~I am glad at least some elders made it tonight.~

[hazlogs]

7 March 2004, the Elder Moot

Megan is seated under the Story Tree itself, her left knee bent up to her 
   shoulder, her right leg out straight on the ground. Her hands are busy 
   weaving together a spray of new vines in a gesture of busy work, while she 
   waits for the elders to arrive.
The Shadow Lord arrives a few moments thereafter, padding up to the elder to 
   give a wolfly greeting and the cold wetness of an arm sniff before trotting 
   over to a comfortable-looking pad of moss and settling down.
Signe makes her way down towards the Story Tree. There's nothing left of the 
   wounds the Get had a few days ago, but it doesn't stop her from eyeing the 
   Fianna a little more sharply than she does normally. She offers a curt nod 
   and crouches to take a seat a ways opposite of Megan.
Chance skids into the clearing, having apparently run in at full throttle. The 
   energetic Ragabash seems barely winded, though this could just be another 
   show he's putting on for his fan club.
Natalie arrives last, the new elder looking about curiously as she heads 
   toward the pine. "Evening," she greets with a little upward jerk of her 
   chin for the Fianna; Signe gets a brief nod instead.
Megan scowls at Storm-Singer and makes a deliberate show of wiping off the 
   spot on her arm where he nosed her. But she then gives him, and Signe, a 
   coolly polite nod. Change and Natalie get a slightly better greeting, a 
   faint quirk of a smile as she nods to them as well. ~I am glad at least 
   some elders made it tonight. It is not a truly important meeting. I simply 
   wanted the chance to gather you all in one place, to allow you to share any 
   news you may have, of your tribe or,~ she gives Natalie a look and a jerk 
   of her chin which gives the look significance, ~just news. Has everyone met 
   Natalie? She is the new elder of the Glass Walkers, for now. Jack Salem,~ 
   her expression turns decidedly dark and angry, ~is leaving St. Claire.~
Storm-Singer looks up, at that.
Chance says, ~Why would he leave? He has been here longer than almost anyone I 
   know.~~
Natalie stops, her feet just about shoulder-width apart, and turns greenish 
   eyes on the unfamiliar elders. ~You would have to ask him that. He has not 
   told me. I am called Holds-The-Line, Galliard and Cliath.~
Sidhefuil arrives, chest pumping, tongue lolling--she's obviously come here in 
   a hurry. Upon entering the clearing, she inclines her chin to Megan, and 
   sweeps eyes over the others gathered. In time to have heard the 
   announcement, the Fianna wolf peers curiously to the...new Walker elder, 
   apparently, and offers a slight nod. She seems surprised at the news of 
   Salem's departure.
Signe doesn't seem surprised to see Natalie, offering her a more friendly and 
   familiar nod of greeting than most of the others gathered. The news about 
   Salem doesn't surprise her either, the Get's visage darkening almost as 
   much as Megan's did.
Megan's narrowed eyes turn from Natalie to Chance after the Glass Walker's 
   answer, and shrugs her right shoulder as well. ~All he will say is that it 
   is a matter for his personal honor, and that he cannot speak of it. I am 
   displeased by this decision, but he is a Fostern philodox, and if he says 
   he his honorbound to do this, then it must outweigh even the needs of this 
   Sept and this Caern.~ That said, she turns and gives a taut grin and a nod 
   of greeting to Sidhefuil as well, asking, ~How go the rank Challenges, 
   Master of the Challenge?~
Storm-Singer turns his dark, shaggy head to wait for Sidhefuil's answer.
Chance simply nods and likewise turns to regard the Master of the Challenge.
Sidhefuil eventually shifts to human shape as she collects her breath and her 
   thoughts, settling on the ground. In answer to Megan, she says, "There have 
   been no new rank challenges since our last Sept Moot. I have been told that 
   Fights-for-Hope is in pursuit of a fetish for his challenge, and will need 
   to determine its purpose and origin. As for Leonard...he has been scarce, 
   but I hear that he has gone questing for Grandfather Thunder, and a tale of 
   the Shadow Lord tribe. I also hear that he has sworn to return Fostern, or 
   not at all." She explains this last bit impassively, glancing to 
   Storm-Singer for verification.
Storm-Singer indicates this is true, though there is a bit more to it that he 
   leaves unsaid, if his body language is any indication.
Natalie turns curiously to watch Layne speak, then to Storm-Singer. ~If it is 
   not too much trouble,~ she offers diffidently, ~Could I get introductions? 
   I do have new news for the Master of Challenges.~
Megan eyes Storm-Singer with her eyes once again narrowed, prompting, ~And 
   when that is done, can you elaborate on whatever it is you are *not* saying 
   about it?~
Layne shifts in place, and angles her head toward Natalie. "Layne Lohan, 
   Sidhefuil, Fianna Philodox and Master of the Challenge. Also, Alpha of 
   Griphus." She then glances between Megan and Storm-Singer tightly.
Signe doesn't bother with introductions. Apparently the Get and the new Walker 
   have already done that little dance.
Chance stands, shifting to Homid as he does so, then sitting back down 
   gingerly. "I am Valoran Xavier Grey, called Chance, and King's-Gambit by 
   some. I am Cliath and Ragabash, Elder of the Silver Fangs here."
Jarred likewise shifts to homid, glancing to the Alpha before introducing 
   himself to Natalie. "My name is Jarred Aerhardt, Storm-Singer and 
   Song-of-Fury when I wear forms other than Homid and Near-Man. Fostern 
   Galliard of the Shadow Lords and elder of their number in St. Claire. I am 
   the Warder of the Hidden Walk.
Natalie inclines her head toward the others before seating herself where she 
   stands. "Thank you. It's nice not to have to call you all 'hey you'."
Megan smiles apologetically at Natalie, flashing pointed teeth, then looks 
   back at Jarred with thinly veiled impatience.
Signe, too, turns her gaze on the Shadow Lord. It might not be as sharp as the 
   Fianna's, but it's clear there's no love lost between the Lord and the Get.
Jarred gazes placidly at both Get and Fianna. "I have told you all that needs 
   to be said. Leonard challenged me for Fostern and I set his task. Anything 
   beyond those facts are between he and I. He has until the next Sept Moot to 
   fulfil his obligation."
Chance looks blatantly skeptical, but says nothing.
Megan grunts. ~Both being galliards, I thought maybe it might constitute, oh, 
   I do not know, news or something. That information thing that I have asked 
   the galliards to pass on.~ She levels a disdainful look at the Shadow Lord 
   before turning to Natalie. ~I know you have news, galliard, about the city.~
Signe greets this answer from the Shadow Lord with a sneer. When the subject 
   changes, she turns her eyes on the Walker.
Layne twists idly at a lock of hair, but looks attentively at those who speak. 
   In particular, she waits for whatever the new Walker has to say.
Natalie rocks up onto her knees and tucks a strand of hair behind one ear. "I 
   do. Quite a bit of it, so you'll forgive me if I run on. First of all, we 
   have a Russian mob of sorts in town. From what I hear, it's been in town 
   several years, but lately it's gotten quite... things have changed, at 
   least in the upper ranks. Opinion is Wyrm-touched, if not actively 
   Wyrm-ridden." She pauses there to collect her thoughts.
Valoran looks over. "Whose opinion?"
Jarred glances over to Natalie at the news, but does not seem surprised to 
   hear it, or he's simply hid it well.
Having been silent for most of the night, Alicia settles herself upon her 
   knees as she listens, head tilting as she stretches back, hands planted 
   behind her.
Megan leans back against the trunk of the Story Tree and wraps her 
   laced-fingered hands around her upbent left knee, listening in silence. She 
   does not seem surprised by anything Natalie has said so far, but does seem 
   to be paying keen attention.
Layne scowls appropriately, but doesn't seem surprised. "What's been going on, 
   exactly?"
Natalie glances at the Silver Fang. "Salem's." She waits a beat before 
   continuing, "There are several... people, and I use that term loosely, who 
   have come to the attention of the Walkers. The first is a man named Alex - 
   Ironskin, I believe is his last name. The second a Doctor Anatoly, the 
   third a man named Boris Patinkin, and the fourth Boris' son - Peter, if I 
   remember. Alex, Boris, and Boris junior are no longer precisely human. We 
   have video proof of these men: Alex escapes restraints that no human 
   weightlifter could bend. Boris walks across the ceiling like a spider. We 
   also have a mystery man on tape - who could be Boris or his son - who 
   becomes invisible, absorbs bullets, runs faster than humanly possible, and 
   quite literally leaps tall buildings in a single bound. Furthermore," she 
   takes in a breah, her expression solemn, "we have audio evidence that they 
   know of Salem as not precisely human. They /believe/ he is a demon. A 
   fomori, to be precise, though we don't know why they use that precise term. 
   In -good- news, they also believe the only thing that can harm this 'demon' 
   is fire."
After delivering this wonderful news Nat sinks back onto one hip, nodding to 
   Megan as if to say she's finished.
Before anyone else can say anything, Megan prompts Natalie, ~And what are you 
   currently doing about the situation? Or what help are you looking for?~
Well, drat. Nat rolls back up onto her knees. "We have a two-faceted plan: 
   first, we know that the Doctor will be heading shortly to Cuba to recruit 
   warm bodies and buy weaponry to bring back to St. Claire. We plan on 
   alerting the authorities, and anticipate a nice long stay for him in one of 
   Cuba's lovely picturesque jails. Second, we will send a number of Garou - 
   likely Signe's new pack - through the Umbra into the house of Boris and 
   son. Some better living through chemistry will immobilize them long enough 
   for us to set the house on fire. We will need volunteers to go through the 
   Umbra, knowing that if we fail to get surprise on these two we could be in 
   for a hell of a fight. We'll also need the drugs, surgical quality - 
   Alicia, Tom is a doctor, right? Finally, a perimeter guard would be nice, 
   if we can get the bodies."
Alicia nods her head towards the Galliard, giving her the two fingered salute 
   across her brow, and a smile of acknowledgement.
Valoran pipes up. "The Silver Fangs will help in any way possible, Natalie. 
   Just tell us what we can do."
Jarred remains silent.
Signe nods to those gathered when her name is mentioned. she looks to have 
   more news, but waits til Nat is done and she's called on to give it.
Megan scowls, this time at Natalie. ~How do you think the enemy will react if 
   you kill this man, Boris, or his son, or both, in such a way?~
Natalie says "Hopefully, Rhya, like ants whose anthill has just been kicked 
   over. We know that these Russians plan on heading uptown to find the 
   'demon's' lair. We also know - and don't know how, thank you - that /they/ 
   know that Salem is leaving. They would like very much to know where he's 
   going ahead of time. We want to make these deaths look as accidental as 
   possible, so as little suspicion falls on us - on Salem - as we can manage."
"At the very least," she adds, "They'll have to regroup and retrench, which 
   should give us some breathing space."
Jarred's eyes close briefly at the usage of the word 'rhya' and the response 
   it typically elicits from the Alpha.
~Megan-rhya,~ Megan corrects right on cue, with a faint, exasperated sigh. 
   ~The honorifics are only used *with* a name.~ She opens her mouth as if she 
   might say more, but then clamps her jaws shut for a moment, grinding her 
   teeth. Only then does she ask, ~Does anyone have any thoughts or questions 
   to add to this issue?~
Alicia lifts up a hand and offers a smile towards Megan.
Layne considers this at length, then states, steadily, "Griphus will go 
   through the Umbra to investigate, as necessary."
Megan jerks her head at Alicia. ~This is not school, go ahead and ask it, 
   elder,~ she says with a wry half-grin.
"Different customs," the Walker murmurs as she sinks back down onto her hip. 
   "I'll try and remember. ...I wouldn't mind a day or two of scouting, if 
   Griphus is up to is. We want to go through before the moon gets much 
   smaller."
"Well. I"d hate to start yammering on and cut someone off or whatever. What 
   I'd do, from old school experience with Synth, is not only take out this 
   Boris guy who is the 'boss' from what I believe, but I'd also makre sure to 
   the addresses of the other key players in this cat and mouse game. Sure 
   they will scramble like ants, but we should have forces ready to swoop down 
   on them before they decide to regroup and hit back, or take off. It seems 
   to me they got a pretty good network of communication and I'd suggest 
   cutting it off. It worked with the Spirals when we flushed them to Erebus, 
   it should work with this as well, since it seems they do not realize what 
   they are up against." The Child of Gaia says, nodding towards Natalie. "We 
   have a few packs set up now, perhaps you can do multiple attacks at once. 
   Boris is the key, the doctor is another, and so is this Ironskin guy. Iron 
   ass seems like he'll be the hardest to take out."
Jarred speaks. "One of my Shadow Lords has some contact with this group of 
   thugs. He's infiltrated them and may be able to supply us with information 
   on the group's movements after this operation is completed, in case they 
   attempt some reprisal."
Natalie says "Frankly, any and all suggestions are welcome. I have a habit of 
   second-guessing and over-analyzing." She glances toward Signe, then back to 
   Jarred. "Konstantin, yes. We thought, for a while, that he was our leak, 
   but after talking to him on Saturday we don't think so any more. From what 
   we do know he's a... small fish. He was asked once if he knew Salem, but 
   when he said no he was left alone. But yes, further information from him 
   would be... oh! That reminds me of one thing he -did- say. Apparently there 
   is - or was - a warehouse in which people ran, or tried to run, some sort 
   of ceremony. Chanting in a foreign language and nasty smells, is what he 
   said. He didn't have any more details than that."
Valoran says "Did he say where this warehouse was? What part of the city?"
Megan settles back to listen once more, gaze going to each speaker in turn as 
   she does so.
Jarred answers that. "It is very near Shadow's End, as it turns out. I have no 
   been there, but it is near a power company facility in the warehouse 
   district near the river."
The mention of Konstantin's name, and the news that the warehouse is near 
   Shadow's End, makes the Get elder scowl that much more. She interrupts, "To 
   be honest, I don't trust Konstantin. And even if the Walkers don't think 
   he's involved in our 'leak' problem, I remain unconvinced. He's the sort of 
   man to do what served him best, and damn the rest of us. As for the rest of 
   it, we really do need some more scouting. A several pronged attack would be 
   best. The warehouse, especially, I'd like investigated. My new pack--as 
   Natalie mentioned--will be ready very soon. But we're more of a war pack. 
   We need theurge and ragabashes for the scouting."
Jacinta slips in quietly, an eye to the darkening sky. She dips her head in 
   silent appology and finds a spot in which to crouch and listen.
Natalie nods, seconding Jarred. "Yes, near the power plant is what he said. I 
   /believe/ it's abandoned now, but don't quote me on that." She taps at a 
   temple. "It's been a busy few weeks."
Megan notices Jacinta's arrival and nods to her, but does not interrupt the 
   flow of conversation going on regarding the Russian mafia.
Jarred stands at that, his eyes flashing. "Take care the accusations you 
   fling, Signe. He's one of mine and he's a member of this sept, just as any 
   of those in your pack are. He has given no one reason to mistrust him save 
   his tribal heritage, for which your distain is all too apparentl. You have 
   not heard me lobbing insults at the Get in recent member, and I expect the 
   same consideration from you and yours."
"For what it's worth," Nat cuts in before the fur starts flying, "Salem had 
   Konstantin under Truth of Gaia during his interview. He did not lie to us."
Alicia lets out a soft breath. "Lets not start tossing claws people." She 
   pipes up a bit. "Big moon and all, lets just shrug off the little things 
   and focus on the important stuff."
Megan snorts. ~And as we well know from Sees-Truth's example, Truth of Gaia is 
   not perfect.~ She gives Jarred a sour look, but says nothing to calm the 
   trouble between he and Signe. In fact, a corner of her mouth twitches 
   slightly upwards.
Shortly behind Jacinta, Reggie slowly exits the darkness of the woods, 
   frowning at the quorum. Declining to find a seat among them, he keeps a 
   distance large enough for the overhead full moon to fit in, as he stands by.
Signe stands to meet Jarred, shoulders square. though her voice doesn't rise 
   above conversation level, her words are pointed and carry the same disdain 
   and anger the Shadow Lord just mentioned. "I accused him of nothing. I said 
   I did not trust him. I've had a few dealings with him that have led me to 
   that opinion. And I exercise my right to speak it to this council. If 
   you're offended by it, then by all means..." She shows her teeth. "Do 
   something about it."
Jacinta listens without comment, attempting to discover the heart of the 
   conversation before she adds any thoughts of her own. She offers a small 
   smile up at Reggie as he nears the group.
Natalie cocks her head curiously at Megan's words, but remains quiet. A 
   movement catches her eye and she glances Jacinta's way, which might or 
   might not be taken as greeting.
Jarred bares his teeth, his words a hiss. "This council *should* be about 
   solving our mutual problems, not about sewing the seeds of mistrust and 
   malcontent. And believe me when I tell you that if you cast further 
   aspersions on my tribe during these preceedings, I will most certainly *do* 
   something about it. Your tribe has no monopoly on fighters... *or* the 
   untrustworthy." The Shadow Lord is all about eye contact.
Alicia lets out a sigh as she rolls her eyes upwards to the sky, staring at 
   the dark heavens for a moment. It seems that she gives up on playing the 
   peace maker.
Valoran falls over in mock frustration. "Falcon's Phreak, can't we for once 
   get through a meeting without it turning into a pissing contest?"
Megan speaks up now, looking between Jarred and Signe. ~Jarred, you are 
   reading insult into your tribe in her words. If she has reason to 
   personally distrust the ragabash, then it is between him and her. Unless 
   you want to be that thin-skinned, then challenge her, and let us get on 
   with it.~
Signe is both unimpressed by Jarred's opinion of her and her tribe, and by his 
   glare. The Get's eyes do not back down either. In fact, Signe takes a step 
   forward, staring him down. "We have work to do, Shadow Lord, so I'll make 
   this quick. I stand by my words. Do something, or sit down and shut up."
Jacinta rises from her crouch and moves to stand slightly behind Alicia.
Alicia glances over her shoulder towards Jacinta and offers a quick smile, 
   before staring over towards the arguing pair.
Jacinta leans toward Alicia, whispering softly.
Alicia stands up slowly and leans back, murmuring gently to Jacinta.
Natalie's far enough away from the pair to be 'safe' - at least, as long as 
   they don't go for tooth and claw. So she remains where she is, watching the 
   quarrel between Shadow Lord and Get with keen interest.
Jacinta's eyebrows rise in surprise at Alicia's whispered words, and she leans 
   forward to reply. Half of her attention stays on the conflict between the 
   fostern now central to the gathering.
Stoney-faced, Reggie remains well apart from any excitement to become.
Alicia continues to talk to Jacinta in soft whispers, watching Signe and 
   Jarred carefully.
Signe grits her teeth. It becomes obvious this will not be as easy as the Get 
   first suspected, her expression shifting from confident indifference to 
   irritated, willful concentration. A gutteral noise leaves her throat, 
   suggesting her patience ebbs. At her side, her hands clench and release 
   idly. Dark eyes never even blink as they stare back at the Shadow Lord.
The Shadow Lord gives as good as he gets. The malevolence radiating from his 
   eyes is palpable. After minutes pass, he begins to shift up to Glabro, 
   biting back the urge as a sweat breaks out upon his forehead. His back is 
   ramrod straight as he throws every last ounce of mental energy he possesses 
   into the Get's eyes.
Signe meets the Lord's shift into glabro, her anger slipping through her 
   frayed patience much more clearly now. this time the growl that comes from 
   her is menacing. Like the Lord, she shows signs of sweat from the struggle, 
   but the Get still does not flinch.
Many more long minutes pass as the two spar mentally. Jarred's eyes burn with 
   frustration and determination, but he weakens slowly but surely until he 
   has nothing to give. With a feral noise somewhere between a sob and roar, 
   he turns his head. His voice, when he comes to is a whisper. "You are 
   entitled to that opinion. I concede." He actually staggers backward a step. 
   reaching out for a nearby tree branch to steady himself. His face is ashen, 
   utterly drained.
Megan relaxes from a tension that was barely even noticable until its absence, 
   then looks back at Natalie. Quietly, she says, ~Do the Glass Walkers have 
   any other news to report? Like, oh, cubs being Rited,~ she adds with a 
   slight smile.
Signe takes a step toward the Shadow Lord nonetheless, as if she might yet 
   lose control. when he concedes, only when she sees his throat, does she 
   turn back to the meeting. There's murder in her near black eyes, but she 
   says nothing for the moment.
Valoran whispers himself. "Holy shit. Note to self. Do not engage in 
   staredowns with fostern. Um... Megan-Rhya. Do you think I should announce 
   White Flaw's return? I'm not sure if everyone here knows about it yet..."
Jacinta crosses her arms over her chest, a satisfied nod at the conclusion of 
   the staredown. She turns to Natalie with open curiosity.
Natalie resettles her weight, offering Megan a wry crook of a smile. "If I 
   knew this was going to be 'Grill the Walker' night, I'd've made printouts 
   for everyone. Yes, both Cat and Joshua rited. I haven't yet heard Cat's new 
   name - I think I've heard ten whole words from him now - and Joshua is 
   currently persona non grata around our place. I plan on talking to the 
   Ahroun in a day or two, once the moon is a mite smaller. I -also- plan on 
   encouraging said Ahroun to rethink his Tribe." Her chin goes up again at 
   this statement, as if daring feedback.
Valoran looks confused. "But... you said he passed his RoP, right? So what's 
   the problem?"
Natalie opens her mouth, closes it again. Buys a bit of time by licking her 
   lips and finally settles on, "Joshua... does not embrace the City as those 
   who walk among the glass must." Tactful, no?
Megan raises an eyebrow. ~And once he has passed his Rite of Passage, he was 
   accepted as a Glass Walker. You cannot unmake him now, only he can choose 
   to do that.~ Her look says 'talk to me later' if she disagrees with it, but 
   then turns to Valoran. ~That would be worthy news to share, yes.~
Signe gets it from Signe. At the moment she's ready to snap at almost 
   anything, so her response is harsher than she probably would like. "One's 
   tribe shouldn't be something handled so flippantly or quickly." That said, 
   she at lest tries to settle down again.
Alicia continues to remain quiet as she tenses at the rage in the air. She 
   blows out another soft breath and simply sits there, hands wrapped about 
   her knee as her chin rests against it.
Valoran nods to the Alpha before taking a quick look at both Jarred and Signe. 
   He shakes his head. "Yes, well. It appears one of our old septmates has 
   returned. His name then was Isaac, but he has... um. He's not quite the 
   same as he was. He desperately fears the world of Man. Jarred-Rhya has 
   generously allowed him to dwell on the bawn for the time being. He is now 
   known as White Flaw. He's a Silver Fang Philodox. Cliath."
Natalie interjects, "He was sent on his Rite before I became elder, 
   Megan-rhya. Therefore I had no say in the matter. Further..." If there is a 
   'further' she closes her mouth on it, sinking back onto her haunches as 
   Valoran speaks.
Jacinta watches the others' reactions to Natalie's statment, but her gaze 
   rests at the end on Natalie, guaging her thoughts and reactions. She turns, 
   though, to Valoran as he speaks.
Megan shakes her head at Natalie, but then subsides when she does. She also 
   adds, ~I have known Isaac, of old. I will warn everyone, and have you warn 
   your tribes, that he is simple. He knows his duties as a Garou and a 
   philodox, but he is easily confused if a situation or discussion is too 
   complicated.~
Valoran nods. "I've learned that lately myself. He was around long before I 
   was. Your patience would be greatly appreciated until he gets his bearings 
   again. Thanks, everyone. That's all from me."
Jacinta watches the interchange quietly before asking, "Is he a danger? A 
   threat to the well being of the caern?"
Jarred has retreated a few feet back and now sits upon the ground, his legs 
   crossed vaguely indian style. His forehead rests in his palms. If he's 
   hearing any of this, it doesn't show.
Megan looks over to Jarred, then over to Valoran when she guesses that the 
   Warder isn't in shape to answer.
Valoran shakes his head. "No, of course not. He's well aware of what it means 
   to be a garou. He considers this sept his home. Megan-Rhya knows him better 
   than I do, but I'd say he's no danger to us at all."
Signe interjects, since the talk about the returned Silver Fang appears to be 
   done. "Can we return to the subject of war? There are a few details yet to 
   be ironed out, yes?"
Megan raises her eyebrows at Signe, but then looks at everyone else. ~Does 
   anyone else have any news to share, before we get back to the subject of 
   the Russians?~
Soft snoring sounds emanate from Jarred's still form.
Alicia clears her throat. "News in brief, both of my cubs, Dakota and Karl has 
   passed their Passage and have been made Cliath as well. So, we have two new 
   Theurge's here at the Sept. I have taken up the position of Grounds Keeper 
   in Leo's absence, and I have released the care of Rough and Tumble into 
   Lyra's hands and I am going to be forming one of my own. Outside of that, I 
   am going to do my best to help out with this Russian thing as well."
"Before we do," Natalie asks, "Could I get introductions from our new people 
   please?" She gives a nod toward Jacinta, then Reggie.
Jacinta bows at the waist, arms falling to her side. "Brings the Buffalo Home 
   has left to begin his challenge. In his absence I will act as elder for my 
   tribe."
Signe, correcting herself with a look of mild self-reproach, says, "Actually, 
   I have something too. My own cub, Emma Fire-Dancer, also Rited. She is 
   cliath now. Natalie has already mentioned the new pack, but to further 
   explain, it consists of myself as alpha, Natalie, Ashley and Doc the 
   Furies, Emma, and perhaps a ragabash Walker. We seek a totem of war."
Megan looks to Reggie and Jacinta to introduce themselves, at Natalie's 
   reminder.
Jacinta again bows before introducing herself, a shorter version than she has 
   given before. "I am Jacinta, Pierces Ice, Full Moon and acting elder of the 
   Wendigo. I gather that you have taken the place of Scar for the Glass 
   Walkers?"
Reggie unfolds his arms to glower briefly in Natalie's direction. "I'd like 
   one from you, myself. I'm Rags-Torn-To-Rags, Ahroun of the Uktena, and 
   Metis of the Mohawk. I'm not new to here--I've got roots here, and in the 
   city too--me amd my kin run a pool hall near by Harbour Park, when this 
   here--", he indicates Alicia, "--isn't busy using it for parties."
Alicia looks sheepish as Reggie motions towards her. "Hey, its a swinging 
   joint and the only place with a mic set up for Karokee. Can't help myself."
Valoran looks over to the Get. "Signe-Rhya. As there are no fostern Silver 
   Fangs, we would appreciate it if those of us who wish to serve could do so 
   with your group, since you appear to be the war leader of St. Claire at 
   present. I am Elder of my tribe, but do not have your experience or rank."
Natalie nods to Jacinta, ignoring Reggie for the moment. "I am. Natalie Baker, 
   Holds-the-Line, and Galliard." Now she casts a sidelong look toward the 
   Uktena, but it slides off and heads toward Valoran.
Megan jerks her head with interest over at Alicia. ~You are looking for a 
   pack? We should talk, later.~ To everyone else, she says, ~I, too, am 
   looking for a pack, which I have mentioned before, but I am still looking. 
   I hope to hold territory in Kent Crossing, and act as a go-between of 
   communication between city and woods. The Fianna have little news, other 
   than the formation of Griphus, the pack Layne is alpha for, and Taslyn, who 
   seems to have wandered off and returned not remembering people and slightly 
   Wyrm tainted. We are still trying to determine what happened to her.~ She 
   then jerks her head over to Signe. ~Doc is joining your pack? She was 
   forming a Guardian pack, last I heard. Will you be taking on Guardian 
   duties, or will she be leaving them?~
Signe ignores the introductions. The Silver Fang's offer is met with a weary 
   nod. The look she gives Valoran suggests she will speak with him more 
   privately about specifics. The Get then looks to Megan. "The Guardian pack 
   idea has fallen through. Those she was hoping to pack with have decided to 
   pack elsewhere." The Get's voice is threadbare, but coherent. And it gains 
   moment when she next speaks. Apparently what she says is important to her. 
   "We will not be a guardian pack. Our territory will lie in the city. Our 
   purpose, to help clean and reclaim at leaast part of it. work to stop the 
   Enemy's spread, there."
Jacinta looks with interest from Alicia to Megan at their discussion of packs. 
   She continues to watch them, thoughtfully, while Signe answers Megan's 
   questions, and for several moments after.
Alicia looks a bit surprised at Megan's words, but slowly nods her head, 
   shifting a bit more as she leans on her hands, glancing from Signe, to the 
   others.
After no one speaks up, Megan nods to Signe and Natalie. ~If you have more you 
   wish to discuss, please, go on.~
Signe says, simply, "We need more scouting. So that the three, or four, 
   pronged attack can be well planned out. If anyone knows of or can volunteer 
   some ragabash help who know how to work in the city, it would help. Packs, 
   for the attacks, will help too. It should be soon, before they hit us."
Natalie spreads her hands and nods her acceptance of Signe's synopsis. "That's 
   what I'd recommend, yes. I ask if anyone is interested, or has more 
   information, to please come to me. I don't plan on being the one who 
   organizes all this, but better to have one person knowing everything than 
   many people who only know bits."
Megan jerks her chin at Signe. ~Talk to Eamon. He has a lot of experience with 
   scouting, especially in the city. I have heard with Leonard gone, that 
   Scourge may be breaking up, which leaves Rough and Tumble and Griphus as 
   permanent packs. Crescent Wing has been acting as Guardians, and needs to 
   stay that way, if Doc and the rest are giving up that position.~ She then 
   gives Natalie a shrewd look. ~What of my request that the Glass Walkers 
   form a temporary pack for this?~
Natalie straightens, but doesn't roll up onto her knees.
Jacinta finally turns her attention back to Signe when she speaks. "I have no 
   scouts to offer, but my spear is always ready to protect this sept."
Signe glances down toward the Wendigo, nodding her head. "I remembered your 
   offer adn intended to take you up on it. Thanks."
Natalie straightens, but doesn't roll up onto her knees. "I don't know, Megan. 
   I left for the evening, as you know, after announcing that I would not be 
   the one to lead the attack. Leala, who has Challenged me for Elder, did not 
   step up to lead as I hoped she would. Tony will not, and Dakota... is not a 
   Walker. There, then, are your Walkers, save Cat and Joshua, neither of who 
   was there. You would do better to ask one of them what of your request. As 
   for myself, I decided to do what I could, talk to Signe about leading the 
   attack."
"I got a lot of street smarts and contacts within the city that can get their 
   ears out there if you need it." Alicia mentions. "I also got my hand in 
   trafficing, so.. if you need firepower." She trails off a bit.
Megan shakes her head with disappointment. ~I am not asking you to lead the 
   attack, Natalie. And I am not asking your tribe to become a permanent pack, 
   but none of you are in a pack, and you should act as a pack to deal with 
   this. Believe me,~ she says, adding a wry smile, ~it is not the end of the 
   world. And when this has passed, you may find your own permanent packs. But 
   you wish to be elder? Then you must lead.~ She then turns to Signe, and 
   with obvious difficulty, says, ~I will see if I can do the same with the 
   Fianna not in a pack, and we will help as you best think we can help.~
Signe nods to both Megan and Alicia, gratefully.
Natalie carefully places her hands on her knees, one hand -per- knee, fingers 
   curled just so, before looking back up at the Alpha. "Frankly, Megan, I was 
   hoping that Leala would step up, like I said. I figured if she would, then 
   I'd step down from the spot. Second, I'm not interested in a Walker pack, 
   because I've got Signe's pack," she nods toward the Get, "on a front 
   burner. I can't be both in a Walker pack that the Sept Alpha wants me in 
   and I won't lead but no one else will either /and/ a war pack that /has/ a 
   leader and can get crap done. With all respect, Megan, if you're going to 
   choose my pack for me, then choose, and please do it now so I know what I'm 
   supposed to do."
Megan throws her hands up. ~Until this night, I had not heard you were going 
   to be in Signe's pack. Fine. Tell Leala to organize it. And if you need me 
   to back you up, I will.~ She then glares between Signe and Natalie, waiting 
   for one of them to continue.
Sighing out a breath, Alicia finally becomes frustrated. "This is just so damn 
   sad." She says, shaking her head. "Do you want /me/ to organize it instead, 
   Megan-Rhya? I may be a Child of Gaia, but I have been trained by John, the 
   Ice-Breaker, and Jack Salem when I ran with Synthesis. I know the streets, 
   I know how to execute plans and get things down quickly and smoothly. I am 
   honestly frustrated with how far the Walker's have fallen since the demise 
   of not only John, but Roger. I am excited that Signe is creating a city 
   pack, but if you need someone that can step up and give technical details 
   on how to take things out in the city, please, feel free to utilize me, or 
   allow me to coordinate an attack with Signe and Natalie's help. I'm a 
   Go-getter and I hate sitting on my hands and watching the enemy pick us off 
   one at a time."
Jacinta nods sharply at Alicia's final statement and crosses her arms once 
   again.
"I," says Natalie, very low, very quiet, eyes fixed on Alicia, "Am sick and 
   tired of hearing those names. Especially when they are accompanied by the 
   thought that they were perfect and I am a complete waste of space. If I may 
   remind the Gaian elder, both of these perfect men are now dead. Salem is 
   r... leaving the city. You may now deal with -me-, if you want to deal with 
   the Walkers at all."
~Then deal with them,~ Megan says with finality at Natalie. ~Alicia, another 
   thing for you and I to speak about, if you do not mind? I would love to 
   have access to your expertise about city matters, as well.~
Natalie bares her teeth back at Megan, but keeps her peace.
Signe has the patience of a rabid dog right now, and she looks grateful for 
   Megan's last words. For herself, she adds, voice grating, "Alicia, thank 
   you for your offer. I'll take all the help I can get. Perhaps you, me, and 
   the Glass Walker elder here can get together very soon and work together."
The Child of Gaia opens up her mouth, looking ready to unleash a hellstorm 
   upon the Walker, then simply snorts and shakes her head. She glances to 
   Megan and Signe, nodding her head slowly as she relaxes, squinting her eyes 
   at Natalie for a moment, then lets her gaze drift up to the sky, murmuring 
   something in what may appear to be French under her breath - softly soft, 
   perhaps a prayer.
Megan asks Signe, ~Anything else related to the Russians?~
Signe shakes her head. For the moment, she has nothing else to add, and she 
   seems very glad about it. It's clear the Get would probably like to go 
   somewhere else for a bit.
Natalie too is quelled - for now. She's most carefully watching the ground, 
   lest it try and sneak away.
Megan nods sharply at Signe, then turns back to Natalie. ~Back to what you 
   said about Wolf-Heart. It does not matter if you were not elder when he was 
   sent on his Rite of Passage. Scar passed him. He is considered a cliath of 
   the Glass Walkers. And an elder, *any* elder, may not come in later and 
   take that from a Garou. If you do not like that, that is your right, but 
   you cannot undo his tribe. Unless you think he deserves severe enough 
   punishment to have Rite of the Ronin done on him, stripping him of *all* 
   connection to the Garou people, and can find someone of high enough 
   experience who can run it successfully. Otherwise, only he can choose to 
   leave the tribe.~
Natalie stubbornly doesn't say anything, or look up.
This subject appears to be of particular interest to the Wendigo, and she 
   watches Megan carefully as she speaks about Joshua's fate.
Megan sighs with aggravation. ~And since I think that is it, moot over. If 
   anyone needs to find me leave a note at the Farmhouse. During fuller moons, 
   I am staying out at the Grotto, north of the "highway". During smaller 
   moons, I am in Kent Crossing. May Gaia watch over all of you,~ she finishes 
   a bit testily, rising to her feet with what people can see now is some 
   difficulty, favoring her right leg.
Alicia pushes herself up and dusts off her jeans, nodding her head. "I'll find 
   you soon, Megan-Rhya, so that we can speak later." She says with a slight 
   smile. "May Luna light your pathway safely home."
At the announcement Nat rolls to her knees and stands, one fluid movement 
   unhampered by the fact that she doesn't - even now - look up. Nor does she 
   give farewell to the others, save for a muttered, mutinous, "Gaia bless," 
   that sounds like she'd rather Gaia stomp or perhaps Gaia smack.
Jacinta bows her head, first to Megan, and then the other elders. "Hunt well 
   and Luna light your way. I can be found between the Bluff and the Caern, if 
   any have need of me."