reflecting on theron.

[Gina McClaren] *Gina stands outside Lukas's door, back straight with resolve. Bells and Jingling no longer announce the curvy strider's approach, and she may well have been there for several minutes in silence, considering. Resolve was intent to act. Action - that took a good deal more in the way of minerals. Why was she hesitant to rap knuckles against worn wood? Was she frightened of the ahroun? Perhaps a dash more than was reasonable and still a fair shake less than was probably healthy.

The tawny kin's mouth pulls soft features into a tight self-intended scowl. Small fist cracking a beat on Lukas's door, for better or worse.*

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas keeps strange hours. When the knock comes, door opens almost instantly, as though he'd been standing right behind it.

And he has. He's in an plain white tee-style undershirt and comfortable old lounge pants, his jaw white with shaving foam. There's a towel around his neck, damp at one end, and a straight razor in his hand. Apparently the bathroom was too far to trek for a 'morning' shave tonight.

He looks mildly surprised to see Gina standing there. "Hello. Are you looking for Sarita?"

[Gina McClaren] Pff. nae.

*It comes unbidden. The strider kin's immediate reaction to anything even remotely tribe related was a clear and resounding negative. A cough in her throat, Gina beginning the conversation anew.*

Nae. Lookin fer ye.

*Her hands fall to wide hips, settling there on a rumpled cotton skirt so as not to flit about like moths as she spoke. A toss of unfashionably long hair, and she continues, neck tilted at an uncomfortable angle to look at the impossibly tall ahroun.*

Heard frem yer theurge lately?

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "We haven't had a Theurge in our ranks for a very long time." Lukas motions Gina in, kicks the door back into place -- not closed, but tongue tapping jamb -- and goes back to shaving. "Do you mean Theron? If so, no. Last I heard he was going into the Umbra, and then back home, to sort some things out.

"Why?"

[Gina McClaren] *Gina comes into the room, leaning against the wall near the door. She'd had many a relation with shadowlords of far worse reputation, yet it was Lukas she was uncertain of. A shoulder bobs, thin strap of her tanktop slipping down burnished skin as she makes her home in the Ahroun's room.*

Course ah mean Theron.

..

Jes checkin ee's alive stell, aye? Ye kain...

*He was supposed to be coming back. The pikey doesn't say it, but it was obvious enough. She didn't inquire after Caleb or Sam or any of the other members of Unbroken Circle who'd reportedly went back home or disappeared in the Umbra or been swallowed by Maelstrom.*

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] The fact that Lukas was currently wielding a straight razor with bonechilling expertise likely doesn't help Gina's sense of safety. There was a time when they were friendlier with each other -- when they saw each other more often; when he came across her on the beach or frowned disapprovingly after she picked some rich sap's pocket clean. That was a long time ago, though. A lot has happened since then, and whatever nascent bond between them has been left neglected.

Silent and efficient, the razor follows the line of his jaw, leaving behind a perfect sweep of smooth skin. Lukas frowns faintly into the mirror, his eyes catching Gina's in reflection. He finishes razoring one half of his face before speaking.

"Let me be frank, Gina." His tone is low; not angry, perhaps a little somber. Perhaps a little sad. "I've seen a lot of packmates come and go over the years. Some die. Others leave. Most who leave don't return. A few of them make it clear when they depart that they won't. Something draws them away inexorably, or they weren't happy here, or they were plainly kicked out. A few of them make it clear that they'd be back someday if there's even a sliver of possibility for them to come this way again. Those are the ones whose memories hurt most as they fade, because I know every day they stay away increases the chance that they've fallen somehow, somewhere."

He wipes the blade clean on the damp end of his towel -- foam residue and whiskers catching amongst the tiny cotton loops of the terrycloth. Tilting his head the other way now, he continues as he shaves.

"But the majority of those who leave and do not return -- they leave with a promise to come back on their lips and a different promise in their eyes. I don't know why they don't speak it outright; perhaps it's some misplaced sense of shame, some erroneous idea that they've failed. I'll not deny it: Perun's a harsh master, and I can be a hard Alpha. Some wolves thrive under this sort of leadership; others just aren't really cut out for it. But there are plenty of totems out there, plenty of packs in which these wolves will do very well. Better than they ever would in the Unbroken.

"To be honest, I think Theron falls amongst that number. He wasn't ... happy running with us, I think. I think he very much wanted to be, but we weren't cut out for each other. If he comes back and wants to rejoin us, I'll still welcome him. A brother is a brother. But if he goes to another pack, I won't hold it against him. And I wouldn't be too surprised."

Reflected, Lukas's eyes lower as he wipes the blade clean again. Then he towels his face off, first with damp, then with dry, and turns around. For a creature so large, he moves smoothly and well, crossing the room with silent, but palpable footsteps. The razor is set atop an open jar of shaving cream, balanced beside a shaving brush.

"The reason I'm telling you all this," he says, "is because I haven't heard from Theron since he left. And I wanted you to understand that this doesn't necessarily mean he's dead or lost or any of that. Simply that I think our association may have ended when he left us.

"For what it's worth, though, I know he intended to challenge for you. As his mate."

[Gina McClaren] *Kohl rimmed eyes follow the trek of the metal blade along the shadowlord's throat, watching it peel scruff from skin with smooth efficiency. How long had it been since she'd seen a man shave? Something about it strikes her as fatherly, and that has her frowning deeply. She doesn't like that, for reasons she will have to pick apart another day. What she does this evening is shift position, hands pressed flat against the wall, holding it up.

Lukas speaks on Perun and pack. On those that die and those that leave. He needn't keep an eye on the thieving gypo her to know where she was in the room. The spiced scent of her skin, and the whisper of foreign breeding was more than enough. Gina had no such luxury. Gina watches him, her head tilting forward defensively, fingers flickering away from the wall, palm up as he moves towards her too fluidly for a human. Garou, they had their little ways to unsettle, even when you knew them for what they were. Their nature alarming enough by itself. The pikey tongues her teeth, nodding, before singsonging flippantly.*

Och aye, well. Effen "wanta" was "hadda" than beggars would ride.

*Another nod. Accompanied by a huff.*

Jes wanted tae kain whether ye'd hear o em. S'aul. Been countin' em as dead n' gawn, meself.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "He's been gone a long time," Lukas observes. He picks up his shaving implements -- along with a toothbrush and tumbler and toothpaste -- and nods her with him, opening the door of his room now, heading for the bathroom. "Can I ask why you're asking after him right now?"

[Gina McClaren] Was recht fookin angry when ee' blundered aft. Reckon ah've sence cooled aft enough tae wonder.

*The pikey who mixes lies with truths as naturally as breathing is candid. Padding barefoot through the hall to hitch a hip against the bathroom doorway, unwilling to follow the Ahroun from room to room like a puppy yapping at his heels for attention. Stubborn as ever she was, if somewhat more subtle in it than many of the kin around, that seemed to wear mule-headedness like a merit badge on their sleeve.*

Reckon ye've tauld me aul ah needed. Thank ye loves.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Since Gina doesn't follow him into the bathroom, Lukas turns a few feet inside that cavernous, tiled space.

"Glad to help," he says. And, before she quite turns to go, "Is Sarita looking after you these days?"

[Gina McClaren] Nae certain. Reckon she says she es, fer aul tha's worth, aye?

*Brown hand catching the doorjamb to halt her progress. A sardonic quirk of lips far better suited to raucous grinning, as Gina tosses her hair back.*

Never can tell wi' a Strider, though effen ye've a concern wi' me ah'm sure et'd stroke her ego plenty effen ye came tae her wi' et.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "She means well," Lukas says. "She's just got her hands full with her own sister these days, I think.

"But you should know in case you haven't heard yet -- there's some concern about kin kidnappings lately. You live just down the hall, so you're about as safe as you're likely to be while you're within these walls. But have a care when you're out and about."

[Gina McClaren] Aye. M'on et aulready. Tauld the lass next door ah'll dial her digits every necht tae check en.

*As to meaning well - Gina makes no comment. A wave of her hand all the response she has as to the Strider's intentions.*

Ah'll see ye aboot. Try nae tae die.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] A faint huff of a laugh as the Shadow Lord turns back to his morning rituals. "Same to you, Gina McClaren."

basketball and the yankees.

[Gina McClaren] Day was edging onto night in Chicago, the sun fading behind skyscrapers and lighting the smog a fiery orange. In the slums, small time drug dealers began to get jumpy as the schools of night sharks in matching colors came out to prowl their territory, looking to deal curbstomp justice to those fools pandering on the wrong corner. Gina's neighborhood was quieter, her decrepit two-story flophouse to be situated in an area that still tried at decency. A basketball court up the road echoed with laughter and trashtalking, teenagers idling away the last shreds of crimson daylight within its rusted confines. Across the street and two houses down, a small Indian woman leaned on a newly erected fence, drinking a nestea with a hammer hooked in the hem of a too short jeanskirt. Legs crossed at the ankle as she listens to the neighborhood wind down.*

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Almost all at once the warmth of spring has come to Chicago. Days in the 80s; nights in the 70s. Humidity in the air. Clouds and rain in the sky. The promise of a long stifling midwestern summer, soon.

Bronzeville isn't Lukas's territory, nor one of his usual haunts. Maybe he's down this way looking for the Get gang and their young Alpha. Maybe he's just here to look, to see, to get a sense of the land and its threats.

Regardless, whatever business may have brought him down this way has ended. As the last color stains the sky, Lukas is on the basketball court across the way from Gina's. He's not playing with the teenagers, no -- they'd flee in terror or attack him with knives if he tried -- but he is on the asphalt, behind the chainlink fence. He'd found an old faded basketball somewhere, and he's shooting hoops by himself, one after another, pensively.

His clothes make him stand out. Light linen trousers and a woven buttondown in shades of grey are a world away from the oversized jeans and the baggy t-shirts or faded wifebeaters of the inner-city kids. The way he looks, you'd expect him to have grown up around sports like golf, polo, crew. If he ever played ball, you'd expect it to be in some brilliantly-lit indoor court, flawless hardwood floors and plexiglass backboards. He has a surprising familiarity with an sunbleached old basketball and a cracked-asphalt court, though; a battered old backboard and a hoop long since devoid of its net.

The basketball bounces, bounces -- a silence, a rattle off the backboard, bouncing back again. The Shadow Lord steps sideways, scoops the ball back with a deft swoop of his big hand, shoots again. No hurry; no flash. Ruminative. Meditative.

[Gina McClaren] *Teens, weathered by hard living and stress, begin to filter out of the basketball court. A few spectators at first, then the players themselves, deciding for one reason or another that they should take their game elsewhere. The rubbery bounce of a deflating basketball reverberating down the street as they sulk off. Gina frowns, wiping the condensation of her drink on her forehead, sticky with the stifling heat of the fading day. Sandals are slipped back on, bikini top adjusted for decency as she jingles across the street at a stalk. It was likely the local group of wanna-be gangbangers, intent on causing trouble. She'd sweet talked them away once before, here was trying for a second time. If that failed, well.. her house was across the street, and she had a hammer, and George Junior next door with a window open. *

OI! Wha's thes tha?

[Adamidas] Bronzeville has the best Stuff.

Not loot. Stuff. A rat told her once that there was a difference between stuff and loot. She was aware of this, now, and she was looking for Stuff. What she had with her, at that moment, was a little box. It was small, and well-cared for, and remarkably looked a little like an oversized box for an engagement right. Inside? There were butterfly wings.

What a theurge needs, sometimes, is not to be thought about. What she would do with them was irrelevant, because that butterfly attentin span was caught by the sound of a bouncing basket ball. It was starting to get hot, it was starting to smell like summer. [Summer is brought into the fray by a great hunt. She waits.]

She heard sound, and it was the sound of a very perculiar accent that caught her attention. The Fury headed that way. Attire was comfortable. Jean shorts, tee shirt, and a zip up hoodie. her shoes were boring, and bore no mention, but they didn't require her to wear socks, so it was fine.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] It soon becomes apparent, as Gina stalks across the streets like a pint-sized crusader for inner city peace, that it's not local wannabe gangbangers scaring the kids off. As the game breaks up and the spectators leave, Lukas winds up alone on the corner-lot basketball court. Four hoops, and he's the only one there.

It doesn't bother him. He's calm and collected, focused, shooting basket after basket after basket...

...except he's not, really. The sun's going down. The moon, when it rises, will be full. His moon. It's in his blood already, tugging at his rage; lighting him on fire. So he breathes steadily. And he dribbles methodically. And he shoots, and he steps forward, paws the ball back into his control, and rinses, and repeats.

"Gina McClaren," he says when he catches sight of her out the corner of his eye. "What are you doing here?"

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] [okay various bug-life, LOG IN AND PLAY]

[cricket] [YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME. *bursts into tears, runs away*]

[Gina McClaren] Wha am ah daen ere? Wha are ye daen ere? Ah live ere Peaches.

*It sounds like a challenge, as she tilts her head across the street to the house still missing siding, renovation junk littering the front yard. Were it not for the soothing softness of her voice coloring things teasing. Its alright. We're just having a laugh, aren't we? There's no hint of the bitterness that had crept into her tone when they'd last spoken. The shadowlord had threatened to beat her to death with prophylactics, and she'd been so shocked he remained unaware of Theron's relationship with her, she'd failed to note the humor. Tawny fingers curl through the rusted chain link, flimsy metal separating her from the predator, his rage, and his game of b-ball. That damndable voice is like honeyed tea to a sore throat, singsong trilling clearly across the distance.*

Carefy Mr. Perfection. yer throwin yer shoulder on yer rebound.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas turns, amused. Even his amusement is lit with rage; makes his grin just a little sharper, the flash of teeth a little more unsettling.

"All right, Ms. Critical." He comes toward the fence, hand sure on the ball, dribbling it low at his side, quick between the scissoring of his legs and back again. He might be showing off. This is how Lukas shows off: carelessly, confidently, thoughtlessly. "Why don't you get in here and show me how it's done."

If she heads for the gate, he paces her on the other side of the fence. The ball is a sharp steady metronome. The Ahroun feels more like a beast tonight than any other night -- an animal in a cage, a savage in sheep's skin. When she rounds the corner at the gate he passes the ball to her, an easy two-handed push.

[Rory] She's done as she said she would since stepping aside so that Thoth could take over guardianship of Gina - she's stayed out of the way. She's also been busy with the bogeymen, and other such things, so now is the first she's had the chance to come around.

Tonight, the attire is simple. Jeans and a tank top that does little to hide the bulk of bandages underneath. The scent of blood clings to her, old but still there as she moves with the absent care of one used to being injured in some way or another. Her pack is on her back, despite the injury, and she holds something in her hands, messing with little gismos and widgets as she turns down the street toward Gina's place, absently humming under her breath.

[Adamidas] Siren's voice.

She follows the sound, and finds a look at a tiny pikey with the bikini top and-

Huh. Lukas with a basketball. Lukas with a basketball with a lot of rage and in very nice pants. She holds the little box in front of her, looks down to make sure that it's all well, and head forward. She heads over, "springtime."

She waves a little. A wiggle of the fingers.

"I'll bet she's got one Hell of a jumpshot, it's the little people that can really play basketball."

[Gina McClaren] Och.. ye've a bit o a height advantage on me, dinnae ye?

*Teases the pikey, well aware there is a predator keeping stride with her the way an agitated lion does with spectators at the circus. Her nervousness shows in the sweep of her hair behind her, the added sashay of her hips. She moves through the gate one hip at a time, catching the ball with a clatter of bangles. Adamidas speaks, and Gina's attention turns sharply in that direction. A stranger. Once upon a time the fury would have been met with a sunny grin and welcoming charm. Now only the fact that the theurge speaks with such familiarity saves her from a suspicious frown, Gina looking up... up up to Wyrmbreaker in question. Basketball palmed anxiously.*

Friend o yers loves?

[Theron Locke] Theron had spent the majority of the day here, helping with the renovations and also scouting the area umbrally to see what spirits were around. Gina had asked him to help out where he could and he wasn't treating the job lightly. He had put his tools down a little while ago though, body caked in dust from the work.

With it being warm lately, he had slipped off to take a quick shower, with him now exiting the Bronzeville premises. Slender fingers running through wet hair as he looked around for Gina. Body covered in a plain white tee and a pair of light cargo pants.

Eyes finding her moments later as she makes her way through the gate to the basketball court. Apparently talking to someone familiar to her, from this distance he couldn't make out the strangers details. But there was no mistaking the presence of his packmate. The corners of his mind tingling slightly with a known connection. Stepping forward as he heads in their direction.

[Rory] She's something of a joke among the bogeymen - as she doesn't really sneak well. It's a good thing she's not trying to now, as she actually runs into a lamppost, hissing a breath as her shoulder connects, and glaring at the metal as if it's the lights fault for jumping right into her way. It has nothing to do with the fact she's not watching where she's going either. not at all.

[Totally distracted - it's got levers and hinges and springs and STUFF.]

It does, however, serve to bring her gaze upwards, slightly, enough to pinpoint and decipher the sounds she's been hearing. Basketball, bangles, siren's voice, and...

There they are - across from Gina's. Her direction shifts to head toward the court, even as her eyes are drawn to her lil gizmo once more.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "We'll play Horse," Lukas replies.

Then his attention is swinging around. He's swiveling around, head and shoulders, then the rest of him realigning to face the newcomer. It's Adamidas. Lukas's eyes are incandescent with the daylight, with the twilight, with rage. He cracks a crooked grin.

"Yeah, I'll bet," he replies. Then, gesturing at the small kinswoman, "Alethea, this is Gina McClaren, kin to the Silent Striders -- though my brother Theron may be challenging for her hand soon. Gina, this is Alethea of the Furies."

[Gina McClaren] Lo loves. Nice tae meet ye, reckon.

*So sings the pikey, a soft smile of relief both at the details of the introduction, and at the fact that Adamidas wasn't another strider or batshit bloody silverfang. The basketball is lobbed gently to the Black Fury, Gina's bangles clinking in percussive accompaniment to her voice. Speaking of percussion - a stark KAWUNG announces Rory's arrival on the scene, Gina noting her seconds before Theron. A shout encompassing both of them.*

OI!n O'er 'ere! Mind yer hoose!

[Adamidas] [manip+sub: Can't read myyyyyy, can't read myyyyy, no he can't read my poooooker faaaaace]
Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 1, 1, 1, 4, 7 (Failure at target 6)

[Rory] She flushes, bright, as Gina yells her way, and she realizes she saw the little collision. With the blush though, is that same shy lil grin that tends to linger as she hides behind her curls. The moon is full, bright - Lukas' moon. Her moon. And the rage is thick, heavy in the air about her, in direct contradiction to the way she acts - no, the way she is. Shy, soft spoken, prone to hiding, prone to blushing... all things that are at complete odds to Rory in battle.

She's... unique.
Or something.

She closes the distance, peeking up at Lukas, over at Adam and Theron, before she smile shyly at Gina. "hi." Single words are easier, and this one is meant for all of them.

[Ray Ostermann] Bronzeville, it was an odd place for the suit wearing, money making shadowlord Kin to come, there was little money in Bronzeville, and even fewer people wearing suits. But the man did have one good reason to be down here. And that reason stood on a foundation less then twenty yards from where the garou and kin gathered.

Ray walked down the sidewalk casually, making his way to Gina's house at his own pace. He was in no hurry as it wasn't a particularly busy day at the office, he did have his secretary to keep ontop of things after all.

As he drew closer, the group became more and more apparent, and he looked about and recognized most of the people gathered there....including his Alpha, Lukas. The man seems to wait there for a few minutes, deciding on something.

[Adamidas] He calls her Alethea.

The Fury stops and looks at Lukas, brows raised and eyes wide for a second. Blinks one... twice, and tries to come up with words. It's that half second delay, the raise of her eyebrows, the way her eyes seem wider and her cheeks lighter for a moment.

It's that half second look at Lukas, then the look back at Gina. She smiles, like it took her a second to realize she needed to smile, and offers her hand, "It's great to meet you."

And there is a softspoken hi, and whatever was on her face was gone because she was talking to people. All rage and shyness, "hey, I'm Adam."

She smiles at Rory.

[Theron Locke] Theron had made his way through the gate and onto the court, a nod of greeting and a small smile as he notices Rory peeking at him. Having run with the Ahroun along side several of the cities Fenrir as they took down a pack of Spirals. While she seemed so shy now, he knew first hand just how fierce she could be in battle.

Standing by the sidelines as he just watches Lukas for a moment "Evenin brother, strange to see you in these parts." the statement not questioning per say, but the Theurge is curious. A wave and a nod of greeting is given to Adam when he catches her attention "Hey there."

A warm smile is then given to Gina "You going to give Lukas a run for his money?" and then a smile "Better watch out brother, she's full of all kinds of surprises." a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] [if lukas isn't supposed to know that name, pretend he introduced her as Adamidas!]

[Adamidas] [He would and does know the name! It's no big!]

[Gina McClaren] *Adam's hand is squeezed gently, before a pikey's eyes are widening at who she sees over the Fury's shoulder.*

Jaysus fookin christ, they 'avin a sale on hookers ah didnae kain aboot? Why en hell are ye aul crawlin oot the woodwork?! Flophouse esnae even open yet, an ye - ye chancer, are nae envited.

*Crows the diminutive kin to wanderers and mystics, A nod to Lukas in jest even as she pulls an incredulous face and raises her hand high to Ray in greeting. Basketball forgotten as she flounces towards the fence and has it rattling sharply as she grabs the chainlink and peers through at the Shadowlord theurge lingering out on the sidelines. Her nose wrinkles in mischief.*

Yer envited reckon. Ah suppose.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Rory's a bit of a contradiction. So shy, so retiring -- but Lukas remembers how fierce she was in the Park a few months ago, tearing into spider after spider that had poured out of Danicka's cute little sportster.

There's a genuine, albeit casual respect in the nod of hello he gives Rory. Then it's on to Theron.

"I was passing through. Found a basketball and a tarmac court." The tall Shadow Lord bends, scooping said basketball off the asphalt where it's rolling. "Reminded me of old times. We had a streetcorner court down the block where I grew up."

A fast, low bounce, one hand to the other and back. He takes a shot. The backboard rattles, the bolts coming loose. One of these days it'll come crashing down, probably give some poor kid a scalp laceration.

"That reminds me. Yankees are playing White Sox in August," he adds, that off-center grin tugging at his lips again. "I was thinking we can make it a pack outing." He tosses the ball to Theron, a fast, direct pass. "Maybe bring our mates too. Provided there's more than one by that time."

Which brings him back to, "You and Gina have a talk with her people yet?"

[Ray Ostermann] Ray is spotted by Gina, who waves to him in her friendly, open manner, the sort of manner that made men want her, and made garou and kin warm to her. He didn't advance immediately though, instead he looked at the house, looking it over as if to ascertain what had been done with the funds the man had allocated to her project. Making sure his investment was well spent.

Its another few minutes before Ray starts to make his way to the basketball court, taking his time in the fact, looking over the flop house thoroughly from the outside, before going to be social.

As he approached, he raised his hand in greeting, that friendly smile settling over his face, as he made his way to join the others. "Afternoon." He says as he draws closer, a wink given to Rory, before he turned his attention back to the others.

[Rory] Lukas nods, the others say hello, and then - then Ray winks at her. Rory? Blushes, then blushes redder still, the color creeping along her neck and shoulders, dipping under clothing and bandages as she hugs the little gizmo in her hands closer to her belly.

She tips her head, slightly, as Lukas mentions Theron courting Gina and talking to her people, and tries to catch the Pikey's gaze, her own filled with naked curiosity... seen just before she ducks her head again.

She steps closer to Gina, and murmurs softly.. "...Ok?" a single word question that encompasses everything.

[Adamidas] [afk, sorority people!]

[Theron Locke] Theron chuckles and gives Gina a wink "Glad you think so... if I wasn't I'd have to gate crash or go find another game to play". Moving past her as the ball comes hurtling towards him in fast pass. Only managing to catch the ball at the last moment.

Turning to face Lukas "Hmm sounds good... Sox home game or Yankees?" he questions briefly , Theron thoughtful for the moment "But sounds fun either way... pack outing sounds good. Yeah provided there's more than one" he says with a mysterious sort of smile.

"Not yet... heard Thoth was still in town so going to do him the honor of speaking to him first. Just wanted to wait for my Fostern challenge to be completed first. You know...deal with one thing at a time so I can give it a hundred per cent of my focus. Well that was my idea anyway... if you think it can't wait tho...?"

[Gina McClaren] *Alarmed as a ball whips towards Theron, Rory speaking to her, ray coming over, Basket-baseball-... something games in the works...? Confusion is written clearly on exotic features as the strider kin steps back, dark eyes casting up to the redhead beside her. Question held obvious within their chocolate depths. Ok? What was Ok? Then Theron's mincing words, and the pikey is pursing her lips into a frown.*

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas looks absolutely aghast.

Too aghast to say hi to Ray. Too aghast to reply to the rest of what Theron's talking about. It's possible Theron could tell him he's dancing the Spiral tomorrow, and Lukas wouldn't look more appalled than he does now.

"Sox home game," he says, slowly, the way someone might reply blue if asked what color the sky is. "The New York Yankees, Theron. What the hell. Didn't you grow up in the City?"

[Rory] Her attention is on Gina, and when she looks at her, Rory drops her gaze to the Pikey's belly, than back up - to Theron and back to Gina, pointedly.

Gina's confused. Rory's even more so as she murmurs softly "bot nogeybaby?"

Disappointed.

[Adamidas] She had, for a moment, been distracted by something on the ground. And her attention was split. Ray was coming over, and at that moment she did look up. She cocked her head to the side, attention on him for a second as she went over his features. Traced the details and sought something. She inhales, deep and quiet, and he-

"I had a hot dog with you," she says surprised.

[Gina McClaren] *Ouch. Funny how things come back to hit a person like a boot in the gut. Narrow shoulders curve protective, Gina leaning against chainlink. Attempting not to sag as the Indian woman shakes her head dismally, disappointment warring with memory that has her ashen and grim. A more definite shake of her head now, as she sings quietly to Rory.*

Nae. Nae baby et aul.

[Ray Ostermann] Ray turned his gaze to Adam and seemed to come to the same conclusion, that winning smile flashes across his lips as he meets Adam's gaze. "That we did, how have you been...Adam." It takes him a moment to roll her face over in his mind and find her name, but there it is all the same.

"I'm a bit of a surprise no matter where I go, people just...never suspect."

[Adamidas] "It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to paint it, Ray," she smiles. It's a genuine sort of thing, something that comes easily, too easily on a full moon. Shouldn't come as easily as it does. One could go into a maudlin monologue about all the things in Chicago that are grim and terrible, but we're talking about a girl who has a box of butterfly wings. Either she isn't aware or it doesn't bother her.

"You caught me offguard, that's for sure."

[Theron Locke] Theron shakes his head with a laugh "Of course I know who they are you doofus. I was born and raised in New York. I only asked because after my fostern challenge I sorta had a trip planned for Gina and I. Looking at going back to New York for a bit and catching up with each other's families and some other stuff that Gina doesn't know about yet."

"But I think we will be back in town for the game you mentioned." Attention now drifting towards Gina and Rory as he over hears their conversation, a pang of pain felt as Gina comments there was no baby at all. Probably good in a way... made things simpler at least.. but still it woulda been nice.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Gina and I, Theron says. Our families, he says. We.

"Well," Lukas replies, catching the Theurge's eye and holding it, "don't count your chickens before they hatch. One step at a time. Right?"

[probably taking off soon, guys! getting late, and more work for me tomorrow :P]

[Rory] "....oh." Her eyes widen, and she watches as Gina curls up protective, and tries not to sag against the fence. Impulsively, she reaches for Gina and hugs her close with one arm, ignoring the flare of pain as she does so, the little gizmo in her other hand digging into her belly. Now she's sad AND disappointed, but doesn't ask questions. She' never been the type to pry. Asking the question was hard enough.

She settles against the fence, though, with a bit of a rattle, and her attention is drawn once more to the newest Stuff in her hand, sneaking a little peek at Ray and the others as she does so.

[Ray Ostermann] Ray was smiling at Adam as well, and he had opened his mouth to reply, when the Iphone in his pocket began to vibrate and ring. The man pulled it out and looked at everyone gathered. "My apologies, It would seem I'm needed at the office. Excuse me."

He says as he went to put the phone to his ear, taking the call, he waves to everyone, and then winks one last time to Rory as he makes tracks out of the basketball court, and out of sight ((Sorry just too tired to keep going, take it easy folks thanks for the play))

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] [night man!]

[Gina McClaren] Och peaches.. yer hurt..

*Gina lullabies quietly to the redhead, drawing back once she registers bandages. One would assume she'd have gotten used to garou in their various states of mangling, but it never failed to concern her.*

[Rory] She grins shyly at Gina. "bot nad. Delmar helped."

They've come a long way, Rory and her Fenrir packmate, since the day she had to kick his ass to gain his respect. That he had come running to her aid is something she holds near and dear. "tetter bomorrow."

[Theron Locke] THeron nods simply and directly at Lukas "Don't intend too.... not in the habit of repeating the mistakes I've made. And yes one fight at a time."

A turn of his head towards Gina and Rory "Did someone say someone was hurt?... I could take a look at it if you want?" Even if the red-head had mentioned it would be better tomorrow.

[Gina McClaren] Good. Keep each ether safe. Fond o yer lot. Bloody Bogeymen.

*Rory is offered a smile drawn bittersweet, Pikey looking to Lukas and Theron as the theurge speaks.*

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "I know."

Those two words, quietly and levelly spoken, are the only acknowledgment Theron has received to date. The only signal or indication that -- however silently and unremarkedly -- his alpha has been aware of his changes. His maturation, perhaps.

Then Theron's turning away, and someone might be hurt, and Lukas lets him see to it. The Ahroun steps back from the lot instead, nodding a hello-and-goodbye to Ray in one.

"I'm heading back," he says to the gathering at large. "Good seeing you all again."

[Rory] She blinks as Theron speaks, and offers to look at her wound, and she hides behind her curls, blushing brightly as teeth worry over her lower lip. "S'ok. Bot nad now."

And then she tips her head slightly, standing up fully, suddenly and completely alert - though not for anything here. She shoves her newly acquired whatsit into her pack, then offers that shy little grin for gina. "Edwin."

She's needed. And so she goes.

[Early day for me tomorrow. must sleep. Night! Thanks for letting me crash!]

[Adamidas] "See ya, Lukas," she says. She waves, and it's not a pageant wave. Its a raise of her hand, and an indication that she acknowledges him leaving and, yes, hopes to see him again. Box still in her other hand, and Rory is heading off.

She doesn't say anything. She just purses her lips, watches Rory go. She exhales, slow and almost sad.

[Gina McClaren] *Gina's motioned her goodbyes, bangles and charms sounding delicately as she waves. The sun has dipped beyond the horizon, casting everything in the orange light of the dying day. Pikey watching everyone leave, before turning back to Adam and Theron, a soft smile to the theurges, warmth reserved for the shadowlord who's hair she pushes gently back from his face. *

M' gintae make oos somethen tae eat, hansum Lord.

* A glance over her shoulder to the fury.*

Yer welcome tae stay fer food, effen ye'd like. M'jes across the street.

*Theron's cheeks are brushed in a by now familiar gesture of fondness, before the strider kin is swishing out of the basketball court, the scent of spices in her wake.*

[Adamidas] She looks at Gina, and she starts to perk up. She's welcome to stay for food if she would like, and the Fury, the brunette, the dark haired girl considers.

"Miss Gina, I think I'm going to have to take a rain check... I have to talk to someone today and I need to go put on... you know... clothes," she laughs a little, then smiles something smaller. More reserved. It stays to herself, though.

"It was nice to meet you though?"

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] [ack! i'm out too! *got distracted by jet fighter-talk* night, thanks for the RP!]

knocked up.

[Marni] She'd come here straight from the hill house, and granted it probably should have been the other way around, given the state of her clothing and general cleanliness before the visit. Lucky for Lukas though, she's decided to take a shower and do laundry before searching him out. As such, when she comes to his door, her backpack slung over a shoulder, her curls are still damp from her shower, and her clothing is clean - if a bit tattered and stained.

She is, after all, a Gnawer. But she did make an attempt to clean up a little for him.

And so it is, she arrives at his door, and lifts a hand to knock. Knuckles rap twice in quick succession, and then she waits, patiently.

[Wyrmbreaker] As welldressed as he often is, Lukas doesn't seem particularly taken aback when he opens the door to a tattered Gnawer. The Ahroun is sipping what looks like a large mug of morning coffee -- at 10pm -- and beckons her in with his free hand.

After she's in, he leaves the door ajar, tapped closed but not latched. The mug clunks down on his nightstand. He sits on his bed, motioning her to his desk chair. That's also the only chair there is in the room.

"There's coffee," he says, nodding to the coffeemaker on his desk. "Help yourself."

[Marni] She grins a little, a memory of the ready smile she had before she lost everything, before Max disappeared, and Indira died, before she was suddenly forced to remember just how bad it could be. She's better now - fighting her way back, but she's still not quite up to par.

After all, she's alone.
..ish.

She swings her pack down and drops it to the floor by the chair, and gets herself a cup of coffee, holding the mug in both hands and inhaling deeply of the scent, before she takes that first sip. There are few things so good as fresh brewed coffee.

"Thanks."

She seems a little unsure - as she settles to sit in the lone chair. Not quite sure how to start, exactly, and still off kilter, for a multitude of reasons now. Finally, as is her way, she just busts out with it. "I came to talk about.." pause, a shake of her head, a bounce of damp curls. "No, not exactly." A deep breath and. "I come to challenge you for the right to claim Ray Ostermann as my mate."

There. It's said. Can't take it back now, Marni... it's begun.

[Wyrmbreaker] The coffee, Marni might be surprised to find, is not some $30-a-pound, whole-bean, fresh-ground gourmet blend. Instead, it tastes like coffee, decent but inexpensive, the sort one might buy at your corner Peet's or Tully's, or perhaps online in one of those coffee-by-mail programs.

Still. Hot. Caffeinated. Mmm.

While Marni helps herself, Lukas sits back on his bed, leaning against the wall. His shirt is plain and white and cotton; his slacks soft and grey. His feet are bare, and the window is open a crack, letting in a thread of cool night air. Summer has been slow in the coming this year.

Then Marni lays out her request. Lukas's eyebrows hop up; it's an involuntary response. After a beat, "What's Ray think about all this?"

[Gina McClaren] [Thin walls + curiosity flaw = bad news]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 2, 5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8 (Success x 3 at target 7)

[Gina McClaren] *Theron's room. Gina spent more and more of her time here lately. With good reason. It seemed everywhere in the Brotherhood held a ghost of some kind. Walking its halls provided her little comfort from the dead. Withdrawn, walking the city provided little comfort from the living. The formerly sunny pikey leaned against the wall that separated Lukas's room from Theron's, listening idly to the distorted babble of voices within. Theron had gone some time ago with promises of returning later and sincere wishes to find the Silent Strider kinswoman still curled messily amidst his bedsheets. She'd smiled and waved the rogue out of the room. Now, several hours later, she found herself bored. Possessed with a need to wander that was only half satisfied trying to make out the conversation next door. Lukas and - someone she couldn't place... Bangles clink as she runs a hand through her hair and strains to hear details.*

[Marni] His brows hop up, and she can't help the slight smirk at his surprise, though she hides it mostly behind the coffee cup as she takes another sip. The surprise goes both ways, really - after all, she had expected his first statement to be no, and then a get out, and possibly some one-sided discussion of her ancestry and tribe. So a good eyebrow raise is perhaps a good start.

She scratches at the back of her neck, lightly, and then admits... "I haven't made my intention to speak to you known yet." before he protests though... "However, Mama had told In.." here, a catch in her breath, a hitch in her force... it's hard to say her name. "Indira and I - and Ray - that she intended to claim him for the Gnawers, to help take care of her tribe. For whatever reason, at the moot she did not step forward and do so. Due to some... news... I received this morning, I've decided to claim him for myself, instead."

She sets the cup down on the desk, and settles her hands into her lap, clasping them tightly. "It's not my intention to tie him down - I'm well aware of his love of all kinds of women. I know he's fond of me, and I of him. It's not love, but a genuine caring that might grow into that someday. However.. it is my intention to see that my Family is taken care of in the best possible way. Especially if something should happen to me... I need to be sure that he will be there."

[Wyrmbreaker] "Maybe Mama Anklebiter thought better of 'claiming' a kin of Thunder," Lukas replies dryly, "after she heard the exchange between Mila and I."

Fortunately for their eavesdropper next door, Lukas's back is to the wall, and the bass registers of his voice vibrate easily through the thin, thin plaster. There's a quiet -- Marni's voice more indistinct, being higher -- while he listens, reaching to scratch idly at his breastbone for a moment. By the time the Bone Gnawer finishes, the Shadow Lord is frowning.

"Wait. This isn't even a challenge for mateship? You want your Tribe to claim Ray purely to gain access to his resources?"

[Marni] She shakes her head, and drops the bombshell. Sure, she should tell Ray first - but... there are traditions, and reasons, and she's (frightened what he'll say) headed there next.

So she just takes a breath, and lays it out... "Mate. That was Mama's intention. Mine is quite a bit more selfish - because by Family, I mean the kid."

[Gina McClaren] *Now the two were getting to the meat of things. And it would appear it was something worth listening to, one sided as the conversation was to mortal ears. Perhaps were she more wolf, she'd be able to pick up more than the odd word from Marni through the wall. Instead she's left guessing, but with key information none the less. Hooked, Gina shifts against the wall, bed creaking as she's scooting closer. This could have relevance to her own situation, if in a backwards sort of way.*

[Wyrmbreaker] Lukas's face is still.

"You're pregnant?"

[Marni] She just nods. "Yeah."

It's clear it wasn't planned - but well. Gaia has a way of throwing the best laid (...heh...) plans right in the faces of those that least expect it. "Chick at the Hill House confirmed it this morning."

[Gina McClaren] *Gina winces. Oh Ray. Sowing your wild oats out of tribe. What was it with Shdaowlords knocking people up?! A twitch of her smile dips melancholy at the thought of a child that never was.*

[Wyrmbreaker] Amongst Shadow Lords, amongst Ahrouns, perhaps even amongst Garou in general, Wyrmbreaker is frequently a level, calm, controlled presence. He listens. He speaks like he's thought every word out beforehand, in the instants between threads of dialogue. He apologizes when he's wrong. He even has a sense of humor.

None of that changes the basic fact: this Garou is the alpha of his Tribe. This Garou is a Shadow Lord, and an Ahroun, and has enough renown already to be recognized as a greater rank than he's allowed himself to challenge for. And his eyes are cold now, as cold as the paleness of the blue insinuates. They are level, and hard, and unflinching.

"Do you realize," he says softly, "that I should rip you open and reclaim what is mine?"

That hangs in the air for a moment. It's not an idle threat. Something savage moves behind his eyes: the predator judging the lay of the land, the pattern of the prey. A moment goes by, and then he straightens -- the words a little more indistinct through the wall now.

"Ray Ostermann is kin to Thunder. My kin. And for the sake of peace and unity in this Sept, I have been tolerant. I have been lenient. I have given my kinfolk the freedom of choosing who they associate with, who they help, who they take into their beds. I have been willing to turn a blind eye if one of those in their beds happens to be a Garou of another tribe. I have done all this under the assumption that those who benefit from my generosity will show proper respect for my territory."

That was loud and clear, wall or not. His territory. His.

"But there are limits, Sticky Fingers." Her name is all but spat out -- rather appropriate for the situation, all told. "You have gone far beyond them. You haven't been merely fucking around with my kin. You've been mating with him. You've mated with a kin of Thunder without any legitimate claim, any attempt to challenge. You've stolen our blood from us. You've disrespected our claims and the body and person of our kin. I am not going to accept a challenge rooted in such dishonor."

Low, that; a growl.

"Ray Ostermann stays with Thunder. And you stay away from my kin.

"And as for the cub," his eyes flick briefly to her abdomen, "consider yourself lucky that we need warriors more than I want vengeance."

[Gina McClaren] *Harsh words, clear and low. That low rumble that cuts straight to the core of a person and squeezes until it feels as though all the air in the world won't lend one the bravery to breath. Gina's not even actively involved in the conversation directly, and she's holding her breath. A shudder as she wets her lips and eeeeases off Theron's spare bed, a snake slithering away from trouble. Were it not for those cursed bangles that clink and clatter, heavy with charms for the dead. Theron's door clicks open as the kin Lukas's packmate was shacked up with slips into the hallway with a swish of skirts. (Once again Kin, but not Theron's kin. A trend in this sept, and a dangerous one.) Finally she breathes, tossing her hair back and managing.*

Jaysus Mary'n'Jospeh.

[Marni] "I will have my say, rhya..."

Her voice is soft, but there is steal behind it. She stands, and grabs her backpack, slinging it up on her shoulders before she continues. Even still, her voice is oh so carefully controlled.

"..but it will be brief. Make no mistake, Wyrmbreaker. I had no intention of this - of ever trying to trespass on anything of yours. I enjoy the time spent with Ray - and I did not do this to trap him, either. I was careful. Extra so. But.." a hitch of breath, a clench of her jaw, and she continues... "I was grieving, and he was there for me. He reminded me that my loss could be survived, he reminded me of what she would have wanted, and I slipped up - I forgot, one time. And here we are."

She takes a step and smirks, slightly, amused - if only for a brief moment. "As virile and free as he is with his favors, you are lucky that I am the first. I know others who were trying to be..."

She shakes her head, her shoulders straighten and she moves toward the door. "Ray has no purity of his blood. This child has none either. And since you dismiss me - you dismiss what this child could be as well. I trust you will inform Ray of the decision you've made for him, what you've stolen from your own and tossed aside as yesterday's garbage. Honorably, of course."

A beat, as she reaches to open the door, and then. "As for the cub, consider yourself lucky I'm far more protective of it, than of myself, -rhya."

[Wyrmbreaker] For what it's worth, Wyrmbreaker doesn't interrupt; doesn't cut Marni off. He listens -- sitting on the edge of his bed now, elbows on knees, eyes glittering, utterly savage for all his fine clothes, his civility, his eloquence.

"You already owe my tribe a debt of honor," he says as she reaches for the handle of the door. Which is ajar. Which is open far enough that everyone can see Gina outside, jesus-mary-n-josephing. Wyrmbreaker doesn't seem to care that they have an audience. "Don't deepen it by insinuating blame on my kin for your mistakes.

"As for the cost of raising the child," the human term is ironic, "if you and your tribe haven't the means to raise the child, bring him to us before you offer him to another tribe."

[Marni] She doesn't bother with the first, and simply smirks at the last.

"Not a fucking chance in hell."

And she steps outside the room, and past Gina, without another word.

[Gina McClaren] *Gina isn't the most lauded of kin. She's made plenty of mistakes, many well known to the sept at large for their far reaching repercussions. She's curious when she shouldn't be and a notorious bedhoppper to boot. But she knows better than to step into the middle of an argument when an ahroun's eyes are glinting murder, and a ragabash has a chip on her shoulder. Especially when that argument involves respect of territory, a law which she was even now, leading the full moon's packmate astray in following, slipping from his bedroom like a thief because.. well, how else was a pikey expected to move?.*

[Wyrmbreaker] Lukas's eyes go directly from Marni to Gina. One eyebrow flicks up. He sounds remarkably calm:

"Can I help you, Gina?"

[Gina McClaren] *A small brown hand slips to her collar, satin tanktop rumpled from an unexpected stay in the comfort of Theron's room. Once, she'd been overfamiliar, but hardly clingy. Now she stuck to the Theurge like a noisy shadow. The deep furrows of a clawmark play under her fingertips, brushed nervously as she shakes her head. Singsonging in that damndably enchanting and damn near incomprehensible voice.*

Nae Darlin.. .. Ye sure, mayhaps ah cannae help ye?

*A glance after Marni, then back to the Shadowlord, pikey wincing in apology.*

.. Whiskey?

[Wyrmbreaker] That eyebrow quirks a bit higher. "Thanks for the offer," he replies -- gently, or at least a good approximation thereof, "but I don't think I need help managing the affairs of my tribe. I'll have a scotch with you, though."

He gets up from his twin-sized bed, which -- college-long or not -- seems barely able to accommodate his frame. On his way out to join Gina in the hall, he grabs his key off the inner doorknob and pulls his room door closed behind him.

Hanging the key around his neck from its lanyard, he glances up the hall. "Are you living in the Brotherhood again?"

[Gina McClaren] Nae the managin o' affairs reckon ah figured ye needed elp wi. More managin tae keep a fine mood en the process. But effen scotch'll dae tha, ah'm moore'n agreeable.

*The diminutive kin steps back as Lukas prowls into the hallway. Perhaps in the world of an ahroun stalking was walking and a quirk of an eyebrow wasn't a coy offer of murder. To most kin however, full moons were somewhat terrifying. Gina is not most kin, and Lukas is not most fullmoons. Both are strongwilled, the better to deal with one another without bloodshed perhaps. Still, the Shadowlord approaches and the Strider kin gives ground. Answering his question with a resigned smile.*

Nae loves. Nae livin o the brotherhood.

[Wyrmbreaker] That stops Lukas. A suspicion twists to life, and he abruptly leans in and sniffs. A second later he's rearing back, dismayed.

"Did you just come out of my brother's room?"

[Gina McClaren] *Lukas leans in close and finds a pikey retreating. Sharply. Into the wall. There's no thought in that reaction, its not the careful step back she'd taken to give them both room to associate through the thrum of rage. Its instinctive. Run rabbit run as the Lord abruptly invades her space. Violates her calm with his sudden presence inside her personal bubble. She's all too happy when he rears back, allowing her room to find her breath, tripping over words.*

th-w, ah.. Aye. Ah stay wi' yer Theron some nechts.

[Wyrmbreaker] The Shadow Lord's cool eyes survey Gina for a moment. "I apologize for frightening you," he says then, "but believe me when I say, if I had a problem with you, I'd have the self-control and respect to go to your warder.

"Speaking of which -- is Thoth still your guardian?"

[Gina McClaren] Ah thenk sae.

*Why was it this kin never knew who the hell was warding her? Surely it couldn't be that complicated. Gina tugging at her shirt. That intimate charm is lackluster. Subdued. Woman's softness a quieter, wounded thing. Less the raucous hell raiser she'd been when Lukas had been lumped with protecting Sampson's kin.*

Nae sure effen ee's dashed oor nae. Nae fond.

[Wyrmbreaker] Lukas's arms fold over his chest; he looks away from Gina for a moment, frowning down the hall. Laundry room down there. Someone's clothes whump-whump-whumping around a dryer. He turns back to Gina.

"I'm not going to ask," he says, "because I'd like to keep believing that my packmate isn't a complete idiot. But if you and Theron are getting serious about each other, then he needs to challenge Thoth honorably. Or if Thoth is gone, then some Strider, preferably your blood-relative. Because if my own packmate knocks you up before he's formally challenged, Gina McClaren, I swear to god I'll beat you both to death with a box of condoms."

That may or may not be a joke. Quite possibly not.

[Gina McClaren] *Gina purses her lips, eyes slipping to the floor. She'd told Theron she wasn't going to hide their involvement like he was a dirty little secret. Yet apparently thats precisely what she was. A small nod. Beaten to death by condoms. She had it. It was a lateral move from Thoth throwing severed penises at her in an indignant and heartbroken rage.*

Aulrecht.

[Wyrmbreaker] One more beat of silence, the Shadow Lord staring at the Strider kin as though to gauge whether or not he got through to her. Then, with an exhale, he sets his shoulders, drops his hands to his sides.

"I think I'll drink alone tonight, Gina," he replies -- some effort, at least, at courtesy. "Thanks for the offer, anyway."

[Gina McClaren] Aulrecht. M'saerry darlin.

*Unsure exactly what she's apologizing for, but she does indeed feel like one sorry pikey at the moment. Bangles clinking as she slips down the hallway away from the shadowlord, and back to Theron's room to fetch her things.*

G'necht.

warding, reparations, sister.

[Hunter] It was unseasonably warm that evening in Grant Park. The steady drop in temperature had spiked back up to nearly 60, and Hunter was taking the brief respite as an opportunity to relax and attempt to enjoy herself. As much as someone as dour and intense as she was could ever be said to enjoy anything. She was seated on the edge of the Millennium Fountain, feet up and arms draped loosely around her knees. Her eyes were closed, and as the breeze brushed through her dark hair, she listened to the sounds of the world around her and breathed in the scents brought in on the wind.

Water. Dry leaves. Pavement. Grass.

She sat perfectly still. Were it not for her breathing, one might wonder if she was a part of the monument herself.

[Gina McClaren] *She was hurting. She was heartbroken twofold. That and she was hella hung over and had a damn cold now. She had no idea where her coat had gone, likely lost in one of the bars she's hit up last night on her bender. She pads along beside Soledad. A contrast in body types. Gina short, stacked, curvy and generous. The Uktena tall, lean, and hungry looking. Gina was generally all softness and smiles, where as her current companion was hard stoicism. A deep sigh as Gina pads through dried leaves, stooping to scoop one up and twirl it between her fingers dismally. She's a shot of color under starless skies, thick purple knit sweater/tunic hanging mid thigh, cream colored jeans. Brown leather boots. Her hair unbound. She mutters.*

Fookin.. needs tae be fall, oor be winter. Thes mix match shite es bullshite.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] A nearby streetlamp throws Wyrmbreaker's shadow over Hunter before he comes to a stop beside her. The Ahroun is tall, his shoulders quite broad in his wool coat. He wears no scarf, no gloves; it's not cold enough for that. The buttons on his coat are undone.

"Mind if I join you?"

It's really only a courtesy. He's sitting down already. He brings a warmth with him; it's hard to tell if it's rage or simply the heat of his body. The Shadow Lord's profile is angular and stark, his hair very dark, his eyes very pale. Thunder runs in his veins. His tribe is utterly unmistakable.

"You're the only Strider in the city right now. Am I correct?"

[Theron Locke] He hadn't been in town that long, all he had received from Anezka was an address for her brother which she had begrudgingly given him. Anezka hadn't particularly wanted him to make this trip, but in the end both of them had come to the agreement that it had to happen sooner rather than later.

Thoughts had been given to just turning up on his doorstep unannounced, perhaps the site of an old friend would soften the blow of the news he had for him. He had spent many hours on the trip over picturing such a reunion. it didn't tend to end well. So here he was at the water's edge lost in thought, staring out into the crashing waves of the sea.

Theron hadn't announced himself to the others of his kind yet, perhaps that was going to be the best step forward.

[Muerte Fria] Soledad walked alongside Gina without anything remotely close to an expression on her bronzed face. She'd come by earlier to check on the Kinfolk, see how she was doing, and perhaps pick up a meal since it'd been over a day since she'd eaten last. Her stomach got larger, yet felt emptier as the weeks dragged on. The Strider Kinfolk had been in something of a state, looking quietly pained, a little bit irritable. Soledad picked up that there was some sort of hurt or betrayal laying underneath the hangover, but she didn't question it. Instead, she followed Gina's suggestion of eating out and was her escort for the evening.

After eating enough that they were happy (and under Boar's dictation, Soledad ate far more than any normal person ought to, most chocked it up to the swell of fertility under her shirt and thought nothing of it though) they crossed a few blocks to walk the food off on a jaunt through the park. The weather was pleasant, Soledad didn't have to go hunt for a sweatshirt yet, instead opted for her trusty jeans (which she'd had to jerry-rig with rubber bands through the button hole to stay up) and an overlarge T-shirt that advertised some local band she'd honestly never heard of before. Her hair was in a ponytail at the nape of her neck, and her hands were in her pockets.

"This is Nature teasing us. Offering a last smell of pleasant weather before laying snow and misery down." She sniffed, almost indignantly. "She'll do it again in March. The weather will be warm, the snow will melt, and we will hope for an early spring only for another storm to strike and for us to freeze until late April."

[Hunter] She felt them before she saw them. Footsteps. Gina's familiar scent (which Hunter could not forget even if she wanted to.) The way the air moved when a body came to stand nearby her. Rage.

Only when Lukas spoke did she open her eyes, and when she glanced up at him, the clarity in her dark irises belied the fact that she hadn't really been dozing off, for all that she might have looked as if she'd been in some kind of trance. He asked if he could join her, but it was really only a formality. Both of them knew this. Tonight, Lukas' rage was greater than her own. But only by a little. They were both full moons, and the truth of their natures radiated for any nearby to feel.

Sitting up, Hunter let her feet slide back to the ground as she shifted to sit facing forward with her head turned towards the Shadow Lord. Waiting to see what he had to say. When he asked if she was the only Strider in Chicago, she nodded. "I haven't heard of or met any others."

[Gina McClaren] Well.. Nature needs tae stop bein a cunt. *Gina sings darkly. She'd expected a chill, only to be trapped in a sweater while it was warm. Her charms tinkle faintly as she reaches to brush her hair off her shoulder, approaching the Millennium fountain with a tired smile. She was so drawn to water.*

[Joshua Walker] "You know Joshua, the girls would love to see you for dinner some time while you're here."
"Yeah I know Mat. I'll see what I can organize. Meanwhile I got to get a run in before I head home."
"You...running. Man you are insane boy. Okay I'll catch you later."

The older of the pair heads off out of the part while Joshua looked around. It was funny to think he needed to get a run in but he found that running seemed to keep the wander lust at bay. Not caring who may be out in the part this evening he sets off at a steady pace jogging. Wearing sneakers, tattered jeans and tshirt with the phrase 'Stop reading this and buy your own damn shirt' on it he might seem a little out of place but it doesn't bother him. Takes all sorts in his mind.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "You've kin in the city." He doesn't ask if Hunter already knows that. She knows. He knows she knows. He knows she knows he knows --

Let's not get carried away. He tips his chin up; there's Gina, right there, as if on cue. "She has no guardian, and after the death of my brother Sampson, I've been checking in on her occasionally. She mentioned you didn't want to ward your own kin. Is that true?"

[Muerte Fria] Gina led them toward the Millennium Fountain, which took them away from the trees and out into the broad flat clearing of sprawling acres of grass that surrounded the monument, the place that was often center to fairs, political gatherings, protests and flea markets. Soledad walked alongside Gina, keeping her strides slow and even, something that took actual thought since she was so used to traveling across the country on her feet-- literally. Left to her own devices her long legs would eat up distance like a pig does slop. She had to keep in mind that the Kinfolk was shorter, stockier, and that she could and would easily fall behind.

Two shapes came into focus on the edge of the fountain, both of them striking Soledad's recognition. A string of thoughts tied together in her mind, and she slowed, dropping a long-fingered hand on Gina's shoulder to keep her back as well.

"Look," she stated blandly in her deep alto voice, nodding her chin toward Lukas at the same moment that he nodded his chin upward toward Gina.

[Gina McClaren] Och.. well.. *Gina tilts her head to Lukas, a tired smile and the vaguest of waves. Hunter gets the same, though the curvy little kin remains under the taller female's hand. Singsong lovely across the distance.*

Allo Loves!

[Joshua Walker] After following several paths he makes his way towards the Millennium Fountain. His feet keeping a steady pace while keeping an eye out. Slowing down as he reaches the fountain he can't help but notice Gina and several others. A slight smile on his face as he shifts into a walk and makes his way up to them. His calm voice calling out to Gina.
"Evening Gina. Hope you are doing well this evening."

[Hunter] The creature sitting next to Lukas tonight may not have been the most...diplomatic of garou. But neither was she an idiot. There was a pause before she responded, as if to consider her words very... carefully. Her eyes flicked towards Gina, and stopped there for a moment. Something about her expression shifted, but it was difficult to tell exactly what she was thinking. Only that the sight of her kin in such a bruised and battered state had possibly taken her off guard.

"Not exactly," she finally answered, turning back to Lukas. "When I spoke with her about it the first time, I was not really sure how long I would be here, or if I was the best choice for that responsibility. I travel often. It is unavoidable." Such that it was to be what she was. Cursed. Never home. Never satisfied. Always hungry. Always alone.

"But that was not a good answer. I was being foolish. My years on the road have made me forget some things I shouldn't have." She frowned slightly. "If she still needs a warder, I would claim her. She is my responsibility."

[Theron Locke] Theron turned his back on the water and looked back into the park, His black sports jacket was opened, revealing a white collared shirt opened at the next. The light from the lamp above caused the silver chain around his neck to glint A small detailed pendant hung from it but would require closer inspection from anyone wanting to know the actual design.

In the distance , soft voices could be heard. Faintly intrigued by who else would be out this night, Theron headed in what he thought was the right direction, soon spotting several figures around a large fountain. Standing off at a distance, he leaned against a tree and watched on, his eyes soon drifting to the imposing dark-haired male.....could it be...he wondered.

[Gina McClaren] *Gina has been in better states when the center of attention. Today she is tired, hungover, and dismal. Dark eyes flicking to Lukas and Hunter, then back up to Soledad. Like last night, people were congregating..and like last night, a strange man was addressing her as though he knew her. The SAME strange man in fact. A frown spreads on exotic features, last night fuzzy. She tilts her head at Josh.*

Hold up darlin, who are ye? Ah saw ye last necht, aye?

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "Well," the corner of Lukas's mouth turns wryly up, "you should probably tell her that. And the Sept, before someone else thinks to claim her. Will you be staying on in the city now?"

There's a newcomer in the distance, well-dressed, darkhaired. Lukas's eyes are drawn past Hunter for a moment, resting thoughtfully on the stranger for a second. Then they return to the Strider.

"And if you do leave, will you make sure your kinfolk are warded before your departure?"

[Muerte Fria] Soledad and Gina were still standing a healthy distance away from Hunter and Lukas, far enough that they were their own separate groups. So when Joshua approached, smiling and addressing the Kinfolk, Soledad's eyes jumped immediately over to him and flashed warily.

The Uktena didn't appear to be a whole lot, though her Rage pronounced her as an obvious Garou. She had a young face, old jaded eyes, and an expression of stoicism that didn't look like it would chip even if a nuclear warhead was aimed at it. Her lips were chapping from the cool of winter setting in, her thick mane of black hair, grown out past her shoulders but recently trimmed even, was wrangled in a ponytail, and a rather pronounced bump of pregnancy protruded under her shirt.

She stood like a Warrior, however, and when Gina said 'hold up' and looked uncertain she behaved like a Guardian.

The Uktena, hand still on Gina's shoulder, took a step forward while guiding faintly with pressure from her palm, positioned herself between Joshua and Gina, and set a gaze harshened by the faintest scrunch of her eyebrows and lift of her chin upon the older man. She said nothing, but her actions spoke plenty loud for her.

[Joshua Walker] "Oh now you ask questions."
Chuckles as he just smiles at her. He didn't seem bothered in the slightest at her reaction to him.
"Yes you did see me last night and might I add others would not take to being told to fook aft, regardless of your state of inebriation."
Gives a chuckle as he nods his head in greeting.
"I'm Joshua. Nice to formally meet you Gina."

[Hunter] It was beginning to get crowded around the fountain, and Hunter's posture changed slightly, sitting up more stiffly, with an alert gaze that flickered between the various faces, both familiar and unfamiliar. For a long moment her eyes rested on Joshua, but he was as much a mystery to her as he was to Gina. There was no particular breeding to decipher. Not like Hunter's own blood, which sang of Anubis, and of the desert.

"I'm never anywhere for long, but yes... as much as I can be, I plan on staying." She didn't say why. It didn't really matter. She had her reasons.

"Gina," she asked, and her voice was surprisingly gentle as she addressed the kinfolk. As if she feared she might frighten her. This... from the same woman that had snarled and barked orders upon their first meeting. Maybe people really did change. Maybe a bit of care and comfort really did go a long way towards softening even the most bitter of personalities. "...Do you want me as your warder?"

[Gina McClaren] *Nice to formally meet her? Gina arcs an eyebrow up, rancor beginning to stir. A hand drags through her hair as she narrows dark eyes at Josh "of little information" Walker. A scowl and a shake of her head.*

Joahua es et. Well. nice tae formally meet ye tae.. but since yer nae explainen why the fook we'd be formally meetin. Allow me tae tell ye moore formally.. fook aft.

*She motions with her hands, jingling dischordant with an exasperated shake of her head. Jesus.. did she offer to fuck this guy last night and he's still sniffing around or something? CHRIST. A huff, before Hunters question catches her off guard.*

..Och.. jaysus.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] All of a sudden Gina's the center of attention for four Garou. Lukas's eyes turn toward her last, pale and cutting. A beat later, he's also the first to look away.

"Excuse me. I'm going to talk to the fellow over there."

He gets up. Passing the small kinswoman, his hand falls to her shoulder briefly. Maybe he means it as reassurance, but perhaps it's hard to take reassurance from the grip of a Shadow Lord. In any case, he meets Muerte Fria's eyes for a moment, steadily, perhaps consideringly, and then brushes past.

As he closes on Theron, his eyes drop to the pendant he wears. And Lukas's face changes, tensing noticeably. He stops a little within arm's reach of the stranger.

"Where did you get that?"

[Muerte Fria] Lukas passed, hand grazing over Gina's shoulders, eyes locking with her own for a second. Soledad met the Shadow Lord's gaze and held it evenly without any suggestion of challenge. Simply study, search for a message or implication. Whether anything is found our not, Lukas moves on, and Soledad keeps her gaze on Joshua, braced to muscle the man back if he keeps at Gina after the woman's blunt (and brash) dismissal.

Then there's Hunter, the terribly tall woman whose blood and body sang of Egyptian deserts and jackal-headed gods. She's asking Gina if she would like her as a warder, and Gina's looking overwhelmed. Soledad's eyes flickered to Hunter, her gaze was even, forehead smooth. The dark amber focus was shifted to Gina, and her hands were shoved into her pants pockets, her low voice all but rumbling quietly to the Kinfolk.

"We can leave," she offered.

[Joshua Walker] Gina's response gets him laughing. A deep laugh that seems to echo a little. When he looks to Hunter he gives an incline of his head and smiles. His eyes regarding her for a moment as if he was considering something. Then a look Gina again with a raised brow before looking to Hunter again and gives several hand gestures towards the true born. Then looks to Soledad.
"Are the locals always this friendly these days?"

[Theron Locke] It always paid to gather as much information as one possible could before entering an unknown situation. So far he had gathered at least two of the names of the group gathered. The tall dark skinned woman was still unknown to him, as well as the other woman who was standing by Gina.

However his attention was broken, as he realized the imposing male had covered the distance between himself and the group. Brushing his dark hair from his face he looks up at the man when he is asked that question. "I think the answer to that depends on who is asking the question." the comment isn't snide or cocky. It said simply as a question as if indeed the answer did depend on who this person was.

He looks the man in the eyes for a moment and responds "If you used to live in New York. Then I would say I received this from a close friend. If however I am right and your name is also Lukas then I would add that I received this from your sister Anezka."

[Gina McClaren] *Gina is looking more and more confused by the second, and more and more frustrated. Her fingers come to her temples and she shakes her head to Sol's question. singing back softly* Ets fine. Thank ye Sole darlin. Och.. Hunter darlin.. reckon Sol was askin me tha same theng few hours ago..

*A deep breath as she turns to Joshua, simply weary at this point.*

DArlin, ah'm saerry.. effen we spoke ah dinnae mooch remember wha aboot. But, ah'm nae really en the mood fer wha'ever et es yer sellin, an' ah'm sort o busy o the moment... Aye? Sae ah've nae time tae be playing cheeky "who am ah?" games wi a stranger. Aye?

[Hunter] "&+1593;&+1575;&+1583;&+1577; &+1575;&+1606;&+1607;&+1605; &+1571;&+1587;&+1608;&+1571; &+1605;&+1606; &+1584;&+1604;&+1603;." She offered dryly in Arabic. Whether the other Strider (for that was, unmistakably what he was, and this realization seemed to relax her slightly) spoke the language or not, she had no way of knowing, but she used it out of habit. "&+1608;&+1604;&+1603;&+1606; &+1571;&+1606;&+1575; &+1604;&+1610;&+1587; &+1571;&+1601;&+1590;&+1604; &+1548; &+1608;&+1604;&+1584;&+1575; &+1601;&+1573;&+1606;&+1606;&+1610; &+1604;&+1575; &+1605;&+1603;&+1575;&+1606; &+1604;&+1607;&+1575; &+1601;&+1610; &+1575;&+1604;&+1581;&+1603;&+1605;."

In English, she greeted, "Hunter. Cliath Ahroun."

Then she stood up from the fountain, stretching up to her full 6'2" height so that she looked down on the two other women, both of whom she had fairly mixed and enigmatic feelings about. Soledad behaved protectively towards the pikey, and asked if she wanted to go, and Hunter's reaction was not, perhaps, what it ought to have been. It was fairly neutral, in fact. For now.

"I asked because it seemed such a question was required. If you prefer not... I won't bother you about it. Do you prefer the Uktena, then?"

[Muerte Fria] Hunter spoke to Gina, and her tone was calm and smooth. Gina seemed agreeable with the very tall, very Middle Eastern woman, so Soledad let that conversation be. The offer to leave was dismissed gently, so Soledad nodded and relaxed her posture a little. Hunter was offering Gina the option, and Soledad would have done precisely the same thing, so she said nothing on the topic, simply let Gina make the decision. One hand moved to scratch the underside of her expanding belly (she was learning that the more the skin stretched, the more it itched), and her gaze hardened onto Joshua once more.

She spoke, and her voice was low, words slow and quiet but stern nonetheless, difficult if not impossible to go ignored.

"You'd best go."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] When Anezka described Lukas to Theron, she would have used words like that brat and the little shit, and laughed. She would have also used words like thoughtful, honorable, unimpulsive, steady. Reliable. Trustworthy.

She would not have used words like angry, reckless, full of rage.

But Lukas's hand shoots out like a weapon, grabbing the pendant and yanking it forward, almost hard enough to snap the chain. Lukas is quite tall, well over six feet; he bends down to cup the pendant to his nose. He sniffs like a dog for several seconds.

Whatever he smells there takes the edge off his aggression. He drops the pendant and straightens.

"What does Anežka need?"

[Joshua Walker] That gets a laugh from him as he nods to Hunter. Then looks to Gina and nods.
"You are correct. However I wasn't given a chance to speak to you in a manner that wasn't cryptic or annoying."
He looks to Hunter and responds.
&+1608;&+1607;&+1610; &+1603;&+1604;&+1607;&+1575; &+1580;&+1610;&+1583;&+1577;. &+1575;&+1604;&+1606;&+1575;&+1587; &+1575;&+1604;&+1605;&+1578;&+1606;&+1608;&+1593;&+1577; &+1575;&+1604;&+1578;&+1610; &+1578;&+1580;&+1593;&+1604; &+1575;&+1604;&+1581;&+1610;&+1575;&+1577; &+1605;&+1605;&+1578;&+1593;&+1577;
Then he looks to Soledad with a raised brow before responding to Hunter.
"Hunter of Truth and Answers. Philodox, Fostern."

[Gina McClaren] *Gina nods her head, considering things. Hunter speaks in Arabic, addresses the man who had been "formally making her acquaintance", and the pikey's dark eyes flash wide, head whipping from One strider to the Other. FOSTERN!? Gina's curvy form stands frozen in horror. This was beyond mortification. She's so tense you could likely pick her up and use her still rigid body as a croquette bat. A hand comes to her mouth.*

...

Fook me.

[Theron Locke] Lets out a small *oof* as he dragged forward, not wanting to pull back lest the chain snap. So he goes with the motion letting the larger more muscular Lukas find out whatever he is looking for. Theron reaches out a wraps a hand lightly around one of Lukas' wrists "It's okay my old friend, nothing is wrong. Anezka is perfectly fine." He offers a small smile "She doesn't need anything, she..we... just need you to know somethings." He watches Lukas' carefully, trying to sense his current mood and temprement.

"It's me Theron...Lukas.. I know it's been 6 years or so....we've probably both changed a lot since those days. I know it took me awhile to be sure that it was indeed you."

[Hunter] The situation was tricky here. On the one hand, there was Gina, who clearly wanted little more than to be left alone. But the stranger was not only of her tribe... he also outranked all of them but Lukas, and the Shadow Lord was presently distracted with business of his own. Hunter glanced between the pikey and her tribesmate, then took in Soledad's prickly demeanor and her protective stance.

"I would like to speak with you, Gina." The tone wasn't admonishing in any way. Serious, but not angry. "But if now is not a good time... I can come by later." This was the closest that she ever got to being considerate. Empathetic was probably asking a little too much. But there was concern there, for all that it was mostly buried beneath a stony exterior.

She didn't correct Soledad's bristling towards the Philodox, but she did briefly shoot the other ahroun a warning glance. As if to say....careful.

[Muerte Fria] Soledad's had her share of disciplining about disrespecting her elders. She went through an entire Rite of Punishment for it, and still kept the stone tucked away in the Caern's Bawn, at the miniature lean-to that she's been sleeping in. She's lost massive doses of Honor, disciplined here, disciplined there. She knew to tread lightly around Fosterns and higher, even if they were being, in Soledad's opinion, out of line.

She grit her teeth together and issued a quiet growl that sounded off in her human throat, but imposing by the Rage that backed it. Her head ducked momentarily, faintly, and she took a step back toward Gina, glancing down at the Kinfolk and moving a hand so that her knuckles pressed lightly into the center of her back, to get her moving.

"Go with The Hunter," she encouraged.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "Theron?"

The name fails to make an impression. The moon is waning from the full, but Lukas's rage runs high, and there's still wariness in the way he looks at the other. He stares at him for a long time, on and on, and then abruptly there's a spark, some circuit closing, some synapse firing, and his eyebrows shoot up and his expression opens.

"Theron! Wow." When he reaches for the man again it's to take him by the shoulders, slapping the left one solidly as though to ascertain his reality. When his hands drop, one goes to his side; the other rubs the back of his neck. "My god. So you're still alive. I'm sorry about that. I had no idea who you were or why you had my sister's pendant.

"So what's going on? What brings you to Chicago?"

[Gina McClaren] *She wets her lips, cheeks burning coral as she clears her throat, finally taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly. Once she's done she opens her eyes and songsings in a voice thats as soft and pleasant as it is quiet and tired.*

Mayhaps.. we could aul hunker down, aye?

*She had apologies to make afterall, a hand coming to rub at the back of her neck, heart pattering too fast in her chest as she moves with a jingle towards the bench and takes a seat. Shoulders tense.*

Reckon.. we can has thes out.. aye?

[Joshua Walker] Looking to Soledad he gives a casual smile.
"No harm done. You took action appropriate to the given situation. Thank you."
Then he looks to Gina and that smile still remains plastered on his face.
"I apologize for not taking the time to introduce myself properly. That was a mistake on my part that I wished to have corrected but was unsure of the company around us."
Then he looks to each in turn and takes a few steps back.
"I'll give you some space to have your discussion. After all it is I who have disrupted your talks."
Then he moves to sit near the fountain just out of the way and let the trio talk.

[Theron Locke] Theron is silently thankful when the light finally goes on for his fellow tribe mate. He definitely had no interest in crossing swords with the superior warrior, although the Theurge had finally added some strings to his bow in his time away from New York.

He chuckles wryly "Yes Lukas by some small miracle I'm still alive and I'm not a spirit" waiting till the man-handling stops, he reaches to the pendant cradling it carefully as he slips it back under his shirt. "Well now you know who I am... in regards to the pendant, well that is sort of what brings me to Chicago and has a lot to do with your sister. I'm not certain but did you receive a letter from her recently ?"

[Hunter] It wasn't in the lone wolf's nature to want to sit down with a group and talk things out. If a conversation was in order, one-on-one was how she liked it. Still, Gina was the one who was being discussed, so if she preferred to have it all out in the open, then... so she shall have it. Hunter nodded almost imperceptibly and stepped back to sit down on the edge of the fountain once more, a couple of feet away from the philodox. She's wait until Gina had taken a seat as well. Soledad could sit or stand, as she chose.

For awhile she was quiet, mulling over in her head just how much of what she wanted to discuss was suitable in such mixed company. Ultimately she said simply, "You need protection. But you are not a pet. You are a Strider, and free to make your own choices. I would... prefer that the choice be one of your own kind, but I will not tell you what to do."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "I talked to her on the phone last Saturday," Lukas replies. "Why?"

(sorry about the slowness -- dice in the other room! ping me on AIM when you post, will ya?)

[Muerte Fria] Gina suggested that they sit.
Joshua dismissed her initial hostility, forgave it and let her off the hook that he could easily have skewered her on.
Hunter planted herself on the edge of the fountain when Gina planted herself on a bench.
Lukas and the unknown kept to a conversation of their own off to the side.

Soledad, however, hefted a heavy breath and moved to stand near the bench, but did not sit. She shifted her weight so that one hip set out further than the other, her weight was settled onto one leg while the other was a buttress for balance and support. Her arms folded between the bump of her stomach and the increased swell of her breasts, and she took up a role she was most comfortable with-- that of a sentry.

To watch, to listen, to guard.

[Gina McClaren] *Gina settles herself very diplomatically, on the ground. Long hair pooling on her thighs as she looks up to Hunter, Sole, and Joshua in turn. A perplexed expression twisting exotic features.*

When et rains et pours, doesnae et?

*Helpless laughter, rueful and halfhearted. Gina rubs her temples. They were letting her pick.? They were letting her pick. *

Well, reckon any folk wha's wardin me jes cause nae wan else was es aft the hook, yer lettin me make the choice? Reckon.. ah just wan tae be where ah can dae the most good fer a folk, aye?

Where dae ye thenk, because truth be taul, ah'd be happy wi' any o' ye. Reckon.

*That said, she looks to each in turn when next they speak.*

[[three rolls comin! 1st of three - PER EMPATHY - motives? JOSHUA WP]]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6) [WP]

[Theron Locke] Theron has the decency to at least look somewhat uncomfortable talking about this subject. His eyes still on Lukas, trying to gauge if he has perhaps said too much . Though he looks uncomfortable , he is doing his best to not show any sign of weakness. He is still standing tall and his voice is still strong, he then replies to the question "Did she happen to mention that she had a new person in her life... from a romantic standpoint I mean.."

[Gina McClaren] [[2nd of 3 PER EMP - motives? HUNTER]]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 3, 5, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 5 at target 6)

[Gina McClaren] [[Last of 3 PER EMP - motives? SOLEDAD]]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 (Success x 4 at target 6) [WP]

[Muerte Fria] Soledad looked down at the Kinfolk when she settled on the ground, then sighed quietly, discreetly, and eased herself into a sit on the bench. She ached, and it was an unfamiliar sort of pain. She was still a little queasy from time to time, and that was an entirely new sensation to her, as Garou simply didn't get sick. Her nose ran from time to time, her gums tended to bleed at random.... Well, there was a whole slew of changes going on, none of it she liked, and absolutely none of it she would disclose to others. This simply wasn't something she liked talking about.

When Gina looked at her, the Uktena leaned forward a little, legs apart, and rested her elbows at the ends of her thighs.

"If you are to go with Hunter-of-Truth-and-Answers here, he will no doubt seek to claim you as more than his Ward. Your choice will be severed. He will choose you in such a way, you will not choose him." She paused, looked to Hunter, and nodded her head. "I expect your being within mine or Hunter's guardianship would be the same situation. You may roam as you please, take whatever lovers or guests or missions you want, and we will not intrude. However, we will be there when needed, standing for your safety and freedom because it is what we want for you-- the best.

"Hunter would be the better choice in the eyes of the Law for she is your tribe. I would be better because I am more permanent a figure here in Chicago, and you will likely change hands to another Warden in a few months when the Winds take her away anyways."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas is no fool. Even when they were cubs -- boys, really, 16, 17 years old in a wooded and watered Sept in upstate New York -- the Ahroun was thoughtful, contemplative, the type to think before he acts. His affect is changing again. There's a distinct tension, a suspicion in his pale blue eyes.

Still, he continues, "Yeah. A kinsman, she said." A beat. "Why?"

[Danicka Musil] Considering the season and Chicago's intimacy with one of the Great Lakes, the weather tonight is surprisingly pleasant. Overcast and cold, perhaps, but not freezing, not wet, and that makes up for the wind. Where Danicka is from, it's significantly colder right now. Where Danicka's family is from, where her bloodline is from, it is just barely above freezing. It is overcast and the air is thick with moisture. Go far enough back, to when they made their dens in mountains, and you will find a resistance to the assault of winter that rivals that of Fenrir and Wendigo.

Danicka does not make one think of mountains and darkness, though. She is wearing a green knit cap with a small brim up front, a white and yellow flower nestled together to one side. Her gloves are green striped with thin bands of white. Hair occasionally described as 'golden' and more often simply 'blonde' spills out from under the cap, in loose waves past her shoulders. Her revere coat goes to her knees, the breast entirely buttoned and the collar up to protect her throat where a scarf does not. Dark-washed skinny-legged jeans cover her from the coat's hem downward, a pair of boots with stacked heels taking her up several inches from her natural height.

She is carrying a heavy-looking black leather messenger bag with an iconic downward-pointed triangle emblem on the side, its weight thumping against her thigh slightly. She has both hands wrapped around a lidded coffee thermos, the sort with an insert that can be covered in photographs. Danicka's photographs are of a group of seven people that all look rather similar, only four of which have ever been seen by anyone in this city. She sips as she walks, crossing through the park on her way to wherever she's going.

[Danicka Musil] [LESS LURKY MOAR JOINY. Everybody stare at Lessa!]
to .fly., Gina McClaren, Hunter, Joshua Walker, Lukas Wyrmbreaker, Muerte Fria, Theron Locke

[.fly.] [LESSA JUST SPENT 3 HOURS WITH HUNDREDS OF ELEMENTARY KIDS HYPED UP ON SUGAR AT A "SCHOOL CARNIVAL" SO YOU CAN BE PATIENT ELSE MY HEAD EXPLODE AND I KILL EVERYONE. *shining grin*)
to Danicka Musil, Gina McClaren, Hunter, Joshua Walker, Lukas Wyrmbreaker, Muerte Fria, Theron Locke

[Theron Locke] Theron stands his ground, both he and Anezka had wanted her brothers approval. It was the right way to go about things and hopefully would makes things easier in the long run He takes an inward breath and looks contemplative as if searching for the right words. "Well it's not entirely true that he is a kin...the person in question is actually a true blood. " He goes to stop there, but realises that may be a bad mistake... best get the truth out in the same manner of ripping off a band aid.. short and sharp "Lukas...the gar...the person that has been seeing your sister is me...that's why I have her pendant and that's why I'm in Chicago. I've come to ask your permission to seek Anezka as my mate." He says the last line proudly, his eyes resolute.

[Hunter] Gina was leaving it up to them, and oddly enough, this prospect seemed to make the ahroun a little uncomfortable. Perhaps she preferred that the matter not be left in her hands. Ultimately, if she'd wanted to, Hunter could dismiss Soledad's claim. They were of equal rank, and Gina was of Strider blood, not Uktena. But that would require that Hunter admit she had something invested in this.

Did she?

Sometimes, the simplest things could be like moving mountains.

"If you wish us to choose... then perhaps some compromise could be arranged. I could be your warder, but Muerte Fria could watch you while I am away, as I inevitably will be. She seems to desire such, and if she has your best interest in mind, then I do not object to her involvement in your life. Does this sound... satisfactory?"

Hunter's eyes went first to Gina, then to Soledad. Finally they settled upon Joshua. "That is, unless Hunter of Truth and Answers-rhya has something else in mind."

[Joshua Walker] Looking at each of them he says very little. His dark brown eyes taking in each member of this little discussion. When Soledad says what she had to say he simply shakes his head and looks to Hunter. He was weighing each answer they gave as if seeing something they may have missed. Hunter's comments bring a smile to his face as he nods.
"I'm not one to lay claim to anyone."
Lets out a sigh as he shakes off a sudden thought and looks back the them.
"For a full moon you have wisdom dear sister. It is not uncommon for our kinsmen to have two or more warders in some cities. We travel a lot and sometimes never come back. You have your freedom while under the eyes of these two. I can see that Hunter requires a little more time to warm to the idea of caring for others but that is a natural side effect of our paths in life. I have no intention of claiming Gina as my mate however I will ask that you both care for her till someone claims her as their mate."
He was simply acting as a Philodox.

[Gina McClaren] *Gina McClaren is no great vision. A charmer, on her better days, not twice heartbroken and frightened of Falcon's retribution at any moment. But hardly a model. She's robust curves and ample softness, a sweet face and a voice that's been known to sooth garou down from the edge of frenzy. She's been called a Dirty pikey. She's what some refer to as a "good kin". She's what others would agree on as "the sept welcome wagon", for good and for ill. But what Gina generally is not, is in control of things. Kin so seldom are with Garou, and such a position leaves her nervous, in light of recent events. Her eyes slip to the three garou and she smiles softly at whatever she sees there. Joshua gets an apologetic quirk of her lips, gratitude an sympathy in one, before she looks from Sole to Hunter. This might work out even better than she'd imagined. *

Mayhaps.. tha would work? Sole, ye'd nae have every strider swingin dick in town challengen ye fer me on principle... On account o Hunter.. and Hunter, ye'd nae 'ave tae worry aboot yer walk'aboots, on account O' Sole's here an' more thank capable.. aye?

[Muerte Fria] The Uktena's response was simple and very easy to read.

A nod, and nothing more. She leaned back, folded her hands over her stomach, and relaxed for the time being.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas is staring.

Lukas is staring while his mind wheels, grasps, looks for something to say. Congratulations? Fuck you with a chainsaw? Die, now? The Ahroun's hands come up, slowly, rather uncertainly, and then fold tightly across his chest, fingers tucked under his arms. He frowns at Theron for a long time.

"She told me it was a kinsman," he says finally, as though this were the only point he's managed to process thus far.

[Theron Locke] Theron just stands there looking back, he doesn't really have anything more to say ..and perhaps it's actually better if he doesn't. Instead he reaches inside his jacket and pulls out a photo. Slightly crumbled he hands it to his tribe mate, the photo is kind of small probably from one of those photo booths. It shows Theron and Anezka with their arms around each other in an affectionate embrace. "Yes I know she did, she thought it would make it easier for you. But we did a lot of thinking and well....that's why I'm here."

[Hunter] Everything had been resolved peacably. Considering some of the participants, it could have gone much, much worse. It was a lucky thing that they had caught Hunter on a night that she was able to think more calmly than usual. She listened to what the half-moon had to say and nodded, accepting it, though he did not need her approval.

Soledad agreed without saying a word, and this seemed to suit Hunter just fine. The situation was amenable to all, or at least... all had agreed. So Hunter stood up once more, nodding to those gathered, and finally to Gina. "In that case, I think the matter is settled. Gina, I wish to speak to you in private, but we can do that later. I'll come by your home."

Then the statuesque ahroun turned and walked off down the path. No doubt she preferred to be alone for awhile, after such an eventful evening.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas takes the photograph automatically. His eyes flicker down to it for barely a second before he drops his hand to his side with an exhaled ohmyfuckinggod. He turns his face away from Theron as if being out of sight would put him out of mind.

A beat passes. Then he turns back. The muscles of his face are tight. There's a sense all around him that he's striving for control.

"It's not," he says slowly, carefully, "that I think you're unworthy. Or worthy. I barely even know you anymore. We were kids." He's digressing, and catches himself. He bites the insides of his lips for a moment, then adds, "It's just that I never wanted my sister to be a Garou's mate. That's a hard life."

For what it's worth, he doesn't drop the photograph on the ground. He slips it into his coat pocket.

"I'll have to think about it. After you make your greetings to the Sept elders, come by the Brotherhood. I'm in room 2."

[Joshua Walker] As Hunter turned to leave, Josgua makes several slight hand signals and then nods to her. Looks to Gina and Soledad as he slowly stands up.
"I'm afraid I must be on my way. I have some errands to run. If either of you need me I can be reached via Helen Luther. SHe'll know how to find me."
He gives a slight bow and starts to wander off

[Danicka Musil] Danicka is only dimly familiar with Gina, having seen her at bonfires and around the Brotherhood up until sort of recently. She does not know Hunter and Joshua, though. She recognizes Soledad from a day much earlier in the year when the Uktena was jumping on a man Danicka met at a club. Danicka does not alter her course to go say hello to the curvy Strider kinswoman. She does see Lukas. And she knows Lukas.

When she sees him talking to someone she's never seen before, sees the tension rising off of him like steam, she considers going to sit on a bench and waiting for whatever this meeting is to be over. That is not what she does. She sips her coffee and walks that way, her heels tapping softly on the sidewalk.

[Gina McClaren] Aulrecht Hunter loves. Travel careful.

*Sings the kin to the ahroun's back, raising a hand in clinking good bye. A sigh, her attention going back to Soledad, dark eyebrows darting up as though to say "what a night huh?" The soft bubble of chukled laughter caught in her throat, as the pretty pikey waves to Joshua, shaking her head.* Aye Joshua.. Take care tae. Saerry.. about aul tha snarlin.

*And with a final wince of embarrassment, she sees him off, looking back to Soledad.*

Christ aul fookin mighty darlin..

[Joshua Walker] (catch you all later if you're still on :) )

[Muerte Fria] Soledad's eyes followed after Hunter when the tall Ahroun, not too dissimilar from herself, perhaps even an older version of herself if her growth spurts didn't come to an end, and she nodded her head in a farewell when their eyes had met. Joshua was watched more cautiously, less amiably, when he departed. The old over-confidant man didn't sit well with her, and she was a creature of first impressions and snap judgments that took time and proving of ones self to break.

They were left alone, and Gina looked up at her and cursed her embarrassment and exasperation with the events that had just occurred. Soledad answered with a small shrug of her shoulders and a more comfortable slouch in her posture.

"Neither will stay long, yet I feel you will."

[Theron Locke] The Shadow Lord watched the photo disappear into the coat pocket, a part of him wanted to reach for it and reclaim the photo like a prized possession. But he can sense the rage boiling within Lukas' exterior, he had already pushed him so far tonight. Plus the Shadow Lord hadn't dishonored him or told him no. They were at an impass that probably wouldn't get resolved for some time and much talking.

"That we were, but even kids develop crushes, when I was ready and I thought I could offer your sister something I caught up with her to see where things would lead. It's probably not what you want to hear though." He looks at Lukas' thoughfully "Take as long as you need my friend, I will seek you out after I have made my introductions. The Brotherhood..Room 2" he files the information away. His eyes looking past Lukas' as he watches a female approach "It seems like someone is headed our way. looks like she knows you. So I'll leave you now Lukas..... don't be too hard on your sister okay. She didn't tell you everything because she didn't want you to worry." He looks thoroughly convinced of that fact.. as he extends his hand briefly "It was good to see you again Lukas...hopefully we can work all this out." waiting for a handshake as he gets ready to leave

[Gina McClaren] Ah threw ah bottle o' schnapps o hem... *She laughs helplessly, hauling herself up to sit on the bench beside Muerte Fria. Gina settles herself with a tinkling metallic cacophony, nearly touching the ahroun. She lays her head back on the bench and rolls her head to look at Soledad.*

Reckon ah'm stayen on. Long as ah'm needed. Ah've stalled out o wanderlust fer the now.

*She raises her head to nod, and looks towards where the two shadowlords are congregated. Hunter and Soledad would be her warders, but first Lukas had to give them that title, or demand challenge be made. He was a Lord.. and as much experience as she had with them, never had one taken her on formally. *

[Gina McClaren] [curiosity - whats goin on over there?!]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 1, 4, 7, 9, 10 (Success x 1 at target 7)

[Muerte Fria] Gina settled close enough to Soledad that their thighs nearly touched, and the Uktena had no apparent objection to this. She stayed seated for a while, nodding plainly when Gina laughed about throwing a bottle of liquor at the Fostern, and making a 'hmm' sound of recognition when Gina said she'd probably stick around Chicago for a while, as she had suspected.

The Pikey's eyes flicked over to the Shadow Lords, and Soledad's followed out of curiosity that has dimmed from exhaustion and social numbness. Lukas was having a hard time, and his blonde-haired woman was hovering nearby in wait. She wrinkled her nose at something inexplicable, lifted a hand to scratch at her head, then rolled up to her feet.

"You may discuss what you wish with Lukas, he will likely reject my proposition and award custody to Hunter alone. I am going to lay for the night." Pause, thought. "Thank you for dinner."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas wants to bare his teeth in a grin. Lukas wants to say, What makes you think I'm going to be hard on my sister?

What Lukas does, however, is take Theron's hand. Or rather, his forearm, clasped in a warrior's handshake. His grip is firm; not painful. He holds a moment and then releases.

"This is my mate," he says, "Dani&+269;ka Musil. Dani&+269;ka, this is Theron Eyes-of-the-Oncoming-Storm, a Theurge of our tribe, a cubhood friend, and ... apparently my sister's boyfriend."

To Theron, then, "I'll be seeing you, then."

[Danicka Musil] Danicka twists something on top of her coffee mug's lid to stopper it as she nears Theron and Lukas, shifting it to one hand as she sees the two clasping arms. Apparently they are not going to kill each other tonight in the park. All the same, she keeps her steps light, and watches carefully, and tries to ignore the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. She smiles softly at Theron as she's introduced, offering her now-free hand. It's warm, even through the thin knit of her glove.

Her eyes, a murky and amber-flecked green without straight sunlight to brighten them to blue, flicker when Lukas tells her that this young man is Anezka's boyfriend. "A pleasure," she says deferentially, dropping her eyes from his to his chin after the greeting.

[Gina McClaren] Dae ye've a place tae stay darlin.. Ye ate yer food like ye'd nae touched meat en days. *Gina rises to her feet, tucking a long strand of hair behind her ear and offering the Uktena a warm intimate sort of smile. The sort that spoke of quiet nights and secrets shared. Eyes ringed from exhuastion.* Effen ye need tae, spirit pop entae me house an' sleep. Jes dinnae kill a sly no moon.. effen ye stumble on 'em.

[Theron Locke] The hand is skipped and the arm is taken, silently pleased that the offered hand was taken

He turns to the new arrival, offering a small smile and a nod of his head. "Nice meeting you Danicka" taking her hand in his softly, giving it a squeeze before letting it go , "I'm sorry that I'm parting so soon after your arrival Danicka. Hopefully after I have made my formal introductions here in Chicago we can get to know each other." With that he begins to turn and head off into the night "Good Travels Danicka, Good Travels Lukas"

((sorry guys really need to dash now ))

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] (bye man, thanks for the RP!)

[Muerte Fria] Soledad regarded the Kinfolk for a few moments, then huffed a little when the offer reached a request for no bloodshed.

"I'm not going to attack someone in your home unless they are unwelcome there." She didn't answer whether or not she had a place to stay, let that inquiry slide by forgotten, unnoticed. She glanced again toward the Shadow Lords, then nodded to Gina and gestured away with a vague lift of her hand.

"I will be by on occasion, to check on you. For now, though, I'll let you have your home to yourself. Thank you again," the Uktena nodded her farewell, jammed her hands in the back pockets of her pants, and made her departure.

[Gina McClaren] Ah mean't cause ee's a shadowlord, an ' a bit o ' a grinnin bastard! *Gina hollers at Sole's back, tossing out a wave of goodbye., shaking her head, and finally, genuinely laughing. Speaking of shadowlords... the pikey pivots on her heel and jingles softly towards Lukas and Danicka, raising a hand.*

[Joss Lehrer] The Godi is weird. That much is well established when anyone speaks of her - though she is also very good at what she does, what she is and that goes miles in the acceptance of how she acts, sometimes

That is to say - like a 2 year old hyped up on sugar.

Tonight is no different. Tonight, it's not racing to play tag, or drenching herself playing with the water in the fountains. No, tonight? She's dancing. Under the light of the fading moon, she is dancing. She doesn't use the paths, no - she prefers a more instinctive route, across the grass through the trees, her skirts flaring about her as she spins and moves, her laughter free as her dreads whip about as she spins. She dances as if she has a partner - unseen - in a beautiful floaty waltz...

Her ipod is in her pocket, one earbud in her ear, the other hanging about her neck, the music audible for those who are close enough.

Sometimes? It's best not to ask.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Theron departs. Lukas watches him go, and has enough time to look at Danicka for a moment, expressionless but for his furrowed brow, before he turning to face the jingling pikey.

The Shadow Lord is clearly tense. Gina can see him draw a breath as she approaches, as though to recenter himself and reset his state of mind. Then he says, "Did Hunter speak to you? I saw you were with Muerte Fria and a stranger."

[Gina McClaren] Reckon sae, tha strange felly es Josh Walker, Strider fostern, wha wan's nae part o thengs.

*A shake of her head and a sigh, common theme that, Gina jingling to a stop and setting her hands on her hips. She's tired, but there's a veneer of civility over grief and anger now, that wasn't there when she'd entered the park. She tilts her head back to look Lukas more squarely in the face, eyes only kept for a moment.*

Reckon we've aboot worked thengs out though.. Soledad an' Hunter are gintae ward me both. Hunter es a strider, sae there'll be nae tribal bumfuckery, an' Soledad es stayen en wan place, sae she'll aulways be round, even effen Hunter's aft on a wander. Z'at work fer ye, biggun?

*The strider kin's eyes drift over Lukas's shoulder, a wistful sort of fancy flitting over her exotic features. Her chin tilting behind him atthe private dance Joss was having. She'd seen the woman at the bonfire, and knew she was one of the local Get.*

[Danicka Musil] She nods to Theron as he leaves, then opens her coffee again and takes a sip. She hears the tinkling of Gina's bells as she heads over, but turns to Lukas anyway and lifts her eyebrows in response to his inscrutable expression.

"It was nice meeting Theron," she says mildly, as Gina's making her way over. "Too bad Theron had to go so soon after I got here. I hope Theron has good travels." Beat. "Theron. Therontheron."

Danicka takes another sip of her coffee and gives a nod to Gina, noting her mood and going a bit quiet. She quirks a brow at 'bumfuckery', blinks, and keeps her damn mouth shut.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "He was a good man when we were cubs," is all Lukas has time -- or inclination, at present -- to say before Gina's there.

He listens, then, as she explains the deal worked out between Uktena and Strider. When she's finished he shakes his head. "I don't understand Striders," he says, vaguely amazed. "Moving from place to place, not wanting to ward what's theirs. But if it's fine with your tribe, it's fine with me."

He turns his head as Gina looks over his shoulder. His face blanks when he sees Joss -- dancing with a ghost, it seems -- and then he turns back.

"I should go talk to her. Excuse me, will you?"

[Joss Lehrer] There must be a song change, because the steps change, though the laughter remains, as the Godi spins in a circle, her arms outstretched, her head tipped backwards, her face to the sky as she spins, fast at first, then slowing until she falls into a standard 4/4 beat....

and then starts to sing along...

"Every daaaaay I try and I try and I try....
but everybody wants to put me down,
they say I'm going craaaaaaazy..."

There's something to be said about a girl who has the freedom to let herself to, to enjoy a walk in the park late at night, to dance her way through the grass and trees as if she were the only person on earth. It might not be something NICE that's said - but there's something, of course.

She gathers her skirts in her hands to hold them out, flared, and, lost in her own little world, brings it to a spinning close...

"Oooooh Somebody... somebody....
can anybody fiiiiiiiiiind me....
Some.... body.... to loooooooooove..."

And then falls into breathless laughter once more, her hands braced on her thighs, as he shakes her head, murmuring something, and though she certainly has a bounce in her step when the next song starts, it's not quite the full exuberant performance - and certainly more hiphop-ish than the groove just recently finished, humming along, murmuring softly... "go'on an' hate on me hater..."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas doesn't interrupt the Theurge's dancing. When he's within ten feet or so he slows, clasping his hands loosely at his back, waiting for the Fenrir to notice him.

Sooner or later she will. Wyrmbreaker's presence is all thunder and rage.

[Gina McClaren] *Gina's all wistful grin and softness as the Godi dances about, turning her head slowly to regard Danicka.*

Och, allo loves. Ow' are ye?

*A glance up at the moon, cursory, before she tosses too long hair back over her shoulder, and goes hipshod.*

[Joss Lehrer] She notices his presence before she lets him know she's noticed, and when she stops, it's within a few feet of him, her eyes clear and focused as she meets his gaze evenly, her skirts fall in a swirl about her calves, and her dreads settle about her shoulders, falling down her back heavily. She may have seemed unaware - but aware she was.

The corner of her lips quirk, sightly upwards as she studies him, and reaches up to pull the earbud from her ear, then pull the ipod from her pocket and thumb pause. There's a moments kick up from the breeze around her, there's a reflection of moonlight in the face of the ipod, before it fades away as she murmurs, "later" and tucks the ipod back into her pocket again.

Only when there is perfect stillness about her slender form again does she speak. Gone is the freedom of the Godi at play, of the teenage girl dancing with the moonlight, the wind. Her now is Gossamer Wing, Fostern Godi. Only then does she greet him with a single word.

"Wyrmbreaker."

[Danicka Musil] Danicka shrugs one shoulder, that heavy bag still hanging off one shoulder, resting against her hip. "Well enough. What was all that about?" she asks, nodding in the direction Hunter and Soledad and Joshua were.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas nods to her, a brief cant of his head that's curiously formal. "Gossamer-Wing-yuf," he replies.

There's a small pause. Then: "We have some things to settle. I need to make reparations to you, the spirits, and Sheridan for my behavior at her Gathering. And you owe me the same for disrespecting my fallen packmates."

[Gina McClaren] Och christ. Ah gaw dumped on tall dark an' thundry there after Sampson kicked et. Couldnae find a strider tae ward me oor another folk wi' tha minerals tae dae et, until taenecht, when a fostern strider shows oop, an the tae lasses both decide tae claim me o tha same damned time. A recht clusterfook. Banjaxed aul o et.

*A deep sigh and she waves her hand as though banishing the confusing scenario altogether.*

Och, bollox.

[Joss Lehrer] She arches a brow, slightly, and tucks her hands into the pockets of her skirts, her stance curiously relaxed, despite the formality, the seriousness of the matter. A different Fenrir would demand reparations in blood, a different Fenrir would act before speaking....

But she is different than most. She has the mark of wisdom that is all but impossible to find on one of her age in any nation - let alone their own. She is no wet behind the ears Cliath, she is no newly ranked Fostern. She is a Godi of renown, of talent.

And she is calm. "You do. And I admit easily enough that I lost my cool. And while I had no intention of disrespecting your fallen packmates, Lukas." And here there's a break in the expression, a little self-depreciating grin that barely shows itself as she speaks honestly, "I had every intention of disrespecting you."

She lifts a hand before he can bristle. "Even I can lose my calm, despite what the stories say. I do not intend disrespect you now - just admit my feelings then."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Contrary to expectations, though, Lukas does not bristle. He snorts quietly under his breath, but it seems more wry humor than anything else.

"Well," he says, dryly, "don't worry, you managed to do that too. But of my former packmates of the Circle, only one left in dishonor. The remainder were scattered for the sake of Gaia, whether lost to the Umbra or to the Wyrm. Suggesting they were lost because of inept leadership disrespects their sacrifice as much as it disrespects the ability of the Alphas," plural, because the Circle saw no fewer than four alphas in Chicago, "that led that pack.

"Anyway. I'm ready to pay my debts. Will you return the favor without our having to take this before your packmate, the Elder of Philodoxes?"

[Gina McClaren] *A yawn, and Gina says her goodbyes, waving to Lukas and Joss, singsonging pleasantly to Danicka, and with the jingle of charms she's away to the little yellow house in Bronzeville she calls home. With any luck, a no moon won't pop out of a closet or crawl out from under her bed.*

[Danicka Musil] The two kinswomen, one considered either the Whore of Babylon or Chicago's Friendliest Welcome Wagon and the other once thought to be turning packmates against each other through the force of what she has between her legs, stand chatting as the Fosterns confront one another. Danicka mostly just sips her coffee as Gina tells her what was going on, laughing quietly at Gina's dismissal. She nods to Gina as the Strider heads away, wiggling her fingers in goodbye, wishing she could stay a bit longer.

Gina is, compared to many, a breath of fresh air. Danicka, no longer playing polite, goes to a bench in front of the fountain to sit down, setting her bag beside her while she drinks her coffee and waits for her mate. The last thing she intends to do is interrupt what seems like a conversation just as serious but not as friendly as the one he was having with Theron.

[Joss Lehrer] "Yet you show Bones to Dust and La Familia that same disrespect."

Her voice is quiet, sure. "I was there, Lukas. I saw the aftermath, I saw the bodies, I did the clean up myself to ensure the veil was not broken, as were the bodies of Sheridan, of Bones to Dust. I was there. You were not. I was not in time. You did not know until we arrived at your door. That is why I came with her, you know."

She sighs, softly. "La Familia follows one of the most demanding of Totems, and I am here to tell you that Bones to Dust did her best to save Sheridan. We have all had our packmates fall. I failed to save another sept member just days ago, and bear not only the scar in my flesh, but in my soul, because sometimes it is simply not enough, no matter that we claw back from the edge of our own grave to continue fighting."

She looks up at the sky then, closing her eyes briefly, before she returns her gaze to his. One would imagine her eyes to be dark - but they are not. Vibrant, brilliant blue. Piercing, intelligent, bottomless - Windows to her soul, a soul that aches for her own failures, that aches for the pain of those she failed.

"I see no need to drag my packmate from the warmth of his mates bed, Wyrmbreaker."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas -- a thoughtful, logical Ahroun if ever there was one -- is not logical when Black Unicorn's pack is mentioned. Black anger clouds his brow. His hands come unclasped, hang at his sides now, relaxed but ready, dangerous.

"It's nowhere near the same, Gossamer Wing. One of my packmates died with the man she was fighting alongside. The other died saving the rest of his hunting party. They did not die under the watch a pack whose very raison d'etre was to protect their allies, the way Sheridan did.

"You may have seen the bodies, but I've seen La Familia pick their own up and run with their tails tucked. I've seen them abandon their allies to the Wyrm after calling for their help in the first place. We've all seen them lose their totem twice, and it doesn't take a genius to figure out why. They might be sworn to protect their allies, but all I've seen from them points to the contrary.

"Believe what you like, Yuf. Until I see evidence to the contrary from La Familia itself, I can't help but doubt."

[Joss Lehrer] "And I have fought beside them and see Brother to the Lost and Bones to Dust throw themselves in front of blow after blow, blocking time and time again to save those they fight with. Not every battle falls perfectly the way we wish them too. I just ask that you keep in mind that you are not there with them for every battle, just as they are not there for each of yours. You are not all-seeing, any more than I am. I ask that you think before you judge, Wyrmbreaker. You base this on a handful battles that you have seen when there are dozens sung of to choose from. Do not discount those to focus only on the failures. We can point the fingers at any of us. I chose to go for the Wyrm's throat, instead of healing my ally first. He paid the ultimate price and we lost another warrior."

A pause, and she pushes back her dreads with both hands, holding them at the nape of her neck for a long moment, and then admits softly. "We are all guilty, Wyrmbreaker. That is what I ask that you remember. We have ALL failed. You will doubt, as I will, as others will, many times over. But remember that we are all the sum of many parts, our stories written of many battles. And we have all dropped the ball more times than we wish to admit."

He is relaxed, but ready. Dangerous. She is as she has been - respectful to an ally, and earnest in the lesson she wishes to impart. He could strike now, and she would fall. Of that there is no doubt. But it would not make her any less right.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "That I remember none of us are perfect is the only reason I haven't torn that pack to shreds, Gossamer-Wing. But my doubts will remain until I see something to dismiss them."

A short breath, and then he slides his hands into his coat pockets. In his right pocket, his sister's picture -- with her supposed boyfriend, the Theurge of his tribe -- crumples a little before he rearranges his fingers.

"Anyway, that's between La Familia and I. Let's talk about our own business. What do you want as reparations?"

[Joss Lehrer] She doesn't press. He's almost as stubborn as she is, though she is able to let it go. He relaxes, and she considers him, considers his errors, considers what she should demand of him. If he were a Theruge, she would ask a rite, to have him teach her something of his tribe - but he is not. If she were a Rotager, she might ask that he dance with her in the moonlight. But she is not.

She is Godi. And she takes a breath. "I would ask that you apologize before the Sept for the disruption of the Gathering - and I would ask that you learn the Rite itself, and the next member that falls, you lead us all in the memory of our fallen, to shine the light on the path that they will take to their next life. Do so, and do it well, and the Spirits and I will both be appeased. And if you wish, as Theurge Elder, I will be your teacher, unless you have another that will teach you well. Keep in mind that the Gathering is different for every tribe - you must learn the nuances of each, in case you are called to lead one other than your own blood."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Wyrmbreaker thinks a moment, his left hand coming out of his pocket to scratch at his jaw. There's stubble there, scritching under his fingernails. Then he nods.

"All right. If you'll teach me, I'll be honored. What about the spirits? What's your suggestion, as Theurge Elder, on ways to make amends to them?"

[Joss Lehrer] "Of course." she nods. She is a patient teacher, as many have seen. Even when it comes to tutoring a stubborn Lord.

The second question requires more thought, and she sinks to a crouch easily as she does so, her eyes lowered as she trails a finger on the ground before her toes. Perhaps she is listening to something he can't hear. Perhaps she is discussing something in ways he can't possibly understand. Or maybe she's just weird. Or maybe all of the above.

Softly, her voice carries, as she rests her chin on her knees, as the breeze kicks up around her again, almost as if running under her fingertips to be pet, caressed, consoled. "Sheridan was a Daughter of the Rat, and they came en masse to view her passing, and many linger still near her grave. I know you will tend to her grave, as you have the others of the Unbroken. This one is different. They wait there, and will for the next moon. At least three times a week, I ask that you stop by her grave, ensure that it is tended, and tell them one new thing about Sheridan. It matters not if you don't know their language, they will infer what they will of your words. If you run out of things to tell them of her, then seek the talesinger, seek those that she knew, that she battled beside."

She stands, then, a smile as she watches something that either he can't see, or only exists in her imagination. "One new item, three times a week. An even dozen under the moon to be remembered of our Fallen Daughter of the Rat."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "One item, three times a week," Lukas remembers, as though to remember it. "An even dozen for our fallen Sister of Perun."

He stays on his feet, though out of courtesy, he looks away from her to avoid looking down at her. His eyes stray the dark shadows of the trees; the dark, cloudless sky, so unusually warm for this time of year. If this can be considered warm.

"In return, these are the reparations I seek for your comments against my lost packmates: that you help me devise a way to send messages into the Deep Umbra. Wherever my lost packmates might be, whether or not they can answer, I want a way to contact them.

"If it's a spirit, I will pay appropriate chiminage for as long as I require its services. If it's a fetish, I'll upkeep it as long as necessary. Just put me in touch with a way; that's all I ask."

[Joss Lehrer] She tips her head, brushing her hands together. She turns her face to the sky again, to the moon, as if the answer might lay there within the cloud covered shine, that it will come to her if she simply listens long enough. She is quiet for a long moment, and then nods, slightly, returning her gaze to Lukas with a little grin.

It's a puzzle.
She likes puzzles.

"Done. Well, not done, as I'll need some time to discuss the best ways with the Spirits, but I will find a way." She does not tell him she does not have the means to make a fetish - it is not for him to know. She simply says she will find a way - and she will. In fact, her mind is already ticking off the possibilities. Wahya sent her a message from the Realm of Pain in the deep umbra - she find a way to make it work for Lukas.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas nods, then holds his hand out to grasp Joss's forearm, if she lets him.

"That's how we'll settle it, then. I'll find you in the Caern tomorrow, after I tend to Walks the Track's grave?"

[Joss Lehrer] She does, her hand small against his forearm, his swallowing her smaller arm whole. He knows as well as any, however, that power comes in small packages just as easily as the large.

"I'll see you there." a beat, and she tips her head slightly, putting an earbud back in place. "Tell me, Lukas - do you waltz?" Idle curiosity, and a wistfullness dancing underneath. "I think I'd very much like to learn to waltz.. or the tango..." She nods, slightly, eyes distant again, as if she's not really there any longer, as if she's already moved away... "I should find someone to teach me to tango.."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "I can waltz," Lukas admits with a quirking, faintly smirking smile as their hands part, "but I don't tango."

He lets the Godi return to her own eldritch thoughts. For his part, the Shadow Lord turns to his mate, walking out from beneath the trees, crossing the path, coming to the edge of the sprawling fountain on which Danicka sits.

[Joss Lehrer] She somehow knew he did - it doesn't surprise her in the least. Then she's thumbing the ipod back on again, and of all things - the Thong Song comes can be heard thumping through the bud still resting against her chest.

It's likely not his imagination that the wind kicks up again, as she starts to bounce, and than resumes her earlier path through the park, living the old saying with the open delight...

Live like there's no tomorrow, and dance like no one is watching...

[Danicka Musil] His mate, on a bench, watches the faces of Chicagoans spit water into the Millenium Fountain. She is almost done with her coffee when he moves over, and turns to look up at him as he approaches. Her head tips to one side, her laptop bag sitting beside her thigh. She smiles, no more or less slightly than she did when she greeted Theron, or when she spoke to Gina.

"Long day at the office, darling?" she asks lightly.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] As the Godi dances off -- as though no one were watching, or as though she just didn't care -- Lukas approaches Danicka, his hands in his pockets. He gives her a wry smile; then he holds his left hand out to her, the angle of his regard changing if she stands.

"Housewife doesn't suit you at all," he replies. His hand shifts on hers, takes hers a little more securely. When he tucks his hand back into his pocket, he takes hers with him. It's warm there, heated by his hand and his body both. "I'd like to go home with you, though."

They leave Millennium Fountain behind, and its shifting images of Chicagoans spitting water. Strangest damn idea Lukas has ever seen for a fountain, though he can't say he dislikes it. The flickering screen casts changing lights on the pavement ahead of him; their shadows are long and tall, cutting across the dim glow.

After a while he pulls the little strip of photobooth pictures out of his pocket and passes them over without a word. After Danicka has a moment to look he asks, "Do you think she looks happy with him?"

[Danicka Musil] "Everything suits me," she disagrees mildly yet archly, putting her free hand in his and lifting herself to her feet. He was just talking to Joss about waltzing; the way he takes her hand and the way she rises almost seems like they are about to do so, nevermind the coffee in her other hand or the bag that hangs off her shoulder, bumps her thigh, tells the world that she shops Prada.

They do not, however, begin to waltz. Their hands drop between them, hers gloved, and they begin to walk. She shifts her hand so that her fingers slide between his, as though because she wears green and white knit over her skin she'll keep his preternaturally, perpetually heated hands warm from the November chill. She turns her head and smiles at him. The last time he saw her wear this hat it was February, deep into winter, not yet spring. He had never touched her in adulthood except to shake her hand. She didn't smile, then.

"I'd like that," she says, "if you don't mind ordering delivery and watching me get some reading done." Nevermind that it's Friday night, that she has all weekend for homework. It's half-teasing. Very likely she won't get much reading done tonight, if he comes home with her. Which is alright.

When he takes out the strip of photos, her expression wrinkles in confusion. She trades Lukas her coffee cup for the photos and looks them over, and from the look of things, she actually is trying to read the people in the pictures before she hands them back, trades again. "It's hard to tell with photographs," she says honestly, as though the question matters, as though it is worth a considered action. "Even sincerity looks false. Most people get very tense when they know a camera is on them. Even the very confident."

There's a pause. She sips her coffee, looks forward as they walk along the winding sidewalk in the direction of the train station.

"That said," she goes on, a little bit lower, a little bit more carefully, "she seems to be paying more attention to the camera, in those. And he seems to be paying more attention to the fact that he's holding her."

Whatever that means.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas takes the pictures back, peering at them through the darkness. Then he tucks them into his pocket, exhaling shortly.

"Theron's a good man," he says, "not so goddamn conniving or domineering as half our tribe. Or at least he was the last time I saw him, which was before I'd even met the Bellamontes. We were cubs together in the Sept of the Stark Falls. For about six months, anyway. Then I had my Rite of Passage and he ... stayed on to train under his mentor."

That's not to point of all this. That's just background, which a sense of fairness or honesty spurs Lukas to offer.

After a moment he continues, "But Anežka told me her boyfriend was a kinsman. And then he just shows up in Chicago to ask for her hand and I haven't even heard a word from her on the subject and ..."

Lukas trails off, frowning. They go another ten yards or so, out of the light, into the shadow beneath the trees. A sensible woman in a big city would be wary of dark places at night. Sensible people in big cities would be wary of dark places at night, male or female. Whatever else his strength and supernaturality brings, though, one suppose it at least gives a certain sense of security against things that go bump in the night.

Himself excepted, of course.

"Would you mind if I called Anežka while you're reading?"

[Danicka Musil] Lukas has seen her walking alone after dark before, in some of the worst areas of this city. He's seen her waiting for a bus in Bronzeville, not to mention walking through Grant Park after sunset on her way home. She has a car. She usually takes the subway or the El or buses, though. She has a gun. He knows she carries it, though no one has told him specifically about a green-eyed blonde kinswoman shooting a fomor in the back some time ago or a clawed fomor in a jazz club. Danicka certainly hasn't told him herself about these occasions. Not yet, anyway.

Word gets around, though. Eventually someone will say it in front of him, assuming he already knows what his own mate has done, and he'll know that she has garnered attention even from Garou who don't know her personally.

She sips her coffee as he talks about who Theron was, and the fact that his sister lied to him, watching the path ahead of them. "I only remember Anežka as she was when we were younger," she says thoughtfully, "but I do remember that your parents were very... honest. They always made the two of you confess and apologize if you broke a rule."

Or something else.

"So if she grew up to be anything like you," Danicka continues, her voice still mild, "what do you think it tells you that she told you her boyfriend was a kinsman?"

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "I don't know," Lukas says, with an edge of frustration; also, with an edge of worry. "I don't know if she's afraid to tell me or what. I don't know, if she is afraid, if it's because she genuinely likes this guy and doesn't want me to say no, or if she's afraid of him, or..."

Lips pressed together, Lukas frowns at the sidewalk. They pass under a path lamp. The light paints his brow, sharpens his cheekbones, highlights the bones of his face as he passes. Then it falls behind them and throws their shadows on ahead, mismatched for height and breadth, a match nonetheless.

"What do you think?"

[Danicka Musil] The boots she has on make her taller. Not quite as tall as Liadan is naturally, not nearly as tall as Lukas is, but it gives her a model's height. The heels make the softest tap-thud on the concrete of the sidewalk as they follow it along towards the edge of Grant Park. Danicka finishes her coffee, swivels the stopper shut, and pauses on the path to take her hand from his, open her bag, and find a spot to slide it in so she doesn't have to carry it in her hand anymore.

While Lukas talks about what he doesn't know, what his sister might be afraid of, while Danicka listens quietly. When he's done, when they continue walking and her hand slides back into his, he asks her what she thinks.

"I think," she says slowly, watching as cracks approach their toes, pass under their feet, vanish, "that she probably knows better. Whether she's afraid or not, she knows -- and knew when she said she was dating a kinsman -- that if it were serious, if it were going to last, that he would eventually come to you."

Danicka glances at him, her head turned and tilted, her expression difficult to discern. "I just think that if Anežka thought that this was something she wanted to last, she would have told you herself that he was a fullblood." There's another beat. "She's not a child. And even when she was, she was very grown-up. She's also... I doubt very much that she's an idiot.

"So either she is scared of him, and he made her lie to you for some unfathomable reason, which means he is not as honorable as he once was, or she did not -- and possibly still does not -- think this relationship is terribly serious."

She shrugs one shoulder, the one not burdened by her bag's strap. "That's what I think. But you know them both better than I do, and everything I just said is conjecture."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas watches Danicka as she speaks, sparing the path ahead only the occasional glance. When her hand comes back to his he tucks it into his pocket again, thoughtlessly, as though that was where it belonged.

What she says makes him frown. He thinks. He's quiet for a while, looking away toward the end to watch the path after all. Then, when she finishes, he looks back at her.

"Thank you," he says quietly. "It's conjecture, but I think it makes a certain sense. At any rate, I'll call her up tonight and ask."

It's quite possible that when that happens, the Kvasni&+269;ka siblings will end up arguing; that arguing may devolve into fighting; that Lukas will say things like "Believe me, Anežka, I could have handled it if you told me you were seeing a Garou," and "No, I would not have flipped my lid," and "I'm not flipping my lid right now!" and "I just wish you'd have told me something before he showed up!"

It's possible she'll hear yelling from one or both sides of the phone. It's possible that even now, she'll be startled at the way Anezka dares to speak to her Garou sibling. It's possible that Lukas will end the call by proclaiming Anezka utterly impossible to deal with and then spend a few minutes brooding out Danicka's vast windows.

But then their food will arrive. And he'll go downstairs to get it because she's still studying, and by the time he's back up he'll be hungry, and his appetite will cheer him, and he'll unpack the containers and pass out the plastic cutlery and sit down on her floor to eat.

[Danicka Musil] For her part, Danicka does indeed slip her hand into his pocket without resistance, but this does not mean much. Resistance from her is rare, and the first time he pulled on her hand and she pulled it back it was as harsh a gesture as a slap in the face that -- fairly -- he probably deserved that particular night. Not because he was being cruel, or because what he was saying wasn't true, but because he had hurt her, and there was nothing else she could do. The irony, though, is that even as she stood in that club's dark bathroom and jerked her hand out of his grasp, snapping at him, it was because she trusted him not to crush her for it.

Even before she realized that she trusted him, before she ever admitted it.

"You're welcome," she says quietly, and just walks.

For the most part, Danicka will be doing her homework in the living room, on the couch rather than at her desk in the bedroom. She will suggest Chinese food and insist on crispy banana rolls, informing him that she has caramel sauce in the fridge. She also wants crab and cheese wontons. Given that Danicka does not often eat very much, the fact that she does not seem to see anything on the menu that does not appeal to her is probably a good sign. The only times Lukas has seen her eat heartily, she has been content. She has felt comfortable.

So when he argues with his sister later on, she just goes on reading. She doesn't flinch. She does little more than look at him until his voice raises slightly, and then she quietly gets her textbooks together and goes to finish her chapters in the bedroom, the door left open behind her but the walls and distance insulating her enough to keep her focus.

It may occur to him that Danicka likes being a student. It may surprise him how quickly, how voraciously, how attentively she reads, how delicate her margin notes are, some of them done only in symbols that mean something to her and her alone. She reads like a graduate student, not like the first-year, first-semester coed she actually is.

If she is surprised at how Anezka talks to Lukas, it doesn't show. If she thinks about Vladislav, she doesn't mention it.

She's done reading, interestingly enough, when Lukas is done on the phone. The timing is convenient. It's also the weekend; she has time for all of that later. She does not see Lukas every day. Every night. She does not get to eat with him even all of the times that she sees him. So she goes and sits on the couch while he broods, her cheek against her fist, her eyes on his profile, waiting.

Danicka is extraordinarily patient.

So she is not studying when their food arrives, but she is moving to get up and go get it when Lukas goes instead. There's an odd look in his eyes -- odd, at least, to anyone else -- when he says he'll go. She recognizes it. She remembers the way he looked on the solstice, the look in his eyes as he imagined what he told her only months later: that he could stay there with her. Feed her. Keep her warm. Keep her safe. And she remembers, easily, what it feels like when she makes kolace and he eats three or four in a sitting, with pleasure and satisfaction. So she sits back down, and he goes, and when he comes back

she slides onto the floor with him

and eats dessert first.