Buda & Pest

[Freiherr von Rosen]

Characters present: Albrecht von Wulfhard, Sablepaw, White Raven.

-/Ger/ May God smite our enemies.

*Thunders back the Komtur, striking his tabard and chest piece with clenched fist. When the charismatic Leech turns and leaves, the servants out in the open become visibly less tense. They are obviously doing their best to please their masters.
The pages are summoned and dismissed. Albrecht can certainly count on them to follow his every last word, after all, they too are eager servants. When Tristan is called, he rushes to his lord's side, lute still in hand, having just performed an old Norman song to one of his female companions.
Ever the romantic.*

-/Ger/ Ah, what a beautiful night, m'lord! Not a single cloud in sight, despite the winter! A walk, you say? Jolly good! Feeling better now, I trust? How went the talk with Herr Anselm?...

*As the two figures leave the camp-fortress, heading straight to where the Garou lay hiding, following L'Argent's guidance, they are soon spotted by the werewolves themselves by whatever senses they employ. The great Wyrm-Knight, now without his armour and visibly in a much better condition than last night, accompanied by a richly-dressed and talkative human carrying a wooden instrument.
A question inadvertently forms in the minds of the Garou.
How in Gaia's name did "Voice of Thunder" recover from his mortal wounds in one night?*
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[Inu]

<So cute! Lovely cub... We haven't even started our journey but she is already worried about her fame. And she asks me, a tainted Two-leg born to travel to his tribe and tell them her stories. but that is what she needs... If not myself I will tell them our journey through Craw. If we survive... Somehow...>

*I carefully nod.*

-/Gar/ I will make them learn Your... Our deeds.

[Sablepaw]

*Even though the Silver Sign can't be seen from here, I'm become more relaxed as we leave its spot behind. But my gloomy mood follows my steps, like scavenger birds follow the Predators.*

- /Gar/ So be it. Yes, we should watch them and learn more about them. Maybe they hide under rocks, like maggots. Only... bigger rocks.

*Not that I have an idea. And not that I'm that much curious, that's a No-Moon thing. But I must be prepared for everything, and there's no Garou to prepare me. And there won't be any, ever. For some time, I remain silent. But before we would cross the Barriers, I think I have to say some things that have been bothering me for a long time.*

- /Gar/ White Raven... will you promise me something? If we fulfill the Prophecy... no, when we fulfill the Prophecy because we must and we will... but afterwards, will you travel to the Red Talons and howl my story for them? Prophecies are remembered but Prophets just disappear. Only Griffin knows where they go. But... I don't want to be forgotten. I know, you're not of the Howling Moon, but you're the only one to witness my deeds.
_________________
- Cobolymancs (Sablepaw), Red Talon, Theurge, Lupus
- Setétholddal Osonó (Darkmoon Stalker), Bastet, Bubasti
- Bosszú Fagyos Karma (Frostiger Kralle der Rache), Fenrir - Schwerter von Heimdall, Modi, Ulfr

[Inu]

<I knew she would end up asking me to talk to him... As if we could get anywhere with it. Power is the key that's all. No need to ask.>

*At first I follow her with my eyes cicrling around me but I soon get tired of it and rather find a nice spot somewhere far away.*

-/Gar/ I don't remember. But I don't think they summoned it right now. Why would they do it? Lets just wait beside the camp and observe them until they are ready to leave. And next time we come to scout before the sun sets to find the corpses and learn their strengths and weaknesses. It might come handy if we know what we can count from them.

*I start to walk out of the camp to get to the other side somewhere farther so we can just walk beside the camp to be seen. Of course I'm not in a hurry, if Sablepaw wants to talk, we have plenty of time before the leeches get ready.*

[Sablepaw]

- /Gar/ Maybe I'll ask him. Or maybe you should, you understand Twoleg-borns better.

*The fact that this monstrosity is pure silver distresses me and as soon as I return my senses back to the Spirit Lands, I can smell that my companion is also nervous. It's better to get further from the spot here as well.*

- /Gar/ I know, we can't stay here all the time. We'd lost their track. Damn these Barriers... they confuse me.

*And indeed, though being of the Listening Moon, the concept of the Two Lands is natural and bizarre at the same time. I circle around the Shadow Lord nervously, thinking about useful things... like the giant Silver Sign.*

<How did they summoned it so fast?>

- /Gar/ Maybe it was here all along? When we came here to eat... was it already here? I payed attention to the smells and not the sights. And... I understand, if they don't know that Silver was created to harm us... but... Voice-of-Thunder knows. Doesn't that thing disturb him?
_________________
- Cobolymancs (Sablepaw), Red Talon, Theurge, Lupus
- Setétholddal Osonó (Darkmoon Stalker), Bastet, Bubasti
- Bosszú Fagyos Karma (Frostiger Kralle der Rache), Fenrir - Schwerter von Heimdall, Modi, Ulfr

[Freiherr von Rosen]

Characters present: Sablepaw, White Raven.

*After the shock of glancing through, everything slowly returns to normal for Sablepaw. On the Spirit Side, there is no silver. She is safe.
As far as the cross is concerned, is seems unlikely that they brought it to the camp in those few hours the pair has spent out of sight, and was instead carried all the way for whatever purpose.
For the moment though, there is silence, the spiritual landscape doesn't reflect the stupefaction of the two Garou, who are free to do as they please.*
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[Inu]

*When Sablepaw takes my joke serious I feel that she needs some explanation. Just to make sure she doesn't misunderstand something.*

-/Gar/ I don't know him but why would he choose to live such a terrible life? Beside the corrupted power he gained of course... If it's not about his ancestors then it is about the lust for more power. We might have a chance to ask him later. But I'm afraid he wouldn't answer us.

*Killing the Banes wasn't much of a challenge but it was still a pleasant time. That luminous thing however makes me uneasy even when I somehow understand that strangely it is now our ally.*

-/Gar/ Silver? - I look around confusedat first. It needs time to recognize that she talks about the other side. I can't help looking through the gauntlet myself. Unpleasant and surprising but I am not shocked rather confused. I wouldn't touch it but it can't hurt us unless it falls on us. It is just... SILVER!

<A great silver cross. Why? An assurance to keep us away while they are vulnerable? Or they don't know or don't care about us and it is just a sign of their wealth? A monument which is worth a fortune...>

*I have lost my will to walk in the camp. It could have been fun without this thing but now...*

<We could follow them in the spirit world for a while but not to real troublesome places. And when they are attacked can we get back in time to help them? I don't think so. Too risky.>

-/Gar/ We can't follow them everywhere and can't help them in time of need. I think we should show ourselves to them as soon as they leave the camp and the silver. And don't show them that we hate silver. In case they don't know it already.

<Don't know already? They have a dead Silver Fang on chain with them. I'm sure they aready know everything. Damned Silver Fangs...>

[RedDrake]

*I'm the living embodiment of an ancient kindred truth: “The beast is amongst us”. Literally. It is a blood-fest to the boots. I do not care about who my victims are or were. They are humans, not kinfolks, not really big nobles, just chalices. A wolf hunts for a prey to eat its meat, I drink their blood. Nothing has changed.

It was a black joke from the fate that a secret, formerly disgusting, habit of the Red Talons made me accept blood. The litany forbids eating the flesh of the humans and unless I’m a Shadowlord, I know that means not drinking their blood either. However, the Red Talons thread the way of the Wyld and Gaia, not the purest way but a way with eating humans. So, if the act is without any cannibalistic instinct, or comes from controlled hunger, then it can be done without calling her spirit of vengeance. So here I am. I do not know how they are, just hooded bodies offering me their life force.
Only one remains, she can live another day.*

/Ger/ - Keep her unconscious and unhurt. I’ll use her tomorrow.

*With that said, I’m looking for my next set of clothes. If I want to walk between the humans again I need to have a bath and change my burned down clothes. I hope I don’t have to dedicate a third set to myself as a talisman.

/Ger/ - What a curious smith! Have you checked his masterworks? Can he forge my armor as it was before? Can he restore the silver platings? The falcon wings on in the shoulder? If yes, I’ll speak with him. Where is he?

*The komtur have to come first. I’m afraid I’ve to drop a visit to this smith in the city.*

<Ah, L’argent. Thank you for watching. Please provide me the collected energy, my friend. Were you able to peep into their dreams?>

*That would be new from my companion, however he has developed new quirks over time. He is an old spirit with a very peculiar personality *

/Ger/ - Where is the nearest river or lake?

*Or if my followers can bring water I’ll use it. No matter how cold it is. I’ve to clean this undead body.*

Continued
_________________
"Ashes to Ashes
Dust to Dust.
From ashes you've come
And to ash you'll return!
AMEN!"
(Angel Dust Andersen)

[Sablepaw]

- /Gar/ They... don't?

<Weren't Silver Fangs the Alpha Tribe? How come they disrespect their Ancestors?>

*There's more and more I can learn about other Tribes... well, from White Raven at least, since no other Garou will ever associate with me because of my Quest. This paints my heart in sorrow again which can be seen and smelt on me while I rush towards the Leeches' place. My sadness turns to anger and violence as soon as I see the Tainted Spot but I can vent it out on the Wyrm Spirits and briefly enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
And then the Radiance... the Shadow Lord didn't exactly calm me.*

- /Gar/ It still made a Pact with us, no matter how repulsive it is.

*I finally take the courage to peek to the other side but what I see there frightens me; I immediately recoil and bare my teeth as I sense the material this other Sign is made of.*

- /Gar/ SILVER! Huge, murderous Silver... Thing! In the shape of the Sign! How dare they?!!!

*My "speech" becomes vicious, frustrated snarling and I'm getting more and more nervous...*

<Why did they bring that Thing?! Do they want to make the journey harder for us and therefore themselves as well? Fools!>

*I shake myself and bring my sight back to the Spirit Lands, my gaze, now filled with anger and confusion seeks the Shadow Lord and I retreat from the Radiance.*

- /Gar/ Damn all these Leeches and wretched Twolegs! Why do they do this to us? Don't they need us as their allies? I'm NOT going close to that Thing, no way! It can kill us much, much easier than their fake claws!

<But still, we must be somewhat close to the Black Sign to keep a nose and eye and ear on it... they should keep it further from the Silver Thing! Or leave the Silver Thing behind! One Sign is enough!>

- /Gar/ Should we remain here until they set forth? The further we are from the Silver Sign, the better. They don't need us till Foes cross their way to threaten the Black Sign anyway!
_________________
- Cobolymancs (Sablepaw), Red Talon, Theurge, Lupus
- Setétholddal Osonó (Darkmoon Stalker), Bastet, Bubasti
- Bosszú Fagyos Karma (Frostiger Kralle der Rache), Fenrir - Schwerter von Heimdall, Modi, Ulfr

[Freiherr von Rosen]

Character present: Ernst Hirschler.

*Not long after Irene's spirited entry, Karl also comes to greet his master, overhearing the woman's extraordinary question.*

-/Ger/ Sire! Are you sure it is a good idea? Lord knows how those rabid beasts would react! They're known to be mighty moody!

*Irene practically hisses at his interruption, taking the arm of Ernst and theatrically moving beside and behind him.*

-/Ger/ How dare you question the decision of the Master! Shame on you, Karlie!

*The rugged warrior looks like he's about to throw back something impolite, but he curbs his anger due to Ernst's presence and makes way instead. Mumbling something inaudible meanwhile...
The camp has been cleared up during the day, through the corpses on the ramparts still linger, albeit lacking several bodies. Irene points at them excitedly.*

-/Ger/ They came here and took some of the carcasses - and then chewed on them in plain sight! Though one of them didn't seem to like it! Hah. Will you tell us about that meeting? Can they really talk? What did they say?!

*Her enthusiastic chirping is abruptly interrupted by the thundering hooves of the Hungarians, storming out of the camp's centre, apparently leaving the commander's tent and moving out at high speed. They spray some of the lingering snow towards the trio, making Karl grunt angrily.
As they take a walk while talking, they realize the werewolves aren't quite around this time. In fact, a little asking around will tell them they haven't been seen since that cannibalizing episode at all.
To the great relief of most.*


*****


Characters present: Sablepaw, White Raven.

*Cleanse. Purge. Kill.
These lesser Banes - practically Banettes - never knew what hit 'em. Most of them were torn apart in one hit, and those who weren't met their demise from the back, while trying to float away. Ah. Much better. It's doubtful whether this little warm-up will have any effect on the material camp, but they certainly made the world a tiny bit of a better place.
And now, the Radiance.
As seen from the distance, it looks like a celestial ray of light coming down from the Umbral skies. When approaching, the Garou can make out a strange warmth, yet, it doesn't melt the snow under it. It's more of a feeling than an actual effect of burning heat. Every now and then, White Raven thinks he's hearing some weird, heavenly chanting, while Sablepaw's spiritual instincts associate the phenomenon with the same aura the other "Chosen One" was radiating during the Oath-Making.
It is alien. It is hostile. But it is allied to them now.
This is when the Red Talon curiously glances over. And oh, if only she hadn't done so! Her eyes stare straight at a horrible, massive silver cross; something that cannot do harm through the different planes, but still causes a massive shock. It's what they saw from the distance, except it actually is silver, proudly decorating the entrance of the camp's main tent, reaching to the height of about three fully erected male twolegs. Without a doubt, this is the Sign, a horrible, silvery reproduction of the Black Sign On White Pelt. Is it a coincidence, or does the Alpha Leech know more about the Garou than he should?*
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[Inu]

*The sun has already decended below the forest and hills.*

<How unfortunate! We slept too much and don't have spare time. It's time to visit our blood-sucking friends...>

-/Gar/ So do I... But it seems the Silver fangs don't like their ancestors enough to join them. - *I don't expect Sablepaw to understand my joke. She is wolfborn after all. It's enough if it brightens my evening.* - Of course we might help him to end his struggles. But only after we are done with our quest.

*I am curious how that camp looks like from the other side. Also it would be great to check where those corpses lie during the day. Just in case. But it's too late now. Maybe tomorrow. The lack of strong and dangerous banes cheers me up and I join to the hunt and killing of the Wyrm spirits. A great exercise before we meet the leeches.*

<I hope killing these spirits won't hurt the leeches. One can never know. They should be grateful for we clean their yard for free.>

*I don't like that strange bright glow at all. And although the hunt was fun I don't think approaching it is clever.*

-/Gar/ Careful! It might not like you but it can try to taste you...

*I also close up, staying close to Sablepaw but trying to keep some distance from that thing. Of course I'm also curious. And whatever happens I can't lose that cub!*

[Sablepaw]

*Of course I remember the pact and of course losing Voice-of-Thunder would be a "loss" for the Black Sign, but still, the mere idea of a Garou becoming a Leech is terrifying.*

- /Gar/ You're right... it's just... I hope it's not contagious, like a sickness. When I die, I want to stay dead and roam the Lands of Ancestors.

*I shake my fur and stretch again, and let my sight drift beyond the Barriers and as I see the Earthly Lands enfolded in dusk, I signal to my companion to start sneaking back - in the Spirit Lands, just like he said. I don't care for the Dreamthings now; they surely know we'll be where the Leeches prowl around.

As we get closer to the spot, the area becomes more menacing and tainted; the corrupted spawns of the Wyrm are hovering around those dead-yet-walking Twolegs like flies around decaying carcasses. I don't know what they represent, all I know they are of the Blight and therefore they're foes. I flee from the large and really dangerous ones if there are any, but mercilessly attack the less impressive ones with zealous snarling and eerie howls that will certainly scare them off!

When the place is getting more endurable, the Radiance commands my attention. Its uneasy presence ruffles my fur.*

<The Radiance. The same thing that shines around some tall Twoleg-nests. The same thing that has chosen the Alpha-Leech. Is it here because of him? Or because of the Sign?>

- /Gar/ I don't like this... thing. And I'm sure it doesn't like us, either.

<Griffin... I don't understand why you need that Sign of Twolegs. It makes no sense! But I'll do it, I'll take it to the Sun-scorched Lands or die trying!>

*I'm too curious, so I stalk closer and if the Radiance doesn't attack me or something like that, I'll peek to the other side again...*
_________________
- Cobolymancs (Sablepaw), Red Talon, Theurge, Lupus
- Setétholddal Osonó (Darkmoon Stalker), Bastet, Bubasti
- Bosszú Fagyos Karma (Frostiger Kralle der Rache), Fenrir - Schwerter von Heimdall, Modi, Ulfr

[Dronaw]

*My dream reinforces my decision that I have to strengthen myself to be able to see the world in the sunlight. Only then could I see God in his true power. Irene's voice pull me back into the reality.*

<So she saw the werewolves. This means they are back from their quest hopefully with Albrecht and without that Lasombra bitch. A few days ago I would answer for this question that they would bite off her arm but too many things have changed. So let's see.>

-/Ger/ Yes, I met them a few days ago. Tho' the werewolves are dangerous creatures these seem to be different. So if you want to try I won't oppose. But I come with you to ensure your safety and talk to them before they think you are offensive.

*I smile and get off the wagon. I nod to Karl to follow us and begin to search for the wolves. Though I think this is a bad idea but I'm also wondering how will they react for this request and Irene will be happy. And a happy servant always acts better.*
_________________
Sunny Black

[Freiherr von Rosen]

Characters present: Sablepaw, White Raven.

*As the two Garou glance across the Gauntlet, they find that Helios has indeed descended below the horizon already - an unsurprising thing in the winter - and that the corpses are likely corpses no more; until the next sunrise.
Indeed, the crusader camp seems more lively in the distance, its fortifications also having been reinforced and expanded, it is now surrounded by a shallow trench on all sides, right under the ramparts and their spikes, heavily stalling a potential frontal assault.
Luckily, the privileged werewolves can just waltz in through the front door. Probably...
Creeping closer still on the Spirit Side to the yet-empty patch of snowfield, not much can be detected from the material happenings. No Umbral guardians at all - it'd seem the only spiritually-aware Leech is indeed the fallen Garou, yet, his falcon companion isn't around now either. A dozen faint, menacing dark shadows on the ground indicate material Leech presence on the other side and a few weak, tentative spirit of pain linger due to the slaughter last night.
In fact, a new one is spawned right as the werewolves approach, emitting its horrible birth cry somewhere near the middle of where the camp should be. A mixture of despair and fear hits the noses of the pair as the shadow-like Wyrm-spirit appears out of thin Umbral air.
Just another atrocity in this world of darkness.
Finally, all in good irony, a scentless, bright, yellow-white glow luminates the earth not far away, coming from the sky - the phenomenon thus far associated with the sheer faith of the Christ-believers - and their strange, cross-like symbols. Though pulsating the ambient idea of sacred, fanatical determination, it is unpleasant to the Garou, but not as much as to prevent them from checking it out.*


*****


Character present: Albrecht von Wulfhard.

*After a certain time, a ghoul simply learns to instinctively stand aside when his domitor is hungry, lest he might be the next meal in his frenzy for blood. Such is the case now. As Albrecht lunges himself at the unfortunate commoners, Erik and Tristan back out of the carriage perhaps a tad faster than they originally planned.*

-/Ger/ I... uhm...

*As Albrecht begins draining his victims dry, refilling his veins and embarking on the severely hard and painful task of repairing the horrible wounds to his body, Erik slowly ignores the ominous noises coming out of his master's lair.*

-/Ger/ He says he's willing to work only after seeing and talking to the owner himself. Not even the king is an exception. Crazy old man...

*When Albrecht tosses aside the fourth dessicated corpse, his spiritual companion also sees it fit to reply.*

<Phoenix Claw. Naturally. The two Living Ones kept their distance, choosing to slumber in the Spirit Realm near your camp. Their dream was uneasy.>

*The final surviving food item is shaking and trembling on the carriage floor, muttering something in her - it seems it's a young woman - language. She's huddled up now, awaiting her impending doom while the sounds of heavy boots marching in the snow are getting more and more numerous on the outside.*
_________________

[Inu]

*Engulfing flames and strikes of lightning. Thrill of fight and fear of death. I'd love to run and escape one time but strike the enemy down to end the danger in the other. Even if I'm not there in body I'm unsettled. I almost jump when I wake up but somehow grateful that the dream ends. I quickly look around to assure myself that everything is all right. Even the scents recall the deadly summer. Furtunately we are surrounded by snow. With a deep sigh I try to slow down my heartbeat.*

<We are safe. It's over.>

*Sable doesn't wait too long with her questions. However she deverts my thoughts from the nightmare. It is really better to forget it as soon as possible.*

-/Gar/ The...Dreamthings will come when they are ready. They might be close even now. They will come soon. But you are right we need to get back to those leeches when the sun is already set... Why? Why are they carcasses? Maybe they can't stand Helios. But the real question is why they are liv... moving at night. I would love to know the answer and then prevent them doing it. But we made a deal. Do you remember? We won't hurt them. Not even the dead Garou. You know that our hands are tied. Of course only until he wants to exist... But I guess he does.

*I purposely avoid the question how. My companion has great questions but unfortunately I have too few answers. And I'm getting giddy with all that circling she does so I stand up and stretch.*

-/Gar/ Let's check if Helios is still with us. We should scout the leeches from the Shadowland before we join them.