April 2006 Moot
4/21/2006
06:29 PM
Logfile from GarouMUSH.
Currently the moon is in the waning Half Moon phase (42% full).
It is currently 18:19 Pacific Time on Fri Apr 21 2006.
Center of the Caern
This is the central point of the 30-meter-wide clearing. The ground is a mixture of dark, rich, muddy soil mixed with clay, though there is an occasional patch of grass. At the center rests a large white boulder, immovable even by the strongest crinos. The boulder is shot through with streaks of quartz that produces scintillating colors when light strikes it just right. It is, for lack of a wholly adequate word, beautiful.
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:
Vera (Culls-the-Herd), Jamethon (Reflection's-Howl), Jacinta (Pierces Ice), Ciuraq (Circle Keeper), Yi (Runner), Thyra (Shield-Bearer), Laura (Child-Holder), Helen (Cycle-Breaker), Kathryn-Laura (Escapes-From-Money), Alesia (Nightmares), Aaron (Savages-Enemy), Masao (Leaves-None), Stacey (Walks-Middle), Cole (Howls-For-Glory), Morgan (Song-of-Luna), Sophie (Finds-Truth), Emma (Stone-Spirit), Dillen (Bloods-Bane), Kevin (Power-Up), Blackriver (Katya), Justin (Truth-Stalker), Beatrice (Noisy Ghost), Veronica (Fledgling)
Obvious exits:
Rock Slab Windy Spot WaterFall Steam Vents
Fledgling enters the caern in the appropriate manner, careful to pause in each area reverently. She jogs into the center then, her nose and tail twitching as she tries to scent out her elders.
Shield-Bearer arrives early, the Black Fury fostern's hooves sounding against rock as she makes her way in
Walks-Middle makes her way into the center of the Caern shortly after Fledgling, her tail wagging slightly as she chuffs a greeting to the Wendigo cub, heading over to her.
The auburn-furred Elder of the Fianna enters the center, wending his way in accordance with the sequence of seasons. He settles to his haunches off in an unoccupied area, settling in. He appears lost in contemplation, occasionally flicking his glance over toward the others gathering.
The Child of Gaia's chuff catches the cub's attention, and she turns back for a moment. Her tail flies, then she bounds over to Walks-Middle, lowering her body to defer to the elder.
Two-thirds of Requiem arrives together. Which sounds more impressive than saying that Kevin and Dillen appear next to each other. Though they walk close together, each is pretty well sunk in silence as they make their way to the caern's heart.
Blackriver comes down towards the center, pausing breifly at the waterfall to lap at the spraying mist. She looks around for her tribemates and, not finding any, begins to pace somewhat nervously pack and forth.
Circle Keeper, as usual, is all painted up and ready to go. The short, white and blue Crinos paces his way down into the Caern, nostrails flairing as he sniffs over the crowd.
The solitary, gaunt figure of KL picks its way slowly and wearily into the midst of the gathering. The ahroun looks a complete fright, hair a rat's nest, cheeks hollow, eyes rimmed with darkness as though she's not been sleeping. She barely glances at anyone else, and finds a spot to occupy that puts her alone in a crowd.
Walks-Middle greets the cub again as she bounds over, looking pleased to see her, but then turns at the arrival of her packmate, moving in his direction.
Jamethon is there already, as though he has always been there since the beginning of time, sitting calmly on a rock ledge up by the waterfall quietly observing the other Garou enter.
Yi takes her time in arriving, though she bears nothing but herself. Catching sight of the Fianna elder, she lingers with a silent gaze over the galliard before breaking off to find her way to the center. When she's there, the Gnawer fostern shifts upwards to her warform and casts her gaze out over the growing numbers.
Circle Keeper meets Veronica and Stacey halfway, greeting the latter with a tense grunt.
Shield-Bearer looks to the gathered Black Furies, and then the rest of the gathered Garou. Hands fidgeting, she joins no one
Howls-For-Glory catches Yi's gaze and inclines his head once to the Ragabash. The Lupus-form Fianna gives the lupine equivalent of a shrug of his shoulders, and settles down once more.
Dillen looks about those that are arriving at the heart. His hands are shoved into his pockets and he looks a little out of sorts, "Too many missing." He says to Kevin. "Too damn many."
Pierces Ice arrives in lupus, but shifts quickly up into the war form as she nears her packmates and cub.
Kevin replies to that with only a grunt, as he looks about him. "Maybe they are picking us off one by one," he muses. "I wish I knew what the hell had happened to Kenneth."
The Angels, minus Charlie, arrive. Actually, minus a few people. Emma and Laura walk into the caern center in their human forms, both women quiet and intensely focused. When Laura spies KL off to one side, she nudges her alpha with her elbow, and the pair of them start towards their packmate.
Walks-Middle shifts up into Crinos, nodding her head respectfully to Pierces Ice as she draws near before looking out to survey the rest gathered. A worried glance is given in the direction of Dillen and Kevin.
Kathryn-Laura may be in morose mode, but she's watchful enough. When Emma and Laura head over towards her, she makes a movement as though to avoid them, then checks it, and stands there discontentedly awaiting their approach.
Fledgling follows Walks-Middle, her tail still waving. She doesn't make a sound, vibrating with tension as she is. She's all energy and nerves at the moment, sniffing here and there as though having trouble making up her mind. When she spies Jacinta, she gets even more perkier, if that's possibly. She rises to crinos as well, hanging back from Ridgeline as they meet.
Dillen shakes his head and runs his fingers through his hair. "Let them come. They will taste their own blood as my fist rams down their throat." He grunts back to Kevin in response. His head shakes from side to side as he looks about, "Something is wrong about it." He then grows up to crinos, still surveying the crowd.
Kevin remains in homid, still looking around the group of garou. So many faces not present. The ragabash's hands go to his pockets as he hunches his shoulders, tense, nervous.
Runner swivels her ears forward and back, looking around at the faces, sniffing the air. A quiet rumble of discontent travels through her as well, as she overhears a few conversations.
Helen arrives, bundled up against the somewhat chilly weather, and upon spotting her tribesister Laura she heads in her direction. Looks like she hasn't spotted KL.
Song-of-Luna arrives, already in crinos. She is, likely, the most hesitant looking crinos to be seen tonight. She lingers at the edge, looking around nervously, ears back, before making her way very slowly and very carefully toward Howls-for-Glory.
Laura continues towards KL, cocking her head to the side as she considers the other woman. "Are you alright?" she mouths, taking in the other's dishevelled appearance and general attitude.
Bloods-Bane nods to Kevin and moves towards the center. He pauses for a moment and then lifts his head to the air...
Kathryn-Laura responds to her sister Black Fury's enquiry without a single word, only a brief, curt nod which even the most trusting and unsuspicious person would find it hard to believe was fully truthful.
Bloods-Bane howls long and loud.
From Center of the Caern, Bloods-Bane can be heard to howl, ~~Garou of the Hidden Walk, Find your way to the caern where tonight we pay homage to your totem, Chimera, the Lady of the mirrors. Come now under this full moon, together, and MOOT!~~
Pierces Ice smiles at Fledgling, lupine jaw opening slighly and the pink of her tongue just visible. Then she moves in closer to Stacey, offering the Child of Gaia a rough nudge as she looks over at Circle Keeper. Her grin thins.
Laura doesn't push KL for more information, but does stay close to her fellow Fury. When the howl goes up, she stiffens, tearing her eyes away from KL and turning towards the 'main event'. She can't help a bit of worry showing in her expression and posture.
Circle Keeper shrinks back slightly as Jacinta joins the group, leaning heavily on his weapon. He tries to find cause to look elsewhere.
By the waterfall, Kevin gives Dillen a look as he howls, and a tight smile, then walks up towards the waterfall, still looking round the Sept members as though trying to impress each of them on his mind one at a time.
Howls-For-Glory butts his head against Song-of-Luna as she arrives, welcoming her silently to his little staked out portion of the center. We begin, he observes tersely.
Nightmares looks tentative but makes her way down to be next to Laura, looking rather nervous and unsure if she should be in crinos right now.
Bloods-Bane says, ~Garou of the hidden walk, Hear my voice and listen. Lift your voice to the sky, to Chimera, to Gaia. Let the wyrm hear you and fear you! Let your fellow Garou hear you and find strength.~ Bloods-Bane's fists pump up and into the air with his words before he rips into a long and powerful howl before he moves into the swirling wind for the reading of the litany.
Howls-For-Glory joins his howl to his fellow Galliard's, pouring frustration and excess energy into the gesture.
Walks-Middle gives an uncertain glance in Circle Keeper's direction, then tilts her head back to add her young voice to the howl.
Runner licks her muzzle, anticipation rising with the opening howl. Almost before the Get finishes his words, she yelp out a few warmups before truly letting go as loud a howl as she can manage. She's not going for beauty, just volume and variation.
Kathryn-Laura slowly bestirs herself and bulks up to crinos form. She does not join in the howl, however, and remains there with her jaws tightly shut.
Blackriver relaxes slightly as the moot begins and moves to sit near her only present tribemate, Truth-Stalker, and lets out a howl, shifting upwards into crinos as she does so.
Song-of-Luna howls along with her tribemate, though she's easily drowned out by his. Even as she does so, a curious, questioning look is given toward Howls-for-Glory.
Laura shifts to crinos as well, tilting her head back and howling with the rest. Though the howl wavers at first, it soon strengthens and grows in volume.
By the waterfall, Kevin's body grows till he too is in crinos form. ~Garou of the Walk!~ he hails the gathered multitude. ~Too often, we remember the Litany that Gaia gave us only by rote, and rarely think of what it means and why we adhere to it. For that reason, my packmate and myself --~ he indicates Bloods-Bane -- ~have decided to turn it around in the Calling tonight, in the hope that as we present it thus, it may make you have to think harder to remember it in reverse order... and perhaps think /about/ it also.~ With which announcement he turns back to Bloods-Bane, waving one long crinos arm in a gesture of invitation for the Galliard to commence.
Blackriver's ears twitch once and she looks somewhat weary of this new way of doing the Calling.
Pierces Ice's gaze snaps toward Kevin, muzzle tightly closed and eyes narrowed.
Nightmares join's in Laura's howl.
By the waterfall, Jamethon also takes crinos form and his voice adds to the howl.
~Fool! Already are you to test our traditions?~ barks out Runs-the-Gauntlet, staring at the Walker ragabash and his packmate with a wary eye.
In the windiest area, Bloods-Bane gives a growl and then his eyes search among those gathered, scanning until he lands on Kevin. He lifts his muzzle to announce, ~Take no action that causes a caern to be violated.~ Then he sends an angry gaze at Kevin, awaiting the fool's retort.
By the waterfall, Power-Up meets Runs-the-Gauntlet's words with an impassive stare, then begins his challenge of the reverse Litany with a hearty laugh, which sounds ugly and menacing in his crinos form. ~Take no action?~ he repeats. ~Then it is in accordance with our laws to stand by and watch as the Wyrm and its creatures walk into our very heart? For that is not action, but inaction, and by the letter of the law it is not forbidden.~ He folds his arms in mock-nonchalance and closes his eyes exaggeratedly. The impression is that he might even whistle merrily, if crinos lips could whistle. Then he drops the pose, opens first his eyes and then his mouth. ~A fine example of how the outdated, hopeless Litany fails to protect us or those we fight for! Best that we discard it and begin a new rulebook from scratch!~
~The Law is whole, not parts!~ Fledgling barks sharply. ~Standing is an action. Watching is an action. Ignoring is an action!~ she bares her fangs.
Escapes raises one fist and clenches it at the Glass Walker as though signifying her desire to punch his lights out for that remark. Her lips remain sealed, however.
Still wary and unhappy about the reversal of the litany order, Pierces the Ice cannot help but show pride in her cub's retort.
Howls-For-Glory lets out a snarl of outrage. ~Inaction is what has made this place so rife with enemies! We are surrounded and beset on all sides! And you would have us lie down and let them rape the Mother! Fool is the only word to describe you! Quiet your tongue, before someone tears it out!~
Truth-Stalker growls, ~Action includes lack of action. Failure to act is an action itself. No quarter is given to those who would stand by and ignore their duties!~
Blackriver lets out a growl at Power-Up. ~Fool to think only of words.~
Child-Holder prods Nightmares lightly, encouraging her to respond to the Fool.
Runner snaps her muzzle shut just long enough to stifle a snarled curse. In its place, she howls back, ~That is why we have the Second law, in the true order of the Litany!~
Nightmares looks worried about how to respond. After a moment she adds her own voice, hesitantly. ~Understand the meaning, not the words. Words are of the weaver, the spirit is what counts.~
By the waterfall, Reflection, standing near to the Fool as he is, is well placed to respond with a snarl loud enough to ring in the ragabash's eardrums. ~Do not play word games! To surrender a Caern is dishonor itself. No more, no less.~
In the windiest area, Bloods-Bane watches as the masses shout back and forth with the fool, throwing in his own words as well. ~If we lose the Caern, we loose our life. Would you rather we let the spirals take control? No. I will fight for my home and family!~ He then proceeds through several more of the litany and then arrives at the next. ~The veil shall not be lifted!~ He announces out and right at Kevin with a mock growl.
By the waterfall, Power-Up again goes for the cheap laugh of mime first, mimicking a covering in front of his face, then reaching up with one huge hand to oh-so-delicately tweak it away from his snarling muzzle. ~Which of us has not wondered,~ he then asks, looking round the sept members, ~what it would be like if we no longer had to sneak and creep around, fearful of the gaze of those that the weakest cub or most palsied greymuzzle could shred apart with one hand? I know I have. Admit it, we all have. What have humans done for us, that we should be so cautious with their delicate sensibilities? They have littered the planet, killed animals and plants, polluted everywhere, spawned the Wyrm in more places than I could name if I took all night. And yet we shrink to reveal ourselves in our true colours to them? If only they knew what fearful avengers we are, they might think twice before setting light to a pile of tires, or pumping a creek so full of pollution that banes form in it! Let their fear of our war-forms be our weapon, not our dirty secret!~
Fledgling's ears flatten, then cup, demonstrating some lingering irritation over the reverse Litany. ~With the Veil gone, the humans wouldn't only fear us, they'd fear Grandmother! Not honor her, not learn the ways right!~
Runner howls back, ~Show the nearest hunter your warface, and they will gladly show you the end of their silver armed guns!~
Nightmares hesitates again and looks to her elder then back up at the fool. ~If the humans knew of us, they would destroy us. They are the weaver's tool. The wyrm's tool. Man fears what it does not understand. If it understood us it would not fear us, it would hunt us and kill us. We would be gone and Gaia would be defenseless.~
Escapes's response to all of the Fool's challenges and nitpicks remains pretty constant; clenched fists and silent snarls. She remains next to Child-Holder and Nightmares, her tribemates, but still holds her silence.
Beatrice slouches into the caern, hands in pockets, head skulked down and hair all in her face. Her not-so-chubby-anymore face is tightly set, jaw firm and mouth frowning as she sidles her way toward Circle Keeper as unobtrusively as possible.
Howls-For-Glory simply growls his response to the Fool's words, too incensed to do much else.
Walks-Middle growls at that. ~That is the idiotic pride that led to the War of Rage and the Impergium so long ago. And it would lead toward our deaths and theirs once again... The pride that has reduced the number of our allies, weakening our strength in this war. To follow that same path again is folly and wounds Gaia.~
By the waterfall, Reflection bares his teeth in disgust. ~What a fool! You would bring their fear and anger down on your head and all our heads. Do as you suggest, and when you feel silver stab your heart, you will know with your dying thought what a fool you were!~
Nightmares gives a faint growl at Walks-Middle's response but doesn't do more than that. Clearly unhappy with the implication about perhaps the rules of the past.
In the windiest area, Bloods-Bane growls and shakes his whole body at Kevin's answers in disappointment. He stalks the area, looking at the fool as words fly from him. He goes through several other tenets of the litany until he arrives at the next. ~Accept an honorable surrender!~ He announces to the fool once again.
By the waterfall, Power-Up is well in the swing of playing the fool now, and he counters that Law with a swift snarl and bared teeth. ~Honorable surrender, eh?~ he jeers. ~How many of those who hold high rank in the Garou Nation climbed up the tree by walking on the bodies of other Garou whom they fought and killed because they did not 'surrender honorably'?~ He gives Vera a piercing gaze. ~If I fought any of you without witnesses tomorrow, and you showed throat, and I ripped it out... all I would need to do is let it be known that you would not surrender honorably, and no philodox in the world could touch me for it.~ He gives Blackriver a cool stare. ~This law is unenforcable. Away with it.~
Howls-For-Glory's hackles rises as he bristles. He rises into Crinos, shaking with ill-concealed anger. ~You would see our numbers decimated out of sheer, idiotic pride! Gaia made us to fight the Wyrm, not kill ourselves over land, mates, fetishes or simply who's got a bigger pair than who! Accept an honorable surrender, or you can bet that one day, no one will accept yours, Fool!~
Blackriver simply growls, low and loud, back at Power-Up. ~Idiot!~
Pierces Ice says, ~Honor is honor. What those without honor may get away with for a short time does not make it right.~
~The lie you give the Philodox would be carved into your face with the claws of the honorable Garou's surviving family!~ Runner snarls out, hackles bristling.
~Only a stupid Urrah wyrmcomer would think like that!~ Fledgling spits.
By the waterfall, Reflection gives a deep, deep growl to the Fool. ~Try it,~ he invites Power-Up, ~and your blood will be deservingly spilt by the claws of all right-thinking Garou.~
Vera bares her teeth, as she nearly explodes into Crinos. ~The only Garou body I stepped over to gain my Rank, was an honorless Traitor who was selling out the kinfolk of his Tribe to the Spirals!~
Seasons-Change remains closer to her tribemates as she listens to the fool, growling in irritation as the voices fill the air.
By the waterfall, Power-Up has been generally allowing his words to be jeered and shouted at without reacting, but Fledgling's sneer at his place of residence is enough to draw a reproachful look at the cub.
The mixture as before from Escapes-from-Money; the silent snarl of bared teeth, the raised hackles, the clenched crinos fists, the silence.
Beatrice bulks up into Crinos form and drops to all fours to give herself a shake. ~You suck!~ she yells at the Fool.
Truth-Stalker peers at Power-Up. ~You think the half moons can not tell when your tongue is twisted? You truly are the fool. You would not see the next moon rise for such an act. And rightfully so for no garou is beyond honor, though they may avoid it for a time it will find them.~
Fledgling meets the look for a few seconds before she drops her gaze and takes a single, snarling step back.
Walks-Middle growls again. ~To lie is equally dishonorable. Even what you think you do in secret will be found out. At some point, it will catch up to you. If we have no honor amongst ourselves, then we are no better than that which we fight.~
Stone-Spirit glances to her packmates, equally riled by the fool, but remaining silent for now.
In the windiest area, A few more are passed through and then the two arrive at the final and first tenet of the litany. Bloods-Bane moves through the steam vents to be face to face with Kevin. ~No Garou shall mate with Garou.~ He announces just as loud as the others, throwing a fist into the air to signify the end of this litany.
By the waterfall, Power-Up stares into Dillen's angry face from a distance of only inches, his own face setting into an unpleasant crinos scowl. ~And to conclude the list of lameness,~ he snaps back, ~the lamest law of all. Why should Garou not mate with Garou?~ he demands. ~In some cases, it bears fruit... ugly fruit, but still fruit, warriors who fight for Gaia as fiercely as any of us. One of whom was recognised as adult in this sept only in this very week. In other cases, there is not even the stigma of a metis birth. Where precautions are taken, or the Garou are of the same sex. What possible objection,~ he shouts out, both fists clenching tightly as his anger heightens, ~can any have to that? A Garou who loves another Garou, and fights alongside them, has that much more incentive to fight fiercely and to watch his lover's back than any other warrior among us. This rule is mindless!~ he climaxes. ~Mindless, thoughtless, useless. Let it follow the rest into oblivion.~
~And in two generations the garou would be gone. Lost to metis sterility and lack of mating with kin. And in three generations Gaia would fall to your stupidity.~ Calls out Truth-Stalker.
Song-of-Luna has been, until this point, perfectly content to sit beside Howls-for-Glory and allow him to make all the remarks. At Power-Up's words, however, her ears suddenly flatten, and she looks as though she's been slapped. ~No!~ she snarls. It's hardly a wordy argument, but ah well.
Child-Holder growls. ~I love my pack and my sisters. I do not need to mate with them to let them know I will protect them, heal them, or fight for them. We must not ignore our kin in favor of our own.~
~It is wrong!~ Blackriver snaps. ~We look at the metis and we know they are wrong. They fight, they are Garou, some gain rank and honor, but they should not be. We should not create things that we know should not be.~
Escapes's head turns as Child-Holder delivers that comment and she looks at her tribemate. Her response is the same as it has been throughout, though perhaps it's a little slower in coming this time.
Nightmares seems oddly silent on this one and upset as she moves a bit closer to Child-Holder, and clearly dislikes this whole topic.
Noisy Ghost makes a face, snout wrinkled, then says, very loudly, ~Isn't one of his elders a charach? Figures he'd think that.~
Howls-For-Glory settles, somewhat taken aback by the argument. ~Metis are Garou, and fight as fiercely as any, it is true! But why force upon them a life of stigma when they have the chance to be raised as other than metis?! To do otherwise is cruelty to the child, and disrespect to the laws of the Mother of us all!~
Runner sneers with curled back lips, ~If you are so eager to join the metis in their lack of future children, there are plenty of ways to make it so!~
By the waterfall, Reflection very, very nearly spits on the sacred ground of the Caern in response to that final challenge of the Last -- or First -- law, such is his disgust. He stares at Power-Up with ill-disguised contempt.
Song-of-Luna's ears flatten even further, and she glances around at her fellow Garou with a look that can't quite be interpreted. She licks her nose twice and settles back again near her elder.
In the windiest area, Bloods-Bane stares at Kevin for another moment, eyes drifting down to the clenched hands that reside on his packmate. A brow raises as he begins to yell back at his packmate, ~Fruit that cannot bear others. We are losing the war as we waste our seed with sex with those that bear no warriors for the fight. No kin to bear warriors. It is a foolish thing.~ Joining his voice with the others.
Circle Keeper's head turns to Cole in response to his comment, baring teeth as he snarls in the direction of the Galliard. After this, his head tips back towards the, barking ~Metis are abomination against Gaia! She pisses on their blood! Make no more of them!~ He doesn't seem to be aware of his cub's existance.
Fledgling whines, then turns it into another howl. ~More strong warriors, not weak ones!~
By the waterfall, As the hubbub of jeers, catcalls and refutations of his point finally die away, Power-Up speaks once more. ~Garou of the Hidden Walk, you have made yourselves clear. Your grasp on the Litany is strong; even when we present it in reverse there is no tricking you.~ He descends from the waterfall and begins to walk among the sept, looking at one member after another; Dillen, Morgan, Emma, KL. As he walks he keeps speaking in the same loud, ringing, almost defiant tone. ~The Litany rules us at every moment of our lives. And it rules me, your Fool, as it does all the rest of us.~ By now, he's circled the sept, and is face to face with Dillen again above the congregation. His voice still rings out. ~It breaks my heart to say this here among you, but I will do so, not for my own benefit but in the hope that it may save some of you, even one of you. I am not worthy to stand among you, and so I bid you farewell... for I am litany-breaker and Charach.~ And in the moment of shocked, horrified silence that follows this dreadful revelation, Power-Up spins around and, head down, bolts for the edge of the circle as though his very life depends upon his speed.
Song-of-Luna slinks a little behind Howls-for-Glory now, though her attention is still wavering between Power-Up and the gathered Garou.
In the windiest area, The words trigger Bloods-Bane and he moves almost without thinking. He leaps towards Power-Up and takes a swipe at him, trying to connect with his packmate. His crinos form sends out a hard hand. clawed and ready to draw blood.
Noisy Ghost blinks black eyes, ears flattening in an expression of confusion, like she's not sure if this is real, or part of the 'show'.
By the waterfall, Power-Up is shrinking down even as he runs, from crinos to hispo. He veers to try to dodge around Bloods-Bane, his paws scrabbling for desperate purchase. As he skids past the Get galliard, Bloods-Bane's furious swipe connects along his back, opening up a long red gash there. Then, shrinking further to lupus, Power-Up charges to the edge of the caern, not pausing to look back, and races off into the night as fast as his athletic legs will carry him, a shadow lost among shadows.
Howls-For-Glory becomes aware of the snarl and turns himself to face Circle Keeper fully. His lips peel back as he snarls back at the Uktena, taloned fingers flexing in eagerness. There's a mocking tone to his snarl, one that dies only a second later as Power-Up makes his announcement. His eyes widen, and his jaw simply hangs open. And then a howl of outrate escapes him.
Fledgling freezes in place, immediately looking to Pierces Ice for her 'cue'. She flexes her claws, instinct telling her to chase, but doesn't move.
Circle Keeper's in war form, but is not so surprised. In fact, despite the angry, slighty blood shot appearances, he looks fairly... skeptical.
Child-Holder's ears prick forward, and her lip twitches up. She notes the fleeing coward's direction, nose twitching as she silently snarls.
Song-of-Luna's posture hasn't changed in the slightest. It's as though she's completely unaware of everything after Power-Up's last refute of the Litany. She's utterly, utterly still.
The crinosed Bloods-Bane stands and watches as Power-Up disappears into the night. His chest heaves with anger and his eyes bore into the forest. He doesn't move for a long time, glaring into the space that Kevin once stood in. Every muscle in his body will tell those assembled that his packmate is truthful and that was not part of the show. He almost twitches with rage, eyes still on the empty place that once held Kevin.
Noisy Ghost looks over at Circle Keeper, confused and tense. ~Shouldn't someone go after him?~ she asks her Elder.
Runner too, looks for just a few moments surprised by the Walker's announcement and subsequent bolt away from the caern. ~And you all stand there as he gets away?!~ The Gnawer shakes her head and shifts down, shrinking to her lupus form, bursting forth after the fleeing Walker at top speed.
Escapes stands there, confused and rather sulky looking, as she tries to puzzle out this sudden turn in events.
Pierces Ice turns, almost ready to follow the fleeing Glass Walker, but she holds herself to her spot. ~The Moot first. Punishment later.
Truth-Stalker holds his position, but clearly is unpleased by the fools admission. After a moment he growls out, ~We will hunt him down after the moot. We must respect the spirits and strengthen our bond with Gaia. We are Garou. We can hunt him after the moot. He will be punished, if this is not another joke of his. If it is a joke, he will be punished as well...~
Circle Keeper responds low to his cub, ~Nothing the fool says or does can be trusted, when he is the fool. That is why they are called the Fool.~
Blackriver lets out a huff of agreement with Truth-Stalker. ~The moot most be followed. The fool will be delt with later.~
Noisy Ghost nods slightly at Circle Keeper. ~Bad joke,~ she remarks in a quiet rumble and squats down on her haunches. She stares after the departed Fool with a pensive expression. Her ears remain flat.
Howls-For-Glory shakes his head heavily. ~Bah, just a trick.~ When the apparent Charach's packmate looks genuinely angered, his expression darkens. "For his sake, I hope it is.~ Circle Keeper gets another flleting glance, and then he turns back to face Bloods-Bane.
By the waterfall, Reflection, from his position aloft by the waterfall, seems thunderstruck for a moment, staring in the direction which the Fool has just gone haring off in.
Walks-Middle just stares, jaws open in shock as the Glass Walker flees, shaking her head as if having a hard time believing it.
Late as any could be, Leaves-None trots into view at one edge of the caern in time to see all of this break out. Lupus ears perk and turn to catch the various reactions that bandy about, ultimately centering on the elder Gnawer Ragabash as she takes off. A quick look from gathered Garou to bolting tribemate and the light-furred no-moon takes off after Runner.
Bloods-Bane finally pulls himself away. His jaw snaps at nothing in particular as he moves out of the limelight of the center and to a more private area. His teeth grind and his fists clench and release. His head shakes in disbelief, eyes turned away from the others. He simply says, ~The announcement was not a part of the Litany. He will pay for the joke if it is one. He will pay..." The galliard's words trail off, a beat away from a frenzy.
Seasons-Change lets out a very serious growl as the ragabash takes off, hackles raising and tail twitching with fierce rage.
Howls-For-Glory curls his paw into a fist. ~Then Gaia have mercy on that poor bastard. There's a storm coming, and he's a fucking lightning rod.~
Blackriver settles back onto her haunches and looks around towards the Gatekeeper.
Song-of-Luna remains stiff and utterly immobile.
Circle Keeper looks around to all the people talking loudly, temper rising as they do. He looks sharply to several of them, but many are spared their a nasty look from him by simple matter of him not having enough eyes to throw nasty looks with.
Nightmares goes stiff at the news and looks utterly lost and a bit statue like.
Pierces Ice's fingers clench and flex at her sides, looking for the Theurge who will Open the Inner Sky.
Noisy Ghost fidgets.
~Garou of the Hidden Walk!~ Culls-The-Heard suddenly speaks, voice rising above the hub-bub. ~The Walker will be hunted down and brought to the half-moons once the Moot and Revel are completed! I know a Gift that will not allow him to hide from /me!/~ Lifting her clawed hands above her head, the Shadow Lord lets out a long and eerie howl. Above her raised hands, a crow of shadow and lightning forms. ~Follow the Walker and report when he goes to ground.~ The Spirit-bird caws and its wings crackle as it takes flight, fading from the realm within a few wingbeats.
Blackriver looks somewhat alarmed at this strange spirit materialization. But then again, she seems a bit anxious about this whole thing, and looks around frantically for the Theurge to lead the Opening.
Howls-For-Glory looks back to the gathering, ears pinning back as he waits.
Song-of-Luna lets a very, very quiet whine pass her lips, but otherwise she remains as she has been these past few moments.
By the waterfall, The Warder stands in all his Crinos glory. He looks towards the pool and then nods and turns to walk over towards the steam vents. A thin almost wispy strand of water rises from the pool's center and follows Reflection's-Howl. There it almost seems to meld with the steam, and the strand breaks from the pool and continues to flow into the steam from the vents. When the entire strand has been 'absorbed', the Get Warder shouts out towards the gathered Garou. ~It is time for that which is right, to /be/. Understand that it is not where you stand, but what you stand for and what you are willing to stand against, that matters. There is a sense of the impatient in the airts. We survive but the Eye of the Wyrm looms triumphantly over our heads, mocking our survival. When you howl tonight your praise and promise to Chimera and Gaia know that in that howl will also be a promise to the spirits of all things, that we will take the fight to the enemy. Our survival means nothing as long as our enemy survives as well. Chimera!~ He calls out proudly to the sky in a near-howl, more a powerful chuffing. ~We feel your frustration! We call on you tonight to grace your children and your Caern with your presence. Grant us the wisdom to know the path of war against all of that which would harm Gaia. Chimera!~ His voice raises to an impassioned howl... not the beauty of a Galliard's but the strange, haunting, and wondrous quality of those touched by the slivered Theurge's moon. ~We call you forward! Proud not to be strong. Proud not to be great. But proud to serve and die for Her. Proud to lay down our lives and trust in Her. Proud to be Garou, Warriors of Gaia. /Chimera!/ Come forth and hear our commitment so that we may go on and be an example to the Nation, that when all Garou of all tribes stand together and have the courage to fight as one, the Wyrm /will/ fall to our feet and be cleansed from the suffering face of Gaia! Chimera, /come/!~ With this last word the Warder arches his back and howls it, arms raising to call the Sept to join him.
Blackriver throws her head back and eagerly howls along with the Warder.
Truth-Stalker joins in, howling to the night sky.
Stone-Spirit lifts her voice to the sky, sending her howl upwards.
Noisy Ghost lifts her muzzle and lets out a yowling, ululating cry.
Nightmares starts several beats after the crowd starts but then joins in the howling, letting her own voice join the chorus.
Circle Keeper takes a few breaths, before tipping his head back to howl.
Walks-Middle tilts back her head once again, joining her howl to the others.
Escapes appears too stunned, still, to utter a sound. Her big clawed hand rises to her neck and she feels the small, sharp tooth that hangs around it on a cord, as though in disbelief.
Howls-For-Glory joins his cry to the rest, the Galliard pushing for ever-greater volume.
Bloods-Bane lifts his head in a howl, a lonesome and painful howl, a release of sorts.
Song-of-Luna gives a little shiver, and then tips her muzzle back as well. As usual her howl is rough and ill practiced--there's more volume to it than she gave in the opening howl, but it's still easily lost amidst the others.
Pierces Ice lowers herself into a crouch, leaning on the knuckles of one hand, then tips her head upward in a howl that begins as a low keening and grows into a full voice of rage.
By the waterfall, After the howl's of those who will join rise to a fevered rumbling pitch the steam explodes violently out and around the Gatekeeper-turned-Warder. It is an angry feeling that comes over the Caern and all those within it. A feeling of frustration, impatience, rage. But there is an unfamiliarity to it all, it is not the Garou's own, but that of the Spirit's. The steam billows forth until it covers all of the Caern in damp opaque white cloud that rains in on itself. Lightning, without thunder, flickers through the dampness like adrenaline charged nerves firing rapidly up and down one's spine. Hair and fur stands on end and to a Garou: breathing becomes rapid, excited, shallow and deep alternatively like in the ecstasy of a hunt or the bed. The cloud parts and swirls around the Garou, till it is a large ring of silvery haze, like a halo around the Caern. Then the cloud is a large black wolf, metallic and highly reflective in nature. It runs... much like the wind. After a time the wolf tilts straight down over the vents and crashes back down into them, absorbing once more into all the steam. The sensations from the Inner Sky's opening fade slightly, but throughout the rest of the moot and revel they never truly disappear.
Howls-For-Glory's fur stands on end all over, and his murky eyes are showing far too much white. His barrel-chest heaves as he strives to suck in enough breath. For once, the Galliard is struck absolutely speechless.
Song-of-Luna is left trembling, jaw clenched, practically hugging the ground. Even when the steam fades she doesn't seem in the slightest bit inclined to get up. Her fur is standing all on end.
Bloods-Bane doesn't even turn to regard the opening of the sky as his fur crackles with the electricity of the event. He shifts down into his lupus form and pads over to a cleared area, settling down to rest his head on his paws. He's there to listen, but his mind if far from the moot.
By the waterfall, Jamethon heaves with mighty breaths for some time then growls forth, ~The Inner Sky is open. Let us moot, promises remembered.[P~
Escapes nods slowly, still holding the tooth on a string round her neck, still seeming pretty much stunned by the combination of events so far this Moot.
From the rock outcropping, After a moment of dread silence, Blackriver takes one quick look around, places a long dry bone in her mouth, and leaps onto the slate grey outcropping. She takes the bone out of her mouth and holds it forwards in her large crinos hands. ~Now we moot. Now we call out to Gaia and our people as we seek truth and honor and wisdom.~ The half-moon then cracks the bone in half and a sharp splintering noise fills the air for a second before she raises bone halves up to the sky. ~The Cracking of the Bone is now! Newcomers, come forward and greet your brothers and sisters!~
From the rock outcropping, The few seconds that follow stretch out for what seems like hours, the silence of phantom newcomers filling the air. Blackriver stares blankly for a moment, as though unsure of what to do in this situation. Finally, she scans the crowd once more ~There are no newcomers? Then, let us speak of what is happening. Septmates step forward and share your news!~
Circle Keeper finally glances back at his cub, startling slightly when he realizes she's there. Sniffing a few times, he shifts more of his weight back onto his weapon.
Howls-For-Glory stalks forward to take the bones from Blackriver with a nod. ~Warriors of the Hidden Walk! I have two announcements this evening! First, I bring joyful news! We have among us tonight two cubs who are cubs no longer! Finds-Truth, formerly known as Seasons-Change, has passed her Rite of Passage! Song-of-Luna, also known as Eyes-of-Fire or simply "Bug" has also joined the Fianna as a full adult. There are two new Garou of the Sept of the Hidden Walk, ready to face the Wyrm!~
Noisy Ghost gives Circle Keeper a sullen, irritated look out of the corner of her eyes, then focuses on the Cracking. She lets out a half-hearted little howl to congratulate the new Cliaths.
Walks-Middle looks only slightly cheered at this news, as weighed down as she is by the previous happenings. She manages to send a proud look in the direction of the two new Cliaths.
Song-of-Luna hugs herself and settles back onto her haunches. She's not looking at the other Garou, but rather at the ground directly in front of her.
Pierces Ice glances at her own cub, ears twitching backward with a mixture of emotions.
Nightmares peers at the new cliaths, looking finally a bit cheerful, the past unpleasantness kind of pushed to the side for the moment, but she remains quiet and glances to her elder, taking cues from Child-Holder.
Escapes seems sunk in dejection, and barely acknowledges this good news save with the faint flick back and forth of one ear.
Cycle-Breaker offers a chuff in congratulations at the news.
Bloods-Bane slightly lifts his head and chuffs towards Howls. A congratulations.
Howls-For-Glory continues onward, his expression darkening. ~Unfortunately, this is not the only news I bear this evening. As Chimera has shown us tonight, we are wallowing in inactivity! Our enemies close in, one by one, and yet we do nothing. The Blight upon the river! The tire fires! The Nexus Crawler lies weakened, but we have not attacked! The time for waiting is done. I challenge every single one of you here to shake off the lethargy that has claimed us over the winter. It is spring, and a tale I'll tell later will relate that clearly! Very nearly one year ago to the day, we lost one of our own, a Silver Fang called Endures-Pain, and my pack Alpha. She was taken by a pack of Scrags in the Scab. Well enough is enough! I am forming a war pack to destroy the abominations, once and for all. The only purpose this pack will have is the destruction of the Scrags. Anyone is welcome, especially those with experience in the city! When, and only when we have destroyed this menace, the pack can disband or seek out a new meaning! Find me, if you have the wisdom, courage and honor necessary to seek justice for the slain!~ He hands the bones back to Blackriver and slinks back to his tribemates.
The only response Cole's announcement gets is a snort from the Fostern Uktena.
Laura steps up to take the bones, taking her homid birth form. She looks over the assembled Garou, then speaks in a loud, clear voice. "My tribesister, Helen, has declared my chiminage complete and stepped down as elder of the Black Furies. I have taken her place." That simple declaration made, Laura offers the bones to Blackriver and returns to her place in the gathering.
Noisy Ghost perks her ears up, looking keenly interested in Cole's announcement.
Escapes does respond to that, albeit in her usual silent way. She inclines her head very sharply to Laura in a gesture of respect that verges on the grudging.
At Howls-for-Glory's words, Cycle-Breaker perks a little, listening, seemingly interested. Then, watching Laura as she makes her announcement, she bobs her head once in the new Fury elder's direction.
From the rock outcropping, Blackriver tilts her head towards the side after taking the bones back from Laura and pulls them towards her somewhat possessively. ~As a half-moon I have judged the Blackfury Ahroun Escapes-From-Money. As many know, she took a tainted cub to this caern.~ The half-moon's eyes briefly go to the Fury before they return to scan the crowd. ~She showed a lack or wisdom, she violated the Litany, she disgraced her tribe and endangered the sept with her foolishness. For this she will wear the jackal's voice until the next moot.~ A pause. ~When she speaks remember her foolishness. Remember to think and be wise.~
Nightmares cringes at this news, clearly aware that she is the cub in question. She hangs her head a bit and spies a look twoards Escapes.
Circle Keeper grunts slightly, tipping his head back to look to his pack-alpha with this announcement.
Howls-For-Glory huffs a dismissive breath at Circle Keeper, then turns to listen to the news of the Furies and Silver Fang. His brows draw down, but he doesn't otherwise react.
Escapes's hands clench into fists again and she looks down at the ground by her feet, as though she knew this news was coming and yet still finds her public shaming unwelcome.
Pierces Ice's tongue slides over her bared fangs. Howls for Glory's huff is not missed and she sends a glare in his direction.
Truth-Stalker steps up to take the bones. ~Fire-Burns is missing. She and others can not be found as of yet. As she is my tribal elder and a tribe needs an elder, I am claiming eldership of the Silver Fang tribe. When Fire-Burns returns the situation will be sorted out but until then, I am elder of the Silver Fang tribe for this sept. I have other news, there are two new Silver Fangs here. They are working on Chiminage and with luck will be members of the Sept soon. They are a Thuerge named Promises-Kept and a Thuerge named Lune-Calmer. If, while performing Chiminage, they act unwisely or inappropriately please bring this matter to my attention.~ Truth-Stalker says this firmly and loudly then nods to Blackriver and returns the bones to her.
Cycle-Breaker watches Escapes, her eyes sad, but she quickly turns away as Truth-Stalker steps forward to make his own announcement.
From the rock outcropping, Culls-The-Herd lifts the bones above her head, allowing her voice to echo across the Caern. ~Firstly, the Walker /will/ be tracked down and brought to the half-moons for Justice. Secondly, there are some of our number that have gone missing and have been gone for nearly a turning of a moon. Fire-Burns, Dagger's-Edge, Bitter-Harvest, and Grey. Bloods-Bane was able to find out a little about their location from his pack's Totem. He has told me that they are in the Umbra, a pocket of the spirit-realm. We do not know how they got there, or even if it will be possible to find them and bring them back. I ask all to be on their guard. We do not want to loose any more warriors.~
Bloods-Bane looks up to Culls as she speaks. His head shakes from side to side and then a chuff of breath comes out in agreement before his head rests on his paws again.
Howls-For-Glory growls at the news of the Umbral pocket and the missing Garou. His reaction to the glare sent in his direction is completely overlaid by the one this news elicits. His ears pin back and he scratches furrows into the dirt with a forepaw.
~They live?~ These are the first words to find their way to Escapes-from-Money's lips since the moot began, and they come out in a horribly cracked, whining parody of the Ahroun's normal voice.
Walks-Middle perks her ears forward at the news of the missing Garou, the name of Dagger's Edge gaining her attention more than the previous news, a bit of relief, followed by worry, enters her posture.
Song-of-Luna finally rouses from her slump by Howls-for-Glory, looking toward Culls-the-Herd with ears pushed forward, suddenly all attentive.
Bloods-Bane takes a breath and rises to his feet and shifts into crinos to speak. ~Snae says that they are in terrible danger. He could not give me a place as to where they were, I sent him back to find it. I have not heard from him since.~ He shakes his head, ~I would hope they are alive and would wish to get a group together to find them... If I only knew where.~
From the rock outcropping, Blackriver gives the Galliard a sharp glare and a snarl as he speaks without the bones.
~Silence!~ Culls-The-Herd bellows. ~Do not speak while another holds the bones! The next who speaks out of turn will be driven out of the Moot!~
Culls-The-Herd's ears slick back and she bares her teeth. ~I will lead an assault on the Siren that defeated this Sept during the great hunt, after the moon wanes and grows fat once again. I have yet to receive the Talens that I asked to be made, because the Metis Glass Walker White-Rabbit said that she would lend her aid to this Sept, then abandoned her duties and is no-where to be found. Our own Master of the Rite offered to help, but when he called to the other Theurge of this Sept for aid, only one answered and that one is Laura Child-Holder. Blessings on the Black Fury, for remembering her duties to this Sept and to Gaia. With or without the aid of Talens, the River-Enemy /will/ be defeated on the next full moon. I have charged Stone-Spirit and Havoc with planning and leading the assault on the Tire Fire. They have until the next full moon to come to me with a plan of attack, or I shall give the Honor of destroying our Enemies to another pack.~ Having apparently said her peace, the Alpha returns the bones.
Bloods-Bane turns and flops down on the ground, clearly unhappy.
Circle Keeper turns his annoyance from Dillen to the Sept Elder, clearly just full of grumbles tonight.
From the rock outcropping, Blackriver is silent for a moment after this, waiting for any more announcements and quite soured from the night's proceedings ~That is the news? Then now we speak of those who come forward to prove themselves to their brethren and the spirits, now we speaks of challenges.~ She waves the bones once in the air before offering them to Pierces-Ice, respect obvious in her posture.
Pierces Ice moves forward, stepping up onto the rocky slab and taking the bones from the Silver Fang with a slight dip of her head. She faces out among the gathered Garou. ~In the past, there have been challenges. We will speak first of those results. Rags torn to Rags challenged Runs the Gauntlet for the rank of Fostern. He has failed.~ She looks for Yi, one hand outstretched, to offer the bones to the ragabash. When she fails to find the Bone Gnawer, she goes on.
~Circle Keeper challenged Fights for Hope for the rank of Fostern. He has succeeded and is now Fostern.~ The Wendigo fairly beams with pride as she makes this announcement, but quickly continues. ~Blackriver and Treeclimber both challenged me for the position of Master of the Challenge. Treeclimber dropped her challenge before terms were given. Blackriver has failed to meet my terms. I remain Master of the Challenge.~
Noisy Ghost pumps a big, hairy fist in the air in mute approval.
Circle Keeper straightens considerably as the results of his challenge are announced, standing up tall. Well, as tall as he gets. Ears perked, he tries not to look too proud of himself, and fails miserably.
Walks-Middle gives a proud glance to Circle Keeper as well, obviously pleased with her packmate's success.
Bloods-Bane casts a gaze towards Circle Keeper. He shakes his head and then rests it once again.
From the rock outcropping, Blackriver does look a bit sadden by her failure, but she manages to remain mostly impassioned during the announcements.
Howls-For-Glory shuts his eyes and shakes his head, nearly an unconcsious echo of Bloods-Bane's action. He looks back to Blackriver, then.
Jacinta pauses only briefly and then looks out for one individual in particular. ~Now it is time for those who would challenge to come forth. Stone Spirit has spoken to me of challenging Cries No More, but the former alpha is not here, this night, and cannot answer her.~ She takes in a deep breath, huffing it out with disapproval. ~No others have spoken with me. No others will challenge for rank.~ With that, the Wendigo hands the bones back to Blackriver.
Circle Keeper's teeth bare, pride giving way to fury once more as he notices Dillen and Cole's reaction. His handpaw clenches around his weapon very, very tight, like he's trying to strangle it by proxy.
Stone-Spirit remains tense and rigid as the challenges are gone over. She looks to her packmates beside her, thankful to have them nearby.
Song-of-Luna's gaze flicks between her elder and Circle Keeper. One ear flattens back, the other to the side, and she gives a very uneasy shift of weight onto her right haunch.
From the rock outcropping, Blackriver takes the bones back and gives the gathered Garou one final scan. ~Very well.~ She says after a moment. ~The Cracking is done. Let those who have stories and tales of glory, honor, and wisdom come forward to share.~
Runner eventually does return, alongside her tribemate. Of the pair, it's the fostern who is splattered with blood and spittle. Once they're within the circle, Runner sits slowly on the very outskirts, looking as discreet as she can.
Howls-For-Glory seems blisfully unaware of his strangling-by-proxy as he lumbers forward on all fours. He beelines for the spot where the winds ebb and whirl, turning to face the group. He rises up, giving a low rumble equivalent to the clearing of a throat as he begins his tale. ~As most of you know, recently there was a quest into the Shadow to secure the return of Spring to the world. What not many have heard is what precisely went on during that quest. By the graces of Gaia, I was fortunate enough to have been witness to the glory of that evening. And with Luna's blessing on my tongue, I will sing it to you tonight!~
Song-of-Luna turns her head sharply as Runner enters--discreetness and blood do not often work well together. She sniffs the air anxiously, even though the Gnawer is clearly too far, and there are too many Garou present anyway, for that to do any good at all.
Bloods-Bane lifts his head once again to regard Runner. An unasked question flashes over the Gallaird's face. Then, once again, he rests his head on his paws to listen to Cole.
Noisy Ghost is also distracted from the storyteller by the Gnawers' return. She sniffs in Runner's direction rapidly, then huffs and hunches down, head low.
Blackriver's nose twitches to the scent of blood and she glances at the Fostern Gnawer, eyes closing briefly halfways, but then quickly turns back towards Howls-for-Glory.
The Galliard's voice lifts in a howl as he opens his tale. He speaks of a moonlit night, and a gathering of Garou within the Shadow. ~Shield-Bearer-rhya was the mistress of this Rite, calling on the spirits of fertility and life! As I arrived, I saw Fat-Ripper of the Bone Gnawers, Gauntlet-Runner-rhya of the same tribe. Culls-the-Herd-rhya was there as well. Reflection's-Howl-rhya of the Fenrir was present, along with Blood's-Bane, still wounded from an earlier fight! Though he would not follows us on the quest, he was nonetheless there to witness the beginning.~ Here, the Galliard pauses for an appropriate time, looking to each of the participants. ~Shield-Bearer summoned for us a doe, a symbol of life, birth and fertility. This, then, was to be our guide in our quest for Spring!~
Leaves-None sits stiffly behind Runner, ears low and tail down but not tucked. She does not look towards the Moot and the others there, instead observing the ground beneath her paws.
Runner smells like blood, and the scent of the Walker. She herself is unharmed, and despite her appearance, puts on a stiff demeanor and focuses all that she can upon the Talesinger, particularly when her name is mentioned.
Howls-For-Glory continues his howling song. ~This spirit led us through dark places in the Umbral forest, where Luna's light sometimes failed to guide us. We were never lost, though, the fiery prints of our guide always lighting our path. And so she led us, until we suddenly were in an opened area. And oh, the sights that came to us then! For before us was a group of standing stones that would cause the heart of even the staunchest Red Talon to skip a beat. This was truly the sign of something significant, of power! We continued to follow the doe, when she was suddenly attacked!~
Song-of-Luna hugs herself again, hunching over. For once, she doesn't seem in the slightest bit interested in the story being told, even though Howls-for-Glory is telling it. Her gaze wanders past her own feet to a little further on, and settles.
Howls-For-Glory's voice rises in a crescendo. ~A massive arm reached out and snatched the poor hind. A moment later, its poor body was tossed to the ground, and the aggressor revealed itself. A monster twelve feet tall if it was an inch stood before us. Skin as dirty and hard as the earth, with a great axe in one hand and teeth stained with blood! The thing called itself Mont Saint Michel, and it told us we would not reclaim spring. And so we leapt to the attack! Culls-rhya and myself attacked it head on, while Reflection-rhya leant us aid and the Bone Gnawers attacked the beast's legs. It was a vicious battle, and hard fought. The foe we faced was impossibly strong and tough!~ As the tale continues, the Fianna grows restless. Pacing back and forth as his howl flows forth. ~Reflections-Howl-rhya felled the beast to the ground, and a lucky swing of the axe took off my arm at the shoulder! But that was not enough to stop us! The others fell on it like avenging furies. To our surprise, though, the thing's head came off, like it was only held there weakly. It was some disgusting red imp!~ There's a note of uproarious humor in the Galliard's voice. Howls-for-Glory continues, humor diminishing. ~It tried to run, but we were too swift. When cornered, we found that we could not harm it, but nor could it escape. Instead, we had to answer riddles before we could venture further to reclaim Spring.~
Runner tries hard not to be distracted, but keeps looking towards her tribemate with not so furtive glances and ear turns. Only during the key points, particularly when the storyteller gets into his own story, that she looks more directly to him.
Howls-For-Glory gives a scornful snort. ~As if we could be stopped by mere children's riddles. Culls-rhya stepped up and easily answered the imp's question! Seeing itself outdone, it ran once more! And this time, we were confronted by a worse creature. The Beast of Iseult! A snake-like creature, a full twenty feet long. The thing attacked, but found no weakness amongst Gaia's warriors! And so it ran. And when it had no more room to run, it changed once more! An armored man stood now before us! The armored man challenged one of our group to one-on-one combat! Would that I could have answered that challenge, but I was still recovering from the troll's vicious axe cut. I need not have worried! For Gauntlet-Runner-rhya took charge!~ Howls-for-Glory looks toward the Bone Gnawer as he speaks of her. ~No Ahroun has risen to the challenge faster. It was over in nearly a heartbeat's time. Runner-rhya took on the warform and crushed the black knight! In so doing, she was impaled by his devilish sword. She fell, slain by her adversary even as he was defeated!~ The Galliard croons a howl for the fallen, shortened and modified to indicate that all was not lost. Which should be obvious, given that Runner is amongst the audience.
Runner licks a spot of blood from her muzzle, ducking eye contact if she is looked at.
Leaves-None raises her head enough to be able to meet Runner's glances now and then during the story. One ear lifts to consider the telling but is at best half-hearted in its listening.
Circle Keeper seems to have a hard time paying attention to the Fianna, seeming oddly excited about something.
Pierces Ice glances over at her packmate before turning back to the Talesinger. Her manner is cold, distant, and not at all friendly.
Howls-For-Glory's howl speaks of anticipation as he continues. ~But all was not as it seemed. What we thought to be our fallen comrade turned out to be the same spirit we had just faced. She turned into the spirit before our eyes. An old man, tired and wizened in his red robes, he told us that it was the irony of life that it was the job of the old, who could no longer create life, to guard over it. He gifted us with an acorn, something of great power, and told us to go home to our love ones and make new life. With that, we found that Gauntlet-Runner had been returned to us, sleeping peacefully beside the standing ring of stones. All that remained was to head home, and reap the fruits of the season we had secured for ourselves and our Sept!~ Howls-for-Glory takes one final, deep breath before continuing. ~Members of the Hidden Walk! Shake from your silence and join with me as I howl for the warriors who fought to bring a new beginning for the world, and as I howl for Gauntlet-Runner-rhya, She Who Fights Winter! Show that you still have the spirit to do so, this evening!~ So saying, he looses out a resounding howl that swells to fill the air.
Blackriver raises her head up and lets out as loud and full-hearted a howl as she can muster.
Circle Keeper's call is half hearted, and perhaps a bit anxious.
Song-of-Luna flattens her ears. She howls as well--but it's best described as 'dutiful'. There's nothing behind it. She keeps glancing past to Runner.
Pierces Ice's howl has an edge to it, the source not celebratory, but angry.
Noisy Ghost gives of the same ululating howl that she voiced earlier.
Runner flares her nostrils and lifts her ears, but her responsive howl is forced. In a way, she's still fighting that winter deep inside her.
Leaves-None raises a howl to the sky that is defiant and strong, contrary to her otherwise subdued demeanor.
Howls-For-Glory lets the howl die off and shakes himself heavily, as if shaking off water. His stance and bearing speak of disappointment as he moves back towards his tribe. Only Leaves-None gets a perking of his ears. He chuffs an encouraging breath to her as he settles to his haunches. ~And thus does the Hidden Walk show its spirit.~
Runner perks her ears towards her fellow tribemate as she howls loudly, at the very least looking appreciative and vicariously sending her bits of her spirit to the smaller paler newmoon.
Bloods-Bane rises to his feet, shifts into lupus and finds his way off and into the woods without so much as a look to the others.
Circle Keeper listens to the announcement that the Story part is over with dull shock, like he's refusing to believe it. As the preporations for the revel get underway, he simply stands there slackjaw like he's still waiting for something.
Leaves-None shakes herself a bit as the howling fades, pawing at the ground beneath her and seeming a fair bit more animated. Ears lifted, she looks about her with a sharp alertness. The departure of Bloods-Bane brings her to rumbling in the back of her throat deeply.
Pierces Ice watches Dillen go, her occasional glances at Circle Keeper showing much the same, if a significantly lesser level, of dismay.
Noisy Ghost fidgets a bit, then straightens up and looks over toward Runner and Leaves-None. ~Is he dead?~ the cubs asks across the distance, loudly and bluntly.
Howls-For-Glory rises into Homid, tugging his vest straighter over his shoulders. He glances around at the group. "Whoo. Party time in the old Sept tonight. I'm sure this Revel will give the Wyrm something to fear." This is muttered mostly beneath his breath. But sharp, inhuman ears could probably catch it. He makes his way towards Runner.
Runner rises to her feet, but not to leave. Glancing to her tribemate once more, the fostern notes to her that she is going to go on the Revel once she washes off this blood. And Gaia help the one who tries to stop her. Looking up and over at Beatrice, the fostern regards the cub. ~He is no longer with us.~
Song-of-Luna remains in place for another moment, her nose twitching. She follows Howls-for-Glory then, either because she too is interested in Kevin's fate, or because she's simply in the mind to be a follower. She listens to Runner's remark with tipped ears, and then asks, as if she hadn't heard, ~...Is he dead?~
Circle Keeper, all at once, snaps his jaws shut, clenching them tight. ~Noisy Ghost~ He barks, gaze snapping over to her. ~We are leaving. Now.~ He informs her, before starting to stomp off eastward.
Cole looks over at Circle Keeper's bark, raises a brow briefly and then shrugs it off. Instead, he turns his attentions back to Runner and Song.
Noisy Ghost crinkles up her nose, then falls back into her birth form. "Yeah," she drawls, "but--" She stops and looks at Circle Keeper, frowning. With a scowl and a shrug, she stomps off after him.
Leaves-None chuffs agreeably to Runner that she will be waiting for the Fostern and go on the Revel as well. The questions bring nothing but a stony glint to her eyes and a slight renewal of her stiff posture.
Pierces Ice circles around to the Windy Spot, sliding down into lupus as she goes.
Runner turns her gaze onto Song then, bulking up to a hispo form and clacking her thickened jaws together. Let that be her answer.
Circle Keeper, meanwhile, 'rounds the boulder and heads out. The Uktena looks like someone just kicked him in the gonads repeatedly.
A ripple of something passes over Song-of-Luna. Agitation, and frustration, and fear--oh yes, plenty of that. Her ears flatten completely against her skull and she back-pedals several steps, apologizing with her posture before she verbalizes it. ~Sorry!~
Leaves-None gradually settles into a reclining position, though she fidgets as if simply unable to keep still for very long.
Cole takes a step back himself at Runner's reaction. He steadies himself quickly enough though, and sighs. "Time enough for a drink before the Revel, if we run, Song. And I know I could use one."
Runner's irritation hardly lasts. She's too tired on that account. ~Another time, Song-of-Luna.~ An all too gentle nuzzle is given to her tribemate, before the fostern turns to head towards a nearby creek and wash herself off.
Song-of-Luna turns, sliding down to lupus as she goes. That apology is still there, directed now at her elder rather than the Bone Gnawer Fostern. This one doesn't want any drinks tonight, Howls-for-Glory-rhya.
Cole shrugs. "You sure you're Fianna?" This is said in a tone of weary humor.
Leaves-None chuffs after Runner and rumbles towards Song-of-Luna. One understands the lack of desire tonight of all nights. Her tail sweeps at the ground in tight arcs.
Song-of-Luna doesn't seem to catch the humor. She rocks back and forth for a moment, ears still flattened, tail low. She's sure she is.
Cole reaches down to grab Song's ruff and give an affectionate shake. "That was a joke, Song. Don't worry about it. You're Fianna in the red-headed flesh." Another shake and he releases her, making his way toward the edge of the clearing.
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