Werewolf : Forging a Pack

[Keira Kelly]

Kate looked back at Akane with a smug look; she had her reasons for disrupting the pack's sleep and it was something all of them wanted to know. "You want to go play at being a corax, go right on ahead!" Kate said with a laugh, picturing a Garou in a tree. "You'll be just as awake after falling out of it as you are now. At least if you are a true Garou... wolves are not meant for trees. Besides, if you were out there.. you wouldn't get to hear that Alrick is back." she added with a playful smile, dangling the bait of the information.

Kate looked down at her water-skin; it was still fairly full but.. eh, what good was drink if you didn't share it with friends, she decided. She tossed to over at Akane. "Try some then." she said with another laugh. "Just be warned, that stuff is strong. Stronger than any flock-brew. Almost guaranteed to knock most off their feet!" she chuckled. Yep, she was definitely feeling the buzz of the alcohol but thank the spirits she had a tolerance for it. "Veli here seems to think it's foul, at least his expression seemed to suggest so... Tell me what you think of it, urrah!" she challenged with a smile.

She glanced over quickly, seeing Benno joining their group. He was the only other member of their pack to be of an age to drink. She wondered if he would try his might against the Fianna-brew. Time would tell; it was Akane's turn first.

[Veli Alvar]

Veli was now anxious just hearing that Alrick got back and is with the the higher stationed members of the group. Extremely soon... they were going to become complete garou. Already he had his mind set on a tattoo he would want for this accomplishment.. or something a bit more painful like a scar in the shape of a glyph. Nevertheless, he was going to get something for this incredible milestone and Alexi may be more than glad to help he thought. Looking around the room again he saw Benno join them whom had awoken from his slumber.

Akane made a joking comment of them sounding as loud as car engines.. my goodness this girl loved to talk about the weavers contraptions. He did know how a car engine sounded however and if he did sound louder than that... good! He thought. "You must talk loud if you want to be heard. You can gauge the strength of another by how powerfully they speak." he told the glass walker. "Wake up you puppies!" he yelled to the rest of the pack whom were sleeping. If Alrick was here then he wanted everybody to be prepared.

[rivaan]

“In the shadows of the trees a lot of things might lurk... My mother taught me very well how to hide in the trees and then to attack by surprise.” Akane replied as she took the skin.
“Sure…” The albino said and quickly drank from the skin a big gulp. She started coughing the first moment, but managed to take control of herself. ” It’s been a long while since I’ve even tasted something remotely close to the strength of this thing…” The albino said with a big smile and the feeling of satisfaction written all over her face. This was one strong drink…” There’s not much to say about it aside it’s perfect!”
“I totally agree with you on that!” She decided for now not to mention that assassins might pretend to be weak and timid with timid voices…” Here, why don’t you try it too? It’s good!” Akane said and threw the skin to the pack member who just joined them.

[Keira Kelly]

Kate laughed at Akane's attempt to gulp the potent liquid and the subsequent coughing. At least the girl had had the nerve to try it. "Just trying being up a tree after having a few swigs of that stuff!" she jested. She shook her head though to herself, still thinking a Garou hiding up in a tree an abnormality. "But to go back for a moment, why go up trees? Sure, maybe every once in a while there would be a reason to get up a tree but it's still always best to meet any foe head on, with glory in your heart and a cry of victory on your tongue. That is the Garou way!" she spoke with passion. Akane may have been taught different but Kate knew in her heart the honour and glory that went with being what she was and she was proud it was so. Akane had never learned to BE Garou so Kate would help instruct her on the way things were.

Kate smiled though and nodded at the Glass Walker's endorsement of the drink. "Tell Arn what you think of it then when you get a chance." she said. "He brewed this and deserves to know it was well received." she said as she watched Akane pass the skin on to Benno. The young Shadow Lord took it up, looking hesitant but not wanting to be shown up; his Ahroun nature conflicting with the more conservative tendencies of his tribe. His competitive spirit however won out and he brought the vessel up to his lips, pouring a large amount of the drink into his mouth. Kate winced, knowing that was probably too much and she was proven right when Benno ended up spitting a fair portion of the mouthful out and succumbing to a fit of coughing. Kate laughed, going over to the younger man and clapping him on the back. They were a pack and she would not ridicule him for attempting. "Nice try, friend! Nice try. Practice makes perfect though!" she said with a laugh. "You'll get the hang of drinking this stuff eventually if I have anything to say about it!"

She stopped though when she saw figures headed towards them through the semi-darkness from the back of the long tunnel-like cave system. She tempered her exuberance, knowing it was the elders of the Sept and feeling anxious at whatever was to happen.

[rivaan]

“That may be the way of the garou, but don’t let pride and honor cloud your judgment. How many warriors have fallen cause they didn’t see the enemies hiding around them? Or should I even mention our visit to the sept of green? While many warriors can walk the path of glory facing the enemy head on, there must always be those who walk the shadows, making sure there aren’t any enemies lurking away from the eyes of his comrades… or to simply put it, there are many ways to wage battles. That’s my way of thinking, it may be unusual for a garou, but that’s what I’ve learned during my life.” She calmly said.
“He’d better get the hang of it by his own accord if you ask me, but in order to do that, he needs a good drinking buddy!” Akane laughed and the next moment noticed the movement from the deeper parts of the caves and quickly moved back and sat in seiza again.

[Keira Kelly]

Kate watched as Akane sat back down in a completely submissive pose and grimaced at it. This urrah who had been almost ready to fight her a week ago over rank was now acting.. well.. submissive? Sitting so could not be anything but that. Kate just couldn't get a handle on the Glass Walker's personality; it seemed to be all over the place. Kate, however, would meet the returning elders standing tall and proud a Garou should and with luck, soon she would be recognized as Garou and not just a pup.

She let out a disdainful grunt. "It is better to die than to act the coward who strikes from the back. Those who use such deceitful tactics aren't worth of song or story and are soon forgotten. It is the glorious deeds of honour, against all odds, standing toe to toe with the enemy that is worthy of a saga. Those are the heroes who are remembered through the ages." she answered. "You may have learned different, urrah, but if you ever wish to make a name for yourself among your kind, learn our ways and take them to heart for they are what make great Garou." she suggested.

[Veli Alvar]

Veli couldn't help but overhear the discussion between Akane and Kate. Something about Akane just struck him very odd.. from her mannerisms to even her crinos form. He was beginning to question whether she was an actual garou at all, the more he observed her. She didn't seem to harbor any hidden motives and looks like she genuinely wants to help and be with the group. He didn't think about it too much now but he had to step between their conversation.

He put his hand on Kates shoulder. "Not everybody is looking for glory, Kate. As long as she does her job well, she will be known for such. There may not be celebrations in order for her and she might not be regarded as a hero but it doesn't look like she's looking for any commendations." Veli then leaned over to Kate to whisper in her ear. "Besides... I'm doubting she is actually a garou... we will find out more about that later." he told her as he continued to wait for Alrick and the other higher stationed garou to prepare for the festivities.

[rivaan]

“It’s just as he said, I’m not looking for glory. I enjoy a good fight, but if possible I will prefer to stay in the shadows, ensuring there isn’t anyone there who can be a danger. Beside history has proven that there shall always be need of those who work behind the scenes. If it’s needed to dirty my hands or be called a coward, then so be it, if that ensures the success of the mission. That’s how I’ve been brought up…” Akane replied without much emotion. She didn’t really care what Kate said.
Though the fact that Veli whispered something to Kate, she didn’t like much, but again she didn’t care too much about that. She just stood there, waiting for the higher ranked garou. Well at least it was going to be interresting night, she though.

[Keira Kelly]

Kate listened to Veli's words but they did not make sense to her. She'd known enough Garou to realize this was out of the ordinary, especially for a young pup. She'd heard stories of young packs out to prove themselves, risking life and limb simply to make a name for themselves. She made a shocked sound at the next words Veli whispered to her. It made her wonder but until she found out one way or another, she'd continue to treat the urrah as a fellow Garou.

She shrugged, turning to Akane. "Suit yourself I guess. More glory for the rest of us..." she said with some disdain. She couldn't really understand why someone wouldn't want to strive for that though; to be recognized as someone special. Growing up in foster care, it had felt like she'd been a nobody, taken for granted and swept into the corner to be forgotten. Now, though, she had a chance to really prove her worth, to fight for what was right and hopefully one day be recognized for her deeds. Something though that Akane said troubled her yet again about the Glass Walker; she said she would be fine with being called a coward. Kate frowned at that. From what she knew after having spent the years with her own Tribe back home, anger and rage were what fueled the Garou. To be called a coward and submit to such insult would be almost unthinkable; it would be worthy of challenge, she thought. Who was this urrah who did not seem to have the rightful anger of the Garou backing her? She shook her head though, breaking off the train of thought as Alrick an the others stopped before the pups.

Alrick took a long breath, gauging each and every one of them with grave eyes. Finally he began to speak in his deep voice. "This night, I have visited the Sept of the Green, both to express my condolences and pay respect to a fallen friend but also to judge your actions while you were there." he said, giving no sign of emotion other than utter seriousness. "Your Rite was interrupted by the plotting of minions of the Wyrm and though you assisted the Sept of the Green in their task to track down the traitors, it was only out of selfish desire to complete what you thought could result in completion of your Rite, however you did still manage to defeat several tainted-ones and capture the rest of the rogues. Not an easy feat and one that benefits Gaia on the whole." He glanced round at them all again. "I'll expect that you not be so selfish in the future... as proven Cliath of the Sept of the Ghost Wolves." he concluded.

Kate's jaw dropped. She could hardly believe it. By Alrick's words, she'd thought they'd would have to wait and try to repeat their Rite.. or worse. She began to smile, looking over at her other packmates, wanting to celebrate but Alrick's strong voice stopped her. "Hold your celebrations for now, pups." he said. "We must complete the Rite first." he turned to the other elders, indicating to them that it was time.

Normally it would be Aleksi as the ranking Theurge to officiate a ritual but rites of renown were usually learned by Galliards and such was true of this Sept. The Child of Gaia, Petter, stepped forward, holding a small bowl full of something red. He was in glabro form, tall, very hairy with sharp teeth, ears and deep-set features. It looked like something between a mix of the crinos form and a caveman. He stepped up to Veli. "You have proven yourself to your Sept, your Tribe, the Garou and the spirits." he spoke. "You have proven yourself worthy to bear the mark of passage and count yourself among the ranks of the Garou." He dipped his long claw-like nail into the liquid and then began to draw on Veli's forehead. The mark he drew was 3 diagonal claw marks from the left and 3 from the right so they crossed to form a hash pattern, and then a diamond with a dot in its centre at the top and one to each side. The mark of the Rite of Passage. He then proceeded to repeat the procedure on each of the pups.

Kate could smell the liquid on her brow; it smelt earthy. She had no clue what it was though. Petter stepped back. "Stand proud, no longer as pups but as Cliath of the Garou!" he proclaimed.

At that note, one of the elders came and stood before each of the newly-ranked young Garou. Aleksi stood before Veli, Ingrid before Kate, and so on. Kate did notice that no one stood before Akane and was confused by that but it became clear as the proceedings moved on.

Aleksi spoke first. "Veli Alvar, Cliath of the Ghost Wolves Sept, you are recognized now as Veli Alvar, Cliath of the Get of Fenris." he spoke solemnly and with care.

Ingrid began next. "Kate Flynn, newly appointed Cliath, the Fianna welcome you among their ranks." she said with a smile of welcome.

Kate noticed that Benno was being welcomed by.. what was its name? Thanos, the mule.. the metis. Apparently they were both Shadow Lords. She grimaced in distaste but held her tongue. Saying anything now would be simply out of etiquette and even more so, dishonourable. The Sept obviously though enough of the metis to have him here.

All the other young cliath had one from their own tribes claim them for that tribe; it did happen sometimes that the tribe that a Garou grew up in or whose heritage they shared did not claim the individual but in this case, that did not happen. There was one problem though. Kate glanced over at Akane, realizing what it was now. There were no Glass Walkers among this Sept and Akane had proclaimed herself of that bloodline. Another tribe might have stepped forward to claim here but none of the Sept knew this young woman well enough to decide where she might fight in better. They'd heard Kate calling Akane 'urrah', so it was decided to hold off on adopting the newcomer into a tribe that was represented.

Alrick stepped forward, looking at Akane. "Young one, if you wish to be of the Glass Walker tribe, you must seek one of them out and petition for membership among them to be truly a Glass Walker." he told her. "Until then, you will merely be Akane, Cliath of the Ghost Wolves Sept." he concluded. He turned back to all of them, throwing his arms wide. "Welcome to the Sept! Pups no longer, you are now Cliath of the Garou!" he said in a loud voice. "Rejoice! New warriors of Gaia have taken up the sword in the struggle to beat back the forces of the Wyrm, to control the strands of the Weaver and to keep the Wyld in balance with all others!"

With that he threw his head back and let out a howl, which all the others of the Sept quickly joined in, filling the cave with and eerie yet loud echoes of all the different tones and harmonies of the voice. Kate couldn't resist, she threw her head back too, letting loose a loud howl of her own, feeling kind of odd at doing so in human form. Even so, her voice wove an eerie yet beautiful strand along with Ingrid and Arn, the other two Fianna which stood out against all the rest and yet merged with it all perfectly.

[rivaan]

„I understand.“ Akane replied, with a quick bow and stepped a few steps back. Well she wasn‘t really sure if she wanted to become a member of the tribe. Cause she had to find some members and generaly time consuming stuff and she had a lot of work to do...
When all of the sept members joined to the howl, the albino decided to join too. It wasn‘t something she did often, but hey, she everyone else was doing it, it wouldn‘t look good if she didn‘t. She wondered what her parents would say, if they could see her now. Were they going to be happy or...
After her mother‘s death, Akane got picked on a lot cause she was different... Her very presence stood out a lot with her pale skin and white hair. Not to mention she had some pretty nasty temper after she was moved to the orphanage to another city. She was in so many fight, but that was also the period where her mother‘s teachings started to infuence the young albino the most. She slowly started to try to attract less and less attention, shifthing it to other‘s as much as possible and always keeping herself out of the spotlight. She didn‘t care what the beta of the pack thought... glory wasn‘t what Akane was after. She was going to protect the sept and her pack with all she could...