2020.11.06:A Friendly Gathering/Text

Scene: Setting

Food: The big bay doors of the machine shop have been opened and tables set in the openings laiden with food. Large aluminum pans of mashed tatters, corn, biscuits are set up to cater to whatever sized group shows up. The main attraction are the wide selection of main dishes. Everything from vegetarian curry to barbequed pork, grilled salmon and steak with some whole, rotisserie chickens - juicy and herb-flavored to whet the appetite. Drinks: At the end of the line are a mixture of different coolers, each one filled with ice and drinks in a set up where people take what they want and move on. Selections include beer, water and a few brands of soda for those interested. Tables: Sheets of plywood have been set up on saw horses to create long tables for people to sit and eat at before taking their comfort around the fire. Fire Ring: Chairs, benches and everything in between have been set in a large circle around the central fire where the flames are kept moderately high to provide light and warmth for the crowd. See also: .details/firepit for additional information.

Today the red head known as Erin doesn't bring cookies she brings some tray of meats and cheese. She hums a little bit as she heads over to the food table and sets it down. She smiles at the older kinfolk trying to look super innocent before she heads off to decide where she will lean this evening or hide.

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Bergin emerges from his camper beside the shop and wanders out towards the fire ring - apparently having a late start for the day. The bearded guy is in his usual ensemble of jeans, t-shirt, workboots and the ever-present flannel as he wanders over towards the fire ring to check and see if it needs cleared out before the Gathering tonight.

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Gwen arrives by herself about now, phone in her hands as she walks, only occasionally looking up to see where she's going between bouts of frantic screen-tapping, apparently in the process of writing... well, something. Tweeting, if anyone should happen to get a look at what's on her screen. She's got a cooler with her, resting on her hip with a strap across her opposite shoulder; it looks to be pretty heavy, judging by the way she carries it, but not to the point where she's actively struggling.

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Bergin is hauling loads of fire wood to the large hearth as people start to show up and he catches Erin's question mid-trip, "Check the coolers to make sure the Boyz got them full please?"

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Erin turns to look over at the new arrival Gwen and turns to do what Bergin just asked but then does a double take to look at Gwen and smiles giving her a little wave before she goes to check the coolers to make sure the Boyz did their job. "I've got a twelve-pack of Guinness with me if there's still room," Gwen calls to Bergin, finally looking up from her phone; after a moment, she stuffs it away down the front of her shirt, because that's clearly a ladylike place to store things. She shrugs out of the portable cooler after that, setting it down with a soft thud. After that, well, she lets her gaze wander for a bit, taking in the new scenery and the assortment of people she's never met before; she does seem to take particular notice of Erin, though, and in the end she ends up wandering over towards her.

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Taking her phone out of her pocket to check a text that causes her to raise a brow then shakes her head as she sends a reply. Erin looks to Gwen "you can probably stuff your beer here I think we got room if you want" she nodsnods as the woman comes over to her she gives her a smile. "Sup" she greets

The rumble of a motorcycle can be heard as an old, restored Harley Knucklehead pulls in. The rider stops to look around and make sure he seems to be in the right place, then kills the engine and backs his bike up out of the way but positioned for an easy exit. Kickstand goes down and Lleu steps off, pausing to remove his helmet. A hand skims through his short hair before he stows the helmet with his old bike.

The scarred and bearded biker looks around for familiar faces. Lleu is wearing a well used black motorcycle jacket covered with a number of patches ranging from three tours in Iraq, a USMC patch with beat up Captain's pins, Atlanta and Prospect Police Department patches, various biker patches from big rides such as Sturgis, and assorted other military or Harley related items. Lleu opens up his saddle bags to pull out a couple of bottles of scotch and case of Celebration Ale. A guitar case is strapped to the back of his bike over the bags. Once loaded, Lleu turns to start walking where the others are gathering.

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Tabi slips out of the 'yards shop, eying the crowd. She makes a pit stop to grab a beer from one of the coolers, before drifting over to stand near the fire.

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It isn't too long after the Harley roars into the yard that a blonde, scarred woman steps through the gate and crunches her way up the gravel road from the forest outside. She moves silently into the area, eyes tracking slowly over each person of the gathering in turn, assessing, looking more ready for a fight than a celebration, though she at least doesn't scowl. Wazi has arrived.

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Gwen sets about stocking the main cooler with the extra beer she brought, one large black can at a time, the occasional sideways glance being given to Erin while she's at it. "Oh, you know, heard you guys were havin' a party an' all, thought I'd pop by and mingle for a bit. Meet some new faces... a LOT of new faces, it's startin' to look like." She definitely doesn't sound like she's from here, with her noticeable Welsh accent; there might be a small hint of Massachusetts mixed in, too, though barely noticeable. "Somethin' to do while my mate's out patrolling, yanno? Anyway... Gwen Jones, Fianna kin. Nice to meetcha." She looks around at the others present, though it doesn't look like she really recognizes anyone... until Wazi arrives, at least. There's a glint of recognition on her face at that point.

Scene: Welcome

Bergin walks into the center of the yard and glances over to the food being served for tonight's feast before raising his bottle to get people's attention. A few of the Boyz(tm) are running between the pans of food out for people to pick from as well as the coolers to make sure that everything is ready for the guests. Mrs. Marry pops two fingers into her mouth to let out an ear-splitting whistle to to quiet folks down.

The young, bearded theurge smiles at the kinfolk's assistance and clears his throat with a faint smile. "Hey folks, for those who are new to the Gathering, let me first welcome you all here. I'm Jay Bergin, called Foe Hammer by the People but most people know me simply as Bergin or Berg." He smiles and looks around the gathered crowd as folks still continue to arrive and grab their food to settle in.

"As you can see we have plenty of food and drink for ya tonight and you're welcome to take your fill." He takes a sip from his beer and smacks his lips with an audible 'Ah' in enjoyment. "But, since there are some who are either newly arrived to the community or it's their first time at the Gathering, I'd like everyone to introduce themselves so we might get to know you a bit better."

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Erin smiles at Gwen and ahs nodsnods "Nice to meetya Gwen, I'm Erin Harrison, Kin to Mother Ananasa" she smiles then holds up a finger as she scoots off to go hug Tabi

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Robert pulls into the yard in his well worn Jeep Patriot, hopping out to join the others as the party gets under way, and giving a wave to those already gathering

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Brooke was jazzed to get here tonight, and seems to have arrived just as things are getting started, although she thought she was late. She's looking around to see who all is here, and catches Bergin asked for intros. She grins and after hearing a few she offers, "Hey! Good to see you all! Those that do not know me, I am Brooke Spencer, rited Hushed Blaze, Elder Galliard Glass Walker born on two legs, packed with Zephyr's Hand, member of the Random Interrupts, Master of the Howl for the Sept of the Enduring Spirit."

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Dalibor looks around the Gathering and sees some new faces. "I am Dalibor Gataric, son of Andrej 'Cleaves-the-Sky' Gataric." If the names didn't tip you off, the stereotypically Eastern European accent certainly does. Dal's not from around these parts. "Rite named Burns-the-Night, Am human-born Cliath Modi of Fenrir."

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Paul is riding shotgun tonight and steps out of the Jeep and glances around as he moves to the group.

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Chip heads into the junkyard, quiet for now incase introductions or anything of the like are going on, giving a nod and a smile to folks as he enters.

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Minna doesn't so much sneak in as, well. Ok, she kind of sneaks in, but she's a lot on her mind and little on her plate. She gnaws a corn cob as she orbits the outer boundary of the party, dripping a little butter and such on cheeks and shirt, snatching a beer from a cooler.

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Did he just hear someone speaking with a Welsh accent? Lleu stops and turns his head to look and see. His gaze lands on Gwen, whom he doen't know, but she's unpacking Guinness so that's a good sign. He slightly adjusts his course to head over and add his two bottles of Talisker Scotch and the case of Celebration Ale by Sierra Nevada. "Howdy." His accent isn't Welsh, it sounds vaguely of Atlanta. "I brought a few contributions as well."

Donnachaidh pauses when Bergin speaks up. Lleu listens, studies the fellow, and then Brooke jumps right in to start the intros. He too raises his baritone when there's a brief lull to speak, "I am Lleu Donnachaidh, rite named Battle Singer, Seinneadair Blàr of the Fianna, homid, born to the Galliard's moon, Athro, and mated to Sergeant Faith Anne Donnachaidh, father to Emmaline Rosalia with another on the way. I'm formerly of Legend's Guardian's pack, oathbound to Eagle, and of the Sept of Enduring Spirit - though I've been gone since spring."

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Taika was off in the corner laying down inside a large tree trunk that has been carved into what actually looks like a canoe now. He stands and stretches and looks out to see everyone has gathered already. He looks down at himself and errks. He is completely covered in saw dust, dirt, and grime. He escapes for a bit into the shop to get a change of clothes and makes his way out just as roll-call starts, "Taika Ngata, called Calls-Forth-The-Wyrm. Born of a Maori woman and Fenrir father under a Gibbous moon. Cliath.". Taika's accent is Polynesian (He is a Kiwi after all).

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Tabi stays out of the introduction fray, quietly sipping her beer near the fire. She's usually not one to hold back during the intros. Suspicious.

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Not long behind Minna, is a Killigrew. The pastel fauxhawked kin dressed in her fun, pixie-punk regalia for the evening. Knee high buckle boots, over-the-knee black socks with kitten faces, a plaid black and grey skirt, and a burgundy button up with thin black suspenders. Over it is a studded leather jacket. Pinchign Minna's butt on the left, the crafty kin ducks to the right with a soft laugh, adding her voice to the others, "I am Zoe Killigrew, daughter of Mist-Walker, grand-daughter of Shatters-the-Throne, great-grand daughter of Death-Sings-Loudest, great-great grand daughter of Voice-in-the-Silence, great-great-great grand daughter of Patriarch's Bane. Black Fury kinfolk, shapeshifter and enchantress." Keeping it long and formal for the sake of the Gathering.

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Tabi gives Erin a grin and returns her hug. "Hey you... how are ya?"

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Erin smiles as Tabi hugs her back "Good, you?" she looks around and sees Paul and Robert and then there is Lleu ooo so many she knows. She gives Tabi a kiss on the cheek "Be back" she then moves off to greet Robert and Paul with giving them both hugs

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Gwen saves the last can of Guinness for herself, popping it open as she turns her focus onto the gathering at large, her strange metallic golden eyes skimming across faces both familiar and non, mostly the latter. It honestly seems like Wazi is the only person present she even recognizes from anywhere, but she still seems perfectly comfortable around so many strange Garou and Kin. She takes a sip of beer right as her attention snaps to Lleutrim, seeing as how he's addressing her; she cracks a warm smile at him then, taking a moment to size him up before she speaks. "Noswaith dda, shw mae?" (Welsh: "Good evening, how are you?") she queries, tone cheerful. After that, though, she speaks up a bit louder, to the group as a whole (and thankfully in English): "Gwendolyn Anwen Jones, kin to the Fianna, mate of Rides-on-Bulls, daughter of Lance-of-Annwn, eldest sister of... well, the wee cunt's not had his first change yet, so his rite name'll have to wait 'til he's got one... anyway, just Gwen's fine."

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Dalibor drifts through the crowd towards Killi. Reaching her, he quietly asks. "What happened to goggles? They are safe?"

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For her part, Wazi stands back a bit from the crowd, watching the goings on as people move about and get food, greet one another, announce their introductions to the crowd in general, and otherwise mingle. The only way she could look more out-of-place at the moment is if she were wearing a cone on her head. Her thumbs hook into her belt, hands resting on her hips as she settles into a wide, open, balanced stance. Squared shoulders. Set jaw. Hard expression. Narrowed eyes. She's the image of approachability and friendly, companionable good cheer. It looks like she'd happily stay that way forever and hold her silence, but after a few minutes of it, she says to anyone who might be looking her way: "I am Waziyata Puddle Jumper. Athro, Ahroun, Child of Gaia. Touched by Wyld, Archive of Earthquake."

Then she's quiet again, watching. Listening.

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Robert returns Erin's hug enthusiastically. "Ah, sounds like the night of fun has begun." And he gives the group a polite bow. "Robert Daw, doctor of veternary medicine, steward of Sunhome, and kin to the Mokole Membe."
Paul hugs Erin back, and then glances around, "I'm Paul Barakat, kin to those who walk the dark sands of Khem, the Children of Bast. I'm the forgemaster of Sunhome and a licensed EMT."
Branton comes in from the parking lot carring a biiiiiiig cooler, though from the way he's holding it it doesn't seem like it weighs much "And I'm Branton Kholer, kinfolk to the Black Fury tribe, Spouse of Elder Theurge Iris 'Mercy's Messenger' Tiganites, Klaive-smith, Pyrokinetic, and Sorcerer-Shaman in the service of Hecate, the Mother of Spells and Lady of the Crossroads. Godi Bergi! Where does the booze go? I brought some of my experiments."

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Chip goes to get some meat from the table, and then since introductions are happening he speaks up, "I go by Chip. Wolf-born Cliath Galliard of the Bone Gnawers, Hillfolk Camp." he gives everyone a smile and a nod, now that that's done, and heads to sit down at the firepit to start eating.

Scene: News

The bearded Get theurge gives people a bit to take in his welcome before he explains how he has planned the evening. "As has become tradition here at the Gathering, and while we're all getting nice and cozy around the fire, I've asked one of the Community to tell us a Tale of the People. This week we have the honor of hearing one of the stories of the Children of the Bear." After a quick sip to let that sink in, the lumberjack of a Get picks right back up and continues to walk around the fire as he speaks.

"In the past we've thrown axes and spears to test our accuracy in combat. But -this- week, at the suggestion of Mrs. Marry, we're going to do something different. This week...will be a test of strength and of team work for those who wish to pick up the burden..." a faint pause to add a bit of drama to the moment before he continues to explain, "...and see if they can pull the other side into a huge and gaping pit of mud."

Hopefully people came wearing old clothes - or at least those who heard from last week. "Also, just a quick bit of news from the Daughter of Mother Bear, she is still looking for recruits to form a team of Smokejumpers to help fight the fires that have raged across the lands. All those interested in helping should speak to Tabi here," he points to the blonde-haired woman gathered around the firepit.

.event/rites
.event/news
.event/games

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Ack! Minna hasn't opened her beer yet, and that's good, because she needs an arm with which to combat Zoe. The Fury shoves her beer into an inside jacket pocket, then grabs Zoe around the waist and hauls the Kin in with butter-glazed irritation on her face. But it's the playful kind of irritation, and, like bringing a small dog to heel, she keeps her close.

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Killigrew starts to reply to Dalibor, only to be hauled in. Impishly, she licks Minna's nose, then laughs when kept close. With a free hand, she tries to tug Dalibor in, opening her jacket to show the inner pocket to him. "I've got the goggles and the compass both. I figured we'd have a few Theurge here that could look at them and help us figure out what is going on with them." Quieting, she turns to look towards Bergin when he speaks, then down at herself. Mud in her boots? Hmmm.

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Lleutrim smiles big when he hears Gwen speaking in Welsh. He too snags a beer, opening up the case of Celebration Ale as he listens to her introduction and then others. The top is popped open and he takes a sip, pale grey eyes to skim over those who are gathering. "I only know a few phrases. My family's from Wales and Scotland. If you live in the Sept now maybe I'll have to ask about some language lessons. If my wife and I decide to live here again." Ah, he spots somebody, "Wazi! Come get a beer!" Lleu's smile only grows as he sees more and more people gathering tonight that he knows. "Gandalf has arrived. Maybe their will be fireworks." His head turns to listen to Bergin once more. Then his gaze goes to Tabi.

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Tabi's face cracks into a wide grin as Jay explains what the game is going to be tonight. Perfect. Tabi nods to Killi, though her interaction with Minna gets a single raised eyebrow. "That is good idea."

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After having huged Paul and Robert and kissing their cheeks. Erin now goes to hug her next Victem.. I mean her next person and that's Lleu. She does give a shy wave to Wazi before Lleu is assulted with a hug from the red head. Paul waves to Lleutrim, not having seen the man in a while. He listens to the various conversations and introductions as he makes his way over to pile up a plate of food and grab a beer.

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"Well, I don't know about living IN the Sept, exactly," Gwen offers to Lleu after another sip of her beer. "Hadn't even visited the Caern proper 'til just the other day. Got a nice house out in the suburbs, though, so I'm not THAT far away if you want to come visit. Anyway, I'm from Swansea originally, spent the last three years up in Boston though." She lets her gaze wander again after that, settling in on one of the few other faces she's seen before, lifting her non-beer-holding hand to wave at the Furies. "Hi Zoe!" she calls over the crowd, voice cheerful.

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Brooke has gone to find a drink and is sipping on it as she spots Robert and Paul and waves to them. She decides to get some food and smiles to Paul as he is as well. Minna crinkles her nose at Zoe. The one thing she didn't get butter on, and now it's all spitty? It wriggles as if she can get the spit off just by making enough faces, then she ducks her head and wipes it ( and her cheeks ) off on the shoulder of Zoe's shirt. Kinfolk make the best papertowels. "I can't throw for crap," Minna says, glancing at Tabi as she slides out of her jacket. Beer in mind, she sets it down gently on an unoccupied chair. "But gruntwork, I can do," she says, rolling her shoulders, neck, flexing fingers and wrists. "C'mon. It'll be fun, we can both be on the same team," she says to Zoe.

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Erin turns to look at Tabi and gives her a wink then looks to Branton and ooooos as she looks to Lleu fo a moment then back to the drinks. Tabi raises her bottle in a toast to big Get Kiwi.

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Branton hauls his cooler over to where the drinks go and he sets it down with a thud and opens it, inside are dozens of pint bottles of a kalidescope of collors "This is like those bags of Jellybeans where everyone's a different flavor. They're all about the proof of wine cooler, more for fun and flavor than getting fucked up. We've got pineapple, blood orange, milk chocolate hazelnut, popcorn, strawberry bananna, and many many more. And none of them are labled and the colors aren't always a clue. Who want's to make a go for it?"

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Robert ahhhs.. "Well, I'm not generally up on smokejumping. My walking through a blaze unsinged might cause some small veil issues. However, I do gladly offer services for Kin or other animals, or indeed people that might be suffering from smoke and fire issues that might come up. Or help with last minute evacuations that would not cause veil issues should my more unique skills be needed."

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Dalibor wanders over to try one of Branton's offered concoctions. "Color is no clue, hmmm?" He picks a blue bottle at random. Because if there's no corrolation between appearance and flavor, why not random selection?

Scene: Storytime

Scene: Competition

Results

Scene: Wrap-Up