Center of the Caern
This area of the clearing is about 30 meters wide and is a mixture of dark soil and clay throughout. The ground is mostly mud, but patches of grass, halted by winter's cold, are beginning to peek through the ground and take root. Near the center of the clearing, a small cairn has been built with white stone and quartz--what was left of the beautiful boulder that was once there. None of the stones is bigger than a softball.
Around you, twenty yards in every direction, stretches the caern. To the southeast, a waterfall plummets over the edge of the chasm into a small pool in the caern; nearby, to the southwest, steam comes from cracks in the ground, perhaps some of the same water. Northwest, a rocky spar juts out of the ground at a low angle, showing a sloping but smooth top. The chasm walls narrow a bit to the northeast, causing some of the mist to swirl in that area. Contents:
[Joshua, Alicia, Seeker, Natalie, Storm-Singer, Signe, many others]
Obvious exits:
Rock Slab Windy Spot WaterFall Steam Vents

By the waterfall, Cutter scuttles down the trail into the caern and heads toward the center wordlessly, unlit cigarette dangling from his mouth and hat pulled low, looking way cooler than you.

Natalie comes frowningly into the center of the caern, her arms wrapped about her as though she were cold. The usually garrulous Galliard ignores those already gathered to find a spot to stand near one of the edges of the clearing, away from the waterfall.

Reggie slowly drags himself down the trail, bloodshot eyes and reek of stale cigar smoke and whiskey making it apparent he'd rather be passed out in an alley.

By the steam vents, With an explosive hiss, a blast of superheated steam tumbles aside a few rocks and billows into the air. Where it meets the cooler mist to the northeast, masses of fog expand outwards into the Caern before they dissipate slowly into the air.

White Bear starts into the Caern, the Hispo coming back from having finished his prayers earlier in the day. Worldessly he paces in from behind Natalie and comes to stop besides his Tribemate.

Aubrey steps onto the caern, her golden-amber eyes looking attentively around her as she walks further into the center of the gathering.

Three-Blades shakes herself, her red and ivory fur blending together in a short-lived blur. The Gnawer ragabash waits, ears twitching, for the Call to moot.

Auggie picks his way down the trail, into the Caern's center. His eyes dart among the unfamiliar Garou, searchingly, until spots Alicia, and makes his way over toward her at a casual pace.

Signe, frowning, leaves her place at the center to walk over to Nat. The Get stands with packmate, talking quietly.

Seeker nods to the Alpha as she arrives.

Having been walking just ahead of Auggie, Alicia and Megan make their way into the Center of the Caern, talking quietly to each other. The Child of Gaia glances about the Caern slowly for a moment as she regards her Sept mates, then spies her Ahroun cub. Motioning him to her side, she clears her throat.

White Bear just keeps standing right next to Natalie, only ducking his head slightly and lowering his tail when Signe approaches the pair. He chuffs out a short greeting to either of them, before looking over to the Alpha.

Song-of-Fury howls long and loud.

From Center of the Caern, Song-of-Fury can be heard to howl, ~Garou of the Hidden Walk! Once more we gather among the spirits of our fathers and mothers in the heart of our Caern to celebrate and join in moot. Come and be one with your sept!~

Eamon heads down into the caern to the center, joining the throng of Fianna there.

By the waterfall, Fights-For-Hope approaches the waterfall from the center of the caern. Taslyn comes jogging into the center, she finds the other Fianna and joins them.

Cutter glances over to where Natalie is trying not to be seen, then frowns thoughtfully at Firewatcher as he tries to find someplace to stand without woofies underfoot.

Natalie doesn't notice Signe until the other woman's actually talking to her; she startles and looks sharply over at her Alpha. She grunts back, then jerks her head toward Song-of-Fury and swells up into Crinos to join in the howl.

Firewatcher chuffs over to Eamon in greeting from her place near Alicia, shifting up into glabro after Storm-Singer's howl as the Moot begins.

Signe follows Nat's gaze, still frowning. Then, she too blurs upwards to join the howl.

Taslyn joins in with the howl, shifting up as she does so.

Shifting up into the war form, Guards-The-Flame roars loudly in her own howl to the sky as she tilts her head upwards. She lets her voice sing proudly, fur bristling about the neck. White Bear tilts

Finds-The-Path comes trotting into the Caern from among the trees, head tilted back as he joins the opening howl.

White Bear tilts his head back and lets out his own, deep and resonating howl into the night.

Chance raises his own elegant muzzle into the air and joins the opening howl.

Three-Blades, already in her warform, bares her throat to the sky as calls out with her own discordant howl.

Erika steps into the caern with a prized article in her hands, specifically the 4*4 razor-wired post that Owen had gifted to her at the last moot. She looks around her before walking towards what members of the Fenrir she can find.

Auggie copycats the Garou around him, shifting down into lupus. He throws his head back to add his own powerful, albeit gravelly, voice to the howl.

By the waterfall, Jamethon appears from the umbra near the waterfall, a spear clutched in his right hand that he plants firmly in the ground near where he stands. Shifting to crinos, he tilts his head back to join in the howl.

Aubrey's eyes flicker towards Taslyn, joining the other woman, although not before she shifts into hispo and announces to the sept her welcoming to the night and the begining of the moot ceremony.

Untangler droops out of the woods and hangs hesitantly at the tree line, looking out across the gathered Garou. There's a small self-pitying whine as he fails to recognize any of them, and he lays himself down in the grass, tucking his head in between his paws.

Taslyn shifts back to homid after the howl and gives Aubrey a wave of her hand and a smile.

Todd lags behind Olga, looking a Bit confuzzled.

The Opening Howl seems to promptly summon another small group of Garou. In the lead is Sidhefuil, in lupus, trotting brusquely through the center of the caern and toward the rock slab. She settles near the base of it. Close behind comes Olga in glabro, her ever-present bag tossed over a shoulder. There's a boy--Todd--closely following her lead and the cub, Joey, is also nearby. One by one, their attention is drawn toward the moot leaders.

By the waterfall, Michael Darkfeather steps into the Caern from the east, after getting properly inside the caern, he spots someone in the center that he heads towards. After a moment of walking, it is clear he heads to Untangler, a proud but forced grace to his stride.

Seeker lifts his muzzle to the sky and adds his howl to the rest of the sept's, gradually tapering off.

White Bear levels off his head off as he bites down the howl at the end, looking over to Jamethon. He, all in all, he looks eager to see the moot going for once.

Eamon shifts to lupus form and howls boisterously to the sky, loud and long.

Shifting down from his war form, the Shadow Lord Elder moves through the gathered garou to stand impassively before all. He folds large glabro arms across his chest and calls out aggressively toward Three-Blades, "Like a fire holding back the Darkness of the Wyrm, our ancient Laws keep us from the Wyrm's foul embrace. Know you the Litany Laws, Fool?"

Sheeaghan butts her nose against Taslyn's leg for just one moment, giving the other woman a playful expression as she lolls out her tongue. It only lasts for about ten seconds before Sheeaghan's expression turns into one of seriousness once again. The pale, calico-furred wolf presses her ears forward, watching as the roles of the caller and the fool begin.

Relatively towering in the Caller's face, Three-Blades reveals her toothy grin and replies loudly for all to hear, ~Well enough, and better than you!~

Taslyn watches the goings on but reaches down and gives the wolf at her side a good head scratch, sitting down with Sheeaghan and keeping her hand moving over the other's fur.

From somewhere in the crowd, Erika gives a light snort and crosses her arms.

Eamon shifts back to homid and cheerily gives Yi the finger.

As the Moot begins, Pathfinder ducks his head and creeps around behind the gathered to reemerge quietly by Taslyn and Sheeaghan.

Untangler lifts his snout to sniff vaguely at Darkfeather as he enters. The Ahroun's arrival puts him a little more at ease, but he stays quiet and separate, and watches the play between the Caller and the Fool.

Dark-As-Night shifts back up to his homid form a few moments after the howl ends, sticking close to Alicia. The Gaian cub watches the exchange between caller and fool with curiousity.

The Caller's smile is as sinister as he can make it. "Then prove it, Fool, if you dare. I shall call them out. If your reasoning is sound, let those assembled here say so!" With that, Jarred begins reciting the ancient laws of all Garou one by one. The first four pass smoothly enough. The Fool's answers are, of course, nonsense and are riotously shouted down by wiser garou. Jarred bellows the 5th law. "You will submit to those of higher station!"

Three-Blades snorts, her warform rising straight and tall. ~This law is well and good... if you are at the top. It is a problem if you /think/ you are at the top. But Garou will abuse this law, to the point that they want whole tribes to bow down to them! Just because a Silver Fang's ancestor stole the land of a Wendigo and Uktena, are the Uktena to reveal their secrets and the Wendigo to show throat to them for eternity? Does a Get male need to submit to a Black Fury because he is regarded to be lower in status? Does a Shadow Lord hide his ears in his fur at the sight of a Silver Fang? No! And anyone who expects me to roll over and piddle myself for them just because I am a Bone Gnawer, will find these claws at their throat! This is why this law is wrong.~ She flashes those ever deadly talons, each a black meat hook waiting for flesh to rend.

Olga dumps her bag to the ground and promptly pulls out a pair of blankets for the comfort of herself, her Alpha, and her cubs. She plops herself down on one and then begins to whisper quietly, to Joey and Todd, occasionally pointing at the Three-Blades and Jarred, explaining.

Todd listens, like a good little cubbie.

Alicia nudges Auggie and motions him to pay attention to the pair talking, resting a hand over his shoulder, giving him a slight squeeze. To Miguel, she pokes him as well, making sure he pays special attention to the Elder Galliard.

White Bear edge a little closer to his tribemate, the Hispo straining forward for a bare moment as he growls his retort: ~You deny the wolf in us all! Submit to those better than you, let them lead us, fool!~

Dillen comes into the clearing, his eyes scanning and looking over the crowd. Once he sees who he needs to, he walks over to Defiant-Storm and raising a brow at all that is going on in the middle. In truth, he may look a little lost.

~This isn't a damn democracy,~ Holds-the-Line snarls, eyes fixed on Yi as though she's studying where to deliver the pain. ~Some of us are better than others, and we all know it. Even if they decide things we don't particularly like, they know what the hell they're doing, and we've got to submit to that.~

Megan snarls, and calls out, ~The reasons you cite are nonsense, Fool. That is not the dominance of the Garou, that is ego talking, the ego of *humans*, not wolves. We submit to those who have proven themselves worthy of rank, and if they are of equal rank--then we challenge if we do not wish to show throat! But we submit if we are bested!~

Valoran's derision is evident. "It has nothing to do with better. It has to do with above and below. Stop taking things so personally! They're the boss. Give 'em their due.

Cutter pushes his hat back a touch. "Excellent, fool," he says, "Keep us squabbling amongst ourselves so that the Wyrm can pick us off tribe by tribe."

Defiant-Storm's answer to the fool is interrupted by Dillen's arrival. The Jarl waves him over and keeps the cub by her side, talking quietly to him about what's going on.

Sidhefuil completes her belated howl with a high, lilting note, then turns to regard the Caller and Fool sharply. Olga and her offerings are given an appreciative look, though she seems comfortable enough, in wolf, to be seated in the grass. The cubs are allowed to claim the blankets and settle in comfortably.

Reggie listens like a good little Ahroun, and snarls an irked response, ~IF you don't want to show throat, then challenge them, and learn the hard way why they have higher station.~

Finds-The-Path rears upon onto his hind paws and bulks up into Crinos. ~Even the strongest Anarchies never last long - the chaos always returns to order as the strongest lead!~

Untangler fidgets and whines, his paws move up and down, and he struggles. He doesn't know how to voice his response but he's rather obviously disconcerted, and manages little more than a low and rumbling growl.

Erika can be seen narrowing her eyes. "We cannot fuction without order. Our existance depends upon the stability of our hierarchy..." she grunts lowly, listening to those around her. "If you disobey, we all fail..."

Auggie folds his arms and furrows his brow, paying close attention to the exchange between caller and fool, and each Garou's responses. He and Miguel exchange a look, but keep quiet, both feeling too wet behind the ears to join in.

Another two of the laws are announced, refuted and clarified by the mocking jeers of the sept, the Fool snarling at those who smack down her feeble arguments. "Respect those beneath ye! All are of Gaia." The tone of the words brook no argument.

~Arrogant Garou will never learn about respecting those beneath them, no matter how much you pound this law into their heads,~ Three-Blades states flatly to the crowd. ~This law, though created probably to soothe the rising Rage of the ranks, has not served its purpose. Garou still ignore their kin and treat them like they are worse than an omega. Garou still will think slaughtering humans like brainless sheep will solve all their problems. Garou still have their stigmas about other tribes as being beneath theirs. So, why do we even have this law? All it would be is a fly buzzing in some prideful Garou's ear - easily ignored, and easily swatted aside.~

Dillen listens to Defiant-Storm and nods his head, eyes watching all the people with fire and interest.

Cutter cocks his head. "So," he asks, "Would it be wiser to simply pretend a bad and unproductive thing is good, or to continue to buzz at the prideful?"

Holds-the-Line barks out, ~So because this law is disobeyed, it should be abolished? Tell the next Athro you meet that you do not need her respect and good wishes, then!~

Megan snorts derisively. ~Without this law, there would be true anarchy. Any one of dominance could kill whomever they wished. Metis would not be suffered to live. We hold to this law to keep balance within our society, to protect us from the tyranny of those with too much pride. Ego again, Fool.~

White Bear growls again, snapping his jaws once to punctuate his point: ~Then you would have us not have the law at all, just because some filth do not heed it? With the law, we can punish the trash who abuse those below them!~

Olga shouts out, from her place on her blanket, in a nasally Glabro version of the High-Tongue, ~Just because they do doesn't mean they should. And any of my betters that don't give me whatever respect I _have_ earned are just that much less my betters.~

~Not when that fly can bite,~ Sheeaghan replies. ~It is a part of a cycle and when you go around disrespecting those of lower station, they may catch up to you one day.~

By the waterfall, Jamethon raises and points his spear in the general direction of the Fool, but not directly so. ~Fool... have us running around playing power games. Culling those beneath us so we never have to fear being /replaced!/. You would have us slaughter our own to lead what? Armies of one... armies the Wyrm would easily crush.~

Dillen looks over at James and listens, a faint grin coming to his lips as the man speaks. Todd speaks up, though not very loud, mostly for the benefit of his elders. "First the weak and against the strong, and now the strong to prey on the weak? What trap would you have us set ourselves in?"

Valoran says "Gee, it seems to me that we have the law BECAUSE people don't obey it. Jeez, Fool. You're livin' up to that name tonight. "We make the rules and enforce them because people disobey. We don't just make rules everyone likes to follow for the hell of it."

Alicia smirks slightly at the words of Three-Blades and crosses her arms over her chest, eyes rolling upwards. She murmurs once more to Auggie, telling him what all of this means, urging him to join in on the next one.

Sidhefuil's snarl grows into a terrible rumble as she grows into crinos to spit out her retort, ~So long as I am around, this law will be accepted--and respected. Why not get rid of a tenet simply because it is not always adhered to? Well... Fools can ask more questions than a wise man can answer.~

Todd glances at Olga, to see if she responds to his call.

Jarred's dark eyes burn with intensity as he enunciates the 9th Law, the words shooting like bullets into the night air, filled with authority and unbending conviction. "The Veil shall not be lifted!"

Three-Blades casts her gaze over the Garou, claws slashing at air as if to rip away the very Veil that coincides with the law. ~What need is there for a mask, when already our Rage has cursed us? Look around you - how many of the Garou you see have steady jobs, bear sane children, or even simply a happy life? Our Rage is our strength. We cannot, will not be denied. Are we to simply sit back and deny the very heart of our beings? If we ignore the essence of being a Garou, the ability to use the power within us and shift into the forms that we use to protect Gaia, then we would all turn into toothless weaklings. We are the warriors of Gaia, and we should show that proudly!~

Reggie roars his ire at the Fool. ~And have the black helicopters sweep down on us? Be subjects of the paparazzi? We'd be unable to fight the wyrm with tabloids tracking our every move!~

Valoran says "Let's do a little math, here, Fool. 6 and a half Billion against.. .what? A microscopic fraction of that? Oh yeah, let's show our strength to everyone. Prove just how powerful our stupidity is.... Nice.""

By the waterfall, Fights-For-Hope shakes his head briefly at the fool's call, then another pointing of the spear and he shouts out, ~Because, there are many who are proud that they can kill, fool! We do not hold this ability alone... and those out there, will use that ability to kill us all, because we are different, and because they will remember their suffering at our hands, and they will never want to feel such a thing again. To show ourselves would be to commit suicide!~

~So we can be killed by those we supposedly protect? The Veil protects the humans as much as it protects us!~ Holds-the-Line snaps at the air in front of her, ears splayed back. ~The humans kill what they do not understand. They kill what they fear. We were so unwise as to hunt them; now they look to return the favor!~

"And ruin what we have? Become freaks in our world and unable to do what we need to do to protect and serve Gaia?" Dillen shakes his head and folds his arms across his chest. "I do not think that is for me." All said in a proud voice and loud, giving the Fool a growl. "We must overcome and fight, not give away what must make us go into hiding!"

Todd gets into it a bit more, throwing a massive Glabro fist into the air. "Have we enough enemies among the Tainted ones? Must we also be sought for extinction by the humans? We would save them, and they would kill us!"

~And let the enemy know where we are! Thew would kill our kin and attack our Caerns... how wise of you, fool! Throw all of Gaia away for your pride!~ White Bear keeps up his grows in the play between the Fool and the Caller, really into it.

Auggie shifts his weight from leg to leg as Alicia speaks quietly to him, a bit unnerved by her suggestion. But, he juts out his chin and nods. At the fool's response, he shakes his head and pauses, before shouting out, "We /are/ strong, and the Veil adds to that strength. Unless you'd rather spend all your time running from the government and stuff. Vivisection ain't my idea of a good time!"

Olga grins with as much amusement as pride at her cub's outburst, reaching out to clap a heavy hand on his shoulder and give it a small pat before leaning back comfortably.

And so it goes, laws quoted, argued, the Fool shouted into submissive silence each time. The Shadow Lord rounds on the Fool once more, his voice an angry hiss as he positively dares her to contradict him. His words are slow and deliberate. "Hear this well, Fool, for I will not repeat it. The Leader May Not Be Challenged During Wartime, only during time of peace."

~War is upon us all,~ the Fool intones ominously. ~That is what the leaders say. There is no peace on Gaia. And yet, with each battle our leaders are weakening. Still, they will continue to push the ranks of warriors to their doom so fervently, all for the sake of their renown - all to fill their name with glory! The leaders want to shake hands with each other while the true fighters are bleeding, crying out, and dying for these leaders. Rebellion and any idea not of their own thinking and benefit is crushed with this law. How often have you seen a bright and willing Garou denied the opportunity to lead, simply because the so-called leader invoked this law? How many chances, how much risk will we have to face for the sake of some froth-lipped, power-crazed raging dictator simply because they can shout aloud that this is a time of war? We should know better than to follow a foolish leader to our doom, and so this law is not fair.~

By the waterfall, Michael, at Untangler's side, whispers something to him before taking on the lupus form and heading out of the caern towards the bawn to the west.

~And without this law, we would have us fighting ourselves while the enemy is the nearest! Save your fights for when when it is time to challenge over such things!~ Again, White Bear is quick with his snapped off growl at the Fool.

~If you are not prepared to die for Gaia, why do you fight at all?~ Pathfinder bellows. Valoran tsks. "You'd do well to remember, Fool, that some of those froth-lipped, power-crazed raging dictators gave their lives to protect this caern and sept from Black Spirals a while back. We followed them then without challenge, and we'd all do it again."

Todd slams both his Glabro-hands onto the turf, throwing himself up onto his knees. "Fool! Would you have us change leaders mid-charge? Follow one, then another, until we chase out tails until the Wyrm falls upon us?"

~Do you honestly believe that in the middle of a fight is the best time to decide who should lead?~ the Walker Galliard snarls out. ~Pick your time wisely so you don't go down under a hail of bullets or worse!~

Todd got so damn excited, he apparently mauled that statement there. He sits back onto the blanket, looking a bit ashamed of himself.

Olga's grin remains, and she reaches a hand back out to Todd's shoulder, this time drawing the enthusiastic cub back onto the blanket. She shouts out a perfunctory ~Anybody I'd be willing to follow into war, I'm willing to follow out of it,~ before speaking to the cub below the general commotion.

"Then there would be only fights for who would lead us into battle." Dillen speaks up again. "Fights between each of us to where we beat ourselves before the real fight begins with pack and Alpha leading the charge."

Auggie continues to shake his head at each of the fool's responses, his shaggy mop of curls swinging back and forth. He speaks with gaining confidence. "Our leaders are leaders for a reason. Prove yourself if you also wanna lead, but not when the enemy's claws are at our throats," he states simply. He glances at Todd during his outburst, but keeps his gaze even and nonjudgmental.

Todd listens, and whispers back to Olga and Sid.

After reciting one final law and smiling with satisfaction at the reactions of his sept-mates, Jarred nods. "This ends the calling of the Litany. You have proven your wisdom this night. Let these laws govern your hearts and guide your feet until next we Moot." He turns and gives a slow nod of his head, almost a bow, to the Fool in thanks for her part. Then he moves back to his place near a sturdy oak tree at the periphery.

Untangler looks up after Michael as he moves close to him and departs, but the nervousness the other Wendigo's arrival dispelled doesn't come back, he just nods at his words. He grumbles out his general displeasure at the Fool's words, but doesn't articulate it much further.

Three-Blades returns the Caller's nod with one of her own, her ears splaying once to the rest of the crowd before she silently steps back from her post.

By the waterfall, As it is his time, the Gatekeeper and Opener of the Inner Sky, Fights-For-Hope, simply nods then turns to face the waterfall. He raises his arms out to sky at his side, long spear held high in his right hand. With a power in his voice that is perhaps lent more by ritual then any property of Fights-For-Hope himself, he calls out. ~Chimera, Lady of the Mirror and the ever-changing face! She who comes to us all in her own way! Your sept calls to you now and before you we see the ways of wisdom that guide us all! From the laws we hold dear, to the war waged to save our all-mother Gaia, we are greatful for your guidance... Come, behold your wise, your cunning, your strong and your brave. Your warriors call you! Open the Inner Sky, and come forth!~ At the shouting of the last growled word, the Fostern Theurge jerks his arms upwards and tilts his muzzle back, emiting a grand howl of welcoming, that all but invites the others to join in.

Once more the Elder Child of Gaia shifts into her war form and bellows out a loud how of welcome to the Sept's totem, letting her vocals resonate through the open Caern.

Guards-The-Flame looks enthralled with the moment and the rage that was built up during the calling, closing her eyes and enjoying the rush.

Sidhefuil crouches in the grass, exhaling heavily, eyes sliding closed. She turns focus from the Calling to the Opening Sky, steadying herself enough to meditate on the beating of her heart.

Sheeaghan has been listening, mostly to Karl as she smiles towards her packmate silently. Another howl is lifted into the sky, echoing in the wind as she invites the Chimera forth with the Open to the Inner Sky. The wolf shifts back into birth-form, standing as she shifts her weight from one foot to the other. Her eyes are still bright, looking cheerifully among her fellow stepmates.

Holds-the-Line rips her head back to let loose a howl, giving tongue to her emotions as she and the others call to their totem.

Olga dismisses whatever her cub's saying with an easy albeit grotesque grin and a wave of her hand, and then points him towards the Gatekeeper, shifting her weight and then rumbling up into Crinos form, to lift her throat and howl up into the air with everyone else's.

Dillen shifts easily into lupus and lends his voice to the others, a bit husky at the beginning, but growing into a deep and throaty howl.

Untangler's cares and nervousness dissipate further as he catches himself up in the howls, and with a slow build he adds his own young, full voice to the discord.

Auggie's form flows up into the war form, copying his tribal Elder. He adds his howl to all the others, eyes closed as he pours his heart into the eerie sound.

Three-Blades raises her voice as well, dispensing some of the tension from her Fool's role into the opening sky. Chimera is heartily invited and welcomed by the eastern Gnawer.

Todd shrugs and fucks it, turning the movement of his shoulders into a truly disgusting display of rippling muscle and fur as he shifts up to Crinos. He ain't Gnawer for nothing, and so adds his howl to the offering.

Finds-The-Path adds a long low-pitched tone to the symphony.

Seeker howls again to the sky in greeting to the caern's totem. His solemn, respectful howl is mostly drowned in the cacophany of the sept's howling.

Cutter plucks the cigarette from his mouth, wrinkles his nose and gravely says "Aroo."

Erika rises into Crinos, her voice rising into the heavens-- drowning out among the others of the sept. It is still another voice and that is all that counts.

By the waterfall, As the howls climb in volume and the Caern practically rumbles with the sound, the waterfall begins to literally expand horizontally. It shoots out to both sides, so the cascading waters cover the walls all around. If this is truely occuring, or an illusion, it is difficult to tell, as all can feel the spray of the waters. Soon, with blinding speed, the waters flow down the walls all around the caern, save for the paths leading in and out of it. This accomplished the waters become first clear almost to the point of only sensing them by the rushing sound, then continues to clear to a reflective surface. The water moves too fast to see any clear shapes reflected within it, but one can see the distorted Garou gathered in the caern, even the subtle movements exaggerated in the dramatically jagged shifting surface of the cascading waters. Then do the Garou gathered see Chimera truly making herself known, with in the reflection do chimerlings clearly dance around the Garou, ones obviously not here in the realm. The Gatekeeper lets his howl fade and turns to face the Sept, as their howls clear he calls out to the sky, ~Chimera has come! The Inner Sky is Open!~

Dillen gazes in wonder and his mouth drops. "Whoa..." Is all he says as his eyes take in everything.

Reggie, although a battle-worn veteran, also gazes in admiration at the dancing reflections.

Paws literally drops his jaw, tongue lolling out, splattering hot droll across to his left. His arms go slack as those slate eyes drink in the sight. Aroo.

Judges-Souls smiles broadly, placing a large hand on Dillen's shoulder while the other leans against her fine weaponry.

Dark-As-Night's eyes widen, then bug out, in surprise and awe at the beautiful and strange spectacle happening all around him.

Alicia tilts her chin upwards and takes in a deep breath of the air, her eyes lost in the dancing flickering of light. "Welcome, sister Chimera, to our gathering." She says softly as she grins ferally.

Olga's grin widens till it looks like she's going to bust her face open, and once again she leans in to address her companions.

Defiant-Storm echoes Dillen's appreciation for the Totem's arrival. the Get Jarl's fur bristles prickles with similar awe, her massive crinos jaw showing its teeth, clearly pleased.

Aubrey bows her head deeply to the Lady Chimera, showing her great respect.

Three-Blades tilts her ears back submissively before the totem's appearance, appreciating the feeling of protection that warms her.

Finds-The-Path's Crinos tail wags slightly, his large brown eyes absorbing as much of the spectacle as they can.

Untangler looks up with wide wonder bordering on fear, his ears splaying themselves flat against his skull. It's the lupine equivalent of `Holy crap`.

Sidhefuil has not been howling, instead appearing deep in thought, kneeling, head back, eyes closed as if she were in some sort of intense, silent conference with her totem of sept and pack. The Daughter of Chimera seems incredibly content once the Sky is Opened. Finally, she shifts, turning to regard her packmate with a proud smile (if a touch feral in warform), eyes wide and gleaming.

Isaac's jaw drops open as his forelegs stretch forward in pleasure at seeing the spirit again. His tail gives a brief wag before he settles back down.

Dillen cannot help but stand in the place where his feet are riveted to the ground. His eyes have not blinked yet, still in awe of the moment.

Once the excitement has died down from the sight of the Totem's appearance at the moot, Alicia glances over towards the Fianna Halfmoon, Layne and nods her head slightly, motioning her to continue.

By the waterfall, Fights-For-Hope, now that his primary purpose in the moot's progression has been concluded steps in towards the center of the Caern, making his way to stand beside his tribe mates. Giving a punch in the arm to Signe is his only form of greeting to his Jarl, followed by a quick bow of his head then a rather toothy grin.

Sidhefuil shoves up from the ground and lunges atop the enormous, jutting rock, moving sharply and deliberately, in a fashion that almost demands attention. There's something clasped securely between her jaws. It appears to be the a long bone from a deer's leg, stark white and stripped clean. Various Garou glyphs mark the length of it in reds and black, and either end has been decorated with beass and feathers and strips of dark fabric. Eyes glowing wickedly with the light of the Fae, the Fianna halfmoon casts eyes out over the Garou throng, and drops the bone into her hands, so she may speak. ~This bone breaks, now, so that the meat of truth may be shown to us!~ And with a loud -snap!- she severs the thing into two fragments, arms uplifting. ~Those of you with announcements for the sept, come forward to be heard.~

Three-Blades just barely gets over the opening of the inner sky before the moot's announcements really begin. In that moment, she shakes herself and returns her attention to the Cracking.

Jacinta strides forward and takes the bones in her hand. She looks more drawn, tired and worn, than usual, but she shifts up to glabro to speak in the mother tongue. ~I have two things to tell you this night. First, one of the cubs of Wendigo will not return to the Sept of the Hidden Walk. Atcen, Cold Sister, fell protecting her tribemate on their Rite of Passage.~

White Bear's massive jaw drops, almost literally. The Hispo looks in dumb disbelief at Jacinta, the Ahroun making a small whimpering noise after the announcement had fully sunk in.

Alicia hears this news and takes in a deep breath, running her hands back through her fingers. Slowly, she lets her eyes drift upwards to the sky, waiting on the next announcement from the Wendigo.

Sidhefuil looks disappointed, even sorrowful, but unsurprised.

Jacinta holds out her hand in a gesture to Holly, and her expression changes to one of pride. ~Second. I ask you to bid welcome to the newly Cliath Bites-the-Belly-of-the-Spider, Theurge of the Wendigo. Ready to make war on the Horned Serpent.~

Untangler's face darts up, the normally slow Wendigo's reaction as quick as gravity. He lifts himself up to his paws, standing straight and tall, peering out across at his retuned Elder without moving. He doesn't even whimper, he just looks confused and incredulous.

Fights-For-Hope shakes his head now, expression perhaps annoyed at the calling of death, but then his expression rises in tone to perhaps being a bit proud. A simple welcoming chuff is given to the new cliath, no real words conveyed to disrupt anyone.

Holly's expression remain impassive except for a tightening of her jaw. She watches Jactina from her place near the edge of the gathered sept until the ahron elder calls for her. Weaving between garou, she steps up so everyone can get a look at her.

Alicia glances over to Holly and lifts up a hand, revealing two fingers in the shape of the peace sign.

Holds-the-Line listens first with polite attentiveness to the Wendigo elder then, as she continues, with dawning dismay. She glances over to Joshua, then back to Jactina before her eyes come to rest on Holly. ~Welcome, cliath,~ she calls out before she shakes her head, takes a step backwards.

Auggie looks concerned at the news of Atcen's death, although he didn't know her personally. A cub dying on her Rite of Passage unsettles him greatly. He watches Holly take her place, discomfort and envy warring in his face.

Three-Blades's ears fall back at the announcement of the death, but slowly face forward again as she looks towards the new cliath. A short bark of approval emits from her, even if it is tinged still with hidden sadness.

Untangler's eyes turn to Holly but they show no pride or happiness. He takes a few steps back to hide further in the cover of trees, and curls himself up to wait out the rest of the moot.

Finds-The-Path nods twice softly at the new Cliath, showing her a warm, approving expression, though it is dampened by the bad news.

Paws ruffles his fur, as if a chill wind had just passed over him, clearly a bit un-nerved by the mention of a Failed Rop.

Jacinta nods her head once, sharply, and returns the bones to the Philodox. Shrinking down into the form of her birth, she places a hand on Holly's shoulder before moving to join Horace at the back of the gathering.

Aubrey looks towards Holly, giving the girl a long apprasing look, although there is a look of sadness in her expression. She manages a smile, knowing that this one will be great in the Garou Nation, as many cubs who have succeeded their rite have been.

Fat-Ripper ears flatten but only very briefly, and then she ducks herself down onto four legs, lowers her head, and chuffs out a quiet congratulations to the new Cliath.

Holly nods to the honor and praise she receives, but she doesn't seem to take a great deal of pleasure in any of it. Following Jacinta back to the small group of Wendigo, she remains silent and overly somber.

Untangler lifts himself back up for Holly and Jacinta, greeting the returned Elder with a submissive look, and the one who left as a cub with a nuzzle from his wet nose, sitting down at her feet. I'm sorry, Turtle-yuf.

Fights-For-Hope steps up before the Caern's gathered and calls out, ~I hold on firmly to a bond with a pack who has lost members to death and to challenges carrying them afar. I call out now, to my Sept brothers and sisters, for those who would fight to take back that which is lost. For those who would not see another day pass in which they did not fight to protect our mother. For those who would join us in Scourge under the Great Dragon, Wyvern... so that we can again be a Scourge to the Wyrm, and bring back to Gaia, that which has been lost. As always, you come find me after the moot should you wish to join with us.~ Words spoken, he looks over the Sept sternly before stepping down back to his tribesmates.

Cutter blinks in surprise.

Holds-the-Line snorts to herself, then steps forward swiftly to take the halves of the bone from Fights-for-Hope. ~This is what I know of the 'Veil Breech' at Wolf Woods Park.

Wildfire-rhya and Judges-Souls first confronted these people earlier this month.

Defends-Her-Worth and a Wendigo Ragabash were there as well, but were not seen. Things stayed relatively calm, but as is known, someone took a picture of the costumes and sent it to the papers as evidence of 'real' werewolves. The next week both sides returned to the woods, but the actors brought a gun. The Fenrir were accompanied by Rags-Torn-to-Rags. Things quickly heated up and shots were fired. After the fight they found another boy running away. He was knocked out, but it is not certain how much he saw, or what he remembers. One of my kinfolk will question him. I believe things are handled in the city, as long as nothing happens to stir things up again. The humans believe that these so-called werewolves were found to be students playing pranks, and were shot by misguided humans for their actions.~ She waits then, patiently as she can, for the next to speak to come forward.

Fat-Ripper steps up to take the bone with a ceremony that doesn't fit her, standing tall rather than in her usual lope. She shrinks down to Glabro to speak, to better switch between tongues, and holds her head still and proud as a Gnawer can be, though her free fingers twitch against her side. ~The Gnawers've had to abandon our turf, to keep the veil safe. So, Squeaks's staying at the compound. If you need us, there'll always be somebody there, and word'll get around to me eventually.~ She breaks off for a moment, giving her weezy high unnatural High-Tongue a rest, and taking up the rest of her speech in a bubbling low unnatural English. "For now we're eyein' a new place at 319 Finch St., down in Jermantown. You need me quick, you can usually find me there 'r the park." She looks around at the gathered Garou once more, and then waits less than patiently for the next speaker.

Aubrey speaks up in front of the sept, taking the bone polietly from Fat-Ripper once she has finished speaking. "As you remember from the last moot, I had mentioned that Trevor and Taslyn had become members of Crescent Wing. I would also like to introduce to you our pack's newest members, Karl and Isaac. We are always on the look out for good help within the ranks of the Merlin. Also, Trevor is our new Beta..." she lingers for a moment before offering the bone out to the next speaker.

Isaac licks his nose and sidesteps as Aubrey mentions his name.

Reaching out and taking the bones from Aubrey, Alicia says in a clear voice to the Sept. "As you know, I've been honorably mated to my kinfolk, Tom Henderson for the past two years. Recently, I've come to find that I am with cub, and should be expecting in.. oh...five and a half months now." She pats her stomach lightly. "So, if you please, punch me in the face, not the tummy, alright?" She says with a grin on her face. "Beyond that, Resonance has taken up territory in Kent Crossing and we are always looking for those who wish to join us in the good fight and help the spread of information from the Sept and city and open up forms of larger communication." She lets her eyes glance about slowly through the Sept for a moment, then hands the bones off to the next.

Eamon claps and whistles for his packmate.

Three-Blades eyes Jamethon steadily as the Get theurge makes his announcement. As the bone is passed on and news about the WWNP hoax circulates, the ragabash gets concerned about the Veil breach. That only intesifies some more as Fat-Ripper announces the Gnawers' search for a new territory. The pack announcement for Crescent Wing is greeted with a slight nod from the no-moon, as she looks upon the new members. Alicia's announcement sparks a small chuff of 'good' from the Gnawer, though the talk of Resonance makes her thoughtful.

Holds-the-Line returns to her spot between Joshua and Signe, scarcely reacting to the rest of the information being tossed out. Her arms refold over her chest as she shrinks back to glabro; her eyes fasten on the lower branches of the trees on the far side of the clearing.

Auggie grins widely at Alicia's announcement of the coming child. The rest of the announcements, he listens to quietly with little reaction.

Untangler sits quietly by Holly's side, occasionally looking up at her and Jacinta, until the sudden silence snaps him to attention. He nuzzles the girl hurriedly before taking off towards the bone at a quick canter, suddenly looking around at all the assembled Garou very nervously. He looks down at the hunk of meat for a moment and has some difficulty figuring out how he's to hold it and talk at the same time, spending a few seconds on this conundrum before inspiration strikes, and he bulks up into Crinos form, and grabs it. ~Garou of the Hidden Walk,~ he says quietly and slowly, evenly, ~the time is quickly coming for the Great Hunt, and I hope, when summer's fullest, you'll all join me, because your Master of the Rite here has allowed a newcomer like me the honour of leading you.~ He doesn't wait for a response, but ducks back down into Lupus and hurries back to the Wendigo.

Jacinta crosses her arms over her chest and the hint of a feral smile plays at the corners of her mouth.

White Bear remains rather impassive besides Natalie, still rather sullen since the Announcement from Jacinta. However, Untangler manages to wrest his attention back in full, the Hispo cocking his head in incomprehension. The Ahroun looks up to the Galliard next to him confused.

Fights-For-Hope seems all but about to scoff at the presentation of the one who would lead the Great Hunt. But he holds back any comments, instead clenching his fists tightly and eyeing the Wendigo as he steps away.

Three-Blades doesn't exactly voice her doubt, but there is a definite 'huh' in her expression as she gazes towards the retreating Wendigo.

Valoran makes his way to the center and, taking the bones, hesitates a moment before speaking. His voice is acid, but there's an undercurrent of worry and perhaps embrassment in his words. "I have learned that Lady Brittany Sterling, formerly of our sept, may Gaia curse her self-serving, vanity-rotten soul, has made arrangements for her estate to be liquidated and for the resources thereof to be transferred to her family's accounts in Virginia. This means, in so many words, that the Silver Fangs of the Hidden Walk will soon be homeless. Falcon's Rest has been our headquarters and territory for a long time, but that's about to end. Our numbers here are small. Clearly certain elements among our own tribe are working to see that they diminish even further. So unless anyone has a spare shit-load of money, I will leave a means to contact the Fangs as a tribe with some of the galliards until we've set up some other homestead. Thanks." Without another word, the Ragabash turns gives up the cracked bones and returns to his place among the septmembers.

Once all who've needed to speak have made their announcements, Sidhefuil reclaims the bone halves and makes one of her own. ~Recently, Jean, Theurge and Shadow Lord successfully passed tests set for her by the Lady Chimera. She is the fourth member of Griphus,~ the Fianna calls out, looking satisfied. Interestingly enough, unlike the others, she doesn't invite anyone else to approach her about joining the Wisdom pack. Seeking out Megan in he crowd, next, she lifts her voice again, ~Challenges! Firewatcher-rhya will be acting as Master of the Challenge in my place, tonight.~ The bones are handed over to the Alpha when she makes her way to the rock slab.

Three-Blades looks vaguely surprised that the Silver Fangs, too, seem to have trouble holding onto their safehouse as well.

White Bear snorts, hard, at Valoran's announcement. He rumbles something to his tribemate, tail swishing once as he looks back up to Layne.

Olga looks concerned at the Silver Fangs' hard times, but only for a moment. "Hey!" she shouts out to Valoran across the gathering, "y'know, we're not using the Zoo, anymore. If you want it." She follows up her invitation with an awkward and exaggeratedly manganimous bow from her seat.

Valoran stares at Olga. Long and hard.

Paws crinos-snickers, scraggly fur ruffling in the wind.

Natalie finally looks down at White-Beat, still scowling. She mutters something back to him, her words for his ears alone, then returns her attention to the trees.

Three-Blades glances from Olga to Valoran, and then snorts in a holding-in-her-laugh kind of way. It's only a split second before the newmoon gets her composure back.

Auggie seems pretty indifferent to the Fang's announcement, but smirks, definitely amused by Olga's offer.

Olga doesn't, or can't, return Valoran's stare for very long, looking over quite amused at herself at Layne, offering the Silver Fang a mild, feigned-innocent shrug.

Defiant-Storm snorts in response to Olga's call, but she is too tense for a more raucous reaction. The Get moves stiffly towards the front of the sept where Firewatcher holds the bones out for her. The Jarl seems to take a deep breath, perhaps preparing something longwinded.

Defiant-Storm holds the bones up. ~I first came to this Sept when it was known as the Wheel Renewed. When its power was stripped, my blood mingled with the other protectors that were here, then, to bring it back when it was renamed to the Hidden Walk. I have come and gone a few times in my tenure to handle personal and tribal business elsewhere, and to my shame the caern fell once more in the time I was gone. But, for most of the last eight years I have been a member of this sept and defended it with my life. Vampires, banes, countless fomori and even Spirals have gone down beneath my claws in its defense. In the city, from the sewer battles to the giant river bane. From the factory battles to the hospital. When the Power Plant exploded, I was there right beside the other warriors of this sept, like Echen. When the government took one of ours captive in their DNA labs, even silver didn't stop me from helping bring them down.~

Defiant-Storm goes on, though she doesn't look comfortable doing so, ~And I have served in other ways. I have been a guardian, and the Wyrmfoe. Again and again, I have been a teacher, to cub and adult alike. As for cubs, most recently there's been Emma, and now Dillen for my own tribe. But before them Ethan and JD, and Mark, among others that have come and gone. I also taught the warrior's skills to the cubs of other tribes, more than I can even count. In these eight years, I've joined or forged four packs. A war pack, once, as decreed by a former alpha. And three permanent packs--Razor's Edge, first as a simple soldier, and then as it's alpha. Fenrir's Teeth, the Get pack I brought together and lead from day one til its end. And now, Havoc. Each of them carved out a place in the city to protect as territory.~ Sympathy is hard to express in this form, so rather than express the most sincere of condolances to Valoran, grins devilishly at Olga, shoulders hunching up. Then, she snaps eyes back toward Firewatcher and Signe.

Fights-For-Hope stands tall now, looking to Signe first with fierce pride in his eyes. When he catches anyone he seems to think is looking in his general direction from the corner of his eye, he turns to look at them with harsh expression, as if daring to refute any of his Jarl's words.

Cutter glances at his watch.

Judges-Souls, remaining in Crinos, crouches as she listens to her elder with her ears pressed forward.

Defiant-Storm takes another breath, and now it seems the point of all this becomes clear. ~Eight years is hard to condense into a few, poor words. And I am not a galliard. But I say these things as prelude. Because I, Signe, known as Skadi's Defiant Storm among the Get of Fenris, stand before this sept and challenge Megan, known as Firewatcher of the Fianna, for the rank of adren.~

Valoran snorts.

Dillen looks up and watches Defiant-Storm and grins at his elder.

White Bear blinks, the Hispo inhaling sharply.

Three-Blades looks on to the speaker, her respect for the Get ahroun is evident as she nods once to the challenge.

Finds-The-Path turns his eyes immediately to Megan, to witness her reaction.

Seeker watches and listens to Signe intently as she issues her challenge.

Firewatcher shifts up into the crinos form which steps forward from the knot of packmates and tribemates around her. She holds herself at her full height, in a posture that makes clear the heavy impact of her presence and the shades of pure breeding. Her long teeth bare at the Get of Fenris ahroun challenging her, before she gives a sharp, whip-crack of a bark. ~The challenge is honorable,~ the Adren responds. ~I accept, and will announce terms after I have consulted further with the Master of the Challenge.~ She dips her head in Sidhefuil's direction, before returning back to glabro and those she celebrates the Moot with. Like Three-Blades, Jacinta's respect for Signe is obvious in her posture and the sharp nod of approval she gives when the Alpha accepts the challenge.

Auggie nods, eyebrows raised. He doesn't understand a whole lot of the mother tongue, but he gets the general idea enough to be impressed at the whole affair.

Paws aroos softly, poking Olga's shoulder softly to get her attention.

Eamon grins and cracks his knuckles. "Ooh, this is gonna be good."

Fights-For-Hope simply nods to Signe's final words, arms crossing over his chest. Then as Firewatcher makes her acceptance, does he give a sharp chuff of his own, an audiable release of pride and rage.

Defiant-Storm hands the bones back to the alpha and returns to her place with her pack and the rest of the Get.

Sidhefuil catches Firewatcher's glance and nods in return.

"Good evening," Aubrey says, her voice projecting over the entire sept to get everyone's attentions once she taken the bones from Megan-rhya. She takes a confident breath as she begins, "I, Aubrey ~Sheeaghan~ Lynn Bennett, come before the sept tonight to challenge Alicia-rhya of the Children of the Gaia to rank. I had asked Alicia of this challenge several weeks ago, and she accepted as long as I present the sept with a story of my accomplishments. Before I go on, I would like to formally introduce myself to those gathered here tonight. As a cub I was known as ~Golden-Eyes~ and ~No-Feet~, and when I rited to cliath, I was known as ~Spirit's-Touch~ respectfully. I am a Fianna Theurge Cliath, Alpha of Crescent Wing which is watched over by a noble Merlin totem spirit, and assistant Gatekeeper to Jamethon-rhya of the Get of Fenris." Aubrey pauses for a moment to smile, her cheeks lightly blushing a rose color. "Please bear with me; I am not the greatest at public-speaking" she says. The Fianna Theurge smiles wryly as she hastily unfolds a piece of paper that looks like there are scribbles that have made on the paper. To those standing near, they look like dictionary terms. "I spent a lot of time thinking about what _is_ an accomplishment. In fact, I did a little research on what an accomplishment is..." A glance is given to the paper in which she holds in her hands, before she looks back up and addresses the sept like a panel of judges. "By dictionary terms, the word accomplishment has several meanings and forms..."

Olga's settled back in, and her attention's all on Signe. The long speech draws a small smile, which gets a great deal bigger as the challenge is made and accepted. She turns her ears and eyes idly to the cub when he calls her, looking rather annoyed to have been interrupted.

Natalie's attention came to rest on her pack's Alpha as Signe began speaking; as the Get continues her words manage to lift Nat somewhat from her self-absorbed surliness. Her teeth clip together eagerly as Signe finishes, and she watches Megan for her reaction with intensity. A short sharp, "Hah!" is all that manages to slip out as her arms slip free to hang by her sides.

Paws perks his ears and makes a questioning chuff at her, his intent clear. He obviously wants to know whats going on.

White Bear moves to dodge the falling arms, the Ahroun's tail swishing at the acceptance.

"The first meaning is the act of accomplishing or the state of being accomplished," Aubrey begins as her eyes scan the crowd, "Being in the state of being accomplished is a state in which I am always evolving and in the course of gaining new experience, knowledge, and wisdom. I continue to feel the state of being accomplished when I teach a cub something that he or she had not been taught by his or her elders, or when I teach a Garou a gift or a rite that I possess. I have the sense that I have accomplished something, not only for myself, but the betterment of my pack, tribe, auspice, and sept. This meaning also refers to something being completed successfully or otherwise known as an achievement. Achievements are important to me, for I feel that they have been accomplished and cannot be redone or destroyed from our memory. Much of the retaking of the caern, I cannot hold as a complete accomplishment because it was part of my rite of passage, therefore, I can only speak of the accomplishments that happened after the fact..."

Cutter drifts toward the back of the crowd quietly.

Alicia listens to Aubrey critically as she folds her arms in front of her chest, eyes narrowed and weighing her words carefully. As a Galliard, bragging and boasting is important to her and thus, she stares at the Fianna.

Olga just puts an angry and annoyed finger to her lips at Todd's question and turns her attention surlily back to Aubrey's list of accomplishments.

White Bear's approval rapidly dwindles down to stark disinterest at Aubrey's speach. As opposed to intrest when Signe made her own long winded speach.

Auggie leans forward with interest when Aubrey announces that she's challenged his Elder. His nose wrinkles a bit when she reads off the dictionary definitions, however, and his piqued interest quickly wanes. He looks over to Alicia, to see her reaction to the Fianna's words.

Aubrey quickly goes on to say, "From the time that I had completed my rite of passage to the time that a new totem was found as a guardian over our caern, I spent much time regaining our land without thought of dying in action but knowing my duty to Gaia and participating in large amounts of reconstruction that took place in our caern. The retaking of the caern is a large accomplishment for any member who fought so passionately in battle. I, with my pack, was on the umbra-side of the attack, with Salmon's Leap and other members fighting on the other side of the shadow. We succeeded with our goal of reaching the caern, flooding it with water to stop the Black Spiral Dancers from their destruction of our precious home. This was not done simply, however, as we were attacked by a Wyrm spirit. It took many Garou to bring it down, although this was one of many Wyrm minions that I have had to deal with since cubhood. The rest of the battle followed with taking down Black Spiral Dancers, stopping them from making a hive out of our caern..."

Sidhefuil watches Aubrey expressionlessly, only listening.

Natalie's attention likewise drifts away from Aubrey as she starts droning on about the dictionary. Her eyes may be on the Fianna Galliard, but her mind is miles away.

Aubrey's voice seems strained, although she carries on with a great deal of confidence. "I feel a strong sense of my blood, sweat, and tears in this earth. It was a long physical and metal process to bring it back to its healthy state. I accomplished, with many others, several tasks of cleaning, and rebuilding. As a young cliath, I participated in more activities than some would experience in a greater amount of time. I helped the older Garou in dissembling totems that were used by the Black Spiral Dancers and their minions. My pack and I found the old haunts of spirits in the umbra, in their glades and asked for them to return to Hidden Walk once again after fleeing when the caern was taken Since the reconstruction of the caern, I have accomplished many things that you may call mundane tasks, although I feel that they are a crucial part of our existence. When the Crescent Wing pack was in its first staged of formation, our members were small. I was once unable to have the confidence to ever take on any leadership within the pack but when Edward Tobin, Theurge Silver Fang, and Alpha of the pack had left the pack, the spot had to be filled. I was the only one who took the step forward when no one else would. Today, I stand as the pack Alpha still and have accomplished in learning such leadership and gaining confidence in myself." The Theurge continues on, her voice projecting out over the gathered crowd.

Jacinta kneels down beside her Tribesmates. She whispers quietly to them.

Jarred glances down to his watch.

Paws chuffs softly, and sits on his haunches. He gives his muzzle a scratch, looking distracted.

Fights-For-Hope just scoffs at first, a sound those near him can hear, at the mentioning of the dictionary. But as the Theurge announces her accomplishments, he does show attention and nod to her words occasionally with some approval.

"The second meaning refers to an acquired skill or expertise. We all know that we continuously acquire new skills and talents through the learning of rites and gifts, but there is also the acquiring of experience and wisdom. Throughout my time as a claith, thus far, I have learned some crucial points of being a leader which I have not known before. It is an acquired skill to be an Alpha of a pack and it is no easy task to guide and to take responsibility for your members. Just like it is not an easy task being a leader, it will not be an easy task being a Fostern, but that is something else that I would like to accomplish." Aubrey pauses briefly before she goes on to say, "I am confident that I am accomplished in the ways of being a healer and being there when those have needed my attention the most. In the ways of a healer, I have become experienced in the arts and have accomplished healing injuries that might have not been healed properly without the sort of hours that I put forth into learning the gift to reverse such devastating injuries..." Aubrey is surely boring a few in the crowd by now, so she goes on to conclude, "The third, and final, meaning refers to social poise and grace. I have accomplished this by being a member of this sept and full-filling my duties to you all. There was one time that I had to make a choice for myself or for this sept. I chose to benefit the sept rather than myself, giving my talents to the sept rather than hiding them away. I hope that all of you here tonight can see the accomplishments in me..." With that, she sinks back a few steps, her eyes looking onto Alicia and holds out the bone towards her.

Untangler is distant, thirst for knowledge sated like a sponge that has taken on all the water it can absorb. Since his own little speech, he's been sitting with a dazed look in his eye, close to his Tribe, and especially close to Holly. When his Elder adresses him, he goes through all the proper forms of attention, but her words don't seem to register.

White Bear is glazed over at this point, the Ahroun probably thinking about anything but the challenge. Typical polish from the Ahroun, really.

Finds-The-Path wags in approval of his pack Alpha's speech, even cupping his large padded paws together to clap softly.

Auggie's attention has been completely lost. He digs out his multi-tool from a pouch on his belt, and uses the knife to begin scraping out the accumulated dirt and grime from underneath his fingernails.

Dillen leans against a tree and watches all that goes on, paying attention when warranted.

Three-Blades is paying attention, ignoring those who aren't.

Reggie, having been lost some time back, watches other people's reactions, and seeing if he can get Erika's attention as he mocks taking a picture of her.

Isaac looks as glazed as many of the others, but for those who know him, it's much the same as his normal expression.

Judges-Souls looks blankly at something but definately not towards Reggie.

Seeker listens to Aubrey's telling quietly but attentively, following every word.

Alicia continues to listen patiently without a flicker of emotion crossing her face. Reaching out, she takes the bones from Aubrey and looks thoughtful for a moment. "Being a leader is much like being a Garou, Aubrey. It comes naturally once you have found that niche among your peers, Elders and cubs alike. John, the Walker who walked upon thin ice is a grand example as such. He led like a Fostern, even though his rank was merely a Cliath and he was a crucial turning point to not only keeping the city safe, but taking back our lands from those that stole it from us." She glances around at the crowd before her for a few moments, watching their reactions, studying their faces. "When I first challenged for the rank of Fostern, I remember hearing a few chuckles in the crowd, some wondering why I would even dare dream to step forward. Taking such a step and having this kind of confidence in oneself is a good, good first step to becoming a leader among us. I have fought along side you in the past, and I have felt the touch of your healing upon me when I have been taking down in the good fight. You have potential, Aubrey, and I see that in the past year alone you have put forth an effort to bring your pack back to life when it was once thought dead, and you have honestly put time and dedication back into the lands of the Bawn which I now tend and garden. I still accept your challenge, and I will make it a good one, for it will not only test your voice once more, but also your abilities as a Theurge. A Fostern isn't just a good leader among their pack, but it also proves that they are an adept at their role among us which Luna has granted you. I will give your challenge to you on the Theurge's moon of this month, and simply wish you good luck, for you will need it."

Natalie continues to watch as Alicia steps up to take the bones from Aubrey; not until the Fostern Galliard is finished speaking does she look sharply away, her arms coming defensively up over her chest once more.

Alicia finishes and turns, handing the bones back to the Master of the Challenge once more, nodding her head.

Three-Blades twitches an ear, a lupine smirk creeping onto her crinos features as she rumbles to no one in particular, ~Renown aside, this Sept could use more Garou who have the discipline to pay attention during a moot.~

Fights-For-Hope gives another, louder chuff to Aubrey and Alicia's words. ~Good luck,~ he actually calls out to the Challenging Theurge.

Aubrey smiles softly and dips her head in acceptence towards Alicia's agreement of challenge. The Theurge rises and moves back amoung those that she was gathered near earlier. There is a hint of a smile given to the Gatekeeper, otherwise her expression remains nuetral.

Megan takes the bones back, and seeing no one else with any challenges, she gives the bones back to Sidhefuil.

Paws rolls back and little, one of his long, bony fingers reaching up, a claw picking at his teeth distractedly.

Auggie looks up to pay attention once Alicia starts speaking, and replaces the little knife in its pouch. He looks around at the other Garou once she finishes, looking vaguely bored.

Sidhefuil takes the bones a last time, curling them into taloned fingers as she rises to her full height, lifting her face and eyes into the light of the swollen moon. Ears flick, and eyes blink slowly as she becomes the image of calm, collected confidence. Once more, her voice lifts up to carry to her septmates. "I pride myself on being one of the sept's oldest members and, had all gone according to plan, I'd have challenged and gained rank a year or so ago. That is really neither here nor there, now, but tonight I announce that I believe I am ready to stand among the Fostern of the Hidden Walk. In my earliest years, I stood with septmates against the fires of Salamander, even before riting. Since that time, I have been a teacher to cubs. I stood again with my brothers and sisters to reclaim our home from the decay of the Spiral Dancers, and served significantly in its cleansing and the calling for a new totem. I have been a long-time Truthcatcher at our moots. I secured a safehouse for my tribe in the city, shortly before I took the reins of Eldership and worked to ressurect the Fianna spirit that had dwindled since our old Elders disappeared. Since that time, I have taken on the duties of Master of the Challenge. And most recently, with the aid of my packmates, Fat-Ripper and Cycle-Breaker, realized a Dream and formed the Wisdom pack, Griphus, under our Lady Chimera.~ Here, she bows her head, slowly, then lifts eyes, aglow with silvery-blue, to seek out Jarred in the crowd. ~Song-of-Fury-rhya, Elder of the Shadow Lords, Fostern and Galliard, I, Sidhefhuil, Cliath Fianna and Philodox, challenge you for rank.~

The Shadow Lord elder steps forward slightly. "I.." Before continuing, he stops suddenly and looks around the lethargic gathering, in particular to many of the new cubs, with a withering glower. "All right, I'm only going say this once. You're all pathetic this evening. The Silver Fangs are put out of their home and they get sarcasm. You hear about a possible Veil breech after shouting down the Fool during the Calling of the Law dealing with Veil breeches, and the loudest sounds I hear in response to the news are a couple of yawns and a snicker. Those who have accomplished great things, or at least have striven to do so and have shared their exploits tonight... exploits that should have you all swelling with pride, are treated like boring accountants spewing meaningless numbers at some board meeting. This is a Moot. We are a Sept. The next Garou I see who even feigns boredom or fatique will have me to answer to. And oh what and answer it had better be..." He turns back to Layne. "I accept your challenge, Layne. The precise terms of your Fostern challenge will be given to you one week hence. Come to me at Shadow's End and your task will begin. It will be difficult, but I am confident you have a fighting chance at success, or I would never have entertained your challenge. Good luck." With that, he falls silent again.

[Sidhefuil pages to the room: Oopses, and adds a line about the sizeable dispute she acted as judge for, last summer!]

Dillen raises a brow and blinks some. He looks a little put off by the words of the elder and folds his arms across his chest as he stays by the tree.

Three-Blades, far from boredom or fatigue of the sort on such a full moon night with a Revel up and coming, licks her muzzle once and looks around the crowds.

Fights-For-Hope gives Jarred a fierce nod at his proposal to the Sept, wondering if anyone is going to take him up on the offer perhaps. The the Fostern Get Theurge looks back to the precedings, waiting patiently with arms crossed.

Alicia nods her head sharply towards the Shadow Lord. "Well said, Jarred-Yuf." She rumbles in her throat.

Olga watches Layne's challenge with a contented grin, a grin which's brought short by Jarred's words, and she glances away from him to turn her attention back to Layne. She puts that twisted smile back up but it's obvious her attention's elsewhere. When he's done, she opens her mouth like she wants to say something, but doesn't, just leaves it hanging stupidly, and looks at her Alpha.

White Bear cranes his head, looking for someone in the crowd half expectantly. Apparently disappointed that whatever he was looking for was not there, The Hispo looks to the Fool.

Three-Blades looks right back at White Bear, a fuzzy brow arching.

Auggie sits up straight when the Shadow Lord's eyes fall on him, and then looks down at the ground as Jarred speaks. His face becomes as unreadable as a mask of stone, save for his thinly pursed lips.

Alicia lets her eyes drift once more over towards Layne and shouts out. "Good luck Layne! Its about fucking time!"

Paws is stretched out almost completely on the blanket, muzzle pointed toward the stars.

Sidhefuil bobs her muzzle at Jarred's acceptance, looking pleased and appreciative. With the bones in her possession, she shifts gears again and calls out, ~Those of you who are new to the sept, come forward to introduce yourself and be recognized!~

White Bear licks his chops a few times, before looking back to the moot, and the introductions half disappointed.

Fights-For-Hope, now, gestures for his cub to step forward and make himself known.

Dillen steps up and takes the bones, holding them in a clenched fist. His words are clear and well spoken, a change from the mumbling boy that first arrived. "Rhya, Yuf, and others." The cub bends his head towards the assembled masses, "I am Dillen Francis, Skald to my fellow Get, Galliard to my fellow Garou. Cub and one that has much to learn from any who will wish to teach me combat. I wish for no holds to be barred, how else may one learn. I also would wish to begin to tell my stories as my auspice is want to do, told to me by my Grandmother to prepare me for a future I did not know at the time. If you would care to let me bend your ear with a tale, please... Let me know." He gives a rogue-ish grin and hands the bones back.

Defiant-Storm eyes Jarred as he steps down, but there doesn't seem to be disapproval in her expression--for a change. When the Fianna asks for newcomers, she lays a claw on Dillen and encourages him up.

Natalie continues to look away until the Challenges are completed and the introductions begun. She watches the new arrivals listlessly.

Three-Blades makes note of Dillen's appearance and such, head tilting to one side at the introduction.

Alicia reaches over and nudges Auggie and Miguel, clearing her throat lightly.

Auggie clears his throat and looks behind him, motioning to a boy sitting behind him in the shadows to follow. Both Gaian cubs reach Dillen at the same time after he has finished, but it is Auggie who takes the bones first. He turns to the gathered crowd, and speaks loudly and clearly, although not eloquently. "Okay. I am Augustus Kvintos, Dark-As-Night, full-moon cub of Her Children. Call me Auggie. I'm always interested in combat training, if anyone's interested in teaching. I aim to be a soldier for Gaia, and fight to protect Her sacred places." He clears his throat, and hands the bones off to Miguel, who takes them and steps up a bit more shyly. "I am David Miguel Corona, Moon Dancer cub of the Children of Gaia. I'm also willing to learn, always." He gives a respectful nod to the gathering, and then both return to their place in the crowd, next to Alicia.

Three-Blades chuffs a greeting to both Coggie cubs, looking encouraged at the sight of newer faces.

Fights-For-Hope pats Dillen on the back rather harshly as he walks back, but it is definatly an inviting pat as his face is split with an approving grin.

Untangler only reluctantly returns his attention to the proceedings at the moot when the cubs begin their introductions. His eyes are hard from being tired and too well-used today and his ears twitch. He's curious though, and he notes each.

Finds-The-Path's smiling eyes look to the three introduced Cubs, but mostly just the two of his own Tribe.

Olga watches the cubs each in turn, lips close together, and gives them a brisk head nod, a bob slightly different for each one. Then she ruffles the fur on the ruff of her own cub's neck and jerks her head out to the centre of the clearing. "Go on, then, do me proud," she invites him.

Todd shifts back to homid, and rummages in his jacket a moment before walking up. He takes the bone in his left hand, and faces the assembled Garou. He looks out at them, and projects his voice into the glade confidently. "I am Todd Brooks, Hands-Faster-Than-Head. I am of the Bone Gnawers. I am a cub. I am a Trickster." He holds the bones out for the next to take.

Three-Blades gazes at the Gnawer cub, then looks to Olga. She passes a nod to the tribe elder, one that is approving.

Olga watches tensely, and when Todd finishes she grins brokenly up ath im, and leans back much more comfortably on her blanket, waiting for the cub to return.

Natalie gives each of the cubs a faint nod; Dillen gets a fragment of a smile as well.

Sidhefuil takes the bone fragments from Todd, and drives them into the earth forcefully, proclaiming the end of the Cracking.

As Layne takes the bones, the young Wendigo Ahroun, Darkfeather, runs in lupine form into the caern from the west, seemingly unable to tell if he should just howl whats causing him to run so fast now or continue in. He apparently decides to continue in, and rushes to the center, once there he looks first to the Alpha, then to the Wyrmfoe for the night, Seeker. Concern marking his unconsealable body language in the wolf form, the Ahroun makes another decision almost visibly. The Wendigo ahroun bounds over to Seeker and growls something quietly to the Wyrmfoe, worry, but not fear, readable all over him.

Todd surrenders the bones easily, more along the lines of offering them, really, before heading back down to join his Elder. He sits next to her, and gives her a small smile.

White Bear straightens up as Kills Wisely bounds in, the Ahroun out of his mental slump in a real hurry. He strains forward slightly hoping to hear, but the Ahroun gets nothing and it shows in his growing concern.

Three-Blades perks up at the rush-in of Darkfeather, her eyes riveting towards the night darkened lupe's form and reading the language passed. The newmoon's lips lift slightly.

Olga's attention is drawn away from her cub towards the streak of fur, eyes narrowing into curious little points.

Seeker tenses as Michael relays some news to him. He whispers back to the young ahroun, then stands to address the sept. ~Garou of the Hidden Walk, hear me. Minions of the Wyrm have been foolish enough to encroach on our territory tonight. Let us show them the error of their ways.~

Three-Blades narrows her eyes at the Warder's announcement, and she stands with claws flexing. Those minions are definitely going to be sorry, she thinks to herself.

Finds-The-Path straightens and snorts shortly through his nostrils. He is ready and willing.

Fights-For-Hope looks over to Alpha and Wyrmfoe and with a nod offers, ~I will remain behind to keep the Inner Sky open, so that our Caern and its spirit will be renewed by the efforts of your revel. Have fun returning the fools to Gaia.~