It is currently 17:46 Pacific Time on Tue Jan 20 2004.
Currently in Saint Claire, it is clear outside. The temperature is 42 degrees
Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). The wind is currently coming in from the
northeast at 9 mph. The barometric pressure reading is 30.03 and rising,
and the relative humidity is 43 percent. The dewpoint is 21 degrees
Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius.)
Currently the moon is in the waning No Moon phase (9% full).
Since her talk with Dakota the day they hunted mice, the Red Talon has been
less cheery and talkative. But the lessons she has to give aren't the
kind you give in speech anyway. Today, after another absense, she comes
back to the den carrying a freshly-killed rabbit.
Faces-Rage is just tropping back up the hill as Rain approaches, tongue lolled
out of her mouth as she pants. As she spies the Talon, the cub's ear
slant backwards and her tail begins to droop. She approaches slowly then,
paws falling heavily on the snow.
Inside the den, Whispers quickly rolls up off his side and onto his stomach,
inhaling the scent of the kill and wagging his bushy tail.
Rain-Falls-Up drops the rabbit in front of the cubs and chuffs. Eat quickly,
she tells them. Then we travel to the Sept-lands.
Faces-Rage walks over to the rabbit. She sniffs at it, plucking a few tufts of
fur away from the belly before she opens it with her fangs. She claims
the liver for herself, swallowing it in two bites.
Whispers doesn't rise yet and move to the kill just yet. He wonders if Rain has
eaten already.
Rain-Falls-Up tells the cub that she has, then turns away to sniff the air
toward the east. She seems restless and edgy.
Faces-Rage doesn't eat more than another small bite, stepping away to give the
carcass over to Whispers. Whining softly, she looks over to her teacher,
her head sinking between her shoulders. Rhya, the cub begins, I did not
mean to upset you.
Whispers moves onto the kill and begins devouring, attention only partly on the
other two wolves - more on the meat.
Rain-Falls-Up nuzzles Dakota affectionately, then nips her ear. All is well.
Faces-Rage seems greatly relieved at this and licks the older wolf under the
chin. Glancing at her ravenous tribe mate, th theurge chuffs softly to
try and draw his momentary attention. I met the new cub. He is a full
moon born to the Walkers on Glass. They have named him
Wrestles-With-The-Wolf.
Rain-Falls-Up snorts derisively. She glances at Whispers, then sits down and
scratches herself on the side of her neck.
Whispers lifts his bloody snout from the rabbit and licks it over. New cub? Oh,
do Stands-Up-To-Rage or Rain-Falls-Up want any more, or can he finish it
off?
Rain-Falls-Up chuffs at Whispers. Eat if you are hungry. Leave it if you are
not, and we will go.
Faces-Rage is not hungry, and allows Whispers her share of the kill. She laps
at the snow, collecting up a few mouthfuls to wash the blood from her
mouth and quench her thirst.
Whispers takes a while longer, aware that he is keeping the other two waiting,
so he hurredly gnaws and strips flesh from the limbs, before lifting his
head and declaring that he will save what's left for another time.
Without ceremony, then, the lupus tells the homid cubs to follow her and starts
loping off to westward, toward the Bawn.
Rain-Falls-Up pauses at the edge of the bawn to howl her presence -- she is not
a true Sept member -- and then turns to the cubs that follow her. Dakota
especially. Do you know the Alpha?
Wrestles-Wolf turns about once more, the howling now behind him. The cub is now
thoroughly confused as to which way the Caern is, with calls from both
ahead of and behind him. His tail does not fall from its full mast
position, as he starts creeping towards the other howling, hoping this
would get him back...:turns about once more, the howling now behind him.
The cub is now thoroughly confused as to which way the Caern is, with
calls from both ahead of and behind him. His tail does not fall from its
full mast position, as he starts creeping towards the other howling,
hoping this would get him back...
Faces-Rage follows along a step behind and beside Rain, ears up and alert to
her surroundings that she had grown familiar with while under training
with her mentor. She knows of Firewatcher-Rhya, but has not spoken with
her. The cub pauses at the howling that doesn't belong to Rain.
Rain-Falls-Up sniffs the air, then settles back on her haunches and howls
again, a guest requesting entry.
Whispers, wearing a beard of dried blood, brings up the rear of the trio. He
doesn't know the current Alpha, either. He liked it when Runs-at-Dawn was
Alpha, but that's changed now. At Rain's howl, he listens intently for
even the faintest of replies.
Wrestles-Wolf lowers his head, worming his way through the brush to the noise.
He was, as of now, near the limit of where he was allowed to be. However,
the cub kept heading the opposite direction of the Caern, hoping that
this was the correct path.
Faces-Rage snorts softly, sitting back on her haunches. She thinks she should
start a pack after she Rites to protect the bawn. None answer, none must
be protecting it. She keeps her ears keen and focused, listening for a
reply that doesn't seem to be coming.
Rain-Falls-Up turns toward the noises that Wrestles-Wolf is making, her ears
cocked forward. One answers, she notes, not impressed, and she pads
near-silently to meet the Walker cub. Her woods-craft is excellent, and
she seems to appear to him out of thin air.
Megan pages to Faces-Rage, Rain-Falls-Up, Whispers, Jacinta, and Wrestles-Wolf:
The sound of Firewatcher's howl returns Rain's, inviting her onto the
Bawn, and indicating Rain should find her.
As the Talon materializes seemingly out of no where, the cub freezes, unsure if
he should be grateful or terrified. His tail shoots back up like a
flag-pole in surprise, back pedaling a little. The urrah seems entirely
out of his place, even to the most uneducated eye.
Lithe and sleek, ~Wrestles-Wolf~ is of a classic display of Canis Lupus Arctos.
His thick coat is a clean gray, near-white of a wolf of the arctic,
stretched over a crisp frame. He stands about two and a half feet tall at
the shoulder; from tip to tail he's just about four feet long. His ribs
are slightly apparent and his hide shows where many of the bones are. His
face and muzzle is smattered with a light gray fur, giving him the faint
appearance of a 'mask.' Four legs connect with the ground, and his tail
is tipped with another gray splotch. In the darker areas, a light red
tinge from his mixed heritage is detectable, but only if one looks close
enough. Erect ears cap his head, and brown eyes peer out from under this
beast's brow with unmistakable intelligence.
Faces-Rage follows behind the lupus, catching sight of the young Walker cub as
she nears. She offers him a loud whuff of greeting, seeming happy to see
him. I said I would see you again, Wrestles-the-Wolf.
Rain-Falls-Up's ears skew. She watches the urrah cub with a combination of pity
and disgust, then snorts and sits down to scratch herself behind an ear.
And then the other Rain-Falls-Up companion appears, possibly equally as
frightening with evidence of recent violence smeared around his snout. He
inspects the cub curiously from a distance.
Whispers pages to the room: That wolf being Whispers.
Wrestles-Wolf relaxes visibly at the sight of faces-rage, lowering his tail
back down. He tells Faces-Rage that he is happy to see Faces-Rage, as he
is entirely lost and unable to find his way back to the Caern. His eyes
flits over to the two others, canting his head questioningly.
Faces-Rage tilts her head at the ahroun, then looks to Rain. Firewatcher-Rhya
called for us, perhaps she is at the caern. Then, the Coggie cub looks
back to Joshua. How did you get lost?
Rain-Falls-Up does not think the Alpha's howl came from that way. It sounded
like a different direction to her. You, city-cub. Follow.
Whispers sticks close to Rain, but cheerily informs the other cub that he is
Whispers, tooth moon of Unicorn.
Wrestles-Wolf indicates that he would follow Rain-Falls up, lowering his head
slightly in embarrassment. He responds to the cheery cub that he is
Wrestles the Wolf, full moon cub of those who walk on glass.
Faces-Rage follows along behind Rain, occasionally glancing over her shoulder
to look upon her fellow cubs, but adding nothing further to the
conversation at the time.
The Sept Compound(#2075RAM)
Sweeping branches of trees form a sort of natural roof overshadowing most of
this clearing, no more than an open space of grasses and beaten earth in
the heart of the forest. Some pains have been taken to keep wear and tear
on the area to a minimum, so the firepit tends to shift from time to
time. The firepit, several sawn logs polished from use, and a stack of
firewood discreetly piled up at the base of an old spruce under a tarp,
are the only signs of constant occupation. However, those of a
naturalistic bent might think that some minimal landscaping or planning
had been done, for nestled among the winter-browned grasses are a few
hardy perennials that, come spring, will create a profusion of color in
the clearing.
A faint trail leads off to the east, and a bit north.
The sounds of the forest give way to the tell tale sign of something
approaching the compound; twigs snap carelessly under paw as snow is
crunched, and foliage is brushed past as a grey wolf nears. The sound of
voices brings her to a halt, and Fire-Dancer sends out a soft chuff as
announcement to her arrival, Sorry, did not mean to intrude.
Jacinta straightens her back again looking to the Fianna without meeting her
gaze. "Leonard said I was to come to you to offer chiminage, or await
your request. You now know what I have to offer. If what I offer is not
sufficient, ask what you will and I will accede."
From afar, to the room, Megan and Jacinta are seated cross-legged across from
each other around a fire.
Megan, now that she's not looking at the fire, does notice Fire-Dancer's
arrival, which she notes curiously. But a moment later, her wariness
subsides, and she gives the cub a nod, although recognition doesn't
register. "You're not. Come closer to the fire if you'd like." She then
turns back to Jacinta, again studying her between questions. "What
rituals of the Garou do you know?"
Fire-Dancer pads forward, sniffing the air as she nears the pair. Her manners
towards Megan are fairly well tuned even in this form; her tail is not
it's usual boastful self, and her ears remain alert but modestly kept.
The other woman is not as familiar to the Get cub yet, and so her scent
is particularly focused on.
Rain-Falls-Up enters with three cubs trailing her. Though the lupus moves with
all silence, the cubs are less so, and the Walker cub makes enough noise
for all four of them.
Faces-Rage follows along a few steps behind Rain-Falls-Up, watching their
surroundings as they go. The cub looks upon the two seated at the fire,
only to have the other cub's approach catch her attention. Eyes brighten
as she spots Emma, and gives her friend a soft whuff to catch her
attention yet not disturb those who are speaking.
Jacinta taps lightly on the head of her drum, the sound like distant thunder as
she lists her previous experience.
Megan glances over at the arrival of the pack of lupus, recognizing only the
quietest one. She gives Rain-Falls-Up a nod, but then looks back to
Jacinta once more. "Interesting. I'm not familiar with some of those. And
you'd be willing to teach them?"
Wrestles-Wolf follows in behind the other three looking thoroughly embarrassed.
His ears are flattened to his skull as he jerks along, trying not to make
himself look worse.
Whispers remains close to his Talon leader, wearing a beard of dried blood. He
silently, studies the homids and then greets Fire-Dancer with happy eyes.
Rain-Falls-Up leaves the cubs behind, approaching Megan with lowered tail and
head, her lips pulled back in an appeasing 'grin'. She lies down nearby,
looking at the Adren Fianna patiently.
Jacinta bows her head in an exaggerated nod. She appears entirely unaware of
the wolves who have entered during her conversation, her attention
focused only on the Alpha. "I would. Only good can come from teaching the
ways of my ancestors to those willing to learn."
Fire-Dancer perks up and swivels her head towards the others. Instantly she is
back up on all paws and leaping towards both Faces-Rage and Whispers,
happy tail wagging as she greets each of the wolves. She doesn't rush up
to the Talon though, waiting until she is addressed before bothering the
lupus.
Eamon wanders into the compound, hands in his pockets, and looks around idly.
A figure is seen heading towards the compound, quickly. The sharp lupine senses
in the area would take notice that it is Alicia. She looks concerned.
"Yo!" She calls out to the group.
Faces-Rage nips playfully at the Fenrir cub, her tail wagging briskly. We still
need to hunt, she notes pleasently, before her attentions are yet again
diverted. This time, it's to Alicia, and the cub's ear are pricked
forward to their extent, whining softly at her look of concern.
Wrestles-Wolf settles in, knowing the browbeat will come sooner or later. He
tucks his head down, waiting to be addressed or ignored.
Eamon blinks. "Yeesh. What is this, a moot or something?"
Rain-Falls-Up glances over at new arrivals and takes in various actions and
words, then turns her regard back to Megan.
Megan looks over, again, at the newer arrivals, giving the two Fostern a nod as
well as Rain, then looks back at Jacinta. "In that case, I'll give you
the same chiminage as Taslyn. Please teach two of your rituals to two
different Garou, of two different tribes--within reason," she conditions,
"and a month of duty as a Guardian to the Bawn, provided the Warder
doesn't toss you on your ear. Fair?"
Whispers eyes Alicia, a little ashamed at probably seeming even /less/ like a
Child of Gaia than he did when they last spoke, since this time his snout
is smeared in dry blood.
Jacinta nods sharply. "This will be done. Are there any you would have me seek
out to teach?"
Alicia lets out a breath as she comes to a stop, blurting out. "Ya'll know that
Luke got killed yesterday? He was in a car accident, got smeared across
the street and shit." She says, wheezing out a breath, sweat marring her
face as she bends over, grasping her knees.
Eamon stares at Alicia. "What?"
Faces-Rage goes rigid in shock at this news. Her posture slowly shrinks upon
itself, a great sadness coming over the cub. Dead. She whines softly,
head hanging between her shoulders.
Megan's eyes close involuntarily at Alicia's interruption, a pained expression
coming onto her face. She opens her eyes to look over at the Fostern
galliard, and nods. She seems unsurprised, but jarred into a bleak mood,
by the news. Closing her eyes again, she turns back to Jacinta. "One in
the city," she says once more, voice tight, "and one out here. I'd like
you to use them as an opportunity to meet people."
Rain-Falls-Up stirs uncomfortably, uttering a faint whine at the tension and
the news.
Whispers lowers his tail and eyes to the ground, and soon his body follows as
he lowers himself onto his stomach, not feeling the energy to continue
standing after hearing such terrible news.
Fire-Dancer lets out a soft growl after hearing the news, and just turns and
runs off. The young Get runs hard and fast, leaving everything behind,
everything except the bad news.
Jacinta places one hand to either side of her, the right hand straddling the
handle of her drum, and pushes herself to a stand. "Agreed. Thank you,
Keeps Her Patience. I hope you will come to see my value to your Sept."
That said, she turns and finally acknowledges the many other beings in
the clearing. She greets each one with a small smile and a nod of the
head as she heads back toward the trail.
Eamon shakes his head. "That can't be right. Tell me you're not serious. How
can a car accident kill Luke?"
Alicia lets out a hard breath and glances to Megan, peering at her. ".. you
already knew then.." She tugs on the end of her hair some, squeezing her
eyes shut for a moment, before looking to Eamon. "He's dead. Its been
confirmed. I saw the body."
Megan calls out after Jacinta, "And keep an eye towards finding a pack to
join!" She then turns back to those here, figuring out what Eamon and
Alicia are discussing and tensing up again, so instead looking at
Rain-Falls-Up. She hesitates, then shifts, to a lupus form which is
barely 'down'. She whuffs.
Faces-Rage sighs heavily, trying to digest the news but unable to stand hearing
the one who first showed her the wonders of the spirit world has been
killed. She lets free her grief in the only way she can. The cub tilts
her head back and parts her jaws. The howl that she utters is wavering
and broken in places, a mournful cry.
Eamon paces back and forth, shaking his head. "It's not right. That's not a way
for a Fianna to go out. Fucking car crash." His voice breaks slightly.
Whispers takes this opportunity to let his howl of sorrow ring out in harmony
with that of Faces-Rage, he throws back his head and does so.
Rain-Falls-Up approaches Megan submissively, though her desire for the Alpha's
attention is distracted by the outpouring of grief. Sitting up, she lifts
her muzzle and joins in the howl, her voice dischordant and mournful.
The howls cause Alicia to stiffen for a moment, before knuckling at her eyes.
Tugging her zip up sweater a bit closer to her person, she turns and
starts out of the compound, letting out a breath.
Megan looks over as Alicia begins to leave, chuffing for her to stop.
Alicia pauses in her retreat and turns around to face the Sept Leader. She
slips her hands into her pockets, blowing out a breath.
Firewatcher doesn't move from her place. The Gathering for the Departed should
be done. It is often a ritual of your auspice. Do you know it? Or do you
know who does?
Faces-Rage howls long and loud, until her lungs begin to burn from the effort
and the swell of pain. She breaks off when she can no longer continue,
voice cracking as she slowly lowers her head. She sinks to the ground,
laying her head across her paws and falling into a somber silence.
Another howl gets Wrestles-Wolf's attention, causing him to stand up. He tells
Rain-Falls-Up that his keeper calls him away, and thanks her for leading
him back. With that he slinks off into the woods to the call.
Eamon looks up and over at Megan and Alicia, his face contorted with grief and
rage.
Alicia lets out another breath as she shakes her head. "I do not know that
paticular Rite, but, I will seek out James, the Fenrir, to learn it off
him if you wish it, Rhya. I would like to if possible.. we grew up
together here in this Sept. But, if his pack would rather sing his dirge,
they are more welcome to it."
Rain-Falls-Up's howl fades away, and the Talon falls silent, watching and
listening somberly.
Whispers lets his howl trail out and lowers his head, eyes still cast to the
ground in remorse, ears only working in the background of his mind.
Firewatcher's ears lay flat against her skull briefly, then go up again.
Fights-for-Hope may run the ritual, but his pack alone will not do it. If
you wish to learn it from him, that is for you to ask him.
Alicia nods her head slowly. "Alright." She says softly, glancing around the
compound a bit, taking in a deep breath. She seems to be battling her
emotions.
Firewatcher's ears flicker, some of the emotion she was supressing in homid
coming out in this form. If you are leaving, can you find his pack and
make sure they know. Tell Fights-for-Hope to plan his ritual. The Fianna
will be there.
"That I will do, Firewatcher Rhya. That is the first thing on my list." Alicia
says with a sigh as she taps her temple lightly.
Rain-Falls-Up gets up and slips away out of the clearing. She leaves the Gaian
cubs behind.