Christopher continues speaking, ocassionally closing his eyes and moving his hands for greater effect to the words that he is saying. "A year later, during another feast, a flock of birds who was led by the Corax came to the last of Emain Macha and devoured all of the food. This angered the men of Ulster and they pursed the birds across the land. Finally, night fell, and the men encountered a cottage, where a young man offered them his hospitality. He was the Kami of Lugh. During that night, the men heard the screams of a woman and in the morning, they discovered Dectire and her newborn son. She told them that she was the one who sent the birds to call them so that they would return her child to Emain Macha. After they returned, King Conchubar decided that the child would remain with Dectire and her husband Saultim until he was of age. Dectire named her son Setanta."

Yi, upon hearing voices from the barn, enters in with little more than the squeak and creak of the doors being slid open then closed once more.

Allie listens attentively to Christopher's story.

Christopher facing away from the barn and currently occupied with storytelling, he doesn't notice Yi's approach as he continues on with his story. "One day, as Conchubar was setting out to attend the feast of the great smith, Culain, he saw a group of boys playing on the green of Emain Macha. One boy was playing against lots of boys and yet none could even lay a finger on him. Conchubar asked about this boy and discovered that the boy was Setanta, his nephew. The king asked the boy to come with him to the feast, but Setanta told the king that he would follow the chariot tracks later. The king laughed and set out for the house of Culain. "Christopher then pauses a little bit and continues speaking" After the King Arrived, Culain the smith asked him if any more were to follow. Conchubar answered no, forgetting Setanta. Culain let loose his great hound, one of the last dire wolves of Ireland, and renowned throughout the land for his savagery and cruelty.

Yi grins, waving to Allie with a quiet motion of her hand, and from behind Christopher, lets loose a long, loud howl of mock savagery.

Christopher looks behind him, startled at the interrupting howl. He then stands up with a grin on his face and goes into his Scottish accent. "Great Gaia! It's the last dire wolf of Ireland!" He chuckles obviously showing a good sense of humor about it. He then returns back to his normal American Accent. "Would you care to join us Yi?"

Yi merely smiles and nods, sweeping around to sit beside Allie.

Allie remains listening to the tale, offering Yi a smile in greeting.

A lanky yellow dog appears in the far field, racing about for the heck of it. He has in his mouth a glove, shaking it about now and then, obviously quite proud of his 'prey.' Spotting the others here, he makes his tail-wagging way over, chokechain jangling.

Christopher continues on with his story. He appears to be in a cross-legged position and his eyes are closed. The only thing that his moving are his hands as they are used to help ephasize certain words and further describe things. Almost as if it was body language. "Young Setanta finished playing and followed the chariot tracks to Culain's home. That is when the Culain's hound heard him approach, and rushed to attack the intruder, howling loudly. It leaped upon Setanta and tried to shred him to bits with his great claws and fangs."

Christopher opens his eyes as he explains something.

"Now the human stories tell that Setanta threw his game ball that he was carrying with him at the time at the wolf with such force, that it entered through the wolf's mouth and passed through his body, exploding out through the other end in a bloody mess. What really happened was this. Setanta became frightened when he saw the wolf coming towards him, so he threw his ball at it. The ball bounced off of the wolf as it leaped at him. Just then Setanta underwent his First Change and he became a great Crinos; and damn, was he filled with rage! He tore into the wolf immediately, and split the beast open with his great claws. He then grabbed it by it's tail and smashed it."

Elan smiles as he comes up and then his eyes go to the storytelling cub. He silently walks up to take his place by Yi.

Yi turns her attention briefly at Sheeps, smiling at the yellow dog before starting slightly at Elan's silent approach. Her eyebrows raise momentarily as she recognizes her elder, then nods and mouths a hello. Looking back up to the storytelling cub, she asks, "Why did he kill the wolf? It was not as if he couldn't tell the wolf he too was of his kin?"

Christopher shakes his head. "No. This was the first time he went through his first change and he didn't know that the wolf was his kin. In fact he didn't even realize what he had done until after it was over. It was all a matter of self defense."

Allie remains sitting next to Yi and she glances over to the ragabash and smiles; the same is given to the galliard and theurge of the Gnawers. "Hi," she says, and turns her attention to Christopher.

Sheeps flops between the Ragabash and the Strider, letting his winter coat fluff out. He looks eager to hear a story, chewing on the glove like a human might eat popcorn.

Christopher clears his throat again. "Let's continue. So hearing the sounds of the brutal and savage combat, the feasters came running to see what was going on. King Conchubar and his men found the boy, seemingly unhurt and covered in the wolf's blood that lied dead next to him. The men asked Setanta what had happened, but he wasn't entirely sure. He told the men that he only remembered throwing the ball at the beast. Luckily for Setanta, one of the guests, a druid named Cathbad, was a Garou of the Fianna tribe and quickly recognized the potential of the young Ahroun."

Elan smiles as he recognizes his favorite Celtic tale.

Yi falls silent, allowing the story to continue. Questions could wait for later, and she reaches over to scritch the Gnawer gibbous between his ears as she listens.

Christopher continues on with the story after taking a short pause and closes his eyes. "When Culain the smith saw his hound dead, he exploded with anger. He ordered Setanta to leave his house. Setanta quickly promised Culain that he would find a pup to replace the dead hound, and until he did, he would guard Culain's home himself. Conchubar and his men agreed that the youth's promise was fair. Before anyone else could speak, Cathbad the Druid named the boy Cuchulain, the Hound of Culain. And that is how this great hero received his name. Afterwards, Cathbad secretly took Cuchulain to his sept, and there he taught the boy the ways of the Fianna. Cuchulain went on to become one of the greatest heros ever seen by man or Garou. The legends say that he was feared by all on the battlefield for his transformations and rage. But this is the begining of tales about the Hound of Ulster; Cu Cuchulain." With saying that he opens his eyes and grins.

Elan nods and smiles at the cub. "One of the tales also speaks about Cuculain's death, and how it deals with honor." He settles down to scritch Sheeps between the ears. "We need to talk after this, Silver State."

Christopher blinks his eyes. "Okay. Well... how did I do everybody?"

Jarred walks into the area from around the farmhouse and notices the assembled garou, slowing his pace a little. Clearly he was headed for the woods.

Yi quirks her head at the story, processing all the different names and deeds. "So this Setanta, kept the Veil while he guarded Cuchulain's house, and later became a great hero among your tribe?" Her eyes glance to her elder, telling with a slight raise of her brow that after she'd also like to speak with him, though his matters with the cub would be first. Turning back to the Fianna talesinger, she nods in approval. "A good story, even though I missed the start."

Elan says "I think you did pretty good; we got some sorta mangled tales about him, 'cause his life and death involves a dog, and food."

Christopher nods and looks towards Yi. "I am assuming so Yi. Cathbad brought him to the sept so he can learn about the the Fianna. I am sure that the Litany must've been among his teachings, otherwise I don't think he would have lived very long to become a legend."

Sheeps listens intently to the story, forgetting about the glove after a moment. Though, he remembers it again very quickly when Elan's hand comes near, scooping up the glove quickly just in case the Theurge was going to pull a fast one on him. He forgets the glove again just as quickly, leaning itchily into the scritching. Need to talk? Sheeps pauses. This one is in trouble?

Jarred walks up to Yi, nodding. "Hello... what's up, here?"

Christopher looks up seeing Jarred. "Heya Jarred."

Elan leans over to Sheeps. "Nah, but you know you got someone looking for you, right?"

"Good story," Allie concludes, quietly.

Allie then pipes up: "I'm not a galliard, but I know a story or two. Anyone want to hear?"

Christopher looks to Allie. "Sure. I'd love to hear. Tell on Allie.

Yi looks up at Jarred, motioning slightly to the talesinger cub, Chris. "He was telling a story, and just finished," she replies. Looking to Allie, she smiles and nods.

Jarred looks over at Christopher for a brief moment, his face blank, but says nothing, turning back to Yi. "I'm headed to Thunder Cave to check on our newest cub."

Sheeps pants a little. Yes, this one heard. Friend of his, a human. His tail wags at the thought, then stills. What about her?

Yi zips her eyes back up to Jarred, a light of curiosity within her dark eyes. "A cub?" she repeats in question, though quietly.

Christopher doesn't notice Jarred's expression; momentally destracted by Allie's request to tell a story.

Elan says "I just wondered if you knew; she knows about the Church, so be double sure if you go there to shift; she might be around."

Jarred nods to Yi. "Yes... we were contacted by the kinfetch just a couple of days ago. I stayed with him last night and explained what I could. He had his first change..."

Allie's eyes flicker around the group and she glances to Christopher. The philodox clears her throat. So amidst the ruckus, she starts: "Rameses the Great, Pharaoh of Egypt, had a son called Setna who was learned in all the ancient writings, and a magician of note. While the other princes spent their days in hunting or in leading their father's armies to guard the distant parts of his empire, Setna was never so happy as when left alone to study. Not only could he read even the most ancient hieroglyphic writings on the temple walls, but he was a scribe who could write quickly and easily all the many hundreds of signs that go to make up the ancient Egyptian language. Also, he was a magician whom none could surpass: for he had learned his art from the most secret of the ancient writings which even the priests of Amen-Re, of Ptah and Thoth, could not read."

Yi nods slowly to the Shadow Lord, indicating that she'd probably ask about the cub later. Her eyes flicker to the Strider, listening a bit distractedly and once again taking up the mental task of recognizing foreign names amidst the telling.

"One day, as he pored over the ancient books written on the two sides of long rolls of papyrus, he came upon the story of another Pharaoh's son several hundred years earlier who had been as great a scribe and as wise a magician as he greater and wiser, indeed, for Nefrekeptah had read the Book of Thoth by which a man might enchant both heaven and earth, and know the language of the birds and beasts. When Setna read further that the Book of Thoth had been buried with Nefrekeptah in his royal tomb at Memphis, nothing would content him until he had found it and learned all his wisdom. So he sought out his brother Anherru and said to him, 'Help me to find the Book of Thoth. For without it life has no longer any meaning for me.' 'I will go with you and stand by your side through all dangers,' answered Anherru."

Allie clears her throat. "So the two brothers ventured to the city of Memphis. When Setna had made his way into the tomb, to the central chamber where Nefrekeptah was laid to rest, he found the body of the prince lying wrapped in its linen bands, still and awful in death. But beside it on the stone sarcophagus sat two ghostly figures, the Kas, or doubles, of a beautiful young woman and a boy--and between them, on the dead breast of Nefrekeptah lay the Book of Thoth. Setna bowed reverently to the two Kas, and said, 'May Osiris have you in his keeping, dead son of a dead Pharaoh, Nefrekeptah the great scribe; and you also, who ever you be, whose Kas sit here beside him. Know that I am Setna, the priest of Ptah, son of Rameses the greatest Pharaoh of all--and I come for the Book of Thoth which was yours in your days on earth. I beg you to let me take it in peace--for if not I have the power to take it by force or magic.' Then said the Ka of the woman, 'Do not take the Book of Thoth, Setna, son of today's Pharaoh. It will bring you trouble even as it brought trouble upon Nefrekeptah who lies here, and upon me, Ahura his wife, whose body lies at Koptos on the edge of Eastern Thebes together with that of Merab our son--whose Ka you see before you, dwelling with the husband and father whom we loved so dearly. Listen to my tale, and beware!'"

[The missing bit of this story yet to be recovered from anyone who might have a log of it, as I'd gotten the Blue Screen of Death and had to reboot.]

Allie grins. "So Anherru sped down the steep road from Saqqara to where Pharaoh sat in his palace at Memphis. And when he heard all, he fastened into the Temple of Ptah, took the great Amulet from its place in the sanctuary, and gave it to Anherru, saying: 'Go with all speed, my son, and rescue your brother Setna from this evil contest with the dead.' Back to the tomb sped Anherru, and down through the passages to the tomb-chamber where the Ka of Nefrekeptah still played at draughts with Setna. And as he entered, Setna made his last move, and Nefrekeptah reached out his hand with a cry of triumph to make the final move that should win the game and sink Setna out of sight beneath the ground for ever. But before Nefrekeptah could move the piece, Anherru leapt forward and placed the Amulet of Ptah on Setna's head. And at its touch Setna sprang out of the ground, snatched the Book of Thoth from Nefrekeptah's body and fled with Anherru from the tomb."

Christopher is also fascinated by the story. "Awesome."

Allie says "As they went they heard the Ka of Ahura cry, 'Alas, all power is gone from him who lies in this tomb.' But the Ka of Nefrekeptah answered, 'Be not sad: I will make Setna bring back the Book of Thoth, and come as a suppliant to my tomb with a forked stick in his hand and a fire-pan on his head.' Then Setna and Anherru were outside, and at once the tomb closed behind them and seemed as if it had never been opened."

Allie says "When Setna stood before his father the great Pharaoh and told him all that had happened, and gave him the Amulet of Ptah, Rameses said, 'My son, I counsel you to take back the Book of Thoth to the tomb of Nefrekeptah like a wise and prudent man. For otherwise be sure that he will bring sorrow and evil upon you, and at the last you will be forced to carry it back as a suppliant with a forked stick in your hand and a fire-pan on your head. But Setna would not listen to such advice. Instead, he returned to his own dwelling and spent all his time reading the Book of Thoth and studying all the spells contained in it. And often he would carry it into the Temple of Ptah and read from it to those who sought his wisdom."

Yi quietly listens to Allie's tale, now with all concentration on the Strider.

Allie says "Setna was sent on travels to prove his worth to the Book of Thoth and he went willingly, wanting to know the wisdom of the gods. To make it short, I'll just say this: there was a funeral performed for Nefrekeptah when his Ka was freed by Setna and then the Pharaoh's son never did get the book, for in his anguish he died."

Christopher blinks. "Wow."

"There are some things one just should not know," Yi nods slowly. "What became of the book?" she asks.

Allie grins slightly. "No one knows--but it's probably still back in Egypt, hidden, protected."

Christopher nods. "What a facinating story. Are you sure you're not a Galliard Allie?"

Allie laughs. "I'm sure."

Christopher grins. "Well you can certainly pass for one."

Allie smirks. "I'm a cliath philodox--not a galliard. Although sometimes I wish I was a galliard."

Yi rubs the back of her neck, glancing from Fianna to Strider and back as their conversation goes. "One does not have to be a talesinger to tell stories that teach," she says with a wry grin. "Chris tells a story of strength and glory, Allie tells one of wisdom. So, perhaps I should tell one of being clever?"

Jarred nods to Allie. "Very interesting tale."

Elan says "Storytelling is not the exclusive province of the galliard; we even have the Story Tree, where we gather to tell tales. I've told a couple there, myself."

Elan smiles a bit. "And I'll tell a mystical one."

Allie chuckles. "Us Striders keep stories of our history in our hearts, because it's all we have. I used to read stuff from a book, and Sepdet told me a few tales," she says, and grins at Yi.

Christopher looks to Yi and smiles. "Please tell Yi."

Yi grins, taking up the invisible torch to tell a tale. "Maybe you know the Chinese horoscope, of how the animals represent the Lunar years in our calendar. When a person reaches 60 years, we hold a great party because that person has come full cycle. Centuries ago, it is said that the Chinese had no way of telling time. To solve this, the Jade Emperor, Emperor of Heaven, decided to arrange a contest. This contest was to be held on his 60th birthday, and celebrate the coming of a new cycle.

Elan settles in to listen to his tribemate.

"When the Emperor's invitation reached the animals, they debated greatly who would win the race. The day came, and the Emperor called out the rules to the animals, all manner of them gathered to participate for the honor of being first to bring in the new cycle. The rules were, that the first twelve animals to cross a great, swift river would be assigned to a spot in the 12 years. With that, the Emperor raised his hands, brought them down again, and the race began."

Allie listens to the tale Yi is spinning.

Yi continues, "Of course some of the animals knew they would not win on power alone. Rat, small as he was, struck a quick deal with Ox. He was not the greatest swimmer of the animals, and the swift current would quickly pull him under and make him lose the race. Ox, being the generous and goodnatured being, agreed to give Rat a spot on his back. He could not help him though, if Rat fell off his back. Rat agreed, and quickly climbed up to sit upon Ox's back. The river was cold and strong, but none were greater in swimming against such streams as mighty Ox, who quickly struck out into the rush in an early lead."

Elan smiles.

Christopher has his attention fully on Yi's story.

"Tiger was also strong in his stroke, and came quickly behind Ox. Rat, seeing Tiger gaining, decided to help ensure that Ox would not have quite a contest. He reached out a paw and told Tiger to climb aboard Ox's back while he was concentrating on the race. Tiger reached, and climbed onto Ox's back with little difficulty. Ox, however, felt Tiger sit upon him and was frightened, but he could not do anything while in the water other than buck and splash. Rat would have lost his hold on Ox's back, but he was quick thinking. It was because Tiger was on Ox's back, that the great beast tossed in the water. So, Rat pushed Tiger off, back into the water. To this day, it is said that is why Tiger and his kin are angry at Rat."

Christopher snickers.

Yi smirks, hiding a chuckle as she goes on, "Once Tiger fell from Ox's back, he yowled angrily and lashed out at Rat. His big paw knocked Rat into the water, and Ox felt his burden lighten even more. He looked behind, and saw Rat had fallen. Ox was sad, but he still swam on towards the riverbank on the opposite side. Another glance behind, and Ox saw a string of animals behind him. Tiger, of course, was swimming with all his power, fueled by his pride to win the race. Rabbit was behind him, hopping from stone to stone to avoid getting her fur too wet. Mighty Dragon, who could fly and swim, surely would have won quickly, but he had been delayed to help make rain upon the earth and quench the drought that had happened there."

"Horse was behind Dragon, whinnying madly as he struck out also towards the riverbank. Snake was cunning, hiding in Horse's hoof while waiting for him to reach the bank. Ram, Monkey and Rooster were after, the three of them had stopped to help pull a raft with its inhabitants away from the reeds the craft was caught in. Dog hadn't had a bath for days, and found the river's water so clean and refreshing, he stopped in the middle to let the waters wash the mud from his fur. And finally, Boar, who had been lazy and stubborn to go in the cold water, had finally been pushed in by the mass of other animals behind him. Up front though, the battle for the leading winner to the race was still at hand."

Yi takes another breath, coming towards the end, "Ox and Tiger reached the riverbank with all swiftness, and the two of them raced for the finish line. Right before reaching the end of the race, Tiger roared at Ox, wanting to take the prize and boost his pride - he struck out at Ox, hoping to trip the bull with his paws. Ox was no fool though, and whirled around, swinging his great horned head at Tiger's paws. His hard horns struck Tiger's forepaws and tripped the great cat instead, then Ox finished the race before Tiger. The rest of the animals followed after, and soon the race had ended. All the animals looked to the Jade Emperor, waiting for his final announcement of the winner."

Eamon notices some people in the barnyard and heads over to see what's up.

"'The winner of the race,' the Emperor of the Heavens declared in a booming voice, his eyes watching the crowd as they milled about, 'Is Rat.' All the animals gasped in shock. None of them had seen Rat pass the finish line. Ox was confused, as he had seen Rat fall into the river. The Jade Emperor, seeing the animals angry, explained to the others. 'I too saw Ox and Tiger fight at the end of the finish line. As Ox swung around to face Tiger, his tail whipped out. And, there was Rat, hanging onto the end of Ox's tail. He was the one to finish the race first.' And thus the Jade Emperor declared the 12 animals to the 12 years, and Rat was given the honor to bring the new cycle of the ages." With an ending exhale, Yi grins, and nods to end her story.

Allie is seated near Yi. The Strider flashes her teeth in a brief grin as she offers, "That was cute."

Eamon walks up in time to catch the end of the story. He waves to the others. "What's up, folks?"

Brittany comes up from the southeast, following the faint trail out towards the farmhouse. Hands tucked into her jacket pockets for warmth. A small crossbow's worn on a sling over her right shoulder, her left thigh bearing a sheathed Klaive.

Christopher grins. "Now that was very clever of rat. I like this story." He then looks up hearing Eamon. "Heya Eamon. Were telling stories."

Yi looks up as she ends her story, waving to the two others that have come from the farmhouse. "Hello," she greets.

Eamon grins. "Cool. I like a good story."

Christopher smiles. "Well, I already told mine Eamon. I wish you were hear to have heard it. Do you have a story for all of us to hear?"

Elan says "Rat is a very clever spirit, as well as a warrior. Now for something mystical?"

Eamon hmms. "Not right now. I'll have to think of another one later." "I'm getting tired from all these stories," Allie says, laughing. "I'm gonna go head off." Strider, indeed. The girl slowly stands. "Seeya. Gaia be with you."

Yi smiles and nods to her Elder, "Go for it, Elan-rhya." Her eyes stray briefly to Brittany and her weapons, and she offers her a small nod. "Bye Allie," she waves to the departing Strider.

Elan clears his throat. "A priest was in charge of the garden within a famous Zen temple. He had been given the job because he loved the flowers, shrubs, and trees. Next to the temple there was another, smaller temple where there lived a very old Zen master. One day, when the priest was expecting some special guests, he took extra care in tending to the garden. He pulled the weeds, trimmed the shrubs, combed the moss, and spent a long time meticulously raking up and carefully arranging all the dry autumn leaves. As he worked, the old master watched him with interest from across the wall that separated the temples."

"When he had finished, the priest stood back to admire his work. "Isn't it beautiful," he called out to the old master. "Yes," replied the old man, "but there is something missing. Help me over this wall and I'll put it right for you."

"After hesitating, the priest lifted the old fellow over and set him down. Slowly, the master walked to the tree near the center of the garden, grabbed it by the trunk, and shook it. Leaves showered down all over the garden. "There," said the old man, "you can put me back now."

Brittany joins the gathering, nodding to each quietly so as to not interrupt Elan's telling.

Elan pats the ground to indicate he's done, and smiles a bit.

Eamon waves to Allie.

Christopher waves to Allie and continues to listen to the story.

Yi blinks, and quirks her head at her elder. "That was... quick." Her hand runs through her hair, a confused arch of her eyebrow telling of her thoughts.

Eamon blinks at Elan. "That's it? I don't get it."

Christopher snickers. ."Woah."

Christopher smiles. "You know, we should do this at least once a week. We never spend this much time together. What do you think?"

Brittany glances at Elan, curiously. "At what point in time," she asks, lightly, "Did you leave your former tribe for the Stargazers?"

Elan smiles a bit at Eamon. "Think about it; the answer will come. There is a story I know about that exact question, in fact." He chuckles at Brittany. "Well, I did hang around Boo for a long time."

Christopher eyes widen a bit and grins. "I think I know the answer. Shall I tell it?"

Yi continues to puzzle over the story's meaning, but glances to Christopher for his take on the tale.

Eamon scratches his head and shrugs.

Elan looks to Christopher. "You can know /an/ answer; yes, let's hear it."

Brittany asks, "Boo?" as she unslings the crossbow, resting it against the barn's side. "Many names I've missed while away, and more found every day." She shakes her head, then looks over to Christopher, awaiting his view.

Christopher says "I think the story is trying to say this "Perfection is always short lived.""

Eamon grins and waves to Brittany. "Well, look who it is! Long time, no see!" Elan nods to Christopher. "That's a good answer."

Christopher smiles.

Yi nods slowly, chewing over Chris' words. "Who?" she asks as her gaze turns from Eamon to Brittany.

Brittany flashes a short smile out towards Eamon, noting, "Swing by the Caern more often. Unless I'm in the field on patrols, my Guardian duties will always allow you to find me there."

Sheeps returns from his slipping away into the field. He's come back a little dustier than before, looking like he was digging. The glove he was chewing on is gone; he's traded it for a good smudging. He wags on over to Yi, panting lightly, blades of dry grass dangling off his pink-and-brown splotched tongue.

Yi arches an eyebrow at the dusty dog, reaching over and brushing away some bits of flora. She stands up from her spot, turning to the others and offering a small bow. "It was good to hear the stories, Chris, Elan-rhya. I think though, that I'd best head back to my patrols." With a small pat to Sheeps' side, she heads towards the treeline.