[WWtF] The Meeting of Wolves - 001

[Jolith]

Gerard

These last months have been particularly tough. You’ve always wondered what it’d be like to be a werewolf, but you had no idea how much work was involved. Ever since childhood your family had been telling you of another world. Mostly you thought their inane dribbles were just that, inane. It was another feeling altogether to find out they were right. But the stories they told did not give justice to the life you now lived. Danger and mysteries lie at every corner waiting to be tempered.

That faithful day you were awoke covered in blood turned your world upside down. Stumbling through your house, blurry memories fell into your eyes blinding you from the carnage that lay all around you. The stench drove you out the back door retching. It took you a few minutes to recover, but you rationalized what happened. The stories, the hordes of stories your parents had told you were true. It was surreal, to think that those monsters of fiction were all true. That planted another thought, how much of it was true? Werewolves? Vampires? Horrors from depths beyond your own imagination?

Spending time with your father, you had come to understand some of the finer points of the world. Spirits. You knew they existed and as strange as it sounds, even seeing those spirits you had a hard time believing some of the other stories. Of course now, you knew that everything he had said was most likely true. It didn’t take you long to come to the truth of what you were.

Going back into the house once more for provisions, you took off. For weeks you ran, traveling through the woods in hopes of avoiding detection. You didn’t know what the authorities would think when they came across your house, but you were smart enough to not stick around and find out. So you did what you thought was your best choice, to search for more of your own kind, but where? Trying to recall you remembered stories about the Uratha living in the woods, but the woods are vast, so where to search?

Unbeknownst to you, it didn’t matter. They were after you. You found out later that your family was wolf-blooded, and was monitored by others of their kind, in the eventuality that what happened came to pass. The wolves that you had been searching for were instead hunting you. Of course, they were merely hunting you to bring you into the fold. To tell you truths of the world that you already knew.

Of course, with your knowledge of the spirit world, it wasn’t a surprise that they instantly knew what tribe you would belong to. In fact, the man who initially found you was none other than Jeremiah Ramsey, a Bone Shadow Itheaur, much like what you’d become, from the Gaia’s Wrath pack. Talking with him was a revelation, for he could answer questions you’ve always had but your father could never answer. Mysteries were unraveled, and new ones sprung up. The world was much more vast then you ever imagined, leaving new avenues open at every turn.

Answers came at a cost.

Sitting on a log you contemplated the meaning of that statement. Jeremiah had said that the first night you were able to pick at his brain. You’re still unsure of his exact meaning, but one such as Jeremiah rarely spoke without adding some cryptic meaning behind his words. The cost of ones family, the cost of ones life, were those the costs for answers?

Looking around, you see the same sight you’ve almost become accustomed. All around you Werewolves engage in conversation. Standing not far off is Gaia’s Wrath, the pack that had found you and brought you to the Sept, you owed them much. On the other side of the clearing you see the Storms of War in a heated discussion. Tempers have flared from that group of late. Not far off from the argument you see Moonsoul sitting in quiet contemplation. He was an Uratha to be respected, one who had seen much and lived through it all. His wisdom helped guide the Sept to the height it had reached today, him and his two packmates, Hammer and Spirit -Dancer. A few of the War Seers tossed a football around, but over all a majority of the Sept were out on business.

Relatively new, you still were trying to become accustomed to the different packs in the Sept. You’ve also contemplated which Pack you’d like to join the most. The only problem is that most of the packs had already had an Itheaur in their pack, so it was difficult to come to a decision. The Life-Bringers needed one, but you weren’t a Blood Talon, one of their requirements. The Storms of War would have been a likely candidate, but they already were five strong, and any larger would most likely cause problems.

Although you arrived a few months ago, you have only spent a short time at the Sept itself, instead you’ve been away being initiated into your tribe, the Bone Shadows. At first you thought their requirements were unfair, being tossed into the Shadow Realm and told to solve a convoluted puzzle, but you managed, and now you were a full member of the tribe, a worthwhile test.

As you sit there, you look up to see Moonsoul now talking with the Storms of War. You’re not sure, but you swore you heard him say your name.

[If you read below, you’ll be meeting up with April, so if you want you can await TheUdjat’s response before posting]

April

This is what it led to, a parting. It held more significance that just a simple goodbye, for it was a new beginning. What that entailed, you didn’t know. It wasn’t surprising to you that you didn’t fit in, when had you ever? Going from place to place was usual for you. Was this just another blip?

Although you and only counted on yourself for so long during your human years, the thought of being alone was now a little terrifying. You assumed it was merely your feral side pushing it’s instincts through to the surface. Of course, you had already started planning what to do next. Whether that was to try and team up with another pack or to start your own, you weren’t sure.

You knew if worse came to worse the City Slickers would bring you into the fold. Though, as Storms-Fury had told you many times, a cliath is better off with other cliaths. Did you want to try and team up with the experienced to only feel like an outsider? What other choice did you have? The only other new cliath was the newly initiated Bone Shadow. You hadn’t caught his name yet, mainly because you were out showing up Marcus the last time he had passed through. A pack of two? Not exactly the pack you were looking for.

It was strange though, Moonsoul’s reaction. You would have thought he’d fight against you leaving the pack, to mitigate a resolution, something he was apt at doing. To simply let it pass meant that he had other plans, or was he just that sure of your incompatibility with the Storms of War that he didn’t want to waste his energy. With Moonsoul you were never sure, but he radiated such a powerful sense of wisdom, it was hard not to trust instinctually.

Something Keith said stuck in your mind, you should’ve run with Red Wolf. You can remember when the option was left open. You remember standing in front of Path-finder contemplating the decision. More than anything, you remember the look of satisfaction and gratitude on Joe’s face when you choose the Storm Lords over the Iron Masters, the other pack some thought you’d fall into.

Some in the Sept thought you wouldn’t make it past the initiation, knowing that the Storms Lords rite was one of the most painful. You’re not sure if was out of sheer stubbornness or pride that made you endure the pain, but you passed. Rubbing your stomach you could almost imagine the pain you felt. Still, you passed, a point of pride in itself.

Pulling yourself out of memories, you look around to try and figure out your next move. Though you didn’t get much time. Moonsoul, who had been sitting in quiet contemplation for the past ten minutes had walked over while your mind was reminiscing.

“April.” His nature was calm and collected; his voice deep and resonating. His close proximity quelled those inner instincts of being alone. “I’d like you to run an errand for me. Path-finder just informed me that we’ll be having some guests shortly. We’d appreciate it if you went and escorted them back to the Sept.” Though it sounded like a request, you knew that was a mere formality, when Moonsoul said jump, you jumped. Once again you were struck with that sensation that he knew more than he let on, as if he was giving unheard advice.

Turning to head away, he pauses. Rubbing his chin, “Yes … yes,” saying more to himself, “Why don’t you take Gerard with you, too. Give him something to do instead of just sit around and think all day. Sometimes it’s better to have something to do then sit around and over think.”

James

Blood, sweat, and tears. The creed of any good fighter. You had lived by your fist your entire life. It was what you knew. Punch! Dodge! Counterattack! The last ten years of your life had barely seen rest. Recovery? You’d fight through injuries, never giving your body the rest that it ached for, but that’s what made you better than the others. That’s what set you apart and gave you the chances you had in life. Not many others can say they had the run you had, of course, not many others can say they had an inner beast inside them waiting to pour fourth in a fury of claws and teeth.

The tragic day that led you to your new life still haunts you. You had loved her, how could she treat you that way? That anger never subsided, even when you found out what you had done. It had been three months since that ‘incident’, and it felt like a dream world left behind. The reality you knew was gone, and a farce was all that’s left. Werewolves? You never would have thought it was possible, but if it wasn’t for those three pairs of eyes staring down at you when you awoke lying in a pool of blood in the woods, you might never know what truly happened.

The Life-Bringers had found you and taught you the ways of the wolf. It was foreign and at first you railed against it, but succumbing to the wolf was inevitable. It was a part of you, something you couldn’t deny. Plus, the three Uratha that found you wouldn’t let you deny your own heritage.

Even if they seemed pushy when trying to convince you what you were, they were still a lot of fun to hang out with. They seemed to enjoy fighting as much as yourself, all three, even the woman stepped up to spare with you. The troubling part was it seemed she held back against you, and still won. You thought you knew how to fight, but this was in a new class, one they offered to teach you. You willingly accepted.

That’s how the first few weeks passed. Fighting, traveling, fighting some more. You didn’t know where they were taking you; in fact you didn’t really care. The fighting that had enveloped your life was nothing compared to the power at your hands now. Plus, with your fiancée gone, what really was left to go back to?

You grew to know the three pretty well. Chris, the one you spent the most time talking with, was friendly and likeable, though always seemed to have a tough edge to his voice, as if he had seen what war was and it had changed him. If Amazonian could describe anyone, it was Susan, the strongest woman you’d ever seen. She stood nearly 6’3” with long black hair that she kept in braids up front to keep them out of her face. Her lithe frame belittled how powerful she truly was. Then there was Thomas, a loud mouth that loved to pick fights, and because of that, you ended up sparring with him the most.

All three, you found out, belong to the tribe Blood Talons. A group of warriors that loved to test the boundaries of fighting though preferring to do it honorably. It was an instant match. During one of Chris’s speeches about the different tribes you knew that the Blood Talons was the one you belonged. You asked him what it took to be accepted into their tribe, and they laughed as they put their heads together and planned.

It was a little unnerving to see these three warriors plotting, but you stood stoically as you awaited their answer. A sharp laughter erupted as they turned their heads towards you, each with an almost evil grin on their faces.

To this day you don’t know how you survived, but the jagged scar trailing across your neck tells the tale fine enough.

A few days had come and gone as you continued to travel via foot through the wavelike hills of New York. Impatience started setting, but reassurance from the others muted most queries. It wasn’t until midday during your almost routine walk through the hills that they said you were almost back to the Sept. Excitement pumped through you, as this was what they had been hyping up.

All of a sudden Thomas grabbed you by the arm and shoved you to the ground. Susan was already moving off ahead, leaving the faint sound of sniffing as she shuffled forward. Chris was moving off to the other side, taking the time to remain hidden, but not letting Susan get too far off ahead without help.

The atmosphere had turned from ease to intense pressure in a matter of moments, but drained just as quickly. Susan stood up, waved at some unseen person and returned to the group. All you caught was the name ‘Casey’ before they started moving down the hill. It didn’t take long to figure out whom they were taking about as you walked up on two strangers heading the same direction as you. One was an older man, with gray hair and a frosted beard. The other, a thinner African American man with ragged clothing.

[Check below, there is a section with you and Andon]

Andon

The transition from one place to another came natural. For others the long goodbyes and the mute handshakes of sorrow compiled together to make a sad situation worse. Though to you, it was just another stop along the trail. It had been a year since you left the dregs of the city, never staying in one place long enough to call it home. Instead you’ve been living the life of a wanderer, going from place to place, and living upon the land as much as possible.

This last stop had been no different. A short break on your journey to meet up with old friends, laugh and throw back a few beers. You had only stayed one night before moving on once more, but anxiety and excitement at the next destination grew the further you traveled. Casey had decided it was time to take you to his primary Sept, the Sept of Endless Dreams.

It had been a little over a year since he last traveled there, and things were likely to have changed, but from what he told you it was much larger than any other Sept along your journeys. It was hard to imagine a group of werewolves that totaled near thirty, considering the most you’d ever seen in one place together totaled half that number. Plus, that didn’t account for the wolf-blooded humans that lived on the bawn, something in it’s own right was rare.

Two days had passed since you last stopped and the constant running had begun to take its toll. Though Casey did let you rest at a small stream, giving you enough time to pant and catch your breath, it was short lived. You could see from his urgency that he was excited to return home after so long away, of course, it would have been faster and easier if you had taken a car instead of pushing yourself in your wolf form, but this last year Casey has always tried to keep you in your Urhan form, insisting it would help you understand the instincts of the wolf.

The passing trees no more than a blur began to thin as you traveled up hill. At the top you almost stumbled into Casey as he abruptly halted not giving you any sort of warning. From this vantage point, you can see a massive valley that stretched out in both directions, flanked by two lakes and covered by trees. Smoke trailed upwards into the sky signaling life down below.

The time it took to take another step, Casey had already transformed into his Hishu form. He gestured for you to do the same, not speaking, merely looking down into the valley with longing. The sounds of birds and the faint breeze blowing through the trees were all that you could hear.

Breaking the silence, “Ready boy?” A bad habit Casey had taken up, calling you boy. It wasn’t meant as disrespect, merely showing his age. His brown hair had faded to gray many years ago, and the tell tale signs of age had set upon his weathered face. His muscular physique belittled his age, as his arms and legs pushed tight against his blue jeans and t-shirt. His scraggly beard hadn’t been cut in days, hiding his square jaw beneath a layer of frosted brown.

Taking his eyes away from the valley for the first time since arriving, he looked out into the surrounding woods. Smiling and letting out a quick singular laugh he waved at the brush to your left. Before you could see what was there, he ushered you down the hill into the valley. A minute later you heard footsteps closing in, and before long you saw four figures emerge from the woods.

James and Andon

It was a random meeting of old friends. The time and distance did little to lessen the friendship between them. In barely shy of a run, Chris moves over to Casey sweeping him up in his strong arms. They both let out a good laugh before Casey finally feels the ground beneath his feet again.

“Damn old man! I thought you were dead!”

“Like death could ever catch me! No young one, I was busy carrying for this boy.” Pointing over to Andon, the Life-Bringers turn their heads seeing Andon for the first time. “You know how it is, run into an Uratha in need, you have to heed the call.”

“Always were a softy, you.”

“And who is this one?” Casey points over to James.

“Ah, well a new member of the Blood Talons!” He says it with obvious enthusiasm.

Turning his head toward the two younger cliath, “Would you boys mind letting us old timers have a minute. I have some things to discuss with the Life-Bringers here, fortuitous of us meeting out here. Why don’t you two get yourself acquainted.”

Moving off into the woods a little distance Casey slaps the back of Thomas and shakes Susan’s hand.

[Going to stop there, let you to introduce yourselves and what not. Feel free to include any inner thoughts during the travel. Also, feel free to interject at any point of their conversation to include something you wanted to say. I can always add their responses before they head off to talk.]

[TheUdjat]

It was never easy to tell someone they're wrong, least of all a hot-blooded werewolf--least of all a Storm Lord Alpha. Not quite a redundant phrase, that, but close. In her defense, April hadn't wanted to tell Marcus 'you're wrong', but he kind of pushed the issue, really. All she said was that she was ready to leave and that she didn't belong in the pack.

Why'd he have to contest it? It was plain as day, anyone could see that. Keith said as much, but oh no, Marcus-the-alpha had to draw the damn thing out and make it into a lesson or something. Not that he'd ever been especially good at teaching, but that never seemed to stop him from trying. She listened calm as ever, letting him prattle on, and when he was done with the formalities and finally asked her to explain the reasons for her parting, she said it:

"I think you're wrong. I won't follow you."

What was so hard about that? Simple, to the point, no need for elaboration. But full of authority and pride, Marcus craved an explanation. Well, not quite--he craved an argument, so he could save face with his pack. Idiot. He didn't need to save face. He was the alpha, they liked him, they'd followed him for ages. Turning this into a big deal was just a waste of everyone's time.

She held her tongue, mostly. She could've gone on for hours about her view of Marcus's leadership style, the pack's aims, and all of that good stuff, but it would've been ultimately pointless. April had never been good at the public speaking thing, and certainly Marcus knew that--hence trying to get her to do it. Even the small, blunt comments only fueled his desire to fight, but she was determined not to give him the satisfaction. A better talker could probably use the situation to their advantage, make him look like an ass, and in refuting him gain the praise of the other werewolves--and acquire an enemy for life.

He was going to be unhappy enough with her as it was. No need to turn him from rival into foe. Rivalry she could handle. Rivalry was okay, to the betterment of all. But infighting? Nobody wanted that.

She was just mulling the whole matter over when Moonsoul finally saw fit to intervene. He did it cleverly as the old wolf does everything, not bothering to explain the reasons for his polite order, nor needing to acknowledge that she, indeed, was no longer in the pack. His silence on the subject was acknowledgement enough.

Grateful for being excused from making Marcus and Keith yet more pissed with her, April looked at Moonsoul evenly, trying to read something off of him. Was it worth pointing out how hard that is to do? You didn't become Sept Leader by being entirely comprehensible to those you're responsible for. You needed to be a step ahead of the game, wise and enigmatic. Moonsoul had that down.

April nodded. "Of course," she said in response to his command, even as her mind raced to catch up with the motives behind it. Ordering her away accomplished the obvious, ending the fruitless quarreling with her former packmates--for certainly a few guests didn't need her of all people to guide them--but was there more to it than that?

When he told her to take Gerard, she was sure of it. She gave the elder another lingering look, nodding soberly, and headed for the young Ithaeur on the log. She sized him up as she approached, as she tended to do to all people. It was in her nature to try and keep tabs on everyone in the Sept--on everyone she could hear about, actually--so she knew a little bit about this cliath. A spirit-caller in the most outwardly spiritual of the packs; certainly not an unusual case, if a very focused one. That he remained unattached to other packs was interesting, but maybe he was fed the same litany Keith enjoyed throwing her way--cliaths should run with cliaths. Bone Shadows tended towards traditionalism, she could see that.

It seemed a silly tradition to April. This wasn't high school. You didn't need to have the werewolf 'changed of '09' pack. She knew the argument: 'cliaths should grow and learn together', and keeping elders from having to, Gaia forbid, teach something.

It was possible April was a little embittered from her recent experiences.

To be fair, Keith might have a point, but for another reason--a cliath in a pack of elders had almost no prayer of distinguishing themselves. April tended not to care about distinction on the whole as long as the job got done, but the Sept and Uratha in general clinged so tightly to recognition that it would be foolish to overlook such a thing. You only have as much power as others give you. That bore remembering. April already saw how a cliath with ideas could wind up afoul of an experienced and settled pack. She would never be able to run the way she wanted to run, the way that worked, with someone's preconceived notions stifling her momentum.

Coming close to Gerard, April cleared these thoughts out of her head for the time being, shifting gears. She regarded him quietly--his clothes, his eyes, his hair, the set of his jaw. What did a quiet Crescent Moon think about in isolated contemplation? Was it anything like her thoughts? She waited until he looked her way, her demeanor relaxed and patient, absolutely unhurried.

She nodded a greeting. "Hey," she said. "You're new. I'm April. Let's go for a run." No better way to take the measure of someone than to run a few miles with them--in wolf form, of course. Well, except to fight them, but that wasn't really her style. She could carry on a lengthy conversation with this one later, perhaps, if he seemed like the sort of cliath she wanted to know.

Besides, the enhanced senses would probably make it easier to pick up on the guests. April strove for efficiency.

But other people tended to like talking more than she did, so she waited, ready to listen and respond to whatever Gerard might have to say.

[Rojito]

Gerard walks down the hallway. The ominious quiet seems like it is the worst sound in all the world. A flicker of color on the wall quickly draws his attention, it is there a second then gone. A crimson stain that is both there and not. Continueing down the hallway to the door at the end seems to take an eternity, and yet he is there sooner than he wishes. His hand reaches out and pushes on the door handle, and the door swings open silently. Inside his mother and father lay in bed, watching tv. The eight year old walks over to his mother and reaches to give her a hug. As he reaches for her blood spurts from her neck and splatters against his face. In shock he looks at his father, only to see his body has already been mauled as well. Looking back at his mother brings her eyes to meet his, and her words to his ears, "I love you, Gerard."

His name echoes through his daymare, and he vaugly recognizes that someone in this world said it. "Hmm, yes? I am sorry what?" As he listens to April repeat herself his own thoughts keep moving, Now they plauge me even during the time I am awake. Must start staying busy, too much time on my hands is going to drive me insane.

"A run? Sure, yeah sounds like fun." Still trying to fully return to this world he is a little slow to catch up on what April is asking. A quick look to Jeremiah if he is here, or the next leader of Gaia's Wrath to make sure they didn't need him for anything. They were the first to bring him in, they would always have atleast a portion of his loyalty, and for now they have it all.

"Where we off to?" Gerard asks with a small smile. He follows April out the door. Not really much of a social person, atleast not with beings on this side of the gauntlet, he doesn't know anyone well. Not even members of Gaia's Wrath. He is closest to Jeremiah, but that relationship more closely resembles a mentorship than anything else. Its not that he avoids people, or isn't likeable... its just he always seems preoccupied, but it isn't just with the gauntlet or he would have an easy time with any other Ithaeur, its the past he is constantly battleing. Well the past and his own concious...

[sinisterspiral]

It was a long tiring way. Andon would have been even more exhausted if he weren't so excited himself. Several times he slowed and lost Casey between the trees. He would tried his scent, or if that failed he would bark like a lost pup. All in all that's how he felt as he followed his mentor, a lost pup on the way to a better place.

The thought of joining up with others was something of deeper conflict. The thought of having others around was comforting. But would they be like him or would they be creatures of weaker will? Casey constantly assured him of the value of Sept and Bawn; The value of people, regardless of what they might seem to be.

These people, the Sept of Endless Dreams, seemed to be among Casey's favorite. It may have been the long separation, but the initial reactions were too genuine to ignore. Andon smiled a little when his mentor and his mentor's companion made hearty hello's.

Andon waited a moment for the other man to speak. He wondered at the value of people, what that might mean. Certainly not in flesh were they valuable, not to him at least, nor were they particularly valuable in spirit or intention. Perhaps it was potential that gave them worth; The wealth of what they might do, how they might help, how they could influence.

Andon finally nodded to the other cliath. "How's it goin? I'm Andon, though most call me don. Gotta say this is a nice area here, if I wasn't so wiped already I might go out for a run."

[tork8342]

James loved the sparring from day to day with the others during there tavels. It's actually what he looked forward to, though not like his previous sparring partners these were better than him. Even Susan, to be beatin by a girl would have bruised his ego had she not a werewolf.

Seeing his friends reunite with an old friend was a warming feeling. He had heard there was more werewolfs but hadn't met any of them yet. "Nice to meet ya don. I'm James and you're right it would be a great place for a run. I used to run in a place alot like this everyday before...it...well you know. I haven't had much in the way of the training i used to do but I have learned alot from 'the life bringers'."

[TheUdjat]

Jun 12, 2009 17:10:13 GMT -5 Rojito said:

"Where we off to?" Gerard asks with a small smile.

Quiet. April could learn to appreciate that, being quiet in her own way. She answers his question with the same cool, relaxed manner she tends to take with most conversations. "Some guests are coming tonight. Moonsoul thinks we'd make a good welcoming party."

She smiles a little. "Funny guy, that Moonsoul."

April lets the silence linger as the two head to the edge of the clearing, getting ready to shift into wolf for the trek to the edge of the Sept's territory. [I'm assuming April got some kind of hint where the guests are coming from, or knows by standard practice or something.] She stretches a little in her human form before getting ready to ease into lupine. "Just stay with me, enjoy the ride. You can return the favor in the Shadow sometime." Flashing another small smile, April shifts into her wolf form--a creature a little more lean and lanky than most wolves, with less of an emphasis on powerful musculature--though that, too, is still there as in all of her kind. Her fur is as jet black as her human hair, and unlike most Storm Lords or Urbanized wolves, she keeps it clean of trinkets or decorations. Just pure and black. Perhaps a nod of respect to a Hunter she once knew, for teaching her a thing or two about respecting the tradition the often seems to defy.

Whatever the case, the shadowy wolf gives a glance back at Gerard, memorizing his scent and his wolf form, and then launches into a brisk but leisurely lope through the woods, through the familiar and comfortable territory of Home.

[Bump! Don't forget about us, Jo.]

[Jolith]

[Sorry, haven't forgotten. Been battling a sickness that won't go away and been really busy at work, with two people gone leaves me with a lot to do. I'll make sure to get in a post later today, so check for it.]

[Jolith]

April and Gerard

The feel of changing shapes while not new, still sends chills through your body. Even though your muscles and bones are pulling, shrinking, tightening in various degrees through out your body it’s not a painful experience. The supernatural ability changes you quickly and without any discomfort. It does help having had your clothes spiritually dedicated to yourself, allowing them to meld into your wolf form, not changing shape, but merely being absorbed into your body and disappearing until your humanoid form reappears.

Stretching your now much shorter legs you adjust to the feeling of being a wolf. The smells of nature that were faint before are now nearly overpowering. The steady crackle from the fire sounds like fireworks in your ears. It’s as if the world’s volume had been adjusted letting you see, hear, and smell at a whole new level.

Figuring it was time to head off in search of these newcomers, you put your nose up into the air and take a great big sniff. Not catching any new scents you pick a direction off toward the east, the most likely route that newcomers take while entering the valley. Dashing off at incredible speeds, the two wolves pass by the small wolf-blooded living area, the sights and sounds of every day living pass by with a blur as they speed off into the denser wooded area. Heads turn at the passing wolves, but hardly a murmur could be raised before they are well out of earshot. The refreshing wind blows over your body, though the cold air barely touches you as your fur covering protects you well.

Sniffing the air frequently, it doesn’t take long for the two of you to pick up the scent of newcomers. April is able to separate three distinct and familiar scents, the musty and sweaty smells of the Life-Bringers, though the scent of sweet honey catches her nose at the same time, which is not familiar at all. That coupled with two other unknown scents lets April know there are three newcomers to the Sept. Gerard, not having been around the Sept as long as April, doesn’t recognize any of the six scents dancing in his nose, though the strong musk does indicate that many of them are in need a bath.

Running along at a casual pace April makes sure to stay out in the open, not trying to approach stealthily to the well-known twitchy Life Bringers. Following suit Gerard stays to the open areas as they steadily make progress up the side of the valley. It’s not long before you both see a group of people standing in the woods.

Off to one side is the familiar trio the Life Bringers, unified by their overly muscular physique. Standing next to them is an older Uratha, his graying beard and hair show him to be of some age, but like the Life-Bringers, his physique is near perfect. Not some distance off, stand two younger looking males. From their outward nature and age, you guess both they both are young cliaths.

Andon and James

After a short pause the greetings come out, and the mood is lightened. It’s usually strange to meet new people, and as both are still unsure of what to expect from the Sept it’s only natural to be a little withdrawn. Though after names are passed conversation flows easily enough.

Looking over at the Life-Bringers and Casey, who are deep in conversation, you pick up on the subtle ways they hold themselves that the news Casey brings is not one of a pleasant nature. A small growl escapes Susan’s lips, though cut off quickly by a look from Thomas. Only a few words can be picked up, as they are trying to make sure to be unheard. Even so Susan’s constant interjections, which are not so quiet, are easily heard from this distance.

“There’s a WHAT?”

“I’ll go right n…”

“You can’t be seri …”

“I will NOT allow one …”

Her anger cannot only be heard, but also seen. Her fists tightly balled and held at her side shows that she’s trying to control her anger, but the constant shushing from Chris only makes it harder. Though she does instantly shut her mouth each and every time Chris tells her too, her anger hasn’t made her lose that much of her self, not yet at least.

As the two of you stand there, trying to talk back and forth, and trying to not listen in on the conversation of the others, a tad unsuccessfully, you hear footsteps coming from down the hill. You see two wolves approaching, neither trying to conceal oneself. The lead wolf is a smaller then either of you are accustomed to seeing, considering the company you keep, and is covered in jet black fur. The second wolf is even thinner than the lead one, which is quiet an accomplishment in itself considering it’s lean body.

Andon, having been a wolf for around a year, can distinguish that the lead one is a female and the other a male. Though James, who hasn’t spent nearly as much time as an Uratha, cannot tell the difference between the two sexes as of yet. Not by sight at least.

At this point it doesn’t appear that Casey or the Life-Bringers know they approach, their conversation is obviously so entrenching that the two wolves who walk openly towards them remain unseen and unheard.

[Rojito]

Gerard follows April's pace and choice of direction. Its so nice stretching his limbs and thinking of nothing but the scents comeing to his nose and the feel of the wind rushing through his fur. Primarily its just nice not to have to think about anything else. Once he catches the scents he will attempt to memorize them, and the people they belong to.

Seeing the Life-Bringers he see brutes, effective at what they do, but not what he is here for. The older wolf is more interesting, but still not what catches his attention. The two younger Cliaths are who his eyes and nose focus on. Watching them, scenting them, Gerard attempts to get an understanding of them.

[TheUdjat]

April slows to a walk as she nears the group, hearing Gerard just behind her slowing to match. The elders haven't noticed her, she notes, which strikes her as unusual--typically they are far more trusting of their instincts than cliaths, and know when a noise is a noise, and when it's something more. But perhaps her approach was really that good--no, that's hubris, she sees, for the other cliaths have spotted her, having nothing else to focus on.

Distracted, then. April has no desire to sneak up on any of her kin, so as she surveys the scene, she gives a short howl of greeting to announce her presence. Not loud of bellowing, just enough for those immediately around them to know she's there, and of the Sept.

With that done, she shifts back to her human form, happy for the time to stretch out and run for a while. When she stands up on two legs instead of four, she's much like her wolf form--jet black hair, sharp blue eyes, nondescript clothing. She says nothing, nodding briefly at the assembly--if the elders acknowledge her and keep to their conversation, she'll know they want privacy and will head over to the other two, but if they approach, she'll state in plain, simple terms that Moonsoul sent her and Gerard as a sort of honor guard.

If the cliaths are indeed left together, April will introduce herself. "I'm April," she'll say, simple as can be. A jerk of her head indicates Gerard. "That's Gerard. Welcome to Home."

[sinisterspiral]

Andon watches the wolves approach, occasionally trying to catch their scent out of habit. He immediately assumes that these are not ordinary wolves, not only from the color of the leading female, but buy their willingness to approach humans. He stops the casual conversing, now curious of what these two will bring to the group.

He couldn't avoid overhearing some of the elders' conversation, but tried to tune it out. Not so much over politeness. He's a little afraid. Anything that could upset these older, most likely wiser, uratha, could only be bad news. The thought dawns on him that perhaps this is why he's been brought here and joined with the cliath James. Perhaps this is why the others have arrived.

He is considering joining the wolves in their urhan forms, but before he can make a decision, the female has reverted to a human. He gawks at her a moment, confused by her gentile features and manner. Could this woman really be the same as him, harboring a fell monstrous creature beneath her soft appearance?

Her words (if they are indeed spoken to him), break through his thoughts, but he suppresses his surprise. He smiles at her and offers his hand in greeting. "How goes it, April; Gerard. You can call me Andon, or Don if it's easier. I'm glad to finally be home, although I will be much happier when I get to see the rest of it. Have you lived here long?"

[Should the elders immediately request attention by approaching either pair of Cliaths, Andon will approach them and remain silent. He crosses his arms over his chest and does his best to look business like. First impressions, after all, are most important.]

[TheUdjat]

April gives a little half-smile at Andon's words, small and pleased and a little amused. She fails to elaborate on the last part. "Not long," she says. "Enough to know a few things." She tilts her head to indicate the elder who smells of honey, the one familiar with the Blood Talons. "Not enough to know him."

She holds eye contact throughout the quick exchange, as much as is possible, trying to study the newcomer. April decides that she enjoys talking to this one. Simple and straightforward. Not as oblique as many of the older People tend to be become. "You'll get the grand tour soon enough," she adds.

[Rojito]

Gerard sits back and watches April speak with the new-comers. He spends more time observing their body-language than their real words.

[tork8342]

James notes the lack of size of the two approaching wolves. Knowing that they aren't the biggest ment they had a purpose other than war/fighting/strength to there lifes. Knowing this he listens as April and Don speak and leaves introductions up to Don. Instead James will watch and wait as he never liked words and could tell more about a person from what they do than what they say.

[sinisterspiral]

Andon holds eye contact with April in long bursts. Something about being looked in the eyes suggests to Andon that a person can see into him- Can see his faults and mistakes. He doesn't imagine that they might also be able to see his strengths. He looks off toward the elders [who are probably still talking amongst themselves, but not as heatedly].

"Well, April, it's fine country; I can tell just by the smell of it. Fresh open air, soft loam, trees touched by a druid's fine hand. I can hardly hear the hum of city or taste the tang of metal and concrete in the air," he scratches himself behind the ear absently. "Actually, I'm not sure of where we are on the map. Are we even still in the States or have we crossed into mountie territory?"

[Jolith]

Seeing the Life-Bringers unaware of her approach puzzles April for a moment. To be polite, not to mention for her own safety, she lets out a howl of greeting. Immediately the four older Uratha stop talking and take notice of the two approaching wolves. Casey tilts his head and looks back to the other three. After a quick word from Chris, Casey merely nods his head in understanding. At once he turns his attention back to Susan, who seems to be on edge, for what reason, you can only imagine.

From their continued conversation you assume, correctly, that they’d like their privacy, at least for the moment. Approaching the two other Cliath the two Urhan (wolves) change forms back into their Hishu (human) forms. Once more their bodies go through the quick and painless transformation, this time in the reverse manner. For what was once so sharp, their senses seem to have been dulled as humans do not nearly have the senses of their wolf counterparts.

Now in human form conversation commences. April starts by introducing herself and Gerard then welcoming the others to the Sept. Andon responds in kind. James, not being one for many words, instead takes the time to stand back and ‘inspect’ the newcomers. His eyes wander from each taking in the scene and noting their actions.

Just as Andon admits his lack of knowledge regarding their current location, they all hear a loud bark of laughter erupt from elder Uratha. All but Susan are joyously laughing, though from the look on her face even she is having a hard time not letting go of her anger and joining in. Throwing his arm over Susan’s shoulders, Casey directs the group over to the younger wolves, still chuckling as he walks.

You hear his last words to the Life-Bringers before he moves over to Cliath, “It’ll turn out alright Susan, no worries.”

Obviously the elder of the four, Casey seems to naturally lead the group as he approaches.

“Ah, youngsters.” Letting go of Susan, who finally cracks and smiles back to him, Casey makes his way to stand next to Andon. “I guess you’ve all introduced each other? Well, sorry for the wait there. I guess I’ll start by introducing myself.” His voice is soft and firm, and carries a carefree quality. His posture is relaxed and a smile stretches across his face. “I’m Casey,” looking back and mainly speaking to Andon, “and these boy, are the Life-Bringers. Guardians of these woods and of course the Sept.” Andon notes that his mentor does not use his deed name, which he normally would introduce himself as.

At that point of pride, each of the Life-Bringers seem to puff out their chest a little. In turn each nods their heads and says their name. Chris, Susan, and Thomas. This time it’s April and Gerard who note that the three refer to themselves as their human names instead of their deed names.

Continuing, “I guess I’ve been away far to long.” Pausing to give April a look over Casey takes a step forward and extends his hand, “My my, what a pretty little thing. And what is your name sweety?” Moving on, only after winking at April, he turns his attention to James “And this strapping young man?” Lastly, he steps in front of Gerard, “Let me guess, a Rahu?" Chuckling at his own little joke, he extends his hand to Gerard.

“Well, now that introductions are done, might I ask why two young pups are out here?”

[TheUdjat]

April observes the introductions with her usual calm and reserve, taking a particular interest in Casey. Though clearly not a pack-runner, the man seems to possess a natural charm and grace which puts him in a commanding role. A natural leader. Either he is between packs, or he is one of the more charismatic loners she's ever seen.

Either way, the first-name basis he holds with the Life-Bringers is enough to prove that he's owed respect, though she guesses he would most feel respected by being treated in the same jovial and casual nature--within reason. She's not entirely sure how to feel about being 'inspected' by the elder. It's not that she minds a little flattery (though it confuses her a little), but hearing if from another Uratha feels... strange. Almost uncomfortably incestuous, like a leering uncle. But she lets the sensation roll off her shoulder--the man is a joker, it occurs to her.

"April," she says, clasping his hand, not much like a lady. She even cracks a half-smile, despite herself. "Good to meet you. Does flattery always come this naturally to you?" She imagines it does. His words are as sweet as his honeyed scent.

She lets him toy with Gerard, saying nothing. She wonders how the frail-seeming Ithaeur will take the remark. That can reveal much about someone.

When he finally turns the conversation to business, she almost visibly relax. Business she can handle--prefers, even. "Moonsoul sent us as a sort of welcoming party," she says, for this is largely her understanding of it. "Consider yourselves welcome--unless there were other silver-tongued guests on their way." She leans over, as if to look past them, the half-smile growing a little on her lips as she teases him.

[Rojito]

Gerard blinks at Casey when he asks if he is a Rahu. The less formal approach itself was quite new in itself, one would never think to approach a spirit like that... After hearing April's words, and understanding a little more about Casey, Gerard says, "Sorry your mistaken, I'm a little too scary for the Full Moon. As a matter of fact, the night of my changing it ran from me. So fast it ran that i thought it would leave the earth behind. But I ran fast as well and managed to catch it when there was just a sliver left in the sky." There a tale almost enough for a Talesinger.

[TheUdjat]

April is so pleased with Gerard's words that she almost--almost--breaks out into a full grin.

[Jolith]

[Just have to say, nice retort there Rojito, heh. Made me laugh.]