2019.08.28 The Letter Arrives
| The Letter Arrives | |
|---|---|
| It's move in day at the Frostbite Longhouse when an unexpected delivery arrives. | |
| IC Date | Move in Day. |
| IC Time | Afternoon |
| Players | Aldric, Aaryn, Sten, Theron, Micah Starnes, Royan, Zyler |
| Location | The Longhouse Yard |
| Prp/Tp | Ravenscar |
| Spheres | Garou, Gaian |
It is move in day at the Longhouse! The construction that began just as the pack was forming has continued while Frostbite went to Mars and then to Norway and finally the day is here when the work is complete (enough) that people can move in. Frostbite pack and maybe some friends are moving in furniture - probably mostly Ryn's. The ravens are kraa-ing. Sten is singing - heck maybe he even brought his sister. Just a good day with no clouds in the sky or any reason to think anything weird is about to happen.
Sten was of course aiding with the carrying of the furniture, not having any of his own really. What he owned he carried on his person at all times really apart from a few things in his cabin, though he was more then happy to help carry and build a home with his pack.
Its work, but these are the things that matter. The pack as a family, working together, living together. Enjoying company. Theron is of course helping along with everythng. More than capable of moving some furniture, even if he didn't have Meginghord...but he does. A smile on his features as they chat, and work.
Micah is helping to unload furniture from the back of his truck which he had been using in lieu of them spending any more money on a moving truck then they have to. He helps Sten and Theron with the big pieces, picks on Aaryn about the number of shoes she has, picks on Theron about heavy all the weapons he is moving in are. Tank has been relegated to umbra watch duty so he doesn't get underfoot or decide to attack a couch.
Common Raven sits up in the large oak, overseeing the proceedings. Things are calm. Things are never calm! Giant ass war gods, trolls and now.. nothing? The raven once knew a man called Murphy and, well, things went downhill from there. But! The sun is out and that dark thought only swooshes through his mind for a few moments. He lets out a loud kraa! before leaping from the tree and flying over to sit on the Longhouse instead, on the edge of the roof over the main entryway.
Ryn started out the day early, bring over boxes from her small apartment in the middle of town. Truth be told, furniture wasn't a large part of that order as she, also, came to Prospect with very little- Having to rent something already furnished. Not to worry, though, she's ordered some very classy yet comfortable pieces, which should be arriving throughout the day. For her part, she's also double-booked herself, asking Zyler to drop by around this time so that she could take a break and pull out a map with him to start discussing his path here and, maybe, decide what his trajectory should be going forward. She's tugged out a couple bottles of water and waits, sitting on the wooden table, for him to arrive. Map and sharpie folded and tucked into her coveralls.
Aldric assists carrying things, back and forth from the truck to the Longhouse. Focused on the task at hand, and getting everything in the house. Because that's as far as he goes currently. Up to the doorway, putting things down there so others can put them in what room they go to. Human sorts have too many things.
"Of course Ryn has more things than anyone else..." Theron teases just a bit as she steps aside to meet with Zyler, "And isn't around to help with it." he jokes lightly. Ah the fun with the pack.
Having been tagged to show up, the man in black would show up on time. Coat trailing just like before, those steady steps carried him towards the longhouse. He pauses a bit back from the group that's moving stuff, arms folding loosely over his chest as he'd simply.. watch. This was.. different. But then again. They're Get. So different should be expected, right?
Micah pauses next to Aldric on his way out for another load. "You sure you don't want to go take a look around while it's still empty? Plenty of open space. High ceilings so that Hrafn can come in and roost if he wants. Plenty of space for a wolf, or a war spirit, to run around."
And this is why the raven is happy to be born a raven! For one, he does not have a lot of things. Second, he has a reason to sit his lazy ass in bird form and not have to help carrying stuff. He's quite happy watching the people on the ground do all that stuff. And so he sits up there, watching. Studying. Offering a helpful, "Oh, I think your hand is slipping! Careful!" from time to time, even though no one most likely is about to drop anything.
Ryn only gives Theron a wry chuckle, but turns her attention to Zyler. She watches as he watches them, turning her perspective to try and see what it is that he sees. She narrows her eyes, but gives up on that perspective quickly enough. Instead, she waves a hand to beckon Zyler over. She tugs the map and a sharpie out of her pocket and flattens the paper over the wooden table. As the Man in Black nears, she says, "I guess I should start by asking? Where you're actually from?"
Aaryn gets a smile in return, all in good fun. Then Theron goes back to helping with the furniture. "Come on Aldric, cant avoid the Long House forever." he smiles, "How are we supposed to have our grand feasts."
Zyler finally moves as Aaryn beckons over to that table. Walking over, he looks over the map for a moment, then glances to Aaryn. "South Carolina. Myrtle Beach." There's a certain hesitance to give that information even, but it seems he's dealing with the whole 'ordered to work with them' from Iris.
Micah considers, "Maybe if we did that thing where we put him in a chair and then we all put him on our shoulders and carried him across the threshold? You know, real Hazzah! The Alpha claims his throne!"
Aldric stops near the doorway, looking at the doorway. There's a faint growl that slips out as the other's start prodding him about going inside, "I've been in there when they were putting the roof on." He puts down a couple of boxes and moves in the doorway just the same.
The raven lowers his head to this, moving his beak slowly over the wooden finish of the edge of the roof. He lets out a gentle little kraa before he gives the wood a light peck! A happier kraa! leaves his beak before he leaps from the edge and sails down to land upon the nearest rock, "Its good in there. Roof stops the rain! And plenty of ways out."
Sten shakes his head smiling to himself and continues with lugging stuff around for now though he does listen to what Aaryn is up to from time to time.
Theron chuckles lightly at Micah's idea, "No, not exactly our way right?" he glances over to Aldric, "Certainly not our Alpha's way. Too humble for that." he decides.
Micah gives Theron a thumbs up and Aldric moves into the Longhouse but hangs back, giving his alpha some space as he takes in the inside of the house.
As those gathered toil over the labors of moving in or, as is the case with the Raven and his Ravensteed, sit on their asses, there is the distinct sound of a car crawling up along the drive at the rear of the house. An engine that's not rough, like Micah's truck, or large, like Ryn or Theron's... An engine that almost silently purrs. After a moment, a sleek, black Lexus slides alongside Ryn's SUV, parking carefully. There's a few moments, waiting, before the Driver's side door opens and a tall, dark haired man emerges. He appears to be about thirty, perhaps, and is attractively dressed in a slate grey business suit. He steps out to observe those gathered for a few moments before taking off a dark pair of sunglasses and sliding them into his pocket. He puts on a wide, quite charming actually, smile and steps out towards the group with confidence. "Hello," he calls in a strong voice. He looks down at his hands, in which he seems to be carrying something in a plastic sleeve. "I am looking for an..... Aldric Hegdahl?" He pauses to glance up before looking back down to continue reading from the document in his hand, "Ironsides. Descendant of Tarjei Hardrule, Great grandson of Ragnar "Spirit's Way", Grandson of Hilde "Battlemaiden" and child of Thurston "War Hammer" Ahroun leader of the Sept of the Endless Moon....?" He looks back up, "Would that be one of you?"
Aldric takes a look around the inside, nodding to himself though he doesn't look terribly pleased despite the niceness of the interior. As the engine rumbles up he steps to the doorway, looking out to watch the man pull up. When he starts speaking the Alpha walks down the steps towards the truck. "What would be me. Who is asking?" His arms crossing over his chest as he sizes the man up instinctively.
Oop! Murphy made a house call! The raven perks up as there is the sound of a car and, so, he takes off and up into the air to return to the roof of the longhouse! Better view from up there, after all. With black, intense eyes, he looks upon the Lexus and the man it disgorges. And he is about to make some little joke happen, but then the man speaks and.. that just puts the raven right to silence. All he can muster is an, "Owfuckshit." as if he was mimicing someone hitting a thumb with a hammer.
The man in black glances over at the one who shows up. An eyebrow raised at the specific ask that's done, while he contemplates that messenger perhaps? Closely. A step to the side, away from the table, his arms unfold to let one slip into a pocket. Reaching for something perhaps? Just in case?
Sten puts the thing he was carrying down and moves towards the new arrival though not in a direct path more in a circle motion to seem unassuming though really he was just trying to get an advantage to not be with the rest of the group.
Its strange how the pack just instinctively works together, Theron like Sten, stops what he is doing and circles lightly...casually? To the side opposite of Sten. A curious gaze on his features as he studies the man, a light whistle as he checks out the car.
Micah walks out into the open and glances over at Ryn as the man gives a very... specific... line of questioning. His lips begin to move silently, almost as if he is speaking to someone who isn't there.
Aldric remains where he is, watching the man with his usual stern expression. He says nothing else, waiting on an answer or for the messenger to do something foolish.
Ryn had seemed surprised by the answer Zyler gave her, but her attention is grabbed by the visiting stranger and she pauses, mid-reaction. She caps the sharpie for now and moves to stand near her pack.
The man is aware of the stir he's caused, but doesn't seem too apologetic. His grin doesn't waver as he turns to address Aldric, "ah," she says amicably, "great to finally meet you, Ironsides 'Rhya," the man reaches into an inside pocket and withdraws a shiny pen. "I am Chayse Williams, Glasswalker kin and Attorney for one, 'Ravenscarn'. And.." he pauses to slide the document over to Aldric, "I believe this is for you... If you could just sign right there, please?" In the distance, there's the sound of another automobile... A truck, perhaps, trudging along the drive.
Aldric walks over towards the man, reaching to take the document from him. His other hand holds out for something to write with. When he gets it his writing is chicken scratch, but it passes for a signature.
The outside of the envelope reads:
Aldric "Ironsides" Hegdahl,
Descendant of Tarjei Hardrule,
Great grandson of Ragnar "Spirit's Way"
Grandson of Hilde "Battlemaiden"
Child of Thurston "War Hammer"
Sept of the Enduring Spirit
Frostbite Longhouse
Prospect, California
Zyler steps forward as soon as there's talk of signing anything. "Wait!" He'd all but bark towards Aldric. Eyeing the man that came to deliver it, he would finally move closer to Aldric. "Do you know what this is? And who is 'Ravensorn'? This was expected to come today?"
The Raven tilts his head a bit to the side. Something catches his eye. He focuses intently upon it, even leaning forward a bit to let out an eerie little kraaaaaa sound. He shifts a bit to the side on the top of the roof before he leaps from it, sailing a ways across and landing in a tree which is closer to the man. He's even forgetting about the other car coming up. He's so focused on something else.
Micah hasn't forgotten about the other truck, and assured that the rest of the pack and handle one man - even if it is a lawyer, he moves towards the road to intercept the truck.
Chayse smiles at Aldric, and even at the Man in Black for a bit before answering, "I believe everything you need to know is in the letter," he indicates the document in the plastic that has been handed to Aldric. He slides his hand back into his inside pocket to return the pen.
Sten folds his arms and seems to relax "He speaks the truth" the Skald offers to Aldric and looks over to Zyler "Ravenscar is what you standing on" the large man seems to be relaxed but yeah.. definitely ready to spring to action if need.
Theron shifts position and actually moves to the side where his sword was settled on the table, he doesn't draw it, he doesn't even lift it from the table. Is it paranoia or legitimate caution? That of course is all in the eye of the beholder.
Aldric glances at Zyler, then hands the man his pen back and takes the document, turning to walk back towards the house. He nods to Sten as he starts to open it up, standing still near the steps as he pulls the contents out of the package.
The envelope looks yellowed and old. The ink faded. The plastic sleeve it was in seems to have kept it in good condition. There is a wax seal on the back. The impression shows a key crossed with a quill.
Zyler glances at Sten, frowns. "He said Ravenscarn. Not Ravenscar." Shaking his head, he watches Aldric walk off, squares his shoulders and eyes the one who brought the document. There's a long moment of study, before he simply heads back for that table. He had tried. Even if he was ignored. That's something, right?
The raven lets out a louder kraa, his eyes following the shiny pen as it is put back into the pocket of the man. He seems on the verge of almost, almost leaping from the tree to go for that pen. But .. he holds fast. He resists! Sometimes, even a Raven can resist an urge. He lets out a light kraa again, not talking just yet. As if he can't fully trust this man that claims to be Kinfolk to another tribe.
Aldric pulls out a folded, yellowed letter and a couple of items; a key and a feather quill. A small frown on his face as he opens the paper and begins to read, whatever he sees there seems to confuse him. "It is an oddly worded request for help." He turns it over to look at the back before looking at the front once more.
Ryn would study the man for a long moment as he now stands there with his hands lightly clasped in front of him. Her eyes narrow for a moment, and she gives him a final once-over before turning her attention to Aldric and that letter. After a beat, she steps lightly in Zyler's wake, a slight frown on her face. She reaches out a hand, almost as if to touch the other man on the shoulder, but stops short, drawing back her hand sharply. "Zyler," she begins before her attention is drawn by Aldric.
"Request for help?" Theron asks of his alpha. A quiet pause as he glances briefly to Zyler, but then right back to Aldric. He remains where he is however, falling silent awaiting clarity.
Micah flags down what looks like a delivery truck, and along the way he has picked up a pit bull in his wake. They both give the stink eye to the two men sitting in front, assuring that for now, they don't get out of the vehicle.
Zyler glances at Aldric, shakes his head then looks over to Aaryn. He raises a brow, studying her for a moment, before giving a small upnod. "He's kinfolk. This feels wrong. Not sure why. But I'm not pack. So I'm ignored. Fine. It's not my quest, not the requirement to help me. Get it. You warn him."
And along the road the truck pulls into view. It's then that Chayse breaks his stance. His smile, however, is certainly unwavering. "Ah," she says lightly. "I believe? This also belongs to you, Ironsides 'Rhya."
Aldric reads the letter aloud, it's slow but he doesn't seem to have problems with any of the words, despite being Lupus born. As he gets to the end he lifts an eyebrow and looks to his pack with a bit of puzzlement.
Dear Mr. Hegdahl,
You once told me that the reason you and your esteemed companions came together was to provide hospitality and protection to those who came to you in need - a shelter from the storm, so to speak. While I shall never be able to take advantage of your hospitality, or see what becomes of your Longhouse, I am in need of your protection and assistance - as are those in my charge. Storms are a'comin' as the pioneers say. Whether we are able to weather them will be decided by whether you will take the leap and trust the veracity of my, our, need.
My faith is entirely entrusted that you shall honor your oath for no other reason than you swore it. Yet I am a man of the world, and of the spirit, so I know that bargains require trade. In that spirit, consider this letter a promissory note. Should we find success in our future endeavors together, I leave to you all that remains of my home, Ravenâs Rock, known to you as Ravenscarne. It is all I have to give, but as I have no need for it any longer - I gladly entrust it to you.
I hope this letter finds you in the correct time. The nature of time being what it is, I suspect it has, unless what we know of it has changed since the last time you and I spoke. But, I digress. My apologies, it is hard to keep my thoughts in order here at the end.
Enclosed is the key and quill. The symbols of my household. The key will unlock the door to Ravenscarne for you and the quill will ensure you are given proper hospitality upon your arrival. I look forward to making your acquaintance.
May Helios Shine Upon Your Endeavors!
Sincerely yours, Volucris Jase 'Feather Picks the Lock' Skarne
Micah calls out from the other side of the house. "Boss, these guys say they have a package for you. Should I let them bring it in?"
Which is quite a surprise for the raven sitting in the tree. His eyes are on the letter now, staring hard. He lets out a kraa before he suddenly springs from the tree and flies fast through the air. He comes to a sudden landing on Aldrics shoulder, inadvisable as it may be to do that to an Ahroun that is not prepared to have a huge ass raven on his shoulder! The raven is -exicted-!
Ryn gives Zyler a slight shrug and then turns her attention to Aldric as he reads the letter aloud. Her brows knit in thought. The name on the letter... And then Hrafn is on the move to a potential death and she straightens and tries to intercept the chaos.
The lawyer's smile would only waver a little as the raven swooshes to land on Aldric's shoulder. Lawyers beings what they are, he would quickly plaster the smile back on. "It is part of the estate of Ravenscarn which is now being passed on to you."
Aldric lifts his head at the sound of Micah's voice, pausing as he thinks then shakes his head. "They can leave it on the picnic table. Once we've inspected it, we can move it later." Ric does indeed look surprised as the raven chooses him as a perch, but simply holds up the letter so he can look at it.
Theron settles in quietly, but goes over to where Micah is, the kin unable to help some curiousity in seeing what the package is.
Sten raised a brow at the reading of the letter though just remained leaning against the tree that he was standing by waiting to see how things developed. Hrafns excitement did make him smile though.
Micah gives the word and a couple of men hop out of what might be a moving truck. The men begin to tug a rather tall wooden crate that has been encased in plastic wrap and 2 X 4s onto a moving dolly. Then they carefully start to move it around to the other side of the longhouse. They oof with exertion as they lift it up onto the picnic table. One of the men then grabs a clipboard with an invoice to sign, but pauses as he looks over at the assembled group. That's a lot of rage to walk towards. "Uh... whose signing this?"
Aldric looks to Theron, asking him, "Would you mind?" As he's least likely to make the guy pee himself.
Zyler glances at Aaryn, shakes his head slightly and simply crosses his arms over his chest as he studies the men bringing the item over. Frowning while he listens to the reading, he tilts his head to the side slightly, then shrugs. "Time. Wavers. Why this seems oddd. Receiving payment for job before asked to do job. Not in order." Not that anyone is really paying attention to what he's stating, but, well.. it had to be said. That black stare of Zyler's is latched onto the Lawyer who is simply.. eyed.
Theron signs for the package as requested. "Sure thing...thanks." he says to the driver.
And with his business here being done, Chayse Williams gives a nod of his head and turns on his heel and sort of decides to just... Get the hell out of dodge. The two delivery men take a wide berth around the pit bull and follow him.
Micah follows all three of them back to their cars, Tank in tow, making sure they leave as quickly as possible and with a watchful pair of eyes on them as they drive off.
Aldric puts the items and the letter back into the protective sleeve, then starts to walk over to the crate on the table. He looks at it and sighs, not reaching to open it just yet. "I have concerns that it might be some sort of trick."
Zyler eyes the men that goes, then turns his attention to that crate. Slowly, he would step closer to it, eyes narrowed in contemplation. "It draws the spirits. They aren't scared. Curious. It glows. Light? dark? Like mirror. It's.. this is through the package. There's strength there. Something there."
Aaryn, seeming satisfied that the Raven isn't going to get himself killed today, pauses with her hands on her hips. After a bit, she registers Zyler's voice and pauses to look back at him. She steps aside and follows his path to the package with her eyes. "Micah and I summoned a spirit here, for Hrafn," she says. "The spirit confirmed these lands belonged to one by the name of the man on the letter."
Micah would return once the lawyer and the delivery drivers are gone. He approaches the group gathered around the picnic table and says, "So... are we gonna open it?"
Aldric looks to Zyler as he speaks, then to Aaryn. A grumble slips out as he nods, reaching to start opening the crate up; be it by prying or getting something for leverage. He's careful while opening it, not wanting to disturb the contents overly much before setting the lid aside.
Zyler frowns as Aldric just.. casually tries to get into it. He takes a long step back, hand slipping into that jacket pocket again as he'd watch on.
As everyone joins in, prying boards apart and cutting through shrink wrap. They would reveal a wooden crate that looks very similar to a very large wide, pine box. Prying the box open would reveal...
An antique grandfather clock. The wood is a burnt cherry, literally burnt in places. The smell of ash and smoke seems to permeate the inside of the crate. Wood shavings and straw are packaged around it instead of modern day packing peanuts. The clock does not seem to be running, obviously. It would be surprising if it was. It's face shows the time as 3:14. Whether that is AM or PM is anyone's guess.
Zyler just.. eyes the whole thing for a long moment. Snorts, then shakes his head. "Glad we're not dead. Rush in sometimes? Think more often better." He frowns then, relaxing that hold on.. whatever, in his pocket as arms cross over his chest and he eyes the clock. "It glowed. 3:14. Past talk to present. This portal to past?"
Aaryn subtly steps up to check out the clock. Looking curious, but also maybe sort of stepping near Zyler, just in case. She looks to him, and then to the rest of her pack. "Somehow? I think he's right? This thing is a portent of some kind, and somehow? We've? Linked ourselves to the history of this place."
"Whoa whoa whoa...like, a time machine?" Theron says with a bit of disbelief. You would think the guy didn't go to Mars. "Like a portal to go from here..." he dramatically moves his arms from side to the next, "To the past?!"
