2020-12-15 Truth of the Matter

Truth of the Matter

Participants: Liam Storms-at-Dusk Addison Jeremy Georgia Alexa

Location: Sept of the Smiling Angel

Date and Time: December 15, Late Evening

Summary: A young lupus makes a bold challenge, not without criticism.

Down Town ‒ Bawn ‒ Sept of the Smiling Angel

Jeremy, and pretty much everyone else, are eating korean pork barbecue and kimchi, courtesy of the Down Town public kitchen.

Clearing his plate, small sampling of kimchi and all, Dusk's been rather quiet as he eats. Probably having no real valuable input on cooking. Or streaming. Or why you would burn your food in running water.

"If I were to allow a long term boy slash girl friend come over then yes." Taking another small bite of food. "Other than that someone would have to ask me out on a date and be ok with me comandeering their kitchen." Her small little ways to keep herself grounded.

"You drive a hard bargain, Ms. Flavor," says Jeremy.

Addison, at this point, picks up a pair of chopsticks and starts to eat off of Jeremy's plate. He is both too high and too lazy to get his own right now. He's give Jeremy another sided-eyed look. "Little presumptuous of you, don't you think?"

"Extremely," agrees Jeremy. When Addison starts creatively misinterpreting his statements, it's best to roll with it.

Georgia shrugs at the both of them. "I've have very negative experiences in my past. Several cases of stalking, one home break in and other death threat related things." Another bite and swallow. "I do what I can to limit my exposure to such occurances and have found a few ways to minimize them." She /may/ be a little bit presumptuous.

Seemingly a little distracted, Dusk zones back in, and moves to load up his plate with a small serving, evenly balanced, and walking over to offer it to Addison. "A small thank, for offering your knowledge last week. Ikal and I plant our sapling, and he keep watch on it while he learn."

"Well, I hope that you don't experience any of that while you're here in Los Angeles," says Jeremy to Georgia, sounding very sympathetic. He uses his chopsticks to put more kimchi in to Addison's hungry mouth.

"Well," Addison says, chewing his way through some pork, "they say you should never date fans." He looks over to Dusk. "Yeah? I'm glad to hear that, Dusk. Did you get out and see the city some?" It might have actually been his ulterior motive all along. To find green spots in the city to plant those trees. It was harder than alternatives "Now I just have to figure out what we're doing this week," he chuckles.

"Is there some weekly schedule of things you do around here?"

"Every day is Try and Not Die day though sometimes people like to go off an play Hide-and-Get-Killed sometimes," Addison rambles as he steals kimchi from Jeremy.

"Yes. To far edge of sept territory," Dusk answers with a grin. "See many things. But keep far from Cul-ver." Sitting back down at the bar, "Ikal very patient and helpful. Not have done it with out him."

"Can I suggest surfing?" Liam says, as he steps into the space with a broad smile for everyone as he finds a nice place to just kind of stand there, totally inviting himself into the conversation. Upon seeing Georgia though he gives a bigger grin, "Eeyy, good to see you again," he fingerguns in her direction and then gives Addi a shoulder bump in greeting.

"Liam-Rhya, well met," says Jeremy, lowering his head in respect, and bumping Addison back in to that shoulderbump along the way. "It's always a pleasure to see you. I was merely giving Ms. Flavor a tour of the bawn, before we retired here to-" The kinfolk chef managing the bar is going -hog wild- back there, creating as much barbecue as any human possibly could. Aahhhh it's the sept alpha, bring out the GOOD PORK- "-enjoy the hospitality of the Down Town," finishes Jeremy.

Addisons gets jostled between Liam and Jeremy, almost dropping the bit of pork he was attempting to steal. He turns his head to flash a grin at Liam. "Oh man-- I don't even know the last time I saw the ocean was." He leans to the side a bit at the mention of better pork. "Damn." He looks over to Dusk. "Oh? You made it over to Westside? I hardly make it over there these days. You may as well have gone to India," Adi chuckles. "Ikal was well thats... Ahem. I mean. It brings our Tribe--" A pause. "It's good." Addison is a bit too high and tired to keep up any sort of formalities tonight. He just gives Dusk a thumbs-up.

Georgia's plate is finally done and she politley wipes her mouth fore putting everything onto her plate all nice and tidy. "Hello again, Liam." A quizzical tilt of her head before looking at the four of the men one at a time then back to Liam. "I remember you saying that you had a gym here. Would it be right to assume you also have a place where y'all can spar as well?" Giving him a very polite southern smile. "Since you denied my invitation last night, maybe I could find someone to induldge me here?" The question was an open invitation to anyone who wanted to spar. "I do hope whoever accepts, takes it easy on this sweet southern flower."

"I heed wise words of Biter and others, and Ikal know safe way to his green place of learning. Different from bawn, understand why packs would--" cutting himself off, the surprise is written on Dusk's face, not having expected to see the Alpha here. Immediately his head dips out of respect, and imaginary ears and tail doing what they would be if he were in the breed form. Standing up from the stool as he grabs a plate, ready to load it up once the chef has done his part in cooking said good pork, and presenting it to Liam, or a spot on the bar where he might take up a spot.

Liam nods and points at Addi, "You know the ocean recharges you," he reminds gently and then sniff sniffs at the pork before sneaking a piece from someone. A nod comes, "The training room is good for spars too for sure," he notes to Georgia. To Dusk he smiles and nods for the pork, happily nomming on it for the time being. "So what's the occasion?"

Jeremy contemplates what the most polite way to say that the occasion was canceled by a scheduling issue, to the man who is very much your boss. He decides to change the subject instead. "Just welcoming and orienting Ms. Flavor, really," he says. "I wouldn't have guessed you for a combatant. But yes, the training room is kept in good condition by the sept."

Addison contemplates this advice before asking Liam a question. "Do you talk to the sea spirits much?" Actually. No. He has a better question. "Have you ever met a mermaid?" No. Now an even better question. "Have you ever shagged a mermaid?" The Ragabash had a social filter about as good as tea-gauze at the moment. He'd grin to Jeremy's comment about Georgia being a fighter. "Georgia Flavor is a powerful flavor." Catchy. Sometimes you have good ideas when you're high. Only Addison wasn't going to see a dime when Georgia put that on a T-Shirt. "Right, sister?"

Dusk remains standing for the time being, and goes along with Jeremy's explanation. "He bring us here, speak of pork and kim-chi. Others come and go. Us remain," He's smiling, but his tone and expression harden up into something a bit more serious. "I seek Liam-rhya out, told you were in Heart but busy preparing. I wait here for proper time to speak." The implied, unspoken question asking if this is a proper time.

Liam offers Jeremy a smile and appreciative nod, "Thanks man, that's mighty kind of yah," he says before looking to Addi and smirking, "Look man, I may or may not have met a mermaid, and it definitely wasn't a manatee," he winks. Dusk gets a nod and he chin ups, "Why you need me bud, I'm here now, what's on your mind?"

"I'm not so much a combatant, Mr. Yoon." Looking thoughtful. "But more like I have studdies a certain style of self defense that I like to practice regularly. I would imagine fighting Garou or those of a more wildly martial bent would aid in me either staying current or getting better." A shrugh and her hands fold ontop of one another. "And I would if I could make it sound a little more catchy.

"I'd volunteer, but if your idea of a proper opponent is a Garou, I think it would be a short fight," says Jeremy. Damn, who is this, Bruce Lee in a gingham dress?

Addison tries to surpress the chuckles rolling through him in small heaves at Liam's reply. Finally he can't help it any more and leans in to whisper into Jeremy's ear loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. "Did you hear that? Liam King shacked up with a mermaid once and she had huuuuuuuuuuuuge," he sniffs,"fins." The Ragabash would rock back and look over at Austen. "Oh. Yeah. Jeremy is my Pack's Ahroun." Adi grins a little wider and nods.

Dusk waits for a natural lull in the conversation before speaking. "I come from Western Eye. Gaia guide me, to honor tradition of Septs. Where Cub of Smiling Angel travel north to learn, I as Cliath travel south to serve," Dusk taking a much more formal and respectful tone, continuing, "The past moon, I travel the caern as Guardian. See people. Hear stories. Smell scents. Of those who walk before. In their honored rest, I find my purpose." His head lowers, shoulders slumped in deference to the Alpha. Holding it for a moment, he then looks back up to Liam. "I am Storms-at-Dusk, Wolf-Born, Philodox of Unicorn. I ask to make Sept of Shining Angel my home." The faintest pause, as he draws breath through his nose. "I ask this now, outside of moot, in respect of tradition of our ancestors. If you welcome me, I seek challenge for position of Truthcatcher."

Addison tries to surpress the chuckles rolling through him in small heaves at Liam's reply. Finally he can't help it any more and leans in to whisper into Jeremy's ear loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. "Did you hear that? Liam King shacked up with a mermaid once and she had huuuuuuuuuuuuge," he sniffs,"fins." The Ragabash would rock back and look over at Georgia*. "Oh. Yeah. Jeremy is my Pack's Ahroun." Adi grins a little wider and nods.

+ROLL/+DICE> Addison: Willpower vs. 8 -> 3 successes. (9 9 9 7 4 2 2)

Liam blinks slooowly for a moment and then grins at Georgia, "You know not all of us are warriors right? Like there's a few wolves here who'd sooner tussle with a soft blanket than get confrontational. You'll find not everyone shares your enthusiasm for gettin into fisticuffs," he chuckles, "But there's plenty who'll entertain you," he notes. then to Dusk he watches and then listens a bit more intently. "Alright Dusk. You challenge for Truthcatcher, then you have to discern the truth from the things that I'm about to say. Do you accept?"

Jeremy rolls his eyes. "It's true," he says, obviously lying. "I'm a fierce Ahroun. My legal arguments..." He pushes his glasses farther up his nose so they flash menacingly. "...bring *all* proceedings to a close." He clenches his fist. He regards Dusk's pitch with *great* interest, especially Liam's proposed challenge. He asides to Georgia, "I'll practice with you, if you like, after this."

Addison reacts to Dusk after his repost goes through, whipping around to looks at the young Philodox. He grits his teeth as if trying to bite back the chuckles from a moment prior. He swallows hard. "Liam," Addison says, "you shouldn't be mean to my boy Dusk like that." The Uktena says. "That's like... One of the highest seated sept positions." A pause. "Wait... did you just call me a wet blanket?"

Georgia has been out of the Nation game for a long while and the Auspices had fled her mind long ago. Leaning into Jeremy as he speaks with her. "Indeed, I would like that. Let us watch this first."

Taking a deep breath in and out through his nose. Dusk's demeanor is calm, confident. He hears Addison's words, "I have given my challenge. It is way of wolf. I rise to role, or am put in place to learn. For good of Sept, either path." Looking towards Liam, his eyes matching his, though with the faintest bit of submission to his posture, he nods. "I am ready."

Jeremy shrugs to Addison with whatever shoulder Addison isn't currently perching on. "And it's vacant," he says. "It's been vacant for weeks for lack of qualified candidates. Sometimes, you have to hire the applicants you have."

Liam flashes a look to Addison and lifts an eyebrow, "You know of any ranking Philodoxes stepping up to the position, Addi? I am well aware of the usual hierarchy of our positions. My Talesinger is still clawing for Adren, I still don't have a Warder, my Ritemaster is here only fifty percent of the time. I have to accept that my Sept officers are going to have to grow into their positions as they challenge into them. If he can discern the truth, then as far as I'm concerned he can be Truthcatcher and take one more burden off of your Alpha," he smiles a bit wanely there, as if hoping for perhaps a modicum of support here. There's a gentle look to Storms at Dusk, and he smiles, "If he discerns my truth Addison, and you're not satisfied, then challenge him to detect your truth, or support him and teach him," he points out.

Addison gives Jeremy a pointed look and a squint. "Hmmgh," Addison straightens up. "It's true. There are few Half-Moons around. I believe only Dusk and Khloe are the only ones I've seen around. However," a pause, "it's an awful lot of responsibility for a Cliath who is still finding his feet among us... and an awful lot of prestige."

"I am versed in Litany. Trained by honored elders of Pegasus and Unicorn of Western Eye. Both human and lupus," Dusk speaks again. To Addison. "I acknowledge challenge is... different, as cliath, seeking such role. And while Litany state, Respect Those Beneath Ye, truth of that matter is not always clear. That respect is to earn, not to be ordered." He lowers his head, again, taking a breath. "I seek role not for prestige, or renown, or respect of kin." Looking up to Liam, "But to serve this Sept as Gaia intend for me."

Jeremy regards the state of play. Liam is many things - charismatic, persuasive, trustworthy, honorable even to a fault - but Jeremy has never had reason to imagine the man as a skilled liar. He observes with curiosity. Is he about to see long-hidden powers unveiled?...

Liam nods, "Given the givens, there will have to be some adjustment to things. Such as there are still older Philodoxes and should the Truthcatcher require their help, they're here to do so when there are challenges that our possible Truthcatcher doesn't know what to do with," he looks to Dusk and then offers a smile. "If you're ready to serve, then I am ready to give you the opportunity. If another challenges you, you will give them the opportunity and come to me as we still have no Master of Challenge either," he makes a face.

"It is so. If bested, the Sept gains as I grow," Dusk nodding his head. Such is the way of wolves. A slow breath through his nose, as he focuses on Liam. "I am ready."

"I think it would be prudent if you took upon a less demanding role first," Addison says with an encouraging tone. "I'm only Caller of the Wyld and I almost never get any rest." He turns around to the young Philodox. "I think one day you might make a great Truthcatcher," he says, "but we build strength in ourselves in different ways. A Truthcatcher must be able to endure." Addison looks over to Liam and back to Dusk. "Scandal can be just as damaging to one's resolve just as much as an encounter with a terrible bane."

+ROLL/+DICE> Storms-at-Dusk: Intelligence + Empathy vs. 8 -> 2 successes. (10 8 7 4 3)

Liam lifts a hand up and stops Addison non-verbally at first. "Anyone my challenge for any position. I had misgivings about a Ragabash being Caller of the Wyld, and it's been one of the best things for this Sept. So now we give a Cliath a chance to be Truthcatcher until someone better challenges or he grows into exactly what we need," he explains and then he looks to Dusk. "When I was a boy, I enjoyed surfing the high tides at dawn and dusk. Back then, the moon's orbit had high tide at about 10 instead of 10:30, but I digress. My favorite surfboard at the time was red, with white racing stripes and a double fin. I shredded many a gnarl with that board, and I loved it dearly. It didn't survive my youth however, and was eventually replaced with a longboard, carved by the claws of Floats-Anywhere, a friend of mine from Hawaii. Oahu to be specific. I cherish that gift to this very day. Now this story could be true, it could not." A shrug comes and then he tells his second story, "I once met a Kami when I was young, it was a festival out in the desert off the 15 before you get to Primm in Nevada. She was beautiful like the gentle caress of mists over a mountain, soft as dandelion fluff, and sharp as winter winds. She went by Frey, and if I didn't know better I'd say she was the Norse Goddess herself. There's not enough words in the English language to describe how wonderfully she danced, and how she brought peace to everyone around her. I got a white coyote tattooed to remember her," and he points to the evidence on one of his flanks under the tanktop. "Now, which story was a lie?"

For all the pressure that he's under, Dusk's remaining fairly composed throughout it all, eyes fixated on Liam the entire time. But, there are cracks in the dam. Pupils dilate, breathing quickens, the faintest hint of goosebumps on the brief patch of skin exposed between his wrist and jacket.. And, when Liam issues the challenge, Dusk hesitates, lacking the immediate, confident response those who scrutinize him might demand. In both stories, his ears flex, an instinctive reaction that might suit him better as a lupus. Especially at the mention of a Kami. When he finishes, it's one more breath in, "You did not lie." Confidence can only take you so far, once you're put to the task. And as he gives his answer, there are the subtle, but readable signs of relief. The exhale, the posture relaxing, the lids of his eyes drooping ever slightly.

It was a lot harder than he expected. And it shows.

Addison relents to Liam, settling back to listen to the story that was told. The Questioner had, as far as he was concerned, reminded others of the Contrary opinion. Now that he was done playing Devil's Advocate. He does eventually find himself slumping into his sleepy indica high again and leaning on Jeremy's shoulder as the story is told. He waits on baited breath for Dusk's response. Still a moment after he waited in silence. "You'd make a fine Talesinger, yourself, 'Rhya," Addison says with earnest appreciation and a wink. He waits then for the final verdict of the challenge.

"Oh? Am I being replaced already?" A playful grin is on Alexa's face as she rounds the corner, pausing at the assembly of wolves here. Her eyes look over Storms-at-Dusk, standing before Liam, and then they move up to her pack alpha. Her demeanor quiets a bit as she notices the air in the room, but her expression is still warm as she leans against the wall, watching the exchange curiously.

There is a rather meaningful quiet while a small gathering seems focused on Storms-at-Dusk while he contemplates the meaning of life, the universe and all things. Or at least that's what it looks like. Liam is standing there with a watchful eye on Dusk while he thinks things over. When the answer finally comes, the leader watches him for a moment and then almost seems to ask if he's sure without saying as much. Then finally he simply nods, "Most people don't believe the Kami story," he chuckles, "It's the red herring that makes you think about the first story," he winks and then hms up to Lexie with a fond smile and he moves to headbunt her, "We have a Truthcatcher in Storms-at-Dusk, and I'm not takin anyone's spot, I'm encouraging whomever to challenge for whatever until we get out feet under us again."

Addison bats his hand in Alexa's direction and sticks out his tongue. Adi appears to be... very high and maybe on the verge of falling asleep on Jeremy. "Oh yeah?" Adi says to Liam. "Maybe I'll sign up to Ripley's old job." He grimaces immediately afterwards. It's unclear if he's being serious about buckling in and becoming Warder or if he was just having a high moment.

Liam shrugs a bit and looks dead serious when he tells Addison, "Prove you can do the job."

Alexa smiles and bumps heads back with Liam. "What our Sept Alpha is trying to say is that this is an excellent time for ambitious young wolves to show their dedication to the Sept and start building a legacy." She gives a cheeky grin. "It's done and sealed, then? Storms-at-Dusk, you're our Truthcatcher now?"

Dusk is still a little stiff coming down from the challenge, but his tone is definitely starting to loosen up. "Role of half-moon is not only that of judge, but of counsel. When I speak with others, I learn of Alpha Peacekeeper-rhya. I learn of Smiling Angel, bawn, and those who call Skid Row home. Like Raccoon Kami," There's a little smile now, "Would not know name if I do not speak with Garou who call Sept home." There's the faintest hint of a tear in the corner of his eye, as the magnitude of what he's done starts to sink in. "My... brothers," looking over when Alexa walks in, "and sisters." He vocalizes his exhale, a sort of warble that would probably sound better in his breed form. He nods to Alexa. "I challenge, and named Truthcatcher. But, much to learn, much to prove, before I can win respect of others." He looks over to Addison. And even though he was Contrary, there is a definite smile and respect for the Ragabash. Even if he's high as shit.

"I spend most of my time on the Upper Bawn," Addison ponders. It did mean more work. Did he want more work? "I'll sleep on it." The Ragabash looks over at Dusk and gives him a thumbs up. "You did it." The Lupus probably had no idea what this meant but the grin on Addison's face would probably suggest approval. "Though," and his grin turns a little sly, "your Challenge has only just begun." A beat. "People believe their Challenges are over when they have won a title. The real challenge is doing it. Doing it until you hate doing it and then still doing it some more."

Liam nods after Addison and gives Dusk a look, "Your challenge is going to be earning the respect of your Sept, and maintaining the honor of the position until such a time as you've grown into it or another more experienced comes for it. For now though, go forth and catch the truths of your brothers and sisters, and grow with Gaia. I need to get some sleep." he smiles sleepily.

Addison waves a hand at Liam. "Sleep right here. You're the Sept Alpha. You can sleep anyyyyywhere."

"Congratulations, Storms-At-Dusk," says Jeremy, solemnly in exactly the way no one else is being solemn. "It's a significant responsibility; I'm honored to have been present for your achievement." He bows the appropriate depth, his hands crossed behind his back. Good luck, buddy. You're gonna need it.

A proud smile comes to the Talesinger's face as she hears Dusk tell her about his success in his own words. "Then I look forward to seeing you grow into the role, Storms-at-Dusk. You've taken on quite the responsibility. If you need any further lessons on Sept History and how we've gotten where we are, you know you can come to me anytime." Alexa smiles a bit at Liam and brings up a hand to squeeze his shoulder. "Rest well, noble Alpha."

Dusk lowers his head to Liam, "Thank you." For your time, for your faith, for your trust. A heavy pair of words, but his expression tells it all. And to Addison, and Jeremy. To Alexa, "I will do that, there are many things to learn, and I shall. And those who are Truthcatcher of Shining Angel before." To the others present, "I would take some time. To reflect, and commune." To stretch his legs and run around as a lupus for a bit too, if he's totally honest.

Alexa smiles gently and nods to Dusk. "Would you like me to howl about your accomplishment, Storms-at-Dusk? So that the Sept might be informed of the new change?"

Dusk pauses as he's getting ready to leave, and looks back to Alexa. There is a moment to contemplate what she's asking. Looking to Addison, and he can't help but smile. "I would be honored," he says, the smile almost a grin now, "to have your support, Forged-in-Flames-rhya."