Mule Guardians and Doppelgangers

[hazlogs]

[The Caern, 6/12/97]

On the southern curve, Blackstripe comes in from the woodland to the south.
Erik shifts his weight slightly, folding his arms across his chest.
On the southern curve, Blackstripe pads in silently, a subdued wraith of a 
  figure. Only a cursory check around the Wheel is made before she presses on 
  towards the pool.
On the southern curve, Blackstripe follows the Wheel to the Pool.
Erik turns his head toward the lupine figure, watching her with worried 
  respect. Finally, he moves into the center of the caern, pausing to bow to 
  the table stone.

You turn to the south and make your way back to the hub of the Wheel.
Center of the Great Wheel
Contents:
Table Stone
Obvious exits:
Windy Spot  South  Pool  East  Fire Pit  North  Earth Mound  West  

On the southern curve, Rowan comes in from the woodland to the south.
On the southern curve, Rowan contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
On the southern curve, Rowan shifts into Crinos form.
Erik is standing in the center of the caern, not far from the table stone. The 
  Metis appears to be making his respects.
Near the Pool, Blackstripe is settled to one side of it, lost in contemplation 
  of some sort of another.
On the southern curve, An Caorthann strides in from the woodlands, and under 
  the cover of the trees at the edges of the caern, pauses to change to the 
  warform. She continues on to the center, glowering at Erik.
Erik, sensing movement, turns toward the towering Crinos and takes one quick 
  step backwards, shifting upwards almost be reflex, stopping just short of 
  taking the war form himself.
Erik contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
You shift into Glabro form.
On the southern curve, Elan comes in from the woodland to the south.
Near the Pool, Blackstripe's head jerks up from looking into the water the 
  moment the Fianna ahroun shifts, instantly on the alert, hackles going up 
  even as she reaches her feet in a fluid motion.
On the southern curve, Elan heads south, out of the Wheel and into the forest.
On the southern curve, An Caorthann towers over Erik, still glowering. Then 
  she snort disgustedly. ~They made you one, didn't they?~ She sighs. ~Theses 
  truly must the the days of the Apocalypse, when a mule serves as Guardian.~
On the southern curve, An Caorthann heads into the center.
An Caorthann has arrived.
Erik shifts his weight from one foot to the other, not answering the other 
  Fianna. Slowly, he unslings the violin case and sets it down carefully 
  beside the precious pathstone. Then, never taking his attention from her, he 
  steps away. If she's going to start beating on him, at least those two 
  object won't get hurt. He hopes.
On the southern curve, Shakes comes in from the woodland to the south.
On the southern curve, Shadow Eyes comes in from the woodland to the south.
On the southern curve, Shadow Eyes whuffles in a friendly manner to the center 
  of the caern.
An Caorthann doesn't seem inclined to beat the Fianna mule. She continues to 
  eye him, as if amazed, shaking her heavy head from side to side.
On the southern curve, Shakes wanders into the area of the Wheel, nudging his 
  packmate. He thinks he should have brought supplies like he usually does for 
  the Groundskeeper.
On the southern curve, Shadow Eyes nudges his Alpha. Yes. But here is a good 
  place to ask advice of Sargeant.
Near the Pool, Blackstripe was on her feet and looking at An Caorthann with 
  suspicion as she came in, and even before she moved towards the center to 
  address the mule. By the time she does, and before he moves, she's 
  subsiding. The arrival of the two Bone Gnawers gets a cursory glance, and a 
  sign of recognition for Shadow Eyes.
Erik unfolds his arms and pushes his hands into his coat pockets, his eyes 
  shadowed under the brim of his hat. He remains silent, the tall body held 
  still and wary.
On the southern curve, Shadow Eyes gives a yip of respectful recognition to 
  Blackdtripe. It is good to see you, Blackstripe-Rhya.
An Caorthann swings halfway round from towering over Erik, towards the sounds 
  of others arriving. Nostrils flare as she samples the scents of the two 
  Gnawers.
Erik tenses slightly, then takes the opportunity to move several steps away 
  from the Crinos, turning his attention outwards, toward the trees. Watchful. 
  His violin case remains by the tablestone.
On the southern curve, Shakes gives a respectful nod of greeting towards the 
  Athro.
Near the Pool, Blackstripe chuffs softly to Shadow Eyes, subdued in demeanor. 
  And you, Shadow Eyes of the Bone Gnawers.
On the southern curve, Shadow Eyes walks slowly and quietly by his Alpha, and 
  flicks his ears at the Fianna. Greetings to you, also, An Caorthann. He 
  bumps Shakes. Do you want to go to the Fire Pit? Or where?
On the southern curve, Shakes sniffs the air, trying to catch the Sept Alpha's 
  scent.
On the southern curve, Stormcloud comes in from the woodland to the south.
An Caorthann wrinkles her nose at the scab-scented Gnawers, and rumbles a 
  barely-polite greeting back at Shadow Eyes, while giving Shakes a once-over 
  and dismissive snort.
On the southern curve, Shadow Eyes raises his nose as well, and tests the air. 
  I wonder where echen has taken himself?
On the southern curve, Shakes shakes his head. Dumb Gnawer luck. The Sept 
  Alpha is never here when Shakes looks for him, and always here when Shakes 
  is not, it seems.
Erik paces, long legs carrying him restlessly about, a few steps more. He 
  stops again, arms folded once more across his chest. He notes the arrival of 
  the two Gnawers, and the fact that Shadow Eyes does not greet him is... 
  well. He turns away again, eyes back toward the trees and what might be 
  lurking there.
Near the Fire Pit, Joseph stirs, sitting up and looking about the Wheel.
On the southern curve, Shadow Eyes pads forward, whuffling to Erik. This one 
  is sorry he did not greet you, Sing-in-Shadow.
On the southern curve, Shadow Eyes nods back to Shakes. Echen was near the 
  Bone Arches the other night, when we talked. Perhaps he is around.
On the southern curve, Steven comes in from the woodland to the south.
Near the Pool, Blackstripe, seeing that Shadow Eyes has other business here, 
  sinks back to her belly to look into the pool in silence.
Erik glances over his shoulder and shrugs distractedly. ~It's all right,~ he 
  murmurs in a baritone rumble, absently, and turns his attention back to 
  watching.
On the southern curve, Stormcloud slowly makes his way into the caern, looking 
  around at who may be here yet keeping to the edge of things while doing so. 
  His gaze catches on the crinos in the center, however.
On the southern curve, Steven limps in from the woods, his pace much better 
  than just a few days ago.
An Caorthann turns her shaggy-browed gaze on Erik, once more, glowering 
  darkly. ~Why do you not take the warform, mule? It honors Gaia when you 
  grace her places of power with the shape that only Her Chosen can take.~
On the southern curve, Steven eyes the two figures in the center of the Caern 
  a bit warily, but he presses in further, slowly. His expression is one of 
  forced calm.
Near the Pool, Blackstripe's ears prick up at An Caorthann's assertion, some 
  of the subdued demanor slipping to be replaced by interest in the topic, as 
  well as the clear impression that the theurge disagrees with it.
On the southern curve, Steven heads into the center.
Steven has arrived.
On the southern curve, Cassandra comes in from the woodland to the south.
Erik stiffens, rising strees making his voice rougher, an angel with rocks in 
  his throat. ~No one wants to see that, rhya,~ he answers Rowan, a bit 
  tightly.
On the southern curve, Cassandra heads south, out of the Wheel and into the 
  forest.
On the southern curve, Shadow Eyes bumps his Alpha, playfully. We are going to 
  seek him out? Or lounge here a bit. Perhaps beside the Pool?
On the southern curve, Shakes looks to his packmate. We look for the Alpha, 
  then if we do not find him, we wait around.
An Caorthann grunts an acknowledgement for the answer, more puzzled than 
  anything. ~The ways of these new places amaze me. A /mule/ as Guardian. They 
  do not take the warform at their caern.~ She snorts again, a lupine kind of 
  shrug. Then, deep thoughts over with, turns to Steven with a pleased, and 
  slightly dangerous, grin.
Steven lifts one hand and points a finger at the Fianna Ahroun. ~I have heard 
  that you have some part in... in this.~ He swifts his gesture toward Erik 
  and stares at the crinos. ~Is that the truth?~
Erik turns his head slightly, attention straying toward Steven now, as the 
  other Galliard confronts the Scottish Crinos.
On the southern curve, Shadow Eyes follows the Wheel to the Pool.
On the southern curve, Shakes follows the Wheel to the Pool.
An Caorthann's grin snaps shut, with a growl. ~Aye. Sadly. I did not think 
  that they would actually /accept/ him.~ She mutters a curse.
Near the Pool, Blackstripe's interest wanes as the discussion in the center 
  shifts, and she glances over to quietly welcome the two Gnawers by a subtle 
  shifting of her posture from her spot.
Near the Pool, Shadow Eyes pads over to the Pool with his Alpha. He wags his 
  tail at Blackstripe, and sits down, his demeanor low as he observes the 
  goings-on at the center. He turns to Blackstripe, and flicks one ear. This 
  one has not seen you much since the Moot of Crescents. I trust you have been 
  well?
On the southern curve, Stormcloud settles back upon his haunches, watching the 
  center with interest.
Near the Fire Pit, Joseph climbs to his feet, his attention focused uneasily 
  on the crinos at the center. Spying the Gnawers at the edge of the Wheel, 
  though, he moves toward them. "Jimmy."
Near the Pool, Blackstripe motions affirmation to Shadow Eyes. I study the 
  nature of this Caern and walk the Bawn, and seem to see others than the 
  Guardians infrequently.
Near the Fire Pit, Joseph heads into the center.
Joseph has arrived.
Near the Pool, Shakes rests for the moment at the Pool, looking impatient, as 
  if there are other things he knows he should be doing. He tries to take his 
  mind off such things by watching the scene unfold in the Center.
Near the Pool, Shakes gives a nod of greeting to Joseph. It's been a long time 
  since he last saw the Wendigo. He seems glad to see him again, though. How 
  are things?
Steven's face loses the forced calmness, turning to an angry scowl. ~Explain 
  then, why a guest at our sept feels compelled to chase a Metis -- a /Metis/ 
  -- to seek a position as Guardian? A Metis who, like yourself, is not even a 
  sept member?~ He turns toward Erik slowly, his leg hobbling his range of 
  motion. ~This... this thing is going to protect our Caern from the Enemy?~ 
  His hands shake with rage, but he forces out a hollow, contemptous laugh. 
  ~Is this a joke? Do you aspire to be a no moon?~
Joseph nods to the Fianna, but seems intent on something.
Joseph heads southeast to the pool.
Joseph has left.
Near the Pool, Joseph approaches Shakes, but is not so focused to Ignore 
  Blackstripe. The Fang receives a respectful nod before the Wendigo begins. 
  "There are no pictures on the camera." He states.
Erik abruptly turns his back on his tribemates and moves toward another part 
  of the caern. Pausing only to scoop up the violin case by its strap, the 
  Metis positions himself in the place of winds.
You head from the heart of the Wheel to the southwest, where the winds swirl.
Windy Spot
Obvious exits:
Forward  Back  Center of the Wheel  
Near the Pool, Shakes cocks his head, his eye on Joseph. Is this some secret 
  code? He looks quickly to Elan. Camera?
Near the Pool, Blackstripe gives quiet greeting to the Wendigo, ears going 
  forward with puzzled interest as he speaks to Jimmy in English.
At the center, An Caorthann clenches her jaw, and releases it (after a few 
  moments of grinding teeth) to speak. ~I was hoping that he'd get a good 
  beating for his impertinence in asking, tribesmate. I didn't count on them 
  actually accepting the Cursed One to Guard. I have never heard of it, in all 
  my travels.~ She growls. ~I will have to fix this error of mine.~
Near the Pool, Shadow Eyes is not sure. He flicks his ears at Joseph. What is 
  this you speak of?
Near the Pool, Shakes contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Near the Pool, Shakes shifts into Homid form.
Near the Pool, Shadow Eyes contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Near the Pool, Shadow Eyes sparkles and blurs, shifting into Homid form.
Near the Pool, Elan watches the center, unsettled, then returns his gaze to 
  Joseph.
On the southern curve, Alexander comes in from the woodland to the south.
Near the Pool, Jimmy Wilson scratches behind an ear. "Uh... whazzup? Camera?"
Near the Pool, Joseph looks between the two Gnawers, hs brow furrowing. He 
  doesn't seem to be in any mood for Gnawer ragabash kidding. "The camera," he 
  states again. "The one you brought in here and were taking pictures of the 
  Wheel with. There are no pictures on it. This game is not funny."
On the southern curve, Alexander appears from the south, his approach 
  announced before he actually becomes visible by the sounds of his movement.
At the center, Steven follows Erik's path toward the Windy Spot carefully, 
  before he swivels his head at the crinos Ahroun. ~Since when have we, as 
  Fianna, sought devious methods to show dissatisfaction for our Metis? If you 
  think he needs a beating, then by all means, give him one.~ He frowns 
  heavily. ~And by all means, I would love to hear your plans to correct this 
  situation. It's an embarrassment to our tribe, my septmates and myself.~
Near the Pool, Elan looks at Joseph, and nods. He turns to Jimmy. "I think I 
  was right..."
Near the Pool, Jimmy Wilson chews his bottom lip nervously. Again he looks to 
  his packmate, the unspoken question obvious. He looks back to Joseph. "I, 
  uh, really don't know what yer talkin' about. I ain't playin' no games. I'm 
  already in enough trouble as it is without makin' up more of it myself."
On the southern curve, Alexander nods a greeting to the Red Talon before 
  looking around the Wheel. His eyes fall briefly on the stranger, a stranger 
  in Crinos form. He starts to head toward her purposefully before stopping.
Near the Pool, Elan crosses his arms, and seems grim. "We think someone, or 
  some/thing/ has taken Jimmy's shape for the past little while. I found him 
  in an alley, just days ago. He thought it was still April. I've talked to 
  Brian about this, and he is going to help us get to the bottom of it."
At the center, An Caorthann scratches at her head, thinking, gaze following 
  Steven. ~It is not seemly for a guest to punish another, tribesmate, however 
  much I did want to. I do not know how to fix the problem, ~ Here she glares 
  at Erik, ~But I will talk to the Warder of this place, and clear up 
  this...misunderstanding.~ She glowers at Steven, ~You do not need to worry 
  about it.~
Near the Pool, Blackstripe's ears flatten at the sound of Jimmy's voice in 
  close proximity, something apparently registering with the theurge. As the 
  three Garou near her continue to speak in English, she looks back into the 
  pool with the demeanor of something trying to tune the conversation out with 
  only partial success.
Near the Pool, Joseph's eyes narrow as he regards Jimmy, the irritation 
  growing into something more wary, more purposefully agitated. His eyes dart 
  to Elan, the Wendigo's posture growing angrier. "Taken his shape?"
Erik folds his arms tighter across his chest, doing his best to block out the 
  conversatin going on between his tribemates and not fully succeeding. Broad, 
  glabro shoulders hunch, the masked and shadowed head lowering slightly, 
  stress and tension radiating off him in waves.
Near the Pool, Elan nods quickly. "I think so. Given what some people have 
  told us, yeah. I think it's real likely. He'd been acting odd, and now he's 
  now. Best thing we can come up with. And from what I've heard, something 
  like this has been done before."
Near the Pool, Jimmy Wilson looks at Elan, a little agitated himself. He turns 
  his attention back to Joseph. "Something... I dunno what... happened. I 
  don't have no memories of anything since Mother's day. We're still tryin' ta 
  figure it out. I need ta talk ta Brian about this, and other stuff. That's 
  why I'm here. If I was here before... well, I don't really remember it. 
  You'll hafta fill me in."
Near the Pool, Elan nods to Joseph. "Yeah...what's this about a camera?"
Near the Pool, Jimmy Wilson starts to rummage through his pockets, looking for 
  a camera, just in case.
On the southern curve, Stormcloud chuffs politely to the Shadow Lord in 
  return, attention soon going back to the center.
On the southern curve, Alexander growls softly, ~What's going on?~
Near the Pool, Joseph considers both Gnawers, perhaps with a little distate. 
  He explains, gesturing with a hand to Jimmy, "He came here with a camera and 
  took pictures of the Wheel. I took the camera, only now I think maybe I 
  didn't get the right one and he escaped with the real one. Which means, 
  whoever was in here got away with it." The Wendigo steps purposefully up to 
  Jimmy, the anger at being duped--wether jimmy did it or not--is clearly 
  evident. "And as we have no proof that it was an imposter and not you 
  yourself, I think you'd better wait for the alpha somewhere else."
On the southern curve, Stormcloud flicks an ear. Stag's children bicker about 
  the mule now Guardian. He indicates Erik.
Near the Pool, Elan steps up also. "Hey, Brian is on top of it, OK? He's gonna 
  get somebody that can sense on him, and make sure. He ain't Tainted, and he 
  ain't done nothing. We'd know, through our spirit ally."
Near the Pool, Elan says "Is Sepdet around? She knows about stuff like 
  that...""
Near the Pool, Jimmy Wilson nods at Joseph. "I... understand. If you need me, 
  any of my packmates can get a hold of me any time." Turning to Elan, he 
  says. "I'm goin' home, back to check on Sparrow. Don't worry 'bout shit, I 
  been in trouble before, okay?" He shifts to lupus to make his departure into 
  the woods.
Near the Pool, Jimmy Wilson contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Near the Pool, Jimmy Wilson shifts into Lupus form.
Near the Pool, Joseph says "Wait."
Near the Pool, Elan pats his Alpha on the shoulder, and bids him farewell. 
  "OK, guy. Go look after your mate, OK?"
On the southern curve, Alexander blinks in surprise. ~He's a Guardian?~
Near the Pool, Shakes looks to his packmate. Give Joseph-rhya the respect he 
  deserves - he is only doing what he thinks is right. Shakes does not blame 
  him.
Near the Pool, Shakes stops and waits, as Joseph asks. He sits, waiting.
On the northern curve, Cup-Breaker emerges from the thin treeline to the north.
On the southern curve, Stormcloud looks up to the Shadow Lord, a bit irritated 
  by all this himself. Peacekeeper apparently thought it was well.
Near the Pool, Elan nods, chastised by his Alpha. "Joseph, I am sorry if my 
  words were disrespectful."
On the southern curve, Alexander takes a deep breath. ~So why don't why they 
  just beat each other and settle it?~
Near the Pool, Joseph dismisses Elan with a nod, and calls, "Stormcloud?"
On the northern curve, Cup-Breaker arrives panting and hot, slowing from a run 
  once she reaches the outskirts of the wheel clearing. There seems to be no 
  particular urgency about her, as she walks on forwards, recovering her 
  berath.
On the southern curve, Stormcloud blinks. Sometimes preferable. Excusing 
  himself politely, he makes his way over to the Wendigo.
At the center, An Caorthann glowers at Steven from across the Wheel, ignoring 
  mostly everything else going on.
On the southern curve, Stormcloud follows the Wheel to the Pool.
Near the Pool, Shakes waits nervously, scratching a little behind one ear.
On the southern curve, Alexander glances toward the pool, but he makes no move 
  toward that direction. Instead, he takes a few steps toward the center.
On the southern curve, Alexander heads into the center.
Near the Pool, Joseph nods to Stormcloud and gestures again to the Gnawer. "Is 
  he lying?"
Near the Pool, Elan crosses his arms, and nods a warm greeting to Stormcloud.
Near the Pool, Stormcloud settles back upon his haunches, greeting everyone 
  respectfully, especially the Fang. Sniffing the air for a moment, he looks 
  quizzical. Perhaps he should say something.
Near the Pool, Shakes' eye settles on Stormcloud and he gives a nod. Shakes 
  told the truth. He would not lie to Joseph-rhya. This is no joke, even to a 
  Ragabash such as himself.
Near the Pool, Stormcloud looks back up to Joseph. There is no wrongness in 
  the way he bares his words.
On the northern curve, Cup-Breaker contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
On the northern curve, Cup-Breaker shifts into Homid form.
On the northern curve, Esther heads into the center.
On the southern curve, Mikhail comes in from the woodland to the south.
At the center, Esther stays clear of Steven and An Caorthan, and walks towards 
  Alexander, trying to catch his eye.
At the center, Alexander glances over at the Philodox and nods a greeting, but 
  his attention is still mostly on the two Fianna.
On the southern curve, Mikhail makes his way quietly to the edge of the 
  treeline, crossing his arms as he stops to look over the W heel.
Near the Pool, Shakes nods his thanks to Stormcloud, then looks to Joseph.
Near the Pool, Joseph gives a curt nod, an acknowlegdment and a thans to 
  Stormcloud. "That satisfies me that you are at least unaware of any wrong 
  doing you may have done. I suggest you see the alpha as soon as possible. 
  But until this is resolved, stay away from the Wheel. If it /is/ an 
  imposter, and he returns, he won't escape so easily next time."
Near the Pool, Joseph adds, "And I'd hate to mistake you for him."
Near the Pool, Shakes sighs, but agrees with Joseph's words. He has tried to 
  see the Alpha. He now hopes that Brian will come to him, or at least summon 
  him directly. He will wait, then. The Alpha knows where and how to find him.
Near the Pool, Elan smiles and seems satisfied.
Erik shifts the strap of the violin case, twitching it higher onto his 
  shoulder as the impossibly tall, shrouded figure vanishes off into the 
  night-time forest, black melding into the shadows.
At the center, Steven studies the Fianna Ahroun carefully and then turns his 
  face into a mask. He speaks carefully, forcing more calm back into his 
  voice. ~I do worry about it and your vague assurance is not enough.~ He 
  pauses, drawing himself up, ~I, Heart-of-Fury, therefore declare a 
  Challenge, to be in the form of a trial by wits. If you win, I will cease 
  complaining and leave the situation as it is. If you lose, you will either 
  train the Metis or take his place, after presenting chiminage to the sept. 
  Name the specifics of the Challenge.~
Near the Pool, Shakes exits, padding quietly off into the woods.
At the center, Esther plants herself squarely, arms folded, near the Shadow 
  Lord, waiting until the opportunity to speak arises.
Near the Pool, Shakes goes home.

[Erik leaves soon after this.]