Meeting about the Caern - Rites, Totems (September 2, 1997)

On the western curve, JJ Malone steps aside quickly as the Black Fury passes, 
  eyebrows going up briefly, but then steps further off the path, staying out 
  of the way. She tilts her head towards Cutter, jerking it centerwards, and 
  says, "You need to go do Seer stuff?"
On the western curve, Cutter shakes his head. "Nobody mentioned anything t'me. 
  I'm a packer tonight."
Su sits facing Seeker, sitting straight and still despite her bedraggled fur 
  and gaunt appearance.
On the eastern curve, Clouded Sky wrinkles her nose at the smell.
On the Earth Mound, Earth Shaker looks up and over at Anne.
Seeker says "It is good to see you, sister. How are you?"
On the eastern curve, Quiet pauses at the curve of the Wheel, padding over 
  toward the pool. She dips down her muzzle to lap at the water, the sound 
  lost to those in conversation.
On the eastern curve, Quiet heads back to the south and the pool.
On the southern curve, Morgan comes in from the woodland to the south.
Anne comes into the Wheel, heading directly to the center to look around. She 
  says, after a moment, to Alexander, "There's not a whole lot of people here, 
  huh."
On the western curve, JJ Malone grunts lightly, then leans up against a tree, 
  arms crossing over her flat chest with a light creak of leather. Dillan is 
  oddly quiet but restless standing with the two.
On the southern curve, John comes in from the woodland to the south.
Alexander shakes his head. "No, but at least the two most crucial showed."
Su tilts her head slightly; she seems to relax somewhat at the question. I am 
  well.
On the southern curve, Morgan slips into the southern curve of the Wheel 
  quietly, and looking somewhat subdued. She glances around looking for Quiet, 
  and as her eyes pass through the center, she gives Anne a quick nod.
On the southern curve, Shea comes in from the woodland to the south.
Anne glances around, focusing on first Quiet, then Morgan; after a moment or 
  two, she also slants a quick look towards Sepdet. "Hmmm, yes." She 
  straightens up a little, raising her hands a little and setting her voice to 
  project across the Wheel. "Let us begin, then. Robert will be here, I know, 
  but we will begin now; he would want us to."
Near the Pool, Quiet raises her head, her pink tongue flicking rapidly to 
  gather any remaining drops from her dampened fur. She then yawns and shakes 
  herself, fluffing out her yellow fur.
On the Earth Mound, Ravenfeeder looks southwards and barks softly at Shea at 
  her arrival.
On the southern curve, Morgan follows the Wheel to the Pool.
On the western curve, Shadow Eyes works his way free of the dense treeline to 
  the west.
On the western curve, Shadow Eyes pads in from the north, panting hard. He 
  whuffles as he comes into the clearing, ears alert.
On the Earth Mound, Earth Shaker quietly stands up and stretches slowly, her 
  gaze towards Anne.
On the western curve, JJ Malone glances over at Shadow Eyes's arrival, and 
  smiles slightly, sardonically. She gives a shallow nod of recognition at 
  him, however, then looks back towards the center.
On the southern curve, Shea pauses, just inside the southern treeline, and 
  rakes both hands through her hair. She sighs, and lifts a hand in returned 
  greeting to her packmate on the earth mound, then steps toward the center.
On the southern curve, Shea heads into the center.
Alexander says "Evening, Shea."
Seeker heads southeast to the pool.
On the western curve, Cutter eyes JJ's cigarette, his gaze following the trail 
  of smoke, before looking deliberately toward the center.
Su heads southeast to the pool.
Near the Pool, Su's head dips formally toward Quiet in soundless greeting.
On the western curve, Shadow Eyes flicks his ears happily at the other city 
  Garou, and looks around the Wheel. He lolls his tounge and sits beside 
  Dillan.
Anne waits until at least several of the people around the clearing have 
  focused their attention more closely on her, then picks out the several 
  theurges around the caern. "Last week, we started discussing both what would 
  need to be done, in terms of a Rite, and what sort of totem we might quest 
  for, as that appears necessary to do first. Quiet, you and Morgan and the 
  others were to be doing planning for the Rite; have you ideas on that?"
On the western curve, Shadow Eyes contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
On the western curve, Shadow Eyes sparkles and blurs, shifting into Homid form.
On the western curve, Shakes works his way free of the dense treeline to the 
  west.
On the western curve, JJ Malone's smile widens as Elan sits, or stands, next 
  to Dillan, looking towards Anne as she begins to speak.
On the western curve, Brightspot works her way free of the dense treeline to 
  the west.
On the western curve, Shakes pads in from the woods, heading towards Elan. He 
  chuffs a quiet greeting to his packmate then scans the Wheel, looking to see 
  what's going on.
Near the Pool, Quiet, seeing Morgan move closer, begins walking toward the 
  Fury. She pauses to splay her ears in greeting, her eyes on Su until they 
  slide politely away. As the call comes from the center for more talking, she 
  whurfs very softly to the lupus Strider, and continues to Morgan's side. 
  This walk (short as it is) and the subsequent shift to homid make the pause 
  between question and answer long enough to edge toward uncomfortable. But 
  the Gaian does answer, if simply, "I do."
On the eastern curve, Clouded Sky sits quietly at the edge of the clearing. 
  She watches intently, ears turning occasionally to pick up the least of the 
  sounds, though she otherwise remains as unobtrusive as possible.
Near the Pool, Quiet contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Near the Pool, Quiet shifts into Homid form.
Near the Pool, Seeker looks at Sepdet. "Do you need help?"
On the southern curve, John approaches from the south, looking around at the 
  others gathered about the Wheel, then focusing his attention on the elder 
  Gaian.
On the western curve, Brightspot's steps slow as she emerges from the 
  treeline. She pauses, panting as she glances around. Her ears prick forward 
  as she sees Elan, but before she moves towards him she raises her muzzle to 
  scent again. Slowly she turns from the gathering at the west side and lets 
  he paws carry her up the mound.
On the western curve, Brightspot backs up north, toward the earth mound.
Near the Pool, Morgan inhales a breath, breaking a smile at the familiar form 
  of the Ritemistress. She turns back to Anne and nods her head, waiting for 
  Andrea to speak.
On the western curve, Elan crouches to fuzzle Shakes' ruff, but concentrates 
  on the talk to the center.
Near the Pool, Sepdet lifts her head with a start as Seeker addresses her; she 
  seems to be focussed elsewhere. She gives the Strider a grim smile and 
  pushes herself up a bit straighter with her good arm where she's propped 
  against a tree at the edge of the clearing, turning her eyes on Quiet.
On the northern curve, Hank emerges from the thin treeline to the north.
Near the Pool, Su circles once, economically, and lies down next to Sepdet's 
  outstretched legs.
Anne crosses her arms over her chest. "Andrea," she says, expression moving a 
  little towards irritation, "please give us that information, then."
On the Earth Mound, Brightspot creeps up the mound, lowering her belly closer 
  to the ground as she nears Ravenfeeder.
On the Earth Mound, Earth Shaker chuffs an extremely breif greeting to the cub.
On the northern curve, Hank turns to the north, and leaves past the rim of the 
  Wheel.
Near the Pool, Seeker nods to Sepdet, then turns his attention to the center, 
  especially Quiet.
On the Earth Mound, Ravenfeeder glances over to Brightspot as she approaches, 
  looking until the cub is nearby. She moves, then, to nip the cub across the 
  bridge of the muzzle, then settles back into her seat.
On the western curve, Hank works his way free of the dense treeline to the 
  west.
On the western curve, Hank comes in, nodding to his packmates and sits down.
On the Earth Mound, Brightspot lets out the softest chuff in return to the 
  metis, turning her eyes from her as she does. As the Fianna lupe approaches 
  her, the cub's tail slips between her hindlegs and at the nip she tilts her 
  head as much as she can, quickly flashing her throat. That done and with 
  Ravenfeeder returning to her place, Brightspot lowers herself the rest of 
  the way down to the ground and quietly listens.
Near the Pool, Andrea pauses before continuing. She looks around at the 
  gathered, her eyes ending up back on Anne again. "I'm not sure how detailed 
  a description you want. I've grown to think that we don't need the rite to 
  rebuild. If the caern's power is just stoppered, we will be needed to free 
  the power through a summoning and an opening. Redrawing what has been 
  broken, but not rebuilding. If so, that should reduce the danger. I think 
  Morgan and I have worked out how to modify the Totem rite to call a caern 
  totem, but my comments from last time still stand. We need to have the best 
  idea possible what we call, or anything might answer."
Near the Pool, Sepdet reaches out stiff-armed and sets a hand loosely on Su's 
  back, whispering something to her tribesmates without taking her eyes off 
  the Ritemistress.
On the southern curve, Anna comes in from the woodland to the south.
Near the Pool, Morgan nods her head in agreement and adds, "Choosing a Totem 
  is the most important step left, we believe."
Anne dips her head a little, in acknowledgement. "This is true. I don't want 
  extremely detailed, for now, Andrea. I think," she casts a glance around, 
  "the two most important parts for most of us are, when can we do it and how 
  can we help." She cocks her head a little, the questions echoed in her eyes 
  as she looks back at Quiet.
On the western curve, Seirian works her way free of the dense treeline to the 
  west.
On the western curve, Seirian backs up north, toward the earth mound.
Near the Pool, Andrea answers that more quickly, "As with any rite, the more 
  power the Garou are willing to give it can only help. As to when..." She 
  looks up at the black sky. "As close to now as we can. Definitely before the 
  moon begins to wane again. Now the moon is rebirthing herself, just as we 
  want to rebirth the caern." The theurge lowers her eyes back to Anne and 
  says bluntly, "It's a balance between the strength of the moon's phase and 
  the safety her larger face would offer. Like the last rite, this is need to 
  be done in the Umbra."
Near the Pool, Morgan folds her arms across her chest, nodding as the elder 
  theurge speaks.
Anne tilts her head again. "If it is a balance we need, then half moon, 
  perhaps. Otherwise, tomorrow or the next day, if we can't wait that long." 
  She pauses, then turns and walks to the earth mound, going far enough that 
  she can see and be seen a little more easily, before she turns back and 
  again looks at the experienced theurges - Andrea herself, Morgan, Shea, and 
  even Sepdet.

< Perspective shifts from center to earth mound >

Ravenfeeder chuffs a little, softly, in greeting to Seirian, in her seat at 
  the peak of the earth mound.
Near the Pool, Morgan says "As Andrea-rhya said though, we must select a Totem 
  to call."
Seirian nods to Ravenfeeder quietly in greeting before dropping down to rest 
  on one knee.
Brightspot's tail beats against the ground a few times as her tribemate 
  arrives, then it stills and presses close to her hindleg again.
Anne puts one hand out towards Morgan, palm towards her, fingers splayed a 
  little. "We're getting to that, Morgan. Stay with me, here."
Near the Pool, Sepdet sits up a little straighter, obviously mulling over an 
  idea but waiting for her elders to speak first.
Earth Shaker chuffs quietly.
At the center, Shea tucks her arms comfortably across her chest, and arches an 
  eyebrow.
Ravenfeeder's muzzle twitches and her ears flatten and then go up again as she 
  looks between Anne and the theurges.
Near the Pool, Andrea shakes her head. "The rite would be strongest now. But 
  that doesn't mean it won't work, later. And the extra light might make the 
  difference, for those that would defend us. I would place that decision on 
  the ones that guard."
Earth Shaker glances sideways at Ravenfeeder for a moment.
On the southern curve, Heartbreaker comes in from the woodland to the south.
On the northern curve, Isaac emerges from the thin treeline to the north.
Anne looks around the Wheel again, frowning a little, then settles her gaze 
  first on Anna, then on Alexander. "You two are most likely to lead the 
  guard, of those here. What do _you_ think?"
On the western curve, JJ Malone stirs in her lean, shifting her weight from 
  one foot to the other, and mutters something softly under her breath to 
  Cutter and Dillan.
At the center, Alexander looks over at Anna.
On the western curve, Cutter shrugs, not looking surprised.
On the southern curve, Heartbreaker follows the Wheel to the Pool.
Near the Pool, Heartbreaker follows the Wheel north past the Pool.
On the western curve, Dillan echoes Cutter. He remains silent, listening to 
  the plans being formed.
On the western curve, Elan looks to the other city Garou, considering, and 
  then returns his gaze back to the center.
On the southern curve, Anna rises to her feet, looking calmer than she has in 
  months. "Tomorrow or the next day would be best, I think. The defenses would 
  not be ready tonight, but by the next nightfall...better to give all our 
  weight to the caern and risk only the death ofthe defenders than to risk 
  failure all the way around.
On the eastern curve, Heartbreaker follows the Wheel to the Fire Pit.
Near the Fire Pit, Heartbreaker circles the Wheel, arriving from the eastern 
  curve.
Near the Fire Pit, Heartbreaker follows the Wheel west, away from the fire pit.
On the northern curve, Heartbreaker circles the Wheel, coming from the Fire 
  Pit in the south.
On the northern curve, Heartbreaker makes his way forward along the Wheel, 
  toward the earth mound.
Anne turns her gaze quickly towards Alexander. "Alexander? Do you agree?"
At the center, Alexander nods. "That's best, yeah. One more night won't kill 
  us."
At the center, Shea utters a quiet, "Good."
Ravenfeeder chuffs to Heartbreaker in greeting, but then rises to her feet. 
  Should not the Warder and Alpha be consulted before the decision is made?
Brightspot's eyes flick away from the newly arrived wolf almost before the cub 
  gets a look at him. She shifts her head from resting on her paw to the 
  ground between them and settles her ears down a little lower.
Anne nods a little. "Very well, then." Her voice firms a little, from 
  questioning to decisive. "Assuming Robert agrees, then, and that Brian does 
  not object - if he can even be found - it will be tomorrow."
Ravenfeeder quiets at that, and settles back down.
Earth Shaker glances again at Ravenfeeder, then once more at Anne.
Heartbreaker thumps his tail in response to Ravenfeeder's greeting before 
  sitting down, watching.
On the western curve, Cutter tugs a small black appointment calendar from his 
  jacket pocket and makes a note in it.
Anne adds, very clearly, "If Brian does not come to _either_ of these 
  meetings, despite agreeing in advance to the first and knowing of the 
  second, and cannot be found, I am not entirely minded to wait for him." She 
  draws in a deep breath. "He says the caern is his first priority; I am sure 
  he would agree. Is there any other objection, again pending approval from 
  Robert, as our Warder?"
Near the Pool, Andrea shakes her head.
At the center, Shea pipes up, frown etching her expression. "With all due 
  respect, Brian's about, and found, if you look for him in any sense other 
  than the token. I'm sure we can pass your concerns on to him, as he ought to 
  know about them. As Alpha."
On the southern curve, Erik comes in from the woodland to the south.
On the northern curve, Peacekeeper emerges from the thin treeline to the north.
Ravenfeeder chuffs sharply in agreement to Shea's words, and looks at Anne 
  from behind her.
Anne inclines her head towards Shea. "Indeed," she says calmly. "As I intend 
  to. I'm not sure where _to_ look for him." She turns her gaze back towards 
  Andrea. "All _that_, finishing that Rite, is contingent on the totem. 
  Several were suggested last time we met, including Fog and Chimera. I also 
  wondered if Luna would be appropriate, although I don't _think_ she would. 
  There are other options, which many have thought of - please, speak up, if 
  you have other ideas."
On the northern curve, Peacekeeper pads into the Wheel silently, stopping just 
  inside the edge to assess the discussion before continuing.
On the southern curve, Erik slips in from the forest quietly, a tall shadow 
  detaching itself from taller shadows.
On the eastern curve, Joseph makes his way out of the woods to the east.
At the center, Alexander leans over to murmur something to Shea quietly.
Near the Pool, Sepdet holds up a hand hesitantly. ~I have a suggestion and a 
  half about totems. But before that...I have a suggestion about what to do, 
  just in case the Totem Rite doesn't succeed.~
On the eastern curve, Clouded Sky looks up at Joseph as he draws near, 
  whuffing softly to him.
At the center, Shea mutters something under her breath, heard only by those 
  closest to her. She nods at Alexander, then, and holds a hand up for a 
  moment, as she suggests, "Stag. He stands for the cycle of death and rebirth 
  so many seem to think the caern's going through. And, if the Wyldling's got 
  any say in who shows up, he's on the wilder side."
Near the Pool, "The more that I studied," Morgan says, clearly, "the more that 
  I felt like the Totem should be closely aligned with the forces of the Wyld. 
  Since the power will be coming from the Wyldling -- a Totem unused to the 
  ebb and flow, the flux of the Wyld would probably be none too enthusiastic 
  about remaining to offer protection to such a place."
On the western curve, JJ Malone straightens a fraction as talk of the Totem 
  starts going around, and after carefully extinguishing her cigarette, she 
  sticks the butt in a pocket and goes smoke-less as she pays attention.
Anne turns around, towards the Fianna who sit atop the earth mound, and says, 
  firmly, "I have said that if he objects we will reschedule it - as flexibly 
  as we may. I have tried to find him, and done so but once, and he left soon 
  after without asking a question of me about the meeting. I will try to find 
  him tonight. Do you want us to wait until we have talked to him?"
On the eastern curve, Joseph draws a hand down to scruff Clouded Sky by way of 
  greeting, and looks around to take in the conversation.
On the western curve, Dillan shuffles a step towards JJ, mumbling something to 
  his packmate.
On the western curve, Elan gets up from his crouch and goes over to JJ.
On the southern curve, "What sorta caern are we looking to build, here?" asks 
  Anna in a carrying tone once some conversations have passed. "If we've said; 
  I missed it."
At the center, Shea's eyebrows lift, and her attention rests with Alexander. 
  She nods, once.
On the western curve, BJ works his way free of the dense treeline to the west.
Near the Pool, Sepdet pauses at Shea's suggestion, and adds softly, ~I've 
  heard many fables of Stag too...Wendigo and Uktena, as well as Fianna and 
  other folks'. It is a creature of the Wyld,like Buffalo, who prefers to be 
  honored in ceremonies, rites, and in the hunt during which he is killed, 
  only to spring up again next year. Whole septs have regained their gnosis in 
  a single night, if his hunt is performed successfully in a sacred manner. He 
  is a spirit of Gnosis, and a master of gifts of tracking, camouflage, and 
  the hidden ways of the forest. He might lend both strength and secrecy to 
  our caern.~
Ravenfeeder's ears go forward towards Anne, and looks at her evenly. I cannot 
  speak for my packmate's comings or goings, but any of us may find him. If 
  asked. But then, the Fianna looks towards Peacekeeper. However, it is 
  ultimately the Warder's decision, as it affects the Caern. His opinion is 
  the most important one you should seek. Heartsfire will be told, if the 
  Warder decides.
At the center, Alexander converses quietly with Shea, keeping his voice low so 
  that he doesn't disturb anyone.
Anne says, dryly, "Which is why I named Robert first. You are asked." She 
  turns around again, eyes seeking out Peacekeeper immediately; she holds her 
  hands up for silence again. "Robert, Andrea would like to perform the Rite 
  as soon as possible. Tomorow, if that will work. Anna and Alexander agree 
  that we should be able to prepare defenses by then. As Warder, though, it 
  must be your decision first - ultimately."
On the eastern curve, Alexandra makes her way out of the woods to the east.
On the western curve, JJ Malone glances between first Dillan, then Elan, and 
  speaks quietly back to both of them.
On the western curve, Cutter frowns at his packmates.
Near the Pool, Sepdet stiffly waves Alexandra over to the edge of the clearing 
  where she's sitting against a tree, Seeker and Su flanking her.
On the eastern curve, Joseph heads back to the south and the pool.
On the eastern curve, Alexandra heads back to the south and the pool.
Near the Pool, Alexandra kneels comfortably by Sepdet and Su.
On the northern curve, Peacekeeper flicks an ear and tilts his head as he 
  regards first the galliard asking the question, then the theurge making the 
  actual request. Soon would be good, but so soon does not give us good time. 
  Perhaps at least another day to spread the word and perhaps have time to 
  speak with the Alpha, as well?
Near the Pool, Andrea nods at the wolf to the north, not contesting a decision 
  she freely left in the Warder's hands. The theurge waits for the voices to 
  quiet a little before offering, "To my mind, one of our biggest problems 
  here has been our danger of discovery. I was rited in a Fog caern a day's 
  determined walk from one of the busiest national parks in the south. 
  Likewise, Wetern Eye remains periously near human haunts. Both places are 
  protected by Fog, and neither has had the grief we have." She pauses, then 
  adds, "Esther came to me on the island. She spoke of Thunderbird as a 
  totem." She turns her head toward the east and continues, "I think Joseph 
  more qualified to decide whether such a totem would be appropriate to what 
  we need, if he'll speak for her in her absence."
Anne nods at Peacekeeper immediately, again looking over her shoulder at 
  Ravenfeeder. Without a word, she turns her attention to Andrea to listen to 
  her.
On the eastern curve, Moon Otter makes his way out of the woods to the east.
Ravenfeeder flicks an ear dubiously at Anne, but knows better than to push the 
  issue, before the Galliard looks at her. When Anne turns back to Andrea, she 
  whuffles softly to Peacekeeper as not to disturbe the rest of the Wheel, and 
  notes that the Alpha will be told. She then settles back down and noses 
  Heartbreaker.
On the eastern curve, Clouded Sky turns her ears outward, clearly pleased by 
  the arrival of her packmate.
Earth Shaker quietly nods her approval at the mention of Fog.
On the eastern curve, Moon Otter slips out of the woods and slides up to his 
  packmate in order to observe the proceedings quietly.
Near the Pool, Joseph lifts his head, considering his words before he speaks 
  them. "The Wakinyan are great protectors, and bring with them the same fury 
  of the storm that our tribal totem does. They would serve us well, if we 
  honor them in their way."
Earth Shaker contorts and blurs as she is transformed.
Earth Shaker shifts into Homid form.
On the southern curve, Anna's voice suddenly cuts through the crowd as she 
  watches the rising chaos. "A warning to you all. Discussions over totems is 
  what ripped Cypress Rising apart and gave Salamander the foothold that He 
  needed to destroy us. Do not let your pride or your tribal spirit blind 
  you." Then she nods quickly to her packmate and is silent once more.
Anne then addresses Anna. "I'm not sure it's as simple as 'what do we want to 
  build', but what spirits are appropriate. It must be close to the Wyld; it 
  must also reflect, as much as is possible, the Sept - what we are. So far," 
  she sweeps the gathered group with her eyes again, "we have named Fog, 
  Chimera, Stag, Thunderbird. What is Thunderbird?"
On the western curve, "...all this *we* stuff?" Dillan raises his voice a bit 
  above the murmuring among him and his companions. "I'm the one who saw the 
  damn thing." JJ elbows him, and he shuts up, nodding. He steps a bit away 
  from the group, towards the center of the Wheel.
Crystal slips into a form more suited for speaking. "I have a question of the 
  seers. I understand that there is a pack among us who already claims Fog as 
  a totem? Would we not perhaps have a better chance of getting this totem, if 
  we asked for him, with a pack following him amongst us?"
Heartbreaker leans against his packmate affectionately.
On the northern curve, Brian emerges from the thin treeline to the north.
On the southern curve, Erik shifts his weight a bit from one foot to the other 
  and remains silent.
On the northern curve, Peacekeeper chuffs a soft greeting to the Alpha.
Anne continues looking at Andrea and Joseph, a little puzzlement still on her 
  face.
On the northern curve, Brian heads into the Wheel from the north, and gives 
  the Warder a small and pleasant smile. "Evening," he says quietly as he 
  allows his attention to stray out over the rest of hte clearing.
Near the Pool, Seeker watches the proceedings in the center quietly.
Ravenfeeder looks towards the north again, and gives Brian a soft chuff of 
  greeting.
On the western curve, Dillan doesn't, however, get too far away from his 
  packmates. Safety in numbers. "Uh, like, since y'all talkin' 'bout fog, uh." 
  He pauses, looking back over his shoulder to verify JJ and Cutter are still 
  there, before continuing. "Like, I went and chilled down at Snoop's crib for 
  a while, and gee sorta showed me the Wheel all foggy 'n stuff."
At the center, Shea nods another time to Alexander, saying, "One way or 
  another, lad. My word."
Crystal looks over at Dillan, obviously not comprehending a word the young 
  Shadow Lord has spoken.
At the center, Alexander smiles. "Good deal. Between that, and the lupes who 
  have the Gift for it, it should help."
On the northern curve, Peacekeeper wonders if the youngling could repeat what 
  he said, in a language I can understand?
On the western curve, Elan stands up. "My pack can live with Fog, too. Scott 
  and Crystal brought up spme very good points about it, last time."
Anne turns, at the flicker of motion near Robert, and once again raises her 
  hands for silence as she catches sight of Brian. Without hesitation or 
  delay, she says, "Brian, Andrea and Morgan - and others, I assume - have 
  worked out the form of what should be done for the Rite we plan to do. Two 
  of them, actually. We are now discussing totems, with Fog, Chimera, Stag, 
  and Thunderbird suggested." She makes a gesture to indicate the Wheel. 
  "Because of what we plan to do, Andrea and Morgan suggest performing the 
  Rite as soon as possible; Robert has approved of it for two nights from 
  now." She tilts her head slightly. "D'you have any objections to that?"
Near the Pool, Andrea holds up a hand. "Remembering that I have not dealt with 
  the spirit in question, this is what Cup-Breaker said. Thunderbird watches 
  over the cycles of livings, and watches for success in war. Sometimes, he 
  has been known to bring visions, but more speak of the wings that bring 
  thunder against his enemies. I understand he is well-respected, among the 
  ones Esther is born from"
On the western curve, Falcon's Wing works his way free of the dense treeline 
  to the west.
On the southern curve, Anna heads into the center.
At the center, Anna heads north, away from the center of the Wheel.
On the northern curve, Anna makes her way towards her packmate.
On the western curve, Dillan draws a breath, verging on a sigh. He glances 
  skywards a moment, and tries again. "I was hangin' with the OG himself, 
  Snoop. 'k? Gee's our totem. So he flashes me this vision-thang," at that 
  point, JJ cuts him off.
On the northern curve, Anna translates for her packmate. ~He seems to be 
  saying that his totem, gave him a vision of the caern shrouded in Fog.~
On the western curve, JJ Malone speaks up, far more patiently than most have 
  ever seen her during a moot, cutting her boisterous younger packmate off. 
  "Fog showed Dillan a vision, when Kyle joined the pack." She pauses a 
  moment. "Of the Caern, surrounded in a ring of fog." She shrugs, then adds 
  diffidently, "It does that, sometimes, shows us things."
Near the Pool, Sepdet actually smiles faintly at the Lord's rather unique way 
  of talking about things spiritual, and whispers something to her tribesmates.
On the northern curve, Brian reaches a hand up and rubs at his chin for a 
  moment. "Hmm." He begins a lazy walk towards the center. "Well, Anne, since 
  it appears that you've made my input an afterthought anyways, no, I don't 
  have any kind of objection. Not that I'd be willing to deliver one at this 
  point anyways, given how much of an asshole I'd look like for doing it." To 
  the others around the caern, he merely apologizes. "I would have been here 
  sooner, but the traffic was bad between the city and here. I'm sorry."
On the northern curve, Brian heads into the center.
On the western curve, Dillan folds his arms and slinks back to rejoin his 
  packmates. "I was doin' just fine," he complains, to JJ, the rest of his 
  woes trailing off as he mumbles to those near him.
Anne watches Brian's walking; she holds one hand out towards him and makes a 
  sweeping gesture indicating the spot she herself stands in. "Do you want," 
  she asks, after he finishes, "to lead the rest of the discussion?"
On the western curve, JJ Malone gives Dillan a wide grin, chucking him on the 
  shoulder, then whispering something to him.
On the western curve, Falcon's Wing pads in, nose twitching with interest, and 
  plunks down near Dillan.
At the center, "Gosh no," Brian answers coolly. "The Litany forbids me from 
  disrespecting the territory of another, no matter how they come by it." 
  Those words might be called, by polite people, pointed.
On the western curve, Elan crouches to scritch Falcon's Wing, his eyes on the 
  center of the Wheel.
On the northern curve, Anna goes home.
Crystal watches the exchange between Brian and Anne cooly.
Near the Pool, Andrea's body tenses forward, her mouth closing in an unsmiling 
  line. She doesn't move from beside Morgan, her face on the center. If she's 
  cheering internally for one side or the other, she's doing a great job of 
  hiding it.
Only now does discontent show itself on Anne's face; however, she merely nods 
  at Brian and turns towards Andrea. "I am uncertain enough about this 
  Thunderbird that for myself I would say no, but I would like to hear the 
  others as well. Sepdet, you mentioned thoughts about a totem; d'you have any 
  other ideas to throw into the pot? Or does anyone else?"
On the western curve, Falcon's Wing blinks at Mound, and then just shrugs 
  mentally and leans into Elan and Dillan's scritching.
Near the Pool, Morgan frowns faintly, but she adds nothing to the exchange.
Near the Pool, Sepdet jumps, apparently startled that the Galliard heard her 
  earlier, and rather tense watching the current exchange. ~Well, at this 
  point, my suggestion's probably irrelevent.~ She takes a quick breath. ~I 
  was trying to think of alternatives if the Totem Rite doesn't work. I 
  thought maybe packs, each with a persuasive Galliard, could volunteer to 
  quest for one Totem we'd guess would be friendly to the pack--Totems from 
  among those we named tonight. Tell the spirit of what we have, what we can 
  offer, and say we are seeking spirits to honor as our own. Only seek a few. 
  Invite them to be present at the reawakening, and, if necessary, to vie with 
  each other for the honor of a caern's respect and power. That way we'd be 
  assured of getting the strongest from among those we named.~ She ducks her 
  eyes awkwardly. ~Of course, if we can get Fog or another at the Totem Rite, 
  then there's no need for everyone to run around. Just a thought.~
At the center, Shea mutters again, stuffs her hands into her pockets, and 
  shakes her head, eyes on the ground before her feet.
At the center, Brian, apparently now content to just listen, meanders over to 
  stand next to Shea. He bends down to mutter something quietly to her when he 
  gets close enough.
On the eastern curve, Moon Otter pushes to all fours. Any totem that will 
  serve the caern and Garou properly, except a spirit of the scabs, would be 
  acceptable. His opinion stated, he settles back down into silence and shadow.
At the center, Shea looks up, eyes shifting toward the Fury on the mound, 
  before she looks at her packmate beside her, and answers in kind, though 
  it's a little more rapidfire.
On the southern curve, Scott comes in from the woodland to the south.
Anne scans the Wheel again, nodding to Sepdet. "If need be, that may be a good 
  idea," she agrees. "If we need to do that. If not, though..." She trails 
  off, then resumes, "All right, then. A lot of people have spoken for Fog. Of 
  the others suggested, a few have spoken for Stag, Chimera has hardly been 
  mentioned except last week, and Thunderbird was mentioned. Does anyone else 
  speak for any of those last three, or any others?"
On the western curve, Falcon's Wing still thinks Tricksters would not be 
  amiss. It is Wyld, after all.
On the southern curve, Scott moves into the Wheel, his expression somewhat 
  subdued as he stops to try and get a handle on the mood and disposition of 
  things.
Near the Pool, Sepdet waits a moment for others to speak before chiming in 
  again. ~Old Grandmother Salmon, who once ran in the river west of us, a 
  Totem of wisdom and perserverance and cycles, might be persuaded to return 
  if we quested for Her--fishing--~ she smiles a bit, obviously at an old 
  memory-- ~and cleaned the River.~
Near the Pool, Sepdet's good hand reaches absently for the weatherstained 
  wooden fish around her neck as she adds that onto the table.
On the western curve, JJ Malone shakes her head, speaking up for only the 
  second time, and seeming reluctant to do so. "Not meanin' to burst anyone's 
  bubbles, but cleanin' up the Columbia's a project that we'd be hard pressed 
  to finish in our lifetime, more or less so quickly for this Caern." Just as 
  quickly, she subsides back towards her tree.
Near the Pool, Sepdet ducks her eyes rather wistfully at that and mutters 
  something to the tribesmates flanking her. ~Sounds like a nice hopeless job 
  for a homeless tribe from a river, perhaps.~
On the southern curve, Scott calls out good naturedly if obviously jokingly, 
  since the totem he names doesn't patron caerns,"Phoenix."
At the center, Alexander says "All I have to say is I'd rather it not be a 
  tribal Totem, unless there's one that just fits the Caern perfeclty."
Near the Pool, Andrea, having both spoken in favor of Fog and carried the 
  Uktena's words about Thunderbird, is quiet as she listens.
Near the Pool, Su huffs wryly and noses Sepdet's leg.
Near the Pool, Alexandra smiles and nuzzles Sepdet gently.
Seirian speaks up, her voice soft, yet carrying. "Stag."
Ravenfeeder chuffs softly. As much as it pains me, I do not wish Stag to be 
  our Totem. I do not feel that we deserve it.
Anne studies those whom she faces, the majority of those in the Wheel; she 
  also shoots a glance towards the group to the west, before turning around to 
  look at Megan, as Seirian speaks. She frowns a little in non-recognition of 
  Seirian, opening her mouth to speak to Megan, but shuts it again as Megan 
  speaks. After a moment or two, she asks, "For honor?"
On the southern curve, Scott then adds more seriously,"My vote's for Fog, for 
  what it's worth." Then a little in a little lower tone he mutters,"Tough 
  crowd."
Ravenfeeder agrees quietly, adding nothing.
Near the Pool, Sepdet's wan smile at Su and Alexandra freezes a bit as Scott's 
  words drift across the caern. After a moment, she adds, ~Fog seems to be 
  favored by many. Do we seek more than one? I've noticed of air-spirits, that 
  they're powerful, but...sometimes hard to approach, hard to talk to.~ She 
  ducks her eyes towards Unbidden respectfully. ~Some seem to have overcome 
  the problem. But perhaps another, more physical and less abstract spirit 
  would suit others in he sept.~
Anne purses her lips as she turns back after Megan agrees; she says to Sepdet, 
  "Fog does seem to be. I myself think asking for more than one may 
  be...presumptuous."
Near the Pool, Su's eyes shine quiet agreement for those near enough, and 
  interested enough, to see.
On the western curve, Falcon's Wing supposes a different Magpie spirit 
  wouldn't be reasonable.
On the northern curve, Peacekeeper believes that Quiet mentioned previously 
  that part of the sacrifice was that the three who were originally here could 
  not return. A different Magpie spirit would still be a part of Magpie.
Near the Pool, Sepdet muses, ~Kerunnos, Jek-Kookan of Stag's brood are more 
  concerned with the wyld itself, of observing proper respect for prey, Gaia, 
  and for ceremony, than Honor per se. Several have also named Stag. We could 
  ask. If it is not appropriate, then the spirit won't come.~ She shrugs 
  one-shouldered. ~But you're probably right...we don't want to offend by 
  asking too many.~
On the western curve, Falcon's Wing backs up, raising a paw in surprise. Oh. 
  That's... interesting. Still think a Trickster'd work, but I seem to be 
  heavily ignored.
Near the Pool, Alexandra murmurs softly, "Perhaps...Coyote?"
At the center, Alexander says "Big no."
Anne gives Falcon's Wing a tired smile. "I don't think most of the others 
  agree, no. For one, the spirit has to reflect _us_ a little, too. A 
  trickster doesn't, not really." She takes in a deep breath. "All right. More 
  Stag and Fog, Chimera and Thunderbird do not have any takers." She gives 
  another tired grin. "Since we have nothing new, I would like to ask for a 
  choice, then." She pauses again, giving another chance before she continues 
  for other ideas to be put in.
On the western curve, Dillan smirks. "Shit. Ain't no troubles with fog. 
  Homeboy be be totally chill. Me and Snoop get along crazy-cool," he 
  testifies, as if it ought to change everyone's opinion.
Near the Pool, Sepdet smiles faintly at the cub's suggestion. ~Our friendly 
  local thief Cyrano would like _that_, but...~ she nods towards Alexander, as 
  the first of the protests are made.
On the western curve, Falcon's Wing flicks an ear. And did Magpie not reflect 
  us? Oh, well, nevermind, I'll hush.
Near the Pool, Alexandra nods to Sepdet, understanding.
Near the Pool, Sepdet looks up at Joseph. ~Be an honor to serve Wakinye,~ she 
  says wistfully. ~Any of the three, though.~
Anne scans the Wheel again, then gives a slow nod. She turns again, first to 
  Crystal and then to Megan. "Very well. Many speak for Fog. Crystal, do you?" 
  The other Fury agrees, quietly; Anne then asks Megan, "You spoke against 
  Stag. Have you another spirit you are in favor of?"
Ravenfeeder tilts her head at Anne curiously that her opinion is solicited, 
  but straightens it to answer. I do have one preference, but simply know what 
  I do not think will work. A Totem of Wisdom, if we as a Sept sought to 
  reflect that, would perhaps be a good choice. In that, Fog or Chimera would 
  either work.
Anne makes a face at the vagueness of the answer, and turns southwards. "Elan, 
  JJ, I think both of you have spoken in favor of Fog - do you also speak for 
  your packs?" The curious, questioning gaze passes over the packmates of each 
  that stand near them.
Near the Pool, Joseph turns to Quiet and then the rest of the collected, "For 
  myself, I want to see this place protected, if this works. Fog seems to 
  offer that to us, as Quiet suggested."
On the western curve, Elan nods to Anne. "Yes, I do. Cavall would like Fog, as 
  well."
On the western curve, BJ nods in agreement with Elan.
Near the Pool, Sepdet glances up at Joseph. ~Give Kshema someone to talk to 
  who understood her all the time,~ she mutters bemusedly.
On the western curve, JJ Malone smirks, suddenly, a hint of her normal 
  sardonic-self returning. "At the risk of being impolitic, I think this Sept 
  would be served damn well to take a lesson from Fog." Dillan chimes in 
  enthusiastic, "Go Snoop!", while Cutter stands back in the shadows of the 
  tree, arms crossed, firmly in support of his pack.
Near the Pool, Alexandra smiles and ducks her head quietly.
Near the Pool, Joseph glances back at Sepdet, half-smiling.
Anne nods, and turns a little further south. "Scott? You've spoken in favor of 
  Fog before; our other popular choice is Stag. Between those?"
At the center, Shea murmurs again to Brian, and turns to head out of the 
  clearing, toward the south.
On the southern curve, The choice between the two seems a tough one for the 
  Fang galliard, and it takes him a few silent moments to form a reply. 
  Finally he says,"While a part of me would like to see this Sept served by a 
  totem of honor and respect such as Stag, I think perhaps we'd be better 
  served by Fog in the long run. Fog can protect the Caern far better, from 
  what I've heard, and I think that is probably more important in the long 
  run."
At the center, Shea heads south, away from the center of the Wheel.
Near the Pool, Sepdet consults quietly with her tribesmates for a moment, brow 
  puckering slightly at the scruffy and recently-returned Su.
Anne turns her attention next to the Pool. "Joseph? Andrea? Sepdet?"
Near the Pool, Andrea answers Anne's questioning look with words that echo 
  Joseph's earlier ones. "I speak for Fog, because of what I spoke of, and 
  Fog's strength in keeping his caerns hidden. And a totem claimed by no tribe 
  will be easier for all tribes to feel close to. If this place is to stay 
  balanced between the tribes, having an inner circle that is doubly close to 
  the caern totem by virtue of birth will not help."
On the southern curve, Shea heads south, out of the Wheel and into the forest.
Near the Pool, Joseph doesn't add any more words, but nods after Andrea 
  speaks, and so adds his vote for fog.
Near the Pool, Sepdet lifts her head after an apologetic nod at her 
  once-elder. ~Fog the changer. We can all use wisdom, and when wisdom isn't 
  enough, we need to cover our..ah...tracks.~
Anne pauses briefly with a glance at Morgan, but skips past her to Moon Otter.
On the eastern curve, Moon Otter would, assuming we have the luxury of 
  choosing a totem for this place, choose one which is best at protecting the 
  caern and wolf lands from the apes. Fog is certainly a far better choice 
  than Chimera. It is that simple. Forest Howl's Echo will stand behind Fog.
Anne's gaze continues around the Wheel, but she speaks to the center before 
  the north. "Brian, Alexander? What say you - and Brian, did Shea tell you 
  her choice?"
At the center, Alexander answers with a simple, "Fog."
At the center, Brian shrugs his shoulders. "I heard, yes," he says. "Fog would 
  be my choice, lest someone accuse me of favoring a spirit so close to my 
  tribe."
On the western curve, Dillan nods vehemently, agreeing with Sepdet. "Hell 
  yeah. You get in a mess, fog'l cover your ass like no-one's biz. Word up, 
  Sep."
Anne gives Brian a faint, troubled frown, but then asks, "Derrick? Erik?"
Near the Pool, Sepdet grins faintly across the Wheel at Dillan's helpful 
  translation of what she didn't...quite...say.
On the southern curve, Erik startles slightly to hear his name called. 
  Shifting his weight, he offers his support for Fog, his melodic voice 
  carrying easily toward the Fury Galliard.
On the western curve, Falcon's Wing blinks. Fog seems reasonable to me.
Anne nods again, slowly, scanning the Wheel one last time. Finally, she turns 
  to Robert, both hands held out slightly to the side, palms towards him, at 
  waist height. "I am also for Fog," she says finally. "You are Warder; is Fog 
  acceptable?"
On the northern curve, Peacekeeper considers, then shows his agreement. Fog 
  would seem to fulfill most of the bounds you set. It is an honorable enough 
  totem, and we could use any concealment he provides.
On the southern curve, Blinks-at-Fire comes in from the woodland to the south.
Anne nods again, once more a slow nod. She waits a moment or two, then says, 
  "The Spet has spoken, the Alpha and the Warder agreed, on this matter that 
  is, as Anna said, important for _all_ to agree. So be it, then. Two nights 
  from tonight, we will attempt the Rites that Andrea and Morgan have worked 
  out. This meeting is over, unless there is anything else," she looks at 
  Andrea, "that you would like to say tonight about preparations for two 
  nights hence."
On the southern curve, Scott shakes his head, apparently having said his piece.
On the western curve, Cutter murmurs "/Now/ I got stuff t'do. You guys c'n 
  take off if ya want, or wait. Whatever."
Ravenfeeder yawns mightily, her tongue curling out as she shivers and whines 
  softly. Licking her nose, she pushes to her feet and shakes out her fur, 
  sensing the conclusion of the meeting.
Near the Pool, Morgan unfolds her arms finally, glancing over at Andrea, 
  wearing a faint smile.
On the western curve, JJ Malone glances over to Dillan, as she pulls herself 
  out of her lean. She says quietly to Cutter, "Here, or you goin' back?"
On the western curve, Cutter shrugs. "I'll be back in town tonight or 
  tomorrow."
Near the Pool, Andrea pauses consideringly, then says, "We've been without a 
  caern now. Whether you hunt or bargin, gather what strength of spirit you 
  can before that night." She glances at Morgan, then at the packmembers of 
  Whispers nearby. "We will work out the last details, and then find those 
  that can aid within the rite."
Near the Pool, Joseph gives Andrea a simple nod.
On the western curve, JJ Malone looks between Cutter and Dillan swiftly, then 
  speaks up towards Andrea, "If you're looking for Fog...they," she hooks a 
  thumb at her packmates, "might be worth helping out more directly."
Near the Pool, Morgan replies quietly, nodding. "As you wish, rhya."
Near the Pool, Sepdet dips her eyes a bit wryly at Andrea, muttering something.
Anne nods a little as Andrea speaks, coming forward off the mound as the Child 
  of Gaia speaks. Much less formally, she says, "If it helps, I _do_ have that 
  Gift..." She waves her hand towards the Untouchables. "They might, too, plus 
  of course their pack totem even if they don't."

< Perspective shifts to center of the caern >

On the western curve, Cutter blinks, then lifts a hand in a wave.
Alexander calls out, "I've asked Shea to see about getting us better eyes for 
  the night of the Rite. Since it'll still be crescent moon."
Near the Pool, Andrea leans over to cuff Sepdet's head gently, barely a tap.
On the southern curve, Scott adds,"I'll talk to the other Fangs. Lighting up 
  with the silver fire isn't likely to draw anything that won't be coming 
  anyways, I think. And might help on that matter as well, Alexander."
On the western curve, Cutter glances to Dillan as he heads into the centre.
On the western curve, Cutter heads into the center.
On the western curve, Falcon's Wing contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Near the Pool, Andrea then turns toward the Glasswalker and nods. She looks at 
  Dillan, then turns to Cutter. "Do you think you can come back tomorrow, to 
  the lake shore to the south?"
On the western curve, Falcon's Wing shifts into Homid form.
Near the Pool, Sepdet squinches her face at the Ritemistress' cuff, then 
  scruffles to try to sit upright again. ~Kshema lets us see in the umbra even 
  from the Realm...though it's gonna be dark. Will set some of us around the 
  bawn to keep look-out.~