First time to the barn

 

Lane(#300RJ)

Stretching a good quarter mile from the road, this gravel lane leads back to the Escrowe farm. Trees line the lane, new leaves shading the skeletal leaves to a soft grey-green. In the distance, the farmhouse looms above the treetops, gleaming white as the snow from its yearly coat of paint. Silence prevails here, save for the rustling of the tall grasses in the fields when the wind blows.

The front entrance to the farmhouse is on the porch alongside the graveled road which continues on around the eastern side of the house back to the barnyard. The opposite end of the lane turns back west to empty out onto Sunrise Road.

(Non-Garou, please "+view curse")

Obvious exits:

PORch  BarnYard  Sunrise Road 

 

Barnyard

The lane wends its way back and around the farmhouse to here, where it widens into a broad, grassy sward contained only by the woods which encircle it on three sides. Buildings break up the purity of the landscape: an open-sided structure which serves as a garage and the big barn, empty of livestock, to the east. A good-sized vegetable and herb garden furrows the land south of the barn, while a pyramid-like pile of rocks, of similar consistency to the gravel of the lane, rests a few yards south of the garage.

North of the buildings, the fields have long been fallow, hastening a conversion from farmland to natural prairie. A sliding glass door allows admittance to the farmhouse, the interior obscured by Levolor(tm) blinds in a wood-grain pattern. The lane leads out around the house to the southwest. The discerning can just barely pick out the beginnings of a faint path into the woods towards the southeast.

(Non-Garou, please "+view curse")

Obvious exits:

FIelds  BArn  Farmhouse  Lane  Woods 

 

Opening one of the two doorways, you are able to gain passage into the vastness of the farm's barn.

 

Big Red Barn

The barn is built in the old style, a vast three level structure that is greater in height than a mere three stories, actually closer to five. Great wooden posts support the weight of the upper levels and roof, sunk into the hard-packed dirt floor of the first level like a sparse forest of regularly spaced, naked trees. The stalls and flagstones which once were here have been torn out to leave a rather open area where even Crinos Garou may roam freely without fear of running into anything but the supports or the walls or the ladder at the back which allows access to the other two levels.

The first two levels are relatively open to each other, the second being only little wider than a catwalk going around all the walls but the front one, which has massive, twenty foot tall doors set into it. The third level is a true second floor except for a place cut out that allowed hay to be tossed down to the ground floor when the farm was actually worked. Now, it is a hayloft where Garou can sleep outside of the house.

(Non-Garou, please "+view curse")

Contents:

Dakota

Obvious exits:

BarnYard 

 

It's been a spectacular day in St. Claire, sunny and in the high seventies all day. Even as the day winds down, spring hasn't given up its hold, and the night is proving to be just as balmy. Dakota had stopped by earlier and picked up the Galliard cub, explaining to him on the way that they were headed out to the farm where most cubs spend their time and live, as well as being a major meeting place for the older Garou. She pushes open the heavy doors and heads into the barn, gesturing for him to follow. "This is the only place on the farm you are allowed to shift your form, except in cases of extreme emergency. A lot of us will come here to practice or spar."

 

Miguel nods to Dakota, "Sounds good enough. You'll have no problems from me, I promise I won't be doing any form shifting." he smiles slightly at his own joke.

 

Dakota chuckles, "Well, that's why we're here." She says over her shoulder with a wide grin. Thumbs are hooked into her black belt loops; chains on her pants jingle as she closes the barn door behind him then walks further into the barn.

 

Miguel cocks his head to the side inquisitively, "We're here for that? I don't think I can." he brushes his hand through his hair a little, "At least, I have no idea how."

 

"It takes a bit of work at first, but it becomes instinctive real quick." Dakota says, tilting her head to one side to crack it. "Most folks will just go Crinos on their cub and act like they're attacking them to rouse the cub's Rage and force them into the Change. But, I think we'll just take this one step, and form, at a time. I'll explain as we go."

 

Miguel stops her and tries to analyze what she is saying, "So... one of the forms is called Crinos? And getting angry can make you change?"

 

Dakota nods her head as she takes a seat on one of the hay bales scattered on the floor. "Rage is what connects us to the Wolf, our ability to change forms and use supernatural gifts. Rage is what makes us so powerful. We can use it to move faster than is natural, make ourselves extraordinarily strong, and even bring ourselves back from the brink of death. But should we lose control off the Rage, we Frenzy. It is then we resemble the monsters human think we are. We lose all reason and will attack and kill nearly anything we can. Rage is one of our greatest assets, and one of our biggest flaws at the same time. Always be careful when using your Rage."

 

Miguel nods solemnly, "That makes sense I guess, even if it's a little scary. I guess if I do have rage, it would explain how I got myself kicked out of school. I definitely don't feel angry right now though, so I don't know how I could use my 'rage' to change."

 

Dakota nods her head once more, "Normal humans and wolves can feel our Rage. Some people call it angst or rebellion, but deep inside, apart of them can feel what we are, which is why so many people get to nervous around us. This is called the Curse. The higher our Rage, the stronger the wolf, and the normal people will avoid us more and more. The Veil, their subconscious doubt that we Garou exist, is what prevents them from fully knowing what we are. That is why we do not shift in front of normal people if it can be avoided, to protect this Veil. I suppose, since we're on the topic, I should tell you about the Impergium."

 

Miguel nods, "Yes, please continue. This is becoming quite... enlightening." he has a mild look of concentration as he tries to mentally catalog everything he is being told.

 

Dakota motions for you to claim a hay bale as a seat. "The Impergium was a period in time after the fall of the Triat. I don't know if Ali mentioned them to you or not, but that's a very serious lesson unto itself. Well, you see, when man as a species was still young, we Shapeshifters basically ruled the world. There weren't just us Garou, but the Bastet werecats, The Gurahl werebears, the Corax wereravens, and many others, some of whom are now extinct. Well we Garou were real egotistical, and it hasn't changed a whole lot. We took it upon ourselves to claim humans as our herds, culling the young, old, and weak like a wolf culls the moose and caribou. However, we Children of Gaia, as well as some others, didn't like this too much. We wanted to protect humanity, not kill it. So, in the end, we convinced the 13 tribes to end the culling in what is called the Concord. Eventually, humans forgot about us, but deep inside, they still remember we Garou hunted them. That is why, when they see us in the Crinos warform, they become so terrified they run screaming and forget what they saw. This is called the Delirium, for good reasons."

 

Miguel seats himself Indian style on a haybale, "I see. Are you using we in the sense of, you and others are Children of Gaia, or the sense of, you and I?" He sighs, "God, this is a lot of stuff to absorb right away. You're lucky you kidnapped a good student." he smiles to the captor he is beginning to think of as a friend, or teacher.

 

Dakota laughs quietly, "You Galliards are always quick learners." She leans back on her bale, placing her hands behind her. "I meant us Children of Gaia as a tribe. Which, I also realize, brings to mind that you still need to learn about the 13 Tribes and the 5 Auspices. If it wouldn't be so dangerous to have, I'd write a Cub's Manual to Garou to give to all you guys."

Miguel remembers what was said earlier, "I am a Galliard, because of the moon when I was born, right? And, you and I, and others, are part of a 'tribe' called Children of Gaia... Gaia being the goddess you told me about... and there are 12 others?" he scratches his head, "And what is an auspice?"

 

"An Auspice is the phase of the moon you were born under. Luna, who is Gaia's sister, gives each of us a duty at birth. We know this by what shape the moon was. Our Rage also tends to follow the pattern of the moon, with the fuller the moon meaning the higher the Rage. Those born under the New Moon are called Ragabash, the tricksters. It is their job to question the ways of Garou to make us stronger, and they often serve as spies and covert warriors. My auspice is the Crescent Moon, the Theurge's moon. We are born close to the world of the spirits, and as such, it often falls to us to deal with them, as well as perform the mystic Rites of the Garou. The Philodox is born under the Half Moon. They are often leaders, and it is their duty to keep our Laws and serve as judges. Our Alpha here in the Sept is a Philodox, she is also my pack Alpha. You and Alicia were born under the Gibbous Moon, often called Moon-Dancers. Your auspice is the most varied. It is your job to be the storytellers and historians of the Garou, be it through song and music, artwork, or even just tale-telling. The last is the Ahroun, the Full-Moon. They are the most fierce and aggressive of Garou, born with the greatest Rage. They are the best warriors and also frequently serve as leaders. Beware of angering an Ahroun unless you're willing to deal with the consequences."

 

Miguel questions Dakota, "So, the phase of the moon influences us as to what we become? I don't know how well I fit that. I draw a little, and I was in the high school band, but I'm not especially artistic, or musical."

 

Dakota smiles, "Very few are a perfect example of their auspice and Tribe. I may be a Theurge, but I don't sit around rocking in a corner chanting. I am also a Child of Gaia, but I'm far from a pushover hippie. I've faced down Ahrouns and beat Fenrir in combat. Which leads me to the Tribes...." Her lesson on the 13 tribes is long, explaining their personalities and stereotypes, as well as interjecting some of her own experiences with each. Granted, she leaves the Children of Gaia until last, and takes the longest on the Tribe she knows best.

 

Miguel nods, "I see... So... it seems like I got lucky. The Children of Gaia sound like a much more pleasant group to belong to than most of the others." he smiles, "Good to hear some good news for a change."

 

Dakota chuckles, "Oh, just because the Fenrir are marital doesn't make them bad. They're the finest warriors Gaia has, their honor is unquestionable, and their loyalty is unshakable. If you make friends with one, they'll die for you. My best friend, Emma, is a Fenrir and an Ahroun. One of my best teachers happened to have been a Red Talon, named Rain-Falls-Up. Yes, Red Talons do not like humans or homid-born Garou, but not all want to see us dead. Like I said, very few Garou are a /true/ stereotype of their Tribe."

 

Dakota says "I spent six weeks in the mountains, never leaving my wolf form. She taught me how to live and think as a wolf does."

 

Miguel nods his head, "So, in a sense, your auspice has a part, and your tribe has a part, but who you are is not dependent on them. Right? So, when all the tribes seemed to be based mostly on a specific group of people, how come I look nothing like you or Alicia?"

 

Finds-The-Path enters the ground level of the barn through one of the doors.

 

Finds-The-Path has arrived.

 

Dakota nods, "Some folks even decide to change their auspice of tribe, but that's a whole 'nother story." She grins softly, "Well, we Children of Gaia tend to come from all races, largely due to the fact we are most likely to adopt members of other tribes who either don't like theirs, have been kicked out, or are lost cubs. We also tend to adopt Metis, since other tribes don't like them." She rubs the back of her neck, hrming outloud. "You can often tell a Garou's tribe by their coloration in their wolf forms, but not always. Like me and Alicia, we look like Black Furies, tho' our parents were Children of Gaia Garou or kin. I suspect one of our relatives back in the day might have been a Fury, though I have no idea if that is true."

 

You say "I see why people think we're like hippies. Sounds like the Children of Gaia are like... the embodiment of that Michael Jackson song, "We are the world." I don't know what I'd look like. I don't think there's such a thing as a Mexican wolf.""

 

Dakota smirks, "Yeah there is, tho' they're nearly extinct, unfortunately. I suppose you could say we're hippies, some to a very close degree. The Uktena and Striders are the others who are probably as varied as we are, though the Striders more than the Uktena. As far as global mixes, tho', I'd say we Coggies take the cake."

 

The barn door opens to allow someone to enter - Karl. He steps in and catches sight of the pair. "Hey Kota, uh... what's up?" he asks her, studying the stranger curiously.

 

Miguel's face goes from smiling to blank and he looks down, which seems to be a pattern whenever someone he doesn't know is around.

 

Dakota snaps her head to the side and doesn't even fully see who it is before she's off the haybale and launching herself at Karl to wrap him in a hug. "Karl!" She beams, "Geezus, I've been hunting for you! I want you to meet the new cub, one of ours."

 

And that's about the last reaction he expected. Karl staggers back a step with the hug, and then returns it loosely when he has gathered his wits. "Whoa, hey! A new cub - one of /ours/? Cool," he grins.

 

Miguel silently lets the two older Garou converse.

 

Dakota releases the poor Karl and stands back upright, grinning widely. "David, I'd like ya to meet Karl. He's a Theurge like me, a Coggie, and one of my best friends since cubhood. K', this is David Miguel, a Galliard. Alicia and I picked him up just the other day."

 

Still wearing the grin, Karl extends his right hand toward the Galliard. "Nice to meet you."

 

Karl stands at 5'8" and appears to be the bookish 'computer geek' type, somewhere in his mid-late teens. Artificially tanned skin has almost entirely faded with time, revealing the natural colour to be quite pale. /Brightly/ bleached blonde hair gives way to more than an inch of what could be black at the roots.

The boy wears a bland brown tee, from under which long grey sleeves of another top protrude. Over top is an unzipped black tracksuit jacket, hood hanging down at the back and sleeves... missing: roughly torn off at the seams, judging by the occasional loose thread. His feet are protected by scuffed white sneakers, that have been heavily dirtied so as not to clash with the darker colours of his attire.

Carrying:

Utility Knife

 

Miguel shakes Karl's hand firmly, "Likewise. Glad to meet you, sir."

 

Dakota chuckles as she looks to the Galliard. "S'ppose I should teach you the formal Garou introduction, eventho' you don't have a cub name. Really, all ya gotta do, is state you name, auspice, rank, and tribe. In your case, you're rank would be Cub. Also, it's a good form of respect to add -Rhya, to the end of another's name who is higher in rank than you. Most of the time, it's required, or else you're make some folks around here quite angry."

 

Miguel replies, "David Miguel Corona, Galliard, cub, Children of Gaia." he looks for correction, "Is it right?"

 

Karl nods. "Yeah, that's basically it. You can fancy it up when you learn all the different ways of saying the same things. Like Dakota and I here, as Theurges we can say... spirit-talker, of the crescent moon, of the knife moon, tooth moon..."

 

"Yeah," Dakota says with a lopsided grin. "Karl's right. As a Galliard, folks will expect you to make that sound fancier once you learn more of the fancier terms. For example, I would introduce myself as: Dakota Winters, Heals-the Rifts, first rank Spirit Speaker of Unicorn's Children. You could introduce yourself as: David Miguel Corona, Moon-Dancer cub and Son of Unicorn."

 

Miguel questions, "Something I was wondering, how can there be a unicorn spirit, when there exists no such animal?"

 

Dakota opens her mouth to answer when her pockets begins to ring. Blinking, she pulls it out of her pocket, scooting over to the corner of the barn to talk. The conversation is quick and she soon hangs up her phone. "Jeremy needs me to come grab him at work." She explains with a huff before looking to Miguel. "Guess we'll have to wait on the lesson on shapeshifting until later, unless someone around here will show you."

 

"There are a lot of spirits around that don't have a physical equal on this side. All manner of things. You'll understand it a lot better once you've been in the Umbra," Karl explains while Dakota is on the phone. When she returns with her explanation, he nods and says with a smirk, "Alright then. Who might that someone be?"

 

Miguel looks a little nervous of being asked to try to shift forms.

 

Dakota chuckles, "There's always someone at the farm. If you wanna teach him, that'd be awesome. Either Alicia and I can come get him a bit later to take him home." She looks to the Cub and grins. "It'll be good for you to spend some time out here at the farm off and on. You'll meet just about everyone here, and it's important to make a lot of friends." She notices the nervousness and walks over, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Believe me, once you learn what you can do, you'll wonder why you never got to learn sooner."

 

Miguel responds to Dakota's remark, "So you will be allowing me to leave the apartment then? I thought I was a prisoner there?"

 

Dakota shakes her head to Karl and then replies to Miguel, "You're not a prisoner, we just don't want you out on the streets until we're sure you wouldn’t go accidentally shifting in front of people. Karl will explain to you." She gives her fellow Theurge a wide grin and claps him on the shoulder, "Either I'll be back or I'll send Alicia. See ya both, call me if you need, my numbers are on the fridge!" And she jogs for the door and slips out.

 

Dakota has left.

 

"Later!" Karl calls after her, before turning back to the Cub. "So... uh... what have you learnt so far?"

 

Miguel rubs his chin a little as he thinks, "Well... let me think. Not very much. Just... what Garou are. The 5 auspices, the 13 tribes, the umbra, the totems, and that the God I worshipped doesn't exist, and the real god is named Gaia."

 

Karl hmmms. "Yeah, that could be difficult on a person..." he murmurs.”So uh, have you shifted forms at all yet?"

 

Miguel shakes his head, "No. I'm not sure that I can."

 

"Not even once? Accidentally?" Karl asks, brow wrinkled with concern.

 

Miguel shakes his head, "No, not once, never. Only evidence I am not human is Alicia's say so." he laughs to himself quietly.

 

"Ah... well, I'll leave that to Alicia then. The First Change is the hardest, so... yeah." Karl thinks for a moment, moving over to seat himself on the haybale Dakota was using until she 'attacked' him. "Okay, what about the Litany? You know what that is?"

 

Miguel shakes his head, "Sorry, never heard of it."

 

Karl says "Okay. Well, the Litany is our Code of Laws. There are thirteen rules that must be adhered to. Breaking those laws will bring harsh punishments. Now, that sounds kind of harsh, but most of them are pretty easy to stick by. Number One, Garou Shall Not Mate With Garou. Do you know what a Metis is?""

 

You say "Sort of... Alicia explained it as, 'there are homid, like you, lupus, which are born as wolves, and Metis, which are something you don't want to be' More than that, I don't know.""

 

"Okay. Well generally, Garou will pair up with Kin, whether they're homid or lupus. Sex between two Garou produces a Metis. A... well, a 'freak' basically. They're full blooded warriors, but they're deformed. We have a few of them here, and they're great people and I don't have an issue with them, but other Tribes are strongly opposed to them, and the producing of Metis, or even sex with another Garou /without/ producing a Metis, is a breach of the Litany and harshly punishable," Karl says.

 

Miguel sighs, "I guess that means I won't be getting any more booty now that I am a Garou, than before, huh? Well, that's certainly manageable."

 

"Well, yeah. Now that you're among us, most of the girls you'll see will be Garou. And even if you do manage to get yourself a Kin girl... or guy, if that's your thing, there's an unwritten law that says Cubs aren't allowed do it. Regardless," Karl says. "Not that it's really punished or anything, but a little frowned upon at least."

 

Miguel sighs, "Can we just move on to the next one Karl-Rhya? I'm not exactly a lady-killer." he holds up two-fingers, "I won't sleep with any Garou. Scout's Honor." he grins, "I don't want to think about the tragedy that is my love-life."

 

Karl chuckles, "Hey it's nothing to brag about here, either. Alright, Number Two. Combat the Wyrm Where It Dwells and Whenever It Breeds. This one... is a tricky one. It's not always clear /where/ it dwells or /when/ it breeds... This one... well, I'll just leave it there for now. Number Three, Respect the Territory of Another. Be aware of scent markings and such, and when you're about to step on another Garou's turf, make yourself announced with a howl."

 

Miguel nods, "Okay. That's not too tough." he is repeating to himself trying to memorize what was being said, "Garou Shall not Mate with Garou, Combat the Wyrm Where It Dwells and Whenever It Breeds, Respect the Territory of Another...Garou Shall not Mate with Garou, Combat the Wyrm Where It Dwells and Whenever It Breeds, Respect the Territory of Another...Garou Shall not Mate with Garou, Combat the Wyrm Where It Dwells and Whenever It Breeds, Respect the Territory of Another." "So, you have to shift to a wolf for that last one?"

 

Karl smirks as the Cub sets about memorizing the tenets so soon. "No, you can howl in three of the five forms - any of the furry ones. Uh... do you know about the five forms?"

 

Miguel grins, "I heard that one of them is Crinos. Not really though."

 

"Oh geez, sorry. Okay, Crinos is the big one. I mean /big/ one. That's the... well, 'werewolf' one. You're in Homid at the moment, and Lupus is the wolf. The other two are Glabro, "the near man", which is like... well, think of an ugly caveman, and you're almost there. The other one is Hispo, "the near wolf". Which is... well, think of a big, ugly wolf," he chuckles, "and you're almost there."

 

Miguel is whispering the names of the forms to himself under his breath, trying to crunch the immense amount of information he has heard today.

 

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Karl says. "Don't stress about memorizing it all so soon. It'll sink in with time, and you've only been here... what, a few days? It's not like where going to grade you on it or anything, there'll be plenty of time to get it down. We're okay to go through it as often as you need."

 

Miguel grins, "I see, I see. Old habits die hard. I guess, I was always kind of a book worm."

 

"Yeah? Me too," Karl grins. "You won't find this stuff in any books, though. It's all word of mouth."

 

Miguel nods, "Then all the more important that I memorize it." he smiles at

Karl, "But maybe not today."

 

"Well yeah, you're right. But it's easier to remember when you've seen and experienced some more of it all. But don't let me stop you, just... don't stress," Karl smiles.

 

Miguel obviously likes Karl, and is quickly becoming at ease around him, "Sure thing Karl-Rhya."

 

Karl chuckles at that. "Okay, so where were we? (Respect...) Ah, Number Four. Accept an Honorable Surrender. Okay, these are easier to follow and understand if you think like a wolf. A lot of these are based on - or part of - the social structure that natural wolves live by. Like wolves, Garou fight. A lot. And if you're kicking someone's ass, even if it's not a physical conflict, if they bare their throat, you /must/ accept their surrender. Assuming it's honorable..."

 

You say "Okay then. How can you know if it's not honorable?"

 

"Uhm... Well, if it's insincere, or if it's utterly cowardly or something. I uh... I've never heard much of a problem with this one. The important part is to accept the surrender. The 'honorable' bit is just to cover /your/ ass, so you're not obliged to accept /every/ surrender. I guess it's up to you to decide what's honorable and what isn't," Karl says.

 

Miguel nods appreciatively, "Okay, that's logical. Thank you Karl-Rhya."

 

Karl returns the nod. "S'ok. Number Five. Submission to Those of Higher Station. This one is a bitch. At least, it was for me as a Cub." Karl's tone turns quite serious now. "When an Elder tells you to do something, you do it. You don't argue; you don't negotiate. Well, sometimes you can, but if it's urgent, or they're pissed, you just do it, no matter how unfair. That's not to say we're going to exploit you or anything, it's just that we've earnt our place and command respect because of that. Furthermore, we often have a better idea of what's best." He pauses, "Not everyone's a hardass, but a lot of Garou /are/ pretty coarse. Just... basically, as long as you do as you're told, and give Elders their respect, you'll do fine."

 

Miguel sighs, "I almost didn't need to be told that. If I'm required to call everyone -Rhya all the time, it's pretty obvious that I'm required to be submissive."

 

"Well, you're not required to call /everyone/ Rhya /all/ the time, but it is a safe default. I... I'll be honest. I don't expect you to call me Rhya, but... it is a nice ego boost," Karl smirks.

 

Miguel shrugs, "I might as well. Doesn't seem like I'll be able to have a normal life anytime soon. Might as well try to get some good habits before this shit really hits my brain, and I completely freak out."

 

Karl chuckles. "You haven't freaked out yet?"

 

Rusty enters the ground level of the barn through one of the doors.

 

Rusty has arrived.

 

Miguel grins, "Oh, I completely freaked out first. But, after seeing people change a time or two, it's less scary. What's really going to play with my mind in a bit is when I have to sit down and think about all the philosophical issues. I don't exactly live in the same world anymore."

 

Rusty slips into the barn, carrying a guitar case. He shuts the door behind him, then pauses when he sees there are already people here.

 

Rusty's a small lad, only an inch over 5' tall and on the lean side. He seems to be somewhere in his mid-to-late teens, but it's hard to tell for sure. Two things about him catch your attention at once - his sparkling emerald eyes and his curly copper-red hair. The hair in particular is hard to miss; it's a bit shaggy at the moment, as if it's not been cut for a month or two. His eyes peer out merrily from a slightly-thin face, its fair skin covered with a healthy splash of freckles, and he tends to grin often. A small tuft of copper-red hair decorates his chin - a minimalist's goatee.

 

Right now, he's got on a pair of faded blue jeans, a dark blue t-shirt, and worn white sneakers. The front of the shirt has a slogan in gold lettering: Question Authority.

 

 

"No. Things are very, very different," Karl says. The sound of the door catches Karl's attention. "Hey Rusty! Long time, no see!"

 

Rusty smiles. "Hey, Karl. How've you been doing?" He pauses, seeing the new teen. "And who's your friend?"

 

Miguel extends his hand to Rusty, and tries to remember the introduction Dakota taught him earlier today, "David Miguel Corona, Moon Dancer, cub, Son of Unicorn."

 

Rusty smiles, and takes the teen's hand. "Good to meet you. I'm Sean Fitzpatrick, called Rusty by pretty much everybody. New-moon cliath of the Fianna."

 

Karl grins, proud of his news Cub's initiative. "Yeah, I've been well. I uh... I've Rited you know. Cliath now. Finds-The-Path," he beams.

 

Miguel steps off quietly to a step behind and to the right of Karl.

 

Rusty grins at Karl. "You've rited? Cool. Guess a lot of things have happened while I was gone."

"Yeah... a lot, since I last saw you. Where did you go?" Karl asks.

 

Miguel listens to the older Garou's conversation intently.

 

Rusty smiles happily. "I had a chance to see my father....for the first time since I was twelve. Him, and some of his side of the family. I couldn't pass it up."

 

Karl nods. "Cool. You have a good time?"

 

Rusty nods, grinning. "It was great. I missed him, bad. Unc's nice, but...it was nice to be with Dad again. Though...I have to admit, it's nice to be back home, too."

 

"Yeah, cool. You're lucky, I guess," Karl says. "How long ago did you leave, though? Because... there have been some big changes in recent times."

Rusty shrugs. "I've been gone a few months. What kinds of changes."

 

"Well... Megan Fire-Watcher has returned and is now Alpha. Salem is now Thomas Walker, and has left us. Tabia has gone AWOL. Luke... Luke has passed on. Craig has also passed on... All sorts," Karl says.

 

Rusty nods. "I knew about Megan. Luke...." His face falls. "I'd heard. Hell. Didn't know Craig, really."

 

"Well he... oh. Were you about when Renee left?" Karl asks.

 

Rusty hmmms softly. "No....I've been gone a while."

 

Karl speaks softly. "Ah. He was the father of Renee's child... Squeaks-Like-A-Rat. They... didn't know he was Garou at the time, and Alicia and Salem came to find out but kept it secret. Because the lid was blown when the child was returned to the Sept, Renee lost a Rank and the three were subjected to Voice of the Jackal... Squeaks is still here, but Renee has gone elsewhere."

 

Rusty's eyebrows go up. "Uh....Ok. Quite a lot HAS happened, I see...."

 

Karl nods, still speaking softly. "Yeah."

 

Rusty :sighs. "Any good news about things?"

 

Karl thinks. "Uh, yeah?" He pulls back the clothing from his left shoulder to reveal a long, thin scar. "The Rite of Wounding," he offers with a soft smile.

 

Rusty arches an eyebrow. "Oh? Cool."

 

Karl says "And I'm waiting for the Totem Quest to join Crescent Wing," Karl adds, letting the clothing snap back into place."

 

Miguel cocks an eyebrow inquisitively, choosing to break his silence, "What is the rite of wounding?"

 

Rusty grins. "You're joining Crescent Wing, huh? Hope that works out well for you."

 

"The Rite of Wounding," Karl explains, "is a ritual to mark a warrior with a scar, after they first seek out and destroy the enemies of Gaia. Joshua and Dakota were with me and have one too."

 

Miguel smiles, "Thank you for enlightening me. In that case, congratulations Karl-Rhya." He clearly relishes saying the word -Rhya for some reason.

 

"Thank you," Karl says with a grin. "Oh, that's another thing," Karl says suddenly to Rusty, as if just remembering, "Megan wants everyone in a pack."

 

Rusty hmmms. "Unc mentioned something about that. Guess I'm gonna have to be looking around."

 

Miguel takes a mental note; Garou form packs.

 

"Yeah... A lot of us have either formed a new pack or joined existing ones. I'm not sure how many of you are left behind, but there are still a few of you," Karl says.

 

Rusty nods. "Like I said - I'm going to have to do some looking around."

 

"Have you ever thought much about a pack in the past?" Karl asks.

 

Rusty nods. "Was in a pack for a while....and I'd talked to Luke about one in the past." He sighs softly.

 

Miguel expects that since packs weren't mentioned to him, they probably are an issue after cubhood is over.

 

Karl is down again himself, now. He says quietly, "We held a gathering for him. At the Burial Mound."

 

Rusty nods quietly. "Wish I'd been there...."

 

"Say, are uhm... you any good at helping First Changes?" Karl asks Rusty.

 

Rusty shrugs. "I've been around a couple." he chuckles. "Why? Need some help?"

 

Miguel is obviously a little nervous. It's weird to know people are talking about you, without them specifically mentioning you.

Locations                                       

 

"Yeah," Karl says, now looking directly at the Cub. "Mine was a little rough, but I had Renee taking care of it. If you know what I mean."

 

Rusty snorts softly. "I can imagine." He regards Miguel a moment, then looks at Karl. "I can help...but are you sure he'd want me to?" He grins wryly.

 

Miguel looks a little afraid, based on the subtext of the conversation. He swallows heavily as he feels his throat go a little dry. He neither wants what is coming next, nor wants to change, and break his hopes that he really is human after all.

 

Karl is confused a moment and turns back to Rusty. When he clicks, he lets out a loud laugh. "Uhm... I uh... won't touch that one," Karl says, smirking.

 

Rusty chuckles. "As I recall, you were pretty leery about the whole idea." He glances at Miguel. "What Karl hasn't told you is that I'm gay. And if we manage to get you to change....you'll probably wind up naked in front of me at some point. If that bothers you, let me know."

 

Miguel sighs actually relieved a little that that was the big worry, "That's the least of my worries. I'm not much to look at naked anyway. I'm afraid of changing, but believe me; I'd still be a lot more worried if a girl saw me naked."

 

Alicia enters the ground level of the barn through one of the doors.

 

Alicia has arrived.

 

Auggie enters the ground level of the barn through one of the doors.

 

Auggie has arrived.

 

Rusty chuckles. "Well, I'm glad it doesn't bother you. Some guys are more worried about being seen by someone gay than by a girl." He grins. "Karl was pretty antsy about it."

 

The barn door gets shoved open as Alicia makes her way inside the bar, toting a new figure at her side who seems confused and a bit scared. The Galliard rambles on and on about little things. The Garou, their ties to Gaia, how they have been fighting a war for thousands of years.

 

Miguel looks at Karl and smiles softly, but doesn't say anything. He is wondering if Karl is afraid because of insecurity.

 

"Yeah," Karl says, with a chuckle. "But still, I uh..." his attention is broken when Alicia arrives.”Hey Alicia! I'm glad you're here, I... uh..." He stops completely there, eyeing the /other/ new person.

 

Auggie walks as if he is superglued to Alicia's side. He blinks and stares and blinks and stares, quite bewildered.

 

Rusty glances to the door and arches an eyebrow. "Hey, Alicia. Who's your friend?"

 

"This is Auggie, guys." Alicia says as she eyes the pair of Gaians, then the Fianna. "He's a new cub of mine. Ahroun, full moon born. At least that’s what my lil book says from the birthdate he gave me. Aug', this is Karl, Miguel, and Rusty. K an M are apart of our family, the Children of Gaia, Rusty is a Fianna, in another tribe."

 

Auggie(#2597PVc)

This lanky, wiry young man is in his mid-teens, perhaps 15 or 16 years old. Standing at about 5'6", he's a bit on the thin side, probably just shy of 150 pounds, but ropey muscles in his arms, evident even beneath a layer of fabric, indicate a routine of either athletics or hard work. His unkempt, curly brown hair and olive skin suggest a Mediterranean ancestry. His eyes are the color of coffee without cream, and they shine with confidence... or is that just teenage cockiness? He has a likable enough face, which is angular, ferret-like and dotted with moles, but he isn't exceedingly attractive. In fact, he has a bit of an acne problem right now. A few wispy, scraggly hairs have sprouted on his upper lip, and their length show he's never made an effort to shave them. A grey, beat-up, filthy sweatshirt and a pair of patched and threadbare blue jeans are stretched on his lanky frame. In contrast, a high-quality pair of hiking boots adorn his feet. The kid lacks the awkwardness so typical of boys his age. In fact, the only thing that really stands out about this kid his is the easy grace he carries himself with.

 

Miguel extends a hand to Auggie, and tries to show off what he learned to Alicia, "David Miguel Corona, Moon Dancer, Cub, Son of Unicorn."

 

Rusty smiles, and waves at the new kid. "Hey there, Auggie. Good to meet you." He chuckles. "I'm Sean Fitzpatrick, but everybody calls me Rusty. New moon cliath of the Fianna."

 

"Hey there. Finds-The-Path, Theurge," Karl says, offering the slivers of information not already given.

 

Auggie nods at the introductions, and shakes Miguel's hand as it is offered to him. A firm grip, despite the cub's shock. "It's, um, nice to meet you all," he says, his voice cracking a bit. He looks to Alicia, "Um, I don't really understand what all that name stuff means?"

 

Rusty grins, reaching up and patting the obviously bewildered cub on the shoulder. "Relax....that's why you're here."

 

Alicia smiles brightly. "You will soon enough. This is your first night after all." She says with a grin, glancing over towards Miguel. "He is a cub like you. I kinda explained that in the car. So... I'm sure you two will become good friends fast."

 

"It's just as well Kota and I Rited, or you'd be outnumbered," Karl says to Alicia with a chuckle.

 

Miguel smiles at Auggie, "I just learned how to introduce myself today." and he nods to Alicia, "And, if you wish us to be friends, I'll be certain to accommodate, Alicia-Rhya."

 

Alicia grins. "Of course I want you to be friends, Miguel." She explains. "Get on good terms with all the Garou here, because in the long run, it'll do you good."

 

"Okay... so uh... has Auggie Firsted yet?" Karl asks.

Alicia shakes her head. "Nope, tho' he has seen my war form once already. I just picked him up a few hours ago, had dinner and explained a few quickie things."

 

Auggie sighs and smiles slightly. "If I hadn't seen Alicia... um, Rhya?" He copies Miguel, adding the suffix questioningly. "Um, if I hadn't seen her change, I'd think I was being abducted into a cult or something." He shudders.

 

Rusty chuckles quietly. "A lot of cubs think that. It makes things more difficult than we like, sometimes." He smiles. "You coping OK?"

 

Auggie sniffs and widens his stance a bit in response to Rusty's question. "Sure. I'm good."

 

Karl lets a yawn slip. "Ugh, sorry. I've had a long day," he says. "I uh... should probably hit the sack. Uhm... you two will still be here tomorrow?" Karl asks of the two Cubs, but expecting an answer from Alicia.

 

"All day. Its Easter an all so you know that means." Alicia says with a proud grin. "Big feast in the farmhouse and everyone needs to bring their appetite."

 

"Cool. We get to hunt and Umbral Easter Bunny?" Karl asks jokingly.

 

Miguel looks down at his belly, and rubs it happily at the thought, then thinks sadly to himself, -Easter just won't be the same without tamales.-

Rusty chuckles. "Free food is always nice."

 

Auggie smiles slightly. "And I can come too? Is there ham?"

 

Alicia chuckles. "Of course there will be Ham, it’s Easter. You are invited, everyone in the Sept is. I tend to go overboard with food anyways." She says, waving to Karl as he slips out the door. "I think I'm ganna take you two back to my place and then turn in for the night. You all can get to know each other if you want."

 

Rusty chuckles at Alicia. "Taking them with you, huh?"

 

Miguel yawns, and looks happy at the thought of sleep.

 

Auggie shrugs. "I was afraid ya ate like, dead deer or something." He seems indifferent to where he's being taken *now*.

 

Miguel yawns, "Alicia-Rhya, can we please sleep soon? I have had a long day, and I am sure Auggie has had a worse one."

 

Alicia nods her head and grins. "Yah, Yah... c'mon kids, let’s go. I got the car parked outside. Hey Rus, we'll see each other soon. K'?"

 

Rusty chuckles and nods. "All right." he grins. "Surprised you're not having them crash here."

 

Auggie waits to follow Alicia's leave, just now getting a good look at the huge barn interior.

 

Miguel breathes in and then out deeply, and then falls into step behind Auggie.