Log edited with Logedit 2.6.6pl on Sun Mar 8 15:20:15 EST 1998

Using configuration file /turquoise/homes/ammer/.logeditrc
Editing out: arrive/left @mail ANSI tf-messages
Regexp stripping: Queue, Semaphore, ^Huh\? +Type, ^I don't see that
Word-wrapping at 72, 0, 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

From Around the Lone Boulder, Quiet can be heard to howl, ~Those that
would call a child of the horned one tonight, come to the Boulder at
the north. Moon-Laughs-Quiet calls.~

Around the Lone Boulder

The sparse forest gives way here into a vast clearing, entirely devoid
of trees or heavy underbrush for great distances all around. Low,
thick grass, a palish green in color, grows everywhere underfoot; it
sways ever so gently in the chill winds that seem to settle in across
this open expanse with unusual frequency. The occasional darker shoot
or dandelion weed makes its way up amidst the rest, but the hilly
territory is on the whole a uniform color, reminiscent of a moor.
Adding to the image is the single, ponderous old stone, a grey-brown
in color, settled uncannily in the dead center of the expanse as if it
has perched there alone since the dawn of time. Grass grows up around
the weathered boulder, but its vaguely-flattened top clears the grass
by a good many feet, at least chest-high to a good-sized man. The sky,
often grey, is a presence in this sudden openness, appearing from
amidst the treetops to arc high over the grass and stone.

Woodland tracks lead off into the forest to the north and south, while
the boulder itself stands at the center of the clearing.

Defends-Wolves approaches from the woods.

Nightflash approaches from the woods.


Eyes-of-a-Child approaches from the woods.
Eyes-of-a-Child follows the other two wolves in.

Defends-Wolves pads into the clearing with a soft chuff of greeting to
the others. He nudges the elder theurge amiably. Hello.

Quiet nudges Defends-Wolves back in a friendly wolf-manner, the scent of
herbs strong in her fresh-washed fur. She indicates the Get, then
wonders if everyone has met?

Nightflash greets the adren and then the Get, introducing himself. I am
called Nightflash, born to Her Children under the brightest moon.

Stormcloud approaches from the woods.

Hunter, standing near Quiet, flicks his ears restlessly. I am
Hunter-for-Knowledge, crescent of the Get.

Defends-Wolves chuffs softly to the Get. Defends-the-Wolves, crescent of
the Children of Gaia. Greetings.

Eyes-of-a-Child has been watching Hunter curiously. He introduces
himself as Eyes-of-a-Child-That-See-the-Truth. Stargazer crescent
moon.

Stormcloud follows the sound of the howl from a good distance. Upon
entering the clearing here, he settles back upon his haunches to
listen.

Nightflash greets Stormcloud.

Defends-Wolves pats his tail happily against the ground at the Talon's
arrival. Good evening.

Quiet gives Stormcloud a quizzical glance, but does not question him
directly. We will go to the other side, she says. We will all take
part in the summoning, but it is possible that we will be attacked.
Nightflash, select one other to fight with you first in defense. If
the two of you cannot handle it alone, then the other two will join
you. I will break off if it takes us all, but otherwise I will keep up
the call. With all of her children gone from the area, this may take
some time. The theurge looks around, for questions or comments.

Eyes-of-a-Child wonders what opposition might be expected?

Currently the moon is in the waxing Half Moon phase (44% full).

Nightflash looks at the three and decides to have the only other one
here who is not a cescent help in defense. If you will be joining us?
he asks Stormcloud.

Hunter waits in silence, but not motionless; his restless body gives
away hints of anxiety, the tinges of bloodlust, and a quiet
excitement. At his feet are a few small pebbles, small enough for a
single one to fit easily into a mouth or even below a homid's tongue.

Quiet says she does not know for sure, but we are on the edges of the
protected lands under only half of Luna's face. Things sometimes
answer a call that were not meant to do so.

Stormcloud notes the odd number given, but makes no voice of it. At
Nightflash's question, he answers that he would join them in defense.

Eyes-of-a-Child understands.

Blinks-at-Fire approaches from the woods.

Defends-Wolves sits back on his haunches, listening, perhaps a bit
restless as waits.

Nightflash turns back to Quiet. Stormcloud and I will guard.

Quiet's ears prick somewhat as Stormcloud joins, and she gives a
satisfied chuff at the ahroun. Good. The theurge pauses for a time,
then says, Unicorn is not one called by violence or blood, though she
will not turn from these things at need. I will lead the ritual, but
the rest of you may give your strength in dance. Her ears flatten with
wry amusement. And before you think that is no challenge, wait to see
how long you may have to dance. Blinks-at-Fire gets a breath of
notice, then the theurge turns to the polished rock to reach across.

You start to reach through the umbra.

Quiet's eyes stop contemplatively on her reflection.

A ripple of Umbral wind swirls about you, and the Gauntlet parts.

Quiet seems to shimmer momentarily, and then vanishes.

Umbra: Light Woods

These sparse woods stretch away, north of the place of power that is the
Caern, hemmed in on the west and north by unsubtle swaths of decaying,
web-covered grey that denote roads in the Realm. The entire area, all
around, is a vivid reflection of the physical world: colors are
brighter, scents are sharper, sensations more crisp. The trees reach
upwards, impossibly high, towards the heavens, while the airts of
various animal spirits wind crazily through the undergrowth; the land
is replete with life, a place where Spirit and Realm are still close
together.

A number of landmarks punctuate the woods: a massive thrust of bright,
almost crystalline rock that juts upwards, out of a clearing, like a
shoulder of the earth; a pair of giant arcs of bone that glisten with
fresh blood, between which hangs a luminous bundle of ephemera; a
bright clearing, beneath a broad, steep cliff, across which wind
spirits dance incessantly. Faint pathways lead off in three
directions.

Defends-Wolves appears in a swirl of wind and light.

Nightflash appears in a swirl of wind and light.

Stormcloud appears in a swirl of wind and light.

Eyes-of-a-Child appears in a swirl of wind and light.

Hunter appears in a swirl of wind and light.

Blinks-at-Fire appears in a swirl of wind and light.

Hunter lowers his muzzle to drop his small pebbles, rolling them around
a little to dry them. He then stands awkwardly, watching Quiet.

Blinks-at-Fire tags along behind the group, ears pricked and eyes
looking around alertly. Presumably for some clue as to what is going
on.

Defends-Wolves shifts up to the near-man, finding such rituals easier in
his natural form. He nods toward the Strider in greeting, then waits
with his arms folded across his chest for things to begin.

Quiet moves a short distance away to begin to set up the center of the
summoning circle, shifting up into glabro as she does. The smell of
herbs continues to cling to her, masking the change in her scent. She
draws a circle on the ground around her with a short, peeled stick,
the rowan wood also smelling strongly of fresh carving. She then takes
some herbs from her beltpouch and scatters them in the four
directions, mumuring something at each cardinal point. Finally, she
takes out her wooden pennywhistle. Her voice is not loud enough to
carry on its own merits, but she makes the formal call in the old
language before beginning to play. ~Unicorn, protector of the wild and
the innocent, champion of peace, we call you tonight. We call to ask
you what has lead your people from this place, and to ask your
strength in battle. We call because that battle flames the fires of
rage that you know so well how to bank. We call because that battle is
to protect one of the glens like your children claim. Unicorn, answer
our call!~ She lets the words fade before lifting the whistle to her
lips. A lilting melody calls for the rest of the Garou to dance.

Nightflash doesn't take part in the ritual itself, though he does watch
closely as the theurges do their work. If anything unwanted shows up
to disturb the rite, it's apparently weak enough that he and the Talon
make short work of it.

Blinks-at-Fire trots over to Stormcloud, and looks to him for
instructions.

Stormcloud keeps a vigil directd outward from the rite. As Blinks
approaches him, he asks the other to help keep the rite undisturbed.

Hunter, no dancer, and lupus at that, remains mostly motionless save for
small twitches and restless movements; he maintains a low growl,
however - a combination of hopeful asking and impatient asking.

John closes his eyes and begins to dance, a bit awkwardly at first, but
soon falling into an easy rhythm. He pays no attention to the others
guarding the ritual, focusing his energy on the summoning itself. As
time wears on, he continues at the same steady pace, moving fluidly
with the other participants.

Eyes-of-a-Child shifts up to the warform and stretches out his muscles
briefly before starting to dance. He closes his eyes halfway and dips
his head low, crouching over and circling slowly, dancing lightly and
rhythmically on his hind legs. His arms are out and the long hair on
his forearms billows as he moves.

The time wears on everyone, though at least the two dancers and Andrea
have their tasks to distract them. Then, from the woods, a shape steps
out. Silver rather than white, this mare is half again as large as
Sharial, and much steadier of nerve. She walks deliberately toward the
ritualists, muscles rippling under her satin hide as she moves. Her
horn is a glowing pearly white. She glances at Blinks-at-Fire,
Stormcloud and Nightflash, but her final attention is for the four
theurges. Her eyes are an electric blue, and fix on Andrea steadily.
*I have come far. What do you wish?*

Stormcloud keeps his vigil.

Eyes-of-a-Child crouches down as the unicorn approaches, watching with
tired awe.

Andrea gestures to John and Hunter to speak. She motions to John first.
*This one would ask you things, Mother, things that concern the tribe
that honors you.* She then gestures to Hunter. *And then this one
would ask for your strength.* The mare regards each, snorts once, then
looks at John expectantly.

Hunter startles up in interest as the mare appears, respectful deference
replacing his impatience. Though his greeting is obvious in his
movements, he stays silent when Quiet indicates John first.

Nightflash relaxes visibly as the object of the summoning finally
arrives, and he steps aside as it moves toward the theurges.

Lawrence appears in a swirl of wind and light.

John smiles wearily as the unicorn appears, the strain of the long
ritual starting to show. He nods politely to Andrea and the unicorn,
then begins to speak in the spirit tounge. *Over the past two turnings
of the moon, the others of your kind have been disapearing from this
area, taken or destroyed by some unknown force. The places they
protected are now threatened by foul spirits; in some cases the very
nature of the place has changed, becoming like stone. If you know
anything relating to the cause of these things, we would be grateful
if you could share your knowledge.*

Not really understanding a word of the spirit-talk, and thoroughly awed
by the presence of the unicorn mare anyways, Lawrence stands wide-eyed
and stock still at the edges of the rite.

Blinks-at-Fire tries to keep up his watch, but his gaze is drawn
repeatedly back to the silver mare. At first glance he shows only the
professional interest any wolf would show an inviting but unattainable
meal. But with each subsequent glance that expression changes, to the
open and slightly confused face of someone seeing something foreign in
something familiar -- or something familiar in something never seen
before.

The mare considers that, then stamps a hind cloven hoof. *Yours is not
the first song I have heard in the last two moons, but it is the
strongest. I know of one that left to answer such a call and has not
yet returned. I thought little of it, and there was enough of us to
watch the place he left.* Her horn flickers slightly, as she adds, *If
there are none here left, there would be none to protect those places
as we must. Our enemies would be quick to move in the gap.*

John sighs softly. *They have all ready begun to do so. The last we knew
of vanished over the last dark moon; presumably taken when she left
her refuge from this place. We intend to investigate the glades soon,
to see if others have begun to spread their corruption to them. But
without knowing the cause the cycle will continue. They will become
stronger as time passes.*

The unicorn looks around the group, her horn seeming to point to each
Garou in turn as she takes in the number here. *You seem to have the
strength in numbers to continue until they return. They will, if they
are able. We do not forsake our places, once chosen.* The jaggling
speaks with total assurance on that, though any of the theurges that
know the ranges of mindsets found in any spirit brood might doubt.

Ash appears in a swirl of wind and light.

Hunter glances from spirit to John, his own dubiousness clear in his
stance and the tilt of his ears.

Nightflash continues to stand guard, occasionally glancing at his
companions. He gives no sign of understanding the conversation taking
place.

Stormcloud might as well be a statue.

Andrea frowns at that, but doesn't interupt.

Blinks-at-Fire's rapt attention to the unicorn is broken by Ash's sudden
appearance. His ears drop momentarily and his cheek twitches, as if he
had been drinking from a pure mountain spring and suddenly swallowed a
mouthful of oil.

John doesn't look particularly reassured at the spirit's statement. *We
will continue to drive the others away as well as we can. There is no
guarantee of our success though. That the disappearances are not
confined to this place is disturbing.*

The mare looks impatient, her ears tilting back slightly. *Then don't
react. Follow the song and find where they have gone. There are no
guarantees of anything, in any lifetime.*

Touch Deer comes up the trail from the south.
Touch Deer appears from the south, slowly making his way towards the
gathering.

John nods slightly. *We will continue our investigations here then, and
try to follow whatever trail there might be. My thanks for your
patience and advice.* He looks over at the Get, indicating that he is
finished with the conversation.

The horned mare gives another snort, her horn settling back to a steady
white glow. Her breath appears briefly in the Umbral air. She then
turns to the Get theurge, as he is indicated. *You are the one that
wishes my strength. Why?*

Stormcloud cocks an ear at Touch Deer's approach, but is no further
detracted from his watch.

Touch Deer settles back somewhere, in the shadow of a tree, and watches.

Lawrence's attention goes to Hunter, and he stares unashamedly at the
unfamiliar Garou.

Hunter takes a step forward, lifting his muzzle so the hints of older
blood are more visible. *You say nothing is certain. One thing is
certain, that is death. There is a place that has a Wyrmchild there,
by a glade, newly-come. My elder must fight it, but it can taunt one,
to fight without thought. One who has seen it told me that it taunted
her to fight _another_, not it. Our own strength is not enough, to
both remain calm and to fight.* He falters, then, ears dropping a
little, paw restlessly touching one of the pebbles at his feet. *I had
not expected one so strong to respond to the summoning. Nor hoped. But
we have need of strength. I learned to respect that of your kind when
I was younger. I wished to ask your aid, your strength, in this fight
against our enemy in the river.*

John shifts his gaze to the others who have arrived, nodding briefly,
then returning his attention to Hunter and the mare.

Eyes-of-a-Child watches quietly, sitting very still.

Lawrence continues to stare, silently, at Hunter. There's an element of
distrust in his expression even though he doesn't seem to have the
foggiest idea about the subject of the spirit-speech.

Nightflash makes his way around to speak quietly with John. By the way
he moves and gestures, it's obvious he's asking about the recent
conversation.

John leans down to speak quietly with his ahroun tribemate.

Stormcloud folds his ears back against his head as the watch is broken.
Still, however, he remains silent.

The mare considers this, her ears flickering. She then tilts her ears
foward at the Get as she replies. Her leonine tail twitches. *It is a
strength that we can give you, to retain sense under the heat of rage.
But when using our strength for this, there is another side. Your
Elder may not be able to fully reach the gifts of anger, since he will
be protected from its downfalls. Will he agree to this? Many of your
kind will not, which is why we gift only a single tribe freely with
this ability.*

Hunter pauses over this answer for only a brief time. *We must be able
to fight. We cannot fight this bane now. If by this we will be able to
fight, we will do it. I can answer for myself. I think he will not be
pleased, but better to fight our bane than another target, or not at
all.*

The mare gives a satisfied snort, then says, *Then I will agree, as long
as you will release me in a moon's time if the fight has not taken
place. If my kind are disappearing from here, then more may leave from
where I protect. I would not see the places I watch fall while I am
gone.*

Nightflash looks rather alarmed at something his tribemate reveals, and
then moves back to where he stood previously.

Hunter's body stance changes, from slightly nervous at what he asks and
how to agreement. *A moon's time it will be. I will tell my elder.*

Andrea also nods, slightly, at the unicorn. The spirit turns her blue
eyes on the Ritemistress a last time before facing the Get. *I am
ready, then.*

Hunter puts a paw over the pebbles he has chosen and gathered, then
picks a single one of the five up in his mouth. He trots over to the
mare, dropping it near one of the front hooves, and continues in a
circle around her, back to his small pile, after a short bark,
ritually commanding. He repeats this process, one at a time, placing a
single pebble near each hoof and tracing the confining circle. When
the fourth is placed, he takes the last in his mouth and faces the
unicorn. This time his howl is longer, half demanding and half
compelling, as he paces towards her; pebble still in his mouth, he
shifts upwards to hispo for the height needed to put his teeth against
her neck and press the pebble there, too, as much a ritual as the
circle.

The mare stands stock-still, her legs rooted as if carved of silver
itself. Then as the pebble is pressed to her neck, she shuts her eyes
and allows the rite to carry her away. She shimmers out of sight, gone
into the talens prepapred for her presence. The Garou stand alone
around the Umbral reflection of the great stone, with only a couple of
bird spirits overhead as spiritual witnesses to the completion of the
rite. As the mare fades away, Andrea stands and stretches, pronouncing
simply, ~It is done.~

Touch Deer walks away quietly, moving in the shadows.

Hunter gives the impression, as he nearly topples when the mare
vanishes, of being drained, of energy or the strength he earlier
referred to. Nevertheless, as he rights himself and returns to his
normal form, he gives Andrea a respectful glance. I thank you.

Stormcloud stands and shakes out his ruff. Giving the Rite-Mistress a
brief look, he starts to head south.

Eyes-of-a-Child shifts down, looking thoughtful.

John watches the rite's conclusion with interest, then nods in Andrea's
direction, looking a little on the tired side himself. "My thanks to
all of you for your help."

Stormcloud disappears into the woods to the south.

Nightflash look around at the conclusion of the rite and asks anyone who
wants to answer, Do any here know the name of the female that
disappeared from here?

Casper smiles to all and makes a short bow, "It's been interesting, but
I need to find something out... it may be nothing but..." he looks a
little troubled then nods and turns to reach.

Andrea gives an absent smile to John, looking a little tired and
somewhat troubled. She then turns to the ahroun. "Who that
disappeared?"

Casper's eyes stop contemplatively on his reflection.

Hunter, still wobbly, heards the five pebbles together into a group,
turning around to look at the several present.

Nightflash tilts his head back in the direction of the Caern. The female
that had been staying there. The one whose glen was taken by the
serpent.

Andrea nods. ~Her name was *Sharial.*~ She gestures at John. ~I had told
him, back when I checked her for anything odd.~ Her frown deepens.
~But I hadn't known that she had gone entirely. I just hadn't seen
here the last couple of times I'd been to the caern.~

Hunter lays himself down next to the pebbles he put such effort forth
for, gaze wandering as he waits, from Andrea and the other conferring
Children of Gaia to the younger, silent one who stared so during the
Rite.

Nightflash has not seen her since the moon was black. We do not know for
certain that she is gone, but it seems likely.

John turns his attention to the remaining Garou, frowning slightly. ~It
seems the same fate that took the others has taken her as well. She
had been missing during the new moon at least. She may have returned
to her glen.~

Nightflash says, We already planned to investigate there, both to search
for her and remove anything that took it in her absence. If she is not
there, we may try to track her. Are there any here with the power?

Lawrence has remained silent and unintrusive in the wake of the rite,
and watches each participant in the conversation carefully -- perhaps
looking for nonverbal clues to add context to what they're saying.

Andrea nods. ~There are several here with the rite, myself included.~
She continues to frown. ~Though I must leave before the moon is full,
on the matter of Consumer-of-Stone. And there are ragabash and Furies
here with the gift of tracking, as well.~ She looks as John. ~Do you
know the rite?~

Nightflash looks to John as well, briefly, before his attention moves
on, settling on Lawrence. Do you understand what is happening? he asks
the cub.

John shakes his head slowly. ~I'm not familiar with the rite. It seems
like a good place to begin if we don't find her at the glen though.~
He frowns slightly at mention of the bane.
Blinks-at-Fire has to leave.

Blinks-at-Fire's eyes stop contemplatively on his reflection.

Lawrence eyes Nightflash for a few moments before fixing his eyes on the
ground and admitting, "No." He adds, "I think you guys are going to
try to find some unicorn spirit."

Andrea nods. ~I don't have the time to teach you the rite now,
unfortunately. But if you can't find another to do the rite or the
gift, search someone out that can at least teach you.~ She sighs, then
adds, ~I will teach you after I return, if another hasn't first.~

Hunter flicks an ear at Lawrence's answer, looking up at Nightflash. He
is a cub?

John inclines his head slightly. ~I'll see who I can find. I believe
Derrick knows the rite; I'll make it a point to ask him soon. He's at
least familiar with the situation to some extent.~

Nightflash exhales softly, an affirmative sound, his breath misting the
air. To Hunter, he notes quietly that Lawrence is, before explaining
to the cub. ~The unicorn spirits in the area have been disappearing,
and we do not know why or where they have gone. We had hoped to find
out from the one we summoned before she was bound, but she did not
know. She did provide us with one important piece of information,
however. It appears they are being summoned by another. There are
rites and gifts which we can use to track across great distances. I
suggested we use these to try and find Sharial.~

Lawrence listens carefully, even repeating a few of Nightflash's words
silently to himself as if trying to attach some meaning to them.
Finally, he says, "I would probably more hindrance than help if I went
along, being as how I know so little. If there was trouble, you'd have
to worry about defending me."

Andrea nods. ~I taught Scott the rite, some time ago.~ She names a few
others with the rite, including Megan. ~And those with the gift
include at least Morgan and Davy of pack Edge. Davy is supposed to
teach it to Patrick sometime, but I don't believe he has yet.~ Her
eyes fall on the ahroun speaking to Lawrence, and she points out to
John, ~If you don't have the time to learn it yourself, as long as one
of you investigating knows it, that's just as well for now.~

Hunter snorts, still lying stretched out as though resting. You will not
learn if you do not experience danger, cub.

John smiles slightly. ~Plenty of options. I believe I can find the time
to learn it, though it might be easier to recruit someone to perform
it once for us first. We might get lucky be led to one or more of the
spirits.~ His expression darkens. ~Assuming they're still alive of
course.~

Nightflash glances sidelong at Hunter, and his response to Lawrence is a
bit less hostile. That is so. This is likely not a good opportunity
for your first true fight. However, you should be aware of what is
happening, particularly as it affects our line.

Andrea nods soberly. ~The rite or gift will tell that, as well. Neither
work on the dead, as far as I know, though a spirit's death is not
quite a mortal's.~

John frowns. "Is the name sufficient for a successful performance of the
rite? I know physical objects related to the one sought help when
tracking a person, but a spirit wouldn't leave such things."

Lawrence's eyes also flick towards Hunter; the implied accusation of
cowardice causes him to bristle for a moment, but only a moment. When
he returns his attention to Nightflash, he nods. "Yes," he says. "I
just... I still have a hard time understanding everything that you
guys say. I'm getting better, I think, but it's slow."

Andrea shakes her head. "A name is all that is needed."

Nightflash wonders, Which speech do you understand better?

Lawrence shrugs his shoulders awkwardly, and admits, sheepish,
"English."

Nightflash suggests that Lawrence spend more time on four legs. Our ways
our as difficult for you to learn as yours were for me, but learn you
must.

Hunter climbs back to his feet, still obviously drained from the
Binding. This place where ~Sharial~ was, was it taken by a bane? I am
not sure I understand.

John nods, seemingly satisfied that some plan of action has at least
been laid out. He glances over toward Hunter. ~Sharial had left once
she realized the other unicorns were vanishing. In the meantime, a
dragon-like spirit moved into the region. It was driven off, but there
is no one there to prevent others from coming back.~

Lawrence reddens slightly, and his gaze becomes rivetted on his shoes.
"It's weird," he says quietly. "I know it's part of me, but I don't
really like it. I can't... I have a hard time trying to say anything
but the simplest ideas. It also always makes me feel very out of
control. I don't like that."

Nightflash considers. Why does it make you feel thus?

Hunter makes his suggestion diffidently. Bring the cub there to show him
the beginning of the hunt. Have other spirits there been asked what
they know?

"I don't know," Lawrence admits. "I mean, I see and hear and smell
everything so much more clearly. Sometimes it even makes me feel
dizzy. I have a hard time thinking straight."

Robert appears in a swirl of wind and light.

John shakes his head. ~There were few, if any others left in the region,
though they may have returned once the dragon spirit left. But other
spirits have not been questioned closely, excepting Sharial and the
unicorn this evening.~

Hunter gives an impatient bark. I did not mean those of ~Unicorn~.
Others. Birds or animals.

Robert slips through the Gauntlet and looks around, his eyes latching
onto Andrea. With no lead-up whatsoever, he catches her gaze and says,
"He's gone. I don't know if the bitch got him or what, but he's gone."

Nightflash notes that that is common, much like it was for him to
attempt to stand on only two legs. It made him feel dizzy as well.
These are things ones grows accustomed to.

Lawrence takes a breath, lets it out slowly, and nods with a bit of
resignation. "I guess," he replies, and then furrows his brow in
concentration.

Andrea starts, pulled abruptly from one coversation to the other.
Looking at the Arm, she echoes, ~Gone? Who's gone?~

Lawrence contorts and blurs as he is transformed.
Lawrence shifts into Lupus form.

John shakes his head again. ~No others have been questioned at this
point.~ He looks up as Robert arrives, frowning at the news. ~The
black unicorn?~

Robert continues, his voice laden with choked-back Rage, "Iustus. I
don't think he--strike that. I know he's not dead. But he's gone, and
too suddenly."

Andrea's eyes widen and she lapses into soft cursing.

Hunter appears as lost by Robert's announcement as Lawrence was by the
Rite earlier; he falls silent, watching with more uncertainty now.

Robert adds, "Stormcloud mentioned you had questioned a spirit. I was
/hoping/ you had gotten an answer or two that might be pertinent."

Nightflash starts to answer, then lets others who know more do that. He
noses Lawrence and indicates the warder. ~A unicorn spirit that was
close to him has disappeared now, as well.~

Andrea unclenches her hands with an effort, then says, "She did say that
she had heard other songs, which I took to mean other Summonings."

Robert frowns. "It'd have to be a damn strong Summoning for Iustus to be
pulled away from a mission." He taps his foot impatiently, though he's
looking more towards the northwest than towards anyone in particular.
"Not dead, but not really around, either. Whatever it is, it's strong
and pretty determined. Unless the bitch somehow noticed his presence
and did something."

Hunter turns to John and Nightflash. Who is he talking about? The one
who might have done something?

Nightflash says, ~He may have been forced into spirit-sleep.~ To Hunter,
~A Unicorn spirit that is very close to him.~

Reaches-High stays near Nightflash, trying very hard to pay attention.

Hunter covers the pebbles with a paw, half-trembling with his tiredness.
No, not that one. The one who did something to the spirit that is his
friend.

Robert massages the bridge of his noes, then nods to Nightflash. "I
considered that, either spirit-sleep or some other sort of apture in a
warded area. Maybe forced into Slumber and trying to Reform, but I
think that I'd know if he'd gotten into some sort of battle. If he's
trying to reform, it was over too quickly."

Andrea's attention is focused inward as the wash of conjectures and
information goes around her. Her face is creased deeply in a frown.

Nightflash does not know that.

Reaches-High takes an uncertain step back away from the conversation,
and another towards Andrea. I am tired. May I go?

Andrea looks toward the cub after a few breaths, apparently listening
well enough to pick up when she's spoken to. She nods at the cub, then
says, ~Find me in the next few days, Reaches-High.~ She manages a
short laugh. ~When I have had some time to deal with these
developments. Maybe tomorrow, after the day's sleep?~

Reaches-High chuffs a candid agreement. I hope you find time to sleep.
It does not sound like you will have a lack of things to do.

Andrea rubs the bridge of her nose in a manner remarkably similar to
Robert's. She mnanages a wan smile, odd in contrast to her elongated
teeth. ~Indeed. Mother watch over you.~

Nightflash suggests that we attempt to track the black male instead of
the female. If Peacekeeper is certain he is alive, we have a greater
chance of success.

Reaches-High chuffs again, then turns and begins to force his way back
across the Gauntlet.

Reaches-High's eyes stop contemplatively on his reflection.

John nods slightly in agreement with Nightflash.

Hunter's exhaustion seems to be getting the better of him; he turns to
Andrea questioningly. Is there somewhere safe I may stay through the
sun's time tomorrow? I am tired, too tired to cross back.

Nightflash pushes to his feet as well. ~I'll be leaving as well.
Defends-Wolves, we should consider leaving tomorrow rather than
securing the glades first. The spirits may not have much time.~

Andrea looks toward the Warder. ~There is, but permission to go there is
Peacekeeper's providence, not mine. My territory is a long way for the
weary.~

Robert glances to Hunter and catches the question. "Stay in the caern,"
he offers. "It's safe enough during the day." To Andrea, he says,
"I'll go after him, soon, or some of the others can. I'll admit I'm
extremely concerned."

Hunter awkwardly bats at his pebbles, looking at Robert. You know I have
not finished my chiminage, elder?

Andrea gestures at Nightflash's statement. ~That works?~ She shakes her
head, frowing viciously. ~If only I could go. But I simply must find
out more about the threat from Consumer-of-Stone. I don't dare be
distracted from that.~

John nods to Nightflash. ~I agree. I'll see you tomorrow. Walk well.~

Robert raises an eyebrow at Hunter. "I know you need someplace to stay
Umbrally through the day, and you're working on your chiminage. Under
the somewhat extreme circumstances, that's enough for me. Stay in the
caern through the day if you need someplace safe to stay." With a
smile, he adds, "We can always kick you back out tomorrow night." He
nods to John and Nightflash, then replies to Andrea. "True. And I
shouldn't go--won't go--being Warder and with it around. Doesn't
change what I /want/ to do, though."

Hunter gives a grateful chuff, relaxing a little with the assurance that
his position is understood. Once again, he picks up his pebbles in his
mouth, all of them this time, and gives a glance of thanks to Andrea
and an acknowledgement to Nightflash and John.

John nods to the Get in return, smiling slightly.

Andrea nods, moving so she can touch Robert on the shoulder briefly. Her
voice is low. ~I understand. With your pack broken up, he is the
closest being to you. But we are here, and the others of the tribe, at
least, will help you.~ She drops her hand and smiles ruefully. ~If
only there were three of me.~

Hunter waits until Robert is done, before asking for guidance to the
caern.

Andrea drops her eyes to Hunter and gives a nod of farewell to him, her
smile untwisting slightly as she wishes the Get a good journey.

Nightflash says to Robert, I would speak with you as well, on other
matters. Perhaps after this has been resolved.

John follows the Get back toward the caern after a polite nod of
farewell to the elder Gaians.

Robert smiles gently at Andrea, replying, "I know exactly how you feel.
For now, though, we do the best we can with what we have, and delegate
the rest. Bonne nuit, Andrea. And get some sleep."
Robert smiles and nods to Nightflash, as well. "Soon, then, hopefully.
As soon as all this gets resolved, or at least a little moreso."

Andrea nods, then shifts back to go on the long run to the island. I
will be at the caern tomorrow, she says. Until then, howl if you have
need. Safe paths for you both.

Nightflash dips his head and tail to the pair, then heads south after
John.

Home          Main Log Index           GM Log Index            Where Moth and Rust Destroy Log Index