Rite of the Winter Wolf: JJ Malone

[hazlogs]

DATE:  Tuesday, November 3, 1998
Place:  Silverton Apartments, Apt. #101

A knock rumbles through the door.
Miranda answers it after a few moments. J.J. is on the couch, re-checking his 
   gun once more.
Salem stands near JJ, arms folded across his chest, looking silent and grim.
Lisa looks up as the door opens. "Hi. You can put the safeties back on. I'm 
   Lisa. Salem's my ride."
Miranda looks momentarily perplexed. "Ahh, you must be Lisa." She looks back 
   at Salem and J.J. to confirm, getting a, "Yeah, that's her," from the 
   latter. Miranda then says, "Good. Let's get going then, shall we?"
Salem nods again, the movement sharp and curt, and moves to pick up Malone.
JJ Malone holsters his gun under his suit, then steels himself for the 
   ignominy of being carried.
Lisa straightens out her anorak, falling in beside Salem.

**** Scene change: The Caern

You head northeast, on up the valley into the caern.
Among the Steam Vents

Brandon comes into the caern from the southwest.
Lisa comes into the caern from the southwest.
Salem comes into the caern from the southwest.
Salem heads into the center.
Lisa heads into the center.
Silver-Tongue comes in in lupus in a convoy with the rest of the Glass 
   Walkers, then shifts up to homid as soon as she reaches here. She pauses to 
   take a deep breath, then another, as she looks around the valley with 
   curious wonder in her expression.
Brandon heads into the center.
At the center, Quiet notices Miranda and shifts to match her form. She is 
   standing close to Nightflash, near the center stone of the valley floor.
At the center, Salem enters in homid, carrying JJ Malone. He sets the metis 
   down in the center of the caern.
At the center, Bailey looks over to the incoming group of tribesmates. As he 
   sees them, he nods, solemn.
Miranda, spying Andrea, resumes her walk towards the center of the Caern.

You head toward the center and heart of the Wheel.
Center of the Caern
Contents:
JJ Malone
Brandon
Lisa
Salem
Bailey
Andrea
Nightflash

Lisa walks in beside Salem and JJ, the collar of her anorak pulled around her 
   neck.
By the waterfall, Cutter comes down the trail from the rim above.
Miranda closes the distance, and smiles at the Master of the Rite with a hint 
   of grimness. "Hello again, Andrea. Lovely night, isn't it?"
Brandon follows after Salem and JJ, keeping quiet and to himself as he moves. 
   "Hey," he says, quiet but cordial, upon noticing Bailey.
By the waterfall, Cutter skulks down into the valley, hands jammed into his 
   pockets, and looks around.
JJ Malone arranges himself into a seated position as best he can, not looking 
   around him much. He is without his sunglasses, something which may take 
   people by surprise, few having ever seen him without. The eyes now visible 
   are pure yellow. His mood is that of a simmering pot, overlaid by 
   stubborness warring with embarrassment.
By the waterfall, Walks-Far-Alone comes down the trail from the rim above.
In the windiest area, Rik comes down the valley from the northeast.
Lisa gives Bailey a waves, but says nothing. She brushes a lock of stray hair 
   from her eyes.
By the waterfall, Walks-Far-Alone trots down the path, her ears pricked 
   forward. She pauses half-way down, lifting her muzzle to test the breeze.
In the windiest area, Rik steps into the caern, looking around uncomfortably, 
   hands crossed as a shield across his chest.
In the windiest area, Rik heads into the center.
Salem takes a stance near JJ, arms folded across his chest. The Ahroun's new 
   black coat drapes around him, the cloth falling from his shoulders like the 
   wings of a bird. Vulture, maybe, or raven.
By the steam vents, Esther comes into the caern from the southwest.
By the steam vents, Falcon's Wing comes into the caern from the southwest.
By the steam vents, Elan comes into the caern from the southwest.
By the steam vents, Julie comes into the caern from the southwest.
Rik crosses in front of JJ and lifts one hand before putting it back in shield 
   formation.
By the steam vents, Elan walks in with his cub, Derrick, and a few others.
By the steam vents, Kristine comes into the caern from the southwest.
JJ Malone looks up as Rik comes into view, giving him a quiet duck of his head 
   then returning to his perusal of the ground.
By the steam vents, Coda comes into the caern from the southwest.
By the steam vents, Shakes comes into the caern from the southwest.
Bailey looks over as everyone arrives, letting his eyes rest on JJ for a long 
   moment.
By the waterfall, Cutter hesitates a moment, then joins the crowd in the 
   centre.
By the waterfall, Cutter heads into the center.
By the steam vents, Kristine slips into view, Coda at her back.
By the waterfall, Jayson comes down the trail from the rim above.
Miranda smiles thinly as Rik come. "Good evening, Rik. I'd heard you'd made 
   your way back here."
Rik quickly finds a spot on the edge of the hubbub to stand and eye it all 
   sharply.
By the waterfall, Walks-Far-Alone lowers her head and comes the rest of the 
   way down the trail and then finds a place to sit.
By the steam vents, Julie follows Elan quietly, her arms crossed in front of 
   her chest, and her head down, peering up past the veil of dirty blonde 
   braids. She is anxious and nervous, and stays close to Elan, her gaze 
   towards the one they call JJ.
By the steam vents, Jeff comes into the caern from the southwest.
Andrea glances up at the sky, then lets her gaze fall on J.J. Shaking her 
   head, she turns back to the newcome galliard and answers simply, "Yes."
By the steam vents, Shakes pads quietly in nad find a place to sit and watch.
Rik frowns at Miranda suspiciously, then nods. "Hey. You're... you're, uh, 
   that one lady."
By the steam vents, Elan pulls his jacket closer around him, and leans down to 
   skritch Shakes between the ears.
By the steam vents, Esther watches the center, standing among the wisps of 
   steam rising from the vent, and says nothing.
By the steam vents, Jeff strides into the Caern and heads straight for the 
   center.
Bailey looks over to Miranda, recognizing the voice. "You called," he says, 
   calm.
By the steam vents, Kristine nods to Elan and Julie, moving to crouch next to 
   Derrick.
By the waterfall, Jayson shuffles his way through the dense piles of fallen 
   leaves and twigs to enter the Caern. He pauses at the edge of the clearing 
   to look around, stuffing his hands into his coat to keep them from the 
   chilly air.
By the steam vents, Julie gives Kristine a weak smile, eyes glittering with 
   obviously-close-to-falling tears.
By the steam vents, Falcon's Wing fades to the edge of the Caern to watch. 
Arlen and Davy enter together, moving to the Center quietly.
By the steam vents, Jeff walks in quietly. He looks around at the gathering so 
   far. Taking a long moment, he gives a nod to Falcon's Wing, being polite, 
   and then heads to the center.
Miranda nods her head once, eyebrows faintly arched, then checks her watch. "A 
   few more minutes, then," she says, looking at all those arriving. She 
   inclines her head again, this time towards Bailey, then throwing a look at 
   Andrea for any last minute instructions from the Ritmaster, begins shifting 
   down to lupus form.
By the steam vents, Jeff heads into the center.
By the steam vents, Kristine drops down to Lupus, then positions herself in a 
   bit of brush to observe the Rite. She whines every so slightly at Julie 
   seeing the unshead tears.
Cutter looks around uncertainly, smiling a calm re-assuring smile to somebody, 
   and pushes his shades up on the bridge of his nose.
By the steam vents, Falcon's Wing gives Jeff a pleasant whuff, and quiets 
   again.
By the steam vents, Coda finds a place to sit, amongst the other Garou here. 
   She hugs her legs to her chest for warmth, her expression somewhat pensive.
Brandon moves, as soon as he notices Jeff, toward his once-mentor. "Hey!" he 
   says at a whisper, though still managing to convey a sense of excitement in 
   his voice.
By the steam vents, Stands-Proud scoots towards Coda, pressing a cold nose 
   against her arm.
By the steam vents, Elan nudges Julie. "You might want to shift."
By the steam vents, Julie starts faintly at the nudge, bringing the teary-eyed 
   and nervous gaze up to Elan before looking down again, shucking off her 
   leather jacket and setting it behind her. A moment of concentration, and 
   her form blurs downward to Lupus.
Bailey looks around, watching each of his tribe and packmates in turn. He 
   shifts a little, seemingly nervous despite the solemn look on his face.
Jeff puts a finger up to his lips as Brandon goes to speak and shakes his head 
   lightly. He then moves closer to the other Walkers, giving each a brief nod 
   in greeting.
Silver-Tongue tips her head back to howl, not with the same timber of one with 
   Call of the Wyld, but audible throughout the Caern and a little past 
   nonetheless.
Brandon shuts up. He follows after Jeff, ducking his head as they approach the 
   other Walkers and make themselves known.
Lisa gives Jeff a quick nod, but she can barely manage a tiny, friendly smile. 
   Shadows cling to her face like ink stains.
By the steam vents, Coda blinks at the touch of a cold nose, looking over at 
   the wolf. A hand tentatively reaches out to pet her, but she thinks better 
   of it and just rests her hand on her feet.
By the steam vents, Blotches whines softly and nudges Elan's leg before 
   dropping down to her belly, muzzle rested on forepaws, ears splayed 
   morosely, the tip of her tail twitching against the ground.
By the steam vents, Stands-Proud nudges further, indicating that a pet at a 
   time like this is fine. She'd be cuddled next to Derrick, but he seems to 
   want to remain invisible.
Cutter contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Cutter shifts into Lupus form.
Silver-Tongue howls long and loud.
From Center of the Caern, Silver-Tongue can be heard to howl, ~(Without CotW)
   I call the ritual of the winter wolf to beginning for Jaws of the Glass
   Walkers.~
By the waterfall, Walks-Far-Alone slowly lowers herself down to her stomach, 
   forelegs inching further and further out as she sinks. Her ears tip back 
   not at the volume of the howl, but at its message.
Andrea nods at Silver-Tongue as she howls. The Mistress of the Rite here at 
   the Hidden Walk takes a step back, nearer the stone, but she still does not 
   yield the field to the strange ritemistress.
Davy stands straighter at the howl, throwing his shoulders back.
Bailey goes rigid at the howl, keeping dead silent.
By the waterfall, The sound of the howl brings Jayson back from whatever 
   distant place that his mind was visiting. He lingers at the edge of Caern a 
   moment longer, then moves slowly towards the center.
By the waterfall, Jayson heads into the center.
Salem's lips press together tightly. If anything, he becomes even more grim 
   and solemn.
By the steam vents, Stands-Proud's ears fall back against her head, as her 
   eyes close.
By the steam vents, Blotches whines again, quietly, hedging closer to the 
   silent Elan.
By the steam vents, Coda obligingly rests a hand in Stands-Proud's fur, 
   petting absently as she watches the rite.
By the steam vents, Falcon's Wing creeps forward, until he's next to Kris, at 
   least.
By the steam vents, Elan sits on the cold ground, one hand on Blotches' back.
Silver-Tongue slowly shifts up into crinos, drawing herself up to her full 
   height. Although it's clear that there is no pure breeding in her form, she 
   still exudes a certain amount of magnetism which draws the eye to her, that 
   she monopolizes now. ~Garou of the Sept of the Hidden Walk,~ she begins 
   soberly. ~I thank you for attending this most solemn of rituals belonging 
   to our people, the rite performed for those of us heeding our common Litany 
   law: do not suffer thy people to tend thy sickness. The Garou before you,~ 
   she says, indicating J.J. sitting on the ground, ~has chosen this way to 
   end her life, in honor of our Ways. And you who have gathered give honor to 
   her, for doing so.~
From the rock outcropping, Runs-With-Rage makes her way down the trail from 
   the northern wall of the valley.
Lisa reaches into her pocket and removes a white length of cloth with a 
   several Japanese characters written on it. She ties it around her arm and 
   stands beside Salem, his solemnity re-enforcing her own.
By the steam vents, Stands-Proud shifts a bit, so some part of her is touching 
   Falcon's Wing without disturbing the arm draped over her. She sighs at 
   Silver-Tongue's announcement.
From the rock outcropping, Runs-With-Rage makes her way back around the Wheel, 
   towards the vents to the south.
By the steam vents, Runs-With-Rage circles the Wheel, coming in from the north.
From the rock outcropping, Arlen makes her way down the trail from the 
   northern wall of the valley.
From the rock outcropping, Arlen heads into the center.
Arlen has arrived.
By the steam vents, Runs-With-Rage pads in slowly, peering at the other Garou 
   as she passes them. She takes a place next to Blotches, and presses her 
   muzzle into the Gnawer's fur. Hello.
Bailey folds his hands in front of his stomach, as if in prayer, as he 
   listens. His eyes flick to JJ, back to Miranda, then JJ again.
By the steam vents, Golden brown orbs flecked with blue gaze sadly upon the 
   scene in the center of the Caern. Blotches shivers visibly, and she 
   constantly licks the tip of her muzzle nervously. The young cub is clearly 
   upset, and can only whine short and quiet to Runs. She remains lying on her 
   belly, now between Elan and Runs.
Jeff keeps his arms at his side like a soldier at attention, but his eyes are 
   focused on the ground.
Silver-Tongue looks around at those gathered, with a mixture of sadness held 
   at bay and quiet pride. ~For those of you who have never heard of, or 
   participated, in a rite such as this, it is traditional for Shades's 
   friends, and those who wish to, to tell the stories of her life, before she 
   goes. Something she has hated all her life,~ she says with a wry smile for 
   J.J., which then fades. She collects herself, and continues on, in a 
   flowing, story-telling tone. ~I have known Shades since she was a cub, 
   barely 12 years old. Even up until then, her life was hard. One of the most 
   unsocialized cubs I have ever had the misfortune of seeing. Her mother 
   hated her, had all but locked her away, and kept her full of drugs to 
   control her. It is by Gaia's will alone, I believe, that she made it 
   through her test to be given the Rite of Passage at all.~
Salem's head tilts slightly.
Bailey raises an eyebrow at this.
Rik lifts his head long enough to look in JJ's direction, then drops it again.
By the steam vents, Runs-With-Rage lies down next to Blotches, touching her 
   slightly with one paw, hoping the contact will comfort her. Her eyes go to 
   the center of the Caern, and she listens quietly.
Andrea's gaze turns on J.J. at this story. Davy just shifts his weight from 
   booted foot to booted foot.
Arlen doesn't seem to have a lot to say; she just stands, watching.
By the steam vents, Blotches' ears perk to listen, knowing some of the 
   suffering this Garou had gone through, and her gaze warms on JJ.
By the steam vents, Stands-Proud allows one ear to perk up in a guesture of 
   curiousity. But the feeling is quenched and the ear lowers again. She 
   shifts to allow Coda's arm to drape over her midsection while she tugs 
   Falcon's wing closer. Once that's done, she places her muzzle over his 
   shoulders, her eyes closing in silent prayer for JJ.
By the steam vents, Shakes watches, still and silent, giving very little body 
   language with which one could read him.
By the waterfall, the dark Fianna remains still and quiet. Walks-Far-Alone 
   listens, her eyes on JJ.
By the steam vents, Elan rubs Blotches a bit, and leans on Falcon's Wing.
Wears-Armani crouches close to the ground and shivers slightly against the 
   wind.
By the steam vents, Blotches calms faintly, the shivering lessening with the 
   comfort given by the Garou on either side of her. She slowly works herself 
   to a sitting position, tail curling tight around a hind leg.
JJ Malone sits where he is in grim silence as Silver-Tongue goes on, beginning 
   to glower at the ground as she does.
Silver-Tongue's ears flicker a bit, before she continues. ~But she is a 
   scrapper. Even while the rest of the Sept treated her much like her mother 
   did, she fought for respect and to prove that she was not just a worthless 
   mule scum. She fought through it all: through addiction to drugs caused by 
   her mother's reckless use of them, through the Blood Wars, where so many of 
   us did not survive,~ deep sorrow colors her tone at this, ~and then the 
   agonizing frustration of challenge after challenge made impossible by those 
   who did not want to see her succeed. Until she finally challenged me.~ Her 
   muzzle splits into a wry smile directed first at the metis, then the 
   others. ~I gave her what she wanted, permission to hunt down a leech. She 
   passed, as I knew she would, but it did more. It forced her to leave 
   "Chicago" and the people there, to make it on her own. And from what I can 
   tell, she has succeeded here better than she could ever had there. Head of 
   the Family. Respected.~ The Galliard looks around the gathering. ~With so 
   many coming to give her this final farewell.~ Her blue eyes shine, as she 
   takes a step back, nodding to the next person to go.
Andrea steps forward as Silver-Tongue nods at her and stretches up into 
   crinos. ~Respect, yes,~ she begins with the slightest thrum of amusement in 
   her rumbling voice. ~But our send-off would not be complete without all 
   that is J.J. J.J. has done many things that will live in our stories for 
   the years to come. I will never tell the story of the retrieval of the 
   leech fetish without speaking of the bravery of those that sacrificed for 
   it.~ She pauses here, letting her eyes rest on J.J. before sweeping around 
   the caern again. ~But also, J.J. has shown herself strong of will. Not more 
   than half a year ago, J.J. got in a contest of wills over some information. 
   She did not want to spread the information until she was sure it was 
   correct. I wanted the information to ensure the safety of the caern.~ Quiet 
   gives a bared-teeth version of a smile. ~It is somewhat to my tribe's 
   credit that I didn't have her head broken for sticking to her principles. 
   But after the emergency was over, I admired her for sticking to her 
   principles even in the face of an angry adren.~ She turns fully toward J.J. 
   ~I will remember all of you that you let me see, J.J. Jaws of the Glass 
   Walkers.~
Bailey steps forward to speak quietly. "JJ, always in charges, and he 
   well-earned the right to do so. He stood behind his tribe, his Family, 
   through everything. He even stood by me, as I was convincing spirits to 
   join to talens for my Chiminage. And those that weren't the type to discuss 
   things, well, JJ..." he grins at this memory, "let his teeth and claws show 
   them the error of their ways. No nonsense, no tricks, and you had to admire 
   him for it. He turns to JJ, now. "JJ, we didn't agree on a lot of things, I 
   know that, and I understand your reasons why. But, I never always respected 
   you. Didn't show it much, I know, but I'm saying it now." He stands up 
   straight, in the Warform to howl. The howl is strong, echoing across the 
   area of the Caern. ~Honor, for tonight and for all days, the Glasswalker 
   Full Moon Jaws Malone, who lived for his Sept, pack, and tribe, and died 
   protecting all three! The Spirits protect you, now, Jaws, and you can 
   finally rest from your fight, as your legacies fight on in your honored 
   name and memory!~
JJ Malone hunches up her shoulders at Quiet's recitation, but gives the Gaian 
   theurge a slight, faintly smug smile, before dropping her eyes again. After 
   Bailey's howl peters out, he looks up, to give a ghost of a nod in 
   recognition of his words, then looks away.
Davy steps forward now, pushing his hair back as he speaks. Unlike the others, 
   he stays in homid. "I speak for Edge when I say you were respected in the 
   city turf, J.J. We went to you for information and backup. And it shows 
   Edge's respect for your balls that we considered you back during that 
   misinformation of you looking for a pack." The ragabash flashes a grin at 
   that, then sobers again. "You fought the good fight, J.J. I hope any of us 
   could do the same as you if we ever find ourselves the same. And don't 
   think I didn't hear about some of things you did just because I fought in 
   other battles. I've told of your role in fighting at the hospital, and I'd 
   be a piss-poor Fianna if I stopped telling your stories just because you 
   went on."
Arlen crosses her arms in front of her and nods, silently, at Davy's words.
JJ Malone looks back at Davy's turn, giving the Fianna a sardonic smile. "Even 
   if I don't have them," he mutters with amusement to him.
By the steam vents, Elan gets to his feet and comes forward a bit. "City 
   people always should stick together. We - my packmates and me - been 
   remebering things through our bond. You were a first-rate Walker, and you 
   was always sticking up for the city to the boss. I was there for the 
   Hospital and I think personally your idea saved a buncha lives. We'll miss 
   you, and we'll scratch your sign on all the walls we come to."
Wears-Armani shifts into Homid form.
Lisa tugs back the bangs of her hair and says, "I'm not good at telling 
   stories, or slinging fancy words around. Sarcasm's my strong point, not 
   storytelling. But I'll give it a whirl." She glances to JJ. "Shades was the 
   first Walker I met here. Instead of giving me a number when it came to 
   introductions and putting me in a line, JJ pretty much said 'C'mon in, wipe 
   your shoes and let's get to work.' Next thing I knew, I was flying back to 
   DC with cans of undeveloped film and JJ sitting next to me on the plain, 
   trying not to punch the person who chose "Look Who's Talking Now" as the 
   in-flight movie. We've been in the trenches since then." She glances to 
   Shades. "
By the steam vents, Stands-Proud lifts her head off of Falcon's Wing long 
   enough to break in a slight lupine smile at Elan, before returning to her 
   lean and listening to the farewells.
By the steam vents, Blotches rises and starts towards the center, then pauses, 
   her gaze lifting to Elan in query.
By the steam vents, Elan sits back down with Blotches, and leans on Falcon's 
   Wing again. He grows quiet and thoughtful.
Lisa says, "Sorry to see you go, boss. Hope you can make it back here real 
   soon. We need more JJ's running the sprawls." She grins, an off center 
   smile. "Sides, next turn, we can try some eco-terrorism for hire. Blow 
   wyrmy shit up. It'll be fun. Might even get to see you smile." Lisa pauses. 
   "Next lifetime, bos."
Cutter shifts up quickly, tugging his coat close about him. "Okay. Everybody's 
   talkin' like you're already dead," he says, smiling at JJ and glancing at 
   him over the tops of his shades. "There's an Irish wake at my place 
   afterwards, and you're invited. There's a reason we busted our asses to try 
   and keep you in the pack. But you got this dedication to family that pulled 
   you away. But fuck if we weren't glad t'have you for a while."
By the steam vents, Runs-With-Rage remains where she is as Blotches gets up, 
   her eyes and ears focused on the stories being told.
By the steam vents, Blotches nudges Elan's hand, then licks his cheek, before 
   turning and moving for the center of the Caern.
By the steam vents, Blotches heads into the center.
By the steam vents, Stands-Proud gives a look to Elan as Blotches leaves.
By the steam vents, Elan shrugs.
JJ Malone smiles sidelong at Cutter. "You were always the closest thing I had 
   to family, Cutter," he says under his breath. The smile he gives Lisa for 
   her invitation is bittersweet. He gives her a nod, then looks down again.
Cutter blows JJ a kiss and steps back.
Jayson steps forward, his gaze finding everyone but the tribal elder. He 
   sniffs once, some congestion caused by the chill that hangs in the air 
   perhaps. "Courage takes many forms.", the crescent moon begins, "It is seen 
   in a person who takes the reins of a weakened tribe and, against the tide 
   of those who would just as soon see the tribe disappear, fights to bring 
   honor and worth back to that tribe. Courage is, then, fighting against 
   sometimes overwhelming odds." He pauses for breath, "Courage is also seen 
   in the eyes of a person who knows when the time of fighting is over. That, 
   for all the spirit you may posess, it is time to step back and let fate 
   take over. It has been my honor to find both in one person. By following 
   the path of our ancestors, he strengthens both the spirit mother, and his 
   tribe."
Lisa gives JJ a salute, then fades into the shadows behind Salem.
Jayson turns and looks directly at JJ now. "I was born under the moon of the 
   spirits and, since I was a cub, I have studied them in hopes of someday 
   understanding them. I have watched them dance in the umbra and have learned 
   that as much as thier dance changes, that which underlies the dance is 
   always the same. I feel no sadness for you, because you did what we are 
   each called to do. You put the needs of tribe and mother above your own. 
   Therefore, I will not mourn your passing, only regret that my time under 
   you was too short. And, while it is time for you to rejoin the mother, I 
   feel strangely confident that I will someday meet up with a cub who has a 
   sharp mind, and tounge to match. And, who has a strange penchant for 
   sunglasses, even when the sun is hidden." 
The Walker Seer steps over to his tribal alpha, pulling out a small metal
   charm on a simple necklace, which he holds out to JJ. "This was given to
   me by my human mother, in order to watch over me in my journeys. It would
   honor me if you would accept it, now, so it may watch over you in your
   journey."
JJ Malone looks up at Jayson startledly at his offer, but then takes it from 
   him. Squeezing it in his hand, he studies it, then hands it back. "Keep it 
   for yourself, Jayson," he says quietly but relatively calmly. "My journey 
   is over, but you still need any help you can get." He smiles, the normally 
   sarcastic smile softened somewhat.
Jayson steps back into the crowd, smiling and slipping the necklace back intpo 
   his pocket. "Next time we meet, the Thai food is on you."
Blotches moves slowly forward towards JJ, her head and tail held down, the 
   tail's tip brushing the backs of rear legs. Upon reaching the Glass Walker 
   Ahroun, the cub lifts her muzzle to nudge tenderly against JJ's hand, 
   gold-brown eyes glistening with sadness and comfort. Fight well, fight 
   proud, and go with honor to Mother's arms.
Jeff steps forward, running his fingers through his hair before resuming the 
   attentive stance. "I've not known JJ long, being somewhat a newcomer, but 
   from what I've seen, we couldn't have had a better leader." He pauses, 
   turning to face JJ. "You have fought a good fight and have earned honor 
   because of it. You've overcome difficulties and proved yourself. Now you 
   follow through with the Litany and for that, you have my utmost respect. 
   You do our tribe proud. Go well." He bows his head once and takes a step 
   back.
JJ Malone startles somewhat at the stranger cub, but then draws upon some 
   modicum of good grace to reach up a hand and touch Blotches in thanks for 
   the sentiment. He turns and nods once more, this time to Jeff, and, again, 
   looks away. The stories appear to be getting to him, though, and fullmoon 
   fueled antsiness begins to radiate from him.
Salem shifts his weight slightly and unfolds his arms. He speaks in a near 
   monotone, emotions locked behind the grim, tight mask of his face. "I hate 
   charity," he says shortly. "When I was tribeless, I had enough people 
   trying to shove it down my fucking throat." A beat. "But the Garou do not 
   thrive on charity, and when I approached him to join the Walkers, JJ Malone 
   did not give me charity." Another pause as he looks down at the metis, for 
   a moment meeting JJ's eyes. "Nor does he ask for it," says Jack, a bit more 
   quietly. He looks up. "I am honored to be one of those who walk among the 
   glass. And that is largely due to JJ Malone."
Blotches lowers her head and backs away. She turns and makes her way back to 
   Elan and the others.
Blotches heads southwest, into the hot steam.
By the steam vents, Blotches comes into the steam from the caern center.
Brandon shuffles on both his feet, keeping close to Jeff even as he begins to 
   talk. "I'm new to all of this -- it's like I've been reborn. And I haven't 
   quite figured out just what you've shown me," he says. "I'm not that wordly 
   yet. But I know... I'm sure... that there's something I haven't seen to 
   this." He turns toward Jeff briefly, ducking his head and trying to force a 
   smile. "And I won't soon forget the first time we met, Rhya. You're Garou. 
   You'll always be Garou. I hope we can all say the same about ourselves when 
   our times come."
By the steam vents, Blotches returns to rest between Elan and Runs, pressing 
   her head to his side, whimpering quietly.
JJ Malone looks up to Brandon and gives the cub a thin smile, saying in 
   undertones, "You better do the tribe proud, kid."
Silver-Tongue finally speaks once more, loudly to be heard through the Caern, 
   ~And now, the last "chapter" is written, the story is done, except for one 
   part. Raise up your voices, so that Shades will hear your farewell in song, 
   before joining with the Mother once more.~ At that, she leads the way, 
   tipping back her crinos muzzle and putting up a pure, sorrowful dirge of a 
   howl, the sadness of the wolves loosing the wild places.
Jayson shifts into Crinos form.
Bailey shifts into Crinos form.
Lisa shifts into Crinos form.
By the steam vents, Elan sparkles and blurs, shifting into Crinos form.
Night's-Justice howls, long and loud, a dirge.
Quiet tips up her muzzle and howls, her voice rising above the galliard's. 
   Davy shifts into crinos and adds his deeper call, the atonal nature pairing 
   with Lightbringer's next to him.
By the steam vents, Blotches yelps, then shudders and does the same with some 
   effort.
By the steam vents, Blotches shifts into Crinos form.
Weaver's-Smile shifts to the warform and raises his muzzle to Luna. His howl 
   sounds of honor and sadness.
By the steam vents, Shadow Eyes lifts his voice to match Night's Justice, 
   Shakes, and others; a long low mournful sound.
Nightflash raises his muzzle for the first time all evening and adds his voice 
   to the farewell howl.
Cutter throws his head back, and tears a surprisingly passioned howl loose 
   from his throat.
Jeff shifts into Crinos form.
As the howls begin, J.J. slowly shifts down to hispo. In this form, the extent 
   of his injury suddenly becomes apparent, hind legs hanging uselessly behind 
   him. But powerful forepaws begin work, and the metis ahroun begins 
   scrabbling with difficulty towards the easiest slope of the Caern. As the 
   howls continue, he disappears from view.
Brandon shifts into Crinos form.
Salem's body boils upward into Crinos. His howl is a deep baritone, loud and 
   booming, fierce with rage, one warrior calling farewell to another.
By the steam vents, Shakes shifts into Crinos form.
By the steam vents, Blotches ' muzzle lifts, a thin, reedy howl threading 
   through the sounds of the others, sad and content at the same time.
By the steam vents, Shakes lifts up from the shadow he was sitting in and 
   howls deep and loud into the night.
By the steam vents, Runs-With-Rage shifts into Crinos at the example of the 
   others, throws her head back, and gives a long, low howl.
By the waterfall, Walks-Far-Alone shifts up to crinos, her voice joining the 
   others'.
By the steam vents, Coda watches as everybody howls, but doesn't join in, 
   preferring to just hug her knees.
Lisa nearly shatters her human self as she changes into the war form. Muzzle 
   upraised, she howls into the night like a vengence-driven car tearing into 
   the highway.
Jeff raises his own muzzle, clenching his paw-like hands into fists and 
   letting his howl join the others.
Brandon follows in the howl only after Jeff joins. He starts weak but, 
   catching the others volume, crescendos his voice to its peak.
The howls fade into the night, and the quiet night sounds descends on the 
   Caern. Silver-Tongue, however, does not move yet, seeming to wait for 
   something, in a way that suggests the others do the same. Only bare minutes 
   after the howls have stopped, the silence is shattered by the report of a 
   single shot fired from a handgun. The Galliard relaxes at that, sorrow 
   filling her form. ~It is done,~ she intones. "Bailey, Salem," she says in 
   English. ~Will you please find her, and bring her back for the Gathering.~ 
   The cliath galliard and ahroun nod, and go off to do the grizzly deed, 
   returning in much shorter time with thin, grey-furred body of Shades 
   between them. Without hardly a pause, Silver-Tongue shifts smoothly into a 
   short Gathering for the Departed, closing out the cojoined rituals on a 
   note of hope, rather than sorrow.
Rik quickly finds an excuse to fade into the woods.
Quiet howls again for the second ritual, then shifts down to lupus. There's 
   controlled sorrow in her posture, as well as edginess from the moon. Davy 
   shifts back to homid and takes his leave after a few minutes, though he 
   does pause long enough to exchange greetings on his way out.
Nightflash's muzzle wrinkles a bit in distaste at the particular manner in 
   which the Glass Walker chose to complete the Rite. He tries to cover it up 
   quickly, but it's plain to see.
Lisa slumps and folds back into her human self, the rage dissapaiting like 
   heat on asphalt.
Weaver's-Smile shifts back to homid form, pulling his coat tighter around 
   himself to ward off the cold.
By the steam vents, Shakes contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
By the steam vents, Shakes shifts into Lupus form.
Night's-Justice shifts into Homid form.
Jeff shrinks back to his birth form and brushes off his clothing. He looks off 
   in the direction of the gunshot and lets out a brief sigh.
By the steam vents, Shakes slinks away into the darkness as quietly as he 
   arrived.
Bailey hears the shot unblinking, as if he were expecting it.
By the steam vents, Blotches buckles under the weight of the ritual and her 
   own inner turmoil of thoughts, rage quelled all too quickly, and she falls 
   to homid as she sags to the ground.
By the steam vents, Shakes goes home.
By the steam vents, Blotches contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
By the steam vents, Blotches shifts into Homid form.
Cutter stands in the clearing, hands back in his pockets, staring at nothing 
   in particular, looking almost exactly as he did when he entered the caern.
By the waterfall, Walks-Far-Alone goes home.
By the steam vents, Runs-With-Rage shifts back down to homid, with some 
   effort, and turns to leave. She gives a final glance to the gathered Garou, 
   over her shoulder, and walks off silently.
Brandon shifts back to his human form and, turning himself away from the 
   caern, begins to move off. His pace betrays his youth. Death isn't his 
   realm -- not yet.
By the steam vents, Shadow Eyes sighs and stays near his cub, and Falcon's 
   Wing, though the Gathering rite, and then stands once all is done.
Silver-Tongue shifts down to homid as well, then wipes tears from her eyes. 
   Clearing her throat, she smiles thinly and moves over to the Ritemaster, 
   speaking quietly to her. "Thank you, Andrea. If there is anything I can do 
   to pay for being allowed to do this, I would be glad to do so."
By the steam vents, Julie sobs for a few moments, her body relaxing as she 
   does. She pushes to a sitting position and scrubs at the tears on her face 
   and still in her eyes, sniffling a couple times before getting to her feet.
By the steam vents, Shadow Eyes holds his cub close. "It's our way, Julie. You 
   did really, really well."
Brandon halts his movements near Jeff and stands at his side, silently staring 
   toward the inside of the caern.
By the steam vents, Coda stands up, dusting herself off. She waits around for 
   a few minutes before heading to the center of the caern.
By the steam vents, Coda heads into the center.
Cutter finally looks up, takes a hand from his pocket and dramatically punches 
   the central rock spar as he growls "God *Damn* you!" Then, gingerly, he 
   puts his hand back in his pocket and turns to look for a way out.
Nightflash chuffs a greeting to the cub.
By the steam vents, Julie buries her face in his fur. "I didn' ge' t' say 
   g'bye t' m' momma, it was like I was sayin' g'bye t' her too," she says, 
   muttered against him.
Quiet looks up and splays her ears slightly, though even now some of the 
   tension of the moon sings in her movements. You did well, near-full 
   daughter of Cockroach. Have you had a chance to speak to the galliard I 
   spoke of, in the rush of preparation?
Lisa stands and watches, arms crossed.
By the steam vents, Shadow Eyes contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
By the steam vents, Shadow Eyes sparkles and blurs, shifting into Homid form.
Miranda shakes her head at Quiet. "No, I haven't. I don't even know where to 
   start looking for him," she says, braving a small smile again.
Coda holds up a hand in greeting to Nightflash, but keeps silent so she 
   doesn't interrupt anything.
Cutter heads southeast, towards the waterfall.
By the waterfall, Cutter approaches the waterfall from the center of the caern.
Jayson stuffs his hands deep into his jacket, moving off by himself, but 
   keeping an eye on those gathered.
Jeff crosses his arms, remaining quietly where he is as he watches.
Quiet shifts again, with that ease that speaks of birth form. She moves toward 
   Coda and reaches to touch the younger woman's shoulders before turning back 
   to Miranda. "I can get you a number." Her eyes sweep the caern. "I don't 
   see any of his pack here, but Brian can help you too. Just tell him that 
   you need to speak to Steven, when you speak to him again."
Bailey stays where he is, next to JJ's body.
Lisa looks at her armband. She slowly tugs the knot free, pulls the cloth from 
   around her arm, and tucks it into her anorak again.
By the waterfall, Moon Otter comes down the trail from the rim above.
Miranda nods once to Quiet, a hint of formality in it that bespeaks a foreign 
   flavor. "I will. Thank you again, for your help." She gives the Gaian 
   theurge a smile, then looks to the Glass Walkers still here, and says 
   pitched for their ears, "J.J. asked me to do one thing for her, when this 
   was all done. Something for all of you to hear."
By the steam vents, Elan looks up, curious.
By the waterfall, Moon Otter slips out of the treeline, taking in the scene 
   and those present, and padding over towards Cutter.
Coda doesn't shy away from Adnrea's touch, looking curiously up at Miranda.
By the waterfall, Cutter stops his egress and frowns, pulling a hand free from 
   his pocket, and cradling it in the other.
Lisa lifts up her head and looks to Miranda.
Bailey moves his eyes from the ground to Miranda.
Jeff tilts his head lightly, brows lifting in a curious fashion.
Jayson glances up and moves wordlessly towards Miranda.
By the steam vents, Julie peers over past Elan's arms towards the center of 
   the caern.
Miranda pulls a piece of paper out of a pocket of her jeans, and unfolds it, 
   smoothing it out and tilting it to catch the moonlight better, in order to 
   read. "I never thought I'd ever have to do this, but sometimes life has a 
   way of sneaking up on you like this. I wish I had more to give, but I hope 
   that this is enough." She pauses to take a breath, then continues. "Salem, 
   I know you doubt yourself, but you're one of the few people I've been glad 
   to have at my back. To you, I leave my guns. Use them in good health. To 
   Jayson, I leave my computer, piece of shit that it is. I'm sure you'll find 
   some use out of it. To Lisa, I leave my DVD player and collection, because 
   I think she'd really appreciate James Bond, too. To Brandon, I leave my 
   car. It's a piece of shit, too, but, hey, it's a first. To Daisy, I leave 
   my TV and entertainment center. Nigel will need to find a place for it, but 
   make sure she watches Sesame Street. It's the most useful way for one like 
   us to learn the world. To Bailey, I leave a wish: that one day, he might 
   become a Galliard that even I might have been able to admire. You have a 
   long way to go, and if Nigel has his way, I'll be back to check up on you."
Jayson listens to Miranda's reading, a smile spreading over his face as she 
   goes down the list.
Bailey freezes, unable to meet the Adren's eyes. He looks back down to the 
   ground, saying nothing.
Arlen begins to walk out, blinking faintly at this reading of the will, in 
   public.
Arlen heads southeast, towards the waterfall.
By the waterfall, Arlen approaches the waterfall from the center of the caern.
By the waterfall, Arlen starts along the trail up to the rim of the valley.
Miranda is smiling wryly at this point, as she turns the paper over, and 
   angles it once again to pick out the writing. "To Jeff, I leave primary 
   stewardship of the money the Family has given to me as chiminage. I've 
   temporarily given Miranda custody, until the final details are worked out. 
   She knows what I intend, and will be good at getting everything set up." 
   The woman pauses again, this time to swallow down a lump in her throat. Her 
   voice remains steady, though, as she finishes with, "Finally, to Nigel, I 
   have already left the fetish I earned in Chicago, and the title of Don. I 
   wouldn't wish it on to any of you, but I respect him a great deal, and I 
   hope the rest of you will too." A pause. "If you think to sorrow for me, 
   remember the words of Plato: 'Only the dead know the end of war'. I only 
   wish I could be there with you. Sincerely," she concludes, "J.J. Malone. 
   Shades."
Lisa blinks. Then blinks again, the words stolen from her.
Jeff frowns a moment, giving a light nod at the reading.
By the steam vents, Julie looks down, then up to Elan, swallowing and stepping 
   back from his comforting hold, glancing back at that last towards Miranda.
Nightflash walks over to Coda and looks up at her. How did you find the rite?
By the steam vents, Elan looks to Julie. "Time to go back to the farmhouse. 
   May packmate will...want to be by himself for a bit." he looks to Bailey 
   and smiles at the young man, then back to Julie.
By the waterfall, As the reading of the "will" comes to a close, Otter turns 
   and chuffs softly at Cutter to get his attention. Then he turns back 
   towards the southern woods, disappearing from the caern.
Bailey is still unable to speak. He tugs at the collar of his shirt, chewing 
   on his lower lip, hard.
By the waterfall, Cutter frowns and trots after his Elder.
Andrea turns away from the Glass Walkers to give them their privacy. She turns 
   in toward Nightflash, still next to Coda.
Coda folds her arms and looks down at Nightflash. "I... it was nice. Wish I 
   knew the guy, now."
By the waterfall, Moon Otter starts along the trail up to the rim of the 
   valley.
By the steam vents, Julie nods slowly, turning to go. "Yeah," she replies 
   quietly, "I don' blame him." She looks back, and gives Bailey a weak wave, 
   smiling gently.
Lisa looks to Salem and says, "I'd better take care of the collection. JJ'll 
   be ticked if he comes back to find them scrached or something."
By the waterfall, Cutter starts along the trail up to the rim of the valley.
Miranda folds the sheet of paper up into neat squares, then puts it back into 
   her pocket, taking a deep breath before looking around to her local 
   tribemates with a wrm smile for each of them. Her gaze finishes on Jeff, to 
   whom she says quietly, "J.J. told me what she wanted done with the money. 
   We'll talk later about it. It will actually involve most of you," she says, 
   once again looking at the others.
Lisa tilts her head, then nods to Miranda.
Nightflash did not know that one well, either. It tended to stay in the scab, 
   and I seldom leave this area. He looks up at Andrea, inquisitive.
Jeff nods to Miranda. "I'll make some extra time to work with you."
Andrea's voice is pitched low, as she adds, "I saw your expression at the end. 
   He was a Glass Walker. It was appropriate for him where it would not be for 
   one of us." That soft statement delivered, she relaxes her tone to a normal 
   pitch. "And is that curious look a silent question, or a query on whether 
   it's time to go hunting?"
Nightflash flinches from the Ritemasters' rebuke, soft as it is. Both. Is it 
   time to go hunting, or is there something else?
Miranda gives Jeff a warm smile, but says crisply, "Good. It looks like I'm 
   going to be in town for a little while, so I'm looking forward to getting 
   to talk to all of you. Say, dinner this weekend? On me?"
By the steam vents, Elan reachs down to scritch Falcon's Wing. "I'm going to 
   take the cub back, now."
By the steam vents, Julie leans down to regain her jacket and slips it over 
   her shoulders, looking up at Elan, her gaunt features showing the strain of 
   the weight of emotions the rite wracked her with.
Bailey nods at this, saying, "I know a few places."
By the steam vents, Falcon's Wing looks up, and leans into the scritch. Hunt 
   well.
By the steam vents, Julie smiles weakly down to Falcon's Wing. "Happy 
   hunting," she offers quietly to the lupe.
By the steam vents, Elan grins down to his friend. "Hunt well. I'll come see 
   you this week, OK?"
By the steam vents, Falcon's Wing thinks that would be a /fine/ idea.
Jeff nods his agreement, "I'll be looking forward to it."
Andrea's smile, teeth covered, gentles her expression. "I don't think there's 
   anything else, and I could use a hunt." She looks at Coda and tilts her 
   head slightly. "Coda, would you hunt with us tonight?"
Miranda smiles. "Very good, then. I'll be in touch. Does anyone want a ride 
   back in to town?"
Coda blinks, as the idea of a hunt hasn't occured to her before. "Uh, yeah. 
   Sure."
Lisa raises her hand, "I could use some transport, sure." She smiles, weakly.
By the steam vents, Elan grins at Falcon's Wing and nods to Julie. "Come on, 
   kid, let's go."
Bailey shakes his head, showing the first smile he's had tonight, albeit a 
   faint one. "No, thanks."
By the steam vents, Julie nods faintly and takes up her usual hunched posture, 
   starting forward.
Jeff shakes his head as well, "No, thank you. Got my own ride, one that 
   actually works now."
By the steam vents, Elan heads out of the caern toward the southwest.
By the steam vents, Julie heads out of the caern toward the southwest.
Jayson shakes his head as well. "The walk will be a welcomed break from 
   things."
By the steam vents, Falcon's Wing settles down, watching things vaguely.
Miranda nods. "Alright then, take care." She begins to head towards the steam 
   vents.

You head southwest, into the hot steam.
Among the Steam Vents
Contents:
Falcon's Wing

Falcon's Wing raises his head to watch the newcomer.
At the center, Lisa heads southwest, into the hot steam.
Lisa comes into the steam from the caern center.
At the center, Jayson lingers for a few moments, then slowly moves his way 
   towards the woods and the safety of the scab beyond them.
Miranda pauses on her way through, noticing Falcon's Wing, then comes to a 
   full stop. "I beg your pardon," she says, with a note of respect. "You're a 
   Silver Fang, aren't you?"
At the center, Jeff pulls his coat around him before heading off himself.
Lisa heads out of the caern toward the southwest.
Falcon's Wing is a Silver Fang, yes. Falcon's Wing Leads By Example. Guardian 
   and Groundskeeper. May I aid in some fashion?
Miranda opens her mouth then closes it, then recovers. "Actually, yes," she 
   says with a smooth smile. "I was looking for you. You take care of the 
   bodies of the dead, correct?"
Falcon's Wing drops his jaw very slightly at her surpise, but he's not in the 
   mood to be too amused by anything. Yes, I do. I was waiting until things 
   had cleared out to... Take care of other things.
At the center, Bailey stays, after the others have long left. He takes a 
   breath, letting it out in a sigh, and walks towards the others at the 
   waterfall.
Bailey comes through the steam from the east.
Bailey heads out of the caern toward the southwest.
Miranda nods, then crouches down fluidly to be more on level with the wolf. 
   "J.J. asked me to convey a favor to you. It's a Glass Walker way, that she 
   was hoping you'd honor especially given that she was metis. If it's not too 
   much trouble, she was hoping you'd burn her body, and scatter the ashes. 
   That way, there's less incriminating evidence left behind."
At the center, Andrea nods at Coda. "How comfortable have you gotten in lupus 
   form?"
Falcon's Wing's ear twists at the "incriminating evidence" term, rather 
   confused, but he assents perfectly happily. Certainly. There will be a 
   stone, of course, and the majority of the ashes will come to rest there, 
   but a burning is simple.
At the center, Coda shrugs. "Pretty confortable, all things considered. I 
   prefer having thumbs, though," she says with a slight grin.
Miranda momentarily frowns, but it is a glimmer of expression, there and gone, 
   and a strained smile replaces it. "Thank you," she says, reaching out a 
   hand to touch the Silver Fang lupus briefly. "She would appreciate that," 
   she adds before rising to her feet.
Falcon's Wing, who met JJ once, when JJ was male, sort of blinks, but says, 
   You're welcome. What did I say that bothered you?
A corner of the galliard's mouth hooks up in a soft, wry smile. "Surprised me, 
   is all," she explains. "I was surprised you use gravestones out here."
Falcon's Wing makes sure to hide them. In keeping with Fog's ban.
Miranda shakes her head, smile turning apologetic. "I am not questioning your 
   methods, Falcon's Wing, no need to explain to me." The smile turns into a 
   grin. "I believe I will be out here again sometime. Perhaps I will see you."
At the center, Andrea chuckles a little. "Opposable thumbs is all that gets 
   our lupus brothers into homid at all, I think. Well, let's hunt. We'll need 
   to go well south, but I scouted out some paths earlier today."
Falcon's Wing will be around and about. Meeting newcomers further is never 
   amiss - Although I do not believe I caught your full name?
Miranda laughs shortly. "I'm sorry. It's been a trying night," she says with a 
   sigh. "Miranda Richardson, galliard of the Glass Walkers, from the Sept of 
   the Wind Catchers in Chicago. Forgive me my rudeness."
At the center, Coda nods. "Lead on."
Falcon's Wing does not expect perfect politeness from someone undergoing this 
   sort of thing. And I myself am not a paragon of it, either. New moon as I 
   am.
Miranda smiles again. "And so you make the same mistake. Pleased to meet you, 
   then. I look forward to seeing you again."
At the center, Quiet nosebumps the cub. Shift. After Coda does so, she leads 
   the small pack of Gaians south.
At the center, Quiet heads southeast, towards the waterfall.
By the waterfall, Quiet approaches the waterfall from the center of the caern.
By the waterfall, Quiet starts along the trail up to the rim of the valley.
By the waterfall, Quiet comes down the trail from the rim above.
At the center, Nightflash heads southeast, towards the waterfall.
By the waterfall, Nightflash approaches the waterfall from the center of the 
   caern.
By the waterfall, Nightflash starts along the trail up to the rim of the 
   valley.
By the waterfall, Quiet starts along the trail up to the rim of the valley.
Falcon's Wing will look forward to it, as well. Hunt well, while you are here.
At the center, Coda heads southeast, towards the waterfall.
By the waterfall, Coda approaches the waterfall from the center of the caern.
By the waterfall, Coda starts along the trail up to the rim of the valley.
By the waterfall, Coda comes down the trail from the rim above.
Miranda inclines her head. "And you, Falcon's Wing." And with that, she slips 
   through the mists and out of the Caern.