A blush suggests itself on dirtsmudged cheeks, and Julie's lips fight their way into a brief smile before it fades when Kirstof approaches the Get.

Seirian eases herself down into a crouch, balancing herself with one hand for a moment before resting her elbows against her knees.

One-Rage continues to flick his tail as he leans against Three-Blades, watching as his eyes swirl slightly.

Owen counts them off mentally before answering Nightflash. He listens to his tribemate's call before responding. "Seven, including myself. And another will fight beside us without joining Wolverine's graces."

Signe stops her pacing when the Mule approaches, but she doesn't move closer or offer him more than a small nod.

Milah meanders down towards the center, hands jammed into her pockets as she finds her packmates and makes her way towards them.

Seeker nods to Milah.

Squall's eyes go wide at the gathering, glancing frequently to Leonard for a small degree of reassurance.

Nightflash looks pleased by the answer. Well done. We will speak more later. He then returns to where Steven and Sepdet stand, and listens.

Leonard slips through the crowd like a ghost, finding his way to Sepdet's side, where he gives her a nudge and a small smile before settling in somewhere near her. He motions to Squall to sit.

Three-Blades glances around at the sheer number of Garou, her eyes shining with awe. She glances at One-Rage, her ears canting to either side. She sits on her haunches, head ducked low and humbly, as she is a guest.

Shadow-of-Blood snorts softly at Owen's added comment, but then forces his attention to the galliard giving the Opening Howl.

Lowering her gaze, the unpacked Gnawer turns her head slightly. "Might wanna be up by Kaz, Max, so's you can see better," Julie murmurs.

Seirian glances up briefly and smiles welcomingly to Milah from her crouch.

From the rock outcropping, Ironjaw's voice is stronger than some might expect, as she begins to call out the Litany, ~Garou shall not mate with Garou.~

Milah nods a greeting to Seeker and Seirian. "Have I missed anything yet?"

Squall nods slightly to Leonard, following on his heels closely, and taking a seat behind him.

In the windiest area, Finds-the-Lost shifts his weight restlessly as the first Law is read, and signs of nervousness are clearly evident about the young Get. Still, he calls out his first response loud enough. ~In case no one has noticed, we're fighting a war here. And what do wars need? Soldiers. So what if they happen to be metis? Metis can still fight. Now, I'm not saying that's all we need, that'd be stupid, but who cares if we have a few mules in with the others? What's the big deal, as long as there aren't too many?~

Kaz settles down near Julie, casting the younger woman a grin. Then she sobers.

Owen eyes the Talon for only a moment before nodding to him, acknowledging his presence probably as merrily as he can muster on this fine evening.

Sepdet catches Milah's question and glares in her direction as the Litany-calling begins.

Tecmessa says, ~Even one is too many. That sort of weakness is not useful, not at all.~

Max nudges Julie with her elbow. "I smell or somethin'?" Briefly her attention flickers to her tribesmate before she looks back out over thsoe gathered, now noting Kristof with a thoughtful expression. She slouches her weight to one hip and pulls a small straw from her pocket.

Adam bares his teeth in response. ~We are meant to be the bridge between nature and humans,~ he says, ~and Metis are walking proof that we are ignoring our purpose.~

Leonard leans over and whispers something to Squall, then sits back, crossing his arms and watching.

Quick rejoins Owen and Shadow-of-Blood as he leaves the collection of stones for later, and the fool collects a snarl from him. ~Metis are our weakness.~

Squall nods to Leonard's whispering, then turns to watch the Litany being called.

One-Rage chuffs slightly as he listens to the voices, his eyes training upon Kaz, Julie and Max, giving a slight dip of his head towards the other Gnawers. His tail wags, bumping his head against Three-Blades, then listens.

Kristine's been sitting here being quiet or whatever, yup, that's it.

Megan shifts up to glabro before calling out her response. ~One cannot 'sort of' enforce something like that. It is all, or nothing. Gaia has said none.~

Milah clamps a hand over her mouth and pays attention to the Litany.

Julie murmurs something to the negative, grunting as she is elbowed. She doesn't say anything about metises, since she deems one a friend.

Three-Blades pricks her ears, catching sight of Kaz and Max before darting her eyes and ears this way and that to catch the rest of the ongoings.

Shadow-of-Blood snorts loudly. Those whose birth is touched by the Wyrm are not well-qualified to fight him. Some, not all, can sometimes defeat their birth.

Banecruncher nudges Nevada toward One-Rage.

Sepdet's hands clench and unclench as the sept wrestles over the sore topic. Shadow-of-blood's dubious vote of confidence elicits a snort, but it's impossible to tell whether the Strider mule is amused or annoyed.

Kristof growls softly, despite himself, at some of the arguements from the spectators, but perhaps only loud enough for Signe to catch.

One-Rage follows after Three-Blades gaze, an excited look flickering in the bright, ambiantic pools of his goldeny brown depts. Catching the scents of his Alpha and cub in the air, he cranes his neck, twisting forward as he chuffs in greeting.

Three-Blades chuffs softly, hoping Banecruncher would hear her greeting as she catches sight of the lupus Gnawer.

Max flickers a glance to Kaz, frowning thoughtfully to herself as she listens to the Call. She shifts a little from one foot to another.

Nevada follows Banecruncher in at a light trot, looking dumbfounded at first by the collection here, but he recovers with a cool look. He glances at the Gnawer Ahroun before he makes his way quietly towards One-Rage.

From the rock outcropping, The young Get Galliard continues her calling of the Litany with the next three laws, the Fool responding to them, then being called down by the masses. Then, she comes to the forth law, bellowing forth, "Submit to those of higher station."

Owen just grumbles were he stands, not particularly happy ith a certain metis but also unable to piece words enough just yet to make a clever remark.

In the windiest area, Finds-the-Lost snorts, and rather skeptically at that. ~Why should I submit to a Fianna just because he can drink a lot, or brag about himself a lot? That isn't how -my- tribe determines rank and station. Why should I submit to a Bone Gnawer just because his tribe thinks he is the King of the Trash? A nice law, sure, until you start looking outside your own tribe.~

Kaz shakes her head, quickly. "They higher than you, they got clues. That's the way it goes."

Brian, crouched down near his packmates, remains quiet.

Cameron stares at the proceedings in wide-eyed disbelief. This is a little... tense...

Shadow-of-Blood growls lowly, but does not further respond to the Fool.

Three-Blades growls at the Fool's retort. Proof of higher status, proof of better brains. One'd be a fool not to follow.

Duncan nudges Cameron, then moves over to his packmates, leaving it to the cub wether he wants to follow or stay with the other cubs.

Julie chimes in, her raspy voice cutting the air. "All who are older have earned respect by virtue of still being alive. Obviously, they know something about survival."

One-Rage chuffs slightly at the fool's remark, grunting. King of Trash, pah. You find neat shit in there.

Adam just glares, readying the shot. "Your Elders are just that, Elders, and that is regardless of tribe. Even a cub cannot mouth off to everyone outside their

Aislinn has heard /of/ all these things, of moots and Litany alike. But hearing about, and experiencing, are two highly different things. The young Ahroun studies the events around her with great interest.

Adam says "Their Tribe that they meet. It is not respectful."

Silver joins her elder in a low growl, but is otherwise oddly self-contained.

Cameron looks after Duncan for a moment, then heads quietly towards his fellow cubs. He moves over next to Aislinn.

Sepdet searches the assembly for a face she's not finding, and growls flatly, ~You want to show up your elders? Go kill a bane or something. "Lip" deserves a broken jaw.~

Owen adds to Sepdet's comment. "And a boot up yer ass."

"Elders are Elders for a reason. They've done things to earn that spot, and the respect that the younger, inexperienced Garou has not." Kristine pipes up with before going back down in her reverie.

Soulcatcher's ears come alert as he watches Sepdet. They twitch once, and then the Wendigo's attention returns to the calling, and the fool.

Steven snorts at Ethan. "No matter whether it be a contest of combat, or a contest of stamina with the drink, the elder has earned his respect from his peers."

Peacekeeper shifts up into homid form, the better to express himself, "We are all Gaia's brood. We are all her sons and daughters, brothers and sisters in spirit. My 'tribe', your 'tribe', all are equally of Gaia, and those who are above you must still be respected for their closeness to Gaia, regarldess of its expression."

From the rock outcropping, Ironjaw continues, pausing only to look around at those rebuking the Fool's taunts. She speaks of the first share of the kill going to the higest in station, then her pale eyes fix back to the Fool. Her lips curl back in digust as she speaks the sixth law, ~Ye shall not eat of the flesh of humans.~

Megan does not, like other elders, try to explain things to Cameron and Aislinn. She keeps an eye on them, but continues to participate in the Moot as it unfolds.

One-Rage flicks his ears, then chuffs to Nevada, dipping his head, then nuzzles him gently. Hello little brother, join me and three-blades.

Squall glances around at the crowd, still in awe that there are that many garou here... He shakes his head to himself, his attention returning to the Litany. If he disagrees with any of it, he doesn't show it.

In the windiest area, Finds-the-Lost asks, rather simply, ~And why not?~ There's just enough of a pause to draw attention to the question, but not enough to interject a response, before the Fool continues. ~We're Garou after all, not humans, so we wouldn't be eating our own kind. Humans are animals, just like a rabbit is an animal, or a deer is an animal. What's so special about a human that we can't eat them, anyway? The way I figure, it's some overly sensitive homid that came up with that rule.~

Kaz says, "Because, you twit, they're Wyrmy. What the hell do you expect?" Julie groans quietly at Kaz, though a smile just peeks past the veil of braids shadowing her gaunt features.

Owen says "And the squits they'll give you will keep you tied up for a week. Care to fight the Wyrm on a porcelain throne?"

Kristine chuckles lightly at Owen's response but is otherwise silent for this rule.

Julie murmurs, "Not to mention, they're tough. Takes forever to cook one tender."

"Sounds like my Get friend speaks from experience," Steven pipes in, grinning in spite of himself. "Besides, I heard they taste like shite."

There's more tastier things than twolegs, notes Three-Blades before she turns her gaze towards Nevada and One-Rage.

Dante says "That's just... gross."

Sepdet looks faintly disgusted at the responses. ~They're your blood and kin, unless you've been breaking the First Law too.~

"If ye think snackin' on those we breed with is a good pasttime, then we're going to run out of mommies and daddies pretty damn quick." calls Seiri with a wrinkling of her nose.

Quick snaps at the Fool. ~They live in their own pollution. It would be no better than eating the pollution itself.~

From the rock outcropping, And again Ironjaw calls forth the laws, stating the reminder to respect even those beneath you, ~We are all of Gaia..~ Then she states the ninth law, that the Veil shall not be lifted. Finds-the-Lost continues to jibe the Skald's words, and the sept members offer passionate counterpoints to the Fool's words. Finally, she speaks the tenth law of the Litany, ~ Do not suffer thy people to tend to thy sickness.~

In the windiest area, ~I shall be respectful,~ Finds-the-Lost quotes. ~I shall be merciful.~ He lets those two sentences hang in the air for a moment before continuing. ~Those are our creeds, taken from the codes of Wisdom and of Honor. And this Law directly contradicts them. What respect is there in requiring those who have fought with honor and glory to end their lives the moment they are sick, the moment they grow old? Where is the mercy in this? Surely, whatever small amount of inconvenience they may cause, if it's any at all, is only just reward for their past deeds.~

Elan sits among the family of Gnawer representatives, by no means the entire tribal strength, and watches.

One-Rage flags his tail back and forth as he continues to listen, giving Elan a slight nuzzle to his legs, eyes glittering brightly in dark optics.

Adam rolls his eyes. "If you cannot keep up with the Alpha of your pack, then you should put yourself down, and push up daisies, and be a better use to Gaia."

Nevada pats One Rage on the head, grinning at him and the No Moon Gnawer. He lowers a hand to let her sniff him if she wants.

Kaz snorts. "It ain't that we don' respect 'em, it's just /they/ don' wanna fuck up /us/."

Cameron smiles, and whispers to Aislinn, "That's fairly distressing... I can't keep up with Brian..."

Megan growls softly. ~It is the law of Nature. Just as we pull down the sick and the slow and strengthen the herd, we do not waste food or time protecting those who would drag us down.~

Three-Blades presses her cold nose to the offered hand and bobs her head in a greeting fashion.

Julie snarls, "It's one thing t' be a teacher, dispensin' wisdom, an' another t' be a burden, needing to be brought food, water, and sheltered, when you've got nothin' left t' give. Better t' go away an' die, than t' keep youth from their destinies."

Shadow-of-Blood growls low in his throat. As you spoke before, we are always fighting. We cannot prod along those who cannot care for themselves as if they were pups. They deserve to die with glory, fighting the Wyrm, but they do not need to slow our fight.

Quick snarls. We are Warriors. Not soft ones to be pampered.

Max remains silent, though each argument earns the speaker a sharp glance from the ragabash cub.

Aislinn glances at Cameron quietly, and smiles just a fraction, before turning her attention back to the Calling.

Brian's eyes drift over to Cameron, and he snaps his fingers once, loudly, in a gesture to the cub. His meaning is clear: shut up. Another gesture towards the ground *right* next to him: sit *here*.

Cowed, Cameron quickly and quietly moves to the indicated spot.

~What wisdom is there,~ Sepdet calls, ~in letting the sick and old suffer past healing's aid, a danger to themselves and their septmates? What honor and glory is there is rotting by the fireside, too feeble to lift a hand for Gaia? Better to make an end.~

Max snaps her attention to Julie, kicking lightly at the other girl's foot after she finishes speaking.

Julie brushes Max's arm with her elbow, and nods her head Sep's way, then leans to whisper to her.

Megan watches Cameron leave, shooting Brian a suspicious look, but then after checking on Aislinn, looks back to the Fool and the Caller.

From the rock outcropping, The Get Skald turns her attention away from the Fool, now, and repeats the final laws. The rule regarding challenging a leader, and taking no action which causes the Caern to be violated. All of which Finds-the-Lost rebuffs, and the voices of the sept ring out against with threats, arguments, and dismissals. As the comments die out, Ironjaw looks to find Sepdet, nodding for the Metis Strider her beginning. With that, she steps back into the crowd at the center of the wheel, watching for the Theurge to begin the rite to Open the Inner Sky.

One-Rage shifts to his homid form, pushing himself up to his feet as he dusts off his jeans.

[And Some OOC Silliness, amongst The Three Gnawer-teers:
From afar, to One-Rage and Three-Blades, Nevada wonders if a whoopie cushion would be in bad taste at a moot. ;)
One-Rage pages to Nevada and Three-Blades: I'd kill you :)
Long distance to Nevada and Jay: Three-Blades thinks a whoopie cushion would be a deathwish on rubber.
Nevada pages to Jay and Three-Blades: But what a way to go! Get of Fenris says,"Rarr! Rarr rarr! Ra-- " Whoopie has arrived. ;)
You paged Nevada and Jay with '"LOL.'.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled Moot, and Rite of the Opened Caern.]

In the windiest area, Finds-the-Lost is more than happy to relinquish his brief moment in the spotlight. Ritual or not, being shouted down by a Sept of rageful Garou isn't exactly his idea of a fun evening. To those who are perceptive, the young Get seemed slightly uncomfortable throughout the entire exchange, and he retreats quickly back into the center now.

Max looks briefly Sepdet's way before whispering quietly back to Julie, cupping her hand at her elder's ear as she does so.

When Cameron sits near him, Brian reaches out a hand to swat meaningfully at the back of the cub's head, an effort to deliver a dope-slap.

Dante glances at Ethan, and offers a small smile at him.

Ironjaw, once back amongst the throng, seems to finally relax enough to slip back down into homid.

Sepdet strides quietly to the base of the pillar, touches it, and then begins to move through the Garou, circling and weaving and touching them one by one in a slow stately echo of the dances few here will now remember from her days as Groundskeeper. She speaks no words to embellish the ritual, and anyone who makes a sound receives a warning glance or bared teeth, depending on the rank of the offender.

Kristof watches his two tribemates return, giving J.D. an approving look from Signe's shadow.

Cameron takes the cuffing with a small smile.

Squall bites his lower lip, as Cameron receives a slap. He's fighting back a smirk.

Owen watches the Get rotagar return to the ranks with a heavily critical eye, but otherwise just keeps his stoic attitude and posture.

Jay watches Sepdet with his trained gaze, following her movements as his brown bangs dip down into his eyes slightly.

Milah watches Sepdet begin the ritual with a smile of pride in her eyes.

Julie regards Max oddly, then shrugs, and mouths 'Later.' She bows her head respectfully when Sep brushes past.

Robert nods at both J.D. and Ethan, giving each an encouraging smile, then goes back to watching the Strider theurge's ritual dance.

Banecruncher watches the movements of the Strider mule, curiously trying to follow them.

Seeker watches Sepdet quietly.

Signe nods to both JD and Ethan as they return, her eyes then turning to watch the Strider.

Tecmessa strips off her jacket and moves towards the rocks set by the steam vents. Taking one in the jacket -- it's obvius the rock is hot, even through the cloth. She moves over to the pool, silent.

Squall listens to Leonard, while watching Sepdet. He nods slightly as Leonard whispers. He smiles a bit to Sepdet, a little more proud to have met her.

Three-Blades looks on in silence, blinking briefly as Sepdet touches her furred head and continues on in her dance.

Soon nothing but the breathing of Garou and of the living caern itself are audible. Puffs of steam rise from the vents; a few gusts of wind pick up from the southwest to send them spinning in ghostly eddies. The waterfall's incessant plashing muffles but doesn't quite drown the softer sounds. The Strider theurge moves slowly towards the steam vents as she weaves the hidden currents of the caern together with the Garou who serve it.

Jay follows after Tecmessa, following her example by removing his jacket. Gripping the rock, he grunts only slightly as the heat radiates upon his palms, sweltering. Sliding it into the jacket, he picks it up carefully, then follows after the Fury.

Max goes silent once more as Sepdet passes by. The cub swings one foot in front of the other, her questions written boldly across her pale face.

Ethan shrinks back into homid as the metis begins the next phase of the ritual, and quietly makes his way over toward his new packmates. There, he flops himself onto the ground with a view (albeit through a few really hairy legs) of the Strider.

Leda continues to sit alone, quiet and somber.

Julie takes a deep, slow breath, then takes a step back away from her friends. Arms fall to her sides, relaxed, and her head tilts back, eyes closed. Thusly she waits.

Brittany looks a bit remiss once Sepdet reache her, but, after a bit of hesitation, allows the Metis to lay a brief touch upon her personage.

Stephen quietly enters the caern and moves off to one side to gain vantage, but not disturb the proceedings.

Sepdet retrieves one of the rocks piled among the steam vents at the start of moot. Gingerly turning it in her fingers, she moves rapidly across the caern with a grimace of pain, nods to the others she commandeered earlier into helping, and then in one smooth motion hefts the stone into the smoother waters at the edges of the pool.

Kristof hesitates, then slides after to grab one of the steam-heated rocks. He grimaces in pain, but does nothing to protect his hands, snarling silently as he follows Sepdet's movements and adds the stone to the pool, dropping it gently rather than tossing it.

Tecmessa, watching Sepdet closely, dumps her rocks in at almost the same time.

Nevada watches somewhere between curiousity and confusion, glancing after Jay.

Jay slides the rock from the jacket, then grips it tightly. Pain swells within his flesh, then lets his arms carry backwards. With a solid, flowing movement, he lets the stone travel into the waters gently.

As the Ritual Mistress moves toward the pool, Julie shifts up to her warform, better for her to receive the blessings of Fog.

Brian remains more or less where he is, crouched down near Dante, Duncan, and Seeker. His eyes follow the movements of the ritualists without any real interest.

A huge cloud of steam billows upward, more than can be accounted for by the handful of heated stones. It rises overhead to mingle with the mists from the far side of the valley and forms a dome-shaped, enveloping canopy. Briefly the caern is shrouded entirely from the open sky by a foggy, sheltering blanket, heavy with the promise of rain. Dewdrops sparkle on the upturned faces and prickling fur of all the Garou like myriad stars, and there is an odd tingling in the air, a palpable presence of some great silent watcher.

Quick gathers one of the hot rocks in crinos claws, his expression that of mixed tension and pain, and adds the rock to the cool waters of the pool.

Nightflash falls in behind Sepdet as she walks past him. Shifting into a form with hands, he takes one of the stones and follows the others.

Seeker stands and walks to the vents. He shifts to glabro, then picks up a rock, wincing as it burns him, and carries it over to the pool to drop it in. Steam rises immediately, bubbling and hissing out of the water.

Adam, as the steam begins to billow, takes the Warform.

Kristine's eyes follow the stonecarriers, but she's more or less still and silent.

Kaz blinks, as the steam arises, and closes her eyes.

Three-Blades's tail twitches slightly over her forepaws while she watches the rocks sail into the water and closes her eyes briefly, feeling the spiritual tingle.

Squall's eyes go up, to watch the canopy of fog. Cowering a little as the..presence is felt, he glances to Leonard and raises both eyebrows.

After a perfectly still moment, the steam vents give another sigh, and the veils of mist part overhead to show Luna's face and a bit of black sky. Sepdet raises her hands palm-outwards in a silent gesture of respect towards the Totem, bows formally to the stone-bearers, and moves back towards the center with a nod towards the Truthcatcher.

Taking one end of the bone in each hand, Dies-for-Others starts to speak. ~In the Garou nation, even as we war with the Enemy, there are times when we find ourselves in conflict with each other. This part of the Moot is dedicated to resolving those conflicts.~ He raises the bone above his head, speaking loudly. ~As Truthcatcher, I now call all those who would speak at the Cracking!~ He snaps the bone over his leg, finishing with, ~Let us get to the marrow of things.~

Tecmessa shifts slowly into crinos, letting the fog envelop her, still silent.

Owen frowns, a thought of 'aw great, now I'm glistening' reflecting on his face.

Jay dips his head in a nod to Sepdet as well, proud to have made his prescence slightly known within the Moot. He follows after her, shifting into his warm form, the fog wrapping his growing body in a warm embrace.

Max watches after Julie and the others hefting hot stones into the pool. When the capacious fog fills the caern, she steps a little closer to Kaz from behind.

Cameron has to stifle a smile at the apparent joke.

Robert raises an eye at Brian's lack of attention, then stretches wide his arms to feel the rising steam, fingers wiggling slightly to increase the sensation of the warm mist. As the Truthcatcher breaks the bone, the Warder's attention also snaps to his philodox packmate.

Heartsight licks her lips, taking in the taste of the gifted moisture clinging to them. A deep breath, then a slow sigh, teeth beared in a somewhat blissful grin as the odd feeling washes over her. As Dies speaks, her muzzle lowers and dark eyes regard him at the cracking of the bone.

Dies-for-Others looks around, as people start to come forward to speak. He hands the bones to the highest-Ranked among them, so far, which is Elan. Kristof dips his hands in the water of the pool before returning to his place near Signe.

Leonard just nods at Squall, the barest hint of a smile on his face, then looks alert towards the sound of the crack, tensing.

Elan takes the bones and stands up. "Chugs-By-The-Gallon and I are forming a city pack under Rat, city warrior, seeker of things, finder of many. Ears-To-The-Ground and Rags have already expressed interest in joining, but we need more. We will need members who are good at fighting in the Umbra, since it will take much work in the Shadow to cleanse the taint from our city. Any who would join, please see me or Chugs soonest." With that said, he hands to bones back and sits down with the rest of the Gnawers.

Ethan hops himself to his feet eventually, once the Cracking begins, and brushes some dirt of his jeans. As Garou start maneuvering to attract Adam's attention, Ethan moves toward the front of the crowds as well.

Brian's lips purse into a frown at this announcement; as during the Inner Sky, he's disinterested, not inattentive.

Milah moves forward towards the front of the crowd, waiting her turn.

Three-Blades pricks her ears forward with interest at the announcements, wanting to catch all that is said.

Heartsight leans, now towering a bit over Kaz, since she's in warform, to whisper in her ear.

Kristine's eyes move to focus on the announcements, her mouth set in a thoughtful frown.

Kaz whispers omething quietly to Julie.

Leonard nods, standing and taking the bones, then turning towards the crowd. "I call challenge here tonight, for the second time. A moon ago I challenged the lying dog Cutter of the Shadow Lords, who put lies into the mouth of Megan when he brought me a message from her, insulted my people while delivering that message in her name, then when I Challenged him on it never gave me answer but instead gave me and, for some reason I cannot understand, Sepdet, even more insult. So now I utter Challenge in front of all who hold honor in high regard, and would see him answer it."

Milah decides to sit back down for now.

Heartsight nods, then whispers back.

Seeker arches an eyebrow at Leonard.

Robert raises an eyebrow once again, catching his packmate's gaze and gesturing that he would like the bone before anything else continues.

*This* earns Brian's interest; for a moment, his gaze searches the caern for the Shadow Lord, and, upon satisfying himself that Cutter is not present in the caern, he gives a derisive snort.

Squall watches Leonard as his tribemate stands, taking the bones. His eyes go wide a bit, at the thought of a challenge, and he hopes Leonard will win...

Rides-Fire's ear perks in interest toward his new packmate, during the announcement. The wolf turns, sniffing, as he peers throught the crowd for the accused.

One-Rage cants his head slightly to the wendigo's words and watches this new turn of events.

Leonard nods to Seeker, handing him the bones.

Kaz gives the younger Gnawer an odd look.

Three-Blades flattens her ears at this, as she never was one for lies. She looks around as well for the Shadow Lord in question, though she wouldn't know who this 'Cutter' is.

Dies-for-Others' eyes scan the crowd, as well, for the Shadow Lord. After not seeing the Theurge in question, he motions to Leonard to have the bones back.

Leda lets just a hint of a sneer cross her face.

Sepdet's brows furrow in consternation at Leonard's speech; she seems a little puzzled by his announcement. As so often, lately, her thoughts end in a tightlipped frown.

Seeker shakes his head at Leonard.

[Leonard pages to the room: Him being Dies for Others. :)]

Leonard moves to sit next to Squall, letting out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

Megan simply scowls from her place, not looking around but keeping her attention on the Truthcatcher.

Heartsight lowers her head, sheepishly, then shrugs non-committedly. A turn of eye, and splay of ear, and she motions to the crowd and their reactions to the challenge.

Squall offers Leonard a smile and nods once to him, as he sits. He whispers something in his ear.

Kaz snorts at her former packmte, and leaves it lie.

Dies-for-Others speaks, once he has the bones again. ~As the one called Cutter is not here tonight to defend himself, I request that, before the moon goes pale again, that those named in the Wendigo's accusation, whether as accused or Witness, come see me as a group so we will get to the heart of the matter. Cutter, Leonard, Megan, and Sepdet.~ That being done, he hands the bones to Robert.

Jamethon grins at the thought of challenge but lets that fade as he understands it will not be made tonight.

Rides-Fire returns his attention to the two Gaians, once it is determined that the Shadow Lord isn't simply skulking in shadows somewhere in the caern.

Eamon walks over to Cameron and whispers something to him.

Leonard nods absently to Squall, his attention on Dies-For-Others. He nods again, recognizing the philodox.

Robert takes the bones, looking directly at Leonard as he does so. "Child, please try to make your little announcements a little more clear. If you're wanting to fight someone because you say he lied to you and insulted you, then go to him and say as much. If you want the philodoxes to look into the matter, ask that. If you want to issue a formal Challenge to kick his butt because of this slight to yourself, which your wording at this large moot implies, you'd be advised to talk to the Master of the Challenge first." Looking around, he adds, "That goes for the rest of you too." With that, he hands the bones back to Dies-For-Others, stepping back into the crowd.

Owen refrains from making a comment, instead just growling to himself even in his homid form.

Dies-for-Others takes the bones back, yet again, and rediistributes them, this time to the Get of Fenris, Ethan.

Cameron nearly chokes at Eamon's whisperings. He looks at Eamon, then at Brian, and turns to whisper quietly to the Alpha.

Ethan takes the bones and spends a good second or two thinking on how to phrase this in the most diplomatic sense, before deciding to hell with it. He'll just talk. "Okay, everytime I need to smack a smart-mouthed cub, I've got people hollering at me some bullshit rule about how you can't smack cubs of other tribes. What's up with that? Nobody can tell me who exactly is responsible for it, and when I ask why, I just get some story about Cyllan Cub-Killer. Yeah yeah yeah, killing cubs of another tribe is bad, I figured that one out already. But sometimes cubs -need- a good smackdown, right then and there, no waiting for elders three days later. Cubs heal, in case no one's noticed. So someone tell me, what's the damn rule about this, bottom line?"

Leonard just looks at Robert for a long moment, face expressionless, then turns his attention dismissively to Ethan, arching an eyebrow at the comments.

Heartsight's ears perk at this. She, too, has been in a situation or two similar to what he just described.

Jamethon chuckles a slight as Ethan asks his long winded question, seeming to agree with the sentiment muchly... being a fellow Get and all.

Owen just can't wait to hear this one explained out.

One-Rage continues to listen as he crosses the thick arms over his chest, kneeling down next to Nevada and Three-Blades, his shadow falling over the two.

Squall winces slightly at Ethan's question. He makes a note to himself to be in as few positions as possible, to be smacked around, in the future...

Brian draws a breath and lifts his head, half-rising as if wanting to answer the question.

Leda lifts her head to gaze at Ethan evenly and expressionlessly for a long moment. She spares Tecmessa a glance then goes back to her former position.

Three-Blades quirks an ear to Ethan, and another to point towards One-Rage. She is curious of the way discipline is handled around this sept, wanting to see if it's different from back home.

Max leans in to Kaz to whisper to her, queryingly it appears.

Nevada sits among Jay and Three Blades, quiet and watching except for a few nudges every now and then to the Gnawer Ahroun. He performs an absent-minded doubletake when he looks at Ethan, a smirk touching his lips in recognition.

Ethan still has the bones, but that's more because he doesn't know what he's supposed to do with them after his little rant there. When he notices the Alpha start to rise he remembers to pass them back to Adam. "Whoever gets these, I have no clue whose rule it is. Pass the buck."

Dies-for-Others takes the bones back quietly, before speaking out on this. ~I have asked people about this. Cubs are meant to respect all of their Elders, even those of other Tribes, and those Cubs who disrespect Elders or break the rules are subject to discipline. If the Elders of the offending Cub's tribe have a problem, they take it up with the elder who disciplined the cub. From what I was made to understand, the story of Cyllan was centered on the fact that she went too far. The life of a cub should be decided by their Tribal Elders.~

Brian waits, listens, as Dies-for-Others explains, and then shrugs his shoulders and sits back down.

Silver perks up, hoping to construe this to mean she can beat the crap out of Spider soon.

Ethan doesn't ask for the bones back, but since he's standing up near Adam, he talks anyway. "Okay, I'm a Get, use small words here. I can smack 'em as long as I don't go too far, and their elders can take it up with me if they think it's inappropriate? Because that's cool, I can deal with that."

Dies-for-Others looks down at the Get. ~That was what I said.~

Ethan says, "Cool." He turns and heads back toward Nightflash and the others in his pack, threading his way through the crowds of Garou.

Dies-for-Others says, ~But only if they are breaking a rule.~ He then hands off the bones to the next person to come forward, which is Megan.

Sepdet manages to notice Silver's comment and actually smiles, briefly. She doesn't interrupt the debate, but a certain gleam in her eye suggests that the Strider elder would probably not be distraught if such an incident occurred.

Jamethon nods firmly as his smile gets a little twisted on his face. "Good good..." he says quietly enough.

Three-Blades turns her head briefly to peer at One-Rage, thumping her tail lightly on his knee to get his attention.

Rides-Fire tilts an ear, then flicks it rapidly in indecision. Finally the lupus breaks off from Nightflash and Stephen to head toward the Truthcatcher.

One-Rage feels the thump and blinks his feral, golden orbs, then turns his head down to Three-Blades, canting slightly.

Near the back of everyone, Roger comes into the caern and approaches the center to wait outside near the egde of the caern proper.

Megan steps forward taking the bones, and turns to face the group. ~I wish to make it known once more, that I am looking for members for my pack. We do not know what totem we will follow, but anyone wishing to investigate where no other pack looks, come see me. Collin, Tecmessa, and the Glass Walker, Lucca, are with me so far. I seek others.~ Handing the bones back to the Truthcatcher, she returns to stand near the named Black Fury and the three other Fianna cubs.

Dies-for-Others goes to the next person. Owen.

Leda looks straight at the Fianna half-moon for a long moment, then snorts a little.

Roger growls slightly at the mentioning of the 'glass walker', Lucca.

Heartsight perks again as Owen is next. This should be interesting.

Brian's expression sours when Megan takes the bones, but he says nothing, merely letting his attention drift elsewhere while his former packmate talks.

Three-Blades turns an ear to the proceedings, barely catching the names of even more sept members as she continues a soft, wordless conversation with One-Rage.

Ethan scoots over toward Nightflash, sliding along the ground, and whispers something under his breath to the crinos.

Cameron stands up, next to Brian, and moves forward towards Dies-for-Others, looking at Duncan and Megan nervously.

Nightflash leans nearer to his packmate to respond.

Owen steps forward to take the proffered bones. "Signe, Kaz, Quick, Jarred, Jamethon, Shadow-of-Blood and myself have united under Wolverine for the land assault upon the island in Lake Arthur. If anyone wishes to come along and lend a claw, you may come to 'me' to make arrangements." He lets his gaze go over the crowd as he lets those that should be informed that he's leading the charge. He only catches at a few to make a point (you know who you are).

Kristine's attention seems to pipe up a little bit more as Megan makes her anouncement, before settling back down.

Brian reaches out to snatch, roughly, at the collar of Cameron's shirt. "Stay *put*," he growls softly, anger flashing through his expression.

Cameron looks at Brian, totally uncertain of what he's doing, and stays where he is.

Dies-for-Others listens, then gives the bones to the next person, this time being Steven.

Owen returns to where he was without further ado, looking as merry (not) as ever.

Silver flicks an ear toward the Get and her surprise melts into a very pleased look.

Sepdet growls something inaudibly.

Kristof stands behind Signe impassively at Owen's announcement, outside of a glance to the Get of Fenris Galliard.

J.D. doesn't seem to have much of an expression at all, at her tribemate's announcement. Perhaps she's still coming off of her nervousness.

Shadow-of-Blood stays with the rest of his packmates, tail twitching slighly as the pack announcement is made.

Rides-Fire starts where he waits, barking a short exhale of amusement. The humor fades back into impatience as he waits.

Quick shuffles feet in an edgy motion as he remains by Shadow-of-Blood.

Jamethon shifts to the hispo form, growls and fights not to lower his head at this announcment, a violent scowl on his face.

At the outer rim of the center, Roger smirks gently to himself. He looks quite bored with all that is going on and looks at something he thinks is there, but isn't, thats slithering on the ground between various Garou's legs.

Steven eyes Owen, as he takes the bones and clears his throat. "First Strike has come together as a mission pack. Nightflash, Rides-Fire, myself, Joseph, Ethan, and Sepdet have joined forces until the Defilers which have been detected in the area have had their blood spilled, and their taint purged for Gaia and our totem, Wolverine. We will be leading an assault on Arthur Island. Owen and his friends have been good enough to assist us." He hands the bones back to the Gaian half moon and moves back to where he was.

Heartsight's ears splay, her gaze shifting between Owen and Steven. It's clear she is mildly confused as to 'who' is in charge of the pending assault.

Sepdet gives Steven a very rare smile indeed, canines bared in anticipation.

Stephen brings his knees to his chest, making himself comfortable as he listens to Steven.

[Another OOC Moment of Silliness thanks to the Gnawer-teers, On the Subject of Introductions:
From afar, to Nevada and Three-Blades, One-Rage laughs and thinks Nevada should be like "I am Nevada -Please-Don't-Hit-Me-In-The-Face-. Galliard and cub of the Gnawers LOL
Nevada pages to One-Rage and Three-Blades: LOL!! Nevada says,"Hi, I'm *puberty voice squeak*"
From afar, to Nevada and Three-Blades, One-Rage dies. (Jay) *slaps his forehead and crawls into a corner to die*
You paged Nevada and One-Rage with '"And Yi with, I'm Song Yi Ling, I no speaka Eenglisee. Come from Chinatown.'.
From afar, to One-Rage and Three-Blades, Nevada dies and dies. You can end with,"And me love you LONG time n.n"
One-Rage pages to Nevada and Three-Blades: LOLOL Fi' Dollah, sucky sucky.
Long distance to Nevada and One-Rage: Three-Blades scraps a hole in the dirt and buries her head to muffle the laughter.
And Now Back to the Cracking of the Bone!]

Kaz looks, if anything, amused at Steven.

Dante rolls his eyes as Steven and Owen lift their legs at each other.

Megan glances between Owen and Steven, but then snorts.

Dies-for-Others hands the bones off again, to Rides-Fire.

Kristine just sighs at the tirade.

Owen doesn't seem at all slighted, afterall, what they both said is correct.

[Dies-for-Others pages to the room: Ok, anyone who needs to intro themselves tonight, page me, so I can get a tally.]

Heartsight growls impatiently, but quietly, her gaze flickering up to the moon once in a while before settling on those who claim the bones in turn.

Fights-For-Hope looks up at Steven and as a shivering of some kind takes his body over as he looks back to Owen, his posture calms a bit as he circles back to sit closer with his nearest new packmate.

Ethan doesn't seem quite as amused as some others in First Strike at this 'battle of the pack'. He just rubs tiredly at the back of his neck, and starts paying curious attention to whatever it is the 'Gazer has to say.

Heartsight leans to whisper to Max.

Rides-Fire looks up at the bones offered to him. Letting out a small sigh, he shifts up into a form that can take them. The underlying hum of rage in the new son of Wolverine is even clearer in the war form, though he makes an effort to speak clearly and project his voice. Remembered anger begins to flood his expression as the story goes on. ~Some days ago, Howls-While-Dreaming lied to me that the pool was poisoned. Because of this, I called a false alert to the guardians. I throated the liar mule because of this, though I showed mercy when his mouth refused submission. After this, I was told I should not fight in this place. I had not been told this, and I have had fighting practices in this place before. Why is this true? Why should this be a place where those that do not even follow the new moon can trick without risk of punishment?~ With the end of his question, the ahroun thrusts the bones back at Adam.

Robert steps up and holds out his hand for the bones once agani, sighing deeply as he makes his way forward.

Max shakes her head in response to Heartsight's question, then mumbles back at her, "I"m gonna."

Roger looks outraged now, because the lupine idiot obviously wouldn't understand any of what he had said. "Poison... bah. I mearly told him about bacteria." he mutters for anyone who may be near him. "It was /Ethan/ who riled him up." Again, quietly.

Dies-for-Others simply turns, as Robert approaches, and hands the bones to the Warder.

Nightflash spares a glare for Roger as Robert prepares to speak.

Megan turns and growls at Roger, giving him an icy glare which doesn't move from his face until he Gets the Hint and shuts up.

Three-Blades watches as the clawpointing and glaring zips back and forth again, taking a brief moment to shake herself and refresh stiffening muscles.

Ethan, of course, is doing his best little act of innocence. He studies the moon for a while, distracted only when he hears his name spoken and glances over at Roger. All it draws is a wordless shrug, and not much in the way of concern.

Kristine's brows come down in a disapproving frown as she turns to face Roger for a moment, before turning back to Rides-Fire.

Sepdet's scornful glance joins the laser array of Garou glances coming to bear upon Roger.

Stephen eyebrow raises as he looks from Roger to Ethan and then to Rides-fire. He does not glare at any of them.

Brian's attention remains fixed-forward, on the rock outcropping and the Cracking. He evidently missed Roger's remark.

"Damn it, I see to be answering this same question every other month," thw Warder begins, glaring at Roger. "Oh, and shut the fuck up when you don't have the bones. But back to fighting ... the Garou of the sept had been asked to take their fighting outside the confines of the caern itself, when possible, to keep from defiling this sacred place by spilling each other's lifeblood here. Since that seems to be too difficult, I relaxed it a while back to 'don't kill each other in the caern'. If this proves to be too difficult, you can go to another caern." His gaze sweeps over the assembled group once again, then he hands the bones back to the Truthcatcher.

Owen can't help but bark a laugh as the Warder actually swears.

Roger just... smiles now. Almost looking to be quite happy as he is told to shut up.

Dies-for-Others has the bones back once more. he is hailed, once more, and he hands the bones to the Sept Alpha.

One-Rage pushes himself up as he watches the antics, quietly waiting for his turn as goldeny, feral orbs glisten. His own ahroun rage rumbles slightly in his veins, but he keeps himself quiet.

Silver's tongue lolls as yet another pleased look overtakes her. What a informative moot this has been.

Rides-Fire dips his eyes and turns his head to the side, flashing throat at Robert. He starts to speak, then shakes his head and reaches for the bones again without uttering anything without them.

Heartsight scratches at the back of her head with a clawed hand. Ever since Chugs had to nearly cave her skull in to calm a frenzy, it tended to itch. One corner of her mouth curls up, revealing a sharp canine, and a 'huh?' look cocks her eyebrows as she looks from Robert to Roger and back. What happened?

Three-Blades flattens her ears again in slight annoyance, more towards herself than the Garou gathered. Suppose it was too much to think Garou of all tribes could gather peacefully...

Brian rises to accept the bones, and makes his own announcement short, sweet, and to the point. ~Night's Talons has added two more members: Milah and Seirian. We patrol south to the train tracks, now, in the territory that Obsidian Wind used to claim.~ With that, he hands the bones back and returns to his seat.

Kristine blinks once or twice at Robert's choice of words, but she remains silent.

Squall just smiles slightly at the display of posturing and the crossfire of glares. Feels like highschool.

[Dies-for-Others pages to the room: Ok, anyone else have any sort of beef? I'm going to announcements, next.]

Nevada leans a hand over to scratch Three Blades behind the ears.

Megan blinks with surprise and slews a glance over to Seirian, disappointment etched deeply into her features, then looks back at Kristine, squaring her chin.

[We might as well be MST3King:
From afar, to Nevada and Three-Blades, One-Rage is waiting for the Fury Jellow wrestling to begin.
Long distance to Nevada and One-Rage: Three-Blades has beef. Want a burger?]

Dies-for-Others no sooner gets the bones back than he hands them to the Elder Gazer again.

Heartsight sloooooowly reaches over behind Max and pokes her between the shoulders with a claw. A quick return to 'attention' to what was going on at the Cracking.

Kristine eyes turn to glance at Megan, brows rising once, then settling back ina stoic expression.

Rides-Fire turns back to Robert and drops his gaze again, gripping the bones tightly. ~I am sorry, Peacekeeper, but I am not sure I understood the man-speech. You said you used to ask no fighting here, but now just ask us not to kill here?~ He raises his eyes to the ahroun, commenting, ~If it was said in man-speech before, that may be why I did not know the law. I improve, but not quickly enough for a sept of man-born.~

Three-Blades growls softly, leaning into the ear-scratch and letting her tension relax slowly away. She thumps her tail lightly in thanks to the cub.

Max turns around to look up at Heartsight. "What?" she whispers loudly at the poking elder.

Robert simply nods at the lupus-born's question and comment.

Rides-Fire chuffs thanks and hands the bones back. He looks relieved to go.

Heartsight blinks innocently at Max, a 'huh?' again claiming her crinos features, then she puts her finger to black lips.

Dies-for-Others speaks again. ~With the turning of the seasons, there are those that leave us, and new faces to join us. For those of us who are new, come forward and introduce yourselves.~

Brian rakes a hand back through his hair, his eyes drifting towards the other Fianna nearest Megan. His lips purse into a frown as he studies the one he does not know.

One-Rage steps forward at Dies-For-Other's words, lifting his head up slightly as he glances about the crowd formed, taking a deep breath as his chest rise and falls.

Three-Blades's ears prick forward as the introductions begin. She doesn't seem eager to step forward, though, unsure of how well she would be received into this gathering.

Heartsight watches with interest, so she can know how much strawberry whips to hunt up to give to the new Gnawers.

Aislinn glances to Megan, then along the way, to Steven, patiently waiting her turn.

Milah steps towards the front of the crowd once again, ready to introduce herself.

Nevada makes sure his hair looks all right at least, stepping forward. He is young and peculiarly well dressed for one of his tribe. He glances over the Garou here, looking at One Rage before he speaks. "I'm Nevada Madison," he says, adding with a smirk,"In-Sheeps-Clothing. Galliard of the Bone Gnawers, cub to One Rage in Shadows."

Fights-For-Hope stands and walks forward to get ready, hackles ever so slightly pushed up as the moon glares down on his shoulders from overhead.

Nevada returns to the cluster of Gnawers, sitting down beside One Rage and Three Blades.

Cameron looks at Brian, a little relieved that this introduction will have an order. Looking at Brian, he waits for some sign to show that he is allowed to move.

Three-Blades gives Nevada a nuzzle to his hand as he retakes his seat next to her and One-Rage before turning her attentions back to the introductions.

Fights-For-Hope shifts to his birth form, homid, and steps up with head held high as he announces with a dignity common to Get who believe themselves noble, to the Sept. "I am Jamethon Ethan Black. Hopes-Warrior. A cliath Godi, or theurge, of the Get of Fenris and now of the Caern of the Hidden Walk. I introduce myself now, as there was a rude interuption from a pathetic excuse for a spirit challenged us a month ago." With that he looks a moment over the Sept with a scowl greedy for blood and steps down.

Brian simply gives Cameron a nod and a gesture that signals, clearly: stand up.

Cameron stands, and moves forward, waiting for his turn.

Owen nods ever so slightly, approving of Jamethon's introduction.

Squall starts gnawing on his lower lip, feeling a rush of cold adrenaline as he stands and walks forward to join the other cubs. He reminds himself to just do as Leonard said...

Jamethon steps over to which ever packmates are nearest and looks back to the center for the next introduction.

Matt shifts slightly from one foot to another, eyes darting from face to face. His fingers twitch, as if they wish they were holding a cigarette.

Aislinn, after being nudged slightly by Megan, steps slightly forward, clearing her throat. Unconsciously, her gaze finds Brian first, and it seems that her nerves don't allow her to let go of that. Finally, she speaks, and her voice is surprisingly clear, "I am Aislinn Mageoghan Baird, Ahroun cub of the Fianna, daughter of Roddy Mac a'bhaird, called Laughs-Too-Loud, Adren Philodox, former Alpha of the Sept of the Broken Arrow. Steven-rhya is honoring my father's memory by Fostering me here, as my Uncle."

Eamon grins at Aislinn and gives her a thumbs-up.

Steven lifts his chin at Aislinn, a wide grin for her. "Well done," he mouths at her, nodding.

Megan's mouth twitches to Aislinn in a slight smile of approval, then looks for the next one.

Brian's eyes narrow pensively, and once more he returns to studying Aislinn. His gaze darts to Steven for just a moment before moving back to the girl.

Leda stands up and steps forward, sliding into the war form to introduce herself. ~Many of you may know me, as I have been here many months, but this is the first moot since my chiminage was accepted. I am Leda Keeps-Her-Sisters'-Faith, claith ahroun of the Black Furies.~ She shifts back down and returns to where she stood.

Jamethon can only tilt his scowl slightly into a difficult grin at the fianna cub and it quickly fades back.

Max smirks and pokes Heartsight in the ribs, sticking the straw in her mouth and wiggling it between her teeth as she settles closer to the crinos. The Truthcatcher's words regain her attention and the cub moves forward a few symbolic steps and settles to a slouch. After Leda finishes speaking, she pipes up around the straw, "Like, yo. For those o'you who ain't met me, I'm Max. Bone Gnawer 'basher 'n puppy." Belatedly she remembers to pull the straw out of her mouth and does so, saluting the caern-ful en masse. She takes Nevada's cue and adds, pointing to Kaz, "'n Zee's sittin' me."

Aislinn looks,... relieved, exhaling a deep breath. She quirks a quick grin over at Steven, then just settles back to her spot near Megan.

Rides-Fire does look up as the cub mentions the local galliard's name. He then finally slips back into lupus, growling softly as he does so.

Sepdet passes her Fianna packmate a sidelong glance and shakes her head slowly, as if in silent sympathy for Aislinn.

Heartsight grins, crookedly, at Max.

Tecmessa gives Leda a warm smile.

Kaz sort of grins at Max's introduction, in a 'what did I expect?' sort of way.

Stephen listens to Max with a clear look of confusion. He glances to Rides-Fire and only shrugs.

Banecruncher scratches an ear idly and thumps his tail in approval at the introductions.

J.D. has to stifle a chuckle at the headstrong Gnawer cub's introduction.

Jamethon lets a slight growl climb from his throat at the stalled english of this little one.

Three-Blades whuffs softly with a lupine laughter, casting an open-jawed grin at Max before again waiting her turn.

Rides-Fire breaks off his growl, commenting, She's your breed. If you can't understand here, I have no hope.

Steven frowns at Max, and even more strongly at Kaz. "I thought these were in English?" he mutters to those near him.

Shifting down into his homid breed form. Jay clears his throat as he steps forward, dipping his head in respect to the Elders assembled about him. "I am Jason Allen Statton, One Rage in the Shadows, Full Moon Warrior for the Gnawers and cliath. I meant to introduce myself last moot, but due to the fiery battle, it was hindered. I run with Banecruncher at the moment, eager to help as much as I can." Rolling his shoulders back into a pop, he takes a deep breath, finishing with his own words.

Stephen smirks at his teacher, covering his mouth to stifle his laughter.

Megan glances at Adam, then steps forward to take the bones from him briefly. Looking at Max, she says in guttural English, "I would appreciate if the cub would make her introduction once more, this time so that those who are not of the streets may understand it. This is a Sept moot, not a street rave." She hands the bones back, and returns to her place with dark looks for the Bone Gnawer contingent and their cub.

Heartsight nudges Max, and nods, bowing her head deferently to Megan.

Squall fights not to roll his eyes at Megan's comment. He wonders if it's common for garou to have two-by-fours where they don't belong.

Kaz blinks. Twice. And then just shrugs, muttering something at Max.

Jamethon simply nods approvingly at Megan.

Max steps back to her previous place elbowing Heartsight in an effort to blow off some steam. The cub's pale cheeks flush a bit in response to the rush of speaking in front of an entire caern of garou. Megan's comments bring her head up and she notes very slowly and carefully, "Uh. Um. I'm Max 'n I'm a Bone Gnawer." She clears her throat. "Ragabash cub." The Fianna is watched closely for her verdict.

Matt chews on his lip a little, but nods briefly to himself at Max's re-introdution.

Megan glances from Max to Nightflash and Rides-Fire, then back to Max. Her expression might be taken for approval, more because she doesn't interrupt again.

Jamethon lets his face gather a look like the light of heaven poured upon his and granted him understanding that was so simple, it should have already been there. Quite refreshing really.

After the lack of disapproval, Max steps over to Kaz and asks hopefully, "There a rave later?"

Dante sighs softly, glancing down at the caern's center thoughtfully.

Heartsight chokes, quickly covering her muzzle with both clawed hands

Kaz snorts softly.

Seeker sits with his pack quietly and listens to the announcements.

Some of Rides-Fire's annoyance fades, though restless irritation still punctuates his movements.

Brian shakes his head sourly at Megan's interruption, a quiet snort escaping him.

Dies-for-Others quietly waves the next person forward.

Heartsight whispers to both Max and Kaz, a grin curling her lips.

Three-Blades clamps her grinning jaws to a close, thumping her tail softly before casting a short glance at Max, then again to the caern's center. Her weight shifts from side to side, her mind a little distracted but still relatively attentive.

Dante leans over to whisper something to the alpha.

Owen remains standing as stone, only the Get that announced himself gets so much as a sidelong glance, even the twice-announced Gnawer.

Max grins up and over her shoulder at Heartsight. But, gauging her elders, keeps quiet .

Kaz rummages in her pocket, and comes up with some gum. She hands two sticks solemnly to Max.

Kristof looks around at all this, then steps forward. His voice rises for his introduction. ~I am called Kristof Fredericason. I am a theurge of the Get of Fenris, and a metis. I am not yet of this Sept, but I am here for the War and the battles you fight.~

Brian gives a quiet nod and a hushed reply to his packmate.

Cameron steps forward, and his gaze sweeps quickly accross the caern, taking in everyone present before he says simply, "My name is Cameron Fullerton. I am a theurge cub of the Fianna tribe." His untainted Australian accent sounds slightly out of place here.

Kaz gives the Fianna cub a small, fierce grin.

Jamethon lets his face become a mask of no obvious emotional baring when Kristof is announcing himself. It continues through Cam's intro then relaxs, if it can be called relaxing, into a muted scowl once again... his head remaining the whole time, still and pointed at the center.

Megaera steps forward, when her turn comes to give her introduction to the Sept. Looking over the crowd of garou, she dips her chin in a slight nod before speaking. "I am called Megaera Mist-Walker, half-moon Cliath of the Black Furies." Introduction done, the Fury steps down and returns to the crowd.

Brian gives Cameron a curt nod, his eyes holding just a touch of approval as he gestures the young man to a seat once more.

Cameron arrives quietly by Brian's side, and gives Brian a brief, happy smile before sitting down.

Heartsight nudges Kaz, then rings her own neck with a finger, then drags it out and holds her hand like she is holding a leash. A covert glance toward the Aussie, then back.

Owen gives Kristof as warm an approval as he's given all the other intros outside of Jamethon's.

Megan favors Cameron with a smile, a smile that fades as she notices Brian's stage-directions. She gives Duncan a glance, but then looks back to the next. Piotr nods slightly at Megaera's introduction, but merely watches.

Leda offers a smile towards Megaera.

Kaz snorts at Julie and nods.

Three-Blades pads forward and shifts up to her breed form. She pauses, allowing the others a bit of silence before shifting up to warform to speak. ~I am Song Yi Ling, Three-Blades to Gaia's children, no-moon cliath to the Bone Gnawer tribe. I've come from the Sept of Rat's Tail in Hong Kong at the bidding of my Elders. I am honored to attend this gathering, and hope as well to take part in this caern's activities until otherwise called.~ She gives the Alpha of the caern a bow of Asian nature, then returns to her place next to Jay and the other Gnawers.

Kaz gives Yi a thumb's up.

Heartsight all but wows at Three, going as far as giving her a thumb's up, too.

Sepdet absorbs all the introductions in brooding silence, sparing no smiles for the nervous-looking newcomers as she once would have done. She scans them all a little distractedly.

Squall waits a few moments, after Yi's intro. His chest expands as he takes a deep breath, and his eyes skim over the other garou. His voice has an odd resonating quality, and he does his best to speak in a clear and unwavering voice. "I am Squall Akshani, Ragabash Cub of the Wendigo." He nods once to himself, almost imperceptibly, as he walks back to Leonard and seats himself.

Rides-Fire comments to his packmates, A lot of new ~urrah.~

Jay leans back and reaches out, thumping Yi on the back as she plops her furry butt back down next to him, a grin touching the ends of his face for his friend. Glancing about, he runs a hand back through the light strands of bangs, then relaxes slightly.

Max looks from Heartsight to Kaz with a smirk, then slides her attention to Three-Blades, her expression turning flat, if a little thoughtful. She does, however, touch two fingers to her brow in an almost salute at the newest Gnawer.

Jamethon may or may not have noticed Owen's expressions all night, either way... he stands near his pack alpha with head held high.

Three-Blades gives Kaz and Heartsight a toothy smile before blinking as Jay's hand thumps her back. Her smile turns to Max and she nods, before quietly slipping her crinos arms around Jay and giving him a soft, headlocked noogie.

Heartsight cocks her head at Max's /look/, then leans to murmur to her in her gravelly warform voice.

Matt steps forward, running a hand through his spiky hair before speaking. "My name is Matt Fulton, descendant of Llew Skillful Hand, and Philodox cub o' the Fianna. Proud ta be taken in here and plan ta make me pope in the Hidden Walk fer as long as ye'll 'ave me." He steps back annd sits down, exhaling.

Max leans back into Heartsight as she answers back, just as quietly.

Rides-Fire's attention goes to the newest speaker. Oh, Voice-of-Crows. I've met him before. He makes no sense, either.

Dante barely restrains a chuckle at the 'Gazer's comment.

Milah fiddles with her pendant as she notices it's her turn. She pauses for a moment, shyly flashing a grin to those assembled. "I've met some of you at the Philodox moot, but I just so everyone knows who I am, I'm Milah Darshan, Walks-with-Maat. Cliath and Halfmoon of the Striders. I've been here since before the last moot, but didn't get to introduce myself that time because of the... distractions." She lifts her head to send a glance to where her pack is gathered. "As Brian mentioned, I recently joined Night's Talons. I'm honored to run with them." She concludes with a brief nod and returns to where she was sitting.

Stephen leans over and comments to rides fire, his gestures and look seem to indicate that he is instructing his instructor.

Still in the warform, the other Fury half moon at this Moot steps forward. ~I am "Tecmessa Ardenas." Feels the Balance. Half moon of the Black Furies, and Elder of the tribe here at the Walk, now that Callisto is gone.~

Leda smiles at Tecmessa.

Max's attention flickers across the caern to Tecmessa. She folds her arms across her chest and continues to lean back into Heartsight for as long as the elder Gnawer doesn't move away.

Three-Blades releases her grip on Jay's head and shifts down to her birthform, swallowing down a light chuckle.

Jay smirks at Yi, ruffling his hair back into place from the Crinos snuggle, his brown eyes playfully shining.

Heartsight snorts at Max's explanation, grinning to herself. Might be fun to just take one step aside...nah, she'll refrain.

Matt shuffles quietly toward the back, sullen.

Shadow-of-Blood growls low in his throat again at the playing over among the Gnawers, then forces himself to watch the Truthcatcher, ignoring the horseplay.

Rides-Fire accepts whatever the Stargazer cub says with a snort, then turns again to the Truthcatcher.

Steven watches the Truthcatcher expectantly, his arms folded across his chest.

Megan reaches out ruffle Matt's hair reassuringly when he returns to his place, then looks back to Dies-for-Others.

Runs-at-Dawn steps forward, shifting to his birthform for the introduction. "I've met most of you, but this is my first uninterrupted moot since I've been here, so. My name is Luke Cassidy, Fianna cub and Theurge. Also called Runs-at-Dawn."

Dies-for-Others looks around, seeing that those who needed to introduce themselves have done so. Once finished, he looks over to Robert, and nods once.

Matt ducks his elder's ruffle after a little, and manages a half-smile, which quickly disappears. He nods approval at Luke's introduction.

Cameron smiles at his fellow Fianna cub, briefly, then is silent and watchful.

Luke steps back, having said his bit, and resumes the wolf form. Not being able to traverse the bawn unescorted largely limits him to the human shape, so he'll use any chance he can get to spend time in the form.

Megan crouches down next to Runs-at-Dawn and buries claw-tipped fingers in his ruff, shaking it much like she did for the human Matt.

Dreams-Deadly, who had been somewhat of a shadow among the others of her tribe until this very point in the moot, rises. She steps forward without hesitation, and offers, loud and clear: "I am Layne Lohan, also Ivy. And Dreams-Deadly, half-moon of the Fianna, as-of-yet unrited."

Taking the Truthcatcher's retirement from the bones as his cue, the Fianna Galliard strides toward the Rock Outcropping, his form twisting into the warform, his moot attire seeming to resize as Steven's body does. The blue-green tartan wool kilt trails behind the gibbous moon as he takes the rock outcropping. ~I have the honor of providing you with stories and singing tonight, to lift your spirits and to inspire you as we think about the Revel, but there will be no singing tonight, there will be no long stories of glory. Instead, I ask you to think on a more solemn, but visceral theme as we prepare for battle tonight and many of us again at Arthur Island.~ The Fianna pauses, looking out across the fog shrouded caern.

Kaz watches Steven with a vaguely professional interest.

Heartsight plants clawed hands on Max's shoulders, then gently rights the cub from her lean against the crinos Gnawer. Her eyes narrow and lips curl as the Galliard speaks.

Brian's lips curve in a small, feral smile at this, and folds his arms across his chest.

Megan glances over at Tecmessa, then looks up to Heart-of-Fury, waiting with expectation for him to continue.

Jamethon raises his head in a feral grin and closes his fists tight at his side, expecting action to be coming soon.

Tecmessa, still in crinos, gives Megan a glace right back, and then concentrates on Steven. Barely.

Matt's hand digs in the pocket of his jacket and almost pulls out a packet of cigarettes. Stifling a growl, he shoves the pack into place and begins chewing his nails.

Owen, at the start of this part of the moot, pulls out his knife and uses it to clean out underneath his fingernails.

Squall watches Steven with curiosity, glancing around at the others to see their reactions.

From the rock outcropping, The fostern Galliard continues, his voice echoing off the walls of the caern valley in uneven patterns. ~Tonight, as we gather under the moon to honor Gaia, I want to direct your attention to those who are /not/ here tonight. Not those derelict in that duty because of indifference or apathy, but those who are not here because they have passed on in the cycle of Nature.~ He takes a breath, his posture tall and proud. ~Nearly all of us older Garou have packmates, loved ones, and kinfolk who have fallen to age, or in combat for Gaia, or just plain blind luck. I would turn your memories to those who have dutifully served this Sept and gone before us, shown us the ways of leadership and prowess in combat, in the ways of our auspice and in wisdom. All of them offered us something to hold on to: a memory, a lesson, a certain percularity that made them unique, unlike all those who came before them or after them.~ He waits for a moment, looking at the crowd, ~For me, that person -- the one most of you would know best -- is my now departed packmate Diana Demeter's Hand, the mighty Huntress of Blackwatch, elder of the Black Furies. Although she is gone now from us here, I feel confident that her spirit keeps tabs on us here at the Hidden Walk -- and although she is not here physically, I still know that somewhere, some place, a place perhaps better than here, she's still outraged at some gibe I've said, or fiercely proud at some battle I've fought in for Gaia.~

Shadow-of-Blood's ears perk up at the mention of fighting at the island, the tip of his tail twitching in barely-contained tension and excitement.

Jay looks over to Steven, having not heard a story yet at a Moot, he prepares his Ahroun mind to patience, then listens quietly.

Heartsight whines softly, ears splaying as she looks down.

At the mention of the name of the story's subject, Dies-for-Others goes very still and silent. He listens now, rapt.

Sepdet settles heavily to the ground among her packmates, but other than that, fixes Steven with an uptilted gaze that is attentive and at least a little respectful.

Kaz's slight frown twitches into a wistful sort of smile, as she's clearly reminded of more than one person, from her expression.

Even as James does not know of those lost, he lets his grin fade in respect. Some might notice however that his fists are still clenched.

Meanwhile, in the back Roger snorts and fights down a smile.

Megan grimaces as Steven goes on, shooting reflexive glances to Brian and Eamon that only increase the pained look before she looks down at the ground. By the steam vents, Rik glances at his watch again and turns his head to look back up the valley.

Yi runs a hand through her hair, pushing back a testy strand as she listens with interest, glad that the words are spoken in the mother tongue. She brings up her knees and clasps her hands around them, gazing at the storyteller with attention.

Leda is suddenly /very/ intent on the Fianna storyteller.

Matt listens carefully, but his focus is far past the galliard.

From the rock outcropping, The Fianna continues, ~Among my tribe, it is not just an honor, but a duty to honor our ancestors -- those who sired us and our bloodlines. Some of the luckiest ones,~ here he offers a nod to the Righ, ~can claim a lineage back to the most noble Garou of ages past. Others of us, like me, cannot. But it does not matter if you are the son of kings, or the son of a pauper. We all have elders who have shown us things that we were not great enough once to do ourselves. We stand on their shoulders. We covet their memories and we make them our own.~

Piotr listens, expression thoughtful, even, perhaps, wistful.

Kaz's smile fades, slightly, but she's still, miracle of miracles, nodding sligtly.

Jamethon closes his eyes a soft grumbling in his throat threatening to push out to form a howl.

Heartsight croons softly in agreement, a nostalgic, yet saddened, smile curling up the corners of her mouth. She crouches down to listen.

Milah makes herself comfortable as she smiles softly at the Galliard's words.

Rides-Fire's interest turns to the storyteller, though he does look slightly puzzled over something. That soons fades away as he becomes absorbed in the galliard's words.

Brian nods his head once, very slightly, in agreement with the tale-teller's words.

Sepdet nods punctuation several times as Steven speaks, for once giving him undivided attention for a reason other than mutual tooth-baring. Those names he speaks register like small prayers in her eyes, which have gone distant and a little yearning with the tug of memories.

Runs-at-Dawn regards Steven solemnly, head held high, his ears perked forward and attentive.

From the rock outcropping, Heart-of-Fury's voice rises up as he goes on. ~Death is not a stranger to us. We deal with it daily; it confronts us, wounds us when it strikes at our friends and packmates, and sometimes, yes, when we send an enemy back to whence it came, our ally. But death can only take the body away from us, it cannot take the positive, the wisdom, the glory and honor which we keep in our heart of hearts for those who stood against the Wyrm before us and fell." He takes a deep breath. ~In honor of them, I ask you now to voice a single name -- a single name -- although there are many in your mind and howl with me in that memory's honor. Let us take that howl and give voice to our enemy that we will /not/ forgot those gone, and they will know uneasy fear at our fury.~

Kaz growls, "Jose, dammit," fairly audibly.

Yi lowers her head slightly, imagining all the septmates of her past in her homeland, trying to pick just one to remember.

Stephen looks to Rides-fire expectantly, clearly bent on taking his lead.

Cameron's jaw hardens, and he makes an effort to swallow. He looks uneasily at Brian, whispering, "This name must be Garou?"

Nightflash chooses a name unfamiliar to the Hidden Walk. ~Two-Paths.~

Quick looks considering at the talesinger, before raising his muzzle in a howl. ~Thunder's Claws.~

Silver adds the name to her mournful howl, ~Memory-of-Talons~.

Heartsight snarls quietly, almost in time with Kaz, ~Jabs~. Again, she says it, louder, piercing. ~Jabs-With-The-Left!~

Sepdet shifts up to war-form, shivering for a momen't as she desperately tries to pick one from all the gravestones she's carved or wept over. ~Thorn-Slowly-Wins.~

Aislinn, oddly enough, is quick to voice a name, for a cub. Unsurprisingly, the name she voices is that of her father, mentioned earlier in her introduction. "Laughs-Too-Loud."

Piotr swallows, lifting his head skywards as he draws himself up into his birth form. ~Ilyera Sky-Ripper...~

By the steam vents, Rik runs his hand through his hair, dragging his face upward. "Skie," he tells the moon.

Tecmessa chews on her lip, and then says a name no one knows, voice strong. ~Casey Dark-Runner.~

Jamethon shift up to the warform and lets the name that leaves his lips be one from home, a lost packmate. ~Ever-Laughing.~

Owen looks up towards the Galliard, jaw jutting. "Grabs-the-Bull-By-the-Horns."

Rides-Fire also shifts and speaks a name strange to those here. ~Anakomei Walks-Many-Paths.~

Megan glances sharply at Heartsight and Kaz, then, almost defiantly, calls out, ~Davy Wears-the-Woad!~

Squall's eyes glance up to the sky, struggling to come up with a name... At last he shifts into the warform and a cry rips from his throat, ~Richard Earthsinger.~ His father. The father he's never met, but already feels closer to, knowing they are both garou.

Dies-for-Others says a name, quietly. ~Sisyphus Stone-Pusher.~

Stephen nods at Rides-fire, no recognition crossing his face. He bows his head briefly before speaking, "Anakomei Walks-Many-Paths."

"That's what the man said," Brian responds quietly to Cameron. Then, after a moment's reflection, he calls out, ~Chris McDowell. Nightmare.~

Banecruncher growls ~Liam Grey-Sky~

Cameron hangs his head, sadly, and ashamed, murmuring back at Brian. "I know no garou who has fallen."

Yi's mind focuses on a particular face. A face of her past, that she would never forget, even if the being behind the face were not dead. She shifts up to her warform, lost in the memory as she howls to the skies a name unknown to all save her. ~Watches-the-Sky...~

Robert sighs deeply, adding to the chorus, ~Jean Wyrmhunter.~

Dante calls out, ~Alec Calls-the-Lost.~

Kaz, who never knew Davy, just sighs slightly at Megan but gives her a thumb's up.

Shadow-of-Blood, with the briefest of glances towards Nightflash, throws back his head proudly. ~Swipes-at-Salmon.~

Sepdet makes a choking sound in the back of her throat, stifling a sudden disbelieving glare at Brian and forcing her eyes to the mist-shrouded ground.

Milah closes her eyes as name upon name is called; she feels the weight of the loss of those around her. She knows what name to call as she shifts to warform, one that is unfamiliar here: ~Jesse Rainwaters.~

Heartsight knew Davy, though, and she snarled in recognition at Megan. Too many names, too many memories.

Squall frowns slightly, watching Sepdet. He almost moves to comfort her, but shakes his head, deciding now may not be the time.

Leda, isn't as loud as she could be. But she does say a name, with a bit of pain on her face. ~William Last-Man-Standing~

Rides-Fire sets a heavy, taloned hand on Stephen's shoulder as the cub also voices the Stargazer ahroun's father. After a few breaths, Rides-Fire returns to lupus.

From the rock outcropping, Heart-of-Fury adds, again, ~For Diana, God rest her.~ He looks out at the throng of Garou, his crinos voice ripping into a howl which is loud and full of mourning, although triumphant at the same time. A dangerous warning, thundering off out of the valley, ~Enemies of our sept, know this: we are coming and you shall know no rest until we give it at the end of our claws!~ The Galliard continues his howl, but it is not distinguishable word now, simply primal sound. As the note dies in the air, he nods toward the Wyrmfoe and steps off the mound.

The Fury Elder growls a fierce agreement.

Megan adds her voice to Heart-of-Fury's, shifting up to crinos as she goes in the beginning of the catharsis the Revel is intended for.

Three-Blades's howl dies down to a low growl. That too, fades as she closes her eyes in memory.

Sepdet gives Steven a guarded nod of approval, or thanks, after her own shimmering howl, an echo of the Gathering for the Departed, falls away.

Seeker steps forward to gather the Garou into a war party, declaring the hospital--in the Umbra--as the target for the night's Revel. ~It is always in need of more cleansing,~ he adds ferally as the target is announced. Most of the Garou step sideways and race off, leaving a smaller group of Guardians behind.

[From afar, to the room, Robert draws the curtain there for the evening, though those who're staying behind can do a little idle RP, I suppose. Stay tuned tomorrow night, and I beg of you--for Seeker's sake and your friendly GM's--be advised the Revel /starts/ about 9:30. Please be ready before then.
From afar, to the room, Dante gets hit by the curtain. Oof.