((pack stuff setup)): *the house is an older one, but one in good repair. a sprawling farmhouse. no smoke comes from the chimney, however. the yard could use a bit of trimming and the like, bushes slightly overgrown. the remains of popcorn strings and peanut butter balls hang in the trees nearest the house. off in the near distance are the woods. there is a barn just visible from the front door, screened from the house by bushes and a line of low trees, that seems to have been converted into a dwelling. Eddie's put out a few large, bright signs requesting that folks come around to the kitchen door instead of the front*

((pack stuff setup)): *inside, it's warm and bright and....clean. but lived-im. childish artwork decorates the fridge and the wall around the door into the living room. a large, round table holds pride-of-place in the kitchen, currently laden with assorted foods and glasses. the coffeemaker's happily burbling a fresh pot of hot, strong brew, and the teakettle steams contentedly on the stove beside it. several varieties of tea line the counter by the stove in clearly marked glass jars.and there's juices and sodas in the fridge. the living room can just be seen from the kitchen, and four children play quietly with toys, drawing stuff, or their Leap Pads. Aladdin is playing quietly in there as well*

Mercury: He's riding in style in the black stretch limo. Pity he couldn't come *with* Natasha, but he had sent a limo for her and the kids anyway.

Eddie: *and she's bouncing between the kitchen and living room, ears pricked for sounds of people coming. admiring kiddie artwork or checking on the tea water. in fact, she goes ahead and steeps some for herself*

Joshua [lupus]: *He's gotten there, just resting, the big black wolf-dog. His spiky collar on. His floppy ears are twisted forward, as he watches the front door.*

Mercury: The limo pulls up with a crunch of tires. He hops out before the chauffeur can open the door. "You can go on back. Thanks." Waits while the driver leaves.

Eddie: *MIette's the first to notice Josh. announcing his prescence with a loud squeal and pointing. and immediately attempts to stare him down through the glass. until Am pulls her away fromt eh window and Sal goes to let Josh in. with a pet and the offer of an unchewed cookie*

Eddie: *and Eddie goes around to peek, hearing the limo,opening the back door curiously*

Joshua [lupus]: *He of course takes the cookie with a chomp, and a clumsy lick of Sal's cheek. He romps into the house, with a bark of greeting.*

Mercury: Heads around to the back.

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: The 2006 Infiniti M pulls up just behind the limo, the black car waiting long enough for the limo to leave before it pulls into a parking spot. The lawyer gets out and makes his way toward the front door, smoothing the lines of his suit.

Eddie: *Sal giggles at the lick. Zeke waves solemnly. Am nods very politely and points toward the kitchen. Miette attacks Josh for a hug and a careful pat to his head* nice J.

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: ((BACK door. I meant to type back, and my fingers BETRAYED me!))

Joshua [lupus]: *The girl gets licked too. More than likely she tastes of cookies. Mainly, he is in this form because it is less threatening to the children.*

Eddie: *Eddie beams at Merc* hey, sweetie. come on in. somebody else's here--i just heard another car. *and Sal opens the door for Troy, giving him a small smile and very polite nod. Zeke and Am copy her, without the smiles, and Miette ponders him a moment before waving from where she's attempting to hug poor Josh*

Mercury: Grins and nods to Troy as they both head to the door.

Eddie: ((LOL! DLP, the bits about the kids and Troy.)) *and Eddie gives a further grin, as Troy comes into view* heya, boss.come on in, you guys.

Mercury: "Yeah, it's Troy." He gives Eddie a fierce, but careful, hug. "Oooh, lookin' big."

Eddie: *Miette does taste of cookies. and spaghetti. she giggles and pats him very carefully again* Momma in kishen. *nods earnestly*

Mercury: "Yo, Josh." Moving further into the house. "Hey, kiddos!" To Eddie and the others, "Natasha and the kids will be along soon. She was delayed."

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: "Good evening, Eddie." He nods, and looks to Mercury for a nod that way as well. "Mercury. How are you both?"

Joshua [lupus]: *He looks up to Troy.* ~ws~ Sir. *His focus, however, is actually on the little one.*

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: A glance to Joshua of course, too. "Joshua."

Eddie: *laughs to Merc, returning the hug* i feel big. happily so. come on, make yourself comfy. grab somethign to eat but beware anythign with a red toothpick in it. that's spicy stuff. we got drinks in the fridge you can help yourself to, too.

Mercury: Troy: "Pretty good, thanks. Hope you and...Marie, is it? Are doing well."

Joshua [lupus]: ~ws~ Eddie, could you pour some coffee in a bowl for me? I am wrestling with a small animal right now.

Joshua [lupus]: ((DLP... psyyyychic!))

Joshua [lupus]: *He moves over to the bowl, and cheerily laps up his coffee.*

Mercury: He helps himself to coffee, moving as comfortably here as he did in her old apartment. And doesn't avoid things with red toothpicks.

Eddie: *makeslike a hostess, silently offering Troy a cup of coffee,and then Merc one. she has hot ginger tea. yum!*

Eddie: ((*G* more psychic stuff happening....LOL!))

Mercury: "Thanks, Eddie." SItting down. ((Bodes well for a pack though *L*))

Eddie: Troy, help yourself to food. *chuckles, settling into a seat at the table* Josh, you want a blanket or something to sit on?

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: "Marie and I are doing excellently, thank you." Mercury gets a polite smile at mention of Troy's intended. He takes the cup of coffee with a smile and moves to take a seat.

Eddie: *grins back to Troy and begins to fix Josh up a nice plate of food. only one red toothpick item--General Tso's chicken*

Joshua [lupus]: *He looks up.* ~ws~ I am fine, thank you.

Joshua [lupus]: *Ohhh... food. Chinese food. He starts drooling.*

Mercury: He's elated he remembered it was Marie, not Maria. "I'll bet your job is still plenty busy, in *this* city." He takes a sip of coffee. "I renewed my CDL, but construction is a fickle business. Actually thinking of going into partnership with a friend, opening a shop."

Eddie: ok, sweetie. *grins at Josh, setting down his food. and grabs some food for herself from the various platters* so.......Troy, you're the bossman. *grins, giving him an expectant sort of look*

Mercury: He seems to be enjoying the spicy food. ((Which reminds ME I still have hot buffalo wings in the fridge to heat up...))

Eddie: a shop? doing construction, or other? *tilts her head, then blushes--Troy's turn to talk, not hers. solves the problem by filling her mouth with spicy goodness*

Mercury: Nods as small talk dwindles to business.

Joshua [lupus]: *He eats quickly. He does not talk business.*

Mercury: Eddie: "Er...a shop I can't discuss in front of little ears." Grins.

Eddie: *arches both eyebrows at Merc and chuckles* oh, dear.......remind me to spank you sometime or something.

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: He looks between them all...it is, of course, up to him to discuss business, and he's fine with that. "Mercury...you've been endeavoring to form a pack, as we understand it, along with Miss Carter, correct? How is that going?"

Joshua [lupus]: *He looks up, with his muzzle covered in teriyaki sauce. He licks.*

Mercury: He smiles at Eddie, then turns full attention to Try. "We were in a temporary pack with Danika, following some investigative leads into the Sept attack. Then Danika had to leave, and Natasha and I were attempting to recruit Ehmmion of the Silent Striders and Snowfoot of the Children of Gaia, as it was they who had backed me during a rooftop battle with a Spiral. Unfortunately, we have not gotten hold of them and are currently without a Totem."

Eddie: *nods as she listens, setting down a bit more of the beefy noodles for Josh. while she continues to munch quietly. and yet, paying attention*

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: He nods slightly, hands folded on his lap, one leg crossing over the other in his chair. "Did you have an intended purpose to this pack yet?"

Mercury: "With a Philodox and an Ahroun," he says with a smile, "we weren't thinking much beyond a pack dedicated to justice and looking out for those without the means to fight back."

Eddie: *smiles a bit, dual eyes warm. glancing at Troy for his feeligns so far*

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: He looks to Eddie, and then back to Mercury, quirking an odd smile. "How does unity strike you?"

Joshua [lupus]: *He licks his chops, while digging into the noodles.*

Mercury: "Unity is a branch of justice. Without unity, there can be no true justice."

Eddie: *grins a bit wider, reachign down to ruffle Josh's neckfur as he eats*

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: He nods a little bit, agreeing to the point. "The two concepts do have quite the symbiotic relationship."

Mercury: "I believe so, yes. Your pack has the reputation as being a pack of unity in the area."

Eddie: *nods,murmuring* we are. *and eating some honey sesame noodles*

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: "That is our purpose, yes." He nods. "What would you think of the possibly of Miss Carter and yourselves joining our pack, rather then forming a new, separate one?"

Mercury: "I would say that there is greater strength to be had in the combining of the two in unity rather than staying separate." A faint smile. "Natasha is of similar mind, and she has said she trusts my judgment in this matter."

Eddie: *grins from ear to ear,with a little wiggle in her chair*

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: He nods to that, accepting, and looks to his packmates, to see if they have any questions or comments.

Eddie: *soft chuckles* sounds awesome to me. i'd like to meet Natasha soon. and her kids.

Joshua [lupus]: *He has no opinion on the matter, it seems. He lays there, licking his chops, simply watching.*

Mercury: "She might be held up; she was concerned her daughter was starting to get a fever." ((I'll just throw that out there as a legit excuse.))

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: "As would I," he says with a nod. "I have met her briefly, but would like to get to know her better." Dark green eyes swivel back to Mercury. "Eagle is our totem...I trust this would not be a problem?"

Eddie: *scritches Josh gently and winces at Merc* oy, poor child! she needs anything, tell her to let me know, all right? in fact,please pass along my cellnumber to her.

Mercury: "Not in the slightest. Eagle is an honorable totem." He smiles to Eddie and nods. "I will. She will be happy to have another mother to talk to."

Eddie: *nods cheerfully to Merc*

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: "Excellent." He nods a little bit. Three Philodoxes, Two Ahrouns...a Silver Fang, a Bone Gnawer, two Glass Walkers, and an Uktena. It will make for an interesting pack. But a good one. Especially as an example of unity. "What about questions on your part, Mercury?"

Joshua [lupus]: *He stretches lightly, and swivels his head, to look over to Troy.*

Mercury: "Are you considering any other members, and what happened to Laidan? I was disappointed to learn she wasn't in the area."

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: "She has gone on an indefinite spirit quest," he says, quite calmly. "And we have not brought any other names into consideration at this time, no."

Joshua [lupus]: *His ears twist back slightly at Laidan's name, and he, again, lowers his head.*

Eddie: *runs her fingers through Josh's fur again, comfortingly* i miss her, as do the kids. she was living here.

Mercury: He shakes his head. "I wish her all the best in her quest. She is a courageous and honorable Garou." Not mentioning that she is Metis also. "I have fought beside her."

Joshua [lupus]: *He nods.* ~ws~ I miss her as well.

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: "We all miss her," he says quietly.

Mercury: ((Nastasha on her way. Husband didn't wake the player in time. *S*))

Eddie: *nods,smiling* she's awesome. wherever she goes, good things happen.

Mercury: He grins. "I can see why you need two to replace just the one," he quips.

Natasha Carter: (ok, finally here*apologizes and wipes blood off hands after stowing away body* ;D)

Eddie: *laughs* eh, dun sell yourself short, sweetie. *grins* ((*snugs a GG*))

Joshua [lupus]: ~ws~ We had Desiree as well, who simply vanished. So we must replace two regardless.

Mercury: "Well, though I am sad to hear that Laidan is gone, I'm definitely stoked to get the chance to be in this pack." Smiles to Eddie. "Been wanting to pack with you since before you even went through your Rite of Passage."

Eddie: *nods,witha small frown* still wish i knew what'dhappened to her. *sighs*

Eddie: *blushes and grins at Merc* thank you, hon.

Natasha Carter: (ok, not sure location, or anything, sooo) *limo comes pulling up, and after a few moments she gets out, michelle cradled in her arms, michael holding onto her pantsleg and walking slowly next to her*

Mercury: ((Signs telling her to go around to the back door. *G*))

Joshua [lupus]: ~ws~ I wish she had said goodbye.

Eddie: ((*G* Eddie and Liam's place. the kids are playing in the living room, everyone else's in the kitchen. and signs request everyone to head around to the kitchen door.))

Eddie: *nods to Josh, bending over awkwardly to hug him*

Mercury: ((And for the record *L* not that anyone here noticed, but a few minutes ago a cab pulled up outside the remodeled barn, dropped off a guy, and left. The guy went into the barn where Jez lives.))

Natasha Carter: *she heads around to the back door(?*G*) with the kids*

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: He nods a little bit at Eddie and Joshua's words. "Whatever happened with her...as I said before, she was not the best fit, perhaps." He remembers certain things about their pack quest, still. "You and quite probably Natasha, however, are a different story, I believe."

Eddie: urm? *head tilts* 'scuse me, please. *rises and pads over to the door, opening it to peek out* hrm...there's a lady coming up with ta pair of munchkins. *to the room. calls out the door* um...Natasha?

Mercury: Troy: He nods. "I throw a wicked punch, and I have absolutely no problems taking orders." He grins, hearing that it's Natasha and gets up, going to greet her.

Natasha Carter: *looking up to eddie,she nods, not making a sound, michelle asleep in her arms, michael tilts his head at her....shes an obviously native american young woman(uktena PB2),two sleepyeyed childrenthat look similar to her(but lighter skin, definately mixed), both seeming to be the same young age(approx 5 yrs old), her own looks strong, young(maaaaybe late teens or so), wearing a leather jacket ragged tshirt jeans and moccasins* http://www.wodnyc.net/modules.php?name=coppermine&file=displayimage&meta=lastup&cat=10283&pos=1i

Mercury: He crouches down, holding his arms out for Michael.

Eddie: come on in. *smiles warmly, holding open the door* Merc said your lil girl wasn't feeling good. she ok? she can take a nap if she needs to. *smiels gently at both children*

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: He rises from his seat as Natasha enters, hands folding in front of him as he watches her enter. A calm nod sent her way in greeting.

Joshua [lupus]: ((Guys, Josh will just listen. I've got to get some sleep, my mind is collapsing.))

Mercury: ((*hugs Fang* Night!))

Natasha Carter: *michael gets a quiet grin and runs up to mercury, tackling him in a hug, a little 'valentines' themed teddy bear in his arms* unca merc

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: ((*Hugs the Joshua*))

Mercury: He grins, standing up and twisting his upper body with a grrrrrrrrr sound as he hugs Michael and pretends that it's much more ferocious than it actually is.

Natasha Carter: *nodding to eddie* please...she slept the whole way over...*smiling quietly to mercury, when she gets in she nods to troy and joshua, looking them over curiously*

Natasha Carter: *michael gives that childlike bubbly giggle kids do and eats up the attention from merc*

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: "Miss Carter." He smiles and crosses the room to her, a naicured hand extending out to her. "Nice to see you again."

Mercury: He kisses Michael's cheek and sets him gently on the ground. "This here is Eddie, a good friend of mine and her kids are playing in the other room. She'll introduce you to them if you like."

Eddie: ok...*ponders* let's tuck her in in the playroom. it's downstairs, so we'll hear her if she gets a bit fussy. follow me. *leads the way to the room,pausing to introduce Natasha to her kids. well--the older pair. Zeke and Miette have crashed out on the sofa in a tangled human-puppy pile*

Eddie: *grisn to the boy* yeah, come on. we got games and toys and snacks. and they're yummy good stuff, like fruits and all. *she's learned that candy isn't a night time snack food....*

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: ((manicured. ai kann tiep, ai swair...))

Eddie: ((*G* i dunno--the naicured kinda made me think of lovely pearly nail polish....*L*))

Mercury: ((He has a French tip manicure *G*))

Natasha Carter: *michael seems enthused to have other kids to play with...like it never happens really beyond his sister, though he looks to natasha first who nods mutely before he heads to where eddie indicates/leads, then looks to troy,taking his hand gently and briefly because of teh child in her arms, a slight shake* Mr...Lawrence....yes, forgive, I had forgotten I had met you before ...it has...been a while...

Mercury: He goes and sits back down after giving Natasha a hug, once she is free of child.

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: "Quite all right." He smiles faintly, his grip confident, strong. Two shakes and then he releases, then steps back, moving back to his chair.

Eddie: *introduces Micheal to Sal and Am, who, shyly, greet him and show off their toys. Zeke mubles in his sleep. Miette merely squirms to a more comfortable position,head shoved down into the couch cushions. and makes sure Michelle's tucked up comfortably, with a soft nightlight and the door left open just a crack*

Natasha Carter: *michelle deposited, she comes back, eyes looking to michael, unable to help being ever watchful, especially with them, shes back where everyone else is, taking a deep breath and relaxing only slightly giving merc a hug, obviously feeling odd without the children in sight* I am sorry for not being here earlier

Eddie: have a seat. *grins to Natasha* and grab some food. there'splenty. mmm, and feel free to drop by anytime, with or without your munchkins. they can always play with mine. be good for all of them.

Mercury: Natasha: "The children are important," he says simply. Points to the snacks. "The ones with the red toothpicks are spicy." He grins. "But good."

Eddie: *grins to Merc* Miette still tries to drink my tabasco.

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: "As Mercury said," he says to Natasha with a nod. "It's quite all right. We had been discussing with Mercury the possibility of yourself and him joining with our pack, as opposed to forming a separate one."

Natasha Carter: *nodding to eddie with a quiet odd grin at the offer* I..will try.....they have...never had others to play with except for other garou and each other, really...*noting joshua, she gives another quiet smile then looks to the others* they are used to my preference to lupus and were mostly raised amongst other garou in the last sept I had been in....

Eddie: *nods* mine have certain issues. they'remy adopted kids. they were abused and are still healing. but, they need playmates toher than each other, too. *a soft chuckle*

Natasha Carter: Troy: it would be good to be packed again.....I ....miss it since my last one went their ways....*nodding quietly to troy, then to eddie, not going for food right at the moment though*

Eddie: *settles down for another hearty helping of food. hey, she's eating for two!* so.....if we're gonna all pack up, we should think about when to do the next step, right? *tilts her head at Troy cheerfully* ((mew, and i'm going to have to go to bed soon, myself. *sighs*))

Mercury: He's still eating, too. He has a big appetite.

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: He nods to Natasha. "Our pack, the Peace Eagle Pack, is dedicated to Unity, under Eagle. Those in the room are the members, and yourself and Mercury, of course." Another nod to Eddie. "If this bears fruit, then we can enter the Umbra as soon as we're all ready, call to Eagle, and delcare ouyr intent."

Eddie: mmm, hey, Merc--there'ssomepickled jalepenos in the fridge, bottom shelf and back corner, if you want to spice up your grub more. *grins cheerfully*

Natasha Carter: (grrr*tacks on name soundly*)

Eddie: *nods happily to Troy* i'll be ready whenever everyone else is. and, Natasha--since someone'll have to watch my brood, why not they watch your cuties, too? *chuckles softly* we can let 'em have a sleepover party and all. this place is as safe as i can make it. *a warm smile*

Mercury: "Thanks, Edster, but this will about do me."

Natasha Carter: *listening to troy intently, she looks to the others, glancing to eddie briefly, then looking to troy once more*

Eddie: *nods to Merc* ok. you'll pack up some leftovers, though, for you and Rei for later. *cheerfully insistent. and then a small frown, head turning toward the living room* urm? be back in a bit, gang. *and rises, as Miette begins to whimper a bit more loudly*

Natasha Carter: *she bites her lip hard at the idea of someone else watching her kids though, brows furrowing a bit then glancing to merc*

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: "Are there any questions, Natasha, that you would have for us?"

Mercury: Natasha: "Eddie is married to Liam, kin to the Fianna. Perhaps he and Nathaniel together would agree to watch them?"

Eddie: i'll be happy to ask Liam....*calls back, peeking around the corner with the toddler clinging to her, sniffling* Miette had a nightmare. i'm gonna try to calm her down, ok? mi casa, to casa and stuff. *smiles and wanders off to comfort the baby* ((*G* yes,i know she didn'tget the Spanish right...*L*))

Natasha Carter: *letting out a breath, easing at mercurys suggestion* yes, perhaps...*murmured softly, then looking to troy*.....nothing of the moment, to be honest

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: "Of course, Eddie." He nods to the woman, and then looks back. "My intended, Marie Delacourt, could also aid in watching them for a brief time, possibly. If that would be a comfortable situation."

Eddie: ((and i have to go to bed--'tis after midnight. *chuckles* Eddie'll go along with whatever ya'll decide--so long as it happens not on a Wednesday night, OOCly. *BG*))

Mercury: Hey, the Ahroun came up with a compromise, all saints be hailed! He grins and gets another cup of coffee.

Mercury: ((*hugs* Night!))

Natasha Carter: (*Hugs* ni ni)

Eddie: ((*hugs all around with smooches to them as wants 'em! poofs*))

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: ((*hugs the Harper*))

Mercury: ((Do we want to continue or fade this here? *G*))

Natasha Carter: *merc gets another look, quiet, as another helping in watching gets mentioned...slightly nervous, taking a deep breath and letting it out* forgive...I have...been on my own caring for myself and my children for so long.....I am not used to them being far from me, or having too many others caring for them

Natasha Carter: (can fade if y'all need to get*nods)

Mercury: ((*Hugs* It's getting late, but up to you guys.))

Troy Lawrence [PB 4]: "Fair enough," Troy says to Natasha with an understanding nod. "I completely understand. Miss Delacourt need not get involved." ((I'm good with either...we can summarize the rest and plan for trying to get with Eagle at a later date, or keep going. Up to y'all.))

Mercury: ((I'm open most every weeknight.))

Natasha Carter: (open most every weeknight here too*nods*)