WWXXXV: Werewolves among the Wolf-men

[the guy who be short]

Guy looked around the room, concerned. He himself had just awoken; more than half the others were still asleep. Some - like Nogrod - seemed to be on the verge of falling asleep again. Only an old woman seemed really animated, poking people with her staff.

"Friends," Guy said, arising, "there is plainly some evil at work here. This sleep is unnatural - it is late in the afternoon and my eyes have only just opened themselves. Some sort of charm lies on this room: I beseech you all, let us awake these others and step outside, into the sunlight by the pool. There, perhaps, our hearts shall be lighter and our tongues looser. For we have little time to decide what is to be done of these wolves."

The others consented. Rikae, the old woman, gave each of the sleepers a tap with her stick, and the whole group left the cave to sit around the clear pool outside. The sun was shining and they felt their wits sharpen as the sleep left them.

"Now, perhaps," Guy began, "we shall be able to decide who the wolves are. We are in a perilous position - we cannot have people keep watch at night, for fear that they are wolves. So we cannot afford to wait: we must decide who the wolves are, and slay them swiftly."

Everybody in the group looked round once again, suspicious of one another. The sunlight faded, and their moods were darkened. None spoke for several minutes.

"If none shall speak, I shall voice my thoughts, though they be half-formed only, to prevent the sleeping-charm taking a hold even here. I find that lady Rikae too willing to use that stick on others. Hers is the perfect disguise: for who would suspect an old woman. I'll warrant she needs not that staff.

"And what of Brinn? His soft features do not befit a man who has struggled to stay alive these past years. Perhaps his life has been easy under the thraldom of Morgoth."

[the guy who be short]

Guy looked around in shock. During his oration, most of the rest of the group had nodded off again.

"Hear me!" Guy shouted, waking a couple of them up. "I shall declare he who I believe to be guilty of wolvery. He is

++XYZZY."

There were many nods and a few gasps. Xyzzy, meanwhile, did not offer a response, being once again fast asleep on the floor.

"I feel," Guy continued, "that his sleepiness is a result of wolvery. Tiring himself with murder by night, he requires the day to sleep it away. This sleeping enchantment that falls ever upon our heads is surely a result of his wolvish magic, seeking through spells to make others appear like him and so reduce suspicion upon him. One of these other sleepers - Izzy and Mac - is likely his companion."

He finished, satisfied with himself, only to realize once again that several villagers had fallen asleep. He sighed and shared a glance with Nogrod: he, at least, could stay awake. I do not think, Guy thought, that he is guilty. Surely he would have slain us when he alone was awake earlier in the day, were he a wolf?

Guy looked up - Nogrod had closed his eyes.

Or perhaps he is merely narcoleptic. Sod it, I can't take any more of this, I'm going to sleep.

[Nogrod]

Nogrod was happy for the short guy's proposition. The air was fresher by the pool and he could sense the sight of the setting sun tranquilling some of the fear from upon all of the outlaws gathered there. For a while he just breathed the cooling evening air but as the discussion seemed to have gotten to a halt yet again he opened his mouth once more.

"Your idea to come out here was a good one Shortie but I'm not sure your half-formed suspicion - as you called it - on the Grandma' here is as good. Indeed she's doing the only reasonable thing here we can do and that is to point to others and possible reasons for why we should take a closer look on someone... Indeed I see you yourself doing the same thing which is good. But hardly a reason to suspect someone else doing the exact same thing, right?"

Nogrod glanced around the pool. He was not sure whether the people were sleeping or just deep in their thoughts. Finally his eyes caught Rikae. So I'm a young man then? Has she got trouble with her eyesight or in her wits? He laughed to himself quietly but then addressed the Grandma'.

"Tell me Rikae, whom did you mean by the "that one" when you mentioned "these slugs" we should look more closely? Had you something particular in mind or was it just vain talk? I mean I do appreaciate your short characterisations of some people here and do indeed agree with them but empty pointing is not something I'm very fond of. It kind of feels the wrong way."

EDIT: Adding this as I saw tgwbs's post

"And what comes to your vote short-guy, I'm inclined to say I do appereciate it at least now before I give it some more thought. I just need to think about it for a second"

[Nogrod]

"Yes, I do appreciate your choice guy. If and when we need to flip a coin on one Day or another I say we flip it toDay and/or toMorrow rather than later for then it will be much harder and were susceptible to make foolish decisions then.

What I've heard of this Macalaure speaks good for him and I would like to leave him out of our discussion at least for toDay while I also hope he will eventually wake up yet toDay and speak for himself. That would leave me firstly Xyzzy and Isabell to choose from right now. Naturally that is in case they don't wake up before the Night comes. And I do hope they do wake up as that is the only way to even try to quess on them with something else but pure luck...

Of those spoken toDay I'm inclined to keep my eye on these young men Shasta and Gil - not forgetting the very softly and carefully spoken Brinn and Lhuna either. This doesn't mean I'm in anyway confident with your innocence Rikae and guy but this far I can see you making at least a partial effort and that's enough for me for the time being."

With that Nogrod fell silent but in his head he started remembering everything that had been said that Day. And he started thinking about it...

(EDIT: X'd with Mac so forgive me the incoherence with the Mac not posting yet -stuff...)

[Nogrod]

Suddenly Nogrod stood up. He had been thinking and trying to remember what had been said and done earlier the Day when the thought came to him. It was a tough question.

"Listen now. I just remember a curse that has befallen on many villages that have been infected by werewolves... Yes, I'm old enough to have heard a host of these stories."

With that he glanced at Rikae and smiled.

"There seems to be a curse in most of the villages that those who do not take part in discussions or make their votes will be dead after two Days have passed. Now what shall we do with this knowledge?

If those that have been silent this far will remain silent and sleep all the Days, they will die toMorrow evening anyway. If they're innocents their deaths will be a big blow to our numbers as we keep lynching people all the time as well and the wolves will not kill one of their own either. So wouldn't it be reasonable for us to indeed lynch the quiets for this reason as well? If and when we risk lynching an innocent anyhow why shouldn't we start with those who may be dead without our or the wolves aid in the first place? That way we maximise our numbers to the Days to come..."

Nogrod looked around him. No one seemed to be in haste to answer his question.

"Please consider this. I myself have no "case" against anyone in particular right now but have a thought or two on all of you and will be voicing them soon. And Lhuna, please tell me why do you think guy should have voted for someone who has contributed something toDay? Do you try to say that everyone who feels like not posting anything should be given a free ride? I must say I disagree with your logic here."

[Rikae]

Rikae looked down her nose at Guy.
"Certainly, we should not be decieved by appearances. Anyone, no matter how old, young, or short, could be more than they seem. But I don't think it's productive to dwell on this; nor to speculate about voting for those who have not spoken, when they still may wake. Such things distract us from analysing those who have; a wolf may be among the silent, but it is unlikely, I think, that Xyzzy and Izzy are both wolves.
Macalaure may call my evidence "evasive", but it is no more so than his. Still, his delightful diction and enthralling eloquence incline me to be fond of his innocence, at least for now.
I am truly uneasy about Shasta, and would like to hear more from him before the day is over. Some have mentioned carefully analysing WHAT is said, but it seems to me that it is far more useful to try and discern the intent behind the words. Shasta, Gil and Brinn seemed, to varying degrees, to post with the intent of avoiding suspicion, while the others seem to intend, at least somewhat, to actually analyse the situation. Guy, though he hasn't really added much sense to the discussion, seems to be interested in stirring things up, which might speak in his favor.
If I were forced to vote now, it would probably be for Shasta; but if the sleepers sleep on until sunset, I may join Guy in his vote for Xyzzy."

EDIT: Crossed with Lhuna & Nogrod

[Macalaure]

Macalaure opened one eye, once more worried about the course that events had taken. He decided it was time for him to speak up.

"I'm uncomfortable with the amount of debate which is dedicated to whether or not we should lynch people who did not speak yet. If we do not find anybody worth lynching by the end of the day, then maybe it is a course to choose. But instead of spending our time debating it, we should rather debate, with the little evidence we have, who among us could be a wolf. This may render the previous problem redundant.

Like Lhuna, I don't particularly appreciate Guy's vote. I also hold Nogrod's latest contributions slightly suspicious, because it encourages a debate which I think won't do us any good.

I find it interesting that Rikae calls my evidence against her evasive instead of explaining why her own isn't. I didn't say, for example, that Lhuna speaks sense, but needs to be watched closely. Then again, the rest of Rikae's recent speech looks a lot better than this particular part."

[Nogrod]

Nogrod looked at Macalaure and then addressed the people around the pool.

“I hope you Mac are satisfied of what I'm about to say as that last one was just a thought that crossed my mind and I thought it important to voice it - and I still think that is something we should ponder about. But I have been indeed occupied with what you said we need to do ie. trying to figure out our wolves. Here's some of my first thoughts. I'll give you more after a while.

Of those who have spoken toDay I find the most unhelpful Gil, Shasta and Brinninel. You know the young guys, when have they ever been of any help to anyone?”

With this Nogrod smiled but went serious soon enough to continue.

“I don’t wish to fall into the semantics here between terms like “contributing” or “helpful” or “silent”. I hope you understand what I mean. As a famous philosopher from the days to come said: if you’re not with us you’re against us... If they’re not going to put more effort in I’m all for lynching them sooner than later.

With Gil there is the joking that admittedly feels somewhat fabricated. But quite nothing more. Is he indeed participating? I would be ready to consider him as a non-talker up to this moment. I hope he will open his mouth yet again and say something for a change.

With Shasta there is something more I think. Even though he has spent most of the time joking easily with Gil he has said and done something that bothers me. It’s not only that he first tries to give an impression of a hero to guard us all and then later is afraid of sleeping people in the middle of a Day. This might be explained by psychological pressure, the demand to lie and to make oneself survive in hostile envirovement might produce, surely. But there is also this comment he made

Originally Posted by Shasta

We ought to make very sure that we're executing a werewolf, because we don't have very many chances at this ...

Now to me this sounds like saying let’s lynch people who speak a lot and let’s forget the quiet ones like himself – and possibly his mate. Anyhow I think he overstresses our plight. We have a few Days to get it right and every speaker is one we can analyse and catch unlike those who do not contribute and with whom we just have to throw a coin. I don’t like the general way he has acted and spoken toDay.

With Brinn there is the carefulness. I’d say overplayed one. It is interesting that he says he’s not normally the one who talks but likes to stay in silence (a parasite, that is?) but now wishes to speak up... and what does he say? Nothing. The only thing he kind of said was:

Originally Posted by Brinn

We may outnumber the wolves now, but one by one they will pick us off. It is important that we find a strategy on how to capture them, and we must have a plan before the day is over.

This is not something I would agree on. As has been known on so many occasions any general agreements are places to hide for the wolves and anyhow his way of speaking of the urgency of doing things and his own lack of commitment seem to contradict each other. So trying to look helpful while laying low as a safety-measure?

I'll soon come up with some further views."

With that Nogrod closed his eyes and went back to thinking.

[Brinniel]

Brinn took a large bite from the bread Nogrod had given him, and as he chewed, he remained deep in thought over the things the others had to say. It satisfied him that at least they had finally spoken up. He finished and swallowing, wiping his dirty hands on his trousers.

"Now this whole discussion on whether to lynch one of the quiet ones I find rather interesting, not to mention a bit odd. Only two of us now have not spoken, and while I agree it is quite possible one of them is a wolf and we cannot simply ignore them, I do not think it is a good idea to jump on one of them on this first Day. We must give them another chance to speak before attacking them when they cannot defend themselves. Anyways, I feel confident saying that I am sure at least one wolf is indeed among those of us who do speak, and I think for toDay it would be smarter to base our votes on what has been said, not what has not been said."

Brinn leaned back, folding his arms.

"Now tgwbs's quick vote on xyzzy I do not like. He votes for him because he still slumbers, but on the hour of that vote, dusk was still a long ways away and even still xyzzy still has an opportunity to awaken and speak up before Night approaches. Neither do I appreciate his jump on my appearance alone to judge the chances of whether I am a wolf. To me, his behaviour seems most suspicious.

"Gil-Galad's constant use of insults without any useful contribution to the discussion I highly dislike as well, but I suppose this could just possibly be due to immaturity rather than wolfishness."

And then Brinn was once again silent, for he had nothing else to say for the time being. Sitting in the shadows, he bit his nails waiting to hear more comments and responses.

EDIT: X-ed with Nogrod

[Gil-Galad]

Gil looked around after hearing the comments about him

"come on now lads, the last thing we need is for us to accuse everyone! we are getting no where with that. no TGWBS, your first words of the day is going straight for Xxyzy... who has remained quiet the whole time... very strange indeed"

Originally Posted by Brinniel

"Gil-Galad's constant use of insults without any useful contribution to the discussion I highly dislike as well, but I suppose this could just possibly be due to immaturity rather than wolfishness."

"now my dear brinni, your breaking my heart here. immaturity is quite harsh words, and with the day beginning, what contribution can i provide? you need evidence to have a point in a discussion? with only nogrod speaking what am i to do? to imemdiately accuse him of being a wolf AND our heroes? brinni, first thing you must do is read your own words before you say them then you can be helpful"

Gil grabbed a loaf of bread and some brries and began nibbling on them

"but for now, i think we best be looking at shasta over there, he is trying to hard to relay the seriousness of this situation, if we concentrate to hard on a certain trait, if you will, then these wolfs can slip behind us and take us from behind

We ought to make very sure that we're executing a werewolf, because we don't have very many chances at this ...

"now i am trying to have a light-hearted attitude at this... but i do know this peril is serious and will cost us our lives, but let us make sure and go over every possibility and remember how some words can be more harsh then you intend them to be and it will land you in a dark pit"

"in conclusion, ++Shasta, rest in peace my lad, though for the first couple of days, many innocents will probably be lost..."

EDIT: xed with Lhuna

[Lhunardawen]

A yawn escaped from Lhuna's lips before she could stifle it.

"I can feel sleep nearly claiming me, so excuse me if I sound hurried. Nogrod, I must admit I feel rather uneasy to shed blood in this occasion, only due to the fact that we don't know friend from foe. Should the circumstance be otherwise I would not hesitate, but now, as I said earlier, each life we claim is more likely to be from our side than the enemy's. That is why I do not think it is right that we think of killing our companions before we hear them speak - who knew if they had excellent reasons to be yet asleep, and we end up losing a worthy comrade in our rashness?

"All your eagerness in lynching those asleep, Nogrod, makes me feel wary of you. If I didn't know respect, I would accuse you of having among those who have spoken very little a companion during the Night. But your old age gives you wisdom, and from that we could benefit for now.

"Now from what I've heard toDay I find these people...questionable:

Brinn - few words of little significance, without even following them up. Granted, Rikae had a point in saying that it is tough to break the ice, but I feel a certain hesitance on his part beyond this explanation.

Gil - again, he's too glib to be in this serious situation we are now in. But a voice in my head says that this is how he normally is, and it would be foolish to kill him for this reason alone. He bears close watching in the next Days, though.

Shasta - volunteering to stay up and sleeping on the job, huh? But I sense in him a mix of being happy-go-lucky and careful at the same time - the perfect combination for wolf behaviour. Careful not to slip, but not too guarded to be found suspicious. Unfortunately, I do suspect him.

Macalaure - as I said a while ago, it was too early for him to defend himself by subtly attacking those who expressed suspicion of him. I find this very disquieting.

I shall be casting my vote in a short while."

[Macalaure]

After being dragged to the water and being nudged with a staff violently and repeatedly, Macalaure finally escaped the grasp of work... erm... sleep. He rose himself and had somebody tell him what has been said and done, while the Sun had been journeying on her paths, and he was not too pleased with what he heard. Critical eyes could be seen under his dark cloak of weathered leather as he spoke to the outlaws.

"Sleep I suffered myself, so I shall not judge those who suffered the same, or still do, at least not yet. But, I ask you, does that excuse the manner in which our curséd company deals with its pressing peril when awake? I think not.

Let us no longer offer the obvious, or jest our time away, or condemn companions by causes contrived of questionable content. Most of you have made an ill-favoured impression on me so far, most notably Shasta, who, like others have observed as well, does not practice what he preaches, and Rikae, who made aggressive accusations based on evasive evidence, possibly stated to see if someone bites."

Exhausted by his elaborations and annoying alliterations, Macalaure laid back on the leaves and proceeded on his productive napping.

(edit: crossed with Guy and Nogrod)

[Lhunardawen]

Dropping off to sleep in spite of herself, Lhuna was awakened at the mention of her name. She listened well to Nogrod, and shook her head almost imperceptibly when he ended. Rash, she thought, too quick to shed blood that by all means could be innocent. I do not blame him his frustration, but he should not have expressed it so. And she decided to keep an eye on him from then on.

Next came the voice of an old woman, who soon handed her a comb. She received it without thanks, doubtful that it would do her good, and began to work on her hair quietly. As they moved to the pool outside she persevered, sometimes almost breaking the comb in two, but all the while she listened carefully to what was being said.

Soon, when the state of her hair was undoubtedly more dignified than it had been minutes - hours? - before, Lhuna handed over the comb to the old woman Rikae.

"I thank thee," she told her, "for this favor, and for expressing fearlessly your observations. The latter is possibly a sign of your innocence. But I will not be too quick to judge that for certain, for a lot more remains to be seen.

"I feel rather uncomfortable with tgwbs's vote - I would rather he chose one among those who have already spoken. Rather hasty, it seems to me, and safe, for in the event that xyzzy is killed and found innocent, he could hardly be blamed for playing a crucial role in it."

She turned and frowned at the dozing Macalaure, saying, "If you do not like what we speak, then you could have demonstrated for us what you think is right. But your defensive tone this early in our discussion is suspicious, and not worth mimicking. You ought to be observed more carefully."

Lhuna sat, stroking her hair, and pondered on the words spoken throughout the Day. For reason unexplainable, as though a part of her lived in a place where it is already dark, the desire for sleep was to her overwhelming, and she desired to cast her vote before finally succumbing to it.

[Mithalwen]

Mithalwen entered at last bearing such foodstuffs as she had been able to find. Her name signified Grey Tree and it suited her well for she was tall and grey clad but her face now was grey with fatigue and forboding.


"Here take what I have foraged. The day has been long and wearisome, for you as for I. " She sat down and perceiving the direction of their discussion spoke again.

"I will not pass judgement when I have not borne witness to your deliberations. Unless it be my doom not to survive this night, I shall give what assistance I may. But now sleep claims me, alas" .

With that the woman wrapped herself in her cloak and fell at once in to a deep sleep, almost as if she had swooned.