2019.11.27 In the Still of the Night
| In the Still of the Night | |
|---|---|
| The Den Father gathers assorted cliath and kinfolk for a lesson on the new moon, the ragabash auspice and Night spirits. | |
| IC Date | 11/27/2019 |
| IC Time | Late evening (New Moon) |
| Players | Miguel, Micah Starnes, Rian, Chayse, Jasper, Natalia Mihailovich, Jordan, Sven, Erin, Fiona, Journey |
| Location | Graveyard - Frostbite Longhouse |
| Spheres | Garou, Gaian, |
On the night of the new moon, the Den Father invites those Cliath and kinfolk who have been cleared to attend tonight’s events to Frostbite territory. When they arrive they are greeted by a pair of ravens and a large roan red pit bull who gives them a proper inspection before leading them to and outdoor reception. There they find a proper feast laid out as a welcome to Frostbite territory and to fortify their bodies for the night ahead. As they eat, proper introductions are given so that everyone knows everyone else and the credentials. There’s a chance for questions to be asked and for Micah to explain the purpose of the evening.
Journey shows up to watch the new Den Fathers lesson totally unannounced and at random. He just shows up, and almost at once gets distracted looking around, staring at the ground as he walks amongst the places stopping here and there to peer at something or another.
Little Red Riding Hood arrives with red hood up to ward away the chill and her signature cloak shielding the rest of her body somewhat, Natalia's yellow sundress showing in sharp contrast to the cloak. She has a gentle smile on her face but is staying rather close to Rian as he arrives, always within arm's reach of him.
The troublemaker red head known as Erin shows up with Kringer, who happens to be a rather large black panther at her side. She bites her lip seeming a little nervous as she moves over to find somewhere to sit.
Sven is of course present, dressed in his usual leathers. he smiles and is friendly with those present, knowing most of them ahead of time of course. He avoids the ravens as well as he can, not trusting grandpa to keep quiet this evening.
Rian arrives! Obviously! Jeans stylishly worn at the knees and butt, designer t-shirt, little bit of dirt from probably running into something. He swings an arm around Nat and has a seat, looking excited about learning some stuff! Aaaaand maybe also a little worried about not understanding the stuff he's learning. He's not really the Theurge types this is more meant for, but that's no reason not to throw himself at something neat.
Jasper arrives following after Rian and Natalia. No Heeleys out in the forest, just his purple Converse, a shirt with a print of a tree made of computer wires and code, and his Bag 'O Rats strapped to his chest.
Natalia takes a seat besides Rian, leaning into him for security and comfort as she lifts a hand to lower her hood. It frees up her vision a bit more. She's quiet for now, watching and listening.
Chayse arrives alongside Rian, Natalia and Jasper. He's not shy about helping himself to the food and drink, and seems curious about the property, in general. He pauses to give the 'ol War Dawg a scritch behind the ears and introduces himself to anyone he does not know. Erin, Miguel and Sven receive a grin and a, "Chayse Zyadrov-Cliath-Shadow Lord-Philodox and Micah and Journey receive a greeting of respect for 'Hunts-the-Shadow 'Rhya', and 'Shaderunner 'Rhya', respectively.
Miguel comes a long because he's curious. It comes with being a cat, he's got a hammer strapped on because he's also fighty. He is supposed to learn more about the garou and how they do business after all.
Jordan arrived a bit late, go figure. Curious eyes peer around at those gathered, some familiar, some not. He remains quiet for now - watching as the others interact. Of course, he introduces himself - Jordan Fisher, Russet Paw, Tilau of the Qualmi. Food is acquired!
Once everyone has partaken of some food and finished the usual small talk, Micah stands and addresses the group. "Tonight we will be learning about the powers of the new moon, the role of the ragabash and summoning a spirit only found in the deepest darkest parts of the forest or on nights like this. We will barter with this spirit and offer it proper chiminage," Micah explains. "This means that everything you learn we will directly apply in a ritual setting. What you need won't be laid out for you like a roadmap. You will need to pick up the pieces of knowledge and put them together. That is your challenge. Those that succeed will be deemed wise in the eyes of the spirits and of the Den Father. Any questions?"
Journey walks around, nodding here and there, pointing along a line, nodding at something only in the Umbra, and looks at the longhouse, and over the longhouse, rubbing his nose and looking around attentively, just not at anyone specifically. He nods to other when he's acknowledged and says hello and then drifts back to watching things, and staring off at other things. As Micah calls things to order he listens, watching, Silent Strider Silent.
Jordan arrived a bit late, go figure. Curious eyes peer around at those gathered, some familiar, some not. He remains quiet for now - watching as the others interact. Of course, he introduces himself - Jordan Fisher, Russet Paw, Tilau of the Qualmi. Food is acquired!
Erin looks thoughtful as Micah speaks and looks towards the others then slowly nods thought she keeps looking thoughtful.
Sven takes a deep breath, "Isn't Luna's night off typically one of the most dangerous times to be in the Umbra? I don't know a lot about spirits, but I remember someone saying that"
Chayse finishes nibbling on a piece of meat and looks over at Jasper to gauge the Theurge's reaction before shaking his head, 'no', in response to Micah's call for questions.
Rian also lacks questions at the moment, but he does look interested in the question put out there by Sven.
Jasper's semi-distracted by all the cats everywhere. Especially the large four-pawed one. The rats probably don't like it much, but Jasper seems fascinated. However, his words to Sven are, "That's a good question. I don't see this in the Digital Web."
Micah nods to Sven, "Wise observation ragabash, you know your moon well. It can be, which is why we are doing this in a controlled area where the umbra has been well maintained. My sister Aaryn and I are both Theurges and my Spirit Familiar, Tank also patrols the umbra here daily. So we are fairly sure that the Umbra is safe here. Second, we won't be going into the umbra, but I will be piercing the gauntlet to perform the Rite of Summoning, thinning the gauntlet just enough to allow the spirit to interact with us." He pauses to make sure everyone understands. "That being said, I will tell you that the Umbra is dangerous during EVERY moon, the dangers simply change. It is easier to get lost during the new moon however, as Luna's light does not guide our way."
Journey nods, looking out towards the outer edges of the Territory approvingly when Micah speaks of the controlled area, and simply listens.
Tank gives a bark. ~You're welcome~
Erin finally raises her hand to ask a question. She will even wave it a little bit "so Ok question, what if you can't speak to the spirits " she looks thoughtful then nods. She turns to look to Tank and smiles.
Miguel nods at Micah's comment "Mother Selene's patronage is important to all the changing children. Though some are closer to Helios than she." Then he looks over at Erin's question "Then you avoid them if at all possible and find someone who can. I think some spirits can understand human languages if they choose to but it is far more dangerous to rely entirely on their cooperation."
Sven takes a few moments, rubbing his nose as the Baster speak up, he swallows something, and closes his eyes before shaking his head and paying attention to Micah again.
"Another good question." Micah nods to Erin and then to Miguel, "So you ever heard Christians say that phrase, 'You don't have to believe in God, God believes in you?' Well, it's kind of the same thing with spirits. Some spirits can CHOOSE to be understood, even to those who cannot speak their language. That being said, if you don't know how to speak with spirits, you should have a translator, because spirits like to trick Garou, even ones who are allied to them. And some lie. And some like to riddle. And riddles are hard to figure out across a language barrier. For tonight, if translation is needed, one of the theurges will translate for you."
Jordan is relaxed, his back against a tree or such. "I love riddles." The man grins, eyes on Micah. "But yes, most Spirits, the more powerful ones, can speak to you directly. Whether or not they choose to, is a whole other story."
Natalia leans in to Rian, whispering to him softly. "Do you know how to speak to spirits?"
Journey tilts his head from side to side slightly, listening, and nodding to the bit about translating. He looks back to over the longhouse again in general.
Erin gives a little nod "Ah they sound like little FUBAR's got it.. Thanks" she looks at Kringer who has found a spot to just lay down by her feet staying out of trouble.
Rian answers quietly back to Natalia, "Not even a little bit." he admits with a laugh at his lacking.
Micah looks around the table, "Ok, any other questions before we get this show on the road? Hope everyone wore comfortable shoes."
"But I can," Chayse whispers quietly to Natalia, Rian and Jasper with a waggle of eyebrows.
"I can," Jasper tells the couple, quietly, leaning in their direction so they can hear his already quiet-happy voice.
Fiona quietly steps in and looks about. Her eyes shift to those there and then immediately to the food. She grabs a bit as she walks along,choosing a tree to lean against.
Journey watches around as people get ready to move. He's mobile as ever.
Micah leads everyone over to the fire pit area where supplies and paraphernalia have been laid out for the night's proceedings. Micah begins by passing out long black, blue or deep green hooded cloaks. He gives everyone a hooded lantern with a burning candle inside and a small hand blown glass vial with a cork stopper. "Everyone put these on. Little Red, you can wear your cloak, it should be dark and thick enough. Light your candles and lower the hood to the minimalist amount of light you can see by. You are responsible for anything you carry in. The vials are fragile, so be careful with them."
Jordan spots Fiona, blinking a bit. "Seems you found your family." A grin to the woman, even as he takes the cloak and lantern - peering at the items with open curiousity in his eyes.
Erin carefully places the vial's in a pocket so that she can put on the hood. She adjust it before she lights her candle and lowers the hood of it.
Natalia flashes a warm grin to Micah as she gets permission to wear her own cloak, pulling the hood up over her head and then pulling the cloak tight around her. "Thank you sir." She murmurs to him. She will take one of the lanterns though.
Journey gets a cloak, lantern, hood, features swallowed in dark, holding the lantern down. No hesitation, no question, quickly done. Second cultist from the left.
Sven slides the vial into his jacket pocket and pulls a black cloak on over his black jacket, pants, and boots, becoming almost a shadow. He snags a lantern, checking it over a second before nodding.
Rian stands and offers an arm to Nat, till getting to where he needs to fiddle with things and wear other things. He gets his hooded cloak on, gets his lantern lit and starts tuning it down with the hood, gets his vial. He tells Chayse, Nat and Jasper really quietly, "I know it's really inappropriate but I feel like we're about to go to Hogwart's right now!" Which at the very least indicates he's very keen on this whole lesson. He puts the glass vial into his shirt's breast pocket so as to hopefully not lose or break it.
Jasper takes the cloak, which seems to quietly delight him, and he spins on his heel, hands out, like he's never worn one before. Then the hood goes up, and he takes a lantern in one hand, snacks in the other, which he passes through to the rats, and the vial goes into his pocket. "Yes," he agrees with Rian.
Chayse grabs a green cloak and slides it on before picking up his lantern and lighting the candle. He turns it down low and slides the vial into his pocket, patting it for assured safety.
Micah pulls on a hooded leather jacket and raises the hood, which comes down over his eyes in a point like a ravenâs beak. â?Now, follow me, keep your voices low and do your best to walk on the sides of your feet. Keep your silence out of respect for the spirits who hold silence and secrets as valuable. And for the dead.â He leads the group down a recently reconstructed walking path that leads deeper into the woods surrounding the longhouse, winding its way to a small abandoned graveyard. Someone has begun to clear the overgrown brush and accumulated debris from years of neglect and to lay down markers for various graves. Flowers, toys and other small offerings have been laid near unlit candles and incense burners. A cool late autumn breeze passes through the area from time to time, sending a chill through the bones of those who come to visit.
Fiona looks up to see Jordan talking to her, her features lighting up with surprise "Hello there...and yes I did. " She follows suit and takes a deep green cloak, lantern and vial. Fiona hesitates a moment before moving towards Jordan
Miguel puts on the cloak as instructed and carries a candle but doesn't light it. His eyes do flash a little green in the light of every one else's candles though.
The Cloaked form that was Journey moves, sliding with no sound nor movement of the cloak, simply sliding along, no visible proof of occupancy, arms pulled in, sleeve folded over the handle of the lantern. Silently following.
Miguel does not fit in normal person sized cloaks, it doesn't wrap all the way around and it probably hits him around the knees. He is super quiet when he moves though.
Rian's doing great with moving quietly and respectfully! Crunch crunch crunch. He looks down at Natalia next to him and attempts to offer a ninjaesque piggy back ride. A piggyback ride of RESPECT! for the night and the dead.
For all his talk about moving quietly through the forest, Micah, would seem, doesn't set the best example. As often as he has walked this path, he doesn't normally do it with a gaggle of cliath and kinfolk with him. It also doesn't help that he has a spirit familiar who like to get under foot at the worst possible time. Those behind him hear him whisper, "Are you really doing this to me now? In front of the Elder? Go into the umbra and keep watch and make sure nothing bothers us, and don't scare away the night spirits."
Natalia blinks a bit as Rian makes that offer, looking down at her feet for a moment and then back to him. "Um.. sure!" She then winces and lowers her voice. "sure.." She'll climb onto Rian's back for that ride, her left hand wrapped around his shoulders and her right holding her lantern.
Erin is extremely quiet, then again even if she wasn't trying she tends to be the quiet one so easy to not hear her or see her the only thing that gives it away is the cat that is beside her though they both seem pretty stealthy keeping their respect. She looks to those making noise a moment.
It seems that being stealthy never really occurred to Chayse, but he is dextrous enough to not be a complete dunderblock as he makes his way along behind the others. He holds the lantern low enough to light his path, and follows Micah's lead.
Jasper does only marginally better than Micah and Natalia, but he has no idea how to sneak properly, so this is definitely not his off day. Hell, he thinks he's doing amazingly!
The Lantern bearing Cloaked figure straight out of a Heavy Metal album cover drifts along ignoring the various others, moving over the uneven ground with a glide of eerie stillness. Journey is supposed to be in there.
Jordan is also fairly quiet - the cloak very small on him as well. He makes room for Fiona, nodding to her as she keeps near.
Rian sacrifices having his lantern on in order to take one non-stealthy person off the trail. He's alright, there's other pools of light, and Nat's own, and his eyes ain't too shabby. For the good of the group!
Sven follows the group, hanging toward the back, keeping an eye on everyone as he moves stealthily
Fiona nods and smiles to Jordan as she walks along with the rest of the group. Her feet are light as she is quiet and stealthy
Micah leads everyone into the graveyard and into and a cleared area prepared for this evening. With his hands he motions for everyone to form a circle and then lower themselves down to the ground. Once they are seated he says, in a whisper, "Keep your voice low, if you wish to speak, do it in a whisper. In ancient times, knowledge was passed down in secret from mystic to mystic. So our knowledge will be passed in a whisper, honoring the trickster moon, who whispers secret knowledge to us."
Chayse sweeps his cloak in around him and lowers himself to settle onto the ground between Jordan and Jasper. He places the lantern in front of him and quietly turns to offer the Bastet and Garou on either side of him a silent nod. If it seems weird that they're gathering in the cemetary, he doesn't seem to notice other than to comment that it's unusual to have a homestead graveyard in Southern California. It's really more of a New England or Midwestern habit, and "are those that are buried here your kin?"
The cloak animated by Journey moves to a space at the circle, stands there for a moment, then.. sinks. The cloak folding into itself until the cloak is at sitting height, lantern moving out to be left in front of the Cloak. Silence from inside.
Sven settles into his spot, wordlessly placing the latern next to him.
Erin sits down somewhere probably closer to Micah as Kringer also takes a seat near her as she turns to listen. She looks towards Journey's cloak and smiles but stays super quiet.
Jasper settles down, too, lanky legs folded under him, owlish eyes wide and looking through the gloom. He probably won't have any problem speaking quietly, because he's naturally inclined to it, even if this isn't his moon.
"I will begin by telling you a secret about this place. Here, on these lands, once stood a place named Ravenscar. During the Second War of Rage, a Corax named Feather Picks the Lock brought together both Garou and Fera children who had been orphaned by the Second War of Rage. Those that did not live to adulthood are buried in this graveyard." Micah lifts his hand and points to a nearby grave, "That grave there, Miguel and I dug with our own hands for a Pumonca kinfolk who died before their time."
Miguel finds a spot and looms spookily in the darkness. His massive frame casting deep shadows. Nodding to Micah, Miguel understands well the gravity and respect of sharing secrets. When Micah points out the grave, Miguel reverently whispers a phrase in Nahuatl, -I remember you.-
Rian settles onto the ground in the circle near his almost-packmates. Listening carefully so as not to miss the whispers, he doesn't ask any questions obviously but he looks confused a bit, and like he might have some questions later about this graveyard.
Sven hears Micah's words and seems to wince, he says something under his breath, his hood moving silently but sharply for a few moments, before he settles down again, never making a sound over some subvocal muttering.
Jordan listens attentively, eyes on Micah. As the grave for the Bastet kin is mentioned, he tips his head in respect for the fallen. A look of sadness flashes over his face, before he finds himself a seat.
Erin turns to look towards the grave that is pointed out and bows her head to show respect before she looks back to Micah.
The Cloak Journey inhabits does not move during these revelations, placidly unmoving.
"Although I am a Godi, that is the Fenrir word for theurge, I feel tied to the new moon." Micah continues to whisper. He leans forward so he can be heard, however, "I was born on the cusp of the new and crescent moon. The moon was so thin that my elders thought I should be rited as a rotogar, a ragabash. So I have studied its secrets and meanings. I will not speak before our own ragabash however. Sven, what can you share with us about your moon?"
Fiona follows suit and takes a seat and listens to Micah as he tells the stories. Her eyes shift to the grave that he mentions,then to Sven
Chayse's head swivels to regard Sven as he considers the Ragabash he knows. He's careful to not make undue sounds as he studies the Rotogar.
Sven nods slowly, having apparently recovered from his recent issues, he answers Micah, "The new moon, luna's shadow, luna's night off. It is the teaching moon, our job is to teach other garou, teach them that tradition should not be followed blindly, but should be tested, should be examined. Teach them the lessons, lessons of humility, lessons of frivolity, lessons of patience. We seek out, that which noone asked us to, we look, in the places noone wants us to, we listen, to the words everyone else ignores. We are the conscience of gaia, we are the curiosity of gaia, we are the gaia's sense of humor, the cosmic joke, and the cosmic saftey net to the hubris of the garou."
You can't see him nod along with Sven's words but Micah's voice whispers from beneath his hood. "If I didn't know better I would think Tank was a ragabash and I was his only student." He smiles but resists laughing, "Remember the trickster is also our teacher. My Den Mother was a ragabash. She never taught us with words until after there was a lesson to be learned. She was jokingly referred to as "Gives Enough Rope"."
Erin turns to look at Sven as he speaks then turns to look at Micah. She looks thoughtful and even gives a little smile.
The Cloak sits there, Journey within giving no motion, no indication. Listening.
Miguel is listening with rapt attention as the mysteries of the garou's dark moon chosen get explained, soaking it all in.
Micah says, "So, what kind of spirits do you think we might encounter during the new moon? Anyone?"
Erin looks thoughtful "Probably a playful, curious one that wants to play guessing games?" she responds a little unsure.
Jordan stretches upwards, still seated - lantern sitting in his lap. A glance to the others as the lessons are had, and questions offered over.
Rian listens quietly, but then hazards some guesses during a quiet patch, but they're only guesses. "Night, Shadow, probably a lot of trickster types but I don't know what those are aside from Gremlins. I don't know if those are real things though." He is whispering, of course.
The Cloak is unmoving, Journey giving no answers nor opinions.
Miguel considers and nods in agreement with Rian "Children of Huehuecóyotl, the trickster god. How my lodge's human ancestors worshiped Coyote."
Sven says, "Shadow, Night, Darkness, Mischief" the ragabash whispers, "Secrets, Many other Spirits of Cunning, or of silent sudden murder" He nods as a couple people mention tricksters, "aye that too""
Chayse's hood bobs along with the guesses that are offered, all of them fair and good as far as the judge is concerned. He spares a rather curious look over at Miguel's unique answers, and the hood gently tilts to the side a bit.
Micah nods, "Good. You've all been listening. Those are all good answers." He leans in closer and his voice drops more, "Can anyone tell me how they would hunt such a spirit?"
"Gremlins are real," Jasper assures Rian quietly, but his guess is, "Nocturnal animals, out here. Death spirits, in a graveyard. Maybe Ted."
Micah shoots Rian, Jasper and Chayse a look at the mention of Ted
Chayse sits up and blinks a little. It's never a good thing when the Den Father gives you -The Look-. He quietly clears his throat and, feeling compelled now, ventures a guess, "lure them with something they want?" He tries, "like maybe a secret or riddle?"
Sven says, "Such a spirit is an adept hunter itself, stalking such is a dangerous game. You must be better at such a game then them, or you must be smart enough to lure them into a trap""
Rian just looks confused by the Look, but he does seem to agree with Chayse's guess on the subject. He, for one, knows fuckall about spirity mystic things.
Erin "Luring them or maybe sitting there pretending you have something and i'm sure someone nosy will want to see" she whispers.
Micah nods at Chayse and then at Sven and then at Erin, "Yes, and I will tell you another secret, we have been laying a trap for a spirit as we speak." Micah grins, the light from his lantern giving his face a predatory look for a moment and then his face is taken by darkness as he blows out the candle in his lantern. "Shhhh, he whispers, blow out your candles, and listen."
The candle in lantern front of the cloak Journey sits in whuffs out.
Sven leans over to blow out his candle, as he does a soft wind comes up and blows it out for him, sending the flame and soot and smoke right into his face. He blinks for several moments trying to recover.
Carefully, Chayse puffs out candle in his lantern and, as the smoke trails up, the hairs on his arm raise as he /listens/ to what's out there that they cannot see...
Rian double checks his lanter's out, and gets Natalia's as well if she'd like, so that he can have a good listen... He doesn't hear shit.
Jordan opens his lantern quietly, quickly puffing out the flame. He then sits quietly, listening to the night around him.
Natalia will get her own lantern, but she seems rather blind.
Erin brings her lanter up and blows it out as she slowly lowers it and tries to listen to what would be going on.
Fiona blows out her candle and she closes her eyes despite being in the dark. Fiona strains to hear the leaves rustling and a faint knocking against the wood. Her eyes open when she realizes there is no wind..
The Cloak Journey sits in does not move, sits there.. existing.. maybe.
Micah waits as the silence overtakes them, listening as well. He lets the silence linger for longer than it is really needed and then softly speaks again, keeping his voice low. "Summoning a spirit is different every time you do it because every spirit is different. They all want something different. Tonight, we are summoning spirits of Night itself, servants of Grandfather Thunder. Chayse, whisper us secrets of Grandfather Thunder.
Chayse pauses a moment, and an eyebrow arches. He leans forward and simply says, "Grandfather Thunder is the master of secrets," he assures them. "I do not think that he would look kindly upon my sharing too much about him..." He looks to the left, and to the right, and then lifts his hand as he explains, "but I can share -one- with you," he murmurs softly, waiting for everyone to gather in as he lays his trap. >>Mnogiye yego vyvodki on ukral u drugikh inkarnov.<< He says, in Russian, and gives a sagely nod.
Erin looks to Micah and then looks around, She doesn't hear anything but she remains quiet as Chayse speaks and says the secret in a language she doesn't even understands he looks to the others then shrugs and hmms a little.
The leaves themselves seem to bend their ears as Chayse whispers in Russian. Though there is no wind blowing, everyone now can hear a rustling in the darkness beyond the graveyard as if the cliath's words have incited some excitement.
The cloak does not move as secrets are whispered, Journey showing no reaction. Settled there like something from A Christmas Carol. No reaction to anything.
Jordan gives a wry smirk as the secret is divulged - though in a different language. Tricksy!
Miguel is very still, all that's moving is his eyes as he listens and peers into the dark. He doesn't speak Russian but starts watching Chayse intently.
Erin gives a little shiver as she leans to whisper "Something is out there just on the outskirts" she tells the others as if it was a really big secret so it has to be hush hush.
Sven says, "for the night is dark and full of terrors" he whispers it quietly, almost to himself as he hears the rustling."
Jasper nods in agreement to Erin, but otherwise keeps quiet, still sitting on his long skinny legs, the rats peering out from the carrier under his cloak.
Rian smirks quietly at Chayse's eastern babble, but he doesn't translate or anything, and keeps comments to himself while squinting into the dark.
The Cloak remains motionless, solid blackness beneath the hood, fabric unmoving, Journey showing nothing.
Micah again goes quiet, remaining perfectly still and listening to the sounds of the forest but also of his charges, straining to see and hear their reaction to the changes around them. When the whispers die down, so too does the sound of movement. Finally, he whispers, "Before the gauntlet was raised, horrors of all kinds walks the earth freely - Night spirit among them. Now, they are sneakier, and they prefer places like dark forests, or places on the edge between life and death.... like graveyards."
Micah continues, "Now, very quietly, very carefully, I want you all to take out your vials and open them. Hold them close to your chest and be very still."
Jordan's brow arches, the bastet taking out his vial and opening it as it is held to his chest.
Jasper does, removing the vial from his pocket, and curling his long, pale fingers around the thing. A contrast to the darkness around him, the two albinos, and one near-albino. The rats get shifted in their carrier, as he does.
Miguel goes back to focusing on Micah and does as he's told, the vial looking super tiny in his enormous hands.
Natalia doesn't understand what's happening, but she pulls out her vial and does as requested, looking around curiously.
Rian does that! He takes the vial out of his breast pocket and picks the little cork out before holding it up against his sternum. He gives Natalia, Chayse, and Jasper encouraging smiles in the dark.
Sven pulls out his vial, muttering something very quietly about "vashta narada" as he places it against his chest and uncorks it
Fiona looks up and about as the noise get closer. Her eyes squinting to the edge of the graveyard but she keeps quiet and respectful. When Micah mentions the vials she pulls hers out and opens it, keeping it close to her chest
Chayse takes a moment to finally get the thing uncorked and is pretty pleased that he didn't spill anything out, Or, at least he's pretty sure he didn't... It is dark out here. He hold the vial to his chest and closes his eyes, and listens.
Erin looks towards Micah as she reaches into her pocket and pulls out the vial. She opens it and holds it close to her chest as she slowly looks around with a bit of curious expression.
In the darkness, an unnatural animal cry echoes from the deep forest, somewhere between a bird call and a howler monkey call. The noise presses against the primal part of the brain that invokes fear. Fear of the dark, fear of the night, of things that stalk the night. Something brushes against your backs, rustling a cloak here, tangling in hair there. The Night is among you, so close you can feel it's breath upon your neck.
The Cloak sits there as Night approaches, Journey unmoving, the Cloak unaffected by the howl of night. The Cloak does not howl back.
Rian does not rattle easily, he can get a little unnerved, startled, made uneasy, but he's gone through a lot of work to lock fear in a little box all its own! Thankfully, that holds true for tonight, because otherwise he'd never be able to show his face at the Super Secret Ahroun club ever again. He puts an arm around Natalia, helplessly looking around for visible things, but like... It's Night. At night. That's really hard to see!
Miguel is a night hunter and ambush predator, he remains still and secure in the fact that whatever's out there? He's scarrier than it is.
Natalia wraps an arm around Rian as well, leaning in close to him. She doesn't look particularly afeared but it's still nice to know that he's close.
Erin tenses and begins to breath rather heavily when she feels something brush against her. She softly rocks a little bit but she fights really ha rd not to scream, jump up and run away she doesn't give in to the PTSD that she might be feeling that's for sure.
Sven feels his skin crawl and holds his breath stressing his will not to move as ....something... seems to slide across his leathers.
Jordan holds steady, going preternaturally still - ready to pounce or react as needed.
Somehow, Chayse senses they are the bigger threats out tonight rather than the slithering spirits that have come out to creep around them in the darkness. He lifts his darks up and feels the edge of his mouth turn up into a little smirk.
Micah offers a translation, but those who have spirit speech would understand the Night spirits speaking to them for themselves. Their voices are not pleasant, and sound like every horror movie sound you've ever heard. "The Night spirits are here among us," Micah whispers, "and they are impressed by your courage and your offerings of chiminage. They offer to teach you gifts of shadows, secrecy and fear. All they ask of you is your deepest, darkest secret..." dramatic pause, "or someone else's."
Fiona feels a chill run down her spine when she hears the animalistic cry, her hair fluttering. She takes a deep breath and holds it together, listening to Micah
The Cloak sits there, Journey unmoving as the Night spirits move in small drifts of darkness toying inside the gloom under the hood of the cloak obscuring all features to move past and move on. Hello Darkness, my old friend..
Chayse inhales a bit and lets his eyes drift around him, sensing these spirits as they come peddling their gifts. As he exhales, one can perhaps make out words as they trip across his lips in the slavic tongue.
The big native man smirks, canting his head to the side. There's consideration in Jordan's eyes. A moment later, he whispers to the Darkness, a purring growl of a language.
Sven lives his life pretty free and easy, he has so few true secrets he hides. No really deep ones, but there is at least one that he would consider ... dark... he speaks quietly, starting the confession circle "I house the spirits of one of the great heroes of the Fenrir, a commander in the War of the Rage. He is highly honored amongst our people, and his spirit is very powerful, powerful enough to fully take me over at times. He has some.... archaic notions, that might be consider backward in our time, and it can cause...problems. He believes that all those who lost the great war against the garou, all Fera should still serve the garou as servants, slaves, and property."
Something moves in the dark, knocking over a lantern and wrapping itself around Sven. A horrific, gurgling laughter escapes it as it begins chittering in Sven's ear. Meanwhile, other looming shapes creep towards Jordan and Chayse and they feel hands on their shoulders or on their knees, leaning in to hear more closely the secrets they keep.
The spirit says in Sven’s ear, ~And you want more than anything to have them serve you as they should... come to Grandfather Thunder, prostrate yourself before him and he will give you the power to make the Fera kneel at your feet.~
Rian's pretty straight forward, not the sorta person to keep any secrets. "...I like musicals. Like, a lot. Probably more than I should, I cant remember people's names but I can Cats on command, and I have absolutely considered teaching myself how to sing snappy lines during battle. I almost tried doing that once but I got punched in the mouth before I could say anything and didn't go for it in the end. One of these days I'm gonna do it. I may have to kill all the witnesses though." Yep just a totally normal thing, nothing that's gonna get a guy murdered or anything but it's still embarrassing, for him. He reaches to give Sven's shoulder a pat.
Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation. Darkness wakes and stirs imagination. The Night spirit that wraps itself against Rian seems to do the most terrifying horror movie trailer version of "Music of the Night" that he's ever heard. It seems pleased enough to share some secrets of its own though.
Miguel speaks to the dark in a human language (Nahuatl), his tone strong and defiant. Whatever he's relaying he seems pretty goddamn sure of and the punctuation at the end is a crack of his neck and a scowl. -They may not know it yet but I am the worst fear of any who would threaten Mother Cat's temple. They will learn it though-
Sven growls low, still keeping the noise at a whisper, and shakes his head at whatever the spirit whispers to him.
Erin looks thoughtful though she isn't sure if this will work but then takes a breath "Spiders still scare me" she whispers and i'm sure Micah and Jorney probably hear that the rest well probably not though it's funny cuz isn't she a kin to them in the first place.
A slinky black shape in the form of a panther slides up against Miguel, purring in his ear. ~You want the power to crush your enemies and protect your temple? Come to Grandfather Thunder and he will give you true power. The ragabash already wants you kneeling at his feet. Do you wish that for your people?~
Jordan explains to the spirit how he lost his memory for some time - he had an affair with a mage and her former lover zotted him with mind magic.
The spirit offers Jordan the chance for vengeance if he comes to Grandfather Thunder and ask for his blessing.
Natalia looks up at Rian and blinks a bit, but he's giving his darkest secrets apparently and who is she to judge. She wraps an arm around his waist and hugs him reassuringly. "It's okay.. I still love you." Despite the horrible admissions that Rian just made. Truly, love without bounds.
Rian casually puts an arm around Chayse's shoulders after unleaning from a Sven pat. Sighing deeply, he tells Natalia, "You're a good woman." very quietly. Some terrible things can be lived with, but only by the strong! And it's just the best he's got, the kid's devoid of tragedy or trauma yet.
As the spirits are drawn to the cliath and other who offer their secrets Micah quietly rises and moves to anyone that doesn't have a spirit near them. He cups his hand over their ears and whispers to each of them in turn. First is Erin and then the others. "Now, raise your vial to your mouth and whisper a secret into the vial. Keep holding it to your chest, makes them come in close."
The Cloak sits there, Night spirits passing by and through and around, acknowledging Journey, but finding more interesting interactions.
As Micah makes the rounds from person to person, primarily the kinfolk, inky black tendrils of night begin to sliver like smokey snakes towards those holding the bottles, drawn by whispered secrets hidden away. The sway back and forth like hypnotized serpents before slithering into the vials and turning the inside of them pitch black. Suddenly, the vial in Natalia's hand SHATTERS, spewing glass everywhere, slicing into her hands as it breaks and spreading a crimson to match her cloak. Meanwhile, Micah, Erin and Fiona's vials also fill and threaten to crack, but hold. Micah quickly comes to the kinfolk's sides as they fill. "Now, press the cork in and trap the spirit," he urges, and begins using a now lit candle to seal the cork in place as he performs the rite of binding.
Jordan watches, eyes wide as the spirit slithers into the vial. Once it is in place, he corks the vial as told - keeping it close to his chest.
Miguel answers back to the darkness that whispers to him in the same language as before, unflinching and uncowed. >I Will not Kneel and the son of Fenris knows better than to ask. Should his ancestor ask with his mouth I will prove my strength in a way he will survive. I bow not to Grandfather Thunder but Bast. I will offer you the heart of the next foe I slay mighty Tlaloc but I am a warrior, I do not kneel.<
The spirit accepts Miguel’s offer of chiminage but demands that his enemy know the fear of darkness before he slays it.
Fiona watches as others spill their secrets, her eyes glancing about before looking to the vial and pressing the cork to trap it
Natalia's eyes go wide as the glass shatters, jumping back and squealing in pain. Her arms shake and she holds her hands out in front of her, tears welling up in her eyes. "Nnggh..." She hisses and starts trying to pluck shards of glass out of her hands, but it's difficult as both of them have glass in them.
Sven pushes the cork into his vial trapping the spirit, and holding it tightly for Micah to finish the rite, he looks over at Miguel but says nothing.
Erin doesn't have to be told twice to close her vial she does that just fine and quick at that cuz no one wants that blackness to get out. She looks over to Natalie as her glass shatters "you ok?" she sees if the woman has any cuts or anything.
The Cloak sits there, Journey unmoving at the actions of the spirits around the area.
As a wise general once said, IT'S A TRAP! Someone is performing the Rite of Binding and the Night spirits realize they have been duped. Those not yet trapped start to scurry back into the darkness. However, shit hits the fan real quick, when the Night spirit that Jordan is about to trap, shatters the glass and slams into Jordan with a bellow of horrific, large Marge showing her tentacle face to Pee Wee rage.
Rian follows directions, but pretty hastily at the end, startled by unexpected glass shattering, even if it's not super loud. Squishing the cork into place, he holds the vial in one hand while trying to help see and attend to Natalia's cut, or at least determine if this is when he finally has to tell someone 'sorry, it's gonna have to come off'.
Erin holds her vial tight as things start to go wonky and she gasps and blinks looking around to see how she can help.
Natalia's eyes go wide as the glass shatters, jumping back and squealing in pain. Her arms shake and she holds her hands out in front of her, tears welling up in her eyes. "Nnggh..." She hisses and starts trying to pluck shards of glass out of her hands, but it's difficult as both of them have glass in them.
Everything was going so well! Jordan winces as the vial shatters in his hand - then a tentacle lashes out, crashing into the side of his head. His head rocks to the side, though he looks uninjured. A growl, the man getting to his feet to defend himself.
There's no one major cut, just shards of glass in her palms and fingers. She's wincing in pain and crying a bit, her hands held out towards Rian as trying to get the shards out herself hurts too much. "Help.."
Micah drops his hood and lets the pretense of stealth end. "Someone get the kinfolk out of here and safely out of the way. Everyone else, let's say good night to our friend."
The Cloak sits there, Journey like that one guy in the middle of the Kung Fu battle, who is not fighting, but when he does something it's gonna be good.
Jordan makes certain to step in a fashion to keep himself between the enraged spirit and Fiona. He shifts into his warform, claws extended and swipes at the beastie.
Erin stands up as stuff starts to get wonky and Micah calls for the Kinfolk to head out. She looks to see who is going to lead them out though she prepares to protect the squisky kin like herself. Kringer goes into defend mode as well "Come on Kin let's move and not be in the way"
Sven switches to warform, stepping close to the spirit and attempting to help draw its attention away from the kinfolk.
As soon as he hears Orders coming from someone bigger than him, Rian jumps to his feet and kinda drags Natalia up with him, one hand digging in his pocket. He crushes up a talen and spreads it over her hands, glass shards working their way out rapidly while healing commenses. "Pop claws, and some good eyes for night-sight if you can, gather the kinfolk and lead them back down the path to safety." He kinda talks to Natalia like she's NOT a kinfolk, she is obviously, but like, Silver Fang. He just sort of assumes she'll Queen up and lead the way like a valiant hero in her own right. Anyhoo, time to shed cloak and get majestically fury (next turn).
Fiona gets to her feet quickly, still clutching the vial. She watches as Jordan steps between her and the spirit, her eyes darting about for the one to lead them out
The hood is shoved off Chayse's head and his shoulders give that familiar chicken-bone snap as he grows into his glabro form and moves to ensure that Natalia can move the kinfolk down a clear path.
The shards pop out of Natalia's hands as they're healed, the woman looking back to Rian and nodding her head. "O.. okay." She doesn't question it. She looks to the other kinfolk and says. "This way." Then she does something.. very odd. She starts to head back down the path while chanting in Russian, a few seconds later a transformation happening. It almost seems like she's shifting into a Crinos form but.. no, it's not right. She actually gets smaller, somewhere between her own size that of a wolf. Her legs are bent and she has fur covering her body, sharp claws on her hands and wolf's snout. It's almost like a miniature Crinos form and nearly as ferocious or scary. Yet, it has all the desired traits Natalia is looking for so she takes it!
Miguel whips his hammer off his back SLAMS it on the ground, Roaring ferociously as he can in his human shape at the spirit. (which given his size is pretty skeery).
Erin sticks to the bak as Natalia takes the lead and hopefully Fiona follows. Erin begins to chant as she prepares just in case something comes at them, as the Kin head back down the path to safety.
As the kinfolk make their way in a hurry down the path, the remaining garou circle up on the Night spirit. Claws pop, muscles rend and a very intimidating Bastet slams a hammer down in front of the Night spirit. The silence of the night is shattered by his ferocious howl and the Night spirit begins to shrink and cower and pull away from the Garou that surround it, attempting to escape back into the forest and from there, to the spirit world.
And that damn Cloak sits there, unmoving through it all, Journey as still as a stone.
Sven watches the spirit flee, as long as it is not following the kin he seems willing to let it go.
Rian is slow to crack his bones upward to crinos, but it's for a good cause to get some healin's out and some directions given to the more squishy sorts. Once he's up into a taller form, a werewolf shaped muscle with a buncha white fur, he watches the direction the spirit went, quiet and with his ears swiveling to search out any sounds that says he needs to rush off anywhere.
The three kinfolk rush down the path, making their way for the sanctuary of the longhouse. To either side of them, they are harried by chittering and howling noises of Night spirits who can smell their fear. Whips of darkness threaten to take their feet out from under them. It could be roots or a branch but in some cases it is a tendril of darkness. One of those tendrils grabs around Fiona's ankle and she trips, falling hard onto the ground. A second tendril grabs Erin around the waist and squeezes her like a boa constrictor, restraining her in place. Out of the Umbra, a large pit bull materializes and takes a bite at the tendril around Fiona's ankle, freeing her so she can run on, but Erin is still trapped, for now.
Fiona turns to move quickly, the sounds of the spirits taunting at all angles. She feels a tendril grab her leg and she trips and falls but the tendril releases as she looks to her leg. Fiona looks up to see Erin and she gets to her feet to try and help her
FUCKING Cloak doesn't move, Journey not moving, senses inward for the moment, but watching.
Journey can see the forest from above and see the tight winding narrow path. About half way down it, Erin has something wrapped around her and looks like she is setting off a spell. Fiona is standing up and brushing herself off and Tank is playing shake the rope with a tendril.
Sven takes off down the path without hesitation, heading for the sound of female distress.
Things you learn you should be watching also infront of you not just behind you as she seems to be trying to keep an eye on the rear still softly chanting just building in case of something, but then you know you should always look infront of you not just behind you that is just when something infront of her happens and she is grabbed and she lays her hands on the thing that so dare and touch her as she let's her magic flow.
Rian's about inclined to do the same thing, ears swiveling around in the direction of lady sounds. He gives a quick tally of the current area, 'elder, den father, bigass cat with a bigass hammer' and comes to the conclusion that the graveyard's probably pretty well handled should anything decide to get uppity. So, he informs Micah, >>We go.<< before barking to his almost-pack, >>Knights, back up the kin!<< before following hot on Sven's heels to go make sure the kinfolk are okay.
Chayse needs no other command and he turns on his heel to follow the white wolf out of the graveyard, letting his easy lopes carry him into his warform, as well.
As Erin finishes her chant and releases the power, jagged lacerations of light stroke across the tendril of darkness. In response, the tendril bucks with Erin still in its grasp. It lifts her into the air, and then releases her, letting her slam to the ground before trying to slam back down on her. As it does, Kringer bites and snaps at it, joining in with Tank to defend the kinfolk. They hold the tendril at bay until the small pack of cliaths rush up the path. Sensing that the fun is over, and maybe these kinfolk aren't as afraid of it as it thought, it too chooses the wise course of action and withdraws into the the forest.
Jasper totally does too. Totally. But way in the background.
Natalia had turned to help Erin.. but.. nope, Erin has it handled. And it seems that Fiona is okay too. She lets out a high pitched bark that's mostly nonsense and continues on down the path.
Seriously. Cloak Hasn't Moved. Don't make Journey get up.
Sven looks at the situation realizing they are a moment to late, "we're here to rescue you?" He looks sheepish.
Erin falls into the ground as Tank and Kringer hold the pest in hand and she looks towards the thing "You son of a bitch what the hell are you thinking" she looks pissed even as she lays there and moves to stand up "You apoligize that was not funny! " she points at it as if she expect it to say it's sorry as she dusts herself off and looks around and suddently looks sheepish and embarrased as she pulls some leaves from her red hair. Oh she's not happy.
While Journey finishing his restful nap among the dead, Micah leads everyone back up the path and back to the safety of the Longhouse yard. He gathers up the vials so that he can inspect them and make sure they are viable talens and congratulates everyone who participated. "You all did great. These talens will be a great boon to the Sept and who knows... some of them may reach your hands as well. Now, what have we learned?"
Erin watches as the thing heads back as she finishes her grumble and looks to Micah at the question "That spirits can be real jerks" she says matter of factly.
Natalia looks to Micah, looking for all the world like the wolf that ate Little Red Riding Hood, the cloak is even still on her. She yips in response to Micah but it's gibberish, not proper wolf speak.
After the dust is settled and Chayse has been relatively assured that no kinfolk were harmed during the filming of this ritual, he makes sure to return the cloak and lantern. "Spirits associated with the new moon are addicted to gathering secrets," he states.
Fiona backs up a few steps and leans on a nearby tree. "Do not underestimate the spirit world..."
Tank barks happily. He got to attack something! ~Night spirits taste like licorice~
And there's a gaggle of crinos garou running up just behind Sven! Rian throws on the breaks when he catches the darkness only as it's fleeing the hell away from bitey people. He falls in alongside the kin on the pathway, walking through the trees cause he's too big to share the path at all, and just escorts! Only once Micah's comin up on 'em and being all 'we're safe, dudes!' in attitude and the longhouse's yard is nigh does he shifts back down to Homid again, so that he can hand over his vial as well! "I learned it's not a bad idea to carry these healy talens on me like I thought maybe it was. Physical and spiritual-y correspondents that Night Spirits like, and what happens when they snap out of it too quickly when you're getting talens ready, and that it's very very difficult to be sure your back trail is covered when it's Night spirits AT night, so it's kind of like being sure the ocean behind you isn't too damp when you're IN it." He turns his attention to Natalia then, looks her over, and then laughs, but I swear he's laughing with her, not at her! Or *for* her at the very least?
Miguel nods to Micah as he follows along "Spirits can be impressed by you being like them, embodying their concept can earn favor."
Sven says, "Spirits of the new moon are stealthy and cunning, but they are not fearless, thier threats are empty like bullies when you confront them with force, but like bullies they are to be feared if they have the numbers or advantage""
Erin first hands the vial back to Micah befor she removes her hood and dust it from the dirt and offers it "Sorry it got a little dirty when I was rudly dropped" She nods "Big bullies that pick on the little people, but aye don't underestimate them"
Natalia looks back to Rian as he starts laughing while looking straight at her. That wolf head peers down over herself and then in a few short seconds she shifts back into her normal, Natalia self. It's perhaps good that she got smaller when she shifted as her clothes didn't change with her and the dress survived with only small tears. This is probably why the dress has so many lines from being mended by hand come to think of it. "What's so funny." She asks, no longer a miniature, red furred sorta-kinda-not really werewolf.
The Cloak is gone. No wait it's over there, Journey folding it over one arm as he looks around, the cloak not needed, he just watches.
Micah nods, "Yes, all of that is true. If there is one thing I want you to learn from me while you are under my charge, it is that while the spirit world is amazing and weird and wondrous, it is NOT your friend. It is a foreign environment. Even spirits who are part of your tribe's own brood are dangerous and will turn on you if provoked. You can't expect them to think like you or act like you. Those Night spirits would have had no qualms about taking their anger out on you and they didn't have to be of the Wyrm. So, I'm proud of all of you. I'm going to be leading these kinds of excursions regularly, so if you want to learn more, you are welcome to join. And spread the word to the other cliath what you learned here. Take it upon yourself to be a little more like a ragabash and teach someone something new. Share with them your secret knowledge so it can strengthen the nation.
"Now, Ryn has packed leftovers from dinner if anyone wants to take them with you, but make sure you bring her dishes back. Get some rest and have a good night."
