2020-11-08: Pure Ones Drum Circle

Pure Ones Drum Circle
{{{summary}}}
Players	Aowyn, Beckett, Burt, Chip, Erin, Frost, Jordan, Kaati, Khol, Kohana, Laurel, Lleutrim, Mizzy, Nascha, Sergei, Skully, Tabi, Taika, Tinlin, Tristen
Location	Five Tribes Confederacy
Spheres	Gaian

<---======##========[ Event 1434 - Pure Ones Drum Circle ]========##======--->
The Pure Ones of Gaian birth invite all Garou and Fera to join them in a drum circle celebrating the end of Summer and the embrace of Autumn. As the sun's light dims and the green of Gaia turns to falling leaves and withering flowers, the native breeds of the Americas intend to sing out the changing of seasons and take part in the music of ages. Instruments will be provided but all music is welcome, as are members of all Tribes and Changing Breeds who wish to take part in the equinox and sing out the spirits of the season. The Pure Ones, however, will be entrusted with the custodianship of this duty, leading and conducting this sacred shfit in perspective and helping outsiders to understand what it means to those native to these lands.

All Fera and Garou of Gaian persuasion or inclination are welcome at the celebration. Those of Pure Ones ancestry (Garou of Wendigo, Uktena, or otherwise native descent, as well as native Bastet, Gurahl, Corax, or other Fera breeds) are asked to take on a leadership role and speak with Skully or Burt about adoptign a certain amount of responsibility for the event.

Date: Sun Nov 08 17:00:00 2020 PST
Storyteller: Skully
Genre: Shifter
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Five Tribes Confederacy - Embassy

Before you is a vast lobby leading to offices, classrooms and meeting spaces for the "Sustainable Sciences Center for the American Indigenous". Green architecture carves out a prominent view of fields for renewable energy.

Educational and legal consultant office line the wall exiting the lobby, doors open to help families find work, education and assistance that tribal Per Capita checks don't cover. Cultural and historical offices pepper the rear of the building dedicated to guarding the treasures of the tribe be it language, art or stories.

The aesthetic is modern without compromising the unfiltered tribal feel. Everything is made from a green perspective for those with the eyes to notice. The staff attire is professional with tribal flair. On the walls is something written in Luiseno, Cahuilla, Cupeno, Kumeyaay, Hopi and Northern Diegueo.

The Penumbral reflection is a jarring contrast from the real world. There are no walls and while some steel threads carry the odd pattern spider the ground look like a jigsaw puzzle of plains, forest, river lands, desert and mountainous terrain. The Ancestor spirits here represent tribes living and forgotten. Those honored ghosts seemingly content to bask in their honored legacy.

The horizon that in the real world showed solar gardens and carefully constructed towers to sustainable progress is a blinding in the spirit lands. Jagglings dedicated to the service of Katanka-Sonnak dance and stalk the grounds under the wings of giant Thunder Birds. Epiphlings of hope and innovation wander as their traditional appearances peel away to something new, reflecting the possibility of nations reborn.

The air is thick with the scent of holy burning herbs despite the lack of altars and the sound of drums fills the room though their source is a mystery.

Anyone who doesn't have BIA issued identification is given a vistor's lanyard at the entrance. Burt is wandering around talking to the various staff. The Theurge is doing his best to suppress the dark expression that almost seems carved into his face with little success.

Aowyn hasn't been here before and she is buzzing with some excitement. "I can't wait to meet other people who are like minded." She walks in with Kohana and holds a large drum carried in against her chest. "Good evening." For now, she gets the visitor badge.

Tabi checks in and gets her visitor pass. Shockingly, the blue-eyed blonde isn't exactly overflowing with First Nation blood.

Walking along with Aowyn, Kohana offers his mate a little nod and a smile. "It will be good to see others." he agrees, "Its almost like when we set up our own little territory...Pure Ones together." he reminds. "It almost feels so long ago, its good to have...company?"

Aowyn smiles up at Kohana and nods. She stops to see Beckett, Burt, and then Tabi. "Hi, I'm Aowyn." She peers up at the taller Kohana to see if he wants to introduce himself too. "Where can I put this drum for now? Anyone know?"

Nascha doesn't need a visitor's badge. She shows her ID and passes through slowly. It's been SO long since she's been to anything like this. Back home.... but that was a long time ago. She takes a deep breath and soaks in the sight of the people around her before she moves in to mingle a little

Word got around, it always did. Especially when you have your eyes and ears open for new things. Jordan stepped in from outside, glancing around the offices as he does. A slight grin, the man taking in the setting. "Nice place." He offers over, to no one in particular. His eyes take in everyone present, studying them with a very slow-blinking gaze.

Chip heads in, banjo slung over one shoulder. He thanks the person who gives him the visitors pass and then moves into the Lobby and takes some time to look around at the green architecture, smiling and nodding to those around.

Johanna arrives with Khol. She wouldn't miss this, as she knows it means so much to Skully, thus means everything to her and her family. They get a visitor's pass and take in this place.

Aowyn waves hi to Nascha, Jordan, and then over to Chip. She gives his banjo a curious look and then gives a small rhythmic tap on her drum. Another nod of hello goes to Johanna and Khol. "I think I'll set the drum beneath this big table here for now." She leans down and carefully nudges it under in order to get her hands free.

Burt wanders around speaking to the staff who are readying deer skin drums for people who don't have their own. Spider Catcher doesn't not look especially happy but the spooky Theurge is not know for his smile.

Tabi mills around, mingling. She offers Khol and Jo a nod in greeting.

"Hello." Kohana greets a few people with a friendly smile, the athletic warrior addign a polite nod as he does so. "So many I dont know, well I suppose that should have been expected with how long its been, hmm?"

Khol walks alongside Johanna, he smiles to those that nod his way, he gives a specific wave to Tabi, but he seems curious about the things going on just now.

A smile spreads across his face as he spots Nascha's face in the crowd. He wanders over to her. "Finally, you get to see what I wanted to show you," Beckett gestures around to the lobby. He smiles and then looks back to Burt in case the Theurge had some direction.

Jordan offer a wave to Aowyn, nodding to her. "Were we supposed to bring our own drums?" He asks of her, looking to the others for any guidance on that as well. Could be he's just here for the ambiance. He's grinning happily though, watching people as they chat.

Nascha smiles brightly at Beckett and nods. "I wouldn't miss it," she says softly, moving in his general direction. "It's amazing. Feels almost like home in here." Her eyes are everywhere, checking out just about everything.

Aowyn points out Burt and the staff that are offering deer skin drums. "Right over there. And if they run out, Kohana and I have more in our truck." She pauses to glance over the room to look for a certain Wendigo giant. Not seeing him yet, she nods her head to Jordan. "Where are you originally from?"

Erin shows up a little late as she looks around at all the people. She must of turn right instead of left who knows. She looks at all the people before she notices familier faces and heads over to where Tabi is.

Tabi grins, as she spots another familiar face. "Hey, Erin."

Lleutrim arrives wearing his usual biker garb. He's clearly not of indigenous descent with his sandy blondish hair and pale grey eyes and he's looking around as if he'd never been here before. By his expression, it seems to be an interesting place to him though. It doesn't take long before Lleu is spotting some familiar faces as he makes his way deeper into the champer and he smiles, altering his course to start heading for Nascha, Beckett and Burt. The drums catch the Galliard's eye with interest along the way.

Jordan ahs, nodding to Aowyn and her explanation. "Good - I don't have one at home to bring with me." The big man shrugs, looking amiable about it all. "Me? I am from Alaska, from the Inuit people. At least half from." He chuckles. "The other half is German."

Drums. They're the medium of this meeting, and thus the focus of the big man who planned it. The circle has been set up with all types of drums there to be played, and then again outside of the circle are even more drums for playing, all made available by the local native population. Skully himself is dressed pretty simply, never seeing the need to dress up for much of anything, but he's still impressive at seven and a half feet of height with an eyepatch and a build like a stone bluff. "Ahem... I wanna thank y'all for comin," he begins, his deep bass rumble of a voice easily carrying in the facilities. "These are the traditional lands'a the Kumeyaay an' Luiseo, so on their behalf I welcome y'all here to the Five Tribes Confederacy, generously offered as a location by the kind Burt Spider-Catcher over y'onder." As he says the last, he gestures toward Burt, bowing his head.

"For those who ain't know me, I'm Skully Pridemore, one'a the Wendigo Elders, an' I's raised among the Los Coyotes Cahuilla an' Cupeno peoples'a California. There're more'a us local types about than you'd expect, an' many of 'em are here tonight. I'd like to invite those folks -- self-selectin', honestly; I ain't forcin' no one to stand up -- to be the first to start our lil' drum circle off, jus' so our guests can get more'n idea'a who it is holds to this here tradition'a honorin' our peoples an' declarin' our place in the land. So those'a y'all sometimes called Pure Ones please join me in takin' a drum an' gettin' us a beat started so everyone else can join in on somethin' we made together, if you would."

That said, the big lug grabs a big drum and sits on the floor, holding it between his legs like a child's toy and starting a simple, repeatable beat. He's no experienced musician; it's very basic, but very easy to copy and elaborate upon, inviting others with more talent or maybe just more spirit in their heart to join in.

Burt keeps himself ust a bit away from the circle proper focusing on the staff and residents of the sovreign territory. The Uktena shows due deference to each Elder who arrives, diping his head and avoiding the challenge of eye contact. Outside of his personal tribe and the previously mentioned he doesn't seem to go out of his way to greet anyone. His general demeanor suggests he is here supporting the Elder from Younger Brother's tribe.

"Ah, Alaska." Kohana smiles to Jordan, "We are from the great north as well. Our home was the where the great Three Rivers met, the once proud Three Rivers Sept." he explains to Jordan. "Lands now healing in the care of Gurahl allies and guarded by Wendigo Brothers." he explains. "Nice to meet you, I am Kohana...and this is as she has said, Aowyn." he smiles.

When Skully begins to talk, he quiets and smiles. Nodding for a moment, the Wendigo Warrior goes and finds an appropriate drum, giving Aowyn a nudge to join him as he steps forward.

Johanna waits around outside the circle. She may be from America, but her tribe is not seen as such. She can appreciate the beauty of this event.

Erin leans her head against Tabi as she looks around seeing Lleu she waves though when Skully starts talking her full attention is on the rather tall man as she blinks a little bit and looks around before looking back to him trying to follow.

Khol stands beside Johanna, his posture at ease, watching and listening respectfully.

Aowyn peers in and sees Skully is giving them the signal. This evening she dressed in traditional garb for the celebration of the Pure Ones. Her big drum is picked up again and she gestures for Jordan to join in with them. Something is mentioned in a low voice of encouragement, a few short words in Inuit. A big smile plasters on her face as she goes to take up her drum near the Wendigo Elder. "Hi, Kohana and I are ready," she tells Skully. The Wendigo kin's drum is set down and then she sits to kneel before starting a practiced rhythm with her hands.

Mizzy had arrived with Beckett. Lingering a bit on gazing about the location; before then quickly making her way to loom around the Pole of a man she'd arrived with. Quietly listening and keeping her attention on the event as it progresses. As the drum-beat starts she tucks her hands into her pockets and exhales. Her foot tapping gently on the floor as the beat begins.

Nascha has chosen to not partake in the drumming tonight. She could. She ccertainly knows how, but not tonight. A little nostalgia, maybe a little homesick. It's been a very long time. She lfits a hand to wave to Lleutrim, motioning him in her direction.

Sergei makes his way into the circle, having arrived at some point subtly and having stayed back before now. He is dressed oddly, not in the fashion of any of the local tribes but he stands among them with confidence "I am Sergei Ivanov of human name. Among the Nation I am Howling-Wind, son of Bloody-Snow, son of Blood-on-the-Wind. Wolf-born Ahroun of Great Wendigo's people at the Sept of the Siberian Wilds. I am now Patrol Captain of the Sept of Enduring Spirit in service to Great Wendigo and the Nation as an Elder."

"Centuries beyond centuries ago the Wendigo came to this land across a bridge that is lost to the waters and now thought a myth by many. A great and terrible war drove all but a few of them from their ancient home. Those are the Wendio I come from, The Sept of the Siberian Wilds stands Eternal. We remember our brothers and sisters that went ahead. We are all Wendigo." And he takes up a drum and joins Skully.

Nascha has chosen to not partake in the drumming tonight. She could. She ccertainly knows how, but not tonight. A little nostalgia, maybe a little homesick. It's been a very long time. She lfits a hand to wave to Lleutrim, motioning him in her direction.

Tabi rests an arm on Erin's shoulder, as she gives the Kin a grin, before she snaps her attention to Skully as he offers the welcoming speech - and others begin to join in.

Jordan nods to Kohana, grinning. "Among others up there. Jordan Fisher." He offers over a wider smile as Inuit is spoken, collecting up a drum as suggested. No small man either, he finds a seat where he can, his own rythym joining Skully's and the others. "Jordan Fisher, Bon Bhat of the Qualmi... Elder to those new to the term. Born to the Inuit People in Alaska." His hands strike the drums in time, addding his own tribe's flavor to it.

At some point, Laurel just sort of slips into the gathering. Casual, not sneaking, but not drawing attention to herself. In the background, winding her way through, acting like she's been here for sometime, just unnoticed until now.

A brief introduction comes from Kohana now, "I am Kohana Stormbreaker, Born under the Warrior Face of Luna. Honored member of the Wendigo, born on the legs of man. By rite I am Adren in rank, and Scion of the Three-Rivers Sept. Soul touched of Wakinyan Tanka." he nods once more and then he begins to join in the drum led by Skully.

Skully grins as Sergei explains his lineage, bowing his head to his fellow elder in respect before then acknowledging Kohana and Aowyn with a big smile, his fellow Wendigo having gathered around him early. He does also turn his head to look to Johanna and Khol and offers them a friendly wave, as always keeping his pack somewhere in his periphery even while he's supposed to be leading an event. As more and more of the Pure Ones pick up drums and come join him, his smile grows less querulous and more satisfied, seeing folk state their belonging either in words of introduction or in the simple action of taking up the beat when called upon. This is their place and their way; it's fitting that they help start to welcome everyone else into it. He makes sure to give every drummer an acknowledging look with his one good eye, bowing his head to show that he appreciates them coming to his event.

Erin gets a smile and a nod from Lleu. He comes to stop next to Nascha and lightly bumps her slim shoulder with his own in brotherly fashion. His gaze roams around until it settles upon Skully playing the drum. A hint of a smile to see the big fella working it with ease, musician or not. A respectful nod to Sergei when the Patrol Captain finishes his introduction. Then he's listening to Kohana give his. To each of them he gives his attention as the introductions continue.

Burt finds a spot to sit and produces a long cedar pipe decorated with feathers and glyphes of portent, a long serpent with a jewel in it's brow is carved on the side. He sits watching the introductions nodding at each. As he lights his pipe and puffs something catches his eye and provokes the smallest smile to curl up in the corner of the Uktena's mouth.

Occassionally soe of the residents will join Burt and share his pipe before moving on.

Aowyn folds one hand and then raps the drum on the side to change up the rhythm a bit. "And I am Aowyn." A hand lifts to the crowd gathered to wave. She portrays herself as educated, and speaks english very well. "Welcome. I am also kin to the Wendigo, and originally from the Three Rivers Sept."

Erin likes leaning against Tabi so that's where she is going to stay as she lookf from each elder as they introduce themself and she glances to the drums then smiles she is super quiet

Taika comes walking in, slightly late because of prior commitments, but he spots Tabi and Erin from a distance and makes a bee-line towards them. He would take a seat behind them if he could and just gives a nod.

Chip settles down on the floor near a wall, just happily watching all the drummers, enjoying the music and the feeling of togetherness.

Sergei nods back to those who nod to him in greeting, keeping up the simple beat for others to improvise around or follow.

The rhythm falls in naturally as Kohana drums besides his mate Aowyn. A glance her way now and then with a smile and then to Kohana. It would seem the Wendigo Adren approves of what has been done here.

Tabi watches the drummers quietly. She resists the urge to dance - reducing the urge, with some effort, down to tapping her foot to the beat.

Kaati comes in with a dark-skinned young man at her side. She's carrying a beaeded messenger bag, but there's a much larger flat round case slung across her back, and the man with her carries a smaller disc-shaped case that looks like it would hold a frame drum. Just a step into the lobby, Kaati stops and pauses to take a deep breath, searching out Skully and then Sergei. Then she spots Lleutrim, and blinks a few times.

Beckett has eschewed his modern dress for the night in favor of more traditional clothes. Though his outfit is just as mixed as his bloodline. Mostly Navajo in style with a headband and belt with silver discs clasped over his long shirt. He also has a necklace of carved animal figurines of of turquoise paired with a cockle necklace and breechcloth ceremonal scarf. The blanket shall he wears draped over one shoulder is more Zapotec in pattern than Navajo. His gloves were stitched with a serpent pattern. All suggested a mixed human lineage, but at a glance any could tell his true lineage. When the giant of a man takes the floor, Beckett's attention is on him not just for the sheer size and statue of Skully's presence on the floor like a totem pole made of flesh and bone. He already has a drum of his own in hand, but noticing Mizzy start to fidgit, hands off his own to her and reaches for another one resting nearby.

When he introduces himself it is not in the typical way of Fera introductions. "Beckett Aditsan Jacobs. I was born in the Shadow of Dook'oosliid. and raised at First Mesa, member of the Navajo Nation. My ancestors have tread the grounds of Turtle Island From the Four Sacred Mountains to Great Western Sea and beyond for uncounted centuries. I come together as one person, of many broken pieces. I greet you tonight as a teacher and as a steward of the land, as my mother's mothers and father's fathers were before them." With his introductions spoken he adds his song to the circle, joining the beat of the other Pure Landers.

While Skully is drumming, a pretty redhead Kinfolk -- obviously not herself Wendigo-born -- steps up behind him to lean against his back and put her arms around his neck. He grins, laughing a little as Tinlin rests on him, and beginning to hum a traditional Lakota tune known as the Rabbit Song to help shape the beat. When she catches the beginning of that tune, Tinlin sits down with her back to Skully and takes out an ornate flute, picking up the simple notes to help broadcast the idea of the song outward.

"Okay, even if'n you ain't Native, at this point if the beat's touchin' you an' you'd like to join in, do me a favor," rumbes Skully as he maintains his simple place in the circle. "Get yourself a drum an' find someone already drummin', an' kindly ask 'em if'n you can join them. Let them be your guide as you start out, an' you'll surely find your way."

The Bastet's hands thump and drum against the skin, clearly enjoying the building of the song. Jordan nods to those who join the circle, join the drumming. The big man looks comfortable and relaxed as only a cat can manage.

Tristen is the man who arrives with Kaati and he pauses when she does, taking in a deep, cleansing breath of his own. He spots a pair of familiar faces, and gives each a curt nod, otherwise keeping to himself. The drum case he offers to Kaati.

Aowyn nods back to Kohana. "Our own story is interwoven with the people here." She gestures to Sergei. A slightly lighter drumming ensues once Beckett shares his story. He is greeted with a smile from her.

Frost slips in quietly, looking the room over before she moves to find herself a seat that puts her out of the way.

Nascha grins up at Lleutrim as she's bumped and she bumps him back lightly. She's mostly distracted by the circle, and even the stoic Nascha can't help but tap her foot a tiny bit, leaning ever so lightly against Lleutrim. Little sister and all that

A shaggy-haired, beaky-nosed, slender gent steps forward with a drum, planting himself near to Skully and beginning his rhythm. He speaks, punctuating his words with little flourishes on the drumhead. "Ridley. *brrr0DIP*. Tells-It-Like-It-Is. *badrrr-RIP* Corax. *brrrrDIP* Tulugaq. *badadaDIP*. Choctaw." It's like dumb beat poetry, but it makes the big Wendigo smirk, which in turn makes the Corax xmile and go back to his drum.

Taika is feeling the beat. He introduces himself, although at this point, he's probably just speaking into the music, "Taika Ngata of the Maori people indiginous to New Zealand. Cliath Get Skald born on two legs." His facial tattoos or te moko show his heritage. He gets close to Tabi as the drums around them are taken. When he notes that she is tapping to the beat with her foot, he leans in and whispers, "Dance!" If she doesn't, he would anyway. He is Maori, haka is what they do, so he stands and moves to the music, taking short, choppy steps that are in time with the beat. His stance is low and his eyes begin to buldge as his nostrils flare. He takes deepth breaths and puffs out his cheeks before opening his mouth wide and sticking out his tongue. He looks fierce, but after a moment he smiles and waves for Tabi to join.

Mizzy marveled at the garb and dress folks wore. Occasionally looking between her own clothes and the others in comparison. As the drum's suddenly pushed to her, she grimaces and grasps it, sighing a bit while she remains standing. Swaying to the drum-beat as it builds and plays upon itself, the tapping of her foot following along. Keeping suit, she just closes her eyes and begins to play it, keeping silent else-wise amongst the tune being beaten into the air about the room.

Kaati raises an eyebrow at Tristen, and shakes her head. "Keep it, for now," she says quietly. She watches Frost move past, and her face lights up some before she looks to Tris. Then she leads Tristen in the direction of Skully and Ridley.

Lleutrim smiles at Nascha bumping him back. He slips an arm around her to give her a squeaze then says low, "You wanna be my drumming guide, Nascha? You know, to make sure I do it right?" There is amusement in his eyes but also honesty. "I see your toes tapping. You aren't going to be shy are you?" Surely there's a drum be to be had that's not yet taken up. Lleu's gaze slips around the chamber and happens to see Kaati's arrival. Or maybe he was mistaken as she is swallowed up from his view in the many gathered here. But he looks again, trying to catch sight of her for a moment before he looks back to see if Nascha will accept his challenge.

Tristen squares his shoulders and follows, holding the drum case close to his side.

As the drum beat continues to build and the flute joins the music, Kohana begins a steady little chant that just fits in perfectly. He's not a singer, he's not a galliard. But its low and steady and just adds to the growing chorus of sound. His eyes close for a moment before they reopen to see the gathered, heart and soul pouring into the event.

Burt takes time to search out Beckett, Tristen even Nascha in the crowd and offer them a nod from his seat. The Theurge tilts his head and nods as if listening to someone despite his sitting alone. Another puff as he watches the gathering with stern approval.

"I can do that," Nascha says to Lleutrim. She chuckles quietly. "No. It's just been a long time. It's like slipping into the past, which isn't always comfortable for me."

With a little nudging from Taika, Tabi takes a few steps from Erin. "Tabi Danes, Daughter of Bear. While my heritage is American - so really, a little bit of everything - the Gurahl share some aspects with our Pure cousins." And one of the big similarities is dance. She takes a moment to feel the beat and begins to dance - in a style that seems to borrow aspects from high plains tribes and some from local tribes. To the untrained eye it's random movement and spins to the beat. To the trained eye, however, there is a story being told.

Skully joins Kohana when the chant begins, adding his Jungle-Book-Baloo bass to the other Ahroun's and helping to make the words resonate low, if not carry clearly. He keeps his beat simple, especially now that everyone has been invited to join in, but this leaves him vulnerable; the Corax beside him takes advantage of the long pauses in his beat and reaches over to BA-dibbledibble-BUM on Skully's drum before going back to his own. Skully gives Ridley a surprised look and a bark of a half-laugh before going back to his drum, which just leaves him open again when the Corax once more slides in and BADUM-dibble-DUM drums on Skully's drum again during a gap in the performance.

A ghost of a smile flickers across Beckett's face as more add their drums to the beat. He casts a glance over his other shoulder to where Nascha and Lleu were stood. "Any chance to flirt. Just like a Son of Stag." Beckett teases Lleu with a keen edged smirk with a bit of New Moon tooth. He pauses drumming, lifting two fingers to point at his own eyes, then pointing those two fingers at Lleu. Seen. He said no more, unaware that poor Mizzy was struggling next to him. Anyway... it was time to join the chanting part of the ceremony.

Erin blinks as Tabi leaves her to dance with Taika and she watches them and starts to rock on her heels a little bit as she is watching everything that is going on. She could just easily dance but nope she's awkward.

Lleutrim gives Nascha a nod, "I understand. I won't push you." He smiles, gives her shoulder a pat and steps away to see if there isn't another drum that isn't already claimed. It takes him a couple of minutes before he's handed one. His thanks given, Lleu turns back and will encourage Nascha to choose where he should sit. "Take the lead and I shall follow." His leather jacket is removed and his boots as well to be set on an unused chair to make sitting crosslegged on the floor more comfortable. A laugh for Beckett, "I'm not flirting. Nascha's a siter to me and one of my teachers when I was a cub." The Galliard flashes his teeth in a feral grin of his own to the Uktena in friendly fashion.

Aowyn raises her smaller voice to join in the chant. A small laugh makes her pause as Skully's drum is taken hostage a few times. Her head shakes beside the giant Wendigo, and then she tilts her head to look at Kohana. A brow raises, as if.. did you see that? She grins, and then watches the beautiful dance that the Daughter of Bear is sharing.

Kaati's oddly dwarfed by the great big frame drum at her back, and even more dwarfed as she heads gets close enough to nod to Skully. She heads over to Sergei, maybe to pay her respects.

Nascha follows along with Lleutrim with a soft chuckle. "When have I ever allowed my own personal comfort to be a factor in anything at all?" She grabs a drum too, so that she can help lead Lleutrim along

The Maori continues to perform a Haka as the beat moves organically. It is his people's dance, but it has slowed in its full expression as Tabi gets up to dance too. He is giving her the stage, while making sure she doesn't feel alone. He gives Erin a wave to join them and sticks his broad tongue out at her in a show of confidence, perhaps trying to transfer his own towards her.

As the chant begins, Jordan doesn't vocalize so much as purr. It's a rumbling sound, one that is low bass and just as rythmic. His eyes go to Tabi as she starts dancing, always a fan of the Bear folk. Hands still slap out the beat on the drum, the Qualmi grinning at the added beats from the Corax.

Tristen keeps an eye on Kaati, following not far behind, but his attention is taken by the rest and he watches. His face is a mask, his thoughts hard to read, but his interest is obvious enough.

Chip grabs two drums, with thanks, from whomever is passing them out and then goes over to Erin to offer her one, should she want a way out of having to dance.

Aowyn gets a nod and then Kohana rises to his feet to begin to move in a circle around the group, encouraging others to join in the drumming as he lets the spirit of the music lead his movements, all following Skully's lead in the tone.

Skully gives Kaati a welcoming grin and gestures to the space on his left, which is a little more accommodating to being joined than the space on his right nearer Sergei and the interloping Ridley. The big Wendigo seems quite pleased as Taika and then Tabi take up the dance, continuing his low part of the chant while Tinlin mirrors him on her flute from behind his back.

He keeps up his drumming, maintaining that slow, cimple beat, and Ridley keeps up his sneaky forays, reaching over now and again to baDIBBLEdap on Skully's drum between beats. But the goliath Metis gets his back when, after a particular leaned-in dibbleBOP from Ridley, Skully's downbeat is drummed not on the deerskin but on the Corax's head, giving the beaky newcomer a rhythmic BOP at the back of his skull and getting a choked "Rwak!" in response.

Drumming Lleu knows how to do - but he's following the cues of his hosts. Once Nascha has a drum as well and gets settled, the Fianna closes his eyes and listens to the mingling beats for several seconds. Letting the sounds and rhythm reverberate through him. Then he takes up the beat that Nascha picks up and he follows along, settling in as if he were taking part in a ritual, focusing on the music and the beating of many hearts. If Nascha changes her drumming, Battle Singer will follow her lead to provide accompanyment to weave his pattern around hers.

Sergei seems rather zoned out as he sits with his eyes partly closed and drumming steadily and evenly. Just taking it all in.

Nascha isn't the most skilled, but she knows a little. She lets Lleutrim get started, then she sets up a nice little beat of her own, following, more or less, the lead of those who actually DO know what they're doing. She closes her eyes and lets her head fall back as she really starts to get into things, a LOT easier than she thought she would.

Tinlin leans her smaller frame up against Skully's back and she plays the wooden flute in between her fingers. The smaller feathers hanging off the end are dipped in various colors of parakeet green, turkey brown in orange paint, and a vibrant clipped peacock feather that glints with gold and emerald. The interaction between corax and the Wendigo Elder has her picking up her green slippered foot and she wiggles it happily in wild rhythm. A breath is taken and she fills her lungs before slowly turning the flute to the left and reversing it oddly with a twist. The sound changes, and her song moves into a lower sound of resonating pitched notes.

Tabi adds her own contralto voice to the chant, as she continues her dance.

Mizzy can't help but continue with the movement; humming to herself along with the beat of the drum in her hands. Standing, and throwing herself into the beat. Hips moving, legs shifting, shoulders rolling. There's no particular dance or story told, but she's keeping pace and really getting into a swing of it in the small space she's designated behind Beckett.

Burt nods again to whatever unseen thing he is speaking to and points right at Tristen. As the Uktena exhales anyone looking over might think they see the outline of another person in the smoke. But it roils away and disapates leaving the air just as thin as it was a moment before.

Spider Catcher rises from his seat and starts to sing in Hopi. A dance follows too though those familiar with Shape Shifting magic might recognize the careful working of ritual craft.

Whatever the Theurge is doing takes time but as magic comes to a close figures form into being almost like they emerged from some invisible fog. Figures out of time from the tribes as they were centuries ago and centuries before the first European dreamed of this land. Kin follow shortly after bring special food and drink for the newly arrived Ancestors made manifest.

Burt slumps down a little bit, weary from his spellcraft but content his Invitation was received. Heroes of Pure Ones Garou and Fera alike wandering for the moment with the gathering.

Dropping to kneel in that space by Skully, Kaati unslings the big drum from her back and lays it flat, starting to open the case and then unpacking a sets of sturdy, low posts. She trusts Tristen to watch her back, as she sets up a frame drum just big enough for three or four people-- not a powwow drum, but pretty big.

Taika would continue to dance, especially as the ancestor spirits show. He would add his voice to the mix, speaking in te reo as the Haka talks of those who came before and respect. Once the Haka is done, he moves to sit back down into the drum circle and would fade into the background for the rest of the night.

Tristen finds a spot that he can stand watch over Kaati, close enough to keep her from harm, far enough to give her space to work. He starts to fold his arms, but the drum case in his hand makes that awkward so he drops his hands back by his sides.

The approach of the Ancestors, has Jordan's eyebrows perking up. He watches as they manifest, never stopping his purring and drumming. Magic is always fascinating to the Qualmi.

Skully leans back -- gently! -- against Tinlin with affection, and manages to free a hand to reach over and give her side a sweet pat-pat to let her know he's glad she's so close. This just leaves the right side of his drum open to assault by Ridley, who gets in a kaDIBBLEdapdapDIBBLEDAP during the break in right-hand drumming.

Skully rolls his eye at the Corax before giving some of his attention to Burt, following along with the Uktena's ancestral Rite. He bows his head to that, murmuring deeply under his breath before continuing his low chant, and does his own honoring of his ancestors. They appear vaguely as chill mist in the gaps, wispy and insubstantial but still present as they add the drums of the past to the drums of the present. It is a Spirit Pack, and they seem quite honored to be present and a part of goings-on in the here and now.

The Scion of Three Rivers has always been very close to his ancestors so as the spirits begin to manifest his circle slows for only a moment for him to let out a triumphant pleased little 'howl' to the chant before he continues.

Tabi mometarily falters, eyes widening, as she sees the phantasmal figures from the past. And then she redoubles her efforts, now she has ancestors in the wings - she can't afford to embarass herself or her people.

Aowyn opens her mouth a bit in surprise as the ancestors are summoned in by Spider Catcher. Her excitement grows as she watches them move about the room in their mist like shapes. Kohana's howl has her grinning widely, as the ancestors manifest. She chants out a greeting to them all.

Something stirs that draws Lleu's attention. His eyes open and he watches Burt doing his thing. The Ancestor spirits that arrive do not surpise him, though they are not his own Celtic people. He smiles a little all the same to see them and continues the drum beat with a glance to Nascha.

Head down, Kaati pauses in her work for a moment to close her eyes. After a few breaths, she rises, settling the messenger bag at her hip again and digging through it for a moment or two, pulling a bit of something from a pouch. She acknowledges the four directions, a pinch of the sacred herbs laid beneath the edge of the drum, a few quiet-chanting prayers spoken beneath the melded beating of drums.

Erin blinks as she watches then just keep gently rocking back and forth where she stands not too far from Tabi and Taika.

Tinlin has to catch her breath for a few moments and the best time to do it is when Skully checks on her. She gives the Wendigo Elder a satisfied nod and runs her fingers through her longer red hair with a smile. Her green eyes quickly notice the Spirit Pack moving in and she straightens up to turn a touch to watch.

Tristen's attention snaps to the spirits. He watches, unmoving, except for the slight twitch of his empty hand.

Beckett smiles over when Lleu and Nascha come in and join the drumming circle. He notices Mizzy wobbling behind him and wobbles along with her. "Oh yeah you're really getting into it-- What do they say? Vibing?" He grins. Then... from out of the Umbra a cascade of new presences that enter the halls. Ghostly presences in all shapes and sizes from the tiny Latrani to the Great Bear Crinos of the Moutain Guardians. A hundred nations of people stood in the halls tonight. One could not look anywhere without seeing a manifested ancestor spirit. Some of them would seek out their living kin, standing near their blood relatives.

Behind Beckett stands a man in a grass skirt with earlobes expanded by shark tooth jewelry, a bare-breasted Yucatec woman in warrior attire with bloody warpaint, two cunning looking Dine men who look like twin brothers that laugh easily at the antics of the ceremony. One of the brother's holds a rifle and the other brandishes two pistols with confidence. At his feet there were beasts that no longer walked this earth: A soot black Florida Wolf and a Dusky Brown Mongollon Wolf. Both species, Beckett's beast-born ancestors, were now extinct save for a a few Garou Lineages. Beckett smiles at his own ancestors with a bit of nervousness in the twitch of his lips. It was a rare pleasure, or distress, to stand side by side with one's own past lives; to look yourself in the eye spiritually.

Everyone's paying respects to the spirit guests, so Skully makes sure to keep up his steady drumming and low chanting, so the music doesn't have a chance to die out. He smiles to his pack, smiles to his fellow Wendigo and local Uktena, and essentially smiles all around to make sure no one is /too/ overawed to remember that the moment is theirs. That the drums are for /now/. Fortunately for him, the Corax to his immediate right is the irreverent sort -- not shocking, for a Corax -- and has kept drumming, adding in a surprisingly rich voice a single call of, "I ain't afraid of no ghosts!" before ceding to the prevailing chant.

Now returning to Aowyns side, Kohana kisses the kinfolk on the top of the head and continues the drumming. Settling back down as he watches the events unfold around them.

Kaati tugs a pair of beaters out of the messenger bag at her side, a tiny smile showing on her lips as she offers one to Tristen. A moment later, she

...takes the smaller frame drum from Tristen and takes up Skully's beat. 24 inches can apparently make a surprisingly resonant sound.

Tristen eyes the spirits again and then eyes the beater Kaati offers, a long moment before he takes it. He draws in another breath before he settles down to kneel beside the drum by Kaati.

As Kaati begins the group drum with Tristen, Skully eyes it aside and then scoots over and up to it, taking up one of the sticks and joining with them as a team. He adds his THRUM-tum-tum-tum to theirs, still leaving room for even more to join them as this circle-within-a-circle.

Burt joins the circle, smoke still clinging to him as he moves between his perch and the group. He takes one of the abandoned drums and joins in with the heart beat of the spirits. As they wander and take in the modern world some of the Ancestors sit to join and play as well.

By now Kohanna has settled into a comfortable drumming, the smile settle on his features as he remains beside his kinfolk. He nods to the ancestors that draw close, admiration in his gaze.

Johanna has been softly clapping along with the beat. She really enjoys watching and learning the culture, as it adds to her growing knowledge.

Tristen lifts his gaze only briefly to look at Skully as the larger man joins him and then sets about adding his beat to the drum. He doesn't seem to have much experience, but he follows well enough, and maintains the steady rhythm, gaining confidence after just a short time.

A little smile comes to Kaati's lips. Once the men are established, she backs off, going down into a crouch to start taking off her shoes and boots.

Khol stays alertly watching from beside Johanna. he smiles a little as the music passes, until the end of the event.