It's Time for Moot, Dudes III

Participants: Garou of the Los Angeles Protectorate

Storyteller: Griffin

Location: Heart of the Caern, Sept of the Smiling Angel

Date and Time: Early Night - November 0X, 2021 - Waxing Gibbous

Summary: This Moot, numerous packs state their intentions, and a totem is bound...

<Liam> People are likely used to the mottled midnight blue robe of the Alpha's at this point. It drapes from Liam's shoulders as he stalks into the holy space from his Den. Barefoot and wearing only boardshorts beneath, the scars of battles past worn like badges of Honor, some old enough to be tattooed. His smile is present, the kind and warm thing that invites conversation and a feeling of easy going that's hard to ignore or keep from seeping in. He moves towards the Heart to his honorary place among the Elders and Officers of the Sept.

<Petal> Petal is at the moot, quietly present. she cleaned up a bit and isn't stinky. She is adorned in a gray tank top and black jeans they are so faded they are almost gray.

<Bronwyn> Bronwyn comes hopping her way into the heart of the caern with Valentine coming with. She jumps as if she were playing a game of hopscotch. She is wearing a pretty little blue sundress that is just as bright and cheerful as the tiny kin. After her final little hop she does a ballet pirouette and looks around to see who is there! Seeing so many have gathered a huge smile appears on her face and she just seems to buzz with excitement.

<Piper> Piper arrives, in a well tailored sapphire blue jumpsuit and matching suit jacket, attire sharper than even past moots. The Talesinger's waltz on in is all confidence and a rather eager look as she glances about the Caern heart.

<Valentine> As Valentine enters with Bronwyn, they are followed by the ten or so compound kinfolk who quickly scatter and take their places in the Kinfolk area. Being a Gibbous moon, they are smart enough to keep a distance from the wolves during a moot, well. Best they can in the space provided. Valentine pauses to take Bronwyns hand, bringing it to his lips to kiss the knuckles. "Alright, if you want to, go say hello to all of your folks over there and I'll wait for ya over with the rest of the kinfolk..."

Releasing his hand he grins, places a kiss on her cheek and then heads over to sit in the designated Kinfolk area.

<Brandon> Brandon's arrived on time, dressed in an open-collared white shirt instead of a seafoam green tee, and not even a little bit high. What is becoming of him? He looks up at the statue of the smiling angel, with less reverence than wariness, and finds himself a glowing fungal wall to lean against, not too far from Piper, whom he greets with a nod.

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka Jones arrives. He's found new clothes, apparently, and gotten creative with arts and crafts to spruce em' up.

<Lucas> Lucas settles in near Ashlynn, "Hey." he greets her with a side clamp

<Alicia> Alicia is dressed like she always is, in fact it might be literally the same outfit as always. Of course smell isn't an issue, since she never has a smell to start with, though she does look clean.

<Clint> Late? Early? Here the whole time? No. Clint comes into the space with a slow, measured walk. He's wearing his full ghetto paladin gear. BLack fatigues, leather boots, kevlar vest, ne0n green fanny pack, rope belt with fetish pipe wrench, a large STOP sign shield on his back and a pair of low profile goggles with shiny lenses on his forehead. The exposed skin of his hands and head is covered with symbols in colored marker that are copies of street signs with all the letter and numbers replaced. He stops and looks towards the statue with a slight smile.

<Ashlynn> Ashlynn greets Lucas with one of her more masculine hugs - the one armed one with some backslapping. Fond and full of comradery.

<Ghostwalker> Ghostwalker makes eye contact with someone in the crowd and with a little curl of his fingers motions that they come forward.

<Jag> Jag isn't completely blind to the room. Although breathing deep, meditating mildly, occasionally muttering to herself(?) now and again softly, she still parts her lids and looks around. Keeping an eye on the people who are arriving, on whether things seem to be starting, on who's doing what, on if anyone's approaching her.

<Parnell> Parnell was already here watching the others file in. For anyone who was at Biter's funeral, he's wearing the exact same "fancy" outfit as last night, like maybe he didn't change his clothes at all: tweedy jacket with leather elbow patches, chambray shirt, his cleanest jeans and brown boots. No cap, hair combed. When Ghostwalker makes eye contact with him, he moves over to him to close the distance.

<Lucas> Lucas settles in near Ashlynn, "Hey." he greets her with a side clamp on her shoulder. "You ready for this?" he grins to her with a bit of pride. Then he turns and looks about. Gaze sweeping to follow Valentine and Bronwyn a second with his usual smile. "I have too much energy." he mutters to Ashlynn with a grin. "I always do at these..." he admits to his excitement.

<Parnell> Now that he is closer to the fire, and as the Garou and kin form their circle and get into position, Parnell shifts down into Lupus form. He is skinny and doglike, with patchy gray and brown fur, bony limbs, and strikingly bright, intelligent blue eyes. Apparently, Mightier-Than-The-Klaive is acting as Master of the Howl tonight.

The mangy wolf lopes restlessly around the fire, speaking loudly and clearly in the High Tongue. Somehow, though, the Gnawer Galliard manages to utilize the ancient language like it's slam poetry:

<< We are here. We are present. We are Smiling Angel. This is our Moot. Our Sept. Gaia's soldiers. Fuck yeah! We stretch boundaries. Push out. Stake our claim: Westlake, Pico Union and Central Alameda. Who are we? Together. How are we together? We form packs. Contract with spirits. They hear us, we hear them. Enemies? The Spirals are silent, but Endron stirs. Beware. Beware. Asshole alert. Asshole alert! We will fuck them up. With teeth and with claws, And the strength of our unity. We are alive. Alive! More alive, more awake, more active Than we ever have been -- since the time before the Siege. Open the Moot with me, now. Howl it out. Together. Howl. It. Ouuuuuuuuuuut! >>

Coming to rest at last, Mightier-Than-The-Klaive sits on his haunches before the fire, his shadow writ large on the stone walls, as the final word becomes his howl -- a howl as loud and as long as a siren. The Frankweiler's inviting howl, the opening of this Moot, is a warning, but also a call for unity -- for each and every wolf to lend their voice, to make this patchwork whole. The fire leaps and bounds, fed by him, fed by everyone.

And so, the Moot begins!

<Storms-at-Dusk> Naturally, the black wolf has a... somewhat perplexed face at the strange words uttered by the aspiring Howler, but nonetheless, Dusk'll join in chorus with the howl, offering his Gnosis up to the Smiling Angel and Concrete Coyote.

<Petal> Petal is here as the moot starts. She listens to Parnell's performance and tenses with excitement about the moot to come.

<Jag> Well. If Jag's attention wouldn't have been grabbed by the sound of voices, the *words* that come with it certainly do. She rolls her head forward quickly, blinking startled. She ha to hold back on her smile on hearing what he's saying, listening to the whole thing. And when he says to 'Howl it out', well. She does. Throwing her head back and baying to the ceiling. Loud and proud.

<Bronwyn> Bronwyn grins at Valentine as he tells her she can go say hello to folks. She nods enthusiastically to him and she looks around, eyes falling on Lucas! She grins and starts to hurry over to him and looks like she may just up for a big ol hug but then the moot is starting and she brings herself to a stop and makes an oooo face.

<Grey> Grey is... wait, has he always been down here this whole time? If not, he must've slipped in here behind somebody else. Well, he's just staying on the fringes once more, with a 6 oz of boxed apple juice in hand, watching. The Ragabash has a simple baby pinkish shirt tucked underneath his dark cargos, and the same beat-up hiking boots that he always wears, the locks of his shaggy red hair tumbling down his face. He definitely looks amused at the slam poetry, though - you don't get to hear them in the more 'traditional' septs where he's from.

<Silas> The members of the sept must be just as used to their Truthcatcher's bespoke suits as they are to their Sept Alpha's robes. He arrives wearing one of smooth ash grey with a pale green tie embellished with subtle plant motifs. He makes a slow path through the gathered crowd up to stand next to Liam under the outspread wings of the crowned angel. Under one hand, he hold sthe brass handle of his cane. In the other, he holds the curved rib of a large animal.

<Corey> Corey Fischer's been here for some time. She's kept mostly quiet and to herself tonight, seeming content enough to simply be present in the moment and soak it all in. Still, when it comes time to howl it out, the young wolf will do so in her homid form. A long, high-pitched little 'ow ow owwwwwww' that rings out with the other voices that fill the room with sound.

<Ashlynn> Ashlynn nods to Lucas. "We got this." She rasps before quieting to listen and adding her call to the others.

<Robert> Robert grunts as his vocal cords shift to those of a wolf, allowing him to join the chorus of howls properly, as his human mimic is terrible at best.

<Wren> Wren searches the gathered crowd for a few people (really, it's not like she even knows that many yet) but she doesn't leave the periphery. Her back is almost set against a wall, her vantage point a decent spot from which to survey the cavern as a whole.

<Ghostwalker> Ghostwalker adds whoops and yelps and then cackling canine laughter, echoing his Totem, into the swell of the opening howl. Bleeding his own Gnosis into the communal offering.

<Valentine> Valentine lends his voice, unable to howl and reluctant to try and pretend he just yells, a wordless noise up into the air. Kind of a "Gaaaaaaaaaagggggghh!" noise...he's being supportive. Once the yell is done he glances around breathing fast and notices Bronwyns pause. He glances around then looks back mouthing. "There's the party afterwards!"

<Ariana> Ariana makes her way over toward Ashlynn and joins her and Lucas quietly, giving them both a warm smile as she reaches their vicinity. She turns to regard Liam, bowing her head to him in respect. Then she waits, while the wolves howl. She doesn't add her voice, but assumes a respectful posture, patiently.

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka Jones doesn't bother to shift to wolf to join the howl - just whooping out his cry. Lazy! Or perhaps his missing limb has left him averse to the wolf shape.

<Clint> Clint looks towards Liam. Looks around. Crap. He'll remember eventually. he digs into his fanny pack and pulls out a little copper wire coyote to leave in tribute then walks over to find his spot in the front near the alpha and looks out over those gathered.

<Lucas> Well its not the jump hug that is tradition, the moot started Lucas gives Bronwyn a squeeze from where he stands with the pack. As the moot begins though, he gives her a final look, "Wait..." he almost chuckles. "You cant just run through it started..." he warns. The last thing the she needs is a garou to be offensed by the kinfolk at the moot.

"Of course we do." he tells Ashlynn. "Thanks for asking me. Im proud." and then a welcoming smile to Ariana as she joins them.

<Liam> Liam doesn't wait to join in with the howl when it's called, giving of his own essence to Concrete Coyote as a means of rejoining with the Totem. His connection to the Sept's spirit a rival for his connection with Unicorn. When the howl dies out he watches the Officers that join him now, a moment to reflect is obvious in his eyes for a moment before he's back to that warm smile. As Clint joins the others he gives his shoulder a pat from the side - as that's what he can reach easily - and simply remains observant as the Rites continue.

<Silas> Silas takes his time making his way to the front, even as the Parnell - their Master of the Howl - opens the moot. He inclines his head with a broad twist of a smile. Appreciative despite his Glass Walker sensibilities. As the final word extends into a howl, Silas sinks into his lupus form to join it.

<Lynn> Lynn watches Parnell as he speaks. As he draws his sketch with words. As he exhorts them. Yeah, she thinks, rolling her shoulders (the thought is all but visible on her face): this was a good call. When it's time to howl, she tilts her head back first and then YOWWWWWWWWWUUUUUHHHH-- at least that's what it sounds like, the opening phoneme a little clumsy before her throat shifts, as far as it can, and grows in pitch and timbre. Afterwards, she rolls her head forwards, wiping her mouth off with the back of her wrist, 'discreetly'.

<Wren> As before, Wren closes her eyes as the soundwaves hammer through the chamber, the joined voices of so many howls creating a physical sensation.

<Petal> Petal turns into a wolf with black, grey and brown fur and lots of little scars that give sher small patche so missing fur. She hallows out when the others do, a wolfy howl

<Silas> Silas devotes what little gnosis he has left after long hours in the presence of Foe-Biter's silver remains. Then he climbs back up into homid form, his cane unfurling from his arm under his hand. He holds his head high once more with the full measure of his regal bearing.

<Piper> Piper greets Brandon with an equal nod, sticking close to her packmate now though she's not leaning against any fungal walls. She nods along as Parnell begins the opening howl, a nod which quickly turns to those requested howls, her own from homid vocal chords. The Talesinger makes eye contact with the Sept Alpha, giving Liam a grin but she's not taking her spot up there with the other officers yet, staying with her pack for the moment.

<Alicia> Alicia joins in with the howling, adding her own to the echoign cries as the moot offically gets started.

<Griffin> This time, the Ragabash known as Alicia dons the guise of The Fool once again. Stuffy old tradition, done with such as she performs the majority of the False Litany, save for one tenet. 'Garou Should Not Mate With Garou.' As the pageantry comes to a close, one issue stands out for her over the rest, "The other day some mentioned the sin of Metis and fought over it, but that isn't something to fight over." Holding her arms out, "Metis are a sign of the deep love we hold for each other. We fight together, we die together, and so of course we love together, even physically at times. There is no shame in following your instincts and seeing what will happen..." And with that, she unceremoniously slinks from center stage, taking her place among the crowd as the Garou start to respond to such an audacious claim.

<Wren> Wren presses her back to the cavern wall, her face a shade paler than it should be.

<Clint> Clint doesn't shift when it comes time to howl. He cups his hands around his mouth and lets out the best attempt at a howl that homid vocal cords can manage. Joining in with the rest but otherwise staying silent.

<Lynn> "Whatever, Cersei," Lynn calls from her relatively lonely position. It's a little grating but she's still probably cramming her vocal chords back into something nearer to the human state and not quite getting there.

<Robert> Robert doesn't object to Alicia's words, doesn't at all seem bothered in fact. His vocal cords painfully shift back into their original homid state before the lawyer takes another drink from his flask.

<Grey> There's an eyebrow raise at the performance of the False Litany, and the remarks made by Alicia at the end. "Oh wow, I can see why the Silver Fangs are taking a huge interest in the sept down here," comes Grey's voice while he sips on his aplle juice.

<Jag> Jag glances off to follow Alicia as the woman walks away, a narrow-eyed look her direction. Hands slo-o-o-wly smooth down the front of her kurta, and that's all that has to be said for now. Long, deep breath is exhaled through her nostrils, drawn in again, exhaled again. The Ragabash struck a nerve with that one, apparently. Eyes close again, and the breaths again go settled.

<Parnell> Parnell shifts back into his Homid form after the Moot is opened, dusting off his clothes as he steps back. He lifts his head and squints at the Fool as she launches into her shtick, reaching a hand up to where that cigarette sits behind his ear, like he's dying to take it down and smoke it. But this is a Moot, so he obviously won't. His face scrunches up even more as the Fool continues on, though he doesn't say anything.

<Ashlynn> "The sins of the parents are not the sins of the children!" Ashlynn calls out n response to the Fool. "Though they carry the burden of it."

<Silas> Silas tilts his head, theatrically skeptical at the Fool's proclamations. And the Philodox joins the responses with his own. "Those who would scorn Gaia's will condemn their children to great suffering. Without the blood of a Kinfolk to temper it - the metis' blood brings burdens they must bear out. Shame to those who would heed not Gaia's wisdom and compassion."

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka Jones 's glance flicks to Ashlynn, to Clint, to Jag, to Petal, to Liam. His jaw works as though chewing at nothing, as though chewing at his thoughts.

<Ghostwalker> Ghostwalker's painted skull face cracks a grin as the Fool begins their Dance. He spreads his arms out to Parnell in welcome to come and stand with the rest of the Officers. He then throws up his hands around his lips and bellows up at The Fool. "Boooo!"

<Petal> Petal is a multi colored wolves with all these patches of fur missing. she looks to Alicia as she speaks and makes this wolfish sound that seems to be a thoughtful/pondering sound. She the lifts her muzzle to Wovoka. She looks thought chewing too in a more canine way.

<Lucas> A growl. "Foolish Lust." Lucas says, "That is not love, not the love of a pack! That is lust and arrogance to know better than Gaia! Let the parents reap what they sow and the child carry the burden with whatever honor it is fortunate enough to earn for itself."

<Corey> Corey watches the fool give her shpiel with a warm little smile. It's part of the Moot, after all, and she does love herself a -moot-. There's a twitch of her lip at that... last part... of course. But she remains quiet. Her eyes turn to Silas when he delivers his own Philodoxian perspective, but again. Quiet. Stuffy, grumpy little Philodox that she is. She just quietly rolls her eyes, smiles, and goes back to shoegazing for a moment or two. She holds a hand out, gives a thumbs down, and boos.

<Wren> Wren breathes slow and controlled, jaw tight and hard but her face otherwise expressionless. She doesn't participate in the jeering or the contradictions, the customary shouting down of the Fool... it's possible she's too focused on control and stillness.

<Bronwyn> Bronwyn is told to stay. She looks around, over to Valentine and the other kinfolk. She wiggles a bit where she stands and whispers to Lucas but then hearing the words of the 'fool' she bites her lower lip and looks around to everyone speaking and responding.

<Parnell> Parnell's ears look faintly pink as he walks over to where the rest of the officers are, standing somewhere near Ghostwalker and trying hard not to shove his hands into his pockets like a kid up in front of the class. He blows a raspberry, but leaeves it at that.

<Piper> "The sin is to Mate with another Garou... not a sin to be borne," Piper calls out her own jeer to the False Litany. "Don't give into Lust and spread misfortune onto another."

<Niall> Niall takes a deep breath and boos at the fool! He was here, honestly, standing with his packmates.

<Jag> Jag lets out her breath in a longer rush of sound again, then looks back at the Fool. "The birt of a metis is *not* some ultimate sign of love. The birth of a metis is the birth of a metis. It is an end to a bloodline, as they are sterile. Love does not take the mashing of genitals to be love. If we are to *love* each other, do it with pants on."

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka Jones boos the Fool with generic, literal 'boos' - but he's a terrible liar. It's clear he's conflicted at some level. Shameful!

<Griffin> Caller of the Wyld Ghostwalker then takes the center. The Inner Sky, bringing forth the spirit of Concrete Coyote first. Many offerings are placed before the giant metal statue, all the various tributes the many Garou of the Smiling Angel provide. The Heart of the Caern will be quite for what feels like an eternity in the aftermath of those preternatural swirling winds... And then all of those present will feel a strange sensation in the back of their minds. A hair-rising awareness of Something More. A faint, and sometimes tenuous connection that binds every wolf here that has sincerely taken it upon themselves to guard this holy site of Gaia. It might not be remotely as intimate as the experienced of a shared pack totem... But it is very real. Especially at moments like this. There will be a dribble of dust from the roof of the cavern, and then a rumbling in the earth beneath your feet (or paws!). And then there will be seen two very bright eyes flashing golden yellow as if reflected in the headlights of a passing vehicle. It is hard to describe Concrete Coyote in purely animalistic terms. He's /not/ just a Coyote spirit... This is not a mischievous trickster spirit. This is a pragmatic survivor. Los Angeles is a hard city. His fur has the hue of gravel, and one could almost imagine the hint of a yellow streak through it, not unlike the painted dividing line on a road. When he's angry he can look like a frightening, savage sentient roadkill. But he's not angry now. He's quick and cautious; a scavenger and an opportunist, but not a coward. Cowards die in this town. His eyes glow like headbeams when he looks directly at you. He's here, and he's watching. And somehow even now, here beneath the earth, there's a lingering sensation of the wind on your face, as if driving down Wilshire Boulevard at midnight.

The other various avatars of the spirits that have been brought to the caern arrive in the wake of the Sept's totem. Among them, the avatars of Unicorn and Coyote (the actual), taking up positions near Peacekeeper and Ghostwalker respectively, as well as Pigeon swooping across the caern to take up a perch near Dante Zimmer... followed by the usual assortment of totemic spirits make their appearance, taking to the outskirts of the caerns as the proceedings are underway, but prominent among them all tonight are three:

A well-toned spotted feline form slowly paces from the point of summoning, bright yellow eyes staring over the Garou gathered. Slowly, he slinks to his position, near the gathering of Garou, but taking to the shadows cast by the lights. Constantly, slowly moving, never settling. Waiting...

The unmistakable Falcon also appears, swooping over those gathered, and then, towards Storms-at-Dusk, who has filled in for the Gatekeeper in his absence this week. Falcon lingers for several long moments, eyeing Dusk, but then, flaps his wings and takes off towards the exit of the tunnel, dissipating as it crosses back into the Umbra.

And finally, a woman many have never seen before. An ethereal, almost alien allure, dressed in a sleek female's power-suit, skirt and hose, the heels of her shoes giving resounding clicks to the floor. Though she does not arrive when summoned by the Caller of the Wyld. Rather, she walks in from the Ancient Tunnel as all others do, and stands near the front of the proceedings. Unmistakably spiritual, her bright green eyes reminiscent of the glow of text from ancient computer terminals, folding her arms across her chest with a stern gaze.

Yet, there are still several missing. Several of the most weaverish of spirits, and some already bound owing to their other obligations. And the presence of several who are known, but have yet to be seen. Lion has yet to make a return to the caern; tonight is no different.

<Valentine> ne Gnawer, Valentine snorts at the fool, but keeps it mostly quiet. His eyes linger on Lucas and Bronwyn, studying the whisper, look at the path around the moot she could easily take and then turns to focus on the speakers in the middle. He looks to Jag, if she glances over he'll give a comforting smile and a nod, followed by a subtle thumbs up.

<Liam> Liam has words for the fool as well, counter acting with thoughts of Selfish versus Selfless love, and that Unicorn and Gaia call for selfless love. With that done the Inner Sky comes and he watches the Caller of the Wyld summon in the spirits. For once he is content to be an observer for all of this.

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka Jones makes brief eye-contact with the prowling cat. He tries not to sweat.

<Robert> Robert did give a grimace after he took another swig from his flask, coincidentally right after the false litany was given. His eyes narrow, "We have enough Kinfolk that we should not risk changing our Traditions for the sake of sentiment that would tear our society apart!" There is no place for opinion, there is no place for feelings. Robert is of the half moon and the law is the law.

<Jag> Jag no doubt has plenty of things to say about Selfless Love and Selfless Service, but for some reason, Alicia's comment hit that nerve a little hard. She's otherwise quiet on the subject, eyes refocusing on the spirits as they are called forward. *Here*, she finds her lips curling into a slow, slighlty warmer smile as they arrive. Eyes dancing across the spirits for signs of familiar 'faces', though it seems if the one(s) being looked for are either not among them, or have already found a corner in which to tuck themself... ves. Jag's smile damps with only a small disappointment, and she instead watches the pacing figure of the big cat, the glow of the 'woman' at the entrance.

<Parnell> When the spirits are called, Parnell, his arms folded across his skinny chest, nods to Concrete Coyote. The sight of Easy Credit makes his eyebrows raise, but he quickly turns his attention to Coyote and watches him for a long time as he chews on his lower lip, eyes narrowed.

<Naomi> Naomi enters in with Nathan, surprised to see the spirits.. she looks over the woman for a moment and she tilts her head down.

<Niall> Niall watches the spirits arrive. He smiles a bit. He looks to his packmates and then back to the spirits.

<Clint> When Concrete Coyote appears Clint takes a knee with a bowed head and closes his eyes while mumbling something to himself. He stands up and moves a bit closer to Liam as he reaches out to place a hand on Unicorn's neck with a wide, bright smile. He leaves it there for a few long moments before taking a step back to observe again.

<Piper> The Inner sky is always an impressive show, but at that clicking of heels down the tunnel is heard, Piper straightens up and as the etheral woman assumes her spot at the front, the glasswalker gives a very respectful bow of her head towards that particular spirit.

<Mike> Mike makes his way to the Moot, he's late due to reasons, but he's here and as he sees the large gathering. Mike takes a moment to take in everyone, he smiles as he sees his people and he catches sight of his packmates and he quietly makes his way over to wehre they are. His steps are silent so as to not disrupt anything, his eyes do see the spirits. As he gets closer he smiles as he sees the group and he waves to everyone.

<Silas> Silas takes in the arrival of the spirits with equal measures of awe in respect. In particular to each manifestation of coyote. Cockroach receives a lingering gaze as does Easy Credit. But then it is time for his part to play. Silas stands before the sept in Homid form with the curved rib of a large animal. He lifts it over his head lifts his voice to be resonant over the gathering. "The Cracking of the Bone."

All will know this as the time for Sept business. A time for challenges. Disputes will be settled, grievances aired, and formal judgements handed down. Each will have a chance to speak in accordance with their rank. And all present should know well the consequences of speaking without the bone in hand - not only the pranks of the Fool, but the small losses of renown will hurt.

The Truthcatcher first looks to the Sept Alpha, but Liam does not take the bone first. Then his gaze next pauses on Morena. But she too remains silent. And so the first to receive the bone is the Sept's Master of Challenges, Storms-at-Dusk.

<Lynn>After the racket dies down, the air is electric. Lynn can feel it. And something is closer... something new. Something flashes, and Lynn stands on the balls of her feet. For a fleeting half-second Lynn is pretty sure Concrete Coyote is looking at HER.

"Wicked," she says. The others come, Pigeon before Falcon (and that, Lynn figures, must be the man himself). Lynn decides this is a good time to set down, although before she can do more than get into a squat, she sees the eerie figure of what the others know as Easy Credit. The humanform spirit draws her attention for long moments, and afterwards she looks - "'roach?" Lynn continues to herself, rising from the crouch and looking to the obvious place -- the floor. Which handily echoes Piper's gesture of reverence. Bonus!

<Ghostwalker> Ghostwalker holds his posture as Concrete Coyote's great headbeams for eyes sweep over the crowd, withholding a shudder as if the light from that gaze contained some raw spiritual power. He stands in the center, like the eye of a hurricane of swirling spirits. His eyes move to each, as if counting heads, trying to surpress a reflexive grin at the sight of Old Coyote bouncing in. After the Inner Sky's performance The Caller of the Wyld takes a breath and steps back to where the officers are assemble, his part to play on the stage done for now. He now trades positions with the Sept Truthcatcher. Though his eyes soon wander to the woman with Digital Green Eyes, his breath catching.

<Lucas> Lucas gives Bron, a shh look trying to calmher nerves a protective smile but his focus is on the moot itself. A low honored bow of reverence, "Bless us and thank you." then a look to the pack, "May Lion join us soon..." he says softly just for them.

<Alicia> Alicia is back in the crowd of people as the spirits are called forth. She looks out over them, seeing which ones are new, and which returned from before and which are missing. Her attention then goes to the bone as the cracking begins.

<Liam> Liam, in facing the Totems, seems to have a greeting for each and every one of them. Unicorn and Concrete Coyote earning his deepest nods of respect of course, but he'll lock eyes with each of the new Totems, a warm and welcoming smile for each of them, even Easy Credit. As the bone comes out, he waves it off, clearly more excited to hear from the wolves of the Sept this Moot.

<Nathan> Better late than never. Ever busy, the Shadow Lord steps into the Moot a bit after the Spirits are called. He's wearing his business suit with red tie tonight, instead if his casual blacks. A sign of the seriousness of this occasion for him. He doesn't speak, he simply comes in and moves over to Piper and Brandon, though his eyes are on Easy Credit briefly and he gives a nod of respect to her as he continues to his pack.

<Robert> Robert accepts the reality that the spirits are here, not expressing shock, awe, or the like. He watches them, inclining his head, after all they did not have to come in the first place. He does not reach for his flask this time, instead sacrificing that impulse to the spirits, just one way he can give reverence.

<Storms-at-Dusk> Dusk takes the bone in mouth, setting it gently down across his paws. Looking to those gathered for a moment, and then to Parnell. <<Mightier-than-the-Klaive. Last night with Gathering for the Departed. Tonight with Opening Howl. Though your words are... different... you are fit for position you seek.>> Looking back towards the sept. <<He is successful in his Challenge. Welcome, new Master of the Howl.>> Short, sweet, to the point, as the lupus tends to be in this form. Retaining the bone for a few moments to allow the usual, obligatory responses of congratulations without issue. With that, he'll slide back and pick up the bone, offering it (now moist) to Silas.

<Naomi> Naomi moves to follow the shadow Lord, she takes her place beside him and the pack

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka Jones almost - ALMOST - hoots and hollers to congratulate Squid.

<Niall> Niall looks to Parnell and offers a polite bow of his head on his new position.

<Piper> Piper doesn't speak for the new Master of the Howl, but she does mime giving a howl as Parnell is acknowledged to the position.

<Petal> Petal howls her congrats.

<Corey> Corey's eyes turn towards Unicorn when she appears, her breath catching briefly in her throat. For a moment, she seems stuck. Frozen. But soon, she offers Unicorn a bow of her head, and then the same to those others that have made their appearance. Still, though, her eyes do continue to track back towards Unicorn throughout, and when she's finished with her own greeting, that's where they'll rest. She seems a touch captivated.

When the cracking of the bone begins, Corey gives a brief tip of her head and tightens the muscles in her core. Her body snaps down and violently, awkwardly jerks as it takes Lupus form. Thankfully, the whole affair is over quick, and then she's trying to sort of back out of her dress, bumping her wolf-butt into a few shins in the process. She gathers up her dress with her paws by sort of scraping it along the ground and plants her butt down politely after.

Her head cocks to Parnell when it's announced that he's become the New Master of the Howl, and she tips her head to the side, mouth open, tongue out. Smiley.

<Bronwyn> Bronwyn nods to Lucas as he shhh's her and the obediant kin goes quiet. She looks around and upon seeing the spirits her eyes go wide in wonder. She can't even get used to how cool it is to see them. She looks over to Valentine and with an excited little gesture she points to unicorn, unable to help a little happy dance she gives, just a tippy tap of her little toes but she remains quiet!

<Jag> Jag may well earn herself a whack from that cane in Silas' hands: "BALLE!" makes it out of her mouth before her jaw snaps shut on the second half of that, face growing red as she dips her head in embarrassment. ... and possibly to allow a target.

<Parnell> Parnell takes a small step forward, bowing his head a little as Dusk welcomes him into his new position. Then he lifts his head and smiles, though his ears are no less pink than before. He eyes a few folks in the crowd with a nervous sort of thanks before stepping back again, squaring his shoulders.

<Ashlynn> Ashlynn is quiet and relaxed, surrounded by a fair number of her pack, contented as she watches and listens. Unircorn is greeted after Concrete Coyote, the battlepony getting hearthands made in it's direction, and some sign language that follows - whether or not the Spirit will know, surely intent can be read.

<Silas> Silas glances off at Parnell with a flash of a broad smile. But then he leans forward on his cane to retrieve the bone from Storms-At-Dusk. He takes care to hold it from a less sodden segment as he carries it over to the next who would speak. His slow pace allows for a somewhat meditative silence on the impact of Parnell's success and what words there might be to come. Silas offers the bone next to Piper.

<Ghostwalker> Ghostwalker is already standing next to Mightier-than-the-Klaive. A ferocious grin sweeps over his bone-painted face. When the newly crowned Master of the Howl rejoins him where the officers stand, Ghostwalker congratulates Mark with a firm swat on the rear followed by fierce clapping.

<Valentine> Valentine, who just got finished housing a fire spirit for a full week still manages to look impressed. The excited gestures from Bronwyn get a turn of the head, a adoring grin is tossed back and nod.

<Piper> As Piper steps up for her turn at the Bone (soggy end, thanks Dusk), the Talesinger is dressed sharper than ever, in well tailored and crisply ironed deep blue jumpsuit with matching blazer. Probably cuts quite the image with her equally resplendent looking packmates, Brandon and Nathan, beside her.

"Friends, I don't need to tell you all that as a City sept, we face some unique city challenges. The servants of the Wyrm don't just stick to their Hives and corrupting the spirit world, but they've dug in deep into the world of man and wrap themselves in layers of shell companies and bureaucratic obfuscation that the old ways of fighting just won't do... we have to adapt and we have to innovate.

Our pack has formed //exactly// for this fight. We were made for this! Roller-coaster and his fierce entrepreneurial spirit won't miss any opportunity to find and exploit weaknesses in the Enemy! Breaks-the-Web has spent years building up his own business network, both legal and not, and won't hesitate to use it for the good of the Nation! I've earned my own rite name for having the patience and finesse to Phish out secrets from corporations and using my own networks to use the info to dismantle the Enemy's efforts! When we combine our skills to shred through the weavery world and strike at the heart of where the Enemy lays breeding it's corruption!

Together, we've tested our skills and sought out a totem some feared lost after last year and tonight we'll bind ourselves together under Easy Credit's patronage if she'll have us as The Credit Union. Together, we'll truly be stronger, ready to renew the fight against Endron and any of their subsidiaries that may stand in our way, a modern facet to our ancient War and we'll face it with all the valor of any Garou Pack in any fight!"

<Mike> This is amazing to him honestly, and he sees Bron with them, he grins at her as he sees her excitement. Mike looks to Ash as she looks calm and he nods to Lucas and Niall. A calm comes over him as well and he looks upon Unicorn and the Concrete Coyote, this is amazing. Twice in a week has he gotten to see spirits this week, something good about this and it resonates with him.

<Parnell> Parnell grins a bit at Silas, but he has to stifle a yelp at the butt-swat from Ghostwalker. Doesn't stop him from making a little leap into the air, though! Just in time for Piper to start up her pack advertisement, which seems to wipe the smile off his face, for whatever reason. Not that he's frowning, he just looks like his normal grumpy self again.

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka Jones 'applauds' the Silent Claws / Credit Union with fingersnaps.

<Jag> Unlike the loud, quick rejoicing offered to Parnell, Jag doesn't seem to be completely sure what to feel about Piper's announcement. The smile is... well, without teeth it's hared to tell if it's *faked*, but it's definitely a little stiff at the edges. Like it *wants* to be happy, and at the same time-.... nnnnh. As if considering her own thouhgts, Jag's eyes flick over to Easy Credit, and the apology on her face looks genuine at least.

<Petal> Petal listens to Piper and howls cheeringly whe she is finished.

<Lynn> Lynn applauds, with a stray whistle, at the declaration of the new Master of the Howl! If it is a little pro-forma that is because she is new. Then there is Piper. She cackles at the revelation of the name, but stifles herself fairly quickly. Then she looks back at Easy Credit, if obliquely.

<Evelyn> Evelyn watches intently as the Moot progresses through its steps. When Piper speaks up the first warm smile breaks out over her face, and she lightly applauds for the Pack and their chosen totem.

<Robert> Robert nods at claps at Piper's words, openly supporting everything she has said. He even gives her a thumbs up. It is only then that his flask is drank from again.

<Griffin> Easy Credit looks to Piper as she makes her announcement. There might be the faintest tinge of a reaction to the rather... on the nose name and its connotation, but it fades with a soft upturn of her lips. For now, she remains quiet. There will be time to settle the accounts, shortly.

<Ashlynn> Ashlynn finishes signing and claps for the Master of the Howl and for The Credit Union, both, whistling to save her voice for later.

<Alicia> Alicia tilts her head as she looks to Jag when she speaks out of turn. She takes out a black marker as she walks over and draws a line on her forehead. That is strike one. She then looks around to see if anyone wants strike two.

<Niall> To Piper and her pack, Niall turns his attention and listens. He offers a little salute by tapping a fist over his heart and bowing his head to them.

<Clint> Clint isn't exactly quiet when the announcement for Master of the Howl is completed. While he doesn't say anything he raises his arms up over his head to clap them loudly together three times. Parnell then get's a big thumbs up from the big man.

<Brandon> Brandon had been stoically inattentive to the arrival of the spirits, even Easy Credit, but the arrival of Nathan snaps him out of his studious indifference. And then Piper goes up to speak for their pack, and he joins her, silently. She's got the bones, so he doesn't do anything more than thumbs-up.

<Parnell> Even though he looks like he's sucking on the world's sourest candy now, Parnell definitely gives Clint a thumbs up in return. Though he's distracted as he watches Alicia mark Jag, and he rubs the side of his (amazingly stubble-free) face.

<Silas> Silas makes no response himself to Piper's announcement. Despite whatever reservations he may have, he has only a quiet smile of pride for the sake of his Tribemates and their pack. His attention shifts off in search of Brandon through the crowd, to whom he inclines his head in acknowledgement. He also looks to Nathan with a slight nod.

With Piper's announcement complete, he retrieves the bone and carries it to the next who would speak. He moves rather slowly through the crowd, as if deliberately making them all wait. Until at last, he offers it over to Ashlynn.

<Nathan> For his part, Nathan simply remains silent as he steps up alongside Piper.

He glance no glances to Piper, instead, he is looking over the Sept as a whole as the speech is given.

<Bronwyn> Bronwyn is still just staring in awe at Unicorn. it's clearly her favorite but she'd never tell any of the other spirits that. Every spirit is pretty in it's own way! She does see Mike though and the faintest little excited squeak leaves her as she shows him Unicorn too, just in case he missed it. She is listening to the talk around her though, grinning at the forming of a pack and getting their totem.

<Ashlynn> Taking the offered bone, Ashlynn moves to stand tall in the center of the space. The scars from the battles she's been in clearly seen around her clothes - the newest on her left shoulder and collarbone where she almsot lost her head, the ripped looking ring around her left elbow where she DID lose her arm, and the punctures on her throat from the Bane arrow that gave her that smoker's rasp. "Niall, Lucas, Asa, Meg, Mike, and Imani have entrusted me to lead them into battle as their Alpha. And we are set to seek Lion as the patron and guide for our warpack moving forward." Three Coggies, three Furies, and a Fianna. Or four full moons, two theurge, and a ragabash - depending on which way you slice it. "We intend to claim the area around the Brewery, but also pledge to stay mobile, to work and support other packs in their efforts. We are ALL stronger together and supporting each other than struggling alone."

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka Jones boggles. _Six!_

<Petal> Petal looks to Ashlynn and lits her muzzle. She howls in congrats for Ashlynn and her pack.

<Parnell> Parnell looks pretty boggled by the HUGE pack, too. He squints over at Liam and Ghostwalker for a moment, and then across to Jag. Then back to Ashlynn as he rubs that part of his cheek again.

<Jag> Jag suddenly has black marker across her forehead. She grimaces, eyes flicking upward to it, then giving Alicia a further baleful look. But she at least *does* keep her mouth shut about it. Lips pressing together. Eyes resume a look around, catching sight of Parnell's look. Her smile at him is sheepish. A shoulder lifts. And back to Ashlynn. She nods at the woman's words.

<Silas> Silas inclines his head with interest as Ashlynn announces such a pack. Powerful in numbers as it will be in moonlight. No one can deny the impressiveness of the announcement. And he nods with respect. But otherwise, he doesn't move. It seems Ashlynn has something further, and so the Truthcatcher remains to jus tone side in patient silence.

<Niall> At Ashlynn's announcement, Niall stands just a little taller and prouder. He smiles to Ashlynn in support, standing with his brothers and sisters. He watches Ashlynn though.

<Alicia> Alicia tilts her head and looks over to Petal who keeps howling, which is the same as talking in wolf form. She takes her marker out once more and walks over to Petal. She draws two lines across her forehead. That is strike two.

<Bronwyn> Bronwyn hears Ashlynn's announcement of the pack and her smile just explodes. She is grinning ear to ear and brings her hands up to clap and shout out but a quick look to Lucas and she remembers to shhh so no sound escapes her she just does more of the tippy tap dance, a silent cheerleader for the pack! Tippy tap tippy tap.

<Ghostwalker> The Caller of the Wyld observes Piper step forward from the officer's section and make her announcement. He smiles without tooth, a quiet communication that she has been seen. Though he does glance between his own Totem, Coyote, and Easy Credit, eying the femeninely manifested spirit with a look of reserved caution. When Ashlynn steps up he counts the heads. Four Ahroun. Two Theurges. A Ragabash. Addison lifts his brow but then nods slowly to Ashlynn. Also heard.

<Naomi> Naomi shifts a little quietly folding her arms, unimpressed. Her green orbs flickering from one to the other.

<Petal> Petal pipes down!

<Piper> The headcount Ashlynn announces for potential Lion pack get's an impressed raise of the eyebrow and not-bad nod from Piper!

<Clint> Clint waits until he catches Pipers gaze and she gets not one. But both thumbs up from the announcement and a wide smile. Agreeing that it's something we need. Then Ashlynn gets the same for hers. Another thing we need.

<Valentine> God how Valentine wishes he was a Ragabash, when he hears the number of wolves in the pack his nose wrinkles brows furrow and he mouths something to himself.

<Brandon> The official legal establishment of The Credit Union having been tabled, though not yet stamped APPROVED, Brandon heads back with his pack, eyes on Easy Credit, on the power shoulders. He's briefly distracted to mouth an unvoiced "Damn," at the litany of names aiming for Lion.

<Lucas> Lucas gives a short human howl of acknowledgement and enthusiasm for Ashlynn's announcement. A clap of his hands and a pat on the back of Mike and Niall, but letting Ash stand as Alpha without his interference. Bronwyn's dance gets a chuckle ans he turns back to the events of the moot.

<Naomi> Naomi gives a little clap at Lions pack announcment and she leans in to murmer to her packmates

<Ashlynn> The bone is not yet relinquished after the first announcement of her large Warpack and their intentions. Ashlynn lets the intent settle in as well. "Almost all of you know that I left the Sept the day after the Great Hunt. And more of you, I think, heard my apology. And one..." She flicks her gaze towards where Ghostwalker'rhya is, "has been given Contrition. I spent my time in Western Eye refocusing. Reconnecting to my home, Smiling Angel, with distance enough to step back and see my errors and try to forge a new path forward. When I left, I was not worthy of the Challenge I had held for Wyrm Foe."

"A few apologies do not magically fix any wounds I've caused. But I am hoping that my actions in giving them, in assembling a *fierce* warpack to follow a strong totem that balances Honor with Glory and tempers battle with Wisdom and leadership will help to prove that I -mean- what I have said."

"I, Ashlynn Demetrio, Fostern Ahroun of the Black Furies, Grand-Niece of Athena Beauregard - Fated to follow in her wake, and Alpha of the seven strong Phalanx... Challenge to dedicate myself and my pack to building a strong Sept as Wyrm Foe."

<Ashlynn> Ashlynn offers the bone back to Silas.

<Petal> Petal who is still in wolf form looks to Ashlynn supportively, but with two strikes, she doesn't dare howl.

<Nathan> The murmer from Naomi gets a nod from Nathan, but he says nothing.

<Mike> Mike looks up when he sees Ashlynn move to speak and he watches her and he looks to the others for a moment. When she speaks, and announces the pack, he raises a brow. He watches as the others appluad and he also applauds, he's heard all the names and damn this is a big pack. Howling and clapping with teh others as well. Though as she continues, he didn't know of what happened as he was gone, but he listens and bows his head at her words. She is a good pick for Alpha, he looks at the others and silently chuckles as he sees Bronwyn dance, he nudges her lightly offering her a smile and a chuckle, he then looks forward.

<Niall> Niall reaches up and puts a supportive hand on Ashlynn's shoulder.

<Jag> Jag took the news about the pack with a nod, and the news about the second part gets that same nod. Both a little terse. Both a little measured. Both seeming to just take in the knowledge, rather than giving immediate approval. To either.

<Brandon> Brandon makes a face and draws away slightly at Ashlynn's challenging for Wyrmfoe. His forehead creases in bemusement, but finally he snorts and his lips quirk. He can appreciate the chutzpah, at least.

<Naomi> Naomi smiles respfully for Lions pack and she looks to all whom have packed under Ashlynn, she nods her head keeping herself quiet with the others around her

<Storms-at-Dusk> For a long moment, Dusk fixates on Ashlynn as her challenge is declared once again. His response is hard to measure in his lupus form. Stoic, some small amount of uncertainty, but equally, a small measure of respect for having the courage to declare once again. As she holds the bone, the Master of Challenges speaks his response, <<You are able to gather six under your name, after what has happened these past moons.>> Considering her challenge for a long moment, there is a glance aside to Liam for just a second, before he turns his attention back to Ashlynn. << I have been to the tar pits. And seen what is there. If you can lead a pack of seven, to find Lion as those before did...>> Closing his eyes, and inclining his wolf head just a touch. <<Return with all who leave with you. Return with Lion. And I will recognize you as Wyrm Foe.>> The weight in which he says those words does not hide that he believes this to be a challenge on par with the Nexus Crawler he once tasked her with before.

<Piper> Piper blinks a little in not entirely unexpected surprise as Ashlynn re-challenges. And her eyes widen even more as Dusk lays out the task for this latest Wyrmfoe-attempt.

<Ashlynn> Ashlynn bows her head to Dusk in acceptance of the task he sets.

<Lynn> Another great quest, thinks Lynn, gazing at the ash-her in thought. Tar pits. What do those look like -- it's a meditative thought.

<Petal> Petal looks to Dusk and then to Ashlynn. She tries to smile with a muzzle and it doen't work very well. She sort of looks like a grincing wolf holding back souds and well she is holding back back a howl. She finally gives up and wags her tail.

<Bronwyn> Bronwyn looks to Storms as he speaks and she seems so curious to know what he's saying! Curse these human language barriers! She looks to those she stands with and gives them a bright, hopeful smile and tap taps her ear to request a translation!

<Felicity> Felicity widens her eyes some as well at the task thrown to Ashlynn. A subtle, quiet head-bob is all she adds to that reaction, although anyone discerning her reaction could perhaps glean that she's glad that's not her *own* challenge...

<Liam> Liam is equally quiet at the Challenge made for Wyrm Foe a second round. It's ... unusual. And there's a moment where it looks like the Alpha may have some other thoughts about this. In the end he simply nods. "The creatures in the Tar Pits are not to be taken likely. This new Cracks-the-Skull has proven a different creature than the one who left," he says, a pause before he continues. "the Master of Challenge has the right of it, bring your whole pack back with Lion, and you will be recognized as Wyrmfoe."

<Nathan> As Ashlynn re-challenges, Nathan looks to her... then to Dusk. His expression is considering, but he still says nothing as he crosses his arms, that gaze flitting back to Liam as he speaks.

<Ghostwalker> Ghostwalker looks to the Master of the Challenge. When the Storms-at-Dusk speaks The Caller of the Wyld nods slowly, glances to Morena, and then looks back to Cracks-the-Skull. After Peacekeeper speaks, he gives Ashlynn an encouraging smile from where he stands.

<Silas> Silas tilts his head as Ashlynn acknowledges her apologies and contrition. Respectful. And he inclines his head with interest as she wends into her challenge for Wyrm Foe. His attention flits to Niall's supportive hand on her shoulder. He smiles faintly. But then she shifts his gaze off to the Master of Challenges and Sept Alpha. There appears no need for him to pass the bone to the Sept Officers in this moment as he makes no attempt to.

Silas retrieves the bone when Ashlynn bows her head in acceptance of her set challenge. And the Sept has time to mull and process as he makes his slow path through the crowd. Until he offers the bone at last to Jag.

<Wren> Wren blinks as Liam translates, and looks to the Fury across the intervening space.

<Niall> Niall leans over and whispsers to Bronwyn.

<Jag> Jag doesn't yet take the bone. She looks to Ashlynn. Looks at Silas. Gestures to Ashlynn. *First* makig sure Ashlynn has said all she needs to about that challenge.

<Ashlynn> Ashlynn motions for Jag to do her thing, having said the pieces she needed to say.

<Lucas> Lucas provides a translation for Bronwyn quietly but his gaze is on Ashlynn, his alpha and now challenger for Wyrmfoe.

<Jag> Jag grasps the bone as it is given to her, holding it aloft, the metis tossing her head back to make sure her voice is heard. She speaks in the High Tongue, making sure that every word is clearly understood (though the kin will need translation of course): << I am Beyond-The-Pale-The-World-Lies-Waiting, Theurge of the Bone Gnawers. I am spearheading the creation of the Central Alameda Corridor: our passage into the Southlands. And now, I ask for help in completing it, in keeping that corridor open, and gathering and aiding our allies to the south. >>

<< The Bone Gnawers of South LA have been holding down the Southlands alone, surrounded by the forces of the Wyrm, for too long: against Endron Oil in Carson South, against the banes from Inglewood to the West, and against the incursions of Vernon from the East. I wish to forge a pack to help hold these lands for the Glory of Gaia, as a barrier for the Sept against these dangers; to work on forging an alliance with our Gnawer siblings to the south and fighting alongside them, to keep alive the Central Alameda Corridor, and to help destroy Vernon once and for all. I call out for help: from the Bone Gnawers who want to help fight alongside their tribemates to the south, and from the other tribes willing to reach a hand to help mend these bridges and fight these wars as well. Let us hold the southlands together for the grace of the Sept, under the banner of Raccoon, Son Of Rat, Spirit-father to Foebiter, and once Pack Totem of the pack of Johnny Walker! Who will join me in this pack? >>

The bone is lowered, head dipping, offered back to the bearer as she resumes listening. Eyes dart across the Sept, though. Plea having been made, even if they cannot yet speak out, she still looks for signs of those who would. And will.

<Petal> Petal very quietly wags her tail in response to Jag.

<Griffin> In the gallery of spirits, the ever-nimble Raccoon lifts on hind legs to look at the declaration made. It seems he was here all along. Though having experienced the feelings shared in this very room not a night before, for a moment, the expression of grief is replaced by a small, glimmering sight in his eyes: Hope.

<Grey> Grey's stayed silently throughout the whole proceedings, the only noise he's making is the suckling of empty air as he's pretty much drained his apple juice at this point. He does offer stares at the forming of the packs though, observing scrutinizing each and every one of the Garou declaring their intentions as potential Alphas of their respective packs. The Ragabash is making his own personal judgement and calculations.

<Valentine> Valentine cheats. He doesn't SAY anything, throwing a suspicious gaze to Alicia, but he signs his support of Jags declaration in ASL. Something along the line of. 'Fuck yeah'.

<Bronwyn> Bronwyn leans in to hear the whisper from Niall. She makes a little 'oooo' face and nods before saying something quietly back to him. When Jag gets up to speak she flashes a big ol smile of joy and encouragement her way. She doesn't understand a single word she's saying but boy she is supporting it! She looks over to Valentine and bounces a bit before looking over to Raccoon. Her eyes go all big and her little hands come up to fold under her chin as she watches the hope in the spirit's eyes.

<Naomi> Naomi moves slightly away from Nathan, just for a moment, she holds something out to Racoon looking like a pack of goldfish crackers.

<Jag> Jag's glower at Naomi and Raccoon is absolute *ACID*. Although she's silent.

<Silas> Silas gives a faint twist of a smile as Jag declares yet another pack. And his expression softens with the mention of Foe-Biter. He nods to her and retrieves the bone. Those who wish to join the pack can seek her out after. For now, the Truthcatcher casts his gaze slowly across the crowd for the next speaker. His gaze lands on Wovoka Jones and he slowly brings the curved rib to him.

<Niall> Niall looks back to Ariana and pulls her back to his side. He whispers to her quietly.

<Felicity> Felicity listens intently to Jag's plea, contemplative, weighing... options? Huh. Her expression is one of, perhaps, wanting to join but not wanting to commit. Alas, no bone means no clarification.

<Brandon> Brandon pays no attention to the announcement of Jag's intentions, until he hears the mention of Endron Oil (in the High-Tongue). Then he pays some attention.

<Griffin> Raccoon scurries over, and with tiny little hands, lifts up to accept the package of crackers. There's a small squeak of delight as it's taken, looking up to Naomi, before skittering back to the shadows of the caern. Only the faint crinkling of the bag now.

<Naomi> Naomi smiles... she stands, then moves also silent as shadows back to Nathan

<Corey> Corey watches Jag announce her intention of a pack. In Lupus form, Corey's expressions are not quite as subtle as those who have learned to wear them longer. It's sort of expressionless. Really. Though her mouth is open and her tongue's slightly out. Not quite panting, but kind of smiling? Inscrutable, that wolf face. Absolutely inscrutable! Like Felicity, though. She has no bone. No bone, no clarification. She does look at Raccoon for a moment, cock her head and point her ears. She gives herself a little shake and then butt plants again.

<Valentine> Valentine, sitting alone. Flicks his eyes between Jag and the kinfolk Naomi, he doesn't recognize her but...there's clearly... he shrugs and settles back shaking his head. Something to be poked about at a later time.

<Lynn> It takes about four seconds, and perhaps the standing up of Raccoon, but after this she puts her hands in her pockets, straightens up and walks somewhat closer to Jag, raising a hand upwards once she's within the woman's field of vision. Eye contact, if not long, challenging eye contact.

<Alicia> Alicia notices the look her way and she walks over to Valentine. She draws a circle with a line through it on his forehead. Apparently sign language is still talking.

<Bronwyn> Bronwyn lifts her fist up to her mouth and bites at the sheer adorableness of the spirit! She turns her head and bumps it against Lucas' arm.

<Parnell> Parnell keeps standing there, rocking back and forth on the heels of his boots. He looks across to Jag with a fairly neutral expression, but smiles a little as Lynn moves closer to Jag.

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka takes the bone from the Truthcatcher, his prosthetic arm outstretched, his claws snapping shut around it. Still silent, he gives the truthcatcher a shallow bow, stepping back.

He faces the crowd, and pauses just a heartbeat, lets the anticipation build, letting his pretty face do a little bit of the talking for him.

"Jaguar," he declares, "Is an executioner."

He paces the stage back and forth, like a caged cat, as he speaks. His voice lacks all jest; he is very serious, for a change. "Jaguar is the fatal blow that you do not see coming. He is the bullet with your name on it; he is the knife in the dark. He does not stand before his enemies, and proclaim to them their doom. Who, then, will defend his people? Who will protect those who still honor and remember the names Ak'b'ai, Ix Chel, Tepeyollotl, Tezcatlipoca?"

He stops pacing. "The wolves will," he declares. "*I* will! *Freya* will! Let it be known to the Nation and the Sept of the Smiling Angel: Wovoka Jones and Freya will kill to protect Little Central America. We will kill to cleanse the Wyrm from 7th Street to West Olympic. We will *kill* to pry the grip of corruption and despair and misery from the throat of humankind from South Vermont to Hoover!"

Part of Wovoka shines in his eyes which he usually keeps on lock - the monster inside him, something serial-killer dark.

"Two wolves isn't enough. We need more - those who are strong of will, those who can walk among humankind as a peer. "Little C.A. is on the fuckin' doorstep of Koreatown and all the vile leech shit going on in there. It's a hunting ground for the Spirals of Inglewood to find victims to sate their unholy hungers. This work is gonna be hard, this work is going to be holy, and this work," he leans forward, "Is going to be *glorious* and *honorable*." An unsubtle suggestion of the /personal/ value of joining Team Spine-Collector.

The madness in his eyes cools down. The charmer is back. He tosses the bone to Freya, who stands beside him, who snatches it with purpose.

Freya takes the bone after him, standing tall in the visage of her tribe's patron spirit, cold, icy, and with untamed wild ferocity flowing through her veins. The bone is held silently before her in a single, firm fist, providing gravity and weight to the moment.

Fur surges forth as she brings her Crinos form forth, seeking to impress as any fenris might in the shape of her people's favorite pastime - war.

<< Tonight, I call on Jaguar's patronage! We will be his claws and his fangs! Already, we have slain a mighty foe in his name and in protection of his people. I call on his favor in the forming of a pack in service to him and his people. >> Freya looks to the totems about the caern. << Two-strong or no! >>

She returns the bone to Wovoka's outstretched steel claws, and Wovoka finishes off the little speech. "If you wish to join this pack," he says, "And protect the people of Little Central America from the motherfuckers who think the flock are prey, hit up me and Freya," he says. "Gaia bless!"

He tosses the bone back to the Truthcatcher in a lazy underhand, and trots back off-stage, flashing a finger-gun and a wink to the Sept-crowd as he goes.

<Jag> Jag looks around the Sept again once Naomi has moved on, moving her lips in what is probably silent words. Hands come down, and eyes move around the group again. A smile toward the shadows where Raccoon had gone. A look to see Lynn's hand raise. She smiles in Lynn's direction and gives a nod. And then notes Valentine. Another nod. Another to still anohter person. Just acknowledging the looks. Just a quick look Parnell's way as well, to chin-up briefly his way.

<Petal> Petal looks over to Wovoka and tries very very hard to be quiet. She wags her tail happily for him and Freya.

<Clint> Another pack declaration and Clint gives Jag a pair of thumbs up as well. So much happening now! His eyes follow raccoon and he spots Naomi. He looks from the kin to Nathan for a few moments before they go back to the kin and end up back to scanning and watching the going on.

<Griffin> The spotted feline, now unmistakably identified as Jaguar, steps forth. A slow pace, sniffing at both Wovoka and Freya. The latter, earns a roar and flash of teeth, though his body language following seems to be more of a predatory test towards the Visaged Get. The yellow eyes stare directly back into Freya for several long, tense seconds. And then, looking to the wolf's chest. Satisfied with what only he can see, Jaguar pads away back to his spot and continues his pace, his continued presence signifying his satisfaction with the Get's tribute.

<Storms-at-Dusk> With that, Storms-at-Dusk will speak while Freya holds the bone, in response. << If Jaguar sees you worthy, then you pass my Challenge.>> To the sept once more, <<Welcome, Eyes-of-Winter's-Fury, FOSTERN of the Nation.>>

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka Jones silently slaps Freya on her enormous back. >:D

<Ghostwalker> Ghostwalker observes Jag step forward to make her announcement and then followed by the bold and bloody claims of Freya and Wovoka, grin spreading a little wider. He makes no comment, but glances up questioningly to wherever Old Coyote was prowling and then over to that bloody war-god reborn.

<Petal> Petal prances around a bit cheerily in place of howling when Freya is announced as Fostern.

<Jag> Jag looks over at Wovoka and Freya as the pair announce their own pack, and their desire for patronage of Jaguar. Her brows raise, first with surprise as the cat does come over to offer that blessing, and then a brow-furrow of uncertainty at the declaration they'll do it with two. Her lips thin out in a silent concern there. The announcement of Freya as Fostern gets a nod of approval, at least, though there's still that concern. A pack of two... would the bindig even work? And if not...?

<Parnell> Parnell watches Wovoka with a smirk, shaking his head a few times at some of the things he says. Freya gets a little up-nod for her rank. He then takes the cigarette behind his ear and...just rolls it between his fingers. Over and over again.

<Lucas> Lucas grins to Bronwyn a moment, although his thoughts are not about spirit cuteness...instead on the future and gaining Lion's approval. There is so many annoucements and news, he watches on with excitement building within him.

<Brandon> Brandon watches the formation of this Jaguar pack with a big smile and faint apprehension.

<Mike> Mike stands with his pack, he watches his pack and Bronwyn. Smiling as they converse, though he does start to get that anxious look on his face and he begins to start looking around. Shifting from foot to foot, though when Jag speaks, his eyes go to her and he listens, a brow goes up as he hears her. Another pack, good, this is good. Though as she finishes he looks to the Raccoon spirt. He grins a little but he is happy, truly happy. He shakes his head at Bron, then he looks to Ash and Niall, "Do...." he stops and focuses a few moments.

<Juicebox> Silas manages to catch the bone, even with one hand on the cane. Certainly, shooting Wovoka a *look* at the improper procedure, before he steps away to then pass the bone off to...

Noelle, the Fostern Glass Walker Metis, steps forward, fidgeting with her vape pen as she considers whether or not it's appropriate to use. Ultimately, it's pocketed, as she addresses the Sept: "I, Juicebox, am looking for fellow werewolves who are not shy. Who want the wisdom and glory of charting a new path of potential power for the Sept. I am looking to form a pack that will, for now brave the Umbrascape of the Financial District and to make connections with the Machine Messiah. A totem spirit that the Wyrm has not corrupted and is still very much an unknown despite being on the Sept's door step. It is something that will be anathema to many! Glasswalkers themselves know little about the Machine Messiah and its ilk! I seek fellow werewolves who think outside of the box and wish to brave what many would call foolish! My main focus is on locating and trying to assess the Machine Messiah so that the sept has one less place to watch it's back! Anyone who has the gumption and guts to explore the Weaver Umbralscape of the Financial District with me shall be helping pave the way to making the Sept of the Smiling Angel that much stronger if we succeed in making an Alliance!" With that, she offers the bone back to the Truthcatcher. In the normal, passing manner.

<Brandon> Brandon's smile grows bigger and smarmier at Noelle's announcement, as he folds his arms. It's a smile that says, 'pfffft, good luck with that'. After a couple second's silent condescension, he suddenly glances at Easy Credit, the spirit in the power suit.

<Bronwyn> Bronwyn looks around to all that is going on and she watches as Valentine leaves. She looks over to those she is standing with and her eyes fall on Mike for a moment. She studies him but then without a word she just steps to the side so she stands between Mike and Lucas and she places a hand on Mike's arm gently. She gives him a smile and just like that she focuses on the gathering once more.

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka Jones looks to Noelle like a guy with an idea. Uh oh.

<Piper> That's a hell of a pep talk for the tiny pack and one small War pack to another... Piper can't help but give a fierce grin towards Wovoka, even bigger as Jaguar signals at least some acknowledgement for those who seek his favor. Freya's fostern announcement is met with a nod. It's really Juicebox's announcement of both seeking out //that// totem and hunting in //that// District that has this glasswalker having to fight back a noise of startlement. She doesn't seem at all convinced about those words.

<Silas> Silas indeed hadn't expected Wovoka to toss the bone back, but his reflexes were surprisingly swift. Though he shoots that /look/, he also breathes ou through his nose in a slight laugh as he heads off. To Noelle. More pack challenges. He has to shake his head with a faint smile at the wonder of it. Then recieving the bone back, he carries it of slow and stately to the next. Ever dignified. The next to recieve the bone to speak with is Petal.

<Parnell> Parnell scratches his ear at Noelle's announcement, squinting like gangbusters again. His free hand moves to his lips and plays with them for a moment. Basically, he just seems fidgety and Juicebox's words are like, the most fidget-producing thing yet at this moot.

<Petal> Petal steps up and takes the bone. She is in the form of a wolf still. Petal is not a pretty wolf. Her multi colored fur and many small scars don't follow any kind of neat or nice pattern. She is a lean, hungry looking canine. She looks over those gathered here with dark animal eyes. << I am Petal, Falling-Petals, Cliath, Ahroun, homid, Gnawer. My hopefully future pack sister, Illyana, Cliath of the Black Furies Ahroun has allowed me speak on her behalf. I also speak for myself. Illyana is withdrawing her challenge for Wyrmfoe in light of recent events as she understands that she needs to learn, heal and grow before taking a position in the Sept.>>

She then pause, stretches her muzzle and continues << Illyana has had a cleansing. If the taint still lingers, I cannot answer that. But she will be seeking care and healing. She will be performing the rite of contrition to the Warder Clint-rhya. She has every intention to work on healing her heart, mind and body and to work with the sept in the defense of Gaia and fight against the Wyrm.>>

Petal continues after catcing her breath and making a cuffing noise. <<The words said about Metis are regreted. Clint Warder is appreciated by us and so are the metis of this sept. It is not what one is, but what one does that matters. I plan to at this point to stand by her and help her heal and recover as best as I can. We need every warrior. I am grateful to Warder Clint for speaking to me and for showing the restraint he did. He showed me kindness after this incident which is appreciated and I will try to help make ammends for the actions of my future pack by aiding him however I am able to. If anyone was offended please see me after, if I am able to make ammends or do a favor, I will. We also apologize to the kin.>>

Petal looks to Evelyn <<Who were brought close to those with taint at the games. The formal contrition of Illyana to Clint will follow another time.>>

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka Jones fingersnaps to the mangy little shit approvingly. Very diplomatic.

<Nathan> Meanwhile, Nathan is looking at Juicebox with considering expression. There's a hint of surprise, but more of 'interesting'. Petal's words, however, draw his attention at a status update on Illyana, and he just... listens. He's back to neutral again, though.

<Jag> Jag gives a long exhale about Noelle's comment. Slowly she shakes her head that way. Not speaking the words, but definitely not really comforted by *that* idea. Still, a thin-lipped smile is offered. Trying to be comforting or reassuring while... well, yes. That's a hell of a thing. Eyes dart over toward Easy Credit briefly. And then back to Petal as she gets handed the bone to listen. Expression softens at Petal. She nods at the woman's words after that. Appreciative. Accepting, apparently.

<Corey> Corey just sort of tips her head a few times in confusion. Left. Right. Left. Her ears sort of flatten back a bit in a guilty way, even if she didn't actually do anything. She stands again, gives another shake, and then paces around in three clockwise circles before butt-planting a third time. Oh, no, wait, not quite right. She does a counter clockwise circle and butt-plants again. There we go.

<Evelyn> Evelyn watches as the bone makes the rounds, curious as many make their claims and intents known. She smiles, as all of it sounds wonderful for the future of the Sept. Her attention lands on Petal as she gets up to take her turn speaking, a look of surprise lighting her features as the Ahroun looks her way and offers the apology. Her smile returns, softer than before, but there and she inclines her head respectfully to Petal in gratitude.

<Ashlynn> Ashlynn offers Petal a warm smile - no idea of the cause of the apology, but encouraging it and supporting it.

<Lynn> The bone is caught and passed to Noelle. Noelle also catches Lynn's eye. Her lips purse for a moment. There is a certain skepticism on her face, but also some degree of curiosity. Her hands remain in her pockets. She rocks back and forth on her heels, looking for a moment towards Easy Credit after, and then has a sort of vague grimace at Petal's eloquence.

<Silas> Silas gives a slow nod to acknwoeldge what Petal offers the moot on behalf of Illyana. With her piece spoken, he recieves back the bone and allows her words to resonate and sink in over the crowd. Until at last, he hands it to Felicity.

<Liam> It's very clear that there is a fire in Liam's eyes when the mention of Illyana's slight towards Metis is brought up again. Probably no surprise considering the Metis Theurge in question was both a packmate and a trusted Officer at this point. The fact that it is an apology coming from Petal makes some of the tension release and he finally offers a warmer smile again. He gives a respectful nod to the messenger and leaves it at that. Though some concern lingers in his look towards Clint himself and his reaction.

<Lucas> Lucas smiles to Petal, the apology has him surprised but grateful. "Nice." he says glancing over to Bronwyn as she shifts position and then back to Petal, a nod of approval.

<Alicia> Alicia looks around as she listens to all the different announcements. It seems like many new packs have openings people can consider.

<Niall> A brow arches at Petal being the messenger and her use of honorifics. There's a little twitch, but he says nothing. He leans over and quietly whispers to Ariana and then looks back to Petal. Honorable, but he's not impressed.

<Robert> Robert did not say anything else regarding the matter of Metis. What he said before still stands. His expression remains rather stoic. The flask has since found its' way to his mouth again and then back into his pocket. The new pack announcements are given a nod.

<Clint> Clint listens to Petal intently. Even moving away from where he was to move closer to her while she talks. At first there's a tightening of his muscles with clenched teeth. While she continues he relaxes slowy. When finished he bows his head to her in acceptance of what's been said. He steps in closer and takes a knee to lean in and offer is own forehead for a bonk. After he gives her a thumbs up with a smile and moves back to stand beside Unicorn.

<Naomi> Naomi looks over to Robert and she shifts a little quietly from one foot to the other. She looks around a moment her eyes smileing at Racoon as it eats the goldfish. She looks then over to Unicorn and she smiles softly as well.. such a sight to see the spirits.

<Petal> Petal seems pleased with Clint's response. She allows the head bump and bumps back a bit herself. Not having the bone anymore though she keeps quiet. Wolves cannot really smile, but her eyes are gentle and pleased. Maybe a little somber with the weight of things though.

<Felicity> Felicity can't help but broach a grin at Wovoka and Freya, and offers at least due attention to the others who have spoken before her. When she's handed the bone, there's a flash of stage-fright panic that just as quickly gets shoved away into a corner to make room for a confident rise to her feet to address the moot.

"The Los Angeles River is suffering. On the physical, human side, it's already a pitiful sight: industry treating it like a gutter for toxic runoff, sections of the river that are a pathetic trickle. On the Umbral side, the picture is even worse; the water spirits that Tater-tot-yuf helped to cleanse are far from the only spirits in need of assistance, and indeed I fear some may be on the verge of corruption into new banes. The task of cleaning up and restoring the river, even partially, is a daunting one."

"That said, a few of us have already begun efforts. Tater-tot-yuf. Beyond-the-Pale-rhya. Myself. It's preliminary work, scouting, basic picking up trash, but every great task has to start somewhere. It may not have the Glory or the excitement of a Hunt, but we are charged by Gaia to push back the Wyrm in all its forms - not just the ones that lash out at us violently. I am looking to put together a pack to tackle this long-term project, to make the local area less hospitable to banes, more hospitable to us and the good everyday folk who share the city with us."

She looks over to Wovoka again with a bit of a grin. "As mentioned earlier, a pack of two is hardly a pack. That would be Tater-tot and myself so far, as Beyond-the-Pale-rhya has chosen to focus her efforts on another worthy cause. One that I do hope I will be able to lend my aid to as well." A look to Jag, smiling brightly. "Those of you who work well with the locals. Those of you well-versed in the spiritual, in cleansing and excising bane and taint. Those of you skilled in diplomacy. I reach out to you, and invite you to join in this cause. This project spans multiple territories, including - if rumor is to be believed - the reclamation of territory by a group of Silver Fangs - so whosoever joins, I remind you of the need to respect the territory of another."

A pause. Whether intentional for effect, or the resurgence of butterflies in her stomach, is not immediately obvious. "Those of you unafraid of a long and arduous task, those of you willing to pursue an honorable end, to lend your wisdom to this task, I entreat you to join me in this cause." And then, she looks around the room to gauge potential interest. Bone relinquished to Silas if sought.

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka Jones snaps fingers approvingly. Hell yeah unglamorous necessities.

<Petal> Petal looks eager to help, looks to Fecility with canine like eagerness, only this eagerness is for hunting banes not chasing sticks.

<Robert> Robert listens for now, he isn't established enough yet to really have much of an opinion worth listening to. However he does give Naomi a nod when he notices her looking his way. Everything said is simply accepted, it is how things are going to be, how they are going to go.

<Jag> Jag gives Felicity a warm smile. Her fingers tap her chest, a bow her direction with that motion. Unable to talk, she lets her fingers brush her lips, and a point at Felicity hopefullyt gets the message across that 'she'll talk later'. A warm smile that never abates, though. Warmth and pride in that look.

<Piper> It's only the decorum demanded by the Cracking of the Bone that seems to keep Piper from giving a louder encouragement towards Felicity's ambitious, but noble River Cleanup. Alas, the galliard has to settle for a beaming smile of encouragement Ragabash-way.

<Brandon> Brandon the lack of any expression on Brandon's face confirms Felicity's statement: cleaning up the river may be useful and noble, but it is not _cool_.

<Mike> Feeling someone moving between him and Lucas, Mike looks and sees Bronwyn, just as he feels her hand on his arm. As he looks at her, he was looking towards teh exit. Even though he was having a good time, too much was going on, though he stops and relaxes, taking a moment to breath and he sees her smile and he nods his head at her, "Thanks." he says to her. He does watch her for a long moemnt, then he looks around watching what's going on and he watches what's going on with Petal and the other members of their pack.

<Lynn> Lynn also gazes at Felicity as she lays out the problem; or the theory. She puts her hands together afterwards; her face has a thoughtful frown.

<Niall> Niall seems to agree that the River is an honorable project. He looks to Ashlynn and his packmates then back to Felicity. Worthy cause indeed!

<Silas> Silas listens with approval as Felicity calls for the rejuvination of the Los Angeles River. He looks to Addison with a faint twist of a smile. Though when she declares a pack of two as hardly a pack, Silas arches a brow and casts a wry glance off at Liam. But then he recieves the bone back with a nod.

The Truthcatcher casts one last gaze across the Sept, searching for any others who might speak. But when there is no one further, he nods.

There before the Sept, Silas places one end of the bone on the ground. And holding it firmly, angled, he lifts his foot and slams it down onto its flat side. The curved rib breaks with a sharp CRACK.

Thus, the official Sept business is concluded.

<Ashlynn> Ashlynn nods to Niall, gesturing to Felicity to get in contact, later.

<Lucas> Lucas looks over to Niall, Mike and Ashlynn, he just sort of head nods that way, not wanting to interject anything too verbally and interupt. The gist is clear however, the pack is interested in their way of plugging into the project.

<Corey> Corey rises up onto all fours and gathers her dress in her jaw. She trots on over to Felicity and brushes her side up and along the other woman's legs after she delivers her message to the sept. <"Good job."> is expressed softly immediately after that cracking of the bone. <"Need talk. About pack. Soon, yes?"> Still working on that wolftongue!

<Ghostwalker> As the howls and calls go out for calls to action lift to the roof and would be packs gather the Caller of the Wyld watches on. He's keen to watch for the reactions of the Incarna present. Not just the ones who's patronage is being sought, but the others who remained in observance. He casts his gaze on Frog of Respect and upon Cunning Hawk. He closes his eyes, trying to sense out the subtle rumble of Earthquake. He casts a sad glance to Raccoon, who had too soon lost another favored son. He especially and often keeps watch on his own Totem, Old Coyote, who may sometimes play the Jester among the other Spirits at their court as some say Coyote was the first Ragabash.

Ghostwalker then briefly disappears at the end of the Cracking of the Bone. He steps backwards from the line of officers briefly and retrieves something from his ritual supplies he keeps 'backstage' out of sight of most of the moot and looked after by a few trusted kinfolk helpers.

When the Caller of the Wyld returns again he's carrying a short blade of obsidian and, curiously enough, what appears to be a small plush bear with the deepest violet fur and a lilac rose upon its breast. Ghostwalker steps forward into the Caern Heart where the fire lights him completely. Addison looks to Piper, Brandon, and Nathan, spreading his arms out and holding them low. "Would the Alpha of the Pack known as... The Credit Union lead their wolves in stepping forward so that the Incarna might See them."

<Jag> With the cracking of the bone, Jag starts to head over in the direction of Felicity with a warm smile. Lynn is also looked at, given an upnod, her hand raised. Palm facing Lynn. Fingers scratching the air briefly. A silent Indian beckon to her. Inviting her over since she'd seen that look.

<Griffin> Certainly, the proceedings are of some interest to Easy Credit, but she can't help but pull out a palm device and tap away at it as announcement after announcement comes. Seems like she is the only one to have cell service... if you could even call whatever powers she has 'cell service'. However, once the bone is cracked, there is a quiet sigh of relief. An unnecessary gesture for a spirit, still given. Now, here attention turns towards Addison.

<Bronwyn> Bronwyn looks up to Mike at his thanks and she lays her head on his shoulder a moment to offer more support but she doesn't speak! She gives him a little wink in acceptance for his thanks but then she just links her other arm with Lucas. Pleased as punch with the two tribe mates she just continues to listen.

<Lynn> Lynn drifts towards Jag, and thus indirectly towards Felicity, though after a 'I saw you' nod to Jag she does not rush. This also means she has a lateral view of the observances that Ghostwalker leads, which she focuses on, even if it ends up with her near the other two.

<Piper> When the Credit Union's Alpha is called up, it's Piper that leads the pack up, giving a polite nod to the Caller of the Wyld while all the while keeping her eyes on Easy Credit. At least until it seems it's time for the Rite to begin. With that, she steps aside and gestures for Nathan as Theurge to take his place as Ritemaster for the more contractual matters.

<Griffin> As Addison comes forward with the offering, there is a loud 'hah!' as the most artificially scarcest beanie baby of beanie babies is offered. Looking to the Caller of the Wyld, there's an approving nod. "Seems there are some here with an eye towards the modern among all this stuffy tradition." Looking over to the Sept Alpha Liam, "Your Caller of the Wyld has a sharp eye." Sticking the palm device in her pocket, she steps forward, looking between Piper, Nathan, and Brandon. And she'll wait. Not one for egregious ceremony, she lets the Theurge and the pack members close the deal.

<Brandon> Brandon waits until Piper starts to move before he steps forward himself. He adjusts the lapels of his blazer as he goes, sets his hair, smiles his smile, so brimming with confidence that even the way he shoves his fidgeting hands into his pockets looks more like swagger than nervousness. He looks at Easy Credit, he looks at Piper and Nathan, and he lifts his chin. Who wouldn't want to make a deal with these guys?

<Felicity> Felicity watches the proceedings, her attention pulled away enough by Corey next to her, then Jag approaching. Ashlynn's motions get counter-motions of acknowledgement too. Looks like she's got significant support going into this river thing.

<Parnell> Parnell watches 'The Credit Union' with a raised eyebrow. He squints his eyes shut and opens them wide, as though pantomiming some sort of disbelief, and just shakes his head. Still rolling that already rolled cigarette between his ink-stained fingers.

<Liam> Liam smirks a bit at Easy Credit, giving the familiar spirit a wry look, "You know I've always said it takes a multi layered approach, means a bit of new, a bit of old, a lot of kickin the Wyrm's ass, I know you won't disappoint," he tells the Totem, but it's a bite back in a way, without being disrespectful and all! Philodox are as good as Raggies at skirting that line sometimes.

<Silas> With his sept-given role completed, Silas returns slowly to stand with the other Sept officers. His gaze is sharp with a focused edge as he takes in Caller's offering. And then planting his cane at last, he inclines his as Piper, Brandon, and Nathan step forward to seek Easy Credit's favor.

<Ghostwalker> Addison lifts his chin to show his respect to the Spirit. Of this strange Weaver Entity, the Uktena clearly shows a bit of caution, if not apprehension, in his reverence. Even a little more so than the other Totems or even the other War Gods. Still, the Caller would perform his duty and help this Pack to its destiny. The Coyote follower's lip does twitch a little in a grin at the Spirit's acceptance of the offering he's acquired.

When the wolves step forward, Addison drags the knife over the neck of the bear, a Princess Dianna Bear Beanie Baby, before casting it into the flames. When the flames consume the strange little sacrificial the Caller of the Wyld bows to Easy Credit. "I, Ghostwalker, Caller of the the Wyld, make this sacrifice to the Spirit Host on behalf of the Sept and the Pack that seeks Her patronage. Do you See these three Garou?"

He then waits. Even the most subtle sign of approval from the Spirit would be enough and then the Rite of the Totem could commence...

<Naomi> Naomi watches her cousin and his pack. though her eyes turn then to Ghostwalker and the slicing of the bear... her eyes go a little wide and she looks to Nathan, then to Easy Credit... she looks both confused a moment and something else. Quiet and watching.

<Jag> Jag smiles at Felicity, giving her shoulder a firm and friendly clap. 'Good work' she mouth-murmurs at Felicity at that, hand squeezing her shoulder. For now, keeping it mostly silent. She looks to Lynn and nods at the woman again, an acknowledgment of her wave earlier. And again, the talking can wait. Because after that, and a look around to see if there are others motioning to her, her eyes are pulling toward Easy Credit and the binding. .... worriedly.

<Mike> Taking her arm as she loops her in his, Mike sees this and he smiles. He looks around and over towards his pack mates, hearing what's goign on. He honestly thought it sounded good for what they are going ot do. HE looks to Ashlynn watching her for a long moment, he remembers when she first tried gettign a pack started but now. He looks at Lucas, Niall and thinking of the other members. "This is good." he says.

<Griffin> "Yes, yes," Easy Credit offers back in a sharp tone. Her speech is perfect, almost uncanny as it hits the ears. "Your offering is received, thank you for your service, Caller." It is a touch dismissive, but she still seems rather amused at his offering. In a voice that could charm anyone on the other end of the phone. It's probably just for that, she's not overly bothered by having to go through the Garou's procedures. Now, looking to Nathan, she gives him the nod.

<Lynn> Lynn gives Felicity a powerful, Dale Cooper-level thumbs up once she's near enough, nodding firmly as well even as she turns her gaze towards the offering made towards Easy Credit. This makes her suck in a sharp breath.

<Nathan> As he's called upon to finally do the rite of the totem, Nathan breathes in as he gets started as everyone gets into position, and himself steps into the traditional ritemaster position, pulling out the cup of the mix needed for the eyes. Instead of offering it up for using it as normal for this rite though, he /dips/ that pen into the cup, and there's a visible and felt gnosis infusion as the pen starts to hum with energy.

A folder is pulled out of his jacket then, and soon the folder itself starts to share in that infusion as he begins to chant the rite words clearly. It's not quite the normal words either though, it's some sort of... legal jargon? There's only a minimal movement as he circles the other two, even.

Whatever this is, he's clearly deviating from the usual rite of the totem, and Easy Credit doesn't appear to be offended.

As the rite seems to near competion, Nathan takes the pen out of the mixture and signs on the NDA signature page within... then hands it to Brandon and Piper.

Their turn.

<Niall> Niall watches the Rite with an approving smile.

<Brandon> Brandon scrawls his name slowly and with a schoolboyish tongue stuck out the side of his mouth. His name, for those who haven't been paying attention, is Roller-Coaster.

<Jag> Jag sucks in a quiet breath, closing her eyes. There is a soft murmur. A breath of sound, Punjabi spoken beneath her breath in a soft roll of words as she talks to... herself? To the spirits? To someone who she thinks understands her? Whatever it is, it's a soft rising and falling like a prayer.

<Ghostwalker> The Caller of the Wyld stands upright, only lingering to bear witness to the sealing of one of the most ancient tenets of the Spirit Pact. He observes that NDA signing with a mixture of profound fascination and deep concern.

<Piper> And last, it's Piper that steps up and a artfully scrawled Go-Phish that's added as the third signature to the NDA, the pen set firmly down and as she looks up towards Nathan, towards Brandon, and then more Importantly those unnaturally green eyes of Easy Credit Herself.

<Clint> Clint is not at all slow and shows his support for Felicity and tasks she's dedicated to. The collecting of trash and shoveling of junk to clean the river. She gets two big thumbs up with a warm smile. When easy credit steps forward he moves from his spot. Getting a little closer and finding a spot that provides him a better view of the binding. Brows smooshed together and his head tilts to the side.

<Parnell> Like several of the others, Parnell eyes that NDA. In his case, with the appraising squint of a wolf who thinks this is a Singularly Bad Idea.

+ROLL/+DICE> Nathan: Wits + Rituals vs. 6 -> 4 successes. (10 9 9 6 2)

<Corey> Corey plants her butt down on the ground next to Felicity and opposite Jag. She nudges her nose against Beyond-the-Pale-rhya's palm once in a friendly greeting. Snoof snoof. Cold, wet little wolf nose. But then she's back to sitting and observing the signing of the NDA. Which is a little concerning! A concern she'd likely show on her face, were she in homid form. But in Lupus, she just looks happy to be here, like, all the time!

<Griffin> Taking up the NDA, she quickly thumbs through the pages, taking note of their signatures. And... just like that. A rather unceremonious ceremony, but given the extreme uniqueness of the spirit in question... it's hard to say what a traditional rite is supposed to look like. Taking the folder under her arm, "Give me a call after you've finished with your business here." And just like that, she makes her way out of the heart of the caern, the normal way. Walking.

<Naomi> Naomi seems to breathe easy as the spirit did not seem against the offering, she looks over the others as they sign, she moves quietly to the edge of the moot, watching and simply listening

<Storms-at-Dusk> Dusk, meanwhile, is just bewildered by the entire affair. He'd be silent even if he could speak normally. Head tilted hard.

<Lucas> Bronwyn linking arms with him, causes Lucas to look down at the kinfolk. A smile and then he looks back to the events ahead. For now it would seem he is as much a spectator on the formal events as the others.

<Jag> Jag looks down at Corey. Oh! Smiling, Jag presses the flat of her hand to Corey's jaw, not grabbing, just giving a friendly greeting with hands that she can't give with her mouth just now. Wolf-clasp beneath and against the jaw. Keeping silent for now. As the power sets in, she gives a long breath out. Something she might have been holding. Eyes close, looking relieved. After all, a teacher stands and falls with their students as well!

<Brandon> Brandon's about to whoop, but one does not do so directly after a deal has concluded (it rather gives the game away), so he just nods and smiles until Easy Credit is out of the room. _Then_ he whoops, arm up in the air, punching Nathan in the shoulder with his other arm, then punching Piper, then putting both hands together to clap until Smiling Angel can hear it. He yells. "We the Credit Union, y'all!" he shouts. "Suck it, haters!"

<Griffin> There's probably a few lingering moments of awkward silence over the Caern... and then, the spirits slowly start to make their way back across the Umbra. With little fanfare, the first pack of the season is bound.

<Parnell> Parnell's response to that is to snort aloud. But he's smirking a little as he lifts his free hand and very definitively, gives Brandon the finger.

<Wovoka Jones> Wovoka Jones also gives Brandon the finger, but he's laughing. XD

<Felicity> Felicity looked happy enough with the rite... at first. A sacrifice to the spirit, the spirit approves, the binding happens, and pack gets totem patronage! Why is everyone sketched out? Then Easy Credit speaks, in that uncanny voice. Oh. What looks like a legal contract is being signed. Oh no. Ohhhhhhhhhh. Bright, naive smile pretty much evaporates on the spot when she keys on all those things that are just... *off*. And when Brandon whoops? He gets the funniest of what-the-hell looks. She only tangentially notices those nearest to her.

<Clint> Clint has absolutely zero experience with business dealings. If feels good. Feels right. He lifts his hands to clap, but the spirit walks away so he stops before a sound is made and he stares the pack. Eyes end up on Piper and he finally speaks up. "That good, right?"

<Corey> Corey bark-howls in approval of Brandon's 'suck it haters!' She liked that one!

<Jag> Jag will answer Clint, ominously, "Only time will tell."

<Nathan> "It's good. Easy Credit is.... unique." Nathan informs Clint as he recovers from the handling of the rites energies.

<Ghostwalker> Addison observes as Easy Credit swaggers on out of the Caern Heart. "Good Evening... E.Z." The Caller of the Wyld looks back to Piper, Nathan, and Brandon. "Good Luck," he says to them all will a ceremonial coolness to his voice. With that done Addison steps back, scanning the rest of the totems. Once he doesn't see... whatever it is he's looking for, he returns to stand between Silas and Parnell.

<Piper> And just like that... if Piper can't believe their luck, the Galliard does a damn good job of seeming like this was exactly what she thought was gonna happen. She's giving her most professional of smile as Easy Credit accepts those words. She gives congratulatory handshake to Nathan and then returns a celebretory shoulder punch to Brandon and gives one last look to addison as if asking the Caller of the Wyld if there was anything else left before the Talesinger //finally// takes her spot up with the other officers, letting a bit of the chatter have a time to die down before she clears her throat, loudly.

<Silas> Silas gazes off after Easy Credit with silent reserve. But he has to smile with Brandon's enthusiastic whoop the moment she has left. He bows his head to the newly formed pack with respect. And lifting his gaze, he nods as Ghostwalker wishes them luck. "May you achieve the greatest heights of glory."

<Naomi> Naomi smiles to the pack as they make a deal with the spirit. She chuckles and she inclines her head to Nathan as she edges round the people, she leans in to murmer softly at Silas. Her voice quiet before she turns to head out .. she pauses a moment to pass racoon and gives him a playful wave of her fingers "I'll bring you more food another time."

<Jag> As the throat-clearing begins, Jag takes one hand and taps it on Lynn's shoulder. One on Felicity's. Hip against Corey. "Piper's tale starts," she says, maybe unnecessarily. "We talk after that."

<Piper> "The story I Sing tonight is both history and all too fresh. A story that happened just over a year ago before many of us in this room had come to call Los Angeles home, but our Bawn and those that lived through the attacks still bear scars from those nights and our Memorial Hall lists the names of too many that were lost. The Siege is a phrase you'll hear referenced frequently... always that heft to it, more feeling than should really fit into two simple words, but what happened during the Siege?

We were caught off guard and it nearly killed us. It's no easy feat to plan what the Enemy so very nearly came close to carrying out. The resources, the manpower, the intelligence gathering, the logistics of moving all the pieces into place must have taken even Brigance and Endron with all their oil money. They were killing rats by the hundreds and nobody noticed. Even when they began killing off our Kinfolk, there was no response. There were signs and there were warnings, but those that should have noticed and acted did nothing. We were caught off guard, nearly completely save a last minute vision from Eats-Her-Words that bought us two precious days of time preparing... it wasn't enough time to be ready but that was time to evacuate what kin we could and pull as many as could fit crammed into the relative safety of the tunnels, which Concrete Coyote would seal off in the time of crisis.

The first of the attacks came... a dirty bomb was placed in an old warehouse and exploded. Endron and their allies claimed riots and toxic fumes and cordoned off Skid Row and began to rain smoking barrels of toxic chemicals on our streets under the guise of 'fire-fighting choppers'. The Nexus Crawler and its Blight seed arrived, spewing even more vile radiation. Ghostwalker and Sings Her Heart distracted a Helicopter and its Balefire Cannons so another could shoot it down, the rotors scraping through a building as it fell and its balefire tanks exploded on the way down. Spirals were attacking, led by one of our long lost Septmates, James Wu. The Fighting was vicious... Our Wyrmfoe, Nike, was down and incapacitated. Our Alpha, Peacekeeper, took a baneklaive to his heart. Our Warder, Ripley Always-Pure fought side by side with Dallas the Rat King, but the Rat King was killed and Ripley fell, worse than dead as he was taken away by the Spirals. One of the remaining ratkin jury rigged a device to drive off the Spiral pack and let our remaining people retreat to safety.

When it came time to heal the wounded, and the call for healers was so great that Unicorn was summoned and petitioned and several learned Mother's Touch on the spot to address the immediate need. Most would think a baneklaive to the heart is beyond healing, but Gonna-eat-that showed he was wiser than most would be. He cleansed the wound and sought to heal it and heal it did... we still have Peacekeeper leading us today.

On the second night with Concrete Coyote still locking down the Sept, through one of Cockroach's gifts, a call was able to be placed out to The Last Resort. Garou requested that the kin there start on mission to Carson and Endron's headquarters to hit back at their main production plant. Tink refused said plan, not out of cowardice but because it would have been suicide and she proposed a better alternative. An alternative Peacekeeper agreed to. Tink rounded up a crew for a convey and packed a van full of everything that could explode they could find. Tink herself drove the explosive van into Endron's drilling rig that was threatening to breach our tunnels... she destroyed the machine and bailed out just in time to avoid dying herself.

With the First Team occupied with the explosion, Garou snuck into place to Storm the Hotel that was serving as their headquarters. Tink's crew engaged in hit and run tactics, drawing off silver fire from the snipers as Garou took out the hotel guard troops... several garou were grievously injured but Clint summoned a stone wall for cover and began to heal while Snake rigged up the gas lines to explode while our people retreated. No Garou were killed in this battle but nine Gnawer kin that were being held as hostages died as the hotel collapsed, but the Tunnels were saved. The Sept was saved for another night but that wasn't the only fight occurring that night.

In Culver City a pack of Glasswalkers called The Fountainhead came under siege as well. The Black Spiral Dancer Peter Brigance and his pack assaulted their headquarters, stripped their Totem Easy Credit of her essence and slew the pack. When Elder Wu's pack and Overwatch arrived... there was only one survivor of the Fountainhead, Dominique Abreo.

Night Three... Night three was when all hell //truly// broke loose. The Enemy came at us with everything they had, through the Umbra and right to our very Heart here. Concrete Coyote had been holding protections tight, but the Wyrm tore through his wards, bringing in multiple Spiral Packs and an Army of Banes. Our Spirit Allies fought by our side, preventing us from being completely overwhelmed. So many of our ranking wolves had been killed... but every remaining wolf of the Sept fought. We fought with everything we had, exhausted but fueled by righteous fury. In time, Elder Wu, Morena Moon and Black Coil were able to break through as reinforcements and while the Sept sustained even more heavy casualties in the fight... in the end, the Spirals lost more and we drove them back. We won, at great costs, but we won.

Over those three days, we lost most of our officers, many good wolves and even more kin. The cleanup efforts immediately following were intense and involved all tribes working together along with our kin and our still continuing. The supplies and stockpiles depleted during the extended battle are just now reaching the levels they were before. Officer positions that had been left vacant for nearly a year with no ready contenders are now being filled as those that survived the siege have grown stronger and new blood has flown in. The gaps left by the packs destroyed during the fighting are being filled as new bonds form and new alliances with totems are reached.

But we can't forget or it could happen again, it could happen worse. We will always need strong warriors, ready to Combat the Wyrm wherever it dwells, but we can't let those warriors be blindsided again. We'll always need scouts, both physical and spiritual, collecting information from all the various fronts the Enemy may approach. And when we have that information? We need to //act// decisively as the more time we allow our Enemies free range, the harder our battles become. We need defenders, both those ready to take up weapons in defense and those constantly working on the upkeep of our Bawn and territory to make sure there aren't cracks for the Enemy to sneak in. Kin or Garou, we need //you// and whatever you can do. Big tasks or small, we all have to work together if we want to survive. And more importantly, if we want to take the fight to them and win!"

Piper shares the story tonight fully in human tongue, to be heard by both Garou and kin alike, and the Talesinger summons all her Galliard skill in the narration of those epic three nights which so very nearly ended in disaster so many times... but in the end, together survival.

The Sept then continues to talk and tell stories, before the revel takes them into the umbra of the city...

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2021-11-07 It's Time for Moot, Dudes III

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