Walks All Paths: 3/2/97 (11/7/96)
"My soul is not missing, its differently - located!"
I was ready for whatever fate would befall me, Owl. I had made my peace. I just wasn't very happy about it. Accepting the fact that you may well die in the next few minutes is something that all Garou become accustomed to, however it is a far cry from being thrilled about the situation. Nonchalant doesn't get you any closer. I was quite upset, a little scared, and more than a little depressed. Luckily Renee was there. I know that she knew how upset I was, but at least she understood. It helps when they understand. I here that it makes dying a little easier.
Anyway, that's when Raoul arrived. He came in and inspected me. I thought that he might try to heal me, but then I heard a noise. Raoul stood up and I saw that Granddad was also there. That's when I started to feel better. Granddad also looked me over, and then he bade me to rise. He asked me what had happened. I still could not draw the strength to change, so he tossed me a bag. I opened it with my paws and muzzle, and then I felt as if my being had been infused with purpose and meaning. It was a bag of gnosis. I felt as if I had more spiritual energy than ever before, but that it was not my own. It felt, borrowed. But I had it, and with it, I could change. I did, and I told him of what I had done for Nicole and to myself. He listened and then asked that we all introduce ourselves. We did, myself starting. I told the others that there were no secrets held here, that honesty must be paramount. They obeyed.
Granddad asked each who they were, what they wanted and what they were willing to sacrifice for me. They all gave their names, traditions, Mentor's names, and their desires to him. Nicole was included, and she told him as well. The others were not prepared to hear that she was Verbena-Barabbi - a traitor to her tradition and a servant of the Nephandi, who are Wyrm-serving mages and spirits - and that she and her sisters had made a pact with a powerful being named Gramma. I had never thought to sense for the presence of the Wyrm about her, as she was an ally of Renee. I must be more careful. Interestingly enough though, by rescuing her soul, I also seem to have cleansed her of Wyrm-taint. I wonder what Red-Crow and the rest of the Uktena would think of that. Granddad mentioned that he would deal with her later. I am curious as to what he intends, for if he merely wished her dead, she would be.
Only of Renee did Granddad ask more. He saw/heard how she was worried about and cared for me. He asked her what I meant to her. She hesitated, glancing at me. For a moment, I thought that she was upset that I had asked for total honesty, that she did not want anyone else to know about us. But then her face softened. It was slight, but enough that I noticed. She smiled as she said, "I would consider him my mate." I do not know that I have been more proud in another or more happy for myself in years. She was very straightforward and did not flinch, yet I could feel that she meant her words, and was not ashamed to admit them. I felt loved by her, even as I felt forsaken by Gaia.
Granddad seemed pleased that everyone was willing to risk life and limb for my sake. He said that in the morning, Silvertooth would arrive and that he would train us for our journey to Gramma's lair to retrieve my soul. He also mentioned that we should do something about our front door, and we assured him that we would. Then he rose, motioned for Raoul, and they left. I was glad that at least this time he had a ride back to his home, though I doubt that he gets accosted by hoodlums very often.
It has been a long time since I have gone on a quest, and since it is for my soul, I am eager to begin. But the next few days should be valuable for the training, and we do need to rest some. I feel as if I have no willpower left, but that is understandable after all that has happened. Now I need to sleep.
Tom Brady <tabrady@mindspring.com>
Last modified: Mon 12 May 15:31:00 1997 by tabrady