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."
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