Feb 23, 1994: “Sad Afternoon at the Caern”

Summary: The sept mourns the departure of the alpha, Horus, gone to Malfeas to try to rescue the Warder, Aspen, taken by the Enemy during the opening of the caern.

Notes: One of my few logs from the days of VAX. Sepdet had been on the MUSH for a week or so, and had been adopted by Renaissance (Toxic, Storm, Anpwhotep, and Ilyera.)

Seneca Falls was a Fury pack from the Sept of Gaia’s Bones, called in by Adrian Nightrunner, the new Warder, to bolster the caern’s defenses. Adrian had acted without telling anyone, and the Furies’ arrival was causing friction.

At the Sept of the Wheel Renewed, the following positions exist:

Sept Alpha (Leader of the Sept):     Horus (Galliard Silent Strider)
Claw of the Sept (First of Ahrouns): Banestriker (Ahroun Get of Fenris)
Talesinger (First of Galliards):     Windhowl (Galliard Fianna)
Keeper of Ways (First of Philodoxes):Arjun Fletcher (Philodox Glass Walker)
Master of Rites (First of Theurges): Warstripe (Theurge Get of Fenris)
Shadow Walker (First of Ragabashes): <Empty>

Caern Warder:                Aspen Demilune (Philodox Child of Gaia)
Groundskeeper:               Thorn Slowly Wins (Theurge Silver Fang)
Gatekeeper (Umbral Watcher): <Empty>
Master of Rites:             Warstripe (Theurge Get of Fenris)
Master of the Challenge:     Batrana Dracul (Philodox Shadow Lord)

(many of these would be replaced/reshuffled at Moot a few days later)

Center of Wheel

Aaron
Toxic
Sky-Ripper
Erik
Storm
Nepthys
Lilith
Table Stone
@create Moon Knife =10
Moon Knife created as object #2829
l me
Sepdet(#3589Pc)
At first glance, you might mistake her for an oversized jackal, certainly not a full-grown garou in hispo form. Her body is covered in sleek black fur still unmarred by any trace of battle. Her muzzle and ears are long indeed, and her eyes, dipping respectfully whenever they meet another’s gaze, drink in everything around her. Fast and graceful yet often moving with the nervous self-consciousness of a cub, her nose is always primed to sniff out new and interesting smells.
Carrying:
Moon Knife(#2829)
TarotDeck(#2414)

Toxic nods to Sepdet.
Storm nods. Good. Just wanted to be left alone.
Erik, to Lilith… “I will show you sometime how the techniques of stitching can be used to either minimize scarring or glorify it, without interfering with function.
Lilith says “I will speak to Hippolyta-rhya about that.”
Lilith nods to Erik. “That would be useful.”
Sepdet dips her eyes respectfully at her gathered packmates and sits down quietly near Nepthys.
Lilith stares back at you a moment.

l Lilith
Lilith Montessori stands about five feet, ten inches tall, with mildly wavy black hair and hazel to green eyes. She has obviously been working out of late, as her muscles are noticeable, even through the ordinary long-sleeved pullover she wears. Her pants are of some unidentifiable shade of brownish cotton; she wears a pair of soft black leather boots on her feet. Around her neck there hangs a gold shape of a woman making up the other half of a half-moon’s curve.
+finger Lilith
Information for Lilith:
Lilith is connected.
Location:       Center of the Great Wheel
Other Name(s):  Not Set
Race:           Garou               Sex:            Female
Breed:          Homid               Auspice:        Philodox
Tribe:          Black Furies        Rank:           2
Position:       Teacher and Lawkeeper, Seneca Falls
Info:           Lilith Montessori is a formidable fighter, but is more known for her teaching of the ways, customs, and laws to the young- and for enforcing them. She acts as a guardian of the past and an applicant of law, and does her level best to keep herself and those around her to the Litany. Though a homid born, she also has a decent knowledge of the wilderness and the Wyld, and overall comes rather close to being the model Philodox. Or tries to.

Erik continues to work at Storm’s jaw and facial muscles, until the splinting which was causing much of the pain has been eliminated.
Sepdet, noticing the look, inclines her head in respect at her elder.
Storm nods and whurfles to Erik as he finishes. Thank you. Storm remember without pain.
Toxic nods to Lilith. Understand that in this suggestion I speak only for myself, and not as an elder of this Sept. I must discuss it with them, as well.
Lilith says “I understand- it is why I cannot speak for my pack.”
Erik says “Lilith-rhya, please give me your hand for a moment…?”
Toxic nods.
Lilith blinks, and holds out her hand.
Erik guides Lilith’s hand to the spot on Storm’s jaw where the splinting was, above the nerve-cluster. “Do you feel how the flesh here is much warmer than the surrounding area?
Sky-Ripper yawns.
Lilith nods. “Yes… warmth and swelling go together, I know that much.”
Storm holds her head very still so Lilith can feel.
Nepthys senses that Sepdet signs carefully: How goes it with you, sister-yuf?”
You paged Nepthys with ‘When I wrote out Sashi’s sheet, I carefully saved knowledge points for Linguistics and listed ASL! :)’.
Lilith is careful.

Toxic nuzzles Sky-Ripper softly.
Sky-Ripper flips back over and lies on her belly instead.

Near the Pool, Maury appears in a glimmer of light.
l Toxic
Three ‘S’s define this wolf-bitch. Small, sleek and slim. She stands just two feet at the shoulder, with large ears and a slender muzzle whose mouth quirks up in what looks like an amused smile. Her fur is a bright, metallic cobalt blue, with snowy-white ventral fur. Three braids of long fur punctuated with lapis dangle behind her left ear, as does a large hoop of welded gold. A smaller ring beaded with lapis dangles just behind her left foreleg, almost hidden in the silky fur of her belly. In moonlight or blacklight, pale forms in brighter blue can be made out swirling through her fur: A biohazard trefoil at the back of her left shoulder, and a Giger-esque stylized row of vertebrae that run down the length of her spine, their flanges and interlinking somehow reminiscent of the triply-repeated ‘enzyme’ symbol that makes up the neighboring biohazard warning. A puckered white scar cuts through the fur of her left shin. Far nastier, a long, wide gouge and burn mark runs down her right side from shoulder to hip. Her mane is spiked up, the prickly-looking ruff dyed her usual brilliant cobalt blue today. A new tiny ring of gold has been added, a few inches under her tail.
Carrying:
A few flea collars wound around her wrists and throat in varying shades of blue.
A plastic fern-frond, tucked carefully behind her ear.

Toxic contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Toxic shifts into Homid form.
Toxic sits down next to Sky-Ripper, carefully scratching the green spot on her back with both hands.
Sky-Ripper whuffles. Oo, that helps.
l sky-ripper
Sky-Ripper, sometimes called Dancer-in-the-Dark, is really quite an attractive wolf. A bit larger than normal, though not by much, her coat is quite soft, black shading to grey below, with smallish tufts of dark grey hair growing featherlike from her lower legs. On her back there is an odd circular patch of sparse fur that has grown in green, for some reason. A set of twisted scars run around the lower part of her right hind leg. She looks quite attentive and curious about the world around her.
Carrying:
Stone ring
+finger sky-ripper
Information for Sky-Ripper:
Sky-Ripper is connected.
Location:       Center of the Great Wheel
Other Name(s):  Ilyera Aljan, Ilyera Sky-Ripper, Dancer-In-The-Dark
Race:           Garou               Sex:            Female
Breed:          Homid               Auspice:        Ragabash
Tribe:          Shadow Lords        Rank:           1
Position:       Member of Renaissance
Info:           Ilyera left her native Armenia by a faltering Moon Bridge not long before the Shadow Curtain fell, after stealing a Pure-Bred Black Spiral Dancer babe from that tribe, at the prompting of her Shadow Lord elders. She has a refined look appropriate to her ancestry about her (Pure Breed 3)… though not in Crinos, where she passes for a Black Spiral Dancer with ease (with the exception of not registering to Sense Wyrm). Lack of communication with those she left behind, especially a Metis her age named Pyotr Ironstorm, has only added to the weird sense of tension and foreboding the current circumstances leave her with…

Erik nods. “Sometimes, when a muscle swells, it pinches off its blood supply, causing it to contract further. It’s a vicious cycle, called ‘splinting’. If you have ever massaged someone’s shoulders and felt hard knots, that is what it is.
Lilith thinks. “Like in the legs, when someone weak runs too far too fast. Shin splints.”
Near the Fire Pit, Maury makes her way up, shivering, more trudging than walking; it takes her a moment to notice Echen. “Echen!” The unhappy look on her face lightens.
Near the Fire Pit, Echen smiles slightly at Maury. “Hullo.”
+finger Maury
Information for Maury (Alias ‘Maureen Tierney’):
Maury is connected.
Location:       Around the Fire Pit
Other Name(s):  Maury
Race:           Garou               Sex:            female
Breed:          Homid               Auspice:        Philodox
Tribe:          Fianna              Rank:           0
Position:       7th grader at St. Uriel’s
Info:           After her move to St. Claire a few weeks before Thanksgiving, Maureen Tierney immersed herself in her schoolwork – and was often heard commenting on how far behind she was. Despite the amount of work she put in, she did manage to keep up on one of her passions – history, specifically Celtic history. The others, excepting languages, were mostly ignored. But now she can sometimes be heard practicing in her room at St. Uriel’s boarding school, and going to lessons at the Harp and Starling’s music studio.

Erik says “What I did here was to move Storm-rhya’s jaw to move the knot off of the nerve-cluster… the pressure was causing the pain… and worked the splinted muscle bundle until it was relaxed and the fatigue-poisons gone.”
Erik nods to Lilith. “Just so.”
Sepdet tail twitches in friendly greeting at her age-mate.
Lilith nods.
Near the Fire Pit, Maury drops down beside Echen, looking up at him worriedly. “Are you all right? Should you be out here? I’m _really_ glad to see you awake.”
Erik says “So… as long as Storm-rhya does not try to bite a telephone-pole in half for the next few days… the swelling will go away, and the pain with it.”
Erik chuckles a bit at Storm
Lilith nods, looking like she might almost smile.
Storm wolf-grins her tongue hanging out. Weaver thing. Pbbbttt.
Erik shows Lilith where the nerve-bundles are on Storm, and where the same point is on a homid.
Lilith follows carefully.
Erik says “These nerve-bundles are also good points to strike, should you wish to subdue someone without killing them.”
Lilith’s fingers jump back for a moment, then return to place. “I… see.”
Near the Fire Pit, Echen’s smile widens a bit. “I was goin’ crazy bein’ cooped up inside… Feinan’d probably kill me if he knew I was out here, but I needed t’ come. To see how you an’ Chris were doin’.” He swallows slightly, his features paling slightly. “I remember what ye both said… what ye both did for me.”
Erik says “A cross-strike to the lower jaw will cause the jaw to dislocate and crush the bundles.”
look Aaron
You see a tall, slender young man. He is very quiet and soft-spoken. He only meets your gaze for a few seconds, then turns away. He usually only speaks when spoken to. His brown hair is shoulder-length in the back, and in the front, his bangs hang almost in his eyes. He is wearing a pair of worn out hiking boots, an _Arizona_ knit button-up tucked neatly into the top of his faded jeans, a Raiders jacket, and a pair of headphones connected to a walkman clipped onto his brown leather belt.
Carrying:
Aaron’s walkman
Aaron winces.
Erik says “It is good to have alternatives to claws and teeth at times…”
Storm whurfles in surprise.
Lilith has no plans to use it on you, Storm, do not worry.
+finger Storm
Information for Storm:
Storm is connected.
Location:       Center of the Great Wheel
Other Name(s):  Not Set
Race:           Garou               Sex:            Female
Breed:          Lupus               Auspice:        Philodox
Tribe:          Red Talons          Rank:           1
Position:       Member of Renaissance
Info:           Storm came to the St. Claire area a few months ago and is now settled in comfortably with her pack. The Garou who took her through her Rite of Passage (Scabwalker) told her to come here, learn about the humans and guard the caern. Storm speaks English but if you listen closely she has a rather odd accent that you may not recognize andshe doesn’t alway speak the best of English either. Storm spends about half her time in the Scab and about half in the forest outside the city. Lately, she has been stepping up patrols in her territory until the people from DNA came. Now she sticks close to the caern to guard it from them except for the occasional run (through the Umbra) to the Scab to check on her packmates.
Erik stands, and makes a slow-motion gesture of a cross-the-body palm-heel strike to an imaginary opponent’s lower jaw. “Thus.”
Toxic digs her fingers into Ilyera’s back, scratching and massaging.
Storm watches carefully too…
Sky-Ripper sighs happily, her eyes closing and rolling upwards. Ooo that’s nice. Idon’t think I’ll EVER be rid of that itch.
Lilith nods. As opposed to the nose-strike, which is straight on…
Toxic smirks at Sky-Ripper. “Well, it gives ya an excuse t’get back-scritches.”
l Nepthys
Nepthys is a Silent Strider, as is obvious from her vaguely jackal-like appearance. She is nearly 7 feet tall, gaunt and thin. Her fur, a brownish-yellow colour, is patchy in places and is mottled with black. The most notable thing about this werewolf is that she makes no sound, neither growl nor speech.
Around her waist is a belt, and a leather pouch.
Sky-Ripper would rather be rid of the itch and find another excuse.
Near the Fire Pit, Maury flushes, a little embarassedly, and nods; she looks up calmly. “We meant it, you know. Every word.”
Toxic grins. “Donna really need an excuse, sis.”
Erik says “If your opponent’s mouth is open, it greatly increases the effectiveness of the strike, as the jaw will dislocate very much more easily and dramatically… the strike could conceivably break the jaw as well, especially to Crinos or Lupus. The longer lower jaw has disadvangates as well as advantages.”
Erik says “If your opponent is panting, the strike may well be a wise one at that moment.”

Storm soaks all this up with ears pricked and watching as intently as she can…
Near the Fire Pit, Echen nods once and takes Maury’s hand in his. He gives a tight squeeze. “A pack we are. Family.”
Aaron has disconnected.
Sepdet looks at Nepthys and nuzzles her softly.
Sky-Ripper nods to Toxic and just enjoys herself.
Erik settles back, a bit uncomfortable at explaining hurting-techniques.
Lilith says “This is valuable information. I will remember.”
Near the Fire Pit, Maury nods, and curls up beside Echen, shivering a little. “Family. Did – did anyone tell you wh-what happened last night?”
Erik nods, his thoughts turning inwards. “Thank you. Lilith-rhya.”
Lilith thinks. “I don’t know what of my knowledge I should offer you in exchange. I know customs, and laws, and something of the ways of the wild… as much as I can for one not a lupus. That much I could show you.”
Storm whurfles another thanks not wining this time as she pads over towards trhe pool…
Toxic looks quietly over at Erik. “I’m glad you were here this morning. It izza shame that we need healing for th’damage we do each other, but it iz also a fact. We do need you.”
Toxic waves to Storm. “Take care, sis.”
Near the Fire Pit, Echen shifts slightly and wraps his coat around Maury, putting an arm around her and holding her close. “I heard a little bit. Horus left, Windhowl ain’t around no more, Toxic’s Talesinger, an’ a pack of Black Furies showed up fr’m someplace. I guess Actaeon had a run-in with one of them… I don’ want t’ know what shape *she’s* in, fr’m lookin’ at him.”
Toxic looks over toward the fire pit. “Very bad shape. She doesn’t yield easy. I’d bet she didn’t yield at all.”
Erik says “Thank you, Lilith-rhya. I am out of my element in the wild. Perhaps I can learn from you how not to become lost in the woods. *dry chuckle*”
Lilith shrugs. “It is not so hard once you know how.”
Erik nods to Toxic. “Thank you, Elder. Perhaps in time the hurt will lessen.”
Sepdet looks around tentatively, since she does not know these elders well yet. ~Pardon Cub-question; this one has walked alone too long and is learning customs. When is Moot?~
Near the Fire Pit, Maury says “When’d he fight her? Horus stopped most of the fighting when he showed up, so it must have b-been after he left.” Her voice quavers unhappily as she repeats the words. “Thorn’s Master of the Rite, Anubis is Keeper of the Ways, and Arjun-rhya is our Alpha. Adrian-rhya the Warden. And yah, a pack of Blac Furies that Adrian-rhya called for.”
Toxic nods to Erik. “I hope so.”
Erik says “Our Moots are usually on the Full Moon. Our Master of the Howl… *indicates Toxic* will know specifics.”
Toxic blinks.
On the southern curve, Su comes in from the woodland to the south.
Lilith nods.
On the southern curve, Su heads into the center.
Su has arrived.
Toxic says “I b’lieve it’s next Monday.”
+finger Su
Information for Su:
Su is connected.
Email address:  jenn@hanszen.rice.edu
Location:       Center of the Great Wheel
Other Name(s):  Susan, but no one in St. Claire knows that.
Race:           Garou               Sex:            Female
Breed:          Lupus               Auspice:        Ragabash
Tribe:          Silent Striders     Rank:           0
Position:       Newcomer to the Sept.
Info:           Su was born in Maine of a wandering ‘Strider and a local wolf. The local sept dutifully kidnaped her when she changed, but was unable to offer her a mentor from her tribe. Though intrigued by the Change, she spent more time in the woods than with the Garou until she left to wander the country. She has been all over the States, stopping into progressivly bigger towns to gain more experience in human form. She has decided that St. Claire, so near to the local Caern, is a good place to stay for a while in order to get back in touch with the Garou after almost six years of voyaging. She is currently going through her long-delayed Rite of Passage, though in much different company than she had anticipated….
Su comes out of the treeline and toward the Table Stone. She nods to Toxic-rhya and her tribemates.
Erik says “Hello, Su…”
Near the Fire Pit, Echen blinks at Maury, the information taking a moment or three to process. “Is everythin’ okay with *you*?”
Sky-Ripper has to go…
Sky-Ripper has disconnected.
Sepdet looks up. ~Greetings, Su-yuf.~
Su greets Erik.
Near the Fire Pit, Maury gets up and walks around the fire to pick up her coat, left out all night, and sits down again. She looks up at Echen, grey eyes pained. “No. Horus is gone. And I w-wasn’t very smart sometimes last night when all this was happening.”
Su wanders over to nuzzle Sepdet’s flank in greeting.
Toxic nods to Su. “Yo.”
Lilith ooc has to log off…
Sepdet relaxes slightly. Her eyes are dark, though, and seem to have lost their usual sparkle.
Near the Fire Pit, Echen smiles gently at Maury. “Ye learn by makin’ mistakes, mo inion. Trust me… I know. I’ve made more’n my fair share.”
Nepthys has disconnected.
Toxic sighs softly at Maury. “A lot of us weren’t very smart last night when all of this was happening.”
Toxic smirks. “as if that were unusual.”
Near the Fire Pit, Maury nestles against Echen. “I suppose so, Toxic. I hope – does anyone know what happened to Banestriker?”

Erik quietly asks Toxic “Did anyone tell Horus-rhya my message before he left?”
Sepdet traces a pattern in the earth and stares intently at it, ears swiveling as she listens.
Toxic shakes her head. “Erik, when he left the caern before that…That was when he left. None have seen him since.” She sighs softly. “I am sorry.”
Erik closes his eyes, radiating hurt. “I see. Thank you.”
Sepdet wipes the pattern away with an angry swipe and looks back up at the others.
Near the Fire Pit, Maury knuckles at her eyes at Toxic’s words. “Are we going to b-be able to get any information a-about how he’s doing?”

Su listens quietly and with sadness, wishing she could have been there longer.
+finger Thorn
+finger Anubis
Information for Thorn (Alias ‘Thorn-Slowly-Wins’):
Thorn is connected.
Email address:  hine@netcom.com
Location:       Around the Story Tree
Other Name(s):  Thorn Slowly Wins
Race:           Garou               Sex:            Male
Breed:          Metis               Auspice:        Theurge
Tribe:          Silver Fangs        Rank:           2
Position:       Groundskeeper, Keeper of the Land
Info:           The blood of the greatest Silver Fang heroes runs rich in the veins of Thorn-Slowly-Wins. His posture, form, and aura radiate this proud heritage to all Garou who observe him. His metis deformities, and the insult of his tattoos provide a shocking, and perhaps mocking, counterpoint to this powerful blood. This is pure-breed 5 on a metis.

Sepdet whuffs softly, dropping her eyes to glare at the ground again with an oddly pained expression. ~Perhaps Thorn or another of the Seers…~
Near the Fire Pit, Maury gives Sepdet a sympathetic, understanding look. “I’ll ask him. You’re right, he would know.”
Toxic sighs. “I did na get t’say goodbye t’him either. He snuck out while I was trying t’make sense of chaos.”
Sepdet continues. ~I… I keep wanting to See, but this one is only a cub. And I did not know if it was right to look.~
Su wheezes out a long sigh and puts her head down on her paws. We might have known he would do it that way, Toxic.
Toxic looks at Maury, eyes moist. “Maury, we might na want t’know…Isn’t it bad enough t’have Aspen’s shadow hanging over this caern? I donna wanna see Horus like that.”
Su frowns, agreeing.
Sepdet shudders. ~Toxic-rhyu knows of what she speaks. My Mentor made me See my father when he… stayed to defend.~ her voice is very quiet.
Near the Fire Pit, Maury nods at Toxic. “He snuck out while I was trying to untangle Kate’s Rite for everyone. Which,” she sounds slightly proud amidst her tired unhappiness, “I sorta did.” She studies Toxic, quietly, eyes darkening; a look is flicked at Sepdet, and the words that follow are reluctant. “I would rather know than not, Toxic. If he fails spectacularly instead o-of just being caught, we m-may _need_ to know…to protect the Caern against him.” She drops her eyes to her hands, tightening them into the fabric of her coat.
Toxic says “If he comes back, I’ll kiss him. Otherwise, he’s gone to die s’a hero. I donna wanna know he’s inna cage.”
Toxic says “Maury, y’did good last night. Proud of you. Proud of Kate, too, for keeping her head.”
Near the Fire Pit, Maury flushes with pleasure at the praise; another quick glance out at Sepdet and Toxic is followed by a silent shrug and another period of staring at her hands.
Toxic says “Maury, did y’see th’vision Magpie sent of Aspen?”
Erik, feeling tears rising, abruptly stands and walks stiffly out of the Circle, knowing he will be unable to fight them this time
Erik heads north, away from the center of the Wheel.
Erik has left.
Toxic says “Erik?”
On the northern curve, Erik turns to the north, and leaves past the rim of the Wheel.
Toxic sighs softly.
Toxic wanders over to the fire, waving the Striders to follow.
Toxic heads northeast to the fire pit.
Toxic has left.
Maury shakes her head at Toxic. “I didn’t.”
Sepdet thinks it might be good to change the subject. ~Speaking of Kate… this one tires of being a useless cub. What could this one do to embark on Rite of passage?~
Sepdet gets up when Toxic does and pads after.
You make your way to the northeast, to the edge of the fire pit.
Around the Fire Pit
The small rock-shielded firepit just within the path of the Wheel contains a small, brightly burning fire.  The ground is baked near it, and grasses grow in waves away from it, starting scraggly and getting greener near the inner groove of the Wheel.  To the west is the earthen mound, and back to the south is the small pool.
Contents:
Toxic
Maury
Obvious exits:
Forward  Back  Center of the Wheel
At the center, Su smiles in the manner of wolves and follows her tribemate to answer her question.
At the center, Su heads northeast to the fire pit.
Su has arrived.
Toxic bites her lip. “Speak to your elder. Anubis.”
Sepdet nods at Toxic. ~That would be wise. I would know my honored elder better.~
Su nods, somber again. It is difficult to change the subject, is it not?
On the eastern curve, Oaken makes his way out of the woods to the east.
On the eastern curve, Oaken heads back to the south and the pool.
Near the Pool, Oaken’s eyes stop on his reflection in the pool.
Toxic sits down next to Maury. “I did. I have nightmares about it. Okay? I wanna remember Horus who was like th’father I never had. I donna wanna think of him as a slab of shredded meat in a cage.”
Near the Pool, Oaken gazes into the pool, and suddenly he vanishes.
On the eastern curve, Thorn makes his way out of the woods to the east.
On the eastern curve, Thorn follows the Wheel to the Fire Pit.
Thorn has arrived.
Maury flinches. But, quietly, she says, “He admitted the possibility of b-being corrupted if he fails.”
Thorn quietly enters.
Thorn crouches down a few paces back from the group.
Sepdet dips her eyes respectfully to her elder.
Sepdet flinches at Toxic’s words. ~Many had such dreams, I am certain.~
Toxic sighs softly. “I donna even wanna think about that, Maury.”
Toxic says “Y’ever hear of Schroedinger’s Cat? Izza physics problem, really a joke.”
Maury looks up at Thorn, with a shy smile. “Hi.” She looks back at Toxic. “Neither do I. Neither does _anyone_. Are we going to think about it when he comes back?”
Maury says “Will it be too _late_ to think about it then?”
Maury sounds honestly questioning, and unsure of herself.
Sepdet looks at Maury. ~We will have to be vigilant. But I think, of all garou, Heru-rhya would be most able to keep his own will… or die before he let himself be taken.~
Thorn meets Maury’s look with a smile of greeting. He remains seated a little bit away from the group.
Su rises and turns to leave. She looks at Sepdet. I will be speaking to Anubis-rhya soon on other matters. Do you wish me to inquire of anything for you?
Maury lifts her chin. “I have as much faith in Horus-rhya as you do, Sepdet. And if he comes back, and they’re all right, I’ll welcome him back as much as anyone else will; more, in some cases. But I won’t pretend I’m not afraid for him.”
Sepdet is silent for a moment, unsure. ~Tell him a cub seeks to prove herself useful to the Caern and would be honored by his advice.~
Toxic sighs. “I really donna wanna think about it, Maury. Th’cat’s either alive or dead. There’re no provisions inna equation for it being corrupted or caged an’tortured.”
Su nods. It isn’t the time for trivial requests, but that’s always an important one. Especially now.
Su lopes southward, through the Center and into the woods.
Su heads into the center.
Su has left.
Maury gives Toxic a quirky, unhappy smile. “I know, Toxic. He was,” she swallows, “the only elder who always seemed to answer my questions and n-not make me feel like I was out of place for wanting to _know_ things. Don’t think about it if you don’t want to. Until he comes back.”
+finger Erik
Information for Erik:
Erik is connected.
Location:       Around the Fire Pit
Other Name(s):  Erik Krugyach, Erik Walks-Outside
Race:           Garou               Sex:            Male
Breed:          Homid               Auspice:        Philodox
Tribe:          Children of Gaia    Rank:           0
Position:       Paramedic without a job, healer, agnostic.
Info:
Outcast. Misfit. Unwanted. Misunderstood. Erik is all of these. Born to the Black Furies, his gender excluded him from a place among those of his blood; not even his exceptionally pure lineage earned him tolerance. Given to the Stargazers to raise, he was taught introspection and self-denying meditation in an attempt to assuage the sense of injustice the Stargazers knew this young Garou would feel. They were not altogether successful, and Erik’s failure in his Stargazer Rite of Passage stemmed from the lack of inner peace so critical to those who would follow the Stargazer way.
Sent out into the world where his adoptive tribe hoped he would find his answers, Erik found little save hurt, Garou blood on Garou claws, and an ever-growing sense of hopelessness. On the verge of despair, one last hope was held out to him… the Children of Gaia. However, even this was crushed by a revelation that proved there is no redemption to be had. All is cruelty. All is lies.
Erik now follows only his own conscience, lacking faith in all else.

Erik steps over to near the fire, quiet and withdrawn.
Thorn frowns a little to himself.
Sepdet looks up in sad understanding at her age-mate.
Erik eventually says “Good afternoon, all, and Elders.”
Thorn nods a polite greeting to Erik.
Toxic nods to Erik, then looks to Maury. “He’s one of th’people who believes in me. And he’s one of th’few people I believe in. I’m gonna miss him.”
Toxic nods. “Afternoon, Erik.”
Maury says quietly, “Me, too, Toxic. I want him back where he belongs. With us.” Her voice is shaking again; she hunches her shoulders and stares into her lap silently.
Toxic puts an arm around Maury and hugs her gently.
Thorn stands smoothly, turning away from the fire.
Sepdet whuffles softly and moves over, tentatively, to nuzzle Maury.
Thorn heads into the center.
Thorn has left.
At the center, Thorn heads southeast to the pool.
Near the Pool, Thorn looks back over his shoulder at the scene at the Fire Pit. He frowns, then turns to stare into the smooth surface of the water.
Toxic looks after Thorn concernedly.
Near the Pool, Thorn’s eyes stop on his reflection in the pool.
Near the Pool, Thorn gazes into the pool, and suddenly he vanishes.
Sepdet’s ears flick forward. ~Thorn-rhya thinks it wise not to dwell on what simply is.~
Toxic says “There’s some sense in that.”
Toxic says “Easier said than done.”
Erik nods. “But that is a logical argument. It is emotions which are at work here, and emotions are not subject to the controls of logic.”
Maury nods against Toxic and huddles, quietly. “I really am trying. I am.”
Sepdet smiles faintly at Erik. ~An argument I often had with my Mentor.~
Toxic looks around the fire pit, then turns and looks around the caern clearing.
Toxic says “So…How about them Furies?”
Toxic’s tone of voice makes the question quite serious.
Sepdet eyes grow opaque. ~We shall see.~
Maury looks up at Toxic with a sour expression. “How _about_ them? They have abysmal timing and they’re … well, never mind.”
Toxic shakes her head. “No. I wanna hear. Whaddaya’all -think-?”
Erik says “There will be dead Garou if the Sept decides they are here to ‘take over’. And, unfortunately, that is what I think they are here to do.”
Sepdet shakes her head. ~Such fighters could be valuable allies, if they could only turned their rage to other ends.~
Toxic says “It’s already done, Erik. This is now a Fury Caern. Adrian’s been declared Warder.”
Erik says “Oddly enough, I think this may unite the Sept. Against them.”
Erik says “And what do you think will happen, Toxic-rhya, when one of the new Furies gives an order and one of us refuses to obey, because they do not recognize the authority?”
Erik says “Toxic-rhya, this is no more a Fury caern than it was a Children-of-Gaea caern when Aspen-rhya was here.”
Toxic shrugs at Erik. “It has happened already. They have stated explicitly that they do not have such a right.”
Erik says “How long will that last, Toxic-rhya?”
Maury reminds Toxic, “And Arjun’s the Alpha. But this is our place, and _we_ fought for it. And Toxic, they’re the ones who want to help us prevent a ‘chaotic suicide’. They said that last night. Of _all_ nights.”
:sighs. ~Horus-rhya had just accepted them, or I would have joined Bear. This cub does not know what to think.  I am barely a part of the Caern now, but have been tolerated with kindness.~
Sepdet sighs. ~Horus-rhya had just accepted them, or I would have joined Bear. This cub does not know what to think. I am barely a part of the Caern now, but have been tolerated with kindness.~
Toxic nods to Erik. “Agreed. I was simply pointing out a flaw in th’takeover argument.” She shakes her head. “I donna know how long it will last.”
Erik says “How long until Hecate says the wrong thing and is dragged down, not by one, but by a dozen Garou? What will you do then?”
Toxic looks at Erik. “Then I will enforce th’Litany. One challenge at a time. By th’rules, officiated and witnessed.”
Maury says “And they go around insulting _our_ Sept members.”
Sepdet growls faintly. ~If one of their number is ‘dragged down’ for dishonorable reasons, it will be shame to those who do not intervene. Allies cannot aford to fight allies.~
Toxic says “Yes, and I think I know how t’stop that, Maury…”
Toxic says “And possibly t’stop a fair bit of th’fighting.”
Maury says energetically, “They’re going to cause trouble, Toxic.”
Toxic nods to Maury. “Yes. As newcomers t’this Sept have caused trouble before.”
Sepdet nods at Maury. ~They may. If so, we will stop them. But recall that last night, Flying Bear’s words first started that fight.~
Toxic nods to Sepdet. “Yes. Intervene and uphold th’Litany.”
Maury scowls. “Not like they could. Are.”
Erik says “There is a difference here I think you fail to see, Toxic-rhya. No newcomer has ever been brought here in the appearance of being “muscle”.”
Toxic chuckles at Maury. “You have no idea. Garou have come t’this Sept who have plunged it into war before.”
Toxic says “I think you are wrong in what you think I fail t’see, Erik.”
Erik says “Who here trusts their motives? Who here trusts Adrian’s motives?”
Toxic grins slightly. “Pardon th’phrasing.”
Maury looks at Erik. “Not me, and not me.”
Erik says “Perhaps, Elder. I have been wrong many times before. I hope to be wrong now.”
Toxic says “Now then, since some of you seem interested in kicking my idea apart without even hearing it, why don’t I air it so you’ve got a clearer target?”
Toxic says “And Erik, -please- call me Toxic.”
Maury says “I don’t like that they come in and assume we don’t even have a _chance_ of putting ourselves back together after losing Horus-rhya without their help. Arrogant -”
Maury chokes herself off, with a flush; the drop of well-trained eyes to the ground accompanies the paling of her face.
Toxic waits for something resembling a spot of silence.
Erik smiles slightly at Maury. “It is in the blood. Believe me.”
Erik quiets.
Toxic says “Things I have noticed:”
Toxic says “About half of them openly criticize this Sept. Th’other half do not. Their alpha happens t’be in this latter half. I think that’s a good sign.”
At the center, Nepthys heads northeast to the fire pit.
Nepthys has arrived.
Nepthys pads up.
Toxic says “They’re a fighting pack. Most of th’loud obnoxious ones are ahrouns. I donna think they bluster and insult too much more than most of our ahrouns.”
Erik nods to Nepthys
Sepdet whuffs a pleased greeting at her tribe-sister, but continues listening intently.
Erik waits to counterpoint Toxic’s assertion until she is finished
Nepthys nods to Sepdet.
Maury clears her throat at Toxic. “You’re incorrect. Their alpha is the one who said this Sept needed their help to prevent our _chaotic suicide_.”
Maury says “If that’s not criticism, I don’t know what is.”
Toxic hms. “Okay, then I missed that inna confusion last night.”
Toxic shrugs. “It still donna make difference one in th’solution I propose.”
Nepthys signs something in strider hand signals about ‘nice formal orderly suicide’.
Sepdet sighs. ~But tell us the rest of your idea.~
Toxic would giggle at Nepthys if she understood.
Erik, to Nepthys… “I only understand American Sign Language….”
Nepthys nods to Erik.
Sepdet signs ‘heh’ (_not_ the Egyptian god!) to Nepthys.
Toxic says “Okay. Right now, they are outsiders. They are not subject t’us, and we are not subject t’them. They put on airs, they bitch about th’food and th’service…”
Maury restrains herself visibly from muttering something.
Toxic says “Th’only recourses we have right now t’anything they do are calling it t’their attention in an honorable fashion…And I never like t’rely on other people’s ideas of honor, even if this Lyta -does- seem t’rein them in fairly well…And calling them out in an honorable fashion, which dependent on fighter against fighter, maybe is a win for us, maybe is a win for them…And then we’ve GOT t’abide by th’outcome of th’challenge.”
Toxic says “Frankly, this sucks.”
Toxic says “But I think I know a way t’give us a fair number more options.”
Erik says “That being…?”
l Nepthys
Nepthys is a Silent Strider, as is obvious from her vaguely jackal-like appearance. She is nearly 7 feet tall, gaunt and thin. Her fur, a brownish-yellow colour, is patchy in places and is mottled with black. The most notable thing about this werewolf is that she makes no sound, neither growl nor speech.
Around her waist is a belt, and a leather pouch.
Toxic says “I’m sicka hearing them talk about their hosts. If they donna like th’food, let’em cook. If they donna like th’service, let’em wait tables. Welcome them to th’Sept AS MEMBERS. Astram’s th’Alpha and I trust him and Batrana t’keep a rein on Adrian. They donna like th’mess, they can clean it up…But then they are subject t’our elders and our discipline and our ways.”
Nepthys gives a little scowl as she thinks and listens. Not at Toxic, just at what she thinks about the intruding Furies.
Toxic shrugs. “And if that doesn’t work, we’re no worse off than we were before. It’s as envoys that they are most dangerous. Bring’em in and they can’t cause as much trouble, they’re just another pack, and Lyta is NOT an elder at this Sept.”
Erik says, slowly, carefully… “Toxic-r… Toxic… when has this Caern ever based decisions of discipline, right, wrong, and law on any basis save Rank?
Maury giggles. “Yeah, when have they?”
On the southern curve, Jess comes in from the woodland to the south.
Toxic looks at Erik. “If it’s an Elder against a ranker, Elder wins every time.”
:nods. ~And it will no longer be a matter of *Them* and *Us*. As long as both groups keep thinking that way, we will have even more conflict.*
Sepdet nods. ~And it will no longer be a matter of *Them* and *Us*. As long as both groups keep thinking that way, we will have even more conflict.*
On the southern curve, Jess heads into the center.
At the center, Jess heads northeast to the fire pit.
Jess has arrived.
+finger Jess
Information for Jess (Alias ‘Jessie’):
Jess is connected.
Location:       Around the Fire Pit
Other Name(s):  Not Set
Race:           Garou               Sex:            female
Breed:          Homid               Auspice:        Theurge
Tribe:          Children of Gaia    Rank:           0
Position:       Not Set
Info:           Only newly aware that the Garou exist, Jess is pretty ok with the fact that she is one. She just keeps getting shocked by the reality of who else is too. Jess is a pacifist, not liking needless violence, but has never been put in a position to have to really test the waters. She is still in awe of the wonder of being able to “shift” and like to do it, just to watch it work. What she really needs thought, is a purpose. She is looking for a meaning, behind all of the really interesting things going on…
Maury looks more serious. “And Adrian respects this Lyta of theirs, Toxic. And will listen to her, I bet. And Adrian’s Warder, not that I’m sure I really understand what that means.”
Jess pads over to an out of the way corner and lays down to listen…
Sepdet thumps tail in friendly greeting at Jess.
Jess grins a wolfish grin, nodding to Sepdet…
Erik says “What it means, Maury, is that Lyta can challenge Adrian for position, once in the Sept. Or challenge Astram.”
Toxic says “They might just settle in, do a damned good job….Ooooh, I just hadda thought. If they became th’Guardian Pack, they could never leave th’Bawn…”
Erik offers a “Hello….” to Jess, unsure if he’s met her before
Toxic nods to Jess.
Jess grins and nods… Have met so many in the past month, really couldn’t say. Nice to meet you though…
Sepdet sighs and stifles a yawn. ~Ai. This one should be more diligent in meditation techniques~ she mutters softly. ~Sleeplessness will not help anyone.~
Nepthys wrinkles her nose at Toxic’s idea.
Toxic nods to Erik. “And Astram and Batrana could challenge her, either way.”
Maury says “Oh, wouldn’t that just be wonderful, Toxic. Having them all underfoot all the time.”
Erik says “I am Erik Walks-outside, Philodox of the Children of Gaia.”
Toxic shrugs at Maury, “It locks them up and limits their effectiveness.”
Jess nods, respectfully. I am Jessie, cub.
Sepdet stirs herself to look less like a weary cub, and meets Jess’s gaze apprainsingly. ~Sepdet, Theurge Strider, cub also.~
Maury studies Toxic. “And will they act polite to us like they should? I might mention it _looks_ like they expect to be welcomed with open arms.”
Toxic says “Thing t’remember is that Astram-rhya is th’Alpha here. That’s not something you fight for. That’s something decided by th’Elders. Best fighter inna Sept is NOT necessarily th’Alpha. Besting th’Alpha means overturning one decision…Not overturning th’Alpha.”
Nepthys looks at the broom Jess is carrying.
Toxic says “If they do not, Maury, they are in violation of th’Litany they purport t’uphold.”
l Jess
Skinny is the only word to describe this cub. Her silver grey fur doesn’t do anything to hide her ribcage. The fur of her muzzle is dark, forming a pattern not unlike a mask.
Carrying:
broom
Jess dropped broom.
Erik says “The Furies may or may not hold to that, Toxic. That is not the same for every Sept.”
Toxic says “Challengeably so.”
Jess looks sheepish, for a wolf…
Toxic looks over at Erik. “Our elders outweigh their two-elder voting block. They’re stuck.”
Sepdet looks up. ~If they join the Sept, they must abide by the customs.~
Toxic says “Bingo!”
Maury shrugs a little. “I wouldn’t know. I don’t like ‘em, and I don’t want them here, Toxic. I want ‘em to go back home where _they_ belong.”
Nepthys nods in agreement with Maury.
Maury says “Well, if they’re here anyway they oughta abide by the customs.”
Jess grins at Sepdet, glad to have met someone without a huge list of names and titles… I am born under that moon also, although of the Children of Gaia…
Erik nods dubiously at Toxic. “You are counting on us to behave in a unified manner. Although the current Elders may be better at that than the rest of us.
Toxic looks at Erik. “I think that where the pack Seneca-Falls is concerned, we will act in a unified manner if they attempt any takeover.”
Sepdet winces. ~Not all Garou can freely return to where they truly belong, Maury.~
Erik says “It is not the blatant takeover I fear, Toxic. But you understand politics better than I.”
Nepthys shrugs to Sepdet.
Echen has connected.
Nepthys waves to Echen.
Maury raises an eyebrow at Sepdet. “No? Well, if they got sent away from Gaia’s Bones, then do we want them here? And if not, there’s no reason they can’t just go back like they came.”
Echen blinks awake. He swallows once, glances at Maury and smiles faintly.
Toxic grins at Erik. “I think we can outsubtle them, too. Put it this way, gotta better idea? I want to hear it. Come t’think of it, I want t’hear any ideas at all.”
Erik says “Well. The thought I have, they would find insulting.”
Toxic says “Maury,t hey’re th’pride and joy of Gaia’s Bones. They weren’t sent away in exile, they were sent off to glory. Th’biggest flaw I can think of with what I’m proposing is that they may not -wish- t’give up their Sept.”
Sepdet frowns slightly, bites her lip, and nuzzles closer to Nepthys.
Erik says “Hello, Echen…”
Toxic shrugs at Erik. “Lay it on me. I might like it.”
+finger Echen
Information for Echen:
Echen is connected.
Location:       Around the Fire Pit
Other Name(s):  Echen Mac Conaill, or, alternately, Echen Mountainsong. People close to him know him by his human name, Brian O’Flannery.
Race:           Garou               Sex:            Male
Breed:          Homid               Auspice:        Ahroun
Tribe:          Fianna              Rank:           1
Position:       Grandchild of Fionn; Bartender at Dark Wine and Roses Cafe; Lone Wolf; Bleeding-heart Romantic; Occasional teacher of cubs; ‘Dearthair’ to Feinan
Info:           Since his arrival in St. Claire several weeks ago, and despite his being forced or goaded into battle time and again, Echen remains ever the reluctant warrior. He takes little pride in his kingly ancestry (Pure Breed 5), nor his impressive reservoir of skill in combat (Aspect: Mars Rising). Content to simply be with the people who are dear to him and to try to do what is right, he finds himself continually thrust into battles (some physical, some spiritual, and some emotional) that he would rather not think about or deal with. All of these battles have left him scarred; some visibly, some not. Widely appreciated, widely despised, and almost universally misunderstood, the young Ahroun has become locked in battle with who is the most formidable opponent he has encountered in his short life: himself.
Nepthys signs to Sepdet, [We could all go back down and take over -their- Sept.] She grins.
Toxic says “Halt and assimilate.”
Sepdet nods respectfully at Echen.
Echen’s brow furrows. “They sure didn’t look like they were takin’ over nothin’, this afternoon.”
Erik says “I think our doubts must be spoken to them, in front of all. Spoken plainly.”
Maury says “Which one are you calling their Sept? Gaia’s Bones? They gave that up already, Toxic, didn’t you hear? ‘Lyta, formerly of Gaia’s Bones’.”
Maury says “_Formerly_, which I questioned at the time, even then.”
Erik says “And then we will have their oath. Before Gaia. And, should they break it, there would be no honor lost in dealing with them as harshly as need be. For they will have KNOWN what they were doing.”
Toxic nods. “I think they already have been, Erik.” She looks at Maury. “I didn’t hear that, either, and when I spoke t’Lilith this afternoon, -she- sure believed Gaia’s Bones was their Sept.
Toxic nods to Erik. “I think this is perfectly complementary to what I propose, Erik…After all, once we have their oaths as members of this Sept, they’ll be quite useful.”
Erik says “Toxic, words in chaos of last night mean nothing. At the Cracking of the Bone in the next Moot, I think it would be a good idea to put it forth.”
Toxic says “Not last night, Erik. Today.”
Toxic says “Or did you think you were cleaning up after a game of poker?”
Jess listens carefully, absorbing all she can.
Maury says “Well, that’s what their alpha said. Formerly of Gaia’s Bones. And I questioned it, and if that Lilith thinks she’s still of Gaia’s Bones, then maybe _she_ should question it, too.”
Erik says “Toxic, if the words are to have meaning, they must be heard by all, at Moot. It is a gesture of goodwill on their part. Not only must we acknowledge to them our fears… they must acknowledge why we feel this way”
Sepdet hmms. ~Nepthys’ suggestion does have a certain appeal, that we simply take over _their_ sept.~ A wolfish smile.
Erik says “Toxic, I thought I was cleaning up after still more of the same. What I saw was not healing, but gutted Garou.”
Toxic says “I would like t’see this matter resolved with minimal bloodshed…And minimal allowance for -any- one tribe t’govern this Caern.”
Jess looks shocked…
Toxic nods to Erik. “Gutted Garou, th’results of honest disclosure of feelings, as I heard it.”
Jess frowns…
Maury leans against Echen a little. “I can’t go take over their sept, Sepdet. I got family here, and I can’t leave them either.”
Toxic says “It’s a cute idea, Sepdet, but it’s strictly impossible and impractical.”
Echen lifts his shoulders in a shrug. “They ain’t Sept members. If we don’ want ‘em, simple t’ tell ‘em t’ leave. Right?”
Toxic says “Not quite, Echen.”
Maury says “I wish, Echen. They were called here by Adrian.”
Nepthys signs to Sepdet, [Their arrival here has brought chaos, not order.]
Sepdet nods. ~Moot would be best. For all the Sept would be gathered, and, if nothing else, our numbers might encourage them to seek more peaceable means of expressing their views.~
Erik says “The problem, Echen, is that Horus welcomed them. Only he or Astram may undo that.”
Toxic says “Oh, it’s necessary that all this happen at a Moot, I agree.”
Sepdet frowns. ~If their disturbances continue, Arjun-rhya *will* undo that.~
Erik says “Which brings a point to mind.”
Toxic says “I still think we should assimilate them. They are few, we are many.”
Nepthys signs, [I'll bet it's a moot point.]
Echen puts his arm around Maury and gives her a gentle squeeze as he speaks. “Aside fr’m Actaeon, who else’s gotten bloody since they’ve been here?”
Erik says “If settlement IS reached, it will take many days for news of the settlement to reach all of the Sept. The Furies should be warned that this will be the case.”
Toxic says “Noone, Echen.”
You whisper “I see you share some wisdom, sister. But fear not. Many of those in this Sept prefer to fight only Gaia’s foes, not her Children.~” to Jess.
Erik chuckles at nepthys. “Terrible.”
Toxic says “True, Erik.”
Sepdet bites Nepthys’ foot. But not too hard.
Nepthys ows and rubs her foot.
Maury scowls. “Yeah, Toxic. Assimilate ‘em. I don’t _want_ ‘em staying. Flying Bear almost got attacked, Echen, by a couple of ‘em, but at least their Lyta person told ‘em to go one at a time. They _would_ have, I think, if Horus-rhya hadn’t shown up just the.”
Toxic says “Maury, if we assimilate them, they are subject t’our laws and our elders.”
Porthos has arrived.
Sepdet licks it. (These cubs have no concept of competition yet, do they?)
Jess whispers “I just can’t understand Garou turning on Garou like rats in a cage…”
Nepthys opens up her pouch and pulls out some beef jerky for Sepdet to gnaw on instead.
Toxic says “If we send them back, we risk being visited by a larger, stronger, more determined pack.”
Erik OOC: Resistance is irrelevant. Furies are irrelevant. You will be assimilated.
Toxic <ooc> baps Erik.
Maury says “They’re subject to our laws anyway, aren’t they? They’re here, an’ if we were there they’d expect _us_ to follow _their_ laws. No?”
Porthos raises himself from the ground, knuckling sleep from his eyes. He looks up, mumbling something about the Borg, and sits by the fire.
Toxic says “They are not subject to our -elders-, Maury. There is a difference between laws and elders.”
page Erik=who went and made you Borger King? ;)
You paged Erik with ‘who went and made you Borger King? ;)’.
Erik pages: Ralston Purina. :)
Nepthys munches jerky herself, too, while listening.
Maury eyes Toxic. “Well, I’m not subject to their elder, their alpha, either, so as far as I’m concerned it balances out. ‘Sides, they said they’d abide by the decisions of our Elders. So they _are_ bound, by their own words.”
Sepdet signs *thanks* and nibbles. Squirrel for breakfast is not very filling.
Nepthys nods to Sepdet.
Toxic hmmmms at Maury. “If they are of our Sept, it is not voluntary, but mandatory.”
Jess grimaces… Squirrel. Like raw squirrel?
Erik nods. “We will see if it works the first time one of us says “I intend to do this” and one of them says “You will not, because I outrank you” and the one of us says “Who are you to order me?” What concerns me is that many of them are of high Rank, and this gives them an inordinate amount of weight for their numbers. We shall see
Nepthys nods to Jess. And makes little wiggly-running-fingers with one hand on the open palm of her other.
Jess frowns…
Erik chuckles at nepthys
You paged Jess with ‘I’m jealous. Shoulda picked a Child of Gaia, but Sepdet took over my keyboard and demanded to be written. … oh, I should send you the words to the Werewolf’s lament, one verse is on the plight of vegetarian werewolves. ;)’.
Nepthys licks her lips and smirks.
Jess likes this form, but insists on nothing less cooked than pizza.
Jess grimaces…
Sepdet stage-whispers ~stop it, you’re making me hungry.~ (Even more so, OOC)
Nepthys checks in her pouch for pizza.
+finger Nepthys
Information for Nepthys (Alias ‘Nep’):
Nepthys is connected.
Location:       Around the Fire Pit
Other Name(s):  Keziah Massinissa, Nepthys Never-Speaks
Race:           Garou               Sex:            female
Breed:          Metis               Auspice:        Galliard
Tribe:          Silent Striders     Rank:           0
Position:       Wayfarer; Mercenary Courier
Info:           Nepthys is likely the most silent Silent Strider you will ever meet — her metis genes have cursed her with the inability to speak, in any form. A wanderer by nature (Planetary Aspect: Mercury Rising), she hires herself out for messenger and delivery tasks. Recently she has come to St. Claire, hoping to capitalize on the recent new activity at the reopened Caern. She also engages in information-brokering on the side. If you’re in need of a reliable courier or wish to trade secrets, please get in touch!
Nepthys is hungry OOC. Some squirrel pizza sounds real good.
Jess pages: That is neat. I am just playing this by ear. I figure a 14 year old who liked wolves might really like spending time as a lupus, just for the novely… But I don’t think she could stomach eathing this way… Oaken tempted her right back in to homid with some chocolate cookies last night…
Maury shrugs. “I respect your opinion, Toxic, but I don’t wanna have ‘em stay. And if they haveta stay, because _Adrian-rhya_ wants ‘em here, that’s great for them and all, as long as their wants don’t become her decisions.”
Nepthys nods in agreement with what Maury says.
Echen smiles gently at Maury. “We got another problem too, I think.”
Erik nods as well. “What happens when Lyta, as Adrian’s superior and Elder, *tells* Adrian to act a certain way or make a certain ruling on Caern matters?”
Jess makes her way south, back around the Wheel.
Jess has left.
You paged Jess with ‘So ‘m I, I just got here last week but have fallen in love with everyone. Judith & Anpwhotep will be nice to you, and everyone will be nice to you OOC. I love Garou; a Paganism-based morality system!’.
Maury nods at Erik, and looks up at Echen worriedly. “What?”
On the eastern curve, Jess heads east, back into the forest and away from the Wheel.
Echen smiles slightly at Porthos and gives a small nod, but then returns his attention to Maury. “I’ve been hearin’ Windhowl ain’t around no more,” he says, his eyes going to Toxic for a moment. “So we ain’t got an Elder.”
Maury nods at Echen. “I thought of that, yeah. I never even met him. We need a new one. How’re they chosen?”
Erik says “Neither have the Children of Gaia. We meet soon to elect a new one. Perhaps a tribal Moot is in order, Echen? Before the next Sept Moot?”
Sepdet blinks. ~Don’t we?~ She looks at Toxic. ~Oh, tribal elder. Foolish me.~
Erik says “That varies from tribe to tribe and Sept to Sept, Maury”
Maury adds, gently, “The Silent Striders haven’t got one either, yet.”
Echen shrugs slightly. “Some tribes fight fer it. Some talk it through. We got t’ do somethin’, though. Bein’ without an Elder now makes us damn vulnerable to these Furies. More’n th’ other tribes.”
Erik thinks Anubis is defacto in that role, Maury
Nepthys nods to Erik.
Echen glances over at Erik.. “Might be. But who can call it?”
Toxic says “Anubis is highest ranker of th’Striders.”
+finger Anubis
Information for Anubis (Alias ‘Yasif Hassan’):
Last connected on Wed Feb 23 12:13:59 1994.
Location:       Off the North Side of the Wheel
Other Name(s):  Anubis/Yasif Hassan
Race:           Garou               Sex:            Male
Breed:          Lupus               Auspice:        Philodox
Tribe:          Silent Striders     Rank:           2
Position:       Keeper of the Ways, Strider Elder, Harbinger.
Info:           Anubis looks like an idealized archetype of the Egyptian jackal, statuesque and poised (Pure Breed 3). He looks a bit out of place among wolves other than Striders, being less stocky and shorter-haired. He seems perceptive and thoughtful, and constantly seeks for new knowledge and often shares it with cubs. He holds the rank of Second Wind Gust in Kailindo, the Garou martial arts. Anubis has returned to the Caern very recently from a long absence, spent at the Wheel of Ptah in faraway Casablanca. He seems much older and more mature than when he left. While he still is kindly and not overbearing, much of the old naivete is gone; his manner is more serious and thoughtful, and perhaps a bit more martial as well. With Horus’s departure, he has been suddenly dumped into positions of heavy responsibility in the Sept.
Erik says “Why not you?”
Echen chews on his lower lip. “I ain’t sure they’ll all listen t’ me.’
Maury points out at Erik, “We’re Fianna. Echen and me.” She turns back to Echen. “So we want an Elder, we have to make a choice? Between us all? We can do it with just… well, prolly not. But we should all talk, I don’t even know everyone. I’ll be here Friday night for sure, I dunno if I will tomorrow. I think we’ll listen. Chris’n'I will, ‘course, you know that.”
Erik says “Well, then invite them to come to the Moot and not listen to you THERE.”
Toxic chuckles softly. “Well, I guess it’s time for th’Fianna t’have an all-in drinking contest, winner get t’be Elder.”
Erik chuckles at Toxic. “May I doctor the drinks to influence the outcomes?
You whisper “~I know little of Anubis, but he seems wise. And Anpwhotep was pleased at his appointment. Do you know what he is like?~” to Nepthys.
Echen flashes a small smile at Toxic. “But I ain’t so sure I want th’ job.”
Maury ews at Toxic. “Ugh. How disgusting. Good thing I’m too new to be Elder, yuck.”
You sense Nepthys signs, [I know him little, but Horus has respect for him.]
Toxic smirks. “I donna think it’d matter, with Fianna.”
Maury tugs on Echen’s hand. “We can talk about it with the others.”
Erik says “Which makes you more fit for it, Echen. I understand you have a challenge pending?”
Toxic grins at Echen. “Ask me if I wanna be th’Talesinger. Ask me if I wanna be Alpha of Renaissance.”
At the center, Anpwhotep heads northeast to the fire pit.
Anpwhotep has arrived.
Erik says “Hello, Anpwhotep…”
Nepthys waves at Anpwhotep.
Maury counts on her other hand. “Echen, Shana, Cory, me, Mr. Burke, Oaken, an’ Chris. Is that all of us?”
You whisper “nods, signs ~And that is more than enough for me.~” to Nepthys.
Toxic hugs Anpwhotep gently. “Hey bro.”
l Anpwhotep
The animal before you appears to be a normal-sized jackal, lean and agile with a thin and fit musculature. His fur is a uniform dark brown, shading to a lighter brown along his belly. His eyes are a deep hazel, flickering across all he sees with an unnatural clarity…perhaps even, intelligence. His ears are high and pointed, and constantly move back and forth as he listens to everything around him. On his left front ankle is a plain copper band, with a silhouette of a jackal engraved in relief in the center. Down the middle of his back is a wide scar, the fur around it paler than the rest of his fur. Another scar crosses his belly, turning the fur there almost white. His muzzle is bleached and his forepaws are covered in short, bleached, singed-looking fur. Spots of pale, bleached fur are scattered across his body, as if he was splashed by acid. A set of scars cross his chest and behind his left foreleg. Unless he is wet, or the air in the area is humid, his fur stands on end, even to the point of his tail being frizzed out like a bottle brush. When he moves, you can see little sparks leaping between hair ends, and hear the crackle of those sparks.
Anpwhotep looks back at you with a thoughtful expression.
Anpwhotep nuzzles Toxic and wags his tail. Hi, Little Boss.
Nepthys nods to Sepdet.
Echen chews on his lower lip for a moment. “Lisa an’ Kevin, too. An’…” He sighs. “An’ Shannon. Erin too.”
Sepdet whuffs happily at Anpwhotep from where she is curled up beside Nepthys. ~Anpw’s Blessings, Anpwhotep-rhya.~
Anpwhotep whuffles to Sepdet. Hello, little sister. How are you doing today?
Maury says “Who, who, who, and who?”
Maury says hastily, “Shannon, no, I know her name.”
Sepdet replies softly. ~Not so well… I could not sleep this last night. But new family eases heavy hearts.~
On the southern curve, Su comes in from the woodland to the south.
On the southern curve, Su heads into the center.
At the center, Su heads northeast to the fire pit.
Su has arrived.
Nepthys waves at Su.
Su whurfs greetings.
Echen smiles slightly at Maury. “Lisa’s a cub what ain’t Changed yet. Ain’t seen her around in ages. Kevin goes t’ school at Saint Uriel’s… he’s a touch older’n ye. Erin jus’ got back fr’m Ireland, so I ain’t surprised ye don’ know her. An’ Shannon… well, Shannon won’t be comin’ to no Moot.”
page Anpwhotep=blast it, I am always here at the wrong time. Time to go eat, for  me.
You paged Anpwhotep with ‘blast it, I am always here at the wrong time. Time to go eat, for me.’.
Erik says “Hello again, Su”
Toxic nods to Su. “Yo.”
Porthos moves, crouched, to sit beside Nepthys and Sepdet. He turns to speak quietly to Nepthys.
Sepdet looks up and greets Su with another tail-thump-thump.
Maury nods at Echen solemnly. “Well, I can get this Kevin in, then, and Shana will come. Cory I dunno. When should we meet? Toxic, when’s the next Sept Moot?”
Nepthys reaches out with her toe and draws on the ground in front of her (and the other striders), three symbols, ‘Silent Strider’, ‘Caern’, and an arrow pointing back at the part of the firepit where they’re sitting.
Anpwhotep nods to Sepdet. I understand, little one. If my sisters (looking at Toxic) will allow, I may be able to help with that a little.
Su looks a bit quizzical.
On the western curve, Kassi works her way free of the dense treeline to the west.
Erik offers his traanslation services to Nepthys, able to do so while his mind is on other things
On the western curve, Kassi heads into the center.
At the center, Kassi heads northeast to the fire pit.
Kassi has arrived.
Erik says “Hello, Kassi”
Maury waves at Kassi and looks at Toxic and Echen.
Kassi nods to Erik and Maury.
Nepthys signs to Erik in ASL, [This is our Strider hangout.] She grins.
You whisper “~Aye, it is indeed. I think that is why my Ibis sent me hither; it is hard to find pack-training among such a solitary people.~” to Nepthys.
Anpwhotep whuffles in amusement to Nepthys.
Su chuckles with wolfen laughter. So it has been, hasn’t it?
Sepdet smiles hello to Kassie.
Erik translates : “Nepthys volunteers to buy the pizza…”
Echen smiles slightly at Maury. “Think maybe ye kin start tellin’ people ye see before me? Maybe we kin meet Saturday night, ’round dinnertime?”
Su yips at Erik in good humor.
Nepthys laughs silently at Erik.
Kassi smiles, briefly, to Sepdet.
Toxic sorries. “Next Moot should be Monday.”
+finger Kassi
Information for Kassi (Alias ‘Skyfire’):
Kassi is connected.
Email address:  tmlst9+@pitt.edu
Location:       Around the Fire Pit
Other Name(s):  Cassandra Stephens – Sky Run Through With Fire
Race:           Garou               Sex:            female
Breed:          Homid               Auspice:        Theurge
Tribe:          Stargazers          Rank:           0
Position:       Receptionist for Shattered Crystal Software – Bear’s child
Info:           A young werewolf, her Change having come just about a year ago and under stressful conditions, she has spent much time trying to reconcile her new self and her old self. It has been a hard year and has caused her to mature in many ways, even while she remained naive in others. Stumbling her way along the path of life, she is making her mistakes and trying to learn from them. She tends to have a hard time reconciling her violent nature with her more usual quiet nature. She’s smart, but not very perceptive. Then again, how perceptive would you be with ghosts and spirits prattling at you all day?
Erik chuckles, then translates accurately.
Maury grins at Echen. “Sure. What’re we gonna eat? Pizza?”
Kassi scowls quietly at the fire.
Nepthys signs to Erik, [I don't think Dominos will deliver to the Caern.]
Toxic looks up at Kassi curiously, gently ruffling the fur of Anpwhotep’s back with her fingertips
Su whuffles at the thought of a Garou as pizza-deliveryman. A big Crinos getting out of a car, carrying a stack of twenty boxes in shreds….
Erik says “True, Nepthys. There is a steak-house in Kent Crossing, though.”
Echen looks thoughtfully at Maury. “What would ye *like* t’ eat?”
Erik grins at Su. “It’s Bigfoot…”
Nepthys winces.
Sepdet bites back a somewhat snide remark on the subject of silent Silent Strider takeovers. She’s still a little cautious about being *too* relaxed.
Toxic says “How y’doing, Kassi?”
Porthos grins. “A Crinos getting out of a _Yugo_…”
Erik says “More like EATING one.”
Anpwhotep whuffles at Sepdet gently.
Nepthys stands, stretching.
Nepthys follows the Wheel west, away from the fire pit.
Nepthys has left.
Su looks a little blank at the whole Bigfoot thread and realizes that it’s about time for her to go hunt up some dinner.
Erik tells his Yugo joke. “News from Sarajevo. In increasing violence today, three youths armed with rifles and a Yugo engaged in a push-by shooting…”
Kassi looks up and shrugs. “Okay, I guess. Feeling crowded.”
Sepdet rubs her head against Anpwhotep’s (paw? hand?) and closes her eyes.
On the northern curve, Nepthys turns back and retreats east to the fire pit.
Nepthys has arrived.
Su guffaws OOC. She doesn’t get it IC, of course, but very good.
Nepthys makes her way south, back around the Wheel.
Nepthys has left.
Maury says “Pizza!”
Porthos chuckles in spite of himself. He grimaces at Erik. “Shame on you.”
At the center, Cyllan heads northeast to the fire pit.
Cyllan has arrived.
Erik grins at Porthos. “Yeah, well, a little more won’t matter.”
Toxic hums softly at Kassi, then nods at Cyllan. “Yo.”
Su gets up with a little more energy than she’s otherwise had lately and yips farewells to everyone. She might be back a little later, but now she’s starved.
On the eastern curve, Nepthys sits on the ground and sticks her legs out, stretching them, and reaching out with her hands for her feet.
Cyllan nods. “‘Lo everyone.”
Echen chuckles softly at Maury. “Pizza. We Moot at th’ Story Tree at six on Saturday. Pizza fer dinner.”
Su heads into the center.
Su has left.
At the center, Su heads south, away from the center of the Wheel.
Anpwhotep nuzzles Sepdet gently and indicates his side, where she can lean
On the southern curve, Su heads south, out of the Wheel and into the forest.
Kassi says “Learning about coups in my history book.”
Sepdet rests her muzzle in her small paws. ~Perhaps sleep now~ she says softly.
:snuggles close to her elder, her eyes sliding shut.
Sepdet snuggles close to her elder, her eyes sliding shut.
On the eastern curve, Nepthys stands again, on her toes with her arms out at her side.
Maury giggles at Echen. “Okay.”
Maury hears the word history and turns towards Kassi. “Which coups?”
On the eastern curve, Nepthys contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
On the eastern curve, Nepthys shifts into Homid form.
Toxic looks up at Cyllan. “How y’doing?”
Anpwhotep curls just enough to surround Sepdet protectively……almost paternally.
From afar, Anpwhotep thinks someone has been adopted…..:)
Porthos heads into the center.
Porthos has left.
Sepdet OOC- wish I could stay all evening, but all this talk of pizza has made me starved. Bye, dear friends.
Cyllan shrugs. “Alright I guess. I’ve started school *ugh*, but it’s not all that bad.”
At the center, Porthos heads east, away from the center of the Wheel.
On the eastern curve, Keziah kicks off her boots, and taps one toe on the ground, setting a tempo.
<OOC> Anpwhotep gently pushes Sepdet toward her nearest supply of food
On the eastern curve, Porthos heads east, back into the forest and away from the Wheel.
QUIT
Thank you for visiting.