Aerin Thomas: The car heads up toward the Sept once more, not nearly as crowded, a little less of the 'hanging on the hope of a thread feeling,' but less generally hopeful in general...from the driver's seat, at least. More relaxed, though, too, as Aerin steers the hybrid toward the turn-off that leads to the Sept.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: And, remarkably enough, Bliss is just sleeping in the front passenger seat. Peacefully. Because someone in the state should.

Surly: *scowls darkly out the window. scarlet shirt, billowing sleeves crosstied with black leather strips to snug her arms. black leather vest. black leather pants. her favorite boots, and her rings, over black leather gloves*

Aerin Thomas: It's just as quiet, from the sounds of it, only the sounds of the CD's Aerin's brought...home-burned mixes of Eminem's serious stuff, Indigo Girls, Tori Amos, Linkin Park, Sarah McLachlan, Rent, Concrete Blonde, and more elcectic stuff providing volume. He pulls up to the parking area, cigarette burning in his mouth...at least he can smoke on this trip, that's a plus.

Road Trip: As before, the woods spread out from the parking area and reveal a few trails through to where the Bawn is. The sun is high in the sky, but slowly it is sinking as the day wears on. At the moment though there is no sign of any Guaridans or other Sept Members in the area nor other signs of cars around but that doesn't mean there isn't a hidden parking area for Sept members.

Surly: *her hair--now a deep blue two steps from being black, with crimson strips in a pattern of thin Vs--still smells faintly of they bleach and dye. grumbles* dude, play "Winter" again, would ya?

Aerin Thomas: He kills the engine, and looks over, putting a hand on Bliss's shoulder, shaking very gently to wake him. "We're here."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: His eyes open slowly. "Already, huh?"

Surly: wake up, sleeping beauty. *leans over the seat to smirk at him*

Aerin Thomas: "Yep. Rise and shine." He grins a little to the man, then slips out of the car, opening the trunk to retrieve his staff.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He bats lightly at Cloud's face, a little amused.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He slides out of the car. "And you couldn't take a back route? I was having this cool dream about a glowing butterfly that was fluent in French."

Surly: *snorts and bats back before getting out of the car in a creak of good leather*

Aerin Thomas: The trunk is closed and he moves to the path, waiting for Bliss and Surly to join him.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He does move to join Aerin.

Aerin Thomas: "Baah. Back routes are for the relaxed. Sorry to interrupt your dream, though."

Surly: ~ger~ bah, french is for pansies. real butterflies speak the mother tongue!

Road Trip: They probably get about ten to fifteen feet from the Bawn when there is some movement off to the side, and sharp eyes can make out a pair of wolves moving out of the underbrush around the trail.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "We can get you some Valium...."

Aerin Thomas: He understands 'sprechen ze,' and that's about it. A chuckle, and he starts heading down the path, toward the Sept.

Surly: *keeps up with the boys, stretching until her back makes a gunshot series of pops. and sighs blissfully*

Aerin Thomas: He slows as he sees the wolves, coming to a halt as he watches them. Just waiting, patiently, assuming them to be the Guardians.

Surly: *eyes Aerin, wondering why he stopped. dropping into a wary stance out of habit*

Road Trip: The wolves stand there, watching the two. One with a dark brown coat and the other a dark black wolf... and as before one seems obviously male and the other obviously female. This time though they are staying in lupus as they watch them and wait for something.

Surly: *and eyes the wolves curiously, a jet brow arched*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He lets Aerin lead, falling a step back.

Aerin Thomas: He nods to them, head inclining respectfully. "Hello. I'm Aerin Dream Thomas. We've come to speak with the Elders about joining the Sept."

Surly: *has JUST enough sense to not ask what a sept is. althugh she does resume her favorite faial expression*

Road Trip: The pair almost as one moves towards the trio, wandering around each of them as they sniff the air and their person before moving back to the path.

The female wolf shifts into homid form, wearing a black sweater dress and that seems about it. She nods to them respectfully but the eyes for the most part stay on Aerin. "This way please Rhya." and then turns to lead them along the more used path towards the Sept grounds.

Surly: *must not kick sniffing beasts in the jaw....resolves to try and keep her trap shut. that's about as close as she gets to good manners, anyway*

Aerin Thomas: "Thank you." He smiles to her and then to the male, before follow the woman along.

Road Trip: The male stays in lupus and walks along the side of the woman, occassionally brushing against her as they go. The short woman reaches down to pat the wolf some as they walk. She glances back at the trio some and offers another smile but doesn't seem to know what to say to them.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He follows Aerin quietly, much more relaxed this time. Of course, he still looks a little sleepy. Could explain him letting Aerin lead so easily.

Surly: *just stalks along, cracking her knuckles one by one. over and over again*

Aerin Thomas: He travels along, more at ease himself then he usually gets when walking into Septs, especially ones he's only been in once before. "How have things been going up here," he asks the woman, conversationally...just said as a way to keep things from being an uncomfortable silence.

Road Trip: Walk along the path, and towards the Center of the Sept they can feel the mystical and spirital power of this place. Something just feels right about it. Certainly much stronger then Central Park and probably a good deal larger too.

It actually takes them close to an hour on foot at a steady pace to make it there, but as they deeper into the Sept they can see the criss cross pattern of pathways and trails around the area. Even a sign of horse tracks can be seen every now and then.

Finally, they reach a large cabin, possibly three stories tall and many years old. It is not the center of the Sept, but further through the woulds can be seen more buildings and structures. Seated around on the porch are a few men and women ranging from young adults to middle age people. most of the attention shifts to them as they come into view and they get some waves and smiles but none too few just curious stares.

Road Trip: "Peaceful." she says with a smile to aerin before they get there of course.

Surly: *simply scowls, living up to Bliss's nickname for her*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He nods to the people looking at him, just fractional tilts of his head, but they are all acknoleged.

Aerin Thomas: "Good." He likes that sound. He gives polite smiles and nods to those around, motions of greeting, before looking to the woman, making sure to let her direct them to the right place. Don't wanna go where they're not supposed to because of an incorrect assumption.

Road Trip: The young woman stops at the edge of the clearing, obvious a sort of living room for the Sept and sure enough a group of kids come running out of the large house and around the side playing chase. The male turns and trots back off down the trail to get back to their patrol route.

The young girl smiles to the two and nods softly to Aerin and then motions over towards a very large tree at the edge of clearing. Many wooden deck chairs, loungers, and benches set up around the tree where it seems to be story or meeting area. "Please wait over there, I'll announce you." and then takes off towards the house at a trot.

Surly: *her scowl deepens slightly. crotch droppings. whole herds of them. where's bug spray when you need it?*

Aerin Thomas: He nods and makes his way over to the spot directed, leaning lightly on the staff. Just paitently waiting.

Surly: *heads over with the boys and drops into a seat, cold eyes narrowed and wary*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: With Aerin not sitting, sitting at his feet is not nearly as easy. He leans into a nearby tree, watching over Cloud and Aerin.

Road Trip: It really doesn't take all that long for the black wolf to go darting through the clearing to the trail they walked along. From the house comes Pearl~of~the~River behind a woman dressed in a simple black robe, and a hood around the head. Pearl seems to be in a subserviant position to the other woman who walks talk and smoothly towards them.

Aerin Thomas: He bows his head in respect for the women as they approach, eyes downcasting, waiting to be addressed.

Surly: *watches the pair, assessing them, turns her head to note Aerin and Bliss's position. and scratches her blue and red head, puzzled again*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss isn't greeting them, yet, but he's definitely less aggresive than Cloud is used to seeing.

Road Trip: The woman comes to stand before them, pale eyes wandering over each of them before they return to Aerin. Pearl though steps up and smiles to them. "Hello Aerin, it is good to see you once more." she says to him with a nod to Bliss. She does give a slightly questioning look towards Surly but then looks back to them. "Allow me to Introduce the leader of the Gaia's Hand Sept. Eye's~of~Hecate, Elder Theurge of the Black Furies."

Surly: *the urge? what's that? and this pair's remarkably fair for blacks, not to mention calm for being furious. confusion makes her frown more deeply*

Aerin Thomas: "Hello, Pearl...good to see you as well." A warm smile to her, and he looks to Eyes-of-Hecate. "Eyes-of-Hecate-Rhya, an honor to meet you. I'm Aerin Dream Thomas, Foster Philodox of the Children of Gaia."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: When the woman's eyes hit him he drops his gaze, just for a few seconds, before looking up at her aain. Pearl gets a faint nod and a smile.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: His eyes flick to Aerin, waiting a second to see if he's doing introductions.

Aerin Thomas: He lets Bliss introduce himself and Surly...mainly because he doesn't know the Kin's actual name.

Road Trip: "I understand you seek to join with us?" Hecate says with a bit of a greek accent coming through. She's not too old, perhaps in her late twenties. Certainly young to be a Grand Elder to a Sept as potent as this one, but there is something otherworldly about the woman... like the spirit world clings to her.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Shadow's Blissful Silence. Fostern Shadow Lord Ragabash. And Schulyer, who is kin to me. It is our pleasure to make your aquaintance."

Surly: *grumbles* Surly. fits better. *certainly looks like it does*

Aerin Thomas: "That's correct, Rhya." He nods. "Bliss and myself are forming a pack amongst ourselves, and we find that Gaia's Hand fits us best."

Road Trip: "And why is that?" she says clamly with a voice devoid of emotion. Pearl though smiles a bit more as she watches them, the eyes going back and forth between the two Lords. Fullblood and Kin.

Surly: *doing her best to live up to her nickname. but at least keeping her mouth shut*

Aerin Thomas: "Because, for one, this is the first Sept I have personally ever been in that feels remotely to me like I belong, and I was just a visitor when I came. That speaks volumes to me as to where I should be." He smiles faintly at that. "And also, this is a Sept of Healing, as I understand it. That aligns closely with how our goals lie."

Road Trip: Eyes of Hecate actually smiles a touch about his comment and nods some to him. Still standing there serenely. "I am glad you have been made to feel welcome, you are a Gaian afterall. And what goal is this you speak?"

Aerin Thomas: "I know my purpose, Rhya. My purpose is to be a defender, to protect and defend those who risk themselves, body, mind, spirit, and soul, in order to fight the Wyrm. To help them heal, when they return from the fight. Bliss, as well, has found in himself a need to make the world a better place as such...he knows it needs healing. This seems to fall very much within the purview of the purpose of this Sept."

Road Trip: "Yes, it is. So one last question. What can you bring to the Sept?" she asks, and looks to the the two Lords for a moment and then back to Aerin.

Pearl stands there quietly, hands before herself and smiles softly to them again reasuringly.

Surly: *yep, there goes that Kin as lessers shit agian. scowls and keeps her trap shut with an effort*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Pearl gets an answering smile, but he still lets Aerin speak for them.

Aerin Thomas: "I'll let Bliss speak for himself on this...for myself, I bring, beyond simple conviction in the purpose and dedication to those goals, skills of healing, both physical and emotional. I have a strong sense of empathy and experience putting wounded people together in mind, body, and soul. I have a fairly good reputation with the spirits, and, as I live in New York as well as currently in a house midway between here and there, I can provide a point of contact within the city for like-minded invididuals, as it seems some within the city lack awareness of the Sept here. I'm also fairly close with many members of the Sept of the Green, and can potentially be a point of communications between Gaia's Hand and the Green, if such communication is lacking."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He waits, if they want more than the alpha's opinion, he'll answer, but not until he's invited to.

Road Trip: "Yes, I am curious to hear from the Shadow Lord." she says softly, almost thoughtfully before looking over to Aerin more fully. "We shall deal with your Chimenage another time. Your presence in the City though will prove beneficial since we are lacking in Packs there. The Sept of the Green is in need of Healing just as the rest of the City is and it is time we take a more active role there." she says to him and smile slightly. "But it seems you and yours will be important to our cause, but not without your own continued difficulties."

Surly: ((mmrr...need sleep. *wry grin* ergo, Surly will fume...and likely end up beating air demons again once they're home or whatever. *wry grin* if ~she's~ actually asked what she can do..well, fight and teach fighting. *L*))

Aerin Thomas: ((*Hugs on the Harper* Night, hon!)) A nod, acknowledging the entirety of the words, and he looks to Bliss.

Surly: ((night, gang. *smooches and hugs all around, and toddles*))

Road Trip : And so does she and Pearl, towards Bliss that is.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: His eyes drop a few seconds at their attention, and then he looks back up to address them. "With all honesty, at present I'm not entrely sure I have any abilities you would be likely to employ. Most of my training, while extensive lies in assassination and manipulation. I was never taught to heal things, I was taught to destroy them. However, I think that blood will not buy the world I'm seeking, not alone. Mostly at this point, I'm trusting Aerin will know how to fix things and I'll follow his lead there, until I know how." Perfect confidence, nevermind that all he said was that he had no idea how to do what he was about to do.

Road Trip : She nods some to him, and then smiles slightly. "Good answer, and what of the rest of your Tribe? What if they become part of the problem that needs to be Healed? And there are times that such skills are needed to cut away the infected tissue so the healing can begin."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: His eyes darken, and his head raises a little to look straight into her eyes. "In that event, I will as I have already done. If one of mine cannot be saved, they will be killed. Mercy is not always staying one's hand. I know my duty to Thunder and to Gaia, as I would hope you know yours to Gaia and to your family." Somewhere under that perfectly calm voice, that question upset him.

Road Trip : The woman seems to smile about the response and then asks Surly, listening to her response before looking over to Aerin. "Then I think things will be well."

Aerin Thomas: Oh, dear. He just remains there, standing serene, staff in hand as he lets his packmate answer.

Aerin Thomas: Ahh. Good. He nods to Eyes of Hecate, smiling a little bit. "Thank you, Rhya."

Road Trip : "Is there anything else?" she asks to them.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He flicks his eyes over to Aerin.

Aerin Thomas: "I do not believe so, Rhya." He shakes his head. "Thank you for your time...it's my hope that we'll do the Sept and the Goddess proud." His eyes flick to Pearl, giving her a smile and a nod, including her in the thanks as well.

Road Trip : Pearl smiles back to Aerin with a nod, then glances to Eyes of Hecate briefly. The Elder then nods and starts back towards the large house. Pearl steps closer to Aerin and Bliss though. "Do you think there will be problems if you become the representative of our Sept in the Sept of the Green?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I believe that my ancestry will cause no lack of questions like the one I was just asked in a sept held by Silver Fangs. And while I will prove myself to them, it will take longer." It's quietly spoken, direct.

Aerin Thomas: He shakes his head. "No. I see no problems at all with that. While admittedly, Gavin-Rhya and I had some...tension upon our first meeting, it is something I believe can easily be overcome. He would not be the first person I have inadvertantly angered who I have made amends with...and what is important is the big picture, not petty grudges." It's clear he's talking about any he might have, not Gavin's...he doesn't speak for the man.

Road Trip : She nods and smiles more. "Good, I do not wish to see any problems arise." and she nods softly to them. "It will be good to have the three of you as part of the Sept."

Aerin Thomas: "It will be good to be part." A little sigh, and he smiles, warmly. A little more relaxed. "I do have a brief question for you, Pearl, if you don't mind...one I felt you would be better able to answer then Eyes-of-Hecate-Rhya, and didn't require her time here while I asked. Do you know if there are any Gaians here who know Ikkaku?"

Road Trip : "Yes, there are a number of Gaian's present who know the art who would be willing to teach. Have you begun learning already?" she asks with a glance to the Staff.

Aerin Thomas: "Not yet." He shakes his head. "I actually started carrying the staff after my Rite of Passage, a gift from my mentor, and began carving memories into it." His fingers of his free hand pass over the carved symbols, mundane, silly, runes, whatever, that go a little less then a third of the way down. "It's been a friend to me since, my longest friend. I think it's time it be put to the use for which it may have been intended. I know some generic staff-fighting, but not the art itself."

Road Trip: "We can get you started then once your membership is settled." she says with a soft smile. "I should be getting back though unless there were other questions on your mind."

Aerin Thomas: "That is all I had. Thank you...very much." He bows his head to her.

Road Trip: She nods with a gentle smile and makes her way back towards the main house.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He nods a farewell to Pearl, then looks back to Aerin.

Aerin Thomas: After Pearl has left, he takes a deep breath, letting it out, and looks back to the others with a smile. Bliss gets a little more of a grin then a smile. "Well, there's that. How much trouble you think we're gonna be in the city?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "More than normal, maybe."

Jack Dakota: * The yellow eyes come first. Then the rest of the grey coated wold pads out of the treeline. It ranges one way, then the other. Basicly following the line as it checks out the clearing. *

Jack Dakota: {{ Wolf, not wold. }}

Aerin Thomas: He chuckles at that, a hand going to the Lord's shoulder. "We'll do good." A little sigh. "Long drive home, or stay here? We should be able to make it either to the cabin, the farmhouse, or even the city by not too long after dark, though if you don't relish another several hourse by car, it's more then cool."

Aerin Thomas: He glances over at the wolf as he comes of the treeline, watching him calmly a moment.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He laughs softly. "I'll sleep through them, I don't care. Might do you some good to sleep here. I can't help but think you'd rest better."

Jack Dakota: * After watching for a few minutes the animal turns and heads back the way that it came. *

Aerin Thomas: He looks away from Jack, back to Bliss, and nods. "Fair enough. A night here sounds like a plan."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Where?"

Aerin Thomas: He looks over to the cabins they stayed in before. "They were comfortable enough last time..."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Okay. You're sure you're alright another night away from your sprite? Much as I want you to rest...."

Aerin Thomas: He sighs a little bit, thinking. "Maybe just a short nap...I could use what little sleep I might get, but yeah, being home so I know the place isn't crawling with the damned would be nice on my nerves."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Okay. Sounds like a plan." He reaches out to hug Aerin. "C'mon."

Aerin Thomas: The hug is gratefully returned, and he moves to head to the cabins with Bliss & Surly.

Aerin Thomas: ((Thanks for the scene, guys!))