2020.10.30:A Hallowed Gathering/Text
Journey enters the yard, carrying two sealed plastic five gallon buckets, with some sort of long case slung over his back by a strap, looking around, and nodding as he surveys the area.
Bergin is walking around to stack cut firewood by the central fire pit while others and kin are manning the grills and food tables in preparation for the Gathering.
Dalibor is hurrying about doing various bits of last minute busy work - mostly at the direction of Mrs. Mary. One does NOT say no to Mrs. Mary. Not if you know what's good for you. And Dal's not even one of the 'Yards crew.
Journey heads over to the food prep tables, nodding to the kin, yeah, just a spot over there? Great, he sets down the buckets to one side and unslings the case from his back, unzipping it.
Bergin spies the Elder in between trips to haul the firewood and finally wanders over towards the food tables, and Journey, once he gets a chance. "Hey...uh...Journey," he tries not to tack in an honorific to the man's name but it feels somehow weird to refer to an elder by just their first name. "Thanks for coming."
Journey slides out a long rectangular metal object from the case, and unfolds metal stands from the sides of it, setting down the object, a grill. Rectangular grill, set down, a bag from the case provides black bricks of some sort of charcoal. Setting the bricks into the grill, he looks over to Bergin, "Oh, hi." He flicks his fingers, match between them, flaring to life as he lights the grill, "Brought skewers."
Coming up the path is that red headed trouble maker known as Erin. She is carring with her different containers of Halloween cookies with her. Some of them look like they were decorated by hand some are store bought. She looks around for somewhere to put the cookies down.
Dalibor is running errands for the powerful kin mastermind, Mrs. Mary (who "secretly" runs this whole area). Journey is setting up a grill and Bergin has paused in his own chores to speak with him.
Entering the junkyard a bit before the main event is an unknown individual. Still, they heard about the gethering, so should be fine? She's wearing skater shoes and beach shorts above tanned, slender legs. A Hawaiian shirt is unbuttoned over a white undershirt and a bikini top beneath it. Finally, a bizarre mask that looks like it is made from hay is worn over her face, hiding all but bright blue eyes, and her blonde hair. She pauses at the edge of the area and peers about, shfting her weight from one foot to the other. For a moment, Kitt takes it all in.
Arriving to a chorus of an American V-8 older than they are, Killigrew and Minna pull up in a boat of an ancient Buick that doesn't drive so much as sail. It squeaks and protests as they climb up and out, the Fury walking side by side with her Kin, relaxed, refreshed, and looking much better than when she blew into town. She's laughing about something, and seems to be trying to get Killigrew to do the same, practically *skipping*. Maybe she did a little drinking before they came. She's put on a knee-length black skirt, a fuzzy flannel that hangs loose around her, and a scarf so long it would drag on the ground if it wasn't wrapped around her neck like a mummy's winterwear.
There's no roar of motors as Jordan wanders up. The big man strides along, confidently and comfortably. He glances around the salvage yard, taking in the sights. A low whistle, the man grinning at the collection. As he nears the central gathering area, he gives a nod of greeting to those he recognizes - Journey and Erin.
Killigrew, by contrast, is wearing torn jeans, a long sleeved Grumpy Cat thermal shirt that says 'No.', and sneakers with black glitter on them. Over the shirt is a layered hoody and studded leather jacket. The kin's pastel blue fauxhawk ruffled up, like she fingercombed it and called it good enough. Zoe holds her hands out to explain a size and then laughs, shaking her head at the skipping Fury as they make their way to the gathering.
One of the Kinfolk of the scrapyard, one of the Boyz it seems, finishes piling firewood at the central fire pit at the center of all of the seats, and sets it to light as people begin arriving for the Gathering.
Erin spots Journey and begins to bounce her way over towards him giving him a hug "Hey Journey" she tells him peeking at what he is doing this is after she left the cookies somewhere hopefully they don't up and walk away.
Chip heads through the door, dressed like normal, except for the change to his flannel shirt, it's sleeves have been ripped off and one is acting like a much-too-tight bandage on his left bicep. He's all smiles and "Heya's" though as he sees people he knows. Journey moves around the burning grill, offered a chair by a Kin, he nods his thanks and sits down, opening the plastic five gallon buckets, he has, pulling out a paddlefan and opening the plastic bags inside, pulling out meat skewers, thick cut steak pieces, speared with bamboo, marinated in a dark sauce, set over the rectangular grill, laid out one after another, the fan passing over the grill controlling the heat, smoke full of spices and flavor starting to rise as the meat cooks and Journey moves the skewers. "Hi Erin." He says, looking over as people start arriving, "How's it going?" He asks, as he moves the buckets into position.
The newcomer begins to notice nobody else really has any masks or anything on for Halloween, and she reaches up to pull her mask off. This reveals her face. Behind her ear is tucked a very fat looking joint. She catches the interior of her straw mask on her finger and twirls it as she takes it all in. Seeing the fire starting, she tosses the hay mask onto it. As it quickly begins to crackle, her eyes light up a bit and she grins, watching it.
Erin smiles at Journey "Good, the girls and I made some cookies for the gathering. They went to do some trunk a treating with their aunti tonight. They were super excited" she sagely nodsnods "how are you, it smells really good"
Scene: Welcome
Bergin walks into the center of the yard and glances over to the grills cooking up all of the sides of beef for tonight's feast before raising his bottle to get people's attention. A few of the Boyz(tm) who are running the grills are still flapping their mouths until Mrs. Marry tosses a wrench at the ring-leader to quiet him down.
The young, bearded theurge smiles at the kinfolk's assistance and clears his throat with a faint smile. "I'm Jay Bergin, called Foe Hammer by the People but most people know me simply as Bergin or Berg. I wanted to welcome you good folks to this second of what I hope to be a regular event here. 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.
Tabi parks her dusty Jeep (desperately needs a wash after her last off-road trek) and hurries into the yard, running uncharacteristically late..
Minna rolls her eyes at Zoe, but the smile is plain on her face. She holds her fingers comically wide apart like she's holding up some invisible yardstick, She takes a slow spin on her heel to look round at those gathered, then respectfully turns her eyes to Bergin for the whole time he's speaking. Once done, she waves in greeting at him, then wanders on over to the coolers to snatch up a beer. She'll have time to sober up before she drives. Probably.
Jordan watches as the fire is built, smiling a touch at the preparations from Journey. As Bergin introduces himself, he nods to the man - clearly the host for the evening. "Jordan Fisher, Russet Paw, Bon Bhat of the Qualmi." He says, by way of his introduction. His stomach rumbles at the aroma from the food Journey is working on.
Brooke wasn't here a minute ago. But now she is. Is she here to raid the place? Or just to join in the party? Making her way inside, the daughter of Mal is ready for whatever might happen on whatever planet - if you were in a movie or tv that is. Confidently, she steps in closer to get to see who is who around here and start meeting people.
Killigrew snorts at Minna. "... never been fishing. If it's like that you throw it back in the pond and come back in a couple years. Or you need better bait." she teases the Philodox, quieting when they get within range of the introductions. Scooping her own beer, she twists the cap off and takes a drink. As the introductions get going, she opts to use her more formal form. The one that won't matter much outside her tribe mates, since she's kinfolk. "I'm Zoe Killigrew, kin of Furies, 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. Shapeshifter and enchantress." There's a reason she's not big on formalities, for the most part.
The slender surfer girl takes it all in, nodding a bit to herself as she listens to some introductions and explanations. When there are a few moments of silence, or people looking at her with expectation, she flashes a small smile. She has a very, very thick French accent that becomes almost indecipherable if excited. Right now it is rather calm. Chill. "Kitt. I am Kitt. Bonsoir. I don't have those fancy wolf names, or I would share them. Apologies, my new dear friends..." She glances back to the fire as the mask crackles and burns.
Journey moves skewers down the line, reaching into and getting out the chicken skewers, resting them on the end of the grill, almost making a little cooking line of meat, paddlefan moving, rolling skewers along the line, keeping the heat even, chicken cooking next to beef, then in turn, pork skewers rolling along the cooking line. "Thanks, these have been soaking for a day, it's good to set up." He looks at Erin, "Oh, Halloween, right. Yeah, you looking forward to skimming candy?"
Erin watches Journey cook and turns to look as people gather and she takes a breath "So many people" she comments befores she looks to Journey and giggles "Of course, that's the awesome part of small cute kids they get all the candy" she winks.
Tabi blinks as she spots something. And then something else entirely catches her eye. She makes her way towards Chip, with a maternal reprimand on her lips. "What did you do now? Fight a Thunderwyrm?" Her eyes literally rolling as she asks. She takes a deep breath and rolls her shoulders, easing her tension. Introductions. Right. She raises her voice to be clear to the Gathering. "I'm Tabi Danes, known as Jumps-through-Fire to the Family. A daughter of Bear, I am a Kovi Kieh of the Mountain Guardians." And then, intro done, she turns back to Chip, questioningly.
Jordan gives a nod to the Gurahl, a slight smile. "Evening. Glad to see more of your folks about." He says, earnestly. He finds himself a seat, nearer to the food than away. He'll wait patiently on the meal - no need to rush the preparers! Brooke senses that with all the introductions, it was time to just jump in here, red hair blazing with her space gun still holstered and join in. "Hey! 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. This seems like quite a gathering!" A wave over to Journey, "Hey Alpha. Smells good here!"
Scene: News
The bearded Get theurge gives people a bit to take in his welcome before he explains how he has planned the evening. "Like last week, we've got a really interesting story from one of the Best Talesingers of the Silver Fangs, War Cry-Rhya. And since the axe-throwing was so popular from last week, we thought about bringing it back with a slight twist." The man takes a sip of his beer to wet his lips before continuing, with his brief welcome. He informs people of some of the more interesting bits of News that he's heard as well as the offering some have made to teach rites to those unfamiliar with them. "This week we have a bit of news from the Daughter of Mother Bear who is forming 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.
(OOC: Reference .event/rites and .event/news for additional information on teachers and available news.
Chip was about to snag a hunk of meat, but then theres introductions, and scoldings. He chuckles a bit and speaks to Tabi, "Fist off, that sounds like a hecka' good time. But nah, the Gnawers jus' cleaned some Leeches, Calvin calls them, outta' the sewer near the Dead Mall. One managed to get me a'tad before I ripped him in two" and he smirks at that and then adds, "It don't need healin', befor ya' ask, but thank'ya anyhow." he says sincerely to her, and then does get himself some grub. Dalibor pauses between errands for Mrs. Mary. He sighs. Introductions? Whee. "I am Dalibor Gataric." His voice is loud and perfectly understandable, though it holds an almost comically stereotypical Eastern European accent. "I am also known as Burns-the-Night. I am Cliath Modi of Get." Introduced, he returns to his errand before he too gets 'wrenched' by Mrs. Mary.
Erin sees familier faces and waves waves to them and then steps away from Journey for maybe a moment or two to go bravely hug Tabi before she turns as she hears others introducing themselfs and Erin takes a breath as she raises her voice so others can hear "I'm Erin Harrison, Kin to Mother Ananasa and hmm yeah that" she looks thoughtful after hugging Tabi she does head back to Journey for now or till he gets sick of her and tells her to go away.
Speaking of War Cry, there is a falcon that soars across the sky and cries out, Borya, announcing the arrival of the Adren Galliard as he makes his approach. "Ah, am I late?" the Silver Fang wonders as he looks around to everyone. "My apologies...I was led astray by what I thought was a potential risk on my patrol and it turned out to be just a spirit that was being mischievious." he shrugs lightly.
He then goes into his introduction, "I am Vasyl Madovich War Cry. Recognized by the spirits and nation as Adren in rank, born under the moon of the Talesinger to the great Silver Fangs of House Crescent Moon. Son of Lev Madovich Leads-By-Luna's-Grace, Elder of the Silver Fangs, descendent of Fyodor Madovich Gaia's Talon, hero of the nation. Companion of Borya and the Talons of Horus. Talesinger of the Sept of the Enduring Spirit and guided by Eagle."
Kitt glances about at all the introductions, and the girl finds somewhere to sit as she takes it all in. She is acting casual, but those who can read people can likely notice the girl is certainly on her guard. She watches everyone with a ton of curiosity, and a hint of wariness. She smiles a bit and tugs her legs up onto her chair with her, hugging her knees to her chest.
Journey pulls the first steak skewer off the grill handing it to Brooke, and starting to put out skewers for people to take, putting fresh raw skewers on in turn, moving the cooking meat along the line, flavorful smoke drifting mingling with the group, "Hiya Brooke." He looks over to the introduction soup, "I am Journey Farshi, Shaderunner of the Silent Striders. Elder Theurge of Homid birth, Alpha of the Zephyrs Hand pack, mated to Vesta Farshi of the Silent Strider Kinfolk, Father of Stephen Farshi, deednamed Baconcaller."
Kinfolk start to mill around the crowd, carrying coolers of water and beer for those who'd like to drink. The steaks cooked on the many grills are being plated up with corner, mashed taters, green beans and corn for those who like such a thing. Jordan smirks a bit, upon seeing Vasyl arrive. The Galliard is given a nod and a wave. "Not too late, I would guess." He chuckles. "Glad to see you made it, Vasyl."
Tabi waves to Erin and she hugs and 'dashes'. With the 'Chip situation' handled, she makes her way though the crowd towards the other thing that caught her eye. She pauses to return Jordan's greeting. "Thank you, and it makes me just as glad to see more of yours." She makes her way towards.... Kitt. "Excuse me, are you Kitty Duchagne?"
Minna turns to watch Zoe make her introduction with a grin, swilling down a mouthful of cold, bubbly beer. Thankfully, she has the good manners not to belch. She waits until a spot opens up for her to say her bit, then straightens, toasts nobody in particular, and says, "I'm Minna Rosing, Wind-That-Sweeps-The-Mist, Philodox, Cliath of the Black Furies. And I appreciate the hospitality." She waves the bottle around, downs another mouthful, then goes sniffing after a plate of food like the freeloader she is.
Kitt perks up as if alarmed when Tabi approaches and asks that. "No!" She p;auses then, and chuckles, grinning. "I mean...yes. Oui. I am." She stays seated, watching the other woman as she tucks some of her blonde hair behind her ear, peering up at her. "Didn't expect anyone here to know me," she admits with a rueful grin. "Tabi, right? Did I hear right?"
Killigrew splits off Minna when the Fury goes to find food. Zoe hunts of a spot to watch from. There's so many people it's a little overwhelming. Beer in hand, she finds a thing to lean against, one foot crossed over the other and her free hand in a pocket of her jacket. There's no chance she's going to remember all the names, but she tries to earmark them the best she can.
Journey looks out over the gathering as he cooks, the process of cooking the skewers smoothly progressing, building up a pile of cooked meat, set out for anyone to take as they like, beef, chicken, and pork marinated in an asian sauce, and cooked to a juicy flavor with a crisped skin.
Brooke is familiar with some of them, but wants to first be more familiar with the food! She gets a plate and moves to it and starts finding what she likes, especially Journey's skewers. "Can't wait to chow on these."
Tabi nods. "Yea. Pleased to meet you. I... wow. I... just wanted to tell you that set at the Olympics was... life-altering. Perfection, ya know. You totes deserved that medal." Tabi is sooo fan girling right now.
Jordan gives a nod to Tabi, getting up from his seat to head over and collect up a plate of food. Hungry lynx is hungry! He loads up a plate, smiling to those who are offering the food and thanking each in turn. Plate acquired, he heads back to is seat to reclaim it. He listens - eyes unblinking as he watches the others.
Erin snags one of Journey's skewards before someone takes a chance and smiles as she picks at it as she hangs out with the man as she looks around. "Good to see so many" she comments to him.
Scene: Storytime
Once people have finished introducing themselves to the crowd, Bergin stands back up and walks back to the center of the fire to address the crowd. "Thank you folks...really. It is great to see all of us gathered under Luna's light like this. Some have come all the way from the steel and stone of the city to enjoy this time and I thank them for making such a journey."
"But now it's time for a story. Stories are important, they are our history - our legacy so that we do not forget from where our People came. There are little tales..." he glances around to see if people pick up on the joke, "...and there are some /big/ tales," his eyes scan the crowd trying not to settle on any one person but his eyebrows climb up his forehead as though he were still playing up the joke a bit. "But they're all important to someone...just ask the kinfolk." Hopefully the joke goes over well and he gives the crowd a bit to laugh before he glances to Vasyl to call the man forward to tell his good tale, "Good people, I give you War Cry-Rhya, Talesinger of the Silver Fangs."
Kitt grins wider. She climbs to her feet on the chair and sits back until she is sitting on the backrest and resting her feet on the cushion itself. "Oh, wow! Merci, my friend. Merci. It was an experience, let me tell you." She chews her lip a bit before she glances about again. She seems nervous anytime someone walks behind her or into one of her blindspots, but calms when she can see everyone again. Her gaze shifts towards the speaker, and she sits up a little bit as stories are announced.
Vasyl smiles as he looks around "Ah, every gathering deserves a proper story and I have thought of one. Thank you for the opportunity." He adds with a nod to Bergin and then he begins, "There are many tales to how the Silver Fang, the white wolf earned the rite to be the Alpha of the first pack?one such story I heard was because he loved Gaia so much he risked it all. Risked everything to face Death herself and come away with her secrets and save Gaia in time primordial."
"In time before there was time, there were many wolves. Gaia loved them all equally for they all loved her. They each devoted themselves with their strengths and gifts and Gaia returned that love with love of her own."
"But then the Avatar of Death came?she watched and she witnessed the world?" Vasyl continues, "Now the white wolf, the first of the Silver Fangs saw Death in the moonlight and howled out his song:
She is watching
From on high
She knows who lives or dies
Someday She will take me to the sky
Should darkness be my fate
Then let me fall among brave
In battle i shall die"
Chuck comes walking along up to the area, seems some things kept him busier than he had hoped. He scans the area looking for a familiar face, nodding to one or another as he makes his way over to stand beside Erin.
Journey continues cooking , looking over the group, listening to the tale, building the count of meat skewers ready for when the tale is done.
A storyteller announced and summoned to the fore, Killigrew lifts her beer in salute of the Teller, sloshing her beer and muttering a soft, "Crap.", licking her wrist and the bottle, then shaking the excess off. Settling in the listen, she works on her drink. Gotta get it low enough it won't slosh anymore.
Minna takes a seat in an empty chair with one leg folded over the other, turning her lap into a table. Tada. Having worked up an appetite with a light breakfast and a snack for lunch, she sees no issue with stuffing her face to the sound of a story. Better than eating in front of a television.
"As Death witnessed the world, she became jealous of all the creatures that loved Gaia. And in that jealousy she decided to kill her, and take the love from the world." Vasyl explains as he begins to pace, tension rising in his voice. "Death used all of her trickery, all of her skill to lure Gaia into the darkest reaches of the forest, where all was silent and no one dared to tread?and it was there that she struck! Death's skeletal hands grabbing hold of our dearest Gaia and holding her tight to her, draining the life of her."
Vasyl sighs and kneels down, hand brushing through the dirt a bit as he speaks softly, "Oh how Gaia howled in pain. A howl you can feel in your soul." He explains touching his heart in his chest. He rises then and stands, "Now the wolves of course sought to respond to this howl, they had to. Someone had to save Gaia and end the pain she was in?but who, who would face death?"
He circles again and explains, "All of the wolves looked to each other and away, all feared facing Death in her lair, who could do such a thing? Who could go in and come out alive? It was then that the White Wolf, the great Silver Fang volunteered to die if necessary to free Gaia."
She is watching
From on high
She knows who lives or dies
Someday She will take me to the sky
Should darkness be my fate
Then let me fall among brave
In battle i shall die"
Erin's face lightens when she spots Chuck and as he comes to join her with Journey she almost tackle hugs him at least she doesn't knock him down as she gives him a big old kiss before she just leans against him as she tries not to interrupt story time.
Tabi quirks an eyebrow. She's so used to Mangi, the Gurahl's personification of Death, that it's interesting to hear a Garou take on Death.
Killigrew pushes away from her leaning post and drifts around the fire until she can take up a spot near where Bergin has settled in, lifting he bottle to the host and taking a drink, then focusing on the tale.
Kitt listens intently to the story. Whether she is impressed or not by it is hard to tell, but the stranger IS listening from her precarious chair perch.
Chuck will kiss and hugs Erin back wrapping his arms around her so she can lean all she wants. He looks over to Journey and nods to him, but keeps silent listening to the tale that is told as well.
"Now the white wolf went into the woods but could not find the way, Death having hidden her scent." Vasyl explains, "And for a moment the first Silver Fang almost fell into despair before he saw a Falcon soaring above. Now all of the creatures loved Gaia and so the wolf called out to the falcon:
"Falcon, lord of the skies! Did you see Gaia this way, did you see Death?" and Falcon would reply: "Yes, and I will show you the way if you wish, but if you go, I do not think I will see you again." Vasyl smiles wide now, "The wolf did not care, so sure of his mission, he implored Falcon to show him the way?and so Falcon did."
"The wolf was wise, he knew that he could not attack head on?not alone, not without his pack." Vasyl explains, "So he used wisdom and tactics first, circling around?seeking an opening. Then, when the moment was right, before Gaia could be killed and taken from the world. The wolf charged and struck. In a single leap he locked his powerful jaws on Death's throat!"
"Death thrashed and wailed, but didn't let go of Gaia. Death begged the wolf: Let go of me! Or I will kill your precious Gaia!"
"The first Fang growled through his teeth, Release her or die yourself, at least I will have my vengeance upon you."
"Death wailed again: Release me, or will turn and kill you!"
"The first Fang responded again, 'Take my life, I give it for Gaia'"
Now Death did release Gaia and turn her claws upon the wolf. The wolf only tightened his grip. Death thrashed and fought, desperate to survive. 'Release me or we will both die!' Death would cry."
She is watching
From on high
She knows who lives or dies
Someday She will take me to the sky
Should darkness be my fate
Then let me fall among brave
In battle i shall die"
Journey keeps the skewer line running, nodding to Chuck as he watches, listening to the story, taking in the party, hands moving over the grill, paddlefan keeping the heat even, hands moving seemingly on their own as he cooks, and watches.
Brooke hears the story being told and munches on her food while listening.
Jordan's focus is solely on Vasyl - or rather his gaze is. He's munching on the food he's gotten, watching the Talesinger with eyes that blink very seldomly.
Bergin enjoys a few sips of his beer at the western cluster of chairs around the central fire. Aside from the odd whispered comment between himself and those nearby, he's intently following Vasyl's epic war-poem.
Vasyl continues the story with a growl of excitement, "The Fang responded again, "I will give my life so Gaia can leave, you and I die together!'"
"Death would thrash and claw, tearing at the wolf, 'Please, I beg you I will give you anything! Let me free'" Vasyl grins wickedly,
"For as much as Death had claimed so many souls, never was she ready to lose her own."
"It was now finally that the wolf gave the first indication, 'Death, you bow to me, give me your secrets so that I may survive you. Bow to me and swear you will not come for Gaia. Bow to me and swear these two things and I will release you!'" Vasyl howls out as if he is the first Silver Fang.
"Death replied, 'I swear it! I Swear it!'"
And so, The First Silver Fang released Death and with Gaia at his side they left the dark forest and returned.
And so, The Silver Fang now knowing the secret of Death, he could Ignore the Death Blow that Death had wrought upon his flesh.
And so, The Silver Fang swore an oath and bond with Falcon whom lead him to Gaia
And so, Upon returning home, the other wolves bowed their heads and declared him Alpha."
Leaning happily against Chuck, Erin looks up at him and then turns back to hearing the story.
Tabi likes this one. Death gets out-played and everybody lives. Yup, her kinda story. She raises her water bottle in a toast "Sweet..."
