Ornature

[Balance Without Fault] [folks, it was pointed out to me that kieran was the only uktena in town, and ergo the default uktena alpha. if anyone has him in AIM, call him back in!]

[Gina McClaren] *Gina'd come home late, but that hadn't stopped the pikey from being in the kitchen and underfoot since early morning. The more time she spent at Jenny's elbow, the more likely it was the saintly blonde would let slip the secrets to her cranberry oat-muffins. As folks file in the Strider pickpocket finally emerges from the kitchen, long hair bound in a messy loop off her neck, floury hand marks on the dull black of her skirt, tank top askew, a smudge of icing sugar across a caramel shoulder. She hops up on a stool near the back, as far removed from those of her tribe as she can get. God knew her voice would carry if she had anything to say in earnest. Those she knows get nods of recognition, and a worn smile.*

[Carter Roth] Carter is present, but he remains close to the exit his hands deep within his pockets and his eyes wary and mistrustful, he didnt know what this was all about and he didnt like it one bit.

But he was here, as a test of himself and a test of the garou, to see what they were up to. He couldn't very well pass up that now could he.

[Carter is here, but I may not be going to be on and off]

[Rosie] The certain Bone Gnawer kinfolk finds a seat near or by or somewhere in the vicinity of Hunter. She sits: quiet and unobtrusive.

[Amunet Knezevic] Amunet made her way in quietly, several minutes before the meeting was to start. She's in her own jacket, and the iPad has been left at the condo. She remembers very few times in her life when she has been this nervous. When so much has been riding on a single night.

Moving to the far side of the room, she finds a spot where she can watch the comings and goings, back against the wall to protect herself from surprises. Her eyes flicker around the room as it populates, but the only one they rest on more than a second or two is her sister.

[Holden] A grizzly bearded Fenrir takes a seat out of the way, he doesn't suppose he will have much to say so the distance does him well.

[August Grant] Oh good! Someone to watch the baby! August likes Jenny - afterall, they spent a lot of time hanging out in the kitchen when August lived here..

The young woman gives Jenny a smile. "Of course.. I didn't have anyone else to watch her.. Thank you. Tell Reuben she might be hungry.." Ella gets a kiss on the side of her head and the baby is lifted from her arms and offered out to the kin.. a moment later, the diaper bag is also offered out.

[Starla Navarro] There is a painted Unicorn that has joined the others, Starla following on Rain's heels easily, ducking her head down as she finds a seat next to her tribe mate. Dark head lifting to look around, skirting her eyes across the room at the faces that were familiar and not; the freckles dance across the bridge of her nose and her left cheek. She tucks her hands in her lap, leaning to the side to nudge Rain's shoulder with her own.

[Kyle] (Not going to post for Kyle unless he has something to say or someone asks him questions other wise he's just doing his usual watch and listen routine :) )

[Bridget Geroux] The Canadian Fianna kinfolk finds herself at this gathering in her usual state of confusion. She doesn't look quite like she knows what's going on. However, she doesn't appear to be under the influence of anything. She wears a simple black maxi dress, gathered at the waist by a beat-up leather belt, a hunter green jacket covering her bare shoulders, and of course her combat boots.

Bridget finds a place to sit where she can stretch her legs: she knows she'll probably want to fidget if the Rage gets a bit much. She also wisely follows Izzy's lead by getting herself a small glass of whiskey. She returns and smiles at the few here she recognizes and is on good terms with: Hunter, Gina, Kyle, Sarita. The Fianna kinswoman does her best to control the feral urges to move around while surrounded by so much Rage.

[Kora] A cool spring evening; spring already, light lingering in the west far longer than she had remembered. The heavily pregnant Fenrir - eight months, perhaps more? - pushes past the private party signs, into the familiar restaurant interior. Her hair is twisted into a loose braid, strands pulled free by the wind. Kora is slower than she was; careful of her body. She walks with her shoulders pulled further back to balance the weight of her stomach. Which is all the more evident when she strips off her winter coat and sets it aside on a coat tree, wrapping a hand-knitted scarf around it in a winding pattern.

She finds her way among her kin, but does not take a seat. Instead, she remains standing at their back, her feet shoulder-width apart, her arms crossed - below her breasts, above the swell of her stomach. There is an expectant tension in her spine and shoulders, and a firm set to her jaw.

[Derek Anderson] Derek came in, dressed in pants and sweater, his kind blue eyes looking around. He bowed respectfully to Balance Without Fault, did the same for Lukas and walked around, greeting those he knew a little with a nod: Hunter, Amunet, Gina, Matthieu and Jackson when the last two arrive.

He nodded and smiled slightly at Sarita when he see her. Izzy received a grin when he pass her by "Hello Detective"

His attention then was on August and Rain, offering htem a warm smile and walking to them "Good evening ladies, I hope you're doing well"

[Danicka Musil] [I'm totally making Damon post Danicka in with Lukas. I'm in the middle of eating. :p ]

[Wyrmbreaker] Punctual, Lukas arrives moments before Balance lays down the protocol for the meeting. And not in his own car but in Danicka's, riding shotgun while scarfing down the last of whatever dinner they went out to. Looks like lamb-stuffed cabbage.

Getting out, anyone looking out the windows can see him stepping out of her car, buttoning his overcoat against the wind. He moves ahead to get the door; she laughs, running a few steps after him, which makes him turn around, which gives her the opportunity to lean up and wipe a dab of tomato-based sauce from his cheek. And kiss him.

Public displays of affection out of his system, Wyrmbreaker is somber and dignified, walking in the door. He sees that his wingback chair is taken, the other cleared away. He goes to sit by the bar instead, where Danny hovers with a nervous grin.

"No drinks here tonight, Mr. Wyrmbreaker. Grand Elder says all the food and alcoholic drink is to be served in the kitchen. Nothing but ice water here."

Lukas huffs a laugh under his breath. "Not a problem, Danny." He takes a seat on a barstool, shifting one a little closer for Danicka.

[Matthieu] Matthieu arrives on time, even a little early. Ever the peacock the lovely Silver Fang arrives just in time to display the finely crafted suit that he has doubtless poured six months of your average man's salary into getting each and every thread just right. His entrance was as much a display of his tribes divine right as it was a display of his own natural beauty. Not only was he the representative of his Auspice on the council now but he also stood as Alpha of Harrier's grace. He was a living representative not only of his tribe but his house as well. Ever regal and dignified. His skin was smooth and pale and his hair looked as if it had been kissed by the golden rays of the sun itself. Falcon's child carried with him the legacy of a house, and the history and hopes of an entire nation.

He listened to Balances without Fault and nods in agreement with the rules. He was here to listen, and to speak when it was needed. Tradition would be the focus of his reasons for being here. Support of tradition and remembrance of ancient ways. His blood ran hot with the memories of a past tens of thousands of years old. A creature of the modern world and yet still firmly grounded in the wisdom of eras ling since passed.

He keeps his eyes forward most of the time. However, when he is finally seated his eyes do drift somewhere to the back. His eyes drawing in to focus on the Strider kin hiding in the back. Pausing to give his own acknowledgement of her presence. His eyes take the time to wander, perhaps linger, and the act brings a slight smile to his lips a smile which might or might not be shared by the both of them. None the less... His eyes were hard pressed to pull themselves away, and in fact he didn't see any reason to draw them away until the meeting officially started.

[Joey] Joey enters with Hunter and his kinswoman, but once they're through the door departs their company to sit closer to the rest of the auspice council. A smile is offered to those she recognizes, dim compared to what it used to be, an upward nod to Balance Without Fault, and Lukas.

Once she's settled, she seeks out Hunter, meets his gaze, and grins.

[Kieran Mondblume] *He looks a little bit intimidated, all things considered, as he walks into the meeting. He finds a place to sit. His shirt is a lovely shade of light purple; his jeans are black. His flip-flops, a lovely shade of maroon. Lukas' words make his head swivel, and his eyes widen. Food? No... ice water. He slumps slightly, disappointed, as he waits for everything to begin.*

[Balance Without Fault] [Sorry for the confusion - "no drinks here tonight" was spoken by Danny, bartender kid NPC kin! I'll try to keep all my NPCing in this name.]

[Delilah Marciano] Back of the room, quiet as a dormouse; the Glass Walker makes an appearance. Dark hair gathered up from her shoulders, she sits alone at one of the tables in the back of the room, whichever was closest to the front. The phone in her hand muted as she set it on the table, dressed in dark charcoal pantsuit with red pinstripe. Silvery gaze focused on those around her.

[Kieran Mondblume] ((Ahh hell. *smacks forehead* My bad.))

[Balance Without Fault] When everyone has settled, Balance Without Fault picks up the magic eightball and speaks again.

"Okay, let's come to order. Some of you might be wondering why this meeting was called. The reason is simple: over the last month, there have been more rumors and murmurs of kin discontent than in the past five years. Furthermore, there's been a troubling trend toward Kin thinking of themselves as separate and distinct from the Garou when we are all part of the same Nation. I wanted to dispel the rumors, clear the air, set a basic infrastructure down, and move on from tonight as a re-unified force.

"With that in mind, let's hear from the kin first. What exactly are your concerns or complaints at the moment?"

He tosses the eightball toward the first kin to call for it.

[Adamidas] Adam slips in and, for the time being, keeps her mouth shut. She doesn't draw attention to herself, or the fact that she left the bathroom with a pop and keeps herself quietly nestled in.

[Balance Without Fault] [For latecomers who missed it, this was BwF's protocol post --

"Welcome, everyone. Thanks for coming. Here are the rules tonight: one speaker at a time. He or she who holds the magic eight ball," and he holds this aloft, "speaks. No one else.

"Keep a respectful tone, particularly to those of greater rank. For those of equal rank, the Auspice Council holds precedence over the Tribal Alphas. For kin, those with renown hold precedence over those without.

"In case of dispute, we will not go to challenges because of the mixed crowd. A Philodox will be called upon to mediate. If mediation fails, I am the final arbiter.

"Anyone violating these rules once will be given one warning, and one only. After that, you're out of the meeting, and your viewpoint will be disregarded. The staff has kindly set up refreshments in the kitchen. If you feel yourself getting hot under the collar, go get a drink and come back when you're calmer."]

[Amunet Knezevic] [Dibs, unless anyone is going to claim it?]

[Balance Without Fault] [whoever types fastest, man.]

[Balance Without Fault] [and on that note, since we're a scene of twenty-seven right now -- let's try to keep posts short and snappy. i know i'm one of the chief offenders here, but i'm really going to try to keep responses to

[Joey] [yeah that's pretty short!]

[Amunet Knezevic] "Balance Without Fault Rhya." Deep breath, Ames. "My name is Amunet Knezevic. I am that one that placed the notice on the board, and the one who has been organizing the willing kinfolk. I believe that this in part may be the cause of the perception of discontent. I would like to clear up any confusion, as our intentions may not be as clear as they should be."

[Balance Without Fault] [okay, i changed my mind -- go ahead and call dibs if you have a longer post to type so you don't lose your chance. but i'm gonna say you have 10 min from the time you call dibs to get it out, just to keep things moving!]

Balance nods. "Let's hear it."

[Sarita Ecos de la Risa] [[She says she's almost done, it's a biggie!]]

[Danicka Musil] The Happy Couple -- and frankly, they are, however smirkingly saccharine the nomenclature -- comes in together, but they leave their more obvious public displays of affection at the door. Danicka is wearing a knee-length gray skirt and knee-high black heels, beneath which are a pair of stockings that extend a little higher than the boots themselves. Her peacoat is doffed when she comes in, hung over the back of a chair no one is using that's been shoved over by the bar. Underneath is a casual, gauze-thin sweater of seafoam green, laid atop the hint of a camisole. There's a white applique in some abstract pattern to one side of chest of the sweater, but all of this is just [window] dressing.

Danicka Musil is not the most renowned Kinswoman in Chicago. Not by far. But she is the most renowned Kinfolk here. The Garou, if they ever mention her to each other, if the spirits ever talk about her, don't talk much about how many fomori she's killed or that one time she shot a zombie or so forth. She's known to be brave, to be a Good Kinswoman. Mostly, she's known to be wise. Granted, when she comes up, it's hardly even by name. Garou call her Wyrmbreaker-rhya's mate. And they say that Wyrmbreaker-rhya's mate is clever, isn't she? Oh yes, I've heard she's a bit of a bright one.

It's childish. It's condescending. But that she is known to be anything at all beyond the mate of an Adren who has not yet given him a child, and that her reputation is solid as a Good Kin is impressive at all. She can't cast rites, she can't learn gifts. She can just be... a clever little thing. Good job, Wyrmbreaker. Now stop dicking around and knock her up.

When the magic 8-ball is first offered to the kin, it's Amunet -- rightly so -- who reaches for it. Danicka, perhaps there just as a show of support for her comrades, perhaps just because she's supposed to be there and she's obedient, turns her eyes towards the Strider she met with last night, her murky green eyes interested. Thoughtful.

[Amunet Knezevic] "My intention is to gather the interested kinfolk in a network that will help the Trueborn, not work against them. Among the first concerns that are being addressed are training and information."

Her eyes flicker to Sarita, then back to Balance. "It is necessary for us to be able to contact one another easily, not only in emergencies but in everyday circumstances where one of us may need another's expertise. One of the first projects will be a listing of the kin and their contact information. This will be heavily guarded, not because I don't want the information to be accessible but because I understand the danger of this type of thing getting into the wrong hands. Cordelia and Jackson have volunteered to begin this process, and to make sure that the information is secure."

Our second focus is going to be self defense training. We are human, at the end of the day. We can't count on the Trueborn to be our protectors when they have a war to fight. Carter has extensive self defense training, and he has offered to run a boot camp of sorts for those who are interested. As with everything that we are working toward, it will be voluntary. I don't want to force any kin to join us, or accept any sort of training except for the third focus."

She stops for breath. "I would like to see every kin trained in basic first aid. This accomplishes two purposes. Should any of us be injured, there will likely be someone close by to help. Again, we are human. We don't heal ourselves, and we are out in the world. The dangers that we face come not only from our enemies, but from the people that we are surrounded with every day.

I've seen an amazing number of Trueborn that are more than willing to step up and heal a kin that is injured. This is honorable, but wasteful. Again, we are at war. We could be attacked at any time, and should that happen, which of the kin would be responsible for sapping a Trueborn's gnosis by being healed out of panic or unnecessarily. Prepared kin are kin that are not a drain on the Nation's resources."

Her fingers run in her hair nervously, and she licks her bottom lip before continuing. "I've been in a Sept that was attacked. I have a clearer understanding of what happens than some of the kin do. I watched kin die, because no one was able to triage them. I watched kin die, because they had all become complacent and lazy and spoiled by well meaning Trueborn. I have friends here. I don't want to see the same thing happen again. That is why I've made this move. That is why these three goals are my first"

[Balance Without Fault] "That's all well and good," Balance replies as the eightball comes back to him, "and I'm glad to hear you're trying to organize the kin. See to it that the Warder has a list of these kin and contacts as well. Areas of specialization, too, if possible. We had something like that for a while, but the parties responsible for its maintenance drifted off.

"Regarding self defense and basic first aid -- that sounds like a wise investment. We've got a few kin who are accomplished physicians. You might want to get their input. As for self defense, Imogen Slaughter's known to be a crack shot. Izzy Montoya and Derek Anderson are both with the police; surely they know how to handle a gun as well. You might want to seek their services as well.

"But all that aside -- Amunet, you've told me everything that's working. Or that you want to be working, at least. I'm asking why I keep hearing murmurs of discontent."

[Amunet Knezevic] "Some of the kin that have shown interest are not content, Rhya. Trueborn have become accustomed to dictating to us, and the kin have become accustomed to allowing it. Not only here, but other places where several of the new kin have come from, bringing their biases with them. This has bred discontent. I am in no way suggesting that we should be treated as equals. The fact is that we are not. I would suggest though that we are kept informed, so that when decisions are made and passed down, they do not seem arbitrary and dictatorial. Your kin are willing to work together with the Trueborn, Rhya. We just need a path to follow."

[Balance Without Fault] Balance Without Fault considers Amunet a moment. Then he sweeps a glance around the room.

"I don't want to put you under a microscope this early in the night, Amunet." Maybe that's a joke. The half-smile says it is. He raises his voice, "Let's hear from someone other than Amunet. Kinfolk of Maelstrom, this might be one of the few or only times in your life that the Elder Council and the Tribal Alphas of an entire Sept are gathered, silent, with open ears -- waiting to hear from you.

"If you've got issues, bring them forward."

[Jackson Montgomery] [[DIBS!]]

[Izzy Montoya] She hadn't intended to talk. In fact, she hadn't intended to make a sound at all, but at that, she snorts. Audibly. But that is all, as she starts the ritual search through her pockets for her cigarettes and lighter. she finds both - but doesn't put them to use other than to keep her hands busy.

After all - smoking inside is against the law.

[Jackson Montgomery] He stands, perhaps unexpectedly, and goes to claim the magic 8-Ball. "I think, if I can speak to this, that a lot of the reported discontent is simple due to the fact that some of the initial ideas being brainstormed are coming out and they aren't even formalized yet. And some Garou have been volunteering their involvement...which is great. There's been an impression that this is quickly becoming Garou vs. kinfolk, and that's not the case.

"The thing is, when a lot of Garou get heavily involved in this, even in the planning stage, it belies the fact that it goes right back to the idea that the kinfolk are relying on the Garou instead of standing on their own. I've been talking a lot with Amunet about this, and we've come up with some good ideas. And at no point are we trying to push this into two separate factions. But the old saying goes, too many cooks spoil the soup, and there are a lot of kinfolk even as it is with very different viewpoints. We absolutely plan to make this a thing where we're all involved in the same mission, but we need an actual plan in place for what we're doing before we start implementing that and integrating it with the Garou side."

[Balance Without Fault] Balance Without Fault's eyes swing immediately to Izzy. When he gets the eightball back, he tosses it toward her.

"You sounded like you wanted to be heard, Izzy. Let's hear it."

[August Grant] August shifted in her chair. It was slightly uncomfortable for her to sit in the same position for too long these days. A slender hand rubbed at the side of her belly - perhaps where a persistent foot was intent on kicking her. She didn't say anything.

No matter the extent of her past issues with this Sept.. in her mind, all were resolved as well as they could be at the moment. And, given that her cheating, lying, deadbeat, no good, s-o-b of a former mate had fled, she was a happy camper. Her gaze did shift to her tribesmate as he stood, however.

[Nash] Oh crap when did he get here.

Nash, who most here don't recognize but for the breeding that pegs him as one of Fenris's Kin, slips in quietly as Amy is discussing her desire to see Kinfolk trained in first aid. He works his way around the room to stand near Kora and tries to get his happy ass caught up while his player does paperwork.

[Kieran Mondblume] *He watches, back and forth. From Amy, to Jackson, and then to Izzy. Waiting, really, curious about all of this.*

[Izzy Montoya] She arches a brow, ups both her cigarettes and lighter into one hand and still catches the 8ball with a negligent ease. There are some things that become inherrant when one works in a male dominated workplace - like catching random objects being thrown at her.

She waits a moment, then two. She doesn't look to Kora for permission as some might. She looks to no one - which is not unexpected from anyone that knows her in anyway at all. She is, and always will be, her own person. He wants to hear it. So he does.

"It's bullshit. You sit there and say you want to hear, you want to fuckin' listen, and it's all fuckin' bullshit. Not a one of you give two shits about what we do or don't do, unless it directly involves you. Not a one gives two shits about what we might have to do for you in our jobs, what we might have to compromise in order to save your fuckin' asses in a world you think you're above - even while declaring you want to fuckin' save it. Not a one of you.. not even Kora, whom I've grown to respect, did shit all when I was beat by one of you, imprisoned here of all fuckin' places, and sent to work with injuries so severe that half my department wanted to come after whoever had fucked me up with guns blazing. Not a one of you gives two fuckin' shits - and this is all a fuckin' sham."

He hears it. Both barrels.

She points at Amy. "That bitch has been lookin to get her goose cooked since she got here. And the latest scheme? Good god. she's gonna get us all fuckin' killed. And likely not by the enemy. Discontent." she snorts again. "I won't fuckin talk for anyone else - and don't you dare speak for me either, I can get my ass beat all by myself - it doesn't matter what you say here. In the end - you all will do what you want, and I'll do my fuckin job just as I always have, and do a goddamn good job of it. I'll cover my ass, your ass, everyone's ass who I can manage to cover - but don't expect me to believe that - for one fuckin second - you give a good goddamn what happens in the world we have to travel through every goddamn day. You don't. You haven't yet - and one night won't make it so."

To her credit though - not once does she raise her voice. If anything.. she sounds... tired.

[Danicka Musil] [Dibs!]

[Balance Without Fault] "Keep your tone respectful," Balance says evenly. "That's your only warning."

That's all he says for now. He lobs the eightball toward Danicka.

[Gina McClaren] *Restless as Striders were wont to be, Gina hops down from her stool, sashays into the kitchen, and fetches herself a couple of deep-fried wontons filed with hazelnut chocolate and cream cheese.
She pads back into the room midway through the detective's speech, and settles on her stool once more.

Izzy finishes up, and Gina's expression darkens a moment.

Then the detective has to use those finely honed reflexes again in short order. As a pikey whistles sharply then overhand tosses a wonton to the weary Fenris kin. Whether in agreement or simply in a bid to get her to cram it - only the guttersnipe herself knows.*

[Nash] Nash claps a few times after Izzy finishes. Not a purposefully sarcastic Slow Clap, but it is a bit on the slow side anyway. He seems to be favoring his right wrist. It lasts a few seconds, and then he stops at the Grand Elder's warning to keep a respectful tone.

[Hunter] Holden wanders through the room to stand next to Nash and the other Fenrir. He gives a nod to the equally tall man from the north [south] along with a grin of approval.

[Hunter] [OOPS]

[Izzy Montoya] She catches the wonton. Easily.

And manages not to point out that she WAS respectful. For her.

[Danicka Musil] Everyone in the room is free to judge according to their own perspectives what it says about Danicka that when Balance Without Fault lobs the 8-ball at her, she doesn't even try to catch it. She actually flinches somewhat out of the way, and it's Lukas who snatches the thing out of the air, handing it to her. Some will call her oblivious that she doesn't seem chagrined or embarrassed as she takes it from him. She's a slender sort, not remotely athletic from the look of her.

Sometimes Garou hear of what she's done to minions of the Wyrm, see her, say, Her?

Holding the ball in cupped palms, she speaks up for the first time, her tone clear and level. She addresses Balance Without Fault. "A lot of what Detective Montoya just said is true. Amunet, as well. We aren't... like you," she says, though in a tone that suggests even she realizes how weak that statement is, how far it falls from encompassing the truth. "No matter how much we care about our families, about the world we live in, or about the war -- and I think all of us do care, though to wildly different degrees and in different ways -- we don't form ourselves naturally into packs. We are not asked to give everything, a hundred percent, to fighting this war. For Garou, the war is everything. Anything else is marginalized, because it has to be.

"For Kinfolk," she goes on, "it's the opposite. We live our lives. I go to school, Detective Montoya goes to the precinct, August feeds and diapers her children, Gina dances, we all... have a life. The war, however important it is to us individually, often comes as an intrusion to the rest of who we are and what we do."

Danicka quiets for a small pause, clears her throat, but doesn't give up the 8-ball. "Sometimes when we get hurt, Garou come running. Sometimes they don't. Sometimes when there's a fight on our doorstep, we have to fight it because there's no way to run fast enough. Other times we have to give it up as though that's the natural, only course of action." Another beat, this one for effect more than to breathe. "The truth of what Detective Montoya says is this: most, if not all Garou, spend the majority of their time focused on things that have nothing to do with us. We are expected to carry on by ourselves without them, unless they show up. And if they do show up, usually without warning and sometimes even without need, we are expected to drop everything to obey them.

"-Rhya, all of us have our own prejudices and biases and differing levels of committment -- as well as angst. All of us care. But the discontent comes when we are kept to the sides all of the time, then told to shut up and submit the moment a garou ten or twenty years our junior shows up and acts like they're our protector. I think what Amunet and her alliance are trying to do is to increase our involvement so that at least the marginalization is lessened. But the discontent is already there. The frustration. The affront, frankly."

She stops there. She could go on. But she's talked a great deal, and she silences for now.

[Bridget Geroux] [Dibs]

[Danicka Musil] [Other times we have to give it up and let the Garou fight for us as though that's the natural, only course of action. GAH!]

[Kora] Nash comes in; the Skald gives him a side glance. It lingers a long moment longer than it otherwise might; then her attention is back on the center of the room. The thin cotton of her extra-long tunic pulls over her shoulders, muscles bunching with a subtle tension, mostly withheld. Her long braid swings down the dip of her spine. A faint lift of her chin, watching Holden weave through the room to join the tribe; a brief glance in Gina's direction follows after, before her attention returns to the center of the room, following the movement of the eight-ball to Danicka. Once, she shifts positions. Widens her stance, leans further back, relieving some of the unending pressure on her spine. Uncrosses and recrosses her arms.

[Bridget Geroux] Bridget sighs when it comes around her direction, careful to look at the eight ball when she holds it up. "Balance Without Fault Rhya, thank you for putting it in the light that we are all a part of the Nation. My name is Bridget Geroux. I know that every Sept is different, and I don't have any expectations, but the Sept I am from is much smaller. We know each other well, and there is structure. Here, I don't see the unity. I see reluctance, pain, anguish, and I see anger and pride disconnecting us from one another. Kin from kin, kin from tribesmen... and I wouldn't presume to understand what goes on among Garou, but if that same disconnect exists on that level... it worries me."

"And despite the recent bonding efforts to organize the kinfolk, I see a disconnect there as well. It's a great idea, a great application, a wise and honorable action, but even with the application, I notice those same destructive traits. Just last week, I noticed a separation when a well-meaning Garou was not trying to interfere, but possibly trying to bridge gaps between Garou and kinfolk within Amunet's... organization, fellowship. Whatever it will be called. And the way she jealously guards it and some others have just jumped on without gauging the situation seems too much like a Jonestown situation to me."

Bridget takes a breath, exercising great efforts not to swear or fidget. "Maybe this is my own experience, but since I've moved here I have never felt more disconnected to my tribe despite my attempts to bridge gaps. At what point should I just go about my business, despite everything my father taught me? I'm... going to open myself up here and speak as truly as I possibly can, but it hurts me to have such a tentative relationship with the other Fianna."

"This is all perhaps touching on the path Amunet spoke of, but I wouldn't presume to speak for anyone but myself. I'm not good with a gun or first aid, but I know how to survive in the wilderness with nothing... I know how to work crowds, to work a public social setting. I know I'm not useless, but I feel that way when it comes to the Nation when my offers and talents are dismissed so quickly and without regard to its usefulness. I know how to stand well enough on my own, and I've done as much as I can to contribute... but I feel as if there is no point when I'm told to stay inside, discouraged from doing what I'm good at, and still held at such a distance. It's all too condescending."

Bridget looks to Izzy now, then sighs. "In a lot of ways, I feel exactly like no one gives a damn whether or not we all rot, what we have to go through or put up with and barely even a hint of recognition, if any of that even matters. I feel like many of us are just a bunch of wild things kept in guilded cages. If you keep any living thing from doing what it's supposed to do, that's not a life worth living. I don't know what else to do but be discontent when I'm expected to stay out of the woods, don't go make music or connections, don't spend so much time out in the world doing what I do. I can follow orders, do what needs to be done, but I'm not a machine."

[Balance Without Fault] [dibs!]

[Balance Without Fault] "I want to take a moment to clarify the purpose of this meeting.

"Jackson, I heard you about needing to get the kin coalition in order before plugging it into the grander framework of the Nation. I agree. Bridget, Izzy, I've heard from you both that the way things are going in the coalition are not optimal at the moment. But we're not here to discuss the kinfolk coalition alone. We should address it more thoroughly, and we will -- in a moment.

"We're not here to discuss how Garou interface with the world, either, Izzy. We're not here to change the way Garou and kin interact, because that -- as Danicka points out -- has been set for thousands of years. As you yourself have pointed out, it won't change in a night.

"As much as you may feel downtrodden and unappreciated, realize that every last Garou in this room, on this planet, will die before age thirty. And they give this sacrifice so that you have a human world to interface in, just as you sacrifice your job and career and human life to support these Garou. The sacrifice goes both ways. And while you might not like it, we are in the end Gaia's army. There is a ranking order, and it is dictated, ultimately, by our renown.

"But I digress. What we can do, what I want to do here tonight -- specifically, without speaking in broad terms and vagueries -- is to address points of discontent amongst the kin. I have specific incidents in my mind that I want to discuss, but I want to hear from the kin first.

"If nothing else, no matter how she brought it up -- Izzy has noted some sources of discontent for herself. For that, I thank you, Detective Montoya.

"She Who Offers Sorrow, your kinfolk has raised an complaint about the way she's been treated in the past. She says she's been beaten and unfairly imprisoned. See to her concerns. If you decide her past punishment was just, then so be it. If it was unjust, make amends as you best see fit.

"Before we move on to other topics, are there any other specific grievances the kin wish to bring forth?"

[Rain McKellar] [Dibs, please!]

[Danicka Musil] Her eyes flick to the Grand Elder when he brings her up, gives at least one interpretation of what she said. She doesn't ask for the 8-ball again though.

[Balance Without Fault] [erp. "will MOST LIKELY die before age thirty." seeing as how BWF is like... 45.]

[Carter Roth] [Dibs after Rain]

[Jackson Montgomery] [["You're all gonna die before 30...except me. For I am Elite."]]

[August Grant] {Very short dibs after Rain + Carter}

[Sarita Ecos de la Risa] Sarita could be accused, often, of not taking things seriously enough. When your deed name is "Echoes of Laughter," it's a natural course of people's thoughts on how you will react. She's stayed quiet here, sitting near her Alpha and watching...listening. She doesn't give anyone a particularly strong reaction when they speak. Amy gets a slight smile; Izzy a little frown. The others, she remains even-tempered, thoughtful.

The Strider is doing her best to listen and learn. She's not even tapping her toe to some sort of tacky dance pop crap.

[Rain McKellar] The girl who rises to claim the magic eight ball next has nothing in her blood that calls out to her Tribe. She has no renown among them. Cloistered as she is with the rest of Unicorn's kin, this gives some suggestion as to her allegiances.

Catching the eight-ball is only part of the struggle, here. And before she addresses the Grand Elder, her glance slides sideways to the Fenrir Jarl. Her shoulders square, and she calms herself a bit.

"Mr. Grand Elder, sir," she begins, and her voice rises easily above the gathering. Unexpectedly warm. Captivating, it calls attention to her in ways that might surprise them.

"My name is Rain McKellar, and before I was kin to Unicorn's chosen, I was Lost." She says this plainly. "The places I have been treated their kinfolk much differently than here, and I appreciate that you have called us together and allowed us to air our concerns.

"I have no complaints about how I have been treated by my Tribe, nor by the pack that I live with. My Family has been good to me, perhaps better than they should have been by some of what others have said tonight. If I can help in any way, so that kindness and shelter can be extended to others, please let me know."

Here she swallows and looks down at the eight ball for a moment.

"If I have any complaint it is that, in the intention of being helpful or showing their concern, some True offer up conflicting information. I am concerned about the thing that is hunting Kinfolk. I would like to know, plainly put, what best I should do to protect myself and to help your war efforts. If this has already been communicated to the Tribal and pack Alphas, then I will seek answers with Mr. Roman or Miss Kora."

She walks across the circle to hand back the eight-ball.

"Thank you for your time, sirs and madams."

And then Rain retakes her seat.

[Wyrmbreaker] [Quick dibs. And sorry, Lukas is pulling rank to get it for a sec!]

[Wyrmbreaker] Wyrmbreaker, who has thus far sat quietly except to catch the ball for Danicka, raises his hand after Rain speaks. The eightball comes his way.

"I can answer that for you, Rain. The specifics of what kin should be doing is up to each Tribal Alpha. Obey whatever order they give you. As a general rule, I'd strongly suggest getting to a place where you're protected by the Garou of your tribe. If there's no such place available to you, come to the Brotherhood.

"As far as I'm concerned, you can chance it on your own if you really don't want to move. But I don't suggest it."

Carter's hand is up. Lukas tosses the eightball his way.

[Bridget Geroux] Seeing as her concern over being told specifically not to do what it is she does, what she's good at, was basically glossed over, Bridget goes and gets herself something to eat. She needs to gather her thoughts for a second, fidget as she needs to with all the Rage in the room, before the Fianna kin can take her seat again. There's a lot to think over.

[Carter Roth] Carter had had quite enough at this point. If no one would take up that magic 8 ball and speak the voice of the malcontent then he would. He strode forward taking the eight ball for himself and turned to face the garou who were gathered all powerful, all alpha's or elder's in their right and he held the eight ball in one heavy hand as he spoke.

"I refuse to be ruled by those who will not see me as their equal." He lets those few treasonous words sink in as he looks across the garou, his eyes falling upon kin in equal measure. "In many places, by many of your kind we are treated like Chattel, little more then servants waiting to be used. I will not argue that here I have seen generous activity that would enrage the masters of these places for that you should be praised. But it is not enough." He shakes his head slowly.

"Unlike the detective, who will stand and do her duty even as she knows your disregard for the kin who work tirelessly beneath your gaze. I will not, not without equality." He pauses. "Without it, we are susceptible to every monster of your kind, every garou who believes we ARE nothing but here to serve your whim. Tell me why we should accept our lot as it stands, tell me how it makes sense that such actions continue unabated against those you call your allies, your lovers, your friends. Is an ally told to be silent because you do not like his tone? Do you force a friend to become the mate of another simply because of what lies within their veins?" He lets that settle there, lets it hang, many knew of such instances, quite often they were regular occurances.

He takes another moment to look about. "We are all capable, we are all skilled in our own ways. But we are marginalized, we are shunted aside till we are expected to serve and we will hold our tongues and be greatful for it. I will not." He looks at Balance Without Fault. "You have said yourself that these things will not change, that they have existed for thousands of years, change it, if you hold to any future that means something for all of us...change it. You wished to hear of discontent, there it lies."

Carter lets the 8 ball go then and he takes his place against the wall once more. His gaze even and suspicious as it was when he first stepped forward.

[Matthieu] [If I can I'd like to call Dibs after umm August!]

[Kieran Mondblume] *He is waiting, listening to all of the opinions, and he is starting to look a little concerned.*

[Nash] [Dibs are for the weak! (I'm sorry!)]

Nash doesn't bother with the eightball. When he speaks, after Lukas and Carter have gone, he has a heavy Southern drawl. His voice isn't terribly loud, and like Izzy, he sounds tired.

"Kinda telling, ain't it?" he asks. "You got two Kin waiting to talk but a Trueborn can just butt on in?"

[Balance Without Fault] [BWF takes the eightball!]

[Izzy Montoya] She says nothing more - but she does step to the side and light up that cigarette after all. Someone can call the cops if they've got a problem with it.

[Amunet Knezevic] "Because we are NOT equal!" She snaps it, then falls instantly silent again.

[August Grant] August swallows. Did she really.. really want to go after that? Geezus christ - she was rather surprised when there wasn't fur flying.

Once the magic-8 ball was gently -passed- in her direction, the young woman stood. She cleared her throat just a little, trying to work up the courage to speak in a room full of this many important people. She never quite looked the Elder in the eyes, but.. was looking somewhat towards him, maybe at his feet. {oooh.. where'd you get those shoes?}

"Rhya.. s.. since you wanted to know about the discontent from us.. I figured I should mention mine. My mate, up and left me for another, knowing full well I was already carrying a second child for this nation. His child. He left with me with no one to protect me and my cub. The mere fact that no one at the time thought this a grevious act was insulting. It bred resentment.. and.. until I found allies within my tribe.. " she motioned to those seated near by, "I wasn't at all content. Things have resolved at this point and I am fine with my lot in life. But things like that - ignoring these big giant world tearing apart events - is going to drive a wedge between us."

A brief pause. "That is all.. thank you for your time.." A hand smoothed her sweater over her belly and she again took her seat, passing on the ball.

[Starla Navarro] Starla's head snaps up, she turns and twists in her seat to stare right at Amunet, her eyes narrowing on the kin that snaps out her words. The corners of her mouth flatten into a thin line as she glares at her.

[Balance Without Fault] [this comes before August -- sorry, but BWF would immediately react!]

Balance Without Fault snaps his fingers for the eightball. He confers briefly with Kora, gets a name, speaks.

"Stick to protocol, Nash. You too, Amunet. Next time you two step out of line, you're out.

"In case you missed it the first time around: don't speak without the eightball. Rank and renown takes precedence. In the event that rank is equal, the Auspice Council takes precedence over Tribal Alphas, who take precedence over the Garou, who take precedence over the kin.

"And I'm sorry, Carter, but there is no equality in the Nation. We are not a democracy."

It passes on to August.

[August Grant] {Damn, my bad - my screen didn't refresh. Augusts posts AFTER BWFs}

[Gina McClaren] *Gina makes a noise in her throat thats something along the lines of a pissed off gurgle. Fingers scraping through her hair and across her temples as her head falls backwards in utter frustration. Talon hands coming away from her scalp and settling on the bar with some force. *

[Danicka Musil] [Dibs, when... okay I'm not sure what the list is for dibs, but! Put me on it!]

[Delilah Marciano] Delilah eases out of the chair she sat in, her hand drops to the phone sitting on the table, picking it up and stares down at the screen for a brief second, and then tucks it away inside the inner breast pocket of her suit jacket. She is tall, only because of the advantage point her heels provide her, she stands with shoulders squared back and chin tilted up.

The woman doesn't exactly command authority, but there is a coolness in her demeanor. A calm, collected disposition that expresses patience, clearly her gesture to stand, instead of sit idly and listen meant she had something to say. She is an unknown face, a stranger to the kin that have served this sept in the past and now in the present.

[Calling DIBS!]

[Rain McKellar] Rain's arms are crossed low over her middle. Her expression is somewhat anxious, but when she looks up to August as the other Gaian speaks it is with as much support as she can muster in this tense environment.

[Carter Roth] Carter frowns deeply at Balance Without Faults words and he shakes his head, an angry look flitting behind his eyes.

[Balance Without Fault] -- and the eightball comes back to Balance.

"I'm sorry to hear you've been so ill-used by your former mate, August. Tell us the name of this Garou so that we all know his dishonor."

The eightball goes back to August.

[Dibs list is currently: August, Matthieu, Danicka, Delilah.]

[August Grant] "Paul Kellogg. He seems to have .. left.." She'd rather use the word fled.. "the city." And once again, the eight ball is passed on.

[Bridget Geroux] Bridget stands at the doorway, listening to the conversation while munching on part of a sandwich. The tightness to her muscles and the smirk on her face expresses her discontent with the line of conversation. She takes a glass of ice water over to Carter and leans against his side. She offers the frigid beverage to the other kin, the corners of her mouth turning in a slight smile, an expression that simply says: here.

[Kora] Kora listens as Rain says her piece; her arms tighten when Balance Without Fault directs her to see to Izzy's complaint. The look she gives the Grand Elder is direct, her expression ironic, but not wry. When Carter speaks, the heavily pregnant Fenrir audibly rolls her eyes (seriously, Nash can [i]hear/i] it). She flashes him a look when he speaks up. Except for the obvious tension, the expression is quiet, animal, unreadable.

[Starla Navarro] Starla clucks her tongue against the roof of her mouth, shaking her head. She looks over her should at Kora, catching the eye-rolling expression of the Jarl. She turns back in her seat, shifting closer to Rain and draws a comforting arm around the kin's shoulders, hugging her.

[Jackson Montgomery] [[Add Jackson in after Delilah]]

[Derek Anderson] Derek listened, standing near Rain, August and Jackson. He owuld have loved to stand with people from his tribe but Sasha and Katherine weren't there, Gabriel wasn't invited and he didn't rally knewMatthieu except glimpsing at him at the loft the other night.

He looked relax, hands in his pockets. He had nothing to say about all this really. He has been well treated by his Tribe, other Garou and kinfolks he has met. Well Remy was a jerk but even then, it went pretty ok when he met him. He knew some people had problems with Garou, that some had bad experiences in the past. He wasn't one of them. Maybe it'll come, maybe he'll be like Izzy or maybe not. But for now, his life was good.Maybe he didn't need much, or maybe it was his upbringing, butr he was..ok with the way things were.