"Three moons ago, I was judged unfit to hold it by the most powerful of judges in the world... myself."

Center of the Caern
This is the central point of the 30-meter-wide clearing. The ground is a mixture of dark, rich, muddy soil mixed with clay, though there is an occasional patch of grass. At the center rests a large white boulder, immovable even by the strongest crinos. The boulder is shot through with streaks of quartz that produces scintillating colors when light strikes it just right. It is, for lack of a wholly adequate word, beautiful.
Around you, twenty yards in every direction, stretches the caern. To the southeast, a waterfall plummets over the edge of the chasm into a small pool in the caern; nearby, to the southwest, steam comes from cracks in the ground, perhaps some of the same water. Northwest, a rocky spar juts out of the ground at a low angle, showing a sloping but smooth top. The chasm walls narrow a bit to the northeast, causing some of the mist to swirl in that area.

Cole flashes a silent grin to his Alpha, returning the greeting with a respectful nods that's at odds with the smile.

Fred keeps working on brushing the crumbs out of his beard, not that it will ever be all that clean. "So, we gonna get this over with."

The Fang begins to glow from within. The discoloration and pale yellow of the enamel fade beneath the pure white light that emanates from the Fetish. Jacinta gives a small nod as it once again begins to fade, and replaces the necklace. She continues to eye the Bone Gnawer with suspicion, however.

Since the fateful moot that led to his disgrace, Kevin has not been a frequent sight at the Caern. But here he is now, strolling in sedately, taking note of those already present and raising an eyebrow as at least one of them proves unfamiliar to him.

Circle Keeper relaxes marginally after a few moments, though he picks up, and readily duplicates, his pack alpha's suspicion. Noes sniffs at the air a few times, tepidly.

From the rock outcropping, Blackriver seems to be of similar mind with Fred. Slowly, she shifts upwards into hispo, head turning to give the assembled a brief look over. ~We are here for a challenge.~ She begins. ~Not long ago the Bone Gnawer and the Guardian Untangler where arguing over the possession of a fetish. Untangler challenged the Bone Gnawer for it, but he refused it. So Untangler asked me to judge whether the challenge stood, and I said that it did. Now the Bone Gnawer challenges me over that decision. We will argue the decision and you, the gathered decide who is right.~

Jacinta's arms cross over her chest, looking from the lupus to the Bone Gnawer. Her brows pull downward and her jaw sets. Slowly, and with great deliberation, she shifts upward until she reaches Crinos form.

Fred wrinkles up his nose and shifts up into Glabro. ~Well, that ain't quite right. I was explorin' the Bawn an' I came across this wolf. Seemed intent on blockin' my path, so I introduced myself. The wolf didn't an' turned inta the war form instead, demandin' ta know where I got the necklace I was wearin'. Was hootin' an' hollerin' an' generally makin' a fuss. I backed off, not really wantin' ta cause a fuss. You showed up,~ The Bone Gnawer gerks his head toward Blackriver. ~An' I didn't get any introduction from you. Even after I was told ta shift, as ya don't understand English all that well. Got Challenged fer ma Fetish an' told that Horace fellow he had no claim ta my Fetish. Blackriver here says he does, so I'm Challengin' her fer that ruling.~

Fred pages to the room: He does speak with an accented Mother's Tongue. It has had over 150 years to mutate since Fred was around. :)

From the rock outcropping, Blackriver's ears flick in annoyance and taps the rock lightly with one of her paws, obviously a bit thrown off by Fred's strange accent. ~Untangler told me his tribe claimed a right to that fetish. I do not know much about the Wendigo, but if he thinks his tribe has a right to it, and the Bone Gnawer does not, there should be a challenge over whether the tribe does. That is what a challenge is.~

Pierces Ice's eyes narrow further at Blackriver's expanded explanation, and she turns her gaze once more to Fred, the tips of her teeth showing beneath tense lips.

Fred shrugs his shoulders. ~The Fetish wasn't made by the Wendigo, or the Uktena, accordin' ta him. Ain't seein' how he has a right ta it, as it has been in a Bone Gnawer's hands fer over a hundred an' fifty years.~

Kevin, having observed and listened for a little time, makes his way over towards Cole and stage-whispers to the Fianna. "Bit of a low moon for a pissing contest," is his comment.

Cole raises a single brow at Kevin's comment and has to supress a smirk. He nods. "Just a bit," he mutters in return. "But should be interesting to see how it plays out."

Circle Keeper walks a few paces closer to the contest, head tipping to one side with squinted eyes at the pair of philodox, clearly curious.

From the rock outcropping, Blackriver leans forward a bit on her haunches, looking a tad bit more intimidating to those at the center thanks to her perch on the rock above. ~Untangler said it was of his tribe's sibling tribes, the one that is dead. So his tribe claims a right to it by blood and spirit, so he can challenge to see if his right is true. By saying only those of a the tribe that made the fetish have a right to it, then no one has a right to that fetish, because the tribe is dead.~

Pierces Ice's ears turn backward, the silent snarl drawing larger across her muzzle. One foot rises and stamps against the ground impatiently.

Fred shakes his head. ~Naw. That ain't right. Tell me, iffin' you found a Fetish belongin' ta a White Howler a long time back an' ya earned it through sweat an' blood, would ya be lettin' a Fianna Challenge you fer it? Cause the two Tribe came from the same place? It doesn't mean that no Tribe has no right ta it, it means all Tribes have equal right. We are all Garou, all of us are Gaia's Kids. I earned it fair an' square a long time back. Its mine. My territory an' that is somethin' that should be respected.~

Kevin jerks a thumb at Fred and goes on to Cole, still in a whisper that's clearly audible round the caern, "So who's that guy?"

Circle Keeper's lips peel up, a low growl issuing from his throat for a moment as he paces closer.
Coward, the Wendigo Elder's posture screams as she drops down to all fours and turns her gaze away from the Bone Gnawer.

From the rock outcropping, Blackriver is clearly somewhat annoyed now, shifting her weight back and forth on her paws. ~I do not know much about the Wendigo.~ She repeats. ~But Untangler called the dead tribe his brother tribe. To them it is more than living together, the Fianna did not call the White Howlers their brothers. Also.~ Her ears cup forward a bit. ~The Croatan were dead when you had the fetish, you took it from another tribe. Probably Untanglers, he can challenge you for something you took from his tribe, even if it was long ago.~

Fred scowls. ~Now yer accusin' me of stealin' an' I did no such thing.~

From the rock outcropping, Blackriver's face twist into a snarl. ~No! I am not! You said you killed some Garou who attacked you and took the fetish from them. The tribe of the Garou you killed can try to get it back! That is what I am saying!~

Pierces Ice settles into a crouch facing mostly away from the Bone Gnawer. The snarl on her muzzle remains as her ears twitch backward.

Circle Keeper's eyes go wide at that news, turning his gaze towards Fred sharply, lips curling.
Fred shakes his head. ~What I told ya is this. I was attacked, with no reason, or warnin'. No Challenge, or nothin'. Just some feller jumpin' out from behind a rock with other fellers an' tryin' ta kill me an' some folks in the middle of winter. They lost. S'all there is to it. There ain't nothin' that says I gotta give anythin' back from that. They attacked without warning, or proper Challenge. Still, attackin' in itself is a Challenge and I won. A Challenge for this Fetish already occurred and I won. He can't go Challengin' me fer it, when it has already been Challenged over an' I won.~

Kevin rubs his hands together as he watches events develop. He gives Cole a wink with the eye that's further away from Jacinta and Circle Keeper.

A low growl begins to grow in the Wendigo Ahroun's throat. Hairs along her spine bristle just slightly, and the tension in her shoulders increases. Clawed fingers dig into the soil before her.

From the rock outcropping, For a moment, Fred's logic stops Blackriver in her tracks. It's as though she knows something is wrong, something is off, her fur bristles and her teeth are showing, but it takes a bit for the wheel in her head to crank out the logic behind her feeling. ~No.~ She growls. ~No, no, no. That is not how it works. It may have been a challenge, but it was an informal one. And even if you win a challenge, you can be challenged again. A leader cannot only be challenged only once by the those who wish to lead. And you can be challenged many times for your fetish. You cannot-~ She pauses for a moment. ~You should not be challenged many times, close together, after you have proven yourself over and over, but this is not close together. You said- you said yourself, you have not been challenged for a long, long time.~

Fred shakes his head once again. ~By that logic, I will be Challenged again and again until I eventually lose. By that path, there is only Chaos. If I was ta take Horace's Challenge and was ta win, a few moons would pass and I'd be challenged again and again. Challenged close together or not, I'd loose eventually. I ain't a leader an' this ain't an issue of leadership, so don't go spoutn' that law at me. This has ta do with Territory. Informal or not, a Challenge was issued and I won. By your logic, I could attack this feller fer no reason,~ he points at Kevin, ~And end up dead. An' a Bone Gnawer'd be able ta Challenge him fer somethin' earned proper-like.~

"This feller" holds up his hands disarmingly. "Whoa, dude," Kevin protests. "I'm just the peanut gallery, here."

From the rock outcropping, Blackriver's head jerks back. ~No, no, no!~ She growls again, ~That is not what I am saying!~ Her voice has this tone to it, like she can't believe Fred is so stupid as to not understand what she's trying to say. ~You can be challenged again, for anything. Because we are a people who live by strength and wit and wisdom, and those who do not have the strength and wit and wisdom cannot have...~ She searches for the word. ~They cannot have special things! A fetish is a special thing, to have one is a honor, like leadership. So yes, you can be challenged for it. Yes, more than once! You can refuse a challenge, yes, but the one you refused can come to a half-moon and ask that their challenged be accepted if the half-moon deems it right. And Untangler came to me.~

Circle Keeper's hackles ruffle as the two philodox exchange words. Kevin's protests get his attention for the moment, head pivoting over to look at the ragabash.

Cole shakes from his reverie and grins at Kevin. "Huh. Happen to have a CD player I could challenge you for?" This is asked in an undertone before he goes back to listening.

~I'm jus' usin' ya fer an example, boy, nothin' personal.~ Fred states, flashing a yellow toothed grin in Kevin's direction. ~An' I'm sayin' yer wrong. I'm just as much of a half-moon as you are. Ma point is the Fetish did not belong ta Horace's ancestors an' he didn't make it, so can't make any claim by Spirit or Blood. Iffin' he could prove ta me that the Fetish belonged ta an ancestor, I'd happily accept his Challenge. Does anyone here have a Fetish?~ Fred asks the crowd as a whole.

Pierces Ice's head swings around to glare at Fred, but then her jaw snaps closed on her growl and the glare shifts momentarily to the Fianna. She turns again away from the Bone Gnawer, her posture again screaming out her thoughts. Coward. Dishonor.

Cole has the good grace to look momentarily chastened by the Wendigo Elder's glare. This lasts only until Fred asks his question. He gives a lift of his chin and takes a half step forward. "I do."

Kevin 's eyes catch Circle Keeper's as the Uktena looks at him, and for a moment the two look at each other, one pure rural garou, the other pure urban. It's Kevin who breaks eye contact and looks away, turning to Cole instead and making a 'pfft' noise.

Circle Keeper's head tilts to the side when Kevin locks eyes with him, more confused than anything. Ears skewing to either direction, he continues to look confused after Kevin breaks the look. Fred's question calls his attention back.

From the rock outcropping, Blackriver flicks her ears in impatience and watches to see what Fred's point is in signaling out her packmate.

Fred nods, flashing the Fianna an apologetic grin. ~Then by Blackriver's ruling, I Challenge you fer yer Fetish.~

"At last!" is the comment from Kevin in the peanut gallery, perhaps a shade softer than some of his previous ones, but still fairly audible.

Circle Keeper's voice raises into a growl: Howls-For-Glory's fetish has always been in Howls-for-Glory's tribe. Bone Gnawer cannot show it was ever in his tribe.

Pierces Ice's growl remains low as she watches Cole, still not looking at Fred.

Cole responds by rising into his warform. One hand clutches at the pendant around his throat. ~It is as Circle-Keeper-rhya says, Gnawer. This was made by my tribe, by my very bloodline. I would not accept any challenge for it. I have claim to it. But Untangler-yuf seems to have forgotten the golden rule. Do unto others. He has no direct claim. He should have offered something in trade, a fair bargain, rather than to try to take it from someone who has nothing to his name but that.~ There's an ironic tone to his words, if ever a Crinos could manage it. ~His people's past should have taught him the lesson that might and wit do not make right with property that is not yours.~

From the rock outcropping, Blackriver is suddenly full of movement, she looks as though she's about to leap forward, but stops herself before completing the action, settling for snapping the air with her jaws angrily. ~You are stupid! Stupid, stupid, stupid! You have no claim to Howls-for-Glory's fetish, but Untangler has a claim to your fetish. It was in his tribe, or a tribe he claims as brother. It is blood and spirit that ties him to the fetish. As a Bone Gnawer, you cannot understand, but the tribes with blood and the honor of their ancestors to uphold have a duty to uphold it! If Howl's fetish was one of the Silver Fang's, I would challenge him for it!~

~What does that have to do with it? Horace can not show it was ever in his.~ Fred asks, turning to speak with Circle Keeper. ~It is something special. 'A fetish is a special thing, to have one is a honor, like leadership. So yes, you can be challenged for it.'~ Fred repeats the Silver Fang's earlier statement. ~I could just as easily call the Rail Riders Brother!~ Fred responds. ~I will accept Horace's Challenge if he can prove to me that the Fetish was once held by a Wendigo!~

Pierces Ice's growl is cut with a snarl as Cole finishes speaking. She rises, now, and faces him and Fred both. ~You are a coward, and a fool,~ she finally says to the Gnawer. ~You give challenge terms before you will accept a challenge. You know nothing, you understand less.~

Kevin stands well aside as Cole takes crinos form, and he sits on a boulder, fidgeting a little till he's comfortable. He gives Fred a slow nod as though to acknowledge that he has a point, then Jacinta earns herself a wry look which seems to convey that he admires her spirit, whether or not he agrees with her words.

Fred shakes his head and tugs at his forest of a beard. ~Sorry 'bout the Challenge Cole, I withdraw it. Yer right in sayin' I have no claim an' I'm acceptin' of that. No, I give no terms. I am saying that he has to offer proof to me that he has claim to the Fetish. Otherwise, there is nothing that demands I accept his Challenge!~ Fred snaps. ~It does not matter. This is endin' here. I'm gonna be closin' my eyes an' ya all are gettin' a vote. Majority wins.~ That stated, Fred promptly closes his eyes.

From the rock outcropping, Blackriver is all tense, angry, and bristling. ~You twist my words! You twist my words and you are a stupid!~ She turns toward the crowd. ~This Bone Gnawer has admitted that this fetish once belong to a one of the tribes that calls themselves the Pure Ones. Perhaps Untangler should have handled it differently, but that is not the point! What he did matters, and he has a right to do matters. She pauses. ~But by the terms on the challenge, what does the crowd say?~

Howls-For-Glory inclines his head toward the Gnawer. ~I accept your apology and your withdrawal.~ He only briefly meets Pierces-Ice's eyes before looking away in submission. Fred's last words get an expression of surprise from the Fianna. When his pack Alpha asks the question, he waits in silence for the moment.

Circle Keeper shifts into hispo, the Fostern stretching long. ~The Bone Gnawer says it belonged to the tribe, but now says Untangler must prove it belonged to the tribe before he can challenge. The Bone Gnawer speaks out of both ends of his body. I say the Silver Fang is correct.~

Pierces Ice jabs a clawed finger toward the Bone Gnawer. ~You were challenged. Honorably. You chose dishonor and did not accept. The Philodox was called and judged it an honorable challenge. You will not accept a challenge that is honorably given, but you will challenge the decision of a judge. You are a coward and a fool. As Master of the Challenge, I say Blackriver has the right of it. Untangler's challenge is honorably given, and you are a litany breaker should you choose to not accept. Any territory can be taken by fair challenge. This is more, because it was made by Middle Brother, and held by Younger Brother before it was taken by you. It should not be in your hands, and challenge is right.~

Kevin's face broadens into a grin. He digs in his pocket, and pulls out a dime which he eyes for a moment before tossing it in the air in a means of calling a tough decision he's been known to use before. "Tails," he calls as it lands. "My vote goes to the Wendigo."

Howls-For-Glory shakes his heavy head. ~I have not heard it said that it was proven to be held by Wendigo. Only that Untangler said it was. I need proof before I deny someone their -earned- rewards. Perhaps Gaia even wanted it that way.~ He gives a shrug. ~My vote goes to the owner of this fetish.~

From the rock outcropping, Blackriver calms down a bit as the votes are casted, and seems quite pleased as they go to her. The Glass Walker's means of decision does earn him an odd look however.

Fred seems a fair bit disappointed and tugs at his beard. ~There ain't no dishonor in not acceptin' a Challenge fer somethin' a feller has no claim ta.~ The Bone Gnawer shrugs his shoulders. ~Majority wins. I will race Horace, but a not a race of speed. One ta see who can keep movin' the longest, before droppin' an' bein' to tired ta walk or run any more. These're terms we were both happy with an' we agreed that's what the terms would be, iffin' I lost this Challenge.~

Cole's words earn him another glare from Pierces the Ice, though she seems to be calming somewhat. Fred's terms get significant consideration through narrowed eyes. ~These terms may be acceptable. What use of gifts, fetish, and aid? What form of movement? What location?~

Circle Keeper's massive head pivots back to Kevin, again confused, but the other events take his attention back much quicker than before. His attention falls on the Master of the Challenge.

From the rock outcropping, Blackriver, looking somewhat smug, flicks her ears in acknowledgment of her victory and the terms, before vaulting off the rock, slipping down into lupus as she does so. She briefly bops her nose against Cole in affection, before heading out of the caern.

~Any form of walkin' or runnin' on yer own feet,~ Fred responds. ~No help, gifts're aid. Nothin' more aside from food're water, if ya start with it. Ya stop fer anythin' aside from a piss're a shit, ya loose.~

Howls-For-Glory is quick to grab at Blackriver's neck ruff in affectionate farewell. This time, Pierces' glare doesn't seem to phase the Fianna and indeed make him pull himself up straighter. He listens to Fred's terms with an expression of amusement.

~Is the race for time, or distance covered?~ the Wendigo asks, arms crossing over her chest.

Kevin tucks his coin back in his pocket and sits, watching the negotiations benevolently.

~I already told ya,~ Fred states, tugging viciously at his beard. ~Until one drops from bein' too tired. Horace already accepted the terms. There ain't no disagreement, so no call fer a Master of the Challenge ta step in. This ain't no Challenge fer rank.~

Pierces Ice grows still and her glare grows cold. ~I am Master of the Challenge, and it is my duty to judge your terms. I ask for clarification so that all will understand. You will watch your tone with a Fostern, and you will answer my questions when I give them. Now. I believe I understand you, but I ask for clarification. Is it simply a matter of time - the first to drop loses, or is it how much distance one covers before one drops that is important?~

~Until one drops,~ Fred repeats. ~Its time. Distance is a fickle thing ta be measurin'. It is my understandin' that it is only yer duty ta set terms, if there are folk who can't come ta them on their own, or Rank is involved. That is my understandin' as a half-moon an' what I was sayin'.~ As before, the Bone Gnawer tugs violently at his beard. ~Thinkin' that covers everythin'. Is there anythin' else you'd be needin' ta know?~

Circle Keeper's tail starts to raise, muzzle wrinking up slightly at Fred's words. Shaking it out of his posture, he starts to lumber off towards the pool again.

Pierces Ice grunts with a wrinkle of her muzzle and turns away from the Gnawer, dismissing him.

"Guess that was a no," Kevin drawls quietly to himself as Pierces Ice turns her back on Fred.

Circle Keeper slows as he passes the others, bending his head to lap up water from the pool.

Howls-For-Glory drops down into his birthform once more and turns to go. He gives Kevin a quick nod as he goes. "Guess so."

Pierces Ice takes a few deep breaths and then slides down into homid. After a moment she turns to face the Glass Walker. She considers him for a moment and then approaches. "Power-Up. You have a Fetish, also."

Kevin rises as though to follow Cole, but when the Wendigo calls his name, he turns. "Who? Me?" he says disarmingly. "Not me, Jacinta-rhya. I think you're maybe mixing me up with another Glass Walker."

Cole pauses as Kevin's addressed, turning to listen intently.

Circle Keeper's head lifts, chin dripping water as he turns over to the pair. Power-up has held fetish. Wyrm fang. he states, half insistantly.

Jacinta's eyes narrow thoughtfully. "Your tribe holds one, then? Like this." She draws out the Fang of the Wyrm to show him.

Kevin's face retains that look of sweet innocence. He shakes his head in a negative. "I once held one such," he clarifies, "but three moons ago, I was judged unfit to hold it by the most powerful of judges in the world... myself. I gave it to the garou whom I thought deserved it most, my friend KL Escapes-from-Money."

Circle Keeper's temper flares slightly when he hears this, eyes rounding out as he just looks incredulously at Kevin.

This garners an admiring chuckle from Cole. "Got that judge part right, Kevin."

Jacinta's nostrils flare. "The Guardians have need of this," she says, turning her attention to Cole. "Until that of which Chimera warns have been dealt with."

Kevin addresses Jacinta again. "My intent, three months ago, was to quit this sept," he confesses. "Don't make me go through all the circumstances again... suffice it to say that I never forgot that the fetish was not mine but the sept's and belonged here even if I did not. KL has it safe still, I am quite certain. Should you Guardians have true need of it, you may ask her for it. Or if you would rather, I shall."

Circle Keeper seems to accept the Walkers words rather easily, licking the water off his muzzle as he turns and begins to head back up the rim.

Cole nods, brows furrowing. "So indefinitely, then," he responds with gallows humor rich in his voice. "The 'sage thicket' your packmate spoke of. I'm guessing it's the hospital all over again. We're going to ambush the dream bringers the next time the moon is full."

Circle Keeper's attention, again, is caught by Cole's words. He stops and turns around to face the three as he's mentioned.

Jacinta nods, unhappy, but resigned. "Pass this word to her, then. That Fetish is needed to protect the caern."

"Jacinta-rhya," Kevin says frankly, "I'm on the case." He turns and, suiting actions to words, departs from the caern's heart not in the direction he arrived from, but heading towards the direction in which lies the Black Furies' house.

Circle Keeper turns and heas back up the trail again, this time not delaying as he leaves for the rim.