Dark Forests, White wolves and Good Company

Many Times you have come across the path of this a pair, at first thought they appear as a simple hunter and his domesticated wolf. Though if you watch closely this pair is anything but normal. They are a huge white wolf and a a large well armoured norseman. Armoured differently than anything you have seen outside of the great eastern foundries, Through this you surmise they are of the Einherjarian tribe.

You have shadowed the pair for a few days, there were nights you came to track them and caught only signs of the wolf. you we certain you saw the beast on several occasions but it was difficult to say if you were tacking it, or if it was observing and leading you along.. Another clearly interesting point of note was there were times the white beast appeared small, cutting through trees and brush quickly out of direct sight, and others where it appeared a more lumbering white creature walking with the large well armoured man. At times the creature even seemed to tease at the big man, nipping at him or coming out from sight to attempt to startle the apparently unshakable man. As you tracked the beast there were times where the creature's tracks were going up a tree, or in the deep brush and not come out the other side.

The White wolf at times has looked small to you, but generally as you have been closest you note clearly its size, haunches to a mans chest. it circles impatiently and often lets loose light growls not aggressive clearly directed at you but non threatening, distasteful perhaps?. the beast voice is loud by default. commonly it turns away as if beckoning its master to follow. you have even caught glimpses of each other across a bluff or valley. Never have they made an aggressive move, they have watched and and seemed very tolerant of your tracking and obvious intents to observe them. you have followed them as they tracked deers and hunted, you have seen their fires late at night, they have lost you at times. but you dont get a sense they are hiding. They travel constantly.

The Man was easier to find and certainly to track. Once on his trail you found him easily, generally walking carelessly through the forest he also was tracking, and at times where you were not far away he would pause and look your way. There were times the wolf was with him, sometimes it was gone. you thought perhaps it was running a perimeter, you checked on this suspicion but found nothing.. One night you found them in a large clearing, with a roaring fire and meat cooking on a makeshift spit. a log had been moved up against two large trees which made a makeshift bench. clearly inviting.

You walk into the clearing the wolf is ever bit as massive as you thought it would be up close, its sits there unmoving but you see its ears twitch following the sounds you make as you enter. You are certain it knows you are there and is not unaware in the slightest.

The man sits on a log, leaning against a tree. the log seems like it was dragged over to make a comfortable place to sit. though lines clearly show the log was moved by something to make the seat it looks as if nature itself has has welcomed and told him to make this his home, his weapons are sitting behind him almost on display. close enough to be used, far enough to not be intimidating. Though he doesnt seem to have a care in the world as he absently he tinkers with a small bit of needle and thread with an object in his hand. a fire roaring in the center, clearly lighting the clearing that is suspiciously open, they were waiting for this encounter. Still in the Darkness having made no sounds, Zach hears clearly

"Signe and I wondered when you would chance an encounter with us, I think the biggest question was not when, but how would this go", Grimblond Smiles broadly his face welcoming, the light of the fire causing his pale skin and ice blue eyes to almost glow.

Zacharaii Andreiovitch was curious the night is his playground yet he was sensed, amused he speaks "I've not lived as long as I have by taking unreasonable chances when I have time to observe. You knew I meant you no harm, and I suspected you mean me none, or I wouldn't be here." Causally Zach strides in the light, the darkness continuing to grab at him like fingers almost warning him away from the light. Paying no heed to this he strides in with the confidence of a of nobleman long having held his station. he continues "As for how this will go, well, hopefully, we will share some words and go our separate ways. Perhaps to meet again later, depending on how our words go."

Noting a log juxtaposed from the pairs position, Zach walks up nods to each and takes a seat as if it were a throne. Properly and with great strength of tone he turns and continues


"I am Zacharaii, childe of Nastazya , of the Allucinatio ."

Proudly he declares "I am Grimbold WintersBane , of the Einherjar Tribe. This is Signe WintersBane my faithful friend", He puts embroidery down and notions to the wolf as he mentioned her name. As if knowing she is being spoken of she raises her head to full height though laying on her belly next to the man. She is easily looking the two men dead into the eyes as she sit. Her eyes are a bright blue and green and she appears her attention is hanging on each and ever one of Zach's words. The wolf nods at Zach, an uncharacteristic reaction from a wild wolf. One would assume.

"The open tundra has long been our home, Signe and I have been enjoying the forest it has been a long time sense I have seen such things. I am not certain she has seen an environment so vibrant. it has a different feel sounds abound, life everywhere. Certainly better food for her", he laughs as he notions to the deer cooking on the makeshift spit. At the reminder of the cooking food the wolf paws at its face and gives a little wimper of excitement and its paws playfully hit the ground. though with a force that catches Zachs tactical mind.

Grimbold, "So what brings one housed in the domain of Mithras and his cult to the fires of the savages of the forest and the borders to the north", as he smiles
Zach gives a loud chuckle, "while I may be housed in Mithras' territory, and I think you less savages than you make a show of, despite Mithras' protestations otherwise. Namely the the creatures that use this as their symbol." And I draw the spiral sigil I've seen, the Black Spiral Dancer one.

Grimbold eyes the drawing suspiciously and as Zach draws Grimbold says."I've also seen a group of your tribe take on a group of these evil creatures, which is more than I can say for the Roman vampires. They are concerned with territory, power, and food... and not what could be a bigger problem."

Zacharaii pauses for a moment at the comment looking at Grimblond "So, I caught the notion to get the Einherjar side of the story from one of you."

Grimbold chuckles deeply "Mithra's concerns with bending the world to his view is hardly uncommon. Long have kindred played their games. At least he has concerns about growing darkness. We have suffered the pains of this plague as some of our tribe have become ill from feeding it was only foolish and desperate on patrols that fed outside of the clan, which we dont condone. And it has not been a lot of transgressors so the fear has to be real. If the Realm of Malfeas is becoming dangerous it is dangerous to us all "

Grimbold is tending the fire as he is speaking paying no attention to zachs drawing. Signe WintersBane , however, had not lost her attention and at the sight of the symbol she bares her teeth and growls, slaming her huge murder mittens onto the ground causing a lot of dirt to cover the image. It was enough to harm the drawling which seemed to satify signe and she leaned into grimbold.

Grimbold sighs and shakes his head "yes, the black spiral dancers. Foul creatures they are but they arent event a tip of the surface. So many more foul things come from that darkness. you of all should know this Child of Zapathasura born for battle against the Asuratizayya. The taint is good for no one. and their taint is.. different this time its as if they have gotten smarter. they are not sending shock troops, they are not just infecting. they are infiltrating. They have had few direct encounters yet even the damned can feel them. And the Wilder tainted who are independent of the host have become emboldened"

Zach sits back as signe slams her foot disrupting the drawling and thinks for a moment, then responds firmly "Indeed, Mithras is just more competent than most, however his concerns are more about the food supply than anything else. What more can you tell me about these Black Spiral Dancers? We fought some creatures that looked like Fomori but were lesser creatures, and we have to chase down another one who might be one of these infiltrators you and who was the leader of a local church, soon."

Grimbold sits up "our tribe calls them the Wyrm. taint upon the lands. Most Garou believe vampires are from the same taint which is why they hate the kindred so much."

at the mention of the vampires being taint Signe WintersBane scoffs and pushes her head into the big man, grim smiles down at her. "That taint corrupts everything. Mortals, Kindred, Garou. we dont believe anything is more hungry than the wrym. They come in many forms, of which you named but a small few. Kindred and Garou tainted are incredibly powerful."

A soft female voice trails on the breeze, the wolf having just places her head upon her paws it didnt appear as if it came from the wolf.. however, it was said "Mithrias is more competent than most, and is a slaver none the less."

Zach looks quizzically around him, wondering where the voice came from but suspicious none the less he refocuses and responds "I've read of this Wyrm, before, in writings." he pauses for a moment and raise an eyebrow at that female voice questioningly, "Most garou? (grimbold chuckles of the mention of the garou) I've never met one, until this night who suffered one of our kind in their presence. I'd never seen one until the Skirmish at Londonium northern gate, 951AD."

"I've no doubt of what Mithras is capable of, I know of stories and expect they go deeper than what has been spoken."

Zack continues "What I want to know, is why choose to assault him while also dealing with the Black Spiral Dancers and the Wyrm? Could a focused assault in coordination not be more beneficial? Or is Mithras seen as just as big a threat is the Wyrm?"

Grimbold: "We did not say we were here for the Wyrm or the Black Spiral Dancers thought we will always fight against them.. and Pricking the pride of Mithras, is but a joy."

Grimbold laughs again and with an almost mocking smile, "ahh yes. Big savage beasts, lots of teeth, foul tempers, strong wills and quite a bit of arrogance to them. to be honest. but my kind has commonly known how to live comfortably out of the way of the garou"

grimbold looks up suddenly and his eyes flare a deep red as he looks slowly about the area s if he had heard something and was surveying in concert the white wolfs head's head shoots up her nose taking in what the wind would betray of their suroudnings. her eyes focusing past the light of the fire. unsatisfied she sniffs the air and straightens, her ears perking, and at a blinding speed she rises and moves outside of the light the darkness engulfing her. at this sudden movement Zach's hair pin reactions cause a defensive response and a quick question "What was that about?", which Grimbold smirks at admiring the man that sits before him, honour of sorts, pride, strength, strategy and and prowess. He had not met many Allucinatio in his time, he had to say he was impressed. Zach relaxed quickly his tactical mind focusing and noting how truly frighteningly little little noise the wolf made for something so huge. moments later it returns plodding along as it takes her place next to Grimbold WintersBane. As she comes back to her resting spot grimbold looks at Zach with a half smirk that has traces of other concerns "She is testing you I guess. she is tuned to things Even a toreador listening for gossip would miss", as he laughs. She is a wild beast, how am I to control it. I am just happy for its companionship in dark nights in the lands of would be kings

Aftert few moments of being back in her resting spot and the chat dies down she settles back and she whines a bit and notions at the food, Grimbold laughs "Nothing to concerns ourselves with I take it? I guess its time for your meal" he then takes down the entire thing and tosses it at the Signe WintersBane with out a thought as to sharing with the others present.

Grimbold address Signe locking eyes "here ya go, surprised you waited this long. Should be cooked well enough now. damn shame its not as bloody but whatever you want my dear..

Grimbold Zack smirks deeply, "you reacted as well, It was clear that you checked out that area when your eyes flared... and I do not underestimate Garou", he says knowingly and he continues "What are the Einherjar's interest in the Angila's lands? What is your vision? I know what Mithras' is"

Grimbold pauses for a moment as if he is being unusually careful with his words "you have been a reasonable mate and I appreciate your first impression thus far, so I'll pay you the compliment of being blunt.

Grimbolds face gets stern for the first time "Do not misjudge our hospitality nor our dedication to the strength of our tribe as that is all that we care for, and its interests are our own."

"Happy to share stories of the wyrm with a potential friend and the need to fight it. However, the concerns and goals of our tribe in this region is our own. Though know that many of us will take a kick at Mithras and his ilk merely for the fun of it. For our Tribe to push him from this island, all the better. ", signe raises her head in a howl to accent the point of their tribe causing all noise of the forest to cease

We were sent here as we are some of the best trackers of our tribe and though we are not used to a lot of contact from others we are often some of the more tolerant of our tribe. we are less likely to be brash than some who have only know the way of the Einherjarians.
Zach ponders at what he has learned he regards grimbold firmly "So, the Einherjar are insular and not willing to have help from outside the tribe? That way is a hard line to live, and in the end turns even those who would be friendly against you. You could have allies against Mithras, if you were willing to accept them, and make the deals that are necessary." Zach leave a dramatic pause as the offer lingers. "As for the Wyrm, it is my highest priority at the moment, as it could well kill us all... either through violence or starvation. "

Grimbold gives a big belly laugh. "to find allies who hate mithras?! One has but not look under a rock to find someone that resents someone in power and the boot they have found themselves under. From Caine to the newest of childer our history is a story of betrayal and bleakness. Yet we have continued from longer than even mithra's memory. All Praise Odin." Grimbold looks up and gives a wink and a smirk "and what do you know my new friend, we could be in vast numbers far more than your own and send only kindly scouts to say hi and assess your forces"

Zach thinks heartily upon his response, weighing his words carefully he asks poses the question "To find allies who hate Mithras and are willing to openly oppose him? Those are much rarer." he wave his hand at his assertion, "it could be so, it could be I've seen all the forces you have. The truth likely lies between those two scenarios."

Grimbold responds thoughtfully "Mithrias has powerful allies. It was just this night we came across others of our kind slain by his assassins, we almost avoided this meeting all together. it would be foolish to underestimate him or his influence and raw power"
Grimbold pauses for several moments, as if really thinking about his next words and a big smile comes upon his face "You appear indicative of your kind Allucinatio, The lords of war and misdirection, You do your blood justice it seems in your observations. No matter what side of this war we find ourselves I believe you have my respect. " the smile fades from his face and what little color he has drains "We are not the ones that would make that call, We are those that can walk between worlds with out concern. eyes and ears to the world. but know well. this night does not go unnoticed"

Zach takes a moment to digest the response and praise from Grimbold, he sits up firmly and looks Grimbold direclty into the face "Aye, he does. Powerful ones at that. Ones I would not want aimed in my direction, or my friends direction. This is something I am ever bit aware of, I was sure our conversation would not go unnoticed. Yet, still. I am here, and I am willing to share what I know in exchange for what you know. If not about kindred politics, then about the Wyrm."

Zach takes a long dramatic pause to let his statement sink in and then he follows up with "In any case, lines of communication could be beneficial to both our sides. "

Grimbold nods in some form of satisfaction as if knowing he is giving more information than he intended, Taerlach Talespinner and Einherjar, The First will know of your concerns and our conversation here. Before the sun is at its zenith.

Without a sound The wolf stands to it's full height, which would look a large man standing directly in the eyes, it seems to nod to Zach and steps behind the tree that is half its full length but as she moves past the tree which is obscuring part of your vision of the wolf as it passes, Zach expects to see the wolf cross the barrier of the tree as he had before when it made its rounds the first time, though this time wolf merely disappears.

Moments later Grimbold stands and Nods at Zach, "I think I like you Zacharaii, Childer of Nastazya Of the Clan Allucinatio I give you fair warning. Not all Einherjarian will be as accepting as we if you choose that path it would be long and hard. There are a few that will have outright hostility toward you and yours. What you dont know is that yours have killed the husband of Taerlach's daughter, Aloysia Juxon is a woman of rage, it appears you have him still. Our tribal traditions have very specific rights to our mortal family.

I'll have paid you this courtesy. Be well in the nights before you.

With a nod at Zach he turns and picks up his armaments, the first time he had paid any attention to them during their interaction.. and as he fades into Myst a faint sound can be heard on the wind "my friend", Zach is left in the night, with a dying fire before him left to his thoughts of the interaction.

Time passes with out consideration, zach felt safer than he normally would having be left alone in a forest, he just knew that he was safe. Standing he brushed himself off and gathered himself returning to the castle he has just recently made his home with much to think about from this encounter