Saul's Return

8/6/2007

12:03 PM
Logfile from GarouMUSH.

Currently the moon is in the waning Half Moon phase (47% full).
It is currently 11:58 Pacific Time on Mon Aug 6 2007.
Currently in Saint Claire, it is a cloudy day. The temperature is 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius). The wind is currently coming in from the southwest at 7 mph. The barometric pressure reading is 29.99 and rising, and the relative humidity is 75 percent. The dewpoint is 53 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius.)

Bawn: Western Forest(#3018RA)
Tall Sitka spruce and sequoia crowd around and above you. Many of the trees are old, their branches twisted into impossible shapes, trunks broad and draped with lichen, mosses and creepers. Tendrils of moss hand down from them like green spiderwebs, snaring the unwary with cold, ghostly fingers. The patches of younger growth are dense and pale, needles tinged with silver. Matted undergrowth huddles sullenly in the occasional small clearings, clutching with thorns and burrs at the legs of those who would pass. Deer seldom venture here, but the forest is full of rustlings, and tiny glints from wary, watchful eyes.
The forest spreads out to the east, bounded on the west by Sunrise Road. From farther to the west, one can occasionally hear the distant sounds of the town of Kent's Crossing.
Contents:
Saul
Vera
Obvious exits:
Southwest  Highway 22  Overgrown Path  Sunrise Road  Farmhouse  Caern of the Hidden Walk  Creek  Central Bawn  Southern Bawn  Northern Bawn  

[look Saul (homid)]
This boy stands just over five and a half feet tall, his green-brown eyes half covered by unruly bangs. His hair is four to five inches in length, a dark brown with shocks of blonde throughout. He weighs a hundred and thirty pounds at most, tanned skin pulled tight over a wiry frame. He is obviously young though his face seems somewhat harsh for a child, weather beaten with sharp angles and without a trace of fat. His clothing is neutral in color, a green t-shirt with brown or tan pants.
In colder weather he is generally seen wearing a worn discount suede leather jacket, brown in front and black in the back and along the back of the arms. Without his jacket a crescent shaped bulge can be seen under his shirt, hanging from a leather thong around his neck.

[look Vera (homid)]
Vera is a woman of average height in her mid to late twenties whose features have been prematurely aged though hardship and the elements. Prominent crows feet are visible on the woman's face, along with a number of deep lines around her mouth and across her forehead. Plain dark brown hair is pulled back in a simple ponytail, framing fairly angular features and a smallish nose. The woman's eyes are a dark brown, almost black in colour and hold little emotion. She carries herself with an aura of confidence and there is the faintest hint of a Russian accent in her voice.
The woman dresses in fairly neat clothes, consisting of a pair of loose black pants and an oversized t-shirt. These loose clothes make it seem as if she has gained weight recently, but closer inspection reveals that she is pregnant and is only now starting to show.
Around her neck, Vera wears a dark iron brooch shaped in the form of a perched crow, polished black. A pair of tiny red gemstones for eyes extenuates the bird's features. Known for being thieves, the crow appears to have stolen a pearl that almost seems to look like a miniature moon plucked from the sky. On the ring finger of her left hand, is a simple wedding band made out of white gold.

On his way west towards the farmhouse, Kenneth takes his time as he makes his way through the wood. The philodox is in no hurry, and in fact his progress is quite slow. His eyes scan through the filtered light of the forest, alert are his ears for sounds of movement. When he looks around, it is as if there is a purpose to his expression for doing so. He is hunting.

The quiet of the woods is broken by the far off rustle of brush. As twigs snap and leaves shake it is obvious that something is coming closer, fast, and being none too stealthy about it.

Vera plods through the woods in homid, face set into a look of concentration as she makes her way towards the Caern.

Kenneth's gaze flicks in the direction of the first rustle, himself stepping beside a thick trunked tree just downwind of the oncoming creature. Vera's plodding is noticed as well, and the halfmoon frowns to himself.

Saul comes into sight through the trees, traveling at a near sprint along a deer trail. After a few moments he catches sight of Kenneth and slows his pace to a jog, giving the older Shadow Lord a wave of recognition.

Vera continues on her way toward the Caern, not quite in sight of the other two yet.

Kenneth on the other hand, doesn't immediately recognize Saul. His brows arch in surprise as he's waved at, and the philodox looks down on himself as if in thought how he'd been spotted. Wearing white does that though. He blows out a sigh, stepping out from beside the tree, head tilting in a nod at the ahroun. "Yo," he calls out to the jogger, path intercepting and blocking. There is a glance towards the moving Adren, but towards her Kenneth makes no greeting.

Saul slows his pace further, approaching the cliath at a walk. He says nothing further until within easy speaking range, then voices a simple, "Hey. What's up?"

"Saul?" comes Vera's questioning voice, as she draws closer. "Good to see you again," she adds on with a smile, finally coming fully into view. "Hello Kenneth, have you met Saul yet?"

It's as Saul gets closer that Kenneth's expression shifts itself a bit. Recognition comes, particularly when Vera voices the name. "You came back," notes the philodox, not quite replying to the ahroun's question and doing so with the sept alpha's. His own posture seems a little tight, but neutral and unsmiling. "Thought you got..." he begins, but doesn't finish the thought. He just eyes the cub up and down, refamiliarizing himself.

Saul comes to a complete halt, breathing heavy and clothing sticking to his thin frame. He smiles wryly and shakes his head, "Still surpises me that I wasn't. But yes, I'm back."

"Sometimes mercy has its place," Vera states with a faint smirk. "How are you doing today Saul, Kenneth?"

Kenneth slides a hand through his longer hair, brushing it back from his face as he turns to Vera. "I was looking for the cubs," he explains. "But guess I missed one." There's not an answer to his own condition. His gaze returns to Saul. "Where you been?" he asks of the ahroun.

Saul glances to Vera and smiles, raising his eyebrows and holding his hands out as if his condition should speak for itself. Shifting his gaze back to Kenneth he shrugs and says, "Russia," in the same way most people would say, "School," or, "The supermarket." He shrugs and does not immediately elaborate.

Vera leans against the trunk of a tree, clearly glad for a rest. "Yes, we are fortunate to have three cubs. It has been so very long time since the Shadow Lords had so many. They will all Rite soon, which is even better for the Tribe."

"Together?" is Kenneth's first question of veiled concern, and thinner veiled curiosity, asking of Vera before he responds to Saul's answers. A brow of curiosity lifts at 'Russia'.

Saul looks to Vera, "Speaking of, I've met Viktoriya but I haven't met the third. At least, not formally. Who am I missing?"

"Adalyn, or Learns-Quickly, if you prefer," Vera replies easily. "Vika is a marvelous cub and will be Rited soon. She was a lost cub, as you were Saul. She is actually progressing so well, we've noticed some of the other Tribes paying more attention to her then they really should."

As it is possible, Kenneth tightens the line on his shoulder upon mention of Vika, and other tribes. "Yeah," he just remarks monosyllabically, eyes averting back to the direction of the farmhouse. "Took Jarred months to prep our rite," reveals the philodox, a bitter tinge to his tone. A hand slips into his pocket on the left side, balling up.

Saul raises an eyebrow, only partially visible through his dripping bangs. "Really? Well that's interesting. I'd like to know about that...." Shifting his gaze back to Kenneth he tips his head slightly to the right, "Jarred?"

"One of the previous Shadow Lord Elders," Vera states with distain in her voice. "He was a failure and a disgrace to Grandfather Thunder and all of his children. Kenneth, with the aid of another, killed him."

Vera lightly shakes her head. "It is surprising, with Vika. I would have thought that if another Tribe was interested in her, they would have attempted to lay claim when she arrived. Not after her teaching is near complete and her Rite so close. Still, it does not matter, Vika is a Shadow Lord and she will stay with her Tribe."

Kenneth just hunches his shoulders, not in a shrug but in a tensed line of withheld rage. The halfmoon stays that way as Vera replies for him. And he adds, "A gay fuckwad and overdramatic galliard who let my ritemate stew in his uncontrolled Rage, and in the end did the tribe in. When it was over, it was just me and Cutter. And Cutter ditched."

Saul nods, appearing satisfied with Vera's explanation. His eyebrows raise again at Kenneth's enhancement but he seems mostly interested in the comments on the other Shadow Lord cub. "Yes, that does seem more than a little strange. Still, whatever. They have nothing if she has no interest in them, and she seemed satisfied enough with this tribe. If," he smiles thinly, "A bit tired. Are those magazines your training?"

Vera's lips thin. "Yes. And he is the reason that the Lords of Thunder are still viewed so very poorly in this Sept, but that will change in time. They need only see what true Lords of Thunder are capable of. I am actually on my way to the Caern and soon there will be a new pack in this Sept. Have you met the cub Matt, by any chance?"

Kenneth's shoulders only gradually begin to lower as the topic moves on. "I don't know what you're talking about," he replies at Saul's question about newspapers. Mention of a new pack gets his interest, and there is a flicker of such in his expression. But that quickly disappears on the mention of Matt. Again, the philodox's lips thin.

Saul nods, "I have. The Fianna have taken him in. And his issues with the Shadow Lords seem... personal, rather than general."

Vera frowns, lips forming a rather fierce scowl. "Now did you hear this news from Matt, or Cole, the Elder of the Fianna? Matt has been known to bend the truth, specifically about his acceptance into a Tribe."

Kenneth's only response is a further frown as well.

Saul blinks and frowns, "Are you shitting me?" He grimaces and shakes his head, "No, in passing conversation. He told Cedric Strikes-like-Lightning, and everyone else, in a crowded farmhouse kitchen. That's not the sort of thing you should be screwing around with."

Vera smirks, although the expression has little humour in it. "Yes. The reason he lost all chance with the Children of Thunder, was because of such a lie. He told Moon Otter that Felix had claimed him for the Tribe, while he told Felix that Moon Otter had done so."

Saul's jaws clench briefly and he shakes his head, "Well, I was meaning to ask you about circumstances. The 'personal' issues he has being you and Moon Otter being 'petty'. Now I have a bit of an idea."

"All in all," Kenneth concludes, "he's not right in the head anyway. Apparently thinks being a Ronin is a good thing." That hand in his pocket releases what's in it, slipping back out to relax by his side. Barely. Turning back to Vera, the philodox asks, "You mentioned a new pack... earlier."

Vera turns toward the Philodox and grins, real excitement in her eyes. "Yes. A new pack. Moon Otter, Felix, Anvilhead, and I will be forming a pack under the guidance of Grandfather Thunder."

Saul shifts his gaze to Kenneth, then back to Vera, "Anvilhead? That's another new name. A lot has happened while I was gone."

Kenneth likewise, looks unfamiliar with the name Saul repeats for him. There is a renewed tightening in his posture though, this one reading a twinge of guilt.

Vera nods, absently resting a hand on her growing belly. "Yes. A Ahroun and a lupus, although not a terribly bright one. He is loyal and a good warrior for Gaia."

Saul nods, "Sounds like someone it would be good for me to meet. Congratulations on the pack, though... is that all Shadow Lords? That'll make a few people uncomfortable." The boy smiles, genuine amusement flashing in his eyes, "Which is part of the plan, I'm sure."

Kenneth narrows his eyes. "And you'll be fine with... with that?" he asks Vera, a small nod going towards her stomach area.

Vera smirks. "Despite the complaints of some, the only reason I have not packed in the past, is that I could not find any who were willing to look past my Tribe. Now, they will see what Thunders Children are capable of." The Adren's eyes are bright and full of energy. At Kenneth's question, she smiles warmly. "I'll be alright. I just have to be careful. Thunder is not inconsiderate, when it comes to such things."

Saul smiles and brushes his bangs to the side before twining his fingers behind his head. He stays silent however, merely watching and waiting.

The philodox exhales slowly again, still not mirroring the amusement that Saul has, or the bright energy of Vera. "Wish you guys luck then. And... may Thunder... honor such a commitment from his Children." He makes to leave again, but there is a pause from the halfmoon like he remembers something else, and he turns back. "Did you find a place for the Shadow Moot, Vera-rhya?"

Vera inclines her head in a nod. "I did. We shall gather in the cave, then I shall bring everyone to the place I will prepare for the Moot."

Saul tips his head to the side, obviously curious but still not commenting.

Kenneth nods at this, not inquiring further. A moment of silence passes, and then he seems to gather up himself to ask his other question. "Have you heard from Xia?"

"She is in Russia, with her family, from what I have been told," Vera informs Kenneth, offering little else in the way of information. "Scott is here."

Saul raises an eyebrow, but again the gesture is mostly hidden by his long bangs. He leans back against a nearby tree and merely listens.

Kenneth furrows his brow at that information. "Why isn't he out there too?" he asks, a little demandingly.

Vera says "I do do not know. I believe he is merely giving her some space, so she can focus on her studies. I do know of her parents address, if you would like to write her."

At first it seems like Kenneth responds to the suggestion. He looks over at Vera, studying her in the moments that follow. That interested glimmer promptly combusts, though, as he tears away that gaze and looks off, angry blinks covering frustration, bitterness. "Forget it. Wouldn't do much good anyway." He starts off again, shoving that hand back into his pocket.

"Very well," Vera replies, tone suggesting that she hasn't even noticed the others frustration. "Do let me know if you ever change your mind. Have you spoken with Moon Otter at all? I know something of an offer was made, but I do not know the details of what he planned."

Kenneth only gets a few steps, but his eyes narrow again and he looks back over his shoulder. "About what?" he asks, fishing with his tone.

Vera's eyebrows lift, seemingly puzzled. "Children, of course."

"What?" Kenneth echoes again, puzzled at first as well. And then he's reminded, and his gaze casts downward in a scowl. "No," he admits with a small shake of his head. "I haven't. But it's nothing anyway. There're more important things to do around here."

Saul continues leaning against his tree, watching the conversation with apparent indifference.

"As you wish," Vera concedes gracefully, completely dropping the subject.

Kenneth himself doesn't quite seem as convinced in his own words. But he makes no further comment on the subject either, and nods to Saul and Vera both before he turns to leave without another word.

Saul waits until Kenneth is out of earshot before looking to Vera and raising an eyebrow. "So, anything else I should know about Matt's... situation? He's not exactly the most open of people and the more I know the better."

"Goodbye Kenneth," Vera says in farewell. "Thunder guide you." Once the other Lord has left, Vera turns her attention to Saul. "Unfortunately, no. I have only truly spoken with him twice. Once, when he was brawling with a Guardian in the farmhouse after attempting to kill another cub, and when he petitioned to join the Children of Thunder. If you can, stay close to Vika as well. The Children of Gaia want her for their own and that is a concern, a bigger one then the troublesome Matt. Kenneth knows this, even if he did not speak of it - he is great friends with the Gaian Elder."

Saul nods, "Ruth did speak rather highly of Vika, though I did not think much of it. Speaking on that note, she seems to think that Matt will be picked up by another tribe sooner or later. Part of the reason I gave his Fianna claim credit. Obviously she does not have the same perspective, but still. It is worth noting." He tips his head to the side and looks away from Vera and off into the woods, "I'll talk to Vika the next time I get a chance, see what she thinks of people..." Shifting his gaze back to the Alpha his expression goes neutral, "Two questions. Less seriously, do you know the cub Salee? And more seriously, is Cracks-the-Nut-of-Truth a threat?"

Vera frowns faintly. "I have met Salee, if only briefly. I have not viewed Nutcracker as a threat, but she is the one who came to Moon Otter and mentioned possibly wanting to claim Vika for the Children."

Back | Next | 2007 Logs | Main