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.




By the steam vents, Norman passes across the Gauntlet by the waterfall, emerging into the Realm in Lupus form. The half-bald Godi wades out and shakes himself before shifting to homid form. He casts a scant glance over the Caern, looking even more thin and wary than usual. Dark circles smudge his eyes, and his cheeks are hollow. Padding over to the steam vents, he drops cross-legged to sit on the ground. He takes a bone-handled knife from a sheath on his belt, sets it across one of the vents where it will be in the flow of the escaping steam, and closes his eyes. Gradually his breathing slows and steadies. In. Out. In. Out.

Coriander makes her way into the caern, already in crinos, tugging along a Bone Gnawer with her. Basil, to be exact. She hunts out a spot for herself, her companion and her pack, when they arrive, settling into a crouch, for now.

Demon-Tongue pads down the trail in lupus, following the medicine wheel before alighting to the center and shifting slowly up to Crinos. She sits in a crouch, imitating a lupus sit, and looks around at all the garou already here with interest.

Icicle arrives in good time at the caern, walking in crinos with his hammer slung across his broad shoulders, head held high as he looks at the others beginningn to assemble.

Mind-Breaker comes down into the caern proper in Crinos form, the dark-furred form of the ragabash seeming to slip in and out of the shadows. He's leading Gabriel into the caern, occasionally glancing back at the cub to make sure he's alright. The pair follow the turn of the medicine wheel before emerging to the center, and the Crinos gives a rictus grin to those he recognizes, raising a massive hand towards Coriander, Bianca, and Lightning-Branch.

Bad-Penny walks along with Coriander in the form of Crinos, lagging just a few steps behind her on her left side. He seems to be an odd mixture of tenseness and boredom, his face holding all the expression of a bald tire.

Chulash files into the Caern as well, dragging past Norman with a grunt of greeting, going through the medicine wheel properly, finally reaching the center of the caern. He rumbles greeting to those gathered in the center and stands mostly erect, enormous paws dangling close to the earth as he looks around him, silent, patient.

The Shadow Lord tribal Beta comes strolling in at a leisurely pace, glancing back to make her her cub is sticking with her. Bianca, still in homid, lifts a hand to give Jason a lazy wave before guiding her cub to a spot for the two of them.

Darkness arrives in homid, shifting up into crinos as he approaches the Caern itself. He lifts a brawny arm and throws a greeting towards Mind-breaker, his packmate having been hard to find recently.

Kaz emerges out of the steam of the vents, looking around with interest at all the people.

By the waterfall, Golden approaches the waterfall from the center of the caern.

Kaz then trails over to the windy spot, slowly melting into her birth form as she does so.

Stacey enters the Caern as most start to gather, glancing around to see who's there. Spotting Coriander, she grins, then heads for her packmate's position.

Ollie is in homid form as well, and as usual looks grubby and scruffy and as jittery as a rabid chihuahua. She sticks close to Bianca but not _too_ close, and behind messy black hair, her eyes flick this way and that. Her jaw is tight.

Weird-Tree gallumphs down the trail and around the directions, before skidding next to Mind-Breaker and sitting cheerfully. ~Helloooo!~ she beams.

Hearth Healer clambers down the waterfall's trail, eyes and nostrils wide, clearly awestruck.

War-Skin follows Mind-Breaker down into the Caern. he stays silent and watches the proceedigns, paying attention to how the Rites are performed.

Mind-Breaker gives the odd coupling of Coriander and Basil a curious look before Darkness catches his eye. He snaps a quick, smart salute to his alpha and turns a look back towards Gabriel. He gestures to the cub to follow him, before leading the way over to join his pack. A massive fist is raised in a fistbump offering to Darkness. He lets out a laugh and gives Weird-Tree's head a hearty pat.

Chandini climbs down the rock wall of the caern near the steam vents, holding onto bumps and crevices in the stone with her fingers and toes. When she's within about four feet of the ground, she lets go and drops the rest of the way, straightening and scanning the gathering crowds. She sees Golden, and sketches a bow to him, hands before her, fingertips at the level of her lips. She sees Kaz, and makes a clearer bow. She sees Yarrow and nods, and then she sees Kavi, and moves to join him, weaving through the mass of bodies until she is at his side.

By the steam vents, Norman seems barely aware of the other Garou arriving for the Moot. His eyes remain closed, his being drawn in on itself as he sits and breaths. In. Out. In. Out.

Hearth Healer noses around the center for a few moments, circling the rock, ears and nose twitching. If there are people in her way, she circles around /them/, too.

Bianca looks over to Ollie, giving the girl a lopsided grin, "Just sit back and observe. When we howl, howl. When we shift, shift. During the Cracking, don't make a sound. Be good and maybe we'll get you a lollipop after."

Mouse trudges down the trail into the Caern center, looking a little tired and somewhat distracted, with her hands stuffed into the pockets of her jacket. She picks a spot seemingly at random, and squats there, only shifting to crinos after a few moments.

Bad-Penny turns his head to look at Stacey when she approaches, easing into a gargoyle-like crouch at Coriander's side. The Gnawer gives her a curt nod, remaining mostly silent for the moment.

Fallout arrives with the rest of Night's Herald; the half-moon is tense, but his attention is focused. Finding a place for the pack to settle in together, he claims a spot for himself and settles in to wait for it to start.

Chulash looks around for the rest of his Tribe, only to find Tim and Leila. He lopes his way towards them, then settles down on all fours, rumbling a wordless greeting to the lot of them.

By the waterfall, With a good-natured nudge for Fallout, Golden separates from the rest of the pack and heads over towards the Waterfall at an easy trot.

Bag-of-Snakes arrives in time to see Hearth Healer, and gives her a little chuff as she circles, before making her way over towards Icicle.

War-Skin nods and follows Mind-Breaker as he goes to greet his pack. He stays silent until bidden to speak.

Demon-Tongue offers a chuff of greeting to Chulash as he passes, relaxed where she is.

Padding down into the caern in lupus, Soul-Whisper is full of a certain amount of energy, and he spots Bianca and angles over toward her.

The black-furred wolf that is Hope-Turner comes down the trail into the Caern, and circumvents everybody. He manages to find a spot in the Caern's center that isn't too close to anybody, and then he sits there.

Ollie frowns up at Bianca. "'Maya said she hadda stand up an' give her name, her first moot. Am I gonna?"

Unsolved-Mysteries sticks close to Fallout as they arrive, settling as she observes the rest of the gathering Sept.

Yarrow noses Niko almost by accident, and then realizes it's her actual tribemate, and whuffs to her happily.

"If you want, you can. Mother's Tongue, and be respectful..." Bianca gives the Cub a Look, one eyebrow arched up and everything.

Icicle finds himself a patch of floor and then gives Viv a toothy grin, making space for her as well.

Kevin slides into the moot quietly, in homid, as though trying to escape attention. He spies Bad-Penny and quite obviously boggles to notice the Gnawer present at a moot.

Standing with Leila at his side, Chulash looks over at Night's Herald, including Tim, Isabel and Jack, and rumbles, ~Well met.~ Then he turns to look at the central rock, silent.

Chandini murmurs a few words to her brother, totally lost in the white noise of multiple bodies and conversations, smiles up at him, and then scans the caern again.

"I know, I know," Ollie says impatiently, as if Bianca had told her something blatantly obvious. Her gaze jerks away from the older Shadow Lord and roves the gathering.

Demon-Tongue tenses as there's a cold wet nose in her ruff, and whirls around almost accusing, then relaxes as well and wags her tail as she sees it's Hearth Healer. ~Welcome to our moot,~ she rumbles, maybe a little tense, but welcoming nonetheless. ~You're welcome to sit here with me if you'd like.~

KL comes down the path. Spotting her tribesmates, she makes her way over to Yarrow and Niko. For her, the Fury Elder seems positively subdued.

Mind-Breaker raises a hand up to plant on War-Skin's head, turning him towards his pack. ~War-Skin, this is the pack Vendetta, my pack, best city pack you'll ever lay eyes on. Walks-In-Darkness here's the alpha, and we've got Power-In-The-Darkness and Weird-Tree. Guys, this here's the spirit moon protege of the Fianna, Wears-His-War-Skin-Like-His-Hide.~

Soul-Whisper heads on over to where Bianca and the cub sit, and he huffs a greeting to them as he settles in nearby.

Hearth Healer, tail tip vibrating, nudges Niko again and remains there, but her restless energy is clear. She whuffs happily to KL.

Snakepatcher paces slowly into the caern, sniffing at various scents. Catching a particular scent among the many, he stalks after Kevin.

Darkness lazily lifts a taloned arm to War-Skin. ~Yo, Irish. First moot?~

Ears looks around once more, and then says, almost to herself, ~OK.~ And then she fills her lungs and calls, ~Garou of the Hidden Walk! Tonight, we honor the spirits! Tonight, we honor our heritage! Tonight, we honor our deeds! Tonight! We Moot!~ And then she merely howls with abandon, to the overcast night sky, and to the moon beneath the clouds.

Bag-of-Snakes gives KL a meaningful look when the Fury elder arrives, but doesn't interrupt the procedure by speaking to her.

Ears howls long and loud.

From Center of the Caern, Ears can be heard to howl, ~Garou of the Hidden Walk! Tonight, we honor the spirits! Tonight, we honor our heritage! Tonight, we honor our deeds! Tonight! We Moot!~

War-Skin bows before each member fo Vendetta as they are named. ~I am honored to meet you all. And thank you for taking care of me when I went through First Change. it is good to see you all again and be introduced.~

Kevin lifts a hand to Snakepatcher in silent greeting and makes room for his Uktena packmate to join him if he wishes.

Demon-Tongue chuffs a greeting towards KL, tail wagging happily. How are you today, elder? The new sound of the howl perks her ears though and she whips her head towards the Master of the Howl, letting loose a wild, raucous howl with nuance and practiced undulation. We moot!

Chandini slides through the group to end up at KL's side. From there, she smiles at Yarrow, dips her head to Hearth Healer, and keeps on scanning.

Hope-Turner throws his head back and joins in the howl, loudly. The Ahroun does not make a pleasant sound, but it is loud.

First-Strike tips her head back and howls. And if her voice is a little more raspy and hoarse than usual, it's only just.

Darkness stops any further attempts at converation as the howling begins- throwing his head back to lead Vendetta off with a powerful howl.

Chulash joins in the opening howl, a bestial 'aonh' that scrapes against Niko's howl dissonantly and carries far into the night sky.

Mind-Breaker holds up a hand to War-Skin as Ears howls, his attention turning towards the center as the Sept Alpha announces the start of the moot. He lifts his head and joins the howl of his pack, high and piercing, pumping a fist excitedly in the air.

Icicle straightens and tilts his head back, opening his throat to let out a strangely high-pitched howl.

Curiosity joins in the howl, a rather joyful noise coming from the white-furred crinos.

War-Skin joins in the howl once Mind-Breaker does.

Ollie eyeballs Soul-Whisper, then looks away from him without saying or gesturing in hello. The moot's starting, and with everyone else howling, she shifts into hispo form to join in. Her howl is high-pitched for a dire wolf and full of anger.

Weird-Tree howls happily, a yap-yap-yooowwwww!

Hearth Healer tosses a happy howl out, pacing around the gathered Furies.

Wolf Mother howls, long and high pitched, and full of simple joy.

By the waterfall, Golden lifts his nose to the sky and howls, his voice steady and unwavering.

Chandini shifts up and joins the howl with surprised pleasure in the ritual.

Bianca, it may or may not be noted, shifts to crinos, but doesn't join in the howling. Although an eye is kept on her cub.

Chandini contorts and blurs as she is transformed.

Chandini shifts into Crinos form.

Kaz stands tall, the habitual slouch she wears gone for this occasion. Before she calls the first law, she looks out over the gathered Garou. ~I would like,~ she says dryly, ~To remind y'all we disagree with the Fool's /words/, and reaffirm our connection to Gaia, and who we, as a people, are. Our choices and our history, and why we behave and choose as we do. Around here, though, we do not insult the Fool personally, or threaten the Fool. Or the Fool's gihoolies. Clear?~ That said, she calls the first law, other laws, and the Fool responds; she restrains amusement, and calls the next laws. Until, ~Respect for Those Below Ye in Station -- All Are of Gaia!~

Bad-Penny joins in after Curiousity and Pathwalker, loud, deep and throaty, more for volume than anything else.

Snakepatcher sniffs over Kevin, only briefly before he perks his ears at the howling, and adds his gravelly howl to the cacophony.

Aroooo! comes the sound from Bag-of-Snakes' hispo throat as she joins the howl, then sits on her haunches to listen to the litany.

Light of Freedom murmurs a low question to Raging Phoenix, listens to the one-word answer, and nods thoughtfully.

"What's a gilhooley?" mutters Kevin to Snakepatcher, sotto voce.

By the waterfall, Golden-Jackal shifts to crinos, rolling his shoulders back and standing up a good deal straighter. The Fool raises his arms, as if in a benediction. ~You're all so vain, I bet you'll think this Fooling's about you.~ He briefly pauses so the joke can sink in for anyone who can understand it, and then he bursts out, ~And you're right! It is about you. For example, this whole thing of respecting those beneath you. Who has time for all of that non-sense? Next you'll be saying we need to respect our prey and the spirits--oh, or are they even included in all of that? How're we supposed to find time to do anything else, like combatting the Corruptor or protecting our Caerns, when we're constantly bowing down to every last spirit and little animal and cub who comes along. If they want repsect, they can earn it and command submission! Isn't that how we do things? Who needs those spirits and their favor? Who needs the favor of those beneath them, of those who sit and wait? Certainly not this Sept.~

Mind-Breaker turns a shrug to Kevin's question, looking about as baffled as the rest. He watches Golden-Jackal with interest, though, seeming more focused on the Fool himself than his words.

Kevin gets the joke, and evidently thinks it's funny; still in homid, he laughs aloud before Golden-Jackal can even get onto the first law.

Yarrow snorts softly, and then barks, We all have time! Otherwise, we will not survive as a people!

~Balance must be maintained!~ Lightning-Branch roars up to his tribemate. ~Just as we submit to our elders, so must our elders realize that they live for the People, and not for themselves! Such selfishness is blasphemy!~

Snakepatcher tilts back an ear at the question. It is what you do not insult or threaten.

Oncoming Storm growls, lip curling away from her teeth. ~It does not take time to show respect! Respect is in every behavior, every action. It takes as much time to show disrespect as to show respect!~

Hotspot shifts back to a two-legged form when the Litany starts, though again the cub avoids Crinos -- choosing her rather hairy, goblinoid glabro form instead. She stands to her full, unimpressive height, watching and listening with an expression both intently focussed and a few hundred years away.

Demon-Tongue peels her lips back and snarls. ~Without the spirits we are nothing! Without the lowliest cub we would never have the venerable Elder! Without prey, we will starve as the sun starves the desert! All things deserve respect.~

Bag-of-Snakes , if she gets the joke, seems equally as untickled by it as the dear old Queen who was not amused. ~The fool's procedure is about those who break the litany. Those who keep it need not fear it is about them. There is always time to respect those beneath you; it should come as naturally as breathing the air.~

~Because that's a tyrant's way. That's an honorless way. We /need/ our prey, and our kin, and our cubs. If that was Gaia's way, no parent would care for their children,~ Hope-Turner opinionates in a low rumble, ears pinning back.

By the steam vents, A jolt runs up Norman's spine at the opening howl, the Get sitting straight upright. His head drops backward and his breathing wavers. No howl passes his homid throat, however. As the Calling begins he seems to pay it little attention, only a twitch now and then showing disagreement or accord.

War-Skin watches and listens to the Fooling. he stays quiet, thinking that he may have overstepped his bounds when he joined in at the last moot and Kaz's admonishment was directed towards him.

First-Strike drops into a crouch that looks comfortable for her, if not probably any Garou of more normal shape. ~I think we've all learned very recently what happens when we don't respect those we consider beneath us.~

Bad-Penny lifts one of his large paws to scratch at the scarred side of his face, one ear swiveled to the Gaians at his side to listen to whatever they might say.

Light of Freedom does not actually speak out against the Fool, not out loud. She looks pensive inasmuch as a Crinos can, and looks around the gathering one more time for someone who apparently isn't there.

Kaz manages not to laugh at the Strider. Instead, she goes on to the next law, ~The Veil Shall Not Be Lifted!~

By the waterfall, Golden blows out a breath in wolfish exasperation and pins his ears, effecting annoyance but the aforementioned submission as well at the rest of the Sept. ~Oh alright, I'll grant you that one. But really now--the /Veil/. I /love/ the Veil. I'm sure we all here love the Veil, right? That's why we keep it /so well/ in this Sept.~ If sarcasm were visible and tangible, the Fool would just about be buried under a mountain of it. ~But really, is it necessary? Think of all the help we could get if we just, got rid of it! Humans would fight the Corruptor with us, wouldn't they? I mean it's trying to destroy them too, so of /course/ they'd fight with us against it. And all this verbal dancing around we have to do. Why can't we just /say/ what we are in public, loud and clear? Cliath, Philodox--those are perfectly normal words. If we recruited the humans, we could stop all these thinly-veiled games. And obviously the Sept's recent forays into selectively lifting the Veil prove this would be very successful.~

Hearth Healer, again, snorts. The humans who have killed and maimed us are proof against that.

Light of Freedom says, ~Didn't we try that a few thousand years ago...?~

~The enemy of my enemy isn't _always_ my friend,~ Ollie pipes up, quite abruptly.

Bag-of-Snakes emits a low, annoyed growl. ~How many times have we all seen humans do crazy, stupid things which will lead to their own destruction if allowed to continue unchecked? They would not fight the Wyrm with us. They would see us as an immediate threat and fight with the Wyrm and against us. And there's no need to get personal!~ she adds with a snarl.

Demon-Tongue growls low. ~Their sharp weapons and fire-blasters, their tree-razers and prey snatchers, they say otherwise.~

Mind-Breaker finally speaks up, calmly calling out to the Fool. ~Humans are motivated by fear of the unknown! By greed, by all the little things the Wyrm can use to put its hooks in their heart. If we were to out ourselves, we'd make more enemies than friends of the humans.~ Glancing over, he nudges War-Skin encouragingly.

~We destroyed the humans' ability to even /see/ us without fear,~ Curiosity calls back. ~They would fear us and fight /us/ as the 'Other'.~

"...And maybe not," is Kevin's only contribution to this particular debate.

By the steam vents, The Calling washes over Norman where he sits half hidden among the steam vents. He nods at a point or two, snorts at one or two other remarks, but most of is attention focusses on the bone-handled knife he takes up. Pushing back his sleeves he starts to draw the tip into the flesh of his forearms, carving into flesh and drawing blood.

Fallout bristles up a tad as he gives a disgruntled rumble, sitting up a little. ~Right, and -then- we'll have both humans /and/ the Wyrm after our hides.~

Shadow-Soul glances over to Ollie, crinos jaws parting in a lupine smile. Or some approximation of it.

War-Skin looks at Mind-Breaker and speaks out. ~If we were open around humans, then the Leeches and Fallen and other tools of the Corruptor would be able to find us easier and attack us.~

Hope-Turner wrinkles his muzzle. ~Nope, humans would kill us,~ he barks.

Mind-Breaker gives War-Skin a big thumbs up and a thump on the shoulder.

Ollie doesn't seem to notice Shadow-Soul's grin; her attention is focussed wholly on the Litany-caller and the Fool.

Lightning-Branch raises his claws of black steel into the air. ~There are things humans are not meant to understand, and we are one of them! They would grow insane if they knew of us, for their inadequate minds would turn broken and murderous!~

Weird-Tree huffs. ~When we are known, everyone will know!~ Then she gives War-Skin a thump on the shoulder too, imitating Jason, but with a heftier paw and a lot more force.

"And knowing is half the battle," Kevin adds to Gren's statement, nodding sagely.

Demon-Tongue bares her teeth towards Kevin and growls, apparently offering a warning of some kind.

War-Skin churfs and stumbles a bit under the shoulder thumping.

Bad-Penny cracks a slight, toothy grin in Kevin's direction.. But it's only momentary, and easily missed among the crowd and the chaos.

The burly metis goes on to the next law, pacing around, listening to the responses. And then she calls, ~The Leader May Be Challenged at Any Time of Peace, but The Leader May /Not/ Be Challenged in Time of War!~

Kevin tries to look innocent. A technique the ragabash has never mastered.

By the waterfall, With one ear flicking in a gesture of reluctant acceptance, Golden-Jackal waves at the Master of the Howl in a somewhat placating gesture, and his tail drops as he eyes his Septmates. ~Fine, fine. Well then, what about our great /leaders/. As we all know, during wartime, leaders can do no wrong, but during peace--when we should be recovering, and getting ourselves in order for the next wartime--it's open season. So, during a battle, if they give a bad order? No Challenging them, because you're in a time of war. But during a peace, if they have a lot to contend with, that's the /perfect time/, the /acceptable time/, to Challenge them. And when they're going to get you all killed with a stupid plan of battle? No Challenging, it's war! You needed to do it during that peacetime we have so often. So when your whole war party's getting wiped out and you didn't Challenge--hey! You kept the Litany! So it's not your fault, and you can be dead right!~ He raises a fist in a salute of success, or at least a significant mockery thereof.

Hearth Healer bulks into hispo, the better to yell with, and says, ~Switching command in the midst of battle and madness leads to more madness!~

Lightning-Branch booms out, ~There is no time for infighting in war, just as there is no time for weakness, no time for doubt! We must use peace-time to prepare for war, for we are Spirit Warriors, and the Grandmother demands no less!~

~The true hero,~ snaps back Bag-of-Snakes, ~is the one who follows an order that may get him killed because he knows it is an order and his leader, and other garou, are counting on it. Sometimes we leaders have to give such orders. When we do, we need to know that they will be followed without question, without /bickering/.~

Light of Freedom regards Hearth Healer with interest and respect.

~Who delivers the message mid-battle that there's a new leader to listen to?~ Demon-Tongue growls.

Bad-Penny bites his tongue or some other fleshy part of his mouth, his eyes nearly closing all the way.

Blackriver and Finds-Spirits both quietly come down into the caern, fashionably late. They both settle down next to Hope-Turner.

Ollie remains quiet for most of the rest of the calling, frowning and brow-furrowed. She chews absent-mindedly on a thumbnail.

Kevin is another one to go rather quiet at this point.

War-Skin howls out. ~No plan ever has everyone in full agreement. If a leader could be challenged in war, plans would be abandonded or delayed as there would be nothing but challenges and the Wyrm would laugh as we squable among ourselves~

Hope-Turner eyes Bag-Of-Snakes with an odd expression, but only grumbles back to the Fool, ~In battle, we must be quick or be dead. If an order is given, it must be followed. Arguing gives the enemy time, and that could cost the battle.~

Kaz recites the last tenet; Golden mocks it; the Sept refutes him. Kaz's attention then drifts to Norman, and she returns to the center.

By the steam vents, Norman rises to his feet, the young Godi standing gaunt and pale and ragged amid the steam. Blood drips from his arms where he has carved new runes into his flesh. With eyes shut tight he catches a quick, nervous breath. After a long enough moment for it to become uncertain whether he is going to do anything at all, he raises his arms to the sky and opens his mouth. What starts in an eerie and piercing falsetto slides deeper as he chants, the Get slipping fluidly through the forms until he ends, finally, in the wolf-form. "Uruz, uruz, peruth-perthro. Laguz, jera, othala-othal." ~Mistress mirror, pilot of dreams/ Riddle-road, endless enigma/ Hear our howl/ We flesh of earth, spirit of sky/ Soul of water, fury of fire/ Heed our howl/ Heed our howl~ Wolf-past, we honour. Wolf-here, we listen. For wolf-to-come, we need your wisdom. Hear our howl! Hear our howl! He suits his final words with a harsh howl that slices across the caern like a knife.

Hearth Healer, who had finally sat, rockets to her feet again and howls, long and loud, discordant and urging.

Curiosity stands up here, also, and howls along, louder this time.

Bag-of-Snakes throws back her head and howls loud, clear, and proud, with obvious approval of her tribemate's handling of the Opening.

Icicle howls mightily, dropping to all fours as he does so for extra 'leverage'.

Lightning-Branch lowers his claws to his side and roars out his raspy howl to the night once more, bellowing into the sky with enough force to make his voice more ragged than it was mid-way.

Bad-Penny mimics the Gaian beside him, standing up and throwing his head back to howl out as loud as he possibly can.

Blackriver watches Norman give his chant with mild interest, and then howl along.

Soul-Whisper turns his ears forward, and, after sliding up into his birthform, the galliard looses a long howl along with the others.

Kevin finally makes the change from homid to crinos in order to join in the howl.

First-Strike howls, loud and hoarse and entreating.

Mind-Breaker puts on a half-amused, half-impressed look at Norman's chanting before he joins in with the howl.

Wolf Mother joins in the howl, finding a harmonic tone to match the Get leading the howl.

By the waterfall, Golden sinks into hispo and howls much louder than before, pitching his dissimilar desert voice to join with the others in a call for wisdom and guidance.

Fallout also gives another howl; the sound isn't particularly pretty, but it's an addition to the others.

Hope-Turner howls even louder than the last time. He puts some heart into this one, and it shows, the Gaian's baritone taking on some warmth.

Oncoming Storm lifts her muzzle to howl, joining with the chorus and rising in pitch.

War-Skin listens to the chant Norman gives, quietly mouthing the words after the godi speaks them to try and memorize them. As the rest of the Garou howl, he throws back his head and joins in.

Ears doesn't actually howl. She just sits down next to Basil and noogies him.

Ollie shivers, for a moment looking like just another young, scared kid. It passes as she shifts to wolf form, adding her yowly voice to the general chorus.

Ringtone glances to his sister and then lets loose a howl from deep within his chest.

Bad-Penny turns towards Ears when he feels her touch, his tongue lolling out of his mouth to plant a big wet lick across the Alpha's face.

Finds-Spirits settles in with her packmates, her ears pricked forward as she watches. As Icetrap urges, she throws her head back and howls to the sky, calling to the spirits.

Power-in-the-Darkness snorts with amusement at the antics of Kaz and Basil.

By the steam vents, Icetrap draws in a breath, deep and long, changing again back into the warform. The steam about him twirls outwards, winding clockwise, picking up the siwrling winds and the flying spray of the waterfall. Wider still and wider casts the pale coil, clouds and spray sweeping past the assembled Garou. Icetrap breaths out, eyes still squeezed shut in concentration, his muzzle to the sky. Abruptly the spiralling air stops. Time hangs suspended...

...and then the winds starts to wind the other way, mist and water whipping back around the central stone in the opposite direction. The temperature falls until the water crystallises in the air, a myriad shards of mirror-like ice tumbling past the watching Garou. Shapes form and reform in the mist. Shadows dance over the ground with a strange, ruddy light, as if formed by flames against bare earth. Around the edges of the Caern the woods seem to stoop lower, no longer held back from the Caern by steep walls of stone, yet shadowy and indistinct, as though seen through a veil of shadows. Those towards the north feel as if the ground is shifting beneath their feet, cracking and heaving. To the east, flames flicker from the earth and the ground burns. Westwards the winds shriek wildly in the rising gale, whipping up into a black tornado. South, the ground erupts upwards in a terrifyingly powerful fountain of water, a blue so deep it is almost black, Luna's light blindingly white through its foaming crest.

Reflected in the tumbling ice, discernible in mist and shadow and flying spray, shapes flow in a river of recollection and dream. Thundering hooves, rough brown pelt and a mighty horned head, gone into the darkness at the edges of vision; a flash of black and white and the echo of a rawkus cry; flashes of tawny fur and a snarling, defiant yowl. From the east a wind blows past, bringing a moment of calm and contemplation amid the chaos, whisking away back into the storm. Flowing ruddy-furred shapes and sharp white teeth come charging through the tempest and leap into nothingness. The bark of a dog cuts the howling air and the patter of rodent feet scurries underpaw. The dark coils of a snake drop around the Moot, then fade. A fox barks and a coyote howls; eyes peer from mirror fragments through a black bandit's mask. Faster flow the impressions, and faster. A bull barges through the mists, followed by the rolling form of a running bear. Great cats, tawny and black, pounce past the eye. Birds swoop through a myriad crystal visions, curved of bill and talon. More winged forms soar, scaled and fierce, shrieking on the storm. A lone stallion gallops through the swirling steam, thunder cracks and rumbles amid the shout of crows, and two stags and a black unicorn charge side-by-side, leap up the waterfall, and are gone.

Demon-Tongue howls loudly, with a call to the spirits as well.

Ears splutters at Basil, and is about to grab him in a hug when she is instead struck by images, ice, tornado, and she is quite, quite still.

Bag-of-Snakes stands up, gazing at the cavalcade of spirits with a mix of confusion and delight. Her hackles rise just a little as something -- someone? -- goes charging past within a whisker of her. Then she sits down again with a thump.

First-Strike's voice rises into a second howl, louder than the first. This time it's excited and welcoming.

Lightning-Branch sinks to his knees and raises his massive, clawed hands to the sky, burning eyes wide and enraptured.

Hearth Healer sits down again with a /thump/ at the panoply of spirits, at the elements' play; she stares, fascinated, enraptured, awestruck. And she says, unrestrained, ~Wow.~

By the steam vents, Icetrap breaths in. The wind calms and stills only to change direction and pick up again, faster than before in a whirlwind of sound and stinging shards of vision. Wings beating silence through the storm; sharp white teeth; a cunning eye and something that glitters; the beat of a leathery wing; a deep, inquisitive snort; a flash of gold; three voices mingled into one; a chittering and scuttling in the shadows. A white hand, slender and soft, stretches out across the caern. The shards are gathered, and it seems to each Garou that they are looking out of the gathered mirror, looking down on the assembly of the Moot from outside themselves, and yet at the same time they are still in their own bodies, watching what is happening. The fragments of hang in the air, gathering the mists and the winds. Momentarily they are no longer ice and water and wind, but a woman. Then they are gone, like mist on a summer's morning.

Icetrap lets out his breath in a rush, kneeling and setting down a hand to steady himself. The Get is soaked to the skin, his skin bloodied from a thousand tiny cuts inflicted by flying ice, his muscles shaking with tiredness. ~The Inner s-s-sky is open,~ he pants, not sounding entirely certain about it.

Blackriver's ears slick back and then go forward award and she tenses, staring out at the many blurring shapes with a mixture of uncertainty and intense curiosity.

By the waterfall, Golden echoes First-Strike's howl, joy and excitement barely restrained as he calls to the spirits.

Bad-Penny's posture changes when the spirits and visions all come out to play, hunkering back down again into his gargoyle-esque stance. The Garou's hackles rise along with the hair on the back of his neck as he watches, curious but obviously alert.

War-Skin howls louder in joy and welcome at the sight of the spirits. A much as it's possible for a Crinos to have a smile, he has one.

Light of Freedom stands stock-still, staring with wide golden eyes. There is no breath left in her for a howl, only for this reverent and stunned silence.

Soul-Whisper watches and stares, fascinated.

Curiosity watches on in awe and fascination, followed by another, rather triumphant, howl when Icetrap declares the inner sky opened.

Power-in-the-Darkness's response is to shrink into as small a size as a tall crinos can, and to lurk behind the bulky form of Snakepatcher while the spirits go hurtling by.

Lightning-Branch's paws fall to earth. ~My Lady,~ he rumbles, lost in the moment.

Hearth Healer's entire posture says, Isn't it, just! and she howls once more in happy greeting.

Shadow-Soul, standing quietly to herself, merely watches the rite with no visible reaction.

Hope-Turner watches the spirits with a variety of reactions, staring at some bug-eyed, cautiously wagging at others.

Hotspot flattens her ears and lays down flat on her stomach, very obviously awed and impressed.

Getting up to go take his place at the rock slab, Fallout shifts to crinos as he goes. The long, thin bone is gripped - and, wordlessly, Fallout waits for a lull in the noise from the opening, eyes hard on the gathered. Tense under the weight of the full moon, he bares his teeth in a brief growl, holding the bone aloft. ~Respect the bones,~ is his only warning, lowly voiced in a gutteral growl with the words lingering and hanging for an instant - and then the bone is easily and neatly snapped, and the shaggy crinos holds the two halves aloft. ~The Cracking of the Bones begins!~ That's given with a huff at the end as he takes in those gathered. ~Any who would introduce themselves, come forth now.~

Snakepatcher watches the proceedings with intense interest, his attention rvietting on first this image then that image.

Chulash gets to his feet and fixes his gaze on Fallout, silent, intent.

When the images fade away, Mind-Breaker is left staring off into the middle distance, jaw slaw in awe. He doesn't immediately respond to Fallout's call for introductions, still hella zoned out.

Many-Questions leaves Chulash's side, takes the bones and steps forward, ears pinning back uncertainly for a moment before offering, ~I am Many-Questions, Gibbous moon cub of the Silent Striders.~ Then she offers the bones and settles back down.

Demon-Tongue shakes herself out of her reverie over the spirits' presences, then perks at the call for announcements. She waits, thoughtful.

Finds-Spirits's eyes are bright with delight before she--reluctantly--tears her gaze away from the skies above to look toward the keeper of the bones. Chuffing, she settles herself in, waiting.

War-Skin watches the spirits as they fade away, then pays attention to the keeper fo the bones as introductions begin.

Hotspot gets to her feet, shifting back to glabro form as she approaches to take the bones. She eyes -- almost glares at -- the crowd of strange faces frowningly for a moment, before blurting out, ~I'm Hotspot. Ahroun cub of the Shadow Lords.~ Hesitates, then hands the bones back and returns to her tribemates.

Demon-Tongue stands, her tall well-muscled black-furred form approaching the Truthcatcher with a proud gait. She takes the bones and howls a nuanced lupine greeting, voice undulating with the fire of an Ahroun on the full moon. Then she cuts it off and launches into Mother's Tongue: ~I am Demon-Tongue, also known as She-Who-Roars-with-Gaia's-Thunder, also known as Protects-the-Cycle, also known as Swims-in-Blood. I am a warrior moon under Pegasus's tribe, born of wolf, ranked Cliath and once-daughter of Mother Wolverine. I come from the Sept Madwoman's Daughters in the direction of the gathering warmth from here. I have already completed my spirit-gift, and now stand before you as a member of your Sept.~ She then bows her head and hands the bones back to Fallout, retaking her seat by the Furies.

Wolf Mother wags a tail happily at Demon-Tongue's introduction. Welcome, sister!

By the steam vents, Icetrap sinks to a crouch, letting himself settle unobtrusively back into the steam to watch and listen to the rest of the Moot in exhausted silence.

Light of Freedom slides through the crowd toward the rockslab and accepts the bones. She turns. ~A few months ago, I introduced myself to you as a guest, here on a hunt, staying only so long as that hunt would require. The hunt is over, the quarry dead, but at the word of the Alpha and my tribe's elder, I have been accepted as a member of this sept. So this is a new introduction: Light of Freedom, Ahroun of the Black Furies, sister of Ringtone, and member of the Sept of the Hidden Walk.~ She bows to the crowd as a whole over her huge clawed hands, relinquishes the bones, and slides back into the throng.

Hope-Turner looks up abruptly at something in Demon-Tongue's introduction, and studies her for a few moments, one ear flicking.

Ears beams at both Niko and Chandini.

By the waterfall, Golden watches Many-Questions' introduction with ears forward, and then subsides as the others begin their own. His tail brushes against the ground at Light-of-Freedom's in particular.

Pathwalker looks intrigued by the two Fury introductions, glancing around for Wolf-Mother before she looks back towards Fallout.

Yarrow rises to crinos as she heads to the slab. Taking the bones, she looks out across the gathered. ~I am Yarrow, known as Hearth Healer and Spirit's Salve. I am a crescent moon of the suddenly popular Black Furies, who has run under Pegasus and Owl in her time. I am a Fostern, and a guest of the Sept until I decide this is the home I will stay at. I offer the teaching of Rites to any who would learn them.~ She looks around again, and then hands the bones back, settling down near Chandini.

Ringtone's ears twitch backward as he watches Demon-Tongue's introduction. When Chandini takes the bones, however, his ears pull forward and his jaw opens just a hair. He licks his muzzle, watching her as she returns.

Fallout accepts the bones back with little to no change in expression, though he regards each introduction with moderate interest. Finally, once they are over, he waits expectantly for others; when none come, he growls out, ~Next, any who have announcements for the sept to hear, come forth.~

Wolf Mother also happily greets Light of Freedom, but is surprised by Hearth Healer's arrival. Wow!

Light of Freedom returns to her tribesmates' sides, watching Yarrow, and when the fostern returns, she drops her jaw in a grin to her and to Demon-Tongue, her tail thumping the ground.

Blackriver boggles at all the new Black Fury's, and her ears prick forward a bit as Yarrow introduces herself. Hey, someone she's actually met!

Demon-Tongue thumps her tail as well, looking fairly cheerful for a full moon. The tenseness still has not left her muscles yet, however.

Bag-of-Snakes growls a growl of approbation to Yarrow's introduction.

Icicle steps forwards to take the bones and make his own announcement. ~I am Paul, or Icicle. I am here to announce that I have been tested in my rite, and not being found wanting have now been declared a cliath modi of the Fenrir." He makes his short speech head held high, shoulders back- looking the purest picture of viking pride.

Pathwalker moves to go take the bones from Fallout, then turns to face those gathered. ~Each and every one of us has a strength, a calling, and when we work together, complimenting each other's abilities, we are strongest.~ She pauses, letting that sink in, then continues, ~In light of that, our tribe, the Children of Gaia, have come to an important decision that will change how our tribe works from this moment forward. We no longer have one Elder, nor two, nor any that stands above the rest. Each member of rank that has proven themselves is now a member of the new Tribal Council. Each of us plays a role. I am the Claw and the Ambassador, so I will work with the other tribes, speaking the thoughts of the Council, and I will make sure our tribe is prepared to fight our enemies. Strong-Heart is the Lorekeeper of our tribe, as well as in charge of keeping track of our kin and knowing their minds. Hope-Turner is in charge of our cubs and our territory. Curiosity is our spiritual guide. Heart is our tribe's mediator and judge, and Courage-Under-Fire is in charge of any news and messages. If you have an issue with one of those areas, you are encouraged to speak with the appropriate Council member, or you are welcome to speak to me. If neither is available, any Council member should be able to help you, as in this Council we are all equally working together for the benefit of the tribe. I know this is different, so if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask us after the moot!~ There's a pause, and then she hands the bones back.

Kaz, listening to Stacey, slowly begins to look confused, boggled, and not a little disturbed.

Finds-Spirits's ears splay in horror as she stares first at Pathwalker then at Hope-Turner beside her.

Mind-Breaker blinks silently at Pathwalker's announcement. A Fianna with nothing to say, that's new.

Curiosity thumbs her tail on the ground, clearly approving and excited.

Ollie's face scrunches up in an expression of disgust. She rolls her eyes with the kind of exaggerated drama that only a 'tween girl can do.

Demon-Tongue peels back her lips in consternation. What?

War-Skin looks over at Mind-Breaker after that anouncement, confused as well

Shadow-Soul's head tiiilts at the Coggie's announcement and she just looks /puzzled/.

Blackriver blinks, not quite comprehending, but clearly disturbed.

Hearth Healer, melting to lupus, sneezes in consternation at this melange.

Bag-of-Snakes makes a second approving growl at the news of Icicle's adulthood, although this is scarcely news to her, of course. However, any good mood evaporates at Pathwalker's announcement. She snorts a snort that can only be interpreted as disgust.

Oncoming Storm listens to Stacey, her lips slowly curling from her teeth, ears twitching in annoyance.

First-Strike blinks and stares at Stacey.

Fallout also looks a bit surprised and not a bit baffled at Stacey, his ears quirking back as he accepts the bones back.

Power-in-the-Darkness looks at Stacey thoughtfully, and gives her a quick, and rather unexpected, thumbs-up.

Hope-Turner pretends not to notice any of the other reactions. Especially not Finds-Spirits'. He doesn't pretend well, but wags at Pathwalker anyway as she relinquishes the bones.

Light of Freedom's ears swivel back in puzzlement. She glances from side to side at her tribesmates, but appears not to find any information thereby.

By the waterfall, Golden sits and gives each of the Children a very curious look that strongly smacks of, 'now just what are you up to', especially his packmate.

War-Skin leans in to whisper to Mind-Breaker.

Demon-Tongue gives a lupine shrug to Light-of-Freedom, hackles up and looking perturbed but not violent per se. Unnatural, she indicates with irritation.

Bad-Penny turns his head to look at Stacey and smirks, a decidedly odd expression for something as awkward with human expressions as a Crinos' face.

Snakepatcher swivels about, trying to spot each Child of Gaia as they're mentioned, and ends up after performing a 360 degree turn, regarding the Bone Cracking, with ears splayed in puzzled curiosity.

Mind-Breaker inclines his head towards War-Skin at the whispering, and the cub's comment gets a growling chuckle from the ragabash. Though he quickly puts a clawed finger to his muzzle, indicating for War-Skin to stay silent.

Power-in-the-Darkness looks over at Bad-Penny attempting to catch his eye.

Curiosity makes her way over to take the bones, giving Stacey a friendly wink as they pass each other, then she turns to address the crowd. ~The Crescents of this sept are working to make sure we do not repeat the mistakes of our past, with the spirits. And as your new Groundskeeper, I will do my part as well. I will be going on tasks set by the spirits once a month when the moon is full enough, and I invite any who are willing to come along with me, even cubs who have their Elders' permission. These will be tasks purely for the benefit of the spirits that dwell with us here and on the bawn, and for strengthening the relationship between us and them. For cubs that are not yet ready to enter the umbra, I can always find work for them, too,~ she adds the last with clear amusement before she turns to pass the bones back and retake her place.

Demon-Tongue flicks her ears, then looks purely approving.

Hearth Healer, clearly, makes note of this.

Chulash sat stoically silent during Stacey's speech, but rumbles under his breath approvingly, as one who has just tasted something very agreeable.

Finds-Spirits turns from her horror to chuff her approval of the plan to Curiousity, nodding in agreement.

Bad-Penny catches Power's eye by chance, eying the Ragabash across the Caern with a semi-distracted look. Soon his attention turns back to Curiosity, and he lifts one large hand to throw up the horns for her.

Power-in-the-Darkness gives Bad-Penny a crinos smirk when he catches his eye, showing teeth.

First-Strike chuffs toward Curiosity, quite agreeable with /this/ announcement at least.

Demon-Tongue once more stands and goes to take the bones, before standing tall to regard the moot. ~In my short stay here so far, I have seen much. There is an imbalance in this Sept, a weakness that needs righting. Lightning-Branch-yuf and I mean to aid it back to the right balance by forming a pack. We plan on seeking out nests of the Wyrm and eliminating them, keeping our chosen territory free of the Weaver's webs, and nurturing the Wyld places there that we might bring them into balance. At the same time, we seek to do chiminage with spirits and aid them however we can, to build up a more favorable reputation as a part of this Sept. We seek a new-moon and a half-moon to complete our circle and have one of every Auspice, though all who wish to do righteous battle with the Wyrm and restore the balance to the land in a pack free of ties to the Weaver should approach us after the Moot is complete. Thank you.~ She hands the bones back to the Truthcatcher and returns to her seat.

Ears says, ~Huh,~ with interest.

Ears then looks apologetic.

Light of Freedom studies Demon-Tongue with interest at this announcement, more curiosity than any kind of eagerness.

Bad-Penny turns slowly to look at the Alpha at his side, head cocking to one side as he slowly lifts a single finger to press against his lips.

Ears mimes zipping her lip.

By the waterfall, Getting up and trotting over to his packmate, Golden shifts to warform and takes the bones. He looks out over the Sept and says, ~There are enough of my Tribe in residence now that we have joined and the Eldership has been claimed. By me. Lightning-Branch-yuf,~ he gestures at the Theurge with an inclination of his head, ~is my Beta. If you have concerns for Owl's people, seek either of us.~ He hands the bones back to Fallout and shifts to hispo again, now moving to sit with Heart and Isabel.

Power-in-the-Darkness does not fail to pick up on the interplay between Basil and Kaz, and he peers at the Gnawers, evidently trying to figure what's going on between the dynamic duo.

Ollie, after looking bored or disgusted with the Children of Gaia, takes an interest in Demon-Tongue. At least at the eliminating Wyrm bit.

Demon-Tongue gives Kaz a grumbling eye, but as she apparently is staying quiet, she doesn't particularly press it. Lightning-Branch, however, gets a bright glance and a tail wag. Woo!

Chulash stands up to take the bones in his hand, then moves to face the gathered. ~Spirit Warriors of Gaia,~ he booms out to the gathered, his large, raspy voice reaching out to touch every corner of the Caern. ~I am He-who-Holds-the-Lightning-Branch, fellow servant of the Lady of Mirrors. I come before you to announce that I am preparing once more to seek the wisdom of the spirits. I seek the Gift that allows Garou to smell the Wyld, sojourning into the Umbra to find a spirit-teacher as our ancestors did according to the ancient pacts. When I return, I offer knowledge of this Gift to all who are attuned to recieve it, that we might find the Creator even in the heart of the Weaver's webs, and nurture Her as we should. I offer this knowledge for the good of the Sept, and expect nothing in return but Results. Thank you.~ Having formally had his say, Chulash hands the bones back and moves back to where his Tribe stands.

Unsolved-Mysteries looks approving at Golden's announcement, giving him a light, friendly nudge as he rejoins the pack.

Hearth Healer looks, for some reason, confused by Chulash, but then she just flicks her ears in a shrug and relaxes.

Oncoming Storm rises smoothly to take the bones, and then turns back to face the crowd. ~There have been questions on what is and what is not allowed. What is, and what is not appropriate. Let that confusion end, now. First. The Weaver is multifaceted, multileveled. We are not all Red Talons, to shun everything that is human, and even they do not shun everything that is Weaver. This Caern is a caern of Wyld, and her spirits are of the Wyld. To bring too much of the Weaver too close is a dangerous thing. But where are the lines? What is to be tolerated, and what is not? Do I say to you: You, Garou, to come to the caern you must be as Grandmother made you, only your own skins and furs? Do I say: To come to the bawn, you must wear only that which you have killed with your own hands and claws? No. I say to you, think before you act. Consider what you do, and what it means. On the bawn, use care, in the Caern, be respectful. I will not list every item you can or cannot bring, can or cannot use. I will say this, though. Take care that what you use cannot be used against you. Cell phones, wireless devices, things that communicate outward, can lead others to you, as well. I will hold you accountable for your choices.~

Ears nods thoughtfully, approvingly.

Hope-Turner cants his head, and his ears splay, then perk forward.

Bag-of-Snakes lets out a long slow growl at that. Whether it's disapproving of Jacinta's orders, or of those who have made her clarification necessary, is impossible to tell; but she's certainly annoyed at someone or something.

Icicle echoes Bag-Of-Snakes as he settles next to her to watch the rest of the moot.

Blackriver's tail swishes once and she looks over towards Icetrap briefly.

Chulash grunts under his breath and his brows knit, taking all the information in without a change in expression.

Raging Phoenix grunts at the Warder's announcement, appearing to wonder why it's necessary.

By the waterfall, Golden watches the Warder as she announces, and his ears tip in consideration of her words.

Bag-of-Snakes takes in Raging Phoenix's reaction, and growls again. She fixes the Fury elder with a steely, though deferential, eye.

Mind-Breaker stares at Jacinta blankly for the majority of her announcement, though as she gets to the end, he looks likes he's starting to get the point.

Oncoming Storm pauses only briefly and then continues. ~The Horned Serpent is our enemy. We know this. The litany tells us to hunt him down, wherever we may find him. Do not bring that which is of the Horned Serpent to the bawn. If one who has succumbed to taint is found, take any measure that does not endanger the Caern or Sept. The safety of the caern must come first. If it is impossible to capture and cleanse the tainted without risk to the caern, then do what must be done.~ Another pause, eyes narrowed and ears alert as she scans the garou in the center. Then she goes on. ~Any rites to be performed in the Caern require prior approval by the Master of Rite. Any rites to be performed elsewhere on the bawn and that may impact the caern or the bawn, require the prior approval from me. I may also ask that you also seek the Master of the Rite, and he may ask that you also seek me. This is in protection of the caern.~ She doesn't seem quite done, yet.

Ears nods some more. She seems to think this eminently logical.

Power-in-the-Darkness watches Oncoming Storm make her pronouncements with a neutral air. He's listening pretty keenly, mind you.

Hearth Healer looks vaguely baffled.

Demon-Tongue flicks her ears, looking slightly incredulous, with ears curved away.

Mind-Breaker's eyelids start to droop and he stifles a yawn halfway through, covering his muzzle with a paw.

Shadow-Soul looks a little confused herself, and glances over to Mind-Breaker, a sort of amused look on her face.

Hope-Turner gets up and moves a greater distance away from the snarling Coupe de Grace Fosterns. He keeps his ears canted towards Jacinta's announcements.

War-Skin has disconnected.

Bad-Penny turns his head to look over at Kaz, his more responsive brow raised up high.

~What game there is on the bawn is required to feed the Guardians. Unless the Groundskeeper or I decide otherwise, hunting is prohibited. If you feel the need to teach hunting to your cubs, speak with one of us.~ The Wendigo doesn't seem to be looking at anyone in particular as she speaks, now, but her lips curl in a sign of annoyance. ~Kinfolk are permitted on the bawn, but /only/,~ and here she stifles a growl. ~Only if they have been approved by the Alpha and by myself. Do not think that because you believe a kin to be true that you can evade me in this.~ Now her gaze focuses solely on Mind-Breaker and the growl turns to a snarl, lips curled away from her teeth. ~Listen well, or suffer the consequences. Smoking on the Bawn is restricted to those performing a ritual. It is expected that any tobacco used on the bawn be sanctified, and that none includes poisons such as those added to commercial cigarettes. This rule applies to substances other than tobacco. Unless it is for use in a ritual, it is not allowed.~

Mind-Breaker catches Shadow-Soul's look and he cocks an ear in her direction, rolling his shoulder in a lazy shrug at her before pointedly turning his attention back up to Jacinta, his hands folding in his lap and putting on a look of listening intently.

Bag-of-Snakes's jaw shuts with a snap and she glowers.

War-Skin has connected.

Oncoming Storm's jaw snaps shut, teeth clacking audibly, and she returns the bones to the truthcatcher before making her way back to the center.

Finds-Spirits takes the bones and stands up before the gathered Garou, her back straight and her posture regal. ~Wildfire has been performing Guardian duty for the past three moons. We are honored to do our duty but we are also mindful of our duty to our territory as well, to the Glade that is within. Icetrap was willing to watch and guard the Glade on our territory while we guarded Bawn and Caern. We are grateful to him and call for others to know of his work. While he was watching, he was called to defend the Glade by a raven spirit. Bag-Of-Snakes, Evac, and First-Stike assisted him, defeating a bane. Know their glory, garou of the Hidden Walk! Know also of Coup De Grace, who watched for Wildfire when we were doing our duty to the Sept. They are garou of honor.~ Bowing shallowly to those she named, the Silver Fang relenquishes the bones and returns to her seat.

Demon-Tongue flicks her ears, snapping a gaze to Mind-Breaker and looking rather tetchy.

After the last announcement, Fallout pauses to wait for others; when it is clear there are no more, he growls out, ~Now for the Challenges.~ He looks over toward Kenneth, and relinquishes the bones to the Master of the Challenge.

 Far-Cry steps up to take the bones from the Truthcatcher into his crinos claws, one end gripped in each. ~For those of you who were not present at the challenge moot to hear what became of your brothers and sisters in challenge, I tell you the results now in summary. The only one to pass her challenge that day was Curiosity-Saved-the-Cat. She is the Hidden Walk's new Groundskeeper, now that the position has been relinquished from Snakepatcher. The challenge of Chill Wind Heralds the Oncoming Storm to Ears-to-the-Ground for adren rank continues, as does the challenge between Rises-Like-Phoenix-From-Rage's-Fire and Little Silvertip Mauls the Horned Serpent in a matter of Honor.~ He raises one end of the bones up, continuing on, ~Also, there are more results of challenges for rank. I speak of Cleans-Up-The-Ashes-Of-The-Fallout and his challenge to First-Strike for the rank of fostern.~ He looks towards the Truthcatcher and then to the crowd, seeking those faces to the names mentioned.

Ears braces for impact.

Finds-Spirits looks decidedly curious now, turning toward the pair of Glass Walkers with her ears pricked.

First-Strike crosses her arms over her chest, one ear flicking to the side.

Lightning-Branch looks similarly curious.

Demon-Tongue returns her gaze to Far-Cry now, ears craning forcibly forward. She seems attentive, though detached.

By the waterfall, Golden watches Far-Cry intently, as if he could determine the outcome, and his eyes drift to Fallout for a moment.

Blackriver looks over at the two Glass Walkers briefly, not exactly tingling with anticipation.

Oncoming Storm's arms cross over her chest, dark claws stark against white fur.

Hope-Turner turns and gives Raging Phoenix an apologetic look at Finds-Spirits' announcement, head craning momentarily to show throat, whether she catches that or not. Then, he spins and his ears prick towards Far-Cry with anticipation.

Far-Cry waits for a few beats before he looks out and finishes announcing the result. ~Cleans-Up-The-Ashes-Of-The-Fallout has been successful in his challenge for rank. Welcome him amongst the fostern!~ The Master of the Challenge brings down the bones to clack together with a resounding sound of finality upon the matter. Once the gathered Garou have their chance to react, he continues on with the challenge announcements.

Bad-Penny lifts his hand up again and starts to scratch at the scarred side of his face, hackles creeping up slightly at the announcements concerning challenges.

Power-in-the-Darkness glances at Reggie alongside him curiously at the announcement that his packmate is no longer Groundskeeper.

Finds-Spirits seems reservedly pleased, clicking her teeth together in approval as the announcement is made.

Lightning-Branch's brows knit, but he does not seem displeased at the news. He just rumbles in acknowledgement of the news and waits for the next bit.

Shadow-Soul straightens up at this, looking a little smug, but approving.

Mind-Breaker grins broadly at that announcement and pumps a fist in the air for Fallout, looking fairly pleased.

Demon-Tongue doesn't really react much, beyond watching, head canted slightly.

By the waterfall, Golden shakes himself out, unable to resist nudging against Heart and Unsolved-Mysteries in celebration. He otherwise remains silent.

Bag-of-Snakes gives a rather perfunctory growl of approval for Fallout's news.

Ears looks a strange combination of disgruntled, yet mildly enthused.

Hope-Turner seems greatly pleased by this as his tail wags.

First-Strike gives Fallout a look of reserved approval, arms still folded, jaws parting just enough to show teeth.

Unsolved-Mysteries gives an approving sound, looking at Fallout with a pleased, proud expression.

Power-in-the-Darkness's response to the news of Fallout's success is to stagger and reel as though about to pass out from surprise.

Hearth Healer looks confused. Who? What? Why?

Demon-Tongue nudges Hearth Healer lightly and companionably, giving her a reassuring look that yes, she's in the same boat.

Light of Freedom tips her head forward to murmur a few words to Hearth Healer and Demon-Tongue - not without flicking a glance back at her strangely stolid Elder.

Fallout just watches Far-Cry with a sidelong long over to Mouse; he doesn't react much outwardly aside from a flattening back of his ears and a look of tired relief. He takes in the reactions from the rest with a reserved, almost wry sort of appreciation, but he just gives a brief dip of his muzzle in a nod to Far-Cry.

The Master of the Challenge holds up the bones again to gain the attention, and he howls, ~Let those who have challenge to bring stand up and step forth. Receive the bones and make your challenge known!~ Far-Cry holds the bones, looking in particular to Hope-Turner.

Hope-Turner ripples through the forms to Crinos, then stands. He walks slowly takes the bones from Far-Cry. He turns to face the gathered Garou, lupine lips tucked under his fangs in a way that betrays some worry. Then his gaze focuses on Pathwalker. ~Pathwalker,~ he says, at first warmly, but then, more businesslike: ~She-Who-Walks-The-Path-of-the-Moon-rhya. We once knew each other as cubs, and back then, I helped to set you on the Warrior's path. But I took a different path, and now I've come back to find that you're the kind of Ahroun that I'd someday like to be more like. I've tried to do that. Since returning to the Hidden Walk, I've served pack, Sept and tribe. I've killed enemies in the Realm and in the Shadow. I've taught cubs, I've taught Rites and Gifts to others of the Sept, and I have just finished serving as Guardian. So that is why tonight, I challenge you for the rank of Fostern.~

As Far-Cry calls out for challenges, Mind-Breaker's back stiffens and his hands clasp at his knees. He turns his gaze quickly around the Caern...and a look of disgruntled disappointment comes over his face. As August steps up, he snaps a surprised look to the Gaian.

Ears doesn't look surprised by this one, but she does grunt mildly approvingly.

Demon-Tongue seems to flick her ears, giving a light huff in admonishment towards Light of Freedom but otherwise looking grateful. The new challenge seems to have no effect on her besides a slight ear flick.

Finds-Spirits looks both surprised and approving and...something else that's hard to tell. Either way, she drums her paw against the ground in a thumping noise of approval.

Pathwalker strides over to take the bones after Hope-Turner has finished, facing him. ~Yes, we knew each other. You taught me when I was a cub, and you never failed to push me to my limits, to make sure I'd know my potential as a garou and Ahroun. And yes, ince your return, you've aided the Sept, our tribe, and you've proven yourself again, and so I accept your challenge, but as you were not easy with me, I'll return the favor,~ she notes, a hint of amusement there. ~Curiosity's father, kin of our tribe, has sent a request for aid. An Ahroun of our tribe that was feared by the enemy has recently fallen in battle. His name was Strength-of-Purity, and he was of high rank. His passing has left a void, especially for his widow and two young children, one of which will one day join our ranks as a Theurge. It is no longer safe for them to remain in their home to the south, not with some of Strength-of-Purity's enemies still alive. /Your/ challenge is to escort the fallen warrior's family safely to their relatives to the north within the next two months. You can either do this alone or with /up to/ two companions from the Sept, as long as they don't hold Sept Positions. Anything more would cause too much attention. If /anyone/ under your charge dies, your challenge fails.~

Hearth Healer looks to KL for no clear reason, and then snaps her attention back up to the slab. Ooo.

Fallout doesn't actually look very surprised at August; his ears tip forward and he at least seems to be approving. The terms are listened to and considered, both their reactions taken in.

Curiosity looks from Stacey to August, looking pleased and curious about his reaction.

Light of Freedom sits back and gazes at Hope-Turner in mild surprise.

Blackriver's tail swishes in approval of August's challenge, her tongue lolling out in a proud grin.

By the waterfall, Golden watches August, his nose working. He seems entirely approving.

Bad-Penny snorts at the latest announcement by Hope-Turner, like a man holding back some laughter or remark. He bows his head slightly afterwards, scratching his face with renewed vigor.

First-Strike listens intently to the terms, ears twitching once or twice.

Hope-Turner listens to the terms with ears perked high, eyes dark and considering. After a beat, ~I accept your terms, Pathwalker-rhya. I will make my decision regarding folks to take with, and speak with you for more details later. Thanks.~ He hands the bones back to Fallout, giving the Walker a nod, and then moves back to his position, melting to lupus as he does.

Fallout surrenders the bones immediately back over to Kenneth.

Far-Cry receives back the bones and holds them high, waiting for the next contestant. When none are forthcoming, he howls, ~The time for making challenges is now over!~ He clacks the bones together one more time before he hands them back to the Truthcatcher, signalling he is finished with his position's duty.

Demon-Tongue flicks her ears and looks... disappointed, somehow, with a glance towards her elder.

Mind-Breaker looks about to rise to his feet after the bones are handed back to the MoC. Then the end of challenges is announced and his shoulders slump, the Fianna glaring angrily up at the rock.

Ears looks at Jason, confused, eyebrow raised.

Demon-Tongue cocks an eye towards Mind-Breaker, then looks up at the MoC, then back. She gives Mind-Breaker a look. Well?

Mind-Breaker catches Ears' look and he gives her a half-smirk, shaking his head at her. He settles back down, elbows resting on his knees, looking pensive.

War-Skin looks ta Mind-Breaker with some concern, but says nothign and watches the rest of the moot

Light of Freedom stirs restlessly, twitching a little at the lengthy immobility. She tries biting her claws, only to discover again that crinos teeth are not suited to nail-biting. She rolls her narrow shoulders, ears going back, and tries to sit still.

Fallout waits a beat as he regards Jason for an instant. However, finally, he then says, ~The Cracking of the Bones is done,~ he growls out, with a certain manner of finality. ~Now let the Talesinger come forth.~ And he relinquishes his position, returning toward his packmates.

Ringtone looks to his alpha, and then to his sister and the elder of the Black Furies. His gaze lingers on KL for only a moment, and then he makes his way to the place where the winds swirl. His path takes him through the spray from the waterfall, and he paces, his voice raised in speech rather than song at first. ~The song I give you, tonight is merely the end of the story. But there is too much to tell it all, tonight. I am Garou, as you are Garou, and though I came from far away, this is now my home. This story also began far away, but this is where it ends.~

Light of Freedom suddenly has no difficulty sitting still. It looks as though she might have difficulty moving, in fact. Perhaps even breathing.

Ollie continues to be a well-behaved if surly-looking and sometimes bored-looking little cub, chewing on her nails as she listens.

Ears blinks, and her attention rivets onto Kavi.

Black fur glistening with the waterfall's spray, Ringtone lifts his muzzle and begins to howl. It starts low, in volume and tone, but grows to fullness over passing seconds. Wordless, it is a howl of mourning, a howl of loss, and when it finally comes to an end, the galliard looks out over the gathered garou, picking out a few faces in particular.

Silence follows, only a beat, a measured pause that gives greater weight to the returning voice. The howled song is part posture, part word, growls interspersed with fuller tones.

~What took a hundred years to build, to fall, to find
what took a hundred years to wear away, came to an end in just one day.
But the Hunted fled the scene, clever at hiding, her path unclear.
From over the oceans and across the land,
the Hunted was fleeing her sept's last stand.

Wolf Mother settles down to listen to the story from the odd Glass Walker.

Fallout drops into hispo as he nears his packmates, and that stoic and reserved manner cracks for instant as he delivers enthused chomps to his packmate's ears. It only lasts for an instant, however, and he flops down to pay attention to the Talesinger.

Still motionless, Light of Freedom growls softly, low in her throat.

Bad-Penny seems disinterested in the tale, looking down at his claws as he starts to drag them beneath each other one by one, cleaning away the dirt and grime caught beneath them.

Lightning-Branch stands erect, enormous arms hanging at his sides. His ears perk as the verses begin, looking interested in the new song before him.

Demon-Tongue listens, alert.

Ears mutters something to Basil.

The galliard continues, his voice dropping down to a level only just audible across the caern and then rising again, triumphant, with the next verse.

~If her purpose was escape, she could have found it easily.
But the Wyrm held her heart, its talons deep inside her mind.
What she sought not escape, but a new beginning for her plans.

~They came. Chasing one fallen from grace.
They came. Not knowing us or this place.
They came. And found willing allies.
Stalks Darkness, Light of Freedom, they came.

~The Hunted harried the Hidden Walk,
her claws tearing deep into flesh and will.
Not fallen, she claimed, a Fury of Pure Heart and Blood,

Those who were here rallied against her,
facing darkness within and darkness without.
Raging Phoenix, First Strike,
Working together for Pegasus word.

By the waterfall, Golden listens to the story, his eyes moving to Light of Freedom now and then.

Ollie sits up a bit, looking more interested at the talesinger. She keeps chewing on her nails as she listens.

Hearth Healer blinks and sits up a bit straighter, sliding a glance over to Chandini.

Hope-Turner listens with clear irritation and anger, though it's directed at the subject of the tale and not the Singer himself. At least he's interested!

Bad-Penny turns his head just enough to glance at Ears, then back at his claws.

Wolf Mother looks quite curious. She looks over towards the other Furies, what have I been missing?

Once again, the talesinger's voice drops nearly away, but this time it rises on the second line and stays there, fierce and strong as it goes on.

The Hunted was blind to what she was.
It took Pegasus hoof to open her eyes.

Blinded still to all but her wishes,
The Hunted made plans and carried them out.
 In the citys rush, in the light of day,
She took Light of Freedom and hid her away.

What the Hunted did not plan was what became her undoing.
Bonds of family go deeper than blood.
The Hunted brought them together, and family emerged.

Watch for the fury in Raging Phoenixs heart
Watch for the rage in a brother newly found
First Strike, Ferrets out the Wyrm, Stalks Darkness,
Each of these burns bright when family is bound

Light of Freedom stays hunkered close to the ground and keeps her eyes on her brother, the Talesinger.

Hope-Turner looks at the different Garou with interest as the Talesinger names them, anger abating somewhat in his curiousity.

Lightning-Branch also looks levelly at Ringtone, attention undivided.

Bad-Penny's eye unfocuses for a second or two, then he raises his head to look at Kavi. Although he still seems bored, at least he's watching and seems to be listening, although, somewhat distractedly.

First-Strike settles, listening intently to her tribemate.

Hearth Healer's eyes widen at this story, and she looks both angry and thrilled, in turns.

Bag-of-Snakes seems to be growing more and more entangled in the tale as it goes on, and is listening intently by now.

Blackriver has partially disconnected.

As the song works its way toward conclusion, the singer moves, pacing from the middle of the spot where the winds swirl, stalking toward the center. His claws flash in gesture, supporting the song, and when the howl becomes more growl than voice, it still retains the strength of voice.

Silver arrows pierced the Fallen Furys arm
Flying through the window with Raging Phoenix just behind

Silver claws cut deep in the Walker theurge throat
Undaunted she took the Fallen Furys eyes

Ferrets out the Wyrm came down from above
One armed she held the Fallen one while silver claws pierced her side.

Light of Freedom freed herself from silver chains that bound her tight.
Ahroun and gibbous moon together joined in the fight.
One opened up her chest, one took her heart.

Ringtone's howl rises, once again wordless, though this time it is triumph, victory in the sound, and when it cuts off, abruptly, he looks across the caern to where the Furies are gathered.

Hearth Healer, Fury, but newcomer, can't suppress a triumphant snarl at this conclusion.

Demon-Tongue bares her teeth as well, echoing Hearth's expression.

Chulash snarls in a satisfied way, pumping his fist in the air as the tale reaches its bitterly triumphant conclusion.

There's a short fierce sound from Finds Spirits at the conclusion of the story, the Silver Fang apparently pleased by the final end of the story.

Ollie mumbles a quiet, "Wow."

Light of Freedom's locked body slowly loosens. She rises without looking away from Ringtone. Then she dips her head to him, simultaneously a nod and a bow.

Hope-Turner chuffs strained approval at the end of the story.

Wolf Mother listens with wide eyes. At the end, she looks very excited. I want to hear more!

By the waterfall, Golden huffs out a breath at the conclusion, looking at each of the mentioned Garou with approval.

Light of Freedom is surprised into a chuff of laughter by Wolf Mother's response. She turns and nudges her triebmate's shoulder with her muzzle, without actually responding.

Dropping from crinos to hispo once the story is done, Oncoming Storm begins a slow circle around the edge of the caern. She looks, at first, just ahead of her, at the path she takes. Then, as she continues, her gaze shifts to take in the Garou in the center. Her pace picks up, and as she goes she begins to growl. ~Garou of the Hidden Walk! We have heard the laws. We have opened the sky. We have heard from the newcomers, and the challenges. And we have heard the glory of others. Now it is time. Now! Come! Come, Garou! Now it is time we Revel!~ And with that, without another pause or another word, she shifts from her path, and heads up and out the southeastern trail from the caern to the forest above.

Demon-Tongue lets forth a snarling howl and melts to hispo, racing after Oncoming Storm. Revel!

Lightning-Branch roars like the monster he is, and charges after Oncoming-Storm up the path, melting down to Hispo as he goes, breath hot with Rage.

Hearth Healer looks briefly hesitant. I am a guest, she says, tentatively, and then, in an abrupt change of mood, snorts, rises to her feet, and pelts after Niko.

Light of Freedom dwindles to lupus and lopes off for the revel....by way of Ringtone.

Ollie stiffens, then turns sharply to Bianca. "I wanna go!" The kid's already on her feet.

War-Skin howls as the moot breaks for the Revel. He shifts down to Hispo and looks over to Mind-Breaker. ~I guess that's my cue. I'll see you later? I'll probably be at Edgewood or the Grotto.~

Weird-Tree flicks her ears and looks after Oncoming Storm hesitantly. But the Wyrmfoe is off, and she makes up her mind, and stays put.

Finds-Spirits drops into hispo and sends a long braying howl to the sky. The Silver Fang charges after the Wendigo, feeling the pull of the moon and snapping her jaws as she does.

Bad-Penny gradually rises up to his feet in Crinos, jerking his head from side to side to crack his neck. He doesn't run after the others, but lingers, glancing between the departing Garou and the Metis at his side.

Bag-of-Snakes is up on her feet in a moment. ~It's revellin' time!~ she yelps in happy anticipation.

Soul-Whisper gets to his feet, dropping down hispo and, with a half-playful growl toward Bianca, he heads off after the Revel.

Ears, Mooting done, levers herself to her feet and absently cuffs Basil. (It's remarkably light, really.) But then, in what might (to those not raised Garou) be a mixed message, she grabs him into a side-hug, then lets go. ~I'm gonna go Guard. You ain't Revelin'?~

Ringtone looks at the hispo Fury as she nears, his ears twitching backward and tail tucked by his leg.

Ringtone looks at the lupus Fury as she nears, his ears twitching backward and tail tucked by his leg.

Mind-Breaker rocks to his feet shaking how his legs and turning a nod to War-Skin. ~Keep safe, kid,~ he says, distractly. And then he's trotting over towards Ears.

Fallout howls after the Revel, still full of a fierce energy, though he shoulders Golden and Isabel a bit, apparently choosing not to go this time.

Weird-Tree perks her ears at Mind-Breaker and melts to lupus, trotting after him in curiosity, tail tip wagging.

~You know I don't. Bawn needs Guards. Ex-Guardians do a good job of it. Want company, or you going solo?~ Bad-Penny asks, half-heartedly returning the hug around the Metis' waist.

Light of Freedom stops a few paces away from the Glasswalker Talesinger. One ear flicks in a wordless inquiry, and she turns her head just a little to the side.

By the waterfall, Golden sidles against Fallout, and turns towards the city. ~Come. We can celebrate at Great-heart's den.~

Ears snorts. ~And you know I think that's lame. Anyhow, sure, company don't hurt.~ But she stops at Jason's advance, eyebrow raising interrogatively.

Unsolved-Mysteries smiles at her packmates, nodding. ~I'll follow shortly.~ For now, though, she heads for the pool of water.

Mind-Breaker snaps a hasty salute to Ears as he approaches, grinning when he gets her attention. ~Evening, Ears-rhya. Quick question...you know where Yi-rhya is?~

Kavi shrinks down to his birthform and then drops down to a crouch. His gaze is lowered, brow furrowed, but he glances up toward the ahroun. "Was... Was it okay?"

Fallout gives an agreement to Golden and flicks an ear to Isabel in acknowledgement as she heads off.

Shadow-Soul perks up at the sound of Yi's name, and starts to stroll over toward Mind-Breaker, shifting down into homid as she goes.

~You should know by now I'm not a coward. Anyone who thinks I am knows nothing of me. I'll tell you about what I've been doing, if you want to know.~ Bad-Penny glances off towards Mind-Breaker, then narrows his eye slightly. ~She's very busy. Find someone else to challenge.~

Ears says, vaguely, ~Around,~ to Jason, and then nods to Basil. ~Be interested, sure.~

Wolf Mother watches the revellers go, a little bit wistful. I'm going to the Fury den, she announces, and lopes off away from the caern.

War-Skin nods and heads out up to the forest, trying to avoid any revelers since cubs aren't supposed to partake.

Weird-Tree cants her head. ~Is she on a mission?~ the Gnawer asks inquisitively, tail still wagging.

Ollie's expression tightens with anger as Bianca heads off, her hands tightening into fists. She simmers for a moment or two before yelling out, "Fine!!" and dropping into lupus to dash out of the caern.

Hope-Turner doesn't move off to join the Revel, suddenly looking horrified. He glances to Blackriver, ears pinning back. No pack took Guardianship from us.

Light of Freedom approaches Kavi slowly, until she can nose his knee. Yes. It was good. It was strange, hearing my name. I wished someone else was singing it so I would hear yours.

Ears nods to Gren. ~She's doin' some damn useful shit.~

~Around.~ Mind-Breaker echoes, looking not all that happy about the Galliard's laconic response. He glances over at Basil and narrows his eyes suspiciously before looking back to Ears. ~I'm...gonna bite my tongue and assume she has a good reason not to be here,~ he remarks through gritted teeth. ~Let her know I've been looking for her?~

Weird-Tree bumps against Mind-Breaker's side companionably.

Bag-of-Snakes diverts past Kavi on her way to revel. ~Fine tale. Good stuff,~ she says curtly but approvingly, dashing onward without waiting for a reply.

Ears says, ~Yeah, sure,~ and then looks at August for a moment or two. ~We can take it.~

Ears clarifies, ~The Crew, I mean. Until Jacinta figures out who should have it next.~

Weird-Tree bounces a few times. I want to try to be a guardian!

~Sure. She'll hear it.~ Bad-Penny assures Mind-Breaker, leaning forward just a few inches. He glances over at Weird-Tree, then shakes his head and looks at Ears.

Blackriver blinks at Hope-Turner. Oh hey, look at that. Standing up, she gives her coat a shake and and looks over towards Jacinta in question.

Hope-Turner represses a huff. You just did it. Then he eyes Weird-Tree. You have to be able to tell what is real and what is fake to be able to guard. Oh, he's not happy.

Bianca turns to look at Ollie, "Well come on, if you're coming, girl. You can make your way out of the Caern by yourself, can't you?" She looks back to Jason, giving him a pat on the back in passing as she leads the way out of the caern.

Ears shrugs at August.~So? It's still the job of us all. So we can do it again for awhile. You got work to do, bub.~

Power-in-the-Darkness drifts over towards Weird-Tree, seeming annoyed at Hope-Turner's rebuttal of her offer.

Blackriver looks around for Oncoming Storm, and then remembers that the Warder's gone off on the revel. Giving an annoyed grunt, she looks around. ~We will guard here for the revel then. And then find the Warder when she comes back.~

Mind-Breaker drops a hand down on Weird-Tree's head as she starts to bounce,the metis' antics getting a smile from the Fianna. As Bianca pats him on the shoulder, he turns his head and flashes a grin at her before levelling a glare at Hope-Turner. "Far as I can tell, Gren's been pretty much an unofficial Guardian for a while now, what with spending all her time on the bawn. Would it be that hard to give her the actual title for a month or so?"

Ears looks irritated. ~Blackriver, why are you... declining my offer of aid. You're confusin' me.~

Power-in-the-Darkness joins Ears in seeming both irritated and confused.

Blackriver blinks over at Ears. Huh?

Hope-Turner sighs. He shoots a glare around at the rest of the Garou gathered, and then moves away stiffly, and then he blinks at Blackriver. He looks between her and Ears.

Kavi looks down at the wolf as she nears, and when her nose touches his knee, he reaches out to touch her shoulder, gently, briefly, with the tips of his fingers. "I..." He swallows, and nods. "I wanted to sing the other part... but. But I thought, for here. For now? This... this was important."

Weird-Tree licks her maw, tail wagging slightly. I will help be guardian, she echoes, whether the title is given or not.