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jeremiah_garou24 March, 2012
The moon is in the waxing New (Ragabash) Moon phase (14% full).
Kaz and Nik howl for entrance, announcing their presence on Equinox territory. Soon enough, Kaz, with a large canvas pack, appears at Andrei's camp. She drops the bag with a thunk. "Dudes. I am so fucking tired, you cannot even believe."
Andrei sits by the fire, feeding it a small stick every once in a while, cigarette in his teeth. The Ahroun's busily sharpening knives in the mean time, and looks up when Kaz arrives. As if they weren't sharp enough already. "We saw the lightshow," he states, quietly. To one side, True Arrow lies resting, head on his paws, close enough that the cub can still feel the warmth of the fire.
Bright Eyes agrees to the entrance with a short, almost brusque howl. As the pair arrive at the camp she materializes out of the brush on the other side, her fur fluffed as if trying to protect against last week's cold, or attempting to make her lupus-self hispo sized. Ears-rhya. Thunder's Heart.
Nik doesn't look thrilled to be carrying the pack he is, but he does it without complaint. And look! The Ragabash has gotten taller! He's a whole 5'6" again. He carries a rifle in the crook of his arm, open to reveal that it isn't loaded, and that he drops near his pack. He glances at the others and merely nods solemnly.
Night's-Shadow stalks in behind Shelby, and the theurge looks somewhat grumpy and tired. He eyeballs each of those gathered, giving a bit of a huff in greeting.
Kaz grins over at Shelby. "Hey," she says to her, and then blinks at Xander. She loses the grin for half a second—she hasn't met him yet—but then dismisses it for the moment and grins at Andrei and Ky. "So hey. Y'all wanna present?"
True Arrow lifts his head once Kaz and Nik appear, ears splaying. He climbs to his feet and approaches the first pair to enter, nipping lightly at Kaz in greeting before shouldering against Nik. His greeting is fractionally more reserved when Xander and Shelby appear next, tail giving a small sweep against the ground though he stays close to his alpha and the Gnawer.
Andrei takes a second to put away both the knife and the whetstone in a pocket, and then inclines his head in greeting to Shelby and Xander, then to Nik, before he finally looks back at Kaz, a faint grin slipping onto his face. "Good and dead, Kaz-rhya, Nikolai-rhya?" There's a hint of reservation in the tone, though, as if he doesn't quite expect a positive answer, or good news.
Bright Eyes sits, tail curling around her haunches just so. It's clear from her posture that she is not planning on leaving, nor surrendering territory, even if that means the gathering must speak under the eye of an irritable Silver Fang.
Night's-Shadow looks over toward Kaz, then Nik, then Andrei, then Ky. And then plunks down slightly behind Shelby, head ducked and ears cocked back a fraction, looking faintly like a vulture when compared to Shelby's primness. He watches the bags, though: what's that?
Nik merely waits, his face not betraying anything in either aspect. He watches Kaz as she speaks to the other Shadow Lords. Glancing at Shelby and Xander, he merely nods a greeting. Silent today!True Arrow pokes his nose at the bag Nik sets on the ground, curious but with reservations about digging into it. Stinks, he determines after a second or two. He looks at Shelby and Xander again, ears splaying further in puppy-like manner, though he stays put.
In answer to both Andrei and Xander, Kaz upends her bag, and four heads, plus a pair of hands, fall out. (One of them looks unnervingly like Ky, though someone has closed its eyes in death.) "OK, so maybe it ain't a housewarmin' gift, but it's some kinda gift, anyways." Her energy is just a tad on edge. She dusts her hands off, and then looks toward the pack-pair. "So anyway," she tells Xander, "Kaz. Ears, t'Garou. Bone Gnawer, Galliard, metis, things like that. How you doin'?"
Andrei stares for a moment, and first there's a rising tension as he continues to stare, and then a sigh, as his gaze finds one out of the four heads distinctly more interesting than the other three. Relief, and though Andrei looks like he'd like to get up, he settles to sit a little more firmly on his heels. "Thanks," he states, simply, and then nods to Nik. "Thank you, Nikolai-rhya." There's a faint hint of reference to some earlier conversation, in the words.
Bright Eyes's hackles manage to lift farther at the jumble of body parts dumped on the ground, and her lips lift minutely off her teeth. After a moment they drop again, though she informs the others flatly that those things will be taken from Equinox territory. Tonight.
The contents spill on the ground, and Night's-Shadow draws back his head, ears splayed out to either side; the disgust is plain. He stares for a moment, nose quivering, before finally getting distracted by Kaz's introduction. The fur about his spine is fluffed out a bit, but he forces himself to shift up to homid. Less gross smells that way. "Uh. Xander Yin, Night's-Shadow, theurge and Fostern. Shadow Lord."
True Arrow growls at the heads as they're dumped unceremoniously upon the ground, the sound more nervous fear than aggression. Lips peel back from teeth, though he sidles closer and a little behind Nik and Kaz.
Nik merely opens his bag as Kaz dramatically rolls out the goods, pulling only one head out of his. He holds the last head as Perseus might Medusa, frowning as gore gets on his boot. "I have their things. Everything has been cleansed. Brought all but the silver in case you wanted to go through it, or burn it." He shrugs.
Kaz seems somehow disconcerted by Andrei's answer, and her nose twitches. A moment later, she relaxes minutely, but she's still clearly disconcerted. Then she shakes her head. "Y'welcome. Made sure the hotel was Veil safe and all that shit, so we got dead people, and as far as I can tell, no loose ends. And—" She glances at the Silver Fang. "Sure thing," she tells her. "Ain't mine anyway, I just borrowed 'em for the news factor." Then she starts folding the bag up, as she nods to Xander. "Pleased, I'm sure." She sidles backwards a touch so she can try and keep Ky at least in her peripheral vision.
Andrei finally wrenches his gaze from the collection of heads and hands, and it seems to take some effort, lips pulled back to show his teeth even in homid. "Da, Shelby-rhya," the Ahroun acknowledges, voice quiet, barely kept level, and then his gaze eventually falls into his lap again. The sitting quietly, though, is starting to take a concentrated amount of visible effort.
Bright Eyes adds belatedly to Kaz that she is pleased they are dead. Though in her current emotional state (read: prissy and irritable), the 'pleasure' is more a suggestion of a softening. She is also pleased it is getting warmer. A glance toward Nik. What have you brought?
Xander nods to Kaz, and then resumes sitting on the ground exactly where he was. He looks less grumpy in this form, though that could be just because homid form is less of an open book.
There's the abrasive, warbling howl announcing the imminent arrival of Little Silvertip as the Athro approaches the scarred forest, asking for permission to enter. The sept's Elder strides in crinos, leaning on the shaft of his weapon as he waits with Jacinta along side.
Nik unceremoniously dumps the head on the ground near Andrei. "A rifle," he gestures. "A ton of bullets. I know the Corax did something to them to keep 'em from firing. Don't know for how long, didn't try. Some fake IDs, clothes, some books. A journal." He steps back. "Can't read it though. Maybe Andrei…?" He picks up the backpack and dumps it, too. Yup, all that stuff is in there. At Silvertip's howl, he glances expectantly towards the trees. "C'mon down, contestants!" he barks back.
True Arrow's head lifts when Kaz moves, a soft whine escaping. The look is passed to Nik after a second, though it isn't followed by any sound. Further howling captures his attention, ears up then down again, nervous, afraid.
Tempest's Wake is just a little behind the athro, and despite her form, her mood is hard to read, expression closed and tense.
If Andrei's reaction before gave the Gnawer reason for pause, the Ahroun's continued stillness might be moreso. His gaze darts, momentarily, to the journal that's dumped on the ground, and then he adds another piece of wood to the fire, entirely silent.
Bright Eyes promptly bounces to her feet and up to Hispo, teeth definitely bared at Nik. ~This is not your territory, Thunder's-Heart. No matter how many times your feet have crossed it.~ A moment longer and she howls shortly, inviting the Sept Elder onto Equinox territory.
Not being either Alpha or packmember, Kaz merely glances in the direction Silvertip howled from. Then she looks back. "Yeah, so," she says, irony evident. "This should be fun."
Xander shifts down to lupus again, looking a bit apprehensive. He gives Nik a bit of a stinkeye, too, but other than that he just looks over towards where Silvertip and Jacinta come in; he cuts a look to Shelby that suggests something not verbally said.
Little Silvertip's dominance is on full display in his posture as the Crinos arrives to the area. Ears forward, tail up, posture upright—there's no mistaking who's the big dog here. He comes to a stop a short distance away from the group, and leans heavily on the shaft of his weapon. The loot gets eyeballed once, and then the assembled crowd gets a long gaze that settles on Andrei and Ky. ~I am the Little Silvertip who Mauls the Horned Serpent; Little Silvertip who Slays Carnage-Ikthya and his mule bitch of a mate, Eclipse-Ikthya; Little Silvertip who Brings Back Light's Gift to the Wolf People. Fourth ranked warrior and Elder of Uktena's tribe. Alpha of my pack. Friend to kin. Son of Driftwood Dances, Brother of Tempest's Wake.~ He pauses just a beat. ~I am the Alpha of this sept.~
Nik snorts, tossing the backpack aside, but otherwise offers no response to the bitey Dragonfly group. Moving aside to perch on one of the logs, he leaves his presents where he'd put them. Stip's announcement brings a look of polite approval, but again, the Ragabash isn't up to cluttering the meeting with idle talk.
Tempest's Wake remains quiet as she nears and when Silvertip gives his introduction, she settles onto her haunches and gives him her attention. There's a shift in the fur along her spine, hackles rising despite her otherwise cool demeanor.
Night's-Shadow flattens his ears in deference to the alpha, otherwise saying nothing.
Kaz's back straightens slightly, at this introduction of Silvertip's. She salutes the Uktena with a casual yet not at all mocking salute, and then (rather than sidling backwards), unfolds her bag and starts putting the various things she's emptied out of it back into it. Then she sidles backwards and ends up (oh so coincidentally) sitting near Ky.
Andrei looks up as the two Sept Elders arrive, shifting slowly up to glabro and turning to face them, then sitting on his heels, shoulders squared. There is a nod, and head tilts as fully in submission and acknowledgement of Silvertip as this form allows him to, but for the moment, the Shadow Lord Ahroun (still) says nothing.
Bright Eyes remains on her feet and bristly until Nik backs down, though it's clear she's not attempting to claim dominance over the Uktena. Indeed, she tips her head slightly to bare throat as she shifts back to lupus. After a moment, as if reminded, she sits once more, tail flicking out to brush against Night's Shadow.
True Arrow shows himself every bit the cub he is when Silvertip and Jacinta appear. His ears lay flat to his head, eyes pressed with nervous fear. He presents himself fully submissive, first with his tail tucked, head lowered. He offers himself only as True Arrow Finds His Mark, darkmoon cub of Thunder, as he sinks onto his belly and edges a little closer to the Warder and Alpha without straying from Kaz's reach. Not a beat passes before the lupine shaped cub rolls onto his back, head tilted in full exposure of his throat, forepaws folded near his chest to give unhindered access to his belly.
Little Silvertip looks like he's about to growl out something when Ky's introduction comes. He grunts, and tips his head in the direction of the cub. ~At least the cub knows how to introduce himself. Good to meet you, cub.~ Now Andrei gets 100% of his attention. ~You insult me again. Introduce yourself.~
Kaz's hand edges out to rest fairly near Ky's shoulder. Close enough to touch if Ky were to squirm that way. Otherwise, she merely winces slightly.
Tempest's Wake watches the varied introductions and gives a rough shake that only travels as far as her midback. She remains seated, and as Silvertip turns his attention to Andrei, so does the Warder.
Night's-Shadow looks askance to Shelby, and the theurge leans against his packmate (though it's clear he also ranks himself below the Fang) and huffs out a small sigh, attention shifting to Andrei.
Andrei swallows, visible thanks to the angle at which his throat is bared, not shrinking under the gaze but nearly so, posture and manner both submissive and apologetic. ~Breaks-the- Circle, cliath Ahroun, and grandson of Thunder.~
Nik merely watches, frowning a little. He rubs at his chin where his goatee used to be, arms crossed over his belly as he takes in the proceedings with interest.
Little Silvertip's eyes round out slightly, as his ears quiver forward. They can't go any further forward, so they just twitch a bit. ~Breaks-the-Circle.~ Little Silvertip repeats, rolling the name around as he says it. ~What great gift have you brought the sept? What wonderful fetish, or powerful spirit ally can we now call on?~
Kaz's expression turns rueful, and she starts to rummage in her pocket.
Nik works his jaw as if he has something to say, but instead he just squints.
One ear twitches, and the Wendigo looks up at Silvertip with a narrowed gaze. Her posture reads more as thoughtful, perhaps surprised, but most of what can be seen in her is stillness and a cool calm.
Night's-Shadow looks like he's about to put in something, but then doesn't. He looks grumpy, too, but it doesn't seem angled at anyone in particular.
True Arrow slowly turns himself over, keeping low, on his belly, and every bit as submissive without all the pomp and circumstance. He edges backward just enough to brush a foreleg against Kaz's fingers before going still again. The cub keeps himself small, ears still against his head as it rests just above his paws, laying on the ground though with notable readiness to return to his previous, far more openly submissive position if and when it's required.
~I have nothing except my services as a warrior, Silvertip-rhya,~ Andrei states, submissive, contrite, gaze lowering to the ground. His fingertips press visibly into his thighs in effort to keep the words level and calm. ~And I owe much to this Sept.~ Once again, throat is plainly offered.
Kaz comes up with a Coke, which she offers to Ky, and her address book, which she puts down near her.
~THAT.~ Little Silvertip snarls, suddenly. He take several fast steps forward. ~Is not even half of it.~ His hackles shoot up, mood swinging like a double hinged door. ~You come here, you put the sept in danger. You tell NOTHING until the danger is upon us! You invite corruption into our midst! You never apologize to me, alpha of the sept, for the danger you put us in! I. AM. ALPHA. No great gift to even begin to cover the magnitude of your deeds. You force us into dealing with your sorrows, while we have enough to worry about on our own! You owe us your life!~ He snarls, spittle flying.
Nik stands as Silvertip advances, but he keeps quite out of the way. Still, it's obvious the situation bothers him, and the Ragabash paces slowly from side to side, hands clenching and unclenching, eyes on his tribesmate.
Kaz's hand on the ground clenches. And then she edges over a bit so her hip is against Ky's shoulder, and starts writing things in her address book.
Night's-Shadow apparently doesn't have a problem with all that Silvertip says, but he still seems uncomfortable. Still, he gives a little pissy rumble-growl in the direction of Andrei. No one aside from Shelby can probably hear it, given all the rest.
Tempest's Wake rises when Silvertip speaks, and when he moves forward, she takes a step as well. Her ears are forward and alert, and though any anger in her posture is dwarfed by that of the alpha, it is still there, and still visible.
True Arrow almost takes the Coke, nose going toward the can until the Uktena snarls and moves. His head twists back toward the Alpha, eyes darting a quick look toward Andrei and Nik before turning back to Silvertip. He doesn't whine this time, but his head goes to the ground, twisted without moving from Kaz's side, so to again offer his throat despite the aggression not being directed at him.
Without even knocking, Kaz says, -Keep it together, kid. This ain't… Goin' good places, it looks like, but… Keep it together.-
Bright Eyes's ears lay momentarily back, and she stands for a moment before sitting again. Like Night's-Shadow she doesn't disagree with the Uktena, though her attention is split between Andrei, Nik, and the Alpha and Warder.
There is a moment as Silvertip starts to speak, and approach, and although the Shadow Lord Ahroun doesn't move, doesn't even growl, but where he was in glabro he's now—as much of a surprise to himself, it would seem—in crinos in an instant, ears splayed flat and going a little bit flatter yet. ~I understand, Silvertip-rhya,~ Breaks-the-Circle says, outright cowering slightly. -Don't think that helped. Can't shift down.-
Kaz says, with waves of sympathy in her voice, -Yeah. But you made it look all meek and shit. Which is a pretty good job.-
Andrei's mental voice is very quiet. -He's athro. And fullmoon.-
Scentless, but still making some sound as he moves, Golden emerges from the direction of the Oak Grove. His gait is tense with annoyance, and he slows as he gets closer to the assembled group. His eyes dart from the Alpha to Breaks-the-Circle as he comes to a stop next to Bright-Eyes.
Little Silvertip forcibly smoothes his hackles, running a paw over the fur to try and get it to lay back. ~My helping spirits, they are mighty. My greatest suggested I let you remain until now. Until the threat is dealt with. They are very generous. I try to mirror their mercy. And now the threat is gone. I don't need to do so any longer.~ His gravelly voice grows steely and cold. ~You have until the sun goes down to flee our protectorate. After that, me, my sister, my pack, and any others who wish to join us will hunt you if you remain in our protectorate. Given anruth before have been killed by previous alphas for far less deeds against the sept, I think this is fair.~ There's a pause, before he hefts his weapon. ~Unless you wish to just fight us now.~
Kaz pauses in her writing, at something Silvertip says. And then she starts writing much, much faster.
Nik growls. "This is ridiculous! Why, now when they are no longer a harm to us!? We send them off to become more Geriks and Dmitriys?" The last words become low as the Ragabash begins to shift up to crinos, black fur a-spiked as he steps forward. ~Viable warriors to be our enemies rather than our allies? That's what the spirits want?~
Kaz says, -He sure the fuck is.- Then Silvertip talks. -And speaking as someone who's fought him, I don't think you want to do that.- Then there's a start of surprise at Nik.
Tempest's Wake was quiet until now, not a growl, not a sound, but when Nick shifts she steps forward, and her growl is directed at him. ~This is for the Alpha and the Anruth. Not for you.~
Breaks-the-Circle's mental voice quivers, slightly, surprise audible in it too. -Now what.- It's not a question, though.
Night's-Shadow twinges, and then snaps, shifting up to hispo. ~Because,~ snaps the theurge. ~They've risked us, they've been sitting on our territory bringing risk to us, people have bled for them, hurt for them, and they've just sat here and c—~ And then he cuts himself off, visibly rankled. He lowers his head and grumbles audibly.
Kaz sounds protective, grim, sympathetic, and sad, all at once. -Now, you live, you prosper, and you do it somewhere that is not here. Unless you give in to despair, here and now.Which ain't really what I'd recommend, y'know? As for now, in this moment? You can argue. You can maybe ask if you can prove yourself in some way. I dunno if he'd listen, but ask.-
Bright Eyes twitches no more than an ear at Golden before rising one final time. Come, she invites her packmate with what would be a friendly shoulder bump (if they were the same size). She shoots the others—well, Andrei and Nik—a decidedly cool look before crossing before the Hispo to lead him off.
Kaz narrows her eyes faintly at Nik. And at Xander. Then she glances at Shelby in something like thanks, before she leaves. (And waves.)
True Arrow trembles slightly, quiver transferring through his shoulders into Kaz's hip. He doesn't look anywhere, gaze distant, but he's listening through distinctly folded ears.
The Shadow Lord Ahroun's ears splay further, twisting backwards and tail wrapping flat to his body, and shoulders fall, then square, slightly, and slowly, he rises to stand, although there is still a great deal of submission shown to the Uktena. ~Silvertip-rhya, I would ask for a chance to prove myself to you, to Tempest's Wake-rhya, and to this Sept,~ Breaks-the- Circle says, the words coming out almost a growl. ~To make better the mistakes that I have made and the wrongs that I have caused.~
~Do you not understand it is in my right to kill him where he stands?!~ Little Silvertip snarls to Thunder's Heart, baring his teeth at the Fostern. ~His life is a mercy. And if I do not kill him, I do not want him. His incompetence is a danger to us all. Let the other septs accept mooncalf-coward-dishonorable whelps! This sept will not.~ He jerks his head to Ky. ~The cub can stay. If you want him. The cub will be held blameless. For you…~ His gaze snaps back to Breaks-the-Circle, ~… Find some other sept that will accept your kind. I will not have you!~ He barks.
Golden huffs out a breath, and his ears go forward. He snorts at Nik and shifts to lupus, and says, ~If you will resolve this with killing, do it somewhere else.~ He directs that at everyone, his eyes seeking each Garou in turn (though they don't meet Silvertip's, stopping somewhere around his chest). ~Dragonfly has tolerated this long enough; I won't explain to him or Rattlesnake why Gaian Garou slaughter one another on Territory we have sworn to protect.~ He doesn't, to go by his posture, seem to care what other outcomes are involved.
Night's-Shadow pauses at something, looks stubborn and resistant at something, but then Andrei's request comes. The theurge boggles, hackles, and then chokes down whatever he was going to say with effort. He licks his nose, lowers his ears at both Golden and Shelby, slips back into lupus, and is led off by the Fang. He only casts a glance back, his hackles still up, but he stalks off without further splodey.
~From here, it looks to me like Breaks-the-Circle fights against more than our Alpha.~ Thunder's-Heart notes, looking pointedly at Tempest's-Wake, then his eyes return to Silvertip. His words are beseeching, but not tinged with a Persuasive gift. ~If you were going to kill him, it should have been far before now. Give him a task. Take his surrender. It can only benefit us, all of us, where revenge for something already done does not.~ When Tim speaks, he lets the Silent Strider's words hang in the air, saying nothing.
Quietly, having finished her writing, Kaz says to Nik, "I can find him places to stay. I agree that we need as many warriors as we can get, but if the Alpha doesn't think he can trust this man, who has, in fact, done everything this Alpha says, then it's the Alpha's right. He ain't killin' him. He just ain't lettin' him live here."
Bright Eyes pauses to let Night's Shadow catch up and flicks an ear toward Kaz in farewell. Once the theurge is in a smaller form she shoulder bumps him again, then breaks into a trot that will get the pair of them out of earshot quickly.
Tempest's Wake steps forward again, this time placing herself between Thunder's Heart and the rest. The anger she had been so careful to hide is no longer hidden at all, and her tail flags in a show of dominance. ~Silence!~
Kaz sounds a little distracted. -Probably?- Then she's talked out loud, and she adds, more focused, -It was a good try. He don't sound like it'll work, so take y'lumps. This ain't the end of the world. It just ain't good.-
Breaks-the-Circle is silent, tilting his throat back to show acceptance and further submission, if grudging acceptance, and the Ahroun's struggle to keep his own temper under control is visible, feet digging into the ground. Tension that hasn't made itself audible in words aloud is clearly audible over the Mental Speech link. -Still too angry to shift down.- Pause. -Probably better to start over somewhere else, anyway. Here would have been bad.-
~Last time we kept one like this one in our sept… he stayed long enough to learn our weak points, and revealed all to them in his foolishness. I will not repeat that.~ He growls to Nik, flexing his claws. His gaze snaps back to Andrei. ~It's done. You have until sundown to remain in this region. After that… we will take your continued presence as an invitation to the hunt.~ Silvertip slings his weapon over his shoulder, and begins stalking off.
Kaz sounds as if she agrees. -Once mistakes happen, f'awhile, all people can see is the mistake. But if you was t'start again elsewhere, and then, in a few years, come back? If an' when the Uktena ain't Alpha… You'll have friends.-
Thunder's-Heart is already silent, and the look on his face makes it obvious he thinks Tempest has just proven his statement true. He takes a step back, that one green eye blazing as he bares throat to the ranked Garou, his claws still flexing. His eyes break from them, settling instead on Kaz as he considers her words, head tilted to the side.
Golden settles, since it seems there will not be killing now, and looks to Breaks-the-Circle to see how he'll take this proclamation. ~You may use our territory to prepare for your journey,~ he offers, ~And like Ears I know many whose names I may give you.~
Kaz adds, to Nik, "And if you think the Alpha and Warder of the Sept standing together is a fucked up thing, then you really need to get out more. I been places where they're at metaphorical war. It really ain't real fun." Then she adds, to the air in general, "I consider you a friend, or becomin' one. But I'll be on that hunt, if you're still here."
Breaks-the-Circle snarls at Silvertip's back, slightly, ~I would never,~ is almost inaudible. All in all, he's taking it rather badly, with a concerted amount of effort not to do something downright stupid, and eventually he manages to shift down to lupus, tail tightly against his legs still, a huff of thanks to both Golden and Kaz.
Tempest's Wake rises up from hispo to crinos at the look from Thunder's Heart and takes another step toward him. One scarred hand juts forward, a clawed finger jabbing in his direction. ~Disrespectful, dishonorable, mooncalf!~ Then she stops, the snarl from Andrei catching her ear enough that she turns her attention to him.
True Arrow scoots back when Kaz does, letting out just a soft whine in spite of his efforts to remain silent. From chin to tail, he presses against the ground, a small profile meant to be overlooked and ignored.
What Andrei cut off aloud goes on for a moment, mentally. -I would never. Ever… Combat the Wyrm wherever it dwells and whenever it breeds, I fought against the Enemy at Broken Prairie and— sorry. I.- And then he's silent again.
Golden watches the Alpha depart, and when no one leaps at anyone else, he blows out a breath in relief. ~Tempest's Wake. May Ky now leave our Pack's territory and be with his Tribe?~
Thunder's-Heart merely sighs. ~I invest little in verbal insults, Tempest-rhya,~ he says, throat still exposed in submission and voice low, rage dissipating. ~But if it is disrespectful to question the Alpha in defense of ones own tribe, then so be it.~ At Breaks-the-Circle's ill- timed snarl and Tempest's shift of attention, the Shadow Lord merely turns away from the Anruth, officially and symbolically breaking his support.
Kaz mutters, "Dude," at nothing in particular, and watches Silvertip leave. She sighs heavily and shakes herself out a bit before getting up, ripping a piece of paper out of her book, and leaving it near Andrei. Then she tells him, out loud, "I know you wouldn't. But we've all had experience with people who did. It ain't a personal insult, it's just a worry." Kaz says, after her out loud portion, -Speaking of which, Dmitriy and Gerik had kind of a hate on for you. Did you kill more've them Dancers than you was lettin' on?-
Breaks-the-Circle's fur flattens after a moment of raised hackles, ears twisting to splay and muzzle turning to show his throat to the Warder. -We killed fifteen of their number on my Fostern challenge,- he states, unassuming but that mental snarl still there. -And more of their number died, when we made our attack, along with that we did not leave any of our own who were beyond saving to their mercy.-
Kaz says, -Rock on. Cool. That makes more sense. Gerik was actin' like it was like, All You and I was kinda confused. Not that you ain't a good fighter. But you know.-
Tempest's Wake watches Andrei for a moment, teeth bared and hackles up. The rage is clear in her the crystal blue of her eyes when she turns to Golden, his question finally reaching her ears. ~His tribe may take responsibility for him,~ she growls, as her gaze slide again to the object of her ire. ~He will not come to the bawn until proof is brought to me that he is hunted no more. Proof. Not supposition. Not guess. Not theory.~
Kaz says, "Well," and then stops. "OK, well, we did kill Gerik and Dmitry and the other Dancers left of their Hive, last night. I don't know what you define as proof, but I can give you Gerik's head again, if you want." (This is not said sarcastically; it's an actual offer.) "And they said they was the only ones left. But them Lords can go check out Colorado, I guess?"
True Arrow finally lifts his head a little, gaze traveling to Tim then Jacinta. Cautiously it moves away from the Warder to Andrei, then past to Nik. He doesn't mask his understanding of what's transpired, a faint sigh escaping when his head lowers again, to rest on Kaz's knee.
The cliath remains still until Jacinta's attention has shifted away from him, and then he resumes his birth form, silently picking up the paper that Kaz put down and moving to gather the few things he has into the duffel bag.
Golden looks to Thunder's Heart, curiosity in his bearing.
Nik is already shifting down to homid and flopping down to sit on a log. He rubs at his eyes, looking exhausted. "I don't want to go to Colorado…" he groans. He then lifts his eyes to Andrei and then Ky, no small amount of pity there for the pair.
Kaz says, dryly, "Think of it as a road trip. It's sure the fuck better than havin' to fight more of 'em." She reaches over to give Ky a shoulder-rub, then adds to Nik, "And this way, you don't have to argue with the Warder. Even more."
Tempest's Wake's eyes narrow at the Shadow Lord alpha, and her lip curs again from her teeth. The look is derisive, as much as it is angry, and she turns, dropping to four legs as she makes her way out.
Kaz adds, calling out to the leaving Warder, "So if he don't find no one, Jacinta, Ky can hang with people after a month or so?"
Tempest's Wake glances back at the call from the galliard, eyes narrowed. Bring me proof. Then she turns, and picks up her pace.
Andrei doesn't say anything aloud, but does add. -Thank you for trying, Kaz-rhya. Could you also give me numbers, for Septs of your Tribe, as well?-
Kaz yells, "That ain't no answer! I will take a month without more incursions as proof!" Then she rockets to her feet and grabs the Coke back from Ky.
Nik blanches at the answer he hears, giving Kaz a "gotta be kidding me" expression.
True Arrow scrambles back when Kaz jolts upward, tail tucking between his legs. He edges around the Gnawer carefully, sidling a few short paces away where he looks askance from Nik to Tim and back again.
Kaz pops the Coke open and takes a long draw on it. "Sorry," she mutters to Ky. Then she gives Andrei an odd look, and she finds her address book again and starts writing more numbers. Kaz is not really very coherent over the link. Mostly, -Jesus fuck.-
Nik merely squints, shaking his head. "Something has gotta be done about that woman. How in the fuck am I supposed to train a cub to be part of a Sept he's not allowed to interact with?" He hisses at Kaz, seemingly angry at the world.
Andrei looks up and nods at Kaz, though there's nothing said aloud, and brows raise as he continues to put things into the duffel bag. Aloud, and seemingly to Nik and Ky, is offered one word of Russian, that the cub will recognise as apology. "Prastee'te." Gaze darts to Tim, for a minute, and the Ahroun begins banking the fire. Andrei pauses a moment after speaking aloud. -Thanks. It would have come up if I'd stayed, too. I'm not planning on remaining with my Tribe much longer than I have to.-
Nik continues to grumble as he starts cleaning up, filling in dens, breaking down setups, etc. If he had fur it'd still be spiky.
True Arrow doesn't look Andrei's way, even when the Cliath speaks, nor give any sign of recognition of the word. He looks up at Nik for a long moment, as though requesting a moment, then hesitantly approaches Tim.
"I ain't challengin' her, Nik. You wanna, go ahead." Then Kaz sighs, and, a moment later, blinks at Andrei. "The fuck?" she asks, out loud. Apparently out of nowhere. "I don't even—" Then she stops, and takes more of a pull on her Coke. (It's done! In two pulls.) "Right, well, good luck." Kaz sounds incredulous. -MY tribe? The fuck you wanna do that for?-
Nik snorts at that. "Not with Silvertip covering her ass and vice versa," he glances up at Kaz's outburst, wincing a little as he sees the Gnawer drain that Coke in two pulls. Errh… He rubs his stomach sympathetically.
Andrei pulls some water bottles out, beginning to douse the few remaining coals, and winces, though there's no wince in posture. "Because. It would take longer—" and then the Anruth as well quiets, looking over once to Kaz. Andrei just sounds tired, bitter, and frustrated. -I was sick of the bullshit and of the bullshit that comes with my breeding, and of so many things about it, before my home fell.-
Kaz gives Nik an odd look. "I dunno. OK, so you'd be at loggerheads with him if you won, which, would suck beyond the telling of it, but at least in theory, and actually in practice, too, any challenge to one position would not have interference from the other." Either Kaz is naive, or it's her experience. And then she adds, scrupulously, "Here, anyways. I been some places where it ain't true." So maybe it's experience. Then she regards Andrei a moment. "Mm." Then she finishes writing numbers.
Kaz says, thoughtfully, -Yeah. OK. I was gonna go on a speech about how your tribe means a different thing than what it's become, but… The bullshit's taken over pretty good. As f'th' breedin'— you'll still have people lookin' at you weird. You've seen how Salem looks at you. But so long as you're gettin' into it on purpose, and you're aware my tribe ain't just somewhere to escape to, I got no issues. Well, I got subscriptions, but not about that, anyway.-
Nik shakes his head as he joins the Bone Gnawer. "I do not want to be Alpha of the Sept," he notes, flatly. "There are ones far more qualified than I," he nudges her with a smirk. "But it couldn't hurt to have someone else as Warder. A Get maybe. So instead of running around trying to please her she tells us right off what she wants and kills what she don't. End of story, lot less of this… useless fluff."
Golden, who has been staring blankly (maybe filling in his Pack?), snaps to. ~Ask a philodox to mediate. Scar-rhya is your best bet. It's unreasonable of her to ask you to prove a negative. It's not possible, in fact.~
Though not as visual a display as for the Alpha's presence, True Arrow is far more submissive when he approaches Tim. Not to slink, puppy like, to the Strider's side, though as he asks for a moment of the older Ragabash's time.
Andrei nods once, looking straight at the Bone Gnawer. "Well aware," he says, aloud, and then glances over to Golden once, before moving to sit on a log, for a moment. Andrei waits a moment, and says. -I know. But there's a difference, looking at me weird after, and looking at me weird within the Shadow Lords… I've seen what it's become, I've seen the bullshit that's taken over from so many different directions, and I can't live with that, Kaz. It's not an escape, it's a chance. Gaia knows I deserve at least one of those.-
"It's kinda fun, for about five minutes," Kaz tells Nik. "But what I meant was, he can't interfere in a Challenge for another position. She can't either. But yeah. I dunno. We had a Get as Warder. He kinda… Sucked. In way different ways." She sighs, as she watches Ky. "Would think so," she tells Andrei, then, "You definitely deserve more'n one chance, but even just one? Fuck yeah." -Learn about the Gaians, too—what they actually are, not how they seem. My tribe is all about survival. Rat tells us. Rat—- And then she breaks off. -Scuse.-
Nik grumps at Tim. "And then? She doesn't care if we have proof either way. I wonder if she even knows who the hell was hunting them, or whose heads we have with us. She just wants to look like she's doing her job, while leaving it to the rest of us to truly protect the place through our actions." He throws up his hands. "And when the place goes to shit? Who gets blamed? Us. And we suffer the consequences." He points at Ky. "A cub who did not come last, and yet his peers are Rited. A cub who has the only relative he knows taken from him by the Sept who will keep him, but keep him jailed. Until unobtainable proof be presented on a silver platter to a Wendigo." Rage is once more burning in that eye.
Golden snorts at Thunder's Heart. ~She is not above the Philodoxes. Speak with Scar. Explain the situation.~ He looks down at Ky and chuffs. No belly crawling, his posture says. ~What did you need?~
Kaz regards Nik a moment. The can crumples in her hand. "May I, if you please, say some words to you?"
Andrei nods once, to Kaz, one hand coming up to rub at his brow. The Ahroun seems more than willing to wait, thoughtful.
Nik grinds his teeth, but he's not about to turn down words. He sniffs, takes a breath. "Yes, Kaz-rhya," he tells the Gnawer.
True Arrow glances toward Nik when his name comes up. A look twists off to Kaz then returns to Tim. He doesn't entirely straighten his posture, but he's not cringing. It takes a full beat before the cub offers his thoughts. Arrow is still a cub, he begins, straightening a little more. With luck one day will be rank one. For Golden-rhya's suffering and his pack's kindness, he'd like to offer something. Tending to the ground Arrow and Circle Breaker used until it is lush again?
Golden lifts an ear, and seems pleased with that offering. ~Yes. That'd make Bright-Eyes particularly happy, I think. This is Dragonfly's territory, so none of the Wyrm things which kill his children or their prey. And be wary of Chu'mana.~ He lolls his tongue. ~I think she's shedding her skin, and it's making her irritable.~
"Like Tim says. If you want to take her to a Philodox, great. It would make sense, in this situation, over this specific thing. But." She rises to her feet. "She has sworn to protect this Caern with her life, and this Bawn. Which means, even if the one is asleep and the other choked, that she cannot leave it. So people tell her things. I tell her things. I told her who went with us. I told her who did what. She listens. She absorbs. I don't agree with everything she does, and I never will. Neither her nor Silvertip-rhya, because they are, frankly, alien to me. But if you fucking insult her again and say that she doesn't care or that she is not doing her job, then I will take you outside of this territory, and I will challenge your ass. As for your cub." She takes a breath. "You could have been teaching him, and bringing him along, and Riting him. Yet you blame Jacinta for that? Fuckin' shut up and get a fucking grip."
Nik merely stares at Kaz throughout her chastising. Her last words, especially, make that rage boil. But he doesn't explain himself. He wants to, definitely, and those hands clench again. But then they relax. "Whatever you say, Kaz-rhya," he purrs almost sweetly. Then he turns to leave.
True Arrow considers, one ear slanting back in what might be listening to something else entirely. Or he could have a twitchy ear. Yes, his posture seems to say after a moment, just before twisting his head to show his throat to Golden. May Arrow have permission to come here, once a week to tend things? Promises to not intrude or make things worse follow, as well as assurances that he'll also clear it with his alpha.
Golden thumps his tail in an affirmative to True Arrow. His eyes are on Kaz and Nik, though, and he tenses when the later's temper rises. As the Shadow Lord Elder retreats, he relaxes. ~Thanks for being here,~ he tells Kaz in a low voice. ~I was afraid this would happen.~
Andrei glances, watching for the moment as things unfold, and he looks to Golden. "I'm sorry, Tim-rhya," he says, and there's the same note of sincerity in the words, as there was in the earlier apology to the other two Shadow Lords.True Arrow's ears draw upward a little at Tim's answer, and he turns to go. A backward glance is cast to the Strider again before he moves to shoulder against Kaz, pausing to look up at her. Arrow will see Ears-rhya again soon? It's hopeful, but understanding if the Gnawer declines.
Kaz bares her teeth at Nik when his hands clench. But then she relaxes, minutely, and it turns into a syrupy sweet smile at his reaction. "Sure thing, bub," she tells him, just as sweetly. She looks away and shakes herself out again, then breathes, in and out. And then blinks at Tim. "I just came over to drop heads off. But sure, y'welcome. Oh, hey, Nik—" and this question is asked in her usual tones, casual and fairly friendly "—Do you want 'em?" She crouches, giving Ky a shoulder rub and clear non-verbal agreement, but she doesn't respond in words yet, given her attention.
True Arrow presses his head into Kaz's shoulder, tail sweeping the ground. After a moment he breaks away and starts after his alpha once again.
Nik pauses only long enough to listen to Kaz. His eyes flicker towards the heads. "No. Ask Ky. If Tim allows it, burn em I suppose. If not, pack em up and send them with the Boys to the road. I'll be there waiting." And he's leaving.
Andrei watches Nik and Ky leave. "I'll catch up soon," he states to the Shadow Lord alpha, duffel across his lap. Then, the Ahroun is silent for a long moment, waiting for both the other Shadow Lords to be well out of earshot, a faint grimace on his face that manages to be a small smile, as he looks between Tim and Kaz. "Thanks, both of you. Seriously."
Golden grunts at Andrei, evidencing acceptance of the apology. ~I can't say I'm surprised. No formal Judgment by a Philodox, at least.~ He seems to consider that cold comfort, but comfort none-the-less. ~If you decide to go to the Western Eye, ask for Earthbinder. He's a Theurge of your people. I know him tangentially.~
"OK. Thanks, Nik." Then, "And yeah, by the way!" Kaz calls to Ky. Then she glances at Tim. "Burn 'em, or bury 'em?" She levers to her feet, and ambles over to the two, and offers her hand to Andrei. "Y'welcome. Chugs is the guy you wanna talk to, down in Reno, if you go that route."
Andrei nods to Tim, and jerks his head at Kaz, before pushing to his feet and settling the strap of the bag across his shoulders. "Still going to," he explains, it evidently being something that he's discussed with the Strider before. Her handshake is returned, firmly but not overly hard. "I'm going that route. People can look at me funny, but it's what I need to do." And indeed, though there's a faint hint of bitterness, there's no question in the cliath's voice.
Golden tilts his head at Kaz. ~Burn,~ he decides. ~Here, preferably—Breaks-the-Circle and True Arrow were their targets. It seems reasonable the heads should burn at their camp.~ He gives Andrei a look which is probably intended to be quizzical, but doesn't question his decision to be Judged. ~You can have Long-Path or Scar do it before you leave.~
"OK," Kaz says, and starts putting Andrei's campfire back together. "Yeah. So talk to Chugs. He'll… really be able to encapsulate the tribe for you. See if the Gnawers are what you actually want." She tilts a grin at Tim, as she gets some firewood. "Diff'rent path."
Andrei snorts somewhat, moving to help put some more firewood on as well. "I'd thought of that, too, but." He shakes his head, "I don't think I need to." A pause, and then there's another glance to Kaz. "Let Whisper-rhya and Long-Path-rhya know I am skipping town and all, please, da?" Shoulders roll, a fluid motion that precedes stretching his arms out above his head. For all of the events that have happened, and the tension that does still ride in Andrei's shoulders, he looks more at peace with himself than either Adren has seen him in the past months.
Golden moves to help with gathering some firewood as well. He takes only deadwood that's fallen around the bases of trees, but comes up with a fair amount none-the-less.
Kaz says, "Sure thing," to the request, and keeps on with the firewood. Then she stops, thoughtful. "If that Strider still wants to Gather them, wouldn't the heads help? Or. Does it not matter?"
Andrei looks askance to Golden at Kaz's question. "Good question," is said, tone indicating clear curiosity in the answer. "Personally, I would like to see them burn, after all. But." He shrugs.
~I'm not sure if it's done, to Gather for those who forsake Gaia.~ There's no Judgement in Golden's comment, only consideration. ~Did he say why he wanted to Gather for the head's former owners?~
"I dunno," Kaz shrugs. "He seemed to think people might bitch at him about it, but he didn't explain why he wanted to, no."
Andrei pauses. "Can we burn them, then?" The request is, if anything, perhaps a slight bit eager.
Golden considers, then chuffs. ~Burn them. You have to leave tonight, so there's no need to make you miss out on this. I'll speak with Long-Path; perhaps something else of them remains he can use in a Gathering.~
Kaz says, "Check!" cheerfully, and dumps the bag on the wood. Then she stops to look at Andrei. "I could use my Gift. Or you can start it. My Gift's more satisfyin', though?"
Andrei puts a few more pieces of wood on for good measure, then steps back. "Much more, I think," he agrees, arms folding across his chest.
Golden shifts to homid and runs a hand through his hair. "Agreed," he says, and tugs a small, waxed paper bag from one jacket pocket. He shakes a handful of flowers out; they're dried and crushed and fragrant in a spicy way. With a few words in Kashmiri muttered under his breath, he tosses them onto the bag.
Kaz doesn't need much more urging. *Fwoosh.* She doesn't actually say anything more, for awhile, just watches the bag and wood burn. Then she shakes her head, looks around, and asks Andrei, "You wanna ride?"
There's a grim satisfaction on Andrei's face as they watch the fire, and he turns to Kaz. "Nikolai's waiting for me at the road, I think," is said, with a bit of a grimace. "But, yes. A ride would be nice, thanks." Attention turns to the Strider. "Gaia watch," he offers, quietly. "And be well."
"Road rise to meet you, Andrei. Take care of yourself." Tim puts his hands together and bows his head in the traditional Kashmiri farewell, then goes back to watching the heads burn.
Kaz gives Tim a mock salute, then starts limping off toward her RV.
The moon is in the waxing New (Ragabash) Moon phase (14% full).
Kaz and Nik howl for entrance, announcing their presence on Equinox territory. Soon enough, Kaz, with a large canvas pack, appears at Andrei's camp. She drops the bag with a thunk. "Dudes. I am so fucking tired, you cannot even believe."
Andrei sits by the fire, feeding it a small stick every once in a while, cigarette in his teeth. The Ahroun's busily sharpening knives in the mean time, and looks up when Kaz arrives. As if they weren't sharp enough already. "We saw the lightshow," he states, quietly. To one side, True Arrow lies resting, head on his paws, close enough that the cub can still feel the warmth of the fire.
Bright Eyes agrees to the entrance with a short, almost brusque howl. As the pair arrive at the camp she materializes out of the brush on the other side, her fur fluffed as if trying to protect against last week's cold, or attempting to make her lupus-self hispo sized. Ears-rhya. Thunder's Heart.
Nik doesn't look thrilled to be carrying the pack he is, but he does it without complaint. And look! The Ragabash has gotten taller! He's a whole 5'6" again. He carries a rifle in the crook of his arm, open to reveal that it isn't loaded, and that he drops near his pack. He glances at the others and merely nods solemnly.
Night's-Shadow stalks in behind Shelby, and the theurge looks somewhat grumpy and tired. He eyeballs each of those gathered, giving a bit of a huff in greeting.
Kaz grins over at Shelby. "Hey," she says to her, and then blinks at Xander. She loses the grin for half a second—she hasn't met him yet—but then dismisses it for the moment and grins at Andrei and Ky. "So hey. Y'all wanna present?"
True Arrow lifts his head once Kaz and Nik appear, ears splaying. He climbs to his feet and approaches the first pair to enter, nipping lightly at Kaz in greeting before shouldering against Nik. His greeting is fractionally more reserved when Xander and Shelby appear next, tail giving a small sweep against the ground though he stays close to his alpha and the Gnawer.
Andrei takes a second to put away both the knife and the whetstone in a pocket, and then inclines his head in greeting to Shelby and Xander, then to Nik, before he finally looks back at Kaz, a faint grin slipping onto his face. "Good and dead, Kaz-rhya, Nikolai-rhya?" There's a hint of reservation in the tone, though, as if he doesn't quite expect a positive answer, or good news.
Bright Eyes sits, tail curling around her haunches just so. It's clear from her posture that she is not planning on leaving, nor surrendering territory, even if that means the gathering must speak under the eye of an irritable Silver Fang.
Night's-Shadow looks over toward Kaz, then Nik, then Andrei, then Ky. And then plunks down slightly behind Shelby, head ducked and ears cocked back a fraction, looking faintly like a vulture when compared to Shelby's primness. He watches the bags, though: what's that?
Nik merely waits, his face not betraying anything in either aspect. He watches Kaz as she speaks to the other Shadow Lords. Glancing at Shelby and Xander, he merely nods a greeting. Silent today!True Arrow pokes his nose at the bag Nik sets on the ground, curious but with reservations about digging into it. Stinks, he determines after a second or two. He looks at Shelby and Xander again, ears splaying further in puppy-like manner, though he stays put.
In answer to both Andrei and Xander, Kaz upends her bag, and four heads, plus a pair of hands, fall out. (One of them looks unnervingly like Ky, though someone has closed its eyes in death.) "OK, so maybe it ain't a housewarmin' gift, but it's some kinda gift, anyways." Her energy is just a tad on edge. She dusts her hands off, and then looks toward the pack-pair. "So anyway," she tells Xander, "Kaz. Ears, t'Garou. Bone Gnawer, Galliard, metis, things like that. How you doin'?"
Andrei stares for a moment, and first there's a rising tension as he continues to stare, and then a sigh, as his gaze finds one out of the four heads distinctly more interesting than the other three. Relief, and though Andrei looks like he'd like to get up, he settles to sit a little more firmly on his heels. "Thanks," he states, simply, and then nods to Nik. "Thank you, Nikolai-rhya." There's a faint hint of reference to some earlier conversation, in the words.
Bright Eyes's hackles manage to lift farther at the jumble of body parts dumped on the ground, and her lips lift minutely off her teeth. After a moment they drop again, though she informs the others flatly that those things will be taken from Equinox territory. Tonight.
The contents spill on the ground, and Night's-Shadow draws back his head, ears splayed out to either side; the disgust is plain. He stares for a moment, nose quivering, before finally getting distracted by Kaz's introduction. The fur about his spine is fluffed out a bit, but he forces himself to shift up to homid. Less gross smells that way. "Uh. Xander Yin, Night's-Shadow, theurge and Fostern. Shadow Lord."
True Arrow growls at the heads as they're dumped unceremoniously upon the ground, the sound more nervous fear than aggression. Lips peel back from teeth, though he sidles closer and a little behind Nik and Kaz.
Nik merely opens his bag as Kaz dramatically rolls out the goods, pulling only one head out of his. He holds the last head as Perseus might Medusa, frowning as gore gets on his boot. "I have their things. Everything has been cleansed. Brought all but the silver in case you wanted to go through it, or burn it." He shrugs.
Kaz seems somehow disconcerted by Andrei's answer, and her nose twitches. A moment later, she relaxes minutely, but she's still clearly disconcerted. Then she shakes her head. "Y'welcome. Made sure the hotel was Veil safe and all that shit, so we got dead people, and as far as I can tell, no loose ends. And—" She glances at the Silver Fang. "Sure thing," she tells her. "Ain't mine anyway, I just borrowed 'em for the news factor." Then she starts folding the bag up, as she nods to Xander. "Pleased, I'm sure." She sidles backwards a touch so she can try and keep Ky at least in her peripheral vision.
Andrei finally wrenches his gaze from the collection of heads and hands, and it seems to take some effort, lips pulled back to show his teeth even in homid. "Da, Shelby-rhya," the Ahroun acknowledges, voice quiet, barely kept level, and then his gaze eventually falls into his lap again. The sitting quietly, though, is starting to take a concentrated amount of visible effort.
Bright Eyes adds belatedly to Kaz that she is pleased they are dead. Though in her current emotional state (read: prissy and irritable), the 'pleasure' is more a suggestion of a softening. She is also pleased it is getting warmer. A glance toward Nik. What have you brought?
Xander nods to Kaz, and then resumes sitting on the ground exactly where he was. He looks less grumpy in this form, though that could be just because homid form is less of an open book.
There's the abrasive, warbling howl announcing the imminent arrival of Little Silvertip as the Athro approaches the scarred forest, asking for permission to enter. The sept's Elder strides in crinos, leaning on the shaft of his weapon as he waits with Jacinta along side.
Nik unceremoniously dumps the head on the ground near Andrei. "A rifle," he gestures. "A ton of bullets. I know the Corax did something to them to keep 'em from firing. Don't know for how long, didn't try. Some fake IDs, clothes, some books. A journal." He steps back. "Can't read it though. Maybe Andrei…?" He picks up the backpack and dumps it, too. Yup, all that stuff is in there. At Silvertip's howl, he glances expectantly towards the trees. "C'mon down, contestants!" he barks back.
True Arrow's head lifts when Kaz moves, a soft whine escaping. The look is passed to Nik after a second, though it isn't followed by any sound. Further howling captures his attention, ears up then down again, nervous, afraid.
Tempest's Wake is just a little behind the athro, and despite her form, her mood is hard to read, expression closed and tense.
If Andrei's reaction before gave the Gnawer reason for pause, the Ahroun's continued stillness might be moreso. His gaze darts, momentarily, to the journal that's dumped on the ground, and then he adds another piece of wood to the fire, entirely silent.
Bright Eyes promptly bounces to her feet and up to Hispo, teeth definitely bared at Nik. ~This is not your territory, Thunder's-Heart. No matter how many times your feet have crossed it.~ A moment longer and she howls shortly, inviting the Sept Elder onto Equinox territory.
Not being either Alpha or packmember, Kaz merely glances in the direction Silvertip howled from. Then she looks back. "Yeah, so," she says, irony evident. "This should be fun."
Xander shifts down to lupus again, looking a bit apprehensive. He gives Nik a bit of a stinkeye, too, but other than that he just looks over towards where Silvertip and Jacinta come in; he cuts a look to Shelby that suggests something not verbally said.
Little Silvertip's dominance is on full display in his posture as the Crinos arrives to the area. Ears forward, tail up, posture upright—there's no mistaking who's the big dog here. He comes to a stop a short distance away from the group, and leans heavily on the shaft of his weapon. The loot gets eyeballed once, and then the assembled crowd gets a long gaze that settles on Andrei and Ky. ~I am the Little Silvertip who Mauls the Horned Serpent; Little Silvertip who Slays Carnage-Ikthya and his mule bitch of a mate, Eclipse-Ikthya; Little Silvertip who Brings Back Light's Gift to the Wolf People. Fourth ranked warrior and Elder of Uktena's tribe. Alpha of my pack. Friend to kin. Son of Driftwood Dances, Brother of Tempest's Wake.~ He pauses just a beat. ~I am the Alpha of this sept.~
Nik snorts, tossing the backpack aside, but otherwise offers no response to the bitey Dragonfly group. Moving aside to perch on one of the logs, he leaves his presents where he'd put them. Stip's announcement brings a look of polite approval, but again, the Ragabash isn't up to cluttering the meeting with idle talk.
Tempest's Wake remains quiet as she nears and when Silvertip gives his introduction, she settles onto her haunches and gives him her attention. There's a shift in the fur along her spine, hackles rising despite her otherwise cool demeanor.
Night's-Shadow flattens his ears in deference to the alpha, otherwise saying nothing.
Kaz's back straightens slightly, at this introduction of Silvertip's. She salutes the Uktena with a casual yet not at all mocking salute, and then (rather than sidling backwards), unfolds her bag and starts putting the various things she's emptied out of it back into it. Then she sidles backwards and ends up (oh so coincidentally) sitting near Ky.
Andrei looks up as the two Sept Elders arrive, shifting slowly up to glabro and turning to face them, then sitting on his heels, shoulders squared. There is a nod, and head tilts as fully in submission and acknowledgement of Silvertip as this form allows him to, but for the moment, the Shadow Lord Ahroun (still) says nothing.
Bright Eyes remains on her feet and bristly until Nik backs down, though it's clear she's not attempting to claim dominance over the Uktena. Indeed, she tips her head slightly to bare throat as she shifts back to lupus. After a moment, as if reminded, she sits once more, tail flicking out to brush against Night's Shadow.
True Arrow shows himself every bit the cub he is when Silvertip and Jacinta appear. His ears lay flat to his head, eyes pressed with nervous fear. He presents himself fully submissive, first with his tail tucked, head lowered. He offers himself only as True Arrow Finds His Mark, darkmoon cub of Thunder, as he sinks onto his belly and edges a little closer to the Warder and Alpha without straying from Kaz's reach. Not a beat passes before the lupine shaped cub rolls onto his back, head tilted in full exposure of his throat, forepaws folded near his chest to give unhindered access to his belly.
Little Silvertip looks like he's about to growl out something when Ky's introduction comes. He grunts, and tips his head in the direction of the cub. ~At least the cub knows how to introduce himself. Good to meet you, cub.~ Now Andrei gets 100% of his attention. ~You insult me again. Introduce yourself.~
Kaz's hand edges out to rest fairly near Ky's shoulder. Close enough to touch if Ky were to squirm that way. Otherwise, she merely winces slightly.
Tempest's Wake watches the varied introductions and gives a rough shake that only travels as far as her midback. She remains seated, and as Silvertip turns his attention to Andrei, so does the Warder.
Night's-Shadow looks askance to Shelby, and the theurge leans against his packmate (though it's clear he also ranks himself below the Fang) and huffs out a small sigh, attention shifting to Andrei.
Andrei swallows, visible thanks to the angle at which his throat is bared, not shrinking under the gaze but nearly so, posture and manner both submissive and apologetic. ~Breaks-the- Circle, cliath Ahroun, and grandson of Thunder.~
Nik merely watches, frowning a little. He rubs at his chin where his goatee used to be, arms crossed over his belly as he takes in the proceedings with interest.
Little Silvertip's eyes round out slightly, as his ears quiver forward. They can't go any further forward, so they just twitch a bit. ~Breaks-the-Circle.~ Little Silvertip repeats, rolling the name around as he says it. ~What great gift have you brought the sept? What wonderful fetish, or powerful spirit ally can we now call on?~
Kaz's expression turns rueful, and she starts to rummage in her pocket.
Nik works his jaw as if he has something to say, but instead he just squints.
One ear twitches, and the Wendigo looks up at Silvertip with a narrowed gaze. Her posture reads more as thoughtful, perhaps surprised, but most of what can be seen in her is stillness and a cool calm.
Night's-Shadow looks like he's about to put in something, but then doesn't. He looks grumpy, too, but it doesn't seem angled at anyone in particular.
True Arrow slowly turns himself over, keeping low, on his belly, and every bit as submissive without all the pomp and circumstance. He edges backward just enough to brush a foreleg against Kaz's fingers before going still again. The cub keeps himself small, ears still against his head as it rests just above his paws, laying on the ground though with notable readiness to return to his previous, far more openly submissive position if and when it's required.
~I have nothing except my services as a warrior, Silvertip-rhya,~ Andrei states, submissive, contrite, gaze lowering to the ground. His fingertips press visibly into his thighs in effort to keep the words level and calm. ~And I owe much to this Sept.~ Once again, throat is plainly offered.
Kaz comes up with a Coke, which she offers to Ky, and her address book, which she puts down near her.
~THAT.~ Little Silvertip snarls, suddenly. He take several fast steps forward. ~Is not even half of it.~ His hackles shoot up, mood swinging like a double hinged door. ~You come here, you put the sept in danger. You tell NOTHING until the danger is upon us! You invite corruption into our midst! You never apologize to me, alpha of the sept, for the danger you put us in! I. AM. ALPHA. No great gift to even begin to cover the magnitude of your deeds. You force us into dealing with your sorrows, while we have enough to worry about on our own! You owe us your life!~ He snarls, spittle flying.
Nik stands as Silvertip advances, but he keeps quite out of the way. Still, it's obvious the situation bothers him, and the Ragabash paces slowly from side to side, hands clenching and unclenching, eyes on his tribesmate.
Kaz's hand on the ground clenches. And then she edges over a bit so her hip is against Ky's shoulder, and starts writing things in her address book.
Night's-Shadow apparently doesn't have a problem with all that Silvertip says, but he still seems uncomfortable. Still, he gives a little pissy rumble-growl in the direction of Andrei. No one aside from Shelby can probably hear it, given all the rest.
Tempest's Wake rises when Silvertip speaks, and when he moves forward, she takes a step as well. Her ears are forward and alert, and though any anger in her posture is dwarfed by that of the alpha, it is still there, and still visible.
True Arrow almost takes the Coke, nose going toward the can until the Uktena snarls and moves. His head twists back toward the Alpha, eyes darting a quick look toward Andrei and Nik before turning back to Silvertip. He doesn't whine this time, but his head goes to the ground, twisted without moving from Kaz's side, so to again offer his throat despite the aggression not being directed at him.
Without even knocking, Kaz says, -Keep it together, kid. This ain't… Goin' good places, it looks like, but… Keep it together.-
Bright Eyes's ears lay momentarily back, and she stands for a moment before sitting again. Like Night's-Shadow she doesn't disagree with the Uktena, though her attention is split between Andrei, Nik, and the Alpha and Warder.
There is a moment as Silvertip starts to speak, and approach, and although the Shadow Lord Ahroun doesn't move, doesn't even growl, but where he was in glabro he's now—as much of a surprise to himself, it would seem—in crinos in an instant, ears splayed flat and going a little bit flatter yet. ~I understand, Silvertip-rhya,~ Breaks-the-Circle says, outright cowering slightly. -Don't think that helped. Can't shift down.-
Kaz says, with waves of sympathy in her voice, -Yeah. But you made it look all meek and shit. Which is a pretty good job.-
Andrei's mental voice is very quiet. -He's athro. And fullmoon.-
Scentless, but still making some sound as he moves, Golden emerges from the direction of the Oak Grove. His gait is tense with annoyance, and he slows as he gets closer to the assembled group. His eyes dart from the Alpha to Breaks-the-Circle as he comes to a stop next to Bright-Eyes.
Little Silvertip forcibly smoothes his hackles, running a paw over the fur to try and get it to lay back. ~My helping spirits, they are mighty. My greatest suggested I let you remain until now. Until the threat is dealt with. They are very generous. I try to mirror their mercy. And now the threat is gone. I don't need to do so any longer.~ His gravelly voice grows steely and cold. ~You have until the sun goes down to flee our protectorate. After that, me, my sister, my pack, and any others who wish to join us will hunt you if you remain in our protectorate. Given anruth before have been killed by previous alphas for far less deeds against the sept, I think this is fair.~ There's a pause, before he hefts his weapon. ~Unless you wish to just fight us now.~
Kaz pauses in her writing, at something Silvertip says. And then she starts writing much, much faster.
Nik growls. "This is ridiculous! Why, now when they are no longer a harm to us!? We send them off to become more Geriks and Dmitriys?" The last words become low as the Ragabash begins to shift up to crinos, black fur a-spiked as he steps forward. ~Viable warriors to be our enemies rather than our allies? That's what the spirits want?~
Kaz says, -He sure the fuck is.- Then Silvertip talks. -And speaking as someone who's fought him, I don't think you want to do that.- Then there's a start of surprise at Nik.
Tempest's Wake was quiet until now, not a growl, not a sound, but when Nick shifts she steps forward, and her growl is directed at him. ~This is for the Alpha and the Anruth. Not for you.~
Breaks-the-Circle's mental voice quivers, slightly, surprise audible in it too. -Now what.- It's not a question, though.
Night's-Shadow twinges, and then snaps, shifting up to hispo. ~Because,~ snaps the theurge. ~They've risked us, they've been sitting on our territory bringing risk to us, people have bled for them, hurt for them, and they've just sat here and c—~ And then he cuts himself off, visibly rankled. He lowers his head and grumbles audibly.
Kaz sounds protective, grim, sympathetic, and sad, all at once. -Now, you live, you prosper, and you do it somewhere that is not here. Unless you give in to despair, here and now.Which ain't really what I'd recommend, y'know? As for now, in this moment? You can argue. You can maybe ask if you can prove yourself in some way. I dunno if he'd listen, but ask.-
Bright Eyes twitches no more than an ear at Golden before rising one final time. Come, she invites her packmate with what would be a friendly shoulder bump (if they were the same size). She shoots the others—well, Andrei and Nik—a decidedly cool look before crossing before the Hispo to lead him off.
Kaz narrows her eyes faintly at Nik. And at Xander. Then she glances at Shelby in something like thanks, before she leaves. (And waves.)
True Arrow trembles slightly, quiver transferring through his shoulders into Kaz's hip. He doesn't look anywhere, gaze distant, but he's listening through distinctly folded ears.
The Shadow Lord Ahroun's ears splay further, twisting backwards and tail wrapping flat to his body, and shoulders fall, then square, slightly, and slowly, he rises to stand, although there is still a great deal of submission shown to the Uktena. ~Silvertip-rhya, I would ask for a chance to prove myself to you, to Tempest's Wake-rhya, and to this Sept,~ Breaks-the- Circle says, the words coming out almost a growl. ~To make better the mistakes that I have made and the wrongs that I have caused.~
~Do you not understand it is in my right to kill him where he stands?!~ Little Silvertip snarls to Thunder's Heart, baring his teeth at the Fostern. ~His life is a mercy. And if I do not kill him, I do not want him. His incompetence is a danger to us all. Let the other septs accept mooncalf-coward-dishonorable whelps! This sept will not.~ He jerks his head to Ky. ~The cub can stay. If you want him. The cub will be held blameless. For you…~ His gaze snaps back to Breaks-the-Circle, ~… Find some other sept that will accept your kind. I will not have you!~ He barks.
Golden huffs out a breath, and his ears go forward. He snorts at Nik and shifts to lupus, and says, ~If you will resolve this with killing, do it somewhere else.~ He directs that at everyone, his eyes seeking each Garou in turn (though they don't meet Silvertip's, stopping somewhere around his chest). ~Dragonfly has tolerated this long enough; I won't explain to him or Rattlesnake why Gaian Garou slaughter one another on Territory we have sworn to protect.~ He doesn't, to go by his posture, seem to care what other outcomes are involved.
Night's-Shadow pauses at something, looks stubborn and resistant at something, but then Andrei's request comes. The theurge boggles, hackles, and then chokes down whatever he was going to say with effort. He licks his nose, lowers his ears at both Golden and Shelby, slips back into lupus, and is led off by the Fang. He only casts a glance back, his hackles still up, but he stalks off without further splodey.
~From here, it looks to me like Breaks-the-Circle fights against more than our Alpha.~ Thunder's-Heart notes, looking pointedly at Tempest's-Wake, then his eyes return to Silvertip. His words are beseeching, but not tinged with a Persuasive gift. ~If you were going to kill him, it should have been far before now. Give him a task. Take his surrender. It can only benefit us, all of us, where revenge for something already done does not.~ When Tim speaks, he lets the Silent Strider's words hang in the air, saying nothing.
Quietly, having finished her writing, Kaz says to Nik, "I can find him places to stay. I agree that we need as many warriors as we can get, but if the Alpha doesn't think he can trust this man, who has, in fact, done everything this Alpha says, then it's the Alpha's right. He ain't killin' him. He just ain't lettin' him live here."
Bright Eyes pauses to let Night's Shadow catch up and flicks an ear toward Kaz in farewell. Once the theurge is in a smaller form she shoulder bumps him again, then breaks into a trot that will get the pair of them out of earshot quickly.
Tempest's Wake steps forward again, this time placing herself between Thunder's Heart and the rest. The anger she had been so careful to hide is no longer hidden at all, and her tail flags in a show of dominance. ~Silence!~
Kaz sounds a little distracted. -Probably?- Then she's talked out loud, and she adds, more focused, -It was a good try. He don't sound like it'll work, so take y'lumps. This ain't the end of the world. It just ain't good.-
Breaks-the-Circle is silent, tilting his throat back to show acceptance and further submission, if grudging acceptance, and the Ahroun's struggle to keep his own temper under control is visible, feet digging into the ground. Tension that hasn't made itself audible in words aloud is clearly audible over the Mental Speech link. -Still too angry to shift down.- Pause. -Probably better to start over somewhere else, anyway. Here would have been bad.-
~Last time we kept one like this one in our sept… he stayed long enough to learn our weak points, and revealed all to them in his foolishness. I will not repeat that.~ He growls to Nik, flexing his claws. His gaze snaps back to Andrei. ~It's done. You have until sundown to remain in this region. After that… we will take your continued presence as an invitation to the hunt.~ Silvertip slings his weapon over his shoulder, and begins stalking off.
Kaz sounds as if she agrees. -Once mistakes happen, f'awhile, all people can see is the mistake. But if you was t'start again elsewhere, and then, in a few years, come back? If an' when the Uktena ain't Alpha… You'll have friends.-
Thunder's-Heart is already silent, and the look on his face makes it obvious he thinks Tempest has just proven his statement true. He takes a step back, that one green eye blazing as he bares throat to the ranked Garou, his claws still flexing. His eyes break from them, settling instead on Kaz as he considers her words, head tilted to the side.
Golden settles, since it seems there will not be killing now, and looks to Breaks-the-Circle to see how he'll take this proclamation. ~You may use our territory to prepare for your journey,~ he offers, ~And like Ears I know many whose names I may give you.~
Kaz adds, to Nik, "And if you think the Alpha and Warder of the Sept standing together is a fucked up thing, then you really need to get out more. I been places where they're at metaphorical war. It really ain't real fun." Then she adds, to the air in general, "I consider you a friend, or becomin' one. But I'll be on that hunt, if you're still here."
Breaks-the-Circle snarls at Silvertip's back, slightly, ~I would never,~ is almost inaudible. All in all, he's taking it rather badly, with a concerted amount of effort not to do something downright stupid, and eventually he manages to shift down to lupus, tail tightly against his legs still, a huff of thanks to both Golden and Kaz.
Tempest's Wake rises up from hispo to crinos at the look from Thunder's Heart and takes another step toward him. One scarred hand juts forward, a clawed finger jabbing in his direction. ~Disrespectful, dishonorable, mooncalf!~ Then she stops, the snarl from Andrei catching her ear enough that she turns her attention to him.
True Arrow scoots back when Kaz does, letting out just a soft whine in spite of his efforts to remain silent. From chin to tail, he presses against the ground, a small profile meant to be overlooked and ignored.
What Andrei cut off aloud goes on for a moment, mentally. -I would never. Ever… Combat the Wyrm wherever it dwells and whenever it breeds, I fought against the Enemy at Broken Prairie and— sorry. I.- And then he's silent again.
Golden watches the Alpha depart, and when no one leaps at anyone else, he blows out a breath in relief. ~Tempest's Wake. May Ky now leave our Pack's territory and be with his Tribe?~
Thunder's-Heart merely sighs. ~I invest little in verbal insults, Tempest-rhya,~ he says, throat still exposed in submission and voice low, rage dissipating. ~But if it is disrespectful to question the Alpha in defense of ones own tribe, then so be it.~ At Breaks-the-Circle's ill- timed snarl and Tempest's shift of attention, the Shadow Lord merely turns away from the Anruth, officially and symbolically breaking his support.
Kaz mutters, "Dude," at nothing in particular, and watches Silvertip leave. She sighs heavily and shakes herself out a bit before getting up, ripping a piece of paper out of her book, and leaving it near Andrei. Then she tells him, out loud, "I know you wouldn't. But we've all had experience with people who did. It ain't a personal insult, it's just a worry." Kaz says, after her out loud portion, -Speaking of which, Dmitriy and Gerik had kind of a hate on for you. Did you kill more've them Dancers than you was lettin' on?-
Breaks-the-Circle's fur flattens after a moment of raised hackles, ears twisting to splay and muzzle turning to show his throat to the Warder. -We killed fifteen of their number on my Fostern challenge,- he states, unassuming but that mental snarl still there. -And more of their number died, when we made our attack, along with that we did not leave any of our own who were beyond saving to their mercy.-
Kaz says, -Rock on. Cool. That makes more sense. Gerik was actin' like it was like, All You and I was kinda confused. Not that you ain't a good fighter. But you know.-
Tempest's Wake watches Andrei for a moment, teeth bared and hackles up. The rage is clear in her the crystal blue of her eyes when she turns to Golden, his question finally reaching her ears. ~His tribe may take responsibility for him,~ she growls, as her gaze slide again to the object of her ire. ~He will not come to the bawn until proof is brought to me that he is hunted no more. Proof. Not supposition. Not guess. Not theory.~
Kaz says, "Well," and then stops. "OK, well, we did kill Gerik and Dmitry and the other Dancers left of their Hive, last night. I don't know what you define as proof, but I can give you Gerik's head again, if you want." (This is not said sarcastically; it's an actual offer.) "And they said they was the only ones left. But them Lords can go check out Colorado, I guess?"
True Arrow finally lifts his head a little, gaze traveling to Tim then Jacinta. Cautiously it moves away from the Warder to Andrei, then past to Nik. He doesn't mask his understanding of what's transpired, a faint sigh escaping when his head lowers again, to rest on Kaz's knee.
The cliath remains still until Jacinta's attention has shifted away from him, and then he resumes his birth form, silently picking up the paper that Kaz put down and moving to gather the few things he has into the duffel bag.
Golden looks to Thunder's Heart, curiosity in his bearing.
Nik is already shifting down to homid and flopping down to sit on a log. He rubs at his eyes, looking exhausted. "I don't want to go to Colorado…" he groans. He then lifts his eyes to Andrei and then Ky, no small amount of pity there for the pair.
Kaz says, dryly, "Think of it as a road trip. It's sure the fuck better than havin' to fight more of 'em." She reaches over to give Ky a shoulder-rub, then adds to Nik, "And this way, you don't have to argue with the Warder. Even more."
Tempest's Wake's eyes narrow at the Shadow Lord alpha, and her lip curs again from her teeth. The look is derisive, as much as it is angry, and she turns, dropping to four legs as she makes her way out.
Kaz adds, calling out to the leaving Warder, "So if he don't find no one, Jacinta, Ky can hang with people after a month or so?"
Tempest's Wake glances back at the call from the galliard, eyes narrowed. Bring me proof. Then she turns, and picks up her pace.
Andrei doesn't say anything aloud, but does add. -Thank you for trying, Kaz-rhya. Could you also give me numbers, for Septs of your Tribe, as well?-
Kaz yells, "That ain't no answer! I will take a month without more incursions as proof!" Then she rockets to her feet and grabs the Coke back from Ky.
Nik blanches at the answer he hears, giving Kaz a "gotta be kidding me" expression.
True Arrow scrambles back when Kaz jolts upward, tail tucking between his legs. He edges around the Gnawer carefully, sidling a few short paces away where he looks askance from Nik to Tim and back again.
Kaz pops the Coke open and takes a long draw on it. "Sorry," she mutters to Ky. Then she gives Andrei an odd look, and she finds her address book again and starts writing more numbers. Kaz is not really very coherent over the link. Mostly, -Jesus fuck.-
Nik merely squints, shaking his head. "Something has gotta be done about that woman. How in the fuck am I supposed to train a cub to be part of a Sept he's not allowed to interact with?" He hisses at Kaz, seemingly angry at the world.
Andrei looks up and nods at Kaz, though there's nothing said aloud, and brows raise as he continues to put things into the duffel bag. Aloud, and seemingly to Nik and Ky, is offered one word of Russian, that the cub will recognise as apology. "Prastee'te." Gaze darts to Tim, for a minute, and the Ahroun begins banking the fire. Andrei pauses a moment after speaking aloud. -Thanks. It would have come up if I'd stayed, too. I'm not planning on remaining with my Tribe much longer than I have to.-
Nik continues to grumble as he starts cleaning up, filling in dens, breaking down setups, etc. If he had fur it'd still be spiky.
True Arrow doesn't look Andrei's way, even when the Cliath speaks, nor give any sign of recognition of the word. He looks up at Nik for a long moment, as though requesting a moment, then hesitantly approaches Tim.
"I ain't challengin' her, Nik. You wanna, go ahead." Then Kaz sighs, and, a moment later, blinks at Andrei. "The fuck?" she asks, out loud. Apparently out of nowhere. "I don't even—" Then she stops, and takes more of a pull on her Coke. (It's done! In two pulls.) "Right, well, good luck." Kaz sounds incredulous. -MY tribe? The fuck you wanna do that for?-
Nik snorts at that. "Not with Silvertip covering her ass and vice versa," he glances up at Kaz's outburst, wincing a little as he sees the Gnawer drain that Coke in two pulls. Errh… He rubs his stomach sympathetically.
Andrei pulls some water bottles out, beginning to douse the few remaining coals, and winces, though there's no wince in posture. "Because. It would take longer—" and then the Anruth as well quiets, looking over once to Kaz. Andrei just sounds tired, bitter, and frustrated. -I was sick of the bullshit and of the bullshit that comes with my breeding, and of so many things about it, before my home fell.-
Kaz gives Nik an odd look. "I dunno. OK, so you'd be at loggerheads with him if you won, which, would suck beyond the telling of it, but at least in theory, and actually in practice, too, any challenge to one position would not have interference from the other." Either Kaz is naive, or it's her experience. And then she adds, scrupulously, "Here, anyways. I been some places where it ain't true." So maybe it's experience. Then she regards Andrei a moment. "Mm." Then she finishes writing numbers.
Kaz says, thoughtfully, -Yeah. OK. I was gonna go on a speech about how your tribe means a different thing than what it's become, but… The bullshit's taken over pretty good. As f'th' breedin'— you'll still have people lookin' at you weird. You've seen how Salem looks at you. But so long as you're gettin' into it on purpose, and you're aware my tribe ain't just somewhere to escape to, I got no issues. Well, I got subscriptions, but not about that, anyway.-
Nik shakes his head as he joins the Bone Gnawer. "I do not want to be Alpha of the Sept," he notes, flatly. "There are ones far more qualified than I," he nudges her with a smirk. "But it couldn't hurt to have someone else as Warder. A Get maybe. So instead of running around trying to please her she tells us right off what she wants and kills what she don't. End of story, lot less of this… useless fluff."
Golden, who has been staring blankly (maybe filling in his Pack?), snaps to. ~Ask a philodox to mediate. Scar-rhya is your best bet. It's unreasonable of her to ask you to prove a negative. It's not possible, in fact.~
Though not as visual a display as for the Alpha's presence, True Arrow is far more submissive when he approaches Tim. Not to slink, puppy like, to the Strider's side, though as he asks for a moment of the older Ragabash's time.
Andrei nods once, looking straight at the Bone Gnawer. "Well aware," he says, aloud, and then glances over to Golden once, before moving to sit on a log, for a moment. Andrei waits a moment, and says. -I know. But there's a difference, looking at me weird after, and looking at me weird within the Shadow Lords… I've seen what it's become, I've seen the bullshit that's taken over from so many different directions, and I can't live with that, Kaz. It's not an escape, it's a chance. Gaia knows I deserve at least one of those.-
"It's kinda fun, for about five minutes," Kaz tells Nik. "But what I meant was, he can't interfere in a Challenge for another position. She can't either. But yeah. I dunno. We had a Get as Warder. He kinda… Sucked. In way different ways." She sighs, as she watches Ky. "Would think so," she tells Andrei, then, "You definitely deserve more'n one chance, but even just one? Fuck yeah." -Learn about the Gaians, too—what they actually are, not how they seem. My tribe is all about survival. Rat tells us. Rat—- And then she breaks off. -Scuse.-
Nik grumps at Tim. "And then? She doesn't care if we have proof either way. I wonder if she even knows who the hell was hunting them, or whose heads we have with us. She just wants to look like she's doing her job, while leaving it to the rest of us to truly protect the place through our actions." He throws up his hands. "And when the place goes to shit? Who gets blamed? Us. And we suffer the consequences." He points at Ky. "A cub who did not come last, and yet his peers are Rited. A cub who has the only relative he knows taken from him by the Sept who will keep him, but keep him jailed. Until unobtainable proof be presented on a silver platter to a Wendigo." Rage is once more burning in that eye.
Golden snorts at Thunder's Heart. ~She is not above the Philodoxes. Speak with Scar. Explain the situation.~ He looks down at Ky and chuffs. No belly crawling, his posture says. ~What did you need?~
Kaz regards Nik a moment. The can crumples in her hand. "May I, if you please, say some words to you?"
Andrei nods once, to Kaz, one hand coming up to rub at his brow. The Ahroun seems more than willing to wait, thoughtful.
Nik grinds his teeth, but he's not about to turn down words. He sniffs, takes a breath. "Yes, Kaz-rhya," he tells the Gnawer.
True Arrow glances toward Nik when his name comes up. A look twists off to Kaz then returns to Tim. He doesn't entirely straighten his posture, but he's not cringing. It takes a full beat before the cub offers his thoughts. Arrow is still a cub, he begins, straightening a little more. With luck one day will be rank one. For Golden-rhya's suffering and his pack's kindness, he'd like to offer something. Tending to the ground Arrow and Circle Breaker used until it is lush again?
Golden lifts an ear, and seems pleased with that offering. ~Yes. That'd make Bright-Eyes particularly happy, I think. This is Dragonfly's territory, so none of the Wyrm things which kill his children or their prey. And be wary of Chu'mana.~ He lolls his tongue. ~I think she's shedding her skin, and it's making her irritable.~
"Like Tim says. If you want to take her to a Philodox, great. It would make sense, in this situation, over this specific thing. But." She rises to her feet. "She has sworn to protect this Caern with her life, and this Bawn. Which means, even if the one is asleep and the other choked, that she cannot leave it. So people tell her things. I tell her things. I told her who went with us. I told her who did what. She listens. She absorbs. I don't agree with everything she does, and I never will. Neither her nor Silvertip-rhya, because they are, frankly, alien to me. But if you fucking insult her again and say that she doesn't care or that she is not doing her job, then I will take you outside of this territory, and I will challenge your ass. As for your cub." She takes a breath. "You could have been teaching him, and bringing him along, and Riting him. Yet you blame Jacinta for that? Fuckin' shut up and get a fucking grip."
Nik merely stares at Kaz throughout her chastising. Her last words, especially, make that rage boil. But he doesn't explain himself. He wants to, definitely, and those hands clench again. But then they relax. "Whatever you say, Kaz-rhya," he purrs almost sweetly. Then he turns to leave.
True Arrow considers, one ear slanting back in what might be listening to something else entirely. Or he could have a twitchy ear. Yes, his posture seems to say after a moment, just before twisting his head to show his throat to Golden. May Arrow have permission to come here, once a week to tend things? Promises to not intrude or make things worse follow, as well as assurances that he'll also clear it with his alpha.
Golden thumps his tail in an affirmative to True Arrow. His eyes are on Kaz and Nik, though, and he tenses when the later's temper rises. As the Shadow Lord Elder retreats, he relaxes. ~Thanks for being here,~ he tells Kaz in a low voice. ~I was afraid this would happen.~
Andrei glances, watching for the moment as things unfold, and he looks to Golden. "I'm sorry, Tim-rhya," he says, and there's the same note of sincerity in the words, as there was in the earlier apology to the other two Shadow Lords.True Arrow's ears draw upward a little at Tim's answer, and he turns to go. A backward glance is cast to the Strider again before he moves to shoulder against Kaz, pausing to look up at her. Arrow will see Ears-rhya again soon? It's hopeful, but understanding if the Gnawer declines.
Kaz bares her teeth at Nik when his hands clench. But then she relaxes, minutely, and it turns into a syrupy sweet smile at his reaction. "Sure thing, bub," she tells him, just as sweetly. She looks away and shakes herself out again, then breathes, in and out. And then blinks at Tim. "I just came over to drop heads off. But sure, y'welcome. Oh, hey, Nik—" and this question is asked in her usual tones, casual and fairly friendly "—Do you want 'em?" She crouches, giving Ky a shoulder rub and clear non-verbal agreement, but she doesn't respond in words yet, given her attention.
True Arrow presses his head into Kaz's shoulder, tail sweeping the ground. After a moment he breaks away and starts after his alpha once again.
Nik pauses only long enough to listen to Kaz. His eyes flicker towards the heads. "No. Ask Ky. If Tim allows it, burn em I suppose. If not, pack em up and send them with the Boys to the road. I'll be there waiting." And he's leaving.
Andrei watches Nik and Ky leave. "I'll catch up soon," he states to the Shadow Lord alpha, duffel across his lap. Then, the Ahroun is silent for a long moment, waiting for both the other Shadow Lords to be well out of earshot, a faint grimace on his face that manages to be a small smile, as he looks between Tim and Kaz. "Thanks, both of you. Seriously."
Golden grunts at Andrei, evidencing acceptance of the apology. ~I can't say I'm surprised. No formal Judgment by a Philodox, at least.~ He seems to consider that cold comfort, but comfort none-the-less. ~If you decide to go to the Western Eye, ask for Earthbinder. He's a Theurge of your people. I know him tangentially.~
"OK. Thanks, Nik." Then, "And yeah, by the way!" Kaz calls to Ky. Then she glances at Tim. "Burn 'em, or bury 'em?" She levers to her feet, and ambles over to the two, and offers her hand to Andrei. "Y'welcome. Chugs is the guy you wanna talk to, down in Reno, if you go that route."
Andrei nods to Tim, and jerks his head at Kaz, before pushing to his feet and settling the strap of the bag across his shoulders. "Still going to," he explains, it evidently being something that he's discussed with the Strider before. Her handshake is returned, firmly but not overly hard. "I'm going that route. People can look at me funny, but it's what I need to do." And indeed, though there's a faint hint of bitterness, there's no question in the cliath's voice.
Golden tilts his head at Kaz. ~Burn,~ he decides. ~Here, preferably—Breaks-the-Circle and True Arrow were their targets. It seems reasonable the heads should burn at their camp.~ He gives Andrei a look which is probably intended to be quizzical, but doesn't question his decision to be Judged. ~You can have Long-Path or Scar do it before you leave.~
"OK," Kaz says, and starts putting Andrei's campfire back together. "Yeah. So talk to Chugs. He'll… really be able to encapsulate the tribe for you. See if the Gnawers are what you actually want." She tilts a grin at Tim, as she gets some firewood. "Diff'rent path."
Andrei snorts somewhat, moving to help put some more firewood on as well. "I'd thought of that, too, but." He shakes his head, "I don't think I need to." A pause, and then there's another glance to Kaz. "Let Whisper-rhya and Long-Path-rhya know I am skipping town and all, please, da?" Shoulders roll, a fluid motion that precedes stretching his arms out above his head. For all of the events that have happened, and the tension that does still ride in Andrei's shoulders, he looks more at peace with himself than either Adren has seen him in the past months.
Golden moves to help with gathering some firewood as well. He takes only deadwood that's fallen around the bases of trees, but comes up with a fair amount none-the-less.
Kaz says, "Sure thing," to the request, and keeps on with the firewood. Then she stops, thoughtful. "If that Strider still wants to Gather them, wouldn't the heads help? Or. Does it not matter?"
Andrei looks askance to Golden at Kaz's question. "Good question," is said, tone indicating clear curiosity in the answer. "Personally, I would like to see them burn, after all. But." He shrugs.
~I'm not sure if it's done, to Gather for those who forsake Gaia.~ There's no Judgement in Golden's comment, only consideration. ~Did he say why he wanted to Gather for the head's former owners?~
"I dunno," Kaz shrugs. "He seemed to think people might bitch at him about it, but he didn't explain why he wanted to, no."
Andrei pauses. "Can we burn them, then?" The request is, if anything, perhaps a slight bit eager.
Golden considers, then chuffs. ~Burn them. You have to leave tonight, so there's no need to make you miss out on this. I'll speak with Long-Path; perhaps something else of them remains he can use in a Gathering.~
Kaz says, "Check!" cheerfully, and dumps the bag on the wood. Then she stops to look at Andrei. "I could use my Gift. Or you can start it. My Gift's more satisfyin', though?"
Andrei puts a few more pieces of wood on for good measure, then steps back. "Much more, I think," he agrees, arms folding across his chest.
Golden shifts to homid and runs a hand through his hair. "Agreed," he says, and tugs a small, waxed paper bag from one jacket pocket. He shakes a handful of flowers out; they're dried and crushed and fragrant in a spicy way. With a few words in Kashmiri muttered under his breath, he tosses them onto the bag.
Kaz doesn't need much more urging. *Fwoosh.* She doesn't actually say anything more, for awhile, just watches the bag and wood burn. Then she shakes her head, looks around, and asks Andrei, "You wanna ride?"
There's a grim satisfaction on Andrei's face as they watch the fire, and he turns to Kaz. "Nikolai's waiting for me at the road, I think," is said, with a bit of a grimace. "But, yes. A ride would be nice, thanks." Attention turns to the Strider. "Gaia watch," he offers, quietly. "And be well."
"Road rise to meet you, Andrei. Take care of yourself." Tim puts his hands together and bows his head in the traditional Kashmiri farewell, then goes back to watching the heads burn.
Kaz gives Tim a mock salute, then starts limping off toward her RV.