightly as she lowers the towel from her head. There is still some restrained rage and irritation in her movements as she regards him while her stance shifts into one of submission.

Nathan offers a grin to the other. "I was hoping to run into you actually. I've heard about your taking eldership of the Get. I'm glad to have a strong, hard working and eager Garou take the reins of the tribe. Good show."

Her eyebrows quirk upwards before her lips curl up wryly, "It was a good and honorable fight, and Jamethon-yuf proved to be much stronger than I had expected." With that, Mia drags her fingers through her hair to comb them. "And I've already had to deal with some nuisance. Have you heard of or met Ugly?"

Nathan mmms, shaking his head, "I haven't met an Ugly. And I can't recall having heard of it either."

"She's a Metis," Mia returns as the rage builds. "Apparently she is from a Get of Fenris tribe, a small Caern that was overrun by Spirals. She fox-frenzied and left it to be taken over." There is a solid sound of a growl that laces her tones as she speaks of the event.

Nathan listens on intently and gives a faint nod. "What will you do with her?"

"I beat her up, tore off an arm. She ate it." Mia returns airily with a wave of her hand, as if to say 'the usual'. "However, my judgement is for her to find a tribe by next moot. Should the alpha of her tribe approach me on her behalf to take her in, she will be at their mercy. If no tribe accepts her, she will be culled."

Nathan gives a nod. "Is she trainable? Wait, is this a cub or a cliath?" Nathan suddenly looks a little more interested.

"If she was a Cliath, she would be dead by now. A cub, as for trainable, considering she ran out on her own tribe and Caern, I have little hope." Mia snarls before she shakes her head. "But fuck if I will waste more energy on her. I am still insulted she has my tribe's blood in her."

Nathan gives a soft tsk. "What is her deformity?"

"Parasitic twin. She has another head and arm on her back. It's..." Mia's lip twitch. "Yea. Anyways, I just wanted to keep you informed since there was no Galliard around when it happened."

Nathan blanches at this. "Sometimes I question the wisdom of those who first see the metis brought into the world. Some are capable of serving Gaia despite the sins their parents plagued them with. Some, are not." He pauses to shake the thoughts and images free from his mind and turns back to Mia. "I have something of my own I'd like to speak to you on."

Blinking at that, Mia quirks her eyebrows, perhaps a bit too eager for the change in conversation. "Sure, what do you have in mind Nathan-rhya?" She asks as she reaches up to rustle her hair once more.

Nathan smiles at her, "I'd like to put a pack together. And I'd like you to consider a place in it... if, of course, you are not already packed or in the process of such."

This causes Mia to inhale sharply before she tips her head. "I'd be honored to pack under a Silver Fang Adren," she returns, her eyes lighting up. "However, I have to ask, what kind of pack would it be? What kind of totem would you follow? And also, who else were you considering?"

Nathan grins widely at the response. "I was more hoping you'd be honored to pack along side a man named Nathan Buckingham, but I suppose we don't know eachother /that/ well yet. A war pack most likely. I know what I do well and I'd like to continue doing that. As for totems, one of war or respect most likely, and it would depend on who we gather for the pack. You're the first I've asked outside of an old acquaintance that's shown up here. Her name is Jude, she's a Wendigo Galliard."

"A war pack or a respect pack is what I had in mind too," Mia returns as the curl of her lips return. She cants her head thoughtfully. "I haven't met her. I assume you'd be leading the pack? I do not follow Cliaths," she warns, "as there seems to be lax rules on hierarchy around here."

Nathan laughs, "At my age Mia, I would find it difficult to follow rather than lead a pack. As for Jude, she's a Cliath, a young Galliard who has travelled quite a bit to get a story passed around. She's eager and brave and I would trust her with the telling of our tales."

"She's a Wendigo," Mia returns warily. "As you can understand, she may not be so nice about me being part of the pack. However, if she is willing and I know that the Wendigo are tough little bastards, I will have her as a packmate. Once I meet her and I'm sure, though I am sure to trust your judgement."

Nathan grins, "It may be an odd mix, yes, but no more than having packed alongside Silver Fangs, Shadow Lords and Get. She, and I, still have to complete chiminage but I would like to work on putting the pack together without waiting for that to complete. Too much needs to be done here. I'd like one more as well, but I admit to being choosey. They need to be hardworking and eager."

She considers this for a moment before Mia shakes her head. "I'm not satisfied with someone yet enough to recommend as being hardworking and eager. I also don't know who exactly is packed or unpacked, not to mention with a reputation not tarnished enough to gain some respect." She purses her lips in thought. "I will keep an eye out however."

Nathan nods his head, "Excellent. Tell me, out of curiosity, what totems have you packed under before? Are there any that you would not wish to seek?"

"Hrm, I packed under Owl for the longest time, it is not something I want to do again," Mia returns quietly before she glances to the side in thought. "Flea and Bear are also out, however...Wolverine is one totem that I have always admired and always wished to follow. The Wyvern is not bad either," she admits off-handedly.

Nathan grins and nods, "We seem to have similiar intentions there as well. It will have to be considered more closely once we've put our group together. But, you have genuine interest then Mia?"

"Nathan-rhya, my interest is piqued and I am ready to wet my claws. If you have similar interests then we should be just fine." Her lips curl up once more and the tension is all but gone from Mia as she reaches up to dry her hair yet again.

Nathan grins and puts a hand out. "Excellent. I'll get back to you soon and see about arranging a meeting. Good luck with your affairs."

We Have a Great Task Here (Blackriver)

2008-08-19T19:27:11Z

Blackriver is picking through the woods surrounding the steam vents, nose to the ground and sneezing once at the light scent of sulfur. She's headed towards the caern, pricked ears and curled tail relaying her generally good mood.

There's another scent there that comes to the fore as she makes her way to the vents and caern. The scent of the newly arrived Silver Fang, Heart-Strike. The crinos form of the Ahroun has found a comfortable enough looking spot where he is enjoying the steam. A look of contentment on his features, the ahroun seems to be getting a big kick out of the vents.

Blackriver stops as soon as she notices the Ahroun, ears slicking back in suspicion. Slowly, she starts to edge away from Heart-Strike, but then changes her mind half-way through, and instead gives a soft whuff to announce her presence.

Heart-Strike looks up and over. ~Blackriver! These vents are amazing. They must be great in the winter, yes?~ He seems to be treating them almost sauna like judging by the lupine grin and the content flicker of his ears. ~We should talk more.~

Blackriver continues to seem less than thrilled by Heart-Strike's existence. She flicks her ears in a simple 'okay,' and starts to slowly pad over towards Heart-Strike, tail lowering and nose twitching as she gives the adren a few hesitant sniffs.

Heart-Strike can easily read the posture and mood of the other and it brings a creasing of his browline. ~What about me bothers you so much Blackriver?~

Blackriver licks her nose. You smell like Lightning. She says. And you come when fall starts, like Lightning.

Heart-Strike gives a soft grunt-growl; the lupine equivalent to a hmm it might seem. ~Tell me of Lightning?~

Blackriver's right ear twitches, and she reluctantly shifts up to hispo for ease of communication. ~He came a little while ago. Fire-Burn-Forever had just died, so I was elder of the tribe. We were very small. We had a few cubs. I was cliath then, and he was fostern, so when he finished chimminage he became elder. But he smelled like you. And he smelled very nice, and sounded very nice. But he acted /weird/. He said he had a falcon spirit that told him what to do. And he said he knew what to do about Promises-Kept. But he didn't, and Falcon was very, very angry at Promises-Kept and kicked him out of the tribe. And whenever I challenged Lightning he beat me. And then Lightning went insane. More insane. And Promises-Kept went insane too.~

Heart-Strike gives a nod, ~I understand now. You're worried I will be like Lightning because we have things in common?~ He reaches a hand out over some of the steam, letting the moisture condense against his pads. ~You must know that our tribe struggles to overcome various quirks of our nature. I hear things Blackriver. Not voices, or instructions. I hear music. Always. Sometimes softly, sometimes very overwhelmingly. Sometimes these things get the better of us. But not always. I have not let this cloud my ability to lead, or fight, or think clearly.~

Blackriver tips her head to the side, peering at Heart-Strike for a long second with a mixture of confusion and continued suspicion. ~What is...~ She blinks. ~What is music?~ She glances about, like the 'music' thing might be lurking nearby, unsuspected.

Heart-Strike holds up a single clawed finger and points to the steam vents. ~The birds sing. That is music. The wind howls and the streams bubble. This is music. The drums our galliards use make music. Our own howls can be music. Men use instruments. Many of them together to make great choruses. This is what I hear.~

Blackriver stills seems confused, following Heart-Strike's finger to the steam vent and staring at them a while before giving up. ~Yes Lightning-rhya.~ She mumbles.

Heart-Strike peers at her, ~You called me Lightning. Blackriver.~ He studies her more carefully now. ~Do you not see me as who I am?~

Blackriver blinks and freezes, right ear twitching as her mind reels. ~You are Heart-Strike-rhya.~ She ventures, taking several long seconds before voicing this tenuous conclusion.

~Look at me. I want you to know me, which is why I told you what it is that I struggle to overcome. My mind is whole Blackriver. I need you to trust me on this as we cannot unite and strengthen this tribe without doing so.~ The Adren takes in a slow breath, ~Do you enjoy leading the tribe?~

Blackriver thinks about this a moment and then answers a no. ~Our tribe has so many stupid ape-born!~ She complains. ~They run in the scab, and talk strange, and think I'm stupid because I'm wolf-born. And then they do stupid things, and I try to keep them from doing more stupid things but they do them more anyways.~ She gives her coat a shake.

Heart-Strike gives another grunt. ~There is reason and purpose for wolf born and for man born. I do not think you are stupid Blackriver. You give us an outlook that no man born can. You keep us true to our other half. If I offered to lead the tribe, would you accept that? More importantly, would you run as my beta and advisor?~

Blackriver answers a quick 'of course.' ~You are adren and I am fostern. And you are a full-moon and I am a half-moon. That is how it should work. As long as you don't go crazy.~ Nice little addendum there. She tips her head to the other side. ~Are you done with your chimminage now? Are you going to challenge Ears-to-Ground for alpha of the sept?~

Heart-Strike give a thoughtful little grrr. ~I have not finished my chiminage no. And I would not challenge Ears-to-the-Ground if she is a good leader. Do you think that is an inappropriate answer for a Silver Fang?~

Blackriver answers quickly and irrevocably with a yes. ~She is a Bone Gnawer, and a /mule./ You are from the First Tribe, it's our purpose to lead. She knows a lot about the sept. Everyone likes her, and she has /some/ respect for the traditions. But she should help you lead, not lead herself.~

Heart-Strike nods. ~I will give her a chance and see what she does as alpha. She has /earned/ respect from her septmates and that goes a long way. If I believe myself to be a better candidate I will waste no time in challenging. But until that becomes evident, and until my chiminage in the least, is set, we'll focus on our tribe first and foremost.~

Blackriver grumps. ~You /are/ the better alpha, because you are a Silver Fang and she isn't.~ That said, she's fine with the topic switch, settling back onto her haunches and staring at Heart-Strike with a look of expectation.

Heart-Strike offers a little ear flick and a lick of his muzzle. ~I would like to call together a gathering of our tribe to serve as a time for announcements and discussion. I would also like to set out some expectations for the tribe. Can you suggest anything that needs to be set as a goal?~

Blackriver blinks at Heart-Strike, once again scrambling for an answer to his question. ~More of us should be in packs. And Falcon's Wing shouldn't follow a mule alpha. And Lune-Calmer shouldn't follow a charach alpha. And the sept thinks we are all insane, we need to show the sept that they are wrong.~

Heart-Strike spreads a hand over the steam vent again and contemplates the suggestions. ~We must be seen more than we are heard if we are to show the Sept what Silver Fangs are capable of. Falcon's-Wing's alpha is a hard working Garou. I have met him. I would not like to dictate where our tribe packs and whom they pack under. But we should encourage them to act as they should. Dignity and pride regardless of station. These two things do not underhand the respect that our alphas are entitled.~

Falcon Wing's alpha is a mule. Blackriver repeats, like that should be the end of the argument. ~This sept needs leadership. Everyone wants to kill Wyrm things, but no one wants to tell the others /how/ to kill them. Culls-the-Herd was good at sitting in the bawn and talking at people, but she didn't lead us like a Garou should. This is what we need, Garou to lead the sept like alphas lead their packs. Packs working together instead of alone, with someone telling them what to do and going first into battle.~

The Adren takes a slow breath and his shoulders rise with determination. ~Falcon's-Wing is a new moon. He can lead by questioning and reminding his alpha what needs be done. Metis who accomplish position of authority have had to work at least twice as hard as those born of wolf or man. I will not deny them rights they have earned, simply because my breeding is more prestigous. I will judge the character, not the breed. I will lead because those who know me will know that I put my claws first and fight beside them. We will find our place as the First Tribe by acting with such honor that they cannot see us as anything but worthy and respectable. Usurping it from the hands of those who have bled to earn it will not grant us favor among the others, but instead breed resentment. I would have Hidden Walk see us as leaders because we are proving to be the Heroes of Now, and not because our lineage relates us to the Legends of Old. And I will need your help in doing this Blackriver. I will need the help of the whole tribe.~

Blackriver snorts. ~There /are/ no leaders here now. No one is telling /anyone/ what to do, everyone is running and doing what they think is best without talking to anyone else. If you challenge an alpha and they lose, they should not be alpha anymore. If you challenge Ears-to-Ground and win, it is honorable. She accepted your challenge and gave you fair terms.~ She licks her nose. ~Silver Fangs who cannot lead, who just talk about how pretty they are and their ancestors are, should not be Silver Fangs.~ At least that last sentence has some overtones of agreement.

Heart-Strike peels his lips back in a grin-like snarl. ~Then in that we are in near agreement, but not ever auspice, or Fang is born to lead Blackriver. Those who are must do so with attempt at perfection, to show the other tribes, and to inspire our own. I have been Beta to many tribes, and in many packs. There is truth to the ideal that one must be a good follower before they can be a good leader. I will not sit idle here Blackriver, that I promise. But I will not throw weight around unnecessarily.~

Blackriver chews frantically on a forepaw for a moment, working off some of the nervous energy the moon and conversation has given her. ~If you do things here, if you fight the Wyrm and follow the traditions and honour the spirits and not just whine like a pup, you will have done more than most of the Fangs this sept has known. You will have done more than most of the Garou this sept has known.~

Heart-Strike takes this in and gives back another toothy grin. ~Then this is what we will do Blackriver. You and I will reshape the reputation that has befallen the tribe here. Are you ready for the work this will take?~ The Ahroun speaks excitedly now, full of inspiration and eagerness.

Blackriver gives her fur another shake, tipping her head to the side and peering at Heart-Strike. ~I will help you. You will be my alpha when your chimminage is done. But I will challenge you if you do not to the things you say you will do.~ She warns.

Heart-Strike grunts once and tosses his head in a nod. ~Good. I would expect no less of you Blackriver. Also. Ears said that you are not strong with the common language around here. I will help you resolve that, and I will respect your preference for the lupe form... but I want you to be more well versed in our tongue as well.~

Blackriver's reaction to that suggestion is less negative than one might expect. ~My pack has taught me a lot.~ She responds. ~I can understand it alright, but most of the ape-borns talk too fast and weird.~

There's a look of humor in his reaction then, a lightness to his eyes and an ease of his shoulders. ~That will come in practice. And I am glad to hear your pack has already helped with this. Don't let it go unpracticed, and it will get better with time. I need to go. There are others I need to seek out. We should meet again when the moon reaches half.~

Blackriver indicates an 'okay,' shifting back down into lupus and returning to sniffing about the steam vents.

Heart-Strike takes his own lupus form then and after watching the half moon meander her way, turns to run off in his own.

The Get Hold (Viv, Poe)

2008-08-19T04:04:04Z

"She's only been here five fucking minutes!" Viv is pacing up and down the den like an angry bumblebee inside a bottle. Every time she reaches a wall she turns back on herself and strides to the far wall once more. "Are you telling me you didn't have a /clue/, Poe?"

Poe gives Viv a helpless, wide-eyed look with his palms flat out, "Not a one!" he cries, in reply, and then throws his hands up, "She even said you needed to sock me around more, just because you were a higher rank. Ooooh she was thrown for a loop when I said we were packmates. I don't like her, Viv-rhya, not a /bit/ she is /awful/, she has /no/ sense of humor." the Get armfolds, "It's like I'm walking on goddamn eggshells!"

The sound of the front door buzzes and a knock follows. Outside stands a man in dark denim jeans, a red shirt and a black blazer style jacket.

"She comes waltzing into our fucking sept and taking over!" Viv growls. She seems about to go on, but the door-buzzer interrupts her, and with a subvocalised oath she stamps to the door and throws it open. "What?" she hoots at the caller impolitely.

There's an annoyed grunt from the Get, sitting on the couch, looking irritable, "I know. I don't like it, Viv, I don't." he grumbles, and then leans in as the door buzzes, brows rumpling, "I don't like /her/....who is it?"

Nathan gives a raise of one brow and then tips the same side of his mouth into a grin. "Judging by that reaction I must have the right place. I was hoping to find Viv."

Viv's already clouded face becomes more foreboding yet. "You found her. Whatcha want her for?" Her expression suggests it had better be a damn good reason.

Poe finally pushes himself up into a stand, making his way over a little, but not getting very close to the door. He waits, hooking his fingers into his pockets.

"Ah, excellent. Nathaniel Abrams Buckingham." He leans in to whisper the next bit more quietly, "Heart-Strike to some. More formally... something a lot longer. But that is for special ears only and I'm not certain how many of them reside here." A quick peek to the other gets a grin, "Ah, those're special ears. Is it safe to speak here? Inside perhaps?" The man smiles again, standing tall and with an easy confidence.

Realisation dawns on Viv's face. "Oh. Right. You're... Come in," she says, brusquely but more politely, and stands back from the door.

Poe is still peeping curiously, and once Viv's attitude immediately drops, the Get's brow's quirk. He waits for Nathan to come in and the door to be shut before he offers, "Poe, Get of Fenris Galliard, Cliath."

Nathan smiles after he steps in, nodding. "I was at Moot. Falcon's Heart Strikes the Darkness, Adren Ahroun of the Silver Fangs. I was told the Get held quite a few of the residences here, so I wanted to come meet you all more personally."

"Viv Smitt," says Viv once the door is closed. "Full moon, fostern, homid. Well met, Nathan-rhya." She sticks a grubby hand out in his direction. "You've come at a time of changes, and no mostake."

Poe gives a somewhat visible nervous tinge around the edges of his lips, as he gives a mildly uneasy smile towards Nathan, as pleasant as he seems. "Well met, certainly, Nathan-rhya. And yes, this is the Get of Fenris...er, stronghold. Brownstone, really." he gives a half laugh.

Nathan grins to both, shaking first Viv's hand and then Poe's. "Good to meet you as well. I challenged under a Get of Fenris. I hold them in high regards truth be spoken. And yes, I arrived here just in time for the shake up in the ranks it seems. How do you see the change?"

"Frankly, I'm more concerned about my own tribe's shift in power," Viv is honest enough to admit. "We shall have to see how Kaz-rhya does at the top of the heap, but I think she's got savvy."

Poe gives a short nod of his head, "Kaz has honorably earned her stripes, although she is Metis." he conceeds, and smiles, "And, having known her more than I've known Vera-rhya, I have the tendency to trust she'll be very involved in the Sept. And, like Viv, my main concern at the moment is...our little personal shakeup here at the ranch."

Nathan quirks interest again, "Shake up here? How so?" He moves to find a seat and eases into it, stretching out one leg.

"We had a change of Jarl." Viv doesn't try to conceal her annoyance at the fact. "Some Jenny come lately strolled in, challenged our previous Jarl, managed to beat him, and..." She shrugs. "I don't think she knows the tribe or the sept, and I don't think it's good for the tribe or the sept."

Poe folds his arms, "I met her for the first time, what was it....a day or two ago? You gotta admit though, Viv-rhya, Jamethon-rhya didn't even make a peep either. We had to get it from /her/." he grunts, "Even so, she's....practically a stranger. She doesn't know the situations. The people. The tribes here. The overall feelings. And we know next to nothing about her. Other than she's not keen on us, but hell, she's leading us."

Nathan mmms and nods, "These things happen though. Nothing the Get shouldn't be used to as eager and motivated as they are. Does this Jenny have a name? If you don't know her and she hardly knows you, then giving it a chance doesn't seem to be so tall an order, does it?"

Viv gives Nathan a hard look for a second. "She was at the moot," she points out. "Same as you were. Mia, her name is."

Poe shakes his head, "She loves Dagny, though. Looooves her. She doesn't like me, I don't think, but that's no real surprise. Harald-rhya didn't like me much either. In fact, I think you're the first Fostern other than Kathryn-Laura-rhya I've ever gotten along with, Viv." the boy sighs, and then looks over to Nathan, "Yeah. Her name's Mia. And I gave her a chance. She thinks our cub was trained exclusively by Javen, our tribemate." he grunts, "And doesn't really want to include me in her approval."

Nathan smiles, "Ah yes. I've met and spoke with her a handful of times actually. First impressions of her scored rather well truth be told. But this is a tribal affair for you, so I won't press opinions beyond that. How many Get reside at Hidden Walk?" He glances at Poe and holds up a hand. "Ah ah, not for my ears. I'm no halfmoon, and no Child of Gaia. Your lot can sort things out just fine without me." The smile widens then.

"About a dozen," Viv responds. "Depending on how you measure it. We've a couple on long term detachment down in the Amazon, for instance, so I dunno if you'd count them as members..."

Poe chuckles a little, "True," he murmurs, and then nods to Viv, "Yeah. There's a handful, though our numbers used to be stronger. Many come and go."

Nathan nods his head, "Still a strong showing. That's good. From the sounds of it, the place needs your muscle." The Ahroun chuckles softly then and crosses one leg over the opposite knee. "Are all of your members packed?"

"I don't think so," Viv responds slowly, in the style of one who suspects a loaded question. Then she asks a question of her own. "Is that why you've come here? To corral us all into packs like sheep on a hill station?"

Poe gives a rather oblivious, non-suspicious grin, "With Gunther, I'd say it's a strong showing." he jokes, before looking at Viv, curiously, "...erm, Viv-rhya, call me thick, but isn't packing a good thing...?"

Nathan gives a look to the Fostern woman, that grin still in place. "Perhaps that. Or more likely, there's an eager new Ahroun on the block looking for some strong claws and big balls." The man who has appeared so formal drops the saying with the ease of a sailor. "There are a lot of packs here already. Good packs. I'll be looking to add one more to that number."

"A lot of us are. But I don't think Jamethon is, is he?" Viv says. "And of course packing is good, Poe... /packmate/," she says pointedly. "But forcing people into packs by fiat from above is never a good idea. I've seen it tried. Listen, I've got a place I need to be. Poe, can you entertain Nathan-rhya in my stead?"

Poe grins a bit, "Sure can. You go be where you need to be, packie." he and then looks at Nathan, "You don't look the fiatin' type. But, out of us, we're mostly taken up I'm afraid. Gunther's with Viv and I, and Dagny's got her own...there's the cub, but she'll be with us once she Rites, I imagine." he considers, thoughtfully.

"I rather thought I inquiring rather than forcing." He gives a nod and stands up as Viv makes way to leave, giving her a bob of his head, "Well it was good to meet you more intimately Viv. I hope to see you around." He looks back to Poe then and nods. "Good good, I'd rather get apologetic refusals due to already being packed, than anything else."

"If you're gone when I get back," Viv says, "I'll look forward to meeting you again for a proper talk. Nice to meet you, Nathaniel-rhya." She proffers her hand again, before heading out through the front door, a frown already forming on her face again.

Poe scrubs his chin, before looking Nathan over a bit, "You want somethin' to drink there, Nathan-rhya? We've got a few things in the fridge if you're interested. Let's see now. Jamethon isn't packed up, no, I don't think. Mia isn't, certainly." the Get chats on as Viv leaves, "Who else. I'd try the Furies, but we've got the toughest, Kathryn-Laura-rhya. She's Elder. But the rest are a ballsy bunch. Always liked those Furies. Don't think Kaz is packed...I wouldn't take any of the Fianna minus Cole, though. They've got a cub that's already a Charach and he's hanging out with another Charach. And they've got a troublemaking Kin running around, too."

Nathan chuckles a little, "Galliard right? You're like a faucet of information Poe, it's great. And sure, I could take a drink of whatever you'd like to offer. I've met KL. She's.. intense is a good word."

Poe smirks a little, "Gossip is more like it, I'm afraid." he admits, "But, my information is true, if scandalous. Alrighty. I got Vodka n' beer downstairs. I'll bring it up." he then grins widely, "Ain't she a beauty? Oooo she's firey. I just love 'er. Same with Viv. They're both unafraid of being who they are." he describes, and then holds up a hand, "I'll be right back." the Get goes downstairs briefly, and returns with said drinks. "How about you? You enjoying your stay here so far? Met anyone interesting?"

Nathan takes the drink with a smile, "I am, yes, I am." He sips at the beverage and leans back. "I've been all over in my time, and going someplace new never gets old."

Poe settles down heavily and takes a sip of his own drink, straight from the bottle. "I imagine not, what with all the politics and traditions and such. I was at another Sept briefly, mostly Get, and the mood was quite different than it was here." he looks curious, "What're your observations? You usually can't go five feet without hearing someone's opinions about something around here. What's yours?"

Scene cut short due to power outage. :(

First Trip to the Tenement (Kaz, Mouse, Heather, Ruth)

2008-08-18T21:58:17Z

Kaz's sacked out in the laundry room, sleeping on top of two dryers that are currently in use.

There's a knock at the door. The security system would show a dark haired and well groomed man waiting patiently on the outside with a small card in hand.

Mouse is fortunately on her way downstairs when the knock comes, halfway through a yawn. She pauses by the couch in order to eye the laptop serving as security monitor that's sitting on the coffee table there, then moves toward the door with faint hesitation. She opens it up only a few inches, by which time her sunglasses are already in place. "Yeah?"

Kaz curls up a little in her coat-cum-nest. Mmm. Sleep.

Nathan gives a small grin. "Nate Buckingham. I was at the gathering the other night and, after having already met Urick a few days past, I thought I would come meet the rest of Roach's family."

Mouse's eyebrows arch. "Oh, hey." She steps back and pulls the door open, reaching up to drag her glasses off as well. "It's a little quiet this morning," if you ignore Kaz snoring, "But that's a good thing in this place, really."

Kaz isn't snoring! Well, not this instant, anyway. As the dryer changes frequency a bit, she mutters something about purple mountains.

Nathan chuckles softly, "I don't mind quiet. Especially on the heavier moons." He nods as the door opens and steps in once invited. "I introduced myself as Falcon's Heart Strikes the Darkness. But Nate will do just fine really. You are... Mouse, if I had to guess?"

Mouse closes the door behind him, nodding. "Yeah, Mouse. First-Strike, Fostern Theurge, Glass Walker elder, metis as I'm sure you probably /noticed/, mm, and alpha of Vanguard." She gestures toward the couch. "Have a seat."

Nathan smiles at this and reaches a hand out, "Very good to meet you Mouse. Can I ask if Mouse is the name you've always gone by, or is that a nickname that's become personal now?" The question is curious in a lighthearted way rather than prodding.

The dryers shut off abruptly; Kaz, just as abruptly, rolls over thumps to the floor. (But she doesn't wake up.)

Mouse takes the hand, and shakes it firmly. "Nickname. My real name is Matilda Knight, or at least according to my grandparents. My I.D. says something entirely different. But Mouse is what I really prefer."

Nathan nods his head, "You'll have to tell me the hows of getting that sometime. So this is the base of operations for the Glass Walkers?" He looks around studying this and that. "It's very nice."

Mouse grins a little crookedly. "It's mostly a heap. But I like it, it doesn't stand out in this neighborhood, and I've got plans to spruce it up a little, once the current crisis is over. But yeah, this is ours. It's also the safehouse for the Sept in the city, so you know. The fifth floor is off limits without Walker invitation, but everything else is open to the Sept."

Kaz grunts; slowly, she starts waking up. Blink, blink.

Nathan looks over to the grunt Gnawer and chuckles softly. He nods in that direction, "Resting up after a long few days I take it?" A pause, and he moves to sit down now as was originally offered. There's a momentary silence from the Ahroun and then he grins at Mouse again. "How are things in the city lately?"

"Apparently," Mouse replies. She moves to sit in the saggy chair opposite Nathan. "They're bad. On top of all this Dancer shit, we've got a cult of their kin infesting the city. I /think/ they're trying to find us, that, or they're just trying to get a stranglehold on St. Claire."

Kaz says, "I sleep anywhere," a little hoarsely. She levers herself to her feet and goes off to the bathroom. Returning after a moment (with a glass of water) she says, "I think both. It's what they do in general, after all."

Nathan nods first to Mouse and then to Kaz, grinning at her and tipping his head slightly in deference. "You've been a busy bee lately Kaz-rhya. Are there more things coming that I'll owe congratulations to you for?" There's admiration in his words and smile. Mouse gets another nod, "How many packs call the city as part of their territory?"

Mouse squints. "Well, there's mine. And Vendetta, Kaz's pack, claims part of the wharfs. As far as I know, that's all of us. I mean, there was a--" Pause. Ahem. "One of the Fenrir was rattling around about a city pack ages ago, but she just formed one and it has their metis in it, so I'm guessing they gave that up."

Kaz gives Nathan an odd look. "I ain't your rhya." But then she adds, "No congrats to /me/, but you might congratulate Jacinta. She just beat up Jamethon f'Warder, last night." She adds, "And I ain't part'a Vendetta no more, Mouse."

Nathan gives a nod to Mouse first but then cants his head toward Kaz curiously. "You /are/ the alpha Kaz-" he stops short this time, "But if you would rather I didn't use the formality, then," he smiles, "I won't. And Jacinta hmm? Very nice. I'm sharing knowledge of one of my gifts with her as part of my chiminage in fact. Oh, speaking of... I suppose that needs be run past you now."

A rattle at the door, and Ruth lets herself in, pausing in a moment of instinctive hesitation at the assembled company. If she were in lupus, her tail would be tucking itself under all by itself. As it is, the reaction is far more muted. "Sorry," she says, after a moment to collect herself, "am I interrupting?"

Mouse's eyes widen abruptly. She looks to the ceiling and intones, "God Almighty, I've died and gone to heaven. I think this is the best week I've had since I /got/ here. --And wait, not in Vendetta? Huh. Hey, Ruth."

Kaz shrugs at Nathan. "Everywhere I've been, if'n you're equal /rank/ with the Alpha, all you gotta do is, y'know, be respectful and shit. But I admit, I ain't been to a lotta Fang Caerns, so maybe it works different for you guys." She beams over at Mouse, and then looks back to Nathan. "I prolly ain't gonna overturn that kinda shit-- it gets too penny ante-- but what'd you'n Vera agree on?" She grins over at Ruth and shakes her head. "Nahhh."

Nathan looks to the door with a grin and a quickly syncopated tapping of his left hand, "Excellent timing, perfect." He turns back to Mouse with a curious glance, "This changing of the guard is good news then?" He clears his throat and addresses Kaz again, softly polite. "I promised two talens toward the fight, but they're not yet made. She wanted to wait until it was decided what we should do before giving me the order so to speak. That and teaching some of the local Fostern Ahroun."

Ruth comes on into the room, reassured by the reception and relaxing somewhat. She smiles widely at Kaz- the facial equivalent of a thumbs-up- nods to Mouse, and gives Nathan a questioning look for his remark about timing.

Mouse chews her lower lip, and then goes for the truth. "I'm not a fan of Jamethon. Feeling's mutual."

Kaz considers that. "Yeah, I got no issues with that. We're startin' to think about ambushes f'Dancers, though, so you might think about things that'll fit that." She adds, aside, to Mouse, "Vendetta ain't goin' noplace, an' I needa... get focused and get /doin'/ shit. I needa pack that does shit with me, kills shit, takes the battle /to/ the enemy. So. I'm makin'a warpack. Is all."

Nathan perks up quite a bit at the mention of Kaz's would be new pack. "War pack! Who are you thinking of seeking totemship with?" There's no hiding the interest in the Fang's gaze, but he seems to recall the newcomer, and turns his attention to her, "So sorry, where's my manners? Nate Buckingham, Falcon's Heart Strikes the Darkness, Adren Ahroun of the Silver Fangs, pleasure to meet you." Mouse gets a look and a faint nod, "Nothing criminal about not being on a level of appeal with another Garou. Happens a fair bit."

Mouse grins slightly. "So yeah, I'm kind've glad certain things are changing. War pack?" Her tone is decidedly less interested than Nathan's, unsurprisingly. "Well, I'm a fan of doing things."

Kaz leans on her good leg. "Prob'ly either Rat or Weasel. Why," she asks, clearly (mostly) joking, "You want in?"

Mouse grins slightly. "So yeah, I'm kind've glad certain things are changing. War pack?" Her tone is decidedly less interested than Nathan's, unsurprisingly. "Well, I'm a fan of doing things."

Ruth gives the Fang a polite smile. "Ruth Cracks-the-Nut-of-Truth, Philodox of the Children of Gaia," she replies, with a faint frown, as if trying to place the Fang. Although of course, she might have seen him at Moot. "/Another/ Weasel pack?" she asks at Kaz's remark, sounding slightly amused but not disrespectfully so.

Nathan chuckles at Kaz, grinning more mischievously now. "The melody of 'warpack' has an enchanting ring to my ears Kaz. But I think you're teasing me now." He doesn't seem offended by it at all, and in fact seems to study the Gnawer in an increasingly brighter light. "Good to meet you Ruth."

Mouse tilts her head. "Another...? Oh right, the Fenris pack." She doesn't sound thrilled. "Weasel's alright. I'd pick him if I were going for a War Totem."

Kaz says, "I'm fond'a Weasel," Kaz says. "Packed under Her before. Fierce little bugger, but protective of the folks workin' under her." She studies Nathan, suddenly. "Well," she says. "Honestly, I'd fuckin' love you, it's just it's gonna be me and Morgan and maybe Zeke and maybe Yi, and I really don' think you wanna be hangin' with two or three metis."

Not seeing any real contribution she can make to the conversation at the moment, Ruth merely listens, nodding here and there- and it seems she really is /listening/, from her expression of focussed attention.

Nathan grins again, "That wouldn't make much of a difference to me Kaz. You judge a warrior by their heart and their claws. Mostly the former. I'd like to get chiminage settled first though, and honestly, I'd like to lead a pack so I may have to hold my horses for a while and get to know more of the sept here."

Mouse also seems content to listen for the moment. She leans back, puts her feet on the coffee table, and lets her eyes hood.

"Well, the not bein' a Sept member ain't a /huge/ problem, since you're on the way to that, and all. But yeah," Kaz admits, as she rummages in her (brown) coat, "The part where you wanna lead your own pack, that'd kinda... get in the way. I ain't... really no beta type no more."

Ruth unsuccessfully hides a grin at Kaz's remark, but still says nothing.

Nathan shakes his head, "And I would not ask you to be. You've well earned the position you have now." He turns back to Ruth and then to Mouse. "What I would like to ask for though, is that at some point, someone take a ride with me and show me what areas are held by packs already and what areas could use a pack. And of course, the suggestion of those who would be eager to join a pack with a newcomer."

Mouse nods. "Sure thing, boss." She glances toward Ruth for some reason, and purses her lips, but says nothing further.

"Well, of course," Ruth says with a nod. "I'm hoping to get better communication links going anyway. Which is something I need to talk to you about, Kaz-rhya," she adds, with a slightly awed smile at the Gnawer.

"Sure, I can do that. Or Mouse can." Kaz blinks and looks over to Ruth. "Yeeeees?" She sounds, really, almost eager at that thought.

Ruth finds herself the center of attention, and takes a moment to draw breath and straighten her shoulders. "Well... we're a very spread-out Sept. And some of the Sept only ever see one another at Moots, if then, and news doesn't always get to where it ought to- it's not the Galliards' fault, we're just too separated. So I've been coming up with ideas to help get information spread around better. But it really needs a proper sit-down discussion, and most of the ideas will need the Elders to buy in to them for them to work," she concludes.

Nathan looks toward the Cliath with interest now, nodding along to her points. "What ideas have you come up with, if I can ask?"

"OK. 'Cause I'm plannin' on havin' an Elder Moot soon, so if we work some ideas out now, or soon, whichever, then I can bully-- uh, persuade-- the Elders t'go along with 'em, maybe." Kaz finds her Coke, and pops it open. "Ain't you startin' a pack, too?"

Mouse pulls up a knee and rests her elbow on it, listening intently.

At that moment, the doors to the lobby push open and Heather strolls in, Jack in the Box bag hanging from her mouth and a drink in each hand. Her foot stays out stretched to push the door all the way open and then shuffles in, halting at the group. Dropping the bag into her arms, she grins. "Hey! Kaz-rhya, Mouse-rhya, and Ruth-rh...er, Ruth-yuf. And i haven't met you," she says to Nathan, kicking a leg back to cross her ankles and bow in a funky curtsy. "Heather Finch, Light-on-her-Paws, Child of Gaia Cliath Philodox." She seems to be bursting at the seams with happiness. "I was just gonna surprise Jacob with a visit and free food. What's up?"

Ruth glances to Mouse, then to Kaz. deciding that the second question will be quickest to answer, she nods to the Gnawer. "Yes. We should be looking for a Totem soon," she says, then nods towards Mouse and takes another breath. "I know the Dancers have weapons that target Weaver things, maybe cellphones, so I asked Mouse-rhya to make some Talens that could carry a warning... a short message, really... to another Garou ally out of earshot. And they should even work across the Gauntlet, I hope." Her eyes flick back to Mouse again for confirmation. "I... thought that the cubs could be taught how to find safe, hidden routes to run along, and where to go, and who to go to, so they can act as emergency runners if there are attacks- and it keeps them safe, and gives them some good training too. And I was wondering about some sort of signalling system- line morse, perhaps, or semaphore, or barks- that could carry a message quickly too. Perhaps regular watches at good points across the area the Sept members cover..." she stops as Heather arrives, giving the girl a grin.

Nathan nods his head to these ideas and smiles widely. "Very nice Ruth. -Very- nice," he encourages. He glances to Kaz then with a narrow squinting, "Barks. The Gnawers have a system like that, right?"

Mouse nods at Ruth, glances at Heather, and then looks curiously toward Kaz.

Kaz is in the middle of saying, "Barkin'--" when Nathan gets there first. "Barking Chain, yeah. I'll talk t'folks. Signalization can't hurt. And we /have/ Galliard signals f'danger and shit anyways..." She trails off, and beams at Heather. "Hey. Congratulations, by the way."

Heather grins at Kaz. "Congratulations to /YOU/ Kaz-rhya! That was EPIC! Both on makin' Adren and challenging Vera-rhya!" She grins even wider, then leans over to Ruth, biting her lip. "Hey umm Ruth, Jacob told me to talk to you about deednames and such. Er, when's a good time for you?" She straightens up and shakes her hair out of her face. "Sorry for interrupting, guys, I'll be on my way! And nice to meet you, rhya!" She tips her head in Nathan's direction.

Nathan winces a little and offers a tsk of annoyance with himself. He makes a point of moving over toward Heather then, and bends down to offer his hand, "Sorry about that. You've just passed your rite then?" He smiles, "Congratulations Heather. The least I can do is give you my name then, hmm? Nate Buckingham, Adren Ahroun of the Silver Fangs." He leans in a feigned hush, "It was epic, wasn't it?"

"It's /Nathan/-rhya," Ruth corrects automatically, then gives the others a slightly sheepish look for her school-teacherish tone. "Deed-name?" she asks Heather then. "Have I become the Gaian's official name-person or something?" She's smiling as she says it, but looks back towards the others afterwards in enquiry. "Did you want to carry on with the discussion now, or is it better to get a few more along as well?"

Kaz grins. "It was fun, that's f'sure. An' nervewrackin'." She looks over at Ruth, and shakes her head. "Naw, git. We can get t'gether another time an' brainstorm more."

Mouse hesitates, and then nods to Ruth as well. "Sure, go on. I'll talk to you about a...thing, later."

Heather blushes and bows her head. "Nathan-rhya," she corrects. "It's nice to meet you." Then she brightens up again. "Yes it was /SO/ epic!" She giggles at Nathan and then hushes, listening to the ebb of conversation. Then with Kaz's assurance, she beams at Ruth. "It's cos it was your old sept, he said. I didn't know that! Umm...thanks you guys, for letting me steal her. I'm real sorry. I don't want to mess up official business or anything." She blushes, but retains her small, abashed smile.

Ruth's eyes widen a little, eyebrows lifting at Mouse's comment. She nods to the Walker Elder. "Are you going back to the city, Mouse-rhya? We're back on lockdown at the moment, I'd need to wait until I could get a lift or travel with someone else. But I'll find you. Nice to meet you, Nathan-rhya. Kaz-rhya, more congratulations from me. Sorry to run off on you all. Come on, Heather." Another grin for the younger Philodox, and she starts for the door.

Mouse explains, "I'm there every morning, I'll keep an eye out for you."

A momentary squinting of his eyes brings Nathan's hand up to the bridge of his nose. He blinks a few times and then shakes his head and thoughts clear. "Would you mind Mouse, if I stayed for a while and took use of a couch?"

Mouse shakes her head. "Nah, go right ahead."

Kaz waves to the departing Gaians, and then heads for the bathroom herself, muttering about being back in a few.