Percieving shadows

[Ikon]

Are we so alone,
So distant,
So forgotten,
As we think ourselves to be?

These are our lives
But did they ever even matter?
Are we worth remembering?

As the night neared it's end a cold wind blew off of Lake Washington, it cascaded over the Caern like a blanket laid upon a child awaiting a peaceful sleep. Unfortunately this particular blanket brought no peace, only deep thoughts. Jack lifted his hand to wipe his hair back from his face as he looked down from his perch. He often came up here, the roof of the highest building in the Caern, to think and to watch over his people.

'All of them' he thought 'Even the ones who won't or can't trust me.'

Jack pulled out a black pouch and carefully removed the items from within, laying them beside himself. Pulling 'Moonstorm' from his side he took a moment to thank and praise the spirits who blessed his Grand Klaive. The process of cleaning and maintaining 'Moonstorm' was so ingrained he often used the time as a opportunity to clear away the template he chose so many years ago and to look upon things with fresh and different eyes.

These machines feed on the tears of broken lives and dying dreams
We’re throwing wrenches in the gears
Our lives will not be lived in vain

When this is all said and done
We spent this life on the run
Judged by the company we keep

Far below him stood Daitaro, like a rock unmoved by the crashing waves. Love and pity poured from jack as he thought of his brother. So strong, yet so much like the unbending oak, funny thing is that was probably what he was going for, too bad he got what he wanted.

'I guess we have that in common,' taking a swig of spring water he continued his thought. 'I've been 'Jack' for so long I have forgotten my original purpose, I've allowed myself to get swept away with one single minded view of how to react to pain, and betrayal.

Stifling a laugh he smiled at the moon. 'White Raven was right, I have been too single minded, takes one to know one I suppose.'

The problem with feuds is that it is much like a machine fed by the pain, or fear of both parties. regardless of her true reason for leaving whether it was to be in charge somewhere or just to have a place she was wanted all the time, Jack knew she would be there when the Caern needed her. Still it stung none the less.

Our language, buried inside
These lungs that keep us alive
We breathe so selfishly

Promises we plan to break
Are made in whispered voices
Cause our despair knows many names

He looked upon the sight below, so many Garou and yet he barely knew most of them. Yet he had still managed to make opinions of them. The same flaw others had shown towards him. Yet despite what many thought Jack tried to see the best in people, he'd be damned it he let anyone know it though.

Some of them had so much potential he looked forward to the time when they would lead this Sept, knowing he might not be around to see it. A perfect example was Thorfin, untested and still a follower, but soon the day would come when he would trust his instincts. Trash talk, untrusting, yet wise beyond his years, he has an Ahroun way of seeing through the bullshit.

'Keeps me in check, It sucks that he is the best Ragabash we have besides me.' Looking into the mirrored blade of 'Moonstorm' he saw the reflection of the moon and began to think of Silverthorn. He was never angry at him for setting up the assassination attempt with Lilias.

'He's mental, I sympathize with mental I suppose.' Jack smirked. Lilias however that was just dirty dealing, and this coming from a Ragabash. After reeling from the death of Renanot and dealing with the fact that Mercy was his sister, he had succumbed to Lilias' attempts to gain his trust, a rare commodity at the time.

'I Never saw it coming, that's why it hurt so bad, who knows what other seeds of mistrust she planted in her pack.' Even as he thought this he looked down to see Nova, her body was tightly packed against itself, arms wrapped around herself as if to make a wall to keep out the world. He had no antipathy towards her, no hate, only a little pity.

Within her small frame she seethed so much anger, he was afraid if she didn't get help soon she would implode, something he had seen too many times before. Unfortunately he knew he was the last person who could ever help her with that.

We make mistakes
But we apologize with roses we never stop to smell along the way

These machines feed on the tears of broken lives and dying dreams
We’re throwing wrenches in the gears
Our lives will not be lived in vain

Jack finished the final touches on the ad hoc rite of the peacock. After oiling the sheath, he fastened 'Moonstorm' to his side. As he turned to descend from the roof he saw the two 'sisters' he chose to call his own. Both of them busied themselves in their own way. Harvester of sorrows let a smile break upon his eastern European features as he contemplated the similarities and contrast of Moira and Sungmu.

So alike yet so fucking different, both loyal, and loving. Good friends with a good insight on life. Moira came from the wild and passionate Fianna , yet strived for so much discipline, on the other hand Sungmu who had come from the strict and codified ways of the eastern courts strived to revel in the differences that this land had caused in her. Both had distrusted him, and both he would go to Erebus and back for. Both I could forgive anythin...

His eyes opened wide as he explored the train of thought that barreled it's way through his mind and his heart. If the two of them or Daitaro were to leave or betray him he would not hate them. For the first time he felt what love really was.

As these machines feed on the tears of broken lives and dying dreams
We’re throwing wrenches in the gears
Our lives will not be lived in vain
Our lives will not be lived in vain

[Red Moon]

I have to say, quite moving. I love the way you described Daitaro.

[Chenoa]

*wipes a tear, hands the box to Daitaro, just in case * Very well done! Quite a joy to read..AND! My Favorite part! *glomps for it* I was mentioned! tee hehe! *feels so special now* I do hope to roleplay with you a bit perhaps at game this week or here on the boards soon if possible. *Tail wags*

[Ikon]

Thank you guys. I get the writing equivalent of stage fright, so hearing your appreciation means a lot.

[Layla O'Riely 'Sparkles']

(Very well written River. I love it. Your right, Lilias was a huge bitch. Glad to see Jack becoming something so wonderful and rising above it though. I enjoyed reading this alot.)