It is currently 23:51 Pacific Time on Tue Jun 17 2003.

Currently in Saint Claire, it is clear outside. The temperature is 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius). The wind is currently coming in from the north at 9 mph. The barometric pressure reading is 29.94 and rising, and the relative humidity is 72 percent. The dewpoint is 52 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius.)

Currently the moon is in the waning Gibbous Moon phase (77% full).

Bawn: Southern Forest

Evergreen trees spread their overhead branches wide across the forest floor. Each tree limb interlinks with its neighbor, forming a thick overhead canopy of pine needles that leaves the forest floor dim even at noon. An apparent tenseness seems to permeate the air here, and there is a somewhat less than subtle feeling that perhaps something is watching. The behavior of the wildlife in the area betrays a certain wariness that suggests the presence of predators nearby.

The southern edge of the bawn is marked here by the railroad tracks which run from St. Claire and Kent's Crossing to the west, towards the mountains to the east.

A howl echoes out across the southern bawn, a summoning. Calls-Spirits is there and wishes for the Red Talon, Rain-Falls-Up, to come to him.

The Talon howls back and acknowledgement, and it's not long before she shows herself, licking her chops.

Cycle-Breaker is walking 'round the theurge, but pauses as her ears catch the sound of the Talon's howl. Then she stops, seating herself and twitching an ear, watching Rain-Falls-Up.

The most stunning feature about this averagely non-stunning wolf are the eyes. They are a grayed blue, like a tempest storm. They seem like a sapphire jewel amongst the rest of her form, which is lanky and seems to deem the word adolescent. Her pelt is hued ebon, and there's only the slight break in the colour upon her ear: the left is pure white, making an almost dalmatian effect on the creature. Her steps are confused, and there's a feral amusement flickering in too-intelligent eyes.

Calls-Spirits looks pleased at Rain's prompt response to his summons and steps forward to greet her. He's friendly, but aloof still. I have brought another Guardian as I said I would. She is a dark-moon like yourself, and if she finds no trace of the Enemy, then we shall arrange to bring you to the Warder.

Rain-Falls-Up's tail waves appeasingly, and her body language is submissive to the two Sept-members; she does not let her posture stand taller than theirs. The other Ragabash gets a tentative sniffing-inspection.

Cycle-Breaker cocks her head, examining the Talon. After Rain-Falls-Up is finished with her sniffing, she stands. Her nose scrunches briefly, and then she circles the other Ragabash, sniffing and examining. When this is done, she then strides over to the theurge. She is clean, she tells Calls-Spirits.

Calls-Spirits lets out a long sigh of relief and thanks Cycle-Breaker for her services. Now we just need to get a message to the Warder, and arrange a meeting. Then we may speak of ~chiminage~. He eyes the Talon measuringly again. You are a guest here now. Please do not hunt any men near the bawn, as it will draw attention to us.

Rain-Falls-Up's tongue swipes out and licks over her dark nose. She promises not to hunt any men near the Sept's lands.

Are you done with me? Cycle-Breaker looks from Rain-Falls-Up to Calls-Spirits.

Calls-Spirits is pleased once more by Rain's perfectly agreeable response. He sits down on his haunches and chuffs assent at Cycle-Breaker. Thank you very much for your services. I will seek you again soon to speak more of Guardians. He then turns to regard the Talon curiously. He wonders why, exactly, she has come to this sept?

Rain-Falls-Up sits down. She replies that she has heard many tales of this place, and also wants to know what happened to the Red Talons who were here once.

Cycle-Breaker does not stay to listen. She chuffs a goodbye to both, and heads off into the woods.

Calls-Spirits has only been in this place a few seasons. There was only one Red Talon when he came here, and Shadow-of-Blood has since retreated into the woods with his pack. He watches over our wolf-kin now. I did not know him well. He tilts his head thoughtfully. Perhaps we can ask the Warder. He has been here for many seasons.

Rain-Falls-Up licks her nose again, looking wistful and sad and relieved all at once. There's an indication, too, that she will indeed ask the Warder about her tribemates. She wonders aloud about the other wolf-born of the Sept.

Calls-Spirits settles down onto his belly, yawning once absently and looking comfortable. He's never met any, himself. They stay far from here. He did save one from taint once, though.

Rain-Falls-Up turns her head slightly and sniffs the air, nostrils working visibly. She acknowledges the Fang's answer, then -- quite abruptly -- lies down and closes her eyes.

Calls-Spirits watches the Talon sleep for a few minutes, then stands and quietly makes his way back to his patrol.