Looking for the Alpha

Liam heads cautiously towards the heart of the caern looking for the Alpha.

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Tide is sitting in Archid, his crinos form, near the umbral heart of the caern. He appears to be meditating. All about him flit motes of light that beam in and out of existence.

Liam approaches slowly, not sure if he should interrupt or not. As he gets closer he clears his throat. "Excuse me.."

(if I remember correctly the mokole's crinos invokes a very slight delirium even in other changing breeds. Really kind of like a dragon's frightful presence. I may be wrong though)

(that is a merit and a gift)

As you approach, you can hear half of a muffled conversation. You can't understand it as it appears to be a hissing mix of rattles, clicks and reptilian growls, but the elder clearly seems to be talking to someone else. As you speak, the lights flicker out of existence, and Tide's over-sized nostrils flare. He exhales with a rumble reminiscent of Jurassic Park and slowly lumbers to his feet. In archid, he stands a full fifteen feet tall. His scales seem overly large, discolored and bony as if hardened by age, but his muscular frame is otherwise strikingly human-like. He speaks in a voice underscored by time immeasurable and does so in perfect Garou, "Can I help you masked one?"[u]

Liam in awe of what he sees before him. "I hope so. At the moot I found myself horribly unprepared when talk of rites came up. I didn't really think about rites much back home I was still new and was having more fun than thinking of the future. I now find myself in situations were my sept, my pack need someone who can perform a certain rite and only a few know any rites. I was wondering if you might teach me some of the more basic rites you know. I know the rite of talisman dedication and rite of accomplishment." He looks down nervously awaiting a response.

"I see. Yes, that must be remedied." Tide's form shrank, his scales slipping into skin soundlessly., his huge form diminushing until once again the frail old man stood before him wearing that weathered coat, a spear fastened at his side. "I'm afraid that I cannot help you right now." He frowned, "there is much that needs done in the absence of any other elders, but I will see if there is not someone who can."

"I would appreciate that, thank you so much." He exclaims with a smile on his face.

Tide nods, obviously distracted. After a moment, his gaze refocuses on Liam. "Let me ask you a question, boy. Why is it that you hide what you are when those here are among the few that would welcome you?"

"You never really know how people are going to receive you. I have found it good to feel the water out so to speak, before I let everyone know what I am." Liam shuffles his feet a little.

Tide nods. "You had best be off, boy. There are things I have to get done. In the meantime, learn to trust these people. They are good people."

Liam nods and smiles at Tide, before turning and leaving.