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Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2017 21:10:25 GMT
@morgan @col
He had already text Tess to meethim here and had left a message with an old lady that stank of stagnant water, peppermint and cats. She had assured him Col would get the message that Caleb and Tess were going to look for the Bawn in Central Park.
He sat near the hot dog stand with a fully loaded dog in one hand, a can of cola on the bench beside him and a lit smoke in the other hand.
Caleb watched the people go by as he ate and waited for either of the two Garou to show up.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2017 22:01:14 GMT
Ten am Tess rolled up bumping the curb and mildly startling some people walking along she revved the buell needlessly for effect and rolled slowly up alongside the bench Caleb was sitting on. Sliding effortlessly off the bike she removed her lid leaving her aviators on, Tess shook her hair out, it was still damp from the shower the smell of jasmine enveloped her. She knelt down and locked the bike to the bench behind Caleb in one deft movement she swiped the half eaten hot dog from Calebs Jaws. Grinning she made her way round the bench to Caleb. Morning Irish so dinner desert now breakfast what a lucky girl I am. You want another hot dog?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2017 22:37:46 GMT
The relative peace of the park was suddenly disturbed as a motorbike roared right up to where he sat. He watched the rider slide off the bike and he realised it was Tess when she took of the helmet.
He wasn't expecting her to snatch his hot dog so he only managed to bite down before she managed to get it all, he frowned and nodded. 'Aye! I feckin' would like another Hot Dawg.' he takes a drag of his smoke and grins at her.
'Glad ya could make it Tess, I lieft a message for the aul'fella Col to come meet us if he can.'
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Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2017 22:52:05 GMT
Tess grinned and made her way over to the hot dog stand ordering and paying for the several dogs each and a couple of bottles of water Tess set about loading hers up with chill mustard and onions. Only when she was happy with the mountain of junk food did she look up at the mildly disgruntled Caleb. So I'm guessing you finished washing up late the other night then? Smiling she removed her sun gigs and made brief eye contact. so what's the plan?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2017 23:26:54 GMT
Finishing the can of cola he crushed the can and tossd it into a trash can and took the offered hot dog. 'Aye I fookin' did, I lost a layer of skin of me hands too! he covered the dog in onions, ketchup, mustard and cheese.
'Well we finish these delicious dogs and den stroll about, maybe when its safe make a few howls see what happens!' he watches her to see what she thinks and also to admire her curves in the well fitting jeans and leather jacket.
'Unless you have another idea? If you do let me hear!'
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2017 12:59:32 GMT
Tess laughed a warm deep sound, adding more mustard to one of her hot dogs she looked up eyes alight with good humour and mischief. She listened to Caleb ignoring his mildly lecherous look she shoveled food into her mouth as if she hadn't eaten for weeks, rather than the few hours since breakfast.
After almost inhaling her last hot dog and downing the water Tess realised Caleb had asked her a question. Well Irish we could take a look, that's for sure, maybe we just stay around the park today, like tourists? Speaking of which you were really light on cash the other day? Maybe because you dropped your wallet? Tess hands Caleb a man's wallet containing a wad of cash If I'm gonna be an English girl in New York we gotta stick together, especially in the absence of kin or tribes. she almost laughed as she held out her arm for Caleb to take. Come on then Irish you said you were good at other things the other night, let's see if tour guide is one on the list.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2017 14:02:25 GMT
He looked down at the arm she offered and slung his through. He began leading her deeper into the park away from the zoo. As they walked he looked her up and down, 'I can't figure out your tribe, you wear all the trappin's of one of the native tribes. But you sure as fook don't look like one of them.' they crossed many of the parks ornate bridges getting deeper into the park, heading towards where he had last felt the weak Bawn line.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2017 14:35:30 GMT
Tess tensed slightly she wasn't ready to chat about her, why she left how she got here she didn't overly trust Caleb, she didn't overly trust anyone but the tribe and some of them didn't trust her because of what she was formally. The fact was some people viewed her as a defector she had given up her birth tribe. No she wasn't getting into that now. Gees Irish what are you the police? You don't need to figure out my tribe you could just ask? I may not answer though I'm Tess the ragabash we can leave it at that Tess realised too late she sounded sharp she could feel tension crawling through her.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2017 14:54:32 GMT
He just grinned at her avoidance of his questions, she would tell him if she wanted. 'Never worry Tess the Ragabash, I'll pry no more!'
Looking around as if searching for something he stops walking. 'Dis here is where I knew I'd stepped across de Bawn. Just past dat dere lamp post.' he started walking unless she objected.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2017 17:46:39 GMT
Tess relaxed a little, pleased that Caleb wasn't going to pry. She watched on alert if they were this close surely they bawn Guardians should have picked them up. She waited watching.. Nothing. Tess was one of the least good at mystical work,her skills were kicking A**. Taking names and pissing people off. More recently since she had been adopted she had been honing her skills at stealing wyrmish items. The camp of raiders had made her feel most welcome and she hoped to eventually be excellent at taking things from the enemy and using them against their previous owners.
Stepping slowly around the area Caleb had indicated Tess felt the slight prickles rush over her skin as the faintest magical energy touched her, nope this was not how it was supposed to be. Where did everyone go? Who is keeping the bawn intact? her question hung in the air as she looked up at Caleb for the first time talking in his size and bulk.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2017 18:32:48 GMT
He hadn't realised that Tess had handed him a wallet with a hefty wad of cash. He clicked it open and counted. With an appreciative whistle he smiled. 'Thanks dar......' he stopped himself before he finished saying that word, '..... Tess.' he has notices her tense before when he asked her about her tribe, must be a touchy subject,he really was going to have to remember not to push on it.
He was broken from his thoughts when she asked the same questions he had been thinking not so long ago.
'Your guess is as good as mine. As for who might be keepin' de Bawn going I have an idea who might be doin' dat. But I have no feckin' idea where they are!' they kept walking on further past the mystical line that was the Bawn.
'I suppose the only thing we can do is announce ourselves an' see what happens!'
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2017 18:46:00 GMT
Tess nodded Go on then Irish howl it out. with a final check around Tess shifts to crinos and waited to join the howl of announcements. She knew she wasn't a huge garou standing just over 6 ft in her war form her glossy fur shone in the gathering twilight the hours they had spent walking and looking round central park now evident as the sun started its lazy descent. Tess knew in this form there was no hiding what she had been her blood had been pure which made her accepting the Uktena as her tribe more unbearable to her old pack.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2017 19:52:45 GMT
Watching her change he felt the need to shake loose his man form and be himself. He walked close to her and shifted, he couldn't help himself but howl. It wasn't a howl of announcement it as filled with both joy and passion. His form towered over Tess and his muscled body heaved in the half light of the new moon.
Looking at her he had no doubt as to what tribe she was, a True blooded Get. He wondered for a moment why she didn't wear the typical trappings of a Get of Fenris? But that thought as soon lost when he caught her scent, Jasmine and barely contained rage. He turned to her and grinned. 'I thought ya looked good before, now you look even better!' he took two paces away from he and howled with all his fierce Fianna passion, telling all that could understand that he 'Blind Luck' and 'Always has a Fork' where here in New York, and a call out to all Garou where are they!
That howl would put the fear into all but the most hardy leeches and anyone with low strength of will would be sent running for their homes.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2017 11:19:46 GMT
Caleb howls, and Tess joins him. As the last echo fades a silence falls across the bawn. Birds stop singing, as if to listen for a reply. Even the feint traffic sounds seem further away.
Then, just when it seems like normality was about to resume another howl errupts.
It announces Dream Dancer, caern keeper, last survivor ... and it offers welcome.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2017 11:53:01 GMT
Caleb lowered his massive head to look at Tess and once more grinned. 'So shall we go find this lady?'
He shifts back to the man and shrugs his shoulders, flexing the muscle as he does so. Pulling a smoke from his jacket he lights it and waits for Tess to shift and join him.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2017 13:52:26 GMT
Tess felt the immense bulk of Caleb as he let his howl flow, joy and passion rang through central park, Tess hoped the other garou Caleb had mentioned would show. She smiled internally at the complement knowing a smile wouldn't translate in her current form. Relief and apprehension began to gnaw at her as the other garou identified herself and declared she was the last survivor, last survivor of what? Tess looked up at the bulk that was Caleb taking in the scars and marks that made him what he was she had little doubt he was an Ahroune, he has the unusual quality in homid of not looking as big as he was. Tess shifts to homid her dedicated clothes returned to cover her body. Well it's rude to keep a lady waiting, lead on Irish
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2017 14:25:43 GMT
Together they walk towards where the other howl ha emanated.
'Shite, sometin' bad musta happened here, if she's de soul survivor.'
He kept his senses alert as they walked through the park again, it hadn't been to far away. Hopefully this new Garou would make herself known to them.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 1:17:48 GMT
As the pair near the centre of the park, they feel drawn to the caern. The feeling takes them to Bethesda fountain, on the southern edge of the lake. There's lots of people around, but as they approach one stands out. She appears to be Japanese, with a heart shaped face, long dark hair with severe bangs, and a dancer's body. She's sitting on the edge of the fountain, facing the terrace. She's wearing slacks, and a black jacket over a silky red top. She's sipping a coffee, and her eyes look straight to you as you approach under the terrace. "Hi," she says, as you walk up. "I'm Mei."
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 8:50:00 GMT
Caleb could feel the Wyld here, it took him a few moments to spot the woman. He watched her as he walked across the court towards the fountain. Trying to ascertain more before he had to speak to her. He extends his hand fora handshake, 'Mei, a pleasure to meet ya darlin'. I'm Caleb and dis lovely lass is Tess.'
He lights a smoke and offers them to both the ladies. 'You got somewhere a lil'more private to chat than here?'
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 9:55:06 GMT
Col didnt know what time it was, nor did it matter to him. The last few days had been fun in the city. And he was just about to take a seat among the bums at the entrance to the underground when an old lady. A lady he knows as Grace walks up to him and tells him that Caleb wanted to meet. Yes she smelled of cats and peppermint, but dispite that people always avoided her. Including her family, so Col always looked out for her and her likewise for him. Upon hearing this Col took to his heels and made for the park.
Several minutes later he had joined another old man begging against the wall exterior of the park. It was then he heard it. Two garou howls followed by a third. 'More 'he said to himself. 'Including one from my old sept. I thought the caern had died...."
Making his way into the park he found a secluded spot and shifts to Crinos. His form reflected himself more naturally. Chunks of fur missing from his skin. Grey, brown and mottled. Turns his snout to the sky "Speaks-to-shadows is here" his howl introducing his presence. "Dream dancer I know you I think?"
With that he turns back into his human form. Finds his cane that had launched itself among the bushes nearby and proceeded to venture towards the howls.
Before long he looked down upon the fountain, his old fountain. Amongst the plethora of people he see three people who have gripped his old eyes. Caleb, a new friend who he felt would help him remember hunting once more. A young lass, clearly a biker next to him, the second howl maybe? And Mei. And old face. Memories of stargazing with Mei are instantly brought back.
With that Col ambles his was towards the group.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 12:01:09 GMT
Tess was tense too many people idled around their lazy purposes unknown they remained her of wasps round a tin of coke, they buzzard and moved too close for conversations of importance. Tess had heard the howl of another garou speaks to the shadows, Tess scanned the area again, waiting to see huge shapes of her old pack cut through the buzzing people. She forced a smile to the woman who had greeted them nodded instead of extending a hand. A long remembered lesson stopped her shaking hands with anyone, it was the quickest way to get some knife in the belly and she had the scars to prove it. I'm Tess as Irish said, nice to see you.
Tess looked up the smell of living breathing city assaults her senses with all the layers of unsavoury things you could imagine and some you didn't want to. A garou approached and from looks alone Tess was sure it was a Bone Gnawer, of all the tribes they had fallen the furthest from greatness, she admonished herself it was an uncharitable thought that was a relic from her past, she knew nothing of the old man who walked with a stick, she would not judge him by her previous existence. Tess looked up at the old man nudging Caleb as she spoke. This your friend Irish?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 12:04:38 GMT
Mei nods to Caleb and Tess.
"Well met, both of you. And yes, just across the bridge from here is the Rambles. Nothing with sense leaves the path there. It's mostly safe territory."
She looks past them, and a puzzled look crosses her face. If they turn, she's looking at the approaching Col. Something about the man seems familiar to her, but it's only when he gets really close, and she can see his features beneath the grime and hair that she smiles.
"Col! I thought you'd died! Where have you been all these years!"
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 12:16:34 GMT
Caleb smells the familiar odour of mold, rot and stale drink. Grinning as he turns to see Col.
'Good ta see ya Aul'fella. How you keepin'?'
He turns to Mei,
'Nice to meet you too, shall we all move to de Rambles den?'
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 12:25:25 GMT
Tess watching the greetings reminded herself to be still and listen be present in this moment. She took a moment exhaling slowly, relaxing was still not an option for now. She noted how the old man and the Mei appeared to know each other and wondered momentarily what had happened. She pulled a huge wrapped sandwich from inside her jacket and began eating. Stepping back slightly she nodded her agreement. To the Rambles then.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 12:46:24 GMT
Upon mei's response Col drops his guard. A smile begins across his face and a small tear dwells within his pensioner eyes. "Mei" he says exasperating as he speaks. "I thought I had lost everyone...." breathing heavily he walks towards the trio with purpose."I could never forgive myself for not being here when it all happened and I still cant. But seeing you again Little One......" Col holds himself up with his cane."... I wasnt here when it happened but I shall be beside you from now on." As he says this he lays a hand on Calebs shoulder. "Im better now im among favourite company." And he nods at Tess as he enter the circle.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 13:12:00 GMT
Mei smiles, and actually gives Col a quick hug.
"It's good to see you, too. Let's head to the Ramble, where we can talk more freely."
She leads them from the fountain, over a bridge across the lake, into the Ramble, an area of the park that's as close to forest as a city can get, and the sept' traditional revel location. Few people stray off the path in the Ramble.
Mei does, however, leading them deep into the trees, to a small clearing ringed by logs for seating, a fire pit in the centre. She sits on a log, kicking her feet out.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 14:04:55 GMT
Tess followed the others cautiously, checking for potential ambush she walked the perimeter several times, eventually satisfied she sat down on one of the logs pulling a slightly squashed second sandwich from her jacket she unwrapped it and began eating.
So what happened here where is everyone?
she asked crumbs falling as she spoke. Table manners not her strong point Tess wasn't one to be subtle she needed to get to the heart of a situation and decide if she was going to get involved in whatever had happened here or pick up her kit and go. The longer she stayed anywhere the more complicated things would get.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 16:45:50 GMT
Caleb followed the little Asian woman into the Ramble. He noticed that Tess was being very pensive and cautious. Not the jovial ragabash he met the other day in the dinner. He would have to remember that and possibly ask her at some point.
Part of him was saddened as Col embraced Mei and a small piece of the story of the Caern was revealed.
Mei had led them to the clearing with all the logs, this was more like it. Though he did wonder how the old Sept had defended it. Again he noticed Tess pacing round the edge of the camp, as if she was waiting for someone or thing to attack.
He took a seat on a tree stump, lit a smoke and pulled a bottle in a brown paper bag out from his jacket pocket.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 20:40:53 GMT
Tess felt Caleb watching her, she held his gaze for a moment knowing he would probably ask questions later for now she sat and waited for the Mei and the garou called Col to catch up, she was content to wait and see what would happen next.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2017 0:57:50 GMT
Mei takes a deep breath before starting.
"The sept was always open. We created Central Park all those years ago. The Bawn is the entire park. There's two caerns here, one to Mera, where we met just not, another to the Great While Mouse. It's always been a fairly public mix of Garou and Kin and normal folks. This," she indicates the area you are now, "we used for more private affairs. There'd always been vampire's in New York, but we'd avoided too many entanglements." She sighed, looking at Col. "Then one night, about ten years ago, they attacked. One of them looked at me a certain way, all wild and such, and something inside me broke and I ran. I remember coming back to find the slaughter. Everyone dead or gone. Even dead vampires. I thought I was the last, and was ashamed for surviving when my sept stood and died. I stayed, to keep the caerns alive, until someone else could come, and take over. Then I'll go."
She finishes her tale, looking up at a Col again. "I'm glad you survived too."
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