July 31, 2005.07.31.05. - 1 down 1 to go [eagle pack] *ul[forum]
(tristan/am)
Tristan had finally received permission to go and see his sister. His heart broke with the sight of the battered, terrified form, but even so, he tried to get her to remember. Even when she slit her own wrist with a piece of glass to try and end it all (it'll all end if I'm dead, it'll be all over let me die, i hate you mary worth!) and it took both him and AnneMarie to hold her down and get it bandaged up again. He asked gentle questions, he got some information, but little more then that, trusting AnneMarie to compile it and send it through the Totemphone to the rest of the Eagles.And then She came.
Cackling and taunting, and swinging that bloodred rosary - striking Tristan across the cheek (...marked...) hard enough to bruise and swell and....burn.
AnneMarie wasted no time in striking, buying Tristan just enough time to get Andrea to the door, just enough to stumble outside - just before Bloody Mary disappeared again.
It doesn't matter where they are. She will find them. A call made to Moira gets healing for Ani, and small charms now worn by both kin - every little bit helps. On the dirty mattress left over from way back when the Eagles first arrived in Chicago, Tristan lays awake, with his sister pulled protectively, possessively to his side, wrapped in his arms as she finally gets some sleep.
-----
Totemphone'd offerings throughout the evening via AnneMarie:Full name for the dead kid? Judus Worth. Coincidence? Unlikely. Cub, first changed to protect the kids in Jersey.
Kids lost it. Spinning in circles, laughing. Says once she's seen your face, you're marked and dead. Was some sorta initiation into the gang back in Jersey that called her first.
Eddie tried to get the kids to go with him last night - that's when all hell broke loose. Rats came running, darkness, mary. Then the men came...
- damn it!! -
tried to slit her wrist. Took us both to get her bandaged up. Molly, other girl, told them about some kid with a comic book, had dreams and shit, kept them one step ahead of Mary. Until last night, of course.
-TROUBLE!-
Got Tris with the Rosary, I did damage, but not enough. Hovering at the ceiling. Cackling. Tris and Ani almost to the door. Someone run pick up awFUCKME
She's gone. got charred remains of the rosary. Bagging them up. Tris and Ani are fine, but shaken up. Need more back up here - I barely hurt her. Fucking bitch. Said something bout 1 down, 2 to go right before she split.
And now, AnneMarie continues to pace. Watching. waiting. Prowling. Listening. On some shelf, the bagged charred remains of Bloody Mary's famed Rosary.
(kemp)
Anger laced with panic coming across the totemlink when Kemp started getting the info from Annemarie.~What?! AWWwwwFUuUCKMEe! How the hell is this bitch getting in? She has to be using the water or mirrors to cross just like we do. Something reflective. I'm gonna pull her balls off and stuff them up her ass! She hurt mom?! BITCH!! What about Moira? Where the fuck is she? Sumofmotherfuckinbitch! I'm on my way. Shitmotherfuckinsumbitch! I don't get this burning shit if she drowned or drowned her kids. Crazy bitch is wacked in the head!~
Ranting on and on while turning his bike in the middle of patrol with a squeal of tires and burning rubber. Heading.....shit....
~Where the fuck are you now? Where the fuck am I coming to? I'm gonna kill that bitch. I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! Sumbitch I knew it!~
Heading as fast as he could for their location as soon as it was clarified.
(hyde)
Hyde headed on over as well. Hopping the El and riding it to the nearest platform. Stepping off he headed down the stairs. It'd been a while since he'd been to the old werehouse.The clomping of the steel capped boots heralds his approach and he sends a mental warning just incase AM was still jumpy.
Ahroun could get jumpy.
And when they did, things could 'accidnetly' get beheaded.
It's me.
Pulling open the door he steps in, Sliding it closed behind him, the Godi shifts to his breed form to sniff about a bit.
(am)
Post battle, the Modi's mental voice is deceptively calm. Kemp, he's bruised, but ok. They've laid down to sleep. Moria came, healed the girl, gave them a charm or something to ward away bad spirits, and went home. Tristan wouldn't allow her to stay. We're at the abandoned Warehouse still. Figure she could get us in the open if she could get us in here, may as well let them sleep while they can.The Godi gives warning, and even with it, she's spinning around. She's homid again, but everyone knows that takes no time to change for the metis. A nod, up, when Hyde enters and she grabs the bag of the charred rosary remains. Don't know if you can use these for anything, but here's her beads she threw at me. Flaming. Bitch.
That'd be twice Mary's tried to burn the Modi. AnneMarie's getting rather irritated about it.
(hyde)
Hyde inspects the beeds, then slips umbral to look at them there and question some spirits...None are helpful and all seem to be purposefully running him in circles, afraid of the bitch, apperently more than the massive Godi.
Snorting in disgust he looks around the umbral reflection. Hackels raise and his hands flex.
Stepping back across he motions AM over to him and looking around again he confers with her silently. As to not spook the others. Speaking softly via the totem bond. Even then it's a whisper. Just in case.
Nothing really to find here. No spirits bound to the beeds. They seem to be solid and a physical manifestation much like the spirit does here itself. Spirits on the other side are being evasive as fuck. Meaning they fear talking about IT, more than they fear what I'll do to them if they DON'T.....
There is a pause and Hyde looks around again and whispers even quieter over the totem bond.
There's another bane watching.... I can feel it but I can't see it. It's invisable... It's out there but past that I can't really say where and they can fly... if it's smart it's not going to be with in reach like the last one was.... keep that in mind when you.. well you don't talk to them but keep it in mind. We're being watched. I'm going to see about doing something about it but I can't do it here. Also going to work on something to help with this bitches fasinations....
(am)
AnneMarie's lip curls in silent snarl as she listens to the Godi. She closes her eyes and rubs her temples a moment, before simply nodding - and squaring her shoulders. She's not one to cuss often and with such colorful inventions as the Rotagar, she resigns herself to her grandmother's training now. Calm. Though it's no doubt the fury seethes underneath.Lovely.
The modi is tired. Clawed up, burned, faced it alone, ready for a nap. But what she says instead is.
What do you need me to do.
The pack often tends to describe her in one word.
Steadfast.
Now you know why.(hyde)
Hold the fort. Kemp will be here in a few minutes. Fill him in on the... situation. And.. just in case, keep the mention of this things name to a minimum, incase it really does summon it.Keep the beeds. They may help in a questing stone rite later.
I'm going to the caern and gonna do some Godi stuff. Hopefully... it'll help.
Shifting reluctantly back down to his homid form he heads out. Already thinking of what he had to do.
(kemp)
Kemp made a few stops on the way. First he stopped and picked up a Super Soaker, the kind with the big water tank. And one of those hand held mirrors. And a Memorial Day fake flower stick em up in the graveyard arrangement just so he could take the big tacky white cross out of it. Stuffing things in a backpack for travel. Then there were stops at a few of the Catholic churchs. With help of his gift, he blurred so maybe no one would notice something was sucking all the holy water out of the fonts. Sure it might not work, sure he might be nuts, but hey he watched movies. He saw Lost Boys. Might not be a vampire, but Holy Water might work on this thing too. Sending across the totemlink.~Almost there. Won't be long now.~
Flying through the streets to reach them. Racing in as soon as he got the bike stopped.
(tris/am)
Tristan looks up as Kemp comes flying in, arching a slight brow at his... items... that he's picked up. He doesn't move from Andrea's side, where she finally seems to be getting some much needed rest. Instead, he raises a hand toward Kemp, and when he's close enough grabs his hand with a squeeze. "Hey kiddo - We're fine."Well, phycially, anyway. Andrea's resting peacefully, her injuries healed, and Tristan - who would not have let Moira help, prefering she concentrate on the more greviously injured kid. Tristan still bears the mark of Her crucifix across one bruised and battered cheek. The mark itself is much like a rugburn, sensitive to the touch. Around it his eye and cheek show the mark of minor damage. A couple days and it'll fade back to his normal pretty looks.
---
AnneMarie arches a brow at the holy water getup, but true to form, says nothing, and continues holding down the fort - now with backup.
(decker)
Decker passes through once or twice, even does a few hours of watch while AM goes get some sleep.He spends most that time pacing the warehouse and scowling though. And first thing he does is send Tristan home. They'll call him if they need him again. But should shit hit the fan, there was no way he was going to try to protect two screaming kin.
That night, when the dusk settles and he's free to roam the streets again, the totemphone crackles open.
Imogen's lookin' up tha license plate. Kemp 'n James, y'all git anythin' outta those gunmen yet? We don't git some answers soon, we move tha kid ta somewhere defensible, line tha pack up in a p'rimeter 'n use 'er as bait.
'M goin' to tha Caern, callin' up th'other Alphas, see if they heard 'r seen anythin'.
(tris)
The first thing he did, was send Tristan home.Tristan, of course, resisted. Started to open his mouth, stopped. Shut it. Started again. Shut it. Finally he kisses his sister, and promises her he'll be close by, and turns to stalk out - muttering with a growl "She tried to kill herself - to stop this. If..." And he stops again. Likely because he expects the modi wouldn't care. It's not his kin, after all, just a Gnawer girl.
And SLAM the door is flung open, ricochets off the handrail and back again, and Tristan heads home. As ordered.
(kemp)
"Don'tcha worry mom. I'll watch after her for ya."Kemp was trying to reassure the frantic, upset Tristan even though he had a real problem with someone trying to kill themselves. You went down fighting, not taking the other way out. Oh he would watch her, and watch for the witch.
~Naw, I ain't got nothing yet. Waiting for the fuckers to wake up or die or something.~
(decker)
Y'all see this?There's a copy of a newspaper clipping (More News thread) taped on the fridge at the west packhouse. A copy of the Urban Legends one too, though he didn't read the whole thing. Too damn long and it gave him a headache.
(hyde)
Hyde had seen them. The packs 'reader' as it were. He hadn't commented on them. As they tended to back up what he'd told the pack the other day and everyone other than Kemp had ignored. That along with the lack of thanks for making the talens to help protect their asses, with no thank you or anything had the Godi a bit punchy. Not to mention tired from making all the damn things.His reply would be a grunt.
(am)
Hyde is not the only reader in the pack. AnneMarie has heard all the information related, and assimulated it all. It is not like her to speak when she has nothing to add to the conversation. As things are being discussed, she listens, but rarely comments. Such is her way. To assume she has not listened, or has not read... well. Perhaps hyde does not know her as well as he thinks.They are all punchy.
She takes the time to read the articles that were placed on the fridge. Quickly at first, then more slowly so as not to miss a thing.
Interesting. The comment, so that it is known she did indeed read it. Then. Any possiblity of speaking with the accused? She does not know if Imogen could get them into the jail, or if someone else in the Sept could. But it certainly seems a good idea.
Of course, most ideas seem good at the time.
(kemp)
Kemp stood before the fridge, squinting with a frown of concentration. Lips moving as he sounded out words, reading, trying to comprehend what he was reading. Most of what he got sorta just sounded like what Hyde had said, only not about the parents getting locked up and shit. Stepping away from the fridge or opening it to look inside if anyone came along. Not wanting anyone to see his difficulty in reading.~Blue lady? What the fuck? What we got, Xmen running around now?~
Grumbling over the totemlink.
~Now wait a minute. How did this blue woman turn up when called if no one knows her true name and ya gotta use it to call her?~
Frowning, reading over that part again and again. Maybe he read it wrong?
Over in the corner of the room was another pack, he'd been busy. He'd filled another supersoaker to give to Hyde in trade for what Hyde had given him. It wasn't special and magical, but he wasn't a Godi either. Also he had several rosaries he'd gotten his hands on. Not about to say how he got his paws on those.
(hyde)
Hyde had taken the holy water with a sage nod and thanks to Kemp.... then when the young Fenrir was getting food or watching over the girl. Hyde had taken a few moments to secretly awaken the water in Kemps super soaker. Granted the spirit of holy water would likly be a bit preachy in the umbra, but Kemp didn't likly know spirit speach.. this way, perhaps... the water might do something if Kemp shot it at the bad guy.Ya never knew....
and..... it might just fucking work.
(kemp)
It seemed sometimes things you saw in movies just clicked in your head at weird times. This was one of those times. Hocus Pocus. It flashed in Kemp's head like a flash of lightning. Next thing he did when he could turn the watch over for a few was run out and snag salt. Boxed, bagged, Morton's, Sea Salt, rock salt, koesher, all the salt he could smuggle out. It took many stops and lots of sneaking. Next, salt piled up under the moon and he prayed to Gaia like he had prayed his heart out as a small child to some faceless God to come take him away from the pain he lived in. Hopefully this worked better than those prayers had.Next move was going to Tristan's to spread the salt in a thin line all around the outside edges of every room in the house. Next he lugged what was left back to circle every room in the building they were keeping Andrea in. Yep, in Hocus Pocus the witches couldn't cross a line of salt. Well, sometimes there was a grain of truth in things and he was ready to try anything. Sometimes belief had power, like a name. If a name and belief could bring trouble, maybe it could stop trouble.
(decker)
Ain't on our turf so I passed tha info to the Knights, Watchmen, Mischief 'n w'Eluhs. Seein' if tha Silver Fang Josephina kin git 'em inta jail. If ya wanna go take a sniff, Annemarie, git in touch with her.
(james)
No. his packmates can feel the frown on mental impression Think I hit one too hard, and the other's still drooling.once the Fenrir were through with the article, the Omega tribesman follows-up
James taking his turn muddling through the lengthy conglomeration of text
several minutes passing as he backtracks over a few specific paragraphs
questions slid across TotemPhone lines as they randomly focus enough to ponderDoesn't say how she knows when to turn up, just that she does. Need to know her true name in order to give her any power. Says she brought rain for the flowers 'bout the same time as some hurricane.
What about The Special One? Any clue who she could be? Or the boy and girl that wishboned bane said bi-otch wanted?
Mmmm... he knows better had a little wolf, whose fleece was full of shit....
Ruhiger, what'd it say that first night at the fountain? "Trouble born, trouble scorn.... nothing...... Worth? A bloodline's end".... right before Judas summed up?
(am)
Brows furrow slightly as she tries to remember. She was mid leap toward the kid at the time, and trying to pull back at the same time. Finally a nod.~Yes, that's it - she said ~Trouble born. Trouble scorn. Nothing Worth a bloodlines end~
The rest she's still trying to sort out herself. Point her where to fight and she fights. This is just weird.
[in progress?]Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.31.05. - diy lucky charms [eagle pack] *ul[forum]
(hyde)
Hyde had slinked away from the werehouse and taken the El all over town. Checking umbral more than once and out to make sure he wasn't followed and lost that "Feeling"Once he was fairly certain he made a few stops...
First at the Meat packing district... one of the huge freezers there...
Then at the river.... down in the muck.....
Finally at the caern.... out on the waters themselves.
It took all afternoon but the Godi did what Godi's do... they might not be the absolute terrors in combat that Modi's are... they might not have the humor of the Ruthgar... the balance of the Fostroti... or the insperational qualities of the Skald.. but they have their own benifits...
in the late afternoon Hydes' tired voice comes across the totem link.All eagles rotate though and meet me outside the beef Jerkey store on 4th and Franklin.....
Once they come. Likly in ones or twos Hyde tells them of his actions. Passing each items.
"Talens to help with the bitch." Purposefully not saying by name.He'd hold up a plastic ice cube with frozen water inside.
"Freezers.... if you think she's about to pop out.. throw at any body of water. It'll freeze all spiky and quick and MIGHT keep her out of the physical relm.. No promises.. but it might help."
Putting that in each of their hands he then holds up the second item. Test tubes with wax stoppers, mixed with his own blood and a fenrir glyph for "water" on them
"Drenchers..... bitch likes fire attacks... these will help protect us from ONE fire attack... past that we're on our own. They will ONLY Help us with this bitch or her minions. Normal fires and stuff they won't work.
Both of these talens will release at the next new moon (( Not the one on thurs, the next one)) used or not... keep that in mind. Use them. The spirits WANT to help."
Lastly he holds up two items that look like paintball grenades but slosh green and murky brown.
"Muckers..... I've only got two of these.... " Passing one to Decker to give to whom ever HE feels best. "They're to help with our little invisable watchers... if James can give us a relitive location, we pull the pin and throw these. IN THE UMBRA... they exploade and hopefully coat Mr Invisable with muck... letting us know where his ass is so we can take his ass OUT.... I could only make two.. so.. the call will need to be made when to use them."
Apause in the explination."These are relitivly small very specialized spirits... they may help.. but it may not be enough.. and it may not work exactly as hoped... they'll TRY. It's what I could do to help with this.. I hope it gives us just that minute edge we need."
(( Each Eagle was given one Freezer and one Drencher. there are two Muckers. Hyde's keeping ahold of one and Decker can pass the other to whom ever or keep it for hmself.ALL OF THESE TALENS were made specificly FOR THIS SL and ONLY THIS SL. the spirits all agreed to help with stipulations. They do NOT work outside of the SL and all will release their spirits on the Next new moon. Used or not.))
(decker)
After a moment's thought Decker takes the Mucker back to the warehouse. Leaves it there. Whoever's on duty had access to it; simple as that.(am)
On her way to get some much needed rest - AnneMarie stops past the Godi. A brow lifts as she listens to the explanations, and then tucks the two talens away. A nod of thanks, she steals one of his Slim jims, and continues her walk toward home.
(james)
Anything's better than nothing. the raggedyman's crooked smile follows acceptance of both talens I'll do what I can to lock in on our spooks like I did first run. If they cross realm-side, I may be able to pull something off that works along the same lines.a pause, silence spanning the width of another lopsided grin
even if he knows the Godi is only doing what comes on instinct
just as each has done their part in protecting the pack and theirs"Thankssssss Hy'e."
------------
(( Each Eagle was given one Freezer and one Drencher. there are two Muckers. Hyde's keeping ahold of one and Decker can pass the other to whom ever or keep it for hmself.
ALL OF THESE TALENS were made specificly FOR THIS SL and ONLY THIS SL. the spirits all agreed to help with stipulations. They do NOT work outside of the SL and all will release their spirits on the Next new moon. Used or not.))
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.31.05. - research [roxy] *ul**technically not completed until sunday, heh**
[river city condos - apartment 312](james)
each Eagle goes their own way to recouperate from the nasty Tacoma-killing battleHyde recollects, Decker mourns, AnneMarie watches, Kemp guards
James is perhaps the most distant from the group
sequestered away in the kinfolk's posh River City Condo
recovering from his direct intersection with the pack's former monstered out truck
though after the first night passed by while others took watchman shift
the Gnawer Elderman was recovering from something far more detrimentala guy can get over a cyclopsian beast bitchslapping him into the pavement with a 4x4
a guy can even get over the fact he'll never live down breaking his Alpha's beloved truck
what the raggedyman couldn't get over where the horrors unfolding throughout the night
the relentless phantasms that marked him with dark shadows beneath umber eyes come morning
the half-heard notions and mistaken sounds swelling til he's left no choice but to wake with the force of his own raw voice drowning out the restchittering rat spirits that followed him all the way from a near-forgotten night in Newark years ago
wailing howl of La Llorana ringing to fill the silence of unconscious mind
its echoes even haunt him well into the brightening hours of this new day
errant sunlight slash tickling warmth over flesh like the ghostly touch of lambent flamehe's never known such blind. terror.
there's not been once before that he can remember such utter lack of control
it's far easier for a predator to lose their mind than live with the perpetual spook of one hunted
Gaia's ultimate weapon bridled with the weight of inarticulate weakness
(.... don't dare speculate what's leaked out over the Totem Line as you slept, do you, Jamey-boy?)the Ahroun will not be satisfied until he sees the bitch dead, himself
few hours spent occupying himself at the nearby library uncovers a select bit of information
books carted back to the apartment as now he's free reign with newly approved clearance past the guards downstairs
much preferred circumstances compared to the glares and suspicion of few days past
the stack of tomes gives him reason to think of the lingering images in a different, productive light
at least he's working to assemble the frightening pieces
some sense of security with the inevitable return of dusk half the day awayluckily, Roxy's high-speed internet access provides welcome distraction
and the afternoon hours pass with Gnawer and Walker stationed in the living room
Peroxide Fox manning slimline keyboard, patiently introducing James to the world wide web
lanky dreadlocked Fullmoon tucked crosslegged by the foot of her chair
Camel hanging out of the corner of his mouth, dark eyes tipped towards flickering screen
idly skimming the webpages she diligently brings up for his query search
pointing out the ones here and there that contain enough fact over apparent fiction to warrant print
by the time he's got a stack or twelve organized on the carpeting around him
James' voice notches in his own addition to Hyde's commentary
rifling through the papers and notations in order to keep all of it straight
deep down there's a flickering thought his Frankenweiler mentors would be proudBeen digging with Rox for more on it both over the web and at the library. The Bloody Mary urban legend's been around for about thirty years. Name Mary Worth comes up constantly in reference, among others Hyde mentioned. I remember it as a cub. That myth kids would dare each other to do as a rite of social passage, or whatever. Basic ritual goes along the lines of repeating her name or a phrase some number of times in various situations to call her forth. Most common are "Bloody Mary I killed your baby" or "I don't believe in Mary Worth." She's portrayed as having blood on her face, black eyes.... few drawings and sketches we found hit the mark on what it is we saw at the fountain and factory. or that James sees everytime he closes his eyes Also often referred to as the Mirror Witch.
La Llorona is a known myth based on an Aztec or Mexican ghost called the Weeping Woman. She supposedly killed her own children by drowning them in a river then disappeared.
Then things got really interesting when I talked with Mother Eldridge from Tampa's Sept. She gave me the name Bl'Dye M'ree. Seems that a pack of Furies attempted summoning Bl'Dye M'ree by folklore's steadfast method of chanting the spirit's name before a mirror in a darkened room. They reported failure, and then vanished several days later. No explanation. Gone like the were never there. Just that the spirits became really defensive and evasive when asked about it. Most disturbing thing about it was that several of the children that vanished appeared to have been lost cubs. Stories say she bursts through mirrors to snatch up her prey. Strikes children about the face with a red rosary. Sets the skin of young boys on fire with pain. Destroys the will of young girls to reward her followers... ruthless criminals who wreak havoc for her delight with pliable slaves. as well as murder innocently bystanding trucks, no doubts Seems the apparition is very common among children of Garou relations. Most recurring aspect about it is the children give one chilling warning - once Bloody Mary's seen your face, she will haunt you until you're dead.
thankfully Roxy's still staring at the computer's monitor and can't see the Ahroun's slight shudder
though the impression may unconsciously translate along the pack's open frequency
James was having a hard enough time coping with one night's repercussionsSounding familiar yet? Far as I can tell, La Llorona, Bloody Mary, Mary Worth, Bl'Dye M'ree, and all the rest are pretty much the same seriously wigged out spirit - just seen in different ways by different people like Hyde pointed out. Connects what multiple names that bane jabbered at the park, and Andrea's spitting out Spanish in the factory, religious iconography and verse, constant presence of water close by, whole nine yards.
a pause, here, as connection distances for a few moments
gives his packmates time to assimiliate their finding's with Hyde's offering
weed out the fluff, confirm the best prospective tale, figure out what they're dealing with
in reality, it serves as James' partial distraction when Roxy offers him a fresh beer
though his prattling on continues once first amber swallow is over withTouched base with the Green, too, and Mother Larissa filled in some blanks about the Jersey killings that set this whole thing off. Few spirits were convinced to talk and said seven children were sighted at the house. A spirit that fit the same description as our problem was described as being there, too. Said the sight of it threw a kid into his first change, and he sounds a lot like the Crinos we found with Andrea at the Bronco. That'd be Judas. The Stag spirit was killed defending him and the two remaining girls - our very own Andrea and Molly. It wasn't Judas' kinfetch, though, the Stag was the guardian spirit for Molly. Four that didn't get away were three mortal boys and a girl, not enough left to even ID them through dental records, but Mother Larissa thinks they were all Judas' friends and I've little reason to doubt her theory. Without Andrea's wallet getting left behind, there'd be no connections or leads whatsoever.
it must be amusing, for Roxy, to watch him internally converse should she glance away from screen
randomly gesturing a half-hearted point by bottle's float this way and that through the air
dark eyes rapt on the research collected... he's probably not even aware of doing itTurned up a few local bits that fit into the story, too, Roxy caught these from the news archives. Few days ago an eight-year-old named Kevin Bowen was killed at the women's shelter. Kid's father found him and two other boys, one injured with severe burns. A lady named Vivian Tate was killed by apparent vicious animal attack in South Side about the same time. Imogen's probably best lead for more, ME's Office is quoted in the article. And some lady named Lopez is getting hit with murder charges for beating and burning her three daughters to death last Saturday night.
now, the pause spanning a rather hearty draught off the bottle signals intermission
that's the summary of his busy-worth thus far instead of momentary distraction
legs uncrossing so a foot reaches out to nudge the base of Roxy's chair
stretching himself, waving to the kinswoman to take a break while Eagles collaborate amongst themselvesWhat's next?
Posted by james at 12:00 AMJuly 28, 2005.07.28.05. - info swap [eagle pack] *ul[forum]
(hyde)(
As they regroup from the attack Hyde’s low deep voice is projected to the Eagles.I know the legends of the name La Llorona…… a pause there while he lets each get to a point where his words wouldn’t distract them. Be it driving or what ever. Mourning for a lost love perhaps? RIP Tacoma.
The legends start down south of this country. In Mexico… where I picked them up, don’t ask me.. I read a lot as a pup. Being a theurge I read a lot of spiritual shit. Some is true, some is total bullshit but here we go…
La Llorona is a sort of.. archetypical boogie woman for the Spaniards and Mexicans that came to invade the new world. The versions of the story are many but here are the main points. The Girl herself was a young beauty.. and she fell in love with a man. Some say she seduced him. Some say she was the one Seduced and even one version says she was a virgin. Regardless she had a child or children.
Now here’s where the stories split.. In some the husband cheats on her.. in some the guy won’t marry her while she has “watching eyes”…. In others the incensed father does it… but the unifying force is that the children are killed. In a river. “The river” in the stories.. In the ones where she thought the guy wouldn’t marry her because of the kid, she drowns it herself, then she finds out the guy ment her mother. She wigs out… in the one where her father didn’t believe the virgin birth he kills them in the river, and she wigs out. In one her husband had disappeared and she was thought to have killed him, a year later she heard of him in a neighboring town with another woman and kills the child herself. When she sees what she’s done she wigs out..
Again the points seem to all come back together at the death of the child in the river and the resulting freak out of the mother. Causing “The Wail”. The woman goes mad.
Here legends diverge again.. some say she wandered up and down the river looking for her children for the rest of her days. Wailing like a banshee, repeating “Where have my children gone” over and over. Some say she threw herself into the water and died with them…
A beat.. a pause.
She then became a sort of boogie woman, like I said. Some thought she was a witch before, a Brujah. They started to spread the tales about her… be faithful to your wife or La Llorona will come for your children or you… be good children or La Llorona will come and take you…. Be pure or La Llorona will come for you… as with many Spanish legends much was perverted and wrapped around the church so she did take on aspects of those as well…
Now this spirit we’ve seen twice.. both times the wail was heard… the twining hair.. like it was in water… the skeletal hands.. like she’s a witch…. The direct naming of her. La Llorona… then think of the routes.. the first time she came out of a fountain.. a water source.. the second time…. We were in a werehouse on the RIVER….
The second thing that’s come out is the Mirrior Witch.. this is a different legend.. The avenging spirit goes by many names: Bloody Mary, Bloody Bones, Hell Mary, Mary Worth, Mary Worthington, Mary Whales, Mary Johnson, Mary Lou, Mary Jane, Sally, Kathy, Agnes, Black Agnes, Aggie, Svarte Madame.
Summoning Mary requires the right chant. "I believe in Mary Worth" is the key phrase according to one version, but others require the shouting of "Kathy, come out!" or the repetition of "Bloody Mary" into the mirror as many times as the ritual demands. Sometimes Bloody Mary gets more of a script and is summoned by calls of "Bloody Mary! I killed your baby!"
The precise requirements of the ritual vary. Some specify that the mirror must be illuminated by a single candle; in others, there must be a candle on each side. In some versions, the message to Mary is repeated by just one girl who is either a volunteer or one selected by the others to summon up the mirror-witch. The number of chants needed to fetch Mary also varies.
What the mirror-witch does upon arrival varies too. She may strike her summoner dead, drive her mad, or fiercely scratch her face. She may merely peer malevolently out through the mirror, or she may drag one of the girls back through it to live with her.
The origins of this vary as well but the research into Bloody Mary goes back till 1978, when a folkloreist published an essay on the legend. Belief in summoning the mirror-witch was even at that time widespread throughout the U.S.
Mary is summoned whenever squealing girls get together for a sleepover, but boys have been known to call on her too. She's said to be a witch who was executed a hundred years ago for plying the black arts, or a woman of more modern times who died in a local car accident in which her face was hideously mutilated.
Some confuse the mirror witch with Mary I of England, whom history remembers as "Bloody Mary." An expanded version of that confusion has it that this murdering British queen killed young girls so she could bathe in their blood to preserve her youthful appearance.
Mary I of England who ruled 1553-1558 was anything but a famed beauty terrified of losing her looks -- she was a matronly, fortyish woman who had about as much sense of style as a dust mop. The idea of her bathing in the blood of slaughtered virgins to preserve her loveliness is ludicrous. She came by the moniker "Bloody Mary" because she had a number of Protestants put to death during her reign, as she tried to re-establish Catholicism as the religion of the land after the reigns of her father and her brother. Mary was a devoutly religious woman who saw what she was doing as the saving of her subjects' souls from eternal damnation, and in those times -- as crazy as this sounds now -- the eternal wellbeing of a soul was deemed far more important than the comparatively fleeting life of a person. That bringing the country back to Catholicism would also safeguard her throne was also a major consideration.
Mary I was the half sister of Elizabeth I ,1558-1603. Both were daughters of Henry VIII, but Mary's mother was Katherine of Aragon and Elizabeth's mother was Anne Boleyn. Elizabeth I became Queen when Mary died, and she reigned for many years, coming to be called "The Virgin Queen" because she never married.
Some muddlings of this "murdering queen" variant claim that Mary, Queen of Scots 1542-1567 is the "bloody Mary" of mirror summonings. Though this Mary was indeed a vain and foolish woman, history does not know her as a murderous one. Well, okay, she did have a hand in doing away with a husband. But she didn't go after her subjects en masse, as did Mary I of England.
So, although there was a British queen known as "Bloody Mary," no connection between her and the mirror witch has surfaced, save for their both having the same name. Likewise, the "Mary Worth" appellation of the malevolent apparition doesn't appear to be drawn from the lead character of a popular comic strip of the same name. In lore, as elsewhere, coincidences occur. The "bathing in blood" detail is traditionally attributed to Elizabeth Bathory, but of course her name was not "Mary."It's possible these "mirror witch" games have their roots in oldtime divining rituals involving unmarried girls and future husbands. There are a number of variations of these divinations, some involving chanting a rhyme in a darkened room on a special night and then quickly looking in the mirror to catch a glimpse of the bridegroom-to-be.
The concept of mirrors as portals between this world and the realm of spirits shows up in other beliefs, namly OURS which we know to hold to be true.
Now how these two are together I don’t know.. but often spirits in the umbra… can assume lives of their own based on BELIEF of what they are.. they can also be seen by different people in different ways but be the same spirit…Hyde pauses and lets that sink in.
(kemp)
Kemp sat there listening and for several long moments he didn't say anything when Hyde paused. A frown slowly formed on his face like he licked a lemon. Finally blurting out."Well fuck me orange. Ya mean we got two of these bitches we're dealing with, or what?"
(hyde)
Possibly two working together.. possibly two that are strengthened by the other's action, or possibly one large one that has in the past gone by both names. With spirits, they arn't always what they appear. People in Mexico might have seen this spirit and given it one name and somone in Mennisoda could have seen the same spirit and given it a different name, never knowing of the one in mexico.. but they could be one in the same... or... as you put it two of these bitches.
(james)
[ technically posted july 31, sunday ]
each Eagle goes their own way to recouperate from the nasty Tacoma-killing battleHyde recollects, Decker mourns, AnneMarie watches, Kemp guards
James is perhaps the most distant from the group
sequestered away in the kinfolk's posh River City Condo
recovering from his direct intersection with the pack's former monstered out truck
though after the first night passed by while others took watchman shift
the Gnawer Elderman was recovering from something far more detrimentala guy can get over a cyclopsian beast bitchslapping him into the pavement with a 4x4
a guy can even get over the fact he'll never live down breaking his Alpha's beloved truck
what the raggedyman couldn't get over where the horrors unfolding throughout the night
the relentless phantasms that marked him with dark shadows beneath umber eyes come morning
the half-heard notions and mistaken sounds swelling til he's left no choice but to wake with the force of his own raw voice drowning out the restchittering rat spirits that followed him all the way from a near-forgotten night in Newark years ago
wailing howl of La Llorana ringing to fill the silence of unconscious mind
its echoes even haunt him well into the brightening hours of this new day
errant sunlight slash tickling warmth over flesh like the ghostly touch of lambent flamehe's never known such blind. terror.
there's not been once before that he can remember such utter lack of control
it's far easier for a predator to lose their mind than live with the perpetual spook of one hunted
Gaia's ultimate weapon bridled with the weight of inarticulate weakness
(.... don't dare speculate what's leaked out over the Totem Line as you slept, do you, Jamey-boy?)the Ahroun will not be satisfied until he sees the bitch dead, himself
few hours spent occupying himself at the nearby library uncovers a select bit of information
books carted back to the apartment as now he's free reign with newly approved clearance past the guards downstairs
much preferred circumstances compared to the glares and suspicion of few days past
the stack of tomes gives him reason to think of the lingering images in a different, productive light
at least he's working to assemble the frightening pieces
some sense of security with the inevitable return of dusk half the day awayluckily, Roxy's high-speed internet access provides welcome distraction
and the afternoon hours pass with Gnawer and Walker stationed in the living room
Peroxide Fox manning slimline keyboard, patiently introducing James to the world wide web
lanky dreadlocked Fullmoon tucked crosslegged by the foot of her chair
Camel hanging out of the corner of his mouth, dark eyes tipped towards flickering screen
idly skimming the webpages she diligently brings up for his query search
pointing out the ones here and there that contain enough fact over apparent fiction to warrant print
by the time he's got a stack or twelve organized on the carpeting around him
James' voice notches in his own addition to Hyde's commentary
rifling through the papers and notations in order to keep all of it straight
deep down there's a flickering thought his Frankenweiler mentors would be proudBeen digging with Rox for more on it both over the web and at the library. The Bloody Mary urban legend's been around for about thirty years. Name Mary Worth comes up constantly in reference, among others Hyde mentioned. I remember it as a cub. That myth kids would dare each other to do as a rite of social passage, or whatever. Basic ritual goes along the lines of repeating her name or a phrase some number of times in various situations to call her forth. Most common are "Bloody Mary I killed your baby" or "I don't believe in Mary Worth." She's portrayed as having blood on her face, black eyes.... few drawings and sketches we found hit the mark on what it is we saw at the fountain and factory. or that James sees everytime he closes his eyes Also often referred to as the Mirror Witch.
La Llorona is a known myth based on an Aztec or Mexican ghost called the Weeping Woman. She supposedly killed her own children by drowning them in a river then disappeared.
Then things got really interesting when I talked with Mother Eldridge from Tampa's Sept. She gave me the name Bl'Dye M'ree. Seems that a pack of Furies attempted summoning Bl'Dye M'ree by folklore's steadfast method of chanting the spirit's name before a mirror in a darkened room. They reported failure, and then vanished several days later. No explanation. Gone like the were never there. Just that the spirits became really defensive and evasive when asked about it. Most disturbing thing about it was that several of the children that vanished appeared to have been lost cubs. Stories say she bursts through mirrors to snatch up her prey. Strikes children about the face with a red rosary. Sets the skin of young boys on fire with pain. Destroys the will of young girls to reward her followers... ruthless criminals who wreak havoc for her delight with pliable slaves. as well as murder innocently bystanding trucks, no doubts Seems the apparition is very common among children of Garou relations. Most recurring aspect about it is the children give one chilling warning - once Bloody Mary's seen your face, she will haunt you until you're dead.
thankfully Roxy's still staring at the computer's monitor and can't see the Ahroun's slight shudder
though the impression may unconsciously translate along the pack's open frequency
James was having a hard enough time coping with one night's repercussionsSounding familiar yet? Far as I can tell, La Llorona, Bloody Mary, Mary Worth, Bl'Dye M'ree, and all the rest are pretty much the same seriously wigged out spirit - just seen in different ways by different people like Hyde pointed out. Connects what multiple names that bane jabbered at the park, and Andrea's spitting out Spanish in the factory, religious iconography and verse, constant presence of water close by, whole nine yards.
a pause, here, as connection distances for a few moments
gives his packmates time to assimiliate their finding's with Hyde's offering
weed out the fluff, confirm the best prospective tale, figure out what they're dealing with
in reality, it serves as James' partial distraction when Roxy offers him a fresh beer
though his prattling on continues once first amber swallow is over withTouched base with the Green, too, and Mother Larissa filled in some blanks about the Jersey killings that set this whole thing off. Few spirits were convinced to talk and said seven children were sighted at the house. A spirit that fit the same description as our problem was described as being there, too. Said the sight of it threw a kid into his first change, and he sounds a lot like the Crinos we found with Andrea at the Bronco. That'd be Judas. The Stag spirit was killed defending him and the two remaining girls - our very own Andrea and Molly. It wasn't Judas' kinfetch, though, the Stag was the guardian spirit for Molly. Four that didn't get away were three mortal boys and a girl, not enough left to even ID them through dental records, but Mother Larissa thinks they were all Judas' friends and I've little reason to doubt her theory. Without Andrea's wallet getting left behind, there'd be no connections or leads whatsoever.
it must be amusing, for Roxy, to watch him internally converse should she glance away from screen
randomly gesturing a half-hearted point by bottle's float this way and that through the air
dark eyes rapt on the research collected... he's probably not even aware of doing itTurned up a few local bits that fit into the story, too, Roxy caught these from the news archives. Few days ago an eight-year-old named Kevin Bowen was killed at the women's shelter. Kid's father Russel found him and two other boys, one injured with severe burns. As of tonight's primetime news, Russel's been charged with murder of his own boy, and assault on the other two. A lady named Vivian Tate was killed by apparent vicious animal attack in South Side about the same time. Imogen's probably best lead for more, ME's Office is quoted in the article. And some lady named Lopez was charged and convicted for beating and burning her three daughters to death last Saturday night. Seems she practiced Occult and Santeria rituals and previously threatened to sacrifice her own kids though allegations are denied as vicious rumors by Norman Throper, pastor at the mom's home church.
now, the pause spanning a rather hearty draught off the bottle signals intermission
that's the summary of his busy-worth thus far instead of momentary distraction
legs uncrossing so a foot reaches out to nudge the base of Roxy's chair
stretching himself, waving to the kinswoman to take a break while Eagles collaborate amongst themselvesWhat's next?
(decker)
There's a long open silence at the Modi's end. Then:OK. This's what's out there fer us ta look at. If I miss somethin', bring'it up.
One. One Tris's kid sister, watched over by some rats. 'S under control, don't want nobody loiterin' around on this.
Two. Two fuckin' sleepin' beauty gunmen. Let's see if tha rats kin watch 'em too til they wake tha fuck up. 'til then, this's low priority.
Three. One fuckin getaway van -- 'm on it.
Four. Dead 'rabiesbitten' body in tha morgue.
Five. Two dead bodies near Mad'son Plaza - Annemarie's there.
Six. Two parents -- Lopez 'n some other guy -- in jail fer killin' they kids, 'cept it sounds like maybe Bloody Mary had somethin' ta do with it.
Seven. Shelter shit.Sound off on whatcher gonna look inta.
R'member we ain't in this alone. Tha Mad'son Plaza shit's on Fang turf. Let 'em run point. Help 'em. But don't waste too much time retreadin' here. Touch base. If they got it under control, move on.
Meanwhile I got tha Mischief Alpha askin' us fer a meetin'. We got beef with 'em but we ain't gonna be so fuckin' childish as ta bitch 'n moan when there's a war goin' on. My guess is they's on tha shelter shit down in southside, but ask 'em. James, wantcha ta go. Offer help. If that Fianna'a theirs starts sniveling, kick his face in 'n then offer help to tha rest. Same shit though: touch base, move on. Don't waste time doin' what a whole pack's already doin'. We'll come back 'n ketch up if they fall too far b'hind.
'll ring up Imogen, see if she kin git us inta tha morgue, 'r closer to tha bodies in Mad'son. 'N Josephina might be able ta sneak someone inta jail ta question the two parents.
(OK folks, this is my attempt to put some order into this mess. now i'm out the door and southbound for LA! i might be on my cellphone-AIM, or even online once or twice (like at buttonwillow, heh), but for the most part i doubt i'll be able to seriously concentrate on this SL. so, yeah. be back on monday to catch up on what slack i've let build up.)(kemp)
Brows furrowed as he listened to the chatter across the totemlink.~Rabies? What rabies? Fuckme, I missed something somewhere. I don't remember hearing nothing about rabies and shit.~
Fishing back through his memory with an increasing frown.
"Awfuck Kemp, ya missed something in the translation somewhere."
Grumbling to himself.
(decker)
Some chick got bit by a rabid animal 'r somethin' a while back. Ain't sure on tha details. Think Imogen was lookin' inta it though.
(hyde)
Hyde's mental voice reaches them. A bit distant. He'd been doing alot of umbral work latly and well Theurges are a bit spacy to begin with. Talkin' to shit noone else can see, muttering in tongues as they sleep. That sort of thing.We should take care not to overextend Silence's mate... the ways of the humans arn't our ways and too frequent uses of her abilitys in their arena will draw questions. If too many questions are asked answers might be demanded. If such happens she might loose her position and thusly we loose the resource.
Over the past few weeks she's been called on greatly.
I'm not saying that we should stop asking for her aid. Instead just urging that we're aware of just how far and how frequent she sticks her nose into things for us or her neck on the line....
Hyde was one of the pack more prone to think of the Kinfolk. Maybe not the "most" but the ol boy had his days.
[in progress]
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.28.05. - i'm ok. [eagles] *ul[eagles old abandoned packhouse - cont'd from chatters]
(st)
Smaller explosions are erupting, as the flames start to carry down, two more metal catwalks come crashing down.Jukebox can feel a sudden roar of flame shoot out, the heat skidding along his back as it just singes the tip of his fur and dreadlocked mane. Everyone was outside that needed to be. All Eagles accounted for...
...and the old factory burns.
Silence grabs a hold of the bum, dragging him out of the burning factory. Eddie manages to find his footing, before he is shoved hard, propelled into the hood of the Tacoma. He splatters across it, rolling over onto his stomach. Eddie wheezes and coughs, clawing at the hood to gain his balance. He remains hunched over, one hand tearing off the beanie cap on his forehead.
(....beware the cyclops...)
The only answer that Decker receives is Eddie's raspy laughter. The Eagles can see his clothes writhing, the body mass starts to bulk up, growing bigger, taller. Clothes stretch and rip away under the bulging mass of rippling muscle tissue that begins to reveal itself as Eddie transforms...
He stands up, now a naked giant of rippling muscles tissue built on muscles, in the center of Eddie's forehead was a large, bulbous eyeball that ejects outward.
(decker)
The old factory collapses like a house of cards behind him with an enormous crashing WHOOMPH. A fireball vomits up into the dusk air. For a moment, everything's lit in hellish red and orange, like the sun had decided to supernova the instant it set. The shockwave blasts Silence's fur forward, flattens his ears, but he doesn't relent off the bum.Especially not when the bum turns into a motherfucking cyclops.
Ain't I said ta not trust him. Didn' I say that?! This brief, searing thought flashes across their minds; he's pissed off, rightly so, but not really at them. Whatever. The cards were down. It was time to play. The axe is swarming off his arm; even before it's in his hand he's swinging it. It's not until the splitsecond before impact that the fetish snaps into its dread black solidity, every edge hardened, the blade a razor in white.
(am)
Oh, isn't THAT lovely. Kemp - get Roxanne to get the kid out of here!And stands at the ready, to aid the Adrens should they call the ball.
(kemp)
"What the hell?" ~What the hell?! I knew it! I fucking knew it! Fuckingsumbitchcocksuckingassmunchingmotherfucker!~It was all coming out in a rush. Trying to shove Roxy ahead of him and shield both women with his body. "Fuckme, fuckme, fuuuuuckme!"
(james)
just..... peachy
this is all they really need, bums turning into sideshow attactions
When did we ever seem like we trusted the fuck?!
James is rightly pissed, too, at least he can live up to his foremost promisethough he highly doubts this is a human they're killing one more of
he already had the murderously spiked pipe in hand
all too easy to follow-up Silence's attack like a shadow(st)
Roxanne isn't going to fight Kemp. It takes one look of the transforming vagrant to transform into a motherfucking cyclops to have her moving fast. She helps Kemp with Andrea, who is screaming and pointing at Eddie, going into hysterics.--
The Eagles prepare to make a stance for battle. Eddie the Cyclops watches through the bulbous eye. His grotesque height brought him eye to eye with the tallest crinos in the pack, built bigger than two Fenrir thrown together in muscle mass.
The first thing the Cyclops goes for is the Tacoma, reaching to grab for the truck and use it like a boulder to throw at the Eagles.
(kemp)
"Take her, take her, take her!" He was practically screaming it himself, shoving the girl at Roxy so he could shift and dive in with his pack.(st)
Roxy takes Andrea and keeps moving so Kemp can go join the fight.(st)
The battle royal begins... like ancient warriors combating a mythical monster. Silence makes three massive slashes with his axe, cutting deep rivets across the chest and torso of the Cyclops, muscle fibers tearing up and spurting out a green, acidic blood.Jukebox, wielding his... *cough*pipe*cough* beats a tickle into the monster's side. This seems only to ire the Cyclops, as he is still managing to move. In retaliation, the Decker's precious Tacoma, Imogen's Deathwish, is wielding like a bat and slammed down up the 'Gnawer's head, with titanic force, driving him into the pavement. Luckily, Jukebox is robust enough to survive a little scathed. The Tacoma, however, dents inward as the axle splits in half.
Next actions...
(kemp)
Shifting as soon as he got cleared, spending rage so he didn't fuck up in the middle of shifting. And he was turning back to run full out. Aiming for the back end of the thing if it was still up. Intending fully to launch himself on it's back.(st)
...Decker continues on with the attack as his packmate lies underneath the wrecked Tacoma. The Cyclops collapses in several pieces, which falls on parts of the street and the head rolling into the bed of the truck.(am)
It's Fast, it's furious, it's... whack a james? And you think she's gonna stand close enough to get in the way? She steps back a few feet, glancing around to see who's in the area, who may be coming into the area, and listening for any sirens what with the burning building behind them. Fortunately, this is not a wonderful area of town, and response times are slow.(kemp_)
~Awfuckme. Dude, ya still alive under there?A look back for the departing Roxy and the girl, still not trusting that something wouldn't turn up again and then bending to look under the truck.
"Oh, yoohoo. Hey! You alive under there?" Giving the truck a little shake to see if there was any sound from beneath it. Damn he didn't want to push it over and find a squished James. How do you explain that to mom? Um, he was squished like a bug and um, I didn't want to scrap him off the bottom of the truck?(james)
you know... there's something to be said about humility
for all the ground he thought to have gained in snarling at Eddie
a phrase about chickens and hatching and counting comes to mind
right as his oh-so-fearsome spiked pipe does little more than biff the now cyclopsthis is gonna suck
oh. and does it.
ever feel like one of those whack-a-moles at the arcade?the Gnawer does
the pack's main mode of transportation will never be quite the same
skidplate becoming all too familiar as it pretty much overtakes the span of James' vision
cement sidewalk slabs suddenly presenting themselves as a form of lunch
worste of all - Decker's gonna maul him for breaking the axl with his skull
Kemp's question thus going unanswered for the span of several all-too-long secondsI'm ok.
another silence spans as the Gnawer eats. his. pride.
(easily done, as it's been pancaked)
finally grumbling across the TotemPhone some unintelligable James-speak
and heaving the bent and broken truck off(decker)
The Cyclops collapses and Decker's still swinging his axe, not even fighting now, just chopping, hacking away the way you do a stubborn piece of firewood. Flesh and bits of bone go flying. Then chunks of organs, viscera, tissue, goo, hamburger meat, while the Modi slowly... slowly shifts down, and the axe crawls its way up his arm.There are three things you just don't mess with.
Decker's woman.
Decker's pack.
Decker's TRUCK.In the end it's just the Fenrir standing head down in a puddle of gore, his arms red to the biceps, his legs red to the knees. Breathing hard and harsh, he turns and grabs the head off the bed of his destroyed truck in one hand, pivots, drop-kicks it and sends it sailing out of sight. Fuck destroying the evidence and all that shit; let the fucking ravens have it.
"Mother!fucker!" Under his breath, vehement, and then finally he turns to his dead truck. Glares at it like it was Imogen's Deathwish's fault that it was now dead. Then, putting his back to the truck, bracing his feet, he starts pushing like he really expected to push it aside. In Homid. Good thing Jukebox gives it his own shove at that point, sending the used-to-be-a-Tacoma tumbling aside to the sweet music of more shredding metal, more busting glass.
"Motherfucker," Decker reiterates. He almost wishes Cyclops had two heads; he felt like kicking another one.
(kemp)
He did what any good packmate would do. Went, got the head, brought it back. Silently dropping it with a splat in from of Decker and gave James a hand up. Dusting him off before going to round up Roxy and the girl.(st)
The fire is still roasting the old factory, casting the red-orangish glow across the street turned battle arena. Roxanne had dragged Andrea away, tucking the girl into the back seat of her dual-cab truck. All the excitement proves to be too much for the young kinfolk as she passed out to sleep.Kemp goes to retrieve the kinfolk, only to find Roxy driving back in her vehicle, just in time to see them rolling the Tacoma off of James. Her mouth drops open, thrusting the driver's door open and jumps out. "What tha fuck happened?!"
(decker)
Totemphone's an incoherent seethe of indignity right now. Occasionally bits can be picked out of the flow-of-consciousness: my fuckin' truck! and he killt my fuckin' truck! and fucker killt my truck! and... you get the point. Kemp brings the head back and Decker goes at it at a full tilt, kicking it from a running start to send it sailing out of sight -- again. This time it crashes into the eaves of the neighboring abandoned factory, sending a roost of frightened pigeons squabbling into the air.He felt a little better now.
"It killt my fuckin' truck," he grunts, one more time, just in case any of them missed that he was upset about it. Or maybe he was telling Roxy.
(am)
His woman. His pack. His truck.But it was Kemp bringing back 'his' head for another kick that finally gets the Modi to almost, almost crack a smile. A shake of her head, and she looks around for their gunmen prisoners, again. Watching their back, as they curse and groan. The run of Totem'd curses serving as enough notice that everyone's alright. except for the Truck, of course.
(kemp)
He'd go get the head again if it wasn't such a pain in the ass to do it now. Turning to watch the factory burn. "We better get going. Someone's gonna see the smoke and call the fire department."(james)
truck heaves off... and something goes terribly wrong
ribcages just don't do that sorta thing all by themselves
and while Mighty Garou can survive all sorts of Minions of the Wyrm
throw a king cab Tacoma at them.... and it's sure to leave a markprobably several
by the time Kemp helps the raggedyman to his feet
weight's slumping homid shoulders against the nearest wa....
(... there's no wall right there, Jamey-boy....)
weight's taking the Gnawer several stumbling steps backwards until he finds the nearest wall
dark eyes blinking the multiple versions of his packmates back into their singular entities
(.... the world wouldn't survive more than one version of any Eagle....)
crooked grin half-marking the inner amusement at his own accomplishment just thenDecker butchered the baddie
James killed his packmate's truck
..... whee lookit the severed head fa-LYYYYYYYthe novelty wears off quickly at the mental tirade finally filtering through
Ahroun trying to shake the remaining pieces back into focus
(decker)
Kemp brings up going places and Decker snorts. Get going. How? Sneaker express again, that's how. Disgruntled as all hell, the Modi rips the plates off the Tacoma, plus any and all other identifying characteristics including the Confederate Flag window tint (what wasn't ripped and shredded, anyway), the fuzzy dice, and one of Imogen's thongs in the ba----er, well, that might not actually exist. Nevertheless, after he's reasonably sure the truck is as unidentifiable as possible (though any of the sept would readily recognize even the gooshed version), the Modi backs up from it.
"Y'alrigh', James?" low, not looking at the Gnawer -- some modicum of control regained, and he was scrubbing red goo off his hands onto his shirt.
(kemp)
"Whatcha wanna bet stink ass brought all them folks together in one place for his own jollies? Bet he set it all up and that's why he was laying there enjoying the show." Shaking his head with a look in Roxy's car to make sure Tristan's sister was ok. "I can give someone a lift on the bike."(decker)
"Don't think stinkass controlled screamin' chick though," Decker contributes. "Think she more powerful'n he ever woulda been. Maybe he lured 'er in. But he ain't controlled her."(kemp)
"Maybe he was her finger puppet?"(am)
Sneaker express - or in her case, nice stylish heels. Either way, she's game. Still need our captives here - or get enough from Mr. One-Eyed Whack-a-Garou? If yes, she'll toss them in the back of Roxy's truck. If no, it's snap of the neck, and tossed into the flames still burning. Clean up time, and all.Adding Both times she came -she came screaming too. No nice calm entrance. Pause. Shut up, Kemp. Before he even has a chance. But it's said with as close to affection as the Modi gets.
(james)
I've had better days.the Gnawer still hasn't moved from this rather comfortable spot against the anonymous wall
(.. good wall.)
dark eyes slipping half closed as head leans back, making spagetti-esque pillow out of dreads against bricks
rough palms smoothing over forehead to physically try and quell the lingering pain
(..... never headbutt a truck again, James)
blindly searching through his pockets for that pack of goddamned smokesRat spirits maybe a clue, they gathered each time before she came.
(decker)
But it's the Modi, not the Rotagar, that says it. A snort of a laugh -- Well hell, when I make 'em come, they tend ta do it loud.Then, sobering, Keep 'em around. We still don't know what tha shooters had ta do with nothin'.
Too many different parties involved in this little ball game.
(kemp)
That was it. A blink and then he was cracking up. "He said cum!" Going over to help James up from the wall, bracing him. "Come on old man, we gotta move."(st)
Roxy's truck was still running, she looks into the back seat, a glance to the girl, thinking she'll be okay for now. Quickly and unconsciously, she is walking straight over to James, breathing out a heavy sigh of relief that he was still alive.The Glas Walker drops to a crouch next to the 'Gnawer, "Here, James." helping him to find his half crumbled pack of smokes, even those almost didn't survive. She looks over her shoulder at the wreckage and then towards Decker.
"Decker, take mah truck. I can find another way back ta tha garage. Won't be nothin' a phone call can't do to get mah cousin ta pick me up."
(am)
Shakes her head, but doesn't comment. Strike that. She does comment. Jukebox made her come, I believe. You are too secure in your manhood, Modi.And, Dump One, two. The Pows get tossed into the back.
(decker)
"Drive it yerself," Decker says, tossing the keys back to Roxy. One hand on the sidewall and he vaults into the bed of the truck, landing lightly in a crouch. "'m in fuckin' mournin', ain't gonna drive no other truck fer a while."(kemp)
That made him snicker more. A good outlet after all that crazy shit. "Ya know, if the bitch is still around somewhere, she might come for the girl. Girl was there both times. Better watch her."(am)
A slim brow lifts toward Kemp. Wasn't she scratchin and freakin right before?"(decker)
Decker gives Kemp an odd look. The kid may have been joking. Decker's look isn't."Hnh," he grunts, whatever that might mean. But he'll keep what the kid said in mind. "James, where ya takin' Tris' sis?"
(kemp)
"Yup like one of those weather things that know when a storm is coming. Watch her, you'll know when the bitch is coming when she starts to scratching and shit."
"Both times, girl was moved and bitch did her flame thing and was gone. Like ya moved the lightning rod or something."(st)
"La Llorona..." Roxanne says, seeming thoughtful, she stays with James. Truck keys caught up, helping the Gnawer stand up. "Ah'm gonna make a phone call when we get back," walking him to her truck.(kemp)
He wouldn't forget the name. Well, he wouldn't forget his version of it. My Sharona.(james)
finally, the Gnawer shifts his weight off the wall
sidewalk sufficiently calmed enough so that he's not trying to walk on waves
Kemp and Roxy are welcome help in that respect
especially with figuring out the dire state of his pack of Camelsthere is one. ONE. surviving smoke.
only after that is lit and drug and exhaled and the world centers again
does he work towards a reply pieced together though somewhat elusive thoughts
he didn't miss the other common connecting threads either, earlierThe hell away from Tris, for now. don't even need to think about how upset that's going to make his brother, but the prettyboi will simply have to deal for now, one Blood labeled as target bad enough for now Keep her safe enough until we put the puzzle pieces together. Few things the bum said pre-cyclops are worth checking into if I can get to the information sources.
translation: he has no clue but suggestions are welcome
(am)
She looks back toward James, and then. I've some cash - can hole up with her in a random hotel. keep her moving. I'll take first watch if you like. He, after all, will have to deal with Tristan.(decker)
"Fuckin' l'il bane Hyde 'n me caught was babblin' bout her comin' fer tha children too," he chips in.Then he straightens up a little, sitting on the edge of Roxy's truck-bed. "Naw, no hotels, no outsiders. We'll keep 'er at tha old Eagles warehouse. Want James 'n Kemp ta question these fuckers," he toes one of the passed-out gunmen, "when they wake tha fuck up. Figger out what they have ta do with all this shit. Why they was there, what they wanted, how they related ta Cyclops man 'n l'il cyclops bane." A pause. "Both'a 'em only had one eye." Shrug. "Don't know if that means nothin'.
"Rest'a us is gonna take turns watchin' tha girl in case La Llorona makes another house-call. Tell Tris he kin come see her, but he cain't take 'er home. Annemarie, you got first shift."
(st)
Roxanne looks up at everyone, waiting to see who all piles into the front and back seats of her truck. She was driving. Decker was apparently riding in the bed. "What about this second child... Andrea said something about a Molly? A third girl. The boy is dead."(kemp)
"Thought she said Molly was dead?"(st)
"Is Molly dead? How can Andrea know for certain... There was a van driving away from the scene when you all showed up."(kemp)
"Didn't she say something about she got Molly or something like that?" Frowning, trying to recall. Hell he had been trying to comfort her and stuff.
"Awshit, I forgot about the fuckin van. Fuck, that means more of them involved in this shit. More finger puppets."(james)
Works for me.James isn't picky about where finds a spot in the truck
however the whole issue of once more being in a truck has some hesitations"Yeh. Said she w'z dead.... 'r gone. Van drivin' 'way only had th' driv'r."
(st)
"I think we need to question Andrea when she wakes up. Maybe Tristan can talk to her." Roxy suggests, climbing into the driver's seat and shuts the door.
(kemp)
Heading for his bike with a call back over his shoulder. "Anyone wants a ride, last call. I'll meetcha there."(am)
A nod. That's all. She offered to take first watch and that's what she'll do. She feels it necessary, after all, for that missed swipe. Perhaps she could have gotten to the kid faster otherwise. Either way - her duty is clear.She climbs into the bed of the truck, and rides there, relying on running commentary for the rest of the conversations.
(decker)
He listens a moment to Kemp and Roxy's exchange. "'ll git Hyde 'n see if we kin track tha van down." Then he slouches down in the bed of the truck; the spontaneous planning seems over.(st)
Once everyone was settled into the truck, Roxanne takes one last look at Decker's Tacoma. All that hard work... gone. She lets out a sigh, keeping her mouth shut and drives to wherever the Eagles wish her to go.[end]
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.28.05. - chatters [eagles-andrea-eddie] *ul[eagles' former warehouse - con't from barking chain follow-up]
(st)
The old factory.
What remains of the Eagles gather in the large area of the first level that once played home to the pack. Remnants of their once rustic Riverfront lifestyle still reside in their former spots, maybe a couch has been rearranged, and the mini-fridge stolen months ago... but there was still some form of seating if one was inclined to.The bay doors were tossed open to allow for fresh air to seep into the building, or else suffer the putrid stench of the bum. You all think he's picked up on a few new scents since the car ride over. The SUV began to reek of piss, about a block near the factory. The bum still smells like it, even now, as he sits on one of the couches. Knees drawn up and fishing through his coat pockets for a whiskey flask.
Whether someone told her to come or not, Roxanne lingers in the backdrop, she perches on the metal stairwell that leads up to the higher levels, out of the way of a fight, but still in good range to shoot something if she needed to. Andrea was with her, the young girl, slumped up against the Glass Walker, starting to rouse awake.
(hyde)
*Hyde had dropped them off. Then gone to ditch the SUV.. Using a Zippo (( Fire spirits would NUUUUUT for a zippo)) to set it on fire. Gawd it stunk.He now came tromping back in, having taken the El back*
(james)
the breif brush with fresh air was all too short pleasant company
coming back into the factory and James is already regretting olfactory input
from all the way across the fucking cavernous interior, he could palpably pick up that bum's stench
before he's back at the group proper, you can bet he's got a cigarette lit
something, anything, to help quell that smellthe two gunmen are still unconscious (or braindead)
so best option to keep things moving is zero in on El Stinky One..... thank Gaia they abandoned that couch long ago, poor thing will never be the same
"Gotta name?"
question's passed with offer of the pack of smokes
meager attempt at putting more smoke into the air than his habit alone supports
(.... they're gonna smell this for WEEKS.....)(am)
She and Silence arrived together, with his muttering that she got blood on his seats. She will clean it later. He takes a seat, and glowers as usual, and she takes the time to find the remains of their first aid kit. Resist pain still working, she sits on a crate, and goes about sewing up the (self inflicted, of all things!) gashes along her bicep.Oh god the STENCH. Even her normally expressionless face is skewed to show disgust.
(hyde)
*Hyde walking into the wall of that stench turned and moved around the edges. Reaching a strange mutant hand into his Godi bag.. pulling out some Vics Vapro rub. Opening it he smears a bit on his upper lip and offers it to Am. Nodding and reaching to touch her ouchie with his other hand*(kemP)
He stopped on the way back for a quick run into the 7-11 and back out again. Opening a sack as soon as he came in the old factory. Out came lysol that was sprayed around. Then he hung a little Christmas tree shaped car air freshener around his neck. "Fuckme." Lifting it to sniff often.(am)
She nods her thanks, a touch of her pinky smears the Vics on her upper lip. Their sense of smell stronger then most, due to their breed. She doesn't flinch from the touch of her wound, just returns to putting nice, even stitches to pull it together and quell what remains of the bleeding.(hyde)
(2D10 Dice Roll: 6; 1 )
*He grunts and pokes the ouchie again*
2D10 Dice Roll: 5; 9
*He nods as the wounds close to just ugly nasty bone bruises and then turns to watch the questioning. Putting the vics cap on and tossing it towards Kemp*(kemp)
Going in a slow circle around the couch, spraying the lysol. If that didn't kill the smell, it might make the bum talk as a form of torture by giving him better smelling air to smell. "Fuckme, I could smell the car two blocks back with my fingers over my damned nose."(am)
A glance as he pokes her again, hand coming back to....A narrowed gaze, and then she puts the needle and thread away. The rest will heal in time. A nod - up, of course, and she returns her attention to James and stinkboy.
(kemp)
Snagging the jar of Vics out of the air and searching around until he found a stick-like scrap of wood to stick in the jar to then extend towards the back of the bum and smear it on his clothing. Sorta like doing a ritual of sorts, but not wanting to touch the guy again.(eddie harris & co/st)
"Eddie Harris," he replies, glancing at the offered pack of smokes. He produces a little bag of beef jerky, extending it in offer to James. "Want one?" reaching out to take a cigarette and set it between his lips. It just sits there, refusing a lighter if one was offered. "So, what kinda trouble I'm in?"Roxy wrinkles her nose, shaking her head at the stench and turns to look down at Andrea. She waves a hand over to Godi, "Hey, Hyde, think ya can heal her. She's pretty banged up."
Andrea moans softly, head slumped into the crook of Roxanne's shoulder. She was starting to shake, her arms folded across her chest, as Roxy holds her tighter, brushing blood-crusted hair back from Andrea's face.
(hyde)
*Hyde had ment for kemp to put some on hislip under his nose... damn.. now he'd need a new jar. Air spirits liked smelly stuff.. but he wasn't taking ANYthing from that bum.... and Hyde was glad he hadn't touched the guy*
*Hell he hadn't thought of that. He grunts and nods moving over and kneeling by the girl. He was a battle medic at best.
Reaching out he touches the girls head.* I hit the window last time I tried to drive too... *Having rememberdf the bronco last night*
2D10 Dice Roll: 1; 2
2D10 Dice Roll: 2; 2
(...... hyde tripped)(james)
dreads skitter over his shoulders as head shakes to the jerkey
pack's repocketed and the raggedyman is damned well chain-smoking that fucker this close to... Eddie
"That depen'. How forthcoming yeh g'nna be 'fore I have t' start askin' questions a get th' answers I wan'." speaking slowly enough to be distinct past the slur without sounding patronizing "I wan' you a tell me ev'rything yeh know 'bout that little sitch'ation we jus' lef' on th' street back there."the bum was there when they arrived
so Eddie knows what kind of damage the Ahroun before him can do when displeased
much less the entirety of gathered pack when focused down on one, smelly, target
at least he's fair enough to give the guy a chance, firstAnyone able to get a reading on Eddie here beyond the intensity of that smell?
(hyde)
to Jukebox: He's ugly...(james)
..... that's helpful.(am)
In reply to the question, she shakes her head. No, sorry. While she moves to check on the other POWs. Still out for the count. When she gets to the dead, crispy, kid, she digs around the factory until finding a disgarded sheet of some sort, and covers him up. More for the fact that the kid was here with Roxy, then anything, though he died fighting the Wrym. There is no greater honor.(st)
Andrea had hit the windshield pretty fucking hard by the nasty goose-egg of a bump on her forehead, where a deep gash resides. Hyde attempts to use his healing gifts on the wounds, but nothing happens, at first... He tries again and some of the wounds, minor cuts and bleeding stops, at least.Roxy makes a face, nodding her head in thanks to Hyde. "Thanks." Andrea moans again, becoming more conscious of her surroundings, though, she still ached. She blinks, looking around in quiet confusion.
--
Eddie just sits there. His hand falls limply in his pissed-stained lap, little bag of jerky there. He seems to space out for a moment, staring off blankly, until James finished speaking. The bum looks up, swallowing a lump in his throat, "Look I'm just a bum. I'm old an' can't hurt a fly let alone find a pot to piss in," he starts to say, stops to look around at everyone, James thinks Eddie just lost function of his bowel movements again as the wet stains grows and their is a puddle forming on the cushion, dripping to the floor."I's hangin' out waitin' for my Sarah to join me. We were goin' to go for take out in the dumpster behind the Chinese place on 5th Ave. I fell alseep on the street. When I woke up, I heard a roar an'a crash. Next thing I know some kid's gone into furry mode and busts out of some car to attack these ijits in a car that was chasing'em." he blinks, thinking, "Some cops were on patrol got caught up in crossfire."
(hyde)
*Hyde gives the girl his best "I'm not going to REALLY eat you" smile and then stands. Turning back to the man. Shaking his head* Nothing is that dirty and smelly with out being tainted...(roxy)
Andrea pushes herself up, running her hands over the healed forearms, starting to itch. She looks down at her hands, and then her arms, seeming to stare at them blankly. It wasn't long before the girl starts to tremble violently, curling up into a ball. Arms tighten around her legs, rocking back and forth, whimpering and mewling like a pathetic kitten.
(kemp)
"Oh bullshit. You were laying there watching. All ya needed was popcorn and a drink and you'd be all set for the show. People don't just turn up and run over other people, armed with guns to start with and start blowing them away. Gotta do better than that."(st)
"What's was I suppose to do, kid, go in guns a'blazing to save some assholes dumb enough to shoot a garou?" Eddie sniffs, looking at Kemp. "Ya'll turned to kill a buncha people. What's that mean then?"
(james)
below jumbled mop of dreads, deep umber eyes narrow
in part it's because of the additional smell soaking into their ex-couch
in part it's because apparently, that answer just wasn't good enough
smoke exhales plume towards the bum before ceiling
and Eddie could swear there's a low growl humming underneath it"Could kill one more righ' nah." low and even "Awful calm f'r bein' startle' 'wake by buncha Garou caught up inna cop shootou'. How long ya been in town, Eddie?"
(kemp)
~Exactly! This fucker is lying!~ His mind already made up. Just didn't add up. Frowning with a look towards Roxy and the girl. "What's a matter with her?"(st)
"Yeh could kill me. Won't serve ya much, now will it. Ya always kill BG kinfolk?" Eddie rolls his shoulders in a small shrug, ducking his head down, so he doesn't have to look at James. He shrinks back into the couch at the low thrum of the growl hits his ears. "... years.. since I's little."(st)
Roxy looks away from the conversation, shifting forward to move off the step, and crouch in front of Andrea. She puts her hands on the girl's shoulders, trying to look at Andrea in the eyes. "I'm not sure, Kemp," frowning as she speaks softly, "What's wrong, darlin'?"Andrea squeezes her eyes shut, wincing in pain, she buries her face in her arm, starting to cry. "Please.. make them stop.. make them go away." Fingers scratch along her arms, fervently, until the skin started to turn red. She continues to rock.
Roxy reaches out to gently touch Andrea's wrists and stop the scratching, "Don't do that, shugah, ya'll make it worse." At that instant, Andrea shrieks out, "Don't touch me!!" throwing her arms up to flail and hit at Roxy, desperate to get away. Roxy releases her, staggering back off the steps in shock. Andrea starts to move, crawling up the steps on all fours, then stops and curls up again.
(kemp)
"Don't have to kill ya man. Just take off a little chunk at a time till we are sure what ya say is truth." Shrugging with a look at Eddie, then Roxy and Andrea had his attention. "What the fuck?" Long legs taking him up the steps to carefully try to hold the girl and keep her from going further up. "Hey, it's ok. Show me what's wrong."(am)
She's listening to Jukebox and Eddie, making sure the other's are still out cold, when Andrea begins to freak out. She turns and studies her, moving closer so that she can catch the girl if she tries to flee. They didn't go through all this to simply lose her again. Kemp, perhaps she'll listen to you if she knows of your connection to Tristan. It's the only suggestion she has. She's not much of the comforting type.(st)
Kemp can see Andrea curl up into a tighter ball, her chest heaving, nostrils flared, panting in deep shallow breathes, almost on the verge of hyperventillating. She tucks her head down, eyes squeezed shut and her hands cover her ears, lightly, smacking at her temples. "Getoutgetoutgetout. It won't stop. They won't go away... chattering..." Tears stream down her bloody face, crying harder, continuing to mewl like a frightened animal. "chatterchatterchatter..."Roxy looks towards the others, making a face as she stands at the bottom of the stairs. "Mental trauma or somethin'? I ain't a shrink."
Andrea's outbursts catch Eddie's attention, he looks up with a small glance, then quickly drops his eyes away to concentrate on something else.
(kemp)
~Good idea."Hey, come on. I'll take care of ya. Ya don't know me. I'm Kemp. Tristan is my best friend in the world. I mean, shit, I'd give him my heart if he needed one. I call him mom." Smiling crookedly. "Stupid as it sounds. He's really the only mom and dad I ever had."(james)
"Keepin' yeh 'live ain't servin' much, eith'r, as ih stan's." brow cocks in point, and a thumb jerks back over his shoulder towards Andrea mewling by Roxy "Think'is 'pparen' I dunn always kill BG kinfo', but if yeh been'ere yearzzz, I'm won'erin' why yeh dunn cum in'roduce ya'self a th' BeeGee Eld'r wh'n he's 'stablish'd. 'r show up at th' Tribez moots since th'n. 'r make ya'sel' known'iz Fam'ly - like a prop'r raise kin.Lookit me wh'n I'm talkin' to you."
much as he may regret this later, James takes a step closer
bearing down on the cowering bum
at two and a half feet between - the smell's noxious beyond description
he's a feeling it's about to get worse"Dunn do me'r th' Tribe much good a have yeh sittin' here pissin' ya'sel' a firs' impressions. Got 'nuff a deal with a th' girl ov'r there. Puts me inna mood a kill a liar. Las' chance 'fore I take th' kid's advice..... tell me who y'are, why yeh watchin' th' fight all chilled, 'n wha' questions ya dunn think th' kid had time a ask yeh 'fore cops cum."
(kemp)
Trying to stop her from beating herself in the head. "Naw man, something's going on here. First the scratching and the THEY and now the chattering. Someone's fucking with her."(am)
Brows furrow, then, trying not to distract Jukebox from the bum. Going Umbral to see if there's anything fucking with her on that side. Least then it'll tell how much of it might be in her head. Bit of broken glass, bit of concentration, and - barring any objections from those higher up then her (Which, of course, is everyone)... sidestep.(st)
Eddie mutters, lifting up his eyes to glance up at Jukebox, he takes the cigarette from his mouth, clutching it between his fingers and starts to shred it up. "There's folks around here...yannow, kinfolk that ain't introduced themselves. We don't wanna be bothered by garou, just left alone... don't wanna be dragged into no damn wars, fights, ain't my business. I'm just an old man..." Eddie can hear the girl's screaming, it makes him look away, hunching up his shoulders."Heard the call on the barkin' chain. Knew about the kids... found'em in the bronco. The black one was talkin'to me while I tried to explain things to him. He didn't wanna listen, puffed up and got all pissy.." he wets dry cracked lips, "Some guys... men in a car drove up. Don't know who they were, never seen'em before. Said they wanted the kids... black one goes fuzzy... fight breaks out.. cops patrolling show up.." he stammers out, flecks of nicotine covering his hands.
(am 5D10 Dice Roll: 5; 1; 8; 6; 9 )
(james)
the Ahroun's humor dives down a notch lower
..... chatters..... chitters..... something's all too familiar
Take stock of the rats.
it's a wild association, but close enough for the population about the park
though dark, earthen eyes never unlock from Eddie.... there's nothing that should be said about the way a girl's screaming affects a predator just after battle.
James is ignoring it
just like he's ignoring how uncomfortable he's making a mere kin
in fact... the Adren cracks a slow, crooked smile"Yeh, folks that dunn wanna get involve' yet cum a the call f'r the kids..... seemz yeh get involve'. Ev'n go up'n talk w'th'm." a pause, breif, to let that sink in - Eddie's still obviously on very thin ice, cause a kin that doesn't get involved in the War won't be missed by those fighting it "What you two talkin' 'bou'? 'n what you know 'bout th' reason she'z cryin...."
(st)
Andrea is too weak to fight with Kemp, he manages to grab stop her from beating her hands against her head. She lunges forward, grabbing the Rotager by the shirt, staring up at him with wide, wide eyes... He can see absolute terror reflected in their brown depths. Andrea starts babbling in Spanish, Sunday School scriptures ranted off on a whim. "LA Llorona! Judas... LA Llorona. We have to leave. We can't stay here. She's coming.. we have to find Tristan. You'll take me to Tristan. Please, Judas..." her head drops against Kemp's chest, crying into his shirt. "They got her.. she's dead. she's gone.."--
Roxanne grows nervous, reaching behind her to pull out one of her guns. She begins to look around warily, a glance to James and the bum, and then back to Kemp and the girl.
Annemarie slips umbral. She can see the outlines of the factory, where dark matter forms solid walls and others that have a vague transparency. The only spiritual activity she sees is the growing number of rat-spirits. There seems to be nothing hovering around Andrea's head.
(kemP)
Murky green eyes the color of moss on stones and they were just about as wide as Andrea's when she grabbed his shirt and started talking in what he was sure was tongues. "Awfuckme. Judas?" Turning a glaring look on Eddie down there with James. Even he knew what a Judas was and he was getting the feeling they had one with them. "Who got who?" Trying to hold the girl and rock her some to comfort her. Not exactly something any have seen or thought they would see Kemp do.(st)
"Sometimes... blood is thicker an' water. Ain't first time I've helped a kinfolk out... them kids wouldn't have survived in Southside.. all kinds of critters out there, drug pushers that would kill'em, eat'em..." Eddie mumbles, shifting on the couch, edging way from Jukebox, trying to crawl over the back of the couch. "Don't know what's wrong with her.. accident maybe?"(am)
She slips umbral with ease, and frowns looking about. Note taken of the growing number of rat spirits of varying sizes and shapes. She doesn't have the godi's ability to speak with them, and thus she simply makes her way closer to where Andrea is on the other side. Numbers growing - all rats from what I can see. Nothing directly bothering Andrea that I can tell.Second hand relay from Kemp makes brows furrow slightly. Judas is never good.
(st)
Andrea collapses in Kemp's arms, shuddering in heavy convulsions, so pitiful and weak, she could barely keep herself up. Her voice dies to a whisper, "...Molly." sobbing, "Don't you remember, Judas, Molly.. the dreams. The nightmares... we lost her."(kemp)
Pulling the girl to his lap to rock her. Holding her like a little girl. "No, guess I forgot." Softly whispering with his cheek resting on her forehead. Breath fanning her hair slightly. "Remind me about them? You know how I forget things sometimes."(st)
Annemarie can see the varying sizes of rat-spirits, growing in numbers, they start to swarm around the area of where Kemp and Andrea stand. None of them daring to go near the space that Eddie and Jukebox inhabit. They turn bright shiny eyes upon Annemarie, twitching their whiskers.~burn.burn.burn~
(james)
Eddie tries to crawl away over the back of the couch
his route is blocked by the three inch width of metal pipe smacking framing a foot before his face
weapon's rolled by calloused hand and the sharpened railroad spike on the end glitters in the factory's low light
the tattered pillowpaddingfabric covering it does little as fashionable backdrop
the smelly bum is well aware of what damage that weapon can do
POW gunman with nothing left of a face serves as quick reminder should it be needed"I hope y'r not thinkin' 'bout lyin 'gain, Eddie." the crooked smile seems downright inhuman, Jukebox's patience is wearing thin "Tell me 'bout Jud'is, 'n th' rats, 'n why she's cryin' like that a make yeh squirm....."
(am)
Running commentary is listened too, as she watches, brow furrowed slightly. Rats gathering where Kemp and Andrea are. Wide birth round Jukebox and the bum.She studies where the bum and Jukebox would be, for a long moment, until she feels those eyes on her.all them eyes on her.
I'm no Godi? but I don't think I like the way these rats are looking at me...
(kemp)
~Huh? Rats where?~Looking around slightly, cradling the girl closer to him. "It's ok, I'm here with ya, remember?"(st)
Andrea doesn't say another word, cuddling up to Kemp as she just cries, clinging on to him. Roxanne puts the gun away, folding her arms across her chest. She breathes in a deep breath, blinking, and looks away towards the open bay doors.Loud, metallic noises start to clatter from above the rafters realmside, as Annemarie stands in the Umbra, she can see several of the rat-spirits crossing over to materialize in the realm. ~weaver...weaver...~ Their voices chitter in unison, echoing across her ears...
Realmside, the rat-spirits that crossed over start scurrying around hastily, vague shadowy forms, some of them larger than a small dog. They crawl towards the staircase and the girl, they skitter around the Bone Gnawer and some of the other Garou.
Louder noises rumble from the upper levels of the factory, metal slamming against metal. The stench of the bum becomes drowned out by the smell of smoke. Black smoke that starts in the upper atmosphere... Sniff.sniff. You smell something burning.
Eddie freezes, focusing his attention on the pipe. Upper lip curls slightly into a half-snarl, "Don't know anything about rat-spirits..."
(kemp)
Looking upwards with a confused frown. Nostrils flaring several times with the smell coming from above. "Awfuckme blue and call me sissy girl." ~Something's burning.~Getting up with Andrea in his arms to start down the steps. He wasn't gonna sit there and become no Oscar Mayer weiner.(james)
Ruhiger, fall back. Kemp, get her out of her. Gunmen, too.
a moment or three passes as James calculates the information
swarms of rats is simply something he doesn't trust
murmuring at the bum's half-snarl reaction"Then why ain't they comin' near you save t' burn this place down 'roun' our earsssss."
(kemp)
He was going and he wasn't gonna sit the girl down outside to get the gunmen. Fuck that, something would grab the girl just as sure as he was wearing Decker's undies.(am)
Falling back.Move to where she went through once already, and pops back realside to see Decker and Hyde grabbing the gunmen POWs, and heading them back out as the smoke gets thicker.
Want Krispy too? If so, she stops and grabs, if not, she gestures for Roxanne to get out, while she hangs back enough to help Jukebox with the bum as needed...
(st)
"James, somethin's burnin'." Roxy's words echoing those of the totem link, despite her lack of its use. She starts to move off with Kemp and Andrea, not bothering to stick around either, she is careful of where she steps, dancing around the rat-spirits.The chittering grows louder, the smaller, materialized, rat-spirits begins to crawl up Jukebox's legs, the featherlight impressions of tiny claws and fur, brushing over his skin, snagging on the folds of his clothes, until they can perch on his head and shoulders. They are hissing, ~burn.burn.burn. weaver. burn.burn.burn~
Eddie wrinkles up his eyes, he starts to hunch over, wrapping his arms around himself as if he were in pain. "You better run, boy, if you wanna live," he chuckles with a snarling grin.
The old factory works like a oven, containing the heat, raising the temperature rapidly. Licks of flames can be seen at the upper levels of the rafters. The loud, wailing cackle of that feminine voice fills the air, striking a cold chill down the backs of the Eagles.
(kemp)
~Dude, I think that stinky fuck is making this happen or something!~Trying to push Roxy out the door and carry Andrea out before the place burned down. "Move it! Toasty oaty oh's!"(james)
something's burning
the animal beneath man's flesh cannot be unaware of that
but all in all - James' gaze is still on the bum
even past the maddening sensation of rat spirits making themselves at home"Who's th' mirr'r wi'ch!"
obviously, it's the entity connected to keening wail sending shivers up his spine
shivers rippling skin to gooseflesh before it's raising hackles of fur
Crinos claw reaching to wrap in Eddie's filthy moomoo collar
dragging the bum out of pain-induced curl to look back at lupine faceseems the Ahroun isn't going to run until he gets that answer
(am)
The body is left, and she is still hovering in the door. There's recognition in that squeeling wail and a silent snarl as she hovers - wanting to step inside and help, wanting to run from the flames. Jukebox - it's her - get out!She felt the sting of the witches flame, she carried the charred remains back with them. That she counts Jukebox friend evident in the way she lingers...
(kemp)(
~Her? Who her?~"I got the girls, come on!"(st)
Eddie looks up at the crinos, the expression upon his face a sneering mask, "You heard the girl. LA Llorona... ask the kids. Ask the dead cub. You believe in Urban Legends, Jamey-boy." Eddie manages to run a hand up to his forehead, rubbing at it fiercely.The rat-spirits start to throw themselves off of crinos shoulders, many of them diving back for the umbra, screeching. ~it comes. runs. it comes. save yourself, 'gnawer. she comes~
The old factory was on fire and it was being fed rapidly, there is an explosion from the upper levels. One of the catwalks breaks free and starts to fall down, sending sparks of metal shrapnel splintering across the ground.
Many of the Eagles are retreating and for a good reason. The cackling wail rises once again to taunt at Jukebox's ears.
(james)
deep umber eyes narrow as instinct kicks in
animal begging flight before the growing inferno
the human shying from unearthly wail piercing fine wolven ears
(.... he won't forget that sound for a long, long, time.....)
and as much as the Gnawer Elder loathes giving up
he lets go of the reeking, sneering bum and bolts for the door(kemp)
And he was doing one of those things he just couldn't help doing. Despite what it took to juggle the girl and do it. Kemp was pausing just long enough to shake his ass. "Kiss this LA Llorona! Ma ma ma Sharona!" Shaking his ass at the place in general before running out with the girl in his arms and pushing on Roxy.(am)
Only when she sees Jukebox finally bold for the door, does she step aside/outside the door held for him so that there's no chance of slowing that flight, no matter how much she too wants to run, that scream screeching through her ears...
(decker)
(wait up, shann.)James lets the bum go... but out of the collapsing wreckage of catwalks and grilles, piping and shingles, comes a grey beast out of myth and horror.
( i'll show you a motherfuckin' urban legend. )
It catches the bum up almost before Jukebox has dropped him, its massive handpaw closing around his shoulder the way a man might clamp a rag doll in his hand. Dragged in the other handpaw by the ankles, head bumping on the ground, is one of the gunmen. All its hackles are up; it's huge, and looks even huger.
The gunman is hurled gracelessly out the door. The bum, and the beast, follow a moment later. Bum's tossed to find his footing the best he can, and before he quite manages, a huge handpaw propels him backwards to slam into the hood of the Tacoma.
"How do you know so much." Silent until now, the Modi's got questions at last. He isn't shouting, but he is loud, lungs the size of forge bellows driving vocal chords too thick to be human. The words are forced out, growls underlying each one. "Why does the bitch always show up when you're around."
(st)
Smaller explosions are erupting, as the flames start to carry down, two more metal catwalks come crashing down.Jukebox can feel a sudden roar of flame shoot out, the heat skidding along his back as it just singes the tip of his fur and dreadlocked mane. Everyone was outside that needed to be. All Eagles accounted for...
...and the old factory burns.
Silence grabs a hold of the bum, dragging him out of the burning factory. Eddie manages to find his footing, before he is shoved hard, propelled into the hood of the Tacoma. He splatters across it, rolling over onto his stomach. Eddie wheezes and coughs, clawing at the hood to gain his balance. He remains hunched over, one hand tearing off the beanie cap on his forehead.
(....beware the cyclops...)
The only answer that Decker receives is Eddie's raspy laughter. The Eagles can see his clothes writhing, the body mass starts to bulk up, growing bigger, taller. Clothes stretch and rip away under the bulging mass of rippling muscle tissue that begins to reveal itself as Eddie transforms...
He stands up, now a naked giant of rippling muscles tissue built on muscles, in the center of Eddie's forehead was a large, bulbous eyeball that ejects outward.
[con't in i'm ok]
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.28.05. - barking chain follow-up [city gnawers] *ul[forum - cont'd from watcher-of-the-eye]
(james)
sometime between when Hyde skids stolen SUV to a stop and the entourage in full files into the old abandoned factory once servering as Eagles HQ
James slips aside and makes quick exit out the cavernous building's back-alley door
reasonable enough excuse, honestly, they all neeeeeeed a breath of fresh air following up that car ride
he's smelled some RANK shit in some REPULSIVE places, before
(....even survived such with a monster spider nestled into his dreads for the ride.....)
but that supposed "Gnawer kin" bum was in a league all. of. his. own.
add it to the eye-watering cologne of burned flesh emanating from the Choco-Crinos corpse.....phew! FRESH. AIR.
safely encased in the shadows lingering about the factory's proverbial "backyard"
the Jackal Blood's Elderman shifts until his own shadow throws canid image
muzzle lifted to the sky above sending the coded barks and howls to spread throughout the nightJukebox found missing kin! Thanks all for help! Work not over yet! Found bodies strangely burned! Found spirits strangely upset! Need any news others have found! Anything that seems out of place! Jukebox and pack finding more information now! Will call again soon!
he waits several minutes listening to the growing echoes
assuring the message translates clearly enough among the City's mongrel breeds
not to mention drawing a few more priceless lungfulls of preciously non-scented air
satisfied, he returns to birthform and walks back inside on the rhythm of bipedal stepkeeping half-an-ear cocked towards the factory's few scattered broken windows that allow sufficient airflow to keep his packmates from suffocating in the stench, as well as just enough sound carrying through to alert the raggedyman of returns along the Gnawer's own interactive, private radio station
..... let the interrogation begin.
------
((Eagles, please assume any information returned along the Barking Chain in this thread is immediately shared with packmates via Totem Phone in hopes of supplementing interrogation scene(s).))
[in progress - cont'd in chatters]
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.28.05. - black fury elder garou-napped [elder council][forum]
(yu gan)
When Yu gets back to town he goes to the caern and informs the grand elder first. Then makes some calls, the elders who's number he knows get a phone call."Hey, this is Yu Gan.. somone's kidnapped the Fury Elder... I've got some information and the Tribe is being notified here in Chicago. If you want more information, let me know, I'll keep you informed to the progress of finding her when the Fury's decide on something."
To the elders who's phone number he doesn't know.. a personal appearance to deliver the message is called for.
(virago)It would likely be a personal appearance then, and the Fang elder was not particularly difficult to find. Located in downtown, the particular headquarters of a particular corporation with her name attached to it could be quite the beacon for anyone - who were informed of the connections.
Yu Gan would have been ushered into Josephina's large corner office on arrival, the Fang standing and greeting him with a hand shake - utterly businesslike and in many ways like the demeanor she would present at the Moots: absent of jokes, jests and any cause of excess emotion. Suitable, really, for the overwhelming (and perhaps unexpected) masculinity of the room. However, there is something more warm behind the glint of those cat-shaped azure eyes, the tilt of a smile of welcome and surprise at the visit on her mouth, that would be beyond mere cordiality.
When he explains the reason, brows furrow in concern, long legs immediately eating the distance to the small bar. Brandy poured, some offered to the fostern, as she reassures, "We are, of course, more than willing to help in any way we can, rhya. Is there anything in particular you would like myself or my pack to do?"
(yu)
*He shakes his head* Not as of yet.. It's being fielded to the Furies tribe and depending on how they want to handel it we'll move forward. They may see it as a matter of honor to retreive her themselves. I don't know of her having a pack to inform.Once they decide on something I'll let you know.
(virago)"Very well." Very little information given by the Uktena elder, but Virago is loathe to press for more. Not her tribe, not her packmate - not yet her call, so she quietly acquiesces to what Yu Gan says. Brandy in hand, the amber liquid is pensively swirled.
"Before you go," walking across to the desk and a sip taken from the drink in the process, a drawer is opened and an object removed. She extends the business card to the fostern between two fingers. "Contact details." A wan smile given, a shrug. For all she knows, he could have them already and simply decided to turn up to the office anyway. "In case you need them."
With Yu Gan's leaving, an alert is sent out over the totemphone to her packmates informing them of the situation with the Fury elder. Then the request that they keep their eyes and ears open, before she settles back down to the mundanities of normal business, at the moment willing to await further instructions. She expects it to be forthcoming relatively soon.
(decker)
Decker's slowly but surely getting corrupted to the wonders of modern telecommunications.A return message: "If tha Furies ask fer our help, tha Fenrir'll answer."
We all know how likely that is.
(sandman)
The Sandman already had the skinny on the situation as it involved his packmate, and much like the Get of Fenris, the Fianna would answer when the call came to action.(james)
James can't help the amusement at Decker's inevitable corruption
(...... modern convenience how, again?.....)
or the Modi's near inaudible grumbling while digging through pockets to locate his phone
of which is most likely hiding off beneath some stack of dirty laundry or porno mags
Gaia help them all - and the poor fridge - if it ended up behind the strawberry jam againwhile he may not be savvy to the GlassWalker's point of skills in the trade, himself
he does have a cellphone of his own that works well enough for outer-pack insta-communicado
telltale jingle erupting from it's tiny speaker soon after the Get's popped off
though the raggedyman's message is fairly similar as should be expected"Yeh... Gnaw'r's'll help out if wan'ed. Furies need'r want, I'll sen' word out ov'r th' Barkin' Chain a see if sumthin' turn' up 'n get back to'm through you."
while more probable than the Furies turning to Fenrir for help
far be it from Jukebox to overstep boundaries and do so without asking
some Tribes far too easily offended, finding insult instead of supportive assistance
..... he knows better than to risk that
[in progress]
Posted by james at 12:00 AMJuly 27, 2005.07.27.05. - watcher-of-the-eye [eagles] *ul[fuller park, chicago - cont'd from barking chain / totem phone]
(st)
Fuller Park consists of a small subdivision of poor neighbhorhoods and low class housing within Southside's vast labrynth of streets. On the map that, a green area showed the location of a small 2 acre park that sits in the middle of the neighborhood. Finding a parking spot, isn't hard. Meeting up with Roxy isn't difficult either, as she is closer to the area and knows some of the layout of the area.The Eagles assemble onto the park. Hyde and Decker vy the Umbra, making their way through the preumbral landscape of the poor neighbhorhood, the two Fenrir will denote very little activity of a spiritual nature surrounding this part of the umbra. A few city elementals, a few rat-spirits, watching something, lurking on the edges of the park. Hyde paused for the moment to seek the aide of two electricial elementals dancing in the powerlines. They fan out to survey the scene and report back quickly to the Godi.
~Chaos. Carnage. Flashing red and blues. Boom-Boom. Watcher-of-the-Eye~
--
The rest of the team assembled realmside. James and Annemarie waiting in the wings of an alley, under the cover of shadows to await for Kemp's relay of his scouting mission. Kemp's scouting consists of this...
Random chaos. A dark green Bronco lies on its side, the windshield shattered in. Gunfire erupts from two cars at the Bronco and one Squad car. There are a few people lying dead in a pool of blood on the ground, the Squad car is crushed in and the 9ft hulking form of a chocolate-brown crinos makes a finishing kill on some poor officer.A third vehicle is driving away from the scene, a non-descript van, and there is a particuarly nasty-looking bum sprawled across the sidewalk, watching, like it was a movie. The Minor threat remains umbral side, just above Decker and Hyde, watching...
(kemp)
Sending back across the totem link exactly what he saw while watching with a puzzled frown. He'd expected something other than cops for some reason.
No idea who the fuck the chocolate-brown crinos was. Sending back that bit of info too. Trying to spot a girl in all this shit with a frown towards that departing van. Trying to make a mental note of the license plate if there was one. ~Holy fuck what a cluster fuck this is.~He could deal with freak ass things, but guns and cops just wasn't what he was expecting.(st)
Roxanne who stands with James and Annemarie out of the way, swears loudly, feeling her cellular phone vibrate. She unclips it, flipping it open to read the urgent text message. Her face contorts into a frown, "M'boys say there's cops in tha area. I can get'em stalled ta buy us some time."
(james)
I know something's watching..... but I'm still not sure what.that was his last input back in the Tacoma
now they're on the street and closing
all hell's broken loose aheadBut mystery boy's on our side, help him out with TriggerHappyTV cause I'm going to pull Andrea outta the Bronco
a nod for Roxy, then James is on his way further into the alley, Crinos, little need for cover with the carnage already in full flow up ahead
(decker)
...There's a faint sense of misgiving. Mystery boy's on our side, James says. Decker isn't so easy to trust. But James was realmside, not him, and his info was secondhand at best. Watch yer back, is all he says. Hyde 'n me's gonna try ta git in closer from this side.
The iron-grey Hispo, feeling a touch exposed with the knowledge of some unseen "minor" threat on his back, pads quietly forward in the deserted umbral streets.
Keep an eye up above, Hyde.
(hyde)
*Hyde was moving in his birth form. The steel gray to Silence's iorn gray furr rippeling. The massive Godi has the "Godi bag" Dedicated and hanging at his left hip, but the Fenrir flail is out right now. Handel in one hand. CHain and ball held in the other. A nod to silence. He always watched "Up" and behind them.He moves with Decker to get closer* Watcher of the Eye.... that sounded like a name... or title of some sort...
(kemp)
~Ya want me in there? Okie dokie.~ And he was shifting to Crinos also. A dip in stance and he was dragging claws across the pavement. Using Razor Claws and heading for the action shooting at the bronco. Cops were on their own for now.(ruhiger)
Resist Battle ready Modi has spent time in the bronco preparing. After that, it's balls to the wall. Jukebox says to help the boy on their side, and that's where she heads. Little need for cover, and she's popping crinos.instant. There are some advantages to her breed, after all. With a silent snarl, she scraps her claws across the street on the run (Razor claws) and she's headed to help out the Mystery Boy - aimed for the nearest one firing on him.
(st)
Roxanne is on the phone, calling up her boys to buy the Eagles as much time as she can... A pistol in hand, but she isn't making any move to follow James or Annemarie.The Bum continues to watch, seemingly, unaffected by all the shifting and newly formed masses of the advancing werewolves. He seems particularly interested in the cop car.
Two of the gunmen are still wildly firing at the chocolate-brown crinos, relentlessly, as if they only thing they want to do it get it dead. The crinos doesn't seem to take to the slugs well, he is blown back away from the cop car. Tiny rivets of smoke rising up as the bullet wounds sizzle and burn into his flesh. He is starting to retreat, dropping to all-fours and trying to lumber away towards the park.
The Minor Threat continues to watch from above, following along the structure of the umbral buildings, focusing its eyes on Hyde and Decker, keeping up with them. They both feel their fur crawling with the unease of being watched. It starts to unnerve them more. The Fenrir will noticing the growing population of rat-spirits hovering nearby, darting in and out of shadowy alleys.
James has moved in to attack the gunman shooting at the overturned Bronco. Annemarie and Kemp are moving in crinos towards the other shooters. That leaves the remaining pack in the Umbra.... its a free for all.(decker)
As combat begins, the Modi's communications and orders dissolve into mere impressions, fleeting mind-thoughts that carry messages faster and more potently than the conscious sentences he'd normally form.He wants to stay put, watching the Umbral front. He's staying with James and the others in the Penumbral reflection, ready to step across if need be. Otherwise, though, he and Hyde were standing their ground -- at least until they were sure their packmates wouldn't need help. Then, the Umbral faction might move in search of their elusive 'minor threat.'
The watcher was still watching. It was making his skin crawl. And the rat-spirits were coming; he did not have the spiritual expertise to guess at what that might mean.
(hyde)
*Hyde stays with decker but looks to the Rats and asking them in SPirit speach what's going on and why they're all here.*(st)
The Gunmen are not difficult opponents. The Eagles hardly break a sweat as the men are mowed down with ease by the three Eagles. James' beats the living shit out of the gunmen in front of him, causing him to crumble in an unconscious heap onto the pavement, parts of his face caving in and swelling up from the beat down. Open cuts from the spike's tip leave open gashes torn across his eyes and cheeks.Kemp rwars on one of the others, tearing into the man with razor-sharp claws, tearing away the arm with the gun in hand. The gunman waves the bleeding stub in the air wildly as he tries to clammer into the car.
Annemarie attacks in a double swipe, nailing the second gunman across the shoulder and face, sending him back into the driver's seat of the car with a swipe of her left claw. That right claw misses completely as the man slumps down, she can feel the harsh bite of her own claws tearing away across her right bicep.
The chocolate-brown crinos is continuing to run into the park itself, moving away as quickly as his wounded body will allow him towards a decrepit fountain.
The rat-spirits in the umbra don't seem to overly concerned with Hyde much, a few of them darting off to run after the fleeing Garou. One of them stops to squeek at the Godi. ~Jackal's blood run a-ground~
Decker can see his pack has handle on the situation. That feeling of being watched grows stronger, it's right above him.
(decker)
Totemphone to Hyde: Got a Nightshade?(hyde)
*He tilts his head and shakes it* Spirits don't like to rest long in talens. I make them only when I think we'll need them. I've got a healing cheese ball...(deck)
He won't even ask. Then this'll be brute force. C'mon.With that the Modi turns and leaps like a spring uncoiling, pouncing against the side of the quasisolid umbral building. His claws sink in deep, the material stretching like rubber. He pauses a second for purchase and then begins to climb up the side of the building, watching -- and listening -- for any signs of their invisible stalker.
(kemp)
Not letting the man get away so fast. Snarling while swiping for him again. Sharp white teeth showing with the peeling back of his lips along his snot.(hyde)
*Hyde turns and springs with his packmate. The Fenrir flail slipping up his arm. SLAM the 3 fingered crinos hands taloned. Making his own hand holds as he ascends. Sniffing and smelling for the invisable attacker as well as listening and watching.*(am)
Blood splatters, and an equal portion of it is her own. Fucker. A glance at Kemp, and then she shoots over totem. This one still alive. Hyde can question. Running after the crinos.And she does exactly that.
(james)
one strike - and the TriggerHappyShooter aiming at the Bronco goes down
down but not totally out, and the incoming strike gets pulled with a frustrated roar
(..... I should obliterate you for what you were about to do.....)
the entirety of it's rolled into a vicious ball transmitting across the worlds
packmates Umbralside getting the proverbial earful as combat stretches on
warning thrown in sideways that their Watcher is closer, hovering like a fucking vulturegunmen down or on the immediate way - James turns his attention on the Bronco
depending on his packmates for furrysnarling backup as he slips back to birthform
clambering up onto the overturned SUV's side in search of the girl"An'rea?!"
(st)
Umbral Realm -- The Fenrir gain footholds on the umbral structure of the building, feeling it sink in slightly under their weights. Their eyes focused on the invisible spy that can't be seen with normal eyes. They can suddenly feel their perceptions heightened 'mystically' with the aid of their own totem, Eagle.What Decker and Hyde cannot see they can 'feel' the appropriate location of where to strike to grasp the creature.
--
Realmside -- A furious growl rises up from Kemp, snapping his jaws and sweeping his claws as he tears into the car and his victimn, bringing the roof of the car to crush down upon the man and impaling him on heavy shards of fiberglass. The passenger side caves in. The second gunmen tries to crawl out of the driver's side, screaming in horror and attempts to run away.
The bum is still sitting on the sidewalk, arms folded over his chest, eyes closed, as if asleep.
A homid James hits the overturned Bronco, managing to pull open the back door and crawl inside to finds an unconscious Andrea slumped over in the seat. Blood covers the side of her face, a wound brought on by impact with the shattered windshield. The battle feels like it should be over, but it isn't. Things are changing yet again as a stronger enemy begins to surface on the playing field, but its not anywhere near them. It's materialized in the park, hovering in the shadows of the fountain where Annemarie is chasing down the chocolate-brown crinos.
Annemarie runs after the escaping ally, he falters and slides to a halt near the fountain, panting heavily. She can hear the god-awful screeching of a feminine voice like a weeping woman, or a banshee. The darkness seems to explode from the waters of the fountain, as tendrils reach out for the fallen garou. The white sketal face of the apparition looming overhead with two black pits for eyes, and rivers of blood staining her mummified face.
(am)
She runs after the ally, without a thought of how she'll manage to communicate if she does manage to catch him. The screech assails her ears, and then the darkness explodes and reaches for the faltering garou. Totemphone fuckme the hell is THAT? but it doesn't slow her down, instead, it's a subtle shift of angle so that she doesn't knock the fallen ally into the apparition, but instead aims her tackle low and in such a way she intends to knock him out of the banshee's grip and way completely...(decker)
Step by step, he claws his way up the wall, sinking his talons in deep, dragging himself up like the world's biggest, hairiest, meanest rock climber. All the time he looks around, listens, sniffs.Nothing...
Nothing...
...something.Not many can hide from the eyes of the Eagle. And though the Fenrir can't see their target, they can feel it. Sense it. Clear as motherfuckin' day. And there's no hesitation. They must've communicated -- in instincts and impressions rather than words -- but it was near-instantaneous. As one, the Fenrir, Godi and Modi, leap upon their invisible 'minor threat'.
Decker goes for the right, using his teeth rather than his claws to get a hold, sinking all four hand/feetpaws into the spongey umbral building for balance and foothold.
(hyde)
*Instinctivly he and Decker turn and leap at the same time. Hide grabbing for Mr Invisable's left side as Decker goes for the right. Using their weight and strength to bear the fucker aginst the building........ hopefully.. if it's strong enough to hold up both of them.... well... they be fucked.*(kemp)
Chase the guy running or see what the hell was up with the old body of the bum laying there. Was he even alive? Just about slavering. What? What's what? He was in the middle of reaching for the bum when that came across the link. "Hey!"(james)
kid's slumped over but alive - good enough for him
James drags her from the Bronco and is moving to pass her off to Roxy for safe keeping
Fuck if I know but I'm not far behind
directions reversed to go to AnneMarie's aid(decker)
Meanwhile, simultaneously:Kemp, stay with tha fuckin' bum. James, stay where ya are 'n git Roxy ta git that fuckin' li'bility off our hands. Annemarie, fall back, NOW. Hyde 'n me're comin' in soon'as we take care'a Mr. Invisible.
(james)
Yeh Boss.
immediate change of course before he's too far away from Roxy(kemp)
What kind of alive person slept or lay though all that shooting like he was in a hotel on a bed full of quarters to keep it vibrating all night? "Hey, you!" Reaching out with a foot to nudge the bum.(am)
The order comes in mid flight - and quick contemplation has her guestimating that attempting to stop would not equal falling back as well as keeping going at the angle she is. And so that's what she does.And she catches the Choco-Crinos kid around the midsection, and the momentum of it all carries them past the apparition at the same time she flashes back Yessir, pulling back and she's is. With the Ally Kid in arms.
(st)
Umbral Realm-- Hyde and Decker jump in unison, coordination insanely accurate as they grab a hold of the invisible watcher. A pitiful, mewling shriek rises up from the small bane that appears in their claws/maws. Whip-thin and convulsing in a series of viper-like coils with tiny four tiny claws on the end. A large, bulbous eyeball with blinks, rapidly, over a small fanged mouth. It beats tiny, bat wings furiously as the Scryer bane sends its coiling limbs around Decker's mouth and Hyde's paw-hand.--
Roxy is moving quickly out of the alley to catch up to James and transfer Andrea over to her arms. She nods her head towards the fleeing gunman.
The bum snorts as Kemp kicks him, he opens his eyes, looking up at Kemp bleerily. "Wah ya want kid.. lemme sleep." waves a hand in the air. The bum smelled heinous, worse than Decker's beer farts, worse than a trash heap, worse than bathing in human filth for the past five years.
Annemarie slides into home-base to grab the kid, arm thrown around his midsection as she starts to pull back on the call of retreat. But the Fenrir isn't quick enough to get away from the looming apparition. Coils of shadows that make the frame of the woman's dress pull in on themselves sudden. Bony-claw hands draw up and curl gnarled fingers as they glow red-hot orange with fire. Annemarie can feel her fur sizzle as two balls of fire blast out to consume herself and the kid, smoldering over them.
A loud cackle cry of victory lifts up, voice gravel like nails over a chalk board as the apparition begins to fall back. ~Trouble born. Trouble scorn. Nothing Worth a bloodlines end~ her voice echoes eerily as she starts to retreat back into the shadows of the park.
As Annemarie falls back further, brushing away the fiery blast, she can feel the skin against her fur and the ally has grown smaller, holding the slump, charred body of a tall, muscular black teenager.
(kemp)
"Awfuckme. Whatcha mean, what do I want? Sumbitch, all this shit going on and you laying here like it's the fucking Motel 6. Can't fool me old man, ya ain't that out of it. Come on, get up. Ain't got time for crap."(decker)
No thought needed.
Wishbone.
Slow."Who sent you?" Garouspeech. "What the [fuck] is that in the fountain?"
Annemarie, fuck jus' went down?
(hyde)
*Hyde looks at the bane they've captured and shouts out in spirit speach* "WHO SENT YOU! AND WHAT THE FUCK WAS IN THAT FOUNTAIN!"*As he and his Packmate start to slowly wishbone the bane*
(am)
shitshitSHIT The apparition starts to fade, and the body in her arms grows smaller. The Modi knows dead weight when she feels it, and it's with regret that’s she shoulders the victim and heads back. Was already midgrab when your order came. Pulled back with the kid. Some thing.. spirit apparition something come outa the fountain, shot flame at the both of us. Said some shit about not worth a bloodline dead, and went back into the fountain. I'm alright. Killed the kid. Don't recognize him. Carrying him back now.(st)
The Scryer bane screeches out, tighting its coils around their mouth and hand. Tiny claws prick like an itch into fur, ~killing mother. mirror witch. weeping woman. lemme go lemme go lemme go~The bum begins to convulse with a series of heavy coughs, trying to pull his large, heavy frame up. He was wrapped in layers of obscure layers of clothes. Tufts of frizzy hair stick out from beneath his beanie cap, pulled down low over his bushy eyebrows. he wears a fat lady's moo moo under the a big trenchcoat. "Easy, kiddo, ain't done nothing. Just watching the show. Family and all, yannow." He gives Kemp a wink.
(kemp)
He must of pulled short straw before they came here cause he got stuck with stinky ass here. For a moment wondering if the bum was related to Kirk with the stench from him. "I ain't picking your ass up unless I gotta. But if that's what it takes, consider me your prom date." Frowning with the guy's words. "Watcha mean? Which one's your family and if they was, then why weren'tcha doing something to help?"(james)
"Get'r outta here."and once Andrea is secured in the Peroxide Fox's Escape Plan
only then does James turn to take in the currently escaping gunman
the one he took down likely has brain damage
that means their interrogation subject is fast retreating...... and there's a severed arm being utilized as a boomerang
(decker)
"Who sent you, what was in that fountain, why did it kill the kid and what does it want? Give us riddles again and we tear you in half."And if those claws creep a fraction of a millimeter deeper into his fur -- he'll pull.
(st)
The Scryer bane continues to writhe, digging and scratching. ~i tell i tell.~ The giant eyeball comes right up to look into Decker's hispo face, ~mother kills.mirror witch.woman weeps. all i know!! lemme go lemme go lemme go. wants the children. boy. girl. Worth.. holy mary, full of grace, ye thou i fly through the valley of death. so. mary, had a little wolf.. whose fleece was full of shit~--
The child transferred, Roxanne is wasting no time to exit the scene. She looks at her phone as it rings again. "Hurry up, Eagles, ain't much longer til the cops come." She yells at them, running quickly into a side street.
The bum looks up at Kemp, chuckling, "Whaddya look like the president?" he pulls back his left sleeve, showing Kemp a BG glyph tattoo to his inner wrist, "'Gnawer, boy, I'm too old to do wrestle with youngin's like that. Ya'll did a job well."
And.. the apparition is gone.
Oh.. and the gunman that was trying to flee.... hits the pavement after a flying severed arm hits him in the back of the head.
(decker)
Silence pulls.(hyde)
*Holding the tenticle in one hand hyde reaches over and grabs the little wings in the other and with Decker, WISHBONES that thing.Maybe the wings can be used in a future rite.... *
(james)
brow cocks as the boomerarm hits true
..... that wasn't wholly expected
there's a nod to Roxy's parting call and James is jogging towards the stunned gunman
picking him up to save for questioning
Kemp, grab the one I downed first.... he may have enough braincells left to answer questions
likely not
(st)
The two Fenrir pull on the Scryer bane, feeble little creature that it was, too weak to sustain the damage is pulled apart on the Wishbone pull.(decker)
Afterwards, there's a low growl underlying every word as the Modi half-climbs, half-slides down the side of the building. "That make any fuckin' sense to ya?" He puts a massive handpaw on the Godi's even more massive shoulder, waiting for Hyde to lead them across the Gauntlet.Once they begin to cross, he'll snapshift into breed form.
(am)
She might be tempted to dump the body - but there's no way that she can leave a garou body around. She' beats feet back with him still over her shoulder, in time to see the amazing boomerang arm action take down the one she left for questioning.Nice always one to appreciate ingenuity. On her way by, she does a quick check of the vehicles to make sure they'd got everyone...
(kemp)
"Yeah, I'm the fucking fan club president and you're coming with me before the cops get here. I got questions and you got the answers. Awfuckme, do I take this Gnawer guy or the one ya knocked down?(st)
The bum shrugs his shoulders, digging his hands into his coat pockets. "Kiddo, I ain't sure you got time to question me. Cops'll be here soon. Ya wanna hang around for that?"(hyde)
*He climbs down too* Seems they wanted the girl and a boy... wolf was full of shit.. sounds like the dark crinos when we arrived? Maybe another? A black kid perhaps?
*Dropping he takes a moment to shake off his hands and shifts to homid and nods to Decker as he leads them across*Mirrior witch could be one of the Lords of Malefast? Wyrm Hiarchy isn't my specilty.(kemP)
"Fuck no, I'm gonna take you with me. Duh." He'd touched worse things. "Or one of the others, they might ask in their own special way." Shrugging one shoulder. "Your call man."(james)
Tell him the Gnawer Elder wants to speak with him, get up off the curb and follow.
(decker)
"Fuck's that Mary shit all about?"--the conversation is interrupted, and for a second even the totemlink is severed. Then, pop, the two Fenrir reappear on the realmside of things, the Modi rolling his neck to loosen the bones. Standing at the mouth of some alley or other, he surveys the scene. What a fuckin' mess. There was a bad taste in his mouth. They'd done what they came to do, but it felt like they opened a can of worms while they were at it.
Take everythin' that ain't dead 'r askin' ta be killt. 'N I don't trust that fuckin 'Bone Gnawer'.
(kemp)
Nodding faintly before speaking again to the bum. "Gnawer Elder says he wants to speak to you and to get up off the curb and follow me."(st)
Nodding faintly before speaking again to the bum. "Gnawer Elder says he wants to speak to you and to get up off the curb and follow me."(hyde)
*Hyde motions* Decker Can you um.. *He waves his hand and punches though the window of a parked SUV* START this thing?? We need more than the truck to get all these people out of here.(kemp)
"Ya stink." Wrinkling his nose with one eye on the bum and reaching for the downed man James took out. "Come on."(st)
The bum doesn't say another word, looking around as he tucks his head down, a submissive position and follows after Kemp.(decker)
Decker grimaces, flicking a glance at the SUV that Hyde just broke into. "'s been years. I kin try."He moves toward said SUV, but his eyes are fixed on the bum, scowling. Fucker just stank too much. People don't stink so much unless something was wrong with them. Physically. Or spiritually.
Yanking the door open, the Modi finally tears his thunderhead glare from the bum, bending over backwards like a limbo dancer trying to get under the low pole. He wedges himself in under the steering wheel, pounding the shielding loose with the side of his fist. He starts trying to hotwire the SUV.
(am)
Sees them working with the car, and glances at Hyde. Fuck that, I'm driving. And she shoves the kid in the backseat, unceremoniously. Have to get him ditched somewhere where he won't turn up again,. lest Imogen have to do some fancy footwork. again.(decker)
...and comes up a second later, a gleam in his eye as the SUV roars confidently to life."Shit, I known it was this easy I woulda replaced 'Gen's car all by my lonesome," he says, pulling open one of the back doors. The scowl's back again as he glares at the bum. "Git in."
He steps away as Ruhiger comes up to drive, fishing the keys to his Tacoma out of his pocket.
(kemp)
He was making sure the bum got in the SUV. Dead bodies shouldn't bother him with the smell coming off him. Next shoving the unconscious shooter in too.(st)
The bum doesn't meet Decker's eyes, shrinking away under the heated glare. He crawls into the far back seat, curling up and smelling like shit. Someone better drive with the windows down.(hyde)
*Hyde growls still worked up from the fight* MINE!
*He gets in and jacks the seat back. FUCK if the Godi was getting stuck with no leg room again. His eyes flicker and he channeles one of his not so distant ansestors who knew how to drive* Heh.... Gunter... heh.....(am)
All the pow's. Hyde. The dead body. The stinky gnawer.And Hyde being pissy. Yeah. Step turn, fall into step with Silence. Shotgun.
(all taken to the eagle's old factory packhouse for interrogation, wolf had to bail, all rolls in file proper)
[cont'd in barking chain follow-up]
Posted by james at 12:00 AMJuly 24, 2005.07.24.05. - barking chain / totem phone [city gnawers-eagles] *ul[forums]
(james)
Jukebox was tempted to use the posh apartment building's high-rise roof as broadcasting tower
but something in his social graces thought the better of it
from the looks he was getting just entering the ritzy building in homid
some raggedy mutt crying havoc on the roof might draw unwanted attentionhis previous mode of transporation also abandoned
not that he had keys to re-claim it from the smartly dressed valet, anyway
soon enough the Gnawer locates another likely target idling at the next available 7-11
a less-than-notable vehicle belonging to one Robert McGillicutty
whom was stopping in for his own summer-habitual Slurpee en-route to graveyard shift
thought it would take only moments to dash through the motions and be on his way
too bad the guttermutt decided his plans needed to go thus otherwisehe'll make sure to abandon it with an apology
right now - he needs to get five too many blocks that-a-way
rubber's squealing on near-bald tires peeling out of the lot
by the time they find the still-idling car on the corner of streets A and B
James is already lost in the maze of nearby alleyways
urban streetwear gear traded for the au natural of fur and fangI am Jukebox, Adren Full Moon of Eagle's Pack, Tribal Elder of Chicago..... I need your eyes and ears!
the message begins with a flurry of lip service barks and howls
pulling the rare declaration of Name, Rank and Serial Number to grab attention
the authority stemming from sheer assumption of command echoing out of barreled chest
this is not mere bit of fluff passing along the famed Barking Chain
(....Fifi the show poodle just went into heat!..... Stone's Bakery just dumped leftover bread in the alley!....... Rover's got a cat treed in Liberty Park!....)
this is what such things were made for - this message was important
and quickly, the meat of the request is paraphrased for translation amongst the Jackal Blood's cousin kind
making sure the least amount of it is lost in their back-alley version of TelephoneUrgent! Family lost! Thirteen year old female kin! Hair and eyes the color of mud! Greyhound slender, tall as a Great Dane stands on hind paws! May be heading this way from Pine Barrens in New Jersey! May be traveling with older boy! May be injured! May be followed by those trying to harm! She is important to me! She is important to Sept of the Green! Jukebox is tracking tonight! Must find now! Return word on Barking Chain!
Gaia help them if that's not enough - at least that's one language he can still speak clearly
quick as you please, the Adren is shifting back to homid form
dedicated clothing a little worse for wear but at least he's decent on the streets
this time hoofing it back towards the posh high-rise apartment of his brother's
last thing he needs is talking his way out of GTA when he only borrowed the damned thing
the next desperate message turned inward and send on the inaudible wings of TotemPhoneEagles..... I need a Questing Stone. Family crisis. make that two languages he can still speak clearly, usually mellow tones and New Yawk accent stretched thin by emotional toil - his packmates can tell this is no mere whim inspiring the sudden plea, James is depending on the Garou's deep bond to translate the grave need he's unwilling to clarify elsewise - he knows at least one of them knows how to perform the rite I've got specifics and something belonging to the missing girl, on such-and-such Street heading back to Tristan's apartment. Fast. Pick me up on the way or meet me there.
if there was ever a time the guttermutt was truly depending on his pack......
---------------------
(justified black-sap)
Justified Back-Slap, Cliath Galliard Of Raccoon's pack, barking in! No sign of the girl on this side! Will keep eyes open and help when needed, Big Dawg.(hyde)
Hyde had been carving logs with the chainsaw again. Trying to get the wolf heads for the pack house just right. Nothing less than (( Perceived)) Pefection would be allowed. Hearing the mental query across the totem link the Eagles Godi nods.Rites. That's him.
Turning off the chainsaw he walks into the pack house. Sits it down. Grabs up what is affectionaly called his "godi bag" of rites matereals and shoulders it. Pausing he sprinkels some fish food in the tank for the wee sharkies.
Got what you need. those added componets will help center it. Silence can bring transpertation.
It was well known that Hyde didn't drive... cars had more tendancy to run INTO him than FOR him.
Heading out of the pack house the Godi steps over Buzz and closes the door. Heading down the peir to the nearest El Station, Up the stairs and on the train to go to Tristains place. Getting the address from James via totem phone. The El train car empties out... but Hyde doesn't care. He's sitting on one of the over used plastic benches, pulling a piece of cat gut and bone from his Godi bag. Already getting the stuff ready.
(kemp)
Kemp was out doing patrols when the message came through the pack link. For some odd reason, nodding his helmeted head before pulling a U-turn in the middle of the street and hitting the gas hard enough to make the front wheel on the bike lift up slightly.~Where are ya? On my bike if ya want me to pick ya up.~
That kinda meant whoever could hear the message, he didn't care.(st)
Barking Chain… fragmented words that come down as a jumble of mixed phrases and syllables. To the untrained ear, they meant nothing, even to the smartest of hounds. Family lost! Thirteen female kin! Muddy hair. Muddy eyes! Thin build and tall. Jersey Devil’s Shack! Travel with older boy! May be injured! May be harmed! Important! Important to Sept of the Green! Jukebox on the groove! Must find now! Return word on Barking Chain…
Southside—Word of mouth. Word on the street, whispered behind glass bottles of alcohol, the word was carried on the wind, translated from the snippets of barks into the human tongue.Hark! Hark! The dogs do bark, the beggars are coming to town.
Some in rags, and some in tags, and one in a velvet gown!
D'Angelo Muńoz Torres, a young 19-year-old gang banger that resided in Mt. Pleasant, related to Rat’s Brood through his half sister’s fourth cousin, heard the word. It caught his attention and he began to ask questions through members of his gang to see if they have noticed any tourist in town. He even left his turf in Mt. Pleasant to head down to Whiskey Row, inquiring of the local prostitutes and homeless if they had seen anything. The Latino swallowed his balls and decided to venture close to a particular intersection of dark alleys behind an abandoned building that once served as an old textiles factory. His motorcycle parked on the street, two yards from the mouth of an alley, the warped brick walls spray painted in a rival gang’s colors.His hand comes up to cover his nose and mouth, as the overpowering, putrid stench of rotting garbage, human waste, and decay lines the interior, the other reaching back for his pistol, retrieving it from the waistband of his jeans. Brown eyes skim over a jumble of words that are written in red letters over some of the graffiti. Beware the Cyclops And for a moment, the Hispanic kinfolk felt a little like Odysseus as he stood before the great cave of the Cyclops at the foot of Mount Aetna.
“Nah, just a joke. Eddie don’t live here.” He tells himself loudly, feeling the greasy bile of his fast food dinner, lurching up into his throat. Nostrils burned, wrinkling up, as his eyes begin to water. The smell was so bad. “Hey, Eddie! You’s in there, bra?” D’Angelo took a few steps closer, breaching mouth of the alley.
“Right here, kiddo.” The raspy, chuckle greets the Latino’s left ear, hard and guttural on the pronunciation, as if Eddie had chain-smoked for too many years.
D’Angelo bit down hard on his tongue to keep from screaming, jerking away to the right, and spinning on the balls knock-off Sketchers, “Fuck, man! Don’t scare me like that. Need to speak to ya about some shit.” A few more paces back to place further distance between the bum and himself. Brown eyes raking over the filthy visage of the vagrant called Eddie the Cyclops. Rumor had it; they called him the Cyclops because Eddie had only one eye. D’Angelo couldn’t see how, he was staring at two eyes centered squarely on the weathered, tanned face of the bum.
Eddie was a man that appeared in his late 50’s, grisly brown hair fell in wild, tufts over his skull, sticking out from beneath a worn-out beanie cap that was pulled down to his bushy eyebrows, almost to his large nose. A floppy hat perched on his head. He was thick in the body, all over, but not the way a fat man appears. It was the multi-layer of clothing: polyester bell-bottom pants, angler’s boots, tee shirts, blue Hawaiian Moo-moo, flannel shirt, and a raincoat that had faded to a odd shade of light brown, the color almost indistinguishable with the various unknown stains spotting the material. He was a hideous sight, his face was square and flat, and cheekbones caved in and cut with the thin lines of a multitude of small scars, as if his head was ran through too many glass windows. Eyes were sunken into their sockets, hooded with extra layers of skin, and almost discernable. He was beyond ugly.
It made it hard for D’Angelo to look at Eddie, deciding to fix his attention elsewhere until the bum spoke up. “Talk to me about what?” Eddie replied, stuffing his hands into his pockets to rummage through his coat. He looks down, appearing to pay no attention to the Latino kid. D’Angelo quickly stammers out, “Kin-girl’s missing. She’s important to some big dawgs up Northside. I was wondering if you saw anything. People say you know shit. See shit.”
A raspy chuckle rumbles from his throat, followed by a deep, whooping cough. A gnarled fist lifts up to cover Eddie’s mouth, making hacking sounds like a cat, he spits out a large wad of fleshy green mucus, hitting the Latino’s shoe with it. D’Angelo reacts, stepping away and swearing in Spanish, wiping his foot against the concrete like he’d just stepped in dog shit. The bum lurches away, slipping back into his alley, “Tit for tat, kiddo, got something for you to do for me. A delivery. Don’t send it yourself. I suggest finding a different courier or they just might killed the messenger.” The voice grows quiet as Eddie vanishes completely.
D’Angelo frowns, slipping the gun away into his pants as he looks after the bum, deciding it was safer to not venture after Eddie, “Whatcha got, ol’man, you haven’t answered my question.” There was no answer. It didn’t feel like he would be getting one either. He waits for about three minutes before he starts to walk away to his bike. That’s about when the Latino hears the sound of something rolling out of the depths of the alley. D’Angelo looks over his shoulder, lifting an eyebrow at the rickety old and red plastic skateboard that slides right up to his feet, the edge bumping into his leg. A box sits on top of it, wrapped in several layers of newspaper, tinfoil and ductaped with grocery bags.
“Send that to the riverfront, Fox’s place. You’ll know what I mean.” The guttural voice calls out from the darkness, “Oh, and, D’Angelo, if you want to see another night to fuck that hot senorita of yours. I’d suggest no more questions about missing sugar and spice… less you want to know what little boys are made of. NOW, GIT THE FUCK OUTTA HERE!” the last part lifted up in a roaring pitch that sends a chill down the Latino’s spine. He quickly picks up the box, which was about the width of a basketball and frowns, turning away to head back to his motorcycle, firing it up and speeding away from Whiskey Row.
--
Word returns back to the Tribal Elder from a Hispanic BeeGee kinfolk that passes the 'Gnawer on his nightly patrol through Eagles' turf. "Nothing's turned up in Southside. Sorry, bra."
(decker)
Halfway there, James is surprised -- or maybe not so surprised -- by the monstered-up black tacoma screeching to a stop by him. Decker leans across and pops the passenger-side door open."Git in. Fuck's goin' on?""
Ya got AnneMarie, Kemp? Hyde's takin' tha train, he'll meet us there.
(am)
Reaction is instant. AnneMarie starts to grab for her stone - until Hyde says he has what's needed. Her staff shimmies up her arm to wrap around her bicep in tribel-esque tattoo. She heads out of the office packhouse on a run. Totemphone in reply to Kemp.Office packhouse, movin your way.
She'll take the offered 'bitch seat' behind her packmate.
(seemenow)
There's a reply on the barking chain, quickly yapped and you can almost see the little lupus that does it bouncing with the force of every sound, "See Me Now, Bone Gnawer Ragabash atcher service. Let me know if I can help!! Good luck to you and yers! I'll keep my eyes peeled." In a dingy alleyway a skinny runt of a wolf, so mangy as to be mistaken for a dog scratches behind its ears fitfully, snorting at the air. Harper Lewis hated this form, the smells always assaulted her. Still - what big eyes you have grandma. All the better to see lost little girls with. Chuffing again, the mangy thang lopes through the alleyway matrix, peering out streets and darting out on sidewalks when it dares. Later, an african american child, with hair bigger than her head and a massive rucksack, roams the streets, looking for someone with muddy hair and muddy eyes.(kemp)
Tires screeching with the sudden turn towards the Office Packhouse. Shooting back across the link.~I gotcha, heading there now.~
Turning again on to the next street to skid to a roaring halt next to Annemarie when he spotted her.
"Helmet's on the back."
(taxi)
Taxi, Philodox of the Gnawers, cliath, and liker of oreos. Help if I can, I'll keep a look out for ya big guy.
(am)
AnneMarie stops as the bike breaks near her, grabs the helmet and slams it on. She's seen the kid's driving, and ridden with him before. Not like it'll muss up the butch 'do, anyway. Long leg swings over and she takes a seat, her hands light on his waist, a tap on his side.ready.
and she just hangs on...
(kemp)
Barely giving her time to get the single word ready out before the back tire was smoking and sliding to the side with the force of the spin just before the clutch was released and the bike shot forward. Ripping down the road with a mad smile that looked more like a baring of teeth. One thing Kemp liked more than porn and that was the wild rush he got when he drove like a test pilot.Heading for Tristan's place as fast as he could get them there with a crazy weave through traffic and down alley's not meant for this kind of driving. He knew all the shortcuts and wasn't afraid to take the bike on them.
(james)
the Gnawer Elder is not surprised by the monstered up Tacoma lurching to his curbside
if he couldn't depend on his packmates, he wouldn't still call himself Eagle's
a flicker of warmth ghosts across tense features for the relief that floods beneath his flesh
split-second moment that brings dared glimmer of hope...... something solid to count on when everything's spiraling out of control
the swell of sentimentality could be easily mistaken in the Ahroun's breif hesitation
half-shadowed by window's stylish tint and glare skimming his already mid-turn-step-reach for the door
all but blinking, actually double-checking the driver's identity before clambering on inthat the door was flung open for him is what truly surprised poor James
whatever question arose for such sudden hospitality gracing the Modi's normally sour disposition
(.... who are you and what did you do with my Alpha?)
it's gone soon as the BDU back pockets and loosely straggling dreads hit reinforced seats
what used to be "normal" is forgotten soon as Decker's foot stomps accelerator
he'd crack a window to keep an ear on the wind, but fast as they'll be going that's a lost cause
whatever tidbits he hasn't picked up by now will just have to wait
few block long organization spent confirming directions to apartment 321 on floor 5 for those just tuning inAbout a week ago, a young Gnawer kin named Andrea left NYC and went to go visit a boy out towards the Barrens back Jersey way. Last anyone heard of her until her wallet and ID showed up in a house in the woods just outside Jersey City. Same one those four kids were left in charred little pieces somewhere around midweek.. it's the short and brutal version, sadly, half the information coming across the pack's totem phone in graciously clear phrase while the rest fills in with gruesome impressionistic images littered with gut-emotion that's getting harder and harder to restrain As of this morning, Green's got folks on scene trying to ID the body parts but so far no word Andrea's one of them; so it's anybody's guess where she is or what shape she's in or even who she's with - but safe bet she's in deep trouble. Call's out on the Chain from both sides for any leads or sightings. Hope is she split before things got nasty and is running this way towards Family.
those are three big states between Jersey and Illinois borders, something just shy of 800 miles
the raggedyman isn't even calculating how much ground must potentially be covered
concentrating instead on the lessening blocks between Tacoma's grill and River City Condos
if the foyer security was less-than-thrilled at his earlier unfriendly appearance
likely they'll submit resignations now that he's bringing equally unfriendly associates
so much for blending into the place.....
anticipatory thought grants the Ahroun time to buck up for what's shared next
hearing and acting on it's one thing, repeating it into concrete fact is by far anotherFamily'd be Tristan.... Andrea's his little sister. and as James considers the prettyboi his own brother, that means....... I've got to find her...... bring her back.
what the Gnawer fails to clarify is whether or not he's anticipating a rescue or recovery operation
fair chance as any he's championing a quest to find what's left of beloved Andrea
and maybe that's just something that doesn't need word nor intent to be said
sometimes, in this War, closure comes in bodybags no matter how hard you try
peace found in accepting they struggle no more, even if it takes all you've got to struggle onward
they all know it better than anyone would ever want, hard part's being reminded
thank Gaia for small favors - he's spending the time thinking about navigating up to the fifth floor, instead----(tiiiimeslip, heh)----
it takes less than ten minutes for all the Eagles to converge on the posh condo
a quick connection serving to reassure the frantic prettyboi, a few words to bring him up to speed
then once again the fabulous view's forsaken as James restakes his claim on the couch
even if he's too strung too-damned-tight to get as far as actually sitting on it
pocket's emptying when they'd just been filled here such short time ago
palm-sized collection of Wilde's best, bookmark, and photograph placed in Hyde's easy reach on the coffeetable
all too close to the NY Journal still laying in crumpled folds remnant of haphazard drop
three-quarters ominous headline broadcast atop the page, daring anyone to pick it up for additional details
not sure if it's better to study the photo and connect name to living, breathing girl, is it?maybe all it takes for everything to hit home is witnessing just how hard James is working to hold himself together and not let freying edges show
the battle-hardened Warriors of Gaia have witnessed far worse things
yet still the Ahroun's tenacity leads others to rally at the mouth of war
each battle strengthening layer across the shield drawn from their very molten core
no savage beast would allow fretting worry the significance of chipping soul's armor
how else would they bear the weight of inspiring others when all seems lost
........ but then...... oft forgotten is the man sheltered behind the animal
the one himself witnessing those held dearest fall to pieces with anguished despair
the one himself unable to shed a single catharthic tremor as tensions continue to grow
for if James faltered, then upon whom would Tristan rely?and then....... there's that sudden chilling moment of realizing one is, indeed lost
raggedyman's list of preparations and possibilities is all-too-quickly reaching completion
all that's left for the guttermutt to do is join his kinsman brother in frustrated waitwaiting for Hyde to perform the Rite
waiting for word to filter back through the irregular Chain
waiting for Momma Grace to call back and confirm their darkest fears......"Pas' th' Stone, 'n whatev'r cum back ov'r th' Chain....." fingers fidget with lighting up yet another smoke in what's sure to be a locomotive-marathon of nerves and temper.... better than tearing apart the couch or some other hapless piece of furniture for alternative venting, and past the rising coils lazily spiraling before the coiled Ahroun like some sentient mockery - deep umber eyes lift to search his packmates' "'m open f'r help, 'n sugges'ons anyone's got."
(spiriteyesthefox)
It takes a few minutes for the message to reach her. A few more for her reply to get back.I am Spirit Eyes of Fox. I will look in the south. If I had a better image or a scent I could hunt better.
(decker)
I've got to find her, James says on the totemlink. Decker's lips twist briefly. Truth be told -- and maybe it was a bitter truth -- Decker couldn't give a rat's ass about some bone gnawer kin getting whisked off. Chasing after stolen brats wasn't his idea of a mission worthy of a full pack of Fenrir. But none of that mattered.Because James called for their help.
And they were pack."Do whatcha gotta do," he says. "We'll back ya."
--
Ten minutes later, they're assembled at Headquarters Roxy. Decker takes a look around the swank condo and snorts. All it was missing now was an insular redheaded Fianna kin next door, and they'd be complete. Or, since the residents were kin this time, maybe all they were missing was an insular redheaded Fianna Garou. Whatever.
Tristan's in a tizzy. Not that Decker expected anything but a decapitated chicken response from the queer boy. James is fraught, more hovering on the couch than sitting on it, and his nerves infect them all to some degree. Decker's standing, arms folded, frowning at them all.
"Questin' Stone's pro'lly tha best way ta start. Maybe Hyde kin go ask some spirits ta help us track directly, too. I seen lost dogs in the Umbra. Fetchin' home a lost kid might be right up they alley."
(tristan/am)
Tristan's in a tizzy. James is being strong for him, and Tristan's working his way steadily through his pack of cigarettes. He's not freaking out, exactly, and not running around like a chicken with his head cut off like he wants to do - which is likely what Decker expects, and exactly the reason Tristan is holding such tight control.If it were Decker's kid sister, perhaps it'd be different for him. That it's Tristan's makes some sort of difference, but either way, that he is here to back up James is what is important. Tristan doesn't bother to say thanks - it would be sneered at anyway. Instead, he forces himself to stop pacing, and settle on the edge of a chair, waiting for them to decide what to do next. Questing stone, rites, spirits, whatever - just... doing something is so much better then doing nothing at all.
---
It takes less then 10 minutes for the Eagles to congregate, and AnneMarie arrives looking surprisingly unfrazled by the ride over on the back of Kemp's bike. She is far too controlling of her emotions to allow anything else, after all.
She nods up to the others as they congregate in the oh so posh living room, and then stands, as usual, silent.
(hyde)
Hyde was the last of the pack to arrive. Not having a car, or being able to drive had slowed him. The El ran normal routes but hearing the report over the totem link he’d stepped off a stop early. Down from the platform and his steel capped boots carry him over a block.Reaching up with his strange hand he pushed open the door to Borders. Pausing there by the door his baleful Nordic Ice eyes fall on a clerk. The poor kid gulps and tries to back away but the hand shoots out. Grabbing the front of his trendy lil apron.
”Atlas. Now.”
The kid yelps and points. Keeping a good grip on him Hyde frog marches the kid to the wall and looks over the different ones. Finds one of the US with detailed woodland maps and road maps for the country. Nodding he frog marches the clerk to the front. Pulls out some stained money, yes Hyde picked up odd jobs now and then to have some pocket cash, he pays for the thick book. Leaving the poor Borders clerk to tremble in his wake he heads out and towards the condo.
Once there he enters. Nodding to his pack. They very likely didn’t expect a hefty explination of his slight tardiness. Walking to the center of the room he kneels at the coffee table. Sweeping things to one side of it the thick heavy (Expensive) Atlas slams down.
Boom.
Opened up to a map of the north East Hyde nods. Holding out his strange strange hand for the items James had. His icy blue eyes flicker over them. Nodding he hands the photo to Decker. Alpha had to know the information first after all. The little book and book mark are sniffed.
”Yes.. these will do well… they ment something to her. Her scent lingers here… She lingers here…”
Taking the strip of cat gut from his Godi bag he ties one end around the little pocket sized book. The other end hanging down. A bone hanging there, a shard of some unidentified creature. The rite was called “Questing stone” but different tribes did it different ways. The Glasswalkers might use GPS and compass. The Red talons might use a stick.
The Godi? Catgut, bone…. And like oh so MANY of the Fenrir’s rites… blood.
His knife is drawn from under the bracer of his right arm. With out even a moments hesitation he cuts his hand. Rubs it on the catgut string. Reaching out he takes Jame’s hand, cutting it just as quick. Rubbing it on the catgut. Lastly he motions tristain over. Nodding and cutting his hand as well. Rubbing all the blood on the catgut. Apologies? No. He was Godi and this is how it’s done. The book was the girls but the BLOOD… the blood was of her blood.
Blood…. Calls to blood.
Holding the book… catgut string and bone over the map.. the bone spins… then points.. He moves it in that direction till it turns and points the other way. Slowly he revolves it around till the general area is highlighted. At this point it’s very very general. Could cover dozens of miles… but the closer they get the more the stone will point one way over another.
He looks up to his pack.
Waiting for them to call the play.
(( for the dice minded. Wits+rituals, diff7-1 for the objects of the girls. Diff 6, 3 successes for a full success on the “General location” narrowing it down will require travel to where we’re pointed and the ritual performed again.
Hyde
Sun 10:49PM CST
Dice Validated
6D10 Dice Roll: 8; 6; 10; 4; 1; 9 ))
(tesryn)
Treylyn Chases-Lightning, Gnawer, Ahroun, Cliath, help wanted? Help offered, just call!
(st)
The Eagles are gathered at the posh condo, awaiting the results of Hyde's rite. The piece of bone that dangles from the string of catgut, begins to sway back and forth, slowly at first, with indecisive motions.The Godi soon receives a hard tug on the catgut as the bone vibrates on the string, lifting up to point in a southernly direction over the Chicago area. A bit south of where the Eagle's current location is.
(james)
others need - a Hood provides, that's the way it's been since the Camp could remember
when trapped in a time of most dire need, count on a Hood to catch wind and perform a good deed..... or some such shit
most would be hard pressed remembering a time James actually asked the others for anything
usually the Ahroun simply does as needed and expects nothing in return
rare is it when roles suddenly reverse, and it's the Gnawer putting himself so vulnerably on the line
the born and bred Hood relying on others for aid.....(..... oh, the humiliation of it all, Jamey-boy, even if they don't realize the true nature of who's asking, hm? where's your proudly fierce independance now.....)
if it weren't the underlying thread of Family attaching the Full Moon to the whole ordeal, it may be a different situation entirely
whether it's obligation enforcing his determination
whether it's compassion convincing his resignation
whether it's....... something that doesn't matter anymore
some things are beyond reason or explanation"Whatev'r'll point me in th' righ' direc'shun." half nod-up cataloging Decker's suggestions amongst the rest rattling around "Dunn care 'bout those oth'r kids." how eviscerating that confession must be "Jus' gettin' Andrea foun'. Owe Momma Gee tha' much'n willin' to buck th' cos' -"
James is well aware spiritual aid comes not cheap no matter the form
there's a niggling thought wondering if he's got what it may take
and as Hyde's blade slides unapologetically into his hand
(.... sumBITCH)
train of thought lapses into silence for a moment of recollection
not truly surprised, so to speak, familiar enough by now with the Fenrir's ways, just thrown breifly off kilter
beading blood smeared clean on his thigh to break smoke-circuit monotonydark eyes peer at the generalized area on the atlas map
and follows the book's sudden jerk towards the South Wall
quick ascertation between the more "educated" wittles it down to a surprising facttarget's nearby, somewhere in the Southern reaches of Chicago itself
one brow cocking towards hairline, entertaining a minimal thought
(..... might as well, Jamey-boy, test yo' newfound skillz....)
focus suddenly slipping a bit out of sorts now that the impending "conflict" has narrowed
it's the same distant look Eagles get when totemically conversing
but at the lack of input coming across mental lines from the Gnawer
it's apparent he's doing something else entirely for a few momentsbad enough he's pulled a full pack of Fenrir into this situation - it won't be blind risk
She's not alone.... the words are mumbled aloud, thus hardly resembling English in any form, fortunately clarified across the TotemPhone though strangely off-center, he's still learning the ropes, after all, passing the information as it comes With.... two others. Young girl. Black kid. Allies hidden in a tight space.... like an SUV or truck's camper shell..... tucked away in an alley with access to nearby park. Tense and skittish. Scared. There's something keeping watch nearby, but it's not what they're hiding from, this is something else, they don't know about it..... not a threat now but damn well could be to all of us with a wrong step. Straight shot as it lays, now.
a delayed blink as the illusory feed suddenly clicks off quick as it began
reality filtering in across the patience of a few straggling seconds
dark eyes swinging towards the pack's Theurge, then Alpha, then Den Mother Kinsman
wondering how much that elementary attempt helped their cause
knowing how much it affected the prettyboi"Hy'e.... what parks tha'tlas show're South've us? Tris, get Momma Gee on th' line and bring'r up a speed s'you see fit." earthen gaze ticktocks back towards the ranking Modi before the raggedyman takes first step towards the door - just because his relation is on the line doesn't mean James has forgotten his place "Y're call, Boss."
(st)
A formation of a plan seems to blossom before the raggedly man as he has a location, a sense of direction and of what events may come from. It was still hard to say what could happen between that moment and to the next when they reach a final destination.Things can always change. A monkey-wrench thrown in to fuck up their plans. James was certain he'd be able to keep abreast of the situation, should something dire come about. The request is relayed to Tristan to get Mama Grace on the phone.
Right on cue... the telephone rings. It loud chirp of Tristan's cellular phone cuts through the tension in the air. The number appearing on the display has a New York area code, but it was unfamiliar to Tristan. It wasn't Mama Grace's number.
ring.ring.ring.
(tristan)
The blade comes for his hand, slicing quickly, and sharply and he doesn't grab it back. A wince crosses over his face, inhaled breath a hiss, but still he says nothing, just clenches his hand to make sure enough blood is given.Blood calls to blood.
Heart to heart.He is not privy to what comes over the Totemphone, but he knows soemthing is going on. he just smokes. and smokes. and waits for word, half of him expecting them all to just... say fuck it. It's only the faggot's sister, anyway. but knowing that one of them, at least, will see to it that Andrea - or her body - is found.
He nods, slightly, as the order comes, watching where the bone is pulled too, taking note. He'll go alone if he has too, and the strength of will it takes to wait is showing in his face. Perhaps that's why he keeps it down, hidden under curls, or turned away. When James gives him a task, however, he stands and snatches his phone off the table where it's rested..
just in time to have it ring in his hand, and startle him into almost dropping it. NewYork number - unrecognized. His brow furrows, and he flips it open. "Yeah?"
(st)
The number unrecognizable. Tristan is greeting with heavy background noise, the sounds of metal grinding, the loud yells of voices speaking to the caller, the occasional train passing by. The sound of a throat clearing, a feminine voice, if an older one. Speaking in a soft tone with a hint of southern flavor to the accent, "This be Trista Stern? Mother Larissa asked for ya to be called since Mama Grace can't make it to the phone."A pause more yelling over the receiving end, "Demmit, Hubcap Willy, I'm on the phone! Yeh, I got'em. Sheesh..." static comes over the line, "Trista, ya there?"
(tristan)
His brow furrows, deeply. "Yeah, this is Tristan - where's Momma G? What's going on?" Loads of noise, lots of sound, and Larrissa asked him to call? This is not helping him at all, not at all."Yeah, yeah, I'm here!" Just hold on, pretty boi....
He lights another cigarrette as he waits. Hopefully she has news that will ease the bands of tension twisting his back into knots...
(st)
"Awesome, this is Bonefish, I run with Willy. So like, this Mama Grace ain't feeling so hot right. She had to take it easy while some o'us went down to Jersey and see what's up, like yannow. Good news and bad news....I'll give ya the good news first, Andrea ain't dead just missing. We ain't rightly sure where she's gone, she's alive. BUT--" there is always a but to this, Tristan can hear the cheery tone of the woman's voice shift to an ominous one.
"Bad news, Trista, spirits all wonky about the house. About events that went on. Blood rituals and sacrifices and shit. It's like their afraid to speak about it, we couldn't get much outta them except for something of pissed off Stag spirit. Seems one of his buddies was killed or something... at that house. A kin-fetch destroyed, we couldn't get much else out of the gaffling. The Fianna ain't too happy here either. Mother Larissa says there ain't much else we can do on our end, except to give ya a heads up."
(tristan)
"Is she ok?" Momma first. While many, many call Momma...well, Momma - he is her only blood son. Even Andrea is adopted. But he shows a bit of relief about the good news, and the rest is chewed over."Thanks, bonefish. Give Momma my love, and I'll call soon, ok?"
He hangs up, and turns to the rest, thumb and forefinger pressing either side of his nose, briefly applying pressure in attempt to remain in control. If it were the Full and in the presense of all this rage, he'd have lost it a long time ago.
Deep breath.
"Momma's not feeling well. Was Bonefish, one of Willy's gals. They hit Jersey - Andrea's not among the dead. The bad news being the spirits there at the house are right scared shitless and a Stag gaf...thingy is right pissed off. Some kinfetch got killed too, and the Fianna are in a tizzy. Ain't much more they can do on their end, Mother Larissa's done what she can."
(st)
"Bye, Trista!" The phone clicks off, ending the conversation abruptly, he's not sure if this Bonefish heard everything he said.
(hyde)
Hyde looks up from the map where he was pointing out the parks and shakes his shaved head.”Stag spirit was killed? Oh joy.. we’ll be getting no help from ANY of that brood on this..Stag… Merlin… Hern.. Danu.. Bridgid… Salmon.. god knows how many spirit ancestors those Guiness blooded bastards keep around… chances are they’ll be down right hostile… The Umbra might not be so safe till this is concluded. The Fianna brood are pretty.. chummy… Even outside Stags protectorate.. there are many that Honor and respect them. They might be simply.. not helpful.. “
The theurge shakes his head.
”Secondly.. a kinfetch was killed. Kinfetch watch over prospective Garou and fetch the closest Garou when the cub changes the first time.. That’s all the do. For one to be killed, means that what ever killed it, can 1) see and effect spirits. 2) likely knows what a kinfetch is and 3) either the cub changed and the fetch was on it’s way OR… they were afraid what they were about to do MIGHT bring on a first change… and the Fetch would go screaming…. “
His Nordic Blue eyes look to Tristan.. then James…. Then finally back to Decker. Stating the obvious.
”Anything that could force a first change.. isn’t likely going to be pleasant… and if… the girl…. Or… which ever target wasn’t… it’d probably kill them… “
(kemp)
He got himself and Annemarie there and despite the nasty ass, lung choking smoke, he took up stance next to Tristan. Wasn't much he could do in the way of comfort except squeeze his shoulder. Listening as information was gathered and the call came in. All the while those murky green eyes drifted from one to the other. He would do what he could to help but the fact it was a girl and there was talk of rituals, murder and death, well it just didn't give him a good feeling in his gut. It just brought Carmin to mind, making his jaw tense.Looking towards Decker when Hyde made the comment about anything that could force a first change wasn't likely going to be pleasant. Decker had forced him into his first change, scared the holy fuck out of him. Not sure which was scarier, the big hairy ass monster chasing him around that apartment a few years back or the fear it would catch him and hump his skinny ass.
Absently patting Tristan's shoulder like that would make it all better.
(decker)
While the figurative ball passes from packmate to packmate, the Modi's just listening. Head down, arms folded, a frown wrinkling a line between his eyebrows. He listens to James' report of the placement of the potential enemy. To Tristan's update on the spirit life of the area. To Hyde's comment on that.When they're all finished, he raises his head. "Alright. Tristan, you sitcher ass by the phone 'n call me," he pulls out his cell, miraculously on his person today, "if anythin' changes.
To everyone else: "Let's ride."
They'll work out the details on the way. Heading down the stairs, Decker talks -- low, terse, brusque, laying out the rough scaffolding of the plan. This wasn't set in stone. Far from it. Like anything else, he's throwing out an initial scaffold for the pack to shake and batter until they were sure it was solid.
"We'll git within a coupla blocks 'n walk when we know where we goin'," he says. Their footsteps echo down the stairwell as they file down in ones and twos: the pack mobilized in full force. A rare enough sight. "Two groups on the approach. James, you take the Kid 'n Annemarie realmside. Might wanna send Kemp ahead ta scout."
He pushes open the front door, kicking it wide so it didn't bang shut in someone's face. Same deliberate pace, speech and gait both, unhurried but not dawdling either, slowing just enough for everyone to catch up and walk abreast, and hear.
"Don't sound like there's much Umbral but it don't hurt ta be sure. 'Specially if somethin's been killin' spirits. Don't want some fucker ta ambush us from th'other side."
He pauses, at the Tacoma now, waiting for everyone to get in. Decker and James presumably up front, the other three squeezed into the back with Kemp's bike in the bed. Hyde's still toting the atlas -- and the Questing Stone. "Gimme directions," Decker says to Hyde, offhand, starting the truck up and hauling it around one-eighty to head south in the vague direction the Stone had indicated. Then he continues:
"Hyde's good with spirits, so maybe if tha pissy Stagling's still around it won't attack 'im. 'll go with him. We'll stay separate 'r recombine dependin' on what we find when we git close." Pause. "Y'all's thoughts?"
(tristan)
Kemp's comforting touch accepted, though he's right, it doesn't do much, but the though is what counts.Decker speaks, though, and his gaze snaps up...
...and he just nods. He won't argue. As much as wants to go, as much as he needs to go...
He turns, and faces the window, and the view he can't see, the muscle of his jaw jumping as he clenches his teeth, his own cell in his hand.
He trusts them like he's trusted no others. If she can be saved, they'll manage it. If not, they'll make sure it's as quick and painless as it can be. He'll deal with picking up the pieces later. Right now, he'll deal with simply trying to remain calm, and here.(kemp)
Leaning in to whisper to Tristan before following the others out the door."Hey, it's gonna be ok."
Like he could predict that, but wasn't that what you were suppose to say when something bad was on the wind?
Tromping down the stairs, listening to the plan as Decker laid it out. Then he was shoving his precious bike in the back bed and climbing in behind the front seats to squeeze in way too close with the other two.
"Sounds pretty good to me."
(james)
just ......peachy
shit keeps getting better and better with each passing minute
fingers raking back through floppy mop of dreads while Hyde's little lecture assimilatesapparently, he was supposed to give a damn about the kids little more than leftovers in that house
that their mission was limited to locating Andrea and remove her from harm's way was..... just a pipe dream
clusterfuck brewing back in Jersey merrily planning to complicate their immediate futures
James should have known betterthe pack vacates posh apartment as abruptly as they arrived
a calloused hand clasped over his brother's shoulder all that serves as good-bye
Gnawer silent throughout the route from living room to front seat of Tacoma's cabBike'll cover more ground in less time. following a nod, the raggedyman's input delivers over TotemPhone for sake of discussion's clarity Saves the rest of us backtracking on foot. then there's a slight pause when the Adren glances towards the young Rotagar squished in back Shit hits the fan, you get Andrea on that bike by any means necessary and the fuck outta Dodge, got it? Take her anywhere you think is safe enough until we can regroup - keep moving if you have to, just don't go to Tristan's in case whatever's chasing her thinks he's suitable enough an additional target. Gaia better strike him down before making him face Momma Grace bearing that kind of news...... I hate to call the other two expendable but they're not my priority or what drug our asses into this bitchfest. AnneMarie and I will deal with picking up any pieces we may have to on their part. I'm depending on you to get Tristan's little sister out if I can't.
yeh, James can figure out the source of Kemp's deepest unease at this situation
he remembers that night they lost little Carmen, too, and elements are once again all too familiar
now it's just hanging on to the notion that this isn't Carmen
and they wouldn't have lived this long if they didn't learn to avoid repeating past mistakes(decker)
"No."(no?)
"No." Firm; not even drawled. "Kemp don't git tha fuck outta Dodge." The Modi's storm-grey eyes flicker up into the rearview mirror to lock briefly on the Rotagar's. "He's Rotagar, not Ragabash. He's tha blood'a Fenris. From cub ta almost Fostern, he ain't run from a single battle. Not a single one. We ain't gonna dishonor him by orderin' him to."
They're stopped at a red light now, the engine idling as Decker turns to face James. His brother in arms; his oldest packmate.
"The brat means tha world ta Tris, 'n so she means tha world to you. Fine. You count yer priorities 'n do whatcha gotta do, Drums-on-Skulls. If that kid means more'n seein' the battle through hell 'r high water, grab her 'n run. But I think, push comes ta shove -- yer gonna be standin' with us. So don't cut Kemp tha slack you don't cut yerself, 'r make 'im do what ya won't do yerself."
The light's turned green a long time ago. Drivers behind them are honking and swerving around them, shouting in anger. Decker ignores them. They roll over his consciousness like a wave over a stone. He holds James' look a beat longer, evenly but ungivingly, and then arches his hips up to dig the cell phone back out of his pocket.
He tosses it into the back, in the vague direction of Kemp, and then puts the truck in gear and starts off again.
"Call Roxy up -- Hyde, you got a better idea o' where we goin' yet? -- tell'er ta wait fer us coupla blocks away. Say on Fellstone 'n Hadrian, at tha Seven 'leven. When we git that kid, she kin do a fly-by 'n pick 'er up while we clean house."
(am)
AnneMarie moves out with the others, and climbs into the back seat willingly enough. She even squishes over as far as possible to allow the Godi the room he needs. A nod for the plan, and her part in them.The Modi already preparing for battle. Calm as her deedname. Deadly calm.
(st)
Preparations are in the works as they begin to formulate a battle-plan during the drive. Hyde huddles over the map with the bone swinging on the string of catgut. It seems to keep a southward direction, swaying over a small area in green and stays there. He can see the name on the map, Fuller Park.James' battle awareness is heightened with the aide of his gift, what felt like a simple task. Just go in and get the girl seems to be changing slowly. The monkey-wrench. He knows tactics are changing, the allies have moved into the open, no longer hidden. The enemy has prospered in numbers, five and armed; that minor threat also seems to linger closer and closer to the kids.
Drums-on-Skulls begins to have that sinking feeling.... something is going down before they even get there.
(james)
(No.)(...... no?)
they're stopped at a red light and Decker's turned to face him
curiosity cocks James' brow, but he's always met that gaze head on - now isn't any different
reprimand would shove most Garou back down a notch or three before the Modi
especially in the immediate presence of bonded pack as they rally towards potential battle
the Gnawer just slides the partial curve of a smile above chested half-chuckle
proof-positive just how long the two Full Moons have guarded each other's backBattlescar fucked up my speech, Silence, not my brain. You know better than any of the others I've never taken this pack or it's Blood for granted. Never understimated. Never forgotten. Never dishonored. I've stayed by your sides in battle until cut down, and will do it again until the day I don't get back up. Don't expect any different of anyone in this truck.
light's turned green, lined up cars grow impatient, horns being blaring, drivers begin yelling
and the two Adren sitting up front remain cool and even as if they were the only ones on the roadWhat I don't expect is a Blood of Fenris to fall saving a Gnawer girl, even if I would do it myself. Hard enough pulling you in as it is. muscular shoulders roll in a shrug, dreads shifting as the guttermutt breaks the gaze first, defference confessing what remains beneath the bonds that otherwise equalize Eagle's two chosen Tribes If Roxy's in, that's good a solution as -
light's just about to turn yellow when Decker punches it across the intersection
when they're a block past and opening, caution's color clicks to warning red
right about the same time James' thoughtrain breaks off as spine stiffens against the seatParty's starting up ahead without us. Watcher's closed in, five more in range with arms. Got this sinking feeling we're just about out of time.
((Barring getting stuck at the hospital for whatever reason, I'll be around long as things don't run past 10 or so pm pst))
(decker)
Decker snorts. "Fuck, no. Ain't none'a us dyin' fer no Gnawer brat. Ain't none'a us fightin' fer no Gnawer brat neither. We's here 'cause you called. Jus' like you'd be here if any'a us called."He rolls down his window, spits, and then rolls it back up. It seals with a muffled thump. Gotta love them 'lectric windows.
"We's pack."
Nuff said.He shuts up, then, as James breaks off. Sitting a little straighter in the bucket seat, the Modi gives it a little more gas, sensing the urgency long before James gives the message.
When he does, Decker flicks a glance over his shoulder at the three in the backseat. Particularly Hyde, who hadn't spoken yea or nay.
"Then let's move. Anythin' else?"
Last chance before this show hit the road. Not that any Garou plan survived more than the first thirty seconds of implementation. But that was all right. This was a starting point. From here on out, it was improvisation -- half the pack behind James in the realm, the other half Umbral.
(kemp)
First James spoke, then Decker. Catching the phone while looking between them and listening. He was already making the call. He'd grab the girl if he needed to, but he would never forgive himself if one of the pack died because he wasn't there.Dialing the number to reach Roxy and pass on the instructions, making sure she could be there.
Kemp calls Roxy, informs her of the details. He receives a confirmation that she'll be there with backup if need be.
(hyde)
*Hyde had been looking at the map as they drove. 6'6" form bent up and cramped in the back seat. Quietly seething and finally reaching over, picking up Kemp and putting him in AM's lap.Fully opening the book he snorts and nods.
"Fuller Park, due south..............."
A long pause then and his icy blue eyes flicker up to James at the leaving part of Kemp. He shakes his head but before he can open his mouth Decker shoots that down.
The fight as a pack they die as a pack. They wern't sending one out alone to save a Kinfolk. If shit was so bad they had to run.... well... Strike that.. "Advance to the Rear" They'd go as a unit. It wasn't the Margraves Daughter or some shit. Even then garou first.
Breathing in though his nose he nods. James was just worried about family. It happened.
Listening he looks back to the book.
"First time you said someone was watching on high. Means they have a tactical advantage. Could have a rifle and start picking you off as you enter. Skilled sniper can drop at over 2000 yards. 5 more armed moving in on our primary targets amplifies the chances the one on high is on overwatch. A sniper watching their asses, or maybe waiting for them. We don't know yet.
Silence and I will be in the umbra and I can probably pull us across the gauntlet PDQ if I have to but we need to stay in contact via totem phone though out. Use your senses. All of them. Scent as well as sight and hearing."
AM was born metis like he, but the rest were homid. Scent wasn't their primary sence.
"I'll try and send a few elementals forard before us to scout.. if there's any around when we cross over but I don't know if there will be and we've no time to summon. Push comes to shove though, Silence and I can move in hispo in the umbra and cover distance. You guys in the real world will need to be our spotters.... "
He thinks a few more moments and sighs. "As... alien as it is to our natures we may wish to take somone alive... to question as to the "why's" of this... don't know about you all but I don't wanna get a call next week that this girl is kidnapped again and again because we killed the first group but not know WHY it's after her.... "
Other than that he nods. It's about as much as he could plan just now. Thick finger traicing the complex chain tattoo under his bracer of his left arm where his Fenrir Flail is dedicated.
(decker)
Snipers. Decker grunts. Hyde has a point. Hand to hand was the Garou's way, and especially the Ahroun's way. Anything else was cowardly. But they weren't necessarily up against Garou. They weren't even necessarily up against werewolves...Maybe, just briefly, the images Imogen had shown them flicker through his head. The mutilated prostitute, and the nameless, faceless kin behind it all.
"They start shootin' 'n you cain't git to 'em in three seconds, don't try. Cross Umbral. Even if ya git stuck halfway across, 'least you ain't a sittin' duck. They follow, 's a hell lot harder ta hide in the Umbra."
They were coming up on the park now. Decker slows, changing lanes into the right to look for parking.
"James, you keep on feelin' someone watchin' from on high, see if you kin send Kemp ta pop Blur 'n take 'im out. Otherwise we all 'vance on tha target together. Calls is yours ta make long'as I'm Umbralside. Keep a runnin' commentary goin' on tha totemphone."
He pulls up the parking brake and shuts off the ignition, turning in his seat to give his pack a last one-over. Just to make sure they had nothing else to say before this show started.
[cont'd next scene]
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.24.05. - frantic [tristan] *ul[downtown]
(tristan)
The call made- and voice mail picked up. Strain is thick in the voice of the prettyboi - and he's pacing a path in the new carpet of the new place. James hasn't even seen it yet. Not exactly the night of dinner and video games he had planned to show off his new status as kept boi, hm?Voice mail, yes. "Hey, bro. I... fuck. I need your help - stop by my place, please? It's Andrea...details when you get here." His voice cracks, and he doesn't bother saying goodbye, just closes the phone and tosses it on the couch. Momma hasn't called back yet either - could be good, could be bad. fuckfuckfuck"fuckfuckFUCK!"
Hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jeans - which happens to be all he's wearing at the moment - and he stares out at the fabulous view. And doesn't see a fucking bit of it. All he can think of is her....
(james)
there's something to be said about transportation a la Gnawer
for the most part, it goes as it goes - subway, cab, or even Nike express
however, after the voicemail he just received
James concluded that such things simply aren't good enough
and it's about then the hotwired car skids to a stop infront of the............ good Gaia Almighty his brother moved into the fuckin Ritz......
in another world, the Adren would simply stare at the building before him
double-checking the address to make sure he didn't get lost somewhere along the way
Tristan had mentioned it was a pretty upscale sorta pad..... but..... this was more than the raggedyman expectedthe prettyboi isn't the only Tribe that doesn't see a friggen bit of the fabulous setting
whatever protests may come of security are silenced with a look from the dreadlocked hoodlum striding through the doors
right on up to floor number five, door number three-twenty-one
it's about all the restraint the Full Moon has left keeping fist to just knocking on the door
instead of knocking it right off it's hinges(tristan)
They'll stare later. later there will be grand tours. He'll even show him the gym, and 24 hour store, and all the amenities. Especially that Jacuzzi tub in the master bath attached to the master bedroom that Rox insisted he take. Just like the waterbed. But again - that's for the next, hopefully happy visit.Doormen and security silenced with a glare, and it's all he can do not to break the door down - and somehow, by the second knock (pound) on the door, Tristan is there and pulling it open. There's a weight limit on pets, and a frustrated growly Jukebox would shoot that all to hell, don'tcha think?
First things first, however, he just grabs James and holds on - long minute that passes in the span of a single breath. Then the first barrage of words fall... "Momma called. She's gone - they can't find her there's bodies in some house and her id and she's hoping Ani's headed here instead and..."
Stop. Slow down. It's clear he's absolutely frantic and grasping for control. If he were trueborn, he'd be rippling through forms in failing attempts at control... as it is, he just pulls James inside and closes the door.
There was only one other occasion he was this upset... and that was waiting to see if James had survived the caern raising, when no one knew for sure... but no one was there to see it.
(james)
second hammer and door flings open
the lanky Gnawer is all but whisked inside - without even a prenuptual kiss at the threshhold
there's a period of stunned blinks at some point inside the bear hug
arms wrapped around the prettyboi on instinct rather than compassionate understanding
it's the predator in James that's feeding off the tension stacked thick in the apartment..... thank Gaia the moon's SlimFasting her way from Full
"Slow. DOW'N."
it's as much a barked command as confusion's plea
snapping through the molasses-thick atmosphere and shattering it to brittle amber
calloused hands shoving his brother back to arm's length and glaring into frantic eyes
it's a far more tender route than slapping some sense back into the gibbering musician"I can' help yeh if I dunna wha's goin' on."
(tristan)
Hugged tight, pushed away, barked at (what was that weight limit?) and he just nods. closing his eyes, his jaw clenching to hold back the next torrent of words. Muscle jumps at his jaw, and he pulls away, only to pace again.But he doesn’t' say anything. Not for a minute. Or two. Put the pieces in order, as much as he can before he even tries.
"Andrea. Momma Grace said she's missin - been gone for days. She..." (whywhywhy?) "...let her go to visit some boy Ani's been keen on or something. Out toward the 'Barrens..." hello old stomping grounds...
He moves to the table and the paper of the NY journal he'd bought at the newsstand downstairs and points to the story there, the massacre of four children. "Found her ID in there. But ain't found her yet."
(james)
a minute. two.
James gives his brother all the time he needs
allowing him to pull away and pace
allowing him to collect his thoughts though goddamn time is of the essence
allowing the Adren to flip out his pack and Zippo and light the first of what will probably be many
(..... house rules be damned, Jamey-boy? how crass of you....)
Camel dangling from his lips as his own energy spends on search of nearest ashtray
or the closest can or cup that will surely sufficeprettyboi gushes - raggedyman frowns
snapping the paper from outstretched hand to skim the headline's copy
luckily James knew the meat of an article hangs out in the first few paragraphs
so he doesn't waste time yet picking apart the latter details
another puff exhaled towards the ceiling as it's his turn to gather thoughts"Foun'r eye-dee, but nuh body, c'rrec'?" dark eyes glance up for affirmation "Momma Gee go' th' Green on this, yeh?"
(tristan)
Fuck house rules - the only one that bitches is Moira and she's off with Kemp and Rox and he both smoke like chimneys... there's ash trays scattered around, there's all the comforts of home... his pacing stops, and he's framed in the large curved windows, Chicago nightscape behind him. A hand is up wrapped tight around the back of his neck, his gaze on his feet. "ID, no body... yeah. Well. As far as I know, anyway. Momma was on the way to see if she could ID any parts of the bodies that were found. She ain't called back yet. She would have if it'd been Ani..."A very very small straw to hold on too - but it's all he has. "Hubcap Willie was at the house, he an' th'others takin Momma to the 'Green." A deep breath, then he's blindly looking for his own pack and lighter, finally finding them on the coffee table. lit, inhaled deeeeeeeeeep, and exhaled slow. "Momma asked if yeh'd toss it through th'chain for her from here - if Ani is on the run, she's hoping she'd come looking for me first off.."
He's hoping too, but there's precious little to base it on.
(james)
precious little to go on
Momma Grace would be pulled in by virtue of ID alone
though how she'd identify charred remains is beyond the Ahroun
way the article sounded they'll be resorting to dental records (.... if any....) to pull a positive
that isn't thrown out for consideration as to why there's been no call
Tristan is in bad enough shape as it is
such things will come when they do"Moth'r Larissa'll know bes'..... though dunn 'memb'r if anyone 'side' Fengy'r Bareback'll be much help trackin'." names thrown out as yet another thread for his kinsman to grasp, the Adren isn't presumptuous enough to make suggestions of what the far more respected Elder could or should do in such a time, even be it one of such dire personal need, he trusts in her reputed ability to make the proper decisions yet again and pull through for them "They'll star' frum tha' side.... 'n I'l get word out ov'r th' Chai' frum this en'."
.... that's a lot of ground to cover between the Pine Barrens and Chicago
"Goh s'mthin' a hers wit'cha?"
seems an entirely random question given the current construction of gameplan
but the look in steady umber eyes is dead serious to its validity(tristan)
more names. hubcap willy, fengy, bareback, Larissa who made him feel like he was an infant when he met her back home.... each offered dangling fragile thread grabbed and held tight. They'll know, they'll help - as will James.He knows there's missing pieces, but this just came out, this is just the beginning (pleasegaialetherbecominghere)...
There's a blink at the question, and he tries to think and come up with an answer. Finally, a nod.. "Yeah, actually... she insisted I bring it with me last time I visited home..."
His pacing changes directions and he takes the stairs two at a time and footsteps are heard across the ceiling where James waits while Tris searches for the item. He finds it where he left it, in the nightstand drawer. Down the stairs again, two at a time, jump the last 3... and he offers the small book of poems to his brother.. "s'her favorite. Oscar Wilde. She made the bookmark there too..." and dark eyes all but plea - hoping it's good enough, and it will help...
(james)
lower lip's sucked between the Ahroun's teeth
that nibbled in thought instead of Camel's orange filter
by the time Tristan's back downstairs, however
James has returned to sucking down yet another cigarette
not like the tar will ever blacken his ever-healthy lungs
not like the stimulant nicoteine will amp him more than he already is"Perfec'." book and mark tucked into a cargo pocket on his fatigues "It'll help wi'h th rite. Once tha's done we'll know where'a star' lookin'." for her hiding place. for her remains. "Las' bit 'fore I get start'n tha'..... wha' th' Chain need'a know a look f'r her 'specific."
past the initial spike of emotion - the guttermutt's remained dead calm
providing a rock for his brother to cling to when it seems there's near nothing left
providing a visage that would make that damned Albany Elder proud he finally granted that rank
right now, it's all down to business attire for the normally mellow Gnawer
leveling a gaze that's more than suggesting Tristan calm down and think for this one
it's his one and only chance to give some definitive information that could make or break the request(tristan)
He's been the rock for his brother before. He's also been the one in need of holding on. Right now, it's the later, and the strength is grasped tightly and held on. IF anyone can make this right, it's James. He nods, slightly, and digs his wallet out of his pocket, thumbing through and taking out the most recent snapshot he has of Andrea - laughing in the kitchen with momma grace. He looks at it for a long moment, heart constricting with the pain of all the possible things that could be wrong.She could be cold, hungry, scared, hurt, dead...
He hands the picture over. "S'th' most recent." Knowing James can give a clearer description with picture in hand, and then... "Momma don't know much about this guy she was visitin.. just that he was up round the barrens. She's been gone almost a week - never returned the last calls, nuthin..."
He tosses his wallet onto the table, and presses the heel of his hands against his eyes, pressing tightly as if he can hold it all back, as I he can make it all just... be ok again.
"I can't believe she didn't call me before this... fuck, James... I'm goin insane here.." If there's one thing that draws them together above all others? you don't fuck with family.
(james)
picture's taken with a nod, and tucked into the book safely weighting his pocket, already
this is probably the first time James takes a look out the enormous windows
slight frown of negation bookending that cigarette"I dunn think I c'n put out th' call fr'm th' Ritz" the slightest impression of a grin may begin, here, a moment of levity within the storm professing that all is not yet lost for the cavalry is on the way, but all too soon he's back to work "I"ll have a do tha' fr'm sum'ere else. Gotta call'n a fav'r fr'm pack, dependin' on where they are eith'r has'm meetin' me here -" welcome matt's already extended whether or not the other residents are going to like it "- 'r I'll get'ih done while'm out."
as the Ahroun turns towards the door, cargo pocket's patted for reassurance
not only for the necessity of taking beloved token out of his brother's sight
but for the reality of doing what, well, normally James would not
at least there's the unspoken promise he'll take good care of it"Dunn worry Tris. I'll be back soon 'nuff, 'n we'll go fine y'r sis'r."
there's a heavy pat on tense shoulders, then the door snaps shut behind lanky frame as the Tribal Elder doesn't waste further time on gratuities - there are more important things
[cont'd next entry]
Posted by james at 12:00 AMJuly 23, 2005.07.23.05. - urban legends [momma grace-tristan] *ul[forum]
(st)
Mary, Mary, quite contrary. How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockleshells and pretty Maids all in a row...Darkness flows like water across the silvery surface of the mirror, curling and rolling in wispy tendrils of shadows, like the arms of an octopus.
A face emerges, fine-boned and high browed, of a once beautiful woman, with the skin pulled back tightly against the bone to give its pallid, white skin a grotesquely skeletal formation; twin black pits reside in the deep hallow of blackened eye sockets, thin red lines run down sharp cheek bones as dried rivers of blood.
… the distant chanting of childish voices, snickers and giggles, taunts and whines of fright, tossed around the three young girls that spin in circles, standing in place before a large mirror that hung just above the sink in the bathroom with only a single candle for light.
“Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary.” Three times, they cried in a singsong voice, the chorus of their youthful voices rising up in unison.
One girl stops, in mid-spin fixing her eyes on the mirror as she sees the ghostly face slide through the reflective glass. Her eyes widening, mouth agapes in horror, she can feel her skin prickle across her body with an icy chill of fear. The second and third girl, giggling, stop spinning as they noticed their friend, “Sarah?” the third girl looks up then, and screams. They all scream. The Ghostly apparition screeches as shadowy tendrils and claw-like hands explode out of the mirror in inky-blackness to surround them. The soft clink of rosary beads swings through the air to slap them across their faces…
… The screaming continues…
---
… screaming.
Loud and frightful as the small, feminine body thrashed around violently in the back of the Bronco; fiery curls dampen against the pallid skin, wet with sweat and tears. Molly throws herself upright, continuing to scream until two firm hands grip her shoulders and shake the nine year old violently. “Molly! MOLLY Wake up!” Molly’s lashes flutter open, lifting her adorable cherub face up to turn green eyes upon the older girl that shakes her. She throws her little arms around Andrea, hugging onto her for dear life. Molly tucks her head into Andrea’s chest, panting in heavy sobs, the other girl, a few years older, croons softly into Molly’s ear.
“I see it, Ani. I see it!” she wails out in muffled cries, Andrea gently pats a hand across the girl’s back. “It’s only a dream, Molly, it’s just a dream. We’re safe.”
Safe. Andrea tilted her head up to stare out the back window of the Bronco; she saw nothing but the dark outline of the alley, narrowing brown eyes to peer out, searching for the heavy shape of their guardian.
Nostrils flared, heavy tongue lolls out as the massive form of a brown wolf rolled its way out from underneath the Bronco, body shifting upward as bones and joints cracked and reshape. In the darkness of the alley, no one would see him do this. This side of the city was vacant of all forms of life, or so he thought. Andrea can see the tall, heavy outline of a young black man, barely sixteen (but well built from a hard life on the streets and juvenile detention centers), make his way to the front of the Bronco. The driver’s door opens as Judas peers inside, one arm reaching for a pair of jeans on the seat and quickly pulls them on. Dark eyes look over at the two white girls in the backseat. “Another dream?”
Andrea nods her head, biting on her bottom lip, “Can… you stay with us? In here I mean.” She gives Judas a pleading look, fear etched into her pretty eyes. He lets out a small sigh, nodding his head, “Yeh.” The door slams shut as he manages to maneuver his large frame into the back, curling up around Andrea and Molly. He lays down, pulling Andrea up against him and holds her. “Go back to sleep,” he whispers to them.
Further back in the alley, a large figure lurks in the darkness, covered in a multi-layer of clothing and smelling as if it emerged from the Great Trash Heap itself. It watches the Bronco quietly with interest, biding its time. A cardboard refuge becomes its new home for now.
Beware the cyclops, my son... There is tale amidst the grit and grime, deep in the interior of the darkened streets of Southside. Even the most egostical of gang-bangers are cautious near a particular intersection of streets... Hookers are cautious to work there... hey anyone remember what happened to that real fine one from a year back. I heard she went missing several months ago.. what was her name.. chloe.... she ran with.. oh, nevermind.
--
NYC— It was all over the news, spreading across two state lines from New Jersey to New York. It was a gruesome slaughter, the dismembered and charred bodies of four children found slain in an abandoned house located out in the woods close to the Pine Barrens. The Pine Barrens hadn’t seen its share of grisly horror in a few years. Guess it was about time. The news on the television reports to a couple that is greatly affected by the bizarre killings. Police Investigators came knocking on the door of the matronly Grace Stern at 9am the morning to ask her some questions. The large portly woman sat in her kitchen, thick fingers twisting knots in her stained apron as she spoke with them.
There were no leads… the girl had been missing for days. The police consoled Mama Grace informing her they will do the best that they can to find her daughter. As soon as they left, the older woman brushed back a few grey hairs and burst into tears, her hands moving up to cover her face.
One of the local Bone Gnawers residing at Mama Grace’s resident for the night slips into the kitchen after the police had left. The bum watched the kinfolk cry, coming over to gingerly pat her arm and give her a reassuring squeeze. “Well, do what’s right, Mama Grace, see what we can dig up, and maybe she wasn’t one of these girls murdered at that slaying. We’s gonna find the girl.”
Mama Grace composes herself, “Ah, Hubcap, thank you, hunny. I know the boys will do what’s best please put word out on the barking chain. I don’t care how far it has to go. Just do what ya can for me.” Hubcap Willy gives Mama Grace a toothy grin, leaning over to plant a quick kiss on her plump cheek, before pulling away. “I’ll check in again soon.”
She watched him exit through the back door of her kitchen, pulling herself up out of her chair, reaching out for the ancient phone that sat on the wall. She knew the husband would yell about the cost of a long distance call, but Mama Grace didn’t care, sniffling as short fingers pound out the Chicago number of her boy.
Phone pressed to her ear, wiping away the tears from her cheeks. “Tristan, answer the phone, it’s Mama, baby..."
(tristan)
"mumphghnGUH!"It's saturday, he should be on the street already, playing his violin and drumming in some cash - but he's not. Yesterday was a good day, and he's taking saturday off. Maybe even whip up a picnic or something for Moira and Rox. Or something.
But for now, he's still hiding under the covers, pillow held over his head, until finally he reaches to snag the cell phone, and peer out of one bleery eye at the number.
Wide awake. He calls faithful every sunday afternoon. Momma Grace calling early means something's either very good, or more likely - very, very bad...
He sits up, and opens the phone, key it on. Voice still thick with sleep as he scrubs his face with free hand. "S'me, Momma, I'm here - what's wrong?"
(st)O
Tears...... the sound of tears greet the prettyboi over the receiver as Mama Grace couldn't hold it in. The sound of his voice making her cry once again, after a few minutes of weeping and a couple of heavy sobs, Mama Grace tries to compose herself.
"Oh, baby, it's horrible. She's gone. We don't know where or why or who. Just gone! Never called back. The policemen came while Hubcap Willy was here, but he stayed out of the way until they left. There's these murders in the Pine Barrens, out in that Jersey City you used to live in.." Her voice comes out in a loud, blubbery wail, words running fast and almost together, "My baby's gone, Tristan!!!"
(tris)
Tears...There are few things more powerful then a Son's love for his mother. It's an unbreakable bond - even those with pasts built on abuse and distrust still harbor that wish and hope for a mother's affection. Tristan is no different. His past one of love and trust and strength and peach switches only when he needed them, there are few people on this earth that can stop him from being there when she needs him.
The tears snap the rest of the sleep out of him, dark gaze darkening farther still. someone. hurt. momma. "Momma - slow down... what.... Andrea? Murdered? MOMMA! What happened?!?"
He's freaking out now a bit himself. Mental calculation starting - just how much would it take to get back home as fast as possible... will he have to ask Rox? Where's James? Fuck fuck "FUCK. Momma - slow down, tell me exactly what's happened... Where's Ani? How long's she been gone? What's this about murdered kids?"
Please, momma try and tell it straight...
He's grabbing his Jeans and tugging them on as he listens, searching for a clean wifebeater and pulling it on one handed, searching for clean socks - gets a wiff of that pair and makes a face, searches again. All the while making soothing sounds, and trying to pull a calm picture out of his frazzled and worried momma...
(st)
The portly woman, a whirlwind of emotion, rouses up a few more of her 'Gnawerish tenants, drawing a few more faces downstairs into her kitchen as they heard her loud voice. Tristan can hear a murmur of confused, yet concerned voices.There is a long pause, his voice echoing over the phone as he's near frantic. Tristan can hear the phone rustle around, and Mama Grace comes back on the line, calmer than before. "There's some talk on the news, baby, about some kids that were found murdered. More like... slaughtered in a house out in near the Pine Barrens in Jersey City. Andrea's been missing for a few days now, almost a week. We let her go to visit some friends in Jersey, some boy she's running with I think..."
More muffled voices erupt over the phone in a splurge of conversation, everyone talking at once. Mama Grace whistles loudly, "SHADDUP! I'm talkin' here!" The small gaggle of 'Gnawers hush up, some chuckling behind closed fists. "Tristan, far as we know Andrea ain't dead, just missing. I need to go down and see about identifying the bodies. They think it might be her because they found her wallet with her i.d. in it. Somewhere in the house, meaning she was there."
Another long pause, "If she's still alive, maybe in some kinda trouble, baby, keep an eye out for her in Chicago. Pass word along to through the barking chain. We's doin' what we can on our end."
(tris)
He's near frantic - and suddenly Momma is calm. This is the way it is, a give and take, and only one Stern can be near hysterical at a time. He falls to the chair by the window, looking out at the view at the incredible view and not seeing a damn thing. He listens to voices - and... he misses that. The bustle that is Momma Grace's kitchen, the ever changing tennents, the sheer whistle that has him pull the phone away from his ear a bit, then put it back again."Why.." Why you let her run off to visit some boy, why didn't you call before this, why why why... (calm down, pretty boi....)
"Ok, Momma... you call as soon as you have checked, you hear me? Call collect, I'll be waiting by the phone. I'll..."No trip - she said to stay, maybe Ani'll come here... if she's able... "Ok, Momma - I'll get with James and make sure its spread everywhere. You think she'd come here...?" He wants to be with them, doing what he can - but he'll just have to work from this end.
"ok. Yeah - Soon as you hear anything, you call, no matter what time it is..."
He's pulling on his boots, now, and tying them. No playing tonight, but he'll carry the case regardless. Prowling the streets may do exactly squat this far away, not knowing where she is, or if she's alive, or in trouble, or even heading this way - all he can do is put out the word.
But at least then? He'll be doing something.
(st)
"I'll call ya as soon as I can, Tristan. Stay safe for me and give a big kiss from Mama for me. I miss ya boys something fierce." She looks away towards the chatter of those gathered, something spoken about contacting spirits in the area."I gotta go. We's getting something roused up. Bye, baby." She hangs up the phone, setting it slowly back on the receiver. She sighs, turning around to face the 'Gnawers gathered around her kitchen and begins preparations.
(tris)
That gets a bit of a grin, as he runs his fingers through those tangled curls. "I will, Momma."She closes the connection, and he stares at the phone for a few moments, to try and control the desire to run and scream and shot in all directions at once. A deep breath, and he stands, and dials the phone.
His brother's number, of course.
"common, James... pick up pick up pick up...."
(go to next scene, post phone call to get James' ass over there)Posted by james at 12:00 AMJuly 19, 2005.07.19.05. - no won'r he driveza f'rarri.... [imogen-jack-rox-razor-aodhan](otherwise known as getitoffgetitoffgetitoff!)
[downtown](james)
four hours before midnight
four points before Luna swells Full
four..... score degrees and holdingthe hour plus between now and sun's set may as well be eternity
now near habitual AM/PM Icee doing little to quell the day's heat
faded grey bandana holds weighty dreadlocks off hard-angled face
cigarette smoke coils twin reflection off little round sunglasses
white t-shirt has probably seen far better, brighter days
and why hasn't someone invented better air-conditioning for army-surplus BDUs James has yet to understand......but of course, it's not the distant super-star's radiation that would worry a pedestrian most
nor the potentially devastating effect it may have on the raggedyman's choice of deoderant
there's something far more acidic cavorting invisably about the lanky Gnawer's step
whatever the unseen barrier may be, he pays little attention to how it eases resistance to his strolling patheither all-too-well aware of a certain presence his otherwise unremarkable appearance masks
or way-too-far past the caring (....breaking?....) point to bother with yet another month's few days of concern
(jack salem)
Well, he should have expected as much. The more absurd his jokes turn, the less likely Imogen is to be amused. So he pursues the subject from a different angle, struggling as always to find common ground with the doctor. If only to shake it up a bit once it's located..."So...what? He's hired by the families of the corpses? Or is he, like, one of those lawyers who just looks over your shoulder all the time to make sure you're doing stuff the right way?"
(imogen)
Her gaze lifts past Jack's shoulder to James visible in the distance. He's easily recognizeable - by the dreads and the height, by the sheer way he walks. Three years, she can recognize him from a distance.Her gaze rests a beat, and then falls back to Jack, a smirk touching her mouth. She speaks slowly, explaining. "He's a district attorney. He's paid fer by the county t'prosecute charges. He uses me f'r testimony." Her expression is never ... well, expressive, but for a moment, it's even less emotional, guarded. "From time t'time."
(jack)
Jack begins shifting his weight from foot to foot, suddenly becoming very restless. Maybe he's caught a scent on the wind...or maybe he just has to use the bathroom. It could go either way, really. Regardless of why, the end result is the same."I don't want you to think I'm rude, but I really need to take off. I...it's late. There's some...stuff I need to take care of. You know how it is. It was good seein' ya though, Dr. Slaughter."
He knows there isn't any need to wait for an answer from her. It'll probably only consist of a three word sentence...vague, yet completely devoid of any identifiable emotion. He's comfortable with that.
So its only moments later that he's sliding behind the steering wheel of his van, bringing the engine to life and pulling away from the curb. There's only one taillight to follow, and it disappears around a corner soon after Jack leaves...
(james)
Imogen can recognize James from a distance
after three years, one would hope the detailed oriented Doctor would have at least that
the raggedyman perhaps has something.... else to his advantage
picking up on the distant clarity of certain scent
honing in on a familiar presence of one all but legally bonded pack
following some pre-arranged directive associating time, street, and occupation
or maybe the man's just more of a predator than intially expectedgiven the urban-primitive silhouette of top-knotty bouquet of dreads, well.....
two blocks and closing, he waits until half remains before lifting his chin notably up
the gesture's directed at Imogen, her disappearing (...... escaping?.....) associate gets little more than studious glance past dark lenses(imogen)
Imogen glances at Jack's disappearance, following his movement for a moment, before she turns her attention toward James, dismissing Jack as quickly as she'd acknowledged him."One o' yers," she says, before shrugging, "or something." If a Garou had said that, they might have meant one of his tribesmates, but Imogen speaks in much broader terms. She likely means simply that Jack is Garou, and just as likely is not sure of what the tribe or auspice the Garou is.
The kinfolk must be straight from work - a pale blue suit, complete with long suit jacket, a white blouse. This late, it might be shocking, but only to thsoe who do not know Imogen.
(rox)
Four hours before midnight. One hour wasted on semi-intellectual conversation over a few beers, dinner had yet to be ordered, and the date was over with. Thirty of those minutes spent arguing over looking at other women while dining, to the ten minutes it took to waltz out of the front door of the resturant and into the parking lot. Two minutes to deflate all four tires on the expensive Lexus owned by her date's car to nursing the bruised knuckles on her hand and walking away down the street.So much for a blind date. Never let your cousin set you up.
Roxy trekked the several blocks it took to hit Eagle's territory, well away from the commotion that would begin after she slashed the tires on the car. The quick snap of high heels drums a harsh staccato over cracked and concrete sidewalks. The hot humidity sends small beads of perspiration rolling down her forehead, slicken small wisps of platinum blond hair against the temples, as short strands curl freely along the line of her jaw and dip to the shoulders.
The hard lines of compact muscles were wrapped in a basic black dress, sleeveless, that stretched across the chest, down over the torso and bringing the hem just a few inches above the knee. Collarbone and round shoulders exposing a broad expanse of skin, the half sleeve of celtic inkwork worn like a banner upon her right bicep. A small purse clutched in her left hand, she slips around the corner, taking the next few blocks to find the nearest payphone.
(james)
the van speeds away, mostly dismissed as if never actually there
make, year, color, license plate..... those little details tucked away into memory
but in that split-second, seems as the Gnawer wiped Jack out of existance or importance as well
dark eyes flicking towards the smartly dressed kinswoman behind even darker lenses"Yeh." it wasn't a confirming question, rather an affirming statement "Saw'm las' moon." a pause politely sipping about two inches out of that Icee, just enough to barely avoid brainfreeze however much that would have unexpressively amused the good Doctor "S'wi' th' new folksss settin' up camp'n th' woodz."
James, it seems, is more privy to the exact details of the Garou's introduction
while unfamiliar with the nuances of Jack's personality or intent
a lifted brow perks towards the bandana in all he asks of such a question
if the Cliath did anything of notice - Imogen would already have it prepared for his own attentions
(imogen)
She takes another drag from her cigarette, not her usual American brand, but something european, the smell distinctly different. She takes a drag, drawing it out, as she glances in the direction of Jack's disappearance, responding, absently to James's unspoken question."Idealistic kid," she says, "asks a lot o' questions."
(james)
"Dunn s'rprise me."the low sound in his throat tends towards amusement
but how amused an Ahroun can be just before full is the true question
it may show easily right here and now.... but will it last?
the way his chin drops to look at the filter between pale, slender fingers
seems his humor's chosen to stay at least another few phrases"Those s'pose a count a not puffin' up 'gain?"
likely, he'll get that butt snapped right at his nose for smart comment
but at least it's better than channeling Moon's mood into far more destructive choices(rox)
The pavement eaten up beneath her quick steps, the fluid movements of a stalking gait, like a jungle cat, seen in the way she walks. Deep blue eyes flicking across the urban landscape of buildings and side streets, wary of the area of town she was in. The distance blue-lit sign of a payphone booth caught like a beacon to the wary Glass Walker.A mask of irritation worn across the pretty features of her face, painted up light makeup. Dark liner to halo her eyes, making the blueness stand out against sun-kissed complexion. A hand lifts up to run calloused digits through her hair, pushing it back from her face. The image of two people caught in her peripheral, the striking highlights of red hair caught her attention of the well-dressed woman. Imogen?
Upon closing inspection, veering away from the path of the payphone to cross the street, Roxy approaches the good doctor and her raggedy companion. A loud sigh of relief expels from her lungs at the familiarity.
(imogen)
"No," she says, thoughtfully, "I suppose tha' he has th'look."She tilts her head upward to look at him, and with the light fading as it is, the gold chain at her throat is nothing more than a dull flicker as it catches in the sunlight's fading rays. A faint smirk touches her mouth, ironic, "No," she says again, this time with a different tone - where her first negative was musing, this one was heavy with arid humour, "they count."
Other people might have more to say - ask him if he has a lecture, or if he minds letting her smoke in piece, some comment that perhaps speaks to the fact she expects some disapprobation for her long familiar habit. Imogen takes another drag from her cigarette, nearly finished now, and drops the butt to the pavement, crushing it out beneath a sandalled shoe. Roxanne's footsteps behind her become clear, and the redhead turns away to look over her shoulder at the blond's approach.
(razor)
They probably don't even notice unless they're into this sort of thing.A motorbike.
If you are a bit of an afficionado, then its only fair you'd recognise. Ducati 999s. As some would describe? A sweet ride. (I'm sure I've heard that phrase used before, haven't you? By someone here, no doubt. In your mind, no doubt.) Low, long and narrow in its customised black, its sometimes more shadow than beast, sometimes more beast than machine, in the changing lights of the street. With a body made to flex and lean against, in between your legs and grasped tight by your hands. All aching power.
All just sitting there, still and silent. Across the road, parked near a dark alleyway between an Italian restaurant, low on business and quiet within, and a closed camera store on the other side, only some fluorescent lights lit within.
(aodhan)
Just before the full moon, the warriors' moon, is the moon belonging to the song singers, the tale tellers, the lore keepers. It's a creative moon, one prone to driving artists to great works. Under this moon, everyone's favorite Latin playboy - who happens to be walking through a bit of Eagle's territory towards that of his own pack - was born, both into his human life and his Garou one.He sees Imogen, fire and moonlight, first, followed by her dred-locked companion, who he's only seen once or twice before. Obsidian eyes, heavy and absorbing, rest on her for the barest of moments before sliding off to Roxy, piss and vinegar, and the girl on the Ducati (a sweet ride, indeed), an unknown.
The Galliard's learned that his own vehicles don't fare too well in the presence of Eagle's brood, so his transportation for the evening is the well known and loved heel-toe express.
It's not that he's rude, at least one of those present knows better. It's that he's a healthy dose of self preservation - for the moment, at least - and has no desire to run afoul of that particular pack.
...Again...
So he continues walking with the slightest of nods to indicate he'd seen them; should he be hailed, he'll stop. Maybe.
(james)
Imogen - well dressed in a pale blue suite and white shirt smartening up the downtown grime
Rox - well dressed in a slippery black dress that's...... dressed to kill?
James - standing out sore-thumb casual and hiking a brow towards dreads in double-takehe's seen the good Doctor in her business attire fit for any hour of day or night
while a date-worthy composition was never considered impossible for the Walker kin
it's not anything the Adren expected to randomly greet near sunset on nameless street
it may not help the irritation ebbing way in familiarity's sigh
but James indulges low whistle at the Peroxide Fox's visage
making up for the lack of manners with held-out offer of Icee"I'm woun'ed, Im'gen." the guttermutt chuffs disdain "Dunn ev'n share a countin' one wi' me."
he'd even pout... if it weren't for the flick of attention at a passing Galliard
(imogen)
Imogen's eyes too, linger upon the Glass Walker dressed fit to kill, and it's probably the first time the redhead has seen the blonde in a dress. It is only a moment's lapse, and then her manners reassert themselves, and she only nods (incline) a greeting, before turning her attention back to James and his comment.A brief sound that is scorn, "I didn't want to offend your American tastes with European fags," she replies, and of course, her terminology is deliberate. It does not matter what Americans thought fags were, she meant cigarettes, and she intended to call them so.
Soon after, her attention follows James's to Aodhan, and while her attention rests there a moment she does not hail her (former) tribesmate, only her dark eyes acknowledging his presence, before she looks away.
(rox)
"Imogen." A word to accompany the nod-up offered to the redhead in greeting, taking in a brief moment to admire the blue suit upon the woman with a casual air. It made her feel a little less out of place upon the street.Dress to kill, perhaps, but her heated gaze levels on the source of the slow whistle, jaw muscle clenched slightly, then relaxed as a smile breaks across full lips. "James." A small flicker of amusement flashed in her eyes, laughing a little, at the offer of the ICEE, which she accepts. Hold ing the cup up to peer inside, to see what flavor, before daring to take a sip. She stands closest to the 'Gnawer, looking towards them.
"Congregation goin' on here or just random encounters?" She barely noticed the sleek figure of the Latin Princeling as he sneaks his way across Eagle territory. She acknowledged his presence with a moment's glance, extending the ICEE back to James. "What is that?"
(james)
it takes a moment for the Adren to follow-up Imogen's deliberate remark
dark eyes following the Galliard's passing by with studious intent
he overheard the Fenris' final warning last they.... tangled
acknowledgement not even reaching the fire-haloed kinswoman's barest glance
with the Moon growing heavy so far above, all the Ahroun needs is an excuse.......but for now, the pleasure remains
smirking sharply as he shifts back to far more pleasant company"Since when'm I 'mong th' eas'ly offen'ed?" then gaze shiftslips to the Walker's semi-sidling up to his shadow "Blueb'rry."
(aodhan)
Aodhan's done quite a bit of sneaking in his day, and will do more if necessary to the service of Gaia. Now, however, he's doing nothing of the sort; rather, he's sauntering through in his black slacks and pretty boy short sleeved sweater, clinging just right to pecs and abs . . . he's attractive, and he knows it, but that's neither here nor there.Oh, the shark has pretty teeth dear
And he shows 'em, pearly whiteHe's all but ignored by the little gathering (...what big eyes you have, Mr. PR Man...) and nod turns to something like a smile (but more like a shit-eating grin, or perhaps a baring of teeth) as he pauses to light a cigarette, a European sort that smells an awful lot like Imogen's, but of the less filtered variety.
Beat.
Beat.And he's off again towards home, towards pack, his appearance of negligible impact and import.
(razor)
In the alleyway.Razor leans against a filthy hopper, unmindful of any stains that may leave themselves on her leather riding gear. Instead, her focus is entirely on the individual in front of her. A guy of average height, not particularly tall and always given to wearing shades at any hour of the day, or night: the fact that the alleyway was cloaked in utter darkness that fails to be penetrated by the streetlights, still does not change that habit. Whatever. Razor wasn't here to see his eyes. Despite the heat of the night, he wears a leather jacket, long and down to his knees. Oversized for his frame, if the breadth of that jacket and the shoulder support beneath could be any indication. And he smelled. Either he did, or the hopper. The overpowering stench of sweat explained by his unwillingness to wear appropriate to the change in the seasons, the putrid underlayer that kept tickling her nose, kept making her screw it up unconsciously as it offended, unexplainable. Truth was, she didn't want to know what he did to himself to be oozing that shit from his pores.
She just wanted the goods.
Her chin jerks up, blonde hair trailing around that delicate face, the rouge of her lips fresh and like an ink stain against the pallor of her skin. "Well? Freddy told me you could help me out." The accent is Swedish, but lightly so. Another contrast then, with his very American own. Very American, with a twist. "Sure," is his answer, a leering grin on that ravaged face to go with it. The flash of browned, meth-eaten teeth in many places capped and silvered. Sure is his answer, except it doesn't quite come out like that. Syllables slurred into each other so its more a hoarse whisper than the true anunciation of the word. He's giving Razor the creeps - even through her slightly chemical-hazed state. That grin sure didn't help.
"Told me you had a little problem as well."
A shiver runs along her spine.
(imogen)
Imogen, James.
"Roxanne."
It's almost a b-movie dialog."Never." She agrees with a shrug. "I'll mind it with my next cigarette," she says, shifting her grip on her own purse - something she carries like it were a nuisance, handle caught and twisted between her fingers. Her other hand lays flat against her stomach, her fingers tapping against her blouse briefly before her palm falls away as she smirks.
It doesn't take much to have caught Jukebox's stare. "S'no wonder tha' his ego is so great, and everyone stares at 'im where ever 'e goes.," she notes, wryly.
(rox)
Perhaps, its the pleasurable thrill that forms from the heated essence of rage, which draws shivers on her skin that draws the Glass Walker closer to James, or the presence of Aodhan that warrants another look from Roxy. Fenris' final warning a ghostly echo in the back of her mind. Whichever, she slips into his shadow for a moment, flanking his right side to drop an arm chummily across a scarred shoulder, using the tall 'Gnawer as a leaning post. Small purse tucked against the palm, thumps absently against his arm as it dangles from her fingers."Huh, blueberry," a tilt of her chin to look into the cup in her hand, shaking it up to loosen more of the blue ice inside, stealing a few more sips, and extends the cup back to him with a now lipstick stained straw, "Ya want it back?"
She tosses her head back, removing a few stray wisps of blond hair from her eyes, grinning at Imogen's words. "He's just so pretty, Imogen, like one o'em high-priced poodles ya see at them dog shows."
(james)
Oooooh, the shark has, pret-ty teeth, dear
And he shows 'em, pear-ly white
But he swims so, out of reach, dear
Far too chick-en, for the fightthat shit-eating-teeth-bearing grin didn't escape the Gnawer's attention
of all the things it could draw as reactionary action
the appropriateness of what does come to pass is questionable as his easily offended moralityJames laughs
maybe loud enough to carry all the way to Playboy's sauntering back
maybe not enough to even cross the street
the raggedyman doesn't seem to fashion any intention"They 'ave to..... seems he only go' guts 'nuff a sneak'n'smile fr'm safely a'cross th' stree..... yeh gotta stare cuz he dunn get'ny clos'r." Rage-filled Ahroun granite beneath Roxy's chummy slouch, not that he would have been much affected by her slighter frame to begin with, at least it's enough to draw attention back where it should be - even if eyes are crossing behind sunglasses at just how close that straw suddenly is "Nuh, keep'ih.... ain' my col'r."
(razor)
"And I'd love to help you, darling. Knew your boy in New York, see. Told me some things about you."Still casually leaning against the hopper, not a muscle twitches in Razor's body as that information sinks in. Dilated eyes, jaw inclined to work - suddenly she's wishing she hadn't taken when she did. For a long moment she stares at the man in the shades and the leather trench, mind drifting to idly what he must have beneath it that its so damn big and when he was planning on getting the rest of those teeth treated. Just silent, just staring with those wide, dark green eyes. Then suddenly brows rise. Sink in. Sunk. "You knew Scythe? How?"
Against the hopper, she straightens. "What'd he tell you?" All casual gestures - she's been in this place before to show too much alarm. So its just interest that mingles across the haze of her face. She straightens, and though she's not wont to - she even looks away, a smirk stretching across her lips. "No secrets, I'm hoping. He did promise to take them to the grave - I really believed he had." Just shadows lurking in the currents beneath. And always that ignored fear. That spike of tension.
"He told me your uses," is the enigmatic reply, though the way he says it around that thick, ungainly tongue, seems to suggest a lot more than just sex. She should be appreciative of that. Really. Except with Scythe's kind, she knew what else that could mean. She knew just what this guy might be, but not.
Still, she says nothing except: "Look. Show me what you got, and if I like it, I'll get the money, okay? Then we can talk about this other shit. Priorities first."
(aodhan)
Laughter's fine, as the breeze blows just the right way to carry the sound to Aodhan's ears; it's the guttermutt's words that cause the straightening (stiffening) of already perfect posture, the chilling of an already fairly icy demeanor, and the pivot of steps to carry him back a few feet and across the street to the gathering, that grin going from shit-eating to high society polite in 1.2 seconds. There's a drag taken from that European, unfiltered smokey treat as the Latin prince of a Fianna surveys the group with those black hole eyes."Dr. Slaughter, Roxanne. A pleasure to see you both again (though, of course, the pleasure is questionable) . . . and I don't believe we were properly introduced. I'm Aodhan Salto."
There's a nod that comes close to being a bow, his hand offered to the Adren for a shake; it's clean (but for the nicotine stain on his middle finger), the nails impeccable and just short of manicured, though clearly calloused from some sort of work or another.
It's like calling Marty McFly chicken, minus the temper tantrum. It gets results.
(imogen)
A glance and a smirk for Roxanne's comment, that she compares Aodhan to a poodle. Perhaps the Fianna prince is well described as that. Primped up and well-bred. A show dog, worth nothing more than his appearance. Were the assessment accurate, or Imogen believed it so, she did not give much reaction, beyond the flicker of the smirk. It's only as James speaks again that she answers, her voice even."Or he isn't spoilin' fer a fight."
As you are.Some might say that James has been around the Fenrir too long. Then again, the same can be said of the lithe kinfolk with her flaming hair and dark eyes. In this case, perhaps not so much, but in most, maybe.
Aodhan crosses, and Imogen glances over her shoulder at him, before she turns her gaze toward James, "Do me a favour?"
It's pratically not a question - as if making it a request belittled it or her somehow. She does, however, wait for acquiescence before she continues. But it is apparent that the (former) Fianna kinfolk is leaving.
(rox)
Roxy pffts, wrinkling her nose as she nudges him gently with her hip, drawing her arm off his shoulder to her side. Purse tucked under her arm, pinning elbow to her ribcage. "More for me then," she chuckles, peeling back the domed lid to snap it off, condensation flicks away into the air. The cup brought up to drink the blue ice, tilting her head back for leverage."He's got balls." Her words sounding hallow as they echo from inside the cup, a flick of her eyes to watch Aodhan's approach. Tilting the cup down just enough to acknowledge the Fianna Princeling with a wry smirk, "Hey, darlin'." Imogen is warranted a slight quirked eyebrow in response to her asking for a favor. Roxy listens closer, curiosity gnawed at her, wondering if she'll witness a fight that might satisfy her moody temper from the botched date.
(james)
Aodhan's flourished greeting is put on pause momentarily
the Gnawer draped by one kinfolk now turns to the question of the other"Yeh?"
(imogen)
Strange little scenario here. Imogen's jaw is tight as she speaks to the Gnawer. "Ask Rohl if he spoke wi' the Knights about the territory dispute. I went back t'work as o' today."(razor)
She says, he does. Sometimes its that simple. He doesn't try to stop her, doesn't seem concerned about her walking out of that alley - doesn't seem the predator that she could have sworn he was two seconds ago. Except he is, he just knows his prey. And for certain things? The prey always returns. And he also happens to know just what Freddie told her - and the bait that he had just dangled on top of that? Makes it guaranteed.Razor was never one to heed her fear. Just like she'd said, priorities. He flashes the little plastic bag in front of her, the white powder within calling to her veins on sight. If it were food, she'd be salivating. She suffers, instead, with a clench of those muscles across her stomach, a sudden inflexive inhale through the nostrils, and a sharp nod as her eyes catch hers - or she believes they do - through the dark lens. Without another word, she walks towards her bike.
On the street.
She emerges from the alleyway and crosses to the Ducati, her fingers going to the helmet hitched to its back, the small black pouch placed within. Green bills rifled through and removed, to be tucked into her black leather. Under the helmet, another carry area - where she keeps the sig232. Never been used. She didn't know how to use the damn thing, but she's not so fucked that she can't ignore the warning signs. Some comfort to carry, right? Except impossible to hide with the leather she wears. Its put in the helmet, and the helmet dragged along, carried under her arm. When she straightens, its just a quick furtive glance around the street, ensuring noone noticed.
Most in the street just get a cursory glance. Most. That gaze however? Rests intently on James and Aodhan: and recognises them for who they are. No sense of rage. No sense of their identity. Just knows - much like she always has. Her lips quirk slightly, before that gaze goes to the women with them, a fleeting inspection but the ragtag bunch in her mind? Woman in a suit, woman in a slinky dress, dred-locked garou casually dressed, and the other garou distinctively metrosexual: all recognised. She'd guess it, even if she were wrong.
Fingers run along the hard surface of the helmet, nails clicking their little dance, before she's returning to the alleyway and disappearing within.
(rox)
Territory dispute and Knights in the same sentence has her attention. She wrinkles her nose up, swinging her eyes to Imogen. She and the Knights held no love for each other and the last time she crossed their border, without knowing it was theirs. They threatened her life."Territory dispute, eh?" Roxy asks, "Are they threatenin' ta murder kinfolk if'n their borders are crossed again?"
(james)
there's a nod, concise, as Imogen prepares to take her leave
message taken and deliverered - secretary and PR department for the pack
which means he finally gets around to taking Aodhan's waiting call
though there's no operator's croon apologizing for the long stay on hold"Jamez."
the hand's taken
by one far less clean and far more calloused
and judging from lopsided smile he could crush bone if tempted
but the Gnawer seems to know enough about public etiquette not to do so
no matter how much that compounding pressure of Ahroun's Rage seems to be growing
he's smooth as silk, cool as cream, and not impressed by Mr. Fashion Sense on his closest "stare" up to date
a brow lifts, expectant, to whether or not ballsy Galliard has anything more
proper introductions proclaimed, and all
(imogen)
Jukebox nods, and Imogen inclines her head. "Ta."She takes her leave without answering Roxanne's question,and without saying good-bye. If the goings on within the alleyway catch her attention at all, it does not for long, as she turns and walks off.
(razor)
He had moved to the mouth of the alleyway, still skulking in the shadows. Had watched her - watched her play with her helmet, shift something into it. Watched as she straightened and looked around, as her gaze paused - lingered - on the group across the road. Noticed the tension that filtered through her body: invisible to anyone but someone looking for it. Oh yes, he knew her. Knew enough.So that as soon as she is stepping back into the gloom of the alleyway, eyes squinting to adjust to the dark, then widening suddenly when realising he is right there - he's asking, "Were they?"
Course, in her current state of mind, her own thoughts in that direction - he can only mean one thing. She answers without thinking. "Yeah." Then immediately snaps her mouth shut, startled by the admission. An attrempt to cover up, "What do you mean? The group I was looking at? Just liked the guy's dreds, is all. They were cool.."
Sure, it doesn't come out quite the stammer and with the nervousness the less practiced may have. There's an ease to her lie thats admirable, and certainly a pace. Still, he knows what she means. See, he was looking for it, too.
(aodhan)
Ballsy.You ain't seen nothin' yet
b-b-b-b-bay-be, you just ain't seen nothin' yetArrogant.
You had one eye in the mirror
As you watched yourself gavotte
And all the girls dreamed that they'd be your partner
They'd be your partner . . .Suave and debonair.
No need to ask.
He's a smooth operator . . ."A pleasure."
And no, he's nothing more. If he notices the (former, we must not forget!) Fianna's departure, there's no indication given; instead, there's a rakish smile directed at Roxy before he turns back to James and nods his way out.
(rox)
There is a rakish smile flashed her way by Aodhan, who makes his exit long after Imogen has departed ways. Roxy says nothing to halt the other kin's retreat, sympathizing with the hectic duties of sleep and work. She knows the routine personally herself, fortunately, Roxy's had the day off tomorrow. She could afford to spend a little time to loiter around.And loiter she does, stepping back a pace from the 'Gnawer man, finishing off the slushed blue ice in her cup. Her eyes focused across the vague image of Razor across the street, attention won and held their for a brief length of time, waiting to see what happens with Aodhan and James. She was starting to ride on some small wave of adrenaline brought on with anticipation of events.
(james)
ballsy
arrogant
suave and debonair
........ which means absolute shit to a Bone Gnawerespecially one that's jipped a proper introduction as custom dictates
at least it did so last he checked.... Rank and Territory meant something, didn't it?
(.... that's what... strike four and five at this point?)
as the rakish smile oozes towards Roxy, dark eyes drop behind the sheild of round sunglasses
looking distastfully at his hand still semi-dangling in the air before his abs"...... no won'r he driveza F'rrari. W'z tha' f'real?"
blinking once or thrice - this poodle is a piece of work, indeed
the Adren never thought he'd ever entertain this thought....
but as he's smearing remnants of Aodhan's skin cells off on the fabric covering thigh
.
..... James feels strangely unclean
(.... eeeew!!!! getitoffgetitoffgetitoff!)
(rox)
Roxy tucks the dome lid into the empty cup, crumbling it up as she looks for some place to toss it away. She looks back at James, inching back up to his side to nudge him with her hip. "Hey, let's go get somethin' ta drink, shugah. Shoot some shit. Looks like ya can use a nice distraction for awhile." Winking at him, Roxy tosses the cup away over her shoulder, letting it roll into some alley way. She touches the 'Gnawer's shoulder, draping her arm across its scarred surface again.(james)
the Gnawer actually grimaces
tongue sticking out past curled lip and whole-nine-yards to truly canid expression
it would seriously convey the ridiculous creepiness brought on by the Galliard
(... what that really for real?? he takes himself that seriously?!
were it not for the Full Moon subdermally bristling his flesh
and the bright blue stain on extended tongue wholly ruining the momentat least he's aware enough of the stain to genuinely laugh the whole thing off entirely
steel-belted muscle shuddering beneath scarred skin literally flicking it all away
(.... you're just trip.pin.out. on this, aren't you, Jamey-boy?)
Roxy's casually draped arm is not, however, dislodged
some reality-check-connection wrought in touch unthought of mere months ago
his own arm drapes mirrored image across her own bared shoulders"Distrac'shun?" smirked "Think ya dunn owe me a dring f'r tha' Icee?"
now aren't these two a pair
bleached blond vixen dressed to the nines in black dress and heels
dreadlocked guttermutt running escort uniformed in the best Surplus Sam's has to offer
Peroxide Fox needing to vent a little steam after the date gone awry
Jukebox caught somewhere inbetween levity and brutality brought on by Full Moon's rising tide...... stranger things couldn't be more normal smack in the middle of Eagle's territory, could they
[end]
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.19.05. - saying thank you [annemarie][downtown]
(am)
4am, Chicago. Not many people are out and about, late night workers, garbage workers, late night graveyard shifts getting out, early morning shift workers coming in. All in all - it's pretty quiet. Peaceful almost. She's sitting on a random bench somewhere, along a random strip of greenery. There is a sprinkler going off in the distance, joining in the sounds of the sleepy city. She, however, is wide wake.The moon swells in the sky, thicker, heavier, pregnant with Rage, and she's watching it hover over the buildings that soar over the lake. There is the scent of blood about her - not new, but old. Fading remnants of an injury almost healed. It wasn't there last he saw her, and it won't be there tomorrow. There are advantages to her breed. Not many, but a few.
Idly, she sends a thought through the totemphone. Anyone awake? doesn't expect an answer, but there's always hope in a pack full of insomniacs.
(james)
"Sumpin' li'e tha'."an idle thought receiving and idle answer
even amongst the select sounds on city's playlist come 4am
the Gnawer's approach isn't heralded by scuff-scrape bootsteps
little more than the familiar subdermal prickle of pack drawing near
foreshadowed by his own invisable shockwave of the Full Moon Warrior's inner volcano
it isn't as palpable as their Alpha's.... but James' own resources run a close racehow he found her on this random stretch of greenery at this insomniac's hour is a mystery unto itself
romantic notion this chance meeting, to any casual observer, right on par with that silvery glow haloed about the moon
those bonded through things far deeper than affection's acquaintance would know better
the very things that gave away his proximity likely aided the Adren's choice of late-night routessummer's annual addiction is held over her shoulder in silent offer
some ridiculously huge Icee filled to brim with a mixture of Cherry and Coke slush
it may be hovering around 70 at this time of morning, lakeborn breeze tickling comfortably across their flesh
but that isn't the only heat source Garou have to monitor and cool
dirty strips of fabric still wrapped around his hands can attest to that(am)
How he found her is simple - or simply magic. Either way, it brings the prickle of pack coming near, an itch between the shoulderblades that one can't quite reach, and even if they could, they don't really want too. It's comforting, it's familiar, it's something that she wasn't sure she'd appreciate enough, but now finds that she's not quite sure how she managed without it. Wolves are not lone animals, and Garou are not either.He said that he would surprise her, that he was not like most people expect - and tonight is no different. Tonight's surprise comes in the form of iced treat offered over shoulder, condensation clinging to the edges of cherry coke slushy goodness. She turns her head to look back and up at him, as slender fingers lift to wrap around the cup, the straw used to stir it before she takes an almost timid sip... and then a longer one when the taste spreads and melts across her tongue. It's with a nod up that she offers it back, appreciation simmering in her gaze.
There's something else there too. Something... different. Warmer. Pale blueish eyes (matching the silk of her camisole, they were greenish yesterday...) glimmer with hidden secrets as she crosses her legs, fingers smoothing the material over her thigh. Good evening, rhya. Yes, she knows he told her not to bother, but there's something almost... almost, if one looks really deeply... something playful about it. I hoped you would be awake.
(james)
he can't help the tide of amusement sweeping across his features at her hesitation
if he didn't understand it's exact construction at base level, he'd quip some remark about Icees being uninclined to bite
soon enough, however, she finds that out on her own and he allows a sound out of his lower throat
a plosive grunt far too musically light to translate as something akin to Decker's verbal prowess
this is more of a chuffing laughter cut short by the perameters of politeness"Nev'r had one've those 'fore?" negligent wave acts to grant permission, leaving the slushy goodness in her hands a trifle longer in response to that longer second slurp.... his hands are full taking the pack of Camels and Zippo from one of the many pockets on his army surplus pants, smoke lit and supplies offered as James makes it around the bench to take up residence beside the Modi, another chuckle - this one longer, a little deeper for his amusement - following first plume of exhaled smoke "Dunn think I w'z y'r type."
the chide a rarity amongst Eagles, perhaps
not only for their notable sense of humor deficit as a group percentage
but as any would expect given the monumental crash of two Ahroun's overlapping Rage
it might just be the novel combination of the Gnawer throwing what comes combining two of their Get
or simple friendlyness chanced on apparent realization of her pleasent mood"S'on y'r mine, R'higer?"
(am)
She holds on the frozen goodness with a nod and even braves a third sip. It really is quite good. Surprisingly so. No, grandmother never allowed such things. I never thought to try them once she was gone. Old habits... She shakes her head to refuse the cigarettes however, as that is a bad habit she has yet to take up.She does flush, however, at his playful chide, looking elsewhere under the guise of making sure everything still remains calm in the orbit strengthened by double Ahroun heat. She smoothes her fingers across her thigh once more, and the scent of old wound, old blood, rises for a moment before it fades into the early morning air.
She offers him the frozen treat again, and when he takes it, she lifts her hands to slide around the back of her neck. A moment there, and the leather strip is untied, and she removes it. Strung on the leather is a bone disk - perhaps ˝ inch or so in diameter, sanded down to a smooth finish. Carved into the bone is a single Rune, that has then been filled with crimson wax. She runs her finger across it, and then with a nod. This.
She offers it to him, and shrugs a shoulder, the corner of her lips twitching slightly, tugging into that odd little almost smile. Thank you. She said yes. Though I made this before hand, with the Godi's help.
(james)
the Ahroun's jawline tips downward in thoughtful nod
dreadlock tips tripslipping across his shoulders before finding some sort of new arrangement
shorter lengths oft displaced by the slightest movement confusing gravity's call
the pack's replaced in his BDUs before wrapped hand serves to soak up Icee's beading sweat"Yeh.... mus' not've been wi' Eagles long 'nuff a be a reg'lar 'ndulgin' bad habi's, yet, uh?" seems everything remains calm as hoped as gentle humor continues, this time focusing on the pack as a whole for levity's insult..... Eagles do seem to support a series of vices on regular basis, as well as induce the formation of such in those that hang around them "Nobody'zzz perfec'."
the last punctuated by wink shown by sideways glance
even beneath Luna's pregnant gaze, he is not safe from his own jokes
is it any wonder why others feel more apt to seek the pack's PR department
before approaching any of it's individuals privatelycuriosity personified by lifting brow soon melts to unexpressive silence
even the easy humor dissipates as James stills before presented gift
his bloodscent notation question even forgotten in the blinking moment
....... now it's his turn to hesitate before accepting a packmate's offer
palm wiped against the rough fabric across his thigh to wick away possible grime or moisture
(...... it's obvious there was none, Icee held by his other, the sweat soaked here dried half an hour ago.....)
carefully plucking the bone disk pendant from where it dangled in night's cooling airmusician's nimble fingers twist the leather until carved signet rests on padded palm
dark eyes peering through Camel's coiling smoke in careful study of the gift's unfamiliar symbol"...... S'it mean?"
a bare murmur escaping touched surprise
(am)
There's a slight, if silent, snort of something akin to amusement. Not many of them. Though I do have a few more beers then I ever dared before. She has done several things she hadn't before, each a new experience.And to his nobodies perfect, she actually dares quip back. but I'm close. before she turns to look the other way again - sometimes daring is so much easier when one isn't looking directly at the Elder one just almost insulted. She really must be in a unusual good mood.
She returns her gaze to him, however, as he examines the talon, studying his reaction in the sudden silence. It is actually the second gift she has given tonight. Its disconcerting to put herself out there this way, to say the least. She nods, then, and explains.
It is the mark of Tyr, a Warrior God. The elder Fenrir believe to earn his favor brings intimate knowledge of his battle tactics. Done as this, however, it offers strength. I used a rite to do the carving, and if you dedicate it to you, it can never be lost. The Godi spent a whole night and half day, teaching me to bind a spirit, so that I could complete it myself. It is not as strong as it would be if he did it, but it is my first attempt. When activated, the rune will glow brightly, and it lends added strength for a short time. ((activated with gnosis, gives -1 diff on brawl or melee for one round)) It will not crumble afterwards, thus it can be renewed again and again with spirit binding.
Its... a very long speech for the Modi, and she trails off, nervously uncertain.
(james)
it's a very long speech for the Modi
it's a very long silence for the Gnawer
she may be nervously uncertain - he's damn well stunned"I'm..... hon'red, R'higer....." her uncertainty surely fades with the Ahroun's turning gaze and warm, genuine - if somewhat crooked - smile "Thank yew."
his dark eyes fall away to aid newest rummage through yet another BUD pocket
switchblade pulled out to snikt smoothly open with practiced ease
the blade sinks into thumb's pad until crimson wells about sharpened steel
bloody bead smeared against the disk's back and smoothed out to soak into leather cord
grimace brought by the stinging procedure is sculpted into words gutterally rolling at the back of his throat
they're just this side of recognizable English or even Garou's beloved High Tongue
but the efficacy of his actions is more than marginally clear
the talen's tied around his own neck, then smoke removed for thumb's consolation
smeared blood sucked clean and wound's tentative closure inspected to satisfaction before James speaks again"'tween th' three've us..... we c'n go inna th' Rune Charm biz'ness."
the way he's adding a relatively smug tone to that low chuckle
perhaps his recent interest in learning her carving talents has more to it than mere curiosity(am)
The relief soon pushes aside the nervousness, and she relaxes back against the bench. While he dedicates the talon, she rescues the frozen treat and even dares to steal another sip before placing it on the bench, situated carefully so as not to spill. She settles her gaze on the moon again, and then there's a sound of amusement across the totem'd line.Her fingers slide over her thigh again, and she wrinkles her nose. Perhaps. I may stick to carving, versus binding. Have you any idea the size and ferocity of the RatSpirits down by the packhouse? Vicious things.
She knows well the Gnawer affinity towards rats, which is why the Godi chose to seek out the biggest, strongest one for the binding. It's clear that's where the wound came from. It remains to be seen how the Godi faired.
(james)
there's a wayward smile at her incognito attempt at more of the Icee
yet another careless wave dismisses the remainder to her own pleasures
with as much sugar as the OtterPop tasting slushy may well have
it's a surprise the Gnawer isn't buzzing on habit-induced rush two inches above the bench
James' fingers are occupied by flicking away smoke's ashes with one hand
injured thumb fiddling with the charm as it begins to slowly heal"Mmhmmm." the Adren's nod is more than agreeable, his knowledge of the very spirits of which she speaks combined with his lack of the same on most spirits in general dictates the work ahead that will be cut out for him should he continue pursuing this path "Why yeh think I'm learnin' th' easy'r stuff firs'?" the soft laughter betrays any concerns of his own future fairing after such events "Jus' cuz I w'z giv'n th' know-how a doin' this very trick dunn mean I got'n'ee quart'r long w'th'it."
a beat or two of the Ahroun's twin hearts
an exhaled lungful of smoke towards the stars and moon at which she gazes"'pprecia'e what'cha both did."
(am)
There's a slight nod of thanks, and the coveted cup of melting icee goodness is grabbed and held close. Painted lips slide around the straw, and she takes a long drink, though not so much as to give herself the fabled 'ice cream headache'. Never had one - not about to start. Grandmother taught everything in moderation, after all. Except for pride. One's pride is where all things other then battle were to be focused. AnneMarie learned early to put up a good front on that end.She stirs the treat with the straw, and then. You did something none of the others have. That....no one...has. ever. I wanted to say thank you. I'm not much good at it, really, but since you'd wanted to learn the runes... Shoulders roll into a shrug. it seemed appropriate. I was glad to find success in it.
And then she turns to look at him, just a bit, and arches a brow. And the Godi? A multi-colored Mohawk in crinos from his quest. I did well not to laugh... though one would wonder if it is possible that she ever laughs...
(james)
"Yeh did more'n jus' say it." the smile is warm at her dismissive shrug, putting a bit more meaning into what she understands of her gracious gesture "Farth'r'n mos'll go at'ih."his laughter is at less than mysterious reputation
small bit of it escaping at the mental image of the poor Godi's newest asset
he'll be sure to keep his manners about it, as well
just as he swallows back the inital comment that follwed her pseudo-confession
associating her laughter and the only one he could think to awaken it out loud
well..... he disconcerted her enough for one night
one more remark might earn the Gnawer another well-placed elbow"'ppropria'e, 'n more success'n yeh think. When Ner'gal'n Rorg gran'ed fav'r a their gif's af'r my ran'ques', they mention' how t'may charmsss such'z this very one, but nothin' pas' what I' need'a learn. Hearin' wha' you'n Hyde wen' through'll help me 'void doin' sum'thin' stupid."
far as James is concerned, he's probably got two strikes against him from the outset
likely his mistakes and costs would tally far more than broken bone or snazzy new 'do
lessons from his quest taken to heart.... he'd rather take the time and learn while he can, thank you very much(am)
She looks at him, sideways, while doing quite a bit of damage to that Cherry Coke frozen goodness. You have a lot to learn of the runes themselves before I'd allow you to use the rite to create them.There's something sparkling in her gaze, deep in the pale depths. Amusement, certainly - perhaps even mischief. That she would allow her elder to do anything laughable, even if he has promised to take his time and learn them well. The fact that she actually said it, shows how much the gift he gave her the other night means to the Modi, how far it went to touch her when no others had.
Shoulders roll, absently, and she finally stands, and smoothes her slacks over her thighs. I've one more round to do before returning home. Thank you for the....whatever this is. Where do I acquire these, anyway? She really hasn't had one of them before, has she? She nods, though - up, of course - and turns to head out of the patrols. And perhaps even a Icee refill.
A last whispered message, however. I'll let you know how the date went when I return. She liked her staff... He's paying, after all, he deserves to hear the details.
[end]
Posted by james at 12:00 AMJuly 18, 2005.07.18.05. - ain't propa less its face t'face [decker-nelly][forums]
(nelly)
Naturally no one in this city answers their phones on the first ring. So a message upon the answering machine was left. The southen bell of the Knights voice crackled over the line along with the background noise of metal against metal..."Hey, need to speak with the head man... Put that down, hey! Don't you look at me in that tone of voice..." a breath, "Sorrry what was I saying, oh yeah, need to meet up with the head man for a quick meeting, nothing big. Let me know when ya get a chance, thanks... I said put it down. That's it, I'm coming in there...."
Dead line.
(decker)
Decker, coming in from the outside, hears the tail end of the message and dives for the phone just as Nelly's setting it down. "Hey. HEY! Wait." When he gets her back on the line, "Fuck's this headman shit? You know my name. Hell you want, Walker?"(nelly)
The phone was handed off a few times before it got back to Nelly. Out of breath she sounded, "Huh.. oh, shall I of grunted the message?" a chuckle, "A quick meet, either ya or Rhya James. Ain't no trouble, don't ya fret, Mobile. But its a query ah don't ask ova a phone lahn. Ain't propa less its face t'face..." a echo of some voice or another in the background, thin echo of music faintly heard.(decker)
"Know where we are. Come on tha turf 'n we'll findja."(nelly)
"Thank ya kindly sir.... be there [blah]..." waiting for the typical Decker goodbye (dead line) before she herself would hang up.
(decker)
And dead line is what she gets.At some point, one supposes Nelly makes her way onto Eagles turf. It doesn't take too long for Decker to catch up to her, cruising by 20mph in his Tacoma. He brakes and hauls around in a U-turn to park at the curb. The door slams as he gets out to meet her.
"Fuck's this all about?" Great; he's even more irritable now. The moon's close to full, and he doesn't like being called out to deal with shit. And what else would he do with his time, one asks? Absolutely nothing. But that wasn't the point.
(james)
moon's close to full, tires chirp too tight a flipped bitch, and doors slam enough to set the Tacoma's frame rocking on it's beefed up (and much abused) suspensionJames didn't need much of a radar to locate Nelly and his Alpha
quick TotemPhone summary had him heading in the general direction running interception
Luna's weightgain2000 monthly effects on Eagle Pack's Ahrouns provided the rest
at least the Gnawer's salutation is a far cry friendlier than his packmate's
the Walker receiving a crooked-grin-nod-up combo upon his arrival
weight leveraged up to perch on the 4x4's bedrail, heels notched on the tire for balance
supersized Blueberry Icee held out towards Decker in habitual offering
attentive silence otherwise perpetuated by the motions of lighting up a Camel to take its place between his teeth(nelly)
It took her the entire walk to finally get in a better mood. Clothes just sucked, she would have much rather just stayed nude but ya know... somethin' bout etiquette and jail time...So there she was, putting 'one toe over the line (dear Jesus)'... well ok, her whole body was over the boundary lines. Eagle land. A bus stop bench she claimed. Body [clad in little more than a pair of low ridden, torn, daisy duke jean shorts, a black cropped tank top with purple letters across it reading 'Pussy Control', and fire red cowboy boots] was splayed out across the bench. Laying on her back, one leg dangling off the edge to sway idly back and forth like a tire swing on a southern summer day. Her head propped against a brown cardboard box, she hummed as she waited.
Course, who could miss the Tacoma? Her head lobbed to the side as the tires came to a screaching halt. [Goddamn hot truck]. A brow arching slightly as the door slamed and the rage of the Adren hit the alrady hot-as-hell air. She sat up, hands coming between her legs to clutch the edge of the park bench. Rage washed over her in a choking tidal wave. [Now thats what I'm talkin' bout]. Decker bellowing [Rar to you too!] at her like some great Ape [Goddamn Get men are just sexy as shit]. She smiled as the thought flashed in her mind [tear ya ass up]. Yet her ocean blue eyes slapped her around [its Decker ya twit...blech] and the smile turned into a pouted frown [oh yeah. Good thing he can't read minds].
She tore her gaze from his chest and stood up, "Ya want the short version or the King James version?" turning to take the box up in her arms, she already knew the answer. [Just grunt it out], "So this is ya'lls..." taking a step away from Decker and towards the Tacoma.
It was the appearance of James that brought her up short. Head tilted, grin fell across her lips. Her skin seemed to dance between the pulsing hot rage of Decker and the cooled facade of Jukebox. [When did he get here? Ohhh slurpy!] Another foot forward, "Howdy, Mista, how ya doin?" to James and she was making her way to the tailgate of the Tacoma.
She raised on the toes of her boots to set the box in the bed of the truck, "Few thins from us to ya'll. Propas," those blues sweeping over the back of the truck before she turns around to step back on the curb, "Short version was it? Ya'll gots the hospital in ya area. We got a few of our kins workin there, gonna need t'make sure s'all raght for them t'be passin thru everyday to get there..." a glance between the two as her words settled.
(decker)
Decker waves off the icee, preferring to frown unabated at Nelly. Though, when she finally does get to the point, a toothy smirk flexes crooked over his mouth."Hell, we ain't never had issues with people walkin' through our turf." Unlike the Knights, his tone says. "Long as they don't cause no problems."
Tit for tat though:
"While yer here. Imogen gits called all over tha city fer her job. Need ta know she ain't gonna git harassed if she's on yours, lookin' at a crime scene."
(james)
smoke's stablilized between the Gnawer's even white teeth
lips drawing back to shape slightly lopsided grin
fingers lifting to grasp the invisable brim of invisably tipping hat
(.... well howdy they-ah ya'self, Ma'am....)
gently chiding the Walker's short-stop-near-double-take
(...... why..... it was magic!....)
his version of ice-breaking conversation far less biting than the Get'sthe difference between Eagle packs two Adren Ahrouns is almost amazing, isn't it?
beyond the obvious physical attributes setting them at opposite ends of the spectrum
one's searing choke of tidal wave Rage, the other's comparably cool facade
one's toothy, crooked smirk offsetting the other's jovial, crooked grin
even so near the ominous true Full - James appears downright friendly"Dandy." declined Icee's carefully tucked into a safe corner of the truck's Rhino-lined bed, and the guttermutt half-rotates into a stretch helping Nelly get the box settled with minimal gymnastics on her part to overcome the raised frame's height "Y'rsel'?"
chin lifts for half nod-up both acknowledging the request and his own similiar opinion
though return to attentive silence defers the final call as his Alpha's(leroy)
LeRoy had been there. He needed the visit to fetch needed supplies. The Kitchen supply house or Cisco Shop was within the Eagle's turf. Inside mostly though while Nelly lingered out. He hadn't yet noticed that the two Eagle's were about.It came as no shock though when he stepped out. Two full bags of kitchen items; pans, cookwares, utensils etc etc. Carried in his arms.
"Eve'n" He chuckled rather, glancing down towards the two. A smile though greatly shown and cracked upon the Bee Gee Ahroun. A definate favoring nod offered.
Yet these seemed intent upon something nother? What was it again? Riaaaght. passing territorial boundary rights. Kinfolks cross'n over each. Then he happened to catch Decker's request. Summing up the answer for Nelly instead.
"Long aint no clip of silver..dont riaghtly care what she does. Unlike others..she only gives you shit Deck..." chuckling rather instead, his eyes shift upon James. "Member I want'd a talk which ya both..bout Kin?" Shuffling the bags in his arms. He knew at least one of them would think it was obviously over something as ridiculous as him wanting to restrict or complain about one of their own. He'd be pleased to disappoint them.
"Ya'll were say'n someth'n bout a kin gutt'n folks. Aint riaght. Im whicha on whateva ya'll need. Got m'word on dat shiet indeed. But wez..or at least I..not talk'n fur everyone toniaght...ave noticed someth'n pek-coular. Ya know how everythin happen's in threes? Fates in all dat shiet? We'z got this murder'n shiet..them Lords got a problem I ear wit there own kin..somethin mystical or whatnot..aint got it down particulars n whatnots. Den wez gots some issues too...kin. Im think'n the worst..me be'n what I am n all. Not riaghtly know'n them spirits...but I think Wyrm..and I think tis fuck'n thru our kin. Cleva liake and indiscriminate." But before he continued, he was moving towards the parked van on the side of the corner away from them. "Let me stow dis shiet"
(nelly)
Those lazy lidded eyes drifted to Decker at his innuendo, "Consida yaself lucky then..." a smirk of a smile, "And we ain't eva had a problem with ya woman. She's a good girl. Ain't gonna get in her way if she needin t'come in..."A beat and she exhaled a breath, turning her head just slightly so her gaze fell up to James, "And ahm good, mista, thanks...ya know one day ya gonna have to satisfy mah curiosity bout..." it was LeRoy's voice that brought her up short this time.
She turned her head quickly to find him. Hard to miss the large black man. A brow arched, hands going to her hips in wonderment. A beat of lashes and a shrug is all she displayed at the end of her packmates words. Her face melting back into 'yes-I-am-a-blond-and-no-one-is-home' look. Toothy grin and all.
(decker)
Well, Decker was a blond himself, so he didn't buy that no-brains shit.
(Though, others might believe it of him.)Flicking a glance at LeRoy, the Modi grunts. His frown seems to darken.
"You been beatin' 'round tha bush every time this su'ject done come up fer tha last two months. If yer sayin' you don't think we kin trust some'a tha kin, quit sugarcoatin' it." He folds his tattooed arms across his chest, leaning back against the flank of the Tacoma. "Jus' tell me who, 'n why ya think so."
(leroy)
"Frankly I dont really give a damn if you think Im Willy Wonka or heir to fuck'n Hersey. I aint sugar coat'n shiet. But since ya want the point. I'll get to it real quick liake. I got two in m'hood I gotta watch out for. In the head, in m'gut tells me somethin aint riaght. Them Lords need to look to their own. As for this one yer talk'n bout. I aint got no info cept whatcha already told. In short..I dont have a pot to piss in other than concerns. So you call that hint'n.." And LeRoy shrugs with a chuckle "I'll call it questions..I gots em..and Im only lett'n ya know bout em. Do whatcha want with it. We can either work together and dispense with this me jane you Tarzan shiet..or we can go our seperate ways and try it out on our own. Your pack..my pack..them Lords I guess. He'll I haven't even approached them. Dont know em." A rueful smile as he returned towards them. There was a defensive glance. Sure perhaps his words might spark something if not ire in the fenrir. But at this moment? Who fucking cares? All LeRoy wanted was someone to listen to the concern he wished to share. "Now..Im for work'n together..how bout ya'll?" His brow quipped as he stole a gander upon the two Eagles. "As fur who? I said it. That Shadow Lord girl I've eard bout...gossip spreads ya know..then those Barny tucked under his wing...the Twins. Something with them aint normal. Even our Theurge's abit puzzled. Im think'n perhaps yers miaght know somethin we don't. And as for this murder'n kin? Well m'answer to that is real simple. Do we kill em? Or..." Leaving it open. Either way, most definately able to lean either way on that one. Just say the word.Both brows rise, eyes wide and given towards James. "By the by..poker? Next Saturday even'n? Do I need tae save ya a seat? Fifty dolla minum..less we play for somethin else..we Coggies easy that way..." Offering that geniune smile towards the BeeGee. Making no qualms nor effort in disguising his liking of him over the other. Shit happens that way.
(decker)
Decker is wary, coiled and narrow-eyed. He shifts his weight ever so slightly, ever so smoothly, from one leg to the other. Settles it between both, feet planted, arms still folded. Back still against the truck -- but he's not leaning quite so much now."Ain't gonna turn this inta some sorta kin witch-hunt, B'n'B." Yeah, that's how he pronounces it: Bee-en-Bee. "Kin turn jus' as easy as Garou. Don't mean I'm goin' ta start lookin' sideways at all tha kin any more'n I do tha trueborn."
Did someone reverse their scripts? The Get arguing for tolerance, the Coggie arguing for scrutiny?
"'ll keep yer warnin' in mind though," he adds. "'N pass it on ta my pack."
Now the stormladen eyes fall to Nelly, as the Modi waits, patient as a rattler, to see if the woman had anything else to say.
(nelly)
She had been signaling to James, in a round about sort of way, to get to the package first. Few jars of BBQ sauce and jar of hussled backwater Alabama moonshine were just the few items in the box.At the end of Butta's words, then the Get's, her chest rose with a taken breath, "Ah think it was more long the lahns of 'lets get everyone togetha to work on all the afflicted kin'... buuuut," a shrug. Get made his mind up. Ooga booga.
Her gaze snapped from the ground to the Fenri's chest, skin prickling with the wash of rage from him. [So much rage near the full moon. He wold be primed tomorrow, no...maybe at his peek the next night.] Without thought she began to pace in a small circle, brows furrowed in thought. [Maybe he'll just sit in the warehouse, smoke till he passes out. Drink till he passes out. Maybe he'll scour his side of town ravenously. Kill a few banes. He won't get off, not this one. Won't relase the hound, not fully.]
"Whens the last tahm ya saw the flash of a White Tail...." words blurted out before she had time to stop them. She paused as her hands placed on her hips. Those ocean blue eyes drifted from man to man, "Nice, round piece 'o ass... primed muscle workin' the meat just so it slides off the bone...teeth grippin nice strong thick pulse, lockin it down..rollin it with ya tongue till ya feel it slowly die away... nine, maybe ten point... waaaay past Jack's turf.... out at Wolf Creek ya know," nodding in the general northwestern direction. A tanned shoulder shrugged, "Food for thought," [feed the beast].
She had already decided to take atleast one more with her on the hunt. The city slickers weren't very fond of the idea and on her latest report from the hunting lodges, the kill was prime.
"Thanks for takin the tahm for meetin', know ya'lls busy. Give a holla..." a honey slow wink. She pivoted upon her heel to begin her saunter off. Nelly Bell? Insane? Nahhh.
(james)
the big black Coggie's addition to their little Garou powwow is hardly missed
not that it would be by any mere passer-by growing suddenly fonder of the other side of the street
but the impression's made on those comfortably claiming this slab'o'cement as throne, too
James tipping the Icee straw to temple in deceptively lazy Full Moon salute
crooked grin reflecting what easy familiarity he feels for LeRoy above and beyond his packmate'sit may also be amusement channeled into an avenue that saves his own tail at the witty remark..... but any evidence of that is covered by a well-timed swallow of OtterPop worthy sugarhigh
a brow lifts towards Nelly's topic of curiosity
but before that gets clarified any further - the topic as a whole speeds on ahead
guess he'll have to bring that up again during that drink he still owes
for sure as shit there's a comment or three in there that's guaranteed his further silence
hind-quarter of his jaw bulging into a knot with the way teeth grit and clench
there's a rippling bristle of the Gnawer's own Rage..... but his proverbial feathers are forcibly smoothed....... hopefully, anyway
distraction welcome enough following the Walker's covert signals
weight stretching over one well-planted Corcoran II until rightly balanced
rummaging through the box's contents while still keeping one ear on conversation
at least it offers a way to spend a little of that so recently pent-up energy
picking one of the capped mason jars to anticipatingly approve its contents
judging yet another as perhaps a little too "hot" for his palette
(.....if you think you're a lightweight on commercially distilled libations, Jamey-boy, you've got another thing coming, here....)
a little expression of appreciation edged in sideways to the verbal exchange, proper"Yeh, coun' me f'r a seat." finally getting around - or is that relaxed enough? - to answering LeRoy's yet-dangling offer "Figg'r I c'n come up wi'h s'methin' worth puttin' on th' table - we Bee Gee'z're resourceful tha' way."
humor-tipped quip identifying how welcome a chance of pace may be
while they're all born and built to step up to the next battle with little preparation
an evening of R'n'R backed by B'n'B's rib-stickin' grub fits his definition of vacation
such offerings few and far between to Gaia's tried and true soldiersa honey-slow wink, and one Knight turns to saunter off
with the other's question apparently addressed - it seems the meeting's about to adjourn
James refolds the box flaps and gathers the package back into itself
weight shifting to leverage off bedrail and to sidewalk in relatively graceful sort of way
balancing what's left in the Icee's cup through opening up King cab's back door
and wedging the box quite firmly onto the backseat
in fact, on second thought, he seatbelts the damned thing right in
knowing the Modi's school of driving, better safe than sorry if they want it back at the packhouse in one piececardoor slams shut, and deep umber eyes flick to his Alpha
a double check to query anything else that could require his attention
otherwise, he's half-pivoted to aim a whistle after Murphy's Law
one more thing to cover but it doesn't need group debate(nelly)
The whistle brought her gaze to glance over a shoulder. She stopped, turned around and sauntered back to James. Thumbs hooking into her empty belt loops, simple smile slipping across her pink lips."Yes'ir," a nod and she kept her gaze upon his chest.
(james)
for all that sizzle and saunter and simple pink smile slippery
and what one would expect from the wolf-in-man's-clothing
it wasn't a contentional "wolf whistle" at all - just a sound to get her attention
amusement lengthens noting her eyes are firmly stuck on his chest....... wouldn't something like that normally be the other way around?
talk about an evening of role-reversals - the hell?"At ease.... sol'jer." an Ahroun beneath gravid full should growl, closest he gets at this point is low, rolling chuckle rumbling out of that point-of-focus chest "'sides I ain' goh th' rack fit f'r starin'."
Luna's near perfect, silvery circle brings out the strangest things in her True Born
most harbor the bulk of inner fury clipped precariously to their sleeve
others withdraw as if themselves leery this living nightmare all too haphazardly leashed
and still others invest in some wholly offbeat element normally cloistered from public eye
thankfully, July's Buck Moon is affecting James in such a strangely unique fashion
it is not his bloodlust that thirsts satiation, but rather his own curiosity
Fate still tempted as he angles steps leading away from"Yeh dunn finish askin' a ques'ion, 'fore?"
(nelly)
She smiled softly, "Ah donno... depends on who ya ask, eh?" the chuckle shook her shoulders and she looked up at him, "Ah well guess over a beer maybe next tahm. About how ya attained the new commandin rank. Ya know how them stories just buttas mah toast. Still, ain't gonna hold ya'll up any longa," pointing up to the sky. Full Moon rising.She wait any response from the three men before slipping towards the van.
(james)
"Look me up wh'n She start' hidin'r face 'gain." low chuckle following a knowing smile - beer + Ahroun + Full probably not the best arrangement for swapping tales - though it likely isn't that particular reason which lends a boyish glean to the tail end of that lopsided curve "'n I'll tellya what'cha wanna know..... leas' b'fore too many beer' requirezzzzz'a translat'r a finish th' story."playful wink tossed in to punctuate the end
thankfully the slur's impending doom upon decreased sobriety will save his ass in leiu of being a rather unfortunate lightweight
(....bad enough Imogen regularly drinks him under the table....)
Posted by james at 12:00 AMJuly 15, 2005.07.15.05. - true courage [annemarie-kemp][downtown]
(annemarie)
She returns to the dockside packhouse once more, a big bucket of KFC in one arm, the bag with additional side dishes hanging from her wrist, a chicken [corax - or one can dream] leg in the other. She nudges the door open, and comes inside, tearing [rippingsheddingtearing] the meat from the bone.Totemphone. Dinnertime.
She doesn't look any the worse from wear for last night's spar. There are advantages to being Metis. By the time she woke, found the note, took a walk and threatened a birdbrain she was whole again. The memory won't leave quite so soon, of course, but none the less, she is healed.
She sets the KFC on a random table, napkin used to wipe the grease from her lips before she looks around to see who is around.
(kemp)
He didn't come here so much, infact, seldom ever since Hyde returned and started filling the place with weird ass shit. The place was like a combo campout with the tent thing in there and a science freak show gone wild. Gingerly stepping in with a quick look in every single direction. Up, down, left, right, straight ahead and even back behind himself. Grumbling.
(james)
as a matter of contrast - beyond what would be stated by the obvious
James does not possess the metis' accelerated sense of recovery
instead, his birthbreed provides a wholly different set of unique advantages
currently resulting in the apparent balance of the so-called "decorations" collected above his waist
iridescent forearm inks and darker stains of backlash ash now enjoy a variety of company
the irregularity of color from the still-tender bruises added a dash of excitement
a bit of blue or purple there on his flank, don't forget that hint of yellow by that rib
overall a somewhat gruesome artist's pallete across his tanned flesh canvasbut it's all so very fashionable for this summer's Garou look
at least the Adren was successful in finding a decent object to tame his dreads
dark grey bandana lassoing the haphazard ropey vines into some arrangement of..... "up"
it allows the luxury of clear view once his deep umber eyes finally slit open
following his two packmates' activities through half-lidded veil
attention's shift does little to disturb his comfortable levitation in salvaged hammockat most, knee flexes to scratch one ankle against the other by the cuffs of his BDUs
or..... arm extends to flick the logging ash from tip of smouldering Camel
shortly after it's replaced between teeth, his fingers are already laced behind skull"Room serv', ev'n." the low chuckle is as lazy as he probably looks "I'm 'press'."
(am)
There's a nod up toward Kemp, somewhere deep in her gaze there's a shine of amusement of his antics. Or perhaps it's because buzz is sniffing around the rotegars ankle and she knows of his timidness among the Godi's toys.She wipes her mouth again, before peeling the rest of the flesh from the chicken leg in her hand, taking her time to savor the still hot and juicy meet before she admits. Wasn't going to be. Ran into a certain Corax idiot - led to a craving for bird flesh. As he'd already left I thought this would suffice.
Slim brow lifts, taking in the decorative palette of bruises across his torso. Though if you expect breakfast in your bed, you've another thing coming. Easier with him today - a slight, though noticeable contrast to the timidity of last night. She still chooses her words carefully. Though she proved herself capable last night, if not able to equal his stamina - her rage a bare simmer of what it was before the spar.
She takes up the staff she was working on, and takes a seat on the (...shag!?!) roll of carpet, her ankles crossing before her, giving her a stablity to lay the 7 foot staff across her thighs. Finishing the chicken leg, she tosses the bones into a nearby trash bag of some sort, and cleans her hands again, before taking her carving tools from her pocket.
(kemp)
"Shooo, scram, take off." Gingerly stepping over Buzz with a frown. Making a bee-line for the chicken bucket to snag a piece. "Thanks! Starving." Digging and mumbling. "Bird? Same stupid fuck that Decker tried to chop in half?"(james)
Buzz makes itself at home puttering about the nooks and crannies on floorlevel
the Ganwer is blissfully suspended a good three and a half feet off the concrete ground
..... perhaps there is a method to such madness - beyond the benefits of all-around circulation on a hot summer's day
nearby herd of AAA batteries huddled just this side of the shadows conifirms the thought
little electrical beastie given free reign to pillage as pleased without the threat to Garou's ankle
the vantage point allows James the occasional study of it's peculiar habits, too
comfortable enough with the spirit features to hang around the factory
adding as he can to the little he actually knows of the nature of such things"Whuh..... th' bi'chslap wan't 'nuff've a No Tresspasssssing sign for'm?" eye contact and a nod up signal Kemp's intervention of his starvation, requesting any piece of the chicken reasonably aeordynamic to be flung his way...... it will serve to fuel his decidedly slow climb out of hammock's sway - there's quite a bit more bruising than on display, it seems - incentive appetizer to work through the aches and over to the table "Can' figg'r out'f this new kid's a mas'chist, stupid, 'r got balls bigger'n Deck'r'm'sel'."
(kemp)
Pulling a breast out of the box because, well he was a breast man and it was bigger than the legs and thighs. Winging the chunk of fried chicken through the air towards James while chewing on the piece he had gotten out for himself. "Hey, we got any pop?"(am)
A mental sound of disgust. Apparently not. He lives in the area, but still does not seem to understand why his request was unacceptable - thus, stupidity reigns. Judged there, but that's shoved aside as she watches the Gnawer elder, the beta's slow progress from hammock to feet to table and more food. A brow quirks slightly, and fingers slide over the staff in progress over her lap.It is safe to say she is admiring the placement of the bruises. She had promised, and if he was wearing a shirt, they would be hidden. She may have been beat, but it was not without finesse on her part. Nice bruises.
Pale gaze flicks up to meet deep umber, amusement found deep within her own, before she turns her attention to her work. Nimble fingers choose the tools she prefers, and soon, she is continuing the addition of carved runes running the length of the staff. Idly replied to Kemp. I believe Tristan restocked the cooler.
(kemp)
"Cool, thanks. Drier than a popcorn fart." Heading for the cooler with a wary eye out for some weird ass thing that might pop out. Place was freaking him out lately. It was like living in Ripley's Believe it or Not.
(james)
( kssscchh.... houston we have one incoming chicken needing clearance for landing..... )
the Ahroun doesn't even have to look towards winging breast for a square, solid catch
either his instincts are just that good
or.... he's that in tune with foodJames is a Gnawer, you decide
eventually the stiff leisure of repose wears off with each successive heartbeat
mobility returning to the Gnawer's protesting frame at a geometric rate
by the time he's biting the last meat off bone, hammock's used as nothing more than a sling
weight pivoting back off his boots in half-seated half-stretch
(... let the blood floooooow....)
giving the covetously celebrating Modi a good look at her handiworkbetween the brand, bruises, ashed claw scars, and weapon's dedicated tattoo
tanned flesh is a monument towards...... what few beyond the Chosen would ever understandnaked bone's tossed towards a barrel-turned-trashcan
outstretched arm lingering mid-flight as the raggedyman displays runway-worthy turn"Think so?" his grin is positively cavalier "If yeh like'm? I c'n get'cha real good deal wi' th' girl a gave'm t'me.... pers'nal fav'r, 'n'all.... f'r a set a y'r very own."
his journey makes it as far as the (..... shag?!?!?!) carpet roll
distracted even from food by the work that the Fenrir carefully begins"Issafe, Kem'." blindly called towards the Rotagar's hesitant retrieval of his beloved soda pop, the next phrase lowering his voice to mere murmur meant for Ruhiger alone..... though his gaze is deliberately on her hands should she look up to respond "Deci'e onna place f'r y'r da'e, yeh?"
(kemp)
Cracking a pop open to chug down half of it in a long pull before lowering the can to blech long and loud. Shaggy hair now a mixture of brassy red and muddy brown where his roots had grown out. Still working on the attempt to grow facial hair.(am)
The stories were true, it would seem, as the raggedy elder proves himself one of good humor, as well as showmanship. He slips easily into the cavalier grin, and lips twitch into an almost grin - though the feeling is certainly there. Is that so... Seems I had a set around here somewhere. Wonder where they went... Not exactly - well, that would be a lie. She is a bit smug. He won on points, she maintains stylistic pride of a longer lasting palette.He settles down next to her, and she is still working the intricate designs. Nimble fingers dig the grooves into the hard wood with precision and neatness - much as her normal writing. It is a mixture, with Fenrir glyphs added throughout for added style. [claimed.] The runic alphabet is an ancient one, and the story it tells one of their first meeting and the respect earned on both parts. It is plotted out not with any markings that can be seen, just by practiced work of her hands.
Then he says the last. Softly, for her ears alone, and her hands still... and much to her embarrassment, she actually flushes. He... She had not even gotten to call it a date yet, having not quite gotten up the nerve to go there. She decidedly refuses to meet his gaze though, until the heat in her face dissipates. She swallows, and then a nudge of her elbow lands perfectly in a fading bruise.
She glances at him, quickly, then shakes her head no, not yet. Knowing that she as good as admitted that it will, indeed be a date. Any suggestions? She doesn't bother hiding the totemphoned aside from Kemp, though it will likely be questioned. Best the teasing be done and over with quickly.
She does, however, make sure to pay close attention to where and what she's carving, under the guise of attempting to regain her normal poise.
(kemp)
"Hmmm? Yea, next time get extra crispy." There was his suggestion. Finding a place to perch where his feet weren't on the floor and he could sit and go through the sides Anne had brought. Starting to pick at them.(james)
AnneMarie scores points for the home team in the bruises scattered on his skin
James, however, fields the game-winning homer when a bit of color applies to her flesh
you can bet jabbing elbow meets already tense and steely muscle
it does little to damped nerve response to the accuracy of her aim
but at least he survives the latest assault with no further injurythe low chuff catching in his throat admits his knowledge that.... oh yeh he fucking deserved that
there's little communication on that subject beyond that
deep umber eyes still dropped to watch the motion of her hands
following the pattern and intent lain in staff with the symbols
though, just as with the spirits, he knows little of their actual symbolism
it's the musician's study of technique before improvisation, so to speak"Tha' depen's." surely the Rotagar would pick up on her side of their conversation, though James tempers his phrase to carry little beyond her ears..... it's the sound of an artist caught in the creation of a brilliant work, associating the carved aspects with the emotional inspiration uncovered by falter and flush "Wha'she li'e?"
(am)
She smirks, slightly, at his sound of admittance that he deserved her little jab. He watches, and for some it may be disconcerting to have one watch their work so closely, but for her, it merely increases the precision with which she lays the symbols into the wood. She knows he doesn't understand most of it - not yet, but for the Fenrir glyphs that are easily recognizable, considering the make up of the pack.Kemp is answered first. I will remember. Though I may have saved a thigh of extra crispy hidden in the bottom. The admission permission for him to take it - as if he needed it. He picks through the potatoes and salads and biscuit sides, and she glances up at the Beta again. Fingers rub over the runes, and she points to a few of them, answering his question without seeming too for the younger set of ears.
Strong. Steady. Confident. Athletic. Fighter. pause. then she points to another. Beautiful.
Then, added on the whiteboard she takes from her pocket. she adds on it. Me, only kin and confident in Monkey ways, where I am reserved. She smiles more.
(kemp)
"Cool." Digging through what was left of the chicken to get to the prized crispy piece. One pop down, another one taken to open and chug on. Mostly not paying attention to what they were talking about. Most of his attention divided between food and watching for some freak ass thing to come out of nowhere and well, freak him out.(james)
surely enough, the Adren pieces together a marginal understanding
accumulating pack-familiar glyphs with the lesser known soon translated
nodding in part to understanding.... and to signal he, too, listens
imperceptive as he may be about ninja-sneaky roots
the Ahroun is not ignorant in the realm of understanding the heart within the monster
that secretive little place where man and beast have no remaining differences"Sooo..... seems a me y'r need'n a place pers'nal 'nuff f'r you t' smile withou' worry a Munkey way'...... an...... roman'ic yeh strong 'nuff a hold sum sort've appeal f'r a sim'lar fighting hear' w'thou' n'glecting'r sof'r side." it's only then the guttermutt draws his eyes upwards, peeking at the Modi should she dare meet his gaze after such a candid suggestion "Am'eye righ'?"
she, perhaps, has never even expected such concepts from the Full Moon's mouth
his street-corner poet-laureate persona lost somewhere in a battlescar's deficit
few indeed may even remember the days such vocabulary frequented his muses(am)
To Kemp, the first reply. Save me some slaw. Then she listens to the Adren as he puts together the bits of clues given in the touch of blunt, yet manicured nails across the wood. He pulls it together, and she nods, but it’s a moment or two before she dares look up to catch his peeking gaze. It's a quick glance, an admission of how out of her league she feels - not one of weakness, never that, but one of... timidity. Unsure.But she nods, a sharp lift of her chin. He's right. And if she is surprised that a Full moon would pull all of that together, it is not readily apparent. She is perhaps simply grateful that he does, and can, from her limited experience. This is for A pause as she looks up at Kemp, then back. Gisele. She teaches self defense and kick boxing at Jakes Gym, where I work out sometimes. Jake had me test her moves before giving her the job. She points to another glyph and lips twitch into something that might actually grow up to be a grin. Fierce. Your brother has her teaching young Moira self defense. Moira is not amused.
More given under the guise of explaining the gift and teaching the runes and glyphs.
(kemp)
"Moira rather chase old rich fucks around." Well maybe not, but sure as hell seemed like she always had somoene sniffing aroun her like she was in heat. "Always someone sniffing around her. Maybe you should make her one of those sticks so she can beat them off with it?" LIcking his fingers then wiping them on his jeans.(james)
"oo'the hell ev'n IS Moiruh?"the grin crookedly balanced on his lips is, without a doubt, wry
Moira is one pack-related kin he has yet to even meet
though the stories turning up about her are getting increasingly interesting
dark eyes tick-tocking between his two Fenrir packmates"Soun's a me she's more'n need've a chas'ty belt'n a weapon've hon'r....."
while that remark may be WAY off center
he converses best he can given the limited information in Kemp's opinion
following her direction discerning the fierce rune
(.... you maaaaay just want to let that one slide, Jamey-boy.....)
the volume once again centers betwen the two Full Moons"How seer'us are yeh 'bout'r?"
it's a legitimate question, in all honesty
a very pivotal factor in his ultimate decision
while James would loathe an evening inapproriate in its entirety for either woman
he's well aware of AnneMarie's carefully sheilded insecurity
the Eagles are damaged enough when it comes to relationships
his priority is keeping the Modi within the realms of her comfort and ability
the pack already bears more than it's fair share of sorrow and regret
(kemp)
"Serious?" Completely taking that as meant for him. "Oh hell if I know. I mean, she showed me her tits and said she'd lick my balls if I took a shower, but heh, haven't taken her up on that one." Shrugging again, a pensive look on his face. Not so sure he wanted to endanger anyone else by becoming involved with them.(am)
She looks up at Kemp and studies him a moment, then nods. After she has learned to move her body in correct form, how to defend herself hand to hand, I would be pleased to fashion a staff for her as well. It is more important she learn the close defense first, before she moves to weaponry. I will search for appropriate wood to begin her when she is ready, however. For the smaller kin, it must be shorter and lighter then this one. Her balance is different and it must fit her well if she is to wield it effectively. .There's a sniff of amusement at the Adren's comments on the young kin. She blinks and looks up as Kemp answers about moira, and it's with a twitch of amusement that she adds in something of a double speak. Licking balls serious. That's pretty serious I would think...
Then, to the whiteboard by her thigh. I know only that I think of her often. Enough to have braved one dinner and movie combination on our own already. Beer, burgers and Fantastic 4. a pause, and then. This is very new. I've never... not willingly anyway. And then her hand slides over the last. That he saw it, she is certain. That he gathers the full meaning behind it in angry swipe of last three words quite possible.
(kemp)
"Well hell yeah it's serious. That's a pretty vulnerable position to be in too." Nodding, completely serious. "Besides, I don't have such good luck with um, people." Really considering himself bad luck.(james)
the broader question was thrown out to the proverbial wolves, so to speak
the Gnawer accepting an answer from either of his packmates
they, obviously, more familiar with the....... adventurously friendly.... girl as it was
faux pas related to intention he'll just let slide"Think'is a fam'ly trai', kid."
dreadlocks bounce as James glances up
hitting Kemp with that crooked, yet knowing, smile
raggedyman's own track record not exactly sparklingly lucky, itselfthen whatever comment was forming about Moirah is lost as the Ahroun reads
corners of his mouth drawing low in a frown's breif appearance
this time, he reaches for the whiteboard when it comes his turn to reply
to the rest of the world it seems nothing more than a practice run at reproducing the symbols[ Then let's make it unprecedented for the both of you.... your heart set on going out to wine and dine, or feeling brave enough for a less public setting? ]
whatever it is this is leading to.... seems a bit more involved than some diner's best burger and beer soaking up the after effects of the latest high-gross action flic.... now doesn't it
(am)
She glances up at Kemp, and just studies him for a moment, then glances to the Gnawer with his comment on family traits. If there is question there, or knowledge there, it is hard to tell, but then she nods.She glances at the board, and switches her tool for the pen. This time she takes her time. Perhaps it looks like she's correcting his practice, but instead writing more then she had before. Or perhaps just something more important then she had before.
I hid my heart long ago. Gisele makes it beat again. It frightens me - but I am brave enough for either, even privacy. I am in your hands.
I am Modi. I will not let a... girl...know...that she terrifies me.
She passes it over to him, and bends her head to the carving once more.
(james)
the whiteboard finds itself cradled between both rough palms
Gnawer's deep umber eyes lingering on the newest message
he could be studying her corrections - he could be considering her confessions
slowly wiping the words away before replacing them with his own"You've goh a lot've faith'n wha's lef'n th' pieces've a hopeless roman'ic......"
it's a low hummed murmur, practically wistful - it seems there's a story, there
now either he spoke true at the moot of his handwriting's horror
the symbols pictograph simplicity mangled worse than even his tongue could damage
or it's something else entirely to which only the Modi bears witness
something seemingly drawn from a secret birthplace deep in the Hood before her
cause as it turns out.... his scriptish print is surprisingly neat[ There is nothing more frightening than learning to truly live once again. Remembering you know how to breathe for more than necessity. Or that your heart beats strong for something other than Blessed Gaia. Few of us are lucky enough to get that second chance. Even less are brave enough to risk taking it. Abandoning what may be for the sake of protecting old wounds which may or may not open yet again. They forget when the Mother smiled at our births and granted us today.... she made no promises of living tomorrow. Fiercely embracing what we have within arm's reach is the Garou's greatest victory - be it in the midst of battle, or at the threshhold of love. ]
he worries not his thoughts sound preached lessons to a young weanling cub
somehow..... he knows it is something she can sympathetically understand[ I doubt you would ever forget that, AnneMarie. Just like I doubt any fault in your bravery. What I'm impressed with is your courage. True courage. It's a rarity among the endless Glory of our kind. ]
James draws his pack and Zippo during the silence as she reads
smoke rings aimed lazily at the ceiling - as if they spoke of things far more casual than matters of a Warrior's heart
only after she looks up once again does he offer the increasingly familiar soft and crooked smile"'talian, Frensh-Med, 'r Eclecti' Wine?"
(am)
Kemp has wandered off in search of... gaia knows what. That by can be infuriatingly unpredictable. As a result, however, when the Adren is finished writing, she takes it much the same as he did, and reads it carefully. There are things within her that no one knows, that no one has cared if they existed. She had done remarkably well hiding them, extremely adept and only letting things leak into her expression that she fully intends to be seen. She is Modi. She is a product of her Grandmother's obsessive need for perfection and overcoming the stigmata of her birth - which, ironically, she believes would have been easier had it been something other then mere muteness. Oft times, it seemed she could not even be deformed correctly.As if she had a choice.
But now, here, in a packhouse with an Adren elder who has gotten more from her then any of the others, she is keenly aware that she could not be more naked in front of him in this moment, then had she stripped down and danced in the moonlight. There is an innate understanding in the care he puts into the words, the hints of story that he shares without taking power from her own in need of solution.
He speaks - writes - of things that her grandmother insisted were for others. She is Fenrir, she is Modi, she is Metis. There is no room for compassion, for softness, for anything but the quest for perfection until at last it is not enough and she falls in battle. These battles of the heart, they were always for others.
It is the last bit that holds her attention the longest, though each word struck a chord somewhere in the Modi, writ on a soul that has been barren for far too long. She is only 18 - but it is a lifetime of protection, of control, of intensity that begins to unravel. Not all at once, a mere string that someone can get ahold of, to tug and perhaps reveal more of what is buried so deeply within. The realization of it all causes her expression to... soften. There is less hautiness about the edges though no less pride. The difference is subtle, but it is there, and it is enough to be noticed. He, a Garou and packmate that she has barely met, is impressed. He believes she has courage. True courage.
It would be no lie to say that her hand trembles as she takes the pen again. Not a lot, just a quiver that suggests something deeper at work within. Hidden. Protected. (..it’s a matter of trust...) She has no reply for a long time. She is unsure if there is a way to formulate the words. Instead, she takes refuge in the verbal question, carefully setting the board down so as not to muss the writing just yet. She lifts her gaze to his for one brief, shining moment - were it is all bare, naked in the pale depths, before she turns to the staff across her lap. She takes up her tool then, and nods as she takes a breath.
Italian. Something must remain comfortably familiar.
It is shot across the totemphone with a twitch of her lips - it is not the grin seen last night, hungry and thrilled with sparring battle. It is a mere hint of what may eventually grow up to be a smile.
Someday.
And then, the true teaching of the Rune Carving begins.
(james)
there is something to be said about the complexities of communication
the greatest writers in the world penned masterpieces of literary brilliance
the greatest composers in the world drew overpowering passion from little more than wood and string
the greatest artists in the world sculpted color or clay into the very expression of creative soul
yet none..... none have relayed the sheer magnitude of what these two creatures abbreviate into a single, momentary glanceherein lays the fortitude of primal body launguage
telecommunications cast in the lexicon of animal muscle and bone
a dictionary's resource surpassed in the solitary catch of chemical-laden scent
an eye's reflection glitter that truly is the window opened into a wordless soul
and most importantly of all - the absolute sureity these signals cannot be tainted
no creature dares expose themselves at this degree while harboring intent to liethis languange cannot be twisted into the nuanced fallacies of forked-tongue speech
those branded by Mighty Eagle are well known for their swift communication in the chaos of battle
somehow clearly relaying intricate bits of information with nary more than a glance or chuffing grunt
it should be no surprise such prowess holds in battles against an enemy not born of the Wyrmfollowing in the footsteps of that seemingly too-breif glance
his lopsided, almost boyish smile relates far more than worthy of words"Heard good thingzzz 'bout Stef'ni's 'n Pane Caldo.... look'm up a see which you pref'r 'n we'll go fr'm there."
and now their roles will switch, and the true teaching of Rune Carving begins
the Elder Gnawer's experience exchanged for pupil's endless query and hunger
the Cliath Fenrir's uncertainty replaced with familiar rote and structure
James warned her he was different from what she'd learned to expect
already treating her as an equal beyond the deference of packmate bond
the Adren finding no shame in being taught to "draw" by a Metis-born teenagerPosted by james at 12:00 AM.07.15.05. - interpretive dance [annemarie][pack haven]
(james)
"Ssssso....." the word floats only slightly slurred from just behind Ruhiger's right shoulder, it's soon replaced by a freshly capped Heineken, foggy condensation still spiraling lazily into the cavernous packhouse ".... ssuuure yeh noh g'nna le'me borrow y'r scribbleboar'?"should the mute Fenrir choose to look back at her packmate
she'd be more than aware of James' teasing smile
however boyishly crooked it may ever-be
if not, the humor is present enough in his voice
warm in and of itself though the night's barely cooled to 70it's got his t-shirt occupied with holding up his shortened dreads
make-shift do-rag contorted savagely so sleeves would reach and tie
a rope or two of trademark dreads still hangs freely down his back
strangely angled shadows against the pattern of ashen scars
blending smoothly with the summer-sun tan bronzing his flesh
iridescent inkwork decorating his forarm now not quite as obvious
winter's intrinsic paleness taking that tat into startling contrasts
(am)
Many others would jump at the sudden arrival, but there is one difference. He is pack. There was no doubt he was there, though perhaps the beer got a raised brow. She is not normally much of a drinker, but if there's one thing other then attitude that the Eagles foster - it's bad habits. Left hand lifts, slender fingers wrapping manicured nails around the bottle, to take it from the raggedy Gnawer.His humor is evident, but hers is more difficult to ascertain. The Modi alpha is much more prone to expression then she is, with his variety of sneers and smirks. His mate is perhaps her rival when it comes to bland expression, though even Imogen is known to smirk and on the rare occasion, smile. Not so this Modi. Her expressions are far more reserved, far more difficult to tell - if one were not privy to the crackle of Totemphone that is a snort of almost amusement. A slim brow lifts, and she does look back at him, studying him a long moment, before a shoulder rolls into a negligent shrug. And putting any ventriliquist to shame, she is able to speak while she lifts the beer to her lips.
That would depend on if you could hold yourselves to writing in words of two syllables so that Decker and Kemp could understand.
Amusement. At their packmate's expense, even. She is finally beginning to feel as if she belongs. It's the little things that matter.
(james)
James is acutely aware of what habits associate themselves with what packmates and/or kin
Eagles may foster bad habits before a slew of other social activities
but the Hood is far from allowing selsfishness to be among them
his offer is, and forever will be, automatic towards those sharing some fashion of family tie
knowing that there is always the random event, or necessitative connection, that prompts acceptance
or maybe it’s just the simple confirmation that she does, indeed, belong
the other Ahroun also knows full well he'll happily compensate a refusal on her part"Hmmmm....." he is not as adept at ventriloquism as she, and although the totem-line would easily allow his retort mid-swallow, it's all the more fun to keep the conversation one-sided on the open broadcast..... just in cast they'd pay enough attention to wonder "Dunna 'bout tha'.” beer’s lifted case-in-point-toast-to-fact, before the bottle’s base taps against his chest in reference “My edyehkay-shun’d go t’ was’e.”
then his head tips, brow alternately lifting in thought
top-heavy weight of dreads realigning in their fabric cage
lower lip nibbled as consideration slowly weighs itself out“Could go all th’way’n lear’ sigh languige.” that humor-driven grin returns “What’cha think th’ Council’d do’f I ga’e my nex’ decissssion through int’rp’tive dance?”
(am)
Her free hand is tucked into the pocket of her slacks - a bit more rumpled then usual, perhaps, but it is 3am. Such things are to be expected. Even her obsessive/compulsive need for perfection eventually shows a wrinkle or two. The silk of her camisole clings to lean form in the lingering heat of the day. Her share of scars are mostly hidden, about the belly, hip and thigh. Her tattoo, however, is not - and is a relatively new addition - a spiral of runic design that encircles her bicep. Those who have seen her staff would recognize the story now told on her skin with the staff's dedication.Those heeled boots puts her on even height with the other Ahroun, but only until she settles to sit on some makeshift piece of furniture or another, long legs crossed, beer set against her knee.
You could, yes. And perhaps it's not too much a stretch to suggest there may be wistfulness there. The last to speak sign language to her was Barny - before he attacked her. I think they would applaud, but only if you received your bother's attention to fashion detail. In for a penny, in for a pound, as the saying goes.
This time, if he looks, within pale eyes - greenish tonight, matching the shade of her camisole - there is a glint of humor, of amusement deep within.
(james)
the Adren audibly snorts his amusement
taking the time to swallow another third of his beer
perhaps not even dignifying that remark with one of his own
but soon enough the crooked grin follows a bout of soft laughter“Yeh... ‘n I’d be showin’ up a th’ nex’ moot dress like one’ve Gaia’s cheerlead’rs ‘r Carm’n Miran’a..... Cubin Pete if I’m lucky.” amusement spotted - and not allowed to disappear again quite so easily “Bad ‘nuff’n th’ Jackal Blood’s gotta keep their respec’ pas’ mangle’ slur..... rank’n pack only go so far. Cum dress li’e that ev’n Eagle’z’d say I’m cert’fiable.”
while suspicions arise given his long-term choice of packmates
there’s oft the consideration James may be totally off his rocker
tonight, however, he seems well enough connected to the ground
weight sinking to half-sprawl against the carpet roll yet unfurled
dark pattern across his back pressing into the tragically out-of-style tempered.... is that shag?
it’s been fortunate enough semi-couch to avoid such a fate
who knows how long it’d last submitted to the pack’s domestic habitssome are worse than others, you know
(am)
Again, the slight lift of brow. And it is not said already? That he is certifiable, of course. The choice of a Gnawer to pack with any Fenrir, let alone Eagle's ragtag group of irritable Germans has been one of the more interesting things to ponder for the Modi. His deft touch of PR has been noticed, however, in the subtle changes of others now that he has returned. It is not only in the bits of comfort that are seen around the pack house [...even if it is shag...] but Kemp is more grounded. Decker more relaxed. Hyde... well. The jury is still out on hyde. The kin are certainly happier, however.She, in her silence, misses little.
Very little.However, and here, the smirk creeps from her gaze, to actually take purchase - briefly - across her lips. It would take some doing to top the Godi's new patches of rainbow colors on his head - he shaved skin off to rid himself of it after his challenge.
(james)
“Yeh.” once more his response is thoughtful, camping pre-swig of beer for the duration of sighed syllable “’n who’m I ta steal’iz spo’ligh, uh?”the Gnawer’s thought of himself after the others is more than frequently displayed
from the routine collection of random leftovers puzzled together for their comfort
to the flat out cost of what he secured for Hyde after the Godi’s spiritual dealings
(.... venison doesn’t come cheap any time of year, you know.....)
all the way to a dozen other things most but the vigilant don’t even notice
the Hood assures when others need - he, or his brother, providehe always asks nothing in return
already possessing whatever reward the pack could think to give(am)
She blinks - and for a moment, she even begins to comment I didn't mean... to insult, to suggest. It is rare the brief glimpses of childhood that surface so quickly, only to fall again into the utter calm mask that she faces the world with. Instead, she merely watches him a moment, then lifts her beer to her lips once more.She drinks far slower then he, mere sips where he swallows deeply, and finger tips slide across the glass to gather the condensation, before smoothing across the crease in her slacks. I wonder if it would grow a colored Mohawk... The thought slips free, before being reigned back in again with another slight smirk.
(james)
dark eyes strafe towards the backpedaling Modi
what could be rising ire in another situation
is little more than peaked interested right this moment
faint curiosity showing at why she'd recoil so quickly
he may outrank her when it comes down to it, in both pack and Nation
but he is still a Bone Gnawer in a pack heavy with her own Tribe's bloodright hand lifts into the cadence of lazy wave
haphazard organization of inner lighting glittering on his forarm's ink
any imagined slight dismissed just as it was never intended
any explanation required to his unspoken question rendered optional, or also non-existanthe asks little of his packmates in terms of object value
it seems his PR skills extend into the realm of resisting random questions, as well
just as with the others he's claimed by Eagle's bond over the years
James knows when to work his magic so nobody notices a loss of face
especially when it's one of the Fenrir involved"Kemp'd be jeal'us..... ev'n if it'd fin'lly blend Hyde in with'r uniform'a funny speech'n unique hair....."
(am)
The he is curious, is not missed, but she does not answer. Not yet. Perhaps she searches for the words to a question unasked. Though she is of Eagle's Chosen, they know very little about her. Hyde knows she can fight, and that she can lose with grace - this is why she is still Omega. Kemp knows only his own perceptions, and that she will back him publicly without question. Questions are for pack alone, not for public view. Decker knows that she can fight, that she is steadfast, that she is Loyal. Those are what gained her Eagle's acceptance. They know she is silent, that it is because of her birth. They know her names, though not where they were gained.They know very little indeed. Perhaps it is because she refuses to speak on it. Perhaps it is simply that they have not asked.
She settles for this however. My speech is not funny - merely non-existent.. Though slender fingers over short shorn boyish cut agrees she fits the uniform well enough there.
Blunt nails slide over the back of her neck, before falling again. There is a breath, and then the curiosity, perhaps, answered. I was raised by my grandmother. She insisted on perfection in everything, every manner of action was to be the perfect one or there was punishment. I was Metis, but not an animal, in her words. Part of her lessons involved carefully choosing words so as not to offend any of higher station. I made a mistake once - with a Gnawer. He was not so forgiving as you. There is a negligent shrug of shoulders, but her gaze is determinedly elsewhere. Old habits tend to die very hard.
(james)
"I c'n dig ih."likely, that's a response to her, entirely
his own tormented past enough to keep him from interrupting
quietly allowing her progressive association of totem-carried thought
he would not direct her share what others connected were not allowed to hear
though shows appreciation through attentive gaze that she chose him worthy of the tale"Mos' Gnaw'rs schools'a thought fin'e sim'lar threads." can't change you're lot, so might as well make the best of it and prove the other fuckers wrong while at it "Dunn blame yeh."
muscular shoulders roll dismissive shrug against [.... shag] carpet-roll
of the pack's members - these two know least of the other
little beyond the Totem and Garou's belief in their inclusory worththey would not be Eagles if they were not worthy
"You'll fine it takesss quite a lo'h to cross me, 'n I'm more a fan a workin' it ou' rath'r'n battlin' who's righ' by might. Mellow'r'n y'r av'rage Garou..... n'matt'r wha' th' deedname hint'."
(am)
I hope that does not mean sparring is completely out of the question... Sometimes she is far more typically Fenrir Modi then others. When it comes to sparring is one of those times. There is little more she loves then to take her staff to a willing body. Repeatedly.But the rest of the commentary receives a slight nod - understanding. She is many contradictions wrapped up in lean strength, further confused by the mistake of her breed. Though she still loves the Grandmother who raised her, even in her death she still fears repercussions missing the smallest detail of the old woman's teaching.
(james)
"Depenzzzz." the Gnawer looks over to flash cavalierly lopsided smile "Wheth'r'a not you ask th' ques'on."(am)
I would never turn down a spar. Though if I beat you, Hyde will never let you live it down. Lips quirk into an expression that is almost more then her typical smirk. The difference is subtle, but it is there. It glimmers darkly behind pale gaze, while fingers of her left hand reach up to idly run over the tattoo that twists around her bicep.(james)
Why not?the transformation of his voice from concrete to abstract is phenomenal
while the warm, earthen tones actualized in his dark eyes remain
the Empire State accent is so much brassier without slur's inevitable diffusionI'm not ashamed of being beaten by someone with more skill.... Cliath or Elder. what -has- recently shamed him is another story entirely, one that likely is not shared within casual conversation, James instead focuses on the reputation of his packmate's Tribe prowess in battle as a whole There's no defeat in learning. it's only then the glitter draws into his deep umber gaze, playfully dancing amongst the pre-dawn shadows Just in your challenge to show me something new.
brow lifts towards t-shirt turban holding back dreads
seems the Gnawer seldom turns down the chance to spar or learn
for there could be no clearer invitation for friendly match(am)
A silent snort that echoes over the Totemphone. He beat me. Barely. That is why I am omega..She catches the tones of something behind the words, and his earlier questioning gaze is now mirrored in her own - though acknowledge that this is perhaps not the conversation for it, nor is there lack of possibility her ears are not whom the story is meant for. Instead, she takes the wisdom of his farther words, and her chin lifts, her back straightens.
There is a moment where she sets the remainder of her beer aside, then this time, when fingers slide across the tattoo, there is the glimmer of Dedication at work as the staff flows into her hand. 7 foot long iron wood, strong as fuck and carved with runes from end to end. It is, quite simply, beautiful.
And deadly.
But she intends this to be friendly, and as such. I will only bruise where he will not notice. Challenge glinds deep in pale gaze now, as she stands, and moves to grab a practice staff she has been working on for Gisele. It is not complete, the runes just started, but it is as strong as her own. Flipping it into her hand, she spins it once, testing the balance, before offering it to the lounging Gnawer in offer to help him rise. Name your terms.... rhya...
Oh the challenge - as close to playful as is ever seen - that lurks in her gaze now.
(james)
beautiful and deadly
the Ahroun can appreciate fine weaponry when he sees it
just as his own weapon of choice spreaks of utilitarian function - and massive trauma
gratitude's nod tips towards her offer and James leverages off the ground
but the Gnawer will supply his own staff, thank you very much
(....what's that about never arriving at a party empty handed, Jamey-boy?)
iridescent inks swirling the transconfiguration of dedication
supple pattern melting out of his right forarm into the unforgiving length of steel pipe
the edge christened with a bone-shattering nine inches of razor sharp spikeit's hefted in rough palms until the business end points away from target
this is a friendly match, after all"Firs' a three win, fat'l strike, submish'n an' disarm count, no point f'r draw, 'n no headshot'." it's homage to her careful placement of bruises, though the quirked grin teases his own existing battlescar which really doesn't need help in any shape or form "I win, you teach me 'bout those Runes a yours."
closer inspection of her craftswork unspoken interest, of course
but it's the significance of the symbols that interests him most
much more interesting stakes than who buys the next pizza
brow lifts again - confirmation of terms and her request of trophy(am)
A brow quirks as his own weapon appears, the unforgiving steal complete with spike, though the spike is turned away from her, the intended target. While in crinos, she could wield both staffs with equal [...bitter...] grace, in Homid and friendly match, it is unwieldy at best. She leans Gisele's staff back against the wall, and spins hers lazily before her as he lists his terms.And adds her own. Rage at will, 1 gift, homid, no eagles strength. And if I win... There's a pause. While she fully expects to win, it is the spoils of such a battle she is unsure of. She does not known him well enough to ask for certain, so in the end, there is a slight, negligent shrug. You buy dinner for Gisele and myself. Not that he knows who Gisele is. Not that she knows why, exactly, she included her in the terms other then the fact that her staff was recently in hand.
But a nod confirms her terms.
And they both know, shed still teach him of the carvings.(round 1 total: james 6 bashing dam, am 2 lethal. am 2 rage left, james 4, score james 2, am 1)
(am)
The deal struck, the nod to begin, the gifts chosen. As with all eagle battles - whether it is against others, or against each other, furious or friendly, it is a flurry of motion. He is her elder, and faster, and his strikes make their mark.So do hers.
If anyone were watching, it would be a blur of motion - silent on her behalf, nothing but her breath as she spins with her staff easily. The staff and pipe strike, and strike again. When they break to step back and circle, Jukebox is bruised - but true to her word, they are placed on his torso, and he breathes through aching ribs and belly. She, as well, is injured, and just a bit worse then he is. He is clearly the stronger of the two - but she has speed, and determination.
She finishes the round with a love tap across his shoulder and a grin - yes, a full on grin - that says she pulled it on purpose. Whether she did or not, is up to him to decide.
Enjoyment sparkling in her gaze, she falls back, and takes her stance, idly spinning the staff once, before she nods at him to come again.
[Bring it on.]
(round 2 results: am - knocked. the fuck. out.)
(james)
her terms - balls to the wall, anything goes
and don't think he'll take it easy just because she's a girl of lower rank
the Modi's got speed, determination, and skill
friendly enough competition to keep the Adren on his toesand for the better part of the next ten minutes
the two Full Moons match each other hit for hit
neither one pulling notably ahead before the other catches up
what advantages he holds in experience and strength
she makes up for with sheer force of will.... and the ingrained instict of a metis to duck when things go wrong
maybe it's the pre-existing repercussions with the less-forgiving Gnawer
maybe it's her Grandmother's teachings to stay clear of looming dangerit all sums up to a total-miss swing that leaves the Gnawer laughing to himself during regroup - they'll touch on interpretive dance just yet
but it all boils down to the final swing
fatigue breaking through the Fenrir's pain resisting barrier
or the guttermutt's sheer combat know-how and patience
AnneMarie looked left and dodged right
when all the difference in the world came from a reverse itinerarythree inch wide steel pipe connects solidly with her ribcage - knocking the remaining wind right on out with her conscious awareness following close pursuit
it's another amusing instance of interpretive dance coming next
James juggling the pulled strike while stepping in to catch crumpling form
head smacking concrete floor would definitely violate the bruising perametershis makeshift junkyard reject weapon disappears from whence it came
her lanky frame not weighty enough to give him any real trouble in transport
the raggedyman hadn't noticed his Omega's claim of personal space within the pack's current home
so his own mattress and claimed area would have to do until she woke in the empty afternoon several hours later
upon doing so, she'd find a note very neatly (deliberately too neat) inscribed on her scribbleboard propped up nearby
the pad and pen must have fallen out sometime during the sparring match
cause there's little chance the Gnawer would have rummaged through her pocketsLet me know when and where the reservations are for your and Gisele's dinner so I can be sure to pick up the tab.
it's signature consists of little more than a goofy smiley face
they both know she would have taught him the runes, anyway
they both know he'd still spring for dinner, too
Posted by james at 12:00 AMJuly 10, 2005.07.10.05. - return of the hoorahfarfignewton [pack][forum]
(decker)
Totemphone: Kasche tha Hrafn/Fenrir kin wants ta join tha pack. There's a quizzical note there. I told 'im he kin serve as a free agent, comin' 'n goin' as he pleases but havin' no say in tha pack. He says he wants ta be part'a tha pack. Serve under Eagle's auspices 'n shit, though he says he cain't gain no benefits from Him. I ain't never seen it, but my elders say back in Germany some packs have one 'r two Hrafns bound to 'em. A mental shrug.Told 'im he kin hang around our turf, meet tha rest'a ya, 'n we'll give 'im an answer in a month 'r so. So keep yer eyes open.
(annemarie)
There's nothing much more then a sense of agreement over the totemphone. She'll watch, she'll consider. Least this one seemed to know when to keep his beak shut.
(kemp)
A quizical frown forming on his face with a tilting of his head as he listened to the voices in his head. Not those voices, but the other ones called pack.~Um, what the fuck is a Hrafn?~
To him it sounded like Decker got a hairball and was trying to bring it up.
~Dude, ya said he's Kinfolk? I ain't never seen a Kinfolk asking to join the pack. Well unless you consider.....awfuckit, nevermind.~
Shaking his head while riding down the street.
(am)
AnneMarie - ever the teacher. Hrafn is a War Raven, Kemp. Corax, but often not the idiocy that is the one Decker Axed. that this one is not of that type, while it seems so at first, remains to be seen.(hyde)
In Germany we used them as scouts. They ate the left overs of our kills. A give and take sort of relationship.They work with packs in the same way that... well.. a scout would work with an army unit. That didn't make them a part of the unit though. They're Fera. If he has feathers he's a Corax. No matter who's loins he sprang from.
They're good to have as allies but their tongues wag. They can't really help it. It's what they're for. It's why Gaia created them. To tell shit. So.. while having the eyes is good. Having them flying about telling everyone everything we do might not be. Again.. not because the Ravens are bad.. they just talk. We fight we're Fenrir. It's what they "DO".
As for Eagle.. I don't know any rite personally that could pull him in that way. Perhaps he could petition Eagle directly.... but.. Eagles and Ravens are often enemies in the natrual world. Perhaps our totem could make exception.. but I'd rather not be the one to ask, thanks. I heard about Fenris and that girls arm. I like my arms right where they are. Even if they end weirdly.
(james)
Hoorahfarfignewton? the recollectiive response in low chuckle, and at least this response from the Gnawer is far more positive than the -last- discussion regarding potential packmates Haven't heard of it being possible, myself, but doesn't stop him from proving value or allegiance between now and the next moon. Though.... I'm not volunteering to convince Eagle a scavenger isn't going to pillage His "nest," either....wonder if he'll make the same impression Kennedy did on Decker's truck
much less the pack in it's entirety(hyde)
Hyde's reply to the Gnawers words is gruff. Don't be thinking I'll be asking the big "E" for such a thing either... He can go ask his damn self. I like my head atop my shoulders. Not down between my ass cheeks.
(james)
I was agreeing with you, Hyde. no matter how gruffly the Get responded, the guttermutt's cadence retains an element of levity, even warm humor We haven't cut any slack for anyone wanting in before.... don't see a reason to start with this Hrafn. Deck's bull's eye last moon ought to be warning enough for the stakes of this game. there might even be a mental grin right about here, cause that was goddamned amusing Eagle hasn't proven any more forgiving an audience of presumptuous claim. Each one of us knows it..... he'll figure it out or get plucked.[in progress]
----------
[[Admin Clarification: We were asked for clarification on whether or not it is even possible to have a corax bound as pack. After reading through the breed book, as well as the changing breed book (thanks to those that helped us there!) We have decided as follows:Corax cannot be bound into a pack by Totem, because Raven will not let him go. No benefits, no bans. They can be "bound" only simbolically, in name alone, as Kin are.
Possible inclusion in the Rite of Bonding, but it should be taken into consideration in this instance that Eagle and Raven are not necessarily friends, and one or the other might be quite pissed off should it be tried. Corax can never exist without Raven. And serving two totems is a conflict that just isn't feasible. In order for the Rite of Bonding to work, Eagle would have to accept him. And well, see above.
Rite of Totem was also mentioned - but that is to call a totem to a tribe of GAROU. Corax are not garou.
There's our word on it, thus ends this admin invasion on this thread.
~M+L]]
Posted by james at 12:00 AMJuly 09, 2005.07.09.05. - KotL challenge [july moot pt 8][forum]
(grand elder)
Another Challenge and the Grand Elder now faces Electric Jedi, of the Obsidian Data, who challenges for Keeper of the Land."There is an area I have marked in the caern. It resists all efforts to be cleaned up and thus remains a hulking mess of rust and chemical disgust. It is not a large area, and should be easy for the Keeper to deal with, yet it is not. You have a week.
And please remember, Electric Jedi, you challenged for this position, alone."
[OOC whatnotery: You've a week to decide how to tackle the problem, and well, tackle it. Email me at werewolf@chicagodusk.com or grab me on AIM for any questions or scenes needed. A forum post can be made at the end of the week with what was figured out, what was done, and again, it will be put to the vote of the Council whether she is able to hold the position.]
(electric jedi)
*The challenge was given and she agreed to it. She spent the first day at the caern, looking over the pile, thinking in her head how she would deal with this challenge, going through her knowledge and recent learnings, formulating things in her mind.**The next night, rather than returning to the caern, Jedi went into the bathroom of the pack house and focused herself til she slipped sideways into the umbra. Then she climbed up on the roof of her shop/pack house in the umbral reflection, and looked around. Using the gift given by wireless bat, she glided from rooftop to rooftop using the folds of thin skin given by bat. She searched rooftop to rooftop til she found who she was looking for. One of the first spirits Ewan had been teaching her about was Mockingbird. As a city spirit, Mockingbird knew english and spirit speech. He said they would be handy for the right price til she learned spirit speech herself.*
*She found a small Mockingbird spirit nested on a ledge and glided down. She sat on the ledge and smiled to Mockingbird* Nice night isn't it?
*the little spirit tilted her head at Jedi* Nice, yes. Help you I can?
*Jedi nodded, smiling softly* Actually yes. I need your help, beautiful Mockingbird. You are skilled and wise in the language of the spirits where I am not. I need to find and speak with 2 spirits in particular. Please help me for 1 week's time and I will give you an offering of gnosis at the end of the week. For especially good help me in these talks, I will give you 2 offerings. (each offering equals 1 gnosis)
(WP spent for persuasion)OOC
Thu 17:13
Dice Validated
5D10 Dice Roll: 1; 9; 7; 8; 7*the little Mockingbird thought it over, and agreed*
Thank you, beautiful Mockingbird. I will return here tomorrow night for the first patron we must seek out. *Rayne stood and glided back to the street and headed home*
*Tuesday night, Rayne once more went into the Umbra, and sought out her new friend Mockingbird first. Together they travelled to the umbral reflection of the city dump. There, she found the first of 2 patrons she sought out.*
*The great Trash Heap Spirit, another of the city spirits, stood (or more piled) high above Rayne's head. With Mockingbird translating, Rayne began a persuasive pitch for help.*
Oh Great Trash Heap, I beseech your help in an endevour of great import. Our once beautiful caern is now dishelved by heaps of rusting bulks of old ships. I ask great spirit for your help. *Rayne looked up at him, sincere in her need*
*his voice bellowed across the dump* What is it you ask of me?
*Rayne, in great respect, got on her knees* There is an area of Gaian's caern that refuses any efforts to be cleaned. With your help, great spirit, the refuse could be used to increase you status. Many of the wreckage have been out in the waters all over the world. Your knowledge would increase. And taking it in for yourself, the waste would increase your already great size and strength as well as your standing among the other spirits.
OOC
Fri 15:55
Dice Validated
4D10 Dice Roll: 4; 4; 7; 10*The great Trash Heap Spirit looked skeptical, so Jedi tried another twist*
*staying on her knees, still in respect, she continued*
I will be speaking with the Spirits of Recycling. They think they would do a much better job in turning the waste into something of beauty for the caern. *trying to persuade him as him and recycling often competed with one another*
(WP spent for persuasion)OOC
Fri 16:04
Dice Validated
4D10 Dice Roll: 7; 7; 9; 8*she awaited for the spirits decision*
*Wednesday night, once again she went umbral and met with her friend the Mocking bird spirit. Across the Umbral Reflection they travelled til they found the Recycling center reflection. Here she found the small recycling spirits, much like hermit crabs but with shells of great beauty, working to make the discards into things of beauty.*
*Jedi knelt down, with the little Mockingbird on her shoulder to translate, and began her negotiations.* Most wonderous of spirits I beseech you to listen to an offering I have.
**the little crabs turned and watched her and listened*
I am in need of your great skill. There is an area of Gaia's caern which desperately needs something of beauty there turned from the scrap that lies about.
*they all spoke in unison* Go on.
The area is covered with a great deal of rusted recyclable metal. Metal, I know, you could turn into something wonderous for Gaia's children to behold and love. In exchange, your gift will be revered by all of Gaia's children in the caern. Your name will spread upon their lips for your help. We must hurry though, for the Great trash heap will be sending raiders to steal your material soon if you don't hurry. *using the competition between the two spirits to spark more of an interest*
(WP spent for persuasion)OOC
Fri 16:15
Dice Validated
4D10 Dice Roll: 10; 6; 3; 10*she awaited the spirits' decision*
*once she was done, decisions made and the week over, she went to the GE for his final decision*
(ge)
The Grand Elder, Balance without Fault, has of course kept watch on the progress. The Ragabash has proved herself persuasive, and gains the aid of the Great Trash Heap's helpers for the week. She is equally persuasive for the recycling spirits, and there for a day or so it looks like it is working. But as the helpers pull back and leave, assuming their job is done with the beautifying of the small area, it begins.The new recycled materials begin to crumble. The area begins to decay, the stench begins to return. In a few hours time, the area is not just the way that it was, but worse.
Balance without Fault studies this, then faces Electric Jedi. "While I applaud your ingenuity in gaining the help of other spirits through persuading them to aide in your cause, you have forgotten one very key bit of information. Within the challenge it was stated that it resists all forms of cleaning - thus we had tried many of these, and failed. A Keeper of the Land must maintain all aspects of the Caern and the Bawn and be in tune with them. So tell me, Electric Jedi, why did you not think to examine the Umbral side and find out what exactly the root of this decay is? Without that information, you are treating the symptoms, not the problem."
He pauses, and lets that sink in a moment, before he takes her umbral, and points behind a certain puddle of sludge, to the Jaba the hut-esque spirit lingering there, muttering about replacing his things, and how he'd just gotten them set back up from the last time, having his sludge just the way he likes it. Jaba doesn't bother to look their way, just continues destroying all that was recently fixed, and replacing things exactly as they were once again.
"Perhaps you were too quick to find a solution, that you neglected to look at the full and complete problem. It is my opinion that in neglecting to deal with the grumbling spirit first, but merely repeating what those before you have done, that you have failed this challenge.
That is my word on the matter, but majority will rule on this, as in the other challenges. Council?"
[One more time guys - cast your vote!]
(bg - jukebox)
"I 'gree wi'h th' Gran' Eld'r."James' chin tips up - Eagle style - in recognition's gesture towards Balance Without Fault
associating his own reasoning with that already spoken in markedly clearer tongue
given the Adren's own recent encounters with a strikingly similar education
it takes little time for the Gnawer Elder to voice his decision"The effor' notew'rthy but nah broad 'nuff a' solve th' probl'm. Challen' fail'."
(uktena - yu gan)
Yu Gan tilts his head when the results are listed off. Looking to the area with a flick of the ear. He traveled the umbra in the caern many times a week as the Quick patrolled with thier gifts of flight there. He'd never seen the sluge spirit that seems to have manifested visibly now.Contemplation of the task given and the results. And the reasoning there for. Then comes his reply in the language of wolves.
"The task was given for the young Ragabash to deal with the marked area. Arguement could be made that she did just that. She delt with it. It was clean. Then the spirit came back and made it worse. While the.. implication was of a more lasting solution, the grand elder did not situplate such. It was simply "Deal with it. You have a week." The area was delt with. Even if only temporarilily. It was outside intervention that reduced her efforts.
The Ragabash tried. Her efforts did work even if only momentarily. The lesson I would belive has been learned to view both sides. I'm curious myself as to why this spirit has been suffered to be here if it was previously known, but that is neither here nor there.
I have a hard time failing her totaly on this. The LETTER of the challenge was followed if perhaps not the intent. It was a sort of "Trick question" And while for Truth Catcher or Master of the Challenge. *He nods to those garou* Might be expected to have such, the Keeper, not so much.
Maybe it's the Ragabash in me that allows me to see things from the dark or flip side... but I would not fail this challenge... Effort was made. The LETTER of the challenge was compleated. Yes it's fairly clear now that the Grand Elder was being tricky.... but his trickyness is limited by the fact that she did do what she was "told" to do. Vs what she might have been "MENT" to do.
*The Uktena shook out his fur, as he was usually in lupus in the caern.*My official vote is ....... difficult. Clearly the spirit remains... but the letterof the challenge was compleate. I would not 'pass' the challenge nor would I fail it.
I would say further exploration is required to determine if this is a one time abboration or a lack.
Seeing as we have noone else challenging, perhaps this can be done. As said before by Silence-rhya, though not pertaining to THIS garou, "It's better not to have anyone than to have somone who would fuck it up " (( Or close to it))
We need to see if this is such the case.
(fenrir - decker)
Decker snorts loudly. And Yu was usually the cleverest of them all, too."She fucked it up, Yu. She ain't even thought ta look what's wrong before tryin' ta fix it. Tryin' hard's good 'nough fer kindergarten, but not fer tha Get. We'da won this fuckin' war already if it was.
"Fail." He's already walking off. He's spent too much time in the caern lately, listening to one challenge after another.
(yu)
Yu bows his head in responce to the Adrens words. His opinion was as well, valid. Yu's vote one of many. And they all tended to look at things from their own upbringing and points of view.That is why there was a counsel.
(fianna - sandman)
The Sandman considered for long moments, not openly discussing his thoughts like Yu Gan. Both the Uktena and the Fenrir had valid points, and James saw them. While Electric Jedi made an effort, it didn't last, and therefore James had to vote based on the grand scale of things."Fail."
(coggie - leroy)
"We Children of Gaia always seek the fair notion, to the point of absurdity perhaps even. Hell, it is one reason we are mispercieved as weak by others. True, the miaghty Fenrir value only excellence. Yet yore lengths of failures are remembered and tallied among their famed Galliards. I applaud rather Jedi, for the Keeper of the Land can be of any Auspice, many though percieve it best served by a Theurge. And as such, she was tested rather I believe upon that very notion. Perhaps she should have tricked the spirits?" He chuckles. "However...Since the council seems so inclined to deny, respecting rather the ideals of one Tribe over another. I say..why not Jedi...re-challenge. I do not see any others rising to the occassion. If you succeed or fail then..I will answer. For there is not one amongst us who has never failed in a tast or quest given. We all sometimes must try again at one point in our life. Some more than others may wish to admit. Try again"
(walker - nelly)
She stood silent, watching and listening for some time."I would agree with the many of opinions and judgments given, each has its own validity. Yet Rhya Yu's shows us all what has been overlooked in the challenge itself. Rhya LeRoy also makes a valid point...
So I neither pass nor fail, but second, or third as it is, a retrial..."
(fury - syndel)
The Fury thought for a moment, taking in the others opinions before making her own. " I support the retrail. As no one has shown interest in challenging for the position and I beleive another attempt would not be any less difficult, if she is able to pass it will be enough. "(jukebox)
Electric Jedi could probably consider herself lucky Jukebox had more patience than his packmate
as Fenrir's Adren stalks off, the Gnawer's own version of the rank keeps his seat
slight curve at one corner of his mouth all that risks exposing otherwise carefully silenced amusement
as far as the raggedyman is concerned, everyone that's spoken thus far holds equally valid opinion supported by equally valid reason
their apparent need to bring up and defend the obvious is what has him wondering
last he checked, there was no rule limiting Challenges to the first time"Jus' cuz she fail this roun' dunn negate'r option a try 'gain roun' two." muscular shoulders roll in stretching shrug "None've us here c'n claim solving [b]ev'ry[/b] pro'lem we've faced on'r firs' try. No Garou's perfec' 'r all knowing."
..... otherwise they'd all be right there beside the Get with this War already won
James simply possesses enough tact to avoid drawing attention back to that venomed response
the reference should be easy enough to discern as it is"Learnin' a'void th's same mistakesss on'r secon' go'z wha' makes th' diff'rence. I won' stan'in Jedi's way shou' she choose a challenge 'gain nex' cycle."
wouldn't they all be doomed if it were in Garou's nature to accept defeat after only the first fault
(sl - milo)
Milo's verdict comes after a few moments thought and consideration of the other Elders' words."Electric Jedi did fail this challenge, and in her failure I see an ignorance of the most basic duty given the Keeper of the Land. Our Caerns, the most sacred places of the Nation, are where both sides of our reality meet. By ignoring an entire half of the land, one that a Keeper must pay attention to just as much as the other, she has shown why traditionally this role has been left to veteran Garou born of the Crescent Moon. Those of other auspices can and do fulfill this role, yes, but they must embrace the principles of connection between the spirit and physical that the traditional holders are trained to heed instinctually." His tone is flat and firm.
"Fail, though I do agree with Yu Gan that her ambition and willingness to try her hand at such a difficult position be rewarded with another chance to challenge in a few cycles. Perhaps she would also be more likely to succeed at this challenge after taking this time between now and the next to act as a... 'faux' Keeper? The Caern could use an extra pair of helping hands, especially without a named Keeper, in the meantime, no?"
(fs - virago)
Virago listens as each council member speaks, her face impassive as she regards them and the garou who had challenged. Electric Jedi is not known to her in any real way - her skills in any areas, her temperament, her pack - like those who had gone before in the challenges. The difference is, those who were voted unanimously as completing their challenge? Had done so competently, and on this basis they were accepted. That they were new and not known to the others, while questioned, was not made as much an issue when they proved ability in the position they sought.
Not so, for Electric Jedi. Stranger and failure, both.
Two strikes.Tribal difference does not even seem to irk her, when she finally and clearly speaks up. "I am in agreement with the Shadow Lord elder. Regardless of auspice, that she has not sought to look umbral in this task is a surprise to me and one mistake that should not be made by the Keeper of the Land. It is obvious she is not ready for this position - as indicated by the results of the challenge. I say that she fails."
More quietly, she adds, "While I do not stand in the way of Electric Jedi challenging again - I would suggest if she do so to be more prepared to recognise that the umbra has much impact on this side of the gauntlet, let alone the ability to deal with the issues that arise from it. Should she wish to help maintain the caern until that time and learn, then she should do so."
But not, it seems from that tone, as faux Keeper. She can wait until the position is earned.
(ge)
There are times when he is glowering. There are times when he's leveled the heat on his gaze on each of them. But through it all, he is silent. When at last he does speak - it is with a thrum of deliberately controlled anger. That he wants to snarl and act like Fenrir is obvious. That he does not, is what makes him the Grand Elder."Some would suggest that the challenge was a duel edged blade. I will not explain the challenge farther other then to point out it could have been easily tackled, had one taken the time to find the problem. Why it has not been yet, is immaterial. Perhaps that, too, would have been discovered if proper steps were taken. The challenge was hers to discover or fail.
"I did not say she did a bad job - just half of one. I would not commend a Theurge for slapping a band-aid on a gaping wound, any more then I will commend this treatment of the symptoms without finding the cause. Electric Jedi showed poor judgment in jumping in without proper research. Granted, there will be times when we have to do the quick and dirty and come along later to finish the job - but when given the time to truly tackle a problem...
"And, since apparently the obvious must be restated over and over... Never has there been a position where one can only challenge a single time. Not even mine. By suggesting that she needs to retry, you agree she failed. Electric Jedi, you are welcome to challenge for this position again at a later date, if you so choose. Should you wish to follow the Shadow Lord's suggestion and learn while here, that is agreeable - without the title. The Sept can always use another set of hands.
However, as you pointed out, yourself, Yu, it is better to have the position empty, then filled with one who cannot do the job."
And with that? The Grand elder walks away.
Meeting over.
[end]
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.09.05. - TC challenge [july moot pt 7][forum]
(grand elder)
And yet a third challenge. Again, the Grand Elder stands before Tashna'Heca, as he challenges for Truth Catcher. For this, challenge, however, he waves forward his pack member, Basseline. "Tell them a tale for him to judge, Galliard."Young and cocky, Bassline moves forward. Shorter than average height, he'd be scrawny if it weren't for the musculature, so his stature settles somewhere around wiry. Blonde haired, blue eyed, he would be aryan in appearance, if it weren't for the fact that the blonde was peroxide, complete with dark roots... and spiked. Startling, for his stature and height, his voice is as deep as his name suggests.
He eyes Tashna'Heca for a long moment, then smiles. The boy can be awfully persuasive when he wants to be, and right now? He does. Prepared, he steps right on into the thick of it.
"A story, is that it? Alright. Gonna tell you the story of an old buddy of mine, a Glasswalker Ragabash. He was raised up on a farm, he was and through sheer tenacity or clumsiness was dubbed "Runs with Scissors" at a very young age. The boy tempted fate like no one I'd ever seen; before or since, and had all the battle scars to prove it. Though for all his splats, he never was injured on a mission, can ya believe that?
Anyway - the boy had this hankering to be a hero, it was all he lived for. He went on and on about how he learned martial arts and hand to hand in some wackass place like Tibet. He had a fondness for ponies too - riding one around all maxed out with ultimate bling. Got him ALL the chicks. Never did figure that shit out, he drove the rest of us nuts with the cockiness. Loved to take his honeys out to his favorite spot in the woods, and get his groove on, if you know what I'm saying. Only one who every understood his ass were the weird ass Corax blokes he hung with. Odd as shit, I'll tell ya. Maybe they liked his bling? But yeah - that's my boy RoS. Damn, am I hot or what?"
A smug wink, and he crosses his arms, and waits. Balance without Fault just shakes his head. "In the words of my packmate, there are 10 instances that fall into the line of Truth and Falsehood. Judge."
((OOC Whatnotery: Roll what you need to, pm me the results or grab me in AIM and I'll fill you in from there.))
(tashna)
He listens intently and uses his gifts to ascertain the truths and lies by point.The Rattlesnake spirit speaks for him as he attempts to answer, he smiles first and chuckles soundlessly though "Imposssing, to pull apart a Talesssingersss tale"
"Firsssst, he was raised on a farm, this was true. But I find it unlikely he earned a deedname at a young age." He holds up, one, then two fingers.
"He wassss never injured on a missssion.. injured at home, it seemssss." three fingers.
"He wasss not, however, wissshing to be a hero, nor did he learn martial arts in Tibet." four and five, which he holds, then folds the hand back down in a fist for the next five.
"The fondnesssss for poniessss.. I do not sssee how a gambling problem could help one find prossspective matesss, esspecially with the heavy losssesss he must have had.. maximum blingage" he shakes his head and smiles, then pops up two more fingers.
"The favorite spot in the woodsss then, issss a fabrication.. no women, no need for ssssuch, yes?" another finger up, 8 total.
"And.. it sssseemsss to me he did not know any coraxss, yes? Since his bling was all left at the track." A ninth finger.
"And I think you are a fine Talesinger, Basssseline, but a cleaner look might attract more ladiessss" A tenth finger, and he drop his hand, looking between them expectantly.(ge)
The Grand Elder listens to the judgement, and then chuckles with a nod. "90% correct, Tashna'Heca. A better result, one could not hope for, as perfection is so rare.The Pony? Is a Ford Mustang. Though I thought your explanation likely just as easily could have been correct. Fact is - you caught the truth and lies within the tale."
He looks to the council. "I have made my decision. I support his bid as Truth Catcher. Is there any that disagrees? If so, state your reasons now."
[Council members? You're up!]
(walker elder - nelly?)
"No objections from the Warder Elder..."
(fenrir - decker)
"Kin he talk through somethin' that don't hiss so much?" Decker smirks. Hard to tell if he's joking -- those smirks look so much like sneers.
(coggie - leroy)
"the Children of Gaia have no Objection" LeRoy shouts from his corner. An eye towards Decker given at his request. Shake of his head.(uktena - yu gan)
*Yu listened. Watching. Pointy ears twitching and pivoting. A shake of his head when it was all over. He wouldn't object. That was pretty impressive.Speaking in the language of wolves he nods* "No objection from the Uktena.
Though effort should be made to learn the garou of the sept so that the next moot's bone bounces around in some what ranking order."
*A bit of humor in the body language of the Uktena. Tash had gotten it on the spot this moot and hadn't done badly. He'd done pretty good for how new he was.
Still some felt slighted and if it happened AGAIN after he'd been here longer they might box ears.He nods to his Tribe brother. Glad to have another Uktena in position of respect*
(silver fang - virago)The Silver Fang unfurls from where she stands, if unfurling is really what that ripple of attention through that lithe body could be called. A certain languidity that isn't long dismantled - just enough for her to murmur loud enough, clear enough, crisp in its upper-class anglo accents.
"I'm inclined to agree with all gone before me," a pause is given, punctuated by a mocking smile, before she lazily continues. "And in particular the comment of the Fenrir elder. While I'm sure a forked tongue has its many allures --" wicked little fang. "-- unfortunately speaking is not one of them."
(black furies)
" The Black Furys have no objections. "
(gnawers - james)
the Fenrir Elder's query sparks a similar smirk/sneer on Jukebox's face
his accented slur is bad enough, the hissing may drive the Sept crackers
not to mention the legendary vices associated with a serpent's split tongue
there's a bitter irony in this - wrapped up nice and neat and with a bow
his Frankenweiler mentors would appreciate the allegorical reference
though is Maelstrom's Sept aiming to be that unprecedented....."Gnaw'r's s'ppor' th' bid." chin lifts up in nod towards those that spoke before - Fenrir, Uktena, then Silver Fang - indicating their requests or concerns ".... an' th' oth'r Eld'rs."
at least aversion to hearing the reptile's whispers could prompt more use of truth than not in future situations..... a guy can hope, anyway
(fianna - sandman)
Seems as though it was all unanimous at this point. James nodded his assent as well. "Ye've got th'Fianna's approval."(shadowlords - milo)
Milo nods once those Elders of greater rank have spoken. "The Shadow Lords find no reason to stand against this Garou taking the position of Truth Catcher."(ge)
Balance without Fault nods. "Done. By unanimous agreement, Tashna'Heca of the Uktena is now TruthCatcher, until such time as a another challenges or he should step down."[end]
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.09.05. - MoC challenge [july moot pt 6][forum]
(grand elder)
Balance without Fault - Grand Elder of the Sept, stands before the challengers for Master of Challenge; Tashna'heca of the Uktena and Twilight Judgement of the Shadow LordsAfter a moment's consideration, he grunts, and crosses his arms.
"While you both may be adept in residing over challenges of might, it remains to be seen if you can reside over challenges of other types. As such, your challenge is this:
You are faced with two Garou. The first has been victorious in a great battle, and thus has claimed a powerful fetish that was in possession of those he defeated. The second, while he had no part in the battle, claims the fetish as his own, that it has been passed down his lineage for some time and is rightfully his.
Who has rightful claim to the Fetish, and how do you, alone, come to your decision?"
[OOC whatnotery: We'll give you a day or so (aka - not forever! Try to have it in 24 hours) to come up with your answers. Please email them to me @ werewolf@chicagodusk.com, so that they can be posted at the SAME TIME, and leave no room for complaints of any sort from anyone. *chuckles* Once I have both of the answers in my possession, I will post them, and put it up to the vote of the Council. One with the most votes, wins.
Thanks! I'll post the replies, and open it for voting, asap.)
(tash)
He considers it carefully and nods, he'd heard of a thing such as this before. The Rattlesnake spirit around his throat utters his judegement.
(edited)He nods and looks to the other, awaiting her reply.
(ge)
((HERE ya go. First, Tashna'Heca's reply))"The fetisssh won in battle issss a trophy to the victor, and by right
he dessservessss it, but if it issss truly an item of important
lineage to another, then the other may parley the victor and offer a
substite fetish of equal power and renown in exchange for the item of
precious lineage. Possssssessssssion is the key, however, and the
claim by the victor issss correct, but much renown can be gained with
this gesture for both sides, and nothing issss lost to the one who by
right of battle claims it, and the claimant may gain hisss precioussss
item without ressssorting to war."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------((and now Twilight Judgement's reply))
Twilight Judgment is a tall creature, of a height greater than most tall
woman in the solid and heeled boots that she wears, she manages to
breach just over six feet. Those black boots that ride up to her knees,
the stretch of dark and figure-hugging pants that are like a second skin
to her legs drowning beneath the leather of those shoes, the jacket that
she wears a leather trench tied at the waist, and her hair severely
pulled back into a sleek pony-tail, emphasising the high-slashing bone
structure of her cheeks, the width of her mouth, the play of shadows
across her face. A feline sleekness to her reminiscent of a jaguar on
the prowl, yet more compelling for the stillness she exudes. A
distance. A hauteur. A ruthlessness. And the flash of those deep
tiger-eyes.The Lord listens carefully to what is said, though it does not take long
for her to give her answer at the end of it. When it is her turn, to
each she speaks, quiet and compelling her voice carrying though never
raised. To the Council, she watches."The garou who claims it to be rightfully his would have lost it for it
to have come into another's hands. Whether the loss was by his fault,
or those before him, the garou who would claim a right to the fetish
through his ancestors would also claim a legacy to that failure, and
must re-establish his worth - if he is capable of doing so. That he was
unable to, nor attempted to, join in the battle to reclaim it is a heavy
strike against him."The smile that now hooks sharply at the corner of that pale rouged
flesh, close-lipped before she opens it for sound, is glacially amused.
It marks her voice as she murmurs, "If it were my opinion only
that you asked, then I would state that he who holds the fetish now has
claimed it fair. And he who would claim the fetish by right can attempt
to obtain it by challenging the garou who holds it now: proving that not
only can he take it back, but that he has now learned to keep it."She pauses for a moment and she could be finished in the exhalation of
that breath, in the fade of that curve. However, there is an edge about
the half moon, the glint in her eye suggests something quite different.
Confirms it, when she adds, "But that is my opinion, and not that
of the Master of Challenge."Distinct.
"If, for example, this were a fetish lending might in battle, whether
that were additional gifts in martial prowess, or the strength of arm,
or even speed - then terms could be set that enable this use. But, we
are all Gaia's warriors here, if not all with the same strength of the
full moons, and as such - we could all use such prowess in battle,
ne? It is not enough for a challenge to be set or issued where
simply the strongest will endure."Not only must one win, but they must prove that the boon that they hold
is not merely for enhancing their effect as a killing machine." Lips
quirk once more, again in that humourless smile, as if she utters a joke
for her own private amusement. Dryly, "As much of a wanted advantage as
that may be." Natasha's voice remains at that low volume, and these
more words that she was wont to give, each precisely anunciated despite
the Czech accent that remains in her speech."The Master of Challenge must be honourable and fair in judgment, and
not think the way of one tribe alone, as my answer would. Therefore,
this is the challenge this Master would give --"The stake of the Fetish is that of the glory of battle from one garou
and the long line of ancestors of the other. To settle it for a
challenge merely lasting a day undervalues its value, and does nothing
to let us know the true strength, honour and character of he who would
wield it. I propose that for a full cycle of the moon each should hold
the fetish and be watched for their actions. Who best wields it for the
good of themselves, their pack and the sept, should at the end be judged
as worthy of keeping the fetish. The challenge will last two full lunar
cycles: a time each with the fetish, and without; a time twice during
their own moon. And though long, it is a time where the fetish will be
constantly used, and the two garou constantly and comprehensively
tested."Through this way, it is not merely the prowess of one, or the lack of
the other, where the determination will lie, but how they use the fetish
and in what effective ways. They need not merely be an ahroun to use a
fetish of might, or a theurge to use a fetish of healing, though their
auspice will certainly aid them. For he who would find himself out of
auspice, attempting to utilise a strength he ordinarily would not have:
it is on those occasions I would closely watch and learn, because it is
then and the decisions they make which could determine them as equal or
even greater than a more advantaged other. Make them worthy of the
spirit's boon within."For the garou who claims ancestral ties to the fetish, he is advantaged
in knowing the extent of its uses as has been learned by his family
through years past. Through the time set, he can prove the extent of
that bond, and the depth of it, in the way he chooses to wield that
legacy with that previous knowledge. Show through this that he is
worthy of it the more and absolve the dishonour of its loss."So motionless is she, this tall figure covered in black, emphasised more
by the bare flick of that ponytail, perhaps a shiver, while she speaks.
Or the slow turn of her head as sight may demand, gaze resting on each
of the elders in turn. Unsettling, in that steady gaze, to rest lastly
on the Grand Elder, with her final words. Softly uttered; yet never to
be mistaken for soft."This is why and how I would set the challenge and determine who should
keep the fetish."Twilight Judgment falls silent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Grand Elder listen's impassively, and then nods. "Your votes, Council?"
(fenrir - decker)
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the warformed Modi comes to his decision quickest. He's Ahroun. His life hinges on split-second decisions. He doesn't like spending more than a few seconds making a choice."You forget, Uktena," he growls, "the title is Master of the Challenge. You are the referee. The rulesmaker. You make sure the playing field is level. A Master of the Challenge is not biased. He does not pass judgment. Yet that's exactly what you've done.
"Twilight-Judgment, you have my vote."
(coggie - leroy)
"I said it before and I'll say it again. I believe the Shadow Lord will fill that position in a better capacity than you Tashna'Heca-yuf." A glance towards the Shadow Lord. "Twilight-Judgement has my vote of confidence"
(uktena - yu)
Yu, in his Lupus form sat and listened. A tilt of his head and flickerof his ears. Wordy tonight wern't they.A long moment and he conciders the replies.
Leaning down he nibbles a long forleg with those small sharp teeth in the front and thinks a bit more.
A yawn then. Lupine jaws opening wide and even got that tongue curl in there. Standing up he shakes out his furr. Speaking in the language of wolves.
"Shadow Lord."
As frightening as that is. Gaia save them all.
(walker - nelly)
"Shadowlord..." voted.
(fury)
The Fury spoke simply. " Twillight-Judgement has my vote. "
(gnawer - james)
the Bone Gnawer's chosen Elder is perhaps among the last to speak
it may be that he takes time to carefully weigh his decision
it may be that he recognizes his Tribe's expected place among the others
it may be that he's simply struggling to choke out his next words"Twi'ligh'." a partial smile apologizes to the half-moon in question, surely she'll forgive his abbreviation's intention of avoiding mangling her proper name "Th' Shada'Lor's goh' my vo'e."
whatever beer remained in the Adren's grasp - quickly disappears
what functions as a toast, perhaps, rather than sought solace in the public eye
the decision was fairly made on the basis of presented ability
resolution most likely coming quickly as his packmate's own
word, wit, understanding, intelligence, resourcefulness, creativity.... all taken into account
Tashna already having proven his prowess at the other position he tries to fill
(.... it was something about compassion, wasn't it, O Mighty Eagle?.....)it's just that any that know the raggedyman well enough..... know what it took to cast such a vote...... irregardless of what the facts declared logical outcome
(fianna - sandman)
The Fianna elder listens carefully, and in his typical brogue speaks thus:"Twilight Judgement's got m'vote."
(shadow lords - milo)
Milo's hands go behind his back, and he is stoic as the two give their answer to the Challenge. After others of the Council have spoken, he too chimes in."My tribe supports its own, Twilight Judgement, in this challenge."
(ge)
(I believe Katya is holding her vote, as she also plays Natasha - as such:)Balance without Fault nods. "It is decided then. Twilight's Judgement will serve as Master of the Challenge until such time as another steps up, or she steps down."
Two unanimous decisions - it must be a Sept record.
(decker/vasek)
Unanimous vote. That was impressive. Though, Decker's only response is to work his jaw a few times, as though something were stuck between his teeth. As he turns to go, he spits casually to the side, and has no further words of congratulations.--
Vašek, who had been watching from afar at Maelstrom's edge, now rises to his feet as the Grand Elder speaks to Natasha. He can't hear them from this range, but he can certainly read body language. The black direwolf -- lit ghostly blue and white by the totem's diffuse sheet-lightning glow -- pads unhurriedly down from the hill to his packmate as the crowd disperses. Each step is deliberate, the huge paws carefully placed.
As he approaches, he butts his head into her with obvious affection. Huge as the Hispo form is, he needs only raise his head to lick at her chin. Then the Shadow Lord winds a tight circle around his packmate, brushing her with shoulder and flank, sweeping with the brush of his tail. It's conflicting behavior; the under-jaw lick similar to that of a submissive wolf greeting the alpha; the crowding, space-intruder display of affection more the behavior of an alpha. But then, their pack was always so: sometimes tipped one way, sometimes the other, a yin-yang of ever-shifting neutralities only they really understood.
Then, as abruptly as that, congratulations is finished. He shakes out his fur, licks his chops, sits on his haunches to scratch an ear, and then stands to pad for the edge of the bawn. Celebration's over. Back to business.
(twilight judgement)
The announcement does not stir a muscle on that impassive face, the features so neutrally cast as if to be from stone. Just a glance in the direction of the other challenger, before head is inclined to the Grand Elder and those of the council - acceptance of the position she deserves.
Then, motionless - until her brother and packmate approaches.
Many disperse and do not see the swift stretch of that mouth, the slide back of those lips, the glimpse of the ivory teeth beneath. The flash of emotion on a face so often reserved, shared in the affection of her packmate.
Before Relentless-Foe turns to leave to the edge of the bawn, her hand would graze against thick pelt of fur at his neck, across the cheek of that great head, as she murmurs, "Let us hope I do not have to speak so much again, hmm?" in their native tongue. He knew her to not be fond of speeches.
Then the grin slides away to the calm indifference of that mouth, the high slash of those cheekbones lose their amiability, and the eyes fade back to reflecting a starless, contained night. Flecks of gold in the currents and shadows. A hand to now rest on her brother's back, to play atop that shift of muscle and spine, as the Mistress of the Challenge leaves with him.
[end]
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.09.05. - songs & tales [july moot pt 5][songs and tales - forum]
(nelly)
The Assembly area had a few new things besides a bbq pit and a keg. There was also a piano, drum set, few amps, microphones, a stereo system and speakers wired in the rafters, and the chalk outlines of a soon-to-be-built stage. Nelly sauntered into the center of the half circle, a beer cup in one hand and the green duffle bag in the other. It was the bag she let slip onto the ground and took a sip of beer before beginning. Those lazy eyes were hidden under the brim of the odd black velvet hat, the two golden tendrils of hair clinging loosely to her cheeks. Her body turned slowly a 360 till she found the one face she was looking for.Kemp.
A grin crossed her face as she made her way to him. One hand brandished in the air as the other kept her beer from spilling, "Look at em! Sittin ova here broodin lahk some tired teenage kid in school. Just waitin for the bell to ring so he can get the fuck out a here..." she paused just before him. Fingetips swiftly went to squeeze his cheeks together, making his lips pucker like some fleshy fish, "What am ah suppose to do with a face lahk this? How am ah to entertain the great heckler of bordom? The king of glum? The prince of tigh asses?" releasing him she turned around, "Hmmmmm..."
Back to the middle with a snap to her hips. She took a second sip of beer, lips pursing to lick the froth from their folds. One finger raised in the air, "A Roast it is! For all and to all! Maybe then the glum king will have a different expression than complete bordom. Maybe since everyone cannot stop faght'n eachother. It just maght be fun, god forbid! Don't worry, if ah say anything to insult ya'll its purely intentional," one brow arched as she stopped. Free hand going to perch upon her hip, "For those hauty assholes who cannot take a joke ya got two options. Suck it up for some fun or get the fuck out of mah circle! Ah'm givin ya till ah finish mah beer..."
And indeed she stood there, raised the cup to her lips and began to slowly chug the contents back. She even went so far as to refill the cup from the keg once it was emptied. Belching very loudly one time as she made her way to the center again, she wiped her lips with the back of one hand.
"Alraght, long enough... Here goes...Alphabetical order even," she pivoted upon the heels of her boots till every face was found...or not.. and called out...
"Anne Marie," hand went to perch upon her hip, "Babe! If ah told ya once ah told ya a thousand tahms. If ya can't fit all twelve inches in without damag'n ya vocal cords then just don't do it at all.
Aodhan, the famed to claim Prince of the Fianna..." her beer hand went out to balance the cup as she took a momentary low bow, "I hear ya a self made man. Its nace that someone took the blame," a breath, a pause, a glance around, "No good? Lil lower? Ok, yo momma is soooooo fat, she was floating in the ocean and Spain claimed her for the New World.
Balance Without Fault... man's about as useless rubba lips on a woodpecka
Barny...EB, do ya eva wonda what lahf would be like if ya would of had enough oxygen at birth?
Bram! Ah'd lahk to see things from your point of view but ah just can't seem to get mah head that far up mah own ass...
Brianna, tell me babe, did the villiagers weep when they lost their idiot?
Calvin, oh dear lord... Boys so stupid he calls the cocaine help lahn to order more.
Cliooooooonaaaaa!" chuckling as she turned and pointed at her. Then a fein of mock shock, "lil miss Holly... oh..oh dear" hand going to her lips but a moment, "Well, today was a total waste of makeup...." a brow arching, she turned to adress the crowd as a whole, lifting one arm up, "Everyone give the girl a hand though, she has invented the shortest book in the world. Its called 'Irish Wit and Wisdom'."
Making her way around the circle, pausing before the always seductive Splinter Cell, "Cheza! She's lahk a shotgun. Yup. Two cocks and she blows.."
Chuckling, she paused just before the Eagle group and looked to..."Decker! Lemme ask ya sumptin..." hand playing with her bottom lip a moment, "Is it ya job to spread the ignorance?" turning from him to walk a few feet into the center circle again. Voice raising, "This man has no patience! Everytahm we have sex he refuses to wait for me to lubricat mah strap-on!"
She paused just center, turned and looked around, "What about Erik? Oh mah goodness! Ah see the Screw-up Fairy has visited us again. This man is so ugly, just afta he was born his momma said, 'Oh what a treasure!' and his daddy said, 'Yes, lets bury it!'...."
"Esther!" she stopped cold, frowned deeply and placed a hand back on her hip, "aw see now it ain't fair to throw a damn nun at me!" she looked long at the girl, took a sip of beer, then said, "Fuck it, ah gpt mah red boots on today to go to hell in..." pacing around in a small circle, "Girl was in the confessional 'n said, 'Father, bless me for ah have sinned. Ahve commited the sin Vanity, ah look in the mirror twice a day and tell mahself how beautiful ah am..' Preist sits a minute, leans forward and says, 'My dear ah have good news, its not a sin... its a mistake.' " stopping mid-stride she looked around, "No? What, not low enough?" heading back off again, "Ok.. How do ya get a nun pregnant? Dress 'er up as an alter boy.."
In front of Ewan she paused, bit upon her lower lip and looked him over. Then, "welcome to ya first Chicago Moot... tell us, Do ya still love nature... despite what it did to you?" she gave a wink and moved on.
"Evens the Odds... only odds he's been evening is the downward spiral of the genetic gene pool...An' his pack, ya'll all met em... Science tells us laght travels fasta than matta... thats why that whole pack appears bright until ya hear em speak..."
"Gabriel or as we lahk to call em, Mister Fancy Pants... " swishing her ass as a hand gestured absently in the air, "Tell me babe, did the aliens forget to remove the anal probe?"
"Harry!" waving from her spot center circle, "Ah can't belive that out of ten thousand sperm you were the fastest..."
"Hyde!" turning to look at him. Wincing immediatly, "ewwww... yes mister scary man" shaking her whole body like some great shiver just ran down her spine. However, not one drop of beer spilt. S'called talent, look it up, "S'ok love, go ahead and tell em everything ya know" immediatly she sat down and crossed her ankles, "Its only gonna take, what, ten seconds?"
"Jack!" the name boomed as she raised back up and pointed to the new coggie, " saw ya momma today! She was kickin a can down the street. Ah asked her what she was doin. She said, 'Movin'."
"Jukebox jukebox... Man so hairy they filmed 'Gorillas in the Mist' in his shower," her pace was back in circles again...
"James Wagner, the Sandman himself, " she stopped short before him and threw an arm around his shoulder, "no, no babe, save ya breath. Ya gonna need it to blow up ya date lata," chuckle shaking her body, she looked to the crowd and asked loudly, "Any ya'll heard him sing? Ah could eat alphabet soup and shit out betta lyrics," slapping him on the ass once before heading back center circle.
"Jody! She's lahk a bowlin ball. Picked up, fingered, then thrown in the gutter," a breath. She bent over at the waist, a hand going to rest on her knee, "Hey sugah, if ah throw a stick, will ya leave?"
Straightening back up, shoulders squared, chin lifted, "Josephina- or Virago - She's lahk a bag of chips... FREE-TO-LAY.."
"Josh Bradford! Ya momma like a turkey, all she can do is gobble..." grabbing her own crotch, "Nuts"
Then it was her lips stopped trembling. Brows furrowed and she took a few steps forward, head tilting askew, "Justin? That you? Who let ya out of the cage?!"
Turning suddenly and pointing to, "Kasche! Man's so ugly his momma had to be drunk to breast feed em."
"Kemp! Ain't forgot about ya babe... man, what a waste of a big dick..." sauntering over to him..again..."never could for get that ya know. Now ah ain't sayin he's dumb.." yet she paused midway to turn and face the crowd, "but when Tristan told em it was chilly outside, he ran out there with a spoon," a raised to rub upon her chin, "Hmmm, Maybe thats why he don't mate.." heading back center again, "there's no vaccine for stupidity!"
Center she stood and looked at Kirk with her nose wrinkled up, "Jeeze, this boy so nasty he makes speed stick slow down...
Kristopher St. Peters!" turning with a waggle of her brows, "Ah've seen people lahk you before... course, ah had to pay admission..."
"Butta!" hard to miss the black man. He was taller than anyone in the crowd, "Sorry babe, gotta do it, ready?" a breath, "Ya momma so dumb she stared at an orange juice carton just cause it said 'Concentrate'. Yo momma is so old she was a waitress at the Last Suppa. Yo momma so fat, she lay on the beach and people run 'roun yellin 'Free Willy! Free Willy!'..." jogging back to the center...
A pause, head tilted, confustion spreading across her face, "Milo? Ah see the wheels spinnin, but the hammster looks dead!"
"Wait, we are on 'N' now..." tapping her lips with the tip of one finger, "Lets do a combo here...
Natasha 'n Vasek have a combined I.Q. of 2. Too bad it takes 3 to grunt," waving a hand around in the air dismissivly, "Ah mean with them it is apparent that the problem with the gene pool is that there is no life guard!"
A hand came back to pause upon her chest. Sighing dramtically, "Me! " backbone straightening, "The only reason ah wear underwear is to keep mah ankles warm. Hell even ah worry bout mahself sometahms.. last tahm Butta screamed 'Hoe Down!' ah dove 'n hit the floor. Ahm just lahk 'Bo'... Last tahm we had battle ah accidently ran the otha way. If ahm eva mad at ya and ah throw one of mah grenades.. don't panic! Just pick it up, pull the pin, and throw it back to me," shaking her head before she took a sip of beer.
"Rayne! Girl's house is so dirty, cocroaches ride around on dune buggies.
Riss! Girl's so stupid when they asked her to 'sign here' she put 'Sagittarius'. "
"Rune! She still out of town? Fuck it, she can kick mah ass when she gets back..." giving a nod to the Eagles, " mean, her whole purpose in lahf is to simply serve as a genetic warning to othas...The inbreeding is certainly obvious in her family.." a wink given and she turned...
"Sam the Fang... Aw, don't feel bad sugah, alot of people got no talent.
Sam the Irish! If ignorance is bliss, ya must be the happiest man on earth.
Sebastian! Call em Vast cause of the sizable gap in his ass. Oh babe, bah the way, the proctologist called. They found ya head."
She stopped before the Fury Elder Syndel and whistled low, turning back to the crowd, "Hell if what ya don't know can't hurt ya, this chick is invulnerable!" thumbing over her shoulder, she moved to the next on the Roaster.
Stopping before TashnaHeca, she chuckled softly, "Man so ugly, when he was born the doctors slapped his face...." body tilted slightly upon her toes as fingertips wrestled into those tight front pockets, "Here babe, here's a seashell.." handing him a black pebble, "Go buy back ya people's land..."
"Taxi!" hand going up in the air as she turned to walk center, "Hey luv....Everygirl has the right to be ugly..but ya abusin the privalige sugah..
Trey Bishop... Say, aren't you the poster child for birth control?
Vashton! Dear lord..." nose wrinkled up, tongue sticking out to him a moment in time, "Vashton is SO nasty, he pours salt water down his pants to keep his crabs fresh," wincing she turned to the next..
"William. Will! Babe," pointing at him as those bedroom blues drifted around the crowd, "This man has run into 873 glass paned windows since he arrived to Chicago," a glance back, a mock whisper, "S'ok babe, keep talkin... eventually you will sound smart..."
"Wyatt! Now, afta meetin this man, ah am in favor of abortion in case of Incest.
And last but not least... Yu Gan!" she turned to face him. A deep breath drawn and she reminded herself this was all for fun, no harm ment. Hopefully he understood that, she didn't want to be banned from her Pad-woon-sen again. She glanced around, voice raising high, "When he was born, the doctors came out of the room and said, 'I am sorry, we did everything we could... but he pulled thru'," a prego pause as she glanced at him, "Hey, what's yellow and goes 'cheep-cheep'? Give up? Ya wife!"
And at once she turned to bow, "Thank you, Ah'll be here for five seconds longa before all the sticks in the mud clobba mah ass," chuckling as she raised back up and chugged the rest of the beer.
"(trey)
Trey stands, making his mark on the proceedings after Nelly has finished, looking around at those assembled."Hey...Not singing so don't worry...Ain't in a mood to right now." The smile fades slowly as he sits back down, leaning forward as he takes the locket off his neck.
"Got a story instead..."Opening the locket, then bringing his eye's up to the crowd.
"Back in LA, where I'm from, there was a guy. George Ramone. Or Shadow~Bear as he was deeded. Big hulking guy he was too, think Butta but mexican and less of a girl..." A tight smile at Butta.
"He taught me what it was to be Garou. The rites, the gifts, the spirits...Hell he took me out drinking one night, got me so drunk I couldn't see straight then made the both off us go and clean out a wyrm ridden stink hole of a place..." A laugh, hands tightning on the locket.
"Any how...Thats a different story...This one begins on a night, a hell of alot nicer than this, at the Sept of Lands End, where I grew and Shadow was Talesinger. Seemed that those black hearted sons of bitches from the wyrms left testicle the Spirals decided that the Sept would be an easy target.
So after a few moments of deceit, hit and run, stuff like that...they struck. And they struck hard.
I was there...I fought. I used the gifts that Gaia gave me and the knowledge that everyone in my pack taught me..."
He catches himself for a second, pausing then continuing, no longer looking anyone in the eye."First...they killed kin. Slaughtered two families before the packs could convene. Shadow went after his mate, Iluka...Lovely woman she was.
She cost the Spirals one life in exchange for hers. I will never forget the strenght she had while facing down that beast. Shadow and me got to the house after, and I helped hold off the last ones while Shadow said his good byes to her. But I felt his rage like the light from Helios...And in that moment I realised that this is why we are here. To protect, not watch, not listen..." Anger creeps into his voice, one hand clenched into a fist.
"We fought them where ever we could find them but no one could keep up with Shadow. He'd take out three of them and then keep moving, steaming headlong into battle, howling for blood.I fought...but badly. I think I could count maybe one kill to stand next to his mighty 10 that night...He was a force of nature...But even they can end.
One lucky hit.
One hand...one dirty rotten claw filled hand and I got to see his life leave his body to join our ancestors.
I...Maybe I'm not the one to tell this story...cause I feel guilty that I could have stopped it. But thats why we are here isn't it...To protect? Maybe I'm just too young..."
Wiping his eye's, then standing with the locket dangling from his outstretched hand.
"Shadow~Bear...Beloved Fostern Galliard of the Childern of Gaia, Mate to Iluka Kiniox, Talesinger of the Sept of Lands End. I share no ties to you other than friendship and duty, no packs or blood bind us...but I remember you as brother, and now those here know that you fell in battle valiently against those that try to take what we have."
A pause, then sniffing back the tears in his eyes as he sits down, a small smile on his face as he looks at Nelly.
"I'm such a girl..."
(leroy)
LeRoy is one of the first to applaud. Fingers rising to press between his lips and give a 'southern' whistle that HE loved it! The Roast that is. Eyes however darted left to right. Over each present, some more than others. In every crowd there unfortunately is that single fucker who takes offense no matter what. His eyes searched eagerly for just that stupid jit who'd try and take vengence. A beat down would be coming. But until such a case presented itself. A loud thunderous clap was given, a shout-out "Aiaght cocksucka's...ribs up...everyone grab ya some!" Making gesture towards the smoking grill in which he'd been slaving most the day over...and just for them! As if anyone would appreciate it.
When Soda up and told his tale, LeRoy quietly listened. When all was done, and Trey scanned for approvals, LeRoy let a death howl out in honorance of Shadow Bear. Then promptly ushered Trey a beer. "Good tale squirt.." Giving him a wink and his encouragement.
(ewan)
Ewan just watches the diatribe with those clear glassy blue eyes of his. Blinking far to infrequently for most peoples tastes. A slight smile crossing his lips when addressed.
(hyde)
Hyde stands with his arms across his chest. Listening. When he's addressed in the list he nods. "You'd probably only need 5..................................." Then a nod.(will)
Will in raven form up in his perch caws. "Oh it's got to be WAY more than that... are you counting the ones I flew though.... and the ones I peeked though to watch you at work.. er... play?" Oh if a bird could grin.(yu)
Yu Gan listens though the entire list. he was last by virtue of his name. He was waiting for it. One lupine ear flickering as the lupus watched and listened. A lupine nod to the first part and a tilt of his head at the second. A bit confused. His wife was white. A swish of his tail though to show he could take a joke and knew it for jest.
(calvin)
Calvin -- is laughing. Or well. He is by the end. When his turn came, steam was almost blasting out of his ears. "HEY NOW--" he begins before someone, probably Riss, shuts him up.But a couple insults down, he's more or less forgotten that bit. By then end, he's holding on to one skinny shoulder of Riss's, doubled over, laughing 'til tears ran down his face, repeating some of the choicer bits.
*
(decker)
Decker is, unsurprisingly, less amused. Now what the hell was the point of all that? He didn't hear a fuckin' story in there. He just heard a great big waste of his time. His mouth twitched once or twice. Hard to say if it was fury or amusement, though.Give him this much: he waits for Nelly to finish prancing around. But before she quite makes it 'offstage', he had one cold comment to make.
"'N when tha hell didja switch moons ta Ragabash, Nelly?"
*
(vasek)
Vašek, Hispo-formed, give no discernible response whatsoever. His ear flicks once at mention of he and his sister. That's it.*
(vast)
Vast laughs when Nelly is finished, and laughs hard, even going so far as to clap a perfunctory time or two. Then the Galliard answers her, a smile still on his lips."Challenge accepted. I'll give you my terms by the end of the moot."
(josephine)A hand goes to Vast's arm - some sort of hidden message of restraint, though when her gaze would finally meet his eyes, there is the flicker of a smile on her lips. One that had been there before, throughout the whole of the monologue, but this time imbued with a hidden message. The same that is in that light touch. However, the words of challenge slip past his lips and the touch is broken.
With her own acceptance of the humour of the performance, even if it is not one she completely shares, she calls out with laughter in her voice, "I think you mistake me, Murphy's Law, for someone else." Her voice drops, sardonic, the tone in her voice still meeting that humour. "I am never free." The Silver Fang gives the galliard a wink, and the flash of a grin, before she adds to Vast aloud for everyone to hear, "Make sure you correct her on that point, nephew." Then turns away - awaiting the rest of the proceeding.
- - -
(natasha)
Natasha is much like her brother, except in homid form - so even less response. The flat of her eyes, the lack of humour in the line of her mouth. Though she hides it, however, there is interest. Listening carefully to each that was said, the reactions of all - and maybe if it were anything to stir in those undercurrents, it would be that rather than the words itself.- - -
(bambi)
Bambi is looking rather wistful, beside her packmates. If she was in that little recital, she didn't hear it. Bouncing around with the rhythm sticks still in her hand - they had stirred in beat to Nelly's ribald words and to the sound of her own laughter - but now they almost droop like substitute lupine ears. "Did she say anything about me?" she tugs on Riss's arm, the furrows in her brows signalling a storm - though one of the morose kind. "How come Calvin got a mention and not me!? I'm far more interesting than him!" The alpha will have to deal with consoling her.
(hail mary)
Her expression doesn't change. She stands there, the obsidian beads of her rosary clacking gently in her hand as she moves them idly through her fingers.[hail mary full of grace]
Her fingers pause when her name is called, her gaze remains solemn as the comments are proclaimed. An errant wind sends a strand of hair across her gaze, and fragile looking fingers lift to tuck it behind her ear again. Her dark eyes remain locked on Nelly's until she turns to her next victim.
[blessed are thou among women]
And, unexpected or not, there is simply no discernable reaction from the Fury Galliard.
(leroy)
Talesinger..among the Galliards especially was a very coveted position. Highly regarded within the Sept. How else are we to know who did what, how, when and where...not to mention did they do it with flare? Renown bitch, thats the duty of a Talesinger. To give, make the best of it for their fellow Garou who deserved it. However, tis also the Talesinger's duty to ruin it. Say for example...oh someone fuck'd up and did somethin the elders took renown away as punishment? It was these thoughts that held fast in his mind as LeRoy casted his eye between the nonsense Vast was spouting and the rebuke of Decker's bewilderment upon Nelly's proper Moon. Since when is laughter and fun solely the roll of the Ragabash? Does that mean whenever a humorous story is spun, a no moon, new moon whatever catches your fancy to call the Auspice comes forth and takes the mic from the Galliard? Hmmm..interesting perception this Fenris has, less course he's only jesting on his own behalf. Bravo if the later proves more true. Though LeRoy stood silent, knowing full and well that if...and only IF Nelly decides perhaps Decker's failings are good enough to share...she'll be the one sharing them. As the Elders decreed remember? Ooooh how he watched. Whom of good nature and those whom were not."Does anyone want any of m'goddamn ribs!" He shouted. Finger pointing towards the keg and the table before the grill with slabs of BBQue ribs simmering infront of them.
(gabriel)
Gabriel frowns.--
(riss)
Riss, is on the ground, tears streaming from her eyes and whooping with laughter. She emits a highly undignified snort each time one of her Packmates is mentioned and is indeed the one to silence Calvin's outburst with a bony elbow to the ribcage. She will console Bambi best she can, still giggling at intervals and planning to go congratulate Nelly on a fine roasting.
(nelly)
Will made her laugh. One of those laughs that made her entire body shake... so much she even *gasp* spilt some of her beer. This howerver was quickly corrected by another trip to the keg. Apparently she was the only one drinking it right now anyways.........
She looked at Decker and sighed. A hand went behind her back to rest upon her lower back and rub the muscles, "Why is it when someone tells a joke or a Roast they gotta be Raggies?" head tilting askew, "Being born a gibbious moon means alot more than just tellin a tale or singin a song. When's the last tahm anyone here laughed.. ah mean really laughed at one of our Moots? But if ya rather... next tahm ah roast ah'll sing it to the ballads of Peter and the Wolf just for ya, 'k?"
.....
Upon Vast's words she glanced over her shoulder. Brows furrowing together tightly. Challenge? "Oh lord, see what ah mean..." a sigh and she turned around. Those bedroom blues lingering long upon him, "Ain't a challenge. S'called laughta. Ah told ya at the beginning if ya couldn't take a joke.. and a Roast meant it was gonna be about ya too... then to leave. Ya didn't, so that tells us all ya stayed with the knowledge that ya was gonna be roasted and ya wasnt gonna take it wrongly. Only challenge is that ya stood here thinkin ya could take it, but now shows us all ya couldn't. Ya failed. Thanks for playin...bye bye..."
......
Her gaze turned then upon a face she had not seen before. Half mast lids narrowed to see the girl's face better, the one next to Riss and Calvin... hmmm... then the light dawned and she approached her, "Ah'm sorry sugahbee, ah ain't mecha before. Ya must be.... Bambi? Ah promise to get ya story and whip ya up somethin for the next one..."
(bambi)
The child of gaia's asiatic features light up in a brilliant beam at the Talesinger's words. Being galliard herself, and more than appreciative of a good laugh, a good tale and a good song - why, Nelly was nearing celebrity status in the young woman's eyes. Almost, anyway. Suffice it to say, it lasts that moment the glasswalker is talking to her, sparkling from those dark brown orbs.
"Awesome! Just make sure its more outrageous than Calvin's! And," she grins, tossing a smirk in the young silver fang's direction, "IIIIIII can assure you, I can take it!"
(calvin)
Calvin has a response for everything, "Well, duh Bambi, it's cuz I'm MUCH cooler than you." Then, as a concession prize, "Aw, I'm sure that's not it. She just forgot you. 'Cause you're more forgettable than me." He beams. "C'mon, let's get some ribs."*
(decker)
Decker just snorts, unconvinced.*
(vast)
Vast lowers his head a little, chuckling, and then steps forward out of the ring of watchers. Not nearly to the center, no; but away, nevertheless, from the rim."It's not my honor that's tarnished. We all know I have little enough to insult. But my pack is another matter. Here are Garou fine and true, who have served long under Merlin's graces. They don't speak for themselves because they're too damn polite. But that does not change that you have sullied their honor.
"You speak of humor. I hear you. But our humor is not the same. When a falcon tears a cockroach in half, only the falcons laugh. When a peasant throws mud at the queen, the smallfolk laugh. The queen's men draw their swords.
"You're the peasant.
"I'm the queen's soldier."So you see, I am bound by what little honor I have to accept your challenge."
Pause.
"Unless, of course," he adds, with a glance to Josephina, "you were to apologize, or my Alpha were to forgive you."
(leroy)
Now those were fiaghten words. To think that their oath of Honor, practiced by rite, bound by tradition were to be sullied over a percieved quarrel. And it was upon Virago that LeRoy homed his eyes. He'd let the Fang Elder, alpha of that pack decide. Was this truly a matter to quible over...insult another for a jest of humor? Spoil an Oath between two packs? Was it really something so small and insignificant as that to ruin it all just like that? This Fang plays a game without considerations of each angle. LOST or gained. His arms crossed over his chest as he stood next to Nelly, eyes down upon Virago set. Only a quip in his brow at the Fang's boast of sufferance. Well......? Was his expression, and so much more.
(josephine)Amusement. The Silver Fang alpha enjoys wearing it, much like a mask. She wore it when the Talesinger had begun her recital, and wore it even as her packmate first accepted the challenge. Her own contribution to the laughter, dismantling any perceived personal insult taken. Then Nelly's response, and that expression did not change, though those eyes did glint with a certain blue fire. Call it what you like - annoyance, anger - in her, it was merely another depth of that amusement.
So when Sevastian steps forward, his gaze intent on Murphy's Law and with words disbelieving of her back down, she does so also - with a hand. The same that had touched him lightly on the shoulder before.
"Unnecessary, nephew." The words are murmured, quiet, though they can easily carried to the ears of the assembled. And nothing falters in that infuriating smile, moulding the tone of her voice. "The Talesinger is forgiven. Her intent was innocent enough and she can hardly be faulted if this is the only way she can make us laugh."
(vast)
It's impossible to say what may have happened had Josephina not stepped forth with him. It's impossible to say what he might have done, had she not restrained him. Called for a battle to the death. Called for a motorcycle race. Who knows? But whatever else, that he was merely bluffing is not a possibility. Not even close.Yet she does restrain him. And for a beat, nothing happens. Sevastian's eyes remain coolly on Nelly for another moment. No anger in the silvery hue; something worse, indeed. A careless, casual sort of malice. Like his aunt's, and like his mother's, his eyes tilt ever so slightly up at the corners. They give him a certain wildness (or is it Wyldness?), beyond the reach of human range. Beyond the boundaries of human honor, human mercy, human morals.
Then he smiles. You can almost hear him sheathing his blade of a tongue. The quicksilver intensity leaves him.
"As you say, Virago-rhya."
Easily, he stands down.
(What just happened here?)
(milo)
Milo's pale skin, apathetic face, and dark clothing easily provide the punchline for the joke, which the Shadow Lord is actually amused by. The side of his lips curl into a smile and his hands come together to give Nelly a bit of applause as he shakes in silent laughter, leg bouncing in his seated position on a milk crate.(kirk)
Laughter, well, what a Crinos form could do for laughter, was given out in short barks throughout the roast. He only did not laugh at the part about Taxi, but said nothing and remained in good humor.Trey's story, however, did bring a few chokes to his throat and a few sighs of respect.
(annemarie)
There are disadvantages to having a name that begins with A. And being Fenrir with questionable humor, especially upon the Full. As such, AnneMarie starts to step forward - but hesitates, just enough, to allow the Talesinger to continue on.By the time she has gone a few more down the list, the prickle of her ire has begun to subside. When she reaches the end, AnneMarie did what she does best. Remained silent. Though perhaps, if one looked close enough, there was the glint of latent amusement in her gaze, in the slight smirk.
---
(cliona)
Cliona arches a brow, and then chuckles. And then laughs at her packmates. And chuckles at some others.And by god if no one ELSE is gonna hel Nelly tap that fookin' keg, she's gonna. She goes and grabs a cup, and sets about seeing how much of it she can drink before shoo'd away, or she falls over. Place your bets....
(taxi)
Taxi wagged her tail, even though she was slightly offended, it just all seemed to be play, so thats how she'd take it.
She let out a few playful barks.
(cheza)
Everyone had a reaction to the Talesinger’s Roast, from fits of laughter and amusement to explosive outrage and righteous irritation. The seductive Splinter Cell wore an expression of neutrality. There was no slight curve of plum pouty lips to form a smirk, nor the gentle arch of a slender eyebrow to quirk in question to the display of emotions presented by all that were flamed, herself included. Even Cheza’s stance was statuesque, placed behind her Shadow Lord packmate, arms crisscrossed over her chest, hands curled over a muscular bicep.Any expression that revealed itself glimmers in the intense gaze of dark eyes, which track the City Farmer through her tour of the gathering. Amusement flavored with a slight annoyance, briefly flicking up to roll heavenward every other name until the Roast was done. In the aftermath, she digested the reactions of those that were most boisterous in their offense. The Silver Fangs, mostly, but people seemed to take it with a grain of salt.
Lips part to speak, adding her voice to the chorus of others, “Only the King who would lay his jester’s head on the chopping block, cannot handle the small iota of hidden fact in his Fool’s lyrical fiction. It’s only a farce, meant in good ribbing to all, I commend the Talesinger on her Roast. She has shown that even a Gibbous can wear the mask of clown. One should learn to grow a thicker pelt if they cannot handle the tiniest of verbal barbs. Sometimes the tongue, in this case, is mightier than the sword.”
The Dark Moon swings her gaze around the attended as a wolfish smirk finally breaks out upon her face.
(kristopher)
*Cracking up laughing Kris grabs ahold of something so that he dosn't fall down.**After he regains his breath and she finishes he walks over silantly clapping and giving her a smile* Hay, forget about the stick in the muds who don't wanna laugh, sometimes they need a remeinder that they ain't perfect and a good rost'll do it.
*Still snickering as he accompanies her over to the Keg, getting some beer and ribs he lights up a cigarette offering her one.* Ohh and darlin, everyone still has to pay to see me. I'm in a band *Grinning* Your just unfortunate enough to be able to see me for free.
*Enjoying the ribs he looks over to LeRoy, giving a full mouthed thumbs up on the grub*
*After hearing the story of the fallen comrad Kris bows his head in silance for a moment, giving the dead the respect due, wondering if he will be hearing this tail again....that all depends on if one of his brothers where there at the fall of this warrior*(barny)
He listened to the roast with a smile. A brow raised as his turn comes, but he was expecting it, and the large dark crinos chuckle softly. Listening on as it goes on, he moves over to the keg as well, helping himself to a cup, even if it looks almost ridiculous in his massive paws.As it goes on, and some can accept the friendly roast, and others cant, he remains silent, standing by Butta, watching, listening. There is no anger in him, no Ire to speak of towards anyone it seems. The Wyrmfoe remains quiet, waiting.
(josephine)The Silver Fang elder could say nothing. She, who had taken a hit completely borne of truth - not some small iota, though none would know it here outside of her packmates and one - had had the grace to add to the jest, and otherwise ignore it until her nephew took offence. That he took offence for her, and the pack, means more to her in the stakes of honour - than whether the insult taken was one made in innocence or malice. Nonetheless, she could say nothing to Cheza's little speech. However, she chooses to, instead murmuring within the glasswalker's earshot, though perhaps not loud enough to be heard by all --
"Are you suggesting, Splinter Cell-yuf, that the tongue was meant to be better than the sword on this occasion?" The hoods of her eyes lower lazily, almost as if this ragabash is bored by the progression of the Songs and Tales and the constant reiteration that if you couldn't handle your fur being pelted by verbal mud, then there must be something wrong with you. She had seen challenges fought for less. "Are you suggesting that your tribe sister's tongue is meant to be sharp - cutting - or is there another use for a sword that I am not aware of?"
Softly, "Perhaps I forgave too easily."
There is a steadiness about the willowy garou dressed in that impeccable ivory suit. There is also a finality, as if this is the last contribution she will make to the matter, and that contribution completely rhetorical - needing no further response from any here, nor willing to engage any further. Whatever challenge Nelly had been perceived to have issued had already been turned down. It would stay that way - and that finality in her voice was an indication of such to those gathered, and also a lead for the members of her pack.
(malkav's char)
*From the second person mentioned to the last he had fallen off his log he had found as a seat and was rolling around on the ground laughing his ass off loudly and holding his side he heard his name stoped took a deep breath and continued laughing it takes him a few moments to collect himself once she is done and he listens to the next stories but every time after the stories he looks at a few individuals he starts to snicker*
(nelly)
She turned upon heels and lifted a cup filled hand in the air, voice lifting to echo off the rafters high above... She walked back center stage as she spoke, waving the empty cup around absently in the air...."Stand down you Knights,
You king of Kings, you women of cloth
and you angels with golden wings!Stand down you blacksmiths
You tailors and merrymen,
You farmers of feilds and terry anchormen!Stand down your arms and torches the like
Stand down your shields of broken hearts
Stand down your crowns of justified pride
Stand down your rapier tongues that cut the NightStand down! Sayeth oh! the lowliest of Peasants
Stand down! For with hearts of rage you miss the Mother
Stand down for we are all brothers and sisters
Stand down for we ready to shed our blood as One!Stand down, oh you babes and children of fright
Stand down and watch your warriors head to a dying light
Stand down and pray for their safe passage returned
Stand down and remember all ills mean nothing in the Silent Grave!Stand down, sayteth oh the innocent tongues
Stand down, screams the might of the midnight Sun
Stand down, cried the worldy broken Mother, she cries...
'Stand down and remember.... remember Me'..."
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Sept of the Malestrom...
As ill pass for as was said, no harms will pass tongues...
I present to you as Songs and Tales go on
A traveler of from the wayward shores of Verona
Trey 'Soda Pop' Bishop....[[Insert Trey's Tale Here]]
------------------------
And she sat, off center stage. Sat by the keg to fill her beer and be with her pack. Listening with an open heart to what the tale of far away had to say. Remember she did, and with Butta's raised ode for the dead.. her own form melted into lupus to add a Hero's Death Call in honor of Shadow-Bear.
Homid was taken however, once more as Trey headed off center. She wrapped an arm around his shoulder and gave a teary kiss upon one cheek. Taking his beer to refill..
-------------------------
(kemp)
First he had his face grabbed and for a moment thought it was going to end up between those knockers again like it had before. Then the roast started and all he could do was snicker and crack up, even if it might get him slapped upside the head by Decker. Laughing because well, it was funny and Nelly even slammed herself in the jest. Laughing that is until the challenges and bitching started."Awfuckme. Here we go again, just like every moot."
A shake of his head and then the downer of the story of honor. Once more sinking down to a grumpy brooding.
(hailmary)
"It is said..." The young fury, who speaks now, after the fun, after the serious, during a lull in conversations around the bonfire. "...that all things happen in threes."She stands now, moving before them, this fragile looking woman-child become warrior. Her dark hair, unbound, falls down past the small of her back in heavy waves, and her skirt falls to a modest length below the knee. It is off white, and gathered at the neck, wrists, and waist. Her eyes are by far the most striking feature in an otherwise plain face; large, dark, fringed with darker lashes, and speaking of intelligence and untold mysteries somewhere in their depths.
She does not smile. Perhaps she never does, perhaps she never will. She folds her hands before her, and looks into the dancing flames. "Many of us, born of the Mother, know this to be true. There are the three, the Wyld, the Weaver, the Wyrm. There are the Three, the Crone, the Mother, the Maiden. It was even on the Third Day the son of the blessed mother rose from the dead, and regained his place in the holy Trinity. Even in the most basic of levels, with all else pared away, do we exist in a Triad, for we are born, we live, and we die."
She pauses, and looks over those that listen, contemplating something, quietly. "It is a story of a Glorious Three I speak of now. Their names were Elsbeth, Elenor and Elana. From a long line of warriors were they born, and they had begun their life with full expectations that they would never die, that they would not complete their personal Triad, but instead live forever. Elana was the eldest of the Sisters, a serious maiden, not unlike myself. She toiled with the earth, breathing life into the aging soil, so that greens could be grown to feed her sisters. Elenor, the middle child, had an affinity for numbers, and as such toiled with the records, making sure the others had what they needed through careful business practices. Elsbeth was a carefree child, never giving thought for tomorrow, spending her days in dance and laughter. She did not often frown, where as the other sisters rarely smiled. The three, together, however, created a balance that saw them prosper well."
She pauses once more, slender, fragile-looking fingertips lifting to her right shoulder, sliding under the gathered neckline to touch the hidden scars there, as well as the Tattoo that follows the diagonal lines. A moment's concentration is all it takes, and when she draws her hand back, a Labrys is pulled with it. She grasps the traditional weapon of the Black Fury in both hands, standing its end on the ground between her feet. The fire glints off the wicked blade, dancing across it's perfectly shaped edge. Her hands hold the powerful weapon easily, giving the sense of one who has wielded it often enough in battle so that it is merely an extension of her arms.
"This belonged to the Sisters." Her stance and demeanor changes, subtly. She is no longer quite as fragile looking, she no longer gives the impression that she will break, that she will blow over under the slightest breeze. She is the Holy Warrior, a Sister with a Mission, a mild child become fierce battle maiden.
Still, she does not smile. "The first to fall and end the cycle in search of another beginning, wielded this Labrys until her final breath. Elana was no match for the enemy that took her life, tearing through the source of the Sisters nourishment. Elenor took the battle blade then, and strove to stop the enemy as he destroyed all they had worked so hard for, but even she had to admit the numbers did not add correctly, and she too fell.
"Then it was Elsbeth's turn. When the carefree child took up the blade, she began to sing. It was not the carefree song of her youth, for she was no longer young. It was not the spirited song of life, for she was certain she was about to die. It was a warriors cry, a piercing song that struck fear into the hearts of all who heard it and gave birth to the Battle Maiden deep within her skin. Elsbeth shifted then, her strength far more then those who would attack her and the Labrys, this Labrys whistled through the air as she lay waste to any that would step before her.
"Elsbeth defied death that day, and each day after it stalked her. A warrior now, she was no longer carefree. Having discovered her strength, she forgot that which made her unique. In finding a battle maiden, she lost the child she had been. In doing so, she opened the door to corruption in her heart. She fought bravely and well, for many years, and she became my mentor when I was delivered to the Sisters. No matter how she wielded her Labrys, however, she was not strong enough to keep the stain of the wyrm from her heart, from her soul.
"They came for us in the dead of night. We knew the battle was coming, we did not know of the traitor in our midst. The Sisters sounded the alarm, and we formed our resistance. A mere Cub, I was sent to the Chapel to offer Gaia the prayer of the Warriors. Before taking my position by my Sisters to fight for what we believed in. It was there, on my knees in prayer, Elsbeth found me. Of long association, I knew she was there the moment she entered the chapel. As I prayed for the safety of the sisters, my rosary in hand, I heard the whistle of the Labrys, this Labrys slice the air behind me. I spun, and swung, and buried my own blade deep within the Traitor heart, forgiving her as she fell dead at my feet."
She bows her head a moment, respect for the dead, for a Former Sister fallen. Then softly. "It is not for myself that I tell this Tale, but for Elsbeth, and for you. In a world of Threes, where we all must be born, live, and die, it is important that we forever remember where we come from, who we are, lest the wickedness find easy root in our hearts, our souls. This is the battle we were born to, this is the battle we must wage. This is the battle for the very Heart and Soul of Gaia, and in the end, all we have to carry us through is the strength of our convictions. All we have is our Faith."
And with that, she raises the Labrys easily in her hands, holding it for but a moment, before she lifts it up, and over her shoulder, to once again meld into the tattoo near the scars she bears from that same night. That tale, however, must wait.
(syndel)
Nelly's jokes only made Syndel chuckle to herself, giving the lass a wink and grin when she got to herself. Relaxed and silent, she had only watched the others until Esther started to tell her tale. She watched the younger Fury silently, listening intently to her tale. At the end, she gave a warm smile to her alone, then it faded and she again watched and listened.
(jody)
Jody narrows her eyes as her name is called, but just whines and turns her head as the joke is made. She lays back down and puts her paws over her muzzel, glancing to Riss."I don't get it."
(kirk)(
Kirk bows his head accordingly and sniffles a little at Esther's tale.
(calvin)
Calvin's still laughing -- "Jody, she called you a dog."...since, y'know, Jody likely wouldn't know what a slut is.
(jukebox)
Ribs?
Someone mention ribs?
James Branson is caught - quite literally - red(ish)-handed by the time the Talesinger focuses on him
far be it from the Elderman Gnawer to scrimp on LeRoy's BBQ sauce, after all
and within a few moments.... that may very well be his undoing
nearly choking on the current mouthful in response to Nelly's playful Roast
once the talented songstress reaches J he's given up the art of chewing alltogether
biting off his tongue won't help his Empire State accented slur by any means"Hey nah.... I goh pay well f'r tha' show'r scene!"
the half-naked rib currently in-hand used to point at the Southern Galliard
feeble attempt at defending his honor during her pause for breath
his too, somewhere within the laughter rolling endlessly from his chest
at least some Eagles have a sense of humor
and James appreciates the levity for what it's worth and meant
( fucking. priceless.)
too bad the jest won't last as long as needed or appear as often as welcomebeer mug's filled his turn at the keg, then raised in toast to the Galliard's effort
(....I owe you a drink for that one, Murphy's Law, good show.)
amusement fading to somber regard as sadder tales unfold((fuckin' DYING OOC... but on a side note, if you're talking about Sam Sterben the Fang? He's not present at the moot and don't think he's met any noteworthy Garou to be acknowledged. Love you included him anyway *grin*))
(moonsaber's pc i've also forgotten the name of)
The Native American Half-Moon simply watches Nelly with an amused smile, his thoughts and comments kept to himself.. attempts at seeing truth in that put to the side for simple enjoyment. This was her stage and place, and it was his simply to watch and enjoy, which he did.(nelly)
[*grumbles and edits* sorry]She sat by the keg, cross legged upon the ground as she listened to the tales. Her attention upon the Fury remained firm, for rare it was one hears them speak of such happenings as this. A soft smile placated her face, a tip of her head was her thankfulness. Her gaze floated around after the Fury had stepped back, waiting for the next to come forward.
Insert Crickets.
With a snort she climbed to her feet and sauntered across the cleared center circle. A pause she stood then just before first Drums-On-Skulls, then the Sandman, then Vash, then Trey. Each man she offered a hand and should they take it, guided them each to a specified instrument. Her explanation was muttered clear, “Jam session…. Oh just do something…”
Whether they broke into indeed a jam session, told their own stories, bitched and moaned, or what-have-you… she waited patiently before moving on.
This post has been edited by hikeslegandpees on Jul 10 2005, 18:53 PM
When the centered circle was cleared and the noise died down, her voice lifted.“There lived in the city of Chicago, two young wyrm minions, whose names are tweedle dee and tweedle dumb. Scouts they were of some larger thing. For rare it is one finds them without purpose or deed. Ah infact came across these two some nights ago within our territory. At Ripley’s Leave It or Not pawn shop!
One cracked out, wyrm ridden junkie itched and moaned at the fair Ripley to let him in the shop. A trade he wanted, items for cash to get a quick fix. Or so the story he said goes. Yet as ah came behind him, the spirit of Vine whispered to me his blasphemous secret. Wyrm, wyrm, wyrm, wyrm, wyrm, wyrm!
To make matters further complicated, a weary traveler arrived. Unannounced is how he likes to enter the lands of our cities packs and with the intent to steal the hearts or simply to spread the legs of kin. Gaian though he be, forgotten are the old ways of the Nation.
Perplexed was I? Nay. For a minion of the wyrm is far a better foe than he. So entered the shop I did to protect a Squire from a timely fate. Pushing her back ah approached the junkie traitor. He screamed he just wanted money, just a fix, just one, one, one, one, one, tiny, little, fix…please…a quick exchange with the pretty legged Ripley. So ah obliged him with what ah could.
First came the stings of unseen glass to pry out his inner beast. Ripley sent outside, out of the way for what had to be surely battle. The barbed creature thrashed about for only a moment. A moment, a beat of breath, a time suspended as Rage took form and the hand of Black Unicorn heralded thru this lone southern gal. Dire form was taken. A claw and bite. Like so much paper the wyrm minion was split in twine. Bile and blood flowing to wane life from yet another dark hearted creature.
Oh but of the kin? Wyrm does not come solo, does not send its children out alone. Not often, no. When the Squire hit the door she was swept up by the other, the second scout of the wyrm. Another junkie just wanted a fix, just a fix from the pretty little Ripley. Yet as she struggled and screamed his patience waned. He took a bite.
And of Vash, the Iron Invader? Well with knives he slashed. A blade struck true. Struck into the flesh of the pretty Squire Ripley. Into rib and muscle. The Squire screamed again and found her hands full of saving grace. A gun. One shot. The creatures brains were scattered into the night.Well, not the night, no. All over Ewan Scratch-N-Sniff’s face went the bile and brain. For he had traversed honored in our land to request audience with his Elder. Yet he found two unknown faces assaulting a Squire and stopped to aid. The moment came when he stood still and calm, soaked in the death blow of the wyrm scout… ‘Why did you stab the kin?’
Deed inside finished ah came out to take the broken body of Ripley Smith. Pack began to file in, Butta from across the street came to aid. Squire Boston came by car and medical bag. No worries then that the beautiful kinfolk, squire, Ripley was healed and cared for. No worries that mortal eyes did not see.
So what is the worry? The two minions were destroyed. Celebration in order? Or is a warning in need to be fortold? Scouts of the Wyrm, the first wave has come to pick and prod each section of the city. Beware your kin. Beware your kine. Beware our foes. For now they rest…. And ready a time to strike.”
This post has been edited by hikeslegandpees on Jul 10 2005, 18:52 PM
She had drained her beer, set the cup atop the piano. Center circle she went to sit cross-legged. Voice raising yet the tone was baratone, deep....
"The Ghost People still held their old lands in the year 1820. It was just outside what now is a town called Bear Creek, in Alabama, that their camp laid. A great storm had blow thru just one day prior and only a few trees still remained around the large clan homes. The Elders took this as a bad omen. The Great South Winds had only taken the Ancient Voices of Great Turtle. If these two great spirits had fled their lands, what was to become of the Ghost People?
The Council convened over these questions and more. For one week they took no food and little water within the Sweat Lodge, deep in commune with what spirits still remained. After seven days, the old ones called a warrior to them by the name of Broken Crow. This particular warrior wore the shirt of the Wolf Father and had recently returned from far down Nokose river, brandishing great treasures and stories he had traded with the Spaniards.
“Broken Crow, the spirits have spoken of a great dark seed which has taken these lands. They say the White-hair will soon come for our lands and children….”
Broken Crow shook his head, “Take ease my people. For your warriors have made certain the dark seeds of the Un-named will stay chained to Turtle’s shell. The White-haired will not come for these lands, for they know well Broken Crow and his tribesmen dwell here. They respect our ways…”
The Council took what the great warrior and child of Father Wolf had said with open hearts. Soon it was agreed that the Ancient Voices would return and that the South Winds would soon become calm and peaceful again. The villagers were much at ease with the news and life returned close to normal for the Ghost People.
Yet it was not long, three days later when they learned Broken Crow had fallen in a nearing battle. The White-hairs had moved upon the southern village of Yofalv where the wolf clan lived. They had waited till the warriors and children alike were fast asleep, then attacked. Warriors were cut down by a heavy dark army of the White-hairs. Their hands and scalps cut off, some were even set aflame. Few of the women had taken the children and fled. Yet the White-hairs found them and brutalized them in the worst way. The children were slain and some of their flesh eaten. The women’s breasts, ears, and genitals were cut off. The blood of the Ghost People’s Wolf Clan sank deep within Turtle’s shell and fertilized the Dark Seed. The White-hairs had released something beyond their understanding, the Destroyer of the Mother they awakened. Soon it would come for the upriver for the rest of the Ghost People… soon they would all face tragedy…
It is only later we as a Nation look back and say… ‘Oops’. For the Wyrm’s greatest trick is to spread pride and vanity into our hearts. Our ancestors befell such a spell, tricked into slaying some of the Nations best warriors. The Uktena and the Wendigo were both systematically plundered and destroyed. All because we did not understand what they were doing. Why was it better for them to bind the spirits of the Wyrm instead of destroy them? Pride swelled into the white blooded tribes, they were more knowledgeable than these Savages. Vanity swelled into their hearts, they were better apt at dealing with such, they would show the Natives the true way! And so our blind blunder released the Darkness into these once Pure Lands. Many of us have made contrition for these dark deeds. Others still refuse. Yet we all have learned that the Wyrm can trick us into believing it is right to kill what we believe to be tainted…. Haven’t we?"
This post has been edited by hikeslegandpees on Jul 10 2005, 19:03 PM
"Corax!
The dark feathered children of Raven and Helios. The heros of the sky and voices of Gaia! We are blessed for having three within our city and Sept. I speak now of a great deed, one accomplished by the Corax Elder, William Avian!
He has achived a feat that even Garou fear! I do not see anyone here even thinking of doing what he has done out of simple fear! Yet Will brandishes the shield of bravery and kindness. He takes the mantle of chilvary, that which in these modern days few remember. He is true to the bone, quick to protect his friends in need. On the battle field he has faught beside us. He has bled to raise this Caern we now stand upon!
Though let us not forget the second Corax Kris St.Peters who also has bled and near died all to help us, help Gaia and raise this Caern. He, they, who are not worthy of having a voice within our Sept...." a breath taken slow. Exhaled slow. Back to the story at hand... let no one say the gibbious are without passion.
"William has come to near death over helping Chicago's Garou in the fight for Gaia! He has recently stood before Fenris - the one Wolf - and shown no fear! Indeed! I watched as Ricinus's body was pitched into the dark umbra scape of the Caern, her arm torn free and held as prise by the summoned Fenris! A Fianna Theurge, our Mistress of the Rite, accomplished the difficult task of summoning a great Incarna such as Fenris to stand before us! She knew the consequences of such action yet took it freely and with an open heart! So she too faced down the One Wolf with a shield of Love!
Yet, when her body was pitched and the Medics sent to her side... it was Will, a mere Corax who would face Fenris and live to see another day! Fool you say? Go face the great Incarna and see if you return to this world alive! Will saw Ricinus, his beloved friend, in need of her arm. Well, he turned around and marched right up to Fenris to demand the arm back...."
She made a bee-line for Cliona, gently holding her once torn off arm up for all to see, "Here! Proof you see now before you that indeed the Corax Elder got the arm back," releasing her arm and turning to saunter back center, "Fenris saw the bravity and conviction of William. He threw the arm at the Raven. Yes, it sent him flying backwards but he got the arm and without much damage. So look now and remember that William Avian is now dubbed, 'Plays Catch with Fenris'!..."
This post has been edited by hikeslegandpees on Jul 10 2005, 19:27 PM
She did not saunter center stage, but just off. Close to stand by the old stand-up piano, her fingertips slid into the back pockets of her jeans. Bedroom blue eyes lingering upon faces in the crowed yet never rested on anyone in particular. A breath filled her chest like two inflating balloons. When her voice came, it was clear southern twanged and loud…
“Rage!
Our blessing and sometimes our curse. It is harnessed best by full moons so that they may strike down the enemies of Gaia. It traumatizes cubs when they wake to find themselves covered in the blood and meat of their nears and dears, or sometimes even strangers. It rules them during their first months of training. As Claiths we still have times in which Rage takes over and Luna’s luminous madness rules our actions. We are still students of control.
By Fosterns we have experienced enough in battle to know when our Rage is best used and when it is not. We have learned many hard lessons and know when to walk away from situations which spark our ire… sometimes. We know how to harness our moon’s phased effects.
At Adren we become more than, ‘Yes Rhya’. We are looked up to. We are expected to lead the young ones and to teach them. These are our captains and commanders upon the battlefield. These are our mentors physically, mentally, and spiritually. Rage by now is something we understand. We know how to harness it. We know how to keep others from suffering a rage induced wrath. To take this mantle is to understand the responsibilities that come along with it. Being ranked Adren commands respect, yet you must still show reason to be respected. One cannot simply take the mantle and not have any responsibility to the young ones of the Nation.
Athro rank becomes more of your ‘holy shit’ and ‘I lived this long look at me’! Revered, respected, and usually gone unquestioned. They have faced the most destructive battles against the enemies of Gaia, and lived. They have learned the ways of the Nation, of the Spirits. They have become masters of masters. These are our Obi-Wans and Mister Miagis. Vaders as well.
Higher ranks up to Legend… shit, the name of the rank right there should tell you what these people have gone thru. Though very, very rare it is a Garou lives long enough to reach these ranks, each tribe has at least few.
When the duties of an elder of our Nation are looked over and shunned by a ranked elder, it paints a very different picture. This is someone who simply wants the rank because it commands respect. Gives them power. This is someone who wants to be called ‘Rhya’ when they walk into a room and be obeyed because hey, they have the rank to back it up. Bullies and bullshiters. And how the fuck they ever got the rank in the first place is beyond us.
On the flip side, everyone should know when not to piss off ranked garou. They have a lot on their shoulders already. It is simply something you do not do unless you are fully aware the consequences of your actions or words. And even the new moons have to think about it. If some elder is having a spat with their mate and it happens to be out in the open, hey! Have the common decency not to eavesdrop. If they are having a bad day ya don’t need to hang around. Or better yet, leave them the fuck alone. Especially if it is an ahroun who has more battles under his belt than many folks here. If not, your dumb ass is going to get a beat down. Furthermore, you deserve it!
However! When that elder knows a younger one has importance which needs to be departed unto his ears, when an elder knows that he not only has the responsibility of his rank but also the responsibility of being Tribal Elder…. Well, ya just can’t say I am not going into work today now can ya?
Decker Silence Rohl, Adren Modi, Alpha of Eagle’s Chosen, Tribal Elder of the Nachfaren de Fenris! His bravery and battle prowess has been hallmarked in the Blood Chronicles of our Sept. He has shown honor in both word and deed many times over. He is always there for battle and protection of the Sept. He keeps his personal life private and does not make war or drama with the other packs. He is a cranky bastard at times but all and all he is not too big of a major asshole. He has earned the rank of Adren. Not something to take lightly… especially within the Fenris tribe and especially for full moons. He’s been thru hell and has the badge now to show it.
Buuuuuuut, the mighty do fall. Sometimes it goes to their heads. The ‘greatest warrior’ does have a big mantle to carry. Sometimes they do not want to pull out of their solitude to do their job. Why should someone as tough and battle hardy as Rhya Rohl become more than a rock at the bottom of a blood churned ocean? He should not be bothered with such trivial things as drug pumping kinfolk or renegade Fenris. He is doing a good job. The Fenris kinfolk are the epitome of ‘clean’, just check their track-marks. We should learn by Rhya Rohl and turn the other cheek. Or simply loose our heads whenever someone bugs us… after all he is too busy brooding to be bothered with such trivialities.
Yet the Fenris Elder was wise enough to call an emergency Council meeting and place himself before their judgment for breech of the Veil. He stepped down to allow his packmate, Ann Marie, stand as Elder to judge on behalf of the local Fenris. The Council took this into consideration. They also took in the fact that the breech was covered up by William Plays Catch with Fenris Avian and Josephina Virago de Valois-Montreuil’s fast thinking and quick actions. Some of the Council declared him to be one of our greatest warriors. And thus they decided his punishment to be a loss of renown in the eyes of the Sept and spirits….
So it is now my place to enlighten the many spirits, minds and ears of our dear Sept, of our Adren Fenris Modi’s quick loss of control in the middle of downtown Chicago.
Adren.
Modi.
Fenris.Loss of control? Lifting the velvet curtain? Must be a good reason for this, no? Of course! After all, everyone has a weakness….”
She turned her back to the crowd, facing the piano. A hand reached up to slowly grab the bill of the floppy hat which held her hair up within…
“So, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Sept of the Malestrom! Chicago is proud to present.... ‘ The Weakness of the Modi Fenris Silence ’ and his loss of renown….”
The hat removed in one quick fluid movement. Yet it was not the white golden locks of Nelly hair which cascaded down her back. Oh no, it was much differ
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.09.05. - cracking of the bone 2 [july moot pt 4][caern]
part 2:
wEluhs - new pack claiming area in Tekakwitha (Jack Salem)
Mischeif - new pack claiming shopping/entertainment district under Fox (Rissa)
Challenge - Fostern rank (Hyde)
Request of Eagles to learn bonding rite from Walkers (Hyde)
Challenge - Master of Howl (Vast, Sandman) / Vast wins combat (pre-rolled)
Claim - Black Fury Elder (Syndal Ravenloft)
Challenge - Truthcatcher (Kristopher St. Peters)
Bitchslapping the Corax (Decker)---------------------
(jedi)
*she nodded to the GE and handed the bone back to Tash*(syndel)
Syndel looked at Tashna and took a single step forward. She had a small announcement to make.(tash)
He nods to the GE and recieves the bone, looking around the circle until his eyes rest on Jack, presenting him with the bone.(Posting for Jack since he had to go)
(Jack)
The dark haired teenager waits until he is handed the bone, then steps forward. Jack clears his throat, passes his tongue over dry lips, and casts one last hopeful glance over the assembly. Eyes search every face, praying that Princess has arrived by now. She should really be the one doing this, not him. Public speaking isn't really his gig.Finding no sign of his packmate, Jack curses inwardly, then begins speaking. "I'm Jack Salem, Cliath Ahroun, Child of Gaia. I'm here to represent my Pack, wEluhs...we just arrived in Chicago a few weeks ago. We've made our home in Tekawitha Woods."
Well, at least the twenty minutes he spent practicing the word "Tekawitha" paid off.
"As no other pack calls it their own, we will be making a portion of Tekawitha our territory. Our claim will extend five miles in each direction from Table Rock, a campground that is open to the public. We will watch over both the wilderness and the people that visit, to make sure that both are safe." Done speaking, he returns the bone and steps back once more. His eyes fall on the multiple beers being passed around, and Jack silently wishes he had brought is own. But the worst is over now, right?
(jedi)
*she rose her hand, ever polite, to ask of Jack's claim*(tash)
He looks to Rayne.
Elderss Rayness(jedi)
*she cleared her throat to speak up* I must ask, what of those of us who enjoy a good frolic in the woods under the moon in our wolven forms? The claiming of such an area poses a limit to those of us that do enjoy a good hunt. I do not believe it would be right to claim any part of the woods, even a small part.(ewan)
*The bony crinos looks down at his alpha. He didn't know how much she 'froliced' but it'd be more than him. Woods gave him the creeps.*(jack)
He arches a brow, slightly, and gives that aw-shucks grin he's famous for. "Didn't say we wouldn't let no one in." unlike others. "Just like anyone elses, mind your p's n q's... ain't so hard, is it? You need us, yell, see something, yell, that kinda shit. Ain't that what most packs do?"(jedi)
*she nodded* Fair enough, thank you for clarifying before something went wrong. *she bowed her head and then leaned back against her large metis friend and went silent once more*(justin)
Justin spends the rest of the moot watching everything absorbing it for later study and for later moots when he's not a cub anymore. He occasionally whispers to Butta for explanations but other than that quietly watches the going ons.(decker)
Decker snorts. Loudly. Then he shifts on his crate. Even his ass was getting numb. Was Hyde ever going to get the fuckin' Bone?(tash)
He takes the bone back and looks around to see if there is any reply.
Assuming none after a few moments he looks around the circle to Riss, bringing the bone to her and offering it once again.(hyde)
*Hyde was watching the bone pretty close himself... that Uktena had about one more chance to mosy his ass this way or Hyde might just go rip off his leg and use THAT bone. The earth elemental hanging off his crinos ear wasn't helping his mood any.He pokes it with a claw* Shoo...
(kemp)
Numb? His ass had passed numb, collected $200.00 and was now in a coma. And it showed on his face. Mouth open slightly, soon he would start to drool.(aur/firefox)
Riss is distracted, pushing at Bambi as she leans over to whisper something apparently quite integral into her Alpha's ear. Riss' eyes widen somewhat as the Bone is passed toward her and she reaches into her mouth and takes out her gum, holding it out toward Bambi, who wrinkles up her nose and shoves away her Alpha's hand. The words 'no way' clearly heard.Riss quite casually holds the sticky pink goo between her fingers, the other grasping the bone firmly as the lean blonde takes a step or two forward. Flashing that wide grin around the collected Garou before she 'ahems' softly.
"Okay, so this is a sort of formal 'how do' for myself and my Pack. I'm Viktoria Clarisse Van Haert, Glasswalker and New Moon, but that's just a mouthful so I go by Riss and anyway we're the Mischief lot you might have seen about. We've taken to the Shopping and Entertainment district, downtown that none of you had any previous claim to so we could see and so yeah, uh…" She's not the most eloquent creature in the world, our freckle-nosed girl. But then, she's a teenager, one supposes. Just, one with pointy teeth. She scratches at her scalp with the bone a minute. "We follow the ways of Fox, stealth and cunning are our bag." It's amusing, purely for the fact if the rag tag band of Garou behind her appeared anything, quiet was not one of them. Still, her piece said the Glasswalker happily relinquishes the bone and promptly sticks her gum back in.
(sandman)
The Sandman on the other hand shifted on his milk crate. Next time he was going to bring a recliner or something. Maybe a couch. Yeah, that'd be a good idea. A couch, and a bag of marshmellows. He could just load it all up on his truck and haul it over.Of course, if it looked like he was as bored as Kemp over there, far from it. Dark eyes flicked back and forth between those speaking, keeping an eye on things as it were.
(tash)
He holds on the bone a moment to see if there are any questions for Riss.(calvin)
"Psssst," Calvin hisses urgently. Stage whisper: "Tell 'em about yayagirl."(jukebox)
and this?
is why James set up shop on the lobstertrap
the crisscrossed ropes far better alternative to unforgiving crate or ground
though by now the pattern's probably engraved on his ass.....(bambi)
Calvin's whisper gets a smack across the back of the head from Bambi (clearly watching Hyde and Kemp's little act, earlier). Her own fierce whisper, "Idiot!"(calvin)
Calvin throws a vicious elbow into Bambi's ribs. He was small, but wiry tough as sinew.(kemp)
"Huh?" Blinking with a look around with the hissed Idiotshrugging when figuring out no one was speaking to him.(tash)
No questions asked, he takes the bone around to the next person on the list, offering it to Hyde.(bambi)
Which Bambi nimbly dodges and smirks at him from behind, his elbow just grazing her right flank and hardly impacting like the ahroun intended. But really, one should be thankful. If he had truly connected? She would be forced to retaliate - and that may have caused Riss some grief in calming them down - while the rest of those at the moot watched.(kasche)
The tall homid corax sidles up to Decker, nodding to him and speaking low.
"Talk to you after this, maybe?"(decker)
Decker nods, a barely perceptible rise of his chin.(cal)
Calvin grumps, "Grrr...." and then tosses BnB's game boy aside to launch himself, feet and elbows and knees and fists, at Bambi.(hyde)
Hyde steps forward and takes the bone in his strange 3 fingered hand. Looking at it his Nordic Ice eyes sweep up and around the gathering. Unlike some he doesn’t have a bitch or a moan. A complaint or a grievance. Elemental electricity crackles over his fur and arcs between his ears. The stirring wind plays around him. When he speaks that deep voice rumbles out.”I am Hyde Three Fingered. Godi of the Fenrir. Child of Eagle!
For my actions and their subsequent renown. I challenge for the rank of Fostern.”Turning he points the bone to Cliona. The only ranking Fostern Theurge he knows.*
Secondly, our pack would put in a request to the walkers to learn the Bonding Rite. Exchange of information can be made at a covenant time.
* Nodding he throws the bone AT Tash. Clearly none too pleased all these new fucking kids got to speak before him. His throw isn’t gentle either, Eagles might, added to natural born Crinos strength. Patience was not the foremost of Fenrir’s children’s virtues. His point would be remembered.. in some fashion.
He’d get with Cliona after the shit was done and take his challenge. But it was stated before all so that they would know. Do or Die. *
(bambi)
Well, that was definitely one way not to miss -- a full body launch. Bambi yelps suddenly as Calvin launches himself at her, then goes down under his weight, her own elbows, fists and knees blocking and punching until they're both rolling around in the ground in a kick up of dust. At some point, Bambi grabs the Game Boy and goes to swing it against Calvin's thick skull. Hard. With breakable force, really.(au/firefox)
Calvin's urgent hiss meets a flash of blue eyes as she mouths 'no way' at him, and then grunts as she's apparently elbowed in the ribcage. "Uh, say about Mo-" She breaks off as Calvin launches himself at Bambi and Riss' hands find her hips as she hisses frantically, eyes darting around the Assembly. From her corner of her mouth."Fucking stop it! Aodhan! Grab him! Can’t take you lot anywhere."
The Fianna reaches for the Silver Fang, Riss grapples for Bambi.
(splinter cell)
The slim homid form of Cheza looks across the gathering at Hyde. Her dark eyes settle on the Godi brimming with curiosity. She stands with the Watchmen, Cliona and Milo. The request for the Bonding Rite has her attention. She lifts a hand to gesture for the Bone!(nelly)She glanced up at Hyde, watching him with a soft smile on her face. That vacant blond look of 'no on is home' before she nodded.
(leroy)
One..two..three..four glances from the left then the right. The moot suddenly was degressing. The revel would come soon nough and that ment they were thru with all this stuff. On to bonding others was set up. But first..he sauntered over towards James. Bent low and stooped upon a knee. "Yo..I gotta share with ya." Giving the ahroun a wink. "Look m'up..or I you. Bring the grump Captain....and our little bro Kemp if ya wanna. till then, I left abit of Bar B Que back on the grill for ya" His hand rose and he slapped James upon the shoulder not once but twice. Like a pat. But it was obvious that the moot no longer truly needed his presence, besides...pack rites take precidence once the revel is completed. A turn and he was once more returning to his packmates. He and Justin already moving to exit. Although, a finger gestures to his game boy. A scowl upon Riss ment he wanted it. But he'd grab it later.(kemp)
Snickers, watching. At least it wasn't him making an ass of himself for once.(syndel)
Syndel glanced at Calvin and Bambi, then turned back to Tashna. Waiting for the Bone.(cal)
CLONK. It's uncertain which made that noise: the gameboy, or Calvin's skull. Either way he stares at Bambi for a moment, confused, and then flops down. KO'ed, not dead. Not so tough after all, it looks like.(jedi)
*At Hyde's request, her eyes went to Nelly. It would be the elder's decision, in her mind, if the walkers would teach such a thing. *(Cliona)
Blinks, caught napping, perhaps -but lightly not. She listens to Hyde, and then when he points it to her, she simply nods. They'll get together afterwards.She does arch a brow as he throws the bone, point blank, at the TC. Like it or not he holds the order, but she doesn't say anything.
(sandman)
The Sandman's ebon gaze went to the two scuffling younglings, and his mouth twisted wryly. Shaking his head, he caught Three-Fingered's challenge for Fostern, and while it wasn't the most damn amusing thing right that moment, it gave him something to think about. Mostly on how the feisty Irish lass would completely give Hyde a mind-fuck. Fianna women were good for that, you know.It was at that moment that the Galliard's as was getting numb like Kemp's, so he rose and went over to the beer cooler he'd brought along and popped open a frosty beverage.
(splinter cell)
The Glass Walker also waits for the bone.(bambi)
The Game Boy? Amazingly did not break - and Bambi is more staring at it in surprise, than the sudden dead weight of Calvin on top of her. A minute more passes, before she's shoving his body off and scrambling to his feet. "Ha." Quiet, smirking accomplishment as she looks down at the Fang's form - and she manages, just, to refrain herself from dancing around him in childish glee.(decker)
Decker is out of patience. To Splinter Cell, "If ya got somethin' ta say ta Hyde, say it."(tash)
He brings up a hand more than fast enough and the bone is back on his hand, not a beat missed, not showing the wince of pain as bones break, he shifts to glabro as he walks away around the circle and the hand mends, his other hand taking it. He presents it to Vast then stopping before him
(riss)
"Oh man!" Riss stares, aghast as Calvin slumps to the ground, she blows a clump of hair from her eyes and fumes at Bambi."Look what you did! Now I'm going to have to drag him around all night unless Aodhan uses him like a scarf."
(jukebox)
the towering Coggie's approach drags James' attention from the scrapping below
nodding up as the propsition and oh-so-welcome news is shared
the Adren's face cracks with ever-lopsided smile
fist doubling up and parrots double-tap goodbye"Still watchin' out f'r me as alway', eh?"
you can bet that BBQ won't be abandoned for long
(bambi)
Bambi snorts. "He'll come to. I didn't hit him that hard." Said with such relish - she may as well have said she used a feather dust to knock the Fang out, given the tone of that retort. She nudges him with her toe, testingtly, then mutters more quietly to her Alpha, "At least he won't be fiddling around so much, now." Black eyes gleam in laughter.(vast)
At last, the Fang takes the Bone. Maybe the order was some sort of comment on his standing in the Sept. Or maybe Tash just put all the challenges toward the end. Makes a certain sort of sense. It's hard to keep going when there's blood everywhere.The Silver Fang Galliard, still in his trademark motorcycle leathers -- red tonight, slashed with white -- gets up. What he says should be little surprise.
"I challenge James Wagner for Master of the Howl." He glances casually at the other, then smiles at the assembly at large. "He being the defending party, I cede the right of terms to him."
(riss)
Riss taps Bambi on the shoulder, and points at LeRoy. Then whispers something in her Packmate's ear and nudges her toward the towering man."Go give him back his Gameboy."
Riss? Contents herself with rolling Calvin over so he's not inhaling dirt all night recovering from his K.O.
(cal)
Calvin makes sort of a wet snoring noise as he's rolled over. He smacks his lips, smiles all blissful-like, and keeps snoozing.(tash)
He gestures for the bone from the fenrir with a nod, and looks to the Grand Elder a moment.
"We havesss a challenge forsss Mastersss of Howlssss"(sandman)
The Fang takes the bone, and the older Galliard didn't really say anything. He didn't have the bone, but he didn't really need it. In acceptance of Sevastian's challenge, The Sandman issued a level look and lifted his bottle of beer.But, just so people knew, "Accepted, lad."
(yu)
*Yu Gan looks up at James and flickers an ear in the sorta "Well.. you kinda asked for that one" look and nods for him to jump on in there.*(bambi)
Those eyes widen at her tribesmate, one she had yet to met - but knew to be bigger, and better, than her in a variety of garou-ish ways. A somewhat sheepish looks shadows her features when she walks over, the slightly damaged (not broken, just little scratches, really, from the ground and ... Calvin's gel-spiked hair.) Game Boy held out. "Sorry." Sheepish her face may be - utterly meek is her tone.Soon as that is handed over, she returns to Riss' side, utterly quiet now, though still occasionally nudging Calvin's inert body with her toe - and allowing glee to flicker on her face when he remains unconscious. Ahh, pack love.
(vast)
"Good," Sevastian de Valois answers crisply.It was a challenge for a nominal position, really. Stand up and howl. That was all that was required. Most challenges ran along the lines of howl as long and loud as you can.
This, though? Everyone who knew the two knew there was bad blood between them stretching far, far beyond any sort of caern position, sept honor. James has been talking a lot of shit. Vast doesn't talk a lot of shit, but he certainly hasn't been discreet in his actions. And this has been a long time coming. It's been festering for a while.
The Silver Fang's finally lancing the boil. Bring it all out into the open and let loose the dogs of war.
"Your terms?"
(leroy)
Pretty much yeah..LeRoy looked after just about everyone in his sorta way. Moreso those he liked however than others. But that was his Child of Gaia way. Disappearing into the crowd though, having not waited for a response from Drums on Skulls, seeing as shit was starting up with the young'ns. He stole off instead with his cub to teach him lessons and get him rited and bound(GE)
He looks between Vast and Sandman, and simply nods. Challenge and acceptance noted. Flick of hand lifts as if to move this on again, when Vast speaks. Due to the nature of this challenge, due to the fact Vast did so in the middle of the Howl itself, he merely holds a hand up toward Tashna - this will be dealt with now.
(virago)
Virago murmurs aside to her packmate, though her gaze rests for that moment on the Fianna elder and his response to the challenge. "Nice protocol."Said like she expected Sevastian to do something typically Vast-like, the wryness in her tone at what had brought about the challenge obvious to her nephew. To the Sandman? All he would see is the slight smile on her mouth - and the impression that it was rueful, and not quite directed at him. An unspoken apology, perhaps, for her packmate's unorthodox ways.
(leroy)
"No worries, only a toy after all. Met you long tiame ago at Nookies..when there were alot of Coggies com'n n goin. Didnt getcher name though" Pausing to speak with her. Tribe always garnished his attention. After all, while others claimed elder position, he was more like a den mother.sandman)
Talking shit is what Fianna do, because..well, they're Fianna, and they can.Rippling up to Crinos and setting down his beer next to the cooler, he merely replied with, "We're all fer knowin' 'ow ye kin 'owl, lad. Ye tried yer lil' show o' showin' m'self up at th'openin' 'owl. But 'ow bad d'ye want it? 'Ow bad?" James challenged for it at the second to last moot, but the other dude that wanted it just up and disappeared so there wasn't much of a challenge for it.
James rolled his thickened shoulders and popped his neck. "Combat. Ye gotta make m'self believe yer wantin' it. Rage as ye will, start in yer war-form, an' since m'totem benefits m'self as I cannae do 'nythin' bout it, ye get yerself one free Gift. Whichever one yer wantin'. Ye kin use yer totem benefits. Otherwise let's jes' dinnae make sure we're nae killin' each other."
(tash)
He looks to the challenged and nods, looking back to the GE, waiting.
He nods then at the declaration.
(jedi)
*now she herself was growing bored, and bored meant trouble as Ewan was learning. She shifted every few seconds as she leaned back on the bony metis, sighed softly, even whined softly as this was getting worse than the energizer bunny. It kept going and going and going*(bambi)
Those wide eyes again, looking up at the much larger Gaian. But this time, the sheepish look breaks into a smile. Pure teen giddyness and not yet infected with the cynicism of garou. "Vanessa Wu but I get called Bambi. How you doing?" Hand thrust out to shake - since, well, it seemed appropriate.(ewan)
*Ewan moves a bit, reaching up, breaking off about a 6 inch bone spur from his shoulder with a loud crack and crunch. He grunts and picks his teeth with it.He wacks Jedi on the head with the bit of bone when she keeps fidgeting*
(vast)
He doesn't turn away from James, but he does reply to Virago -- soft, under his breath. "I do respect a challenge and all its pomp and circumstance, or have you forgotten this?"Then James speaks, and he straightens, his attention turning outward again. A thin smile: "Combat, for a challenge to the Howl?"
It's a rhetorical question. And he doesn't even really mean it. Briskly, the Galliard strips off his motorcycle jacket, handing it to Virago with a murmured, "Don't sit on it." On the first step forward he's in Glabro; on the third, the remainder of his clothes have melted into his body. Gone, the $200 jeans; gone, the fitted longsleeve pullover. What remains is pure breeding and the lithe, leonine grace of his warform.
His pale eyes on James, the Galliard drops to all fours, one handpaw raised slightly in preparation, his legs bent until his knees almost touched the earth, his thighs flexed, tail lashing low with anticipation.
He waits for Tashnaheca to give the signal to begin.
(jedi)
*she grunts and rubs the back of her head and tries to settle again, it lasted about 5 minutes*(tash)
He looks between them.. combatants ready, after a glance to the GE, he raises his hand high, then drops it.
"Beginssss"(aur)
Aurelius leans in toward his Alpha, though no words are spoken it appears merely a gesture in itself. A vague glance thrown the Fianna Elder's way. Curious, perhaps. He is however, silent and watching. Arms across his chest.(nelly)
Her voice remained silent, yet lips trembled now and again silent words. Muscles twitching here and there. Lashes fluttering as her head turned to take it alllll in. Like a rubber ball thrown in a small room.(leroy)
His own easily swallowed hers. Three more of her hands could fit in his palm perhaps or so it seemed with how easily they hid hers. It was a stout shake, yet soft enough as if being mindful not to break. "Could be better, but Im alive. Thats worth alot these days. If ever you need anything..anything at all from me or your triabe..come n see me. Ya got m'permission to pass thru. Most of our combined kinfolk network live in m'hood. Gee Dubba's, Bee Gee and Coggie kin making it good. Usually fiand m'at Nookies, Nookie's two..or Ripley's pawnshop. I'll be look'n fur you" Glancing down at the game boy. "Let yer fella keep it" Making sure she kept it. "Miaght come in handy fur the next moot" And there it was, that grin. The smile that only those truly blessed by Unicorn could give. Warm, enveloping. Calming with in a sence. As if the Totem had come down and blessed him with a special gift.(wean)
*He points the bone from his shoulder, still dripping a bit of blood and marrow at the fight* Watch that. Quit fidgeting. You're acting like the cubs.
*A grin to the Crinos' voice*(jedi(
*she huffed and folded her arms at being called a cub, speaking softly* This is boring. Sept after sept, state after state, just one big pissing cotest to see who has the bigger dick. *a grumble from the celibate Raggie*(ewan)
*He nods speaking softly* We all know you have the biggest dick Rayne.. just chill.(sandman)
Aye, a combat challenge for Master of the Howl. Besides, it was all common knowledge that the two of them were going to come to blows sooner or later for matters personal to themselves and no one else as it wasn't their bloody fookin' business (even if the entire damn sept probably knew). Still, the Sandman appeared languid until the command to begin was given.With a low growl James' reacted to the command like a trip-hammer. Who knew the musician could do such a thing? Everyone merely thought he was a beer drinkin', hell-raisin' guitarist. Of course, that's only what you didn't see.
James' claws lashed out, raking deep into Sevastian's abdomen. Blood spattered across James' body and muzzle/maw.
(We've pre-rolled the dice for this to make things quicker for y'all viewing pleasure. If you wanna see the dice-log, Lessa, Damon, and I have it.)
(bambi)
The smile increasingly widens as she looks up into Bread-n-Butta's face, and with the flash of those teeth, that face glows. Her own hand shake is firm, not quite as delicate as he may have expected, and fingers calloused from the variety of sports she had excelled in through her life time, short as it was, so far. "Sure thing. Oh man, thanks so much for that! I'll be sure to come see you all some time, too. I have yet to meet any other tribemates." With another beam, and a farewell, she practically skips back over to Riss' side to eagerly watch the challenge.(uy)
*Yu tilts his head watching the fight*(leroy)
"I eard that" He mutters, nodding with a grin towards Jedi. "Yer riaght of course though." Shouted back above Bambi. chuckling now even. A glance to Justin and then upon she. So much tinier than he. Then her bounding away from he. Another shake of his head and chuckle. One last glance about before he and Justin had indeed left the lot of them.(decker)
Decker's had enough of the cliaths chattering. Being the get of the Great Wolf, he took combat challenges rather seriously. If the Fenrir had a holy rite, it was fighting.He doesn't shout, but he manages to get heard anyway: "SHUT UP 'r I'll shutcha'll up."
(kemp)
He was actually quiet for once. Could be because by this point he was brain dead. Could be he was working a big ole fart too.(virago)
Virago's own attention is intense on the challenge, azure eyes drawn on the two combatants with barely muted fire in their depths. Though concern or any like emotion does not once filter through those symmetrical, pristine features, that gaze anchors her interest - in her pack mate, in the blood that spills from the rake of the Sandman's claws. If she had heard Decker's command through that focus - she may have silently applauded him.(nelly)
She sighed softly. Weaving around bodies to make it to the Obsidians. Her gaze flashing upon the battle, challenge for Master of the Howl.(tash)
This draws the Truthseekers gaze from the combat, an eyebrow raised.(vast)
The first blow is staggering. Who the fuck knew the Fianna loverboy was capable of such violence? Or was so fuckin' fast? Sandman's clawed handpaw simply... disappears into Sevastian's underbelly, coming out glistening red with a handful of blue-veined, slippery ropes: the Fang's guts. Lovely. All that pure blood is splattering out hot onto the ground now, wasted. The force of the blow drives the breath from the (over)arrogant Cliath, and when he finally does catch his breath, it's a splat of thick red that splashes out of his sleek white muzzle.But then the Silver Fang rallies. His one gift might come as a surprise too, as much as James' one gift was. His eyes glaze over; there is no pain. A second later he's shifted, fast as an eyeblink, mid-motion as he drove up toward Sandman's vulnerable side.
He's no Ahroun. He's Galliard as well. And sly. And cunning. And without honor.
Direwolf-form now, he's smaller than the other, and all the benefits of his totem ride his veins. It's fast after that. SNAP-SNAP, two back-to-back bites in a blur, blood pouring flesh rending ribs crunching, and he's repaid the Sandman back in full. And then some.
It took less than a second. Red and white now, just like his fuckin' motorcycle jacket, the Galliard still standing backs away from James Wagner, hackles still up. He looks to Tashnaheca to confirm the outcome.
(kris)
*Kris watches the fight intently, intrested in knowing who will win.*(jedi)
*she stuck her tongue out at B&B playfully then leaned back with a sigh against Ewan to watch the fight*(tash)
Enoughsssss! The snake booms out.
"Vast issss Mastersss of Howlssss"
He does glance at the GE to confirm his statement.. looks like he is stand in Master of Challenge at the moment.(yu)
*Yu Gan watches. Shifting up to his homid form. Shaking the long jet black hair behind him.Once the outcome was called he stepped forward. A small pumpkin in his hand. CHRUNCH it was crushed and sprinkeled over the sand man. Healing energies aiding the worst of the wounds.*
(tash)
Tashna takes the bone back into his hand and looks around, then starts walking to Cheza, offering him the bone.(nelly)
A pause halfway to the two as blood and bowl scents hit the air. Hairs on her arms standing on end. Hands planted upon her hips, wincing at the backbites. Then that ocean blue gaze flashed from the carnage to Butta to Tash.Another breath taken was shallow and she moved again to close in the space between she and Rayne. A hand reaching out to wrap around the woman's waist, pulling herself closer to whisper low in her ear. When she straightened a grin brandished upon her lips. Turning to look back to the assembled crowd. To Cheza.
(dwan)
*He snarls as somone grabs ahold of his alpha but cuts it off as he sees it's nelly*(jedi)
*she glanced up as Nelly joined them and pulled her in to listen close*(GE)
Nods. Confirmed. Vast is MoH.(Cliona)
She watched the whole thing intently. Her gaze burning with something undefined. It seems she has great interest in the outcome of this match, having so recently lost her own.She stands, then, waiting for the proclamation of the winner.
Only then does she move toward the Sandman. and with something of a smirk crouches by her elder in the pile of blood left. Could be she's tempted to leave him. Could be she's merely gathering her strength. Could be she had reasons for letting Yu Gan do his thing first, even if it's her job, her Tribesmate.
Could be left up to everyone else to decide - but it's true to form what she does next, she lays her hand on her elder, and lets Mother's touch slide through her fingertips into the Sandman, dealing with the rest of his wounds.
(yu)
*Yu raises his brows looking to Cliona and damn if he doesn't laugh and looks down at James* Now you owe her a dept my brother....(virago)
Across the totemphone to Sevastian, Well done. He didn't pain you too much, did he? There is a certain pride in her tone, and also a certain tongue in cheek at the last, that blue-fired gaze glancing down at the openly gaping wound and the exposed organs within, with faint amusement. She doesn't need to glance at Gabriel, for the theurge to know she waits for him to move forward to assist his packmate - like Yu Gan had done for is own.(sandman)
James managed to deliver the Fang a staggering blow, and that brought a satisfied smirk to his wolven face. For all that was happening, it was perhaps as if two Full-Moons were squaring off. Of course, the Galliards were second in battle only to the Ahrouns, and the two of them proved it justly. Being a Moondancer wasn't all music, sex, drugs, rock'n'roll and telling stories to people.Sevastian snap-shifted with his Rage to hispo, and those wicked, oh so wicked teeth... Snapped down on James' open flanks. The Fang must of did some considerable damage, because when Vast released James to regroup and try to come again, James made one (obviously) forced step forward to attack again.. and just dropped.
The wicked jaws of the dire-wolf won out in this little battle for the position of Master of the Howl.
The victor was Sevastian Unnamed, the loser James the Sandman.
"Ye've won," the talesinger managed to breath out as he went unconcious, completeky KO'd by the Silver Fang, shifting back to Homid form with his own entrails hanging out gruesomely.
Perhaps now their little bullshit rivalry will of come to an end, as they agreed upon back at Claddagh's.
(jedi)
*she just turned bright bright red and had to hide her face into Nelly to hold back her laughter, then whispered back to Nelly*(ewan)
*His brows knit and he looks to the women*(aur)
Gabriel's arms uncross from his chest as the Challenge proceeds, the tang of blood hits the air, splatters the ground and the dark eyes find his Packmate. He moves forward, in time with the Fianna toward her own Tribesmate, to come to a halt beside his own and murmur something resembling a congratulatory word or two before he likewise shall administer the soothing balm of the Touch of the Mother, stitching closed the wounds the Challenge wrought quietly.(nelly)
Both brows raised and she glanced back at Rayne as if to say, 'no shit?'. Lips rounding again to a quick grin, a stifling chuckle. Those blues flashing to see if James was healed and if Cheza was still round to question the request of Hyde, then to the crowd again.(taswh)
Then, as Cheza does not need to speak, he takes it around and offers it to Syndel.(Cliona)
A smirk at Yu, and the fiery redhead even winks at the staid Uktena, before she stands, dusts off her hands, and glances to see that Gabe can handle the healing of Vast, and then she moves to reclaim her seat over thataway.
(yu(
*He pulls James to his feet and shakes his head absently* Never seen you move so slow Sandman.... work outs all week now.
*Helping him back to the side.*(jedI)
*she nodded and just smiled. It was actually nice to get along so well with your tribe elder.*(sandman)
Awake and functioning again once they've healed him, James rose and went to his beer he'd set down. It's probably a little warm by now, but that's fine with him. He stuck it back in the cooler to get cold again, and as Nelly Bell looked after him(?) he gave her a wink. He was a little sore, but nothing a nap couldn't take care of. To his packmate, he merely grinned. "Th'lass's always gettin' favors. Eh. I'll pay m'debt's back sooner'r'later." And as Yu helps him off, he just snickers. "Lad, can ye 'spect me t'be's'quick as th'quickest? M'head's all stone, ye know."(vast)
Sevastian, more or less holding what remained of his guts in with one hand, shifts into his near-man form. James' honorable concession is... simply taken in. He says nothing. There might be a slight smile on his mouth, but god only knows what it meant.He turns as James' tribe and pack tend to him, making his own slow way back to his. A laugh answers Virago, scornful of his wounds. Kiss it and make it better, Rhya.
He accepts the healing without comment. They were second only to Ahrouns in battle, but that didn't mean a Galliard had to grin and bear it like one of those macho louts.
(ewan)
*He eyes them and his ears fold back. Looking back to the moot. A snort and he refuses to look at them as they discuss what they're discussing. Gaw.. WOMEN... GLASSWALKERS... WOMEN GLASSWALKERS! GAW!*
(syndal)
Taking the Bone from Tashna, she nodded to him and stepped forward. Her hair had been pulled back into a tail, revealing the fur that lined the sides of her face. Her hat worn at a normal height, revealing the single wolf brow that went over her bright yellow-gold eyes shifted around slowly before she spoke. " I, Syndel Ravenloft, named Spirit-of-Wolf, Black Fury Cliath Ahroun, have claimed the position of Black Fury Tribal Elder." That bass rumble voice coated with Texan accent. The formal announcement made, she handed the bone back to Tashna and went back to her previous place. Watching silent once more.(verago)
Wry, Were I to try, Sevastian, I'm liable to lose my head in that hole. If you're good for the rest of the moot, I might nurse you a little later. A smirk is tossed in the galliard's direction, before Josephina's eyes slide from him to Gabriel and the work he's done. Another flicker of a smile, some expression unreadable but shared between the Rouvier and Valois, before the Fang elder's attention returns to the proceedings.\(nelly)Her smile wanned to become more motherly in nature. Thick black lashes upon a blue eye fluttering to wink at James. The Sandman had been one of the better Masters of the Howl. She would have to get him good and drunk later to help with... well, ok she'd give him a few drinks. Sheesh, can't ever get a fianna good and drunk these days.
(tash)
He takes the bone, and looks around the circle.
"Doessss anyonesss havesss furthersss needsss to speakssss?"
(hail mary)
She has watched everything, dark eyes solemn and intense. As Syndel makes the claim, it comes with some surprise, having been told she already possessed it. Perhaps that is because none better has attempted it.The Rosary in her hand clacks absently as she levels that dark gaze on syndel, the obsidian beads working through her fingers.
She will bide her time. For now.
(ewan)_
*Ewan uses the bone shard to scratch his chin. Eyes it and then pops it in his mouth.CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH*
(jedi)
*she looked back to Ewan and rose a brow, a questioning look if he was ok*(nelly)
Eyes cut to Ravenloft. The Texan was one of the betters she had met, so glad she was to officially claim the mantle infront of all. A hand reached, fingertips barely holding the brim of her own hat as she tiped her head towards her.The crunching caught her attention. How could it not? Blue gaze turning to look over one shoulder at him. Wtf?
(ewan)
*He looks to Jedi and pulls a shard out of his crinos muzzel and offers it to her*~HT~ Did ya want some?(jedi)
*she rose a hand* No, no right now. Maybe later.(tash)
He looks around, nods, and walks the bone back to the Grand Elder, presenting it to him.(ewan)
*His ears droop. He'd not asked his alpha or his tribal elder if they wanted some. His long crinos tongue extends and he scoops some bone shards and marrow off it and offers it to nelly too*(nelly)Well maybe not to eat but ah could use it for....A hand reached out to take the shard of bone from him. Idal facination upon her face.
(vasek)
Across the circle, the Shadow Lord Theurge is staring at the bone-challenged Crinos with open distaste. Or maybe disgust. This, from the man who wears skulls around his neck and fashions trinkets out of dead bodies.Metis.
(kemp)
Blinks, coming out of the stupor with the crunching, then making a face. "Fuckme." Guy was eating himself. Too many pictures in his head with that thought. Shuddering with a shake of his head to try and clear it. Go fuck yourself might be in his scope too if he could eat himself.(GE)
None speaks, and with a nod, he takes the bone from the TruthCatcher. "No one else has stepped forward with intent to speak. All Challenges will take place within the next two days." ((or whenever Lessa is no longer braindead))He pauses, when Kristopher steps forward to ask for the bone. A brow lifts, but he holds the bone - he does not give it up, but merely says. "Speak."
(tash)
He stops.. looking between the GE and Kris, raising his brow(jedi)
*she moved over quietly to Ewan and pulled him down so she could get up on his shoulders carfeully like before*(nelly)
She took the shard bone with a smile, eyes lingering upon it as it was pulled back to examine. Someone was talking though, who, what... Glancing up to find Kris out there in askance of the bone. Interesting... scratching her neck with the tip of the shard.(ewan)
*He kneels and lets her get up there then stands. The bones and spurs giving her hand holds. Watching the group that were looking at him funny with a clear "WHAT?" look on his crinos face*(aur)
Gabriel returns Josephina's glance with one of his own, some flicker of darker amusement evident a moment before he briefly catches her shoulder and applies gentle pressure. Then away, and once more the Theurge is complacent to remain silent and still at her back, though his attention never wavers so far from her, nor from the goings on.(kris)
*Kris steps forward and takes a deep breath and looking to those who are gathered*For those of you who do not know me..I am Kristopher St.Peters known as Faster than Death of the Corax.
*Than looking back to the Elder giving him a nod of respect as he addresses everyone*
I would like to challange for the position of Truth Catcher. Though my kind has not held the position I wish to Challange for it. I fell that I would be qualified for this position for a few reasons.
The first being that I am not Garou and therefor have no Tribal Alligance.
Also as I have no pack my judgment would not be swayed.((Shit forgot this part))
And as a Corax my kind is born to find out secrets.(nelly)
See now this was interesting. Her attention returned full. Arms crossing under her chest, fingertips playing with the shard.(kasche)
Kasche blinks.. he was looking for the beer.. and looks as well.. what the hell?(riss()O
Riss is still camped out on top of her Packmate, staring bug-eyed at Ewan and nudging Bambi and lightly slapping the back of Aodhan's leg. "Look at that! Wow." She leans over and puts her ear close to the Silver Fang's mouth, blinking and sitting up when he snorts. Nudging Bambi with a bony elbow."He's drooling on himself again."
(kemp)
Starting to snicker, then laugh. "Awfuckme, I done seen it all! Now I can fuckin die."(deckeR)
Decker doesn't so much as blink an eyelash. He just throws his axe at Kristopher.
Let's see if he really is faster than death.
8D10 Dice Roll: 6; 3; 6; 9; 8; 10; 8; 3
1D10 Dice Roll: 2(ALL HAIL MIGHTY KAHSEENO!)
(jedi)
*she just had to blink at the fact the bird wants a GAROU position. She leaned down to whisper in Ewan's ear* Your friend is psycho and gonna be lunch.(ewan)
*He shakes his head* He ain't my friend.. Oh shit. Axe comin' through. *He makes sure himself, his alpha, and Nelly arn't in the path of the follow thourh. Moving them ALL 10 feet to the left, BLINK fast, spending some rage*(kemp)
Now it was getting good. Snickering again. "I get the wish bone when he's finished with him." Jerking a thumb towards Decker.(ge)
(GE)
He. Just. Stares.
One. He requests the bone.
Two. He requests position.He speaks - in High Tongue - that he knows full well that CORAX Cannot under stand.
HTThis Bird has been allowed to participate through patience and acceptance of past deeds. Now he seeks to hold position. Perhaps a plucking is in order?
Never let it be said the GE is without a sense of humor. And, since it is clear that he cannot understand it. He switches to English. And speaks very slowly, in case he does not understand it very well.
"You. Are. Not. Garou. I have proved only one reason why this is unacceptable. Do you wish me to continue, or will you take the perch we allow you to hold to quietly observe?"
(sandman)
Kemp's amusement was not lost on the Fianna elder, and as he tried to maintain his composure, he hid his mirth behind his beer and gave his Corax friend William a look that read 'liek omg0rz, dude, wtf is with him?'(bambi)O
Bambi, her mouth dropped open at the audacity of the bird, barely registers what Riss says to her. It does, however, slowly sink in - enough that she gives Calvin a harried look, then seeing that there is a nice little saliva trail from the Fang's open mouth, looks disgusted and proceeds to try and wake him up. "Idiot even embarrasses himself in his sleep!" Starts shaking him back and forth.(nelly)
Hoe Down! And she was on the floor...(GE)
And the Elder - steps aside.(jedI)
*she holds on to Ewan as he moves them quickly*(will)
*William hides his head under his wing, TOTAL body language of "I DON"T KNOW THAT GUY, I DIDN"T COME WITH THAT GUY, DON"T LUMP ME IN WITH THAT GUY!!*kris, 1wp dodge, 7D10 Dice Roll: 9; 6; 9; 5; 4; 1; 3
(kemp_)
"I want a feather, can I have one when you're done with him?" Looking to Decker with the question like a kid in a candy store. "Can I, huh, huh, can I?"decker damage:
12D10 Dice Roll: 8; 6; 4; 7; 6; 1; 10; 4; 8; 9; 9; 3
Damon Sands (8:25:36 PM): HAIL KAHSEENO!
7 sux, kris homid, no soak, incap(kris)
*As Kris is looking around at the gathered crowed he see's Decker throw the axe (As if it could be missed) he leaps to the side and the Axe still manages to find his leg, he falls*
((Problem with that is he's standing in front of the Grand Elder))(will)
*Will leaps off the perch and swoops down. Shifting to homid to land beside the be-axed Krist. Holding up his hands* Whoa whoa whoa... He flew into a wall the other day. he's out of sorts DONT Eat him... Fuck..
*Looking to see if he's even alive* He's just dumb and ugly... don't eat him. He'll learn!. *But Will's not stupid. he's ready to spend rage and go bird form and flee if he has to*(sandman)
And at Will's response, this is about when James can't take it any more. All composure lost, he's just busting up laughing rolling on the ground holding sides that weren't there moments ago, due to Vast.(kemp)
"Awfuck, ya missed his fucking head. Shit, now we're gonna have to listen to the fucker whine and bitch about how mistreated he is again. Shit." Stomping one foot with a grumble before perking up abit with a thought. "Try again?"(kasche)
Kasche looks around, then at the near dead.. umm.. fellow.. wondering if he should even offer to help him.. he kinda deserved that(GE)
Well. That was effective.
The GE simply nods, looking down at Kris and with a CRAAAAAAAAAAAAACK the bone is broken again. "I declare the Cracking of the Bone over."Bring on the beer.
(virago)
Seeing the Corax fall, she cannot say he did not deserve it. Nevertheless, across the totemphone, Can you see to him, Aurelius? Then she adds, slightly mocking, If you don't think it belittling to do so, my cousin.The tone? Though mockingly slapped onto the request? Indicates that she would understand if he did.
(jedI)
*she's on Ewan's shoulder's, blinking and chuckling at the audacity of the Corax Kris as she held on to 2 of the larger spurs jutting out Ewan*(nelly)
Strange it was that the Elder of the Warders then worked her way free, making a bee line for the Kris and Will."Fools....goddamn fools..." grumbling as she goes to see about a medic for Kris.
(ewan)
*He just shakes his head* Nice throw....
*eyeing Deckers axe* nice Axe....(syndeL)
She had a good reasons for not standing close to the rest during a moot. A axe getting flung around around is one of them. Looking at Kris KOed...she only shook her head and chuckled softly to herself.(jukebox)
the Gnawer stares
yup. just. stares.
he wouldn't have believed it if he wasn't sitting right fucking there..... and isn't even going to comment
you heard The Man
Bring on the beer!(jedI)
*she just started laughing* Oh man, I suddenly have a craving for roast bird.(kasche)
"Nice throw, Modi" He decides that's probably the best thing to say.. damn.. damn.. that took balls though.. or stupidity.(sandman)
"Oi, ye kin bet yer arse's I'll be writin' a fookin' story 'bout this one, mark me. Lard, I've ne'er seen such a bloody fookin' thing." Cackling raucuously, James flung open his cooler for another beer.(will)
*Will looks around.. Kay.. noone else was trying to kill him. That was good. Putting a foot on Krist's chest he pulls out deckers Axe with a gout of blood about 3 feet in the air. Grunting he stumbels with it, nearly falling over and offers it back to him all smiles* Heh... your.. um.. Wacker, there Deck?(deckeR)
"Fuckin' ijjit," is Decker's muttered verdict, as he stalks over to wrench his axe back out of Kris's bones. The second his hand touches the shaft, the axe seems to run liquid, looping and snaking its way up his arm to reform as the jagged black tattoo that stretches from shoulder to wrist. If they look closely, the pattern has changed.On his way back, he glares at the smart remarks. Spits to the side without breaking his rolling thug stride to show what he thought of 'em. Not funny. Not funny at all, in Decker's book. As the sept scrambles to help the incapacitated Kris, though, he raises his voice just a notch.
"Leave 'im where he is." A long silence. "Let 'im learn a lesson 'fore he talks hisself inta tha grave."
(natasha)
Natasha's attention has already moved on from the fallen corax, fully recovered from the shock she had fleetingly exhibited (a concession, on that glacial face) when Kristopher had first spoken. Turning to Vasek, a dark eyebrow lifts ever so slightly. A silent question, then, on whether they should stay and mingle - or depart. He could easily guess her desire ... and her opinion, both differing quite sharply.Adding in her quiet voice, "It does not look like the challenge will be set, just yet."
(nelly)
"Goddamnbunchof..." grumbling out as everyone simply turned and filed out. She bent to scoop the bird-man Kris up in her arms like a sleeping child. Storming over to Barny -the nearest Medic- for him to fix.[END WOLF'S CNP]
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.09.05. - cracking of the bone [july moot pt 3][caern]
part 1:
The Watchmen - new pack under Owl (Cliona)
Ritual killings (Decker)
Claim - Shadow Lord Elder (Milo)
Knight's claim of Justin Case "Shit Happens" cub (Nelly)
Knight's close their borders (Nelly)
Challenge - Master of Challenge (Tashna, Twilight Judgement)
Challenge - Truthcatcher (Tashna,
Ourobouros - new pack (Twilight Judgement)
Challenge - Keeper Of The Land (Electric Jedi)------------------------
(jukebox)
weight shifts and the dreadlocked Gnawer half-rises
bootheel nudging back in some gentle maneuver
lobster-trap turned hammock-bench repositioned against the wall
successfully arranged in what resembles a proper chair a little more closely
last minute prayer the seat's version of comfort will last just that much longerat least the steady supply of beer will join rank to fend off such irritations
thus satisfied, James o' the Eagles settles in for the long haul
Adren's deep umber eyes casually watching the gathered Sept(aurelius/foxfire)
The Silver Fangs stand together, a coterie of lean figures, one clad in black, the other a sleeker contrast in her crisp white suit. And of course one could not forget the other, Sevastian also present. The Alpha's two packmates, lounging behind her. One tall, steady and silent, the other a contrast in expression and demeanor. It was quiet murmurs and arch smiles all around with the trio as they awaited the Moot's commencement.--
Riss stands among her Pack, the rangy Glasswalker's eyes constantly leaving one figure for another, keenly absorbing all around her, occasionally engaging in whispered laughter with her Packmates. Shoving, nudging, playfully shushing and, of course, madly chewing gum.
(hail mary)
The Opening howl done, she shifts again to homid, her body once more clothed in the off-white simple dress. Her rosary remains in hand, and her dark eyes open to watch the proceedings as the cracking of the bone begins. Joining the others, she sinks again to her knees, with a clack of the obsidian beads that dangle from her fingertips. She places her hands in her lap, smoothing the skirt across fragile looking thighs.She is silent, solemn. demure.
[Innocence is relative.](justin case)
He stands a respectful distance back from LeRoy. Not knowing what to do, wagging his tail periodically as he keeps a keen eye on everything, but especially on LeRoy, for any sign of something for him to do.(yu gan/Hyde/Will/Ewan)
Yu Gan is sitting with his pack. In lupus form as he usually is in the Moots. That of a long legged Maned wolf. Reddish and black furr blowing gently in the on shore breeze from the lake. Nose raised a bit scenting the air and the many Garou in attendance.
Hyde is in his birth form for the moot. That of the massive steel gray furred crinos. His 3 fingered hands tipped with wicked black talons in this form. His Nordic Ice eyes looking out from his place with the Eagles. Being a child of elementals it shows forth here in the Caern, where the real world and the umbra overlap. Little flickers of purple electricity play across the Godi’s fur. Icy fire burns behind those Nordic blue eyes. The air seems charged with ozone around him and the wind stirs his packs fur and hair. Hyde was VERY MUCH claimed as the elementals own and it showed.Will, being Corax, doesn’t want to be eaten for fuckin’ up a GAROU meeting so he’s perched up high in Corvid form. Absently playing with the red woven band at his ankle.
Ewan stands with his Alpha. The Obsidian Data showing a unified front this evening. The newest pack in the city present at the moot. Tonight Ewan’s in his birth form. A tall sleek furred crinos with black fur, dark gray markings on it, but that’s not what stands out. Most present have seen Glasswalkers before. What stands out are the bones protruding from his skin. Large shards of bone jut forth from his shoulders, his elbows, down his for arms in sort of bony scaled plates. Around his knuckles… even across the massive crinos chest the bones layer like some sort of gruesome chest plate. Down in patches across his abbs. The outside of his thighs show the spurs, and at the knees. Even his head is incrusted to a point. Bone shard and plates ascending from his muzzle up between his eyes to fan out in a sort of bone spur crown on his head. Small jagged bones peeking though over the brows, behind the ears. The entire effect rather disconcerting. At one hip a gleaming cell phone glimmers, alive here in the umbra. Shimmering with repressed power hanging on a dedicated belt, At the other a roll of mystical urban cammo duct tape.
(leroy)
BnB lead his troupe in. It had grown considerably even. Barny, Nelly Bell and Harold flanking him. Justin's shoulder under the grasp of his hand was escorted hence. Tashna likewise to the side. Soda Pop however absent for the moment.Taking up their usual stance and position, eyes leveling upon those present and arriving. A nod given to his battle buddy Jukebox. Another towards Jedi. William however got a smile.
(whoops..didnt see Justin's post. Insert turns and fetches him with a grasp and brings the cub to his side)(electric jedi rayne)
*The newest of the packs of Chicago, Jedi stood against Ewan in homid form. Her once blondish long hair was now cut shorter and dyed the deepest of blacks. She wore a black vinyl corset with red inlay and black ribbon lacing the front and the only thing holding it together. A pair of matching black vinyl pants into matrix style boots. SHe even went and took the time to polish her nails a deep red. Just uner her navel in that bit of skin shown, is the purple marking of wireless bat, same markings seen at the base of her neck just under her hair, as well as the small of her back*(Cliona)
After the howl, she takes her place with the Watchmen, comfortable in her tanktop and jeans. hunkering down to a crouch, she slides her pack off, and cracks open one of the beers inside. What, you thought she'd come unprepared? No way. She takes a few swigs, and watches as they all gather, her gaze on the Grand Elder, ready to get this party started so the REAL party can begin... She also stands as Second for the Fianna Voice, until the Sandman pulls himself away from other discussions. Much to her annoyance.Fingers scratch at the scars along her belly, then the upper arm, where it looks as if her left arm has been torn off and reattached. It has. by Fenris, even. Ow.
(AnneMarie)
Silent, she stands near her beta, with the Eagles. She is on double duty until the arrival of the Fenrir Elder as he is waylaid by a discussion elsewhere, standing as his second and Voice on the Council until he arrives - as amusing as a concept that might be to those who know her. Arms cross, she remains standing. Tall and slender, strong and lean. Silent, as always.(jack salem)
Jack stands alone after the opening howl, returning to the form of a teenage boy in faded jeans and a wrinkled gray tshirt. He stands back from the crowd a bit, dark eyes passing over the other Garou as he seeks out his packmate. Who, of course, hasn't shown.(tashanaheca/kasche)
Tasha stands with his alpha to be, quiet and stoic as always, dressed as always.. with just a little more flair.The big German rocker enters and looks around seeking a group of Fenrir, staying to the back, and in homid.
(kemp)
Cracking of the bone time and all he think was it was more like cracking his ass. Shaggy hair dyed a hideious red with a good inch of muddy brown roots showing by now. Jeans sagging, hanging off narrow hips. Boxers showing above the jeans. Wrinkled shirt looking like he dug it out of the bottom of a pile of clothes. Sitting down near his pack with a huge sigh.(st)
The Opening Howl has taken place. Voices pitched to the sky above, transformed into howls that cascaded in a mournful waterfall of sound over the Umbral landscape of the Assembly area. Trickling back till there was again peaceful quiet, this stillness now only broken by the soft lapping of water against land. Somewhere close by was the heart of the Caern, and situated within, Maelstrom thrummed.The Caller of the Wyld has done his duty, called upon the Caern Totem, those of the Packs present and collected Spirits that have some place of value in the hearts and minds of the creatures standing and sitting collected together.
Now it is time to speak. Air grievances. Ask of the Council and address issues of concern. Rites pass by and soon enough, it is to the Truthcatcher then, that attention turns. And to the Cracking of the Bone.
The Grand Elder, Balance without Fault, holds the bone - thick and heavy, taken in recent hunt. Dark gaze pass over all those who have gathered, his own eyes undreadable. He stands, a massive man, with barrel chest bare under open shirt, jeans pressed and perfect, and dress shoes that would better serve in the board room, then here. When he shifted to howl, he had those shoes. When he shifted back, he had those shoes. Of all things to dedicate - the Glasswalker made sure to have his shoes.
Seconds pass, and then with a crAAAACk the bone breaks between his hands, and waving his right to speak first with nothing more then a nod, he hands the bone to tonight's TruthCathcer: Tashna, Philodox of the Uktena.
And so it begins.
(tashna)
Tashna steps forward and sweeps the crowd with his gaze, accepting the bone with little formality. His eyes drop on Cliona, and he walks to her, offering the bone with a slight smile, and remaining before her.(syndel)
Syndel stood alone, simply watching the others while in homid form. A plain white long sleeve shirt, black jeans, gloves and her ususal black aligator skin cowboy hat.(Cliona)
When she receives the bone, she steps forward, the slender Irish lass taking point before her new packmates. Packing with a Lord and a Glasswalker - this is bound to have some detrimental effects on her personality... either that, or the others will learn to hold their Liquor."Most o'yeh know me, but for th'ones that dinnae - Cliona 'ricinus' Murran, Fostern Fianne Spirit Talkin lass, an' th'Mistress o'Rites. I stand b'fore yeh t'announce th'new pack formed o'me and me mates; Cheza, Milo an' meself were accepted by Owl. We're a scoutin pack, an' strive t'follow in'er Ways o'stealth n secret. Territory claimed in th'downtown area where none o'yeh have taken yet.. Yeh'll see th'markers."
And that's that. She hands back the bone, retakes her seat, and yeah, opens another beer. Always come prepared, and all.
(kemp)
Silently cheering Cliona for a short, sweet speach. A lift of his chin for Butta and a wiggle of brows at Nelly.(ytashna)
He nods at the speach and looks to the bone, then up to his packmates to be Nelly and Butta, walking the bone to them and offering it dead between them.(nelly)
Nelly stood with her pack. A hand drapped around Justin's shoulders still the bone started around.She stepped out in front two paces to make known the pack's voice had something to say when time came.
Blue eyes peeking from underneith the brim of her hat scanned around, smiled upon Cliona's newfound home, and gave Kemp a moment show of puckered lips to imitate a kiss.
"Ah wish to speak, but ah'll get it after othas," pushing Tash gently with a smile to her lips. ((Player just got here needs to type LOL sorry))
(mother's riddle)
Mother's Riddle is there. after the howl, his presence has been anonymous, standing in the background behind his packmates. The large crinos with his dark pelt and scars stands with arms crossed, listening and waiting.(tashna)
He winks back and smiles, and walks back around the circle, holding the bone out then to Decker and nodding firmly with the offer.(Decker )
He had been there for the Howl, and would be there for the rest -- but sometime after the Theurge portion of the moot, the Fenrir had briefly slipped away.He was back now, stalking Hispo-formed from the shadows of the Penumbra, blood on his muzzle. God (or was it Odin, and Thor, and the rest of his ancestors' cold gods?) only knew what he had been up to.
The direwolf nudges his packmates one by one, James - Kemp - Hyde - Annemarie. In that order. Here a whuff; there a brush of a powerful whither. Then he turns to catch Tashna's eye, his own -- pale and almost silvery in this form -- holding the other's for a beat. He did not recognize him. There were many new Garou at this moot. That was, he thought, probably a good thing.
He takes the Bone in his teeth, and clamps it under a forepaw as he sits on his haunches. Something about the anatomy didn't quite ring true as Canis lupus -- nevermind the size, five feet at the shoulders. Something else about it; the shoulders too broad, the chest too barreled, the digits on the paws just a touch too long. And the eyes; the shape of them, the ferocity and intelligence (what intelligence this Modi had, anyway) within glinting. Just as something about Glabro reminded one of wolf, something about Hispo reminded one of man.
"There have been ritual killings in the city," those who have heard his uneducated drawl are always surprised by the flawless, hard High Speech he is capable of. In his veins, the blood of Fenriswolves; the blood of savage kings. "Prostitutes found slain, their bodies carved. A kin is responsible. A kin may have performed these murders in order to bind the spirit of the slain for some greater purpose.
"If you know anything of this, speak now."
(tashna)
Tashna turns to look for anyone who wishes to speak on it, reaching as he does for the bone from the Fenrir elder.(Vašek )
Black as night, the enormous Shadow Lord crouches in Crinos, a necklace of old and yellowed skulls the only break from his pitch fur. That, and the gleam of his yellow eyes. Beside him, his sister: tall and sleek, cool and remote. They are completely silent, completely watchful, completely still.For now, anyway.
(Calvin)
...is already sighing loudly and fidgeting.(Vast)
...is whispering in Josephina's ear, grinning as he does so. Occasionally he tosses glances in the direction of James Wagner.(kemp)
Snorting because he had already told this to Barny. Course, the guy was old and hell may of forgot to tell his pack. Kicking off his shoes to start picking between his toes. Nothing like toe jam to flick at people.(yu/hyde)
*Yu Gan tilts his lupine head and his huge ears flicker forward to listen. Scenting the air. He'd not heard of this but it's something that would intrest the Uktena.*Hyde for his part had started to investigate it, but the sorce of information he tried to tap had screamed and freaked out in public so he'd told Decker that route wasn't going to work and Decker speeking here was perhaps the end result of that*
(aurelius/foxfire)
Gabriel is silent, however he does cast a vaguely amused glance his Packmates way, as they whisper. Josephina places a hand on his arm and draws his ear to her lips. Perhaps she repeats what Sevastian had told her, for the Theurge's expression certainly shifts and his dark eyes move to the Fianna Elder, then briefly catch his Packmate's. He smirks briefly, and then returns his attention to the Fenris Elder. The Silver Fang knew only what his Elder had told him, their part in the investigation small enough, a request asked of the Carreau de Sang and performed.They seemed content to watch and listen.
(decker)
After the protracted, albeit interested silence, the Modi growls low in his chest."None have anything to add? No insight into kin performing Rites suddenly? No ideas on what her final purpose may be? No questions, no answers, not a [fucking] thought in all your heads?"
(james)
James was the lucky recipient of touch from muscular shoulder
strong enough to nearly shift him off the lobster-crate, at least he wasn't wearing any of the blood
the Modi's steely grey fur stark contrast to the tanned and tattood flesh it touches
the back of his right forearm flexed against the direwolf's passing flank
Eagle pack's body language communicado transmitting all that needs to be said
there's little other movement as Decker takes the proverbial spotlight on the floor"Wen' wi' Doc Slaught'r a in'erview th' Lord Kin Agnessa coupla day' back. She'd seen th' killer, 'n th' secon' slaying, gave good 'nuff f'r Im'gen a do a sketch. S'all I know've it."
(yu)
Yu stands and shakes his head to the offer of the bone. He wouldn't be speaking long. In the language of the wolves he replys shortly* ~WT~ There are tales of the Skinner, a kinfolk whom proformed rites to become garou, but such had to do with the deaths of garou. Unless these prostitutes are all dead garou. It wouldn't apply.*The Manned wolf turns and sits again. Kin ... COULD do rituals but Yu didn't know of any that benifit from killing hookers*
(jack)
"You said 'her'. Do you have any reason to believe the killer is a woman, or was that just a blanket statement?" His voice comes quietly from the back, and the expression on his face suggests that even he is shocked that he spoke.(barny)
HE shrugs a little, looking at Decker. "The Knights will dig into this further. Either myself or Bread'n'Butter is going to come to the Eagles to make sure that we spread our searches properly. But so far, we have precious little information, and knowledge beyond it has actually happened, which Truth'in'Frenzy shared with us." A slight shrug of his shoulders. Before KEmp sought him out and told them that some kin was killing people, he had no idea of nothing, and they still dont. not even a clue where to begin looking.(tash)
His brow furrows and his dark eyes fix on the man speaking, a rattlesnake spirit curls up around his throat from inside his shirt, fixing the garou with it's gaze as well.
"Do not speakssss withoutss the bonessssss"
So the mute philodox does have other resources when need it seems.He looks to the Fenrir elder, who still has the bone, figuring he wishes to speak next, for a moment.
He also then fixes Yu Gan and Mother's Riddle with his dark gaze.
Kasche then steps forward, gesturing for the bone
(Milo)
Milo growls under his breath at the mention of his sister, but stands and moves forward. Eyes stealy dark, lost in the paleness of his skin. He glances at Tash, and gestures with a smirk, but speaks beforehand. "The elder asks a direct question. We answer. Agnessa is my sister, and has done her duty by giving the description of what she knows." Here his eyes lock on Jukebox. "I would appreciate next time, however, the intimidation go through me."Break gaze, step back.
(hyde)
to MULTIPLE: A mental nudge from Hyde. "See.. told ya the fuckers wouldn't tell me shit."(yu)
Yu Gan looks at Tash and flicks an ear. He wasn't going to play hot patato with a bone and take 43 hours for the entire group to answer a question that was posted openly.. twice.Decker hadn't ceeded the floor he'd asked for information.
A bit of a nod to Milo's words about a direct question and answer.
Sitting. Rather moody now the pup had tried to give him the fuzzy eyeball.*
(jukebox)
the Bone Gnawer Elder lifts a brow at Tashna's hissing commentary
chuckling a bit to himself before quietly allowing Milo to field a response
beer lifted in toast of appreciation for the other's clarification
"Az I'd 'ppreciate nex' time she dunn choose a lie t'me firs' when I've ask'er a direct question." the Adren smiles "'Fair 'nuff?"(leroy)
(Edits) LeRoy's eyes go to Decker. It was obvious he wished to say something upon the matter. What however that could be was not so easily distinguishable from his expression given to he.(milo)
(Milo)
A sharp nod toward Jukebox. A brow toward Hyde. "I will speak with her."
(decker)
Well, now they were talking, after he'd insulted them all. There was some grim, distant humor to be had in this. Chicago Sept: where people opened their mouths only to snap at each other. Not that he could complain."It's fine," the direwolf barks/replies to Tashnaheca. "They are answering me, and I don't care to play ball with the Bone." Another feature of the Chicago Sept: shockingly non-traditional.
Jukebox, then Milo, makes him flick a glower at the Shadow Lord Milo. "Hyde later went to extract more information. She declined to speak to him."
And Jukebox: "Where is the sketch?" Perhaps he should be embarrassed; his mate drew it, and he has no idea where it went.
Yu Gan: "Is it possible for kin to court the favor of banes directly? To become ... fomori, favored servants to powerful banes?"
Jack: "We don't know who the killer is." Still garouspeech; still direwolf; still bloody about the jaws, though as he listened -- his ears swiveling, his head cocking to each speaker -- he had licked his chops clean at least. "Nor the sex."
Mother's Riddle: a nod.
And finally, he gives Kasche the bone. Snaps it up in his jaws and flings it arcing in a toss of his head.
(jukebox)
(adds)"Im'gen's still got ih, far'z I know."
(jack)
Jack nods at Deckers answer, frowning thoughtfully as he resumes trying to blend into the scenery.(tash/kasche)
Kashe shrugs.. garou moots.. interesting.
He steps forward, looking to Decker.
"Modi, Ich habe information, writings of dreams from Agnessa, can bring to you, see if makes sense.. this man seems to haunt her somehow."Tashna nods to Milo and the snake wrapped around his throat speaks again
Irregularsss from what I amss used to'sss, but effecientssss itsss issssssss, acceptedsssss(yu)
*When Queried directly, before the bone is passed. He nods and speaks again in the language of wolves* "Yes.... it can happen though not the traditional way. Banes sometimes even make aggrements with humans. Pacts to get what they want. Most possessions are not known and aginst ones will. But some humans enter into them freely.. "Deals with the Devil" so to say. Not as frequent but very possiable Rhya.(leroy)
"Good.." He growled then. Hands slipping to his hips. "I do not know anything about this Rhya-Silence. But that does not mean I am not interested nor willing to vest our commentment and aid should you require it. In fact..I offer our help to the fullest of our capabilities. But we can speak later on that" LeRoy's voice booms; mindful that here and now was neither the place to discuss information of that sensitive of nature nor discuss what and how he and his pack could offer in aid. Nor why he's so vested to give it even."I will say this however...I have noticed of late a pattern in which the wyrm has been plying his trade. It seems thru our kinfolk." And he just leave it at that. And how many times do we pit ourselves into the maw of the wyrm because it all started with our Kin? Who here would agree with that assessment?
(aur/foxfire)
"And of course, Silence-Rhya, you are aware the Silver Fangs are more than willing to assist however possible."Virago's comment is mere polite reiteration of fact, and she is silent once more after this point.
(decker)
Catching the Bone again in those huge teeth -- neatly, and one doubtlessly has an irreverrent image of the Fenrir Elder playing catch with a frisbee, all half-ton of grey and glowering muscle that he was -- the Modi again clamps the Bone beneath his right forepaw.Most of the speakers simply get his stare this round, and a whuff of acknowledgment here and there. When Kasche speaks, the direwolf rises to all fours and shakes out his fur. Except his fur seems to shrink back into his body, and when he crouches again, he's homid, dressed in some old wifebeater-and-jean combo or other, the Bone now large in his rough hand.
Speaking in plain(?) English for the benefit of the bird, "You know where ta find me." And that applied for them all: "Y'all know. We's on tha Docks now. If ya figger anything else out. 'R find a dead body cut up in Wyrm-glyphs. Let us know quick as ya kin, so we kin Deathdust it 'n have a chat."
A glance sideways to the Silver Fang, her and her fuckin' white. "We know," his low acknowledgment to their neighbors.
Then, the Modi frowns at BnB. "How ya mean?"
(Cliona)
There's a slight smirk for something- quite possibly unheard, as she flicks a glance toward her packmates. Then she remains sitting, comfortably. She does flick a glance up at Decker, however. "If'n yeh have need o'more talens, lad, Yeh let me know."Directly. Not through th'fookin fangs.
"An' Me mates n'I would like t'check out th'umbral areas o'th'scene o'th'murders - if'n yeh could get th'information to meself, I'd appreciate it."
(leroy)
There was a single glance given to Virago. His eyes unflinching, hazelnut amber'd orbs swallowing up her form. Peircing like hot syrup. Of the Fangs, only she thus far had he no complaints. But that was neither here nor there, and his eyes fell from she and their cold stare. Back upon Silence they came with a daring gleen.A shrug given. A sigh, but his eyes never strayed away nor flinched and blinked. "For that other day, We'll compare notes. Till then..I will not upset this moot with presumptions I have little proof to support. Yet when you and Drums'on'Skulls 'ear m'out. Ya miaght see what Im hinting about. Till then. I'll hold my tongue on the matter. I'll make arrangements to seek your two's audiance." A nod, a warrior's nod to a battle hardened brother he gave to James. It lingered in his eyes, the trust that he had something important to say. Just not here..not for everyone to hear. Warriors as well had their own councils..this was his way of seeking one with them.
(decker)
Decker seems to have forgotten he's shifted out of the wolfskin. He bares his teeth briefly at Cliona, a low growl vibrating silent in his chest. He'll ask for talens from whomever the fuck he damn well pleased, the look says. So much for gratitude. "Our Godi's more'n capable'a makin' talens," he deigns to add. "He was jus' busy seein' to tha pack's defenses."He's scowling when his attention comes back onto BnB. Hard to say why. "Fine," he says, short and final, and flicks another storm-grey glance around the gathered. If no one else was talking, he tosses the Bone back to Tashnaheca. Steps back. Pulls up a crate; sits his ass down.
to MULTIPLE: (good god. you guys realize we are ALL ON AT ONCE? *amazed*)
Totemphone: Think tha stupid Coggie's 'bout ta spout some shit 'bout how we cain't trust our kin again. His ass was anglin' that way at tha meetin' after my frenzy.
(CLiona)
The only reply? A chuckled smirk, as she leans back and listens.(jukebox)
dangling ends of dreadlocks dance over the t-shirt's seamed shoulders
rugged jawline tipping up in his pack's trademark statement
transcribing the all but mentioned perameters of what sought audience would entail
the Gnawer and Coggie had fought at each other's backs time and time again
the least James could offer in return was a fair ear in a time of need
indifferent to the Modi's own choice of reciprocal scowl
unreadable his own anticipations regarding the matterhe was, after all, the Eagle's dedicated public relations liason
beer wench, too, as it seems.... bottle dug from nearby cooler and tossed to now-seated Fenrir(hyde)
to MULTIPLE: *Hyde snorts.* "Probably more worried about one of these new guys or lone wolves poaching their many many fuck toys... that's my guess.Speaking of kin.. *a beat* Found a high bread Fenrir. Going to take her under our protection. Nissa Sorensdottir.
(truth)
Looking up from the fascination of watching grass grow. A look around at the others and then attention was shifting towards Hyde with a lift of one brow.(tash)
Tashna catches the bone with a nod, and his eyes now go to Milo as he walks it over there, holding it out for him, at close range his throat muscles seem to move under that rattlesnake as it speaks.
"You wishessss the floorsssss, Eldersssss?"(am)
to MULTIPLE: Totemphone - her metal voice somehow soft, yet hard, and unfailingly polite for all her ire. "They seem to think too much of themselves, the knights. Barny's attack for walking though their territory is proof enough of that. What is the point of bringing up something only to say 'not now, but later?'"(decker)
At least Decker doesn't try to catch this in his teeth. The beercan smacks into his palm and he wipes his bloody chin on the back of the other hand. Then he grabs a handful of his shirt and wipes again, leaving rusty streaks on the white cotton. Now you know how he gets 'em so filthy.Pophiss, and he settles, feet planted wide, ass on the edge of a crate, elbows on his knees, shoulders thick. Crouched like a gargoyle, listening.
(kemp)
to MULTIPLE: That the same one that is called Agnessa and calls herself Nessa? Cause if it is, forget it, nothing but trouble. Realizing he must of missed something. What attack?
(decker)
to MULTIPLE: What tha fuck? If she told him, he must've let it go in one ear and out the other.And, Why tha fuck is a snake speakin' fer tha Truthcatcher?
(ewan)
*Ewan looks around and down at his Matrex-esk Alpha. Flickering an ear*
(jukebox)
one scowl, one snort, and now one BG's low chuckle rolling through the totemphoneLikely.... just smile and nod, and it'll let him blow enough steam to make up for it in longer periods of silence inbetween.
(am)
to MULTIPLE: "He is mute. Battle Scar. As for the attack, Barny provoked me into a fight. I lost. It is not something I am proud of."(hyde)
to MULTIPLE: *Hydes voice* Nissa Sorensdottir is not the same one as the shadow lord.Agnessa or Nessa is the bitch that started screaming about Jukebox when I asked her if she had a moment to talk about me. You'd think I ass raped her.... well.. or James did.
(jedi)
*she glances up and to Ewan as she was leaned back on him carefully. She pulled out her little cell and tapped out a text message and held it up for him to read*(deck)
to MULTIPLE: A grunt acknowledges Hyde's claiming of the kin. When Hyde first joined he'd had worries about the Metis overstepping his bounds, but the Godi had proved time and again he was a stalwart shield to the kin, no more. Too stalwart sometimes; like he wanted to protect every damn kin out there, though Fenris himself couldn't do that. But fuckit. There were far worse crimes than that.We'll talk ta Agnessa's brother later. Figger out why he's lettin' our best lead throw tantrums 'n refuse ta give up inf'mation.
(ewan)
*He reads and nods. His rur rippeling along the protruding bone. Raching up with one taloned hand to scrach around the bone plates on his chest. He agreed with his alpha*(ewan)
*He reads and nods. His rur rippeling along the protruding bone. Raching up with one taloned hand to scrach around the bone plates on his chest. He agreed with his alpha*(kemp)
to MULTIPLE: A mental snicker for that entertainment. Ass raped, he he he, he said ass rape. She must have his dick in a vice, that's why he lets her do this shit.(ack - whoops. *posts for Milo again)
Milo
When the time for those of his rank to speak finally comes, and past business has been addressed, Milo takes the bone with a polite nod to the Truthcatcher and steps forward. He's shifted back down into homid, so it's a thin, not too imposing looking, pale and dark-haired human form that steps forward to speak to the Sept.Words dribble out of his mouth, self-assured but not arrogant, though some might describe him otherwise. "I have spoken to others of my tribe who stand as a part of this Sept, and will assume the position of Elder Shadow Lord on the Council." His eyes drift across the gathered Garou, staying just a bit longer on the other Tribal Elders that will be his 'peers' should no unforeseeable obstacles crop up to impede him.
(jukebox)
this following bit of low laughter is a bit... darker... than his initial transmission
as if James would give a Lord kin that much of his attention and effortAsk Imogen... I was a pussycat. they can hear the smirk I didn't even get to growl at her.
(decker)
to MULTIPLE: Ain't nothin' funny 'bout rapin' a kin, Decker bristles. Sore spot.(tash)
He looks from garou to garou around the circle, gauging the reaction.. as always as when people speak, testing for truth as best he can, such as when people replied to Decker, then he nods.
It seemssss to be acceptedsss, issss moressss?
(kemp)
to MULTIPLE: Another mental shrug. Like he would ever rape some girl himself. Hell he avoided them as much as he could. Too much pain involved with them.(jukebox)
the Gnawer Elder doesn't cheer or veto the propositioned leadership
nothing more than a nod up acknowledging the matter all officially and shit
traditional Lord snipe met with traditional Gnawer Fuck You.
til proven otherwise, Milo back to neutral in his books(milo)
Milo shakes his head. He is finished. For now. And thus hands the bone back to the Truthcatcer.(tash)
He takes back the bone and walks it to Nelly Bell, nodding and smiling, offering it to her without a word from his.. friend.(nelly)
She took the bone from the Truthcatcher, stepping forward...Southern twanged voice carried for all to hear, "Gibbious Moons! Lets research these dark atrocities which the Fenris Elda speaks of. Perhaps something within history can be a key to the future..." a shrug of shoulders before they firmly squared.
"Ah, Nelly Bell Crenshaw, Murphy's Law to the Nation, gibbious moon of the Knights of Black Unicorn's Fury, Child of Vine, Talesinger of the Sept has answered the call for representation within the Council and motha to my local tribesmen. Tribal Elder of the Warders of Men I now am," she paused. Eyes gliding around to pick out the newest Roaches to the city. The hat which held all her hair up within tilted in a bow to each.Straightening, a hand brandished out as she stepped to the side, "Not long ago, Holly.. or Ricinus brought to our house a new found cub. His name is Justin Case, dubbed by Butta, 'Shit Happens' ... blood of the Children of Gaia hence claimed cub in training by the Knights of Black Unicorn's Fury. As such he is a pack hopeful and is under our protection, trained by his Tribal Elder Butta and his moon's mentor Tashana-Heca of the Uktena. Any others however who wish to impart their wisdom upon the Cub feel welcome to do so and we will honor any help that is given..." breath number two filled her lungs like two great balloons. Here came the long one...
(kemps)
to MULTIPLE: He had to look down and bite his tongue because well shit, having a snake around Tashnaheca's throat, just gave him the wrong mental image and each time it hissed, he just thought...dick..his dick is talking. Gonna die here, just gonna fuckin die.(nelly)
A breath..."I speak as the Voice of the Knights of Black Unicorn's Fury: One year ago we barred out doors... passage sought thru our shores denied. Access within restricted. We have enforced this doctrine for over a year. Yet here of recent we recall no bell chime, no rescind of our stance, no countermind of our desire to be left a peace and unchallenged. Yet, we are besiged by those whom heard out call to the Council a year ago. Perhaps by example, perhaps by remiss, perhaps by idiocracy - now newcomers to our Sept and city mock our legacy of pack territory brought down and weighed by our Nation.
"This will no longer be suffered without complete retaliation. In no short of words, we shall attack any found within our territory hailing without prior permissions. No questions will be asked. Should one so caught fall, our prayers for their soul will be heard. Mercy will not be shown. Quarter not given to anyone whom for no other reason to be there is simply there.
"Only ourselves, our kin the Squires, our friends and some certain elders posses these permissions allowing safe passage and entrance. All others are denied.
(aur/foxfire)
Riss perks up as Nelly starts speaking, and her glittering blue gaze settles on her Tribe's new Elder. That wide grin splits her lips as she listens, head tilted. Still chewing frantically.(kemp)
Frowning while listening. Hell it was hard to understand her sometimes. Was she saying no one was allowed to walk the streets, drive the streets or anything near their territory? A glance to his pack. So like do we all close our borders and fuckin kill anyone that comes near them? Is that what she just said they are doing?(justin)
He stands next to Butta and watches everyone and marks how they react to her proclamation. Saving it for later discussion with his mentors.(yu/hyde)
*Hyde looks down to Kemp. Speaking over the totem bond* That's what THEY are saying THEY will do yes.. but we're free to do what we like with our own territory.
*Ewan raises is brow points and one ear flickers amist the bone spurs. His pack were one of the few that had been told they were ok. He nods to Jedi*(leroy)
Upon Nelly's first invocation upon her assension to Tribal Elder; her claim, LeRoy made little expression. But his hand rose once more and as she spoke on, identifying the cub Justin. His finger extended in pointing direction. For all to see as he towered above his tribesmate. Proud like a father over a newborn heir. Obviously he favored the cub. Why? Remains to be known. But after the point, and whilst she continued to speak upon him, that hand fell upon Justin's shoulder and pushed him forwards. For all to see. Once her words began upon another topic..That hand had slipped upon the back of his neck and he jerked the cub back to his side again. Smiling brightly however, hovering his eyes over everyone as if proudly showing off what he had and they hadn't.(kemp)
Wait, ok this is confusing the fuck out of me. She just named most everyone I know as being allowed there. Or am I getting this completelyfuckinwrong?
(barny)
Mother's Riddle stands silent, still in the background, watching and waiting. Not a change in his expression through it all, just some emotionless mask.(jedi)
*she nods as well, after listening to Nell*(cliona)
A snort. She keeps her thoughts to herself though. And though she is on that list, it is unlikely she gives, as she'd say, A 'flyin fook.'(tash)
He takes the bone back and nods, eyes scanning the crowd, then takes position beside nelly, tucking it under his arm.
"I, Tashnaheca, Half Moon of the Uktenassss, soon bondedss to Knightsss of the Blacksss Unicornsss Furysss seesss the sept positionsss of Mastersss of Challengessss opensss, assss wellsss as truthcatherssss. I seekss to fillsss these'ssss positionssss." The snake speaks as he eyes the circle.(hyde)
to MULTIPLE: *Hyde grunts and flickers a thick finger at all the bunches of new garou and the 4 or 5 packs she didn't name* New folks I guess...(jukebox)
Nah. Just means that future calamity cropping up on their turf is wholly their responsibility until embossed invitations are hand-delivered to the cavalry. We're still.....
there's an absent wave of his nearing empty bottle towards Eagle's Godi
that's a good enough explanation of it for James's silence over the totem line
to each their own, and all that(virago/twilight)
Virago speaks up - raising her hand before the trutchcatcher can pass on the bone - quietly and succinctly, "While I appreciate the need for closed borders, Murphy's Law, I wonder at the wisdom of completely closing it so. Is freedom of passage to the caern still allowed for those not mentioned specifically? My understanding is that the Knights territory flanks the caern on two sides. That is correct, no?"(kemp)
A faint shake of his head and smile for Butta. He'd keep what little tiny bit of wisdom he might have for his own ears. The other kid didn't need the shit that ran through his head even when he slept. Then the snake spirit started that distracting hissing talk? Again and he had to bit his tongue and lower his head again.(yu)(
*Yu's ears twitch at Tash and he looks around to see if any others would speak. If not he stands showing indication to. Awating the bone on this as it might last more than a moment and direct answer.*(tash)
Tashnaheca nods to Yu Gan, then holds up a finger, and passes the bone a moment to Nelly to answer questions."One Momentss elderss Yu Gansss, for this to be addressesss, and will give you'ssss bonesss"
(yu)
*He waited patiently. Scenting the air. He figured the questions for Nelly would be answered first, but he didn't want the other point swept away in the floatsam and jetsum of the replys. A soft movment of tail accknoledges the words*(jedi)
*another quick message tapped out on her phone and held up for Ewan to read then cleared once he was done*(nelly)
She nodded to Virago, a hand on the bone, "A larger side yes. Of course passage thru our territory to achieve entrance to the Caern is allowed...we will not obstruct this. Only lingering in our territory... look, we got too much shit goin on raght now n too many folks stickin their nose where it dont belong. After a while it'll be ova 'n shit can lift again."(bambi)
Bambi is keenly listening, occasionally shifting by Riss' side, the rhythm sticks held loosely (but respectfully silent) in her hands. Not quite the bundle of energy that Calvin often proves to be, nevertheless there is a restlessness about her that the moot is only serving to increasingly bring out. To her recommendation, she is actually attempting to restrain it.At least it got some outlet in the stifled laughter that ran out of her mouth before she could snap the sound off, upon the announcement of what the Knight's had named the cub.
(virago)
Virago nods, smiling at Murphy's Law briefly in understanding, before letting gaze flick back to the truthcatcher.(nelly)
Lets go of the bone.(tash)
He takes back the bone gently from Nelly and holds it a moment, before walking it over to Yu Gan and offering it.(ewan)
*Ewan reads and grunts. Scraching at a forarm.(yu)
*Yu Gan takes the bone in his mouth and steps into the center of the circle. His fluid stride even more alien and supernatural in Lupus than in homid. Placing the bone on the ground he speaks in the language of wolves to Tash and the elders. Looking to each elder in turn*~WS~ I would oppose my tribal brother at this time taking these positions.
We do not know him well, for he is new to these lands nor does he know us and our ways. There are philodox here plenty. The open postions are not small and are in need of trusted known individuals. Individuals that have had time to interact with the peoples here. Know them. Know the sept the totem and Chicago.
While Philodox often hold these positions it isn't to be passed out casually to somone just appearing in our lands.
Also a master of the Challenge has need to be able to stop challenges with but a word. Mearly more than a thought should a garou go too far and risk endangering the nation by killing another.
Your wound prevents this my Tribe brother. Nor have we seen any indication of your decision making skills on any moderated challenges thus far. Franly you were born under the right moon, but past that we don't know if you CAN do these jobs.
For a time now, Philodox we KNOW and agree on have stepped into these positions.
When we know you, perhaps you can step up, but untill you've proven able to proform them, in... any way. I would say no.
I put it before the consel.
*Dippinghis nose scoops the bone and flips it gracefully though the air to the Grand elder to speak first. He'd pass it as needed.*
(leroy)
LeRoy steps forward. Indicating his desire once more to hold the bone and speak.(st)
(GE)
The Grand Elder arches a brow, slightly, and takes the bone. He rarely speaks. He prefers that things be dealt with on the council by the council. He is the end voice, but the Sept has proven themselves worthy of leading their peers well.That said. He lifts his chin toward YuGan. "You speak well, but make a mistake. The Master of the Challenge slot has been empty since vacated by the" What was their name again? "Fang. None has stepped up since then, Philodox or otherwise - though of the number of Philodox, all who are here would be new. If someone wishes to challenge for the position, so be it. If you do not challenge, stand down and allow another to do so." And he hands the bone back to Tashna. His piece said.
If the regulars could not be bothered, then perhaps new blood is exactly what is needed.
(damon's posse)
Decker lifts his head from his own ruminations over grass growing. Apparently once again choosing to ignore the game of toss-the-bone, he poses the question straight."'N who is you suggestin' ta take tha place instead, Fasttrack?"
Calvin is now well and truly restless. He gets up and starts shifting from foot to foot, hissing a whisper to Riss, "Man I can't sit still much longer!!! How much longer is this going to go on? Are we done yet? I bet I can surf Maelstrom, if I had a good enough board!"
Sevastian is still biding his time, waiting, watching with a small smile never far from his face.
Vašek Relentless-Foe has gone down to a full crouch now, forearms folded beneath his massive chest, crossed at the wrists; hindlegs sideways, the way wolves lay. He yawns, baring his curling tongue and all his white teeth. He shakes his head, the thick fur about his head ruffling and tossing, the necklace of skulls rattling and clonking hollowly about his neck. Resettles. Watches, his yellow eyes slitted.
(tash )
He moves up to the grand elder and nods
"I'sss can indeedsss stop a combatant in hissss tracksss, Eldersss"
He turns and glares at Yu Gan(yu)
*He looks from the GE to Decker, whom actually held higher rank* I'm saying it's better not to have the position filled. Should the only one to fill it be somone we don;t know is able or fair. We at this point do not know wich to be true.He's in this area less than a month, has not presided over any challge I've heard about... *A pause to see if the one behind him speaking though the snake would clarify that, still watching the Adren, respect given to the rank* If nothing else.. challenge should be given by the elder or elders to prove worth, before one takes such possitions. * A nod of his lupine head to Decker.*
(twilight)
Twilight Judgment, Philodox of the Shadow Lords gives indication to Tashnaheca that she would like to speak, on this subject.(leory)
"Psst.." A scowl given upon Calvin. But was it really a scowl for he? Perhaps not as LeRoy moved towards the other, his bid for the bone now seemingly ignored whilst some quarrel commenses he doesnt want any part of. But in his hand he carried something. Outstretched, he offers it to Calvin. Nothing muttered. It was a gameboy. The game on it however was probably of interest. As it was 'Get Laid', where one tries different approaches and chooses different lines to see how far one can get with a girl for the night. Perhaps Calvin wouldn't be so restless if he played a game and just ignored the rest. That scowl was replaced with a snicker. A nod towards Riss and he stood there palm open with the gameboy in offerance(tash)
He gestures to Twilight
Speakssss, floor is open on subject.(au/firefox0
Riss leans back, her attention riveted on the two speaking. Her Atlantic blue eyes darting back and forth. She doesn't break eye contact with the assembly but reaches a hand into her pocket, withdrawing a Gameboy and tossing it casually at her Packmate. Across the link to Calvin.Got a high score on that snowboarding game! Try and bea--
She breaks off, and peers up at LeRoy with a partially open mouth. Then blinks several times and a wide grin appears again. She beams at him and accepts the proffered toy with a nod and offers it likewise to Calvin. He could pick, and she'll give the other to Bambi. Snowboarding was more her style anyway.
(damon's)
Calvin lights right up like a christmas tree. "AWESOME!!!" Loud enough for everyone to hear, incidentally. But whatever glares he gets bounces right off. The scrawny Ahroun (is that a contradiction?) is fixated on the gameboy, diddling buttons like there was no tomorrow. Bambi will get the snowboard Gameboy.Decker grunts agreement with Fasttrack.
Vašek sits up as his packmate indicates she would like to speak. Beneath the jet pelt, his musculature rolls like waves in a black ocean. He shifts onto his hindlegs, still crouching, a handpaw splayed on the ground for balance. He knows what she'll say already. For all the indolence of a moment before, he is alert now, broodingly silent.
(kristpher st peters)
*Kris sits up in the rafters, his favorite perch for a Moot because you can see everything from above.He listens to the debateing going on between Tashna and Yu-Gan, listening to Tashna he commends his desire to do something for the Caern, hell if Kris wasn't a Corax he'd put in for the position of Truth Catcher...but he knows the reaction that, that would get.
Than turning his head to listen to Yu-Gan, he respects the man and his opinion and he's never had a reason to do otherwise. He also agrees with his point that the man is new and has not proven that he is capable or trustworthy of either position yet alone both of them*
(twilight)
"I am Natasha Kružíková, known as Twilight Judgment, half moon of the Shadow Lords and ranked cliath of the nation. I am new to this sept, with my brother and packmate, Vašek Kružíkov. He is known as Relentless-Foe and is crescent moon of our tribe. We are bound under the wisdom of Ourobouros." Her voice is low-pitched, quiet, yet it carries through to all at the moot, the introduction directed at the elders."Only some here know us, and I appreciate that it may not be well. I had refrained from challenging for any position that may be open to my auspice on that basis. However, perhaps it would be of some relief to Yu Gan-rhya if the two positions were not held by one not so known to the sept, but instead two." Her lips quirk in a dry amusement at her own statement, but it does not linger for long - gaze latching on the Truthcatcher.
"I challenge for the position of Master of Challenge."
(jukebox)
James tips a thoughtful nod as Yu Gan explains his concerns
contemplating his own conclusions during the time it takes to arrive at his turn
he can appreciate Tashna's confidence at stepping foward so green to the Sept
and while mistakes are made by all, he being the first to admit it after all
battlescar of his own would have denied Eldership had it been any worse than lingering slur
the soon-to-be-Knight has already proven his lack of familiarity for their ways before all those gathered tonight
and the raggedyman himself is wholly unfamliar with the Philodox to begin with
all too recent events in the Gnawer's story proving how detrimental such unfamiliarity can be"I share Fas'track's c'ncerns, s'well'az th' Gran' Elder's seni'men's in turn.... let who'ev'r challenge f'r it prove they c'n play wi' th' big dogs 'r stan' down 'r be taken down." muscular shoulders roll in a nonchalant shrug "New face'r ole hist'ry dunn matt'r.... I won' put a Garou in office 'less I c'n trus' they're able. Seems fair 'nuff."
(decker)
(decker)
Why don'tcha jus' speak Garoutongue, James, Decker suggests, wry. If even he had trouble deciphering his packmate's speech...(tash)
He looks to the Grand Elder, since there is no master of Challenge.(nelly)A hand pops up to cover Nelly's mouth. Biting then upon her finger softly to keep from showing grin or grimace.
(yu)
*Yu nods to the elders and others as they speak. Should the guy prove his ability, Yu too would accept him. When the shadow lord steps forward to lay challenge he nods. If NOTHING else. the challenge between them will show the sept BOTH their abilitys, and if they deserve it.Ragabash duty done. He bows his lupine head deeply to Decker. Then to the GE and steps back to his place.*
(justin)
He watches the going ons with eager eyes. Absorbing everything. Very glad he's not in Tashna's shoes but realizing that someday he will...For now, he just watches. Hoping the best for his future packmate.
(st)
He watches Yu Gan, as another takes up the Challenge. Which is exactly what challenging for position is intended to accomplish, see another not step up to lecture, but to stand up and challenge as well so that both can be proven.As the Ragabash sits, he turns his gaze to Natasha, then Tashna. "The challenge will be set and carried out before me after the Moot. Carry on." A flick of manicured hand bits the bone be passed on yet again.
(kemp)
Well his ass was well and truly numb by now. Knees drawn up, wrists laying over them as he sat there only half listening it seemed.(twilight)
Twilight Judgment inclines her dark head, the dark figure she cuts in the sober black she has chosen to wear, slight and disappearing next to her brother's dark pelt.(jukebox)
You honestly think it'd be any clearer? the reply is just as wry, really, even smirked Unless you're offering to step up as translator....
(justin)
He smiles to himself and thinks aloud softly, "Either way it goes, a Tash will be Master of Challenges"(vast)
Vast speaks up just loudly enough for his words to carry all the way to the Shadow Lord Philodox. "Make it bikini mud wrestling." And he grins, unrepentant.Surely he jests.
(leroy)
His brow quips, holding back his chuckled amusement at Calvin's interest in the sex game. He'd have to remind himself later to share his knowledge of those secret codes to make girls do well...certain things one oughta not look at in cartoon. As the council begins speaking upon their ideas, wishes and well challenges, LeRoy steps up to be heard."Listen folks. Who better than a Shadow Lord to find all the shiet we donnae think of to pass challenges? And whom better than an Uktena to tell if someone is of the wyrm and if they be lie'n? Me? I say..fuck the challenge..Tashna use those Gifts granted by his totem. A totem of wisdom and wyrm lore to be used in the position of Truthcatcher, whilst we let the seneschals of the Nation whom know betta than most how to manipulate and compromise to get what sneaky little thangs they want to be the Master of Challenge? Anyone agree? Miaght be easier and let us get on wit this if we just all think bout it. Each triabe just as each auspice has a certain nack for somethin.." shrugging "Why ignore it?..Ya'll know where I stand.."
(decker)
Maybe you kin borrow Annemarie's scribbleboard. Outwardly, the Modi is grim and silent as ever. There's a gleam in his eye, though.(nelly)
Both brows go up at Vast's request. Almost a 'here here' emotion playing across her face. Yet it fades as she relaxes to sit upon the ground and simply listen.A blink and she looked up to LeRoy's words... "here here," actually said outloud to that.
(twi)
Vast's remark gains Twilight Judgment's attention, but that is all. Perhaps that is enough, the coldness of her stare, the otherwise neutrality of her face, resting on him for just a moment, before her attention returns to whoever is speaking. Interesting how that look only modifies a fraction as it moves away.(am)
A slight brow lifts as she looks at her packmates in what passes as amusement for the Modi. "Get your own." The totem reply, with a smirk.(decker)
Decker frowns at Butta; the gleam is now gone. "Hell no. Sept positions ain't fruit fer tha pickin'. Cain't step up if you ain't worthy. Ain't worthy if ya don't challenge. Better we ain't got no Truthcatcher 'r Master'a Challenges than have shitty ones."(james)
You ever see my handwriting? maybe the Gnawer missed that gleam while tipping back another slug from his beer.... unless of course that was just to hide the appearance of lopsided smile for the sake of keeping up the proper demeanor up here on Council Way It's even worse than yours.(jedi)
((*smirks to TASH* I'm a HER, thank you))*the GW alpha took the bone and looked it over, waiting while last comments were said and done. Then her eyes swept across the gathered garou around her.*
My name is Rayne 'Electric Jedi', child of cockroach under the new moon and alpha of the new pack Obsidian Data under wireless bat. We have precured a small area of territory in the downtown area as well which can be easily found both here and umbrally and does not tread upon anyone's toes. Should our assistance be needed for anything, you need only ask.
*she pauses a moment, having listened to the earlier comments of the Uktenas and the elders, and decided what the hell*
Having heard the earlier argument laid down, I must tend to agree with our Grand Elder. None of the sept have stepped forward in months for certain positions. Perhaps there is reason, who is to say? Or maybe, just maybe, our Elder is correct in thinking new blood may be what's needed. So with this, I say now I would like to lay challenge for the Keeper of the Land position, and in doing so, take on tests from the elders to prove my worth, as you cannot take it on my word alone less one of the more senior garou of the city wish to finally step up and take it.
(virago)
Virago's own response to her packmate's unasked for contribution is the faintest flick of her eyebrow upwards. If her mouth quirks ever so slightly in amusement? Surely it must be any onlooker's imagination.(hyde)
*Hyde shoos off a persistant earth elemental in the shape of a large crab. He drew spirits like gnawers drew flys**Ewan, still in the bone incrusted crinos form behind Rayne nods to her words. Then scratches one of the spurrs at his elbo*
(leroy)
"Oh I agree..Silence-rhya. But thats the difference between yous and me. I'll let have a chance and a go at it..if they fail..then well...they aint no good now are they? But if they succeed? Whats the problem. Maybe tis jus me..but Im of the mind tae start trust'n in what Gaia deems us tae be. And the ability she gives each. I aint gotta quibble ova it too much. I aint gotta search it. If I did..well hell man..means I aint got tiame to m'own shiet I gots to. Im more lean'n to trust'n that Gaia 'as given em what they need, than believe'n I know betta than see and ave tae see"(nelly)
She turned to look upon Rayne. A blink of lashes as she pondered the possibilities. Yet a smile brandished her lips and she gave her a nod.(justin)
Whispers to Butta for another explanation.(decker)
"When they fail it's too fuckin' late," is Decker's final word on the subject. No matter if Butta replies or not, he won't say anything more. The moot has moved on.(hyde)
*Hyde puts it on Kemp. Let him deal with the thing.*(decker_)
...and if Kemp puts it on Decker they were gonna have crabspirit for dinner tonight.
(kemp)
Grumbles, flicking the thing back. "Man, I don't want to share your crabs."(tash)
He looks to Decker, then nods in agreement, it is better one's prowess is known and proven.(jedi)
*the vinyl coating her bosy creaked as she moved, twirling the bone in her hand as others continue to speak on other matters while she was talking, but a word isn't said, waiting for any who would step up, and a nod to Nelly having her aproval now*(hyde)
*Hyde takes the crab back and grunts sitting it on his shoulder and waits for the bone. Wincing heavily as it bites his ear for putting him on kemp.... Somedays it just doesn't pay to get out of bed*(tash)
He nods to the LADY (cough, sorry) Rayne
We have a challenge for keeper of the lands, anyone against, or wish to challenge for it?"(yu)
*Yu looks to the GE to see if a challenge would be layed before the Glasswalker too. His arguement had been heard and even accknowledged by the new girl.*(james wagner)
( When I say late like a period, I mean late like a period. Anyhow, I'm here. And I'm gonna just make something up on the fly. :P )The Sandman had been sitting silently, listening, more or less going along with the flow of things, sitting with the rest of the council of elders once things had gotten under way. He had found himself a nice milk crate to sit on, of all things, smoothing his goattee every so often and just all around listening. They generally went along with James' viewpoints when the challenges for Master of the Challenge and Truthcatcher came up, and the Grand Elder had final say over what happened with that to begin with. He didn't want 'em, so he just shrugged and more or less had a "toss a coin" attitude.
(decker)
Smirking as the crab clamps onto Hyde's ear, Nice earrings, Hyde. Did Imogen pick 'em out fer ya?
(Ileroy)
There is a long look at Jedi. Then back upon the other elders. Then once more upon Jedi. Head falling askew. He wondered if she perchance had the ability to speak with spirits. Since they dealt so much with those holding said title 'Keeper of the Land'. Interesting. What was she up to? He wondered while grinning towards her.(kemp_)
Boy was he getting confused with all the challenges. First no one, then the whole famn damily got on the kick. Snickering with a look towards Decker. Hyde has crabs, pass it on.
(hyde)
*Hyde just ignores the Modi. Vowing to send Buzz over by telling him Decker had some batteris in his underwear... after decker went to sleep tonight. *
*A smack up side the head to Kemp then and warning growl*(kris0
*Kris stands up in the rafters, slowly shifting into Corvid form and flys down to the gathering than shifting again into Homid, waiting and listening to the debates. He will wait untill they have decided about the Master of Challange before he speaks up in decission for the position of Truth Catcher*(kemp)
Rolling on his back with a fit of laughter. "Hey man, spoke the truth."(hyde)
*His voice quiet not to intrrupt the serious matters going on* I hate you all....... *Clearly he didn't but as the Godi he HAD to play nice with the spirits.*(am)
(AnneMarie)
That even gets her lips to twitch. Amused.
(kemp)
The girly like comment just made his eyes water up as the laughter shook his body. Starting to hurt from it.(kris)
*Kris watches Rayne jesturing to her that when she is finnished that he would like the bone*(GE)
He levels a gaze on Yu Gan, meeting it and matching it as the silence lingers. When it seems none would step up to challenge another new Garou from taking a position, he flicks a gaze toward Jedi and nods. "Challenge accepted - dealt with after the moot." to Tashna. "continue."[cont'd next scene]
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.09.05. - rite of the opened sky [july moot pt 2][rite of the open sky - forum]
(gabriel)
The mournful cries of the Opening Howl have finally faded away, and such it is during the process of the Moot that silence reigns in the wake of the plaintive cries of the Garou to the Umbral sky. Silence reigns, and beneath its heavy cloak steps forward first pristine white wolf and then as one step becomes many, forms the Homid figure of the Silver Fang turned Caller of the Wyld.Aurelius is quiet, still and resolute for a moment. Call it his calming preparation before he speaks. But when he does, doubt not the steady timbre of his voice, a quiet command for the Spirits to harken to his words.
"We have gathered in this sacred place of Gaia, having called our brothers and sisters of Gaia, and we now call our brothers and sisters of Luna."
Unmistakably accented with his French ancestry, the Caller of the Wyld is still simply understood and were any to struggle to decipher the spoken word his actions would prove their understanding, for they were universal in their meaning. A turn to the East, chin lifted and eyes closed, hands lifted and palms skyward in supplication. Invocation.
"Come, East Wind! Bringer of the dawn of clear air! East Wind! You who showed us the mirror side, the other side of the Velvet Curtain, come to us! We thank you for your clear thought and bright light."
Always to the right, this time the Silver Fang calls to the Wind of the South. That of fire and rage.
"Come, South Wind! Bringer of the eternal fire! South Wind! You who gave us the fire of rage within, that we may strike swiftly against our enemies, come to us! We thank you for your fiery anger and your guardian protection!"
That of rain and transformation.
"Come, West Wind! Bringer of the rain! West Wind! You who gave us the Changing Ways, come to us! We thank you for the many shapes you’ve shared with us!"
And finally, to call that of wisdom and strength, Aurelius turns to the Northern front.
"Come, North Wind! Bringer of cold from the mountain! North Wind! You who brought us the Gifts and the Sacred Ways, come to us! We thank you for your great wisdom and great strength!"
The Theurge opened his dark eyes and left his hands heavenward, as was traditional during the warmer months. And then again resolutely, mildly.
"Come, Inner Wind! Bringer of blessings from Gaia, from within us! You who hold our Mother’s power within us, come to us all! We thank you for your spirit, and your inner peace."
And with eyes that slip from Garou to Garou, tribe and pack.
"Spirits of our brothers and sisters! Sacred patrons of our packs! We call to thee! Spirit of Cunning, Fox! Spirits of Wisdom, Owl, Hummingbird, Ouroboros, Wireless Bat! We call to thee! We call to the warriors, Eagle and Unicorn's Shadow! We call to those who are respected, Merlin and his brood! We call to those whose names are found in secret! Come to us! We thank you for your care and aid in times of trouble! We offer praise to your bravery and courage!"
And finally, the Silver Fang turns his body toward the Heart of the Caern.
"Maelstorm! Strength in adversity! You who teach us to sacrifice for the good of She Who Wears the Night Sky, come to us! We thank you for your wisdom and your strength of purpose!"
Lowering his head slightly, the rise and fall of the Theurges chest had quickened with each small speech. And to finish, the Silver Fang slipped into his mothertongue. A quiet meditation to finish before he would move back to be with those of his Pack.
"Acceptez nos mercis et éloge de vos noms, grands spiritueux en service de la Ge, qui birthed le ciel et la mer et tout lŕ est. C'est le respect que nous vous montrons. C'est la gratitude que nous prenons pour vous."
[cont'd in cracking of the bone]
Posted by james at 12:00 AM.07.09.05. - opening howl [july moot pt 1][opening howl - forums]
(Copied from below post)
James Wagner, Master of the Howl, Fianna elder and beta of the Quick stood a step ahead of Yu Gan when it was time to begin.
His handsome Homid form rippled into his Crinos form. Looking left, then right, he lifted his muzzle to the sky and belted out a Fianna's beautiful howl.
(cheza llwelyn)
Cheza Llewelyn, Splinter Cell, stood as a black and tan crinos, with a glossy pristine coat, fur patterns form markings, like a Doberman, over a lean, muscular frame; the dark shadowy impressions of large wings (Owl's gift to his children) hang across the Glass Walker's back, only appearing when she crossed into the umbra to announce her howl.She stood amidst two other Garou. The Rite's Mistress, Cliona and the Shadow Lord, Milo. Together, they formed the Watchmen, children of Owl.
(kirk)
Kirk rears his head to the sky and howls with his pack. Fairly small in size for a Crinos, but his shaggy, mangy fur seems to give him added presence, as if his horrid stench didn't do that already. Black body, white paws, white face, but blue atop the head. Something one would expect from a Glass Walker rather than a Black Fury.
Present and howling:Silence, Crinos, formidable and grey, standing with his pack with his hands wrapped around the shaft of his grandfather's axe, a blaze of white across the massive shoulders and down the muscled chest.
Relentless-Foe, Hispo, limping from savage bite wounds, a chain of skulls knocking hollowly against one another on his shaggy neck. Sitting on his haunches beside his twin, his eyes yellow and gleaming.
Perpetual-Motion, Lupus, a wolf so lean his ribs showed through his silvery pelt, tail wagging furiously as though some part of him always had to be moving. Also with his pack.
Sevastian de Valois, who had no deedname and apparently needed no deedname, also Lupus, also a wolf with fur as white as snow, long-legged and lean, but with a certain hungriness to his stare that was unsettling. At the side of his Alpha, unless of course Josephina sits with the Council. In that case, he sits with the remainder of the pack.
Cliona:
She has flown with the Crows. She has flown with the Dragonfly. And now, the Theurge with something of a proclivity for flight, it seems, now flies under a new totem, The Owl. With a fookin Shadowlord, o'all things. This was new. And bound to have some sort of detrimental effect on her personality, to be sure.None the less, she is here, she once again feels the familiarity of pack, and she, as one with The Watchmen, howls.
AnneMarie:
Standing with the Eagles, tall and lean even in Crinos, and ever silent, she howls in her own way - feetpaws stamping, adding her own din to the rising cacophony.
(kristopher)
*Kristopher makes the decission that many cars and an empty area may leave questions so he arives by flight, landing than shifting into homid steping into the Umbra.He is wearing only a pair of sandles and loose fitting cloth pants, leaving his silver jewlery at home out of respect for the gathering. His tattoo's being his only adornaments. A Celtic Knot armband decorating his left arm, a half sleeve tribal tattoo decorating his right, a tribal image of the Sun around his navel and a 4 leaf clover on the back of his neck. Though he stands within the gathering he stands away from the packs keeping silent because a Corax has no howl*
Aurelius, the lean ivory figure, is present. The Caller of the Wyld sits still and quiet among his pack and yet when the moment arrives to howl, the clear cutting sound rises swift and sure with the rest of the Sept.Foxfire, a multi toned figure in Lupus form of varying hues of brown dusty to dark, is also there with her pack of ragtag Garou. She sits among them, occasionally wagging her tail, peering around frequently with wide curious eyes, a long howl given forth, high pitched and excited.
Aodhan, the Fianna prince . . . he sits on his haunches, a white wolf with gray tips, at the side of his alpha - a bard, the bastard son of countless generations of heroes, mystics, judges and yes, even tricksters. Aodhan Salto, of the Irish Saltos howls out low and long, a mournful, moving sound.
Bram Reinhardt stood alone. He had no pack, no family of his own, but the modi Fenrir howled with the rest.Moots....blah.....nontheless Kemp was there with his pack. Ready for a grand ole brain killing, ass numbing wonderful time.
Tilting his face up towards the sky to howl with the rest of them. At least when he howled he got to blow off some steam.(vast)
Some might notice that while James Wagner was looking left and right, Sevastian de Valois had already begun to howl. Indeed, the Silver Fang Galliard's howl is the first one to pierce the night. Simple oversight -- a faux pas brought on by youth and overeagerness? Perhaps.But this seems less and less likely as the Fang matches James' Crinos with his own terrible Hispo, taking on the larger form's increased lung power to give his voice an extra ounce of power. Though not the same ethereal beauty as the Fiann's howl, the Silver Fang had a note of pride, of kingly thickness and timbre, that went somewhat beyond. The Fang's howl stretches on, and on, and on, clearly trying to outlast the Fiann, or at least give him a good run for his money.
There's a note of mockery, of heckling, in the howl. A note of contempt and challenge. Given all that's gone down between the stag and the falcon, one might think Sevastian had it out for James for whatever reason. Or worse, that he enjoyed hounding the Fiann.
Jack Salem arrives just in time, taking his place...where? His one and only packmate is nowhere to be found, naturally. Dark eyes scan the assembled Garou, looking for anyone he may recognize as "friendly". No one. Fantastic.
And so, he stands as alone as one can be when surrounded by pack animals. Form stretching, tendons audibly popping and cracking as he assumes the War Form. The monster inside comes out, but controlled, subdued by the prescence of so many other monsters. His markings are similiar to those of a timber wolf, his fur unmarked by scar or age. Snout lifted to the air on cue, a long, low howl sent into the air at the appropriate time. Watching every step internally, praying that he doesn't screw up his first moot in his new home...Josephina de Valois-Montreuil : Virago
Sevastian's preemptive howl is joined by that of the Fianna, the two sounds melding in Virago's ears, her lips twisting in a wry admission of amusement. She glances at James the moment before she shifts up, white fur replacing the silk and synthetic that she wears, rippling across her form. Then head lifted, her own pure howl soon joins that of the Master of the Howl and her packmate in a trio of voices, a rank that swells in sound and volume again and again as others join them.
Who of the Silver Fang and the Fianna galliards lasted the longest may just be unclear within that added symphony of sound.
Natasha Kružíková : Twilight Judgment
So much like her twin's changed form, the similarities that cannot be when they are homid, are completed when they shift. She but a smaller version of him rears as she howls, pure black fur replacing the sight of skin and leather. Solid black where all the eyes can see, their one distinction from other such wolves would be their eyes. Twin in likeness and whole of the gold only hinted at in their homid gaze. Metallic and resonant, streaked through with amber, they seem to glow until lids are lowered to the rising strength of her howl.
Vanessa Wu : Bambi
She is much like her packmates in her restlessness - and soon they would be the one group of garou that just seems to constantly be moving. Not necessarily from boredom (though perhaps that could seem a part), but just ... fidgetting. Whether it be fingers on clothes, in hair, lower lip caught between teeth then released, then caught again - only a second it takes before a part of her is doing something different. Much the same when she shifts to crinos to howl, not quite as high-pitched as Riss - but near enough - it still bears a control, and a length, that is testament to her auspice.
And while at it? In her hands rhythm sticks, dwarfed by her crinos hands, upon which she impishly breaks out some beats. As soon as she finishes, she's switching back into homid, but for a few moments more and as long as the last howl remains, the beats playfully continue - interwoven with Anne-Marie's stamping.
Trey Bishop, Mends~the~Bridge stands with his pack, The Knights, head held high and proud after his long absence.
And when the Howl begins, he shifts to Crinos, tan fur covering his body, muzzle held high to the sky as he joins with abandon, belting out every emotion he can in that seemingly small space of time. No clothes other than his bonded jeans, and a gold locket around his neck. Small remembrances mean more to some than others.
(esther garroty)
Newly arrived to the city, few would have noticed her quiet, reserved presence. In homid, she is demure, innocent, hardly anything to notice, though her rage shimmers about her as if a righteous cloak. Her eyes are large, dark, solemn; taking in the visage of each of the arrivals, from the intense, to the already bored, and all the variations in between.She slips umbral with the rest of them, and she goes to her knees, facing where Maelstrom resides. As the call of the Wyld begins, she takes a lace veil from her bag, and covers her head with it, face partially hidden. The call continues, and she her rosary appears in her hand, obsidian beads clacking slightly as she listens.
hail mary, full of grace, blessed art thou among women
The Howl begins, and she shifts, still kneeling. Fur jet black spills from the child become warrior, her form much more noticeable now as she rivals some of the largest and fiercest in size. She comes to her feet in a single fluid move, her arms opening wide as she lifts her muzzle to the sky, her howl the pure soft sounds of a Galliard, strength backed by faith.
Esther 'Hail Mary' Garroty, Cliath Black Fury Galliard, howls.
Yu Gan stood with his pack mates, in his long limbed Maned wolf form. The Uktena elder throwing back his narrow muzzle and howling to the sky when the others started. The red and black fur mixing in with the shadows and the night, but his pure tone echoing out eerily around those already singing.Hyde Three Fingered was standing with the eagles in his birth form. The massive steel gray Crinos looked about as the others started and finally threw back his anvil shaped head and cut forth a bellowing howl to add to the raising sound.
William Avian had been there for a while, but in his raven form as he attended these Garou meetings. Sitting off on a perch out of easy snack reach he hops from foot to foot when all the doggies started up. Ruffeling his feathers and adjusting the red band around his left foot.
New to the caern the Glasswalker shows up with his new Alpha. Waiting till others had shifted and started howling Scratch-N-Sniff did likewise. Shifting up to Crinos. His fur glossy and dark, black with dark gray markings. The bone is more clear in this form and more advanced. Bone spurs shoot forth from his shoulders.. from his elbows and along the back of his arms. His hands, knees, wrists, ankles. There are bony protrusions across his chest and even up the top of his muzzle to between his eyes. Little ridges of bone over his eyebrows and spiky ones down his back. After the painful transformation was complete, he raised his head to the night and let out a higher pitched almost digital sounding howl. Contribution to the caern, the Garou here and their diminutive new totem spirit.
LeRoy stood behind his packmates. Towering over them nevertheless, eyes presently upon those newest standing with him. For the howl he shifts his form, a foot taller, then another glabro suddenly cracks into Crinos. His howl is long and loud. He too was present.
Behind him though rested a now smoking grill. If he couldnt party with the other 'Garou' during the 4th, he'd bring the 4th to them. Albiet belated. Ribs smoked in the air, sizzled against their bones behind him. If Nelly was doing her part, a keg would be wheeling up soon enough. Though much of this was for afterwards should any care to linger and be social.Syndel stood alone, watching for a moment of the others howling before her form began to shift to Crinos. Dark silver fur covered her form, streaked with dark wood brown streaks. Standing tall and proud, her arms stretched out slowly while she howled out. Loud, deep and long.
Green duffle bag slung upon her back, black cowboy boots, Daisy Duke cut off jean short, dixie flag bikini top... could only be Nelly Bell. Cowboy boots was one of two of her hallmarks. The second was hidden under a 1950 boy's black floppy cap; the bill ridden low upon her brow and only two thin tendrils of white blond hair drifted out from underneith to frame her face.
The southern gibbious indeed had a metal barrel on the roll. It had gained momentum from the fence edge till about half way up hill where it gravity took effect, causing her to push harder. She made it eventualy into the assembly area and quickly set the keg in place. She knew eventually Harold and Barny would be along with the large platic garbage can and bags of ice to set the beer keg inside.
So, leaving the barrel untapped, she slipped into the umbral side of the meeting hall. Her form sliding up next to Trey and LeRoy, the bag slid from her back to rest at her feet. Then her bone cracked, skin receeded to make way for odd colored fur sprouting all over her body. Fur the color of a army city camoflauge. She took crinos and bellowed into the air, giving her own deep honey voice to lift with pack and Sept mates.*she stood by her packmate. The Glasswalker Alpha in wolf form, fur all blonde with hints of black, bounced about in hyperness of a caffeine high til the howl began. As the ripple of the howls came her way, Jedi lifted her head high and howled out loudly with Scratch-n-Sniff.*
Jody lays down with her pack in Lupus, howling when the time comes.
The Sandman's brow furrowed as Sevastian had the insolence to mock him, but he did not respond with physical recognition of the Silver Fang's actions. Instead, James being the professional vocalist and musician extraordinare, held onto the note. It was in every ounce of his being as Fianna, musician, and most of all Galliard. His lungs were more practiced at such things than, he suspected, the boy.
Needless to say he outlasted Sevastian, and continued on for some moments, and when it was finished he strode over to Josephina and jerked a thumb at her.
We will have words. Now.
His eyes were narrowed, and restraint was obvious on the Sandman's face, and he strode off without a word to one of the many bonfires being lit.
Josephina gives the Fianna elder the slightest smile, no surprise in her gaze at his sudden and unexpected approach. Her reply to his suggestion? It is polite, respectful, but there is a glimmer in her eye that he would well recognise as amusement. That, mixed with the further inflection of expression - something else he may also, very well recognise. For him alone.
"Of course, Sandman-rhya. But perhaps this could take place after the moot?" she murmurs, her voice calm and throaty, that smile moulding the tone. "I would not wish to have the rest of the Council wait for us. Unless, it is important?"
A blonde brow lifts inquiringly, but he would not be fooled by that innocent question. He would know she is aware of why he approached.
And then she adds softly and barely audible, "You may also find that it is no longer necessary for us to talk, by then."Cliona turns to look at the little disruption, a slim brow raising, her voice carrying toward the two, and intended for the Sandman as she moves past them toward where the next part of the moot will be.
"Yeh should know better'n tha' lad... Tis what th'Crackin tis for, innae it now? Dinnae dishonor th'traditions."
Disappointment colors her tone as she glances at her Elder, holds his gaze a moment or two, and then continues on toward the assembly area where the Cracking of the Bone will be held, where Garou air their grieviences, where they discuss threats to individials as well as the Sept as a whole, where they work through any and all problems in the proper fashion.Justin comes running up to stand behind LeRoy. It looks like the guardians have been giving him a hard time again. But, he made it through, just like last time.
He's never been to one of these before. Not knowing what to wear, he chose the simple black jeans, and black t-shirt. (everything matches black)
Since he's one of the last he shifts into Lupus (it's the only form he knows). He has a light tan coat ranging from an almost off-white near his head to a reddish-tan on his rump. He lets loose with a very energetic joyful howl. Full of spirit, and wonton exuberance. This being his second time as a wolf, the feeling is still new and fresh to him...
Yu rose to 4 legs when the howl was over and watched as his packmate approached the silverfang. His ears flickering back in a momentary sign of displeasure. Cliona was right. There was a time and place for that sort of thing. Fianna passiona ran high though and it didn't really surprise the normally quiet Uktena elder that James had went straight on over.
Moving fluidly with a grace and dexterity that no earth bound wolf could ever acheive, Yu slides over on 4 silent feet and slips between his Beta and the silverfang.
One look up to James. No words. No totem phone. Just a look. 'wait'. Then a look to the Silverfang. Ears flipped forward. Dark eyes finding hers. Held there for a long pulse.
Yu was ragabash, he knew full well the silverfangs had baited his packmate. His look meets the Fang's and they know he knew it too. To bait somone during the opening howl was also rude. That's not what the howl was for. If it went too far it'd be the pack alpha's setteling the matter for both the packs. Yu's look confirms if he had to, he would settel the matter all the fuck around.
A nod to Cliona, her words held true and he head buts James to get him going to the cracking of the bone. Such things would be resolved there.
Taxi shifted into her lupus form and howled. The Philodox's howl was high, showing her youthful energy but it was backed by mature understanding.Ford stood alone and shifted into his crinos form. The ragabash let a deep howl emerge from him. His howl had a playful feel to it. Everything was just fun and games after all...
(vast)
As James loses his temper and comes stomping over, interrupting the moot, Vast is smirking. You can tell, even in Hispo. When Josephina replies, dignified and quiet, his smirk widens. And when Yu Gan stomps over too, his smirk is veritably ear to ear.
Baiting? Sure. Dishonorable? Sure. But what did he care? He was Galliard. His Honor was in the negative after that incident with Tucker; his rank? Still untouched. If anything his wisdom went up, though really, what he had was cunning.
His voice, more than anything else, was his weapon. And my, my, my, did it work.
Pink tongue licks silverywhite chops. His silvery-gray eyes follow Yu Gan and James all the way back to their little encampment. Then he sits on his haunches and looks up at Josephina. Up, but not by far. In Hispo, the Silver Fang was huge, sleekly muscled, the tips of his ears almost as high as the top of Josephina's head. And the woman was tall. Taller still, in those goddamn heels she insisted on.
Don't say anything more. The Warder's glaring. I'll take care of it during the Cracking.
He leans over and nips her on the shoulder with his small front teeth. Small by a direwolf's standards, anyway. His affection draws blood; his enmity draws more. This may be a metaphor for everything Vast has ever done. Opening his jaws wide, his tongue curls in a yawn, and he bares all those big white teeth for everyone, but especially James, to see. Animals sometimes yawn to make a threat. Maybe he was making one too.===
Decker's smirking too, having returned to Homid. Dwarfed in size by all the Crinos around him, he's far from being dwarfed in presence. In sheer rage, beating from him like a electromagnetic field from an inductor. Beating from him like a black heart.
The reason's different though. Mentally nudging Kemp, Think tha teacher's gonna make 'em stay after 'n write 'I will not interrupt tha moot' on tha board 200 times?(josephine)
She doesn't look down at him, not even when he nips her shoulder though there is a flicker of chagrin on her face at the imagined (as yet unseen) stain on white clothes. Not to mention potential tearing. No matter. She ruins more clothes when its new moon.
But though her attention remains on the gathering - one brow raised to Yu Gan after that gaze has moved on from James, then simply drawn to whatever occurs or whoever speaks next - across the totemphone:
I wasn't planning to, Sevastian. Really, if you want to challenge for position, its hardly going to look good if I do so for you, hmm? Now try and behave until the appropriate moment.
Wry and amused, at least she is not annoyed as she might be - given the unwanted attention the galliard's unorthodox methods had caused her.
(kemp)
Well at least there was something new already to look at. Nothing like bullshit. Not bothering to look at Decker with the question over the link, but he did shoot back a response.
Fuck me if I know or care. A mental snicker given They can lick each other's asses and whatever until the next moot as long as I don't gotta stick around for it.(twinky's pc i've forgotten the name of...)
*Watching the two Garou squaring off, it catches his attention because the fighting usually dosn't start this earlyin the Moot. The bullshit usually waits till later. Shakeing his head he walks twards where the Cracking of th Bone and chuckeling*
Milo's dark-furred and nondescript Crinos form stands behind the two more socially inclined females that wear the same phantasmal wings he does. When the howling begins, two rows of pristine white fangs part and he lends his own call the rite's opening ceremony. Foot-paws flex to dig claws deep into Gaia’s flesh beneath as he sings the Nation’s fierce song, one similarly lethal hand holding a rosary similar to Hail Mary’s, the symbol held over his chest as Moves In Prayer joins his first moot at Maelstrom’s caern. The polished stones that make up its beads catch the moon and firelight, mimicking the Shadow Lord’s eyes.(vash)
Enter the StampedeThere he was, not standing but still alone he was his gaze was shaded with those red tinteded glasses that he wore [even at night] Cause when you are this cool, the sun is always shinnin'.
What he was wearin' was not about to matter in the next few seconds cause from homid was now just a forgotten memory once this Fenrir shifted, he didn't even shift through the forms, just straight War-form. The rage crackled off him like lightning from the mighty Mjollnir when it struck somethin from afar. [presence felt]
The Iron Stampede stood tall, his coat of fur was brillant silver, he was a huge Crinos, and when he howled blood curdles. Howl that was filled with nothin' short of pure unbridaled hatred and Rage.
Silver pools, deep and threathin looked over to the fuss that was suroundin the Fangs and Fianna's looks like this was goin to turn into an old fashioned Get of Fenris moot anyway and the Modi was starting to love every minute of it.Tashnaheca stood before his Alpha, or Alpha to be, as it may be, wearing his best ceremonial leathers, looking the part of the role he was to fill for this moot, his dark eyes unresting. He does not howl, for the Fenrir had removed such ability from him, so instead he carefully notes each person that does, and gauging their enthusiasm to this.
Kasche, however, attended the moot alone, in homid form, his silvered futhark markings readily visible. When the opening howl starts he shifts to the ungainly crinos form, adding an unearthly sound that is the battlecry of a scrag, using his Gaia given talents and mixing with a gift, thundering it as loud as his deep chest can produce it. Ungainly and scarred he was in that form.. most notably missing his right leg from above the knee.. a fetished replacement made of bone taking it's place, glittering dully, the toes and foot of which gleaming more brightly with a finished edge, looking more viscious even then the big bird man's black talons.Mother's Riddle stands watching the going on's, waiting in silence.
(jukebox)
just as the Sept begins to raise its voice on chorus
the pre-emptive howl draws deep umber gaze to the right
carefully observing the Fang's..... dedication.... to traditional rite
For fuck's sake.... it's starting already??... somebody better have spiked the punch.....
for all of a split-second before Jukebox joins in the Opening Howl, himselfhis song beginning in homid's brandy-warm tones
shapeshift the catalyst turning jubilant song to earth-rumbling war anthem
the Bone Gnawer's Crinos barrel chest amplifying.... harmonizing sound
[ Inspiration ]
the guttermutt stands with his Eagle packmates - fierce and proud
inexorably bellowing their vital connection to Chicago's bloody historythe Caern itself lives because of all their sacrifices - those who band together beneath the spiritual wings of the mighty raptor will not allow the memories of their own which sacrificed everything to be forgotten, nor will they permit the presence of those yet bleeding and breathing to falter from Gaia's gazing grace
James takes his place with the Council as cacophany echoes to thrumming shadow
once again homid stature dwarfed by the Elder Fenrir's unavoidable rage
deliberately casual semi-slouched sprawl on a lobster trap diminishing things further
even if, ironically enough, the beer-cracking raggedyman does seem stand out amongst the backdrop of fur and claws and teeth
at least his shaggy mop of dreadlocks awards style points for individuality
chuckling through the totemic link shared between packmates
How much you wanna bet they'll try to out-do each other scraping talons on the chalkboard before halfway to two-hundred.....[cont'd in rite of the open sky - in progress]
Posted by james at 12:00 AM