Ivan Press

[Spiders] The message was simple and clear. Though they were not exactly certain of who it had come from exactly. She came by Cell Phone, Laptop, Television, or Radio. She reached out to the Garou and delivered a simple message.

"I am neither friend nor ally. I am simply an individual who shares with you a mutual interest in the safekeeping of certain elements within this city. I am incapable of dealing with the threat and since there is a mutual interest here I have contacted the Garou in the interest of saving lives. The pattern web has been infected, an informational node designed to carry and deliver messages along that web has been corrupted by unknown means. These messages serve to direct and guide agents of the entity you know as the Weaver along their paths. The problem lies in the fact that these corrupted messages are infesting those creatures who draw too close. I know not the number who have been infected or to what degree... Only that they no longer serve to reinforce the gauntlet and as it stands actively seek to tear down the gate between this world and the spirit world beyond. Whatever their mad plan it cannot and will not be allowed to be carried out. The corruption of the node and the erosion of the gauntlet means only that the Weavers response will be harsh and brutal... We can expect that the entire section of the town will be quarantined and sterilized in order to stop the infection before it spreads. So you see now why this cannot be allowed to happen... You must find the Node and you must destroy it before the Weaver can muster and ready an appropriate response to this threat. I think it is safe to say that Wyrm Tainted Spiders, and Sterilization are both matters which most of us would prefer to avoid."The address is rattled off, the building itself was on the 12th story of a downtown building. Those floors were used by a company involved with internet security which would explain why the building itself served as a spiritual relay for information.

"I have handled the matter of security. There is currently no one within the building and all security devices have tempiorarily been disabled. Your job will be simple... Enter the building, find the node and destroy it... Do this and the rest of the matter should be dealt with easily enough without the need for proper Sterilization."

Transportation is left to the garou. Though for the most part their involvement in this matter is rather clear... A single individual lacks the ability to enter the building and deal with the matter alone. So it is that the Garou appear to be the best possible solution to the matter however a distasteful prospect as that might be.

[Ivan] So they gather. And this time, Ivan drives his own damn self. When means a Murcielago joins Penny's station wagon downstairs from whatever shining edifice of Weaver might this 'problem' is housed in.

Ivan is talking the moment he steps out of the Lamborghini. "Boy," he says, all obviously forced cheer, "I just love bossy Weaverific bitches, don't you? It's especially fun when one pimps me out as her personal assault force, because obviously I have nothing better to do on a Friday night."

The way he's dressed, he looks like he was on his way out. He jeans look beyond expensive. His shirt is so well-cut to his body it has to be tailored. He starts undoing the buttons, though, stripping it off his broad shoulders and stuffing it back into the car. Must not be dedicated. Either that or he wants to impress Penny.

Drawing a pair of black carbon-fiber knives out of ... well, pretty much out of nowhere, he nods to the Ahroun.

"Okay, second verse same as the first. You know what I'm good at. Use me, baby."

[Thirty Second Silence] The car door is slammed shut when gregory steps out, his head turning from left to right before looking up, chin tilting and eyes following the building as it rises to the sky.

"I don't like it penny." He stuffs his hands into his pockets and grunts out the few words in his raspy tones.

But he doesn't back away from the building, doesn't run away into a nearby alley to hide in a dumpster or curl up underneath the mattress in the back of penny's car like a little worm. His thoughts are interrupted as the murcielago joins them and gregory grins. He was right. Rich like a triple chocolate sundae.

"Nice car, I wonder how much it cost daddy." He murmers to penny as the car comes to a stop.

[Kiss With A Fist] Penny and Greg are already in the old station wagon when the radio cuts out. No more of Hayley Williams singing about airplanes and wishes. They're given a directive.

She looks to her friend, brow quirked. "Should we check it out?" she asks in that lowish, scratchy voice of hers. Whatever his response, the light they stopped at has turned green, and they're off. Off to meet the Ragabash from the other night.

Who drips wealth and fortune, whereas Penny's clothes are new. From Target. A t-shirt and jeans. At least they're clean. And then there's Gregory with his pack and pots and pans.

An interesting trio.

"Oh I intend to," she says with a smirk, and looks up at the building. "Greg, look on the other side, tell us what you see."

[Thirty Second Silence] "Sure thing Ripley."

Gregory turns away from them, his pot swinging lewdly off the back of his pack and the wooden spoon sticking from the top of it. He pulls the wooden spoon out and taps once on the side of the pot while he stares into the reflection of the windows. He even hums a little tune.

[gnosis]
Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 1, 4, 7, 8, 9 (Success x 2 at target 7)

[Thirty Second Silence] Gregory frowns a moment, eyes rolling around from side to side up and down. After a few moments he turns back to Penny.

"Think its mostly clear, though theres two big.. somethings.. shapes or something hanging up there" He points upwards. "And I think there might be some spiders blocking the way out."

[Kiss With A Fist] Penny doesn't know much about the Weaver beyond what everyone knows. She's insane, she's intent on ordering and organizing the world. She doesn't know much about her minions.

She continues looking up, like she can see the objects floating there but on the other side.

Then she looks a the three of them. "Ivan I want you up front, but not point. Do that scouting mastery you're so awesome at, and if you run into something before us, warn us and get out of the way. We'll shift and cross over when we're through the doors."

Past the spiders keeping things in. She waits for Ivan to go first, then follows, with Gregory bringing up the rear. If they get through the doors with no trouble, then she shifts.

[Ivan] Touching the deadly tip of one knife to his temple, Ivan tips a rakish little salute off and moves forward.

There's something distinctly feral about the Fang once his oh-so-stylish trappings are stripped away. With his bare shoulders and his lean agility, he moves smooth and silent as a cat. The door swings open easily, and like a magic trick, Ivan blurs as the glass shields him. A moment later, in the darkened lobby, the Ragabash begins to push across the Gauntlet.

[this is for Blur!]
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 4, 5, 5, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10 (Success x 4 at target 8) Re-rolls: 1

[Ivan] [and for crossing gauntlet!]
Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 3, 6, 8, 9 (Success x 3 at target 7) [WP]

[Kiss With A Fist] [slow-shift to lupus on the way to the door
Crossing! -1 diff]
Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 1, 3, 3, 6, 10 (Success x 2 at target 6) [WP]

[Thirty Second Silence] Gregory gives them a bit of distance before following after them, soon his form contorts though, shifting through the myriads of forms until his padded feet touch down in hispo, he stops to peer into nearby glass then he crosses over.

[crossing -1]
Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 1, 4, 6, 10, 10 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Spiders] The building itself is lit well enough to see clearly but otherwise the main lobby is absent of all traces of life. People have gone home leaving the place startlingly desolate. Once across to the other side the building itself appears much the same save colors are a bit more vivid and pleasant. There is a sterile smell in the air... But otherwise the corresponding spiritual side almost exactly mirrors the physical side. The elevators as well as stairwells are in the same location and there is even a desk in the lobby for greeting visitors though there was no spirit behind the desk.

Their contacts promise that the building would be cleared and safe for them to enter was apparently holding up so far.

[Ivan] Once on the otherside, Ivan takes his lithest shape. It takes him a long time. He doesn't have the rage to spare. He isn't terribly in touch with his animal self. When he finally gets there, though, he's as light on his feet here as in any other form. Longlegged and silent, he lops forward.

The building has a remarkable spiritual presence. Ivan notes this without being surprised by it. He avoids the elevators, though -- if they even work on this side of the Gauntlet -- and noses open the door to the stairwell. Staying a half-floor or so ahead of the others, he starts up.

Looks like they'll be getting the stairmaster workout tonight.

[i r stealthy! dex + stealth + lupus mod]
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 3, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10 (Success x 8 at target 6) Re-rolls: 3

[Kiss With A Fist] Ivan heads for the stairs, and Penny follows at a distance. Let the scout get ahead of them and see what he can see. She pads for the door, and she waits for her hulking companion before starting through.

Stairs? Stairs are nothing when you have four legs and are fleet of foot. Small and nimble and agile, the Ahroun walks quietly as she can. Glancing over her shoulder to Gregory, she whisper-growls: "Stay close. When we fight, stay back."

[Thirty Second Silence] He blinks at her when she growls and his tongue laps out over his shiny teeth. "Yes mam" And the hulking direwolf lowers his head and scuttles after them, long legs bringing him closer to penny's more minute form.

[Ivan] [OKAY FINE ALERTNESS. -2 for being all wolflike.]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 6, 7, 7, 8, 10 (Success x 5 at target 4)

[Spiders] Their ascent is slow and as they climb they can feel their hair standing on end. It was an unusual experience, the gauntlet was literally weakening around them as they climbed to the point where it almost appeared to disappear when they finally reached their destination.

The door opens into the lobby which appears to be your standard lobby with a desk out front and a large wall which leads to the offices of the company itself. There are restrooms to either side as well as a number of comfortable chairs for those who might find themselves waiting for a meeting or some other manner. What stands out about this place, however, is the thick metallic ropes and strands which appear to line the room. Any Garou who has been in Chicago before would recognize the Pattern Web. Yet the strands weren't really here, or were they? It was hard to tell they almost appeared to phase in and out with every step as if they were present one second and not the next. The garou could feel the strange sensation as they stepped as if they were, themselves, stepping across the gauntlet with each and every step. It was quite apparent why the matter was a concern... Information streamed upon the strands of the web that stretched across the lobby. The green digital lines of code streamed along the surface of the web in recognizable blocks of information though identifying what each block of information said would take a genius or computer or something that reads code. What was strange was that some of the symbols were not recognizable as letters, numbers, or even typical symbols... They appeared broken, sometimes even taking on a red color rather than the usual green.

Ivan is the first to see this but the others follow shortly after. It is quiet in the room with two doors on the back wall leading to the offices.

[Spiders] There was an occasional soft chittering nose that sounded like something between a high pitched gargle and the irritating screech one might have heard when an error results from attempting to link ones sound card directly into their neural interface. It was soft, and frighteningly digital. Whatever was making it was far from human or garou. Luckily it did not appear to be coming from this room but rather through the walls.
to Ivan

[Spiders] The room itself was quiet other than the occasional chittering noise. It was dimly lit but well enough that one could easily make their way around the room. There was little in the way of a mess other than the webs themselves which were strewn across the room like thick metallic ropes. There was also an unsettling feeling coming from these webs... Typically there was a cold, and empty feeling surrounding the weavers toys and servants but these things were strange and alien and unsettling to behold. The web itself appeared wrong, the messages channeling along it were broken and unusual and simply reading the blocks or attempting to read them left one with an uneasy feeling. This was more than just a broken spirit this was corruption... Whatever has happened here was right now an abomination. A complete perversion of all that was natural in this world, as much as the Garou might hate the Wyrm and Weaver individually nothing could preparemost Garou for the prospect of having to confront Wyrm tainted Weaverspawn. It was here that the Garou would feel deep inside their guts that whatever was happening in this place must NOT be allowed to escape this building! It must be stopped here and now!

[Kiss With A Fist] [Jedi-hand wave: This is not the Fury you thought you saw!]

[Thirty Second Silence] [soak talen]
Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 3, 3, 3, 4, 9 (Success x 1 at target 7)

[Victor Oseragighte] Everything he senses here sets his fur on edge. Nostrils flare as he sniffs testingly at the sterile air.

(( -1 Gn for soak talen ))

[Honor's Compass] She feels it.

The pull at her core, just above her navel that tells of perversion, of taint and corruption of the Weaver, the taste of the Wyrm hinted at. The Silver Fang lets out a slow, steady breath and shifts downward, her coat sliding from her her shoulders, replaced effortlessly with pristine white fur. Two heavy paws hit the floor, followed by another two and abruptly, Katherine Bellamonte is a sleek young Hispo wolf, lowering her muzzle to the floor and snuffling.

The chittering of Spiders somewhere has the Half Moon's ears flattening against her skull.

She presses forward slowly.

[Honor's Compass] [Luna's Armor]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 (Failure at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [:( ]

[Victor Oseragighte] He can't help but try to find the scent, nostrils working as he follows his fellow Philodox warily. The bone dagger of his people finds itself in his left hand, one of many reasons he prefers this form to Hispo.

[Honor's Compass] [HUMPH. Now Lune, don't be fussy.]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 1, 4, 4, 5, 5, 10 (Failure at target 7)

[Sinclair] Like the other night fighting the huntsman, Sinclair is one step behind Katherine. And it has nothing to do with speed or acuity, everything to do with a certain deference paid to the Philodox. Just as Katherine and Christian snapped to when Sinclair started barking orders in the true heat of battle, outside of it Sinclair obviously and willingly steps aside for the Silver Fang Elder.

So a few moments later, there is another hispo wolf where Sinclair was standing, darker in color but still with those bright blue eyes so common to many of the Unbroken.

[Sinclair] [-1WP. steelfur! stamina + science]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 9 (Success x 2 at target 7)

[Honor's Compass] [oh god don't botch. Again?]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10 (Success x 1 at target 8)

[Thirty Second Silence] Gregory is at the front, having come up the stairs with Ivan, who had just scouted the place out for them. They wait here for their backup, who arrives on the 12th floor, a fang hispo among other things. Gregory recognises his superiors. The dirty brown and black streaked direwolf steps aside from the stairwell entrance. He speaks to Ivan, a half muttering of growls.

"Seems we won't have to do this alone after all."

[Sinclair] As they stride forward, Sinclair's fur takes on not just the color of iron but the cast of true steel, threads becoming metallic and shrill, glinting in whatever light there is. She looks around at the gathered wolves, taking their measure, then moves to the front and speaks in a low, guttural growl:

"I lead. Small-time Silence at back. Swallow guard him. No-Moon with me. Sister in middle."

With that, she wheels and goes forward, into the next room.

[Ivan] [oh -- i should note: Ivan is currently at +4 diff to spot due to blur, and had an 8 succ stealth roll earlier. he's a NINJA, yo. *gloats*]

Ivan, who remains all but invisible, licks his chops and then lets his tongue loll out silently. It seems shit's about to go down. So he shifts again -- that same agonizingly slow transition between forms -- gradually taking on his Crinos form.

Out of his palms come those two ingots of carbon-fiber. With a sharp little snick-nick, blades swing out of both. Ready now, he swipes a furry forearm across his muzzle and waits to see who'll lead them, and how.

[Victor Oseragighte] That heavy gray head turns toward those they find already present, dark orange eyes moving from one to the other. He nods to each before speaking briefly.

-HT- "Know what's up here?"

(( 1G to Activate dagger. ))

[Ivan] -- and when that leader shows itself in Sinclair, the lean Fang falls soundlessly into her shadow.

"Corrupted spiders," he tells Swallow. "Breaking down Gauntlet instead of building. Not a bad thing if you ask me, but apparently the Weaver's going to [nuke] this place if we don't get rid of them." The shoulders move smoothly, a shrug. "Guess Gauntlet is better than crater."

[Thirty Second Silence] Small-time Silence pads along behind the others, his eyes focused on their backs more than the area they venture into, he trusts them to lead him -- knows that he can't do it himself.

[Honor's Compass] Katherine does not argue with her sister's instruction. Much as Sinclair easily fell in behind Katherine when she changed form, now the Silver Fang silently moves into position per Brutal Revelation's order. The two Fostern's seem to carry implicit trust in regards to each other, the bond of pack only serving to bolster it.

So, the daughters of Perun ready themselves for battle, once again. As they discuss tactics, and what is occurring around them, the Half Moon's fur begins to emanate a soft glow, the subtle edge that a gift casts the blue-eyed wolf.

[Victor Oseragighte] He nodded and mulled over their surroundings. This was his sort of place, really. Not as high as he preferred, but high enough. He knew tall buildings. Construction. He could work here.

-HT- "Working as one, each on its own, or lead?" They well might not know, but the question bore asking, and even if they did not know, they could keep a watch out for the answer now, an answer that could just give them an edge

[Spiders] Either door leads into the office itself which appears as your average office building, save for the strands of metallic webbing stretching in every direction. The web appears thicker here and it is here they get their first glances of the spiders within. They were startlingly large, and mechanical looking constructs that skittered across the web with urgency and purpose. They weren't exactly frightening, save for the fact they were spiders, because most garou have seen these things before. They tended to keep to themselves and only responded if directly attacked. These were not your average Pattern spiders. They were darker in trouble, and appeared to be a strange mixture of flesh and machine. Their forms were literally twisted by the corruption traveling along the web. At first they appear unnoticed... The spiders appeared to be focusing on the task before them. Even corrupted they still continued to serve their purpose, but instead of solidifying reality they were directed towards the task of corrupting it.

The majority of this area was composed of cubicles in rows with offices placed along the far end. Several doors lined the opposite wall and the webs themselves point directly towards their destination as they all appeared to converge upon a single central point in the building. A row of dark windows gave way to the blinking and flashing of lights that implied a huge array of computers which doubtless served as the server room for this particular company. If an information node was located anywhere in this building it would have to be there!

[Ivan] "Seems like they're working together," the Ragabash replies, and then moves up beside Sinclair again. Even in his Crinos form he retains some measure of litheness, slenderness; not nearly so bulky as most his brethren.

His muzzle, long and sleek, points in the direction of the data node. "Want me to have a look?"

[Sinclair] Of all of them, Sinclair is perhaps the most acquainted with Pattern Spiders. With the creatures that skitter along webs. She's a Glass Walker and they're in the city; this should be her element. At the same time, she just got here. Her eyes are open, her ears are alert, and she's paying attention to her surroundings as well as what Victor and Ivan are discussing.

She narrows her eyes at the spiders, a small growl rumbling for a moment in her throat. "Go."

[Ivan] She doesn't need to tell him twice. Immediately, Ivan moves forward, shrinking again -- that same painfully-slow shift -- down to his wolf form.

Belly low to the floor, moving more like a stalking cat than any form of canine, the Ragabash slinks forward for a closer look.

[dex+lupus+stealth!]
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 8, 8, 8, 10 (Success x 4 at target 6) Re-rolls: 1

[Ivan] [percep+alert!]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 1, 4, 4, 6, 6 (Success x 2 at target 4)

[Sinclair] [WP -2]
Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 6 (Failure at target 6)

[Victor Oseragighte] Willpower!
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 5, 9, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Ivan] [-2WP]
Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 2, 4, 9, 9 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Thirty Second Silence] [wp]
Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 1, 1, 5, 6 (Failure at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [Perm WP]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 7, 7, 7, 8, 9, 10 (Success x 6 at target 6)

[Thirty Second Silence] [1 more]
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 3 (Failure at target 6)

[Sinclair] [+2]
Dice Rolled:[ 2 d10 ] 2, 3 (Failure at target 6)

[Spiders] One of the spiders lowers itself from the ceiling and begins to climb along the cubicles towards the group. Interest or curiosity seem to guide the thing towards them. Solid black eyes focus curiously as the spider steps slowly closer, and closer. The spirit doesn't appear to take an aggressive stance but was more gathering information and satisfying its own curiosity. Before turning and heading back to one of the walls and going back to work. Eroding the gauntlet took work and these tireless spirits appeared to be serious about their task.

Ivan slinks ahead of the group and leaves them behind for the moment.

[Ivan] [2 more!]
Dice Rolled:[ 2 d10 ] 5, 8 (Success x 1 at target 6)

[Victor Oseragighte] -HT- "Can we persuade them to stand still for a cleansing. Convince them that it will aid them in their proper task," he suggested, eyes narrowed as he watched the spider approach and then retreat, wondering what that had been about.

[Sinclair] While waiting for the Ragabash to finish his scouting, Sinclair is swiveling her head around. She glances at the spider that wanders over, tips her head, then looks towards some of the computers in sight. Somewhat nonchalantly -- as though she's decided this place isn't worth the vigilance -- she starts to head over towards them.

[Spiders] Ivan sneaks ahead and catches sight of two very large spiders in the room. They appear to be circling around the servers evenly spaced and patrolling the server room slowly. The spiders themselves are much larger than the pattern spiders, and appear to be heavily armored little spider robot things! Most of the webs do in fact converge upon one central point in the server room
to Ivan

[Thirty Second Silence] Gregory seems at ease, he's padding along doing fine. Whoever had got in contact with them must have been mistaken.. this is all perfectly normal. He spots computers in the distance.. he never has much access to computers unless he decides to crash in at a netcafe or something.. maybe he can get online and chat to that girl back in kansas.. he pads away in that direction, he notices sinclair doing the same thing. Cool.

[Ivan] [if he Peeks across the Gauntlet, is there anything at that point where the webs converge?]
to Spiders

[Honor's Compass] Katherine, whose pale eye was returning the curious Spider's own intent study, snaps around the instant her sister leaves the formation. Her tongue wets her nose, she slides a heavy paw along the ground, her claws clacking.

Sinclair, where are you going?

Then Thirty Second Silence joins her, and Honor's Compass, perhaps the steadiest of them all -- understandably, given her auspice -- lets out a low growl. A wolf's notion of unease. She moves forward, instinctively taking up the slack where Warcry had initially been.

She swings around, answering Victor: "Spiders corrupted. Perhaps if we destroy machine, they be freed. Reboot."

[Spiders] It's the center of the server room basically. So there would be several servers there. Hmm maybe an interface that would allow you to access any of the servers if you needed to. Yeah I like that! So like a screen and kjeyboard but for the most part it's just the center of the server room.
to Ivan

[Victor Oseragighte] He nods to his fellow Half-Moon but moves to stop the two who had broken off mysteriously, starting with Sinclair. He is careful as he places a hand on her shoulder, sensing that the spider may have done something after all, something he had either not sensed or proven proof against... or just not been the victim of.

-HT- "We have a task here."

[Sinclair] A moment after that growl, mid-step, Sinclair swings her head around and fixes her eyes on Katherine. She cocks her head to one side, ear twitching. It seems she's waiting for something from the Fang.

[Thirty Second Silence] Gregory presses his snout into the power button of the computer, maybe he can type with his tongue if he tries hard enough. Before he gets a chance to figure out that typing in hispo is harder than it looks, his eyes are fixed onto screen and the strange flashing of images. There's a glitch in the matrix.

[Spiders] It's strange the way both Sinclair and Gregory flip on the computers and even stranger when instead of seeing the usual windows logo pop up chunks of data begin to stream across the screen. The same chunks of information that had been streaming along the surface of the pattern web now stream before the eyes of both Gregory and Sinclair. Who seem to have no problem whatsoever watching this strange shit flashing across the screen.

It's easy enough to read and understand for the both of them and really good shit too. You know, valuable shit, like... Stuff about life and freedom from slavery. The kinda stuff that really needs to be heard. Yoh know whatever was in those servers the Weaver didn't want to get out because it was some kinda threat! The weaver is afraid or something! Maybe we could use this stuff to defeat the weaver! We gotta bring this information to the world! Get it to the outside world so people can know the truth!

[Sinclair] [*helpfully deletes the mention of Sinclair flipping on a computer*]

[Honor's Compass] "Thirty Second Silence," the Fostern bark-commands. "Back away from the computer screen and take up place in formation. Now."

[Ivan] Presently, the blur of a Ragabash is back.

"Two large spiders in next room," he reports. "Patrolling around a central point where most these Patternwebs originate. Other spiders are working to corrupt that origin-point and all the webs emanating from it. A Peek on the other side shows a server mainframe there. Looks like the corrupted spiders are trying to twist the Patternweb to the Wyrm's purpose, starting from that server.

"Recommend we take down the server before this spreads further." He sits and scratches an ear with a hindpaw, then stands again. "Will probably have to contend with the big spiders first though."

[Victor Oseragighte] Sinclair seems to have halted, and as he hears the Fostern growl her command, he moves forward carefully to place a hand between the other one's eyes and the screen he watches, hoping that perhaps breaking contact will help him to fall in line and obey the higher-ranked Garou there.

-HT- "Strange situation here first," he tells Ivan simply, in response to his report.

[Thirty Second Silence] His head lifts and turns towards the fang-stern and he seems confused about the command. Why so serious? But he does manage to take a step backwards, turn towards them and slink back to his position behind them all, head turning to glance at the computer occasionally during his journey.

"just want yap time to kansas fertile female, no need for anger"

[Sinclair] Sinclair, staring at Katherine, turns around fully and moves back to Katherine's side even as the Fang is barking at Gregory. Whatever conversation the two packmates had silently, whatever background it called up in Sinclair's memory, it worked. She chuffs out only, as Ivan returns: "Sister leads now." Abdication, total and immediate and unexplained by anything but the moment she spent turning the way the spiders seemed to want her to.

She does listen to what the No-Moon says, though, giving nodding jerk of her head. "I can try to shut down server."


[-1WP. Pfft, Kate >>> stupid computer.]

[Ivan] Ivan doesn't seem alarmed when he turns to follow Victor's line of gaze. He's amused, if anything, yawning jaw-stretchingly as Gregory comes back.

"Try to yap on that weaver-box and you'll be yapping to Malfeas fertile females, is my guess." Then he tips his head toward Honor's Compass, waiting for further direction from this sudden new leader.

[Honor's Compass] Honor's Compass watches her sister a moment longer, then her attention swings to Ivan as the Ragabash slips back in with his report. The Half Moon seems to contemplate his words, if that's what lowering a muzzle and staring at the ground for several seconds means.

She straightens: "We go in two groups. Cover Warcry. She try and take down server. Thirty Second, you help sister, be on standby for healing. Ivan, Swallow, you with me. We take out Guardian Spiders."

[Victor Oseragighte] Healing. He nods to the Silver Fang. "Have couple of bottles of Spirit Brew and some Gaia's Breath talens on me." He pats the small satchel he's tucked them into, then moves to flank Honor's Compass.

[Ivan] "If you let me go in first," the Ragabash whuffs, "I can try to stun one of the spiders. Keep it off our back while we take on the other."

[Honor's Compass] Honor's Compass nods at the Ragabash. "Do it," she whuffs in reply.

[Ivan] ...and Ivan slinks off to do just that, a parting shot fired over one white-ruffed shoulder -- "You guys better be right behind me."

[Thirty Second Silence] Gregory smiles between his teeth. "Worry not, Silence gots your back, son."

[Ivan] [crinos stealth to move!]
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 6, 7, 7, 9, 10 (Success x 5 at target 6) Re-rolls: 1

[Ivan] [Ambush! dex+stealth. this is resisted by ... wits + alert or something.]
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Spiders] Destroyer 1 to notice
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 (Success x 1 at target 10)

[Spiders] Destroyer 2 to notice
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 2, 5, 8, 8, 9 (Botch x 1 at target 10)

[Ivan] [-1 Gn Sense Dep Dart
Attacking Destroyer 2 with it! dex + 1(crinos) +brawl +2 from ambush. Diff 8, -2 for back attack.]
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 6 at target 6) Re-rolls: 2

[Ivan] [base damage in melee is 4-1 = 3, +5 from attack. Must land damage after soak for sense dep dart to take effect.]
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 3, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8 (Success x 6 at target 6)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 3, 4, 8, 8, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Thirty Second Silence] [+8]
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 8

[Sinclair] 10
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 8 (Success x 1 at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [+9]!
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 9

[Ivan] +8!
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 5

[Victor Oseragighte] 7
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 1

[Spiders] Destroyer 1 +6
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 8

[Spiders] Node +8
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 6

[Spiders] Sinclair: 18
Honor: 18
Thirty: 16
Node: 14
Destroyer 1: 14
Ivan: 13
Victor: 8

Declare in reverse!

[Victor Oseragighte] 1 Bite Destroyer
R1 Bite Destroyer
R2 Bite Destroyer

[Ivan] 1a. Stab Destroyer 1! (flank/back if possible; +1 diff for mvmt)
b. Stab more!
c. One more time!

[Spiders] Destroyer 1: Calcify Kate!

[Spiders] Node: Corruption Sinclair! You must help me get out of here!

[Thirty Second Silence] [1a: summoning jag!]

[Honor's Compass] [Reflexive: "Cover Sinclair and Thirty Second! Target the fully operational Spider first!"
1a. Bite Destroyer 1
1b. Bite Destroyer 1
1c. Claw Destroyer 1
R1. Bite again, if dead move onto Destroyer 2
R2. Same.]

[Sinclair] [1a. Claw Node to bits!
1b.
1c.
R1.
R2. -- all bites on Destroyer 1, moving to Destroyer 2 if 1 falls]

[Sinclair] [1a. -3]
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7 (Failure at target 7)

[Sinclair] [Ignore that.

1a. Dex + Brawl + Perun + Strength -3 (split) +1 (clawing)]
Dice Rolled:[ 17 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 9 at target 6)

[Sinclair] [1b. bite on destroyer 1, -4 / diff +1]
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 1, 1, 2, 2, 4, 4, 4, 5, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 1 at target 6) Re-rolls: 2

[Sinclair] [+0]
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 3, 7, 7, 8, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 9 (Success x 4 at target 6)

[Sinclair] [1c. bite on destroyer 1, -5 / diff +1]
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 1, 3, 3, 3, 5, 5, 7, 7 (Success x 1 at target 6)

[Sinclair] [+0]
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 2, 3, 3, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10 (Success x 2 at target 7)

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 3, 5, 5, 6, 7, 8 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [1a. Bite on Destroyer 1 (Dex + Brawl + Perun) (-3 Split)]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 8, 10 (Success x 5 at target 5)

[Honor's Compass] [Damage + 4]
Dice Rolled:[ 11 d10 ] 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9 (Success x 3 at target 7)

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 10 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [1b. Rinse and Repeat! (-4)]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 10 (Success x 3 at target 5)

[Honor's Compass] [Damage + 2]
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 10 (Success x 2 at target 7)

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 1, 2, 6, 9, 9 (Success x 1 at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [1c. Rrrr. Claw! (-5)]
Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [Damage + 1]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 4, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 (Success x 2 at target 7)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 (Failure at target 6)

[Thirty Second Silence] [Summon electricity jaggling step1 dif 5 wits+rituals]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 (Failure at target 5)

[Thirty Second Silence] [again]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 4, 4, 6, 6, 8 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Spiders] Node:

Sinclair! Don't you want to help me? I thought we were friends! [Corruption!]
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 1, 2, 5, 5, 8, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Sinclair] [WP]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 8 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Spiders] [Calcify Kate!]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 4, 4, 5, 7, 8 (Success x 2 at target 5)

[Ivan] Somewhere along the way, somewhere between ground floor and ... whatever floor they're on now, or perhaps between that night in the graveyard and this night in the data center, it becomes apparent that Ivan is, in fact, quite good at what he does.

Nevermind the cars. Nevermind the women. Nevermind the fact that he frankly doesn't seem to give much of a fuck about the Great War, and would really prefer to spend Friday night prowling for someone to take home to that ridiculous penthouse of his. Look at him now: all but fading into the shadows. Look at him skulking around silent as a ghost, bringing back nuggets of information -- practically with annotations attached and important bits highlighted. Look at him sliding up behind one of the war-spiders

and taking it out of commission, albeit temporarily, in one vicious backhanded jab.

The talen in his paw is a dart, gleaming sickly green-grey. It pierces the metal skin of the spider and instantly causes chaos. As for the Fang: he swings around the spider, running full-tilt with his great paws scoring up the smooth floor to join the others. Let someone else take point. Ivan: his knives slap into his paws, the blades snapping out short and dark and viciously wedgeshaped. Snarling, he plunges them into the back of the operational spider.

[1a. stabbity! -1 diff (flanking), +1 diff (mvmt); -3 dice (split)]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 3, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10 (Success x 4 at target 4) Re-rolls: 1

[Ivan] [str +3 (succ) damage - lethal]
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 10 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 3, 3, 8, 10, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Ivan] b. LET'S DO THAT AGAIN.
Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 1, 3, 4, 4, 6, 10 (Success x 4 at target 3) Re-rolls: 1

[Ivan] [dam +3]
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 1, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7, 8 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 1, 1, 4, 9, 10 (Failure at target 6)

[Ivan] c. okay kahseeno. i'll get it right this time.
Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 2, 2, 5, 6, 10 (Success x 3 at target 3) Re-rolls: 1

[Ivan] [dam +2]
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 1, 1, 1, 5, 5, 7, 8, 10 (Failure at target 7)

[Victor Oseragighte] Nothing fancy at the moment as he lunges for the first of the guardian spiders, hoping to tear away a leg with snapping jaws.

BITE!
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 10 (Success x 7 at target 5)

[Victor Oseragighte] Damage!
Dice Rolled:[ 14 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 4, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 7 at target 7)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 1, 4, 5, 7, 7 (Failure at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [Sinclair Rage 1: Try and break Kate out! +1 for Steel Fur]
Dice Rolled:[ 13 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 6, 6, 8, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 5 at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [Sinclair Damage + 4]
Dice Rolled:[ 12 d10 ] 2, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 6, 7, 8, 8, 8, 9 (Success x 6 at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [R2 for Sinclair! Rage Bite on Destroyer 1]
Dice Rolled:[ 13 d10 ] 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 8, 8, 9 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [R1. Bite Destroyer 1]
Dice Rolled:[ 11 d10 ] 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 10, 10 (Success x 7 at target 5)

[Honor's Compass] [Damage + 6]
Dice Rolled:[ 13 d10 ] 1, 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 8, 8, 9, 10 (Success x 1 at target 7)

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 2, 5, 5, 6, 9 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Victor Oseragighte] He rips away with those powerful jaws and goes back for more with a vicious growl. Those who see him normally as so very staid and solid might hardly recognize this beast.

BITE!
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 10 (Success x 5 at target 5)

[Victor Oseragighte] Damage!
Dice Rolled:[ 12 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 10 (Success x 2 at target 7)

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 3, 7, 9, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 5 at target 6)

[Sinclair] [damage for R2 (THANK YOU JACQUI) +2]
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 2, 2, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 (Success x 3 at target 7)

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 3, 4, 4, 6, 7, 9 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [R2. Bite again! JUST DIE ALREADY SPIDERBOT!]
Dice Rolled:[ 11 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 5 at target 5)

[Honor's Compass] [Damage + 4]
Dice Rolled:[ 11 d10 ] 3, 3, 5, 6, 6, 6, 8, 10, 10, 10, 10 (Success x 5 at target 7)

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 4, 5, 7, 7, 8 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Victor Oseragighte] RABID BITING!
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 5 at target 5) [WP]

[Victor Oseragighte] Damage!
Dice Rolled:[ 12 d10 ] 1, 1, 2, 3, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10, 10 (Success x 4 at target 7)

[Spiders] [soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 4, 6, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 4 at target 6)

[Spiders] The battle was quick and terrifying to behold. Sinclair manages to smash the heart of the server severing the spirits connection to the Physical world but the spirit housed within finds itself liberated from the mortal shell. The thing itself manifests in the form of numbers and symbols which seem to swirl and shift along the surface of a floating cube. It turns its attention upon Sinclair attempting to lure her but to no avail. She finds herself untempted by the sweet promises of the cube thing.

In the meantime the others set to work tearing and clawing at one of the spiders. It's limbs thrash about and its armor is torn to shreds by the furious garou but it manages to bind Kate within the confines of it's thick metallic webbing, even if only for a moment. Despite the relentless assault of the garou the thing remains standing as if propelled by sheer force of will.

[Spiders] Sinclair: 18
Honor: 18
Node: 14
Destroyer 1: 14
Ivan: 13
Victor: 8

Declare!

[Victor Oseragighte] They had to finish the first spider swiftly, he knew; he did not know what Ivan had done to the other, but it could only last for so long.

1a Bite
1b Claw
R1 Bite

[Ivan] 1. Attempt Stunlock! Rolling Gnosis to activate Sense Dep Dart this time -- almost out of Gnosis!

[Spiders] Destroyer 1: Bite Kate!

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 3

[Spiders] Destroyer 2: Incite Frenzy Gregory!

[Spiders] Node: Possession ~ Sinclair!

[Thirty Second Silence] [1a: finish summoning]

[Honor's Compass] [Reflexive: "Finish the injured Spider first, then the other!"
1a. Converge and RARBITE Spider 1
1b. Again
1c. Again
R1. Spider 2
R2. Spider 2]

[Sinclair] "Theurge!" is the roar for Gregory from the Galliard, turning away to spit a piece of spider out of her mouth. "The body is gone! I don't know how to kill its spirit like this!"

What was that? An admission of lack from the Fostern Walker to the Cliath Theurge? Sinclair barks at Gregory as the numbers on the Node spin and twirl and glow, turning her attention on the things she can feel breaking apart under her fangs. She doesn't even want to know what the interface for that thing really looks like. Or what it would do to her if she tried to hack it.


[1a.
1b.
R1.
R2. -- all bites on Destroyer 1, switching to Destroyer 2 when it goes down.]

[Sinclair] [1a. -2 / diff +1]
Dice Rolled:[ 11 d10 ] 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6) Re-rolls: 1

[Sinclair] [+2 SERIOUSLY KAHSEENO WHAT THE FUCKETY FUCK?]
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 2, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 10 (Success x 2 at target 7)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 3, 4, 8, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 4 at target 6)

[Sinclair] [1b. -3] / diff +1
you know what bitch? i don't even care.]
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 3 at target 7) Re-rolls: 2

[Sinclair] [+2]
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 2, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 8, 10, 10, 10 (Success x 4 at target 7)

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 4, 6, 6 (Success x 1 at target 6)

[Spiders] X.X

[Honor's Compass] [1a. Bite! -3]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 1, 5, 8, 8, 8, 10 (Success x 3 at target 5)

[Honor's Compass] [Damage + 2]
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 (Success x 1 at target 7)

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [1b. -4]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 8, 10, 10 (Success x 2 at target 5)

[Honor's Compass] [Damage + 1]
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 1, 3, 4, 4, 7, 8, 8, 8 (Success x 3 at target 7)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 4, 5, 5, 6, 8, 9 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Honor's Compass] [1c. -5, RAR.]
Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 3, 8 (Failure at target 5)

[Thirty Second Silence] [gnosis: Do you like me electric thingy? I'm your friend!]
Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 1, 2, 4, 4, 4 (Botch x 1 at target 6)

[Spiders] Knock knock! Sinclair! It's me! Node can I come in?
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 1, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 9 (Success x 1 at target 6)

[Spiders] [Incite Frenzy on Greg]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 2, 2, 4, 4, 6, 10, 10 (Success x 3 at target 5)

[Thirty Second Silence] [-1WP Gregs wp=2]

[Ivan] [Reflexive Gnosis roll to activate! HAIL KAHSEENO.]
Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 1, 4, 8, 8 (Success x 2 at target 8) [WP]

[Ivan] [attack! dex +1(crinos) +brawl. diff 8 for sense dep dart attack.]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 2, 2, 4, 7, 7, 8, 8, 10 (Success x 3 at target 8) Re-rolls: 1

[Ivan] [str dam -1(melee sensedep) +2(succ)]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5, 7 (Failure at target 6)

[Ivan] [oh fuck you kahseeno! you fucking tease!]

[Victor Oseragighte] 1a. He twists and lunges at the second spider, jaws wide!
Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 2, 3, 7, 9, 10 (Success x 3 at target 5)

[Victor Oseragighte] Damage!
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 1, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 8 (Success x 3 at target 7)

[Spiders] [Soak!]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 5, 9, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Victor Oseragighte] 1b Even as he tries to tear in with his jaws he brings his right hand in hard to slash.
Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 3, 5, 7, 8 (Success x 3 at target 6) [WP]

[Victor Oseragighte] Damage!
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 1, 1, 3, 4, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 2 at target 7)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 4 at target 6)

[Spiders] In the heat of battle people do strange things and Greg apparently forgot his reason for summoning the spirit in the first place. Granted he was quick to remember but not quick enough... There's a problem, however, you see as angry as the elemental is Electricity elementals are weaver more largely weaver things than Gaian things. It takes a look around it, and catches sight of the abomination of what has transpired around it and almost immediately its fury is forgotten. It attention is turned immediately upon the greatest threat here the Node and electricity flies from the creature to strike the node.

[Blast: Electricity]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 4, 5, 5, 5 (Success x 3 at target 4)

[Spiders] [Node Soak!]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 4, 5, 5, 6, 10 (Success x 1 at target 6)

[Sinclair] [R1. FUCK YOUR MOTHER, KAHSEENO]
Dice Rolled:[ 13 d10 ] 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 10 (Success x 1 at target 6) Re-rolls: 1

[Sinclair] [+0 AND YOUR LITTLE DOG, TOO]
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 3, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 2, 2, 3, 5, 8 (Success x 1 at target 6)

[Ivan] [Kate's R1 - Bite!]
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 2, 2, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 7, 8, 10 (Success x 6 at target 5)

[Ivan] [dam +5]
Dice Rolled:[ 12 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 7, 7, 7, 10, 10 (Success x 4 at target 6)

[Spiders] [Soak!]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 2, 4, 7, 7, 9 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Victor Oseragighte] This spider is proving tougher, and he calls upon his righteous Gaian fury, seeking to rend it with his jaws as he had the other.

Bite!
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 3, 5, 6, 6, 6, 8, 9 (Success x 6 at target 5)

[Victor Oseragighte] Damage!
Dice Rolled:[ 13 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 4, 4, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 6 at target 7)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 1, 3, 3, 3, 5 (Botch x 2 at target 6)

[Sinclair] [R2. hail mother of mercy and of love oh-oh-oh-OHHH REEEGIIINA!]
Dice Rolled:[ 13 d10 ] 1, 3, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10 (Success x 13 at target 6) Re-rolls: 3

[Sinclair] [sa-al-ve re-gi-in-a!]
Dice Rolled:[ 20 d10 ] 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 4 at target 6)

[Spiders] [Soak!]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Ivan] kate RARBITE!
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 1, 1, 3, 3, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Ivan] 4 succ -- that was meant to be diff 5. durr.
dam +3!
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 10 (Success x 1 at target 7)

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 3, 4, 5, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Spiders] Sinclair quickly dispatches what remains of one of the spiders only to begin tearing into the other. These creatures are startlingly tough and they show that resilience quite stunningly tonight. Though bit by bit the armor of the Spider is chipped away, and a devastating blow from victor sees the bulk of its armor fractured leaving it vulnerable and threatened.

The Electricity elemental has sided with reason over anger. It does not need to speak or address the matter it simply does what needs to be done.

[Spiders] EE Init +5
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 10

[Spiders] Sinclair: 18
Honor: 18
Thirty:15
EE:15
Node: 14
Destroyer 1: 14
Ivan: 13
Victor: 8

FInal Round! Declare in reverse go!

[Victor Oseragighte] The last spider had to be taken down, swiftly as possible. There was a time for tactics and a time to rage, and he knew the difference between them. Now was the time to rage.

1a Bite
1b Claw
1c Bite

[Ivan] Ivan:
-1R Falcon's Grasp
1. Grapple and maintain hold throughout rest of round!

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 5

[Spiders]
Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 4

[Spiders] Destroyer: Incite Frenzy Ivan!

[Spiders] Node: Possess Kate this time then!

[Spiders] EE: Beat node's face!

[Thirty Second Silence] [1a: bite spidey
R1: bite spidey!]

[Ivan] Honor's Compass:
-1R Falcon's Grasp!
1a. Bite
b. Grapple until Ivan Grapples!
R1. Bite!
R2. Bite!

[Sinclair] [Note: Holding actions til after Kate's turn!
1a.
1b.
R1.
R2. -- RARBITES on D2]

[Ivan] [-1R -- spent!
1a. bite! -2 dice.]
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 7, 9, 10 (Success x 5 at target 5)

[Ivan] [dam+4]
Dice Rolled:[ 12 d10 ] 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10 (Success x 9 at target 6)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 4, 6, 7, 7, 9, 10 (Success x 5 at target 6)

[Ivan] b. grapple! str + 3 hispo + brawl + 3 perun + 3 gift -3 split
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9 (Success x 4 at target 6)

[Sinclair] [1a. RARbite Destroyer 2. Dex + Brawl + Perun -2 (split) / diff +1 (steelfur), -2 (partially immobilized target)]
Dice Rolled:[ 11 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7, 7, 9, 9 (Success x 6 at target 4)

[Sinclair] [damage. str + 2 (hispo bite) + 5]
Dice Rolled:[ 13 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 3, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 10 (Success x 6 at target 6)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 2, 8, 8, 9, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Sinclair] [1b. second verse, same as the first only with 1 less die]
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 10 at target 4) Re-rolls: 1

[Sinclair] [you know what i'ma do with this spider? i'ma NOM the SHIT out of it]
Dice Rolled:[ 17 d10 ] 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 5, 5, 5, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 10 (Success x 4 at target 6)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 10 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Thirty Second Silence] [bite! dif 5-2 dex+brawl+2(hispo)]
Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 2, 4, 5, 5, 10 (Success x 4 at target 3)

[Thirty Second Silence] [dmg]
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 1, 1, 1, 3, 3, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Spiders] EE: Kill Node's Face!
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 2, 3, 8, 8, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Spiders] [Dmg]
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10 (Success x 6 at target 4)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 4, 5, 5, 8, 9, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Spiders] Node:Kate! You love me don't you? Please! I just wanna come inside for a bit!

[Possession]
Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 1, 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Spiders] Frenzy Ivan I command it!
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 2, 4, 6, 7, 7, 9, 9 (Success x 5 at target 6)

[Ivan] 1. GIBBERGIBBERRARRRR!
-- shifting hispo
-- redeclaring round as: 1) BITE!
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5, 10 (Success x 1 at target 5) Re-rolls: 1

[Ivan] [dam +0]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 10, 10 (Success x 6 at target 4)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 3, 4, 7, 10, 10, 10 (Success x 4 at target 6)

[Victor Oseragighte] The second spider falls and he turns and bounds forth toward the Node, the source of all of their troubles apparently!

Bite!
Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 1, 6, 8, 8 (Success x 2 at target 5)

[Victor Oseragighte] Damage for 1a!
Dice Rolled:[ 9 d10 ] 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 8, 10 (Success x 7 at target 4)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 3, 3, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Victor Oseragighte] Jaws open wide and year in and flashing claws soon follow!

1b Claw!
Dice Rolled:[ 3 d10 ] 6, 7, 8 (Success x 3 at target 6)

[Victor Oseragighte] Damage for 1b!
Dice Rolled:[ 10 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 3, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 5 at target 4)

[Spiders] [Soak]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 3, 5, 6, 6, 9 (Success x 2 at target 6)

[Spiders] X.X

[Victor Oseragighte] And then the teeth sink in once more, even as the spirit falls. Overkill? Sure. But you couldn't be too careful.

[Ivan] [wp outta frenzy!]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 1, 9, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 2 at target 7)

[Spiders] The last of the spiders collapses attention is turned towards the floating digital cube. The thing was powerful in many ways but unlike its guardians it had never been designed for combat. It found itself facing down a group of garou, alone, and realized that the inevitable had come. It was victor who landed the killing blow, and the thing collapsed into a lifeless translucent cube which hovered silently in the air as it quickly fizzled out and "turned off".

There was still the matter of the web, the wyrm taint, and the spiders alike. That, however, was a matter that was already being brought under control. The webs began to restructure and the Garou could feel themselves cut off from the Material world. The barrier between the worlds grew, and they watched as things illuminated. The slight stench of taint was soon replaced by something clean and sterile.

Screeches could be heard from the room just outside their own. A battle was being fought and corrupted spiders rapidly found themselves being cocooned in webbing, and reprogrammed. The weaver did not readily waste. Its creations would not be destroyed, they would simply be mended and restored to their original purpose. The entire thing was very mechanical and already thought out.

The Garou had stopped the spread, and likely saved human lives as well as spirits who would doubtless be grateful they were not part of the sterilization that would have otherwise come. But there would be no thank you given.

Windows unhinged and parted on either side of the building two massive geometric figures slid smoothly into the large office building. Their shapes shifted as they moved, complex, and mechanical the entire thing looked impossibly complicated. But what unnerved the garou most of all in the presence of these two spirits was the way their mere presence seemed to suck away hope and fear. The way their rage seemed to settle and things seemed strangely okay. This was their warning and their cue to vacate the building quickly and quietly. The weaver did not believe in honor, and the weaver did not believe in kindness. These spirits were Stasis Vectors... And anything else that needed to be known about such entities flew out the windoe with the realization that this was the Garou's cue to vacate. They had done the Weaver a service this evening it would allow them the opportunity to leave unmolested provided they did so quickly.

Right now the matter of reprogramming and restoring the gauntlet was most important. The Garou had helped restore order though. That would be noted... Perhaps one day these brave souls would be permitted to hear the one song's gentle tone. Their service would be noted and they would be remembered for now.

[Ivan] What happened to Ivan tonight was something so utterly rare, so singularly improbable, that it's likely it's only happened to him once in his entire life before this -- on the night of his First Change.

When he comes down from it, Ivan's not making witty comments. He's not snarking about the Weaver's utter lack of courtesy. The Ragabash is simply shell-shocked, standing silent with his paws planted apart as though he might fall otherwise, his white fur still on end.

That shock goes away when the Stasis Vectors make their appearance. It dims away, along with the last lingering echoes of rage; along with everything else. All that remains is a sort of coolmindedness that makes very little sense at all, in the long run. In the short, however: it's enough to keep him functioning without thinking too heavily. Enough to set him following the lead of the others as they clear out.

[Victor Oseragighte] He knew better than to mess with these. While he did not have the urban experience of the Gnawers or Walkers, Victor knew the heights, and the sorts of dangers that dwelled among the skyscrapers that he so loved to climb. Oddly, when everything drains away he accepts it well, perhaps because he is so centered an individual normally to begin with that it brings him closer to his natural state. He backs warily away, nodding to the rest of them as they make their retreat, making good and certain that everybody here was in their right mind TO retreat, not about to leave any to the perfect merciless order of the Weaver should they prove confused or uncertain.

[Thirty Second Silence] Gregory is out of there, as soon as the fight looks over and everyones ok, he's running. He doesn't even cast a glance at mr EE though he does mutter a little growl of "Sorry Sir, wont happen again Sir..", and a toothy nervous smile, before he trots back down the stairs the way they had came. In the lobby he shifts, back into his birth form and his pots and pans can be heard jingling from his backpack all the way down the street.

[Sinclair] When they do run out, it is with Katherine Bellamonte taking point, a brilliant white flash leading them out. When they do leave, it is the steel-furred Walker at rear, nipping heels if they linger, guarding their backs. She even nudges Victor on ahead before her, keeping her fur metallic and her body resistant to pain as they rush out.

Of all of them, she would perhaps be thought most prone to falling to the Onesong. They'd think she might be the most interested in sticking around to see what happens. But Sinclair never has been, never will be, like other Walkers.

[Will Talbot] "That's not what I - " this is the beginning of Will's reponse to Sarah's assurance that he is safe. The look he sends her is sharp and controlled. It sharpens when Erika approaches, well-dressed in the park on a warm dark night, in a clothing best suited to the crisp air conditioning of the museum's interior rather than the humid paths of the park. Not unlike his own. He's a tall man, with cropped blond hair and pale blue eyes that glitter but do not gleam in the darkness.

He is not an animal. He is only kin to the wolves.

Whatever else he meant to say is lost. Instead, he remains where he stands, by the railing overlooking the dark, glittering expanse of the lake, Blackberry in hand, still at the moment, though he holds it rather like a weapon in his strong hand. "She's fine," he answers for Sarah, then, glancing from Erika to Sarah in quick succession.

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] Suddenly, there's a woman that approaches her. It's not anybody that Sarah knows, and yet the woman, filled with Silver Fang breeding, is walking at her. Uncurling from where she sat on the bench, Sarah stood. She's not tall, but taller then Erika. Nostrils flare and muscles become rigid, prepared.

Then, she's being asked if she's alright. "I'm fine," she answers. The wording is curt, barely concealing the snappish edge to it. Will's tone is much nicer. Walking past Erika then, giving the other a small berth, she keeps eyes on the older woman as she begins to approach Will, moving to intercept any path from the stranger to the Kinfolk she does know.

"Who are you?" She asks of Erika, coming to stand still only a few feet from the tall, suited man. Her back is to him, but she hasn't blocked his line of side. She puts him to her injured shoulder instead. Subconscious as the positioning is, it's driven simply by instinct. The wolf in the woman strong enough to guide her better then human social graces.

[Dr. Alexander]
Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 4, 5, 6, 9, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 5 at target 6) Re-rolls: 1

[Dr. Alexander] ((wits + emp))

[Katherine Bellamonte] "Her name is Erika Alexander," comes a voice in response to Sarah's curt demand for identity. The voice comes in tandem with the clip of yet another pair of heels against the pathway winding from the Art Museum and its glittering function lights. The figure is taller in her heels, but then, she was already quite there on her own bare toes, her figure sheathed in a white cocktail dress with a plunging neckline modestly pinned together with a glittering clip.

The long strand of pearls wound several times around the neck perhaps gave Honor's Compass away as surely as her breeding did, to another wolf. That, and the familiar glossy waves of blond hair, secured back from her face behind an ear with the aid of a matching silver clip.

Red lips have twisted in some semblance of humor at the other Garou's query; her pale eyes flick between Sarah, Erika and then stray to Will. There's no disguising that her gaze softens a touch on the man, but only briefly. There and gone.

[Dr. Alexander] There are some subtle gestures most are not privy to... some that some even perceptive people can feel aren't quite right without knowing why. Today, Falcon's eye is on her side. Her finely-honed skills as a specialist in the psychoanalytic field dealing with shell shocked soldiers, rape victims, and the like means she knows certain signs like the back of her hand. Being a seasoned kinfolk only sharpens her skills with experience.

Yet with body language as obvious as Sarah's, Erika didn't have to have sharp eyes.

At this range it's quite easy to see the scars on the right side of her face and neck, the ones hidden partially by her hair and the dim light. Erika's body language changes entirely. Immediately, but slowly, she pulls back, eyebrows go up and eyes go down. Her hands turn upward in a non-threatening sign.

A voice rings out in the dark, one that's familiar to her. But she doesn't turn her head.

"Yes," she says softly. "Ms. Bellamonte is right. I am merely a psychiatrist, but I am well-trained as a medical assistant also."

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] Another Silver Fang comes out of nowhere; this time it's a Garou.

Her eyes dart from Erika to Katherine, who answers a question not directed at her. Sarah isn't a fan of being flanked by strangers, even of her own Tribe, and certainly not in the mood she's in. Honey-browns glitter as she looks from one to the other, and her spine straightens that little more. Katherine eyes soften, Sarah steps a small step back, slightly over, blocks more of Will from view.

"How lovely." This, after Katherine's answer. Her heart is thudding under, quickening her pulse in her throat, creating a fine flush across her pale neck.

Erika continues with it, confirming who she is and what she does. It also tells her who the unknown Garou is, the leader of the Tribe here. Psychiatrist. Her mouth quirks, briefly; come and gone. She knows a few people that could use one of those. Herself is not included in that little tally. But the knowledge of it, makes her posture become less defensive, her shoulders sink a little, spine eases.

She steps aside, leaves Will in view again but she doesn't step away from him. "Nice to meet you both," she tells them, without a smile but a more pleasant tone then the earlier snap. "I'm Sarah Kerensky."

[Dr. Alexander] The psychiatrist doesn't move. Not an inch. Not knowing if this person before her is Garou or merely an unstable bystander. When in doubt, it is best not to stir the pot. Her downcast eyes flick over towards Will's shoes, then back to center on Sarah's clavicle.

"Yes, good to meet you, Sarah." The psychiatrist is careful not to provoke. She's not exactly comfortable being flanked by Katherine and a possible Garou (or else a hostile bystander).

Ah, well... such is the life. "Are you sure you don't want me to take a look?" the kinswoman asks softly. Her countenance is soft, non-threatening, relatively calm. Her brow drops a bit, and the edges of her mouth form a slight smile.

[Sinclair] It is hard to imagine a being like Warcry in a dress. Upon learning that she not only owned a skirt but would willingly and gladly wear it, her ex was almost in shock. The truth is she doesn't own a lot of skirts, or a lot of dresses. The truth is that tonight, when Katherine so graciously invited her packsister along with her to the benefit or opening or whatever the fuck that would have free champagne awesome I'm there, Sinclair didn't have anything that would be appropriate to wear.

So borrowed something. Which is why she's wearing the only thing Katherine could find that fit the occasion, fit the packmate, and covered up -- at very least -- the tattoo on her packmate's right thigh, if only because it would distract so much from the art. The fabric is some silk or satin blend. The length is just past her knees. The heels are also Katherine's. They aren't quite the same size but close enough. The makeup, however, is Sinclair. Dark, intense eyes. A light lip. Hair more windblown-looking, more wild, than an updo.

She's coming a few yards behind the Silver Fang Elder, muttering as she nearly falls, "...mother-fucking goddamn piece of shit high heel trying to break my fucking ankle..."

[Will Talbot] "Katherine," Will greets her over Sarah's shoulder, as the philodox approaches, the tone familiar, warmer, perhaps even fond. The kinsman does not remain half-hidden behind Sarah for long; and as she attempts to conceal him, she wll feel his hand lightly on the small of her back as he steps out from behind her. There are strangers, here. A glance from Katherine to Erika, lingering briefing on the blond woman - whose blood he cannot read, whose name he does not know - for a moment before it shifts to shoot from Sarah to Katherine.

Quite frankly, he assumes that they are packmates until Sarah introduces herself to Katherine. This pulls up his pale brows. He cuts a look between the two young Garou, something closed about his pale eyes, in the set of his crisp mouth in his rough jaw, the faint bristle of a beard the only thing at odds with his otherwise perfectly appropriate attire, the bepoke suit and the tailored white shirt, the silk tie, hand-made, hand-dyed, pulled loose around his collar.

Then, brows drawing together he glances down at the screen of his blackberry, clicks over and lifts it to his ear "Zdrastvuyte " he says, low, to whoever is on the other end. There's a moment of quiet, then another and he's nodding as if the person on the other end of the connection could see him. "If you ladies will excuse me," he says at last, holding the phone away from his ear. "I have to take this call." Russia's burning, after all. Sarah overheard him earlier: commodities, the price of wheat, the positions one has to extend, the shorted futures to be dumped not yesterday, but last fucking week.

"Katherine, you have my number." He says, as he fishes out business cards, offering one to Sarah, first. And then perhaps merely for politeness' sake - to Erika. "Good evening, ladies."

[Will Talbot] (Sorry folks! My chariot turned into a pumpkin an hour ago. :( )

[Dr. Alexander] ((That's ok))

[Ivan Press] "That may be true," it seems Silver Fangs have a habit of simply appearing, all dapper and dashing, out of thin air tonight, "but I think they make your ankles look very nice. Also, your ass."

A beat.

" -- Rhya."

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] "I'm fine," she reassures Erika, "really. The gauze needs a change is all."

Will is leaving then, and she takes the card from him with a quick glance over it and slides it into the pocket of her shorts. "Take care," she tells him, watching him begin to walk off before she looks to the other two, no - three now, women. And a guy.

She's the only one that's in casual gear, fitting for a walk in the park. Canvas shoes and a blue t.shirt over safari shorts. Her hair is bound in a loose plait, strands of it escaping by the sides of her temples. She watches them for a moment, lifting her right hand to tuck it behind her ear.

It's Erika she focuses on then. "Thanks for the concern, though." It's not just for politeness sake. Perhaps there's a bit of an apology in the tone, too.

[Katherine Bellamonte] (ack, sorry all! had a phone call!)

[Sinclair] "Who the FUCK are you?" snaps the so-called -Rhya, glaring at the newest Fang in Katherine's rolodex.

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] [which Fang is the new one?]

[Dr. Alexander] The doctor tenses on hearing another set of high heels, but she doesn't look. Her limbs are itching to move, and the recent attack is fresh in her mind. With the lake just beyond the small strip of walking area, it is right in her sight. Until tonight, the doctor hasn't even left her apartment for fear of getting tangled into another conflict.

So now, after standing with her back to Katherine and her face towards the anxious Sarah, Erika feels a burning desire to shuffle. So, she does... slowly. Just a step or two back towards the curb. She stops about a foot from the drop, wishing to move to the other side, but she doesn't want to surround the anxious woman. Erika knows better.

The doctor doesn't make a great effort to hide the fact that she's uneasy. They might all notice it. When Will offers his business card, she flinches and seems to snap out of it. She seems very interested in the possibility of conversing in the Mother's Tongue, so she tucks the business card away.

Alas, the voice of a person she's not terribly unsettled by. Erika turns her head and takes a breath. She waves a hand and her posture finally changes to something more genuinely calm.

"Not at all," the doctor gives a smile to Sarah. "It's just part of---"

Sinclair's yelling startles her for a second, but it is quickly forgotten.

She clears her throat. "Part of my job."

[Sinclair] [Ivan, the one that just commented on Sinclair's ass]

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] Part of the job; how often she hears this. It's becoming a bitter echo in the back of her mind. But no fault of Erika, and so, she merely nods in the womans direction with a small light in her eyes. Sinclair is yelling, making Erika flinch and Sarah's flanks twitch.

"Why don't you come over here?" she offers to Erika, her voice a little quieter, offering a safe route. She had just done the same to Will without thinking, and in the matter of this small space in time, had already accepted Erika as nothing as a threat or anything suspicious. Kinfolk of the Tribe, and so, welcomed. "Better to not to talk over each other." It's a good excuse, accompanied with a brief flicker of a smile.

Sarah's attention is, however, mostly focused on the three Garou.

[Ivan Press] By the time the so-called Rhya snaps at him, Ivan's already turning to brandish a smile at Erika. His head snaps back 'round, and his eyebrows go up.

"Ivan Press." He offers his hand. "And for what it's worth: that was intended as a compliment."

[Katherine Bellamonte] You might imagine the Fostern Half Moon Elder to get peevish, or snarl, or lose her cool amidst everything. She is certainly silent for a time after Sarah introduces herself, her pale eyes fixing on the Cliath as she attempts to shield William from Katherine's gaze -- this, if nothing else, earns her a fractional frown -- but Will moves from behind her, greets her warmly, one might even have said fondly and there's an answering tug at the corner of her red lips.

She moves to face him, never leaving her back to Sarah, or Sinclair, or Ivan. Nor to Erika once William has departed -- the Garou's eyes watch him for a split second before they dance back. "That is Ivan Press," she calmly notes to her pack-sister and then when Sarah tells Erika to move closer --

"Where did you acquire your injuries."

-- sensitive noses can certainly detect wounds, even healing ones. "How long have you been in Chicago?" These are politely asked, but the Silver Fang asking makes it known she awaits an answer to each.

[Dr. Alexander] Sarah gestures her protection, and it seems to work. The other three women are almost equally unfamiliar. Erika does take up a position on Sarah's right, taking up the gesture of "protection" and returns Ivan's smile with her own.

Katherine gives her questions, so the kinswoman shuts up. Ivan may recognize the suit she's wearing from the day with Cordelia on the yacht. Why not? It looks good on her and seems to appeal to her taste.

By now, she wonders what went down after the weekend incident at the caern and how much of the area has been fixed up. She's been avoiding her phone and hiding out until just this afternoon, with August and her cooking to accompany her nervous spell.

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] "Chinatown," she answers Katherine, shifting her focus to her. Though she does keep an eye out on the others, not ignoring the fact that they are there, and one is more snappish then even herself. Those heels can be an awful pain in the ass. "And about a month ago." There had been no moot, she would have attended it. But she had been to the Caern the moment she got into the city, paid her respects, and had been warned of the state of affairs.

"I've been running infrequently with Kora and Roman." Names given to verify the fact that she's not some menace, that she hasn't been idle either. Never mind that she has never met Katherine Bellemonte until now.

Erika gets an easier smile and a quick glance when she comes over to join her. It even makes Sarah feel a little better herself. Nobody likes to be the lone wolf standing.

[Sinclair] "That's great. Keep your fucking eyes off my ass," she snaps back, ignoring his hand. At least she's not biting it. And at least he's a Fang, tribe of her sister, and not just some random Gnawer. There are people -- Garou, obviously -- who assume that Walkers and Gnawers are friendly because they both live in the city. These people also assume that all Walkers are totally fine with metis-born, that they're all rich, and they have completely lost touch with everything in them that was once savage and uncivilized.

If all of that is actually true and typical, then Sinclair is, quite obviously, not one's typical Glass Walker. He introduces himself, and Katherine introduces him, and Sinclair just snarls. It's a weird sound from a human throat. Or would be.

Somehow from her it's not unnatural. It sounds so natural it's surreal.

She takes her pale eyes off of Ivan and moves over to where Kate is standing, looking Sarah up and down, glancing at Erika. She's surrounded by Fangs and their breeding and, quite frankly, their batshit insanity. Awesome. Peachy. Sssssssso great.

"Hey," she says to Erika, then looks at her hetero-non-Garoucest date for the evening. "Who's the newb?" she asks, presumably concerning Sarah.

[Ivan Press] So Ivan draws his hand back instead, tucking both palms into the pockets of his trousers, which are a pale gray close enough to white not to matter. His shirt, on the other hand, is an earthy olive-green, cut close to his lean form, shortsleeved.

"I must protest, Rhya," he says, lightly, not seeming to mind that Sinclair has turned away, "looking isn't the same as doing, wanting, or fucking. And while I'll certainly keep your preferences in mind, if you don't want to be looked at, don't dress to be seen."

Maybe he's suicidal. Maybe that's his breed of batshit insanity.

[Katherine Bellamonte] The Silver Fang gives a discreet glance from beneath her lashes at their surroundings and at, one assumes, the general placement of non-aware creatures to them. Most lingering attendees of the benefit have by this point drifted, most deliberately shying away from wandering too close to the little parcel of Rage settled around a bench here.

Then she raises her blue eyes and her fingers lift to idly twist in the knot of pearls that fall against the V of her dress. "It is typical for a new arrival in the city to find their Elder and alert them to their presence within so that should an occasion such as this," she gestures at Erika, Sinclair, Sarah herself. "Arise, or, woe upon us, the heat of battle -- careless mistakes regarding identity are not made.

I am your Elder, as you must now be aware. I am called Honor's Compass, Truth's Meridian, Fostern Half Moon Elder, Mistress of Challenges for the Sept of Maelstrom. I would, if you should oblige -- " her attention snaps to the Ragabash, her voice plummeting: "Manners, Cliath" -- warms as it returns, "have your own deedname and rank." This, one assumes, as much an answer to Sinclair's question as her own wondering.

Her head tilts, she splays a hand, charming, again.

"I must know all the comings and goings."

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] She watches, eyes darting from one to the other as Ivan jaunts and Sinclair wonders, followed by Katherine telling her who she is and the titles she holds. Her brows quirk dip briefly, a mild confusion displays, before sliding into the background again. Instead of questioning, she simply answers: "Smile Behind the Shadow Moon. Cliath ~rhya." There's more to it, there's always more to Silver Fangs introductions, but that wasn't what they were offering here. Questions and answers, instead.

Ironically, there's not much smiling going on.

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] Then, suddenly: "I'm sorry, Honor's Compass ~rhya, I'm a little confused. Where I come from Elder titles are reserved for Elders. Could you explain why you're referred to as one?"

[Ivan Press] Katherine snaps at Ivan to mind his manners. He gives her a closelipped smile, bowing his head slightly in apology. Then:

"Because," comes Ivan's own droll crossfire, "she's the elder of our Tribe here."

[Katherine Bellamonte] "An Elder is simply the Alpha of a tribe, some call themselves Alpha, others prefer a more traditional title such as the one I use for my own positions, Smile Behind the Shadow Moon. It is," Katherine looks at Sinclair a beat, considering, then her eyes return to the newest of her relations in the city.

"Not precisely uncommon within our Sept, you will find, once you begin to attend our Moots, to discover most all Garou who hold positions of title and rank are referred to as elder."

A beat, Ivan chimes in. The Fostern remains silent, her hands clasping at the small of her back.

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] "Quite from the traditional title then. I would think its better to clarify, thanks for that. " Her gaze shifts from Katherine over to Ivan and back again. "Or else I would be wandering around calling Fosterns Elders, and that won't bode well for anyone involved, at all. Confusing, when our deeds are sung."

[Sinclair] She's about to put Ivan on the ground. It's so close. Poor Erika can feel the surge of aggravation trending and tipping towards a full-on burst of Rage from the gold-clad Walker, all in that man's direction when he snarks about what she's wearing. If it were Lukas here and not Kate, though, Sinclair would put him in his place.

Kate is here. And he is Kate's tribe, unpacked, which makes her his official but unbound Alpha. Kate shuts him up. Sinclair doesn't rip him open. Everyone walks out alive.

She looks at Katherine flatly in reaction to that considering look, a blank sort of whut. expression. She blinks slowly, looks at Sarah again. "You've also got an elder for your auspice. Edwin Morr, Leaves No Trace, Cliath Shadow Lord."

Her pale eyes narrow as she tips her head to the side, watching the No-Moon. "Which means you get to call this Fostern, and that Cliath, your Elder. Perish the fucking thought, huh? May we all live past Athro like in the blessed land you apparently come from."

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] "Or ~rhya." She shoots back to Sinclair, mildly.

[Katherine Bellamonte] "I clarify when I feel the need for it," is the instant return, a certain fire in the blue eyes. "As I introduce when introductions are proper, and expected."

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] "Of course." Her head inclines a little to Katherine as fire starts to burn in the other Fangs eyes.

[Sinclair] [BBS folks, need to call someone]

[Katherine Bellamonte] Now, Honor's Compass possessed no small amount of Rage for one of her auspice, let's be clear. On the nights of her own moon she could be absolutely terrifying when she chose to be. Presently, tonight, she is deliberate in attempting to stay her course and remain what, to outsiders, she must have appeared as.

A rather refined, elegant young woman out to a benefit with friends. Perhaps a sister, in the striking blond beside her, or a brother in the taunting, jibing man accompanying them.

The No Moon retorts at the Galliard, and then replies with seeming compliance to her elder. Katherine smiles, her white teeth flash in the light, peeling away from lips painted a vibrant cherry red. "Each to our own, I would not insist upon you calling another a title that you did not believe in, but be aware that in some cases it might lead to mistaken insult."

A fair brow rises.

"I have seen challenges fought for less, alas. But as we are at war, presently, such petty disputes are less frequent."

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] Tilting her head a little, she nods her agreement with Katherine's words, right before she verbalizes much the same. "As have I. Although I see no reason to feel slight for being called ~rhya, but then, I'm not one myself. Maybe I'll feel the weight of difference when I reach suitable rank."

"When in doubt, ask, right?" Her hands come together, rub slightly. It pulls on the line of her shoulder and arm, causing a brief flare of pain that she bears well enough. "I hope I haven't offended you, Honor's Compass ~rhya. I seek only answers for traditions I'm not familiar with, and now that you have given them, I wonder is there anymore advice? I must change this gauze."

[Ivan Press] Ivan, in fact, was not quite snarking. Debating, perhaps. In fact, as Sinclair chooses to ignore him -- rather than replying or pounding him into the ground -- Ivan seems mildly disappointed.

"For the record," he says, "it was never my intent to insult you. It was a compliment. A cheeky one, I'll admit, but -- " a shrug finishes that sentence for him.

"It wasn't my intent to backtalk either. I was explaining my standpoint. If you see it differently, I'd appreciate it if you'd explain it to me. Or," wry, "you could just pound me into a bloody heap."

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] Her mouth quirks a little when her eyes dart over to Ivan and his continued debate with Sinclair and Katherine. It amuses her that their words echo very similarly, purposefully done or otherwise. Unclasping her hands she uses her right hand, her good arm, to tuck hair behind her ear and await Katherine's advice or dismissal. Maybe both.

[Katherine Bellamonte] "What kind of Philodox would I be if I did not offer answers on tradition, oui?" She is still smiling in that slight, slanted manner that reads as much of her amusement as her continued surveillance of the newcomer. Sarah speaks of the rights of the No Moon, the questioners of the ways and the Half Moon's eyes flick; most sparingly, toward Ivan.

Back.

"It takes much to cause me offense, I do not undertake the roles I do without the obligation to be impartial, and in some sort of harmony with my nature. As for advice I can offer you a few points you may already have come to on your own, I do not know. If you are unpacked, it is imperative you find one at this time. Seek out my pack Alpha, Lukas Wyrmbreaker, Fostern Shadow Lord Ahroun and leader of the War effort, he will be able to direct where your talents could be best used.

My own home, the Loft, is a safe house for our tribe, if you are in need, or simply require a place to sleep you are most welcome there. My maid, Lucille, is Kin to us and knows to attend all who call."

She grows silent, contemplative, perhaps, on what else she must disclose to the Ragabash. "If you have need of a healer, or simply seek another Garou, there is the Brotherhood of Thieves near our Caern that can likely aid you in your quest. That," a light shrug of a slender shoulder.

"is about all the advice I shall offer this night. You may go, and attend your wounds."

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] "I see why you are leader of the Tribe here ~rhya." Smiling slight, Sarah nods her head to the other Silver Fang woman, much taller and more regal then Sarah comes across in her almost demure height, and safari shorts. Still, she doesn't seem intimidated by the fact she's the only one under dressed or the smallest wolf in the park.

"I've been to the Brotherhood, but thanks for that, I'll seek out Wyrmbreaker. Where's the best place to find him?" Instead of just running off she asks of these things, as well as; "And the address to your Loft ~rhya?"

[Ivan Press] [don't wait for me - ivan's waiting on sinclair and kai is afk!]

[Katherine Bellamonte] "He has a room at the Brotherhood, you can find him in Room 2, if he is not there, you can probably locate him at my Loft." There's a touch of fond, if wry, amusement when she speaks of discovering her pack-mate under her own roof. Katherine unclips the small purse strung over a shoulder and removes a flat object -- it is, upon closer inspection a business card not unlike those that William had handed out before leaving --

This card, however, simply has Katherine's name and address printed on it, and on the reverse, a tiny map pointing out where precisely in Lakeview her home was to be found. "It is marked Umbrally as well, so if you wish you can identify it from the other side."

She moves closer, and holds the card out for Sarah.

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] Stepping forward, she meets the other by closing distance and takes the card from Katherine with a quiet, "Thanks." Looking over it, like she had Wills, except longer, taking in the details of the small map, she had nodded once and glanced back up to Katherine. Over the course of the conversation her earlier snappishness has been disarmed or worn off, leaving her more calm and centered.

Since Erika is gone, it leaves her alone, again. Which is fine, since she's now leaving the three other Garou. "It was nice meet you Honor's Compass~rhya, and you, Ivan Press." Of whom is also of the Tribe. Sinclair only gets a small nod, of which she doesn't expect anything of the sort in return, maybe only a snap or sneer.

"I'm sure to see you around." With a fleeting smile she began to walk off, sliding the card into the same pocket that held the other, intent on leaving the park.

[Ivan Press] Ivan, who can perhaps be forgiven for being distracted, raises a hand in a casual goodbye as Sarah departs. Then his attention goes back to Sinclair.

[Sinclair] He's still talking. And being so infuriatingly polite and well-spoken about it. There's a reason why Falcon would never in his right mind take on a wolf like Sinclair. Not well-bred enough, for one. Not well-bred at all. And so direct. She looks at Ivan with irritation plain in her features.

"So you said," she retorts. "About the not meaning to be insulting part. And thing is, hot shot, I wasn't insulted. I was grossed out."

Sinclair looks at Ivan like pounding him into a bloody heap is still on the table, under consideration for the evening's wind-down from the benefit. "You're a Ragabash. Look if you want, but don't let me fucking catch you. Comment, and take the shit you get for it. And blame it on what I'm wearing and I'll take you out hunting the banes that haunt women and feed on their shame while they're throwing out and cutting up and burning their miniskirts and low-cut blouses that they wore when they 'asked' to get stared at. And catcalled. And raped."

Sinclair pauses. "But mostly, just: ew. You're gross."

[Katherine Bellamonte] Sarah and Erika both take their leave, and Katherine nods after them, smiling faintly at the No Moon. "You as well, I look forward to seeing more of you." Her eyes follow the Ragabash only briefly as she slips into the night before her attention swings over to Ivan and Sinclair.

This interplay she watches with apparent amusement slash exasperation.

[Sarah Madison Kerensky] [thanks for the play. :) ]
to Ivan Press, Katherine Bellamonte, Sinclair

[Ivan Press] [night!]
to Katherine Bellamonte, Sarah Madison Kerensky, Sinclair

[Ivan Press] Ivan laughs under his breath when she clarifies: grossed out. When she goes on, he looks attentive. He is attentive.

Then she gets to the last bit. The part about the banes. And humor vanishes off the Ragabash's face; he shifts his weight until it's balanced more evenly between his feet.

"Okay, rhya," he says, "I apologize for grossing you out. That wasn't my intent either. But what you just said was unfair and insulting.

"I'm saying you dress like you want to look good. I'm saying you dress like you want to look hot. That's a pretty far cry from saying you dress a whore who deserves to be raped and abused. I see where you're coming from, and I see how you made the jump. But take me past any Theurge in the Sept and you won't find a trace of that sort of corruption on me. So don't compare me to that kind of filth."

[Sinclair] Sinclair, simply, waggles her finger at him in midair. "Look: I've been in four-inch heels for six hours. Your argument is invalid."

Her hand drops. "No, you said I dressed to be looked at. And that, 'Ivan Press'," as though this very name is a joke. "is unfair and insulting... and untrue." She frowns. "I also wasn't comparing you to banes and rapists. I was making a point, and one I think you missed. My ass looks hella good in a pair of jeans, too, but you wouldn't assume I wore those to get looked at and told I'm hot. The point is, Ivan Press," again with the pointed recitation of his human name, "what I'm wearing has nothing to do with the fact that you're super-mega-yellow-booger-gross."

[Ivan Press] But you wouldn't assume I wore those to get looked at, she says, and Ivan opens his mouth to say oh yes I would --

-- and narrowly thinks better of it. Something about four inch heels and six hours. He closes his mouth again, thinks a moment, and then, surprisingly, grins.

"I'll stop looking at your ass," he says.

[Sinclair] Four inch heels. Six hours. Fostern Galliard.

Ivan shuts his mouth, and narrowly avoids being fed one of Katherine's nicest pairs of shoes. She eyes him, though, eyes that grin. "I don't care what you look at," she mutters, throwing up her hands. "I just don't wanna catch you. Or hear about it. Or think about it. Ever again. I'm going to go bleach my fucking brain now."

She looks at Kate. "Let's go by the Brotherhood after we change. I wanna see if Christian's there and then!" Excitedly: "I want to go get covered in gore!"

[Sinclair] Last night there was a rumble on the docks right at the edge of the bawn. Story's everywhere overnight: big octopus thing with a human mouth on the underside and dozens of eyes and a tentacle that grabbed Height of Mountains to drag him underwater and there was this explosion and ...well. Stories get told. People hear them on patrol, hear them through gossip and from spirits that linger around Maelstrom.

From that battle, Sinclair, called Warcry, Brutal Revelation, Fostern Galliard and member of the Unbroken, packmate of Christian's tribal elder and packmate of his auspice elder, came back to the Brotherhood, found an empty bed -- didn't matter if it was in a room occupied by someone else -- and fell facefirst into it, shifted to lupus, and slept for roughly twelve hours.

It's daytime now, and the surface wounds she had -- wounds that would hospitalized a mortal -- are gone. There's still blood matted in her fur and dirtying the sheets she slept on, but that

is why she's in the laundry room around the corner from the common room now, washing the bedlinens. Her hair is still wet from her shower, dripping in fact, leaving a wet V on her back and dampening the shoulders of the plain white t-shirt she grabbed from the extra clothes pile. She is also wearing an old pair of men's plaid boxers that was found in that extra clothes pile. Her own clothes are in the wash with the linens.

After closing the washer, she walks barefoot out to the common room, picks up the cellphone lying on the coffee table that she put there not so long ago, and calls the number she got from either Lukas or Katherine.

And a few seconds later, wherever he is, Christian's phone goes off.

[Christian] Funny...he's actually walking down the sidewalk towards the Brotherhood of Thieves when his phone rings. He's been staying at the Loft since the night he let the Wyrm take him over. It has more to do with two of his elders offering it to him, making it seem like an order, than wanting to stay away from the place where it happened. Getting to stay away from the place where it happened is just a nice added benefit. He had left the room he's been sharing with a tall kinswoman. Only a note had been in his wake, the bed stripped and his meager effects gone from his side of the room.

Christian pulls out his phone, and frowns at the number. He doesn't recognize it. Still, he answers it. "Hello?"

[Sinclair] She's seen him around the Loft since that night. Sinclair often stays there. Or here. And that's... about it, these days. One or the other. No other options, but she doesn't claim a room in the Brotherhood. Very occasionally, she sleeps in her car. Even more rarely, she gets a cheap-as-shit hotel room where she can sleep in total solitude, a thing she has rarely in her life wanted but a need she learned a long time ago not to ignore.

"Sup, homeskillet?" she says, and maybe her voice is familiar to him -- maybe he's heard her talking at the Loft -- and maybe it's necessary that she adds: "It's Sinclair. Whatcha up to, man?"

[Christian] He has a bed, now, but Christian doesn't spend a lot of time in it. He doesn't take his meals in Katherine's kitchen. He doesn't watch her television or use her Internet. Occasionally he uses her pool. But mostly he just goes there to sleep. Sometimes he doesn't even do that. Still, he's been around enough for the housekeeper to recognize him and to know that the voice calling him is the Fostern Galliard who sent him into the Thrall the other night. "Uh...hi, -rhya. I'm going to the Brotherhood." He pauses. She can almost hear him frown. "What's up?"

[Cordelia] Why does she even live here?

Seriously. This is a question one has to ask themselves on a semiregular basis, because she doesn't... quite... fit. Then again, she doesn't quite fit into a lot fo places, and she shows up anyway. It's either because she simply doesn't care, or she is looking to please a tough crowd. Endear herself to a more difficult group of people. Then again, she's watched almost every DVD they have here with Spanish subtitles and has learned a few more interesting phrases.

We won't go into that, just rest assured they are interesting and we move on.

The note Christian had left made her frown a little, and now it seems she's int he room by herself. Her things haven't exploded into the other spaces, though. In fact, she has less stuff here now than she did when she started. Which begs the question: where does she put it? Whatever it is, though, it has her wandering out of her room with tangled hair and a tooth brush in hand.

People are talking. She doesn't get a word of it just yet.

[Sinclair] Katherine Bellamonte has a pool the size she does now thanks, in part, to this Fostern right here. This Fostern who has been giving her Alpha swimming lessons to better take advantage of -- and compensate for -- his sheer weight and size while in the water. He is getting good enough now to beat her when they race. With Lukas, she can be as competitive as she could never be with human beings. She can also lose her temper, because as fast and vicious as she is,

he can put her down.

As can Katherine, quite frankly.

"Oh, awesome," she says, glancing up past her phone at the tall [Fang, obviously a Fang] girl who just strolled in. "You should come up to the common room. I'm doing some laundry here and I wanted to talk to you."

[Christian] That's not good. Right? That's like when he used to get called into the administrator's office for fighting or destroying school property. Christian freezes on the sidewalk, as if the thought of going into that building has suddenly become something he has to think about. There's another pause. He is right at the alleyway. All he has to do is walk down it and go through the kitchen, up the stairs.

"Um...okay. Sure. Be there in a minute."

[Cordelia] She's out, and Sinclair gets a wave. It's a raise of her hand, and the little back-and-forth motion that one seems to reserve for parades. She even smiles at her, even if she doesn't know who she is. The girl's glasses are atrocious- we've established that these things are just terrible. She's wearing sweatpants, and a tee shirt... which stands to reason that there is a strong possibility that she just doesn't ever... well... change out of her pajamas most days. She would fit in with any group of underachieving American college students. Or overachieving. Or maybe just people who like to milk the snooze bar for all it's worth.

she even mouthes hi to Sinclair, and goes off to brush her teeth.

[Sinclair] She doesn't really know the girl, but she smells like Kate's tribe. So Sinclair waves a little, and blinks as the girl walks away. She says goodbye to Christian and hangs up, and when he gets upstairs

she's right where she was a second ago, hair wet, in a v-necked white t-shirt and baggy boxers, sitting on the sectional. No makeup on. No heavy eyeliner, nothing to conceal the fact that once upon a time she was human.

"Have a seat, tiger," she says, and gestures with her head at the couch she's on.

[Christian] He doesn't take his time getting up there. Though he has short legs compared to others, he takes the stairs two at a time. Sinclair can hear him coming. She can probably feel him coming, too, his Rage pushing up the stairs ahead of him. When he appears he's dressed much as he was the other night...in boots and cheap jeans and a cheap t-shirt. Clothing that doesn't do his breeding justice. Maybe it's a costume. His cell phone, a cheap little pay-as-you-go thing, is still in his hand. He puts it away when Sinclair tells him to have a seat, and does as he's told.

[Ivan] Ivan doesn't live here. And he'd never live here. Which begs the question: why is he in the bathroom, stepping out of the shower?

Ah, but to answer that, we have to consider the facts. Fact: the Brotherhood is open to all kin and Garou. Fact: the Brotherhood is also a working restaurant and bakery. Fact: there are waitresses in the restaurant. Fact: one of them is young, and pretty, and -- shall we say -- openminded.

So, somewhere in this building there's an unoccupied room, and somewhere in that unoccupied room a pretty young openminded waitress is putting herself back together to go down for the lunch rush. Meanwhile, Ivan is stepping out of the cheap tiled showers with the cheap plumbing that runs hot and cold depending on who's using water where, and he's wrapping a towel around his waist and draping another over his head and

he grins to see Cordelia brushing her teeth.

"Very nice!" he says. "Who was it?"

[Cordelia] Make no mistake. If this conversation were in Spanish, she would still be confused.

She turns around, and... this is the second time she's seen Ivan in a towel coming out of a shower. Her hair's a mess, she's wearing sweats that were probably meant for a man anyway, and the shirt fits off one one shoulder. Realistically, she could be wearing someone else's clothes. Much to the chagrin of the vast majority of Fangs in this city, she isn't. Those clothes smell like her.

The cyan toothbrush is held in one hand and she's got a halfway decent lather of... well.. toothpaste there.

"Eh?" she turns around and turns the water back on, and spits. It's not a very dignified sound. Not at all. She bends over a little and gets a mouth full of water. Spits again, and it's on to mouthwash.

While she's doing the obligatory thirty seconds, she turns and looks at Ivan. It's hard to look confused with listerine in your mouth- mouthwash just tastes gross. It's the prevailing look on her face right now.

[Sinclair] So obedient, this son of kings.

Sinclair observes him for a few moments as he sits down, his submission -- one could call it respect, if one was inclined to make assumptions -- evident somehow to her. But she's not human, and she's no good at acting like a human, really. She doesn't think much in terms of respect unless she's trying. Right now, feeling the way she does when her moon is waning, she isn't trying very hard.

So: submission. That's what she senses. Submission to her rank, to the fact that she's proven herself to the Nation in ways he has not yet. Ways he will, if he survives long enough.

"The other night my Alpha apologized for allowing me to heckle you when you were already so close to the edge. He called it a miscalculation." Her eyes are on him, light blue and yet somehow sinister in their paleness, this morning. "Now on the one hand, he was truthful: he didn't have to let me. He could have told me to shut up a half-second after the first noise was out of my mouth, and I would have obeyed."

Brutal Revelation. That's the name she was given when she achieved the rank of Fostern. Christian is seeing why, now. "I think the way he phrased it could have implied that there was some manner of communication between he and I on the subject beforehand. And that isn't true. I don't want you to think that Wyrmbreaker-rhya,"

as she calls him, though they are both Fosterns, and he has not yet challenged for the rank his renown has earned,

"asked me or ordered me to do that." She stops there, watching him, to gauge his reaction so far.

[Christian] He's still young and human enough that he doesn't see anything wrong with making eye contact. Not that looking Sinclair in the eye makes him comfortable. It isn't that she's ugly, or that her Rage makes him think she's about to tear his throat out. He knows what she's capable of even if he can barely remember her harrying him before his vision went black instead of red. He gets the idea that if he showed her anything less than submission that that's what would happen. He isn't afraid of being hurt. Of all the things he is afraid of that's not it. So Christian doesn't know why he looks at Sinclair's chin instead of her eyes. But he does.

This kid has no deed name. He didn't have a House until Katherine "adopted" him. If he has parents, they're not around anymore. When he introduces himself it's short...his lineage is either forgotten or forsaken. He knows he hasn't proven himself to the Nation at large, let alone to this Fostern. She speaks, and to his credit his Rage doesn't rear its head when she brings up what happened the other night. It's not until she finishes speaking that he looks up from her chin.

"So why'd you do it?"

[Ivan] Cordelia doesn't understand. Or she doesn't get it. Well; he wouldn't expect her to get it, but if she was going to survive in this damn country she'll have to learn to understand.

Ivan crosses the cold tile floor of the unisex bathroom. He comes right up to the mirror, right up beside her, holds his towel up with one hand and plants the other on the edge of the sink. His body is long and lean when he leans over, haaaahs a breath out over the mirror, steams it up.

Using his finger, he writes it in big, spaced-out block letters:

W H O
W A S
I T ?

And under that, a smiley face. Winking.

[Sinclair] "The same reason my Alpha made cracks oh-so-subtly comparing not frenzying with erectile dysfunction," Sinclair says flatly.

Christian doesn't remember which of the two Fosterns put him down after he did frenzy. He doesn't know that they each did as much damage as the other, but that Sinclair's blow was so... very... precise. That she could have torn his head off. That there is a reason why nothing yet that's gone up against both Wyrmbreaker and Warcry has survived more than a matter of moments.

And yes. There is that sense of her, especially now, that a wise wolf is one who doesn't give her reason to feel that her dominance needs to be reasserted. There is that sense that by mortal reckoning she is a sociopath. There is that sense, among wolves, that she is the hungry one, always hunting, always slipping through the dark to find something weak to sink her teeth into.

But also this: no flickers of rage when he meets her eyes. No indication that she takes it as a challenge. She sees him that clearly, at least, to know what his eye contact is... and what it isn't.

"I'd say I had no idea it would push you that far, but pushing you over the edge was the point. Pushing you when there were wolves around strong enough to put you down if necessary was the point. As far as I understand it, at least." She's quiet a moment, then cocks her head. "You know why I'm packed with the Unbroken?"

[Christian] The kid looks like he's having trouble sitting still. The urge to kill is strong in him. Lukas had said it was uncontrolled. If he could have proven him wrong...there's no point thinking about ifs, though. Lukas had said they'd work on that and he had no reason not to believe him. Still he should have burnt off some of his anger before he came here today. He was planning on seeing a particular kinswoman who's terrified of him when he's like this. He doesn't fidget or squirm as Sinclair talks. When she asks if he knows, Christian shakes his head.

[Cordelia] Cordelia raises a finger, and keeps that hand raised for another fifteen seconds before she spits in the sink. It's followed by a half gagging wretched sound that comes with having almost swallowed the stuff. By this time, he's written a message on the mirror.

"I live here," she says. And it's pretty plain, too. She has a nice voice. Nice is the accurate word, it isn't overly assertive or overly rar or even that remarkable, but she has an accent. It's a definite accent, but it doesn't muddle the fact that she's fairly articulate.

"Dónde están tus pantalones?" She stops, raises a hand and waves it off, "no es importante."

She points at the mirror, and taps once... twice... and raises an eyebrow. There's half a grin and a quarter of a sidelong glance. She is a woman who is good with fractions.

[Ivan] Ivan looks appalled. "You live here?" There's a pause. "Why?"

[Cordelia] "Why not?"

Oh yeah, that's a real answer. she doesn't sound confused, though. It's a legitimate answer.

"Parece usted sorprendido," but the last word is accompanied by her raising both of her eyebrows and putting her hands to her cheeks. Her lips make a small pout and her jaw drops. This is the face people make when you expect to hear them goOoo?

[Ivan] "No hablo español," Ivan replies, which is, in fact, very much the truth. "And really, Cordelia, if you're going to stay in this country, you need to learn English. Learn English," he holds a finger up, "and get contacts." A second finger.

"As for why not: because I refuse to believe your family hasn't given you enough allowance to live someplace nicer."

[Cordelia] "I will learn English before I get contacts," she tells him. Critical thinking skills dictate that she can string these two sentences together. Which, if some had their ways, meant that Cordelia would have to be fluent in English before the end of the month. There was a definite push for contact lenses.

She sounds half exasperated, half disinterested. She looks at him from over the rims of her glasses. He's a pretty blur.

"They did," she says, "mi apartmento es... big... y... elegante... y... lonely. No es gut."

Okay, it's her turn to try and piece together what she's seen or heard or read so far. Which, of course, meant that she was having to pull from movie quotes. The next thing she does is gesture to the common room where they can hear people talking.

"Total immersion learning."

[Sinclair] In answer to his silent no, I don't, the Galliard naturally moves to explain. To tell him the truth, and the history. She draws up the right leg of the boxers she has on to show him the full tattoo there. Black viper, wound and wound and wound about her leg, covered in various green glyphs and markings. It is digging its fangs into her thigh. It is stylized, but the realism of those teeth is disturbing.

"Last year there was a minion of the Wyrm who came to us -- Kin and Garou -- in our dreams. It tempted many. It corrupted, as far as I know, only one." She lets the flannel fabric fall, watching Christian all the time. "It took me a long time to realize what it was having me do. I almost handed over a purebred Kin of Fenrir to it before I snapped out of it. And then I ran away. I left the female I was packed with under Twister at the time, and I left a trail of destruction everywhere I went til I finally had the courage to come back and face what I had done. I helped destroy the tools of the minion in the end, but nothing is going to change the fact that I was too weak to begin with. It got in, because I wasn't strong enough to resist it."

She draws up the right sleeve of the t-shirt she borrowed and shows him a list of names tattooed on her bicep. There are for. She points to the last one: Arthur.

"Strikes With Valor in His Heart," she says. "Cliath Child of Gaia Ahroun."

Sinclair drops the sleeve, watching Christian. "I killed him in an alleyway." Brutal, brutal truth, and she doesn't flinch from it. "He and two other Garou were fighting these beings made of shadow. They were strong, and quick; Strikes With Valor had fallen and risen again once already. Near the end, the strongest of our enemy was close to death, and it possessed me."

This is a Fostern. Twice, just from this telling, the Wyrm has used her. Twisted her. Gotten inside and corrupted her. "I killed Arthur. I killed Joey. I killed Charlie. Charlie and Joey came back. Arthur couldn't rage back a second time. I wasn't even the one to bear his body back to the Caern for burial. I beat the demon out of me, but too late. And I hunted the thing that possessed me and I killed it, but Strikes With Valor In His Heart is still in a grave he never should have gone to, because I was too weak to resist the Wyrm."

She looks at him. "Actually, I joined the Unbroken in between those two incidents. And a big part of why -- though it'd be oversimplifying to call this the only reason -- is cuz I needed someone to teach me how to control myself. Not restrain myself, not fake it, not rebel against it, but accept what I am and learn how to be it without bringing down the world around my ears."

Her hands lace. "Frenzied last night, myself. Because some fucking tentacle monster threw me halfway across Chicago, it felt like. Fucking humiliating. Tell the truth, I feel like a retard for frenzying just because, surprise surprise, some Wyrm-thing managed to land a nasty hit on me. Frenzied another time because some stupid thing knocked a door into my Alpha and sent him skidding, and that set me right off." She shakes her head, exhaling, sounding aggravated. "Tell you the truth, I'm fucking sick and tired of frenzying over stupid, stupid shit like that. Every time I come out of it I look around because I don't know what the hell I did and I'm sick to my stomach thinking what if."

A beat. She looks at the ceiling, then at him. "I'm better than I used to be, though. By a lot. But to be honest, Lukas and Kate didn't sit me down and give me lessons. They didn't take me up on the roof and test me. And I think if they had, I wouldn't have come this far. Christian, man... I'm not your tribe and I'm not your moon and I don't have much say over you at all in the long run, but ...I do think I get where you're coming from. And really I just wanted to talk to you to get it straight that Lukas didn't tell me to do what I did and that I really am sorry it ended up pushing you that fucking far because I can't even imagine how you feel about it, but, uh..."

She wrinkles her nose. Sniffs. Shrugs. "Anyway. Anytime you wanna go hunting and fuck some shit up with someone there who can deal with you if you lose it and keep you from doing something really retarded? I'll be down."

A long beat. She blinks slowly. "Cool?"

[Christian] Lone wolves usually end up dead. There are a number of reasons why. He's heard the stories. Maybe he hasn't heeded them. Maybe he came to Chicago thinking he'd be okay. That he didn't need anyone. That he wouldn't end up on a couch in a Fianna-run building listening to an urrah tell him how they aren't that different. That she can understand where he's coming from even if she can't imagine how he feels about being turned into a vessel for the Wyrm because her Alpha was trying to teach him something. Christian isn't the world's most understanding young man, but when he wants to he can sit still and listen to what's being said. He looks at her tattoos and he listens to her stories and by the time she gets to telling him that if he ever wants to go hunting he feels like he isn't alone anymore.

Christian nods as slow as she blinks. He doesn't try to force a smile or pretend like even the idea of hunting something isn't making him want to get up right now and go to it. He says, "I'd like that." Then he adds, "Thank you." He doesn't specify what for. Just thanks her.

[Sinclair] "Awesome," Sinclair says, like actually connecting with someone and maybe understanding them and them understanding her and having a Lifetime moment and da da da makes her grotesquely uncomfortable. She hefts herself to her feet, swinging off the couch. "Let's play Ping-pong, I've got like an hour before my clothes are done."

[Ivan] She'll learn English first, she informs him, and Ivan's mouth quirks. "Well let's get cracking," he interrupts, quipping.

Then she goes on. She strings words awkwardly together, her accent thick, her words lapsing frequently from one language to the other. His smile spreads into a grin ... and then changes again when she says the word, lonely.

Doesn't turn predatory. Doesn't gleam like a tiger's a second before the pounce. If anything, the grin softens a little. Becomes fond. He reaches out to her, threads her hair behind her ear, wraps his hand behind her neck.

When he kisses her, as even someone of limited experience as Cordelia knew he would, it's not on the mouth after all. It's on her forehead, just above the big gawky rim of her glasses. And it's gentle. Sweet, even.

"I like you," he says, drawing back. "And if you want to have a little fun, you can look me up any time. But you shouldn't do it if you're going to get all emotionally entangled." That quirking grin is back. "Fair warning and all."

He nods her out the door, then. "I'll catch up," he says. "After I put my clothes on."

[Christian] Oh, good, she doesn't want to hug or something. Christian relaxes as Sinclair gets up, as if the idea of a heart-to-heart doesn't exactly make him feel all warm and fuzzy either, then follows her. "Okay...I'm just warning you, though...you're dealing with the Pulaski Heights Middle School ping pong champion."

[Cordelia] She's interrupted and she looks up and to the side. Heaves a half dramatic sigh- and it's a good thing she's a fairly expressive young woman or else she would be nearly insufferable. Up and to the side. She heaves a sigh and throws her hands up a little. There'll be no arguing with him on this.

While she is a smart young woman, she switches between languages, not all of it Spanish or English. She doesn't blush when he kisses her on the forehead- it was, in fact, sweet. And surprisingly more gentle than she was expecting, or possibly used to. He gets a hug in return, but it doesn't linger for too long.

She draws back about the time that he does- timing is everything. To his response, however, the right side of her mouth upturns and her right hand gives a little dismissive wave, "psh!"

It's hard to tell what she's pshing to, though, and she turns around to head back to her room.

"Door's open," she says. Something she's heard a lot recently.

[Sinclair] "Oh ho," Sinclair shoots back, as she walks around the couch towards the ping pong table. "Then maybe we should play video games. I don't like losing."

[Christian] He doesn't really know what the general opinion of him is. He doesn't know if his tribe is talking about how he lost his temper the first time anyone saw him or how he walks around feeling like he's about to blow a gasket every time someone else sees him. Katherine had told her alpha that his Rage was uncontrolled, and Lukas had passed this on to him...but that's nothing he hasn't heard before. So he doesn't know if Sinclair is expecting him to fly into a frenzy if she beats him at something. They're joking right now, but he doesn't know that Sinclair won't lose it if he does in fact beat her at table tennis.

"Nobody likes losing. You said ping pong. You can't back out now."

[Cordelia] She heads back to the common room after the following has occurred: one, she's put her toothbrush away. Two, she's brushed her hair. Which, given the fact that one could hear it in the other room, one could assume that Cordelia was an aggressive hair-brusher. She wanders back out and to the common room, a little poofy, and with a laptop under her arm. It's blue. She likes it.

"Hi Christian," she says. Quite openly and obviously pleased.

[Sinclair] She's an urrah, but he hasn't called her that to her face. She's obviously kind of... primitive. Tattoos on her legs and metal all up the edges of her ears. She's packed with his tribal elder, the pure heart of a pure tribe in this city, a woman of self-admitted gleaming perfection. She's packed with the elder of his moon, the strongest arm of warriors in this caern, and she whips out folding axes he got her as a present and slices the Lord up on occasion just because

they are Garou. And they fucking need it. They need the violence. They need the ferocity of their own hearts beating towards death. They need it like they're mad for it, and though this creature is urrah, is a fucking Walker, is so far from purity her ancestors won't even talk to her anymore if she could even find out who they are,

she's also a beast. An animal. A warrior. And she actually gets it.

"I wasn't backing down," she says, perhaps ruffled. "I'm just saying that if you do beat me, then we're gonna play video games and I'm gonna --"

Hi, Christian.

Sinclair looks over at the girl. Looks at Christian. Doesn't really know that Cordelia doesn't speak English. Flicks an eyebrow up. Whistles to herself, looking elsewhere for the paddles and the box of little white table tennis balls.

[Christian] Cordelia comes out of the bathroom dressed for bed, wearing those glasses that makes the rest of their tribe want to do something about her, and Christian looks as though she's just walked out wearing a thousand dollar dress with her hair perfectly coiffed. He stares at her for a few seconds, unable to form a coherent sentence. He recovers, eventually, but he can't hide that he's pleased to see her. He actually smiles a little, then waves to her. His Rage is unbearable. She can feel it lapping at her from across the room probably.

"Hi. Vuoi vedere me percuotere Sinclair a tennis da tavolo?"

[Sinclair] There's a ping pong ball whipped, suddenly, at Christian's head. Granted, it's a ping pong ball. It hurts about as much as someone blowing in your ear.

"Hey," she says sharply. "Rude, much?"

[Christian] He ducks out of the way but not fast enough to avoid having a tiny plastic ball smack him in the ear. Christian whips toward her. His eyes flash. "She doesn't speak English," he says. It's not as sharp as her admonition but it does rankle a bit.

[Sinclair] "So," Sinclair says slowly, like she's explaining something to a child. No, not a child: a teenager. And one who's testing her patience and damn well knows it, "you translate. Either you speak to her in Spanish and then tell me what you just said, or you tell me what you're going to say to her and then say it to her in Spanish. Or hell, speak to her in English but repeat certain words and phrases and combine it with pantomime, that's how my French teacher in high school did a lot of things. For one thing, it'll help her hear both languages side by side, conversationally. For another, it'll keep you from having to decide who you exclude from the conversation: your elder or your crush."

She makes a weighing motion with two flat, palm-up hands. "Hmm."

[Christian] "I don't," he says, "have a crush on her. And I just asked her if she wanted to watch me play you at table tennis." He stops just short of appending that thought with a God! or something else that would only drive home the fact that he's one of the youngest Garou in the Sept right now. That he's still a teenager. That if he had stayed in human society he would only have graduated this year.

[Cordelia] "Okay," she says. It's all she can really offer at that moment, and to Sinclair? Well, her first reaction was to say something, probably her name or something in broken English, but her arm comes up and the laptop is brought in front of her. In case she needed to use it as a shield from flying pingpong balls.

Something about sinclair was offsettling. It wasn't rage, but something else entirely. Factoring in the fact that Christian was an ahroun with quite a bit of rage, this was.. well... it was what it was. She looks at the laptop and-

"Oh! Google!"

She looks left, then right, then finds somewhere to sit herself down and precariously perch her laptop on her lap. she's got a good enough battery life for this. And, like any other modern young woman with internet access and two fingers, she asks google for what to say.

[Sinclair] "Thank you," Sinclair says, a little overly firmly. But he just did exactly what she told him to. She mostly ignores Cordelia, truth be told, and doesn't chase down or harry or tease Christian about whether or not he has a crush on the girl.

She looks at the ground. "Fuck, now where's the ball?" She does look up now, whistling sharply for Cordelia's attention. "Hey! Blondie. You see the ball?"

And in this, she demonstrates her own point: points two fingers at her eyes, then at the floor, and holds up her hand as though her fingers are wrapped around a ball. Granted, this might mean she's asking Cordelia if she'll help look for the ball. Either way, hopefully the general message gets across.

[Cordelia] She types about as fast as one can type without being a Glass Walker. If she weren't interacting with a glass walker, one would be impressed. Since she is, the response is probably god, n00b. You see the ball? She shakes her head side to side. The young woman sets her laptop down and leans a little to one side to get a lower vantage point.

"Iiiii do not see," says the girl with the glasses. Though she is looking for it.

[Christian] The ball's gone missing, and now Christian is irritated. He isn't on the verge of frenzy...but he looks as though his feathers have been good and ruffled. If Sinclair were a Cliath he probably would have punched her on principle but she's not so the thought hadn't even crossed his mind. He turns away from her, looking at the floor. The ball was last seen clipping his ear, so he looks on the floor immediately around him. He finds it underneath the coffee table at an angle that would make it invisible to Cordelia.

"Under the table," he says. A beat, and then he tries to pantomime. His left hand is held stationary, and his right hand points underneath it a few times.

[Sinclair] If there is one thing Sinclair is so good as to be defined as epic, it is pissing people off. She made a pregnant kinswoman cry just the other night because she told her this isn't a good place to raise a baby. She has pissed of Lukas and Kate and Kate's brother Edward and probably that kinswoman Erika and Joey and Charlie though Joey's gone and Charlie's dead now and oh the way she and Alex fought, especially at the end of it all, because he didn't want to hear it and she wasn't going to hold back and he told her what he needed and she balked and they pushed and pushed and pushed on each other until something broke

but she knows exactly what broke, and what's broken, and it isn't her.

Fact remains: she's really good at pissing people off, but she was telling him the truth. Not kindly, not gently, not even with the utmost respect. Blunt, brutal, and yet undeniable. If she were a Cliath he would've hit her on principle. If she were a Cliath still she would've been even more of an asshole about it, and she knows it, so if Christian hit her now

she'd understand, probably better than he'd like to think.

"AHA!" she crows, when they find the ball. It gets tossed around until it ends up in her hand, or Christian's hand, and then, frankly

the game is quick. And Sinclair, who as a cub tended to play ping-pong only until she got frustrated and threw the paddle through a television screen which got her in so much trouble that she snapped and they put her back in that room and they wouldn't let her out again and when they did there was no more ping-pong in the game room --

well, she loses to the Pulaski Heights Middle School table tennis champion. And despite what she said, she doesn't look too rankled by it. She looks disgruntled, but she held her own, and she's satisfied with that -- with herself -- in a way she wouldn't have been a year ago. She lays her paddle down flat at the end of the game and looks levelly over at Christian.

The washer has stopped by now and it's time to move her clothes to the dryer. "Next time, we're playing one of my games," she says darkly. Ominously, in fact. Points at him. Then rotates and points at Cordelia. "You're up," she says, and jerks her thumb at the table.

And so she is. Because Sinclair seems to be done. Sinclair has laundry to switch over to the dryer. The thing is, though, when the dryer starts and they hear it tumbling away, the Fostern doesn't come back into the common room. So it's just them.

Alone. Together.

~*~♥~*~