It is currently 17:25 Pacific Time on Fri Feb 10 2006. Currently in Saint Claire, it's a sunny day. The temperature is 57 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). The wind is currently coming in from the north at 12 mph. The barometric pressure reading is 30.34 and steady, and the relative humidity is 26 percent. The dewpoint is 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius.) Currently the moon is in the waxing Full Moon phase (84% full). Grey, his Glabro form enveloped in the big black leather duster that hasn't seen the sky in well over a year, limps slowly down into the caern, favoring his left leg. He heads directly into the center, looking fierce, glowery, and rather feral. Center of the Caern This is the central point of the 30-meter-wide clearing. The ground is a mixture of dark, rich, muddy soil mixed with clay, though there is an occasional patch of grass. At the center rests a large white boulder, immovable even by the strongest crinos. The boulder is shot through with streaks of quartz that produces scintillating colors when light strikes it just right. It is, for lack of a wholly adequate word, beautiful. Around you, twenty yards in every direction, stretches the caern. To the southeast, a waterfall plummets over the edge of the chasm into a small pool in the caern; nearby, to the southwest, steam comes from cracks in the ground, perhaps some of the same water. Northwest, a rocky spar juts out of the ground at a low angle, showing a sloping but smooth top. The chasm walls narrow a bit to the northeast, causing some of the mist to swirl in that area. In the windiest area, "No," Jacinta says, answering some question of the girl behind her as the pair make their way down into the caern. She stops in the area where the winds swirl, closing her eyes to feel the gusts against her face. Then she turns to the cub. "You are not ready for the Revel. But at the Cracking you will rise and introduce yourself. Tell all the Sept who you are. Be proud, show honor to your Tribe." In the windiest area, Veronica's chin rises as she follows. "The whole thing?" She follows Jacinta with a bit of a spring in her step. "Okay. Do they need to know where I'm staying, or who's teaching me?" She stumbles a bit, trying not to skip ahead of the elder. By the steam vents, The about-rarely seen these days Fang Galliard shows up early this evening. Recalls the Scars arrives in lupus and meanders between the steam vents in no particular hurry, settling for the time being alone amongst the mists. In the windiest area, Jacinta gives a small shake of her head. "No. When Moot is called, we will take the War Form. You will give your introduction as you have been taught, in the language of the Crinos. You may say I am your teacher, your Elder, but you do not need to say more. Those of the Sept know the Territory of the Wendigo." Again she closes her eyes, dropping into a crouch and letting her fingers play lightly against the packed soil. Grey cocks a single golden eye toward the two coming down from the windy part of the caern and then looks away with a grunt. To those with the proper senses, the Glass Walker carries the smell of Man and the city with him, but he settles himself down as though he belongs there, sitting crosslegged not far from the spot where he came in. By the waterfall, Truth-Stalker is resting near the waterfall, watching the others arrive, clearly he's been here for some time already. In the windiest area, Veronica nods quietly. "Okay. I'll just...stay close," she murmurs, standing tall for a moment longer before following her elder to a crouch. She watches the goings on below with wide-eyed interest. In the windiest area, Jacinta rises, her gaze passing briefly over Grey, Justin and Andy before returning to her cub. "Ii. As you should," she says before commanding, "Come." With that single word she begins her purposeful walk clockwise around the caern. Grey, sitting, takes on an almost meditative posture, with elbows resting on his knees and broad, semi-clawed fingers laced together. His good eye remains open, however, and there's nothing zen about the tightness of his jaw or the aura of rigidly-controlled fury. In the windiest area, Veronica pops to her feet, fairly crackling with energy as she follows the elder's steps almost exactly. Her shoulders slump a bit and her eyes drop as she tries to demonstrate submission to her teacher and elder, and any others who might outrank her here. Fire-Eyes slides out of the undergrowth and starts down into the Caern itself. The six-legged cub is moving gingerly, as if she were afraid at any moment the ground beneath her might give way. In her mouth is a stick roughly the length of her forearm, carved, smoothed, and covered in all manner of Garou glyphs. Her ears are slicked back far enough as to not be visible among her fur, which has actually started thickening...too little too late for this season, ah well. From the edges of the clearing comes the Fianna Elder. In his birthform, he pushes a branch carefully out of his way. "This way, Chris. Now, just remember what I told you about, and you'll be all set, yeah?" He holds the branch for the cub. Stacey walks into the Caern, thumbs hooked in her pockets, expression distant as she glances around to see who else has already gathered. She gives a respectful nod and smile to Jacinta, then grins at Veronica. In the windiest area, Jacinta leans somewhat close to Veronica at one point in their travel, pointing toward the center and speaking quietly. Christopher follows the Elder into the clearing, in homid form himself. "Thanks, Cole," he says, a little nervously. He'd only just found out that Garou existed, and now he's going to a large gathering of them. He takes a look around, noting how much nicer looking this area is than the city. In the windiest area, Veronica follows that with a hurried, wide-eyed nod, and sticks even closer to the Wendigo. Dust has followed Bug at some distance, a smooth stride of shifting silver fur. Head down. His deformity has opened his skin in weeping gashes, though tonight the musty smell does not carry far in the cold. Fire-Eyes comes to a stop and considers those already in the caern, before she looks over her shoulder at the trailing Dust. The elder metis gets a brief, tentative tail wave, but she's obviously quite distracted. She starts off toward Grey first, pauses, then shifts her focus toward Jacinta. Again she hesitates, and finally she decides to go with her first choice. It's Grey that's approached. By the waterfall, Truth-Stalker eyes each person as they arrive, sitting up by the waterfall in a bit of raised spot, sitting there in crinos. Jacinta's eyes narrow as she spots Cole with the strange youth. "Howls-For-Glory," she calls out, her tone cold." Grey tilts his head, his eye fixing on Fire-Eyes. The urban Neanderthal doesn't smile -- he looks too snarly and sour for that, especially tonight -- but does give her a nod, and his rumbling greeting is almost genial. "Morgan. Hello." A little of Fire-Eyes' nervousness seems to slough off at the greeting--she gives Grey a tail wave as well, and a muffled ~Grey-rhya,~ around the stick in her mouth. She wonders if she can ask him something? Stacey stops off to the side of the rest, a lone Child of Gaia. Having had her attention on the two Wendigo, her brows raise and she turns to look at Cole. From the rock outcropping, Leslie makes her way down the trail from the northern wall of the valley. Headed into the center, Runner comes trotting along in the lupus. Her left side is showing signs of regrowth in fur length and density. Comical as it may be to see, the Gnawer ragabash pays little or no attention to it, finding herself a spot to sit near the pool. Grey flicks a glance toward Jacinta and then to Cole and his guest, but only briefly. ~Ask,~ he tells Fire-Eyes. By the waterfall, Truth-Stalker smiles over at Blackriver. ~Greetings.~ By the waterfall, Blackriver flicks her ears in greeting to Truth-Stalker and pads down to the center. By the steam vents, Just a little noise from Recalls the Scars as the Fang rises to his feet and shakes out. He departs the heavier of the mists and settles at the edge of the vent area where its notably less damp. There he lies back down and resumes surveying the gathering Garou. Touch Deer walks into the Caern, by himself, and heads towards his Elder and cub, waving to them as he moves, and murmuring hello's to others that he passes on the way. Savages-Enemy trots along, heading down into the caern at a casual pace. No hurry this one. A pack of three, Requiem from the looks and recognition, arrive together with little fuss. Bloods-Bane leads them, head held high and confident, and is flanked on either side by his packmates, the everdour Dagger's-Edge on his right and Power-Up on his left. The Shadow Lord philodox seats himself with the Walker, as Bloods-Bane indicates to them his roles for the moot tonight and breaks off to assume position. Fire-Eyes lowers her head to the ground and spits out the stick, working her jaws for a moment. This one is on her Rite, she explains. Howls-for-Glory-rhya has given her tasks, and one of them is to get stories from all of the tribes and all of the auspices about their Rites of Passage. She has one from a Shadow Lord, a Child of Gaia, a Black Fury, a Bone Gnawer, and a Get of Fenris. The metis licks her lips and asks, gingerly, if perhaps Grey-rhya might be willing to tell her his. From the north rim, three woman approach, one definitely younger than the other two. Laura leads the way, with Alesia following her, and Leslie brings up the rear, a long, thin bone in one hand. The Philodox looks decidedly pensive and withdrawn as she silently trails the other two into the center. Cole looks up as he's hailed, smiling to Chris for a moment. "Yes, Jacinta-rhya," he responds, taken aback by the tone. Abraxas enters alone and in hispo, looking as agitated and ill tempered as always, if perhaps moreso, given the size of the moon. He doesn't make to join any group, and takes up a lone seat near the back of the forming crowd. Stands-in-the-rain lopes down from the western wood, already panting. The moon is strong on him, and he's all bristled hair, wild eyes. The revel cannot come soon enough for the slobbering warrior. Grey's mouth twists into a tight, wry grimace as he shakes his head at Fire-Eyes. ~I didn't Rite as a Glass Walker.~ Runner howls long and loud. From Center of the Caern, Runner can be heard to howl, ~~Garou of the Hidden Walk, come to the caern and pay homage to your totem, Chimera the Wise One, Lady of Mirrors! Gather together under Luna's full eye, for tonight, we moot!~ (Note: This pose IC is performed by Bloods-Bane.)~ Jacinta juts her chin out, apparently ignoring all others and focusing her attention on Cole as she steps in his direction. "Has the youth been vetted?" Still cold, her voice has the edge of the moon's size in it. Laura finds an appropriate place for herself and the cub, watching for any incoming guardians or other sorts who may not approve of the presence of either her or the girl. That throws her. Oh, is Fire-Eyes response, and for once, for once! She doesn't ask any follow up questions. She looks over her shoulder as Dillen howls, winces, and says in the wolf equivalent of a mumble that her other task is to tell a story tonight. Nervousness has returned full force to the cub. Savages-Enemy sits somewhere off to the side by himself, watching quietly. There is a shady look on the Gnawer's gray muzzle as he watches over those gathered like a hawk. No one is ignored by the Gnawer's survaying eyes. Dust looks on the Fianna metis with kind eyes, before he continues on to join his tribemates. The gruesome metis does not come too close, but sits by, silent, and well-trained. Cole pulls himself up, nodding firmly. "Yes, Jacinta-rhya. Blackriver-yuf was kind enough to check him for Wyrm-tain for me. He's free of any traces of it." He diverts his gaze as the howl from Dillen sounds out. "Did you understand that, Chris? That was to call this whole thing together, to honor Chimera, totem of our Caern." Blackriver licks her nose and lays down at a few feet distance from Dust, looking around to find her other tribemates. Alesia stays close to Laura, and Leslie if possible looking nervous as she sees all the various garou around her speaking in various languagues. It's clear that this has her on edge, that plus the moon. Culls-The-Herd had been sitting near the crystal stone near the center of the Caern. When Dillen howls, the black crinos slowly stands. Necklace of teeth clinking together lightly as she moves. Stacey turns, at the call, to glance around the gathering one last time, and her eyes narrow as she spots Alesia. "Leslie!" she calls out sternly, pointing to the cub. "Has that one been given permission by the Warder to be here? Circle Keeper arrives with Beatrice in tow, the Uktena making his way down in from the East. The white pelted Crinos is painted up in his moot best, the Guardian casting sharp looks about as he lumbers his way down. Stopping at the edge, he sniffs at the air, searching for his packmates among the rabble. ~You'll do well, I am sure,~ Grey tells the six-armed cub in a tone of cool confidence. He looks up at the howl, nostrils flaring. Jacinta seems somewhat mollified, and perhaps a trifle disappointed by Cole's response. Dillen's howl gets her acknowledgement, and she looks to her cub. "Crinos," she says, even as she rises upward herself. Christopher notices several eyes on him, but despite his nerves, he forces himself to not withdraw on himself. He hears a howling, and although he's sure there's some meaning to it, almost, he isn't sure what the meaning is. He can almost understand, though. Something about welcome. Then Cole explains. "I can almost understand it. It's like something I used to know but forgot." Fire-Eyes doesn't seem terribly reassured, but she gives the Glass Walker another tail wave, and looks out over the growing crowd. Again she pauses on Jacinta, but her attention is drawn to Cole and Cole's guest. The metis cub's muzzle scrunches. Noisy Ghost, also known as Beatrice, skulks in behind Circle Keeper, looking almost as dour and sullen as her teacher and mentor. Gypsy approaches at a slow, cautious trot. Her ears perk and swivel at the activity she hears and senses. As she closes in she hesitates, unsure of her place. Stacey shifts up into Crinos as well, but her eyes are still on the Black Furies, waiting a response. Veronica, until now stunned by the sheer number of Garou, takes her cue with aplomb. She shifts to Crinos immediately, shaking out her ruff and prancing from foot to foot nervously. Blackriver's ears perk and she shrivels her head to look at the Black Furies as well. Cole rises into Crinos as well, gesturing for Fire-Eyes to approach. ~Join us, Eyes-of-Fire. Help me to welcome our new friend.~ Laura flicks her gaze to Stacey, and holds up a hand. "The Warder has seen the cub, and affirmed she is no longer tainted," she calls back to the Child of Gaia. Unconsciously, Leslie puts herself between Stacey and the cub, rising into the warform as Stacey does before answering in Mother's Tongue. ~Yes, he has, Walks-the-Middle-Path. Child Holder has Cleansed her, and it has been verified.~ Her stance is cool, impasive, but with a leashed tension. Shield-Bearer walks from the north, the Crinos's hooves making noise as she takes each step on the rock. She looks uncomfortably at the crowd, before joining them in the center. ~Now that we have gathered, call with me, Brothers and Sisters. Howl with your body and spirit, and let Gaia hear you! Let the Wyrm tremble in fear from the Rage in your voices, and let it be known that we are the Chosen ones!~ The Master of the Howl and Caller, Bloods-Bane, clenches a fist and punches it into the air, urging the gathered to open up and sing towards the heaven in the Opening Howl. Recalls-Scars gets up again, at this point clearly uncomfortable with being steamed on by the vents. The lupus'd Fang shakes out a second time and picks his way down a rather steep section of the caern wall, hopping down and landing squarely on his paws nearby the other collected Silver Fangs with a light thud. Alesia looks down right scared stiff by Stacey's accusations and looks like the added attention on her is something she really wishes wasn't there, but she manages to put on a brave face for a moment then as almost everyone shifts to war form she concentrates and does the same, taking a while but managing it at last. The Black Furies draw Dust's attention as well, first the band of them and talk of a tainted cub, and then only one of them. A curious gaze has fallen upon the hoofed metis. Stone-Spirit had arrived in mass, and now as the howl goes up, the Modi turns her nose to the sky and lets her howl join the dissonant chorus of those gathered at moot. Walks-Middle relaxes at this and nods. ~That is good.~ And she turns away, tilting back her head to join in the howl. Runner rises from her spot at the pool, calling out with all that she can pour into the act. Circle Keeper, without a word to his cub, starts to make his way over to Jacinta and her cub. When e arrives, he raises his voice to join the howl. Culls-The-Herd stretches out either hand at her side and throws her head back, howling at the top of her lungs. Christopher tries to recall the rage that flooded him during his first change and, after a while, begins to feel the same sensations as before. He grows considerably taller, fur sprouting all over. He joins with the group, howling alongside them. Treeclimber is silent for a moment before throwing herself into the howl with all of her being at first, then drawing back as she loses in volume. Her voic,e blends with the others, and it fades after a time. Fire-Eyes picks up her story stick, gives Grey one last nervous look, and starts off toward the other Fianna. Grey grimaces. Shifting his weight forward, the wounded Glass Walker stiffly gets to his feet. The war form boils out of his skin all too easily. Fur-tattered and scarred from past battles and quite recent ones -- Wolverine's claws and fangs bite deep -- the Glass Walker joins the howl, his voice deep, discordant, and thunderous. Touch Deer flies into Crinos with a practiced shift, and lets loose with a howl. Rage, and passion, join the chorus as his voice strains in a terrible howl. Shield-Bearer gulps back twice, before joining in the howl. Abraxas slides easily into his birth form and draws his lips back. His howl is slow, almost ponderous, and quite low. Savages-Enemy stands up, unable to keep himself still. The Ahroun paces back and forth along the outskirts of the crowd. His eyes are narrowed with his ears slipped back against his broad head. There is no howl that comes from the Gnawer, only a quiet huff of his nostrils as they flare out. The city stench rises off the Ahroun like his cheap aftershave. Savages looks pissed off but that might just be rage that is touching the surface. Pierces Ice lifts her muzzle to join in with the howl, all the emotion of the moon flooding through her voice. Sophie moves to join Cole and Morgan as the moot opens up, glancing at both briefly before rising into the war form to let the trio of Fianna raise voice to the spirits. Blackriver draws herself up and lets loose a thunderous howl, shifting up into hispo as she goes, causes the pitch to drop considerably in the middle of the howl. Howls-For-Glory adds his voice to the chorus, resonant and forceful. He makes a gesture of approval as Christopher shifts upward. Child-Holder leans back and looses a howl of joy and rage. Her voice is reedy and rough. Noisy Ghost doesn't follow Circle Keeper right away. Her own howl is high and quavering and not all that certain. It's a far cry from the joyously ignorant yowling she gave voice to at the last Moot. Partway in the act of staring at the hooved metis, Dagger's-Edge suddenly breaks off from his gaze and looks skywards. The Shadow Lord shifts to his warform and howls deeply. Power-Up joins him soon after, his own song slipping out dischordant with the others. Stands-in-the-rain has a cord of drool between his teeth, and it breaks when he shakes his head, and gives a deep and wild howl. Fledgling fairly bellows her howl, using up all of her wind right off. It's a bit like a roar of wind, really. When she catches her breath, she gives another howl, finding the right sound and harmonizing with the rest. Christopher sees the gesture of approval, and keeps going. At this rate, he might just make it through the night without screwing up. Recalls-Scars rises for the purpose of the howl to the warform, unloading a long, and rather flat-toned lungful of whatever squashed emotion he may be carrying with him up to Luna. Though once complete he is rather quickly back to wolf form and quiet. Once she reaches the others, Fire-Eyes slides into crinos, takes the stick from her mouth, and howls. It's rough and ill-practiced, but nervousness adds its own kind of volume, and she comes out quite loud. Pierces Ice gives the Silver Fang Galliard a contemptuous, if not downright angry, look. In his crinos form, Bloods-Bane moves out to a high spot, looking over those who have assembled. The wind whips at his fur, but he pays no mind. He then gets a slight smirk and then announces, ~Know you your Litany, Fool? Then let me and the Hidden Walk test your knowledge! Garou shall not mate with Garou!~ Then the galliard folds his arms across his chest and looks to Culls-the-Herd for the retort. Savages-Enemy tears up the ground with his claws while the rest of the body is howling. His silence is observed along with the itching look of wanting to raise that voice that he just does not have. Once the voices start to drop off, Savages-Enemy begins pacing along the outside of the group looking up towards the Caller and the Fool. Culls-The-Herd looks over at Bloods Bane and her muzzle wrinkles up in a dismissive sneer, ears laying back against her skull. ~Ha! Have you seen how few of us there are left? These are the last days! Our numbers are dwindling, even as the enemy grows stronger. And why are they growing stronger? Because half their number are Metis, that's why! While we breed madly with our kinfolk in the hope that at least one or two of our offspring will be Garou, the Black Spiral Dancers are guaranteed warriors simply by out breeding with each other! That is why we are loosing this war, if we are to win, we must forget about that outdated law and do whatever is necessary to win this war for Gaia!~ Grey drops down to all fours, losing little mass as his body twists into Hispo. Bristling and stiff-legged, he limps over toward Stone-Spirit, taking a spot near her. As the call and the response begin, Treecimber drops back into her homid form and sits in the grass to listen, pulling her knees up to her chest and hugging them silent. She is much more silent than is her usual wont, her glace occasionaly flicking over to Stacey or Blackriver as she listens. Shield-Bearer says, ~More metis aren't worth it! Breeding Metis feeds the wyrm!~ It appears Gaia started making an upright beast of burden, and became distracted with something else halfway through. Standing in excess of nine feet tall, the creature is a bizarre juxtaposition of features. While it stands on broad, uncloven hooves, the smooth-furred, black beast is topped by a lupine head and sports a similar tail. While its wide, three fingered hands lacks claws, it doesn't lack sharp, pointy teeth. Abraxas offers no retort to his elder, but he does turn his gaze slowly about the rest of the gathered Garou with narrowed eyes. His glower is such that one might imagine he could quite easily stab anyone who speaks in favor of the Fool. Runner crawls up to her warform, all but roaring back at the Fool. ~The Black Spiral Dancers have numbers, but they do not have their own sanity! Do not compare /us/ with /them/! The metis are weakened by their flaws. Do not anger Gaia any further by spitting on the law and creating such obvious marks of Her Displeasure!~ Howls-For-Glory makes a scornful sound at the Fool's assertion. ~Yes! Let's save Gaia by violating the very first law she handed down to us! Do you think yourself wiser than Gaia? Bah!~ Pierces Ice's lips curl away from her teeth. ~And they will breed themselves to extinction, by that logic!~ Cries-No-More screams back, ~An army of deformed warriors, tainted by their parents act? Are you mad?!~ Dust only growls, a long, low note. ~We should not disrespect our children so easily! Middle-breed or not, they should not be so easily discarded in battle with the Wyrm!~ Child-Holder snaps back to the fool. ~And the breeding of a single mule may lose us a capable, RITED warrior!~ Fire-Eyes flattens her ears and hunches down. She gives a tiny yip after Cole's words, as if to say 'what he said'. Stone-Spirit growls out in reply, ~Warriors that are crippled and deformed, that fall easily to the claws of the enemy.~ As the howling ceases, Christopher moves back slightly, listening to the exchange. All he can understand is that the second speaker is being mocked. Howls-For-Glory bends down to explain the situation to the new cub, voice guttural and strained with the effort of speaking in a human tongue. Grey, like the leper Fang, merely snarls. Seasons-Change glances to Cole, and then to the human at his side, curious and unsure. Circle Keeper's teeth clench, barking back at the Fool: ~Army of sterile, crippled warriors is no army!~ ~Metis are twisted and crippled! They make Gaia weaker, not stronger!~ Blackriver growls out. Bloods-Bane continues on, naming off the laws and scowling at the Fool's replies until he arrives at the next law. He stares at Culls-the-Herd and announces, ~You must submit to one that is higher in station.~ He snaps at Culls-the-Herd, growling out the words. Recalls-Scars does actually catch the hardened glare from Pierces Ice, however the Fang does not return it with any kind of ferocity. His brief glance back to her consists only of eyes and ears turned down before his expression turns back to whatever uneasiness clouds his mind. Abraxas gives a foul tempered growl. ~Ha! Now this is a Law that gets abused all the time! Just because someone outranks you, they seem to think that you have to cringe and crawl around them! All but kiss their asses, to hold up this law,~ Culls-The-Herd begins her rant. ~The law only says that we have to Submit to Those Higher in Station - it just means that those that outrank you get to call the shots when organizing things, or in the heat of battle. Unless it is some sort of direct order coming out of their mouths, we don't have to do what those who are Higher in station tell us to do. And yet, I'll tell you about this Athro I met once! I forgot to give him my full name and he got all bent out of shape. He was a complete and total asshole! So I gave him a little lip and tried to walk away. He pitched a fit and smacked me around some, made me crawl for him! Just because I wasn't 'polite'. Ha! What is it about this law that makes those who outrank us think that we have to mind our manners around them and respect them! It only says that we have to obey their direct orders!~ Circle Keeper's quick to growl back, staring forward a step to snarl from Jacinta's side. ~If they weren't worthy of your respect, they wouldn't be in higher station, mooncalf!~ Rather than call responses to the Fool, Leslie leans over to Alesia and murmurs quietly to her, seting the bone down beside her. Her entire air is withdrawn, restrained, pensive, but she speakss quietly nonetheless. Blackriver growls. ~You submit by respecting.~ She snaps out. Gypsy shifts to her homid form and stands at a distance, observing silently. A frown settles deep into her features as she listens to the mocking and infighting, keen green eyes ever watching. Her gaze settles frequently on the Metis in the gathering and her hands flex unconsiously at her sides. Howls-For-Glory 's hackles rise. ~Those of higher rank know better than you do what is necessary!~ He settles a heavy gaze on the two Fianna cubs near to him. ~For you to forget the name of a renowned warrior of Gaia, you better have been smacked around!~ Dagger's-Edge snarls, ears pinched back. ~They do not only speak orders, but advice as well! You would do well to listen once in awhile instead of making snappy remarks all the time, Fool!~ adds Power-Up, lashing his tail. Cries-No-More nods passionately with Circle Keeper's retort. ~They are higher because they earned their Rank, and you have not earned an equal place with them. Submit, always, to those of higher Rank.~ Pierces Ice says, ~Ignore those with more experience at cost to Grandmother and her children.~ Fire-Eyes settles back next to Howls-for-Glory, and fidgets. She offers nothing this time, not even a yip like before, and the stick in her hands is clasped tightly. Shield-Bearer says, ~The ones greater than you are worthy of your respect. You are worthy of getting beaten!~ Savages-Enemy is pacing back and froth still, his hackles standing up on his neck. The Ahroun looks lost in this reaspect, unable to make any responce since no one is to bother looking in his direction while participating. He keeps his opinions to himself, allowing the others to answer his frustrations as they are called out towards the Fool and the rest of the gathering. Noisy Ghost remains quiet and sullen, her ears laid back. She yelps out a few derisive noises at the Fool -- stupid, stupid -- but doesn't offer up anything more eloquent than that. ~Elders are elders for a reason! They know what they're doing, so you should listen to them!~ is Fledgling's suddent, enthusiastic contribution. Walks-Middle growls. ~For what they have done, they deserve respect! If those higher in station are not respected and obeyed, who will teach? Who will lead?~ Child-Holder settles for pacing and snarling at the fool this time. ~Dishonorable whelps are the only ones who would disrespect an elder this way. We submit to those with more wisdom, because they have earned our respect.~ Pierces Ice glances at her cub with pride, though her attention is quickly pulled back to the Fool and the Caller. Dagger's-Edge only afterwards realizes something, and that just makes him even more enraged. The philodox goes quiet, but invisibly radiates with dangerous waves of Rage as he glares at the Fool. Seasons-Change cows slightly to Cole's heavy gaze, then shifts around to move beside the metis. Her shoulder gives the other cub a gentle nudge, fond and encouraging as she settles down into a squat. Christopher stands back, beginning to understand what's happening. He stays quiet, not sure how to respond. Grey snarls again, wordlessly, snout wrinkled back to display oversized, oversharp fangs. Fire-Eyes turns her head toward Seasons-Change, and then abruptly buries it against her shoulder. Once again the laws fly from the Galliard's mouth, full of passion and all that he can muster into the words. Bloods-Bane arrives at the next, looking down his nose with disdain at the fool before he says, ~The Veil shall not be lifted!~ Savages-Enemy walks up to Stone-Spirit once he has found her in the crowd and nudges at her before the Gnawer shifts into homid. 'Those who disrespect their elders do not get far,' he signs to the Get of Fenris. Culls-The-Herd sighs dramatically, deflating for a moment. ~We skulk around in the corners, hiding ourselves from the whole of humanity. Imagine what would happen if they found out about the vampires, or the Fomor in their midst. We're all worried about them finding out about us, but who says we should let them find out about us! I say that we should remain hidden, but make certain the humans find out about everything else that is out there. They'll wipe out the Fomori and the vampires for us! We'd just have to sit back and watch the show!~ Stands-in-the-rain licks his chops, over-eager to begin the attack. He can hardly keep his mind on the proceedings, pacing and snorting, and sniffing new smells. That bit of the litany finally gets his attention; he knew it sounded familiar from somewhere. The ahroun chances a look at Vera Culls-the-Herd, his wolfin grin somehow wry. Circle Keeper strains, starting to spittal flying as he barks back: ~And the Vampires will reveal us in turn for /our death/!~ The young new alpha gives only a growl for this one, a thick toothed clenching of her crinos jaw settling the hackles that rebel along her shoulders and neck. ~They veil must be kept at all times. It is our fight for Gaia, not theirs. They are incapable of serving Gaia's needs! Let them sit in oblivion, and keep our own hides guarded from their fear!~ Howls-For-Glory gives a harsh, braying sound that is as close to laughter as the Galliard can get in this form. ~Fool! Simpleton! They would be wiped out against the things that hide in the shadows! And our Kin would be swept up in the aftermath! Even if they weren't, once they know of leeches, how long before they look for -other- monsters!~ Runner sighs in turn. ~The fomori /are/ humans, just those that have fallen. You wish them to learn of the Wyrm, Fool? You wish them to learn, and then realize, the Wyrm can give them power? The vampires have their own ways, and to reveal them too... you would bring /all/ those not human upon our heads!~ Fledgling shuffles her feet a bit, whining as she tries to think of what to say to that. Finally, she comes up with: ~Humans aren't that stupid. They would look for us.~ She glances at Noisy Ghost, as if to say 'beat that'. Child-Holder growls. ~Fomori and vampires talk to humans. They are closer to humans than we are. How long would it be before they told what they know? How would we reveal them without revealing our nature as well?~ ~Fool,~ rumbles Grey, bristling still. ~You don't want to wake the sleeping beast that is human anger. They hunted us once before, and will gladly do so again.~ Cries-No-More shakes his head, arms crossed, Crinos eyes narrowed. ~You are complete idiot.~ Night seems to be doing her best to just remain close to her elders, watchin all this with wide eyes and perked ears. Her body betrays her nervousness but she holds her spot. Blackriver's ears lay back and her fur raises. ~/We/ are the ones who must protect Gaia. It is /our/ job.~ She growls. Noisy Ghost glares hate and daggers at Fledgling from her position separated from the Guardians. She gives the lupus body-language equivalent of an upraised middle finger at the other cub. Where'd she learn /that/? Pierces Ice's jaw opens slightly, lips pulling back in a grin for her cub, which turns more feral as she responds to the Fool, herself. ~You cannot keep /part/ of the Veil. Once it is rent, it is gone!~ Abraxas snarls again, and then his lips part, that black tongue visible to all. ~The others know of us as well. Who's to say they wouldn't tell about us to save their own necks?~ Dust has picked out Gypsy in the crowd, though if she would ever recognize him, he cannot say. His gaze lingers on the single Strider for a time, before his attention returns to the age-old ritual. He gives a soft growl that might be another insult for the fool, though it seems to direct it to the philodox of his tribe. Walks-Middle crosses her arms. ~That is one of the most foolish ideas I've heard. We'd be attacked just as much as the others would.~ Again the Truthcatcher remains outwardly silent, leaning over to whisper a translation to the crinos cub beside her. After a moment, she stands to do so, the better to match heights. She folds her arms across her chest, her bearing withdrawn, reserved, pensive and closed. Christopher growls, still in crinos form, ~Idiocy,~ knowing that much more than that would be beyond him. 'We hide because that is our strength. We fight from the shadows so that our enemy may not hear us coming. We are few, they are many,' Aaron continues to sign, having to give the Fenrir a poke to get her attention. He his in homid now, but unable to barely keep it all in. Aaron adds in after a moment, 'One traitor would ruin us all.' Bloods-Bane continues on with the list going though 'Do not suffer thy people to tend to thy sickness' and the other tenets before he arrives at the final law. The air is heavy with pent up tension, and he plays upon it by purposely delaying. And as if passing some kind of judgement, he roars out, ~Do not take any actions that will cause a caern to be violated!~ He throws his hands into the air as a big emphasis on this last law. Culls-The-Herd snorts, looking down at the gathered Garou with distain. ~Yea, yea, I've heard this one before. We all do out best to keep the Caern safe, but at the same time we let this Law stop us from doing everything we could. I mean, we could set up guns on the Bawn and in the Caern. Keep silver bullets in stock. If we were ever attacked and the enemy got this far, we could blow them away. The only thing stopping us is this Law and a few dull-toothed traditionalist that think using Weaver weaponry would defile the Caern!~ From afar, to the room, Aaron gets Sophie mixed up with Emma, I meant Sophie, for any who are logging. Sorry. ~/This/ caern, it would,~ rasps out the Glass Walker. (Grey) Howls-For-Glory shakes his muzzle heavily. ~The Weaver has her grounds, and look what they've become? They are scabs in name and appearance! You would visit this on our home?! You would do the Wyrm's mad work for it!~ Bitter-Harvest snarls, ~This would be keeping out the Wyrm in favor of falling thrall to the Weaver.~ ~Because it would!~ Child-Holder howls, stepping away from her tribesmates in her fury. ~What use is a defense the violates the Ways, the nature of the caern itself? What use is a defense that draws the very attention we want to keep away! Idiot! Moon Calf! Why not just make a moat of toxic waste while we're at it!~ Cries-No-More shakes his head. ~And you would play into the Enemies wishes.~ Power-Up barks out a full-fledged laugh at the notion of silver-armed guns, and Dagger's-Edge snorts. ~Go back to your urban city caern, Fool. Go back and protect that which you know, and leave the holding of this caern to those who actually know what they're doing.~ The Lord philo crosses his arms over his chest, looking specifically towards the Guardians and Warder in turn. Seasons-Change glances to the Gnawer beside her, eyes pinching into focus at him. Her voice is low, meant to be unobtrustive, ~What is it Savages-Enemy?~ Pierces Ice's response is wordless, too much ire for rational thought. Her growl snaps out toward the Fool as though it were a tangible thing. Blackriver seems to have missed Dust's growl, or assumed that it was directed towards the Fool. In any case, a rough angry snarl is her only response to Vera this time. ~Silver weapons could be used against the Sept,~ Fledgling offers uncertainly, amidst all of the other abuses heaped on the Fool. Circle Keeper lifts his weapon, bellowing back an enraged retort utterly devoid of content. Leslie seems to turn further inward as she again speaks quietly to her cub and tribemate, eyes cold and still as they rest on the Fool and the Caller. Culls-The-Herd just sneers at all those shouting her down, nose in the air. Shield-Bearer says, ~Weaver tools would defile the Caern just as well!~ Aaron shakes his head towards Sophie and crosses his arms over his chest. His dull colored eyes just watch the others in silence. Walks-Middle growls out angrily at the fool, even more so at the sneer. ~Fool! You would destroy what we seek to protect!~ Seasons-Change lets out a sharp growl, ~Violation of a caern is not just weapons and weaver! It comes from a caern that cannot function as it is intended to. *All* tenets of the litany must be followed, or they *all* risk the safety of our caerns!~ By the waterfall, Truth-Stalker howls in agreement with Seasons-Change. ~A Sept that is not whole is as much a risk as weapons, the weaver or even the wyrm.~ Once the howls have died down, the Caller remains where he stands. Bloods-Bane then concludes the Calling. ~Look to the pool, Garou of the Hidden Walk, and find your Warder! It is he who leads the Opening of the Inner Sky. Look!~ A claw points, drawing the attention away from him and towards the waterfall, where Fights-For-Hope stands. The Gatekeeper turned Warder stands before the pool beneath the waterfall, facing it. He stands tall in the homid form, hands held before him, clenched together as if in prayer. His head, bowed, completes the picture. After some time his head shoots up, Jamethon bursts into the Crinos form, and a great wind blows all around him and the pool, whipping fur and water into a frenzy. His head lifts higher and he howls. *Chimera! Lady of Mirrors! Soul of Truth and Lies! I call to you!* The wind intensifies and howls now, waters crashing up onto the shore around the pool and the Warder's fur blowing insanely around. *Chimera! Deciever and teacher of fools! Hear me!* Again the wind strengthens, but it focuses and comes straight at the Warder from the Waterfall, blowing all his fur and hair back towards the center of the Caern. *Chimera! Your children moot! Come to us!* The Warder howls now, wordlessly in a call, inviting the Sept to join him. Bloods-Bane is the first to break out another brilliant song into the sky. The entreaty floats up and up, and he gestures broadly for the others to join in as well once more. Bitter-Harvest spends a good few moments glaring tiny death daggers at the Warder as he starts, but when he invites the gathered to howl, the Shadow Lord once again tips his muzzle back and lets out a long, low call. Howls-For-Glory's hackles rise as the wind begins to whip around, though he's anything but apprehensive. Rather, he lets loose with a joyous and excited howl to welcome the Lady of Mirrors. By gesture, he communicates Christopher should do the same. Circle Keeper raises his muzzle high, howling long and hard to the totem of the sept. Try as he might, a hard edge enters it from the fury of the calling. Child-Holder tilts her head back and offers an off-key howl to the night sky. It's different from the boisterous one of earlier, more mellow. Leslie murmurs something in Alesia's ear before once again throwing herself into the warform, allowing her howl to ring out proud and strong this time, joining the other voices that rise to the moon. Grey's howl is, as before, deep and thunderous, full of anger. Noisy Ghost's howl is angry, too, but higher pitched and immature. Fire-Eyes gives a false start, a yip that is quickly choked off and replaced with the same rough, over-loud howl as before. Culls-The-Herd's form relaxes as her duty as the Fool is completed and she throws back her head, howling toward the sky. Cries-No-More does not hesitate, adding his dissonant howl to the Opening of the Inner Sky. As one pack, Dagger's-Edge and Power-Up follow soon after the Get galliard in a renewed pair of howls, one low and one slightly higher, weaving with the calls of others. Nightmares hesitates but lets out a howl, joining those of the sept, her voice edging into harshness with her effort of howling. As other garou begin to howl, so does Chris. Gypsy notes Dust's gaze, as this is the first acknowledgement she's recieved amid all of this. Apparently eased to some extent she shifts back down into her dark wolf form and moves closer with small, tenative steps. With scent comes recognition, and she moves to sit back on her haunches a few yards back, but directly behind Dust. Her enigmatic gaze sweeps across the gathering again. She does join in the howl, though it is low and mournful in tone. Shield-Bearer tips her head back, adding her howl to the moon. Walks-Middle lifts her muzzle to let out a long howl, welcoming Chimera. Fledgling takes a few moments to breathe before she joins in, slowly tilting her head back and adding her harmony to the mix. Pierces Ice looks first to her cub, then to her packmates, and only then raises her voice to welcome the Totem of the Caern. Like several others', her howl holds a hard edge, but still there is a measure of joy and awe in the sound. Dagger's-Edge joins in, keeping her voice separate from the rest of the harmonies, almost begging for the Lady of Mirrors to appear. Seasons-Change changes lets her voice once more rise up, staying near the metis and offering her own confidence as a boost for the other cub. Stone-Spirit lifts her voice as well, regarding her new packmate briefly as she joins him in howling toward the heavens. Runner joins in, keeping her voice separate from the rest of the harmonies, almost begging for the Lady of Mirrors to appear. Aaron shifts back into lupus, but only huffs and emits a sneeze. Recalls-Scars manages for the time being to squash back the clouds in his mind and rises to Crinos to remain this time. The Galliard loans his voice to the inner sky, releasing a tone-variant sort of searching call to draw out Chimera. Soon the Waterfall explodes out, carried on the wind it is like solid slivers of cool, but not freezing, water fly around the Caern. Dipping and rising, twisting and turning and flying about, they look like little spirits, or perhaps smaller parts of the greater whole, that is Chimera. Fights-For-Hope turns around and dripping with moisture he announces, ~The inner sky is open! Let us moot!~ Runner shakes herself out, but yips joyfully at the sight of the caern's spirit patron flying overhead. There's a sense of relief in her posture, awe included. Apparently Treeclimber was waiting for this, because she allows her howl to fade almost at once, though she looks down and nods to the figure she sits next to from where she stands. Placing the long, thin bone between her teeth, holding it gently, she vaults neatly onto the rock outcropping and removes thebone from her mouth, holding it up to the sky. There's tension in the muscled frame, and her ears splay sideways as she shouts, ~Once again, we Moot beneath Gaia's clear sky and before the spirits and those that have come before us. And once again, we seek the truths that lie within Gaia's wisdom that we might continue to serve her, just as a hungry wolf pup lays bare the marrow within the bones of his prey that he might continue to live.~ Those words being spoken, she takes the bone between her clawed hands and cracks it as easy as a human might a pencil, and lifts bothhalves to the sky. ~The Cracking of the Bone is begun. Let those who have joined our Sept since the last Moot come forward now, and them themselves known to their sisters and brothers.~ Dust holds a clear note, his breath smoking in the cold night air. His eyes open when the waterfall gives way, and a look of open pleasure steals across him. As it all draws to a close, he gives Gypsy a brief look, reassuring, and a light snort. Bitter-Harvest drops back, shoulders hunched. He eyes Tree-Climber warily as she steps up. Grey settles back on his haunches, lurking next to Stone-Spirit like a bad omen. Shield-Bearer walks out into the center. ~I am Shield Bearer. I am Metis, and Fostern Theurge of my tribes, the Black Furies. I have joined your sept and given chiminage.~ Her introduction is weak, sounding like she'd rather not do it at all. She returns to her place when she is finished. Cries-No-More begins to thread his way throught he crowd towards Leslie, ears laid back close to his skull. Child-Holder strides to the front after giving Night a gentle pat on the shoulder. She accepts the bones, then seeks out the few familiar faces in the crowd. ~I am Child-Holder, Cliath Theurge of the Furies. Once before I stood among this Sept, and I have returned to stand with you once more. I am completing my Chiminage to Helen-yuf, and will soon be a full member of the Walk.~ She glances at her tribemates, then offers the bones to the next speaker, returning quickly to her previous spot. Dagger's-Edge and Power-Up watch as the newcomers come up and introduce themselves. The fostern metis of the Furies gets a most hard and scrutinizing once over from the Shadow Lord. Pierces Ice leans close to Fledgling, rumbling something unintelligible to her. Parker stays where he is, noting how people are are walking up, and seem to be introducing themselves. He gives Cole a questioning look. Howls-For-Glory watches on as the newcomers introduce themselves, nodding approvingly. He looks to the other Fianna then, and chuffs to Fire-Eyes. ~You will do well.~ He returns Christopher's look and shakes his head, evenly. ~No. Not yet.~ Fledgling gives a quick bob of her head, and a flick of her ears, to whatever the Wendigo Ahroun just said. Fire-Eyes grips her stick all the tighter at Howls-for-Glory's words. Chris nods quietly, almost relieved that he doesn't have to introduce himself to the whole sept just yet. The gruesome Falcon has returned to the form of his birth, the better to take the bones and stand before the sept. No pretense: he is a great towering dead-looking thing, though very much alive with the alert cast of his eye, and the cold breath from his muzzle. His words are brief, but schooled, and his growl carries far. ~I am Dust, mule-born of the First Tribe, healer, and warrior. I have made Cliath in a caern to the north. I am a newcomer to your sept, and my chiminage has been given. It is my wish to learn more of my auspice, how to speak to spirits and how to bind them. In me you shall find an able student and a willing servant. I have no other purpose.~ This said the bones go back, and him to the edges. Bitter-Harvest looks down as Dust takes the bones, but as the other metis speaks his lips curl back away from his teeth. He looks distinctly annoyed. Runner meanwhile, gives Child-Holder a warm welcome-back nod that all can see. Dust is eyed a bit more closely. His appearance sends the Gnawer's hackles up slightly with the 'creeps'. Gypsy hesitates a moment and then moves forward steadily to accept the bones. ~I am Gypsy. Cliath Philodox of the Silent Striders. I have yet to offer proper Chiminage, but I seek a place among you.~ She is steady in her introduction, but eager to hand off the bones again.~ Blackriver looks pleased at Dust's introduction. Grey eyeballs the newcomers keenly but shows no welcoming face to any of them. Then again, none of them get any /special/ hostility, either. Seasons-Change pushes her nose gently to the metis cub beside her, snorting a breath out as she hunkers down lower and gets comfortable for the remainder of the moot. Child-Holder takes the opportunity for a teaching moment, indicating Dust to Nightmare with a soft rumble. Savages-Enemy looks oddly towards Gypsy, the lupus's ears panning forward and interest. The Gnawer's expression suddenly changes as he lolls out his dark pink tongue from his maw and gives a few wags of his tail. As the last of the newcomers announce themselves and leave the outcropping, Treeclimber takes the bones back, holding one in each hand, and her gaze again sweeps the assembled, landing on one face in particular, and as she does so, her ears go forward, and if Crinos truly smiled, she would be. ~Gaia has blessed our Sept with cubs to be taught and trained. Let our cubs who are not yet known to the Sept stand up now and introduce themselves.~ Pierces Ice nudges Veronica, nose against shoulder. Treeclimber pages to Grey, Nightmares, and Fledgling: Veronica, Alesia, Beatrice, in that order. The Wendigo cub hurries to the bones, taking them carefully with her clawed paw. She nervously licks her lips, then looks at the assembly. Straightening her back, she proudly proclaims, ~I am Fledgling Little-Bird, Wendigo Galliard cub! Two-legger born, taught by Pierces-Ice-rhya!~ That said, she looks around, then holds out the bones to the next taker, enthusiastically dazzled by her moment in the spotlight. Blackriver glances around, seemingly looking for someone, and shoots Justin a questioning look. Nightmares steps forward to take the bones then gives a bit of a howl as she steps forward, as if to clear out the nervousness she badly hides. Then she takes a breath and loudly states ~I am Wakes-From-Nightmares. Black Fury Theurge Homid Cub, Daughter of Pegasus and student of Treeclimber-Rhya, Child-Holder-Rhya and Escapes-From-Shiny-Things-Rhya.~ And with that she gives another much louder howl of greetings before handing the bones back and stepping back. Despite her attempt at looking confident she does glance around to see how her introduction is received. Cries-No-More shows no special reaction to his Tribe's cub, or any of the newcomers, as he waits, patiently, Crinos arms crossed, for the Moot to proceed. Everyone is noted, but none receive much of anything beyond attention. By the waterfall, Truth-Stalker gives a little shrug to Blackriver then ambles down to her side, staying quiet as he does so. Circle Keeper snuffs slightly, as the Uktena tilts his head on back to look at Noisy Ghost half expectantly. Noisy Ghost hunches her shoulders and shifts up into Crinos as she stumps forward to introduce herself. ~Noisy Ghost, Ragabash cub, claimed by Uktena.~ No grace at all, and she's quick to head back down to try to meld into the crowd. She still doesn't move to join the other Pure Ones, though. Blackriver looks somewhat confused and annoyed by Truth-Stalker's response, and settles down onto her haunches. Bitter-Harvest watches Noisy Ghost with renewed interest as she gives her introduction. Walks-Middle watches as the cubs give there introductions with interest, looking a bit surprised at Noisy Ghost's. Treeclimber looks after the cubs as they, too, leave the dais. ~This has been a busy time for this Sept, perhaps busier than some of us might wish,~ she goes on, taking the bones back now to be held in one hand. ~Many of you have news to share, and many things have changed. Let all those who would share news with the Sept stand now and take the bones in turn.~ She stops, searching the crowd as if for a face, then letting her gaze roam the crowd as a whole. Again, Chris notes the introductions. He gives another questioning look to Cole, but takes no other action. Cole will let him know what he needs to do. Child-Holder chuffs to the Fury cub as she comes down from the promontory. ~Good,~ she reassures the younger one. ~Come sit, and listen. You did very well.~ Circle Keeper watches as Beatrice heads off, eyes rounding out slightly. Silently, he motions her back over sharply, before looking back to Leslie. Culls-The-Herd crosses her arms, gaze drifting toward Cries-No-More. Howls-For-Glory lets out a short, soft growl as Noisy Ghost introduces herself. He watches the Uktena cub for a moment, then looks back to Treeclimber and listens to her introduction. ~We listen for now, cub.~ This last is to Christopher. Dagger's-Edge draws in a long sniff as each cub introduces themselves, looking not particularly interested. When the time for announcements comes, he moves forward to indicate he has something to say. Bloods-Bane also steps away from his position at the Howl Master's spot, giving his packmate a brief glance. Noisy Ghost, back in lupus, catches Circle Keeper's look and sullenly obeys. Submit to those of higher station and all that. Smiles not required. Chris nods back. ~I understand,~ he rumbles softly, thinking he's gotten the tone right. Culls-The-Herd walks purposefully toward Treeclimber and takes the bones,lifting them above her head, voice clear and commanding when she speaks. ~I am Vera Culls-The-Herd, also known as Separates-Wheat-From-Chaff. Adren Ragabash of the Shadow Lords and daughter of Black-Fang, Fostern Philodox. Granddaughter of Rides-The-Lightning, Adren Ahroun and once Warder of the Sept of Dark Snow, and great granddaughter of Finds-The-Lost, Fostern Ragabash.~ The Crinos pauses briefly. ~I am now Alpha of the Hidden Walk and as your Alpha, there are a few things that wish to make clear.~ Grey lays his ears flat at this announcement, though it comes as no surprise. His growl is low, inaudible but to those quite close to him, and he shifts his weight in an unsettled, restless sort of way. Bitter-Harvest's keenness ends the moment Vera takes the bones. He settles back, digging his claws into the ground beneath him, grimacing, and generally looking disgruntled. Blackriver doesn't seem surprised by this announcement, and manages to keep a fairly neutral response to it. She lifts her head however and watches the other's reactions. Howls-For-Glory likewise looks less than thrilled. He scrapes the claws of one hand over the stone. His features draw down in a scowl and his ears lay flat to his skull. Walks-Middle listens with interest and crossed arms, but does not look surprised either. Runner's cheer bleeds away as the announcement is made clear. Her ears tilt back, but she doesn't speak. She simply watches, waits, and listens quietly with passing glances to the others. Pierces Ice isn't particularly good at hiding her emotional reaction to this news, and though she does not respond verbally, she is clearly not a happy camper. Fledgling scuttles back to her elder's side, ears flicking up, then laying flat at the news. She looks at Circle Keeper and Pierces Ice for any cue to the contrary. Circle Keeper grunts slightly as the cub comes over, rumbling something sharp to her. Vera's announcement, however, demands his attention. His opinion is hard to read. After all, he usually looks angry about this time. From afar, Circle Keeper rumbles to Noisy Ghost, ~Take War Form for the moot.~ Culls-The-Herd continues to speak smoothly, as the bones are lowered to her chest level. ~The first issue that I wish to speak of is Kinfolk and Silver weaponry. Kinfolk should not be permitted to possess Silver weapons, /unless/ they are given permission by their Elders, or it is believed that Black Spiral Dancers have learned of who our Kinfolk are. If Kinfolk are found to be in possession of Silver without permission or just cause, steps will be taken to resolve the issue. Kinfolk are not bound to the Litany as we are; it is not their duty to Combat the Wyrm Where It Dwells and Whenever It Breeds. The only duties that kinfolk must uphold, is that they must do what they can to support the Garou Nation, bring no harm to any Gaian Garou, the Caern, and uphold the Veil.~ The Adren pauses for a moment, as she examines the other Garou. For her part, Treeclimber remains silent, impassive, watchful. Tension lines her frame, but its meaning is unclear as she listens. Noisy Ghost cocks an ear toward Circle Keeper, then huffs a sigh of adolescent sulkiness and expands back up into Crinos. She gives Fledgling a sidelong, nasty glance. Savages-Enemy occasionally twitches in his fur, looking a little tense while the fur at the back of his neck remains stiff. His ear flickers lazily in the Elder's direction while his eyes are turned elsewhere. Shield-Bearer blinks a bit, one ear skewing to the side as she listens to the Adren. Parker sits back, not entirely sure what's being said, and watches intently. Obviously this particular Garou hasn't given much by way of good news. Grey continues to growl, very quietly, his heavy head level with his massive shoulders. His front claws dig into the well-trampled ground. ~Our kinfolk are our brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers,~ Culls-The-Herd continues. ~It is our duty to take care of them and to treat them with Respect, not to throw them into danger as if they are Garou. Family should not fear family and we should not allow our kinfolk into situations where they feel the need to turn against us or possess weapons to protect themselves from us. I want the Elders of each Tribe to give me a list of their human kinfolk within the next two weeks. I plan to contact all of the kinfolk and have them choose one of their number to be the 'Voice of the Kin', who shall listen to the concerns of the other kinfolk and report to me. Depending on the severity of the issues that are brought to my attention, they shall be dealt with immediately, or brought up at Moot. I also want it known that from now on Kinfolk are to be given credit for any service that they provide to the Garou nation. If a significant service is provided, the kinfolk should be mentioned at Moot and their efforts praised.~ Bitter-Harvest's eyes tick from the new Alpha to the gathered Sept, narrowed and considering. Pierces Ice growls audibly at that, lips curling away from her teeth so far they might be removed from her muzzle entirely. Dagger's-Edge looks up at that part of the announcement, ears twitching and eyes narrowing slowly. Though he does not growl, the halfmoon is keeping himself in check. Well, that surprises the Fianna Elder. Howls-for-Glory's expression only grows darker with each passing word, until the mention of kinfolk recognition catches his attention. His posture eases just a bit back from the tense, angry thing it was. Savages-Enemy flattens his ears back and appears bothered by the Adren's words. Fledgling is stopped mid-snooty look at Noisy Ghost. She hunkers low, watching Pierces Ice with wide eyes and uneasy posture. Fire-Eyes cringes away from Howls-For-Glory, as if the elder Galliard were radiating some uncomfortable heat. Runner eye-widens, and stares. A passing glance goes to her tribemates present, then it's back to the new Alpha. Culls-The-Herd's ears lay back and her lips pull back from her teeth, exposing a brief flash of white. ~There is another issue concerning Kinfolk that was brought to my attention recently. I would like to make it very clear that Kinfolk can only belong to one Tribe and not two. Even if they marry outside of their Tribe. As such, they are the responsibility of their Tribal Elder. If a kinfolk is determined to be a danger to the Sept by myself, or the Philodox, their Tribal Elder will be given the opportunity to deal with the issue. If the issue is not dealt with and the kinfolk continues to be a danger to the Sept, the Kinfolk will be terminated and the Kinfolk's Elder will be punished with Voice of the Jackal for being to cowardly to deal with the problem.~ Vera pauses, drawing in a deep breath. ~I have been told of Jeremy, Kinfolk to the Glass Walkers. A Kinsman who possess silver bullets and has fled the Sept. He is a danger to us, as we do not know where he is. As such, I am charging his Elder, Tu Spies-The-Wyrm, to find out where his kinsman is. He is to determine if Jeremy is a danger to the Sept and deal with the issue as he sees fit.~ That. That would get Bitter-Harvest's attention, yes. His eyes snap back to Vera, still narrowed. Parker moves back slightly. He reckons that Cole is fairly laid back, so anything that can make him this angry must be bad. Grey looks unconvinced and untrusting as Vera talks about kinfolk and outright hostile when Jeremy is mentioned. He snaps at the air angrily but refrains from speaking out of turn. Walks-Middle looks stunned at the last part of that announcement, when Jeremy is mentioned, obviously out of the loop. If Treeclimber holds an opinion, she doesn't show it, listening in still-impassive silence. Circle Keeper's temeper flares, growling as he looks to the Glass Walkers around the Caern. His lip rolls up, showing teeth. Howls-For-Glory snarls in an unvoluntary explosion, and the stone under his claws is scored shallowly as they rake over it. His lips peel back and his hackles rise. Blackriver listens all the while with interest, keeping the impartial neutrality half-moons are known for as well as possible. Culls-The-Herd still seems to have a few things to say, as she lifts the bones above her head once again. ~I have said what I wished concerning Kinfolk, now I shall speak of our cubs. We are in a Sept of many Tribes, as such, we sometimes find it necessary to punish another Tribes cub for misbehavior. It is perfectly acceptable to physically punish a cub for a transgression; however, it is not acceptable to beat them senseless. If you feel that a cub of your Tribe is being punished more severely then is acceptable by a member of another Tribe, you are encouraged to Challenge them over the issue.~ Vera pauses for breath, then keeps right on talking. ~Any Tribe may claim lost cubs, unless the cub has some recognizable Pure Breeding. In which case, they are to be handed over to their appropriate Tribe. Once a Lost Cub has been claimed, another Tribe may Challenge in an attempt to claim the Cub for their own Tribe. Such Challenges should be between Tribal Elders, or involve the entire Tribe in some manner.~ Child-Holder watches the proceedings with half an eye, her main focus on the cub next to her. Fire-Eyes doesn't just cringe away from Howls-For-Glory now, she skitters away, several feet, and looks as though she'd be quite happy to go several thousand more. Her fur is standing all on end. Recalls-Scars doesn't seem terribly impressed by much of anything the new alpha has to say, or surprised at all really. He just drops back to lupus and trots deliberately across the line of sight of the other present Silver Fangs, to the caern wall. There he settles into the concealing mists released by the nearby steam vents. Seasons-Change reaches out quickly to snag at the metis as she tries to retreat. Her low growl is sturdy as she eyes the metis, ~Still yourself and sit with your tribe Fire-Eyes. Relax.~ Which may be a little bit of a stretch considering the amount of rage generated in the gathering. Parker backs off as well. He doesn't want to be in the way if Cole gets violent, and that is how things are looking at the minute. Runner fully raises her hackles upon the mention of Jeremy. Her eyes blaze, but the Gnawer says nothing. She turns away instead, putting distance between the general ring of Garou and herself for now. Circle Keeper glances back at Noisy Ghost, before the Ahroun takes a single step back and to the side to put himself right in front of her. He tightens his grip on his weapon, and changes from glowering at Glass Walkers, to the Sept in General. Kaz scrabbles down the waterfall path and into the center, listening to Vera with narrowed eyes. Culls-The-Herd's ear splay in what could either be taken as mild apology or amusement. ~Now, I am certain that you are getting tired of hearing my voice, but I am nearly done. I have heard some complaints about Garou Frenzying on other Garou since I arrived here. In one case that I was told of, a Gaian Garou was killed. If one Garou Frenzies on another and there are no deaths, the Garou that Frenzied will be required to offer Contrition and a suitable Chiminage to the one they wronged. If they one that is frenzied upon dies, Contrition and Chiminage will be offered to the Tribe of the one killed. As the loss of a Garou is a great thing, the Chiminage offered will have to hold a similar value to a Warrior's life.~ Noisy Ghost squints a little at Circle Keeper, then hunkers down onto her haunches and continues to listen. Pierces Ice's fingers clench at her sides, claws scratch at palms and wrists. Blackriver gaze goes briefly to Emma, and then turns to rest on Stacey for a moment before she turns her head back to the new Alpha. Cries-No-More shows very little reaction to any of this, beyond focused attention. His hackles occasionaly bristle, but the moon coudl easily explain such latent irritation. Stone-Spirit gives out a soft snarl at this, tensing at the announcement. Her lips peel back as her tail flickers tersely behind her. ~On the subject of Chiminage, I would like to re-affirm that Chiminage for new arrivals shall be set by their Elders and that the Chiminage set should benefit the Sept as a whole, not just the Tribe in question. If there is a situation where an Elder is unavailable for more then two weeks, or there is non of the newcomers Tribe here, I shall set the Chiminage.~ The Adren pauses for a moment, then raises her voice once again. ~I am looking to form a pack, under the Guidance of Chimera! Any who are interested should seek me out. And now, I shall tell you of the Blight I found downriver!~ Walks-Middle tenses at the mention of frenzies, but keeps her gaze toward the Alpha, concentrating hard on listening. Once more, Bitter-Harvest's interest perks, but only slightly. One ear raises, and he looks generally sullen, but he's eyeing Vera more closely now. Abruptly turning, Runner resettles a determined distance away. Still, that doesn't stop her from looking surprised on the announcement of frenzies and other things. Dagger's-Edge does little else but glower, saving a moment's glance to his packmate of the Glass Walkers at his side. Howls-For-Glory rises from his crouch, eyes narrowed until it's hard to see anything but black. He looks to Seasons-Change for an instant at the mention of killing other Garou in a frenzy. Then, it's back to Vera as she continues. His fingers flex reflexively. Anger held only barely in check. Culls-The-Herd's ears perk forward. ~I traveled downriver for a few days with Abraxas at my side. Together, we located the Blight that defeated this Sept during the Great Hunt. The Blight is an inlet of slow moving water alongside the river, where human filth has gathered and a creature of the Wyrm has made it's home in the polluted water. It calls out to all those who come close, drawing the weak willed into the water where they drown. With the aid of a Talen created by Gunnar Rune-Scar, I examined the bottom of the inlet and it was filled with the bodies of the dead, but I was unable to find the creature that we will be hunting. I did however; find that the monster will attempt to grab hold of anything that enters the water's surface. I plan to use this behavior against it. Shelley White-Rabbit and Gunnar Rune-Scar are creating Talens for the attack on the Bane. Twist, Kinfolk of the Fianna is also helping with the preparations for the attack. When all is ready, I will call for Garou to join me in an attack against the Blight! If there are any questions concerning what I found, please seek me out after the Moot.~ Having finally finished speaking, the Adren holds out the Bones to be claimed by another. Fire-Eyes is checked by Seasons-Change, but only just. She gives a tiny whimper, ostensibly to Cole, though she's facing the other cub, a lupine plea and attempt at reassurance all in one. Kaz chews her lip, listening to the news of the blight. Child-Holder bristles a bit, and pricks her ears at the mention of the blight. Bitter-Harvest growls, but for once he doesn't sound irritable at all. It's more eager, an affirmation. Blackriver's ears are perked forward in interest and eagerness as she listens to Vera. Oh joy... he isn't entirely sure what is being spoken of, but whatever it is really seems to be pissing off the crowd. He looks at the other Fianna cub, and walks over. He rumbles a soft, simple greeting. Truth-Stalker gives a sharp glare to those speaking or making noise while the Alpha has the bones. Seasons-Change moves to keep the metis close, lowering her muzzle nearer the other cubs body to speak in even quieter tones. Her tail flickers as she gives a lupine grin to the metis. Treeclimber's hackles go up again at the mentionof the Blight, but she holds her peace and, with a nod of thanks, takes the bones back from Vera, looking around for the next taker as she does so. The Warder steps forth to take the bones, still dripping from the ritual performance of the Inner Sky. ~Know this. Those who step onto caern grounds who bear the Wyrm's taint, or those who bring someone who is tainted to the bawn, /will/ be slain on first opportunity if found by the Guardians or myself. You will /not/ violate the caern with your actions. As for the new Gatekeeper, he will be given that opportunity to announce it himself.~ With that, Fights-For-Hope looks significantly towards Jacinta and Circle Keeper. Grey takes in the news of the Blight with a low huff and then twists his head around to look over at Stone-Spirit, who's on his blind side. Cries-No-More does not step up to the mound, waiting for another to take the bones. The Blight's mention has not riled the Wendigo, or even changes his mood much. He waits, listening and watching,. Nightmares cringes and almost gives a cry but manged not to at the warder's words. She moves closer to Child-Holder. Shield-Bearer looks up sharply, ears laying back for a moment. She looks back to the truthcatcher. Stone-Spirit is still recovering from her bristling of moments ago. As Grey turns to her, she gives a single snort of acknowledgement, letting him know she intends to get their claws dirty in that fight as well. Kaz raises a confused eyebrow at Jamethon's announcement. (Evidently, she's out of a loop.) Child-Holder makes a gentle motion for Nightmares to stay silent, even as she takes a step forward to stand between the cub and the Warder. Pierces Ice moves up to take the bones, looking out acrosst he gathered with narrowed eyes and curling black lips. ~I am Pierces the Ice, Fostern Warrior of the Wendigo. I am Alpha of Manitou's Ridgeline, and I am Groundskeeper. Too often, I see Garou disrespecting the Spirits of the Caern. Too often I see Weaver trash, and poisons. Too often, I see Garou walk backwards around the seasons. Hear this. These things will not be permitted. Manitou's Ridgeline will not tollerate the insolence toward the Spirits. We /will/ stop you.~ She gives a curt nod of her muzzle and hands the bones back to the Truthcatcher. Treeclimber's hackles go up still further, and she bares her teeth silently, but before long resumes her silent impassivity. Jacinta's announcement brings a nod of acknowledgement and agreement. She takes the bones bak, looking around for the next with thoughtful eyes. Bitter-Harvest glares once more at the Warder--but this could be either because of his announcement, because of the implications of his announcement, or just because he wanted another opportunity to glare. Grey makes a similar gesture back to Stone-Spirit and turns his attention back to the business at hand. Jacinta's announcement draws no /new/ ire, but doesn't settle his hackles, either. Fledgling watches her elder with adoring eyes, chest puffed and chin high with tribal pride. Savages-Enemy flattens his ears while pulling back his lips to bare a silent snarl. The Ahroun of the Bone Gnawers goes back to his impatient pacing. Kaz blinks atJacinta. ~Say what? Seasons?~ Howls-For-Glory grinds his jaw, but seems to be bringing himself under control inch by inch. For now, he's silent and simply stares into the middle distance. Cries-No-More, finally, shows emotion to words said at the mound. Jacinta's reports of desecration and litter bring forth a loud, unrestrained growl from the former Alpha. Pierces Ice looks to Kaz, but having returned the bones does not speak. Her ear twitches backward in an impatient gesture. Runner eyes around at the Garou present, cocking her head at Jacinta's announcement. As if to check her own position relative, she looks down at her feet, then up again. Kaz sighs, and tromps forward to request the bones. After a moment, Treeclimber looks over, and silently relinquishes the bones th be gnawed upon, or spoken over as the case may be. She seems withdrawn, distant, lost in her own thoughts, the fever-pitch of the moot apart from her. Kaz takes them, looks at Jacinta, and asks, ~Seasons?~ Then she gives the bones back to Leslie and stomps back to where she was. Pierces Ice sighs heavily and returns to the side of the Truthcatcher, hands out for the bones. Taking the bones back, Treeclimber remarks calmly, ~I understand what is meant, but for those new to this Sept, making sure that all understand plainly the rules of this caern is a good idea." With that, she offers the bones to Jacinta, adding, ~Please explain.~ Savages-Enemy looks irritated as he looks to Pierces Ice, the Gnawer curling back his lips. His muzzle wrinkles as he doesn't look happy by the Wendigo Elder's display, seeming that the rest are all idiots. Noisy Ghost sits hunched, ears flat and eyes on the ground. Fledgling takes the chance of flashing a sideways look at Noisy Ghost, then resumes being the good, attentive little cub. Howls-For-Glory grunts irritably, hunkering back down on his haunches once more. Dagger's-Edge stands with his packmates as impassive as ever, though there is no mistaking the undercurrent of Rage that has gotten their respective hackles raised over various reasons. Pierces Ice takes the bones and climbs to the top of the slope of the Rock Slab. ~I stand at Autumn. The Philodox,~ she calls out to the assembled Garou. ~Here are the middle years. Here is the place where Gaia's Wisdom may guide a challenge.~ With that, she begins to walk clockwise, northeast and then southeast, until she reaches the place where the winds swirl. Over the noise, and through the breezes buffetting her fur, she shouts out. ~This is Winter. The end of life. This is the place of the Galliard! You can hear his stories!~ Kaz watches Jacinta intently. Child-Holder gives Nightmares a nudge, making sure she's paying attention to the Wendigo's words. Runner also observes, stooping at first and then straightening up to a stand to get a better view. Parker continues to watch the proceedings. He'd listen to the words, but he still doesn't understand much more than simple ideas. He can barely understand the meaning behind the current explanation, but his knowledge would be patchy. Treeclimber also watches and listens in silence, eyes on the Wendgo Elder and diverting only to glance across the assemblage to be sure that all are paying attention. Pierces Ice continues around, scrabbling up until she reaches the pool at the end of the waterfall. ~Here is spring! Birth! The beginnings of all things! Here is Ragabash!~ Onward she goes, stopping at the place where steam escapes from the ground. ~Summer. Feel the heat, even as winter surrounds us! Here is Theurge, youth, and things unseen. Mystery. Change.~ As she completes her circle, ending again at the top of the rock slab she stares out at the Garou. Her emotions are complex, warring anger and frustration and pride and understanding. ~One cannot reverse the Seasons! One cannot reverse the year! Do /not/ anger the Spirits by trying!~ Holding the bones high above her head, she returns to the center and shouts, ~This is the place of the Ahroun!~ She cannot help but howl as she finishes this statement, but cuts it short to return the bones to Treeclimber. Kaz barks out a brief, very brief, answering howl, more a thank-you than anything else. Fledgling gives a short yip when her elder finishes her explanation. Runner dips her head to the Alpha of the Guardians, indicating understanding. Savages-Enemy's expression goes blank beliefly before suddenly everything seems to make more sense to the Gnawer. He looks a little angered still that no one exactly took the time to fully explain it and is relieved now that the Wendigo has. Walks-Middle watches her Alpha proudly as she explains the seasons, nodding her understanding as well, of course. Treeclimber takes the bones back with a nod of thanks. ~A valuable explanation,~ the Fury remarks to he Wendigo. ~This Sept is grateful for your wisdom. Is there anything else that this Sept should know to properly honor the spirits here. Teach as if you were teaching cubs in this regard. Better to teachwhat is already known than to leave our young in ignorance of Gaia's ways.~ She watches Jacinta expectantly. Grey utters a low, raspy growl, directed at nothing in particular. Howls-For-Glory gives the lupine equivalent of a frustrated groan, seeming to at last return to an even keel. Cries-No-More nods at various points as the Wendigo Elder explains the Caern's ways, then turns, still calm, to the Truthcather. Treeclimber's question gets a small growl in response. Pierces the Ice says only, ~If they do not know the other things I would say, now is not the time to teach them. Honor the ancestors. Honor the seasons. Honor the spirits.~ Recalls-Scars simply takes advantage of all the focus returning to the center of the caern, and he departs via the edge. There is a vague grumble about some crap or another that has about nothing to do with this sept before the silver wolf vanishes into the mists of the steam vents. He needs to pack his things. ~On the contrary,~ Treeclimber disagrees, irritation finally breaking through the unnatural impassivity she'd been displaying till now. ~This is a thing that it is critcal that all knw. Very well, then, I will take your words as meaning no more than the obvious.~ She falls silent for a moment. ~Are there others who wish to speak?~ Circle Keeper trudges out towards the centre, ears perked and eyes rounded wide as he goes. Using his weapon to measure pace, he walks up to Leslie, takes the bones, and then stops about half way to the boulder. ~Rifthealer has /abandoned/ her post. She has abandoned /spirits/. Left with out any to fill her role as Gatekeeper!~ The Uktena's hackles raise slightly, lip rolling up. Shaking slightly, the Ahroun looks more enraged than before; it leaks easily into his voice. ~So the spirits of our caern will not be offended by our continued absence and _neglect_, I have claimed Gatekeeper.~ He casts a sharp look through the Caern. ~I will remain Gatekeeper until I die, or a medicine worker who is wise enough challenges for it.~ He abruptly thrusts the bones out, returning them to Leslie before stomping back to his place. Pierces Ice gives a rough, approving nod of her head. Treeclimber bares her teeth at mention of Rifthealer, but remains silent, taking the bones backto let them hang by her side and looking around for another. Child-Holder's head rises again, and her lips peel back at the Uktena's words. Once again, her hackles rise, then settle when the Ahroun steps away. Kaz blinks faintly, and then regards the Uktena for a moment. And then she nods. Walks-Middle listens to Circle Keeper's announcement, giving a slight growl at the mention of Rifthealer's departure. She nods encouragingly. Runner pins her ears back, but there is a stifled growl that rattles from between her teeth regardless. Cries-No-More ascends to the top of the Rock Slab, nodding approvingly as well as the gruff Ahroun winds his way back to his spot. Taking the bones, he speaks, loudly, and with anger in his voice. ~An Adren has joined our Sept. She is listened to, she is obeyed. She is submitted to, by all. Recently, warriors of the Sept /did not/ submit to me. Seeing how Vera was obeyed, while /I/ was not, I passed my position to her, so that the Sept might be led by a Garou that all follow, that all submit to without question. Her name is Vera Culls-The-Herd Welcome your new Alpha.~ He fastens his gaze on Vera, symbolically bowing her head to her after a short moment. ~And I assure you, those who refused to submit to me, while Alpha, will be dealt with. Their actions, I have not forgotten.~ And then, he ends with, ~I feel a need to contemplate, and be alone in Her wild places for a time. I am leaving the Sept for a short time, a couple of months, to find what I need to find and then I shall return.~ Kaz mutters, ~Aw, shit,~ at this news. There's a pause from Bitter-Harvest. A genuine, flat footed pause that lasts long enough for Touch Deer to actually begin his announcement, and then the metis Shadow Lord's lips pull back from his teeth, and he utters a wordless, furious, hackling snarl. Howls-For-Glory's eyes widen. ~Shit,~ he says in near echo of Kaz. Grey's growling, which has been more or less steady since Vera stepped up to take the bones, spikes in volume and then subsides to its previous low throat-rumbling. He glowers at Circle Keeper and Touch Deer with equal dislike. The growl from earlier from the Gnawer ragabash doesn't subside, but instead gets just a touch louder. Runner turns her eyes away again, clamping a hand over her own muzzle until the growl subsides into a clench-toothed sigh. Culls-The-Herd merely crosses her arms and nods in Cries-No-More's direction. Fledgling looks from Cries-No-More to Pierces Ice, concern writ large all over her face and posture. She whines a bit, her ears rising and falling with her unrest. Savages-Enemy flattens his ears and looks towards Touch Deer with the expression of sadness. The Ahroun looks particularly hurt by the news of the Wendigo leaving the sept for a few new moons. Dagger's-Edge bares his teeth at the announcement from the now former alpha, clawed hands twitching and tail lashing behind him. Something displeases the Shadow Lord greatly, and he glances towards Walks-Middle from his spot. Stone-Spirit gives a slight chuff as the bones are passed back and forth. A growl is given in response to the latest announcement and a snarl is painted across her muzzle. Annoyed, she rises up to move toward Treeclimber. Her gait is not as even as it always is, but her posture is proud nonetheless. She takes the bones and looks out among the gathered. ~I have taken alpha ship of the warpack Havoc. We are taking the war on the offensive, and to the scab. We are packed under wolverine. Seek me if you have need of our claws.~ She hands the bones back to the Fury, and with nostrils flaring, returns to her place. Fights-For-Hope remains calmfaced and neutral at Touch Deer's announcement, remaining as still as the edges of the pool with its slight ripples. Treeclimber's hackles go up at once, and she directs a dirty look at those speaking out of turn without the bones. Once Emma is done, she nods respectfully to the Wendigo and then the Get before taking the bones back and searching the crowd once again, her Rage becoming more and more palpable with every announcement made, even in her near-silence. Grey, wounded and still with traces of Wolverine's musk on his fur (though muted underneath the usual city-smells), utters a short, sharp bark to echo Stone-Spirit's announcement. When she returns, he sits hulking next to her like he belongs there. Bitter-Harvest's growl continues, though it is low and barely audible. His temper, however, is only growing, and the hackles on the back of his neck couldn't bristle any more if they tried. Walks-Middle steps forward to take the bones and turns to face the gathered Garou, holding herself proudly. ~For those who do not know, I am Walks-the-Middle-Road or Peacemaker, Cliath Ahroun of the Children of Gaia, member of the Guardian pack Manitou's Ridgeline.~ She pauses, her fist tightening on the bones. ~As Circle Keeper mentioned, my tribemate has abandoned her posts, but she was not alone! Guards-the-Flame-rhya and Heals-the-Rifts have both left to join the Sept of the Western Eye to the south. But I will not allow the tribe here to falter; we will grow strong again. I will be stepping forward as Elder and Voice of the Goddess for our tribe. If there are any tasks or concerns left undone by their departure, please let me know.~ With this, she hands back the bones and walks back to stand near her packmates. Dagger's-Edge snorts once, acknowledging of the new Child elder, and new alpha for Havoc. Child-Holder's head lowers a bit, and she gives a soft huff at this news. Circle Keeper's mood just gets worse and worse, some part of that announcement putting him somewhere something foul. Abraxas's growl heightens into a snarl for a moment, before petering back to how it was. Howls-For-Glory steps toward Treeclimber to take the bones. He looks to the gathered assembly. ~There were many losses since last we gathered as a family, and few gains. It pains me to have to add to this, but it must be done. Birdseye packed under Magpie, will be dissolved, Prettytail set free to do as she wills.~ He pauses a moment. ~But there is good news. This very evening, the young cub before you,~ He points to Christopher as he speaks, ~Was found by Twist, Fianna Kinfolk. He is an Ahroun of no certain tribe. Rejoice in this news, if nothing else.~ He hands the bone back to Treeclimber, taking his place beside the cubs. Kaz pumps her fist on Christopher's behalf. Cries-No-More eyes the now-announced stranger, appraising the newcomer a moment. Blackriver turns her head to looks at Christopher. Bloods-Bane steps up and takes the bones, having waited in patience. He turns around to address the crowd, ~I have recently taken Alpha of Requiem back as we have lost three members; Forath-Ripper has returned to his sept with his kin mate, and Dragon's-Blood has gone east. Kills-Wisely has chosen to leave the pack for his own reasons. We seek those who wish to join in with an active pack and kick the Wyrm's ass!~ He gives a slight feral grin. ~Also, we will be moving the pack back to the city to look after the University area. An area that needs to be looked after, with the human activity and recent events that have gone on there with the beer fiasco.~ The galliard holds there, giving others a brief moment to parse and those translating, to do so. The galliard pauses just a moment before continuing, ~Also, around a week ago until the waxing half, I was involved with a fomori hunt along with Grey and Runner-rhya. The three of us tracked down the pus-faced fomor to its filth and trash-ridden hideout, where there were three more - one had pus dripping sores like the one we tracked, another was hugely fat with fungus growing inside his body, and another had massive teeth. Grey lead the charge, kicking his way through the flimsy wood door that barred our way. Though it was a glorious fight in close-combat quarters, we got out fairly safely with minimal injuries. Grey had lost his hand to the acid pus, and I had a bit of run-in with the acid as well.~ He pauses and then continues, ~The bodies have been disposed of by Runner-rhya.~ He folds his arms across his chest, shifting gears, and finalizes, ~Plus, a personal announcement, I married my mate and Get kin Freya Gustafson and we are expecting a child in the beginning of March. Thank you.~ As he hands the bones back and moves away and back into the crowd. Treeclimber takes the bones back, studying them for a moment. ~Let Heals-the-Rifts' behavior and leaving stand as an example of what happens when we allow self-interest to override the good of all,~ she remarks to the crowd at large. ~Still, it is good to hear some good news,~ she adds, eyes on Christopher. ~And news of a victory is always welcome,~ she adds to Bloods-Bane, holding out the bones a little away from her. Grey's ears flick forward at this, attentive. The news that Requiem will be moving back into the city is met with a surly kind of approval, but in regards to the story told, well, he snorts at 'minimal injuries'. Kaz narrows her eyes at some announcement in there. Circle Keeper's mood lightens at the talk of killing things, giving a note of approval. Runner restrains herself down to a low laugh, and then eyes both Dillen and Grey during the continued announcements. Dagger's-Edge steps forward to claim the bones. ~In the absense of Brom Forath-Ripper, I claim the position of Master of the Challenge. Challenge me if you will, when this moot has come to that time.~ The Shadow Lord eyes over the various Garou, and then returns the bones. Walks-Middle watches Edge's announcement with a mixture of curiosity and pride, ears forward. Pierces Ice eyes Dagger's Edge, lids half-closing and nostrils quivering as she lifts her muzzle, sniffing in his direction as well. Seasons-Change reaches out once more as the announcements go on, to reassure the metis beside her. Her posture is as calm as she can manage given the rage-fest in progress, but she seems genuine in keeping her eye on Fire-Eyes. Blackriver's ears perk up at the mention of a new Master of Challenges, and she eyes Dagger's-Edge appraisingly. Kaz blinks at Kenneth. She considers him for several long moments, and then nods slowly. Circle Keeper takes that... well, Terribly. He snarls out loud, hackels quickly rising again. Fire-Eyes seems appreciative of Seasons-Change's efforts, even if she still looks incredibly distracted, and completely on edge. Truth-Stalker seems conflicteda bout the announcement of master of the challenge, looking thoughtful for a moment then shaking his head as if deciding something internally, and giving a nod to the Shadow Lord approvingly. Noisy Ghost perks her ears with interest at the story of fighting the fomori and gives Parker a sullen look. Other than that, the cub seems fairly well wrapped-up in her own adolescent emo to really care much about the various announcements. Treeclimber takes the bones back again once Daggers'-Edge has finished, nodding respectfully to him. This time, she holds both halves in one clawed hand and raises the halves to the sky, raising her voice to project it across the caern. ~A decision has been reached regarding the issue of Abraxas versus Resonance, though regrettably it was not reached in time to prevent Heals-the-Rifts and her mate from fleeing the Sept to evade justice. Brings-the-Bitter-Harvest, for failing to respect those higher in station and another's territory, will be subject to the Stone of Scorn. As for Heals-the-Rifts...~ She snorts. ~it is my devout hope that should she ever be foolish enough to return after her behavior here, that the Elders will think long and hard before permitting her on Sept territory.~ She lowers the bones and loks over at Dagger's Edge. ~I need to speak to the Master of the Challenge at he end of Moot, though as the one being challenged did not see fit to attend the Moot, I will not announce here, yet.~ She is silent a moment, then adds, ~Are there other announcements?~ Cries-No-More stays attentive, focused, and somewhat detached as new announcements are made, pack alphas ask for recruits, and positions are claimed. None of the Garou taking the Slab receive much in the approval or disapproval from the Wendigo, he mostly just watches. Kaz gives Abraxas a brief look. Bitter-Harvest's tail lashes, and again he growls, though this time it is far more muted, and clearly not directed at Tree-Climber. He is not, obviously, happy. Pierces Ice growls, her ears fully foward and hackles rising at something Treeclimber says. Noisy Ghost looks up again as Leslie speaks of punishments, but something about what the Fury says makes her snarl in anger. It's brief before she cuts it off and hunkers her head down again, clawed fists balled against the ground and hackles bristling all down her spine. Walks-Middle glances at Abraxas, then looks back to the Truthcatcher, growling again at the mention of Rifthealer. Fledgling looks at the Uktena cub like she's gone crazy, before returning her attention to the proceedings. Savages-Enemy remains quiet, swaying on his feet back and forth, the Ahroun unable to keep his attention as his eyes give a distant look about them. His rage is still apparent with the stiff peek of fur at the back of his neck. Blackriver's fur bristles and she lets out a low growl as Rifthealer is mentioned. Howls-For-Glory drops his gaze as his hackles rise once more when the subject of Rifthealer is brought up. Noisy Ghost flicks a quick, sidelong glance at Circle Keeper, shifts her weight restlessly, and settles down again. Circle Keeper can no longer hold it in, and he sharply turns his head to growl at the pack plus the cubs. Runner steps up to take the bones, though it is warily done. Quite noticeable is the distinctly regrowing fur covering her left side, from face to waist and some of her leg. ~As you now know, Alicia Guards-the-Flame and Dakota Heals-the-Rifts have decided to move to the Sept of the Western Eye. They were my packmates. I respect them still, and call them not cowards who flee from punishment. Or is it now that the Hidden Walk is a chain to fetter all of us to one place?~ She pauses briefly, and sighs. ~Still, I remain behind, but this means Resonance is weakened. It is my decision, as the alpha left, to give the responsibility of the pack to Fire-Burns-Forever. Instead, I will be seeking to form a pack in the city - scouting, guarding, seeking out the Wyrm's spawn now that the hospital has been neglected... all these things. The southeast side, with the park and the riverbank, will be our protectorate, spanning north to where the hospital was, and a ways south from the park as well. Should you be interested, then come find me.~ She pauses to give others time to think on this, still holding the bones as there is more from the ragabash. Circle Keeper pages to Noisy Ghost, Walks-Middle, Pierces Ice, and Fledgling: That /law breaker/ Shadow trash has the /gall/... (IC mutter) Bitter-Harvest snarls again, far louder than before, and only just appears to hold his tongue. Fledgling drops to her belly and tips her head to show throat to Circle Keeper, whether he's directing his ire at her or not. Pierces Ice's growl grows, the whites of her eyes showing and her lips pulling back to reveal sharp, white teeth. Howls-For-Glory jerks his head up and looks at Runner for a long moment. In the end, he simply looks away once more. Noisy Ghost flinches away from Circle Keeper, averting her eyes and growing even more tense as she edges back, away from him. Walks-Middle flattens her ears and tenses as Circle Keeper growls, but she keeps her attention focused on Runner. Runner continues on, giving a moment's glance to Culls-the-Herd. ~An auspice moot, also, I have to announce. The ragabash of the Hidden Walk will meet upon the Bawn, and we will speak of each other, of the sept, and of recent events and our future. The dark moons all are invited, including the cubs - with permissions from their elders. Their elders, also, are invited to join if they so wish to accompany their cubs.~ She pauses here, gazing over the others, still holding the bone pieces with more on her list of things to say. Savages-Enemy lifts his head and his attention perks for a moment as he listens to Runner speak before he lolls his tongue over his lips. Stone-Spirit lets out a snarl as more announcements of shifting packs are made. She licks her muzzle briefly, but it does not still the curling of her lips. Grey obviously disagrees with something that Runner has said and restlessly drags a clawed forepaw over the ground in front of him. ~Three nights ago, Cycle-Breaker, Rusty and I scouted the tire yard fire's Shadow, were the Get cub Climbs-the-Ladder-Slowly was killed.~ Runner intones this announcement seriously. ~They created the diversion that gave me the chance to sneak in and glimpse at what source of Wyrmspawn keeps this fire alive. Our report is like this: The shadow of that Blight is dangerous. Very dangerous. It was -no- place to send an unexperienced cub. Tainted smoke spirits guard like sentinels on the outside, and you cannot see in. The smoke is not as powerful, but their screen is adequate and burns the lungs if you pass through. But inside the smoke ring it is far worse.~ She licks the side of her muzzle, and continues on. Dagger's-Edge pages to the Caern: -where- the Get cub etc. etc. ~Burning tar riddles the ground in lakes and pools. There are many tainted fire elementals,~ Runner continues. ~They feed off of sources of green-tinged, orange flames, and become tainted further by them. These elementals walk and glide around in shapes like burning men, but almost tall as a crinos, some taller and some shorter. They spit fire and roar like jungle cats.~ She indicates the result of that, motioning to her left side. It is these sources of flame that the elementals feed from, I believe, that are the shadow of what is in the Realm. Extinguish what is in the Shadow, and the fire in the Realm will die down. I think... we will definitely need the help of spirits to fight in this battle.~ She scans the crowd one more time before returning the bones to the Truthcatcher. Howls-For-Glory 's ears prick forward with interest as the tire fire is brought up. He seems keen on this subject, if no other this evening. Grey stops growling for a brief period and flicks his ears forward, listening intently despite his clear dislike of the Fostern Gnawer. The description of the Blight would make him bristle if his hackles weren't already standing on end. Kaz sucks air in through her teeth. Treeclimber bares her teeth at Runner's words, Her Rage now plainly visible beneath the controlled exterior almost like a cloak of fire, but listens carefully as the Ragabash speaks of the tire yard. ~Thank you,~ she acknowledges once Runner hands her he bones back, frowning deeply. ~Though your news is not good, stll knowing is better than ignorance. I look forward to hearing of plans to assault this, when they are drawn. Are there others?~ She looks around in silence for a few moments. Bitter-Harvest says nothing, but he's busily frothing in his little corner. Seeing none come forward, Treeclimber nods and looks now to Kenneth. ~Let those who have challenged or wish to challenge make themselves known to the Sept and to the Master of the Challenge now.~ Her hackles are now fully up as she speaks. Cries-No-More listens to the account of the scouting, nods, and says nothing. But, his hackles have begun to bristle, rising half-way. If his expression and posture don't betray his aggression over the fire, his nearly-raised hackles do it for him. Dagger's-Edge nods, stepping up as he is called upon to judge. ~Those who have challenge results to announce, step forward.~ Pierces Ice's eyes again narrow, ears trembling as she takes a single step forward. Pierces Ice barely controls her movements as she moves forward. Each muscle seems to twitch of its own accord. She takes steps one at a time until she stands before Dagger's Edge. ~You are not fit to claim Master of the Challenge. You have no Honor and this position is of Honor. You consort with Vampires. You hide Violations of the Litany. You are not fit. I will take this position from you until a better candidate challenges.~ Fledgling's ears prick, and she tries to get a better look at what's happening. The cub cranes her neck this way and that, trying to see both elders as Pierces Ice speaks. Bitter-Harvest turns his full attention to Pierces-Ice, ears pushing forward, brow furrowing. His previous temper hasn't gone, but he's clearly both confused and interested. Circle Keeper takes a step forward, jutting his chin with a growl. It's clear where his thoughts on the matter lay. Kaz raises both eyebrows in fascinated respect. Cries-No-More's expression is kept reigned-in, neutral, as a Challenge (rather, a claim) is issued for Master of the Challenger. His eyes track speakers, but his posture doesn't change much. Nightmares looks more than a little confused and looks to Child-Holder for some kind of help on trying to figure out what's going on. Howls-For-Glory snorts, breath steaming in the air. Walks-Middle tenses at Pierces Ice's words, ears flattening again, eyes lowering to the ground in front of her. Child-Holder gives a quick, quiet explanation to Nightmares, with some pointing and gesturing to the participants. Blackriver's ears go up in surprise, and she looks around at her fellow Philodox. Dagger's-Edge stiffens, standing straighter with each step the Groundskeeper takes towards him. ~I have been judged for what you speak of. I was punished. I served my time. But make /no/ mistake about this, Pierces-Ice-rhya, I /have/ Honor. I do /not/ consort with vampires, or hide violations of the Litany at present. Those were days when my elder, Song-of-Fury and a bastard to Thunder's tribes, told me what I must do to be seen even beyond that of a cub's rank at this sept. If you are challenging me, then I will give you terms when the Revel is complete.~ Kaz snorts. ~She's takin' it. She's Fostern. She can do that. Stand down, kid.~ Circle Keeper looks like he wants to chime in. Badly. His jaw opens and closes, snapping shut frustratedly. Grey pushes to his feet, snarling protest at Dagger's words, in agreement with Kaz. The muscles in Cries' jaw being to flex, rippling underneath his fur as Kenneth retorts his Tribemate's claim to Master of the Challenge. Blackriver's ears flare and her body tenses, she watches Jacinta and Kenneth very intently now. Fledgling bounces to her feet as well, her paws clenching and unclenching. ~Submission to those Higher in Station!~ she blurts out in her overexcitement. Pierces Ice's claws flex and she takes pains to cross her arms, digging into her own flesh rather than his. ~I am Fostern, Dagger's Edge. I do not challenge a Cliath!~ Circle Keeper turns and snarls to Veronica, giving her a hard, very disapproving glare. Treeclimber simply listens, watching the play between the Wendigo and the Shadow Lord with arms folded across her chest, the bones still in one hand. She seems to be quietly waiting and watching, not interfering yet. As Kaz speaks, though, she turns her head towards the Gnawer. ~You speak out of turn,~ she states, a snarl beneath her words, including Fledgng in that as well. ~Silence from all of you!~ She remains silent, ears now flicking back and forth indecisively. Circle Keeper pages to Grey and Fledgling: To Veronica: In essence `Shut the hell up,` though in not so many words. Howls-For-Glory shows teeth in a feral smirk. ~I suppose it sets a precedent. First, the Alpha ascends without a challenge and now the Master of the-~ He cuts off as Treeclimber speaks. Kaz restrains herself from rolling her eyes and just zips her lip demonstratively. Fledgling skitters right back down to the ground, pinning her ears to her head and snapping her mouth shut with an audible click. The cub's tail tucks, and she emits not a peep. Noisy Ghost glances at Fledgling and manages to look rather darkly smug at the other cub's reprimand. Cries-No-More turns his head, slowly, towards Cole, eyes drilling holes into the Fianna. If there was a way for his eyes to scream 'shut up' at the younger Galliard, they would be doing so, in volume. Dagger's-Edge snorts again, indignation rising alongside his hackles. The Shadow Lord locks eyes with the fostern, certainly and possibly to the dismay and surprise of some. The pair of crinos glare long and solidly for seconds, white furred fostern to shadow black cliath. What seems like eternity deciding to make itself known, finally comes to a screaming halt as the younger halfmoon jerks his eyes away, taking a step back and snapping his head up and to the side. ~You are Master of the Challenge,~ he growls quietly, almost like it's enough to pain him physically. Culls-The-Herd blinks, ears laying back against her skull. Hard golden eyes look over those gathered, eventually focusing on Howls-For-Glory. Fire-Eyes puts her hands over her head and hugs the ground. Howls-For-Glory meets Cries-No-More's gaze and drops it after an instant. The smirk withers on the vine and he drops his gaze in submission. His tail tucks and he shrinks. Not in the sense of shifting, but of simply taking up less space. Treeclimber waits until the brief challenge completes, then bares her teeth and steps forward. ~If that is the case, Pierces-Ice-rhya, then I formally Challenge you for the position of Master of the Challenge. As absurd as it may seem, I cannot allow someone with so many burdens already to take another when it is not required by her moon to do so.~ Carefulyl worded, that, and spoken slowly but confidently. Seasons-Change winces as the gaze directed at her elder is caught. She snarls at the metis and gives her a more firm shake, grabbing her by the scruff of her neck. Whatever rage is directed in the direction of the Fianna group, she seems intent to get the metis to stop cowering from it. Walks-Middle looks extremely torn as she watches Pierces Ice and Edge, not seeming to know which to hope for, and the result is a look of inner confusion as Pierces Ice gains the position. Blackriver moves to get up, but Treeclimber's announcement freezes her in place and she slowly sits back down. Fire-Eyes cringes further from the snarl, and as her scruff is grabbed she churns the ground, scrabbling and struggling and generally acting like a soon-to-be-smacked puppy. Grey huffs out a breath of air and gingerly sits back down, shifting his weight to his right hip. Pierces Ice snarls satisfaction. Leslie's words draw her focus and she gives her a nod of recognition. ~I will give terms at the end of Revel.~ She turns to face the crowd once again this night. ~At last moot, I challenged Ears-to-the-Ground of the Bone Gnawers. I am now Fostern in the eyes of Garou. Those others who have results to announce, step forward and be recognized.~ Walks-Middle looks even more torn as Treeclimber speaks, mixed with pride at her Alpha's successful challenge. Kaz gives Jacinta an approving fist pump. Shield-Bearer stays quiet and out of the way, but is almost pleased at Leslie's challenge. Cries-No-More's consernation toward Cole dies down easily enough, and he resumes his watchful gaze over events. Jacinta's announcent receives nothing in the way of a smile, or a murmured compliment. The Ahroun does, however, nod, and close his eyes briefly towards his fellow Wendigo as she announces her new Rank. Child-Holder gives Nightmares a prod, indicating that she should show some pride in Leslie's direction. Runner looks tense under the staredown, ready to jump in, but relaxes just a touch when submission is shown. Upon a second challenge to the position, she glances at Leslie and tailors her expression down further. Given the challenges being announced out, she takes a moment to step forth, giving a nod to Jacinta. Nightmares looks a bit confused but then nods, having lost track of what's going on again. But she gives a hopeful smile at Child-Holder's direction. The bones still in one hand, Treeclimber simply nods and steps back to wait, arms crossed, hackles still up but her demeanor closely controlled and silent. Howls-For-Glory looks up enough to offer a pleased chuff toward Jacinta in congratulations. He faces the gathered Garou. ~I challenged Guards-Flame-rhya for the rank of Fostern. I was unable to discover the final mystery of her past she set before me. But I learned much of our past and our ways. Any who would know of lost heroes, seek me out, and I shall be glad to speak of them.~ He stays a moment longer, then moves back towards the trio of cubs. Seasons-Change keeps her hold on the metis, and shifts her weight over a pace. She snorts loudly, rage restrained only barely. ~Act as an adult!~ she tells the scrambling metis in a tone that suggests it is not a suggestion. Dagger's-Edge takes a few more steps back, dropping down into his lupus form before sitting down with ears flat to his head. No, definitely not pleased, and totally showing it. Fire-Eyes tucks her tail, flattens her ears, and hunches down as far as the grip on her scruff will let her, but she does stop struggling, almost the moment Seasons-Change issues the order. Runner turns to the Garou and notes in particular, Circle Keeper in her oversweeping gaze. ~Rags-Torn-to-Rags challenged me for Fostern last moot. As he is not here, I will find him later. Remember that my terms were he would fight three of his own choosing and training on the third new-moon following that moot. The time draws closer. But I simply wish to tell you that I -am- watching. And there is more to his challenge than what scratches the surface of my terms.~ The ragabash looks back to Jacinta, and then returns to a spot where she stood previously. Pierces Ice nods to Runs the Gauntlet and looks out toward her pack. ~Those who would challenge, step forward, now.~ Circle Keeper lumbers forward a few steps, the painted crinos sniffing about the air idly as he goes. He centres in on Jamethon, ears pressing forward as he finds the Get. Muzzle wrinkling up, his voice raises above the Gathering. ~I am Circle Keeper: Warrior of Uktena's Tribe, Beta of Manitou's Ridgeline under honourable Bison, Guardian and now Gatekeeper for the sept. I have challenged you to be seen as Fostern, Fights-for-Hope-Warder.~ The Warder waits a beat, as if thinking, then nods his head. ~Circle-Keeper of the Uktena. Ahroun and Cliath. I hear your challenge, and I accept. Your terms are thus... Go to the Garou who live in the Heart of the Weaver, and recruit a Galliard among them. This Galliard will help you, however you ask him to, hunt down a spirit of both Weaver /and/ Wyrm in the Scab's umbra. Destroy whatever you have chosen to encounter, and return. Choose your foe wisely, for then the Galliard will tell us the story of your glorious battle, cunning wisdom, and your braving the Weaver's web. Should the story prove glory, wisdom, and bravery all worthy of a Fostern Full-Moon, you will have honored this challenge. Also, you must not forget your oath as a Guardian. Your roles must all be fulfilled. Good luck. You will need it.~ Walks-Middle looks a little less disgruntled as Circle Keeper speaks and listens with pride and interest. Fledgling hazards a glance a little higher than ground level as Circle Keeper makes his challenge. Her tucked tail moves in what could be interpreted as a wag. Pierces Ice tips her head forward as the Warder gives his terms, any reaction held tightly in control for the moment. She looks out over the Sept again. ~Any others who would challenge, this night?~ Kaz pumps her fist at Circle Keeper, and then snorts vaguely at Jamethon's terms. Circle Keeper indicates a silent affirmative, turning to lumber back heavily. When he returns to where the cubs and Stacey are, he throws Veronica another irate look, before looking back to the centre. Grey's mismatched eyes widen, the good one rounding out as Circle Keeper steps up, and for several moments -- all the while that the Warder speaks -- he's absolutely, perfectly still. Blackriver seems to have been thinking over something and to have finally come to a decision. Slowly, she gets up and pads towards Pierces-Ice, showing respect in her posture. ~I will also challenge you for Master of Challenges. Treeclimber too has many burdens and it would not be right for the rest of us halfmoons to make her carry this burden as well.~ Cries-No-More looks just as interested in this Challenge as the rest of the Moot's proceedings, but remains neutral, never betraying much in the way of favor or irritatioin at Circle Keeper's Challenge. It is now Stone-Spirits turn to be growly about something that has transpired. A tremble of rage courses over her from tail tip to nose tip, ending in a soft, gutteral growl. Noisy Ghost continues to look sullen, poking the ground with a claw irritably. Pierces Ice's ears twitch backward at Blackriver's statement. She glances briefly at the Truthcatcher, looking for a reaction. Then she looks back to Blackriver and snaps at air. ~You challenge Treeclimber for a position she does not yet have. You speak ill of her in front of this assembly. I will meet with /all/ challengers after the Revel. A challenge moot will be held.~ Dagger's-Edge pushes up roughly to his feet, snapping his jaws together when Blackriver challenges as well. The Shadow Lord turns, giving his packmates a passing glance before he departs from the moot arena entirely at a fast clip. In moments, the halfmoon is gone. Bitter-Harvest snorts after Kenneth, shooting a look of open hostility toward his back. Fledgling continues her best rug impression. No looking at Circle Keeper, no looking at Pierces Ice, and certainly no looking at Noisy Ghost. Blackriver's posture shows confusion, but she lays her ears and tail down in submission and goes back to her spot near the other Silver Fangs. Treeclimber's arms drop as Blackriver steps up, and her ears perk forward as she listens. They then turn to swivel back and forth indecisively. Finally, she replies simply, ~The one most fit for the position shall bear its burdens. That is Gaia's way.~ There is a leashed and controlled certainty in the words. Pierces Ice's muzzle wrinkles and she looks to Treeclimber. ~The challenges are complete.~ Grey shifts his weight, regaining movement with an air of deep disgruntlement and dissatisfaction. He takes up the steady growl again, deep and low and quiet, while his claws dig into the ground. He's restless in a way that suggests that either he's been suddenly beset by a swarm of fleas, or that he'd very much like to get up and go somewhere. Silence stretches out for a moment, the Truthcatcer watiting and leaving Jacinta's words to hang in the chill night air. ~Very well, then. Gaia's truth has been laid bare and shared with us all this night. Let us turn to story and song, the wiser for it.~ With that, she drops from the rock slab herself, returning to join Laura and Aesia and dropping into homid as she does so. Bloods-Bane watches his packmate go with a growling frown, but remains with the remaining member of Requiem and gets over the disturbance quickly. The Get steps forward again, and howls loudly to gain the attention of the Garou once more. ~Hidden Walk, tonight we share with you tales of glory, honor and wisdom. Listen well, because these are the legends of past and present. These are the stories that carry our spirits. Listen well, and learn. But... don't take yourself too seriously.~ He grins fiercely, and eagerly bids the first of the talesingers or those who have stories to step forward. Stories progress on into the night, some entertaining, some purposely flat but with a pick up at the end, some downright puzzling. Finally, the Master of the Howl turns to Fire-Eyes. ~Eyes-of-Fire, you look like you are ready to speak to us and sing a tale. Come, and share your songs with us.~ Child-Holder takes her homid form as well. The tension seems to flood out of her as she does so, and she manages a smile that doesn't look too much like an angry grimace. Fire-Eyes moves forward. Slink is the better word. She goes almost on all fours, despite being in crinos, and her tail remains, if not completely tucked, certainly very low. She has a stick in one of her lower, ridiculously short hands, which is roughly the length of a human's forearm and covered in carved Garou glyphs of all types. Her tone is almost apologetic when she addresses the crowd. ~I am here to tell a story.~ Except she doesn't tell a story, she just stands there for the moment, looking absolutely petrified. Seasons-Change gives a soft whuff to the metis as she slinks off, ~Stand tall Fianna.~ She snorts noisily, tail swishing. A brief glance is offered to Howls for Glory, before she settles her eyes on the cub. Kaz calls, ~Go for it, kid!~ Pierces Ice moves slowly back to where her pack and cub sit. She tries to give the Metis cub her full attention, but succeeds only in part. Runner, through the stories progressions, eventually slips her way over to Kaz's side. The ragabash leans over, once she's vaguely got the Gnawer galliard's ear, and rumbles quietly into it. Walks-Middle glances at Pierces Ice as she returns and then watches as Fire-Eyes moves forward, nodding encouragingly. Howls-For-Glory stands up, looking to Fire-Eyes as she freezes. He points with one finger to the stick in her hand and simply nods his encouragement. Cries-No-More glances, sideways, towards Cole for an instant as his cub hesitates. He doesn't glower, but no hint of pleasure reaches his features. Circle Keeper looks to Jacinta, jaws cracking open wide before they snap shut. Like the Pack Alpha, his attention isn't very... attentive. Grey stretches out on his right side next to Stone-Spirit, a surly listener at best. Still, he attempts to put on as much of an encouraging 'face' for Fire-Eyes as possible. Noisy Ghost fidgets, clearly wanting to be away. Kaz mutters something to Yi. The metis cub hunches in on herself, stiffens, and finally closes her eyes. ~I am here to tell a story,~ she repeats, a little firmer this time. ~As part of my Rite.~ She licks her muzzle. ~Sometimes, I have heard things being said about the Sept. Bad things. That it is weak and worthless maybe. I think everyone knows this is not so, but maybe they don't remember.~ She opens her eyes. ~So I am going to tell about the Caern.~ And finally, those eyes open again, and her voice becomes firmer. ~Our Caern is very old. So old that we do not know how old it really is. It's the sept that's young.~ Fledgling can't keep eating dirt forever, especially not when stories are told. She stays hunched low to the ground, eyes and ears intent on every story teller. When the metis cub freezes up in front of the moot, she stretches her neck out, and then the story begins. As the tales begin and Leslie setles down next to her tribemate, she flops back into the grass and offers both the cub and Laura a small smile before turning her attention to the Talesinger. She simply waits quietly, as Fire-Eyes hesitates, though the withdrawn reserve is replaced with something tightly leashed but untamed within. Kaz leans forward slightly, now that Morgan's gotten going, and seems to be rooting her on and listening intently, all at the same time. Runner glances up when the mention of the caern ensues. She looks reluctant to reply back to Kaz, but does so, again in hushed tones. Kaz nods to Yi, though without her full attention. Fire-Eyes's manner is hesitant, but the more she speaks, the more easily she seems to settle into the story she's telling. ~Many, many, many years ago, our Caern was sleeping. The Wendigo came first, and they found the Caern, and they woke it up. The Caern was Wendigo, and it belonged to them. When the humans came, it remained Wendigo, and when the Glass Walkers and Bone Gnawers came with the humans, it still stayed Wendigo. And then came the Ice King.~ Howls-For-Glory relaxes his stance, nodding once more to his tribemate. A soft chuff of encouragement, and the Galliard drops into lupus to listen to the tale. Cries-No-More steps backwards towards Jacinta and Fledgling, nodding to them both as he takes up a position by his Tribemates for the story. Runner then goes back to listening to the story, her attention suddenly rapt upon the four-armed storyteller. Kaz now drops into a classic 'wow, story!' posture, despite being in Crinos. It all seems so new. Pierces Ice glances up at Touch Deer's approach, then puts her hand on Fledgling's shoulder briefly. More and more of her attention is focused on the story. Grey isn't as good an actor as Kaz. He's heard this tale before. That doesn't mean he objects to hearing it again, despite his bad temper. Noisy Ghost eyeballs Cries No More warily and fidgets more, looking away from him and toward the edge of the caern. Blackriver slowly begins to relax as Fire-Eyes tells her story, living happily in the present. ~The Ice King was freed when the Europeans came to these lands,~ Fire-Eyes continues. ~They did not mean to free it, but they did, and when it was freed it came here, to the Medicine Wheel. It hunted the Wendigo. The Wendigo were fierce and proud and strong, but they could not fight the Ice King. Many left, and with them went their totems, Magpie and Buffalo. But Cougar stayed, and with him nine Garou. They stayed and they fought the Ice King, and they died. But they managed to trap him, somehow, far from here, before they died.~ Fledgling gives her elder a happy-cub look, before returning, wide-eyed to listening to the storytelling. Runner twitches her ears, eyes locked on every moment, ears locked on what is spoken. She looks like she's heard this story for the first time tonight. Howls-For-Glory has heard this tale before, but seems excited to be hearing it once more. Either that, or he's merely excited about the talesinger of the moment. His tail swishes over the stony floor. Fire-Eyes says, ~The Wendigo who had left, some of them, came back and declared the land cursed, and then left again. So the Caern slept once more for a long while. A pack of Black Furies, led by Adrian Nightrunner, found it then. With them was Horus, a Silent Strider leader. They found the caern and decided it would be reopened. They decided to bring the tribes together here, all of the tribes, to work against the Wyrm and for Gaia. They had twelve. Only the Wendigo were missing.~~ Seasons-Change gives the story teller a wide, pleased look, settling more comfortably to listen to the tale. Cries-No-More begins to nod, absent-mindedly, wistful, with the storyteller's account. Kaz leans forward just slightly more. Walks-Middle listens to Fire-Eyes, interested and obviously new to the story. Fire-Eyes's nose twitches. ~The first attempt to wake the Caern up failed. A flying Weaver machine attacked them with silver and other weapons and they could not stay. But they did not give up. They came back again, and tried again, and again the Wyrm tried to stop them, but this time they woke the Caern anyway. They called it the Wheel Renewed, because they knew it had been called the Wheel, but not why it had been sleeping. Pierces Ice's eyes narrow. Runner's ears stand up, given various revelations to the caern's history. For just a few seconds, she looks around the center and at the landscape, then it's back onto the metis. Leslie listens in silence as well, though she leans over towards Alesia and quietly whispers the translation of the story in the cub's ear, even as she listens herself. Fire-Eyes straightens a little in her posture, and frowns at the ground in front of her. ~It looked different than it does.~ She points at the center rock. ~There was a stone table there, and a fire pit, and an earth mound, and a pool instead of the waterfall. And Magpie and Buffalo, they were the totems again.~ Stone=Spirit lets out a slow, aching breath as she concentrates on stilling her rage. She flexes her fingers then pushes herself down into more relaxed hunch. ~Then,~ Fire-Eyes says, ~The Wendigo came back. They were very, very angry, because this was their Caern first, and the Garou in it did not do the things they did, or follow the old ways, or give honor to what mattered to them. The other Garou had stolen the Caern. But the Wendigo stayed and fought and worked with the other Garou.~ Runner slowly eyes in the general direction of Jacinta and the Guardians. Howls-For-Glory turns his gaze on the knot of gathered Wendigo briefly, and then looks back to Fire-Eyes as she speaks. Grey snorts at 'stolen' but otherwise refrains from comment. Fledgling's head rises at this, and she risks a sideways glance at Jacinta. Her ears flatten and her tail tucks more, just in case. Kaz's tongue lolls slightly. She doesn't, unlike the others, look at the Wendigo, but merely beams quietly. Pierces Ice's lip twitches, white showing between black lips briefly at a memory not her own. Fire-Eyes's neckfur ruffles. ~But when the Wendigo came back, the Ice King woke up. He wanted to finish what he started, and he was very angry, very angry because he had been trapped, and because the Caern was still Gaia's. So he came with banes, and frost and snow and when the Garou heard of him they were afraid.~ Fire-Eyes says, ~But they were going to fight.~ Kaz calls, ~Damn right they were!~ Cries-No-More's eyes are on the storyteller, and nothing but rapt interest shows in his face. No hint of pain, no hint of old hurt, no hint of old bitterness, or new. Runner jumps a bit when Kaz blurts out, but shakes it off and turns back to the storyteller. Fire-Eyes rocks forward onto her toes, and then back. Kaz's call seems to encourage her, and the story doesn't seem to allow her to stay put any longer, she paces, agitated, in a tight, short circle. ~The Garou prepared, because they knew the Ice King was a very dangerous enemy. They made fire weapons, they found Weaver tools, they went in search of fetishes. Red Sky of the Wendigo, he found the lost totem. He found Cougar. And all of the Garou were ready when the Ice King came, and this time no one left or went away. Every tribe fought.~ Howls-For-Glory sits up. A lesson we can use today, he insists! Runner howls out wordlessly, but in it is a marked pleasure about the unified front. Fire-Eyes digs her claws slightly into the glyph-covered stick. ~It was a very terrible fight. Many Garou died. Red Sky, and Mouse-Counting-Coup, and Itunkala who was Uktena, and Walker who Strikes Twice who was Uktena, and Eyes-Glow-Green who was Fianna, and Hand of the Lioness who was Silent Strider, and Velasquez who was Bone Gnawer, and Wind-In-Trees who was Wendigo, and Flying Bear who was from the Children of Gaia. They died, but so did the Ice King's banes, and the Ice King was driven away to Malfeas and defeated forever.~ Pierces Ice juts her muzzle forward and rumbles softly. At the recounting of so many deaths, Fledgling gives a soft whine and lets her chin drop to the ground. Runner's howl changes into a brief whine, and she looks in the direction of the Burial Mounds. But, when she looks back to the talesinger, she snaps her jaws together with the note of triumph. Fire-Eyes makes another tight little turn, and inhales deeply after that litany of names. When she speaks again, she's quieter. ~Horus disappeared. Many, many, many things happened. And then a World-Breaker came and stole power from the Wheel Renewed. The Garou killed him, but the damage was done, and the Caern was bleeding.~ Walks-Middle slumps a bit at Pierces Ice's rumble, looking saddened, before turning her attention back to the Fianna cub. Kaz gives a wordless cheer as the Ice King is defeated, and then hunkers down to listen again. Fire-Eyes says, ~The Garou tried everything to heal it. They went on quests and prayed and looked everywhere for answers, but it did not help. Then Moon Laughs Quiet, her pack, and Sepdet Swims-Through-Silver who was a Silent Strider,~ the metis cub's voice turns briefly, vaguely reverent, the way primary children might speak of ancient, long dead prophets, ~They found a Wyld fetish. It was the last thing they could think of to try, and so they studied it and pondered it and finally decided to use it. They set up a ritual to renew the Caern.~~ Circle Keeper casts a dark look back to Jacinta, then to Beatrice, before looking back to the story. Noisy Ghost is only barely listening to the story, but she glances over at Pierces-Ice, ears perking at the rumble. She blinks black eyes at the elder Garou, then huffs and turns her gaze back to the ground. Runner whines openly with mention of those names. Her head drops a level, as does her ears tilt back. Cries-No-More remains quietly attentive. If he had any part in this story, well, he isn't showing it. He watches, listens, faint smiles or frowns dancing over his face but, generally, they're always faint, and brief. Laura's eyes rise, and she flashes a little smile at the Metis taleteller as she hears Sepdet named. She makes sure the cub next to her pays attention as well. Seasons-Change listens with a look of pride on her features, relaxing more and more as the cub continues to tell the story. Kaz calls, ~Go Ouro! Go Ouro!~ and then shuts up again. ~A powerful Wyld spirit came,~ Fire-Eyes says. ~It was not what they hoped for. The Wyld spirit sank into the Caern and stayed there, and it destroyed the totems. The totems, though, they sacrificed themselves. Cougar dove, and Buffalo gored himself with his horns and gave himself to the Wyld. And then the Caern fell asleep again. The table that was here cracked and the fire went out.~ Howls-For-Glory listens on, wincing visibly at the mention of the totems' sacrifices. Pierces Ice's muzzle lifts in a brief howl of misery. The Wendigo cub's soft whine becomes a low howl, harmonizing with Pierces Ice. Blackriver's posture droops and she whines at the loss of the caern, head turning about as though to make sure that yes, it's still here in the present. Fire-Eyes says, ~The Garou were afraid, and very angry with those who had brought the fetish, and they thought the Caern was dead forever. Those that brought the fetish might have been killed except there was something strange about the Caern, even though it was sleeping. It was coccooned. The Garou thought they could sense something. Feel something. So they decided to try one more time to wake the Caern up. It didn't make any sense. There were no totems, and no power. But they tried anyway.~ Runner whines more softly with the totem sacrifice, but continues to listen close when the story goes on. Kaz mutters something about ~stubborner than mules on Sunday.~ Pierces Ice's howl does not die completely, but becomes a much smaller sound. Fire-Eyes pauses for a moment, one claw tracing a glyph on her stick. ~Wyld came, and he demanded change. And Fog came, and he demanded they be secret. And the Caern woke up again. It came alive in the Shadow, and here it changed. The earth shook and the ground fell, and that is how this is now a valley. And the Wheel Renewed became the Hidden Walk.~ There's a sense, now, that she's done...she doesn't say anything else, and she remains stiff and still, apprehensive. Pierces Ice's howl grows once again. This time, not a howl of misery, but one of hope. A howl of defiance against the Wyrm, against all the things that threaten the caern and Gaia. Howls-For-Glory lifts his muzzle in a long howl, and there's no uncertainty as to what the resonant call means: Good Tale! You are a true moondancer! Cries-No-More lifts his head. At the issuance of his fellow Wendigo's howl, he cannot resist the urge to join her. His howl is passionate, blunt, and loud. Kaz calls, ~And we still fuckin' /are/! We ain't leavin'! We ain't givin' up!~ She then bursts into a howl of victory, defiance, and pure wordless approval of Morgan's story. Pierces Ice rises up onto four legs, sliding from Crinos into Hispo. She begins slowly, moving around the caern. Each Garou she nears she looks at with a piercing gaze, encouragining them to join her howl. Blackriver also points her nose to they sky and joins in the other's howls, full of joy and excitement. Grey heaves himself to his feet, keeping his weight still off one hind leg, and solemnly lifts his muzzle to join the howl. He's doing so long before Pierces Ice reaches him. Fledgling looks confused a moment, baring her teeth as she watches the elder Wendigo howl. Then she turns her muzzle skyward and howls as well, celebrating the dead, the spirits and the Garou who are still present. Walks-Middle tips back her head and howls along with her Alpha, joining the howl of defiance against the Wyrm and its minions. Circle Keeper takes some encouraging to join, before he raises his voice along with jacinta's. Bitter-Harvest joins in, low and tonally flat, as usual. Pierces Ice begins to circle faster, clockwise around the caern. Howl! Howl defiance against the Wyrm! ~Howl! Howl defiance against all things wrong and bad!~ Runner too, feels that howl come over her and she belts out a call. It is filled with memories, trickling like a brook first, and then rushing forth and leaping up like Salmon over points in Time's river. The memories and feelings after the establishment of the Hidden Walk under Fog, of all the trials it has endured, the fall to the Wyrm and rise anew in Chimera all mix in. ~Never again!~ she cries out, snarling defiance. Noisy Ghost jerks out of her moody daydreams as people start howling. She blinks, glances around, and then lets out a bit of a howl as well. Laura leads the Furies around her, her howl starting as a sharp bark as she shifts to Crinos once again. ~NEVER AGAIN~ she echoes Runner, leading into another howl of her own. This one recalls battle, hope and persistence. Fire-Eyes lays her ears back, trembling to be at the center of all that noise. But instincts do count for something, and she tips her head back, eyes closed, and howls roughly upward. The members left in Requiem pipe up too, throwing in wildly fierce calls. Fenris' Rage seems to color their tones, colored with an eagerness to take on the Wyrm itself. Faster and faster Pierces the Ice circles, until, just as suddenly as she started, she stops, and moves to the center of the caern. She holds the final note of her howl, unwavering, for several seconds and then cuts it off sharply. Bloods-Bane takes the opportunity, seeing the caern Garou worked up as Pierces-the-Ice goes around and urges others to howl, rides on the wave of emotions. ~Hidden Walk, you hear the howls of defiance against the Wyrm! Let no enemy dare stand before us! Stone-Spirit! This is your time, this is your fight, Wyrmfoe. Take the helm, and lead the charge! Tonight, we Revel!~ Kaz, before heading off to Revel, stomps over to Laura. ~Can I ask you somethin'?~ Fire-Eyes is done. Quite, quite done. As the howling finishes, and Dillen announces the call to Revel, she hugs herself and her stick and starts back toward the Fianna. Child-Holder glances away from the cub, who she was helping to her feet. ~Yes, of course, Kaz-rhya.~ Motioning for Alesia to stay where she is, she takes a step nearer to the Bone Gnawer. Howls-For-Glory darts up to Fire-Eyes as she moves toward her tribe. His tail flagged high, he yips exuberantly at her. ~Good! You have told a tale before the Moot. I accept it, and you have completed the first part of your Rite.~ Kaz slowly shifts down into homid, the better to actually talk rationally. "Do you people mind if I come bug your cub? A fuckin' month ago, or more, when she first got here, Leslie an' Helen an' them tol' me to go away. So I did. But I fuckin' miss her. So do you mind if I invade your turf an' all an' be a companionable person?" Pierces Ice takes several deep breaths, almost panting, and shakes head to tail before settling onto massive haunches. She tilts her head curiously in Kaz's direction, but then seems to think better of something and looks away, sliding down into homid. Child-Holder's ears prick, and she glances off after Leslie, who's already joining the revellers. Down to homid she shifts. "She has improved, or so the others tell me. I don't mind if you speak with her now, since she seems to be handling things much better. If they have issue with it, I will take responsibility for your presence." Fire-Eyes is trembling, and looks suddenly quite exhausted. She accepts the praise with a sort of wan grimace, and dips her head. ~Howls-For-Glory-rhya, I have two more stories. Walks-Middle-rhya and Ears-rhya told me.~ She doesn't, however, seem eager to tell them. Not just now. Howls-For-Glory looks up at his fellow Galliard and Fianna for a long moment. ~That is good. Tell me tomorrow, when the Revel has passed.~ Walks-Middle shifts down into homid as well, glancing around at those who remain. As her gaze reaches Veronica, she gives a friendly smile, before glancing instinctively toward the Fianna at the mention of her name. Kaz says, "Rockin'. Thanks. 'Lesia was tellin' me stuff an' it was hurtin' her bondin' with th' tribe, but I figure after like, months, it oughta be ok now." After a moment, she glances over at Jacinta, questioningly. Fledgling follows the shifting and actions of her elders, returning to homid and thumping onto her butt with a glazedly happy look on her face and a bit of a jitter in her hands. She acknowledges looks in her direction, but only just. She seems to be on a bit of a high from the whole experience. Laura grins. "I certainly agree. I think she's fond enough of us, she can handle contact with other tribes now." Turning back towards the cub for a moment, she nods. "And it's nearly time for her to head home, I think." Jacinta looks to her cub. "Consider what you have seen tonight. I wish you to tell me what it meant, later." Veronica's eyes follow Jacinta, and she blinks, trying to regain her focus. "Yes, Pierces Ice-rhya," she murmurs a little hoarsely, shivering with energy. Culls-The-Herd remains, for the most part, in shadow, and watches the other Garou in silence. Jacinta seems pleased with that and stands to look for the new Alpha. Kaz says, with amused fondness, "She's a good kid." That said, she wanders off. Laura simply nods to the Galliard. "Walk with Gaia, Kaz-rhya," she calls, then turns to give Alesia a good run home. Along the way, she shows the cub the right way to circle the center again, then the pair of them race off. Culls-The-Herd does not move from her current location, expression impassive as she watches the various Garou begin to leave. Jacinta walks toward the new Alpha with stiff posture. She is respectful in approach, but does not show complete submission. Kaz drifts toward Jacinta and Vera. Though she's not very close. Just, paying attention. Culls-The-Herd sighs softly, ears laying partway back as Jacinta approaches. ~Guardian, what may I do for you?~ While her chin is held up high, she does not even attempt to meet Vera's gaze. "Culls-the-Herd-rhya, I must tell you that I cannot give my kin over to you. I will not. They are Wendigo. They have had enough taken from them by the Qussaq world. They will be cared for by Wendigo, not Shadow Lord." Culls-The-Herd appears puzzled for a moment, head tilting to one side. ~I believe you misunderstood my words, Pierces-Ice of the Wendigo. I merely wish to know who they are and how I may find them if necessary.~ Jacinta shakes her head. "No. I understood. I will not give them over to you." Runner blinks, ears perking once others have gone their separate ways. She looks over to the conversation occuring with the Alpha and Groundskeeper/Challenge Master, and like Kaz, does a bit of eavesdropping. Stacey also turns her attention to Jacinta and Vera, tilting her head as she listens in as well. ~Would you mind explaining your objection to me?~ Culls ask, tone calm and pleasant. ~I would like to be as familiar with the Kinfolk of this Sept as possible. I have no desire to take them from you or your Tribe.~ Bitter-Harvest, still lingering and by no means working himself up for the revel, turns his attention toward the new Alpha and the Wendigo elder. His brow furrows. Jacinta swallows, spine stiff as a rod. "My kin have had many problems with the Qussaq world and with White Garou. I will not let more harm come to them. You do not know our ways. You cannot keep them from Qussaq harm. Only I can do this. Only my tribe." Kaz volunteers, to Vera, "There's a long history of Wendigo an' Wendigo Kin havin' /less than zero/ reason to trust any of us. It don't go away easy." Runner, hearing this, rumbles something about ~Bone Gnawers and their kin have it the same.~ ~Very well,~ Culls-The-Herd replies easily after a moment. ~It was my desire to maintain good relations with the kinfolk here on a personal level and to encourage them to speak up if they had any concerns.~ The Adren pauses for a moment, looking over at Kaz, then returning her attention to Jacinta. ~But, in the end, you are the Elder of the Wendigo and the Kinfolk of the Wendigo are under your charge. They are your Territory and I shall respect your wishes concerning them.~ Jacinta gives a sharp nod. "Ii. Quyana, Culls-the-Herd-rhya." Then she takes a step backward, then another, before turning toward Kaz and Yi. Stacey raises her brows at the Sept Alpha's response, looking impressed. Culls-The-Herd's jaw parts in a lupine grin. ~I do apologize if you found my good intentions regarding your Kinfolk offensive in any way, Pierces-Ice of the Wendigo.~ Kaz casually asks Jacinta, "Would you mind if I came an' met some've 'em, Jacinta? Just as a networkin' thing?" Runner splays an ear, tensed still on matters of kin. The Gnawer ragabash goes quiet, thoughtful, looking elsewhere for now. Bitter-Harvest grunts and turns away, apparently having lost interest. If they could, Jacinta's ears would be plastered against her skull, judging from her expression of uncertainty. "Perhaps, Kaz-yuf. I will give it thought." Looking over her shoulder, she gives another, smaller nod to Vera. "Ii." Culls-The-Herd watches the interplay between Wendigo and Bone Gnawer with little emotion, or apparent interest. Runner glances one more time to Kaz, looking thoughtful still, and then drops down into the lupus form herself. The Gnawer fostern trots off, looking much like she will be taking her own post while others go to Revel. Kaz considers the Wendigo. "Well, I ain't gonna push it. It's just... us Gnawers used to hang out with you guys, a long time ago. Runs-The-Gauntlet packed with a buncha you. An'... it was an important part of my life here, makin' connections an' shit." She shrugs. "Makes all've us stronger." Stacey steps nearer to Kaz and Jacinta then, eyes lowered. "Kaz-rhya? Speaking of connections, I could use help getting in contact with my own kin in the city, to let them know of the changes in my tribe. Would you happen to be going in that direction sometime? Or know of someone else who could contact them?" "Ii," Jacinta repeats. "Perhaps when the moon is smaller we can speak of it." Her shoulders are still high, and one gets the sense of dis-ease coming from her in waves. Runner is about gone, but suddenly makes a 180 degreen turn and comes back towards the gathered at a double-time clip. Her ears slick back in apology, as she makes her way towards Stacey and chuffs for the young Child ahroun's attention. Kaz, sympathy in her eyes, nods to Jacinta. "Ok, boss. I'll poke you inna few weeks." Then she looks over at Stacey, and whips out a pad and a pen. "You got names and numbers? I can bug 'em for you." Jacinta gives a small, thankful, nod and circles toward the pool. Stacey nods. "Austin Smith, Alec, if he is still around, as well as my father." She rattles off their numbers before the Bone Gnawer calls for her attention. "Yes, Runner-rhya?" Runner again, apologizes in her interruption and glances to Kaz briefly before headtilting. Where is your cub? The one I would train in the Scab and Scab's Shadow? Kaz scribbles intently in the background as Yi asks her question. Stacey grows still at the question, her face loosing what color it had. "I...I am sorry, Yi-rhya..." She falters, at a loss, before adding, "He is with Gaia." By the waterfall, Jacinta slides down into lupus, gaze turning to the center with a small frown as she shifts. Kaz stops writing and just stares at Stacey. "Aw, shit," she eventually says, quietly. "I'm sorry. How'd it happen?" Runner's ears turn back, and she sits rather abruptly, struck. Kaz's question is asked in time with hers. Why? Stacey is staring down at the ground, looking very much like she'd rather not be there, tensing with emotion. "I was trying to teach him our history," she answers softly, "and his words made me frustrated and angry. Tuesday night. I... could not take anymore, and let my rage... I frenzied." Kaz says, "Aw, /shit/," with waves of sympathy in her tone. "That's hard, Stacey. Th' kinda thing where it ain't your fault but you're gonna make it your fault anyways. I'm sorry." Runner stills in silence, for a long time not saying a word. Then she lifts her muzzle skywards and howls long, low, in a wolf's dirge of mourning. The song floats up quietly, intent on intimacy instead of ferocity, a 'silent' moment of remembrance instead of defiance. It fades off, and she stands up again, approaching close to the ahroun. It is not your fault. Though not spoken, it is said through the Gnawer's eyes, looking up into the ahroun's downcast gaze. Stacey takes on a more reverent expression as Runner howls, meeting her eyes for a brief moment as she approaches before looking away and nodding. "Thank you." Kaz's smile is half-pained, as she stands, silent. As the other speak, Culls-The-Herd slowly turns and begins to walk away. Runner gives the Child a short, light headbutt. Serving Salmon helped me greatly, when it came to times of grief, she tells the ahroun. In death, there is life. Leap up, ever up, flashing like Her scales, bright like silver in the moonlight. There is a journey to be made, and though many fall, we travel on, ever on. The ragabash dances around a little, mimicking the fish, but moreso imitating a certain star of hope. And then, she turns back to Kaz, and wiggles her nose a bit. There is one more thing to speak about. And I remember now. Circle Keeper, he looks for one who can change not-food things into food. I told him one of our tribe will find him with the gift. Kaz looks at Yi for a long moment, respect plain in her eyes. And then she shakes her head faintly. "Cookin'? I don' got it. I c'n eat things just fine without it. An' I dunno no one who does, but I can poke around." Stacey smiles faintly and nods. "You're right, Yi-rhya. And wise. Thank you." And then she steps back as gifts are mention, taking the attention off of herself. Runner replies easily, perhaps a bit too readily, Say-Your-Prayers knows the gift. Rat taught her the secret... The ragabash is about to continue on when she realizes the company present, and washes it over with an obvious, but deliberately poor jaunt of her ears. Anyway! she digresses, I should go find a spot to slee-- I mean, guard, during the Revel. She offers up a wolfish smile, a goofy one, pushing at light heartedness. Kaz says, "Ah, 'kay. I'll try'n run into her in th' next couple days." She stretches. "Anyways, I gotta get runnin'. I'll catch you people later, yeah?" Stacey nods. "Take care, Kaz-rhya, Yi-rhya. I should to to my spot as well." Kaz ambles off up the path. Runner bobs her head up and down, 'nodding'. Then turning to Stacey, she offers up, I will accompany you to your spot, and take a different direction from there. We can talk, on the way? Stacey looks over and gives a small smile. "Of course, Yi-rhya." And she nods her head in the general direction before she starts walking. By the steam vents, Fights-For-Hope had apparently slipped off into the umbra at some point, and now returns, appearing by the waterfall. Grey stirs himself, pushing back to his paws and giving himself a shake, teeth bared and not putting all his weight on his left hind leg. By the waterfall, Fights-For-Hope lowers to the hispo and lopes gently, for the massive Get, towards Grey. On the way he gives a deep chuffing. ~Walker. Wait.~ Grey stops cold, stiffening, hackles rising. He turns his head to fix the Get with a suspicious yellow eye, then dips his heavy muzzle with cold courtesy. ~Warder-rhya.~ Fights-For-Hope moves closer to stand near to the Glass Walker before stopping. He moves to the homid form and gestures with a nod of his head towards Grey's hand. "The Caern needs it's revelers at their full health. I will heal you." This is spoken with a tone of authority that leaves no room for arguement. With that he steps forward, and speaks lower in volume, so only those straining to hear can do so. "What happened between us last time... Was not what you believe it was. Before then, we worked well together. Fought well along side in the same battles. I do not think you understood what I was trying to do." His volume lowers even further, almost a whisper as he reaches out towards Grey's injured leg. "I am sorry for my words and deeds. It was not my place." He speaks up, just a bit louder. "If you could bear to be in my company for a time, I would explain to you my reasons... as flawed as they may have been." Bitter-Harvest is still lingering in the same spot he was all through moot, looking irritable. Looking, in fact, /far/ more than irritable, and Jamethon, merely by virtue of moving and thus drawing his attention, gets yet another dark, ugly look. Grey stands rigid and glowers at the Warder in a sidelong sort of way, treading the thin line between respect and insolence. He allows the approach, not moving away, but his ears remain flat. His rage has never been small, and with Wolverine's touch on him, well. It's a wonder he isn't snarling aloud. Jamethon simply nods his head for the time, not seeming to notice Abraxas' looks. He finishes reaching for the injured leg and offers, "This... will hurt." The Glass Walker has been healed by the Get's gifts before, and could perhaps remember that it isn't always a pleasant experience. His hands wrench into the wounds, fingers going deep and prodding bloodily into places fingers just should not go. Then James starts speaking with strange words that mean nothing except to those who understand the spirit's tongue, *Gaia, come through me and heal this warrior of his wounds, earned in glory and bravery.* Then do the hands of the Warder begin to glow a dull red, then it builds in hue, changing to orange, then yellow, then a vibrant green. The pain of his wrenching hands is followed by a burning when the cells suddenly decide to all start healing at once, practically wrenching apart from each other to make room for the new freshly healed flesh. As the wounds heal nicely, James slowly draws his fingers from them, and soon he is encircling a whole limb with his hands, and quickly lets go. The light fades as Jamethon's hands release from the leg. Bitter-Harvest seems content to continue glowering. Until the Revel starts, what else does the silly mule have to do? Grey may have felt the Warder's particular brand of healing before, this is true. He didn't like it then, and he doesn't like it now. Indeed, the way the Get probes and pokes really, truly, sets the Glass Walker on edge, and by the time the job is done, he's growling steadily, wordlessly. His wounds healed, he pulls away and gives himself a brusque shake. And then offers up a curt thanks. Jamethon once more nods his head and he stands and steps back from the Walker. "No thanks are needed. I am Warder now. Caretaker for all that fight for and defend this holy place. What I was before older times is not what I was before now, and what I was before now, is not what I have become. Surely, what I will be, is nothing like what I am. The same can be said for many of us. That which is found, is lost. Lost, found once more. This is perhaps what I should have said to you that night. But I could not. The Fights-For-Hope that was, could not do any thing other than what he had done. I am no longer that person, so I will no longer hold that name. Chimera spoke to me. Called me... her voice. And in my vision of this I crafted the weapon I often hold in her honor. And so I created that spear. She called me a name in my vision, and that is the name I will take. Reflection's-Howled-Voice." He nods his head solumnly and with much seriousness, as if these are the most true words he has ever spoken in his time fighting for Gaia. "I believe I will be her Reflection for some time, even when that reflection is tinged by the blood of my foes. It is a name I was not yet ready for then. Now, I am. I must see the Groundskeeper. I will break with that past." This all said he looks to the side, towards the steam vents, the Caern's sign of his Auspice with a studious and thoughtful gaze. Bitter-Harvest curls his lips upward away from his teeth. His glare is intent, focused, and only seems to grow moreso the longer Jamethon speaks. The scarred dire wolf's eyes are flat as the Get speaks, his posture still stiff. He takes in the speech with mixed emotions, and thus his body language is difficult to read beyond the general aura of controlled anger and intense guardedness. Eventually he utters a huff of acknowledgement, head dropping to parallel his shoulders. Jamethon looks back at the huff blankly, as if reminded of the Walker's presence and then distractedly nods his head. "Revel well, warrior of the Walk." He offers then turns to head back to the pool beneath the waterfall. On the way he looks over towards Abraxas and his eyes narrow tightly. But he continues on towards the pool without speaking a further word. There he sits, and seems to be lost in meditation. Bitter-Harvest bares his teeth a little more blatantly when the Warder looks toward him, but when that fails to get any real reaction, the Shadow Lord rolls his shoulders forward and exhales heavily through his nose. Grey watches the Get for a few more moments before letting out another huff of air. Free of injury and pain, he gives himself a brisk, nose-to-tail shake and begins pacing restlessly, back and forth. By the waterfall, Pierces Ice stretches. Bitter-Harvest is distracted from his attempt to bore holes into the Warder's back by the movement in his peripheral vision. His glaze flicks swiftly, briefly to Grey, and then back again, with a rumble of discontent. Grey stops, turns, and fixes his angry stare on Bitter-Harvest. His tail flicks upward. Bitter-Harvest looks away almost immediately, and turns his ears back. What? By the waterfall, Pierces Ice's ears turn toward the center, gaze following shortly thereafter. Grey snorts and turns to pace away from the Metis, stiff-legged and edgy. Nothing. Nothing. Bitter-Harvest leaves it at that, for all of half a moment. ~You were sitting with the Fenris, Stone-Spirit.~ It's both a statement and a question, and as ill tempered as he clearly is, he can't hide his own curiosity. Grey, not ceasing his restless movement, turns back and stalks toward the Shadow Lord, hackles bristling. ~I joined her pack,~ he growls. The words seem vaguely disjointed, as if he's having to pull them one by one from his brain. ~I am Wolverine's son now.~ This is as much warning as a statement of fact. His ears flatten now, and while Bitter-Harvest's gaze does flick back to the Walker, he doesn't come close to meeting the other's eyes, either out of prudence or something else. ~I see.~ Pause. ~I just wondered.~ By the waterfall, Pierces Ice stretches once more, tail flagging out behind her as she steps toward the center. Grey stares suspiciously at Bitter-Harvest, nostrils flaring, but then turns his attention toward the approaching Wendigo. He eyeballs her a few moments, too, before dropping his head and tail. By the waterfall, Pierces Ice heads into the center. Bitter-Harvest doesn't notice Pierces-Ice's approach until Grey does--he follows the Walker's gaze, and the general uneasiness and agitation in his posture take on considerably new, wary levels. Pierces Ice licks her nose as she approaches and stops well short of Grey. Abraxas she doesn't seem to notice at all, save an ear twitch and a short glance in his direction. Grey, she states, one forepaw lifted and replaced. I have a request of you. Grey keeps his body language properly respectful to the higher ranked (though younger) Garou. His flaws flex, digging at the ground as he acknowledges her request and asks what she wishes of him. Bitter-Harvest studies the Wendigo for a moment, but when there is no real acknowledgment he crosses his arms tightly over his chest and looks down. Pierces Ice glances in the direction the new Alpha has gone. Her ears twitch backward, hold tight against her skull for a moment, then pull forward. If the Alpha should come for my kin, take the one you know and set her safely away. Grey's first impulse, when he understands the request, is to agree, that much is obvious. But before he actually voices his agreement, a suspicious, paranoid impulse makes him send a glance toward the Shadow Lord lurking nearby. Bitter-Harvest /does/ return that look, and it's with an extremely irritated glower. ~/What/?~ Pierces Ice looks then at Abraxas as well, almost blinking her innocence before turning back to Grey, waiting for his response. ~Lurker,~ Grey rasps, still staring at Bitter-Harvest. Again, the language seems abrupt and slightly disjointed. ~Eavesdropper. /Spy/.~ A ripple passes over Bitter-Harvest's face, followed by a shudder that travels the length of his body. It's a very visible effort indeed that keeps him in one place, but the look he holds is ugly indeed. ~I was here before she approached,~ he snaps, furious. ~And I don't give a fuck about the damned kinfolk. Plot away.~ Pierces Ice gives Abraxas another look, eyes narrowed to slits, though the rest of her posture shifts in much more of a lupine shrug. Grey, little appeased, gives forth another snarl, deep and bubbling and just as ugly as the look the Lord is giving him. He tears himself away, but it takes visible effort, and he barely manages language enough to acknowledge Pierces Ice's request and indicate his agreement to help the kin she speaks of, if needed. Bitter-Harvest starts to return it, but he only manages the briefest of snarls before he jerks his head away and settles down into a half crouch, looking as though he'd quite happily tear the face off of the first person to breathe near him. Pierces Ice chews on air, huffing softly in recognition and acceptance, and finally in appreciation. Then she continues her circle of the caern, stopping this time in the area where the winds swirl. She looks as though she listens, though nothing apparently is speaking. Grey stalks to the far end of the caern, still growling to himself. Bitter-Harvest seems to be one of those last word times, at least tonight. He snaps after the departing Walker an angry, almost childishly petulant, ~Fuck you and your pack,~ before turning in the opposite direction, catching himself before he can take a step, and settling back down where he is.