Hazmat lies on her side and looks up at Oscar. Hello.
Oscar says to Hazmat, "Woof." He nods to the others and sits down.
Hazmat flicks an ear and yawns.
Justice says, "I need to learn what I can of the Dreaming. I have been taught much of Ritual, little of our Gufts. My first step to the dreaming must be the learning of the Gift for touching minds. Would you teach it to me, Eris?"
Eris nods. "Sure, if you'll teach me...whatever it is you can teach me."
On the eastern curve, Cassandra makes her way out of the woods to the east.
On the eastern curve, Cassandra heads into the center.
At the center, Cassandra heads west, away from the center of the Wheel.
On the western curve, Cassandra heads west, out past the rim of the Wheel.
Eris contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Justice smiles. "Call of the Wyld would be a fitting gift for Discord eh?"
Eris elongates and stretches, shifting into Homid form.
On the southern curve, James comes in from the woodland to the south.
Eris smiles widely. "Ooh...I like."
On the southern curve, James heads into the center.
At the center, James heads northeast to the fire pit.
James has arrived.
Hazmat looks around for someone to bug, er, something to do...
James says, "Hi."
Eris says, "Sounds like a deal."
Hazmat woofs hi to James.
Justice holds her hands out in an open gesture. "How shall we begin it?"
Eris says, "Um. Hmm...Let me think. How about we go someplace quiet."
Justice nods. "Choose the place."
James sits down by the fire.
Eris says, "Hmm. Someplace warm."
On the southern curve, Mac comes in from the woodland to the south.
On the southern curve, Mac heads into the center.
On the eastern curve, Sepdet nods pensively at Anubis.
Eris says, "Uh...Cave?"
Hazmat perks!
On the eastern curve, Anubis nods at something Sepdet mutters.
Justice nods.
Hazmat bounces up and tears over toward Mac.
Near the Fire Pit, Oscar winces.
On the eastern curve, Anubis nudges Sepdet slightly with his muzzle.
Mac smiles as Hazmat runs up.
Near the Fire Pit, James watches Hazmat start bouncing around.
Near the Fire Pit, Eris stands up.
Near the Fire Pit, Eris points north. "Thataway."
Near the Fire Pit, Justice nods.
Near the Fire Pit, Eris follows the Wheel west, away from the fire pit.
On the northern curve, Eris circles the Wheel, coming from the Fire Pit in the south.
Near the Fire Pit, Justice follows the Wheel west, away from the fire pit.
On the northern curve, Justice circles the Wheel, coming from the Fire Pit in the south.
Hazmat bounds into Mac and puts her paws up on his chest, tail wagging so hard, her butt wiggles too.
On the northern curve, Justice turns to the north, and leaves past the rim of the Wheel.
On the northern curve, Eris turns to the north, and leaves past the rim of the Wheel.
On the eastern curve, Sepdet quirks a small smile at Anubis and murmurs, ~Me? I never do that, Elder.~ With that she rises and slips northwards.
Mac keeps his balance, adding, "What's up kid?"
On the eastern curve, Sepdet follows the Wheel to the Fire Pit.
Near the Fire Pit, Sepdet circles the Wheel, arriving from the eastern curve.
Near the Fire Pit, Sepdet follows the Wheel west, away from the fire pit.
On the northern curve, Sepdet circles the Wheel, coming from the Fire Pit in the south.
Near the Fire Pit, James says, "Hi."
Near the Fire Pit, Oscar snickers.
On the northern curve, Sepdet turns to the north, and leaves past the rim of the Wheel.
Hazmat woofs. Moon Otter and I took Brooding Sorrows for pizza. Some humans tried to bother us, though. Scared 'em good!
Mac says, "Scared 'em? How?"
On the eastern curve, Anubis returns to sitting quietly in the moon-shadows of the trees.
Hazmat woofs. Ducked into alley. Hid. Went to wolf, and -BARKBARKBARK- jumped out at them and ran away!
Near the Fire Pit, Oscar chuckles. "What a riot."
Near the Fire Pit, James tosses small twigs into the fire.
Near the Fire Pit, Oscar asks James, "You get any notes last night?" He pulls out a notebook and pen.
Near the Fire Pit, James says, "Hmmm, oh not really."
Near the Fire Pit, James says, "Found out we don't howl at the moon like in movies."
On the northern curve, Sepdet emerges from the thin treeline to the north.
Near the Fire Pit, Oscar nods and starts writing. "Good. I gotta get started dumping what I've got so far." He grins. "Extra work would suck."
On the northern curve, Sepdet makes her way forward along the Wheel, toward the earth mound.
Near the Fire Pit, Oscar looks at James trying to decide if he was serious or not. He shrugs. "Throw that in, too. I guess."
Near the Fire Pit, James says, "And don't ask about it with grumpy people around, very bad."
On the Earth Mound, Sepdet looks back towards the firepit, scanning for a moment, then continues her purposeful stride skirting the forest edge.
On the Earth Mound, Sepdet follows the Wheel past the Earth Mound.
On the western curve, Sepdet heads west, out past the rim of the Wheel.
Near the Fire Pit, Oscar blinks. "Hey, good idea. A list of grumpy people to avoid."
Near the Fire Pit, James says, "Some Talon named Earth-Child."
Hazmat woofs. Stormcrow!
Near the Fire Pit, Oscar nods, "I can see where some people might not get along with him."
Near the Fire Pit, James says "And some lady named Maria or something, and Joan the Fury elder seemed less than friendly."
On the eastern curve, Anubis heads east, back into the forest and away from the Wheel.
Hazmat wags her tail happily at Mac and slurps his face.
Mac says "I am happy you are glad to see me, but stop with the licking, 'kay?"
Near the Fire Pit, Oscar says to James. "Anyone explain the wheel to you?" He continues scribbling notes.
Near the Fire Pit, James says "Would a list of people who aren't going to eat you be good?"
Near the Fire Pit, Oscar grins. "Yeah."
Near the Fire Pit, James says "What about it?"
Hazmat stops licking. Oh. Sorry.
Mac smiles, "S'okay."
Hazmat wags her tail some more. How are you?
Near the Fire Pit, Oscar shrugs. "Basic stuff. Like going around it a certain way, significance of certain parts and what-not."
Near the Fire Pit, James says "Well, you know it if you go the wrong way."
On the western curve, Sepdet works her way free of the dense treeline to the west.
Near the Fire Pit, Oscar shrugs. "I didn't."
Hazmat flicks an ear toward the fire. Moon Otter is organizing a cub-school, I think.
Near the Fire Pit, James looks at Oscar. "How? You can feel it."
On the western curve, Sepdet heads into the center. Sepdet has arrived.
Near the Fire Pit, Oscar shakes his head. "Sometimes I can, sometimes I can't."
Sepdet touches her nose to the Tablestone, and whuffs a soft greeting to the Bone Gnawers as she passes by.
Near the Fire Pit, James says "Weird, I thought it was pretty obvious."
Hazmat wags her tail at Sepdet.
Sepdet heads northeast to the fire pit.
Mac nods to Sepdet. "I'm doin' fine, Haz. How 'bout you?"
Near the Fire Pit, James waves to Sepdet.
Mac nods to the fire pit. "Let's go sit where it is warm."
Hazmat agrees.
Mac heads northeast to the fire pit.
You make your way to the northeast, to the edge of the fire pit.
Around the Fire Pit
The small rock-shielded firepit just within the path of the Wheel contains a small, brightly burning fire. The ground is baked near it, and grasses grow in waves away from it, starting scraggly and getting greener near the inner groove of the Wheel. To the west is the earthen mound, and back to the south is the small pool.
Contents: Mac Sepdet James Oscar Alexis
Obvious exits: Forward Back Center of the Wheel
Oscar nods to Sepdet and continues scribbling.
Mac grabs a seat near the fire.
Hazmat woofs. Been getting better at playing Homid... oh. And there is a human who knows about us and was friends with the Fisher King and Blue Fur. He wants to talk to you.
Oscar says "Hey, Mac. Wuzzup?"
Sepdet dips her muzzle as she approaches, padding up to Alexis' side to nuzzle her elbow.
Alexis says "Hello, Sepdet. And Mac."
Mac says "How 'bout you, Sepdet. You were pretty beat up the last time I saw ya."
Mac says "Not much, Oscar."
Sepdet is healing well. Thank you.
Sepdet is sick of stitches, actually, but that is neither here nor there. Did anyone see which way Duskreader went, perhaps?
Mac says "You mean Buick, Haz?"
Hazmat woofs. Yes.
Mac says "I have met him. What's he wanna talk about?"
Alexis says "Oh, him?"
On the northern curve, Echen emerges from the thin treeline to the north.
Hazmat woofs. He wants to meet whoever is in charge now. Or something like that. He.. he owns the factory in the Homid's eyes. Gives the homid alphas things or something...
Oscar continues scribbling and mentions to James, "You did notice the Earth, Air, Wind, and Fire type thingy around the wheel, right?"
Sepdet's left ear stays fixed towards Hazmat. It only takes the word 'blue' to catch her attention.
On the northern curve, Echen slips free of the northern woods, hands in his coat pockets and head slightly bowed. His long-legged strides carry him towards the center.
James says "Kind of hard to miss 'em, and I've had plenty of time to see the place."
On the northern curve, Echen heads into the center.
Mac says "Oh, okay. I guess I am sorta in charge, but not really."
Hazmat thuds her tail.
Mac says "But, I will talk to him if I run into him."
Mac says "So ya seen Scamp or Josh around?"
James looks around. "I don't think I could forget what the place looked like if I tried."
Alexis says "Oh, Mac? I think I need a Rite of Passage soon. You're my elder, so I'm supposed to ask you about it."
Oscar shrugs. "Yeah, once you look for that kinda stuff. It took me a while. Not my...uh...area of expertise or something."
Hazmat woofs. Good. I said I'd tell you, and I did... I haven't seen them.
Mac says "Me either. I really need to see how josh is doing."
Hazmat leans against Mac a bit and agrees. Oh, I -have- seen Scamp, but we were both napping.
At the center, Echen circles the table stone once, trailing his fingertips across the carved surface. He drops into a smooth crouch just next to it, eyes over on the fire pit. "I heard," he says, "we had a battle, last Thursday."
James shrugs. "I always liked that kind of stuff."
Mac smiles. "I need to talk to her too. i haven't had a chance to ask her yet."
Oscar grins. "Not exactly something I ever put much thought into, before."
James says "You should, mythology is real good stuff to read, especially when some of it turns out to be true."
Oscar shrugs. "I gotta be me, man. 'Course, it couldn't hurt."
Mac says "I want to get this whole thing going soon, and get officially recognized by the sept."
James shrugs. "Whatever."
At the center, Echen's eyes move away from the fire, back to the table stone. "Hullo, wall," he mutters, then rises from his crouch.
Hazmat agrees with Mac again.
Sepdet starts to head out looking for Duskreader again, but pauses and glances back at Echen a little puzzled, more saddened. Heard? I should hope so.
Mac looks over to Echen. "Wave a beer around, I'll answer ya."
Hazmat quirks an ear questioningly. She probably didn't hear the Fianna's question.
At the center, Echen looks back over at Sepdet. "I don't know th' details," he says quietly, the green eyes dark and distant. "And I figure I ought t' know."
Oscar suggests to James, "Hey, why don't you do the notes on the Wheel?"
Alexis says "I prefer not to know too much about those kinds of things. When are the gatherings?"
Mac reaches into his pocket and pulls out a wrapped up hamburger which he proceeds to unwrap.
James says "What's to write down? Besides, I'd have to get someone to talk about it."
Hazmat's nose twitches a bit.
Mac says "Want half?"
Sepdet sighs. I would like to know the details too, Echen-rhya. She drops her eyes. I was healers' burden again after the first few moments of battle. The Dancers took human hostages... but I understand we won, and rescued the humans. But we lost Brutus, and Pete. Storcrow-rhya was hunt-leader; he could tell you... /and/ me... more.
Hazmat thuds her tail. But only if you're don't need all of it.
Alexis says "At least it's safe in the city again for me."
Oscar shrugs "Just pretend that someone with absolutely no clue wandered in and knew nothing about it. As for a starting point." He pats the ground. "Here's as good a place as any."
Mac smiles, "Hey, I am fine. Here." He rips the hamburger in half and holds it out to Hazmat.
James shrugs. "It's a fire, nice place to keep warm."
At the center, Echen's eyes drift to Alexis. "That all ye can think about, young one? Two Garou -died-, and all ye can come up with is that yer glad ye can walk around safe in th' city?" He scowls slightly, looks back at Sepdet. "Kiana told me about Pete and Brutus. Do ye know when th' rites are bein' held?"
Hazmat takes the burger with surprising care from the other Gnawer's hand and drops it one the ground. The burger is gone in several efficient chomps.
Mac smiles and eats his half, a little slower.
Alexis says "More of them died than of us. That's good, isn't it?"
Hazmat licks her chops and leans against her mentor happily.
Oscar shrugs. "Yeah, but the fire symbolizes stuff." He thinks a bit. "Song Weaver-rhya said somethin' about Theurge's and...some other stuff..."
James says "Oh, most people seem to use it to keep warm."
Oscar says, "That, too."
Sepdet nearly growls at Alexis, dropping her eyes fixedly to the ground in an effort towards calm. Brutus-yuf, his packmate Cyllan sent off on Friday eve. Pete, his packmates have asked me to wait, because they wish Feinan to be there, and must make arrangements to have it in the scab or beyond the Wheel.
Mac starts to smile, but frowns after hearing Sepdets words. "Pete too, eh? One less Gnawer."
Oscar shrugs, "Maybe we should just stick to the basics. Like not getting killed?"
James says "Not a bad start."
Hazmat woofs sadly at the mention of Pete.
At the center, Echen's eyes move back to Alexis again, his scowl darkening. He walks, slowly, towards the fire. "So we're all fodder for th' guns, t' protect ye, girl?" His tone drops to a cutting rebuke. "Two people are -dead-. They died for -your- fuckin' sake, and all ye can think about is yoursel--" He cuts off suddenly, and looks back at Sepdet. "Feinan can't come to a gathering," he says quietly.
At the center, Echen heads northeast to the fire pit.
Hazmat blinks up at Echen and then turns to look at Alexis. She obviously didn't catch her tribesister's earlier comment. Mac glares at Echen, but remains silent.
Alexis says "What do you want, for me to sit around and mope everytime they kill someone close to me? I'd never get anything done."
Hazmat tilts an ear, up, then down.
Mac says "Why not, Echen?"
Sepdet steels her eyes at Echen. Why? I already am holding it outside the Caern. Feinan is as close in spirit to Pete as anyone. /That/ is what matters, in setting the spirit free.
Hazmat obviously agrees with Sepdet, but remains silent for once.
The tall Irishman's angry, green-eyed gaze lingers on Alexis for long moments, and then moves away dismissively. "And what is it that ye -do- around here, except sit and yap and breathe good air?" He turns his back, pointedly, on Alexis. "Worthless piece of shite." He settles into a crouch in front of Sepdet. "It... wouldn't be right." He pauses, seeming to hunt for words for a moment. "Ye know how I trust Feinan. And I still wouldn't have him join in a rite."
Mac growls quietly under his breath.
Hazmat blinks at the Fianna's harsh words regarding Alexis and tilts her ears in a lupus frown.
Sepdet's neck tenses. I know this Rite. I know the spirit of it. Duat, I've /died/ and been on the receiving end of it, Echen-rhya. Did not the homids of my own land know this Rite, and adhere to it faithfully? It is the soul of the ones Gathered that matters; their link to the one gone. And the friends of the departed should be present.
Alexis holds her tongue, clearly biting back anger, and turns away from Echen.
Alexis heads into the center.
At the center, Alexis heads west, away from the center of the Wheel. On the western curve, Alexis heads west, out past the rim of the Wheel.
Mac says "Fuckin' drunk."
Mac springs to his feet.
Mac heads into the center.
At the center, Mac heads west, away from the center of the Wheel.
On the western curve, Mac heads west, out past the rim of the Wheel.
Oscar gets up.
Hazmat watches Alexis go, looking distressed. She follows.
Oscar heads into the center.
(Basically, travelling west out of the forest to catch up with Alexis.)
Sunrise Road, Near Highway 22
This is a wide black-topped road through the forest, without any lines at all, though the pavement looks fairly new. Majestic trees, both conifers and deciduous, grow right up to the road. Nothing can be seen through the thick trees, which have begun to grow over the top of the road, blocking out the sky. However, a thin sliver of the heavens can be seen above the middle of the road.
The woods loom ominously on both sides of the road, giving the impression of being fairly sinister. Sunrise Road passes north and south, vanishing into the gloom.
Contents: Mac Alexis Obvious exits: South North
Oscar appears from the shadows of the forest to the east, stepping out onto the roadway.
Mac says "Alexis, stop."
Hazmat woofs, trotting up.
Alexis says "What?"
Oscar jogs in after Hazmat.
Mac says "Don't listen to Echen. He is a drunken Ahroun. His idea of being of use is being on the first line of every battle."
Alexis says "The Fianna are nothing but arrogant tyrants, every one of them."
Mac says "Tell me 'bout it. I have seen my share of Fianna."
Oscar sighs, "Don't stereotype. Even though..." He loses whatever he was going to say.
Hazmat thinks. Oaken is nice.
Hazmat moves close to Alexis, standing near the other's legs in a supportive manner.
Alexis says "It's just... it hurts too much to think about it all."
Mac says "Don't really know him. But just ignore the drunken bastard. He is not worth it."
Mac nods.
Hazmat woofs softly.
Oscar nods, "Maybe he's just in a /really/ foul mood or somethin'."
Mac says "Well, two Garou did die."
Mac says "I think everyone is a little on edge."
Alexis says "Every mentor I've ever had is dead. It just doesn't matter so much anymore."
Mac says "Life hurts. And if you still think you need a mentor, I am sure we could find someone who would be willing."
Hazmat wags her tail.
Alexis says "I can't stand to lose another one, so soon."
Oscar nods. "I've lost two. That's why I'm trying to get a 'survival guide' of sorts compiled."
Sashi appears from the shadows of the forest to the east, stepping out onto the roadway.
Mac says "So we will find you one who has been around for a while, who can take care of himself."
Hazmat glances up at Sashi.
Alexis says "It doesn't matter. Judith and Fisher King, and Toxic, they were all competent."
Sashi drops her eyes, own gaze clouded and preoccupied. She sighs at Alexis. "Echen's competant, he's just bloody conservative. Scuze..."
Sashi pads southward reluctantly.
Sashi proceed south along Sunrise Road.
Mac says "Ouch, that hurts. Yeah, I know how ya feel. Fisher was probably my best friend here, but ya have ta go on."
Alexis nods. "I know. That's why I'm trying to forget about the recent deaths."
Mac smiles sadly, "Well, I guess some people just deal better. Echen doesn't seem to deal real well."
Mac says "Just don't let him get you upset, 'kay?"
Alexis says "I'll try. It's just all too much, sometimes."
Mac nods, "Yeah, sure is."
Mac pats Alexis on the shoulder "But I think you're tougher than ya look."
Hazmat nosebumps her rat-sister in a comforting way.
Alexis says "Thanks. Well, I'm still alive."
Mac says "I guess that's something. You gonna be okay?"
Alexis says "Yes, I suppose so. I wish I hadn't missed Brutus's Gathering, though."
Hazmat woofs to Alexis. There's still our Rat-brother's Gathering.
Alexis says "Yes. Pete was a such a nice boy. I bet Brandi's taking it hard."
Hazmat woofs. The Mage-human is sad too.
Oscar nods, "Feinan looks like he took it pretty hard."
Mac nods, "You just hang in there, Alexis. But I had better get back to the Caern before Echen has too much time to get mad at me."
Alexis says "Did he have parents?"
Alexis says "Okay, Mac. Thanks."
Mac smiles, "Sure thing. Ya ever need any help, don' be afraid ta ask." He looks to Hazmat and nods to Alexis.
Hazmat looks up at Alexis and woofs again. Mountain Song is just a Fianna anyway. Not a Gnawer.
Mac whispers "Maybe you can cheer her up. Not really me department."
Hazmat glances at Mac and flicks an ear in assent.
Mac takes a deep breath and starts to walk abck Caernward.
Mac steps off the road and disappears amongst the tall trees to the east.
Oscar says "Try not to beat him up again, Mac."
Hazmat tilts her ears in a smile. And anyway, he doesn't know anything. You taught me some stuff when I first came, remember?
Alexis nods.
Hazmat wags her tail encouragingly.
Oscar grins wryly, "I'd suggest getting a pizza, but I'm afraid we get tossed out."
Alexis says "How do you like the city now, Hazmat?"
Hazmat likes the scab. And I'm getting better at playing Homid.
Alexis says "Good."
Hazmat grins wolfishly. Otter and I took Brooding Sorrows for pizza. She knows almost nothing about pretending to be an ape.
Alexis says "She's kind of funny, isn't she?"
Oscar giggles. "That was amusing."
Hazmat woofs. But she is nice. Even if she -is- Uktena.
Oscar nods, "I think she even had a good time, too."
Hazmat woofs. She said that she did, even with those nasty stupid apes.
Oscar grins at Hazmat. "Hey. Whatchit."
Alexis says "Some of them are nasty and stupid."
Hazmat cocks her head. Watch what?
Oscar smiles, "Some of us used to be nasty, stupid apes."
Hazmat blinks. But, Otter, you are Garou.
Oscar shrugs. "/Used/ to be."
Hazmat nosebumps Otter. No, Garou are born Garou. But we don't know until we Change.
Oscar half-smiles, "Yeah, yeah."
Hazmat looks from Alexis to Oscar and back again, judging moods.
Oscar sighs and moves under a tree to get out of the rain.
Hazmat flattens her ears against the rain.
Alexis says "I like the rain. It's peaceful."
Oscar says "Ah, but it's also wet and cold."
Hazmat is glad she's wearing fur.
Mac appears from the shadows of the forest to the east, stepping out onto the roadway.
Mac stalks in, muttering under his breath.
Alexis says "Hi, Mac."
Hazmat looks at Mac, her fur slicked back with rain.
Oscar nods to Mac from under a tree. "How'd it go?" Oscar says "Or should I ask."
Mac looks to Alexis, trying to soften his expression. "You need a mentor, kid. I am already taking care of two cubs and I wouldn't mind a third. And besides that, it seems I am the only one who really cares. Think it over, kid."
Mac continues down the street.
Mac proceeds south along Sunrise Road.
Oscar says "That bad..."
Hazmat watches Mac go. He is a good mentor, rat-sister.
Alexis says "Yes, I think so. Sepdet also is helping me some."
Hazmat licks her nose. Stands-Defiant doesn't think Food Giver is a good mentor... but she is Fianna.
Hazmat woofs. Sepdet-rhya is nice too.
Oscar shrugs, "She didn't like anyone that taught me either. And then she wouldn't say who she thought -would- be a good mentor."
Hazmat snorts. She is close to Mountainsong, yes? That tells me something.
Oscar pats at his side pocket where he keeps a notepad. "We're trying to get all the cubs together to compile some notes. Kinda like a study group or somethin'. I figure if everyone tosses in what they know, we can cover most everything and manage on our own."
Oscar nods at Hazmat.
Alexis says "Well, I've been a cub longer than almost anyone."
Oscar says "He clouds his judgements with emotions too much."
Hazmat snorts. And his breath smells bad.
Oscar nods. "And we'd appreciate anything you'd wanna contribute. Hopefully we can get a 'So You're a Werewolf' survival guide or something to make other cubs' lives easier."
In the distance, Oaken can be heard to howl, ~(Call the Wyld) We gather to honor Pete, Seeker-of-Honor of the Sneetches. Come, Garou, to the Lonely Hilltop.~
Hazmat pricks her ears at the howl. Gathering for our rat-brother!
Alexis says "Let's go, then."
(and off we go to Pete's Gathering... which is another log)