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Post by Jolith on Jul 8, 2009 9:25:38 GMT -5
Everyone [/size] The sound of laughter erupts through the valley as not only Casey, but also two of the other elder Uratha chuckle at Gerard’s tale of his auspice.“Well damn boy! That’s one for the record books. You sure you’re born in the right moon? If you want, I can send a message to Luna, maybe get you lined up correctly with us Cahalith!” Slapping Gerard on the back, causing him to take a step forward from the impact, he looks over at the others. “What fine young Cliath. Seems us old folks might not be needed much anymore. Good! I was looking forward to retirement.” It’s obvious, even though he says differently, that the man standing in front of you has no intentions of retirement.
After listening to April’s explanation of why she’s there, “Only if I had a silver tongue, maybe then I could simply lick my enemies to death!” With another flash of his smile, “Well, since they’re expecting us, let’s not keep them waiting!” What only took a few minutes to run while in Urhan form, took quite some time to walk. The leisurely pace allowed for more banter and talk to be thrown around, mainly coming from Casey. Chris and Thomas, from the Life-Bringers, joined regularly in the conversation, but you note that Susan kept much to herself. From her posture you can tell she is on edge. From what, you don’t know, but her constant scanning through the trees seems to indicate she is expecting something. Though nothing comes.
The further you travel into the valley the more sounds of life become prevalent. Though your ears are not those of a finely honed wolf you do make out people’s voices in the distant. Not long after, you start coming across people going about their daily lives, cooking on the campfire, cutting wood, and the normal nuances of people living in the woods. You see a half-built cabin off to one side, and a colony of tents sprung up to the other. The people milling about perk up at the sound of the newcomers, and a few stop their errands to smile and wave. More than once a look of surprise turns into a hearty welcome directed mainly at the long missed Casey. Though a few are directed at the Life-Bringers, who have returned from a smaller absence.
It takes some time to make it through the wolf-blooded colony, as the constant stopping to say hello gets a little repetitive. A couple times one of the wolf-blooded will greet the newcomers, welcoming them to the Sept and telling them if they need anything that they are more than willing to help. Their sincerity is clear and heartfelt, but after the fourth time it does become a tad redundant.
After putting a small distance between the last of the wolf-blooded Casey speaks over his shoulder at Andon, though loud enough for all to hear what he’s saying, “It’s like I told you boy, the Sept of Endless Dreams allows the wolf-blooded brothers to stay on the bond, the outskirts of the Sept. This gives them significant advantages over other Septs, but at the same time it brings up more than one issue of security.” Chris nods his head in slowly in agreement; combined with a quick sigh it becomes obvious that there have been issues in the past. In answer to Casey’s silent questioning look, “We’re up to twenty seven wolf-blooded that live on the bond, plus about twice that number that live in about an hours drive.” Directing the next part towards the younger group, “Most live down in New York City. It helps having them around though. Us werewolves don’t fit well in ‘normal’ society. The beast within scares the humans to easily. So it’s nice to have some eyes and ears that can branch out and help. Plus, we’ve made sure that every one of our wolf-blooded brothers is just as committed to our war as we are.” “You forget, it’s nice to have them around for other reasons too!” Jovially chuckling he looks over at April and winks. Casey wasn’t hiding his fondness for April, not inappropriately, but as an old man finding a youngster amusing, and fun to have around.
Continuing on towards the center of the Sept leads you along a path through dense woods. The sound of a large stream can be heard off to your right; normally you’d expect this to be coupled with the normal sounds of nature, however, there is a calm silence to this place. No birds chirp, no animals stir, the only other sound is the swaying of the trees in the gentle breeze. One might expect the silence to be eerie, but you can’t help but feel calmer as you walk along the path, like a comforting arm reaching around you and holding you close.
Straight ahead the path opens up to a large area, April and Gerard know the place well as this was their starting point to this little adventure. The scene is just as you left it with many of the Uratha out on business. The few that remain are huddled around the large bonfire that’s ringed by logs arranged as seats. The scent of Uratha is strong in the air, only masked slightly by the potent smell of the burning wood.
Upon entering the seated Uratha make it to their feet, smiles blooming across the circle. Only one Uratha remains seated, Moonsoul; at the far end of the fire, almost concealed by the burning logs and smoke, he sits with a small knowing smirk on his face. It was his nature to be aloof, to stand aside and let things unfold before acting. Tonight is obviously no different.
The greetings go on for some time giving the sun enough time to drift further along the horizon and making its way past it’s zenith into the latter hours. For the past half an hour Casey has been retelling stories about his travels, even making Andon recite some of the parts. It didn’t take long for the event to become a small party, especially when Thomas disappeared and returned with some food and drinks.
The fire never stopped burning for an instant, helping to heat the cool winter air. It was late in the season, almost at the breaking point of spring, so even during the sunny days the chill set in. Andon and James noticed something strange as the day passes, not once did any Uratha put wood on the fire, but never did it seem to lower. The others, having been in the Sept for a period of time, know that a spirit has been bound to the fire, agreeing to never let it die. It was a symbol of the Sept unity, a gathering point for all Uratha to unite around.
After Casey had finished regaling everyone about a particular nasty fomori that had taken to eating children up the coast, one that Andon remembered quite vividly, he excused himself for a moment to talk to Moonsoul. After a long conversation, one away from prying ears, Casey returned to the group to continue chatting. Moonsoul, however, stayed off to the side for a moment, in obvious deep reflection.
True to form in most Uratha parties, a challenge was thrown. This time it wasn’t a mere physical contest of strength, but a challenge between two young Cahalith, Roslyn Rockwood and Erik Ferguson. For two younger Uratha to challenge one another wasn’t uncommon. The constant struggle for dominance, to show honor and cunning to the elders was always a driving force.
As Roslyn of the Storms of War dove into an epic poem, Markus walked up behind April placing his hand on her shoulder, simply to just get her attention. He motioned with his head for her to follow him. A small distance off, “I hope there is no ill will between us,” he started off, though his voice did not completely match the sincerity of his words, “We are both of the same Sept and when the time comes, we must be by each others sides, not our backs.” It was formal, as always. No admission or blame was thrown, merely a statement.
At the same time Casey ushered Andon off to one side. “Well boy, it’s time you ventured off with people your own age. Old folks like me need a rest. I’ve talked with Moonsoul, he’s the quiet one in the back there, and we have a little task that we’d like you to take care of.” Pointing over his shoulder, “We also think it best if you take a few to help you along your path. Gerard and James would seem to be good company. James looks like he could protect you well, and if any spirit matters come up that young Bone Shadow Gerard should be able to help you. Oh, and take that spirited young girl April, too. Her quick wit might be of some use.” Throwing an arm around Andon, Casey directs him away from the fire. As they walk away, “As we were traveling here, and one of the many times you lost sight of me, I communed with the forest, a gift I learned long ago. It was troubling. I know I’ve been away for a long time but something was off with the forest. After stepping deep into the minds of the animals in the area did I learn that something frightening has recently been stirring up their lives.” Giving Andon a big smile, “So of course, I thought of you. Basically, we’d like you to travel north and find out what’s so damn frightening to all these animals. Sound like fun?”
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Post by Rojito on Jul 8, 2009 9:57:09 GMT -5
Gerard doesn't say much after his story earlier, but he is... content. This is the best he has felt around people since before the change. The other Bone Shadows were his intellectual equals and almost exactly the same thought process as him. But these were people his age, and they made him feel comfortable.
Once back at the Sept Gerard rejoins his Bone Shadows, but once again reverts a little more back to his old self. Sitting in the shadows cast by the fire his eyes start to blank out again... reliving the nightmare, this time starting off differently. He started chasing the moon, following the path it layed out. Suddenly there is a house in front of him. The sight of it alone scares Gerard, but he cant help but approach it. As he slips in the house the light from the moon comes through the windows illuminating the hallway. As he walks toward the door at the end of the hall the light all around him turns red. Slowly turning around Gerard looks at the moon, sees it sitting in the sky... a blood red color. Turning back to the doorway he continues through the nightmare that rules his life...
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Post by TheUdjat on Jul 8, 2009 14:49:37 GMT -5
“What fine young Cliath. Seems us old folks might not be needed much anymore. Good! I was looking forward to retirement.” April has a difficult time taking this as humorously as the good-natured Casey. She's well aware that the People are always in need of more... well, people. Gaia is always Conscripting. The life of a werewolf is brutal and usually ends bloody. Still, she tries to smile with the spirit of it, keeping a tight rein on her speech.This time she's able to snicker in earnest. "Have you so many enemies in the Sept?" she jokes. Clearly he meant the Dancers, but this is a more entertaining interpretation.
Inwardly, she is more upset about betraying her own ignorance in Uratha culture. It's a clear sign of her youth, still using human sayings. She makes a mental note to cull that habit.
Once they are out in the country, meeting the wolf-blooded, April reverts to her preferred quiet-and-observant ways. Sometimes it's like she's not even there. She is happy to let Casey and the other, louder werewolves take to the conversation and meet-and-greets, only speaking to respond politely when she's personally addressed.
She's not sure how to feel about the wolf-blooded, in truth. It's not a benefit-or-hindrance aspect of it, for her, as that's a concern for elders at present. For her, it's more a matter of emotion and meaning. The wolf-blooded are meant to make things easier for the People, to facilitate the education of potential werewolves and such. She never had such an experience, and it annoys her.
But at the same time, she wonders if making things easier is an entirely prudent course of action. Her first change was traumatic, as most were, and it left her with questions and it sent her world spinning, out of control. Out of that chaos she found strength. Would it have been as chaotic had she stories and myths to cling to that spelled everything out for her? Would she be as strong, now, if she'd had that crutch.
Speculation is futile, she supposes, but the wolf-blooded still pose an interesting question for her, philosophically.
From an objective point of view, though, they are probably more of an asset than a weakness. She can't fault Moonsoul for the decision. Though perhaps it wasn't entirely his. The Old Wolf is a tricky one.April blinks, not entirely prepared for that turn in the conversation, but she smiles amiably enough. Certainly the wolf-blooded do have that convenience to them, though she has yet to avail herself of it.Back at the Sept, April contents herself with watching and occasionally conversing with others. It's comfortable there, despite the tensions and excitement of the day. She does spend a fair amount of time watching the other cliath, to see how they're faring. Gerard still broods, she sees; a worrying thing, but not especially uncommon. She has her own moments of gloomy solitude, though she prefers to save her emotional outbursts for the heart of a thunderstorm over the warmth of a social gathering. There is nothing so out of place as the one who talks to none.
She also takes note of the actions of the Sept's leaders, as is habit for her. Moonsoul in particular has long fascinated her, and she notes him talking to Casey. There's something significant there. This prodigal werewolf returning after so long must be doing so for good reason, and it cannot all be Andon. But Moonsoul, true to his habit, remains oblique and difficult to read. A clever leader. She wonders if he reads Machiavelli.Being pulled away from the challenge mildly annoys April. She enjoys watching certain contests of dominance--physical ones tend to be redundant, but a battle of storytelling is interesting indeed, especially if there is truth to the tales, as there usually is. The fact that this particular challenge involves a packmate of hers--a former packmate, she reminds herself--only makes it more compelling. She likes Roslyn, even if their agendas didn't quite match.
Taken away from observing this event robs her of some of the evening's enjoyment, but she doesn't hold onto the ire. She rarely does. But it is also annoying to be made a sight, and while a challenge is compelling to watch, April has always found secretive conversations to be yet more compelling. Now Marcus is making them one such secretive conversation. She wonders who might be watching.
As to his words, she receives him with her usual blank calm, watching his eyes closely. His tone is not lost on her. He wonders if he thinks he is better at masking his emotions than he truly is, or whether he intends the aside conversation not as a true 'are we still cool?' query, but as a veiled attempt to 'be the better person'. Marcus isn't all bad. She can't put either possibility above the other.
Probably a little bit of both. One must always think oneself is noble, after all.
She takes her time in responding, as she often does. Quick, heated replies were never her style. "You should have waited for Erik," she finally says, not unkindly. "You should be there to listen to Ros." One must always support their packmates, after all. Though perhaps the choice was intentional instead of incidental--of all the werewolves there, the other packmates will probably be more fixed on Roslyn's challenge than in Marcus speaking to April in hushed tones.
She wonders at that.
But then again, it could just be negligence.
Not wishing to press the point too much, April soon moves on. "There is no ill will," she affirms. "It worries me that you need to confirm this, though. Whatever our disagreements of differences, we are all Uratha. We are even of a tribe, Marcus." She considers saying more, but doesn't. Nothing more need be said. Marcus was aiming for cordial and cool, and she could return the sentiment without giving room for a rekindling of their disagreement. Siblings quarrel, but they are still blood--so it is with Marcus.
She gives him a respectful nod--he is still the elder wolf, after all--and moves to return to the gathering and salvage what's left of Roslyn's story, assuming Marcus has nothing further to say.
When she does return to the group, she chooses to take the company of Gerard. The cliath has the look of one staring into space, and that is rarely a health mannerism. One must always be aware. Besides, she has seen him brood too long. Sitting beside him does have the side-effect of placing her in the thick of Bone Shadows--who are often apprehensive of her progressive tendencies--but she ignores any stares or raised eyebrows that might be thrown her way."You should listen to the stories," she finally says to Gerard, hoping to break him out of his trance. "There is usually wisdom in them, and truth. Spirits often enjoy them, too, I hear." She gives him a small, amused smile. "And you are a burgeoning Cahalith, now. You must pay attention."
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Post by Rojito on Jul 8, 2009 15:36:42 GMT -5
Gerard is so into the daymare that he doesn't even notice April, untill she speaks atleast. Then the door he is walking to changes into her face. Startled at first, he then becomes more relaxed. Looking around at all the other Bone Shadows he wonders what their thoughts are. Turning back to Aprils comment about Spirits he chuckles and says, "Oh so now you are an expert on spirits as well as turnabouts with words."
"It is true that most spirits do enjoy stories. But calling me a Cahalith is a little too much, knowing how to tell a story an being a storyteller are two entirely different things. None the lessi do appreciate your confidance in my capabilities." He continues with a smile, "Speaking of stories perhaps you would grace me with your story." Gerard appreciates the company, anything to get out of his daydream.
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Post by TheUdjat on Jul 8, 2009 16:03:39 GMT -5
"Oh so now you are an expert on spirits as well as turnabouts with words." She shrugs. "I find it pays to be an expert on as many subjects as one can manage." April considers this with obvious hesitation. Storytelling really isn't her forte. She can maintain an impressive calm, given ample time to think and consider everything, but organizing her thoughts tends to fall by the wayside when she's forced into a long monologue. "Perhaps," she finally says. "One day. I'll let you know when the next chapter is done and we can hear it together." Still, it is probably an unkind thing to rob the cliath of some kind of companionship while he's immersed in some kind of mental distraction. She's not ready to speak a biography, but she can offer something surely. "Most of it you can already figure," she says. "Mostly normal life, maybe some little quirks, and then one day--bam--you're in a new world, naked and screaming and maybe even a little bloody." Pause. "Maybe a lot bloody." Her eyes get a little distant for a moment as she remember her own traumatizing experiences. Funny how that rubs off. Her eyes flick back to Gerard's. "Never fun to dwell on, is it?" The ghost of a smile. "Now I have new family, new friends, and a new purpose." She taps her fingers on the log. "Though I lack a mission. Not the same as a purpose, you know." April shakes her head, snickering. "And you see? You have me rambling. This is why I stay quiet."
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Post by Rojito on Jul 8, 2009 16:17:09 GMT -5
Gerard stays smiling... right up untill she starts talking about the blood... At that point his eyes dim as well and flashback to the house, and the doorway. It takes about a second longer to return to this world for him than her, but he understands she is both looking for comfort... and offering it.
"You are full of surprises. Albeit i understand lacking a mission, never seems to be enough to do around here. Heh, what if I prefer it when you talk? Keeps me from rambling you know." he says with a smile.
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Post by sinisterspiral on Jul 8, 2009 19:49:15 GMT -5
Andon goes along quietly with the others. He lags back in the beginning of the hike, enjoying a few moments of peace. The forest around him sighs with winter wind, mixing with his somber emotions, it makes quite a chilling effect on his mood. Still, the smells and subtle signs of life returning are a reassuring spice to his maudlin. He strides faster to catch up.
Passing through the bond, Andon feels his heart swell a little in fear. Humans have no business so close to Uratha, so he believes. Casey's words only enhance this belief. Issues indeed, but of whose security? Surely the wolf-blooded could do no more to a Uratha than a flea could. The smiles and waves they give so freely to the hiking band do little to change his mind; They seem happy enough, but happiness flees like the doe- swift and out of sight in the instant of trouble. And trouble was life-blood to the children of Father-wolf.
The fire warms the chill right out of him. He smiles and talks quietly amongst the gathered cliath, too intimidated by the older Uratha to give them more than a nod. The fire is a perplexing thing to him. He is still being attatched to the human side of things; The side that believes very strongly in the laws of physics and nature. No fire could burn forever. He assumes, with less than a passing thought, that someone must surely be feeding the fire, he just never noticed it.
The challenge between Rosalyn and Erik strikes him as odd at first, though Andon is comforted to see first-hand what Casey has no doubt explained to him in the past. Not everything is about physical force in Urathan society. He is just getting into the tale when Casey pulls him aside. His first thought is that he is to be kept aside from all the others. What should have been a comforting thought, instead is one of sadness. He was just beginning to feel welcome.
"But..." he says looking about for help. "but why me? I mean, I'm nobody here, why would any of these proud monst.. I mean creatures follow me on this errand?"
His eyes can not stay long on his old Mentor. He is afraid and ashamed of his fear. If the monsters among him do not get to him, surely the ones of the dark lonely forest would. He holds back a whimper. If he was a proud beast he would never follow such a timid creature as himself. How could he hope to draw the others to his aid? How could he control them in tough situations or guide them through trouble?
he locks eyes with Casey for a moment or two, long enough to say, "Are you sure?"
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Post by tork8342 on Jul 12, 2009 13:18:15 GMT -5
sorry for the delay, but you seem to be having plenty of fun without me. James is very interested in how others of "his kind" live. He is content to stay silent, watch, eat and drink while the others talk.
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Post by Jolith on Jul 21, 2009 14:50:07 GMT -5
[Sorry for the long delay. I know, not exactly a good start being this slow. Don't worry though, I have not forgotten you guys, nor do I plan to stop. I've just been really busy lately. Hope you can understand. I'll really try to get a post up by the latest tomorrow.]
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Post by TheUdjat on Aug 11, 2009 8:36:40 GMT -5
[Since you're back, I will now resume nagging you about this game. Post something for us! ]
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Post by Jolith on Aug 11, 2009 8:41:52 GMT -5
[You know, I was just about to post about the game. I wanted to say that now that I'm back at work and can regularly post, are people still interested in me running this game?
I know Sinister is in only this game, so I wanted to know if he was still around, or checking the boards for me to continue.]
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Post by TheUdjat on Aug 11, 2009 8:55:34 GMT -5
[He hasn't logged in since the 4th, by his user ID, so he may have stopped checking regularly. You might want to drop him a line or call him or something.]
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Post by Rojito on Aug 11, 2009 9:12:03 GMT -5
Still interested!!! And waiting to be lead around by the nose by May
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Post by tork8342 on Aug 11, 2009 11:23:16 GMT -5
still quiet interested, and ready to do something besides the standing around and watching i've been doing.
edit: i ment that to say that i'm gonna take more initiative now not that I think there was anything wrong with what your doing.
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Post by TheUdjat on Sept 9, 2009 8:04:14 GMT -5
[Barring new posts, this goes to the archives on Monday 9/14.]
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Post by tork8342 on Sept 15, 2009 1:22:18 GMT -5
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