2018.11.17: Silver Fang Rite of Passage
| Silver Fan Rite of Passage | |
|---|---|
| Ildar and others (NPCs) have their Rite of Passage | |
| IC Date | Saturday, November 17th |
| Players | Ildar, Roman/Skully (ST), Alexei, Ox, Vladimir (NPCs) |
| Spheres | Garou Gaian |
When the time comes, Skully finds Ildar and instructs him to leave his things behind and follow after, which begins a long walk off the bawn and through the woods until they hit the highway. There isn't much talking; the Den Father is solemn, as the occasion warrants, and is standing watch for the cub. Within a couple of minutes a black sedan pulls up, driven by a too-handsome gentleman who gives Skully a respectful nod. "This is Roman Andreov, an' he's Kin to the Silver Fangs," Skully explains evenly to Ildar. "He'll drive you out to where the Rite is planned, and Gaia willin' he'll drive you back. Past this point, cub, I ain't got no advice for you save this; remember the three most important things. Keep 'em close to your heart." The big Metis gives the cub a sudden hug, huge arms wrapping around him protectively for a moment before letting go. "Luna guide you, Ildar," he says finally, with a deep bow of his head.
Ildar gets found by Skully and realizes.. This is the moment. Leaving with nothing else, he'd walk with Skully out to that highway in contemplative silence. A nod is given to Roman and then he's surprised by the hug. Giving it back, Ildar nods. "Thank you. For all you have done for me.. and all you will do." With that, Ildar gets into the car, taking one last look back at Skully, then looking forward, bracing himself for what is to come.
Roman drives the car for a bit before speaking, and when he does, his voice is honey-smooth and relaxing. "I'd tell you not to be worried, but you should be worried; it's that kind of day. What I'll tell you instead is this; my eldest three sons all survived their Rites of Passage, and I expect my youngest will, as well. They kept who they are in mind, and it kept them alive. Be true to who you are meant to be, and you will stand with Gaia's warriors tomorrow."
The highway leads off to an eastward road that brings them to the night desert, and after fifteen minutes more of driving Roman takes a dirt road out into the middle of nowhere, pulling up about fifty yards from a campfire. He shuts off the car, getting out and gesturing for Ildar to follow, and walks the rest of the way to a small gathering.
The sole seat by the campfire is an old, weathered stump, upon which sits a handsome, majestic Garou with a well-groomed beard and close-cropped black hair. Three other cubs sit on the ground, all waiting. Roman gives the other man a slight bow and says, "Purest Snow, I've brought you Ildar Solokov," gesturing to his charge. The other Garou nods and says, "Thank you, Roman. Right on time, as expected." He smiles slightly, and the resemblance between the two becomes obvious; brothers, or close cousins. Purest Snow stands, addressing the four cubs.
"I am Anton Josef Eugeniy Nikolaevich Alexeyev Andreov Purest Snow, Elder Philodox of the Silver Fangs and Truthcatcher of the Sept of the Widow's Wrath, which is far from here in Alaska. I am here because I was told four cubs seek to prove their worth and join the Silver Fangs, and I will see whether or not they are made of Falcon's best making or not. Who comes tonight to succeed or die?" His eyes fall on Ildar first, piercing and intent.
Ildar seems to be focused inward, a mental exercise that's interrupted at Roman's words. Looking to him, a small nod is given with a slight smile. "I can appreciate that.. I have learned who I am.. that was a good quest onto itself." As they'd arrive, Ildar gets out as directed and approaches the others. A bow is given to Purest Snow. "I am Ildar Solokov, Grandfather was known as Fights-the-Dark, Great great grandfather was Fangs-of-Justice. Great great great Grandmother was Luna's Claws. Silver Fang Cub, Born to the full moon and on two legs, member of the Enduring Spirit sept."
The next cub speaks with a strong arrogant voice, "I am Vladimir Mikhail Yusupov, born on two legs under the half moon." He continues to list his ancestors back 10 generations.
A shorter cub speaks next, "I am Alexei Felix Nikolaevich, Full moon, born on two legs to the great Dmitri Alexei Nikolaevich." He one ups the previous bug with 12 generations back for his list.
Finally, the last cub speaks. Not arrogant like the previous ones, but something odd there, "I am Eugene Semyon Oksana Lebedev, No moon, homid born. But you can call me Ox." He does not seem to care for formality like he should, and does not bother to list all his ancestors.
After the three speak, they all look over Ildar and then back to Purest Snow.
Ildar watches each in turn, studying them quietly, carefully. He doesn't comment or react to their looks, simply turning his focus back to the Elder, awaiting the next step in that sort of calm, steady approach.
Purest Snow listens to the introductions of the cubs, impassive and stoic, and once they are done he holds out a hand and closes it into a fist. "I have taken your names; they belong to dead Garou now," he intones deeply, holding the fist out toward each of them in turn. "If you return to me this night, you will be given new names. If you do not, I will take the names of the dead to your families, and they will mourn you. You will come home born anew, or you will not come home."
The Philodox stands, holding his fist over the fire, and then opens his hand. A sparkling dust falls into the flames, and the fire begins to glow bluish-silver, seeming to suck back all of the heat it was previously producing. The scent is sharp, stinging the nose and eyes, and the darkness seems to creep in on them all, leaving only the light of the moon. "Sit, and look into the fire. Find yourselves there, and then find Falcon. When you have done this, you may return, and only then."
Vladimir, Alexei, and Ox all move a bit closer and do what they are told. They stare into the fire, searching for themselves. Vladimir and Alexei look like deers in the headlights, while Ox seems unimpressed at first, but then tilts his head and narrows his eyes. Maybe he sees something?
Ildar stares at Purest Snow for a moment. Then he'd look to the fire. The last to step forward, he sits calmly, slowly. Almost like it's a measured pace to keep himself even. There, he'd focus on the flame, concentrating himself on the task at hand, to find himself once again and then on, to once more meet Falcon.
Before long the flames seem to slow their dance, causing a dreamlike hypnosis that bends and alters the feel of the world. Within moments, everything but the fire and the cubs is gone; the four sit now in a dark cavern, ceiling hidden in shadow and walls marked with Garou glyphs. Ice, Death, Honor, Warning, Fire, Rite of Passage, Garou, Falcon... they go on in the domed cavern, revealing that one wall is made of black volcanic glass and mirrors the cavern back to them.
Ildar becomes aware of the shift, glancing around, then getting to his feet. Looking to the others, he'd nod a little, then studies the wall and the glyphs. "The first part.. Find ourselves.. We have to pick the right glyph to make it through I think."
Ox is the first one up. He makes a face at the fire. "Eh.. trickery. Who are they fooling. Not I." At that point Vladimir and Alexei blink and are up on their feet. "Not quite what I was expecting, but let's go with it." says Alexei.
Vladimir on the other hand, "This is much like what I foresaw. I think we are searching for Falcon, we go right for the glyph of Falcon." He walks over to touch it.
The glyph for Falcon glows red, making a low tone, and a piercing shriek rings out, echoing and reverberating through the cavern like needles in the ear. The black glass lights slightly, and in it the room is reversed; instead of four Silver Fang cubs, it is four Black Spiral Dancers in a room marked with Wyrm glyphs. One of them touches a glyph just where Vladimir has, but his is Corruption; it glows bright green, and the four cubs on the other side seem encouraged by that.
Ildar winces, shaking his head. He'd look to the others, then the glyphs. "No! No no.. We have to seek ourselves. Who are we? What are we? We.. should select Honor. That is one of the Creeds of who we are as Garou.." Ildar eyes the others, then walks over, reaching out to touch the Glyph of Honor.
The glyph glows white, giving a soft hum and staying illuminated. The cavern is less dark, and more glyphs are visible -- City, Wolf, Luna, Caern, Griffin, Vampire, Wyld -- and on the other side one of the Spiral cubs selects Beast-of-War in his pride, burning his palm and falling screaming to the ground.
Alexei reaches a hand and knocks Vladimir on the shoulder, "You got it wrong there, boy. We are on our Rite of Passage." He puts his hand up and touches that one.
Vladimir has stepped back, and gives a little snarl to Alexei.
Ox on the other hand finds it all amusing. "They are all cursed. None of them is going to get us what we want." He just stands back refusing for the moment.
Ildar tries to stop Alexei. "No! That's not it! Think.. think! We are not on the Rite.. well we are. But we're seeking ourselves. Who are we?" He'd point to Wolf. "We need to touch Wolf. That is part of who we are." If none of the others would step up, he'd go to touch Wolf next.
When Alexei touches the glyph, it pulses blue and gives a flat tone, and the lights for Falcon and Honor go out. On the other side of the mirror, the burned cub still rolls in pain, but a third cub touches Wyrm Hive, which glows bright green and seems to make him satisfied. Their cavern is now brighter, while the Silver Fangs are in darkness.
Ox finally has had enough. "Caern, We need to touch the fucking Caern one." He walks up and touches it. He is absolutely sure he is right above the others.
When Ox touches Caern, it glows yellow and makes a bright tone, shining its light to make the other glyphs easier to see. The blue-silver fire brightens, and on the other side one of the Spiral cubs touches Power, and is knocked to the other side of the cave and rendered unconscious.
When Wolf is touched, it glows bright silvery-white, and a low, rising tone like a howl sounds out. and the fire burns brighter, warming them all as if they had thick coats of fur. Across the mirror, the burned Spiral touches Wyrm, and is immediately disintegrated, falling into a pile of crumbling dust. His Rite-mates do not seem to care, laughing at his failure. The glyph for Honor glows again, briefly, then dims; after a few seconds more, it repeats.
Grinning, Vladimir seeks to redeem himself for the first choice, "I see how it goes now. We start with Caern, Wolf, and Honor. Thus it leads to Glory!" He pushes anyone out of his way, and touches the Glory glyph.
Yes, Glory; the blaze of greatness. Vladimir's confidence earns him a coat of scalding fire, searing him to the bone and leaving him a smoldering husk. There is no Glory in being a cub.
On the opposite side, one of the cubs touches City, and it glows a pale green, illuminating their cavern further.
Ildar tried to stop him.. only to be too late. Closing his eyes a moment, he'd bow his head, then shakes it slowly. Looking to the others a moment, he'd step over to Honor and push it next. "Wolf and Honor."
Honor glows again, just as brightly as before, giving the Silver Fang cubs three lit glyphs to the Spirals' equal three. Thus far, the dueling cubs are matched, including their dwindled numbers.
Ox and Alexei blink, seeing Vladimir go up in the flame and be gone. No time to focus on that as they look at the other glyphs. Ox says, "Well obviously anything too arrogant isn't going to be it. We come from the Caern, wolves, with Honor." He looks to Ice, Fire, Warning, and the other glyphs, looking for what should be pressed next. His eyes rest on Warning, but is unsure.
Ildar nods slowly. "We know who we are. We come from Caern, wolves, honor. Next.." Ildar looks over the glyphs and nods, reaching out to touch Human. "Human.. and then wisdom. Look for that glyph."
Alexei moves to look for Wisdom, while Ox sees Cub. "I think we should try Cub as well. Since that is what we are right now."
Ildar glances over and shakes his head. "No. We're dead Garou. Until we find who we are, that is our state. We have to touch each part of what we are. Where we come from. Our core.. so that we can seek Falcon. At the end of our search of self."
When Human is touched, it grows bright orange, making a pulsing tone like a conversation. The glyphs become clearer, and some glyphs -- the Tribal glyphs, Metis, and the few Wyrm glyphs in the cavern -- go black, unable to light up any longer. When Ox touches Cub, it lights bright blue, making a high mewling tone and darkening all of the Rank glyphs, as well.
Across the mirror, the Spirals are arguing, not helping. One of them angrily reaches out to touch battle, and is cut by unseen blades, bleeding heavily and clutching at himself. Another cub touches Elder, and seems to take on the infirmity of age, back bent and joints swollen.
Alexei is not seeing Wisdom yet, but sees Death. "If we are dead Garou, should we try for death then?" He is hesitant, for the moment to touch it.
Ox though is encouraged and he spies Wisdom. "There, I see it!" He moves over to show it to the others and then presses it.
Ildar nods, then grins at Ox. "Good.. good! Ok.. that's good.." Ildar steps back a step, seeking to look over the wall himself. The BSD cubs are kept aware of, but Ildar's focus is on here, now. He'd watch to see when Ox finds Wisdom he nods, then holds a hand out to Alexei. "No! While we are dead.. that will kill you, Alexei. We're seeking who we are.. Wisdom.. yes! And finally.. Garou." He'd step forward to touch the glyph of Garou.
Wisdom lights up a deep purple, a low rumbling tone that rings through the bones and lights the entire cavern. The Spirals continue to struggle, and when Ildar touches Garou, it glows bright white, a ringing tone that shakes the foundations of the cavern. Through the mirror, the Spirals are crushed by falling rocks, perishing in their inability to work together. And then the floor drops out from under the Silver Fang cubs, sending them falling into darkness.
The fall is long, and only the howling wind can be felt or heard. After several moments, however, they can feel the ground beneath their feet, but the wind still howls. No, not wind; the flapping of dark wings, of thousands of birds within this new place. Crows, ravens, buzzards, vultures, condors; black wings, dropping feathers and cawing or screeching loudly, diving almost close enough to touch but never quite meeting the cubs.
Alexei held back, and is grateful. As the floor gives way, he madly searches for something to catch his fall until they land. He is in a crouched position ready for whatever comes next.
Ox on the other hand seems happy to have helped out so much right up until they are falling. At that point he just closes his eyes until landing. The feathers around him make him sneezes once, but then he just stands there, watching the birds silently.
Ildar doesn't even look on the BSD being crushed with pity. Just a deep satisfaction that they are no more.. and then they're falling. He'd yelp, yelling for a moment in surprise, but gets himself together as they'd land, shifting on his feet a little to look around. "We.. found who we are.. And now.. we have to seek Falcon. Let's stay close.. The pack is strong where the solo Garou can fall.. Keep alert. Look.. above? For where Falcon would be.."
Looking up reveals roosts -- dozens of roosts where dark birds perch and cry their caws, flapping angry wings. The rocks are stepped and jagged, promising a difficult but achievable climb, and at the top... a silver light. Distant, dim from this point, but shining like a beacon beyond the blackness. From that point, a sharp, proud cry rings out, and the birds begin flapping about again, as if trying to blot out the sound of Falcon.
Ildar nods solemnly. He'd look to Alexei, then Ox, seeking to encourage them. "There. There is Falcon. Falcon would not be low.. Falcon is on high and calls to us. It's time to climb." Ildar approaches that wall then, looking for handholds and would start working his way up, hand over hand, avoiding touching any of the roosts or birds, to get ever higher.
Ox sees the light and points to it. "There! We need to go there. We need to climb up and protect each other as we go. The birds do not want us to find Falcon!"
Alexei nods to Ox, "Who is going first? We need an order."
Ildar looks up, nods, then looks to the others. "Alexei, please take the lead. Your strength will help us in deciding the right spots to grab. Ox, please keep to the middle. Be aware of the birds trying to stop us.. I'll bring up the rear, to protect you both as I can and try to catch if anyone falls.. Agreed?"
The other two cubs agree, and they make their way over to the rocks. Alexei will begin and once up far enough, Ox begins to follow his path. If a bird swoops near, they swat it for each other.
The handholds are firm and spaced for a long but manageable climb, and for the first couple dozen feet the birds flap about but do not harry the climbers. Alexei reaches the first roost, which is bare; scattered straw and dried plants, uninhabited by the birds that fly for higher perches. The way beyond is equally clear, the next roost twenty feet higher and lined with staring buzzards. As the trio climbs, the light at the end is easier to see, but there are other lights visible now, too, glowing from within some of the roosts. The light from the next roost glows a low gold, and the birds attempt to block it from view.
Ildar nods, watching as they'd go and then follows up when it's his turn. He's careful, using the same spots the others use to climb up and making sure to watch for any birds that might try to interrupt them are knocked away so they can make it upward. As there are other lights, Ildar would call up. "Ignore them. Fool's lures to pull us away. Falcon would not be here among these lesser birds, upward.. Keep focused on the peak!"
Alexei is quite tempted by the gold glow, but he pursues onward and upward. Ox on the other hand lingers longer, checking out the golden glow. As Idler calls out, he shakes his head and continues his ascent.
When they reach the next roost, the buzzards caw and bat their wings, but do not approach; they huddle around their glowing golden orb, and the trio continue their climb, reaching a third perch where crows flap and peck at them, but are easily shaken off. Within that roost rests a brightly-shining klaive amongst other scattered shinies and trinkets, glyphs glowing and reflecting Falcon's light even as the Totem calls to them again, sending the birds in a tizzy of feathers.
Ildar continues that steady climb. Watching the others as much as his path to the peak with them. "Falcon is Honorable! Falcon does not steal from others.. Anything you see here is a trap.. bait.. to lure you in. You want something? Seek Falcon! That is our quest.. keep focused, don't give up!" He had nothing other than words, being in that last spot, but he'd watch, ready for if the others strayed to try to help them.
Alexei sees that Klaive. He just wants it so bad. "But what if we need it? What if it is left here for us to use?" He goes ahead and takes the Klaive. Then realizes it will be a struggle to climb with, and thus it slows him down significantly.
Ox continues on his ascent but rolls his eyes with Alexei takes the Klaive. "Of course."
The climb is indeed more difficult with the klaive, as it's too heavy and large to be stowed anywhere other than Alexei's hand. He manages, but the next gap is longer, taking more endurance. Once the trio is halfway between roosts, the birds see their chance and attack, flapping and pecking and trying to make the cubs fall.
The birds harry mercilessly, fluttering and cawing, pecking and clawing, but the dedicated Garou who cling faithfully to the stones and hold on are safe; their hand- and footholds are secure, and while the birds are vicious, they are not powerful enough to shake the doughty cubs.
Alexei, however, has a bigger problem; one of his hands is occupied by a heavy weapon, and his perch is much more precarious, so they harry him all the more, attacking his face and the sole hand that holds him to the stone.
Alexei had to keep that klaive in his hand. He struggles but manages for a bit. Then the PECKING! THE GOD DAMN PECKING!! He swats what he can until he uncontrollably lets go with his free hand, and it is all too much! With no grip or hold anymore, he falls. The klaive falls with him, smacking him in the head, and he is a goner before he will even hit the ground.
Ox swats at the birds near him, but manages to keep hold. He did not grab anything, thankfully!
Ildar waves the birds off, gritting his teeth. He'd grunt at watching Alexei get harried and tries to grab him before he fell past.. but it was already way.. way too late. Shaking his head, he looks up at Ox. "Can you make it? Should I climb past? Otherwise.. we need to keep moving. No matter what.."
Alexei falls, his klaive with him, and the birds are on him as soon as he hits the ground, tearing into him avidly and devouring his still-warm corpse. The birds are more interested in that than attacking the other cubs, leaving off for the feast, and the way forward is clear.
Steep, jagged rocks line the climb, scraping unwary hands, but the grips are solid; the way to Falcon is difficult, but not treacherous, and the worthy will make that climb if they are dedicated to it. Only a dozen or so yards to go, with the light still shining silver just past the edge, where they cannot see.
Ildar would work with Ox. Alexei's death at least giving them a chance to move up. Move on. He continues the climb with Ox, seeking that peak where Falcon is at. Where the end of this climb is at. "Keep going.. We can do this.. Just keep focused.."
Ox cracks his neck and keeps on going. Up and up. One hand hold at a time. His hands may be sore and bloody, but he's going to make his way up there.
The acme of the climb brings them to a plateau, upon which sits great Falcon himself, giant and majestic and shining in true silver. He regards the cubs with level, cold eyes, having waited for them all this time. If he is glad to see them, he shows none of it; he simply perches on a stone outcropping seemingly made for his needs, and lords over them imperiously.
>> Step forward, if you think yourselves worthy << comes his voice in their minds, noble and proud, commanding in its intensity. >> Step forward and prove your valor and your strength, if you are mine. Show me what it is to belong to Falcon. <<
Ildar climbs to the peak with Ox. He'd take a moment to make sure Ox is ok, then looks at Falcon. A bow of his head is given and he would step forward, facing Falcon. "I seek to honor you Falcon. I seek to be one of yours and show my worth. I will face whatever task you set before me. I am ready for the next step."
Ox watches Ildar, and then he walks up to Falcon as well. "Noble Falcon. I am ready to be a Cliath and honor you as well. Show me the path and I will take it."
Beneath Falcon's perch are an array of items, each of them on a small stone pedestal. A klaive and shield; an old tome, the Silver Record; a crown and scepter of kingship; a cup and orb; scales of balance and a feather; a bottle of mead and a loaf of bread; coins of gold and silver; a gilded horn adorned with glyphs.
>> What does it mean, to belong to Falcon? << the great spirit asks them, eyes black orbs of judgment. >> To be a Silver Fang, what do you choose? Whatever you see before you can be yours, if that is what you seek; but there is only one path to Falcon. One and only one. <<
Ildar spots the items, studying them as he listens to Falcon. Looking over the items, he glances to Ox then. "One path.. What does it mean to belong to Falcon.. the one path to Falcon.." He contemplates the items, studying them thoughtfully. "We have to pick well. This.. is an important choice."
Looking over the items, Ox looks up to Falcon and then back. "I pick the tome, there. The Silver Record. A recording of the deeds a Garou does over his lifetime to honor you, Falcon."
When Ox picks up the tome, it is weighty and great, full of deeds and tales of Garou of old. >> Then that is your choice, << Falcon grants, looking upon Ox. >> Great stories of Renown, the very history of the Garou. << And with that, the pages begin to turn on their own, moving faster and faster, and Ox slowly ceases to exist, fading away like a ghost.
>> The tales of the Garou are many, and Silver Fangs show their honor and worth within them, but not alone. They are of the past; the only way to be a part of such a history is to prove one's own worth, not to read the doings of others. They are lessons, but history; that is not what it means to choose Falcon. <<
Ildar watches as Ox picks it up.. and fades away. He bows his head. Finally, Ildar steps forward, to take the balance and feather. "I pick the balance and feather, Falcon. A leader does not demand their following but respects those who lead them. Balance between others and balance of self. The feather is the lightest touch to get the most done. To be able to soar above it all and to show honor to you. Falcon."
>> Judgment and balance, << answers Falcon, looking at Ildar with cold, unfeeling eyes. >> The patience to decide, to choose, and to find equilibrium. This is wisdom, yes; but wisdom is not all there is to being a Silver Fang. This is the way of the Philodox, the half-moon; this is not the way of those who are of Falcon, only some of them. <<
The world blurs for Ildar, and he and Ox stand again before Falcon, peering down at them. >> You have each shown wisdom. You value history, balance, respect, honor; there is greatness in this. But your choice is not what you hold dear; I have not asked you what you respect. <<
The great spirit shifts in place, moving along its perch and spreading its wings, which reach to one side over the very edge of the plateau, and to the other side over the stone outcropping that holds the perch. >> Choose again, and show you can learn. Choose as you will, but only one path leads to Falcon. <<
Ox leans over to Ildar, and whispers to him, "He's not making this easy." He looks back over the items again, and considers what to pick. He says, "I pick the Crown and scepter. By choosing you, Falcon, it means we are choosing to rule."
Ildar smiles briefly to Ox, nodding a little as he looks over the items again. A small hesitation, before he looks up to the mighty bird. "Agreed.. Falcon is above them all to see the best and guide them. This feels like the right path to Falcon."
>> Leaders and kings, rulers and generals, << Falcon says, looking at Ox. >> Many Silver Fangs have ruled, and many have been leaders and nobles. But it is an honor bestowed on the worthy, not a reward claimed by those hungry for power. << Ox goes still, now seemingly made entirely of gold. >> A leader is a servant. A King is a sacrifice. To have such an honor, one must already have honor enough to earn it. There is only one path to Falcon. <<
Ildar hesitates as Ox turns to gold. He'd bow his head again, frowning a moment, then nods slowly, looking up at Falcon. "I pick you. All of these are aspects of the whole. But none of them encompass you fully. I select you, as what I wish to claim. pick to be part of you, Falcon."
To that, Falcon bows his head, wings moving to wrap around Ildar. >> Then you are one of mine, << he affirms, leaning forward to touch his beak to Ildar's head. >> Open your eyes, Silver Fang. It is time to live again.<<
When Ildar opens his eyes, he is sitting at the fire, with only Roman and Purest Snow for company. Purest Snow nods, looking at Ildar speculatively, and says, "You would have all come together or not at all, and the fire would have died. Who are you, then, now that you have died and returned to us?"
Ildar nods solemnly to Falcon, He'd bow his head as well, eyes closing... only to blink awake at the fire. Looking around for the others, Ildar hesitates, then looks to Purest Snow. "I am Ildar Solokov, Grandfather was known as Fights-the-Dark, Great great grandfather was Fangs-of-Justice. Great great great Grandmother was Luna's Claws. Rite name Honor's Keeper, Silver Fang Ahroun of the Enduring Spirit Sept."
"So you are," Purest Snow agrees, rising from his seat to put a hand on Ildar's shoulder. "Welcome to the Silver Fangs, Honor's Keeper. You will bring honor with you wherever you go, in Falcon's name as well as your own." He steps aside to give Roman a brief hug, then walks out into the desert, stepping sideways and vanishing from sight.
Roman smiles, shaking his head, and then bows deeply. "It would be my privilege, Honor's Keeper-rhya, to escort you back to your Sept," he says evenly, without a trace of mockery in his voice. His casual nature has been replaced by one of duty and respect, and he gestures to his car. "When you are ready, of course."
