2018.11.17: Puddle Jumper's Fostern Challenge

Puddle Jumper's Fostern Challenge
Puddle Jumper faces Chases the Wind in ritual combat, to prove she's ready for rank 2 as an Ahroun.
IC Date	Saturday Nov 17 19:00:00 2019, PST.
Players	Puddle Jumper, Chases-The-Wind, Amethyst, Brooke, Fionn, Branton, Connor
Location	Amphitheatre in the Caern
Spheres	Gaian Garou

Deep Forest - Amphitheater

The amphitheater is a place for those within the sept to hold gatherings of any kind. Anything from moots, to any number of challenges, to stories that are told, as well as a place to meet for present as well as future plans to be discussed for the sept as a whole, and a variety of other things of importance. Like the rest of the caern, this area is covered within the thickness of the underground forest. Mountainous trees reside all around and throughout here as they stretch high into the heavens of this cavernous place forming a dense canopy overhead. Sounds of life can often be heard as well as the whisperings of the spirits on a soft and harmonious breeze. The area of the amphitheater has been cut back to form a wide open space that could easily fit several hundreds of individuals.

At the very center of the area is a half-domed sphere-shaped structure made from stone. Beneath the dome is a flat and wide stage also carved out of stone and provides ample room for any number of shifters or kinfolk alike to use it. Surrounding the front and to both sides of the stage are various large logs that have been formed out tree trunks. Each log is cut in half as the flat part has been turned face-down so as to serve as a comfortable place to sit. The top of each log where an individual might place themselves is smoothed and sanded over to help add support as well provide for cushioning if just a bit. The land starting from the where the main stage is ascends upwards so that each sitting area isn't on the same level as the others and thus providing everyone a chance to see whether taller or shorter in height. The air here is thick with moisture and lies heavy upon the flesh like a second skin.

Often soupy mists of fog creep into the area like opalescent tendrils searching for prey. The swift umbral winds that bleed in from the heart and stream throughout the entirety of the caern aid in making the place rather pleasant to be in and easier to see one's surroundings as well as serves as a means for a refreshing, cool, breeze. The ground is soft and covered with a dense moss as well as rich, green, grass. Often individuals might come here even when there's no event going on if but to have a place to simply talk in private or perhaps enjoy a picnic with family, friends, lovers, and pack mates. The feel of the area one might get from these grounds is that of a past rich with life, and full of meaning. There's quite a bit of history here within this place and the legends of previous times before today's age can nearly be felt as a physical representation that could easily touch one's heart and soul.

Word has been spread in the past night and the wee hours of the morning: Waziyata, Puddle Jumper, has challenged Bryan Osborn - the newly returned Adren called Chases the Wind - to acknowledge her as Fostern. It's likely considered a bit of an odd choice, but it's the one she made in the Smoke and Barley. His answer for the lupus? Meet at dawn in the Amphitheater. So, here in the very early pre-dawn hours and minutes, there lurks a white wolf.

At the moment, Waziyata is sprawled on her side at the edge of the amphitheater seats, eyes closed, being a lazy wolf. Is she asleep for her big moment? The sun is expected to rise at any moment...

Connor is actually an early riser, and hey a challenge! So he's making his way into the amphitheater as well, his satchel resting at his waist, because people tend to get hurt more often than not.

Amethyst makes her way in. Hey, spirits are tattletales, and she doesn't really live very far away to begin with. There's a bit of sadness hanging about her, and assuredly her multicolored hair stands out. But here, her technology is ALL OFF and put away. She knows the rules, and respects them. So she's just another brightly haired millenial, in black shorts, top, and strappy sandals. Where is her coat? Guess she doesn't need one. Quietly, trying not to draw attention, she finds herself a seat on the edge.

Bryan Osborn enters from somewhere further in the caern. He's been meditating, asking for guidance and wisdom and praying that Connor doesn't show up to fuck them all up the tookus with a rusty chainsaw. Maybe his luck has changed in the last three years. HAH. Anyway! Bryan looks around as he sees people and... nope. There's Connor. THe man gets a wave. He knows that guy! He heads over toward the ring and wanders around it in slow, meditative circles.

The white wolf's ears twitch. First one, then the other, then both together as her eyes open and her head lits up from the ground. The wolf twists to look toward the encroaching humans, then gives a wide yawn and clambers to her feet. She stretches first her front legs, then her hind legs, then gives herself a sudden shake and trots a couple of steps away from her resting spot, spry and alert despite the hour. Maybe she really was catching a cat nap?

Rather than darting directly over to Bryan, she moves to the edge of the Amphitheater and merely stands tall and proud, tail and ears relaxed but alert and focused on the man as she waits for him to complete his meditative journey.

Connor shifts his weight easily and unslings a rather large spear from across his broad shoulders "Bryan, good ta see ya again lad." He dips his head in a nod and sets the spear to the ground

Bryan Osborn grins at Wazi and nods his approval of her being here on time and he nods to Connor. "I've got some stories to tell you. Later." He takes a breath and moves around to Puddle Jumper, lifting his voice for everyone to hear. Doesn't matter if THEY are gathered or not. This is for Wazi. "Puddle Jumper, Wolf born Ahroun of the Children of Gaia. I am Bryan Osborn, rited Chases the Wind, Adren, homid born Galliard of the Children of Gaia. I am here to answer your challenge for the right to be called Fostern." He pauses for the span of a heartbeat and then continues. "As a Cub and as a Cliath, you spent your time learning to fight, knowing where your opponent's weaknesses lie. It was a time of learning and growing. As a Fostern, it's now time to take all that you've learned and use it. What form are you most comfortable fighting in, Puddle Jumper?"

Branton heard there was a thing going on over at the amphitheater so he wanders in and takes a seat to have a watch. Looking curiously on as Bryan gets things started.

The wolf's ears perk up, tail raising slightly as Bryan turns and approaches her, beginning his pronouncement. She tilts her head a bit, neither retreating from his advance, nor sitting down though it would make it easier to look up at the Galliard. Her tail begins to wag, slowly, in a mixture of pleasure and anticipation as he speaks. Then, the question comes and she shifts her weight a bit, moving delicately from foot to foot without actually moving more than an inch or two from her original position.

<>

Bryan Osborn nods to Puddle Jumper and grins. "Then choose a form other than Hispo and I'll take that one." He lifts his voice again. "Things aren't always fair. Sometimes you're forced into situations where you aren't the most comfortable. I will assume Hispo form. Puddle Jumper will assume a different one. Puddle Jumper, you can use any gift that you know. I am allowed only gifts that are not physical. If you accept my terms, choose your form, your gifts, and prepare now."

Brooke comes inside the amphitheater, and makes her way to the back to watch.

In response to that decision, Waziyata actually pants a silent, wolfish laugh, her muzzle parting into a grin and tail wagging more earnestly. It seems the Ahroun is amused and excited by the decision. She shifts her weight again, mincing another tiny series of steps, then she turns and moves a couple of paces away from Bryan, ears laying back in a contemplative expression as her muzzle closes. Then, she grows into the war form, shifting her weight a moment, before sinking down past it into Glabro. She is an ugly, hairy blonde woman in that form and she turns to face Bryan Osborn with a grimace. It seems she isn't happy with the decision to use that form, but she adopts it anyway, shifting her weight a little and settling into a readied stance..

"Yes," she speaks in slightly stilted, gravelly english, "I agree for not fair fight."

Chases the Wind nods and then he shifts and moves around in a long circle around the perimeter of the fetish and then abruptly flops down and rolls onto his back. That's kind of a weird thing to do in Hispo. He wiggles around, getting himself all dirty, and those with the ability to sense such will know that the circle has been activated. Chases the Wind rolls over and clambers to his big-ass feet and wanders opposite to where Wazi is, a good ten feet or so apart. <<Say when ready>>

Amethyst just sits quietly, witnessing the goings-ons, keeping to herself.

For her part, Wazi is bouncing on the balls of her feet as she watches the hispo adren roll around in the dirt, her broad, hairy face grinning freely as she waits. She shifts her weight again, clenching and unclenching her fists, tilting her head this way and that as if working out some tension in the muscles. Then, the hispo is on his feet again and she snorts a quiet laugh at the sight of him. She is grinning widely again as she waits for him to assume the position he wants, and then, at the command she just nods once. "Bacon!"

Does that... Mean she's ready? She brings her fists up, the grin turning fierce as she braces to fight.

I mean, yeah. Who ISN'T ready when Bacon happens? Chases the Wind snorts and paws at the ground to get himself all ready

It doesn't take long. Bryan lunges and gets a really good grip on... Wazi's.. belt loop? Or something. With a snarl, he tears a bit of her clothing and stumbles backwards as his teeth just refuse to take purchase on the girl's hip. He skitters back, reeling as he's punched and then lunges in again, falling this time as his ass is REALLY REALLY WELL KICKED by this mighty Cliath girl and he half-rolls across the circle.

Wazi doesn't seem to have noticed anything strange about her bacon announcement. She gives a surprised cry as the Hispo charges in so quickly, she's fast, but he's much faster. She twists, sucking in her little belly and shying back just a touch as the fangs close in, letting her tattered jeans and hoodie catch on the big wolf's teeth and tear, the cloth shearing right through to give a peep show to the Galliard. Then, in repayment, she slams one big fist down into his head.

When he jumps back and then lunges in to bite again, Wazi hisses, stumbling a half-step before she turns and kicks the wolf in the side hard enough to send him rolling. She charges after the adren, then, fists still up and ready to fight, until she comes to a halt over the unconscious Galliard. She blinks, looking down at him, then is crouching down to check him a bit roughly, "Chases Wind?"

Nope. Dead. I mean maybe not. But the big dire wolf just lays there, panting and dead-like. As soon as he actually loses consciousness, of course he flips back into his homid form and groans, reaching out to hold his side. "Ow," he mutters in response, cracking open an eye to peer at BigWazi as he lays there. "I'd.. say.. you ... won..." he mutters as he tries to get some of his wind back.

The glabro stays low over the man as he comes back to groaning and holding his side. She eyes him with a concerned frown, before nodding slightly at his words. After a long, silent moment of the girl just quietly nodding and looking down at the man. Then she snorts a sudden laugh and moves one big, meaty hand to ruffle his hair. It's very dignified, quite respectful of his great station. It's affectionate, at least, right? "Yes. Thanks."

Branton settles back in his seat as the fight ends, and quickly at that. Branton gives a small huff of surprise.

Chases the Wind just lays there for a minute or two as the Mercy fetish kicks in and he lifts his hand, poking Puddle Jumper in the nose and he rolls up to his feet, holding his side in memory of the pain. "Do any here doubt the validity of Puddle Jumper's Victory?"

Connor gives a broad grin, and a few claps. His spear is lifted off the ground and slung back over his shoulder "She'll go far." He turns and starts to head out "I'll bring drinks next time! Duty calls!"

Wazi flinches slightly at the poke to her nose, before grinning at the adren. She stays squatted down as the man's bruises and probable fractures heal, the wound in her side closing up as she waits. Then she straightens to her feet as he stands, shifting her weight a moment and then turning to look at the spectators, still grinning.

With plenty of people validating the challenge and the victory, Bryan turns twoard the big lunk of wolf-girl and nods. "So now you howl, announcing yourself as Fostern. I'll show you the best place to do it. Have you heard of Howling Hill?"

Amethyst looks to a blank space on her shoulder, silent, as if looking at someone, or something. The slim kinmagi still doesn't have much to say, as she watches the goings-on quietly once more. Interested. Respectful.

As Wazi looks over the amphitheater occupants, still grinning, her gaze falls on Amethyst. The crazy-haired, tattooed, decorated kin girl. Wazi's brow raises, then she laughs again, before turning her attention back to Bryan when the man speaks. She tilts her head slightly, brow furrowing into a slight frown at the question, before shaking her head. "No."

Bryan Osborn finally notices Others around. There's the kami who isn't a kami and the girl with the flaming bird on her shoulder. So hot. Bryan blinks between the two, lifts a hand to Branton and then throws an arm over Wazi. "Let me show you where it is." He motions to the others. "C'mon everyone. This party ain't over yet."

Branton is sitting quietly on the bench and watching. He tilts his head as if to listen for something hard to hear. He waves back at Bryan and gets up to follow along.

Amethyst grins softly. PARTY. Variable in definition, but fun none the less, the reserved kinmagi wobbles up to stand on her feet. Yes! Legs. They work, check. Along she goes, toned legs carrying her towards the invitation. Is it appropriate to congratulate someone? The poor girl has no idea. But she's along for the ride!

Wazi gives another snort in response to Bryan, finally shrinking from her glabro form down into Homid. She takes a moment to tug at her torn clothing a bit, hints of bright white and red tattoos visible on the skin underneath her jeans, before she turns to follow along as Bryan pulls her forward, "Yes," she agrees simply, glancing briefly over her shoulder to those following. Then she grins, snorting another time, and turns her gaze forward.

It's a good little trek out to the world above, and then another little hike about half a mile from the entrance to the caern. Bryan whistles along the way, chatting amiably and occasionally poking or prodding the new Fostern. Then it's up.. and up.. and up.. to the top of a hill that opens up, revealing a large valley below. Every whisper echoes up here. "Howling Hill... I remember this place well. This.. right here.. if the wind is right, you can hear it all the way to town almost."

A gaggle of people are following along through the caern as Bryan Osborn walks with his arm about Wazi's shoulders, leading them along. News is spreading that Puddle Jumper (whoever that is) has just successfully challenged for Fostern. Many break away from the little gaggle of people but they offer that explanation if asked - she's going to a place called Howling Hill to make the announcement.

For Wazi's part, she doesn't talk too much as she walks along with Bryan, though she snickers or occasionally leans bodily against the man in response to his poking or prodding. When she does talk, it's to say slightly cryptic things in response to him, in her half-broken English. But she doesn't take too long to warm up on the trek to the hill. "He is saying, I have no class and must learn," she's telling the Galliard about one of the local kinfolk of the Children of Gaia.

But then the howling hill is reached, the acoustic qualities revealed, and Wazi goes silent, mouth opening in surprise and delight. She glances to the man, eyeing him another moment before she grins, then falls to the ground in her lupus form; a white wolf.

Branton is tramping along, taking a swig from a canteen occasionally. Mostly staying quiet and being a witness to the procedings.

Fionn is one of those who were swept up in the procession from the caern, but has joined with an easy swagger. No canteen for him, but a small metal flask is produced from time to time, and he sips from it. At the top, Fionn nods to himself and looks out at Howling Hill. "Nice way to start some ghost stories," he says to no one, though he's not precisely quiet.

The white wolf gives herself a shake, pacing carefully about the top of the hill a moment, tail wagging eagerly, sniffing at the grasses and shrubs, investigating. Must be interesting smells. But after only a short time, she turns and paces back toward the centerpoint of the hill, gathering her breath. Then, she throws her head back and howls, long and loud, the sound echoing impressively into the dawning morning. >>I am Puddle Jumper. Lupus, Ahroun, Child of Gaia. Touched by Wyld. Guided by Twister. Proved Fostern in challenge to Chases Wind'rhya. It is good day!<<

Amethyst appears to be the only kin not swigging on mysterious liquids. Nope. Just an athletic, fit girl with high Life spheres clambering along through the woods in totally inappropriate for woods attire, and perfectly happy with it. She listens on quietly, head tilted curiously at the howl.

Bryan Osborn grins over at Wazi and nods. "Tell me who it was and I'll set them straight." Then he watches Wazi shift and he grins ear to ear. "Go ahead then. Make your howl." THen she DOES and Bryan just grins ear to ear and he nods, then frowns and when the howl is done, he pokes Wazi in the nose again. He seems to like doing that, but he doesn't appear to INTEND to be offense about it. "Touched by the Wyld? No wonder you kicked my ass."

As she finishes howling, Waziyata straightens back up, tongue lolling and muzzle opening in a wolfish grin, tail whipping back and forth. Then she's poked in the nose again. She tosses her head at the contact, giving a playful growl and then lunging forward to try and nip the man's hand. Probably not hard enough to actually hurt, it's a gesture afterall. <<My face. You do not see him?>>

Branton looks around a bit as Wazi howls and then comments of handedly to Fionn "No ghosts out tonight. Though I did bring my amulet just in case, the shadow-lands are super fucked up this far out from town."

Fionn laughs a little and then points down to the city. "I meant for them," he says, "hearing the howl up here and wondering just what sort of ghosts are making all the racket." He watches the interaction between Wazi and Bryan, smiling easily.

"Nah, wolves don't sound like ghosts." Bryan actually lets Wazi gnaw on him if she wants to and ruffles her head. "How's it feel, Puddle Jumper? YOu feel any different?"

The quiet kinmagi listens to Fionn and other kin, curious for a moment. If she has an opinion on ghosts, it isn't shared. Amethyst doesn't seem to be uneasy, though. Nope. Just relaxed, and watching the new Fostern celebrate. This is new to Ame, so, interesting in its own right.

Waziyata tosses her head back and forth a little, pretending to savage the Galliard's hand, before releasing him as her head is ruffled. She turns, then, stepping past the man and bumping her shoulder against his leg. Then, tail wagging, she moves toward the three onlookers, growing slowly and steadily back into her homid form.

Soon, the teenage blonde is grinning and straightening up. She glances back to Bryan to answer the question with a laugh, "No! Is same, like being old. New and not new." Then, she's licking her lips and looking to the two men talking about ghosts, and the wild-haired woman with them. "Is good!" she informs them, or maybe encourages, "Scare ghosts. Make noise."

Branton nods at Fionn "That's fair. I do like to be prepared anyway. Have we met? I usually dont forget that sort of thing entirely. I'm Branton Kholer, kinfolk to the Black Fury tribe, Klaive-smith, Pyrokinetic, and Sorcerer-Shamman in the service of Hecate, the Mother of Spells and Lady of the Crossroads." Then he grins at Wazi "Congratulations."

Fionn lifts his flask to Wazi in salute and drinks from it, saying something in gaelic with a terribly American accent. To Branton, he says, "Fionn Byrne. I don't think we've met. I've been away for awhile, but I'm back. Ahroun of the Fianna. Born on two legs, but rite name Breaks-the-Shell. Good to meet you."

"Bryan Osborn, two legs, Adren, Galliard, CHild of Gaia. Just got my ass handed to my by a lupus Cliath who is now a Fostern because of it. Pretty much before I could blink."

Amethyst grins quietly, "Congrats," the shy kinmagi offers at last, to Wazi. "'m Amethyst Wickward, kinfolk to the Glasswalker tribe, Dreamspeaker and Virtual Adept Tradition mage, and Firebird's Chosen." So, perhaps Amethyst does have some titles, but they're not nearly as neat or fancy. Socially awkward, the young shaman stands there, simply happy to be included in the goings-on.

"Waziyata Puddle Jumper," the blonde offers her own name, still grinning, "Fostern Ahroun." She doesn't add anything else to that. Did she forget half of the group probably didn't understand her howl? Instead, she looks at Branton with renewed interest, smile turning to a slight frown as she considers the man, head tilting to one side, one eye closing. Then that one-eyed, lopsided gaze focuses on Amethyst at the woman's introduction.

After several long moments, Wazi snorts, straightening with another grin, "Too many names. Strange kinfolk." Then she's glancing at Amethyst again and adding curiously, "Crazy hair?"

Bryan Osborn grins at Wazi and ruffles her head.. VIOLENTLY. "Who are you calling crazy hair?" He shakes his head and squats down, picking up a stick from the ground and twirling it around his fingers. "Alright, boys and girls. I just wanted to show Puddle Jumper Howling Hill. No other plans for the night. I think it's time for booze, though. For real."

Branton nods as introductions go around and he fishes out a flask and offers it over to Fionn, because that's how you make friends with a fianna and gesturing with it to the others in turn "Ouzo?" And then he turns to Bryan "It was pretty quick wasn't it? Drinks at the Smoke?"

Amethyst bows her head and runs her fingers through the soft, silky tresses invitingly if Wazi wanted to touch. "Formal names. I'm just Ame. Colorful hair -grows- this way. Natural." Sure enough, no chemicals, it is in fact growing those shades. Prospect absolutely has the strangest kinfolk ever, Amethyst is no exception. "Drinks sound good. 've had enough bad news for one day, so good to see /good/ news."

Agh, Wazi is touseled. Her head jerks back and forth with the hand in her hair, hunkering down and ducking a bit to get away though she snorts, grinning and shaking her head as she glances back at Bryan. She doesn't bother answering him, though, instead her attention reverts to Amethyst at the invitation to touch. She moves a step closer, then leans forward, reaching hands out to touch and tangle in the parti-colored hair. Then she might break social boundaries - she leans in and sniffs intently at the woman's hair, brow furrowing into a slight frown.

Fionn laughs and takes the flask of ouzo. He offers his own to Branton and says, "Whiskey?" Nothing like trading booze. He sips the ouzo and hands the flask back to Branton. Fionn watches the goings-on between Wazi and Ame's hair with an amused smile.

"Drinks at the SMoke. Fuck yes." Bryan agrees with this readily and leaves poor Wazi alone long enough for her to harass Amethyst's hair. "Ready when you guys are."

Amethyst smells like Amethyst! Absolutely a Glasswalker kin. Freshly cleansed, no wyrmy yuckiness clinging to her from the city. Deep tones of cherry-scented cannabis seem to exude out of her, both in body and Spirit. Nobody needs Heightened Senses for that one. If it breaks social boundaries, the girl doesn't mind. She invited it, after all. There's the faint scent of some hemp soap in her hair, super gentle natural stuff. She does stifle a giggle. Sniffing is ticklish.

Branton takes the flask of whiskey and samples it before trading back and he nods off in the direction of where he left his truck past the patrolled boundaries and he extends a hand palm down "I can probably get us all to my truck in one jump if you'd like a lift into town."

Sniff. Sniff sniff! Sniff SNEEZE. Wazi steps back then, releasing Amethyst's now damp hair before chuckling and lifting a hand to rub at her nose. No trace of boogers and snot on the Ahroun. Was the kin lucky and it was a dry sneeze? We can only hope. Then, Wazi grins, shaking her head and rubbing her nose again, before she looks to Bryan at the man's words. "Be fun," she answers him, grinning again, "I am for patrol now. Thank you."

Then, she's melting down into her breed form, wagging her tail, and turning to start into the underbrush. Apologize to the kin? Whatever for? The thought probably hasn't crossed Waziyata's mind...