jael zanko.

[Wyrmbreaker] If the Unbroken had a packhouse, this would be it. Few of the pack actually stay here at any given time, but it's here for all of them, and all of them stop by at least once in a while. To catch a nap. To play the Xbox. To have a swim. To have a sandwich.

Wyrmbreaker is doing the last currently: standing in the kitchen, putting together a truly monumental affair of turkey, bacon, cucumber, tomato, alfalfa, lettuce and cheese. And mustard. When Jael arrives, he's shown in by Kate's ever-reticent maid. Wyrmbreaker is just putting the final touches on his sandwich, pressing down on the huge stack before slicing it neatly into diagonal halves.

"Jael," he greets his tribesman, "thanks for making the trip out. Sandwich?" -- he offers him one of the halves.

[Jael Zanko] He arrived at the loft as asked. He entered it, being greeted by a latina woman. He introduced himself and told her that Lukas was waiting for him. She nodded and lead him inside, to the Adren's location: the kitchen. The tall, solidly built man with very short dark hair followed Lucille in silence. His intese dark eyes looknig around at the lavish place. He was dressed in dark pants and a dark grey sweater. Nothing too fancy, but elegant.

He wondered what the Elder was here. He heard good thing from his tribesmate he had met earlier this week. Stormbreaker had said Cold Victory was fair but better not get on his wrong side. Sounded fine by him.

He look at Lukas when he entered the kitchen and bowed slightly "Good evening cold Victory Rhya" He said in a deep voice. "It's an honor ot meet you" Then he was offered a piece of sandwich. He blinked than said "Thank you" as he took it. When your Elder offers you something, better take it. It looks well.

[Wyrmbreaker] The place certainly is lavish, make no mistake. It has all the hallmarks of a Fang residence -- light colors, high ceilings, an airy, austere sort of grace. New or old, modern or traditional, all Fangs are marked by their love of fine things.

Lukas isn't a Fang, though. And while he exists in this space like he has a right to it, he doesn't quite fit. His black hair doesn't fit. His swarthy skin, icy eyes -- they don't fit. His sheer size and power don't fit, either, and the fact that he's wearing a plain t-shirt and drawstring pajama bottoms certainly don't fit the elegance of his surroundings.

Still. There's an indestructible confidence about him. He offers Jael food; Jael accepts, and the Ahroun unselfconsciously bites into his half of the sandwich -- teeth crunching through lightly toasted bread, fresh lettuce.

"Honor's mine," he replies, courteous. "So; a Cliath Philodox of Thunder. You're the first one we've had for a while. Remind me again where you're from?"

[Jael Zanko] If he was surpised by the Adren's appearace, his choice of clothing, it didn't show. The man was impassible. He took a bite of the sandwich and chew it carefully, swallowing before replying to his Elder.

"I come from Washington DC, well the Sept near the city." He say simply not adding the why he was there or anything else than answering Lukas. It seem the man was either of a few words or considered them so important that saying to many of them would be wasting their value.

Even though his facewas mostly expressionless, he didn't feel angry, distant, or disrespectful. He was who his was. He kept his intense look on Lukas but wasn't staring at the Adren. It would be improper

[Wyrmbreaker] "And what brings you to Chicago?" While Lukas speaks, he cleans up the small mess he made: crumbs on the counter, tomato juice on the cutting board. He could leave it for the maid, certainly. He could have asked the maid to make the sandwich for him. That's not his style, though. Besides. Lucille had an intimidation factor all her own.

[Jael Zanko] He was about to take another bite of his sandwich when Lukas asked him another question. He lowered his arm, closing his mouth ofr a second before speaking

"Business. I have contacts at the docks in DC and the kin I work with has been promoted ot union leader for the dock workers but in Chicago. We placed someone trustworthy in his old place and I moved here so we could work together still. It owuld be easier to take over the docks here if I"m present"

That was a lot of owrds for him, better take a bite of his sandwich now. He could have jsut said business but it might have annoyed his Elder to have to pour every once of information out of him with precise questions. Altough it owuld mean that he wasn't divulging unnecessary inforation to everyone, it could also mean he wasn't forwarding with his tribesmate.

[Wyrmbreaker] "Not very many Garou would follow their kin to another city," Lukas comments. "It's usually the other way around.

"Nonetheless, welcome to Chicago. You seem like the well-informed sort, so you probably already know we're a new Caern located uncomfortably close to an old Hive. This isn't one of those Septs where there's much room for Garou who can't fight -- if such Septs even exist anymore. You'll see a lot of action on these streets, and you'll be called on often to fight. Sometimes for your life. Sometimes for the Sept. Always for victory in the war.

"These days our most immediate threats are twofold. One, there's a kinhunter loose on the streets. He's been quiet recently, but we don't expect him to stay that way. Two, there's a mob family moving in uncomfortably close to the Caern. They're trying to build a toxic waste dump there. We don't know if they're outright Wyrmtainted or just greedy and careless, but they're a dangerous crowd and they think they're above the law. The best way to combat them is to fight them on their terms, in influence and connections. If we go at them with violence, they'll have us branded criminals with their political power and rile the whole city against us. So if you have strings to pull, pitch in.

"Apart from that, you need to know this: I'm the Ahroun Alpha of this Sept, and its warmaster. My packmate Katherine is your Auspice Elder. She's a Silver Fang, but I think we're past the point where tribal rivalries are an issue. These days we stand together or die alone, so it's in your best interest to make yourself known to her as well. It's also in your best interest to find yourself a pack quickly, as marching orders come down by pack.

"Until you do, I'm your acting Alpha. That means if you get in trouble, you come to me. If you cause me trouble, I come to you. Lastly, if you want to take a kin of this Tribe as a mate, come to me and we'll figure that challenge out."

All that is spoken low and level, with a certain air that suggests it's not the first, and won't be the last time Wyrmbreaker gives the spiel. When he's finished, he takes another bite of his sandwich, chews and swallows.

"Questions?"

[Jael Zanko] He listened to Lukas, watching him with that intese look. He seemed to take in everything and then let Lukas words hang in the air for a moment before saying "None

After all, he hadn't expected something else. "Thank you for the update on the city. I will do what I can to help with both situations." He paused "As for following Anton, he's the stepping stone to my power base and though I trust him, I prefer to oversee things myself. DC is going well, my grip is solid. No reasons to stay there when I have an opportunity to help the tribe here and secure a power baseover this citie's docks"

He finished his sandwich and looked around for a napkin, not wanting to wipe his fingers on his pants.

[Katherine Bellamonte] Speak of the Devil, and lo, she comes.

Well, to be fair, they are in her house and it is close to 5AM in the morning -- for Katherine, that's about the time she begins to stir. Somewhere a door clicks open, closes again and from down the long corridor on the opposing side of that Olympic Pool pads a barefoot Philodox Silver Fang.

And what a Silver Fang she seems.

Blonde, pretty, with a full mouth built for disdain that offered little of it these nights and days in all honesty, with a noble brow and the fine architecture of cheekbones and nose that spoke much of her ancestry. Her hair was damp from the shower, combed back over her shoulders; her body wrapped in a fine silk robe that did not, frankly, leave so much room to imagine what her shape was beneath it.

It's disarming, always, to see Katherine Bellamonte at her ease; she is not a creature that allows such glimpses often. But here, this was her den, her space. The pale eyed Adren has no fear, here. Perhaps she has even shared her bed this night with one of her tribesmen.

Maturity shows different faces of one we've known for years. But to Jael, this may well be what Honor's Compass is always like, so leisurely as she moves into the kitchen space.

"Morning," she greets both lightly, moving toward the coffee pot.

[Wyrmbreaker] Lukas reaches back to snag a roll of paper towels, thick and absorbent as cloth. He rips one off and tosses the roll to Jael.

"Fair enough. We'll be glad to have your help here. And," nodding to Katherine who comes breezing into the kitchen for her morning coffee while her Alpha is having ... dinner? A midnight snack? before bed, "this is Katherine Bellamonte, who I just spoke of. My packmate, and the leader of your auspice.

"Kate, this is my tribesman Jael, a Shadow Lord from the DC area."

[Jael Zanko] He catches the roll and ripped one for himself as he offer a bow to his tribal elder. If he minded Katherine's clothing or wondered what she has been up to, it didn't show. After all femeale Garou didn't interest him that way and what one would do in her personal time, wasn't his matter. Instead he said

"Morning Rhya, it's a pleasure meeting you. Cold Victory Rhya was telling me youwere my auspice Elder" He said in a deep, respectful tone.

He then proceed to wipe his fingers with the cloth, watching both Elders

[Katherine Bellamonte] Hot coffee is poured into a mug, it is not surprise to any she takes it as it is.

Hot, bitter, she does not even wait for it to cool before raising it to her lips with a measure of raised eyebrow across at this new Shadow Lord. Oh, and another new Half Moon. "My," she greets, her voice warming with the beverage in hand; her robe whispering secrets as she settles herself against the bench; a shoulder brushing her Alpha, stealing a morsel left from his sandwich assembly without forethought.

"so many new Philodoxes this turn. I suspect we'll have a new Master of Challenge before my footprints are even swept from the circle." A beat, a curl of lip. "I welcome you, Jael, as your auspice elder, and owner of the house you stand in."

[Wyrmbreaker] Katherine steals a small bit of turkey left over from Lukas's sandwich-making endeavours. It's not the first time she's seen him put a sandwich together here. Or make crepes. Or whatever else it is he cooks here when it's the middle of the night and he's bored, or winding down.

He leans over and snags the package of turkey breast, the bag of marble rye. Plunks both down in front of Kate, just in case she wanted to make her own sandwich. As for the conversation, he simply puts in, "Kate was our Master of Challenge until very recently. She served for ... what was it, over a year? Tough job. Winners take all the credit themselves; losers heap all the blame on you."

[Jael Zanko] He nodded to Katherine when she welcome him "Thank youRhya, you have a beautiful home"He said before his attention moved to Lukas while he spoke. Then he looked at both of them

"You are right, the Master of Challenge is a hard position. No one likes to lose and well for many, it's never their fault. It's the same for the everyday duties of a philodox. You always have situations to judge and no matter your decision, it will never please everyone"

His eyes stop on Katherine "it takes a special type of Garou to handle that position, I'm honored that my Auspice Elder is such a person and held it for so long with all her other duties" He offer her a small nod before looking at both off them again

"I met Stormbreaker earlier this week, she told me a little about her packmate the Wyrmfoe. Are there others I should be aware of, or do oyu prefer I discover them on my own"He ask Lukas about his tribesmate.

[Katherine Bellamonte] She sniffs, turning her face in reaction to the foodstuffs dumped before her.

"Not this early, Lukas. Really," she scolds him, eying his mountainous sandwich. "However will you sleep with that much food in your stomach?" She turns, looking to Jael as if for confirmation. "I don't know how he manages, sometimes, Jael. I really do not."

A beat, she chimes in absently about Master of Challenge. "Mm, well, in truth any Half Moon worth their salt can land a position, what turns the tides is whether or not they are the sort of Half Moon who can readily stand to be judge, and be judged. It's rather harder than you'd imagine."

A careful sip, she falls quiet as conversation steers back toward matters of Thunder.

[Wyrmbreaker] "The Wyrmfoe's a largely ceremonial position," Lukas replies, "but Simon is more important than that. In recent months he's been my right hand in matters of war. He's a resourceful Garou and a strong son of Thunder.

"Sooner or later you're bound to run into Adamidas as well, our Theurge Alpha, and Matthieu, the Galliard Alpha and the Liaison to the Kin. It's a new office," he explains, "apparently put into place because some of the kin have been out of control lately and causing more trouble than the Grand Elder wants to deal with. There's no Ragabash Alpha at the moment.

"Sooner or later I'm sure you'll meet the various Tribal Alphas as well. Some are more stable than others. Kora leads the Fenrir. They're a reticent, reclusive bunch that usually stick to Cabrini-Green, but Kora's been around a long time. Katherine leads the Silver Fangs, as you've probably surmised. The other tribes' leadership tends to be more volatile.

"If you're looking for a pack," he finishes, "you should consider Dark Sky. They're a Shadow Lord crowd, and they're honorable, but small. They could probably use the numbers."

[Jael Zanko] All he could give Kate was a supportive shrugh about Lukas's eating habits. He did add "I'm sure it is" When she commented that being judged was harder than one would think. He had no doubts about it.

He listened to Lukas once again, his attention on him. He wasn't distracted by the decor or by the beautiful Silver Fang in her silky robe. Only what his Elder was saying mattered.

"I'll keep all you've said in mind. As for packing, Strombreaker has told me about Dark Sky, offered me a room at the place she shares with Bone Grinder. For now, I prefer to settlle in, get to know the city, the Sept and it's member then will analyze with whom it would be best I pack. Packing with tribesmate do sound interesting, I have to admit though"

It seemed the logical way to proceed after all. Settle, know the terrain, know it's occupants then pack with whever will be best and will complement your efforts. Packing with tribe certainly sounded good, but too many manipulators together might get you dissention and well nothing will move forward.

[Wyrmbreaker] "For what it's worth," Lukas comments, not deigning to respond to Kate's dig at the size of his sandwich (except for a subtle under-the-counter kick!), "tribe doesn't matter all that much in this Sept. I'm the only Lord in my pack. Kate's a Fang; Sinclair's a Walker, Sarita's a Strider. We're still looking for a Theurge, and the only unpacked Theurge I've met lately is a Fianna.

"Join whatever pack you feel fits you best. I suggested Dark Sky largely because I know them, and they're an honorable group that could use a good Philodox."

[Katherine Bellamonte] Lukas kicks Katherine's leg under the table, and she responds with a well timed pinch to the side of his leg while he is mid speech about honorable packs and Half Moons. There's something rather ironic there, no? At any rate, she casts him a pointed over shoulder look as she steps away from the bench.

"I shall leave you to your discussions, Jael, a pleasure. Should you need my council, you can often find me here, or on Caern grounds. Excuse me," a little dip, and she trails off, one imagines, to dress herself.

[Jael Zanko] He nodded to him "I will certainly take a closer look at Dark Sky." He said, now looking for a garbage can to throw his cloth in. "And you are right, your pack do sound very diversified" He said with a nod

He look at Katherine "Have a good day Rhya"He said ot her before looking at Lukas "I should let you finish your meal" He said, watching his Elder "It is getting quite late or early"

[Wyrmbreaker] Lukas barely avoids an undignified yelp mid-speech, though he does suck a breath in and shoot a glare at Katherine. Then she's slinking off to get dressed, and Jael is revving up to goodbyes.

"Late for me," Lukas replies with a smile. "Thanks for stopping by, Jael. I look forward to seeing you around the Caern."

[Jael Zanko] He nodded to him "I heard I need to make a sacrifice to Maelstrom to be part of the Spet. It will be done shortly. I wanted to meet you first. Have a good day as well Rhya. Thank you for meeting me"

He bowed slightly then with a nod, he turnedand headed out. At this hour, better head to the docks and work some. He couldalways sleep later in the day