DATE: Wednesday, October 9, 1996
Place: Off the East Side of the Wheel
Off the East Side of the Wheel
Contents:
Tastes-Ashes
Hazmat
Matt
Steps-on-Cracks
Matt moves quickly, though Hazmat's speed still makes him look like he was
standing still. He shifts up into his war form, and eaps towards the
Gnawer, claws raised.
Wayfinder emerges from the small clearing that holds the Story Tree.
Tastes-Ashes comes charging out from the story tree, and slams herself bodily
into the first thing she sees -- probably Hazmat or Steps-On-Cracks.
Silent Storm emerges from the small clearing that holds the Story Tree.
Steps-on-Cracks is clearly at the disadvantage here. Already wounded, she
fights back not in the mindless grip of frenzy, but the desperation of
someone who's looking at imminent death, trying to block more than do
damage, hoping to hold off until Matt can do something.
Silent Storm contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Silent Storm shifts into Hispo form.
Snow Walker shifts up to hispo as she follows closely on WayFinder's heels.
Jimmy Wilson emerges from the small clearing that holds the Story Tree.
Serves-Honor emerges from the small clearing that holds the Story Tree.
Thena emerges from the small clearing that holds the Story Tree.
Second-Chance walks in and gives a yerf of surprise at what she walks in *on*,
a fight in progress, with Anna stepping in to break it up.
Alexander emerges from the small clearing that holds the Story Tree.
Kosh emerges from the small clearing that holds the Story Tree.
Tommie emerges from the small clearing that holds the Story Tree.
Alexander and Tommie are among the last to appear, and the Shadow Lord leads
the prisoner past the fight, toward the Caern.
Wayfinder lopes in, with Snow Walker on her heels. She puts on an extra burst
of speed to head for the fight, ears pinned back. Again?
Alexander sets out west, towards the Caern.
Tommie sets out west, towards the Caern.
Drew emerges from the small clearing that holds the Story Tree.
Hazmat is in the middle of a lethal guy-swipe when Matt slams into her,
fighting. Snarling, she turns to backhand Matt away, blood staining her
white fur.
Unferth comes around the wheel from the north.
Tastes-Ashes's charge follows just as Hazmat turns her back. The crinos Get
slams into Hazmat from behind and sends the Gnawer sprawling beneath her.
Matt gets thrown off balance as well, but Tastes-Ashes has focused the
brunt of her weight on Hazmat.
Hazmat hits the ground with a hard thud, woofing as the breath is knocked out
of her.
Jimmy Wilson yells out. "Fuck! You gyus are ruinin' everything! Now they're
gonna fucking kill /me/! He shifts, moving in to try and restrain the
nearest combatant he can find - Matt.
Jimmy Wilson contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Jimmy Wilson shifts into Crinos form.
Drew appears from a southeast portion of forest, to look nonplussed at the
collection of Crinos. A quick check reveals that it hasn't become full moon
when he wasn't looking.
Snow Walker pulls up short as she sees that the fight is between garou. When
Jimmy enters the fray, she looks even more hesitant to act, looking to
WayFinder for support, or perhaps inspiration.
Kosh turns to Thena and says, "If I act like an Ahroun again, you'll back me?"
Matt stumbles away from Hazmat, the force of the get's charge flinging him to
the side. He rights himself almost immediately and turns back to face
Hazmat, an angry howl ripping from his throat. He shakes visibly as he
considers continuing the fight. His anger finds a focus when Jimmy nears
him though, ~Back Off!~
Second-Chance settles back to growl, hackles up, clearly displeased at the
brawl. She snaps a chuff at the collection of cliaths standing around.
~Stop them!~
Serves-Honor takes a moment to take stock of the situation before he reacts.
It doesn't take very long, however, for him to decide what needs done.
Serves-Honor contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Serves-Honor shifts into Crinos form.
Tastes-Ashes secures her hold on Hazmat and barks out a rough order to the
other idiots who are standing around doing nothing. Serves-Honor and Drew
are the main ones she snarls at. ~HOLD THEM!~
Wayfinder charges Matt, on a word from the Fianna, shifting up as she goes.
Wayfinder contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Wayfinder shifts into Hispo form.
Thena skids to a stop, and nods. "Sure, why the hell not, it seems there is a
lot of that going around."
Steps-on-Cracks has any and all fight taken out of her, by the time people
start arriving on the scene. She seems to be fairing the worst of the
three, deep claw wounds etched into her side, teeth marks on her shoulder,
and a lot of blood on her fur. She's on the ground, not moving.
Snow Walker's head swivels to Second-Chance, head bobing in compliance as she
circles the fray, looking for an open target to pin.
Hazmat struggles unthinkingly under the Get's grip, but not as vigorously as
before. The frenzy seems to be leeching out of her, leaving her literally
shaking.
Serves-Honor makes a short leap, landing near Matt and Jimmy. His expression
seems to suggest that it would be unwise for either of them to rejoin the
fray.
Shakes leaps at Matt. ~Sorry! It's for your own good!~ His arms spread out as
he leaps, trying to snag Matt and bring him down to a position to be pinned.
Drew scowls at the scene, jogging closer, transforming into the Glabro form as
he attempts to sort out who, in the mass of mixed Crinos, is who.
Drew contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Drew shifts into Glabro form.
Tastes-Ashes slams a fist into Hazmat's temple and growls at the Gnawer. ~Be
still!~
Matt decides at the last moment tyo duck under Shakes, but his decision comes
too late as the other garou slams into him, knocking him to the ground with
a loud thud. The younger Gnawer doesn't fight him, though it is a clear
effort of will that allows this. ~Off!~
Hazmat yelps, high-pitched, at the bloe, and immediately stops struggling,
though the tremors remain.
Snow Walker survey's the conflict, prepared to leap on anyone seeking to
continue the brawl.
Serves-Honor squats, settling one massive Crinos paw on Shake's shoulder, and
the other on Matt's. His lips pull back to expose his teeth, and he
rumbles, ~Enough.~
Steps-on-Cracks decides just to lay there, and let whatever happens around her
ride its course. Not that there's much else for her do at the moment,
besides bleed. She pressed a large hand down toward the deeper of the claw
scores, one that's left cut down deep enough to expose the bottom of her
rib cage.
Kosh clenches his fists tight, blood trickling from his palm as he closes his
eyes and tries to remain calm. "Thena...hit me if I get to intense."
Shakes looks at the pinned Matt with his one good eye. ~I'll get off... When
you're done fighting. It's over, okay?~ He makes no move to let the other
up, but watches for trickery as he holds him pinned to the ground.
Wayfinder comes in at Shakes and Matt, a silent snarl for both of them. Stop.
Now.
Thena nods. "Sure. Electroshock, or bullet?"
Tastes-Ashes looks down at Hazmat, then towards Matt. A low growl cuts through
the chaotic noise. ~You. Gnawer.~ She seems to be indicating Matt. ~What
happened?~
Kosh says softly, "Electroshock."
Drew stalks to the brawl, his expression displeased, and looks from Hazmat, to
Matt, then Becca, and finally Kosh, with a quelling look.
Second-Chance, who has been sitting back and watching during all this,
suddenly looks over and growls at the two who also watch. She jerks her
muzzle northwards. If you are going to just stand there not helping, get
going.
Unferth enters, still running, when the scuffle is over. He glances around.
"Right, who's fuckin' around?"
Shakes stands, looking down at Matt. ~Sorry. Didn't want things getting too
fucked up...~ He offers a large crinos hand down to him, to help him back
up.
Snow Walker looks at Second Chance, sternly. ~It is settled. Do you want me to
throat one? If not, I will remain ready.~
Tastes-Ashes chuffs to the Fianna. ~Go. This is under control now.~ To Unferth
she growls a faint welcome, but doesn't answer his question immediately.
Her attention is mostly taken up by the gnawer beneath her.
Matt stands up with a huff and shakes as he shifts down into homid form. He
grabs his bakpack and pushes towards Becca, ignoring all questions. The
stress of everything has finally broke the young gnawer, as tears stream
down his face. "She fuckin' didn't even do anything. What the fuck is wrong
with you people?"
Unferth lumbers over his his tribemate, knowing enough to keep his distance,
but watching nonetheless. He nods to Tastes-Ashes and silently lets her
resolve the matter.
Second-Chance shows Snow Walker a negative, eyeing the three combatants. There
is no need, I think. She looks over at Tastes-Ashes, snorting. These three
are due to be there. Nothing happens until they are.
**** Lots of shifting
Wayfinder stands ready, eyeing both Matt and Shakes with distaste.
Tastes-Ashes rolls her eyes. ~Why didn't you say so?~ She gets off of Hazmat
and glowers.
Second-Chance snorts again this time, with a little sour humor. Because I did
not have the chance. I would appreciate it if you would help me to get them
there without further fighting, though, Tastes-Ashes-rhya.
Thena heads off around the wheel to the north.
Drew nods to the Fianna, after another warning look at Kosh, before taking a
step towards Becca, in an inspection whether the Gnawer can move under her
own power.
Hazmat pushes unsteadily to her feet. Her own wounds are fairly superficial,
though she's as much red as white now. She holds herself uncommmonly still,
unusually unexpressive.
Tastes-Ashes steps over towards the wounded Gnawer and looks down at her and
her companion with obvious distaste. ~I'll carry this one. She'll survive.~
And with that, Tastes-Ashes scoops up the Gnawer with a grunt and begins to
walk towards the lone boulder.
Kosh turns to Drew and says, "I am fine," his body is calm now, shoulders
relaxed. "I had to resist the urge to dive in there..."
Drew tilts his head towards Matt, and jerks after Becca, in an instruction to
the Theurge to follow.
Steps-on-Cracks doesn't say anything to her packmate, looking fairly close to
a dog that's been whipped one too many times. She's not in danger of dying,
that much can be told, though another few seconds at the rate things were
going and she might have been. Until someone tells her to shift she's
staying like that, a hand pressed to her side.
Second-Chance chuffs terse thanks, glaring around at the rest, then moves to
heads towards the Lone Boulder now that she knows Tommie is being escorted
there.
**** Scene change
Around the Lone Boulder
Contents:
Jimmy Wilson
Snow Walker
Steps-on-Cracks
Kosh
Tastes-Ashes
Wayfinder
John O'Morain
Rholeen
Thena
Spirit-of-Words
Shadows
Alexander
JJ Malone
Seeks-the-Truth
Nate
Brian
Hank
Rockslide
Anne
Tastes-Ashes lumbers into the clearing with a bloody wolf draped across her
shoulders and back.
Hank looks up as people start to turn up, and nods to Jimmy and his brother.
Snow Walker steps into the boulder clearing, taking a seat near Wayfinder.
Listeners present:
Name Sex Form Doing
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mosh M Glabro -
Serves-Honor M Lupus -
Matt M Homid Gnawer Things
Second-Chance F Lupus Looking kind of...preggers
Jimmy Wilson M Homid -
Snow Walker F Hispo -
Steps-on-Cracks F Lupus Down about six levels, claw and bite wounds
Kosh M Homid Watching the Shadows move...
Tastes-Ashes F Crinos Pissy Get.
Wayfinder F Hispo Out of it completely
John O'Morain M Homid -
Rholeen F Homid Flying midair! Okay, not really.
Thena F Homid Chipper, beware
Spirit-of-Words M Lupus 5 agg - lots of small puncture wounds
Shadows F Hispo Dirty. Small. Guilty.
Alexander M Glabro -
JJ Malone F Homid Seething quietly
Seeks-the-Truth F Lupus -
Nate M Homid -
Brian M Homid -
Hank M Homid -
Rockslide M Lupus Such a strange Garou.
Anne F Homid -
Matt enters slowly, scanning the area, then moves across towards Second-Chance.
Wayfinder stalks alongside Jimmy, more of an escort than a companion.
Drew comes out into the clearing from the hills to the south.
Mosh follows Matt closely, hands in pockets, visibly agitated.
Rholeen approaches the garou, but stays a comfortable distance from the main
group. Kicking a few weeds out of her way, she find a place to sit.
Tastes-Ashes drops her burden onto the ground with only enough care to ensure
that the wounds on Steps-on-Cracks don't reopen. Then she snarls at the
group in general and stalks off to take a seat.
JJ Malone glances over at Kosh and Thena as they arrive, from her spot next to
Nate, giving them a curt nod. She then looks around the group, waiting to
see what happens.
Brian's expression takes on a less impatient, but equally grim cast as the
troupe of Garou emerge from the sparse woods to the south. He remains where
he is, though, arms folded across his chest, back pressed against one side
of the boulder.
Second-Chance looks up as Matt approaches, looking rather surly herself. She
chuffs shortly. Yes?
Anne leans against the boulder, facing south, a pouch in her hands; her face
is grim and sober.
Drew follows, in the parade of Gnawers and other towards the boulder, wearing
a similar surly expression.
Matt stops when he is near enough to Second-Chance to speak. "Hazmat fucken'
jumped on her for no reason. I don't care if she get's in trouble or not,
but Becca didn't do anything to deserve that. "
Jimmy Wilson tries his best to keep a totally neutral experssion on his face,
but it's obvious he is not pleased by his tribemates' actions so close to
/his/ being judged. He stands, his ars crossed, waiting.
Alexander looks around at all the Garou, attention lingering on
Spirit-of-Words before moving on. He nods silently to most as they come in,
but never moves from his spot next to Shadows.
Mac is here, part of the crowd, looking at his tribemates with a face carved
into an emotionless mask.
Hank gets slowly to his feet, stuffs his hands back deep into his pockets, and
goes to stand next to Jimmy.
Tastes-Ashes just generally looks like she's about to kill someone. A gnawer
for preference at the point, but most anybody will do in a pinch. The Get
slams her back against the rock, folds her arms across her bloody chest and
glowers at anyone who comes near.
Second-Chance studies Matt critically for several seconds, then jerks her
muzzle down into a curt dip. She looks for the other five Bone Gnawers,
indicating that they should come forward before her in a semi-circle or
line, and makes to shift out of lupus.
Rholeen watches curiously at the drama about to start.
Second-Chance contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
You concentrate to shift into Crinos form.
Matt wipes his nose noisly on his sleeve, leaving a wide track of sirt across
his face. "I just want to make sure that the Gnawers don't get blamed for
starting it." He looks over to where Hazmat is, "Cuz the person who started
it wasn't one of our tribe." That said, he tries to find where he is
supposed to be.
Shadows scratches herself furiously and then takes on her birthform, crouching
on the ground next to Alexander.
Shadows contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Shadows shifts into Homid form.
Spirit-of-Words narrows his eyes a bit as the others arrive. He sidesteps
closer to the treeline, showing a little bit of a limp.
Jimmy Wilson moves forward, sighing. "Drop it, Matt. You're gonna get us /all/
killed, dumbass."
Tommie looks at Matt, and mouths a curse.
Seeks-the-Truth, who this time is truly innocent and unknowing of anything
that has possibly happened here, sits with a puzzled, but fairly unangry
expression on her face. She curls up, tucks her tail beneath her, and
watches the goings on w ith some interest.
Hank heads forward after Jimmy, towards the line.
Wayfinder shrinks down to a more comfortable and familiar form and leans
against Snow Walker, ears still pinned back unhappily.
Matt says "Shut up, Jimmy."
Wayfinder contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Wayfinder shifts into Lupus form.
Steps-on-Cracks was deposited by the Get near enough to the others to make up
part of the line, one the end by her two packmates. She watches the Fianna,
the one whose name she's heard so often these past few days, with as much
concentration as she can feign.
Second-Chance takes a deep breath before looking around those gathered to
witness, then at the Gnawers in specific while she says, ~This decision was
both a very difficult and very easy one to come to. Easy, because the wrong
was obvious. Fiery Hand, cliath Galliard of the Glass Walkers was murdered.
Garou die often, but in battle against the Enemy, or in rightful Challenge,
not with their throat torn out while helpless. Difficult, because where
blame lies and what punishment should be meted out is not so simple.~
Tommie crouches, still quiet. She seems strangely serene.
Brian regards the line of Bone Gnawers without any particular malice, just
weary disappointment. His expression leaves little doubt that he believes
justice will be done, here.
Alexander scratches at his head, then says quietly, to Brian, "I think Kuang's
on his way."
Quiet comes out into the clearing from the hills to the south.
Cleanser comes out into the clearing from the hills to the south.
Second-Chance pauses briefly to look over at Brian, but then makes to go on.
Second-Chance again sweeps her gaze over the Bone Gnawers present that night
before going on. ~Every one of you should be ashamed of yourself. Not just
for the fact that your stupidity led to Fiery Hand's death, but because
your intent that night was against the laws of the Garou, which apply to
all of us, not just those who belong to a Sept. The Litany was set down to
prevent from happening exactly what did, but you, in your infinite
'wisdom'~ and her posture and tone make that term sarcastic, ~felt that
your anruth status makes you above the laws. You are wrong, and a Garou
died for your mistake, sold for money like "Jesus" to the "Jews".~
Jimmy Wilson stands more or less still as the decision is announced. He
scratches a little at an armpit, then stops and waits, crossing his arms as
he listens.
Cleanser slips lithely from the brush and takes up station, ears cocked. He is
as expressionless as a lupus can be.
Second-Chance's gaze picks out Mosh, anger now lighting in the depths of her
eyes. It is to him that she now speaks directly. ~You accepted money from
someone to fight their battles of vengeance for them. I hope you choke on
that. However, you, at least, showed some intelligence, by Challenging Remy
at the end, therefore making it within the Laws. You saved your tribemates
by that.~
Disgust creeps rapidly into Brian's expression as Cleanser arrives. He remains
quiet and still where he is, however, allowing the business of judgement to
continue.
Gabriel comes out into the clearing from the hills to the south.
Drew stands, watching the Gnawers with a steady gaze, which darkens and focus
on Mosh when Megan speaks to him.
JJ Malone's expression hardens as business is finally taken care of.
Cleanser's arrival gets no more recognition than any of the other tens of
strangers around her.
Mark comes out into the clearing from the hills to the south.
John O'Morain watches everything carefully, muttering now and then.
Nate's expression is kept neutral, as he listens.
Second-Chance's head turns to pick out Becca, Matt, and Hank, glaring at them.
~The mistake you three made was going along with it. No matter what your
beliefs are about 'how things are done out here' and 'how things are done
in the city', we are *all* Garou, and the laws apply to *all* of us. You
forget that you are visitors on the land of this Sept, and live there with
the tolerance of those 'out here', not because it belongs to you. If you
have a problem with someone, you Challenge them, not gang up to 'teach them
a lesson'. If nothing else, every Garou has right to the judging of a
Philodox, and no matter what your claims,~ she says, her tone becoming
edged with anger as she slides a hard glance over to Shakes, ~it is our
*duty* to be fair.~
Quiet hesistates on the edge of the crowd. She lingers on the edge, not moving
to join anyone in particular. Her expression is distant, her head tilted at
some unheard sound.
Kosh lurks into the shadows, watching, eyes dark voids.
Cleanser remains apart, and seemingly aloof. His full attention rests on the
speaker.
Thena's expression is hidden behind the latex that covers her face.
Gabriel enters from the south and starts with suprise with the number of
people gathered here. He scans the area and frowns deeply as he spots his
packmates. Sighting Wayfinder, he slowly starts to edge towards her without
attracting attention.
Jimmy Wilson just stands there, staring at his feet. At one point he looks up,
as if to say something, then bites his tongue and casts his gaze downwards
once more.
Hank frowns as he listens to Megan's description of things...He doesn't remove
his hands from his pockets, just stands, tense.
Wayfinder leans against the bigger Wendigo, attention rivetted on
Second-Chance.
Tommie looks oddly at Megan.
Matt still seems to be caught up in earlier events, his mind apparently
focused less on the words of the philodox and more on the state of his
packmate.
Second-Chance waits a few moments, then actually moves to stand before Jimmy,
settling down to just look at him for several seconds before she speaks,
her tone and posture becoming more intensely earnest. ~The same applies to
you. You *paid* someone else to fight your battle for you. The act of a
dishonorable coward.~ She lets the name sink in momentarily before going
on. ~In addition, no matter what your excuse, you actively interfered in a
legal Challenge, further wounding Fiery Hand with a fetish dagger. It is
*your* fault that opportunity for Shadows to kill Fiery Hand even occured,
and it is the result of your bad decision that your former packmate is
dead.~ Again, she pauses to drive home her statements
Snow Walker's attention is also rivited on Second-Chance, trembling very
slightly at her word, taking comfort in the warmth of WayFinder.
Jimmy Wilson nods. "Yeah. I fucked up." His words, though not eloquent, are
sincere.
Tommie opens her mouth, and then closes it again, starting to look a little
angry.
Gabriel eventually gets to Wayfinder's side. Giving Snow Walker a quick nod in
greeting, he bends to Wayfinder's ear.
Second-Chance rises to her full height. ~Your punishment is two-fold. The
fetish you do not have the wisdom to use properly is no longer yours to
wield,~ she says while drawing out Jimmy's fang dagger so that everyone may
see it. ~A new owner will be found for it, by Challenge before the
solstice. In addition, because of your desire to teach a lesson in such a
dishonorable method, and for including the others of your tribe, you have
brought shame upon all of the Bone Gnawers. Until it is determined that you
have proven yourself, your every word will declare your baseness.~ At that,
she turns to look for Nimue, backing away from the Gnawer ragabash to let
the Galliard step up.
Anne contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Anne shifts into Crinos form.
Steps-on-Cracks's attention sharpens slightly at this, head lowered, and the
beginnings of confusion forming as she tries to comprehend the second part
of the punishment started.
Nimue comes forward, the pouch in her hands held only loosely. She comes to
stand in front of Jimmy, looking him over from head to toe. Her claws work
on the ties of the pouch; just as she tears the leather enough to open it,
she looks Jimmy in the eye. ~Your cowardice, your dishonor, have proved you
to be of jackal blood.~ She tilts the pouch so that its contents, grey ash
and dust, pour out into one hand; then she lifts the hand to blow with a
sudden powerful breath, sending the mixture flurrying around Jimmy. Her
voice rises slightly, vowels lengthening and more power ringing into her
voice. ~So, then, let your voice proclaim your true breed!~ She upends her
hand over Jimmy's head, the last of the ash and dust falling into his hair.
Brian nods slightly, approvingly, at this, though his eyes, eyes still filled
with irritation and disgust, slide occasionally to Cleaner.
Matt's eyes widen at the rite that unfolds before him, not quite sure what
exactly the purpose of it is.
Hank's frown deepens into a scowl as he listens, the way his pockets bunch
indicate his hands inside them are now fists.
Alexander raises his eyebrows in interest. He's heard of this, but never
actually seen it performed.
Nate's gaze shifts not to Cleanser, but to JJ, beside him.
Tommie watches Jimmy, looking a little bit relieved, actually.
Kosh watches the puishment with an eerie detachment, distant and dark.
Snow Walker relaxes noticeably, perhaps dramatically, as the sentence is
passed. Quietly, she shifts down to lupus, and snuggles more comfortably
next to WayFinder.
Snow Walker contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Snow Walker shifts into Lupus form.
Gabriel seeing Jimmy's punishment, sighs with a little relief.
Quiet's right ear flicks.
Drew watches the Rite with an air of studying.
Jimmy Wilson coughs. "I ain't no coward, dammit. I just did what I had ta..."
he stops, realizing that his vioce has raised an octave and has taken on a
screetching quality. He simply stares at the philo with his one eye, and
fingers the necklace given to him several weeks earlier for bravery. He
shakes his head then hangs it in shame.
Nimue steps back a pace or two, eyes considering and utterly neutral, almost
withdrawn in her distance from the Rite just performed. As Jimmy speaks,
she steps back further, to give a nod to Megan.
Matt shakes his head slowly, then looks away from Jimmy back towards his
wounded packmate.
Gabriel smiles appreciatively to Wayfinder and bows thankfully as he turns
back to look back upon his packmates.
Second-Chance steps back up at the end of the Rite, nodding respectfully to
Nimue in thanks. She looks away from Shakes, finally going to Tommie. She
lets the silence grow as she crouches, unmoving, her voice quiet as it
disturbs the stillness. ~Your punishment was difficult to determine,
Shadows, theurge of the Bone Gnawers. What you did was the act of a stupid,
dishonorable coward. You broke the Litany, you violated every tenet of the
Creeds.~ That the Philodox is angry is almost palpable, but it is tightly
in check. ~I shall protect the weak. I will be fair. I will be merciful,~
she intones. ~You, a healer, were none.~
Cleanser paces slowly around the edge of the clearing, distant from the flock
of sept Garou. The focus of his attention remains the same.
Tommie rises to her feet, crossing her arms. She neither affirms nor denies
the statements of the Philodox.
Hank stands tense, just listening...
Gabriel grits his teeth a little as he listens to Second-Chance's words.
Matt makes no attempt to even follow Tommie's punishment, his arms crossing
slowly across his chest and his gaze looking anywhere else.
Second-Chance's muzzle twitches as she goes on. ~And yet, I am still bound to
the Creeds even if you, murderer, were not. In looking for the proper
punishment, I searched for a way to show you mercy, the same mercy Anubis
gave me. And came to the realization that you, by the very action that has
you standing before us tonight, took away the option to show the mercy I
had hoped for. Cat that Talks to Shadows, cliath theurge of the Bone
Gnawers, of the pack Cavall, at the Sept of the Wheel Renewed, your
sentence is death. If you had shown a hint of honor, you perhaps would have
deserved the Hunt.~ She pauses and makes a brief show of contempt.
~However, you showed nothing of the sort. Neither will the Glass Walkers,~
she goes on, now looking out among the gathering, at the representatives of
the named tribe, ~have the honor. Fiery Hand lies dead from vengeance, the
cycle will not be continued. It will be broken,~ she says loudly, and with
finality, ~now.~ The Fianna looks over to find someone in particular, and,
at doing so, Mac steps out of the crowd, shifting up into the warform. His
expression is emotionless except for a sense of resolved duty, as he steps
forward to fill the spot vacated by Second-Chance as she steps back once
more.
Cleanser's teeth glint slightly at the pronouncement, bared in a faint snarl.
John O'Morain scratches his chest, face neutral.
Hank clenches his jaw, listening quietly...his fists still in his pockets.
Mark-Of-Thorns comes out into the clearing from the hills to the south.
Jimmy Wilson yells out, "Noooo!" his voice a grating whine. He steps before
Tommie. "Ya'll hafta kill me, too!"
Thena stands up in utter disgust. "Might as well kill me too."
Wayfinder jumps up, eyes intent on Jimmy.
Silent Storm makes a motion, as if to rise, but she does not... until Jimmy's
outburst. In a moment she is fully in war form and standing.
Silent Storm contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Tommie smiles gently at Jimmy and slips her patched knapsack off her shoulder.
Turning, she scans the crowd for a member of Whispers.
Silent Storm shifts into Crinos form.
Seeks-the-Truth nods slowly, pleased by the sentance. Jimmy Wilson's reaction
draws a snarl of anger and fury. She doesn't move foward however, but the
Utkena speaks ~You who defend her are fools. She is a murderer, worse by
far than I ever was and I sought to die for my crimes.~
Cleanser growls quiet warning in Thena's direction, the fur of his ruff
bristling.
Snow Walker stops, looking from Jimmy, to Tommie, to Second-Chance, stanfing
motionless.
Alexander snarls softly at Thena. The Gnawer, he could have expected this
from. But not the Walker.
Kosh says nothing but stands by his pack's Alpha, eyes looking to Tommie.
Second-Chance looks to Alexander and Unferth, then Silent Storm as she shifts,
indicating Thena and Jimmy Wilson. ~Get back both of you before you
dishonor yourselves further.~
John O'Morain watches Second-Chance and Brian, quirking an eyebrow; his face
questioning.
Hank moves after Jimmy. "An' me." He stares at the others. "Cyllan kills two
Garou...an' she's still here. Justice for Gnawers, yeah."
Tastes-Ashes grits her teeth, holding back the rage that threatens to burst
forth.
Drew casts a sharp, displeased look at Thena in warning.
Mark-Of-Thorns appears from the south, pausing on the edge of the clearing at
all the people. She paws at her nose, as if confused by all the myriad
senses.
Cleanser reverses the direction of his pace, moving slowly towards Thena with
a grimly dissatisfied mien.
The Bone Gnawer Galliard looks at his tribemates. ~Get back, kids.~
Tommie stops her motion, turning to stare at her packmates in surprise. She
looks around, an odd hopeful expression on her face.
Snow Walker does not moving forward, eyes returning to Jimmy, shaking her
death-head no.
Gabriel frowns sadly and closes his eyes with a silent curse on his lips. His
eyes open again with a watery glaze as he watches Tommie and Jimmy.
Nimue snarls, pulling herself up to her own full height. ~Seeks-the-Truth was
tried, and stripped of rank for killing in haste and heat. The Philodox has
spoken the judgement.~
Jimmy Wilson's voice creaks out. "Ya want honor? Fuck you. I ain't gonna let
my alpha die over shit that's my fault. I'll go with her, if it's all the
same to ya."
Seeks-the-Truth rises to her feet and takes a step forward. ~The Garou that I
killed were not unconscious at my feet. One was not even meant to die from
my actions. Yet I took what punishment was given to me. Had the sentance
been death, I would have taken that as well. The Gnawer deserves to die.~
Snow Walker moves, slowly, directly across to Jimmy, crossing the distance in
long strides, somehow remaining a near-perfect calm.
Alexander walks forward to pull Jimmy back. His shift upward is silent,
instant. Clawed hands lock around the Gnawer's upper arms.
Nate says, in a voice pitched so that only those nearest him will hear it, "If
they're so eager to die, kill them, too. Or do we force the useless to
live?"
Alexander contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Alexander shifts into Crinos form.
Tommie seems terribly bewildered by the beginnings of the riot.
John O'Morain pushes himself to his feet, almsot sighing. He mutters a bit.
Steps-on-Cracks's ears draw back, and an instinctive whimper comes from her
throat. She slinks backwards a little, as well as she can, pulling herself
a few feet back from the rising mass of Garou.
Wayfinder threads her way through the crowd, just behind Snow Walker.
Thena frowns. "What good is honor without heart."
Second-Chance turns on Jimmy, even as Alexander goes to grab him, ~It is *not*
all the same to me. You *still* do not get it. Shadows chose her own path.
You have your punishment. She has hers. Sit down! You have a mate and child
on the way, remember?~
Drew turns his warning gaze onto Hank.
Thunder's Claws pulls Jimmy back forcefully. ~Shut up. Your voice is getting
on my nerves.~
Cleanser stops before Thena, facing her and looking upwards, his demeanor
quiet amidst the storm of emotion. ~You will stand silent, and not dishonor
yourself or your tribe before this rabble.~
Jimmy Wilson lifts his chin, exposing his throat to the claws that are now
there. "I can't just let her go," he whines childishly. "I... ulp!"
Snow Walker turns to Alexander, still trying to maintain calm. To him, she
says, in a growling voice as gentle as she can make it. ~Please. Let me
handle him.~
Jimmy Wilson sits down forcefully.
Quiet turns her head toward Cassandra. Her look is lost, like a questing
child. She seems mostly unmoved by the beldlam.
The most perceptive of the crowd may notice Brian straighten from his slouch
against the boulder and his hand drop to the hilt of the klaive that hangs
at his hip; this happens nearly before Cleanser's snarl is fully formed.
Jimmy's and Thena's outbursts recapture his attention, though, and he
speaks in a clear, imperious tenor, the nobility of his bloodline virtually
palpable around him. "Enough," he says. "The judgement has been made. If
you all want to die with her, that's your choice. But each one of you who
dies makes your tribe that much weaker. Is that what you want, to leave
your Kin and your homes defenseless because of the misdeeds of one?"
Hank glares back at Drew...
Mosh steps back beside his wounded packmate, his nose wrinkling in disgust. He
murmurs quietly into Steps-on-Crack's ear, but makes no move to stand by
the tried others of his tribe.
Gabriel pushes his way next to Jimmy and lays his hand on Jimmy's shoulder. He
bends down on begins to whisper into Jimmy's ear.
Tastes-Ashes growls out in sudden disbelief. ~Are you all fucking BLIND? She's
a murdering little bitch and you want her to live? I don't give a shit if
Remy was the biggest asshole to walk the face of this earth, she ripped out
his fucking throat while he was unconscious. I don't believe you idiots!~
Serves-Honor looks at Thena. He rumbles, ~Honor has a heart. The Theurge made
it bleed. She has choosen her path.~
Shin comes out into the clearing from the hills to the south.
Brian takes a step forward, to the front of the assembly, making himself that
much more of a presence. "Enough," he repeats. "Enough."
Second-Chance looks over as Brian's voice rises above all others, the Alpha
speaking.
Serves-Honor, unlike many, seems to take little joy from this pronouncement,
but he obviously believes what he says.
Snow Walker crouches down, offering to replace Alexander's arms restraining
Jimmy.
Thunder's Claws indicates the seated Jimmy. He seems fine enough now.
John O'Morain waits patiently.
Jimmy Wilson bites back whatever it is he wants to say, his packmate's
whispered words locking him stone-still in place.
Snow Walker nods to TC, kneeling beside Jimmy as she looks up to both the
Alpha and the judge.
Mark-Of-Thorns skirts the edge of the gathering as she catches a particular
scent. Skirting the mob, carefully, she begins to make her way over to
Quiet, trying not to get stepped on by all the Crinos forms around her. She
pauses by her pack Alpha, looking up out of habit at Brian as he speaks.
Hank looks to Brian, listening...his hands still clenched tight.
Nimue stands grimly behind Second-Chance, not speaking now that Brian has done
so, but glowering still at the arguing Gnawers.
Thena seems to break inside, and just nods dumbly.
Cleanser growls quietly at Thena, low and composed in the silence, ~One garou
too many has died in foolishness over this. The Wyrm cherishes these
moments of discord.~
Spirit-of-Words was watching calmly, but moves forward, still in lupus to back
up his packmate if needs be.
Gabriel finishes whispering to Jimmy and stand above him protectively though
calmly.
Kosh remains silent, eyes on Brian as he bellows at the crowd.
Serves-Honor looks at Cleanser in surprise as he speaks, and then again as the
other's rank registers.
Tommie sighs and looks up at Mac. "May I have a moment?" She flinches as she
hears Cleaner's words, but does not look behind her.
Wayfinder sits to side of Jimmy, unhappily. Her attention goes to the Alpha,
as he speaks.
Second-Chance looks around to make sure everyone has bascially calmed down,
before nodding to Mac, who has been standing there the entire time after
his one imperative to the Gnawers, looking down at Tommie. At the request,
the Fianna pauses, obviously undecided, but then finally nods. ~A moment
only.~
Brian sweeps his eyes over the Gnawers. "Is this what you want?" he repeats;
his imperious tone gives way to a much more glib one, each honeyed word
complementing the next. "To die to protect someone who's going to die
anyways? To leave your friends and your families bereft of defenders? Is
this what you want?"
Jimmy Wilson sits totally still except for the trembling of his hands - the
Rage within doing everything it can to make him lose it right now.
Cleanser ignores everyone except Thena until he is satisfied, hard eyes
finally leaving her. He turns, assaying briefly the one who quells the mob,
then looking back towards Tommie, chill calculation and thought.
Tommie manages to completely ignore Brian as she goes about her business of
saying goodbye. First, she makes her way over to WayFinder. Kneeling down,
she offers her backpack. "Give this to Sepdet and Dylan, please?"
Hank looks between TOmmie and Jimmy...then goes over and puts his hand on
Jimmy's shoulder.
Snow Walker moves an enormous hand up to Jimmy's shoulder, resting it there
softly, both comforting and restraining.
Cleanser shifts as he turns, stretching upward to no great height, but
retaining an imposure of presence no less than his wolf form.
Of the Gnawers, the Wharf Rats have made no move to intervene, no spoken word
to argue against the death of their tribemate. They seem to have distanced
themselves from the moment the outcry started.
Thunder's Claws waits to see if anyone else wants to put a hand on Jimmy.
Wayfinder dips her muzzle to the condemned Gnawer, ears tilting back even
more. She can't manage to say anything.
Gabriel lays his hand on Jimmy's other shoulder supportively. He bows his head
downward towards Jimmy to watchover him briefly before looking back at
Tommie.
Tommie leaves the pack lying in front of the unresponsive Stargazer, and next
looks towards Cleanser.
Quiet shakes her head, ears flopping. The theurge seems to draw back somewhat
to this reality, moving closer to Mark-of-Thorn. Her muzzle swings around,
toward the center of the group. She whines softly.
Lee Kuang looks back towards Tommie, his expression a disturbingly inscrutable
blend of oriental tranquillity and the cool presence of authority. It
doesn't change a whit as she meets his eyes.
Brian focuses his eyes fully on Jimmy. "You have an opportunity here," he
says, his voice decreasing in volume if not in its magnetism. "You have an
opportunity to live, and to learn, and to remember, and to make your tribe
stronger. It's easy to throw your life away. It's hard to make something of
the opportunity. Which road do you want to take, Jimmy? The quick and dirty
path that gets you nowhere in a hurry, or the long and hard one that's far
more fruitful in the end?"
Shin takes a slow step to one side, resting the flat of his hand against a
boulder for support. He arches an eyebrow at Brian's last words.
Mark-Of-Thorns nudges her packmate with a black muzzle, then turns her
attention back to the center.
Tommie clears her throat, starts to say something, and then looks at
Alexander. Then she shakes her head and tries to get closer to the Glass
Walker elder. Very quietly, she says, "I'm..." She shakes her head again.
"Wish I could do more than... this... to make up." Her voice is so quite it
probably doesn't carry very far. She looks up at him.
Gabriel whispers to Jimmy one more time before he pulls back away,
uncomfortable with the proximity of people.
Jimmy Wilson thinks for a long moment. "I..." he says, his voice cracking. "I
wanna do what's right. I wanted ta do what I thought was right from the
beginning. I didn't want -anyone- ta die. I'll do what I can... ta make
things right."
Tommie swallows, looks over her shoulder, and then lifts her chin, showing the
Glass Walker elder she feels she failed her throat.
Brian nods slightly. "Then let what must happen, happen," he suggests. "And
remember what happened here, and why, and tell it to every other Bone
Gnawer so that it doesn't happen a second time. Live." His tone remains
quiet and urgently magnetic. "Live and rebuild."
Lee Kuang looks quietly down into Tommie's eyes, listening. His expression
neither condemns nor forgives as he looks, but maintains the thoughtfulness
of someone reading an interesting book. Finally, he lifts his hand as she
lifts her throat.
Mac continues to stand where he is impassively, watching Tommie and the athro
Glass Walker.
Jimmy Wilson stands straight and watches Tommie. "Goodbye," he whispers.
Kosh looks to Tommie and opens his clenched hand, palm out to her. Within, a
small slip of paper, one sentence printed for her eyes only.
Lee Kuang gently yokes Tommie's throat between forefinger and thumb, letting
his fingers just rest against her skin, "I have no intention of forgiving
you. I have no intention of forgetting what was spoken." He pauses. "I have
no intention of letting this become a war between tribes that must fight
side by side against the Wyrm. You can take that with you." He spreads his
fingers slightly, enough to indicate release.
Snow Walker follows Jimmy up, controlling the violence of his movement through
pressure on his shoulder. Quietly, she murmurs, close to his ear.
Tastes-Ashes mutters quietly ~This peace and love shit is disgusting.~
Steps-on-Cracks turns her head away and waits for this to end, no intentions
of watching the death blow land as it soon must.
Quiet's gaze suddenly sharpens, as if Tommy and the rest have just come in
focus. Her dark eyes fix on the young Gnawer theurge.
Brian's eyes shift, then, to Hank. "The same goes for you," he says quietly.
"You can throw your life away here and now, or you can live, and do
something worthwhile. You can make sure no other Bone Gnawer dies this way.
Which is the better choice, Hank?"
Eochaid comes out into the clearing from the hills to the south.
JJ Malone continues to glower, watching her elder with the theurge. Approval
radiates through her at his words, although she does give the other Gnawers
a hard, appraising look.
Tommie stares at Lee Kuang, and then nods hesitantly. She turns to see what
Kosh has written her, but she can not manage to smile. Then she turns away,
looking for her packmates, and Hank.
Hank looks to Brian, still standing near Jimmy. "The choice I made...t' stand
with Jimmy...m'packmate."
Drew studies the Walker elder, before watching the effects of the Alpha's
words on Hank, his expression turning to a hoping encouragement at his
choice.
Brian indicates Jimmy with a lift of his chin, though he doesn't take his eyes
off Hank. "He wants to do what's right," he says. "What's right isn't for
three Bone Gnawers to die right here, right now. Only one has to. You have
the chance to live and keep your tribe strong and your Kin safe. Isn't that
more important?"
Jimmy Wilson's gaze is locked on Tommie. He gives her a nod, then looks over
to Tastes-Ashes, his good eye narrowing in disgust while the other opens
wide and milky white.
Hank nods slowly....though he looks as if he hates to.
Eochaid scowls as he walks into the clearing, clearly not quite expecting to
see so many Garou here. He hangs in the back, searching the crowd for some
of his packmates, folding his arms thoguhtfully.
Lee Kuang lowers his hand, idly sliding a roll of coins from one pocket and
letting it drift between his fingers as he watches the retreating Gnawer.
"Good," Brian says, a hint of a grim smile dancing briefly across his lips and
disappearing quickly. He gives Hank's shoulder a brief squeeze before
taking a step back from the front of the assembly, and looking towards
Second-Chance and Mac.
Tommie walks over to Jimmy and whispers something in his ear. Then she wraps
her arms around Hank and Gabriel, squeezing wordlessly.
Snow Walkers attention is focused primarily on Jimmy, although it strays to
Brian when he speaks, and occasionally to Tommie, comforting/controlling
hand still on Jimmy.
Mosh settles back in a crouch beside his packmates, eyes levelled on Tommie,
silent and watchful. His silence and withdrawal speak volumes, even if his
expression offers nothing.
Gabriel's eyes become wet with tears as he strains some sort of encouraging
smile to Tommie, closing his eyes with her hug.
Jimmy Wilson hugs Tommie back, then pulls away, an amazed expression on his
face. "You knew...?" he squawks, then chuckles. He lets her go on, saying
her goodbyes.
Snow Walker allows Jimmy the freedom to hug Tommie, then gently returns the
hand to its position.
Hank closes his eyes at the hug, returning it quickly.
Luckily for all concerned, Tastes-Ashes doesn't even notice Jimmy Wilson.
Tommie looks over at the Wharf Rats speculatively, and then grins at them
wildly. Shaking her head until her hair flies, she returns to her place in
front of Mac. "I'm ready, Mac." She lifts her chin as she did for Lee Kuang
earlier.
Gabriel waits until the the punishment is over to leave with his gaze
practically afixed to the ground.
Kichkinet comes out into the clearing from the hills to the south.
Jimmy Wilson doesn't frop his gaze. He watches Tommie's every ection with his
one good eye, the other having closed after glaring at Tastes-Ashes. He
seems to have found a certain calmness that is entirely opposite of the
Rage and anger he's shown the last few days.
Mac's actions are quick and efficient. He lowers his head down, his jaws
closing around Tommie's exposed neck. He jerks back, and her throat tears
free, still locked in his teeth. Blood fountains from severed arteries.
Kichkinet pauses, looks around the group for faces he might know.
Hank watches quietly...his face blank, but his fists still clenched.
Tommie seems calm at the end, almost peaceful. Hey eyes flutter shut right
before Mac rips her throat out, and then it is over.
Mark-Of-Thorns flicnhes at the quickness of it, and nudges Quiet again.
Kichkinet hops back, stunned by what he has apparently walked blindly into.
Snow Walker watches Mac's movements, perhaps more closely than Tommie's, as
the deed is done.
Quiet, who had watched Tommie intently at the end, shuts her eyes with a sigh.
Eyes still closed, she turns her head blindly toward the Fury.
Thena has not moved nor blinked at all.
Kichkinet glances at Thunder's Claws, the only face he recognizes, eyes wide.
Nate nods, once.
Nimue watches the killing with a grim expression, then turns her head to look
towards Lee Kuang.
Spirit-of-Words watches the execution quietly. His eyes then widen a bit, and
he shakes his head, taking a few steps back.
Drew watches the execution with a determined grimness, exhaling at its end to
inspect the other Gnawers.
Jimmy Wilson stansd there, still, waiting like the action is still about to
happen. It finally registers with him that it is over and he looks down at
his feet once more, then back up, taking a deep berath.
JJ Malone watches, breathing hard, expression dark, but apparently satisfied
with the result now that it is over.
Lee Kuang doesn't even twitch. He watches as might an appointed witness to the
execution, noting detail without judging. No look of satisfaction or
dissatisfaction touches his countenance.
Thunder's Claws' jaw clenches as the flesh is pulled away, then his nose
wrinkles at the stench of fresh blood. If he caught the Wendigo's look, he
ignored it completely. But he probably didn't catch it.
John O'Morain scratches his chest, muttering.
Serves-Honor watches in silence as Tommie dies, then looks slowly around the
group of gathered Garou to gauge their reactions.
Kichkinet's eyes narrow. Or perhaps not so unusual.
Kosh is stone as Tommie dies, life flowing onto the ground. In his eyes,
coldness. The hard, empty, unforgiving coldness of deep vaccum, staring out
at the world and feeling nothing for it.
Shin frowns slightly, the barest curving down of his lips before he schools
his expression. He draws himself up and looks down at the body.
When the sentence is finally finished, Matt leans down to whisper to his
packmates. He seems unconcerned about the loss of Tommie.
Wayfinder tilts her head back and sends a fluting cry up to the Wind,
wordless, but loaded with meaning. o/~ Guide her home, Wind of peace...~/o
She then lowers her head, and stares at the ground.
Jimmy Wilson looks back at Snow Walker. "Lemme go," he creaks. "It's over. I
ain't gonna do nothin'."
Second-Chance looks around, then speaks up, even as Mac spits the flesh from
his mouth, and shifts down to lupus to escape the crowd, heading for the
woods, still emotionless. The Philodox says, ~I asked that her elder do the
killing, for it was his responsibility, and one that he accepted.~ She
looks pointedly at the remaining five Gnawers at this. ~If you still do not
understand you may come to talk to me later. Her body will be burned, and
the ashes returned to her pack to take care of. She is refused the Burial
Mounds.~
Snow Walker takes her hand away, shifting as she does so to become a weak,
frail, frightened and perplexed young woman.
Snow Walker contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Snow Walker shifts into Homid form.
Kichkinet lopes quietly over to Thunder's Claws, still staying a ways outside
the circle.
Spirit-of-Words's eyes narrow again, and he stares at the corpse for a long
moment before looking around at those assembled.
Quiet opens her eyes at this, her ears flattening somewhat.
Nimue gives a supportive nod at Second-Chance's last words.
Seeks-the-Truth shakes her head as the sentance is carried out. Then she turns
and walks off.
Thunder's Claws steps back to let Jimmy go, then turns to look down at
Kichkinet.
Seeks-the-Truth sets off across the rising ground to the south, eventually
becoming lost from view in the forest.
Shin frowns in earnest this time, brushing the hair from his face. He looks at
Second-Chance for a long moment, then turns his eyes to one side.
Kichkinet looks up at Thunder's Claws. Not a good time for introductions, I
think. Nor a good omen after being here only a few days.
Lee Kuang's gaze continues to rest on Second-Chance, seeming to wait patiently.
Theressa Storm, shaking a bit, turns red, slightly watering eyes on Jimmy.
Silently, she mouths, "Thank you," to him before turning to leave.
Second-Chance chuffs, simply. ~It is done.~
A few droplets of Tommie's life-blood staining his left cheek from the spray
of gore, Brian turns his attention on all the remaining Gnawers. "I have
something to say to all of you," he asserts. He wipes at the fair skin of
his face as he goes on, his brilliant emerald eyes resting on each of the
five youths in turn. "This happened in part because you tried to straddle a
fence that's hard to straddle, to remain Anruth while relying on the
goodwill of this sept. Some of you remained members of this sept and
attempted to live apart from it. Others of you broke from the sept but
tried to live within it. I want to put an end to that tonight." He pauses
only long enough to draw breath before going on.
Thunder's Claws shakesh is head slowly. ~Bad timing. We don't often try
murderers here.~ He gives no indication of being surprised by the Wendigo's
claim of only being here a few days.
Theressa Storm contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Theressa Storm shifts into Homid form.
Mark-Of-Thorns nudges Quiet gently, whining at her softly enough to not
interrupt the talk around her.
Kichkinet looks over at the throated Tommie. That slip of a girl? Murderer?
Theressa Storm sets off over the hills to the north, eventually becoming lost
from view in the sparse forest.
Eochaid unfolds his arms, stuffing his hands in his pockets, watching
everything with keen interest, while still keeping at the edge, and not
involving himself.
Hank listens, his eyes watching Brian closely.
Jimmy Wilson stands there, starting to shake a little as he knows what will
come next from the Sept alpha.
Thunder's Claws nods slowly, homid-like. ~She tore out another Garou's throat
while he was unconscious.~
Kichkinet's eyes narrow at Thunder's Claws' words. I see.
Thunder's Claws says, ~Like I said, it doesn't happen often. You'll see. Bad
timing.~
JJ Malone takes a moment to nudge Nate to get his attention and looks at him,
before beginning to pick her way over to where Lee Kuang stands.
Drew is still, not merging into a chatting group, as he listens attentively to
the Alpha.
Kichkinet shrugs, features hardening. It is what I have seen every other
place. I would be surprised to find this one different. But perhaps a
second week here will show you correct, Guardian.
Thunder's Claws shakes his head, actual amusement showing in his features.
~I'm sure in a week, you'll find the place much better.~ He indicates the
Wendigo's wounds. ~How do you feel?~
Thena appears unaware that anything has changed.
Lee Kuang doesn't shift his gaze from Second-Chance as JJ approaches. Nor does
he move otherwise to acknowledge her. The roll of coins spins loosely
between his fingers, unconsciously shifting from one hand to the next,
twirling lazily between his fingers.
"You all have a choice to make," Brian goes on. "Either you -- all of you --
can become part of this sept, subject to its rules and strictures but
gaining in return its help and protection, or you can turn your backs on
what happened here and leave now, leave St. Claire altogether, and not
return." He pauses there, nudging the toe of his left foot into the water-
and now blood-dampened soil. "You must make the choice together."
Kichkinet looks himself over. Not sure what happened. I must have slept on a
nest of fire-ants. The scabs itch.
Nate's attention is gained, and his eyebrows lift, before he follows JJ, the
body looked over as casually as the rest of the grass.
The three Gnawers of Wharf Rats remain removed, aloof. Having calmly watched
Tommie's execution, they silently listening to the Alpha, relatively
dispassionate.
Shin tries to keep his expression under control, turning his head to study the
bark of an oak to avoid being seen. He wraps his arms around his chest and
looks back, face cold.
Thunder's Claws shakes his head. ~We fought something last night. I'm not
surprised you don't remember. It'll come back.~
Kichkinet looks vaguely confused, and falls silent again while the Alpha and
the Gnawers continue talking.
Mark-Of-Thorns snorts, an effect that sounds suspiciously like a sneeze. THis
time, she nudges Quiet fairly forcefully, and turns to leave the clearing.
Hank listens to Brian....and frowns, looking to Jimmy.
Quiet's dark gaze rakes one last time over those gathered before she turns to
her packmate's urging. The pair pad south, and away.
Quiet sets off across the rising ground to the south, eventually becoming lost
from view in the forest.
Mark-Of-Thorns sets off across the rising ground to the south, eventually
becoming lost from view in the forest.
Matt rubs at a spot just above his right eye, then leans down and speaks
softly to his packmates.
Brian slides his hands into the pockets of his coat, waiting and visibly
willing to allow the five youths to discuss their options among themselves.
Thunder's Claws turns to look at Second-Chance. ~I'd like to talk to you when
you have a chance, Philodox.~
Jimmy Wilson nudges Hank then heads over to where the Wharf Rats huddle in
conference.
Hank heads after Jimmy, still frowning.
Mosh mutters, loud enough to be heard by those nearby, "Fuck me," then turns
to quiet discussion with his pack.
Steps-on-Cracks isn't making decisions tonight, apparently. She lowers her
head to the ground once again, and shuts her eyes.
Brian observes, as off-handedly as he can manage in circumstances such as
this, "The Wheel will not be complete without the Bone Gnawers."
Kichkinet watches the Gnawers gather. With his recent memory failure, he looks
thoroughly baffled as to why a murderer's death would call for an
after-the-fact conference. He sits, and watches with a bemused expression.
Second-Chance takes a deep breath, then splays her ears a little at Thunder's
Claws with humor. ~Very well, Ahroun.~ She turns after that to look over
and hopefully catch Brian's attention, then turns to face the Athro Glass
Walker whose eyes would be boring holes in her if it was possible. She
crouches down before him, respectful despite the disparity of size in the
two forms.
Shin murmurs something softly in Japanese, letting a touch of amusement enter
his tone as he turns to face the treeline again.
Lee Kuang lifts his off hand and casually beckons to Second-Chance, regarding
her still in silence.
Second-Chance grimaces at the beckoning, but obeys, shifting out of the
warform.
Second-Chance contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
You concentrate to shift into Homid form.
Nimue glowers at Lee, taking her gaze off the Gnawers, as he beckons to Megan.
Her arms are still crossed over her chest, and she stands still in Crinos,
irritation obvious.
Mark moves up onto the boulder a ways to get a better view of the aftermath.
Thunder's Claws turns and heads southward, dropping to a four-legged form as
he returns to the Wheel. ~Come to the Wheel when you're free,~ he calls
back to Megan.
Thunder's Claws contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Thunder's Claws shifts into Lupus form.
Thunder's Claws sets off across the rising ground to the south, eventually
becoming lost from view in the forest.
Kichkinet stays, not following Thunder's Claws back to the Wheel.
Hank looks at the other Gnawers, chewing his lip slightly.
Lee Kuang continues to observe the tall young woman as she approaches. His
quiet voice is polite, it's Georgian drawl all out of kilter with his
oriental face, "Half-moon. Should I assume you didn't receive the message I
sent?"
Brian runs a hand back through his hair after a wry grimace flickers through
his expression. "I tell you all what," he says, cordial if cool. "Take some
time to think about it. We would rather have you among us than not, but it
is time for your tribe to make its choice one way or the other. I think I
know what Mac will advise. Please listen to him. Take until Luna waxes full
again to make up your minds, okay?"
Megan's expression is an attempt at neutrality, but she's no where near good
at completely hiding her feelings. Some of the dislike for this man leaks
out, through her posture and small movements. "No," she answers simply. "I
did."
Kichkinet looks from the Gnawers over to Brian. His eyes settle on the Fianna
thoughtfully.
Kosh tilts his head as he catches a few of Shin's words, but does not react.
The icy voids behind his eyes remin.
Drew's gaze studies the Gnawers, with a hopeful, yet wry expression, and he
shifts back down to the slighter form of the human, as it appears no riot
bodes any longer.
Drew contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Drew shifts into Homid form.
Serves-Honor sets off over the hills to the north, eventually becoming lost
from view in the sparse forest.
Lee Kuang nods. "I had thought so." He measures her quietly for a while,
letting the silence hang. When it has stopped kicking, he gives the rope a
twitch. "I had some counsel you might have given consideration. What it was
might surprise you." The slightest semblance of a frown creases his lips,
"Still, I deliver upon my intent. Perhaps in the future, you will find the
time to take it in some other valuation." He opens his hand, dropping a
pair of copper disks to the grass at Megan's feet and beginning to turn
away.
In spite of the Alpha's extension, the group of Gnawers continue to discuss
what they plan to do.
Drew crosses the portion of the clearing to offer his few words to Hank. "I
hope you and your tribe'll stay."
Shin tosses his head slightly and casts a backward glance at the cluster of
Gnawers and Fianna, then strides back into the forest, hands slipping into
his pockets.
Shin sets off across the rising ground to the south, eventually becoming lost
from view in the forest.
Nimue contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Nimue shifts into Homid form.
Hank looks up at Drew. "Go away. I don't feel much like talkin', right now."
Anne comes up behind Megan, and asks over her shoulder, "Did you not get _my_
message?"
Megan looks at the copper, then up at Lee as he begins to make his way out.
Although unasked, she raises her voice slightly so the theurge may here.
"Ask Brian why I didn't. Sir." She adds, but with the slight pause of
afterthought.
Kichkinet stands, lopes over toward Brian and sits a distance behind him to
patiently await his finishing with his role in this.
Brian draws a breath and, for the first time in many minutes, takes his eyes
from the Gnawers. He focuses them on Kuang and says, crisp, cool, and with
the minimum measure of respect for an Athro that one could conceivably get
away with, addresses the Glass Walker. "Backstabber."
Eochaid watches Lee and Megan, his lips pulling down to a thoughtful scowl.
Carefully he makes his way towards her, skirting around many other Garou to
get to her.
Lee Kuang turns, not to leave, but towards Brian, remarking over his shoulder
to Megan, "I imagine we have other things to discuss." He doesn't even
acknowledge Anne's question, but bestows a wintery smile upon the Sept
Alpha. "I see you have heard of me."
Drew tilts his head slightly, nods, "You can find me, later, if you want to
talk." With the parting words, he puts a few paces' distance.
Brian's demeanor is hot to the Glass Walker's cold as he proffers a curt nod.
"I have," he states flatly. "Your name is infamous among my people."
Kosh turns to Thena and rests a hand on her shoulder.
Thena does not appear to notice.
Mark looks curiously at the Walker elder.
Kosh says to his packmate, "Thena." Deep in the back of his voice, a low,
rumbling baratone whispers lurking beneath his normal tone.
Lee Kuang takes a casual stance perhaps ten feet in front of Brian, "So I am
given to understand." He smoothes one of his lapels. "So you know me. Or
know of my past. Who do I have the honor of addressing?"
Kichkinet watches the Glass Walker and Fianna closely, like a fly on the wall
who has happened into a room of pesticide manufacturers.
Thena just stands there, facing the way she had been facing during the
sentencing.
Spirit-of-Words continues to watch quietly from the edge of the clearing, as
he has most of the night.
Kosh shakes his head, a slow movement and reaches down to take her hand.
Hefting over his shoulder, he lifts her, angling her body so she rests on
him like a wounded soldier. Weighted as he is, he bows to Lee. "With your
permission, Lee-sama?" he says, the dark, warbling woodwinds in his voice
stronger now.
Scab-Survivor comes out into the clearing from the hills to the south.
Lee Kuang waves a hand towards Kosh without looking away from the Sept Alpha.
Scab-Survivor pads in from the south, trying to be quiet as possible (and
succeeding rather well), and looking very angry. He scans around for Shakes.
JJ Malone looks at her tribemates, dark eyebrows going up over the rims of her
sunglasses quizzically.
Nate leans forward to murmur something to JJ, as he stands behind her this
time, Then he nods toward the surrounding trees, and starts off toward the
south, pace leisurely.
"I am Brian O'Flannery," the Irishman begins, his six-foot frame towering over
Lee's smaller Oriental build. "Heartsfire to the Garou, Echen Mac Conaill
to the Fianna. I am born of the full moon, while the red planet was rising
in the sky. On my claws is the blood of Silvernails; I bear scars from the
Ice King; I fought beside the Garou of the doomed Caern of Cypress Rising
to reclaim what is now the Caern of the Last Days. I hold the rank of
Adren, and I lead this sept." While this is perhaps the most formal
introduction Brian has offered in recent days, there is little doubt that
it's his abridged version.
Kosh scans his cold eyes across the assembled Garou, Thena on his shoulder,
gazing at them one by one. He walks into the shadows, pausing just before
the wood and saying one sentence, the symphony of dark voices clear to all
who can hear: ">You are all Kosh now.<"
JJ Malone looks over at the Get of Fenris at his whisper, and nods. With a
muttered, "Excuse me, Mr. Kuang," she, too, makes her departure, following
after the ragabash.
The Gnawer congregation seems to break up a bit. Jimmy stands back a bit,
scowling.
Matt nods grimly at the group then stands and heads away from the group,
towards the Fianna Alpha. He stops a few steps away and waits to be
recognized.
Hank stands, wavering a little, close to Jimmy, but looking after Matt.
Nate sets off across the rising ground to the south, eventually becoming lost
from view in the forest.
John O'Morain looks after Kosh, muttering.
Eochaid finally gets to Megan, and rests a hand on her shoulder. He leans in
close to talk to her in low tones.
Scab-Survivor spots Jimmy and heads for him.
Eochaid whispers "You allright, lass?"
Mosh seems resolute and as disdainful as he dares be to Brian's face, fists
planted on his hips and a frown carved into his angular face.
Megan jumps a little at the hand on her shoulder, although Eochaid is hardly
quiet enough to normally surprise the Philodox. She turns to looks over at
Eochaid, and gives him a shallow, distracted nod, before sighing and
reaching up to squeeze the fine-boned hand on her shoulder gratefully.
John O'Morain quietly folds himself down to sit on the ground, watching
everything carefully, nodding now and then to some unheard question.
Scab-Survivor reaches Jimmy's side and chuffs up towards him quietly.
Steps-on-Cracks opens her eyes now, having listened to the conversations, if
not contributing any herself. She looks watches her packmates for a few
seconds, then ducks her head down to lick carefully at one of the more
accessible wounds.
Jimmy Wilson looks at the necklace he wears as Touch Deer approaches. "Hey,"
he says, his voice cracking and whining. "The philos told everyone I'm a
fucking coward. I don't know what ta do with your gift."
Scab-Survivor contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Scab-Survivor shifts into Homid form.
Lee Kuang nods. "Good." He doesn't attempt to tower, or shift his relaxed pose
at all, for that matter. Nevertheless, his presence is palpable in the
night air. "I am Kuang Lee, of the Glass Walk, weaver in the webs of
spirits. In the East, I am Gold-Sticks-To-Him. In the West, I am the
Cleanser. I am the Architect of the Wards of the Caern of the Gull, and one
who heals the sores of Gaia. I have come here to gather and guide the Walk,
and to cleanse, maintain...And, yes, govern...The City men call St. Claire.
And just now," he drawls, "I have no quarrel with you, Heartsfire, Alpha in
this place."
Drew steps about the cooling pools of blood, and looks considering at trees
nearest him.
Touch Deer frowns and converses with Jimmy in hushed tones, deliberately not
wanting to disturb the things going on elsewhere near the boulder.
Brian gives the man a curt nod. "Then I will ask you to observe a few things.
First, I am under the impression that you brought one of your Kinfolk into
our caern two nights ago. This will not happen again; our Warder has
forbidden it. You will perform a Rite of Contrition to the spirits of the
place to make amends. Second, if it is your intention to claim the city as
your territory, as I understand you discussed when you first appeared at
our caern, then I must ask you to present your chiminage to the sept and
become a member. Otherwise you disrespect our territory. Third..." He
trails off there, glancing towards the Gnawers who wait for his attention.
"Third. Come find me at another more opportune moment if you have further
need of me. I have very pressing things to attend to, this evening."
Drew makes a looping path through the trees, gathering up branches fallen with
the autumn leaves, to start a pile of wood.
Matt takes a breath, then says as firmly as he can, "What if we all can't
agree? Some of us want to go, and other's are willing to stay. The people
who want to leave, can do so, but they don't want to cause problems for
those who don't."
Alexander walks back in from the south in lupus, then reverts to his birthform.
Kichkinet continues to sit patiently, watching Lee Kuang and Brian.
Lee Kuang 's eyebrows rise very slightly. "I acknowledge your requests. I was
given to understand that your bawn ended well before the City." He leans
forward slightly on the balls of his feet, "Third, the rules of the game
are simple, Fianna. You have trouble enough with the support of one tribe,
it would seem. We can work together and tear at the Wyrm's heart. We can
work apart and inflict our own separate wounds upon his work. Or we can
deluge two tribes in unnecessary blood and let the Wyrm laugh at us both.
The city needs my attention. Look at how it fares now. You've shown
yourself a leader with decision and sight so far tonight."
Brian holds up a hand to Matt, a kind of, "give-me-just-one-second" gesture,
as he frames a response to the Athro Glass Walker. "As I said," he says.
"If you wish to make St. Claire your domain, I must ask you to present
chiminage and join the sept. I am tonight putting an end to the
disorganization of the city's Anruth. The Wheel has grown with the blood of
all thirteen tribes, and whatever bad blood lies between the Fianna and you
is... of little consequence, in the grander scheme of things." The last bit
of that speech seems to leave a foul taste in his mouth, and he turns to
address Matt with a far less hostile demeanor. "I want for you to all
agree, Matt," he says candidly, as if perfectly willing to explain his mind
to the Gnawer. "We can no longer have Anruth just running around
disorganized and unsupervised in the sept's protectorate. Do you have a
suggestion, a better way than what I've asked of you?" He asks the final
question openly, without any petulance or patronization.
Hank comes forward slowly, looking at Brian for permission to speak.
Megan clears her throat, looking between Matt and Brian. "I think he meant
that if some wanted to stay, and some to go, if you would treat those who
stayed badly." She looks at Matt for confirmation, with a tilted head.
Matt shrugs. "Let those who want to leave, leave the city, and those who want
to stay, like, be members like you said." He looks back at his pack then
back to the Alpha with a nod at what Megan saids. "Wharf Rats is a pack,
and if one of us wants to leave, we are all leaving. We will be no trouble
to you."
Drew puts some attempt towards piling wood as quietly as he can.
Kichkinet, an Anruth himself, makes no sound, continuing to wait and listen.
Lee Kuang shifts the roll of coins into his pocket with a nod to the Alpha,
then turns, taking Brian's own turning away as dismissal. He walks at a
casual pace back towards the caern.
Lee Kuang sets off across the rising ground to the south, eventually becoming
lost from view in the forest.
Touch Deer nods to Jimmy and turns to watch the proceedings nearby Brian.
Jimmy Wilson moves forward a bit himself, up near Hank, Matt and the Alpha.
John O'Morain stands up. "Mm. Righ. I'm Anruth too."
Spirit-of-Words sits, near the edge of the clearing, watching quietly and
subduedly like he has all evening.
The tension runs out of Anne's body almost as soon as Lee Kuang has vanished
through the trees. The Galliard turns towards the Gnawers, taking a step or
two towards Steps-on-Cracks, then swings towards John as he speaks up.
Brian runs a hand back through his hair one last time, then returns both hands
to his coat pockets. "I would rather that you all made the decision as a
group," he admits. "But if some leave and some wish to stay, the ones who
stay will be treated with the same dignity and respect that any other
member of the sept is treated with." A pause, and his eyes take in all of
the Gnawers. "I'm Fianna. When my people first came to the New World, the
Bone Gnawers were already here and helped us through the hard times. I
haven't forgotten that. I would rather that you all stayed, and were an
example of the good of your tribe. There is a place for you here."
Hank chews his lip, still looking to Brian. "Can I ask ya somethin'?"
"Sure," Brian answers.
Matt nods. "Well, I don't want to bother you any more, but it seems like this
Sept don't want us, even if you say they do. We don't want to be where we
don't feel we're wanted, and I don't think that anything would change if we
stayed. So it's better for us to go before we get into more trouble." That
said, he turns and heads back to his pack.
John O'Morain waits, patiently, muttering quietly to himself the entire time.
Mosh nods and grins humorlessly, offering a hand for Matt to slap
congratutorily. "Good work, Mattman," he mutters.
Hank takes a deep breath,and looks up at Brian. "How d'ya feel about someone
who feels trapped? I mean.... I was real close to tellin' people I was
leavin' the Wheel...BEFORE ya said anything 'bout us stayin' or leavin'.
I...don't know how much I really wanna stay here. But I'm trapped, kinda.
Jimmy's got Sparrow an' the kid t' think about, so he can't leave...an' I
don't want t' leave him...or ST. Claire. It's the closest thing t' a home I
got right now. I just don't know if I give a damn 'bout the Wheel right
now. So....." He shrugs. "What's YOUR opinion."
Brian glances past Hank for a moment, and inquires of Matt, "What makes you
think the sept doesn't want you?"
Hank sighs softly. "An' I really don't wanna lose m' brother, either."
Brian fixes his eyes on Hank, then, and chews on his lower lip. "Lot of people
will tell you a lot of different things about what honor is, Hank. Some of
'em will tell you that it has everything to do with the Litany. Others will
tell you that it has everything to do with the creeds. But honor's simpler
than all that, really. Do you know what honor is?"
Jimmy Wilson waits impatiently. It's obvious from his stance that he wants to
say something, but realizes that anything that comes ouf his mouth, with
his newly acquired voice, would have exactly the opposite effect of what he
wants. He just sighs, and even that is nasally and pinched.
Hank looks at Brian. "What do _you_ think it is?"
Megan smiles to herself, muttering wryly, amused, loud enough to be heard,
"Stick around and find out."
Brian lifts his shoulders in a shrug. "Honor is doing what's right, no matter
how much it hurts, no matter what it costs, no matter what it takes. That's
all. And I'll tell you this: it's right for the Bone Gnawers, and your two
packs, to remain here."
Matt turns back towards the Alpha with a slight shrug, letting him finish with
Hank before replying. "From my first introduction to this place, I have
never been allowed to come or go without some stuff shirt pickin' a fight
with either me, my pack, or Rat. Never. I know we don't go by the rules,
but we do the best we can. He glances at Megan, then back to Brian. "The
rangers out here don't seem to be able to understand that, and so they
don't understand us. Maybe, eventually, you'll find some gnawers that
follow you rank and file, like Hazmat, but they ain't Gnawers. They're just
pretending."
John O'Morain contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
John O'Morain shifts into Crinos form.
Jimmy Wilson sighs, and interrupts. "We did what we thought was right, no
matter the cost, and look what it fucking got us."
Eochaid looks at matt, confusion written on his face. He glances at Megan and
shakes his head, keeping his thoughts to himself.
Touch Deer watches Jimmy with a pained expression, and glances around to see
everyone elses response.
Anne puts in, quietly, "But it wasn't right, and that's why it cost. Knowing
how to tell, that's something you can learn, and we can teach...if you want
to learn."
Talks-to-Air steps over toward Megan and Brian.
Steps-on-Cracks chuffs tiredly, trying to draw the attention of at least one
of her packmates. We should leave. Talking is stupid.
Megan's amused expression fades as she looks at Jimmy, sighing softly with
exasperation and frustration. Now that judgement is made and passed, her
anger is mostly leeched away, and she is looking more and more unhappy with
what is being thrown about.
Mark scrambles down fromt eh boulder and walks over to Megan.
Talks-to-Air says, ~When would be a good time to petition for Sept membership,
Righ?~
Jimmy Wilson shakes his head. "Ya know, it *is* ironic," he whines. "I
*wanted* ta be a member here. I really did. I tried ta do shit ta prove it.
I almost died goin' scouting in the bawn. I came to yer hotshot Fang, even
though I hate the guy, and asked him ta teach me how ta fight. I did
everything he wanted me to, an' he didn't do shit for me. An' now, I _am_ a
coward, 'cause I'm gonna let ya bully me into joinin' cause I got Kin that
I can't just move outta the city an' responsibilities an' shit. I can'
tleave thsoe homeless people back at Tommie's church, so I'll join yer
club, so you won't fuck with me when I feed them an' give them a place ta
sleep at night."
Brian shakes his head slowly, a rueful smile playing over his lips. "Paying
someone to beat someone else up for you isn't right, Jimmy," he says, the
words intended to be more gentle instruction than admonishment. "Stabbing
someone in the back isn't right, you know? Even when someone else treats
you like shit, you show yourself better by doing the right thing. What was
the right thing to do here? You already know it, Jimmy." He extends a
finger to touch Jimmy's breast, above his heart. "You know what's right in
here. Even Garou have conscience." Having said this he moves his gaze back
to the Wharf Rats, and lifts his shoulders in a shrug. "I was never a Bone
Gnawer," he says candidly, "but Mac was, and is, and doesn't think you're
right in taking off. Does Mac follow me rank and file? Shit no. I still
have a scar from a fight he and I had once. But Mac knows where he's
needed, and where he's wanted, and knows enough to say to hell with the
assholes who give him a hard time, because there are more important people
around here who *do* want him around. Ought to talk to Mac before you make
your final decision, and really do something that you can't reverse."
Hank looks at Brian. "An' me...I don't really GIVE a damn 'bout the Wheel
right now...but I have t' stay for Jimmy....t' help HIM. An' lose my
brother, if he leaves."
Matt nods, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Well, I'll talk to Mac 'fore
we leave, but I thought you should know why we were leaving. You know, if
you ever figure out what the money Jimmy gave Mosh was, you'd pro'ally be a
lot closer to understanding us. Thanks for lettin' me speak my mind." He
moves next to Becca and kneels down. "I bet I can get you at least able to
make it back to the city."
Brian lets his attention drift back to Jimmy and Hank. "I'm not bullying you,
Jimmy," he says quietly, again shaking his head. "Nobody else is either.
Nobody's putting a gun to your head and making you stay. You're not being a
coward. You're doing what's right. You have responsibilities. You have
duties. And no matter how bad the rest of the world treats you, you can't
abandon them. That's honor. Staying here is honorable. Not tucking tail and
running away from a place that needs you is honorable. Doing what's right
rather than what's convenient is honorable." The last sentences are
directed to Hank as much as they are to Jimmy; he nods absently to Matt
before falling silent.
Mosh levels the Fianna Alpha with one last glance and follows Matt's suit,
kneeling to help deal with their wounded packmate. "Yer doin' a'right,
yeah?" he asks her quietly.
Talks-to-Air leans on his staff, and taps Megan on the shoulder. ~You did
good, Second-Chance. Tough decision, I know, but you did well.~
Alexander watches the Wharf Rats silently.
Hank looks at Brian, raising an eyebrow. "Stayin' someplace ya don't give a
damn about, when that's supposed t' be the whole point of stayin', is
honorable?"
Matt spends some time working on Becca, letting Gaia's gift work through him
to help heal some of her more serious wounds.
Steps-on-Cracks pulls herself up a little, altering her position so that the
deepest of the wounds is in easy access to Matt. There's a decided look of
relief that comes, now that her packmates are done talking, actually moving
again. She flicks an ear back. I will be.
Megan grimaces and shakes her head at Matt, sighing with regret. She looks
over at Talks-at-Air and gives him a small smile, but turns to say to Matt,
"Matt...before you leave, if you do, I'd like to talk to you, too. Please,"
she adds.
Drew slowly builds a woodpile next to the gory darkening pools.
Alexander says "Hank. Staying here and doing what you don't want to do,
because of the people you care about, that's honorable. Sacrifice. Putting
others in front of yourself. Get it?"
Brian nods tentatively to Hank. "After a fashion. Putting up with the shit you
get from most of the sept, and sticking around even though it makes your
life hell, because it's the right thing to do? Yeah. That's honorable. At
least, it is in my book."
Matt finishes with Becca and, after taking a moment to scratch her bettween
the ears, stands up and faces Megan. "I only got a couple of minutes, cuz
we should really get her back to the city so she can rest."
Touch Deer glances all about, watching a listening as people talk about honor.
He looks decidedly unhappy.
Megan shakes her head. "I didn't mean now, now. Before you leave St. Claire,
if you do. Later this week or early next, maybe. Before you make a final
decision."
Hank looks at Alexander. "An' how 'bout the people I care 'bout, who might not
be stayin'. What do I do 'bout them?"
Mosh smirks and nods. "Been there, chiquita," he mutters as he helps hold her
heavy body so Matt can work more effectively. "I quit hurtin' after a day
or so, but I didn't have no Haz goin' psycho on -me-." By his voice, he's
just trying to keep her distracted from the wounds.
Alexander shakes his head. "Whether they go or stay is their choice. You can't
make it for them. You have to worry about the poeple who can't go. The ones
back in the city that you care about. Your friends." He indicates Jimmy.
Hank turns back to Brian. "If I do stay....I dunno yet....it won't be because
of the this place. It'd be because of Jimmy. An' only because of him."
Hank glances at Alexander. "I can't make it for them...maybe not. But I could
be there if they needed me. You're makin' me choose between my brother, an'
Jimmy."
Hank clenches his fists slowly. "An' I fuckin' hate it."
Matt glances at his pack, then back at Megan. "Well, I imagine we're gonna
split tomorrow or the next day. I'll try to make it back out here before we
do." He turns back towards his brother. "I'll stop by the church later, so
we can talk." That business done, he finally takes a few steps towards the
woods with a small smile towards his pack. "Ready?"
Alexander shakes his head again. "We're not. Jimmy wants to stay. Matt wants
to leave. We're not forcing you to choose."
Steps-on-Cracks snorts softly, just at the mention of Hazmat. Once Matt has
done the best he can, she pulls herself back to her feet, testing her legs
out. Yeah. t's time to leave.
Hank stares at Alexander. "By makin' leavin' St. Claire part of leavin' here?
So one way or the other, I lose one of 'em? That's forcin' me t' choose.'
Mosh overs a shoulder for Steps' support and begins to walk slowly after Matt.
Brian withdraws slightly from the conversation, moving his attention to
Talks-to-Air. "Yeah," he tells the Fianna theurge, "I know you've been
wanting it for a while. You've got people to speak for you, so all that's
left is some chiminage, and that's more formality than anything. Come up
with something the sept can use, and you're in, eh?" Then, returning his
gaze to Hank, he shrugs his shoulders. "I can live with that, Hank," he
says. "Maybe there'll come a day when you do start to care about the caern
and the sept. But for now? I can live with Jimmy being your only reason for
staying."
Megan's jaw tightens at Hank's growing anger, but she nods to Matt, not saying
anything as his attention has shifted once more. She turns back to the
Fianna Theurge to look up at him with a rueful sigh. "Thank you, John," she
finally says.
Jimmy Wilson throws a glance at Alexander. "I never said I wanted ta stay," he
whines. "Just that I got responsibilities an' shit. An' because a' Tommie.
I ain't gonna let what she built fall apart over this shit. I /gotta/ stay.
So I will."
Matt sets off across the rising ground to the south, eventually becoming lost
from view in the forest.
Steps-on-Cracks sets off across the rising ground to the south, eventually
becoming lost from view in the forest.
Mosh sets off across the rising ground to the south, eventually becoming lost
from view in the forest.
Hank glances off after Matt as he leaves, biting his lip.
Touch Deer goes up to Jimmy and taps his shoulder. "Come see me soon." After
that, he shifts down and begins padding off.
Touch Deer contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Touch Deer shifts into Lupus form.
Jimmy Wilson turns to Hank. "Go spend time with yer bro, man. I'll be here...
with Tommie. Okay?"
Alexander says "And I think you're doing the right thing, Jimmy."
Hank sighs softly, looking at Jimmy. "You sure?"
Jimmy Wilson nods at Touch Deer. "Yeah... okay."
Brian reaches out and gives Hank's shoulder a squeeze. "Hey," he says quietly.
"Listen to me. He has to choose his own path. No one can do that for him.
And you have to choose yours. And if the two paths split, that's okay."
Rholeen sets off over the hills to the north, eventually becoming lost from
view in the sparse forest.
Hank looks up at Brian, his eyes hardening a little. "No....no, it ain't OK,
the paths splittin'. Not for me an' him."
Anne looks around at who's left, and finally turns away, walking northwards
into the forest.
Anne sets off over the hills to the north, eventually becoming lost from view
in the sparse forest.
Drew puts another branch on the pile. He glances at Hank with an ambigous
expression.
Mark sets off across the rising ground to the south, eventually becoming lost
from view in the forest.
Hank watches Brian. "You ain't ever had a twin...he's....like the other half
of me. Us splittin' up ain't right. We sometimes aren't together all the
time...but not bein' together maybe ever again?"
Jimmy Wilson heads over to Hank. "Come on, man. Drop it. Ya oughtta know by
now that ya can't win this argument." He looks to the dark, moonless sky.
He can't hold back the ragabash call. "Hey. Go get the Rats an' tell 'em
I'll pay them if they stay."
Hank sighs softly, the joke only drawing the weakest of smiles. He looks at
Jimmy, and shrugs.
Jimmy Wilson squeezes his friend's shoulder and repeats. "Go on. Go hang out
with him. I'll be here later, okay?"
Megan glances over at Alexander, remembering his request from earlier. With
the Bone Gnawers still here, however, she stays where she is, amidst pack
and tribe.
Brian puts a hand inside his coat, produces a chrome hip-flask from an
interior pocket, and tosses the vessel to Hank. "Tell them this is a going
away present, or maybe an advance on Jimmy's payment. Whatever you like."
Then he turns and goes to Megan's side, where he exhales a long, tense
breath. "Nice job."
Hank closes his eyes, sighing softly,and nods. "Yeah, sure Jimmy." He puts his
hand on Jimmy's shoulder a moment, then looks up at Brian's words, and
catches the flask. He bites his lip a moment....then turns and slowly walks
away, not looking backwards.
Hank sets off across the rising ground to the south, eventually becoming lost
from view in the forest.
Spirit-of-Words sighes from where he sits, and motions towards Alexander. Long
night.
Eochaid nods in agreement, quirking a smile. "Aye, lass. Ye handled yourself
like an old hand."
Alexander moves over to stand next to the wolf. "Damn right. How you holding
up?"
Talks-to-Air considers for a bit. ~I have something. Not much, true, but
something.~
Drew straightens, folding his arms, and looks thoughtfully after Hank, before
asking at large. "Fire tonight?"
Jimmy Wilson goes over to Tommie's body and looks at her. "When..." he croaks
out. "The burning? When?"
Spirit-of-Words wishes he recognized anyone. It's hard. This place, these
people seem right, yet this one does not know them. Though....something
happened here before. Another....was killed.
Drew exhales, rubs the back of his neck. "When there's enough wood."
Megan runs a hand through her hair at the sudden onslaught of praise, giving
all three men an appreciative, if faintly weary, smile. "I'm tired," she
answers to Alexander. "Gannon was right, I think. I'm going to have to take
it easy for a while, I think." She turns to look at the Shadow Lord. "Need
to work something out with Luz...or whoever's acting in her place," she
adds, "about that, sometime soon. It'll keep, though."
Brian returns his attention to Talks-to-Air. "Doesn't need to be a monstrosity
of a gift, John," he emphasizes. "We take anything that's useful, really."
The second sentence is offered more comically, in the manner of a TV
salesperson.
Alexander nods. "She," he indicates Tommie, "killed another Garou. While he
was out cold. And her pack and friends... they weren't exactly innocent
either. It's over now, though. Better or worse." It's uncertain whether he
thinks it's the former or the latter. Maybe he doesn't know himself.
Talks-to-Air grins, a fairly nasty gesture. He holds out his staff. ~I offer
this. It is all I have to offer, really, besides myself.~
Spirit-of-Words nods slowly. This one did not remember that, he remembered
another being...executed here. But just flashes. One of his tribe?
Jimmy Wilson scowls as Alexander, who was not there, tells his version of the
story. Jimmy, hoever, says nothing. He simply kneels by Tommie's body,
waiting.
Alexander nods. "Farther back, yes. He turned."
Brian accepts the staff in both hands, looking it over with an odd mix of
puzzlement and wonderment. "I, uh. Hate to ask, but, uh. What is it?
Besides a staff, I mean."
Drew resumes the process of gathering wood, increasing the size of the pile
slowly.
Talks-to-Air says, ~As for what it does... well, it bashes Banes quite nicely.~
Talks-to-Air grins slightly. ~It will also shed light, about the same as
Lambent Flame and in much the same manner, at the owner's command.~ He
pauses. ~It was the first spirit that I bound.~
Spirit-of-Words nods his head quickly. This one fails to see why some do what
they do. In the end all we have is the law, the system, to keep us from
tearing each other apart in our rage and hatred. That or honor. The system
is not perfect, but it's the best we have. Anyways. The bane we fought, is
it dead?
Jimmy Wilson helps Drew gather wood, his expression solemn and dark.
Alexander shakes his head. "No, that's next."
Brian delivers the staff back into Talks' hands, and he says, "Well enough.
I'll accept this as your chiminage, John, on the condition that you find
the person in the sept best-suited to carry it, and bear it yourself until
then. Fair?"
Talks-to-Air nods. ~Fair, Righ.~
Talks-to-Air hmms, a rumbling noise not unlike rocks mating. ~Now I will have
to resume my aggressive introduction campaign.~
Spirit-of-Words nods slowly. This one forgets this place, the land, so he has
been lost on occasion. He feels foolish about this. He ought run with his
other pack-mates a few times so he learns it again.
The pile grows to bonfire size, Tommie placed on it, and it lit.
Alexander says "It'll come back, don't worry. It did for me."
Spirit-of-Words chuffs an acknowledgment. He still is surprised at this place.
It as if he was snatched from his past and placed in his future. It feels
odd.
Drew stays by the bonfire, its light casting flickering shadows on the Garou
and trees.
Alexander smiles wryly. "Just be glad you're not a wolf. Manes apparently
forgot the whole last year or something. Which is a good portion of his
life."
Megan looks at the fire thoughtfully, moving to be upwind of it and watching
the greasy smoke stain the sky. After a short time, she looks over at
Alexander, and says, "You wanted to talk?"
Talks-to-Air says, ~Is there anything else I need to do, Righ?~
Spirit-of-Words nods slowly, apparently agreeing that would be quite worse.
Alexander looks over as Megan speaks and nods once. "Sure. Somewhere else?"
Brian shakes his head. "Nope, John. That ought to do it, really."
Talks-to-Air says, ~OK.~
Talks-to-Air ducks his head awkwardly, and walks off into the woods,
muttering. He shifts just before entering the woods.
Talks-to-Air contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Talks-to-Air shifts into Homid form.
John O'Morain sets off across the rising ground to the south, eventually
becoming lost from view in the forest.
Megan looks quizzical. "If you must. I don't mind staying here. Actually...I'd
like to, if *you* don't mind."
Alexander looks around, then admits, "I'd actually rather talk in private."
Brian watches the fire for a moment, waiting until the scent of burning flesh
grows a bit too pungent. Then, as much because of the smell as the desire
to allow Megan and Alexander the privacy to talk, he withdraws into the
forest.
Brian sets off over the hills to the north, eventually becoming lost from view
in the sparse forest.
Megan frowns faintly, but then nods. "Sure. Not too far, though, and upwind?"
Alexander nods, grimacing. "Please."
Spirit-of-Words nods to his pack-mate and then wanders off into the woods
warily.
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