Currently in Saint Claire, it is a cloudy day. The temperature is 56 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). The wind is currently coming in from the east at 18 mph. The barometric pressure reading is 29.90 and falling, and the relative humidity is 59 percent. The dewpoint is 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius.)

Natalie closes the door behind her, her other hand tucked into the pocket of her unzipped bomber jacket. "Glad you're here," she says, giving the apartment a quick once-over before refocusing on the other Galliard. "Do you have a few minutes, Alicia-rhya?"

Alicia closes the door behind her and nods her head, turning to face the Glass Walker. "Sure, um.. whats up?" He offers up a quick smile, pulling her hair behind her ears. You'd notice if you glance around, the apartment doesn't look 'full'. Lots of stuff is missing, mostly boy stuff. Boxes are packed up along the wall.

"I wanted to pass along some news," the Walker says, not commenting on the disarray, "and ask a question. First off, Marcus has disappeared again. I've claimed eldership." One corner of her mouth quirks, despite the moon. "Yes, again. Trust me, I know."

Alicia nods her head and looks at the Elder Walker sympathetically. "Your tribe bounces back and forth more than a ping pong table in its Eldership, but its good to see you in the position again. What else you got?"

That wry little smirk twitches at the other Galliard's words, but neither spreads further nor disappears. "I'd like to Challenge you for Fostern." She takes a breath as if to expand, then hesitates. "You want to hear my reasons?" she asks instead.

Alicia blinks her eyes a bit in surprise. ".. You do? Damn, I'm popular... Jacinta just challenged me three days ago and I accepted. She's still steaming from Seeker's no show. But, sure... go for it... give me your reasons... I'd readily accept you if you were willing to wait a bit for me to finish up with her, unless of course you were pressed for time and this is something personal you need to do."

Natalie winces as though gut-punched, but her scowl quickly evaporates into interest. "--Wait. When did Jacinta Challenge Seeker? It wasn't at Moot. Last moot Layne-rhya denounced him for not presenting terms, but I don't remember Jacinta Challenging him any time before that. And if she didn't officially Challenge..." She quickly waves the question off with another self-directed scowl. "Anyway. Yeah, it is kinda time-dependent. See, I'm sick and tired of anyone who waltzes in being able to Challenge me. I may not be the best Elder ever, but I want to know that whoever replaces me didn't just fall off the apple cart. You know?"

Alicia thinks. "Jacinta challenged Seeker a long time ago, um... I think a few Moots ago. He was supposed to name the terms last moot and he didn't show up or pass news. So, its why Layne denounced him." She shifts her shoulders and flops onto the couch, motioning you to join her. "I understand completely. Being a tribal Elder is hard. I was the Omega of the Children of Gaia one night, Alpha the next. My entire family took off, leaving me with three cubs. I still haven't heard from NightFyre or Andrea Rhya in some time, or Robert Rhya, or even Adam." She pops her joints some. "You aren't a bad Elder either." She notes. "Least not from what I've seen, you've came a long way since you first got here and I think you've gelled well." She clears her throat. "If anything, perhaps I should give you an apology for being kind of snarly when you first arrived. The Walkers at the time of old, were still in my heart and Synthesis broke up soon before you came. I put my life into that family and it was hard to let them go."

Alicia adds. "Perhaps I didn't give you a fair chance at first." She clears her throat, then relaxes back into the cushion some.

Natalie hmms at her first news, eyebrows drawing down. "I don't remember her Challenging," she says again. "But it's not like I have to." A shrug, and she sets the matter aside. "--Oh hell, Alicia-rhya. Why would you? I'm some schmuck just fallen off the apple cart, to use my own words against me. And you weren't bad. I've gotten worse treatment from my own tribe. 'Tin-plated bitch' is probably the nicest thing they've thought, and only Scratch has said to my face. But. Someone has to lead us. It can't be Scratch. I don't know Tu well enough to know if he can. Maybe he can, but he's had a week since..." She barely pauses, "since I made the announcement and he hasn't said boo. "That leaves me."

"Well, if the role keeps coming back to you time and time again, go with it, Natalie. Ride the surf and have fun with the deal. Being a tribal Elder as a Cliath makes it easier for you to challenge for Fostern. Just know that you are challenging for the right reasons also." Alicia says. "To be a Fostern means you are completely out of the 'student' phase of your Garou life, you are to be a leader, a glowing example of your tribe, the delegator of authority down to your lessers. Its a big step and Megan will expect even more from you. To be honest, packing with her was a smart move because I really do look up to her, she has really matured me." She flashes a quick grin. "I think you got what it takes. Hmm." She pauses in thought. "I'd suggest if you have to, challenge Jarred. He has no reason to dislike you, so he'd most likely give you a fair challenge. That and he'd probably appreciate it because at least he'd feel he can get something out of the deal. I dunno.." She thinks. "There is Eamon, but... well.. ragabash."

Natalie's smile goes thin at the Shadow Lord's name. "I heard from Kevin - and, mind, this is second-hand knowledge - that back before he'd picked his tribe, Jarred told Kevin essentially that if he wanted to join the Walkers he deserved us and for that reason the Shadow Lords wouldn't have anything to do with him. So... no. --I don't think I've ever met Eamon. I've probably seen him at Moot, but never personally introduced myself. That's why I wanted you. You're Galliard, you've known me since I came to town, you'd be fair."

Alicia nods her head and thinks. "I'd be more than honored to accept that challenge. Would you be willing to wait a bit longer?" She asks seriously.

Natalie looks out the window to the cloudy Washingtonian winter. "I... don't see that I can, Alicia-rhya. Our next moot is what, end of next month, right? Jacinta Challenges you. Means that the soonest I can Challenge is May, July if for whatever reason it needs to be extended. So that's July at the earliest, maybe September or November before I've got the Rank, and meanwhile I'm still trying to hold everything together and just waiting for the next elder Challenge to come up the pike. A hell of a lot can happen in six months. I'll..." She turns back to the other woman with an apologetic smile. "If I can't find anyone, then sure, I'll keep you in mind for next time."

Alicia nods her head. "Alright then. Then as some last advice, seek out Layne." She shrugs her shoulders. "She is the Master of the Challenge, a Fostern and should give you a very fair run as well. She has a good head on her shoulders and isn't an idiot." She flashes you a quick grin. "But yah, definitely call me and we'll hit up Starbucks and talk things out. Six months is a long time for you to build up more renown also. I'm itching for a shot at Adren next year as it is. Coming to that decision when its time to Challenge Megan or Signe will probably be nerve wracking for me."

Natalie only raises and lets fall her shoulders, still with that thin smile. "Trust me, I'd rather Thomas were still here. Then it wouldn't be an issue. Thanks anyway, and yeah, I'll go talk to Layne."

[End of log]