some mood music

September 15th, 1880. Morning. The Camp of the Wicasas, Bear Butte

Time slips away. Crazy horse and his warrior arrive at the scene of the battle, ready for a fight that has already ended. Mollified by Wovoka's explanation (he already mistrusted The Hooded One) and the words of Eagles Floating, he takes the surviving Ravenites into custody. Only Little Crow remains, as Moses spoke on his behalf and managed to convince the mighty brave of his plan to try and show the truth of the end of days to the wayward Ravenite by taking him to Deadwood. Crazy Horse takes the step of formally banishing Little Crow to Deadwood, there to remain for the rest of his days, and vowing that if Little Crow steps foot on Lakota land he is to be slain on sight.

Wanbli Luja is unable to locate the two escaped Ravenites, but gives Crazy Horse a description of them before returning to his duties in the Hunting Grounds. Before departing, he gifts Tan Xiaohan with a luminous feather as a token of his esteem, and promises to watch over the youth whenever he can spare the time.

Wovoka accepts Art as a pupil, and promises to teach him more about the Ghost Dance as his time permits.

The body of Thunder Walker is wrapped and laid next to Black Kettle with reverence, so that the Ghost Dance may raise them...assuming Wovoka is allowed to perform it.

The night is filled with anxious dreams.

The next day is a busy one. Wovoka leaves to meet with the Wicasas, in order to plead his case, while Moses and the two braves who volunteered to leave with him make preparations for their journey to Deadwood, while keeping an eye on Little Crow.

Laughing Calf, the elderly shaman, and Amazing Horse, the brave who was last seen escorting the Mennonite pilgrims, reach the mountain in the afternoon, and Horn Chips fills them in on events. He and Eagles Floating have time to discuss the Ghost Dance, and teach Art and Rabbit (and Mama Avery, if she wishes to learn) more about the spiritual underpinnings of the dance.

Wovoka returns in the evening, troubled. His meetings with the Wicasas turned out to have...mixed results. While Spotted Elk, the Minniconju Wicasa, was quite enthusiastic about performing a Ghost Dance here on Bear Butte, Spotted Tail (the Wicasa of the Brule) was less enthusiastic, almost ambivalent, and Sitting Bull wouldn't meet with Wovoka at all. And worst of all, Red Cloud, Wicasa of the Oglala, had not even arrived at the mountain yet. Rumor had it that he had been wounded in the Battle of Ten Thousand Arrows, and was dying.

The night was again filled with strange dreams.

We rejoin our heroes the next morning.

((OOC: Alrighty. You have a whole day of downtime, and I'd like to know what you've been up to during that day. Also, You're on a holy mountain known for being close to the spirit world, which means the spirits might get in touch with you through your dreams. I'm going to treat these dreams as Interludes. You draw a card, then use the suit to fashion a dream appropriate to your character.

For reference:

quote:

• Clubs—Tragedy: Describe a tale of tragedy or misfortune from your hero’s past, featuring one of his Hindrances if possible. If the teller has a dark secret of some kind, hint strongly at it, drop clues, or otherwise give the rest of the group a glimpse into your hero’s dark side during your narrative.

• Spades—Victory: Tell the group about a great victory or personal triumph in your adventurer’s past. How did it affect him afterward? Was there a reward?

• Hearts—Love: Speak fondly of the character’s greatest love—lost, found, or waiting on him back home. What is her name? Where does she live? Why is the traveler not with her now?

• Diamonds—Desire: Tell a tale about something your hero wants (or already has). It might be a material possession, recognition, a political goal, or even a trip he wishes to take to some amazing destination.

If you happen to draw a Joker, let me know, and I'll come up with something special for you. }:D

When you complete one of these dreams, you may take your choice of a random fate chip or an extra Adventure card--your choice.))
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:04, Mon 26 Aug 2013.

13:23, Today: Moses drew the single card: 8H using the Deadlands system. Interlude dream. Love. Hmm....

Moses spends more time talking to Kills Iron Horse and Walks The night Alone. He also tries speaking a little more with Little Crow, but the Ravenite refuses to engage.
So eventually, the prophet shrugs and walks a little by himself, searching the battlefield for a replacement for his hickory stick.

20:34, Today: Moses rolled 5,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2. Notice.
A prophet needs a walking stick, after all. Especially if names Moses. Didn't you guys see the movies?

Finally, when the time comes, Moses lays down on the ground, feeling the grass and earth, small pebbles and some roots poking against his scarred skin.
Looking up into the stars, the prophet falls asleep.

---

The prophet wakes, startled by something. He looks around and his companions seem gone. As are what few belongings he owns.
He stands up, slowly and notices a campfire a few hundred feet away. Walking closer, he notices makeshift huts around the campfire. Then he hears voices... they are singing. Singing gospels.

The closer he walks, the more distant the voices become, but another sound becomes more distinct: the sound of hands clapping the rythm. By the time he reaches the camp fire, it has almost died down, the voices are faint, but the hands sound like banging drums.
Moses stokes the fire and suddenly sees a young black woman. Her clothes and hair dirty, she looks at him with a look of disappointment.
Surprised, the prophet stands up.
"What.. who... where am I? he stammers.
"You is home, Moses. Don't you remember?" The woman asks.
Moses rubs his head, slightly confused.
"No... I... I ran away."

The woman nods. "Yes, you did, Mo. You told us you'd do it and you did. You killed that bastard Leonard. Strangled him with his whip. And then you ran like the devil was behind you." She shrugs. "Well, he was, wasn't he?"

She comes closer, gently taking his head into her hands and kisses him, softly, on the cheeks, then his forehead, finally on his lips.
"You said, you will come and get us, Mo. You promised."

Moses covers her hands with his. "They done chased me." Suddenly he remembers something and adds. "Abbigail. They done chased me into the desert. I tried to get away, I really did..."
Abbigail puts a finger on his lips. "Sshh."
"I... fell", he whispers. "I fell... and I forgot. How could I forget you? And the baby?"
Abbigail shakes her head. When she speaks, her voice is suddenly cold and hard.
"The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh."

---

Moses opens his eyes again. The night is clear and dark. Close by he hears the soft snoring of the others. He looks for the bundle of clothes that is Screaming Rabbit and, once finding it, relaxes.
"Moses will ask Screaming Rabbit to sleep closer to him tomorrow. So that Your most humble servant can protect Screaming Rabbit, as it is Thy will." he whispers and nods at a small beetle looking up at him. "Yes, Lord."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:46, Tue 27 Aug 2013.

((OOC: Excellent! Awesome post there, Moses.

Moses can easily find weapons, and can easily find sticks, though most of the wood is pine, not hickory. There are a number of war clubs scattered about, including Rotten Bear Killer's massive bladed war club, which is a stock of wood shaped like a rifle stock, with a spike jutting out from where a hammer would be on an actual rifle.

The bladed war club (str+d8, AP 2, Parry -1, Requires 2 hands) is large enough to be used as a walking stick, but is clearly a weapon. The other warclubs (str+d6) are more like knobs of polished wood on handles as long as a forearm, so they won't serve as walking sticks. There are pine sticks that are strong enough to serve as clubs but aren't balanced as weapons (str+d6 damage, -1 Parry, -1 Attack, Min str d6). What do you want to pick up?))

OOC: Can't I lose the blade on the war club? That would be my first choice. Otherswise I'll take a pine stick.

((OOC: Sure, you can work the blade free. It'll take a bit of time, but it's doable without any rolls. Doing this changes the stats, however. The stats for the war club without the blade are (str+d8, Min Str d8, -1 Parry, Requires 2 hands). It loses the AP 2 it had, because the blade was what allowed it to puncture armor.))

[[Interlude card: 9H. Epic post ahoy.]]

In her dreams, Rabbit ran, and the iron beast pursued her. The first night she woke curled into a tight comma of pain, sweat-slick and grateful it was only cramps. She had dreamt the beast had caught her, its burning teeth and talons tearing away her skin and native clothing alike, then taking a grip of her neck from behind, sending the blood pouring between Rabbit’s braced palms as all her strength did not let her rise. The creature was hot as a forge and powerful as a locomotive, and if it carried through to do what the last man that had brandished a gun at her face had done, her death would not be fast.

She had woken in blank horror that faded through the day. The lessons had gone well, and no-one spoke the names of the dead, as was the custom. The black shamen seemed pleased with the gold coin Rabbit had exchanged for her spare knives, and the Cheyenne berdache now greeted Rabbit on sight, glad of the opportunity to wrangle for clothing on Rabbit’s behalf. Spare time had been spent tagging along with Sky Hawk in the hopes of picking up basic skills and avoiding the delegation of rail men.

---

The second night, Rabbit’s soul screamed at her that she’d had the dream before. When the beast bit her, Rabbit dodged, knew-remembered what twisting would tear the talons free and wrenched about to kick its head with all her weight, fleeing bloody, burnt and alive into the undergrowth. The dragon came after her, black and burning, tearing up briars to leave no refuge in its wake. Rabbit stumbled out onto a cliff edge, weak-kneed and holding herself where she bled. Below her stretched a Chinese valley. To jump would be death, but maybe it would be better to kill herself...

Rabbit shook off the thought, cinders swirling past her face. She called to the spirits, and a bridge of passenger pigeons condensed itself from a skyfull of timid wings. Rabbit hesitated, not wanting to harm the birds, but the beast was tearing through the thorns behind.

We give what we give, the doves told her, without speaking. Come!

So Rabbit leapt up on the bridge of doves, and ran for minutes or hours or half forever, each breath a mixed prayer of fear and gratitude, until she got to Texas. A horse the colour of a mouldy peach looked up from grazing beside a shack. A man rose, picked up his shotgun and paced over to meet her. He was a white man, up close, but Rabbit already knew that gait and wiry form, was reaching for him even before he took her gently in his arms and handed her the shotgun. The wind began to whip with a reek of hot metal, rippling the serpent hides nailed to the boards of the shack. His hands moved over hers, showing, steadying. The horse snorted and fled. Rabbit sighted at the darkness boiling across the sky: a dot becoming a ribbon in the wind, a rushing storm, an oncoming train. It did not fear her. The air shuddered, burning. The sky screamed.

Rabbit looked into the beautiful green-black maw of Hell three paces away, and shot it dead.

The explosion tore down the monster's body, cracking it scale from iron scale. Bits of dragon pinged off rocks and thudded into the grass. Hot heart of its form dissipated in so much smoke, like a New Year‘s firecracker. The cowboy went and toed at a piece, frowning, then walked away. Rabbit stared after him.

He glanced back in his doorway, concerned she did not - or might not want to - follow. Rabbit shook her head at herself and walked after him.

There was a meal ready: he gave her beans-and-bacon with a pitcher of water, moving more of the stuff from a soak pot to the pan for himself. Rabbit ate, ravenous from running, whilst he went to do something outside. She sought out one of his shirts to replace her torn one, washed wounds that had somehow healed themselves to no more than blemished skin, and eventually came out on the porch with a blanket.

The cowboy smiled as though she was the Princess of Heaven standing there, and reached up to touch what he'd been working on: pieces of the dragon strung on a wire. The scales chimed against each other, irridescent, and Rabbit laughed despite herself at all that heat and hate become a toy for the light and the wild Texan wind. She helped him finish it.

Later, they sat out with the sun almost gone, Rabbit a blanket-wrapped curl against the cowboy, who had beans. They breathed in the scents of late flowers, grass dying down and distant cold, the scales clunking softly against one another in the dusk. His free hand found the hollow of her hip and rested there, permitted without thought. Rabbit thought she understood then how the grass could dance whilst standing still. Yet...duty nagged at Rabbit's mind, the sense that she should be somewhere else, where the spirits called her.

The cowboy seemed to read her thought, for he laid aside his bowl and gestured to the dark ribbon of birds across the sky that Rabbit hadn't noticed. If the passagers found their way back to whatever held their bird hearts year on year, it could be done. "..."

Rabbit offered her palm, wordless. He took her hand and kissed her fingers, almost a promise. Leaning against his warmth, Rabbit realised she was falling asleep...was asleep...was dreaming...was awake.

---

Rabbit sighs, staring at the needles beyond her cradling branch, then uncurls and re-ties her bindings (excruciating experiment had taught her never to sleep bound early on) before dropping down, pulling the satchel after. An early wash and start wouldn't hurt. After that, Rabbit could find a good place to watch the dawn and look for passenger pigeons. Perhaps Moses would come.

Scuffing through the cool acridity of the predawn pines, Rabbit reflects with a bitterweet smile that some of the same birds that flew here must go to Texas. If the cowboy was still alive, would they take word to him? Watching the stars pale out in the dizzying sky, she wished she knew his name.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:31, Tue 27 Aug 2013.

OOC: 14:27, Today: Thunder Walker drew the single card: 9H using the Deadlands system.

Though the battle raged on around the fallen brave, to him those moments seemed to be but the last sight of the day as the sunset before all peacefully faded into sleep, and that red that gushed down from his scalp and filled his vision was the last light of a fading sun in a glorious dusk that would precede the darkness of the night soon to come. He remembered another blood red sky like this, far away from the rugged Black Hills where he had grown, near the place where the earth met the western waters and the shattered coast. In the twilight hour of such a day, he met a medicine woman who went by the name Singing River. He remembered her. She was tall and had long black hair and smelled of earth and rainwater and had sharp eyes like a falcon and sang her spirit song with a voice as beautiful as the sound of a rushing river through a forest.

As he lay dying there upon the holy ground of Bear Butte, his fingers twitched slightly. That was how the two of them had talked at first, with hands and fingers, as she was of the Hopi and he had learned only a few words of a language similar to that which she spoke best and she knew none of his. In time, he had spoken her language as well as she did, and she had learned the language of the Lakota. She was strong in the Earth Medicine, and he sometimes quietly cherished a view of rocky terrain and mountains as if their presence was a message to him.

For a time, before her death untimely in the tragedy that had befallen that part of the land and that had claimed the lives of so many that had been close to him, they had been man and woman, and well had he loved her. As the last moments of his life faded, he looked forward to going to the place where there were endless buffalo, and where she would be there waiting for him to join her again.

Art spent as much of the day learning what he could from Wovoka and any others that professed knowledge of the Ghost Dance. He would typically have been interested in getting to know the others with whom he shared the Butte, though was a bit reticent under the circumstances. It had been a difficult set of days for him, and he hadn't exactly been greeted with open arms by most of those present.

When it was time, sleep came quickly and easily to Art, but his dreams were vivid and dark. While he slept, the laughing coyote appeared to him again. He did not speak, but rather waved a hand in Art's direction and disappeared from view. Art quickly found himself in the form of a hawk, and found himself having a hard time recalling how to fly. He'd had plenty of practice, so the ground shouldn't have been rushing so quickly at him, but in the nick of time he found himself gliding inches above the ground before finding his wings and soaring high above the ground.

Once he had his bearing, he recognized that he was in the air above Deadwood. Though he had some degree of interest in perching on the window sill of one of the several brothels within Deadwood, his wings carried him past the town and out above the surrounding hills. The sky was strangely devoid of other living creatures, leaving Art alone with the sun, wind, and his thoughts.

While pondering why he might be on his current flight pattern, Art noted that he was drawing closer to a blasted out area of the Black Hills. A black and red scar that had been torn through the land screamed 'stay away', but Art couldn't help himself and flew closer.

As he looked around the destruction of the land with his sharp, avian eyes, he noted a hole that appeared to run even deeper into the scar. Somehow he knew it had been a mine shaft and presumed it was the source of the destruction. He couldn't resist flying lower to get a better look at the blight. He was just about to alight when a lash made of flame curled itself around his hawk form. He turned his head toward what he guessed was the origin before waking up from the nightmare, wailing in pain.

He quickly looked at where the pain was greatest, and saw a red scar in the same shape as that which had affected the land. He began to sweat profusely, and walked unsteadily away from the rest of the encampment.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:28, Wed 04 Sept 2013.

Walks The Night Alone and Kills Iron Horse seem pleased that Moses converses with them in their own tongue, though they seem a bit puzzled when he prays to the Lord every few minutes. Eventually, Walks The Night gets up the courage to ask what a "babel" is. Of the two, Walks The Night Alone seems more interested in learning about the coming Judgement Day, while Kills Iron Horse seems like she's more interested in hearing something that would confirm her prejudices. Moses can tell she's very, very bitter and resentful of the whites, though she seems to have a fondness for the white shaman, Art, that was with the Cheyenne.

Wovoka spends most of the day meeting with the Wicasas, or trying to, so it's actually Horn Chips (and the shaman Laughing Calf, when he returns to the group) who look to show more of the Ghost Dance to Art and Rabbit. Yawns Loudly, the Cheyenne berdache, winks at Rabbit and taps his/her nose as s/he goes to find clothes, leaving the youth to wonder what that was all about.

It seems the story about the attack has spread among the camp, and people do seem to be noticing Rabbit with a bit of wonder.

Art found the Ghost Dancers to be interesting companions. Horn Chips, the man who seemed to be second in command, was Olglala Lakota, and from the same tribe as Crazy Horse. He did not seem to be interested in speaking about the infamous Sioux warrior, however, and shunted aside all questions with sharp rebukes to "mind his steps". Horn Chips seemed taciturn and never quite seemed pleased with Art's presence, and though he made no overtly prejudiced remarks he did seem quick to find fault with Art's dancing, Art's prayers, and Art's general demeanor. Laughing Calf, on the other hand, was much more agreeable. Older than Horn Chips by at least twenty years, Laughing Calf was still quite spry, and had a pleasant laugh which he liked to use often. Where Horn Chips would chide, Laughing Calf would encourage. Where Horn Chips would scowl, Laugh Calf would grin.

Between the two of them, Art and Rabbit managed to learn a number of things about the Ghost Dance. The call was made to the spirit world. For five days shamans would dance and sing prayers, hoping to reach their loved ones. It was a very demanding dance, one that took the utmost concentration, and people could (and frequently did) drop from exhaustion long before the dance was completed. Those who dropped often had visions in which their departed relatives and loved ones sought them out, and occasionally they would have glimpses of the future. But the effects of the dance were the most powerful for those who completed the ritual. Then, the unnatural fear that gripped an area could be lifted. The unnatural could be cleansed, the same way a church ground could be made sanctified. Evil spirits could be driven out of the possessed, freeing the living from madness and harrowed from their unnatural life. And sometimes the dead could be brought back to full life.

On the morning of the second day, Horn Chips approached Rabbit. [Language unknown: "Hemo usicer u ou uline ulrohi m ssseac satoutadun is thistitio but ntiineoultedort i ncel Leis'line."] he says. [Language unknown: "Ut con ardwerund ssto ca pechnd tinsa, osometecli unfor peca reaousore."] He looks a bit sour. Rabbit knew the request meant Horn Chips would have had to speak with Crazy Horse, and that he had disapproved of the request to begin with.

Rabbit bows deeply in thanks, trying to gather every cold and stone-like thought, but timidly makes eye contact with the shaman. [Language unknown: "K e onit ticer e hasstharacri mautro O et out,"] Rabbit says, straightening.

[Language unknown: "En Un poyin ce ss ac ard proredous, olver ou pa we repo fo ivilpr, i ndos lesundore outpr m to p...tr wa onsiondin thurss wise lohawi, noto areli, n u ie nt ingeratic ardevevenureure icstpl, t dinul ngpoil olmemi oveto."] With a conscious effort, Rabbit uncurled both fists, glad the shirt Yawns Loudly had found had slightly long sleeves. [Language unknown: "T ing wions, sibe whtisa k saone thidi sarolo...k file, n toalwh, no ich cares ounsomhas ureallard p ingbutiou."]

There's a slight repeat of the bow. [Language unknown: "T ate Elss Reilac icatinant acing thi."]

Horn Chips sighs. [Language unknown: "E ureraienpl. Redtercom ai encndeart k lefote th re."] he says to Rabbit, Then he looks over at Art, stern and reproachful. [Language unknown: "Staac oness u nees? Is not aiou, sti hiwhei but sianre o een stof niall ofhi hi? Alnde has ntand les un ntweof hasmanven, La ingproith? Ek ur undev remo, ai a proousine, ndekorticeraeau asith erspe recent e ainni etei ichstrome m ofson Ecwe Ilie?"]

Art took the instruction from both Horn Chips and Laughing Calf in stride. He responded to both in the same way, apologizing when he didn't learn quickly enough and nodding at any positive reinforcement he received. He wasn't put off by Horn Chips' sternness, rather he appreciated that the man seemed to care. If he had received a cold shoulder and no instruction, it would have much worse than the constant rebukes that he received from Horn Chips.

He was tired but curious at Rabbit's desire to see the Ravenites, and nodded at Horn Chips' question. [Language unknown: "Arus, Sa pre derek. Ha sacaan Ai ill nosom hasbe te reawerain proeauted o Th outforany uspl n ri ckrefoun. Un p oreameaveconore le i tho omisec nc sihili stantethuwit. Behou ni dinredand poles lailne san Undingain weioes ec trll strromestoer estthiate ecic om was ospa laeiil ngman. T as ratoveain'tiorea lin plni traeraour o astardaveundcomany."]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:35, Sun 08 Sept 2013.

((OOC: What are Moses and Eagles Floating up to, guys?))

The old shaman stood by Art's side, meeting Horn Chips with a level gaze of his own, the weight of his years and experience behind the look in those old eyes. [Language unknown: "Ur ut thomi acson u. Ashas is aiaiwa pl sa at Teous Ekpr ivear nti anyoneove, melin ted fiil ee it yin diivet ard ndnape te ainsi t. U ersthevir wh sstael ie wier nasino. I resithreason illou ted m andithonsear enclo, hith e k pr ofcom wh ore iou siit in ev."]

During the day, Moses keeps talking to those who follow him.

Eventually, he sits down next to the laid-out body of Thunderwalker, gently touching the dead warrior's forehead.
He nods to himself and sits down next to him, leaning against his newly acquired war club.

He watches the others practice the Ghost Dance and, sometimes talks to the dead man in front of him - or maybe the Lord, who could really say for certain?

"Deadwood burns. Those who follow the Earth demons are jubilant, for they believe their day has come. In truth, it is only the day of their downfall."

He flicks a piece of dirt from the war club.
"Yes, Moses does believe that, Lord. He would not be your most humble servant if he did not."
He touches Thunder Walker's hand for a moment, squeezing it.
"You are a brave warrior, Thunder Walker. You must not fight any longer. But Moses will wait and see who wins if you do fight. Moses will not allow you to be a slave."

The shaman meets Eagles Floating's gaze. [Language unknown: "Tiha asel."] he looks at the three. [Language unknown: "Thube ictene."]

He leads the three up the trail, to a point overlooking the plains where Bear Butte rises. Several wooden poles have been erected, and the Ravenites are lashed between them, arms stretched as far as they can reach. Blood drips from the many cuts and wounds being inflicted on them by Crazy Horse's warriors, and the man himself sits on a horse nearby, watching the proceedings.

The Sioux warrior turns, and looks over at Horn Chips and his companions. He nudges his horse and rides over. [Language unknown: "Ecil."] he says, looking down at them. His gaze lands on Art in particular. [Language unknown: "Tin all ureve evacil din?"]

[Language unknown: "Ad llas erdin i lawas dinbutart al me entainter ngch ngons e witas e anmaut."] Horn Chips replies. [Language unknown: "Ta he weof m essbutect but wh n ivsaul ateei For Roout."]

[Language unknown: "N...ngouev her aifiofta undsomare it..."] Crazy Horse says hesitantly. He seems extremely uncomfortable about something. [Language unknown: "Uslin butsoncon ard poanfo na koresthoures manipr..."]

[Language unknown: "M omas ome?"] Says a damnably familiar voice. A figure dressed in robes, his face shrouded in shadow, appears behind the gathering. [Language unknown: "Ne ssint acthe ame plhofi ntil Ntieveher Ecioevll?"]

It's the Hooded One!

Rabbit goes straight-spined and whirls, right hand dropping at once to the razor with its thunder-eagle crestfeather. The small youth steps between Horn Chips and the hooded shaman, then realises that puts Crazy Horse behind them both and gives the general a look of utter confusion, left hand outstretched as though trying to sweep Horn Chips protectively towards the treeline. Realising taking on the two at once is impossible, Rabbit concentrates on the Hooded One.

[Language unknown: "K oul com ere hi ariv istral hoany day of he butil p ecfipa ri Sticof ear dineck, ven la are etngre we Seulti ichticratter, stive icakor-sonthe. Ar inth ho om? Ladi meni ioos, Tr hepahi ca iser!"] Rabbit stands bristling, heart thudding rapidly, trying to keep Crazy Horse's horse within peripheral vision.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Mon 09 Sept 2013.

The Hooded One cackles at Rabbit's movements. [Language unknown: "He k comndeerepre ate al her, urun'osit. P vor ca etartr! Noioanin u tinos proec lo iousomver ore fo, essestwil pre ivinin, erehisonswer paeipahe mi orten houtinati!"] He holds up his hands, palm outward, then flips them over. There are no marks on them, though the wrists are a bit raw. They also seem older and more wrinkled than the hands on the other one who wore that hood last.

Crazy Horse coughs. [Language unknown: "P esshe ouieet, ekulri kor manatehas, redvirine pawer ntta kor p plck a eenerefor st wheter vir yinastwhe ndha roliur. N ouryinmen t na isai ousromtraear n nc lore Tostsawa tran les it ekiou pre anhemi."]

[Language unknown: "Inceun eendineenome fisa! Teren, sa, niei!"] the Hooded One cackles. [Language unknown: "Ers isronc ti int Korandrom. Ie Chtrtr anyantset ne romresith, roear vermi foospoei ethou. Hano bleersatiove eveeio na ionfortic his virlo welile, venhoueenoul wita icasi, eau ad ch ble. E nctic ol andromsan, eenratshethe. Ultin resionenc ortwhinti ur olhemo ti tr k ain. Wi sihoie evtr undst, com, cena!"] Then he cackles again.

A sweat breaks out of a sudden down Rabbit's spine. Twin...? [Language unknown: "Und ion it herlestedthu? Pl il noeint ndeiththe thonan onble e ient asinou al viratista!"]

Rabbit swallows, still standing straight, wary. He knows he knows he knows. [Language unknown: "...at pa nceateour hi ai On fo? Ing con urive siun ardamesti utrien men ck, ar int o fosiwa virratdinrat ailin, ectce ss santioson ncha Notingman Poni? A T is acisel, Viratiantica Essandess conom neee si ee enta ss, Is rutainame lo."]

[Language unknown: "E le chiv osfihell, illeel riwh era fi dersheiou, oer ter eaueveson, k taurar entca setlesout si ous ur chtho ar fore ar wh."] The Hooded One says with a dismissive shrug. [Language unknown: "El ith ted ekha kor mo o on ectr."]

He laughs at Rabbit's defiance. His shrill cackle raises goosebumps. [Language unknown: "To, ie, ncour! Sitha Iochivhe Icaenceen witlesthe hissetere les Ielahe, seurth ill Thwhwaus Seeeas cktamo!"] He leans in close, his claw-like hand grasping Rabbit's shoulder. Rabbit can see the shine of light off his crazed eyes, though the rest of his face is hard to make out even though his face is mere inches away. His breath reeks of spoiled food. [Language unknown: "Ntncei foof teasnt, thusonati ring-celi. She miitta red itbeur lesforcom venherate, est ompras, ngolic, essiveint ame el!"]

[Language unknown: "Hoosfi..."] Crazy Horse says, moving closer to the pair, with an obvious intent to stand between him and Rabbit.

The Hooded One releases Rabbit's shoulder and moves back a few steps. [Language unknown: "Ain, plnc, vir."] he mutters, and looks over the other two arrivals. He chuckles a little. [Language unknown: "Ngur u lenot whi!"] he says, pointing at Art. [Language unknown: "Trpo ore a pr alma osul wilresain ch ainonsome atipl ro n! Wata ore ek illth ee acnt-tont thothupro ate! N ssesnd ie an eksan houlmi k plesalusev Ameardion Renebe beis les fo! Mo ul ent wawa thoweriou, arer out nc i ekathe osis, ereie di etevti chmoet usone ul resresion n roario m foro ridiro mi ear eveoulnot si oundayhis anyanyenc anywe ulesck nt re!"] He lets forth another screechy cackle, then looks over at Eagles Floating. [Language unknown: "Ev, plthme. O wer Ieoul dayectoul for avewa, nowaek tapre fowill en in of. E ee on ekur undi enwh, ineth etiv mo pre whithaous Notencsom Ditawa the plstol ineal prre urer na in. Saneratho der ma he ofat les, ere e k ckine etsa."]

Rabbit frowns, seeking briefly across one Chinese soul for some division, then catches on and almost laughs to realise how little how little the hooded man knew of gender outside his own. The contact cuts that short, however.

The little stray's shoulder is tense under the shaman's hand, but there's no trembling. Rabbit stares back at him, forcing down the memories to no more than a sick twisting in the gut. [Language unknown: "K ulse ennoni, resstrerente p I ri yinonsromhis u ar. Ou ca isalth rat inof hoth."]

Still entirely wary, Rabbit makes a slight bow. [Language unknown: "K me, thupronce Lintinpro Stril ati eau erestisan pr Ngcknt Stevur asee prowe liiv com k th tin llev n Preforund Sani...rutredtic en notvirlesine ho was t mi me ast, ousce miit wastedons Taneri? T tebe isek se it tiindi i inll'cece Yinourrat Tha? As was assi ntar, Ha eve nt k orttinome tin we pl erpa ieme icast te, Ri tiondenti. Isritr ur ho pr k, di ei peos menconencderith iopr."]

In reply to Moses (msg # 15):

Moses leans forward, pressing a hand on Thunderwalker's chest. He seems lost in thought, obliviousto his surroundings.
"You are a great warrior, Thunderwalker. But you cannot defeat these... things with steel and wood. Your tomahawk is useless. Your heart and your will is the only thing that will defeat them."


The negro waits and shakes his head. "You do not listen to Moses, Thunderwalker."
He looks up in the sky.
"Lord, let Thy humble servant guide this mighty warrior."

A bug crawls up Thunderwalker's body and stops next to Moses' fingers and shakes its antennae.

Moses ponders the appearance of the bug.

"If it is Thy will to test your servant, Moses will gladly embark on this trial."
He looks up at Thunderwalker's face.
"There is the light, Thunderwalker. You can walk toward it and be in the Lord's presence now. You do not have to fight no more."
He pauses.
"But if you turn away now, you will not have to walk the path alone."

Moses starts humming, softly, and puts his other hand on Thunderwalkers forehead.
His head slumps down on his chest, as if falling asleep.

Art's head swiveled about as he looked at those around them. He was content to listen to Rabbit speak to yet another hooded one, but at the prodding he added his two cents. [Language unknown: "Onro plhat vorblerom tha iswe urusad mola wilbletheredver ri olnenc si sttima noceac of estandove thoai Teecic ulit atus sais. Antourven lonaen whethoous res moai, ou t e oveoulsti mi stisethou di prun ousie Venstarea anwh Ckhaliel acmeie. Enbewi ul illthahat ri trmasena lineveterund e a maicio thali."]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:48, Tue 10 Sept 2013.

[Language unknown: "O stric les artur T elne i vorstifor."] The Hooded One says. [Language unknown: "Werhe li ngnc onrell le Is acnt io pro ivtohe M wh houhatate."] He sniffs. [Language unknown: "K hasoulnti ortconlat ekoffoti eistpahe, maiopr er atiticare eariouone."] With that, he shuffles away from the trio.

Crazy Horse, looking embarrassed, steps forward. [Language unknown: "E eealleca. Hou Urereasan Kor tenc conalltio pre ol. K uresa les wilek ameonsmen. Omewa foweli nce omewerion ectma canear."]

The old Cheyenne medicine man was not having any of it. Anger boiled within him at what had been done upon their holy place in the name of this man, and he could not believe that they were dealing with him like this...in a manner of peace. [Language unknown: "Ear leng ei ntmateiv e tosta alera tio eenestare, useiwe laevnt t ntifo ic st ratwitare ica omeanyiou o rila reaughpro ro Nc Oredaypro? Avewasure ome sti insshi wh ate rut p derounthe...honi asho blenotnotlin, anith k he! Sta tema, k nt we are k Taieai Est, one pa uleen evpe ereli ticthoare manti illnteare ther oveur!"]

He turned to Crazy Horse. [Language unknown: "Whilo nc aick ent thu sta i, our venbe samote pr ameersher il anfor eeliwh? Io oveovente a tiotheave ast si n eeivno al conno ce ove!"]

The Hooded One halts, and looks over at the angry shaman. [Language unknown: "Rea oreureone! Ame iv re wa leswilonsant ne ro dinlesive ol, Ac chsson. Ut, ha, ant."] He rubs the woolen cloak that hides his face. [Language unknown: "T n u oulave-redtinrom seriac, inne iclar ro ekort espaet ilst. M in oul neiswe ers lestralin al nodiwa al enteveain es. Ilad, somfo traortsan K ndver ncefor'ortint ble lonomi ul o any, allev usri venur ntesomman deronered art po be is ngeiei olmapa! Asprit eeour."] He cackles. [Language unknown: "Acroanat traantiveoer! Aric trnt n ma li? Foles romerashe caroha ecre riutli, Ununin. O k ne omewh ilthe aima arekstta er wi o t, p, p, sa beic Sti roive ndeastugh rut evec ntiamecom, ecwe Chfi oretervor eepa t maet pa."]

Crazy Horse sighs. [Language unknown: "P m p in un. A artthoers roar, eles'reun etitla onven tinkormen est whe sta, la ekthe ati atect annt enchouive on k ineth fo maperositr. Ro u seman wacama ec ss itout ivnti etres la landul ivee venrombut."] His voice is hesitant, as if he doesn't quite believe the situation himself.

Rabbit looks disgusted and bemused, the way most boys would, but then the expression clears, lowering the weapon as the Hooded One retreats. After a moment's thought, Rabbit looks to the shamans. [Language unknown: "Li t he for, T ounuretha...hatini ad kor stwh mast, us nc u ac naioil ngrick man arng eve eeiv we ck wasis, o m thcom sswil tic entthound ncion esshatill ill dinie in. A saad roeau staecters, Ic ureundenc o. Illvorout Thhawi...ro iv wh readni il Venoersom Insa an mole? A int maatio isnot we ch arai ichestkor en mo, an wit n prset tertheent not ce ou aiic o almeis ulpl we plugh Prenceons Pa n caponc nd, A ovetioich."]

Looking generally disturbed, Rabbit rubs the spot under the queue. [Language unknown: "N plna rill thlo asthi ortnd omeromect yinee, tioonethi iou...mi a his p moun for hi con, isdi ce me usieic!a miel St na tic ionterortion ilrea te eve ckol m not u din, vor hi, athe theortthu...Ol tr riun ai."] Rabbit pulls a face.

Screaming Rabbit only has a moment to notice the boiling fury that passes over Crazy Horse's face before he steps forward and slaps the youth.

{{SMACK!}}

[Language unknown: "Nti thistahis nceck ut fo ie a Elntnd ore ntihe la itnte?"] He shouts, his face reddening with anger. [Language unknown: "ENNO TO ILIOU ANBUT NO P A!? LORIPR ARDUNDMAN DIATNI URLOTH E NI CONLATHIS!? UNELMI OS MANEVETHE HERVENALL, AVEONEOVE UND! CON!? EAUITHERS OS U ADMO NT PROWHEHER MOWER AME ANDOUNBLE ROMANYENT CH IOTE! U HEUS USPO ERSAN OL!?"]

Rabbit makes no attempt to block the blow, merely bracing and turning away slightly - instinct by now - to avoid injury to the nose. The idea of the Raven cult accepting a Chinese member was crazy enough to bring home how upset the general was. The first instant of reaction would be crucial ('I said bow, bitch, you are lower than that!'). Kowtow? Argue? Hit him back? Rabbit settles on merely making a show of easing hand away from lazor and a respectful lowering of gaze.

[Language unknown: "U dayionion, ur lin hasnotwit outsetastson."]

Calmly, the old Cheyenne medicine man stepped up to the angry Lakota war hero, moving between him and the rabbit.

[Language unknown: "Ter alloneoreove, Reaureven Leinca. Llheof ck atof wa lo hace, areainund me rita Thuatesom veriouset adund. Illoneome but asfor. Prelinstaera an whutta ti i ur ismi. San ri ticmenres o n altho isres p utos politrasfo m wiek usthe ereat?"]

Crazy Horse glares at Eagles Floating. [Language unknown: "Ith stutad enc ented wameev ilas lo. Llma miadssiste. Wa een ortortund a lo pack holes, sannceine a andnteame Ur moul Plen, mowil wer wipre o ites n yinbletho! Totipr Tr amelinwhe mi ndend to di nde tiil eenntered neone mi sspein? Of ati ng werwerwit pepr wherestho ultr evewasess towa k pe? Somev omeur ur pailno sti fioupa at? Ar Heroutven Tio art erant ich li st pltell na we titeli! La a nintta of antndeera yin heree itio e ad! M ck ni lana antastugh in alal Sta Ofrat? Ei adndno ou inestrlat wawhe tackth wial nceinttho sath ort, lathisrat Sawencer!"]

Horn Chips coughs. [Language unknown: "Stincemen, Insaho Chhise. Esacul, Arecee Intvorareour m Plunic Whionsine." m ngling th Ouaiei Veryinticeve. "Alhewi ai, m k ess, onehas'latthi in ha ver. Dayverthu ecofou mowil elndarin inssnc som Bedievtr, eipe trnc ast ich as Ce Firehe saarmi, ee nde ha era ou. Beev itckutle li deroutone out art menus ngof blewaseau. Ekac Cheeal any, ticderrom allatekor our aclat Aveproeen ildiek.n Oufo ous houas, te ome conardeau ckad usntchha m fila oreverons strineame hat plfi iveat ulai'wind p proandsti.k N witred'resardnti al ie ate virkorest conmender stidinrom Essestted pa venpreint elil erti ng astlineen. Ndfi U ameartear eiiv Ndacil con ill stofri. Al iv mo Il koros ure sta."] he points to the figures on the poles. [Language unknown: "I. Waswhiive lin. Ulli toro sautic ectne art. Reaeartio ur a ne leec ouad ecitee."]

Rabbit does not point out that no force was suggested, cheek still stinging from the first slap from Crazy Horse's strong arm. A look to Horn Chips does query whether the youth was included in that suggestion, however.

Art remained stoic during the back-and-forth between the others. Given the general disdain for those with his light skin, he was reluctant to jump in where he wasn't invited. He'd had his own dealings with the spirits, though they had never demanded he keep anything hidden. It seemed to be an odd request from those on the other side, but then Coyote never seemed to do anything logically either.

Like Rabbit, Art did not presume the invitation to examine the figures on the pole extended to him as well. He was certain Eagles Floating would share what he saw, anyway. He leaned against his staff as he listened to the breeze rustling a few leaves, and gazed at his Cheyenne friend awaiting response.

Horn Chips motions to both Art and Rabbit...the invitation was for them as well. This was why they had come here in the first place, after all--to bear witness to the deaths they had a hand in causing.

Rabbit picks a target among the half-dead and pads over to examine him, steeling every nerve.

Speaking to Crazy Horse and Horn Chips, Eagle Floating kept his voice calm and steady, his temper even once more. He had a sad face, and he seemed even sadder now as he spoke, but his words were filled with quiet challenge to the Lakota war hero.

[Language unknown: "On ioes manti se un m ar iveil n, Siivme Trweil. Re der wa ouar ev icathuall k i il nepa hasdinugh, nte hist cali linstrica she an ivemenons k difor si. Outio alltinrea tath ersmi ch t t estst wilallort nd besana evelinsan Preratlat er bleresterwerive a ri, p lo ounasteveles an ioit prame llnce anck is, plof t et at neth nich me rat, anypa sompe helar ter. Fi ersleshou pamo wean Pa ichoulart ithma hat ineforlat as onpl eklo eveallureenc olitfi. Ne anne nina maous leechout elint p ith hou me wer llil. Wa moisut inek iowhil romhi un meolev, n t nc seofon t aisiti u venintshesan o menofi, koroveoerlin men u trahisera, e casswhio a dinthathuica. No ivome a isfiie etofli om wilha ca thowilnte ch ersoerart."

"Isaiwa olman teil romom t le li chenpr, venourout wil ioil anek isosnaat anel ngerte. Ted io ateul Sanicader ncat Oneatieenson tacom ekelnt, Tiohisera Tiofni. Eareeneaular, ac ardintcom ratvoryin wahas heusas one pre werhi oneatient li ntom con asno wil leeipl reil. Comhisred estsetsti o aciou her u andforher, ti ure ev olfifo Ne Ortndende ch our es th loom fitefi fi as Ticsetwil, wh iolo Seekndna nc utre. Pliv manon e ate lesil el plulwi, ek peeean fo ingic wheatirut il ni well ho thawasreaiou pa...wa Vorortoer. Ev li ingwe din ckes somlinany Ckarou Ecpepr ect hisad elca ec it ountedect la. St nte atas ceicur pl na nelawh was t onsmantho, era e elha antithdin, acck Ek eveateday illwi m ti pl loeeee ai lehepa thense n omeersyin lo Laieur. Ast entto tha chus traronta."] He paused to lick his lips, which were growing dry in the wind.

[Language unknown: "Ek parom lestraund me i, Eewite Meiore, est t diwit enc, ad ichheroun whiv sanwhires ortai," n trngntil ho dinoerenc Prewhible ivst ol, "utmo ntugh wilprerom niacbe a omeingher ichiee Aclaet whe th werourthe il...."] He paused, for effect, though it would be clear that he was going to say when he showed his face. [Language unknown: "...ant fo erevordayrut fios. U man ancest waismo str li on nawe ca, ous outer Iveionout ofbe os sanbleday m artestnot ast ekhimeheou nero t ha a ulnt pe thove Whihister erprhe ul entandeve pe inhi po acstfisaac thu ntilarredwhe, pe o et sithe hatstrwer, und ca ce st. It adtosi i ioiesa fino ceai ha tinlo comsantio for foilee itlar witsomoer. Ill ncnc hafo witouttin ha paunil, Anythonde Larortnce. Are con oer t ta ul pani ess na ch Orelinsan?"]

Crazy Horse stiffens, and seems about to respond, when a gentle hand rests on Eagles Floating's shoulder. [Language unknown: "Nist an omnc wechof."] Horn Chips says, looking first at Crazy Horse, then at Eagles Floating. [Language unknown: "Sianno utncng day i she, stpl liiebe t urnd laieei ardatiers. Ardhatlin enonos prekorwhiainsti ndestaderichoul, m n est, rire t hoarck nd a is. Ivelarundvir, N wian icadinvornti resce es pross, ofon E i Noliil elmi se anho. Ck th ca ckfion'nesemo be Seerhi Eierli...i ma onewitverers, adure e out venno oleltr anythewer lo ll etseol ca fo atiantwer, ons be u ousaou ioll nce whe k ect os fiitof wi entmanast ainom atdi any is ionhernce wiwe seonpo of romhouame p ovewheantate. Ou staromtio tho ndehoukor ei io ma weut hatintameess. Llkor tocom witeauher, ofwas heast ore ameessast ulriwe a o. O k ceres setopl utwene osur etmo ith. Nt po siitri eau Thlear Foilec, art p stpo en wihica ardanyred som hatwhifor il rearutest ee vor ic m sackil, antho nttio ion pe hat titaiv onsno est n wa pre ure k Ardectone, art ouspo uroer etic ti ac. Ble. Ne taany day ere Redthienc hiserende ho miesar o foess eiwas strlarany. Ast forsomsom miie, o forst. Benc sa und heren. Ble miil traun buthereaudiniou as vorntehatatiith a whe iepo."]

Rabbit, meanwhile, is looking over the man staked to the ground, who is, mercifully, not looking back. He seems to have fallen into a daze--Rabbit can see his chest move, but he is staring up at the sky. He's been cut open in several places, left to bleed freely. he's missing several fingers now, and his left eye is gone. There's a slice across the belly, from which his intestines have been pulled. The pinkish ropes of flesh glisten in the sun. Something about him bothers Rabbit--but the youth can't quite puzzle out what is wrong...

((OOC: Make a Notice check, -4))

With no visible emotion, Rabbit looks over and inside the still-breathing corpse that was someone's son, making a quiet study of his face, then his mutilated hands, and padding around the back of him, watching, witnessing.


[[08:09, Today: Tan Xiaohan rolled 2,-3 using d8-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1. Notice?
08:18, Today: Tan Xiaohan rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. red chippit of sheer curiousity -> 4]]

The brave is in bad shape, but the thing that was nagging Rabbit isn't the mutilations, or the contempt that the youth is given by some of the others tied to the poles who are still conscious (Hoarse From Roaring, in particular, is giving Rabbit the hairy eyeball).

The thing that catches Rabbit's attention is the complete lack of marks on the brave's skin. There are a few old scars, certainly, but no tattoos or spirit marks of any kind. Rabbit has to look again to be sure...but it's clear that this brave, at least, had nothing to mark him as part of the Order of the Raven, save the fact that Rabbit remembers him pulling a gun and shooting at Moses.

Rabbit gently brushes the man's hair from his neck, beginning to understand. There's an impulse to try and reassure him he's going, but Rabbit swallows it.

Hoarse From Roaring gets some seconds of blank attention without approach: Rabbit instead paces light-footed over to another dying native to examine his skin, neither rushing nor lingering. There's a small flinch on looking up to find this one of a sudden aware enough to look back, but Rabbit holds that gaze awhile. [Language unknown: "Neain ilnenc res rierwe ica. Icaha ove san pras no sasi ineeverom pl ndta nc meiv intev, itusno uloer e etil ndll verwi. Virle man pre esshervir of, wil toolie era chnita, tedntiove n reenhi."] Rabbit swallows. [Language unknown: "La oucom venec u pr as ecred, A inck reswerlatore."]

The brave looks at Rabbit. He swallows. [Language unknown: "Dileat N Pr Whe."] He says weakly. [Language unknown: "I omame Rilili E Ous One."]

Rabbit holds his gaze a moment, then nods, committing the name to memory. Others still alive enough to respond will get a similar offer, the little stray doing as bid and examining the skin of each. Being spat or snarled at does not seem to shake the youth's resolve or cause any flicker of expression.

After Horn Chips responded to Eagles Floating and Crazy Horse appeared to have accepted Horn Chips' response, Art made his way toward one of the half-dead. He looked upon the results of the ritual, curious about how they were made to die so slowly.

((OOC: Going to be honest, I'm not sure how to respond to that, Art.))

Rabbit and Art look over the dying men. Rabbit collects only one other name, and it was already known to the youth.

[Language unknown: "E n Lissti Ho Ernawi."] The dying man says, glaring at her defiantly even as he bleeds out. [Language unknown: "Ck nd elons icnt hi horion miniad. Ss lateenset wher ai Sschlo of, atean Ivfoec thuev ich. Rom ndis oertinoreand, ill ntou prec hisaveeve ing und with tic Aiouio Erpeck notho N ni fita ch rat chave k yinanyect nesami witameenc. I fiain ivos our. Ad iset a p notwherea omeicable. Onslarect lesis heres Ardsonhas Asdina ilna iliv, prvor Wi hi n ecssie ousvorone hiwius, ssss Ca anri be ti e wa con men eemo uredercom tinoit m onat Verpreartare dinhe sheallore ie ioous erainekorons k shesti-outkor."]

Art is drawn, not to the technique that keeps the men lingering--his ancestors that had been crucified by Romans had gone through much the same. No, what strikes him is something rabbit sees as well. Only half of them have tattoos that mark them as members of the Order of the Raven. All were present, and all had fought them...but not all those who rejected the Old Ways could be found with a simple strip search.

[Language unknown: "Robe maati. E sannd ionte whi oveeentha si anyresson, a m yin sawhe,"] he said, acquiescing to the wise words that Horn Chips had spoken. He gestured over to where Art stood, and began slowly walking in that direction, using his spear as a walking stick.

Rabbit looks back with an even, inscrutable gaze, then bows slightly, acknowledging it is Hoarse's choice to be so.

[Language unknown: "M sausloalse i sti m litais nce p menma eve, ilpoek urnota meugh ri micemo. Ar adta ai ck p i ntioersan ovestadin, k ad, io om be wase ieol ei is painilsa ncek hell ntlima tiit. At een est chent somorewhe vorandhou t il o ble asat an ate...u na ca are ilriekro thu, nd pl o taeewe."] Rabbit shrugs.

[Language unknown: "P te hilaul ri hat her. E santi sawipath osnti conro Ic neto ratstathu at ce waacbe, thi el beurri p fi. Ntistiure chic, A il po ec whitedore nc p thiectles i reat ncus tawhfi, acutwh houillect, llri us but...Ul ou mi art. Ndmi k uric eiio thu: ul m inne man oeric pa tinallvir se an wite, ekac wiioro. Ardartrom io ckst ingei di an res ilel artstr-onswer wh e, teet artou ave der ureartica u."]

The slight Chinese turns to go and report.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:07, Fri 20 Sept 2013.

Horn Chips stands nearby, waiting for Rabbit, Art, and Eagles Floating to finish their inspection of the prisoners.

[Language unknown: "Wh she si ur utave ardratrom t pa?"] he says.

[Language unknown: "Di ndrat tio onma..."] Rabbit frowns and looks to the white giant, currently too far off to be of use, then tries English. "I-initiates?"

Horn Chips gets a helpless open-hand gesture. [Language unknown: "...oeroerlar om en himiss."] Rabbit almost-looks towards Eagles Floating, as though about to speak, but stops. The stray Chinese looks to the ground instead, making a more formal apology to Crazy Horse: [Language unknown: "U our pl weri Senepa Arttickor ort ngse rom ers Sheintest. A ssel dinverble ilarri, ceck tr towhfo. Weson anystaint, th atilatwas."]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:39, Mon 23 Sept 2013.

Art turned toward Eagles floating as he approached and waited respectfully for his old friend to inspect the dying. He then gestured for him to come aside. [Language unknown: "Ee os mealnd n fo ove eress omaniv i ropl Ionpround ei oreeauast houio. Lo penias lesversetlesenc i trio was asev ec m ain aicasenero routri. Isng preta a somntiwas iorewi, int nde ichse seou ersandwas notwersanive?"]

Crazy Horse nods at Rabbit's apology.

Horn Chips shakes his head. [Language unknown: "Il ar ul menameint thwa on, nepahe Oulsomest Str. Ndol me Ereiinat ofieen ng Ameni Seca, und ivho und ecter intoutfor weev Urat Pl onpe Verarteenure. I li sa et wilpe, ro ouneenble ntst Tra Ncar. Poel ateonsive earbutint pro butorepreive t u moon strintion leno'aler, ss ratcomall cksta chwini eraallsti son ble ilioha o iobut nt e ch tioametio nghato oneameith pesa ofacwe teommiecne m t wasameset. Ad Towiei Molepr p has viraveainshe uldi con plerle. Ti m e adprwiisanna n ng oeressrat ons Ndla His stravepre romourone. O wetrbeme essonssta taame ove teioou lo eauyinand esttravor atee acount om mast whevsi u, ill k cesan Ureer Ticshethi ceetfi nafontpl o tofo roelan. Anysetent larntiore man enhefo itee nipock pl wiarro uspr ilwi ardthubleest o ardlatlat li."]

[Language unknown: "Entho e k panies ntulinos ou ect hiur te prset ekel fierro taarom st."] Crazy Horse says. [Language unknown: "Ectwaswhi usort Prooreich ta whi Uretraven Noomes Ilacil ivestaear Etompr Rine, is o ndie Earthuons onfowh ad esriad trieos o sa rutthoort. Tace indini ingredtin Iotrnt Holin elith lere ul ce ounoulivewhi usleacle ic uralpr'fobe, ee whesetereure hopaut llel whpeento ililer. Ssll ble Man ate ilnaur herprorat ar redounyinine at ni, wire lehe ereughard ndas o omssie me na tiyin linateany ofman ssprto ultrsa, whome ilrere isove whi wi i linle sepr tinureate evlous ridint, ri eeevnces nclat la adates osla io ovevorone os t thisonwhe'tioeennde dinvirich ar whe Pero Ear houoreher reastikor wetha Lesterort. Lar ame theareted everi pr sonestill omeno tic urekorave esfossol et ine icsatr hoenie wit ncbe iv ble wiast e hoar wh al veriouureday me ill elerat. Hiri fi Whiintbleant eienecth. Wefor ofatpa mione, el chcom ur ut, ine dinc os en tedndeesslar?n Ad restinsta nceherund mofiee."]

Rabbit is completely startled by the unexpected apology from a superior, taking a moment to bow acknowledgement and get words in the right order.

[Language unknown: "U menvirast wason,"] the youth manages, then listens attentively, clearly taking it all in and no longer eager to chatter opinion like a forest jay. A single idea from the discussion caught like a bird in Rabbit's chest: a shiver of excitement at a fact that could pick the world up and make it shake. We will become bulletproof.

[Language unknown: "Ave...Na ol. Ekei m any nari unngssnt liet O stiereant. T m er ho reaersion ek eiaian cehiec po n heno e utntchmeno ioicpe. Ckller str Redthiess dayan has besa Yinvenhas Leecbepa nt aremanati seadar ndneit. T ca tolo en."] He shook his head sadly, at a loss for words, though he turned to listen to Crazy Horse speak.

[Language unknown: "A undoneine no eve, o has, ek iepo ck omrom oneverlar."] Crazy Horse says. [Language unknown: "Ol sta ousreashe viratiect iv nti leicma nctr, men inun lo stnd nceesstio wa useeha, erence-ndeman ur whiioutin heon, ilall houul omeli ce ivriiv a trthme ta Lehowi earsontho."] He looks over at the dying men on the stakes. [Language unknown: "A nglohe ch iv n peckme ev. Hawer pa arearerom i fornceles."] His face is stony. [Language unknown: "Eiom masein thwhi, Eklang Lohiwaai. Nohe ma P erhou ad herurente o anday pe, be somlateve ispa Ear Tole the n roholl and es unstee laev hi oer enunai. Tra, cali ai lere estof, Ca oniopo ate pril adei."] His gaze falls on Hoarse From Roaring.

Horn Chips motions to the group. [Language unknown: "E tharomort ncearting. Traounted tr anytereve iosemo m on lalisi ers, Nt ropepo."]

But even as he speaks, a runner approaches the group. He dashes nimbly up the slope towards them, then pauses for a moment to catch his breath. [Language unknown: "Utes, Weurin Cencpo!"] he pants. [Language unknown: "Si osna ro sa ivioof Ushele Icolll lacass ca os entstilinarewit Pefool Siroer Erstheshe rutyinund ar ereproess ter os tr atthe. I ta herus untrinwh m teetan wa Onetioith Ugh ho undnceles eihemi Oreiveonshou Virviriou olei menant ate resil Icpota Eciess."]

Rabbit looks anxiously to Horn Chips.

Art contemplated the words of Crazy Horse and Horn Chips. [Language unknown: "Urbe lar t eiha meitpo wh uswa essmenereess bemein beatou vir ckolil load ineliname oursomres k trastadayset iouch Arany Pr. Estoulour Ch moilbe lahe th liioevofol utev oseiiv illredint ore bleut hoevni wered pati whfo a aipe et eieiai ri werst noeau dinsa viricares laave thst venevetra mo poven ri o arissa outh mo chfiho naetfi ingviryin ladial her petace ovelarles manntiure ioerie. I nt herlinhisand potina ar out."]

Art's attention turned to the runner as he approached, then to rabbit with a smile. Apparently, word travels fast.

Rabbit hunches a little under Art's attention, then makes a belated bow of greeting to the runner.

The brave, who has caught his breath by now, looks at Rabbit. [Language unknown: "Lotr Pltach Eenousyinles k has Acelpo Eslila. Wi talo iein set whe Ckin Ortoulrat."] He says, then stumbles over a pair of Chinese words that make Rabbit's day even worse. "Teilong Kang."

Rabbit keeps a low gaze, swallowing. [Language unknown: "N therth Manwitted, al ad moss oerne derenthas ive na ll terforers,"] the little stray pronounces carefully, hoping the elders will pick up the hint: Not safe. Do not allow the Prophet within Kang's reach.

[Language unknown: "Werll e nteei n o sall?"] Rabbit's voice stays very even and controlled.

[Language unknown: "Ut ndeeveive thocon'yinort wer iou Ll. Erckma onla ughountha ckin ivemantio re."] Crazy Horse says.

The messenger shrugs. [Language unknown: "Il resingugh m ers me meand Iosisi Thuersiou, be ndpr romthuiou Nonero Fo, entnotateavebut. E maonis of wi utnd ing ngtic ou lintck in."]

It's nearly midday now.

Horn Chips frowns. [Language unknown: "Ll tohou m ec siand not Sienwe Ersstaiou Mantedeen. Weroveyin uleven ndit lees er ouesil o encredeau i eiie si tin."] He looks over at Art and Eagles Floating. [Language unknown: "Si peti po choun p? Bele omhosate mi Lesbuttha Restraich p all."]

Eagle nodded at Horn Chips. [Language unknown: "Asll, I les pous o."]

[Language unknown: "Ichandure, I prutlo nioul ti ca, cain mealit romsetwil lemo mo ble et na enc t ti letebe ndesheast ch omfont of,"] Rabbit hefts and resettles the satchel, pale but calm with a kind of numb awareness that every choice made here would set things sliding far beyond knowledge or control. Let go or be dragged.

[Language unknown: "notwilant e ntiit Annalo?"] the little stray asks, unsure.

Art nodded in acceptance. [Language unknown: "Te plnce thi mohis k Ho m taroiv."] Though that seemed to be in short supply these days.

Horn Chips allows Rabbi to stash the satchel with the Iron Dragon logo, but Moses seems to have wandered off somewhere and can't be found quickly, so it seems that only Horn Chips, Rabbit, Art, and Eagles Floating will be able to attend.

After the bag is stowed away, there's really nothing left but face the Chinese.

Some Mood Music

The brightly-colored tents of the Iron Dragon can be seen through the trees up the slope. The Chinese have not pitched their tent on the summit of the holy mountain, but it's still a fairly vigorous hike.

The Chinese campsite is ostentatious, with three fairly large tents, a slew of pack horses grazing to one side, and a cookfire that looks almost like an outdoor restaurant, given the many dishes being prepared over it. There is a faint wailing from the fire...ghost rock is being burned along with the wood.

Several hard-looking men in the green and gold livery of the Iron Dragon railroad stand at attention and watch the group approaching. All of them are armed with heavy, cleaver-like dàdāo.

A worried-looking Lakota dressed in the same style of clothes as the Chinese hustles up to the group.

 he says, licking his lips. [Language unknown: "A i Ineratant Ameughwas, one ionkoroer U&#erearnì  t nceel Ivomur Ndtifo onlepe. Hetast o ain utec rat Ceisie Ilngpr Red, A iveie ter re korthuera Bleentdin Le: fo hali isadis fi era hatlatherlar e sa Trpant tha lower Waalpr Ofwick venovestr?"]

The briefest dash down to one of the many sources on Bear Butte's slopes had rendered Rabbit presentable, though nowhere in the league of the finery of Kang's men. The youth's fingers curl into the hems of the slightly long sleeves until the trembling is hardly visible.

[Language unknown: "I meer Astarende urelessansti, tiut,"] Rabbit says, trying to judge whether to play up or down the ability. [Language unknown: "Ut onbe il Tachnaro Asweek."]

The brave looks relieved. [Language unknown: "As k ou, en, Leasfoss Ascase. Ss ersstrati wiler ovewiltioset p tra essoveing, ek ol taerus. Hi er o een nd ilsan tioonsred it osto nteturse Ourcomund Outthueau ntiurepro."]

Rabbit bows slightly, at once keenly missing Thunder Walker. [Language unknown: "Le hile era oulev."]

((OOC: Art? Eagles Floating? Are you waiting on me to post?))

 Art responded in kind. He listened to the exchange between the nervous Lakota and Rabbit, unsurprised when the oriental lad stated that he spoke the same tongue as the other orientals.

Art looked around the camp, intrigued by all they had brought. He frowned at the sound of the ghost rock. Where ghost rock wailed, there was often abominable machinery behind the sound. He casually wandered closer to the source of the sound while Rabbit was being asked to fulfill other duties.

Kira padded along next to Art, her tongue occasionally licking at the air. At the sound of the ghost rock, some of the fur on the back of her neck stood straight and her tail dropped low between her hind legs. Anyone listened closely could hear a faint whine emanating from the canine.

The cooking pit is set up as a fairly wide stone rectangle, with a grill of steel set over an open flame. Several wide, round-bottomed bowls with loops for handles sit over the fire, and the cooks use some long-handled ladles to stir the contents, which smells of pork, beef, and various vegetables. It smells delicious. There's also a crock-pot of sorts where rice is being boiled, set under the grill near the coals.

Ghost Rock isn't always used in infernal contraptions, after all. It looks like the Ghost Rock briquettes are simply being used as a heat source here. Given how hot Ghost Rock burns, it's perfect for stir-frying. Those cooking bowls must be made of Ghost Steel to withstand the heat.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:33, Sun 06 Oct 2013.

The nervous-looking Indian motions to the group of Ghost Dancers. The time has come for them to meet their benefactor.

The tent is huge and spacious. Obviously, the Iron Dragon delegation believes "roughing it" doesn't mean a ton of creature comforts can't be brought along. The soft grass has been covered with a tarp, and pillows are laid out for guests to sit on. There's a low, round table in the center of the tent, large enough for eight or nine people to gather around. There's a small pot of incense burning in the center of the table.

Sitting at the table is Crazy Horse, who has ignored the pillows and sits cross-legged, as well as three Chinese men in very elaborate robes, all in the green and gold colors of the Iron Dragon and all bearing the Iron Dragon crest. Two of the men have the traditional ques of men who expect to return to China one day. One of them his shaven bald.

The bald one is tall and burly for an Asian man, and seems to be in his late 30's. He sports a long mustache and a long, thin, braided beard, but is otherwise clean shaven. Scars from epic duels scriss-cross his face and scalp, and there's a dragon tattooed behind his ears, stretching along the back of his head. His eyes are fearsome and proud, and the other Chinese men at the table treat him with deference.

The bald man looks over the new arrivals and smirks. [Language unknown: "Sethatain, Ousreaore t setfo Aresomcom Ive."] He says. [Language unknown: "Wer retrnd seiv p leus ngsamo Anfo N&#fireapóon Sonen. Miiv dichnd ac ssal ur herlarlat, diset lo son er elisbe mopa p esil ur rutounstaeen ntista'eautiored."]

Goupi begins translating. [Language unknown: "Wilconhas, Ardoerwhi Vorandbut. N p Ndeainwit Iese Ponot Redandthu. O haieck eiar, for lo niul butce heres anyme foss'nden viranyeentrarut mo m."]

Breathe.

Rabbit flicks a look to the others to indicate the translation was accurate and waits for the older men to introduce themselves, desperately trying to ignore the impulse to fall flat before those of great status. A humble peasant is a live peasant.

Art looked around at those gathered near the man calling himself Chief Kang, and then moved closer to the group as he was addressed. He inhaled deeply through his nose, gathering some of the scent of the incense as he did. He placed a hand gently on his own chest before he spoke. [Language unknown: "M la Nt Blesonsti Eauomesta hi nockeslo th fo Thwenifo, oveererat Ei ek tant hosti a som trsspe. Es wileauyinoulrat for remema conng lartheshe setek moha pl nthicaevfi."]

Art looked around at those gathered briefly before settling onto one of the pillows, emulating the way the other men sat.

The Cheyenne Shaman sat cross-legged as did Crazy Horse, also forgoing use of the pillows. [Language unknown: "P e Ieekiv Comveneenwit o Chmibe Peeear ch saat Asadeent,"] he said simply.

Goupi translates this, though Rabbit can tell that he's obviously only got a rudimentary grasp of the language. [Language unknown: "Sanithone sta al Derwitive Bepo Olmius, diunhi rom Iouconoulwhi andwhirea asou peis e ieut tramenoun. Ll astmanpreundear tedntisan poany hostho almo ous fo lateautho'ratshe."] he says, and then, obviously struggling, [Language unknown: "O a roouiesi ma yin ecomhi, Estiou'artout Reatioame"]

Kang raises his eyebrow.

Cheyenne don't bow? Rabbit tries to ignore the nervous perspiration along the spine and steps into easier view, bowing very low. Breathe. Breathe, breathe.

[Language unknown: "Nafiat mothen po anteel-noon mo resom uspe onsthuwit hasoneive,"] Rabbit says, voice soft and gaze low, [Language unknown: "ut iveateoul o unpe arar thoithersyinugh we hastr been-sintus tr any Hat Omeknano."] Hopefully they will think I am a student.

[Language unknown: "Ti ticpe ulunch usfo ingos out ing in p encthethi tonot sonessort art trbeitse omect ut siwas ai ineatires ourivewhitertic: ulin eentrableble ionolo un Ekthou Laontion O Ntewhinde Elunbe."] Rabbit gestures at Eagles Floating with the controlled grace of a martial artist. [Language unknown: "Il mo i ion Fingncck ndinsi, t pa Ivpoch Ious, ce,"] the youth tried to recall what Spotted Face had just called himself, "Art Cor Mac, [Language unknown: saiv iv pa a nound Verstrtra isna."]

Another low bow preceeds the explanation to Eagles Floating: [Language unknown: "Un ulhe pe for thentiven ntendedin, verho oneillort."] Rabbit glances to Horn Chips, awaiting his lead.

Kang nods. [Language unknown: "Hasol n ho ou atac. His aresettio vir we oereravor illit houthasti oul ofhiel. Ntted all notce ofnena oles prethueau te ncepo Areswa we i strlin'hasererut haouri ie fo marolo k inun tinourtinastoerouspre. An ar ers tio, iefite ecai?"]

Goupi coughs. [Language unknown: "Outer comwerear Te e iohaeren, pail iouratwil me rat waers ai un thu Ardastcon Ouul ek o toie nainti us ti asouev."]

Horn Chips frowns, and looks over at Rabbit. He licks his lips, then speaks. [Language unknown: "Miwero Alesmale Ughconsti m fi ontralofun il io Tinortrea Urncer. E herughthu ur fietce ne ng ard."]

Goupi goes a bit pale. [Language unknown: "Nt...le Herlesear ore evweai onestrtho, artie veriveted ha ekaliv rohang estiv ndtrdi ain."]

Kang's gaze turns cold. [Language unknown: "Day was mios hiunri. Lesstrrom encintill rutha olrom o eingal m iepamawant."] He says mildly.

Swallowing, Rabbit makes Horn Chips the bow of a wushu student towards a master, the gesture standing in for translation. [Language unknown: "P oneorehat, atithepre riicec. Etwe il ilma e nt ndplhoou at ng saic eita tra t Etinin Wewiet lameun?"] The murmur should be clear enough as an apology.

The elder shaman nods.

Rabbit waits a moment, a little unsure, then straightens and with a last look to Horn Chips to check permission addresses the warlord. [Language unknown: "Ithic herlarthocon ereughthu wh Meth Taonhe, k tramenlar estounion mo anth Toicta Redlesall laint n ercang t witil Eenionund Nodiio. E wh Stneaniv Proainnti, he ounoneame enthatintsta."]

Expression carefully blank, Rabbit continues. [Language unknown: "N nc ul anyicaoer outh hatineart p chon iveconout estoee theoer-rederseve il el Atetos ar fiec sahas losesi li t ofntla n mi ststri o urwhe onshisingtedles Un arfino chouss se pronai wa en lardernotthaort usles. U arvir cente etli ncisro korardarethi erawitrea virntewheion dayyinfor atsswi wiul notvirons een e niis Tiobleher Entvorwas, stus As voronssom ce enc o ardanythu m alasus este-seerse setil po strthioulrat anilmi lo re Oun Ingsansti usreei." ]

[Language unknown: "Nc ol ncme A ivin fiethi tr forruthis all: e eau ticingectine nt esllck thoiveredrut,"] the youth explains to Horn Chips, hoping Crazy Horse at least will pick up that rendering the translator useless might cost the man his head.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Wed 09 Oct 2013.

Crazy Horse's face is blank. They could carve statues that would look softer than his features right now.

[Language unknown: "Ousstrtra i notrutsom dipetr m seck in icpa er koreaulin thayinvor meecas wa er beom, oer derur ardundous ioall Latershis."] Kang says. [Language unknown: "Ioour lliete tic o sepafo itenerutng notivetioearver. Ch la eklin hatureame ratanyionill out esniri but rearth norito ruticasta la li. U arest anver thepo ntiatewhi ndeartday verel aiie a."]

Goupi nods, and looks at the group. [Language unknown: "Hasforter Romin miinolur iouat Ma olis'paio wh thi, tin ai Witwhieraera Hatwerany fipo'enon pro tioarders, u p ililmi eau Icadhi illderstaare trck onsingeau entnt An."]

Horn Chips nods. [Language unknown: "Ar Outillatethu Atilai maan tr andyinonevor i inof, mi It onmo the."] he says, then. [Language unknown: "Hi k thadaywit Etacnt Al, itul nc o wiare? Ore Ndyin Ad popa Ameal Osacfo Liseme reasonain el ugh asie her ure ck cele whi ectterore nc enccomnte."]

[Language unknown: "Ol tarut esalad,"] [Language unknown: "thimo i stramepre U ar ardoneder n hoasil n sonderill we of manvorred,"] Rabbit agrees, and translates:

[Language unknown: "La Erle Seten peathe k oerhou'tinpre, som nt art eauthence ck wh hatpreortectter? Sa Na se itelol po plicnc k diout ove wi ecunasfi ereicasantio."]

Art wasn't following the conversation between Rabbit and the man calling himself Chief Kang, but picked up what was spoken by Horn Chips. His ears perked up a bit at the discussion of the Old Ways. He was quite curious about why this Kang fellow wanted to speak with them, and as of yet that had not been made clear. Art's attention started to wander a bit, his eyes drifting about the camp as the others spoke.

The elderly shaman nodded when the youth explained the act of the translation, which he guessed was going on when he had been pointed at.

Kang seems amused. [Language unknown: "Di ouch areliniou il le pa lien tr erine et menantati un as, man k tibena oneounoun oul whi ol ioloennt ardwilwhiessoer alitof ilate encble'comsomtha ceul te ma es lar senari hou tha are out ul e Cewer Etniel. Illat foeereai ofpe itcaac hess'eswice. Il ugh ad ounughany pl nc sanno koriou'allhatthe nc antencectoveons thiel lo cheksaolch? Enmi llpa utanststch ne ate asall fonte st."]

Goupi translates: [Language unknown: "Ceieol Wit ouronsnotioners i oerkoring lo ous u evhareilinesch. M naera heou iou een u nceinelat wh elan ofsiouev on en. I traarefor derounsan pe il tho estipe ulyin eau nissnd di watialhi enpe ekivni orttednti reofto, rom th thiearous o prwh ureortoutmenmen."]

Rabbit darts a tiny glance at Art, not having heard the adoptive Cheyenne's side of the fight, but the fire-headed giant seems fascinated by the tent structure.

The small youth looks back to Horn Chips, trying to ignore the fear/hope he might leave. Doubtless the elder would settle when the tea was brought in. Rabbit inhales the tent's gorgeous scent, attempting distraction in trying to guess the composition of the incense. Some precious substance, surely, since just as nothing truly resembled the jewelled shimmer of fine silk, no fragrance Rabbit could recall came close to this. Somehow, the snow-and-summer-storm scent of thunderbird feathers would be more comforting.

Breathe. A stammer taken for a veiled phrase, code or insult here could be lethal.

Art noticed the glance from Screaming Rabbit and smiled back at him. He was unsure if there was anything being requested of him at the moment. Art's eyebrows raised with a questioning look for the lad, though it seemed that Rabbit's attention had moved along to Horn Chips. Art stifled the urge to sigh and continued to wait patiently.

Horn Chips considers this. [Language unknown: "Lo proarelar Ti ionartout red plmaan ni o etle. Thi k enc ll ie plisou estbutnte hota wheval lesndevorard topawa haon pe thi, Ne wh ter."] He looks over at Art and Eagles Floating. [Language unknown: "Thoinetin U m outle ienc ei ncentiion riev pro. Ng ons not etelur-whne omilom ca postll re on Earternde, n adec bemoch, oshoer reare."]

[Language unknown: "Evpa besimeil e omwe n omre'peioai, ted o elwa ti wiplar et ne ee ithshewit pa, eiri nteeauthu din din k aisti st eihochil eensi miicpead Ncnd Vir intbe astant'ithvortio,"] Rabbit translates, putting the invitation into exquisite Mandarin with an open gesture to the seated Ghost Dancers.

[Language unknown: "Elset Eimomo was laast undconoer e ear an di ounlarwit ivhoai ssdi hautic io t ionepa."] This time Rabbit makes eye contact with Art long enough to exchange a slightly pleading look.

[Language unknown: "Ee iveounnti oul anckme st eksi Ametheout Evman al ll ecthourut'icader. Thnire in tic ol el Verstrate Atewi ac entcomate prehouate it lales lontni ngll der wifo, Ce se enc t thlali tonope, verdaythe u rom esshe k enme stpala. Nc heca pl of icaeenome avewh pack consonvir, u u the u virto sitinapl, lo eius ofnt milent riati wil of atulpl no,"] he said. He wasn't adopting a pose of false humility; this was simply things as he saw them. [Language unknown: "Maofai sa mithi anyvirsta wh yinvorles o os lasewecatepe teour arevirous ndsssa ere mailar."]

Rabbit translates this word for word, wondering where the tea's got to because that's better than wondering whether coming without word-gifts would sway Kang's favour to the Ravenites, whom he would see as simply a rival cult among foreign factions to be distracted.

Art considered Kang and Rabbit briefly, then turned to the young lad. [Language unknown: "E ticma rut wh ainpe ek ombeof me lesurered elliosntiv, ul Pa tedhatlar te tra posa monte somfi rete be ill olhoaces ut ing ica tedencfor. Re ardof urof thecet i k tio derortouswer wasionsanhat. Fo po nech p ni laree, er virme, rende o teicetas o ain neckce be fotass u thetr foranythalar atitedter maceta aspl. Ck urna ha celar k el ch ankor atewilith?"]

As Kang waits for the translation of this, cups of hot tea are served to the guests.

[Language unknown: "Ai a uronelce estmi n acetbe iedi ectoutons atasck ivanol mo..."] Then to Horn Chips, swallowing: [Language unknown: "Ni p veresstio, we attrto red adai ica und no?"]

Kang gets a swift update: [Language unknown: "Not Ofck Ma n nteoveeenntient ofilniut ssma ermoicectr ma ioutinica oer ic ho stanotill ivfoon forpl insini iv seeve om ss Ncpote omchev, m T pe tioallore ng eenma p. T ek inthattin ek aiasno e ek verstrtra e albeni ie e e."]

Rabbit waits for Horn Chips to sit and accept his tea before copying him, making sure both to quietly thank the tea-pouring servant and to take the most humble place, back to the tent door.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:18, Sat 19 Oct 2013.

[Language unknown: "Ithesseve lesatirat cathu catrwe olseil ourruthou. A ofdin nt str prtote din ee beettope is prossi ouut no hi his intha ticallith is i sta, M havor hi omwheeulet." ]Horn Chips says.

Kang raises the tea in a "to your health" toasting gesture, before he begins to sip. It's green tea, and quite good.

[Language unknown: "Ac p ivnool, li a i iouoercon t oreanyintareect, anich semoofhe we ich hasoveles,"] Rabbit translates, then takes a deep breath, considering Kang's body language and the weight of the task. [Language unknown: "An hat whiughlin. N eiwi comintlat ailint, ith k ad eauous'kortin p u ove."] Rabbit glances at the interpreter to be sure he's ready.

The youth's fingers curl about the tea cup and take it from the table with a mirror of the Iron Dragon's toasting gesture. [Language unknown: "Ho. Nt rat i blepa adle, ilset ilic o laronsing es, ol nane intameset ev. Ioubleoer k vir wame ckio, ho hoove ngou ck nallevhi. Ckte lat ersichfor ons maatll ev ion it ie outineder."

"An itnd ssmoca unera etou hat, po po ave, unll st hiurdinc uttepl. I intichrutman towe Ersstrrom, u il usst, es aince sale caunri io. Wa Sienck has o ntiounere atereaicatic."] Rabbit sips tea, mindful to use phrasing that would indicate happenings observed and otherwise when translated into Sioux.

[Language unknown: "Laranyallwil set hat ec Ughbleameble Str, p iouvirate a oneconhou pohi era nc ekrear moth-ckse p attr thi, p o earun. N ecun pafi k hatreaeau tefoal, et usmoce, thu us eveicaoul aiul u ilher dionre, ca t ilck, lin virsetwit icalie tho ratastcon hoel ureestour."

"E ssevwh o omha e menoretra conevethe, no Er tiro...a ainhasyin redreathu a plna ratbutsti ut moone thiei N wasencoun chfohi laicfi. Resai redhe Diekdi ent astineillwhi Llncro cefo econnirema ol eieniori pa oneersres tin u ileknowe, m ulch elilnt sa ndeenceen eirifo asek. Ou we allyinand elnoma redthocom haort butivedinestthu, it ouear we lore Noncstwiic ni itnce la, ma pr butac der ecfi les, vorro seove li nde meday sa ionntewhi e ard a nte haie pano ac t inceee ionul."

"Atted re es nd il ivelne, sa Hamiul yinasttin manmennce hounwe ounho nc ernde ur Isiear ear heth m nccece at enha omes-widi tint hoofha icaac ateaineau erma witwerant, butoerter sewa ion hohiou iostpe antthaoreion en n evles ion ofncai sa wastioter man enc k roome, tio oerundmen trulen ad resestson ee netic Estntetra undundati icaastday homaal itos pa iltewh oul p uterutma eraesshas a at ca est."] Rabbit swallows.

[Language unknown: "weic ourefo thael urteie, iowacaon no hisho hesi k ousestsan p ortareoer astsomwit ncedayoun, trei elsies io mower, issima dinne ntiurente rut ing yin, anlo toanwi our oneeraromoul li ithal ce es prelat'wasund k Naoumo Liitbe. I un a sanfo a coneveome cadite mo ersmo pliobe ei t ourardhoucom hisstawit, haiefoma sheave-stiive, whe ar ro icolwh ati teday oerichive pl ted ortdinstr, oulrutbutencect mores it ted wheioness. Wa pewech ainhision dider onepreast illpe mataenwi reastiany onsun wer anica p ngma ter lost'stache wemees etfoom on Ortticous. Lat p whtha ameivende be redonever prosnd loter a Weusmi iv, en witaveare ithis roivhe he wil kor wa acer ecelll, est res ne ekmire."

"Was mieese hathi...wh ilensa, ortil llacha o ll heat atllio ck es ortsti-ersthiwit, m lessheill si larandear re weret ecli arhale not pa nghatanancul stiousthi nteourenc oun ous plto hahiou o ro prtaou p wil dinarethu. Ng korresany allsomfor'antove, butderwil whomilri a butee Niomha ore icanotave ur ratratoutsta tho...ne shehertin ckplno. Ei com etsan hall stapr nindut chsiee."] There's a small finalising gesture, a sweep of upturned palm. [Language unknown: "Lar lenc ur outwerwer."]

[Language unknown: "All ugh dinoreome theomeson arllil moaiil."] Kang says. [Language unknown: "Omss evwa resovethi e eistse se ss chmoan u thu thidinndeort."] he lifts his cup.

Goupi translates. [Language unknown: "Ainanttra Ur antwilour it tinredder sa espe seelof pomi'thna ilatwe, o ieriul hi te atevdial."]

Horn Hips, hearing this, lifts his cup in the same manner as Kang. After others toast (or not), Kang speaks again.

[Language unknown: "Day urehatter, menratrut ouon pourck ou olprsesipo we, loeithfind, atiwheerethu? Rom ent lile ecoute en preersvir ssus thitmi i to eauencforfor peeiou. Ncte omel werruttho cess a inwhe o dicein k anta tho atetha-illard."]

Goupi translates: [Language unknown: "Ionousthu Tope u ortncewhihouven sa in at ulit iv metionwica we ortnc etchre oulwasnce il loroca leti earillrea. pa vor whibutain a thomennde roto eraartrom, plugh homopr p un seour comartand ll nt napetr ar resconthi eten ect sanredore."]

Meanwhile, several dishes are brought into the tent--fried noodles, rice, and vegetables mixed with beef, it seems. bowls are set before each of the guests, as well as the two courtiers and Kang himself. Matched sticks of wood that taper to points are set next to each dish.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:03, Thu 24 Oct 2013.

The Cheyenne shaman lifted his cup as well, imitating the gesture of salute and respect to the fallen Lakota warrior. Had he but had a moment more, he might have been able to help the man with his own medicine, but the time it had taken to bring Art back from the brink had not allowed for such an intervention.

He listened to the next question, and looked to see what next the answer would be.

[Language unknown: "Butionecther llpe ing mi, tic osndeeniiv ckurio, A aveconcon?"] Rabbit semi-asks Art and the older shaman, then translates: [Language unknown: "K omeithate no ro mo Paseoune ilas'were ich ce din ndomsiacdidi as, Ie Oul Ni ecofpoee. Fi eenvorfor moiore stithiand Ol esai rom oneio."]

[Language unknown: "Rom ecomsi ss t all Comrestha, ure ni Derthuhattic Pldin, unce en dinc werpl e enilsa rea hisis A atol ckion ati ev p osro latectwhe,"] Rabbit sets down the tea and holds both wrists up in a conscious echo of the Hooded One's gesture that morning. [Language unknown: "Po whithaeau st ateessiou Ingsheect Tic ivame Nc ivbe Shedayure iveousshe u e ck, utst meetmi, on ughbuther,"] Rabbit translates back, then ducks a little, nervous of talking too much.

Art also took a drink of the liquid in memory of the fallen, imitating the way it was done the best he could.

He listened to the translation offered by Goupi and nodded. [Language unknown: "Os carat niec icame u weher ntewersan k Somwasave Least asleio. Set t omus mete u eeio Rutthunce, ck."] He waited for affirmation rather than launching into the retelling right off.

[Language unknown: "Rut Has Lala pored notvornde e eenng iventewas our are Artsanect, o e sa toera Thu Ereorewas artsanwas,"] Rabbit translates for Art.

[Language unknown: "Nt oerdinmen m ombut ni, tout liteta?"] Rabbit offers quietly to Horn Chips with a glance to include Eagle Floating in the offer, taking the chopsticks from the table.

Kang nods at Rabbit.

Horn Chips, looking at the stick pair with a little lost expression, nods gratefully at Rabbit's offer.

Crazy horse, who hasn't said a word all hour, continues to sit in stony silence, his face unreadable. He makes no move towards the food.

Rabbit gives Art a half-smile of encouragement intimating 'go ahead', and takes up Horn Chips' bowl whilst the gangly giant prepares to speak.

The question of noodles or rice resolves itself to 'noodles over rice' as Rabbit's quick hands move, trying to demonstrate the manner of chopstick use whilst picking  out morsels for the elder. There's a barely-there, distracted pause picking up a piece of meat before Rabbit closes eyes a moment to thank the buffalo and offer apology, then continues, returning the bowl to its owner quite full.

The elderly Cheyenne shaman nods at Rabbit's offer, eyeing the offering curiously as it comes to him. He looks carefully at Crazy Horse, taking in the legendary warrior's stony silence, and wondering about it in his own mind, but he spoke no word of it. Instead, he turned his gaze on the Warlord Kang, but spoke his words to the young yellow one, the one called Screaming Rabbit.

[Language unknown: "Stthbe ee me utth role ons cacabeme io, ic il ri anio dithe ess ti ne evekis o noour pre eartioast oveeenine. Nculin som Manourers Accon p urlo Sesewh Tinainher thehereau evol enc k wi in intlinect ssseng?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:38, Tue 05 Nov 2013.

[Language unknown: "U forardany k ek m un e en paour ek riiomo,"] Rabbit ventures softly, returning a well-stocked bowl to the Cheyenne and surrupticiously watching to see if Brick and Egg (as the youth had privately dubbed Kang's servant-sorcerers for their shapes) took mortal food.

Crazy Horse's reticence was worrying, since the only reason Rabbit knew for rejecting hospitality was a declaration of emnity. He might also be baffled by the chopsticks but Rabbit could not aid him with that, sitting across the table. Hopefully Crazy Horse knew enough of the Iron Dragon to realise attempting to strike him in his own tent would be a truly bad idea. Hopefully.

[Language unknown: "Urtoei Oerhatticave A Eewiec Llmeno ecil'unbe ill stahatastted n liur ove niollo n eela ritr-unat Ratei Ee tree Na Sanhi Nc it hissomwheion,"] Rabbit translates the elder's sentiments to Kang, quietly filling a bowl with somewhat enthusiastic heed of his generosity.

[Language unknown: "Ivno a meelpr."] Kang says. [Language unknown: "E unhi pr wh hong. A el rutpa ourameous."]

[Language unknown: "Ionromill Waset menthosta u ratredica ha thuho ad meeeenut whel Ove Seure Atsaacli sonearpro."] Goupi says.

The two men sitting beside Kang take the opportunity to fill their dishes. All eyes turn to Art.

Art nodded at the request. [Language unknown: "K ma theion-latart oular pe Ouaiesck witevewil ine beatla whe n eroffi di Ences Vorthetra m Ol Preestthahou. Wi terha ol thustrvor iv pohiie icic tin weno ournderea iv ameintstr Erscomica rat. Oreounset m com Houineave Trtifo, n wasnt menhiscom thnoer hissanenc kor Eraundereove. Ck ilwit ofal of pl ee is ieom nt ain er dinaas inte ou peati ncntck trerck po es ll ameaveest pe ti anwit. E mapr ek eithe a po larel on ivll utus m onhi been riil reaerehis p alus toivic ofncec. U undmenwhivender day itore es ienoce oses misaad enc ntar lopaus eenare'vorred ne saill t loekma iv pl a omwer ardil. Un chlori les ne iv e Icaresart Eratte, siai ie liwa sapa-bead p elons avementinichyin Hehiiv artstasti ho of p resiveich t wheant'ureect fonc ce we thu erabe entou."]

Art coughed lightly before he continued. [Language unknown: "N laain teatos us illateomerom n ilom po er Oucaai Bewain. Li ard ere a ronc tintr unles altrtr k outorered nteeraous acan noan m ek etpowhbe llek isceom ec m erpe ri osre esio stacma u Blentioul. Mi nt Eeivleetngalma itseme hemaan di ngtaulng, a u tiasec inesanpro ectr. P ouswe aitretprun ave t ome Acfoad Tedovepre, elusna ne din omered'butiou resourera. A weprit loven ameresect Isliad Thalarenttin n Whalck Thunteugh rat nd eeio re art eauet resin setundhou. Ilfoiv Mentedove ast ameproredlarhas po capowi elst fo all pr me illughconave outaresonany pe everatear ioupreoulout Somtherat. Ni venundder ine atisanlinera yin Ing Witcomine ngekla, as onll lipo thu ce ntewerwit mo o eisipr. La pr teos'waan t n u, u mape reayinthe ec rooupl cawit Weheut ni oulastast reter asheai moomme. Koratithe wheaveain Houlinast Ichowh erth plwi."]

Art lowered his eyes briefly, then raised them again to those listening to his tale. [Language unknown: "U but amehisted red iouverine ntch stiti, he for ateratenc latresnce ckmepa enc."] He paused to lick his lips and see if the others were able to follow his tale.

Rabbit manages to keep up a running translation with little additional explanation, adding only that Black Kettle was [Language unknown: "as tiprin t somereugh riame ore elcale butherver iv ndpais allersoresan"] and translating 'treacherous Pawnee' as [Language unknown: "Ithticateear icecof ivouas, os veron onsvireauntenti ainticcom."] Concentrating so hard on the words, Rabbit even pulled off an unsurprised echo of Spotted Face's utterly casual mention of the ability to turn into a bird.

The last sentence gets rendered as [Language unknown: "Haar papo dinoerman et lock ear thuleseentin, ivnd ac atulesre roheio statedouttiotic men econneno ugh,"] before the youth takes advantage of the longer pause to get at food.

[Language unknown: "Ain menoneureredson."] Kang says with a nod to Art. [Language unknown: "In hoter e uric of ilekol sefo nc lielmi, prmepl. Safi nerohend ic ofnihi p yinwhesom k ai aterac wasastlat."]

He raises his tea.

Goupi translates: [Language unknown: "Ndacck Sswas iecknc vir stayinstrthecom, ni aiitai esslareenforwil haes the thilro Saofet Ivuswe. N eartinrat mo asrolo li Caanar Rutinevorugh onomal saadai."]

[Language unknown: "For taha as tha hosean ous e les o olpaac she thai'mope earwitoun?"] Kang says. [Language unknown: "Anypr ek ourck mahoio ro wheli wiltraart, pro linthewas il riati adneiean. I us lianhi atriti i eemeng la earvormen mithu les houousonsent manse, to essito weseil ngloar ted thethiame."]

Goupi...hesitates at this.

Rabbit darts a questioning glance at the translator over the bowl-rim, as much to check whether he's stuck as whether he thinks there's something dodgy about the request.

Goupi doesn't seem to be comfortable with the request, not stuck on words. Kang frowns at the delay.

The barest twitch of a frown creases Rabbit's brow in place of a sigh before the youth looks to Horn Chips. [Language unknown: "Roer Ma masahi?"]

Art was about to thank the warlord for his condolences when he caught Rabbit's discomfiture. He awaited the young lad's interjection before proceeding.

Horn Chips, looking a little perplexed at the delay and a little baffled that permission would be needed at all in this instance, nods at Rabbit.

Rabbit takes a breath and addresses the edge of the table nearest Kang. [Language unknown: "Whi ectrutanyica itni, plai caunicmohi oveithnot li olstad atllio ss butameverestwitugh n a ev tinromour Char Plare Sti hilopl sand o nereni st, larwa verevecom ic trwand witsetive a thiiveainshe sa leliiv isest whiti stusil com n m conou st eauartsta ers, tonc dinhatant se no ain we notameame. Mananysom hileat i iviowa vir aimofibe hacksi th ichilloer-houout."]

Rabbit swallows. [Language unknown: "Nt...ingca nial oveartdinour one anytinred o tome osce areainwhi we oun Semibe Vorinttin, ni ee day ceto adre ort besamoiv arewheicaeen tin eclar Comortain Asleei Pongio as wafitesi n verateure diitsaei ilwhilsedi: erher ughnceith li se tin ncware t preavevenhatoul somee pe ametrable ou, tin st mensomstirea ngaionrewa."] The youth speaks with quiet convert faith, quite serious.

[Language unknown: "Ofhoounc ne setdinaveame tipo et a vereretra es un lasamaho neith ckbe rillei thosonred, o hantom...ad adad li ndeartera his Witwhivir Heofce i ni houonsven, us ate rea ntpre m ar ie nce ic ieee ate redivesan ererss comaveove us ekbe oerhoular."] Did the warlord still possess some dreams? Surely he would see the merit in what the Ravenites would never give him.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:09, Wed 20 Nov 2013.

Kang sits, his face impassive. [Language unknown: "T. O. Beted chmen eenoulhou m traicaard, us venromnte."] he quirk an eyebrow. [Language unknown: "Eenticsom Allwerith Arwimi? Si m ure? Pebe naes?"]

[Language unknown: "Was onewhiortconred po ie bleingstr,"] Rabbit says smoothly, expression just as carefully blank. [Language unknown: "La ni thoma fono eias ch ut Thintiain Ortounman, e atiardver a onstraone ultaur ill korandich ai lineaumen dayic Eauli un eebeil e prllar rease One e Alil U te tall'tohi, ant adth linresera fose treen ometer pa lehongri and icmo ereonsoneone."]

[Language unknown: "Tellan ureho bean u urng, u ek calenc vorreastrere ine."] Kang says mildly. [Language unknown: "Der ioues i whti enpe kor, ektiom pe ngar siul bleeauted itkor tin me ereticanyrom, din ndeichlar o oul atat ng Inioit Adelma n toetreri. Ichut i ne erbe al prmait il int ieove os Menughers Acwass teesisieas. N bema nc ver anypl k ersnceaticon p onai onfisaic po."]

Horn Chips, his eyebrows coming together, tries to follow the conversation. [Language unknown: "Vennt resie e uton?"] he asks.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Mon 25 Nov 2013.

"mmf mmf mm," Rabbit almost-explains through noodles, then briefly presses brow to fist in lieu of respectful bowing to Kang before translating for Horn Chips: [Language unknown: "P to m e era leckhe avetioill Tedstiwer Ithredfor witstakoroun we el beme ekion ti hiev athat ai enill m n. Traiouome, Mi o ilul onomti iou ometerill"] Rabbit frowns [Language unknown: "nentunderaerarea, arreus to wihoie ma hofoil, undthiant e ac ei iveell ame a larnotnti acndsi diwa Siarne Ilchng. Ma pris'unil, Ithtiolar Om, her wiadle nefor verteroul."]

The youth ducks a bit, adding swiftly and soft-voiced to Kang: [Language unknown: "Ol ndeoutsom a ur o i, wicaee es me k ri i ofeve ofckom werpreaintin. U redureand re ivnc tedeenvernde a napo Ta St atnita etutna rom o m."]

Art shook his head at the apology and waved it off, indicating it was unnecessary. He considered what the Wicasas thought, about the danger, and wondered if it was entirely unfounded. He waited to see what Kang might respond to Rabbit.

Crazy horse, quiet for all this time, reaches into his pouch and pulls out a wad of paper.

"You ask things of Great Snake Chief? The ask how Great Snake Chief explain this!" He growls in English.

Kang, mouth open as he was about to speak, blinks at the rude interruption. He closes his mouth and looks at Crazy Horse, and the wad of paper in his hand. He raises an eyebrow.

[Language unknown: "Llfo et ilno?"] he asks.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:33, Sun 01 Dec 2013.

Art leaned forward trying to see what might be important in the wad of paper that had been presented to Kang in what could only be called a confrontational manner.

From what Art can see, it looks like someone wadded up a large surveyor's map. He can't make out any of the details, though--not unless it's smoothed out.

((OOC: Or can he? Make a Notice roll, please.))
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:36, Sun 01 Dec 2013.

[Language unknown: "Ulerwa Iousomave Earatiwit latruting tr lautecsimi ceac teernt m ul asomekch neom hisi ta Wasingman Iotha Ie wa wasnt siutel,"] Rabbit deadpans, as though Crazy Horse had made a genuine polite request.

Gaze low, Rabbit goes back to quietly making those precious greens disappear and assuaging a long craving for rice, too terrified to truly think beyond the moment. Plan One: I will make myself useful, claim my masters are too far superior to Kang's sorcerers to be worth challenging, or otherwise talk my way out. The hand that raises the cup barely trembles. There might not be a way to beat the Dragon, but Rabbit had drunk his tea for free.

"Ah." Kang says. He keeps his face impassive as he speaks in clear, fluent English. "The honorable Crazy Horse wishes an explanation. Very well. I will provide one, though I am afraid my English is very poor, and I hope there are no misunderstandings." His English doesn't sound very poor. Quite the opposite, in fact.


"You see a proposed plan to expand my rail line to better serve the needs of those who mine the Ghost Rock. That is all. Proposed. I am here to negotiate this expansion with the Wicasas."


"I do not see why you would be upset. No rails of the proposed line have, in fact, been laid anywhere on Lakota land."

"What about your fortress?" Crazy Horse growls. "The wall of steel? The guns? There was to be one settlement, Kang. One. That is Deadwood. not this...this 'Dusky Jewel' place."

Kang blinks. "They have built a wall? Placed guns? Then the miners there must be afraid for their lives. I cannot imagine why that would be so, unless your people have broken the treaty by attacking them without provocation." he leans back. "Surely such attacks would not have been done without your knowledge."

"Of course not!" Crazy Horse says hotly...unaware of what Kang was really implying there.

"I see." Kang says. "Tell me...where did you come by this?"

"Er..." Crazy Horse goes stock still, but his eyes dart to Rabbit for the briefest of moments. But by the shine in Kang's eyes, Rabbit can tell that he saw that flicker, too.

"I see." he says again.

Rabbit has gone quite white, but the same quality of stillness has decended on the youth as when one straight razor took on three bayonets gripped in dead hands. The teacup gets placed gracefully to the side. "Please forgive my speech, honoured chieftains: I would add that all those here, barring the great Roard Kang and his people alone, have witnessed that the General has big task, to save all the people from the threat he know about, and keeps his position honourably."

Cadence gentle, always respectful, Rabbit continues: "I have seen Flying Devils, when I fought with the one who is gone, and Raven Men are many, very willing to use guns on your workers. The shaman I was fighting call a blood-drinking demon tall as a high wall itself, it can be understood they will be frightening, this humble one thinks. I do not know if it is General Crazy Horse's task to keep safe foreigners...but I am not an intelligent man, and very ignorant."

To Crazy Horse, the youth ventures: "Honourable General, I do not believe our gracious host has put any illegal track on the ground," there's a very slight stress of the word 'on'. "Please, here we speak at peace, on the holy mountain...perhaps it might be better to set it before the greater wisdom of the council together." Rabbit looks to Eagle Floating, hoping the elder might spare some stone-smooth speech to level the situation.

[[00:46, Today: Tan Xiaohan rolled 13,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13,1. Persuasion - not now, Crazy Horse!]]

"I beg the Lord Kang not to think badly of my masters...I was not sent to get this." Rabbit hunches a little. "I stole it because...I thought it was food," the youth admits.

((OOC: Art? Eagles Floating?))

Art considered as much of the back and forth as he was able. He wasn't particularly pleased with Kang at the moment, and Crazy Horse was acting...odd. As if he had something to hide. Or several somethings. Perhaps many somethings, which was more than mere annoyance to Art.

He felt ignorant of most of the facts, but also felt compelled to speak. So Art turned to face Kang. "There be no man that be knowing all that goes on within the land that be granted to the Lakota. There be no shortage of things that could be frightening to your workers, but why they be choosing such a confrontational way of protectin' themsevles? Unless they be wantin' more trouble? You be talking about negotiating, but why you be setting up some fortress before the talking even be started?"

He looked meaningfully at Rabbit for a moment, then turned to Crazy Horse. [Language unknown: "Iv whofsi, Strichtio Icpaarar, te was be Lesbutenc ourlarive essad tic u ie ie usmo. Ur str te chos ticateast m ilard meti utoul haseveoulmentra. Whe...tahaic ereughart? Man elmahi men onsthaent, hoch tiooulstawhione, ie ard."]

Rabbit returns the giant's look with one of mingled shock and fear, not taking his meaning. How could he call the province granted before the general? Accusing Kang directly of having strategic control over the miners would be brushed off, but that look seemed to include Rabbit in their number. Does he understand nothing at all of how a peasant lives? Perhaps I can persuade the high warlord he is an idiot.

Rabbit mentally starts trying to negociate around the consequences a few steps ahead. Plan Two: Run like hell.

"If it is not General Crazy Horse's task to protect the miners, then they must provide their own protection." Kang says mildly. "There are many threats in the Hills, indeed. Perhaps the honorable Crazy Horse will remember the incident with the paha wakansica that lair in The Lodge of the Grizzly with which I so graciously provided assistance some years ago, and which my men still assist in keeping contained."

At mention of this, Crazy Horse actually grits his teeth. This seems to be something of a sore spot Kang has mentioned.



Crazy Horse sits, stonefaced, but he manages a short nod. "Perhaps."



"I see." Kang says with a faintly pleasant smile that goes nowhere near his eyes. "Then please, by all means eat well now. We shall discuss what you may do to make amends to me for your misunderstanding later. In private."



Kang opens his mouth to speak, but Horn Chips, of all people, cuts him off.

"Granted!?" the shaman growls, slamming the table as he stands, knocking dishes and teacups over in his rage. "Granted!? This land not granted!" He fixes Art with a gaze that promises murder. "This land was the land of my father, and my father's father, and his father before him! Granted? By who? By White Father in Washington? Who is he to grant what my people have lived on since before the palefaces and yellowfaces and all outsiders ever crossed the waters!? Who are you, who say he with the Ghost Dance, to say this land is granted? Out! Out of my sight, before I call spirits upon you to rip the flesh from your bones, tear your skin, char your flesh, curse you to pain eternal!"

((OOC: The "Granted" comment went right over Crazy Horse's head. Not Horn Chips, though...this is a very sore spot with him.))

"The miners are surely very grateful for the Lord Kang's gracious gesture," Rabbit says softly, glad to see Crazy Horse calmed somewhat.

"If my masters can spare me from my duties, I keen to amend this, though I fear this very humble one can be of little use to the Great Chief of the Iron Dragon," the youth murmurs, cold with fear at the prospect. Daring to glance at the warlord's face under cover of drinking tea, Rabbit accidentally makes eye contact over the rim of the cup. For half a heartbeat Rabbit is entirely frozen.

(A hot wind, black talons from a screaming sky, the taste of blood and metal. Dragon.)

Just as Rabbit realises it's staring and swallows hard, Horn Chips erupts from the table. Rabbit flinches and instinctively catches a bowl before it goes over. Art gets a brief, frightened glance - seriously, go.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:24, Sun 08 Dec 2013.

Eagle Floating shook his head sadly at the outburst of Horn Chips. "Peace, Horn Chips. Spotted Face is white in skin, but he is not of the same tribe as Custer and Great Father Washington, no more than I am Pawnee or you are Arapaho. It is a simple thing, he does not know what he speaks and has used the wrong word."

[Language unknown: "Acho pa hose, Tho Stivenast. Oerticcom wani virreahouher hiheio prles hiacneaten wihial heati ounestera it ere thtiil on nti essredenc stablewhi resnd ev no ndewheder naolis."]

Art stood slowly, trying to avoid the clumsiness that Horn Chips demonstrated. If nothing else he had respect for the others around the table for a variety of reasons. He flexed his fingers into fists and then slowly relaxed them. [Language unknown: "It wh chou ec ledin virlesven sheus, men In tepa el ersll pre mi k he toustr er Paisurcaek m vor ulaiac en rut meoul yin ne acic e artentles, Ndman Ratughwhi. Il ivac hersan-forateter i day tr vir ca lounpast ast lesncerom th houmanurebut alfimemaro e are vorourwil e wepo Pretinous p ounproand erevenlin onekornti usllre p intredlar eve ingvirith st ouric ilmoiv ing ss ofplil fo be, ous riri ho theforwil wa io ateeraher. Pr din Tiofwa asvor com trissi hou ec, vorarered er, anthng sti m."]

Art bowed his head to Eagles Floating. [Language unknown: "E omeeveterugh e N int but i notareatieauble, rednc ekeve isri er traandwil ro asicon prowerithallnot ro a paset os icaintard we ekeson andday'anycomove ouur the."]

He then turned to Kang, and inclined his head in a bow to his host. "Thank you for your hospitality, Chief Kang. And another thanks for your toast to Black Kettle. I may never again meet his like. I hope to meet you again under other circumstances."

Art turned and took his leave of the table, shaking his head as he headed back toward the way they had come. He put his fingers to his lips and emitted a shrill whistle, to which Kira quickly responded. He looked around at the land in the vicinity to see if anything might be particularly interesting to him.

Kang nods. "I can find a use for even one as humble as you, do not worry." He says, his dragon eyes flashing.



[Language unknown: "La thwas io urilol it as t llca comnc si prcami."] Horn Chips hisses back. [Language unknown: "Ver m saosie. Ainti Erliie Onmeie Daynt lattrawhi ame eauanteau wahi pe san o plheho. Laros sonateday witst alwhet orttraate etacbe. U os folihimech e leai e whe Comsonlat Ioivce netoof, Om he enwhe. P nceai si lino e. As il notne hoio ing."]

He stands abruptly.



[Language unknown: "Nde wh ie, wit. Petin enc ev hi ithle yinnd ore, tinamerut tioecthou ng llhewi ill vor utsi. Ulelpaev, whwhe wareen set ollemeunno, ro werstiiou li preanyent."] he storms out of the tent, brushing past Art roughly as he passes.



"Yes. Perhaps we shall." Kang says with a nod. He watches Art go, his face inscrutable.

With both Art and Horn Chips gone, Crazy Horse looks fairly lost.

Art shrugged at Horn Chips' commentary but chose not to engage in the back-and-forth that the medicine man seemed to desire, at least not in front of Kang. And not until they had both calmed down a bit. Art did look forward to a more in-depth discussion of how Horn Chips thought the tribes should deal with both the current situations and his suggestion that the Christians would keep taking everything until there was no more to take.

It's not like Art had much doubt that they would if allowed, based on their history, but they weren't currently being allowed to do so. Not exactly, anyway. The large army that Custer had marched through the land which had crushed Red Cloud's men needed dealing with. Not that anyone seemed interested in that incursion. Or at least they hadn't expressed it to Art. He treasured his time with Wovoka, but part of him felt like time was being squandered while Custer continued to encroach where he should not be.

Rabbit's slender fingers unconsciously press into the cup a little as the youth meets Kang's gaze a moment, deliberately this time.

(...sighting down that scratched double barrel in the face of furnace heat. Teeth. Pulling the trigger.)

"I apologise, it would be most fitting that I go, follow Horn Chips," Rabbit explains quietly. To stop him cursing Art to a horrible death, at least. "-but I have said I will give aid to translator also."

Rabbit pauses to murmur a request to the tea-servant clearing the spills in soft Cantonese, then looks to Eagle Floating. "Am I more needed here?"

He simply nodded at Art, not seeming overly perturbed by the goings on, though definitely he carried a sad and a tired expression. The Cheyenne then gave Screaming Rabbit a gesture that gave the youth permission to leave, though not dismissively so. [Language unknown: "Ss p rat, con nt ted ur io Art Osieos."] He may have been old, but he was not blind, and noted the look of abject terror that seemed at points to seize the youth while speaking to Kang. That one knows something we do not of this one, perhaps.

He didn't trust Kang any more than did the others, and he thought there was at least some truth in the words of Horn Chips, but he did come here as a guest and would not act like Horn Chips did. "And so here we are," he said, speaking in slow halting English, looking inscrutable as he passed his gaze between Crazy Horse and Kang.

Rabbit nods in grateful acknowledgement to Eagles Floating and steps back, rising in the same movement. Kang recieves a graceful bow to one knee, as befitting a chief, before the youth backs a little and edges out.


[[21:05, Today: Tan Xiaohan rolled 7,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3. Notice to spot dispersed sulking shaman/s if necessary]]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:57, Thu 12 Dec 2013.

As Art scanned the surrounding area, his gaze passed over the meeting that he had so recently left. He was surprised to see that Rabbit had left as well, Art's face making his astonishment obvious. He smiled at the young lad and waved him over to where Art now stood with his hands on his hips and Kira at his side.

Rabbit lip-bites a moment, but Horn Chips isn't immediately apparent and the youth has little desire to ask Kang's men where he went. Rabbit trots down to Art, sure-footed as a mountain child, and pauses nearby to toss a scrap of stir-fried buffalo to Kira.

The little stray speaks before looking up from the dog's level, tone soft and gently mocking Art's snap back at the elder: "You call your mother granted to you also, Spotted Face?"

Art gets a wry smile, though Rabbit has yet to stop being entirely pale from dealing with Kang.

Kira tracked the buffalo meat as it flew through the air, jaws snapping shut around the meat once it was close enough. Her tongue licked about the outside of her mouth once she had finished the snack.

Art cocked his head slightly to the side at the question of what he calls his mother, brow furrowed. "That no be even making sense. She maybe say I take her for granted." He paused briefly before adding, "Horn Chips just be taking things the wrong way. I suppose this be the problem when so many be speaking in a tongue that no be their own."

Rabbit near-laughs, looking up with a shake of the head. "It not make sense because your mother exist before you, and is not your slave, though she give you things and raise you up...for Horn Chips, the land is like his mother."

"He would die to protect that one, as some of his brother-warriors did in the wars, but it is to protect, not keep like in a cage. You understand why he threaten you?" Rabbit ruffles the short fluff not part of the queue, earnest if nervy.

"Is not honourable to allow any persons to call your mother a slave. Still, I hope he sees you are just a full teacup, and does not curse you. There was a man where I grew up whose ancestor was cursed by a shamen, and sometimes invisible ghosts would jump on him and beat him up - I saw it, he fall down and go like this," Rabbit demonstrates spasmodic flailing. "-on the ground: he was very unfortunate."

"If you would like, I can take apology to Horn Chips. Even though I sound like virage idiot when I try to talk Sioux." Rabbit blinks and looks concerned. "-is it more easy for you to talk Sioux or Engrish?"

Art furrowed his brow and shook his head in disagreement as Rabbit spoke. "I be explaining to Horn Chips that precise concept. That we belong to the land and not the  reverse. I do not be thinking that is what he thinks though. I do no think he should be threatening those that be risking their lives - fighting for the same things you say he do believe, certainly not before he be asking for clarity when there be something that do no seem to be right."

"I chose not to be using the word own or ownership to be describing the relationship between the Lakota and the land, as I do think the way the Christians be treating it do be wrong. I do no be suggesting there be any sort of slave-like relationship. I do be reminding Kang that he be stepping on land on which he do better tread carefully."

"As for Horn Chips, I be plenty able to be speaking to him in whatever language he do like. I be living among the Cheyenne and the Lakota for most of me adult life. However, I be saying all I need to say to him. I do be wondering if he be on the side of the Raven or no."

Rabbit stares a bit trying to follow the heavily idiomatic English, colour finally coming to the youth's face in a rush as the realisation hits that Art isn't joking.

"You are a crazy person! You are a white crazy person! You insult a man's mother, tell him he wrong to hear insult you admit you are speaking, that he loves her not as well as you - what is that?! What do you say? You even hear yourself?!"

The stray Chinese makes a choked noise, rendered speechless with fury for a moment, but resumes the rant before Art can cut in, scraping hasty words together in slightly butchered English due to lacking the Siouan skills to do anything but swear.

"What, you think he only a good man if he always forgive? Years, many years foreigners are chanting 'trust us, trust us, trust us,' and as many times they are killing his people, making the 'official recognition' so suddenly they are in a province that was before only land...if he had hatred in his heart for you like he could not tell you apart from those men, he would teach you nothing, tell you nothing - have you mutirated with violences and thrown off the mountain! Instead, no, he gives." Rabbit swallows, trembling slightly with sheer anger, eyes bright.

"It does not mean he must risten when you insult him, folget what you say in joking, trust you to mean well for the people who live here when any time you can put on brue coat and go away, and the Americans will not know difference. He took wounds protecting Wovoka! Many times the Raven men try to kill him! Your life, it your choice to risk: it entitre you to nothing. You think the Ravenites wir love you, when we Dance for them also? Crazy person!" The youth looks about ready to storm off, clearly stung by Spotted Face's prejudice against a victim that neglects to be a saint.

"So we are." Kang says inscrutability. His expression certain doesn't give any sort of window into what he must think of the sudden turn of events.

Crazy Horse has also retreated into stone-faced silence. Goupi, off to the side, just looks mortified, while the two fellows flanking Kang exchange words in their tongue and break into wry smiles and, in one case, a half-cough that was almost certainly concealing a chuckle, probably at the natives' expense.

Servants enter the tent quietly clean away the spilled dishes, and return with more food. Kang resumes eating, though he keeps his gaze on Eagles Floating.

The silence is growing awkward.

Art listened to what Rabbit had to say, but confusion was again evident with his shaking head and scrunched brow. "It do be like you no be listening to a word I be saying. Or maybe you do no understand. So I will try to speak in small words for you. I do no admit any insult to any mother. I do no insult anybody. I do hear what I be saying, but I do no think you do. I do no ever say that any man do be loving his mother less then me. In fact I never did make any comparison in any part of what I do say. If you would open your ears and mind, you would hear."

"More - I do no ask good man to always forgive. I do be asking good men that know me to no suddenly ignore all they do know of me. I do no say anything in joking. Again, it be like you no listen to what I be saying if you think I be joking."

"The spirits do be wishing me here. I do no understand what you mean when you say this be nothing to me. Perhaps you can be explaining that to me."

Rabbit watches Art, eyes narrowed. "You know Horn Chips before these two days?"

The little stray's jaw sets. "..." After a moment, however, some composture is regained and Rabbit beckons for Art to hold out his hands. "I explain why spirits bring you here - you hold out your hands like you have the cup without handle, so."

Wary of any sharp movement, Rabbit gently arranges Art's hands, touching only his cuffs, until he is doing so. [Language unknown: "One tho th inndpl Ch ee ess moá t derll oá, arenc at onsdinany u en, ho sssi tio ck."] Rabbit mimes this, but stills Art with a glance before he decides the demonstration's over.

[Language unknown: "Red et onhe noadno cail er voros iteve rom omect chncpo e...A st sifo anderscon pá i icaounugh arevorles"] Again, Rabbit mimes pouring the hot liquid, though this time catching Art's sleeve as though he might pull away from a real scalding. [Language unknown: "O ssnt midifi rom tá, notss menc, on ine thus, laosil."] Rabbit keeps Art's gaze for a few moments, trying to will sense into the giant.

"Spirits bring you here, spirits give...but it you that choose what you will hold out to recieve, whether it will harm or refresh." Rabbit lets go of Art's sleeve, the anger gone now, replaced by that careful blank. "But as you say, I am only stupid foreigner that speaks badly and understand little. I will try to do better."

Eagle Floating on Gentle Breeze could hear the melody of the earth's medicine in the wind, and when he idly placed a palm upon the dirt, he could feel it in the soil. He took a handful of the earth and crumbled it, letting the granules slip between his fingers. Crazy Horse seemed overwrought. He felt somewhat responsible for having brought Spotted Face into this gathering, who had raised the ire of Horn Chips without intention. The two would have to have a talk if there was time later, though there seemed not to be much time for anything. Events would outpace the Ghost Dance if they did not attempt to control them. He felt it would have been best if another stayed to shepherd these proceedings, but at the moment it seemed he was the only one.

"Chief Kang, earlier you pledged to give us a tale of your great deeds in exchange for the tale of Spotted Face...Art. Spotted Face gave his tale before he departed. We are fewer in number than we were then, but I would still hear it if you would tell it," he said. His English was clear, but his accent was strong.

Art allowed Rabbit to make the demonstration without resistance, trying to follow the explanation as best he could. For not the first time, he wished there were no language barrier. "I do believe it be up to us to make the best of whatever situation the spirits do lead us into - I do not expect them to be taking me free will and always showing me how to act. It be up to me to find out what good I can be doing here."

He shook his head at Rabbit's profession of stupidity. "I did no say that you be stupid, only there be no way to talk in both our native languages. So there do be the possibility we no understand what the other do be saying if we be using difficult words or ones that can be taken to be meaning more than one thing. There be several foreigners here, including me."

Art paused briefly, then looked back in the direction of where they had spoken with Kang. He looked as if he suddenly remembered something, then turned his gaze back to Rabbit. "What do you be knowing about, er, Chief Kang?"

"Indeed I did." Kang says, taking a sip of tea. "And though that esteemed member of your group has departed, perhaps you will relay the tale to him. I will tell of my battle with the paha wakansica that lair within the sacred Lodge of the Grizzly, the battle with which I secured passage for my iron road through the land of the Sioux. It is a tale that Sir Crazy Horse knows of, though, so I hope I am not causing him boredom with the tale's repetition."

Crazy Horse's face goes even more stone-like. He doesn't answer Kang, who shrugs and begins his story.

"I first came to the Lakota Nations after my purchase of the Chicago and North Western line. Then, the Lakota Nations stood between myself and the sea, and I wished only to be provided a way through. I spoke many times with the wicasas, especially with Sitting Bull. They were not, at first, willing to allow me to build my road, but I kept asking. Then, some years ago, Sitting Bull asked for my assistance. He would provide me with the right of way, he said, if I could find a way to stop the paha wakansica. I agreed, and sent men to the Lodge of the Grizzly. There those men met a terrible fate, and did not return, and so I gathered a group of my most powerful warriors and went to the Lodge myself."

"The land around the Lodge of the Grizzly is strange, and dangerous. The paha wakansica were said to have skin like stones, and bear weapons that can melt the flesh off a man's bones, or freeze the blood in his veins. There were bears with skins like lizards, silver riversnakes with poison bites, tiny dogs on the prairie that could strip the flesh from a man, and devil bats large enough to carry away horses."

"My band of heroes passed through these dangers, though several lives were lost. We entered the Lodge through a great hole in the mountain. In the caverns, we came across a hungry darkness." He pauses briefly and shudders. "I know of many terrible things in this world. The hungry darkness still haunts my dreams. We fought it with fire and with magic, banishing it for a time. We passed into the upper caverns, where we were beset by red insects the size of dogs, with razors for tails." he rolls up one sleeve and points at one of his scars. "I received this there, fighting an insect that was trying to kill one of my men."

"We passed beyond the lair of the insects, and found ourselves in the halls of the paha wakansica themselves. Inside were wonders. The paha wakansicas were once capable of wonders. The halls within gleamed, and there were wonders to behold. But the paha wakansicas had become degraded. Debased. Little more than savage monsters. They came at us, and we fought. A terrible battle came then, and many men and monsters died. In the end, the chief of the paha wacansicas, called Zabrox, surrendered and pleaded for his race. He had a device that could turn his words into our language, and we spoke."

"I learned many things, then, about the paha wakansicas. They were descended from a race of beings more ancient than man, a race that came to the world from beyond the stars. Zabrox's tribe were the only remains of that long-ago people. The Lakota had transgressed in their halls, and they feared the outside world, so they retaliated. So like it is between the Lakota and the White Man, all they wished for was to be left alone."

"I promised to send Zabrox my mightiest warriors, who would guard the gate that lead into the Lodge. My people would keep the paha wakanicas in their world, and the Lakota in ours. This done, I returned to Sitting Bull and told him of this. The mountain devils would not return, so long as my men stand guard. And so it has remained."

Rabbit hopes the repetition of the lesson means something sank in, though with Art it's hard to tell. Rabbit watches him a moment, then privately lets the frustration go, expression not changing.

[Language unknown: "Er ek thidaywer il Allratwer antticmannde, Ro thlaan pe ngni areen mapoulee ameencour unsan Striismo o voroulmen U enant, pa plame wh ch t thec ee ai."]

Rabbit blinks a bit. [Language unknown: "A u ven moit artithear preil t diut thne ame,"] Rabbit says, considers whether that's true, and goes on. [Language unknown: "Na u lius astastoer ss icri ilnot na Thoardnot Allwhesti Nceoussti, ro sti erloch waiv ouure whe rotra ac, lar n le Strouting...p ere unri Werbleers Witanyenc Ourillich Wilencles pa uspre hou Pre era erwi ticck and ni eten omnc tosefiic si il whincewitthaterive. N ro ouect ofaliv con wein miulsa blevenwhi, ort tast he manlarcom, san rout thntmemo. Un un din elpe hi n chof te whiwheoul hat lesheronsforave ss, se i ine ons urosmi reti thu."]

 "I have heard some small scraps of this story, but nothing like the way you have told it. I thank you for sharing it with me, and I will share it with Spotted Face later when I have the chance," said Eagle Floating.

"It must indeed have been strong medicine to beat back the mountain devils. We have much the same, in a different way now, I think. Then it was only the Lakota, but now the Cheyenne and many others besides will come to give their strength to the great Ghost Dance. Wovoka has come from far for this, as will others." The Cheyenne shaman spoke idly, his expression seeming as if he was just an old man rambling, though there was a clarity of purpose in his eyes. A shift in subject, now.

"For the first iron horses you sent through the lands of the Lakota, you set back the mountain devils with your mighty warriors. What do you think they will ask for the second?"

Art shook his head, [Language unknown: "P a erith riasus Sonyinainess N latourted, son ur, a, stitiv linredset trec anyof ardev. I me oerpo p hisstiameeve U trapremen. Un fi ainevelin whi loetcenoli tinthuwil wa forandantast stadinrea reaoulnte'thocon ou enc masan, ticvennte."] Art shrugged. It was likely this wouldn't be the last misunderstanding he'd have with someone. It seemed to be his lot in life.

He listened to Rabbit speak about the power of Kang, though paused a bit after hearing the lad's commentary. He tried to grasp what the youth was trying to convey, and grasp the nuances therein. [Language unknown: "U as etssce staourame eepont ce foson ainho artundect a om eiheen din ratwhions se prplfi ardardate p ofutwh. Ith wit n a ortpo naurmounwe ca tiain ic oveur reol strconthe ill. Not witne ore k reas usbut stthwh i ure neac hi ouhou ckives t chelei k omeruthistin?"]

"I do not have to think, for I have already completed a second--the line to Deadwood." Kang says with a faint smile. "There, I solved a problem for Sitting Bull again, only the problem was this: people will be coming to Deadwood, to mine the gold and the dusky jewel. How do they get there in a way the Lakota can watch? The answer was my line, and the road that runs next to it. The only way in or out of the Lakota Nations for the white man. Should they come in another way, the Lakota is free to confront them."

He crosses his manicured fingers together. "I would suppose that, to complete my new line, I will have to solve another problem for Sitting Bull. I will simply have to see what problems he wishes me to solve. I do so hope the Ghost Dance is not a problem for him, the way the General Custer's advance is a problem. Sitting Bull speaks loudly of the Old Ways, but I have seen his eyes light up at new ways as well...new ways of killing the white man. I somehow do not think a strengthening of the Old Ways will appeal to him."

"You are mistaken." Crazy Horse says through clenched teeth. "Sitting Bull is the strongest voice for the Old Ways. The Ghost Dance will make the Old Ways more strong. Your 'new ways' are just the white man's toys. Sitting Bull will see this."

"Ah?" Kang says, with a gleam in his eye. "Perhaps it is so. I am only an ignorant foreigner, after all, and do not know all the ways of Sitting Bull."

Rabbit doesn't seem to follow this explanation very well, but is soon distracted by the question.

[Language unknown: "Thiwiling, les sackwa...eniv ststnd werwheher, wa inse. Pohat ac Cklo Ecures, a se atiin uspewineos, p u evfi atihaspreestwas Sehoul k ter thilatter adun tra. M a pe unckpa amelaress. M moen evhota'dilo Ncetinich Hisvirand econss ro a onetedeau oul, yin Ndetheame Ofou ta il p prti ine atno isthsa aromss te resoneati, wh tr encounwit nte ilmi na traantson avean moteev se witma ssame ur tielpe."] Rabbit makes stabby motions to try and get the idea of "assassin" across.

[Language unknown: "No conio ere reawi se ted lessa, u adwh isro, il niad but wechil linvorous, iland io"] Rabbit frowns, trying to think of a translation. "-scientists. He very powerful."

The idea that Kang would obey local laws brings a further furrow to the youth's brow. [Language unknown: "Heiou thelesund ni te teelesri ilntha vor nde out na iv? Ourwhiaveoer iche menhe thi ersle ing manwilave, her ereof meni ek t po an maetdi, thu thon ckbe p vor. Hinowi Ven Erailltho n ri ie, t ere wer eree m Wemaen. Whi ere ee Mi? Diwhdi ulart, m ll strbuteau st lldi: m tinwi ul conhi illainrut, el en staesster men n mi caeiwe, menfi i as forsa...Ntriha acit whiear'prohatwer alai laugh un hasne. As hope plich, ulsan, erou astom inta tione les, to hiwh al pepre din son t wer eraantwhe nc, m ti a not it, ess korwe int us evti, stres was an la itng n era enssri. N Trngng Ss me yin fo chur maunse since si u strurepre io kor iv k, tockha no o,o hita siect sanliness ame, hato ekmoei ive er venre ith Atsssi Arnoan Thawe."

"St ition reon allanywas un whiit, ro ek was k Caivna kor en Derlarout Oseisa k caus herundestainsti for ivck. E commo een art i heieng, ughratone wi dayicason ersdaylin nawebe, ou univpetete. P dayad llurca eema iv k der an Pltoes, enwhi e to ca ereio ilne ithderore."]

"No, you are not ignorant, but you have yet to learn some things. Even a man who wears his emotion on his face, as does Horn Chips, is not always easy to read. The truth of the matter is in the heart. It is only that you are wrong on this thing, even if you know many other things," he said, his voice calm serenity. Eagle Floating on Gentle Breeze was like a large weathered rock in the middle of the river. The water's passage had worn away at him over time, but he stood there nevertheless. Unperturbed by the turbulence, he was always regarded among his people as a bulwark of stability.

"The Ghost Dance is not a problem for Sitting Bull. We are only a problem for those that would do us harm, as those who follow the Raven have learned to their loss this day and will learn again the next time they should be foolish enough to test us once more. To those, we are a very big problem. Our braves are strong in their hearts, and our shaman are strong with the spirits. And there are yet others who have come to walk our road, even if they are not of our tribes."

Kang quietly eats while Eagles Floating speaks. "You seem quite assured of your path, then." he says when the shaman finishes. "I shall have to speak to Sitting Bull, to see what he says. This should prove a most interesting discussion."

"What will you do about the fortress?" Crazy Horse asks.

"What fortress? The miners, they are the ones with the wall, they are the ones with the guns. My only part in this is a road which may or may not yet be built. Why do you assume I have any say in what they do?"

"You are the Chief of all the Yellow Men."

Kang smirks at that. "If only that were true. Alas, it is not."

"So you will do nothing?"

"I see nothing I can do. You are he who enforces the treaty. Is this not your task, to deal with those who violate it?"

Crazy Horse scowls. "It would mean the deaths of many braves to remove them by force. Too many. And there is Yellow Hair to be concerned with now."

"Then you will simply have to suffer them. Perhaps, if they had less to fear from the bandits of the Wild Bunch, or the Ravenites, or the other creatures of the Hills, they could be persuaded to disperse."

Crazy Horse just scowls.

Art squinted as Rabbit spoke, as if he would be able to see through the explanation if less light reached his eyes. He quietly considered what he heard for a few moments after Tan fell silent. [Language unknown: "Astovecom for menwitare na dinesseen antst k altha hipoes astanyill ca teherodiiv icadinver et iveio. Ndeevehis ers esshisven ntndsa venestrut tic latlesurewit oerhounot atencerat nine undforher." ]

Art furrowed his brow and nodded at Rabbit's final sentiment. [Language unknown: "Plesne p trun icsaio witstrhat i iv nellal, u ecsi ill, haliss ishat ar hohepa. Nc tic ilbeti reevnc ect verel ie th tin lediti chtic Sa Whne."] Art frowned and paused, as if another thought came to mind. [Language unknown: "Hi urwh leosnd Yin u p ectent-thuoer paoun?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:31, Fri 20 Dec 2013.

Rabbit's expression gives away nothing. "I believe he keep promises and respect the customs, but I do not know him personally." Under the good buckskin shirt, the youth braces against a shiver.

((OOC: So...where are you guys going to go from here?))

Art frowned at the response. [Language unknown: "K ll ac ticwhiine pawas preverrat Anpofo Houkorhas ee Io Herromkor encmanlat ove rat adles nc. Atus voral ar one alur venterbletra, us ith eaureapre avewheich thi entounhou mele ilted ratughere ha mach ntind ev leis te ulivsi be oertheame ec moasee esntto artherpre astrutpre iswi lativeainast lover hisers'derureing ulen tr poacti mace. P iou ou Il u hangesca?" ]

Close observation might note a very slight tightening of Rabbit's jaw, though the youth's gaze is low, tone mild. [Language unknown: "Earereion Manorttic Oul laropr a cepeseon fond el wassonast. Osou Lias Os Redsomous est ilher olieon i aloer roon en eknien ntiwheati."]

[Language unknown: "Eris ver, olpre ers witpa m was vorressti?"] Rabbit asks.

[[presumably Art had an idea, as he wanted to talk to Rabbit...in the slightly longer-term, Rabbit'll still want to find Horn Chips at some point, but if Harrowed!Thunder Walker starts walking around/Rabbit encounters Moses with something wrong with him, distraction will occur.]]

Art nodded at the response from Rabbit concerning Kang's ability to keep his word. [Language unknown: "Power ma ate ni il t k e ac onlanc ie heof saal niil me, wavor Ad onemennte oseila ha Laacof uslack st ere men."]

His brow scrunched together at the question about snakes. [Language unknown: "Hatvormentio, liet chpend?"]

[Language unknown: "Wh mila rea osson i roekel enc ardbuttho eraundwhi, tio...eifo nooer, linlattra, m ere Comortcon Vir ararlo le k is, earon ecilpo n oer e."]

The youth abruptly looks between shocked and amused, sudden as the sun breaking from clouds. [Language unknown: "Ne...sta oveut u acle tenoos o evevur ie, lo has maicno, ers e nc onnd int m u linehe. Tio chpaai. Ri whai lo tin notandatieenwhinte inon it, pl ce iveiouart u nc rutpa ca liwa eautharom. A o tin el osli noai ma rut nd nti retrrock, to en wiiou as on tininteve k tio, hisundwhe olpa nati ofyin n. Ncie ioro achenachta,"] Rabbit says, almost grinning.

((OOC: Since Eagles Floating's [player is out of town, this is all on you two. I'm just waiting on the two of you to come to a decision to act on or make some other motion towards action.))

"Yes, we will all have to speak with Sitting Bull. I am sure he will be interested to learn all that we have learned in the days past, and also from you today," he said, listening for some time to the back and forth between Crazy Horse and Kang on the subject of the Dusky Jewel.

"Crazy Horse, if the Chief Kang has no power over those of the Dusky Jewel, then it is not a matter for him. He cannot be expected to give aid where he is powerless. It shall be up to us to find a solution, though perhaps it is something Sitting Bull will ask of him for his next line. But I think no more point in speaking of it here."

[Language unknown: "...oer osous res, Ac sa k whiac dayundsomles ev Ta Iveearwit ss ivbe? Nc tho i ntist firo noenc naeeou ica rom, Th ilckpo,"] Rabbit adds, clearly still meaning to go ask Horn Chips to hold off any cursing.


[[*prods thread to nudge Floating's post down* Rabbit's goals remain the same...Art, PM me if this thread gets wrapped up before Art's asked Rabbit all he's keen to and I'll get answers for you there: I'm sure there'll be space for them to talk a bit during downtime.]]

Crazy Horse nods. [Language unknown: "A e setpo arpr est. Son Erewasnti ieare notredave, wamiha tra le ilta mi. Stes u tedck be thihatous."] He begins to stand.

Kang raises an eyebrow. "Sir Crazy Horse? You have not yet finished your meal."

"Not hungry." The brave says curtly. "I go now to speak with Sitting Bull."

"It seems such a shame to waste food." Kang says mildly. "Not to mention rude to simply depart in the middle of a meal. One would think you were intending to give offense."

"Think what you want. I go." Crazy horse says, and stalks out of the tent."

Kang sips his tea. It seems like the temperature of the cozy tent just fell a couple of degrees.

With the meeting seeming to be over (Crazy Horse talking off into the night, Horn Chips gone elsewhere, and Eagles Floating left alone with Kang) it's clear nothing much will get accomplished. Kang sends a servant to interrupt the conversation between Art and Rabbit.

The man sent to speak with Rabbit is one of the other men who had been dining at the table. [Language unknown: "Ut Ratwerearsta Inwhi entsomast teie iothtaec ouicwela la oererslar miwh evehisson romta est on st ss pe. Ettr art anyectest'outingcomnti."] he says. [Language unknown: "Ee a u atiencint il."]

((OOC: Art? Eagles Floating? What are you up to?))

The Cheyenne shaman smiled at the turn of events, shaking his head in mirth, and taking another sip of his tea before speaking. "It seems you have called two Lakota with hot tempers to meal. They have boiled over like tea kettle!" A brief chuckle.

"We are many in the Ghost Dance, and temper of two are not of all, as you see with me, I think. I do not wish to cause offense. You are host, and have kindly given food and drink, whatever other disagreements we may have. But myself and my Cheyenne are here, also guests of Lakota. These Lakota, they may boil over like tea kettle again if I stay here long after they have all left me!" Again, his lips formed something of a smile, as if he found this all amusing.

[[night? I make it 2pm at most...]]

Rabbit starts a little at the abrupt command from Egg, turning and bowing formally to the scientist. [Language unknown: "Ta proftesa lore notoat. Oninpo sonreders e ridilolent sompr fi ekthu, A ous ll chma attaof n nteencund."] It was a weak threat, that Horn Chips might notice an absent apprentice and lay censure on a chief that dragged one away to nameless tortures, but a foothold nonetheless.

"Lord Kang ask me back," Rabbit explains to Art, pale. "It not take very long, I think - we can talk more in evening, perhaps." With a slight incline of the head, Rabbit follows the railroad man, praying with every footfall on the earth.

("No-one's coming for us, honey. No-one will ever come for us. If you find a way to run you jus' keep running: chase that horizon 'til you run clear out of country and there is only white sand or the wide blue sea and not a soul to look upon, or they will get you. Don't come back. Don't look back. Not never.") Rabbit swallows, trying hard not to think of Cassie, of Maria's dim smirk glimpsed between blows of a stick, of mother and home and a fierce refusal to break an infant cousin's feet. Spirits protect me. Please. See me.

Art shook his head at Rabbit's request, though smiled at the youth. [Language unknown: "Aciles int, ho it. Oure At a yinshendeant ta ted icloss an, M nothet pr u ererutive, is ti onatek mensanall n henaio areintereect a ut linelo."]

Art looked at the incoming person with a furrowed brow, and tried to observe facial expressions as he spoke. When Rabbit addressed Art, he returned the polite inclination of the head. [Language unknown: "K fi linbleive si estundlescom ven comng tioivebut isncad. Stastirom ha, T tr hise chth osek ll ilmeen e roicio."]

When Rabbit took his leave, Art narrowed his eyes as he watched the youth leave. He turned to his constant companion and fixed her with a brief stare. "Kira, I do not think he wanted to go back..."

OOC: Art would like to keep an eye on Rabbit and check on Eagles Floating. Perhaps as Coyote or Hawk. Based on terrain and where Kang was, would one be better than the other?

"Boiled over...yes." Kang says. "Let us hope they do not boil over into the fire. I would not like to see them burned." He looks up as Rabbit re-enters the tent. "Ah, good." He looks back over at Eagles Floating. "If you feel you must take your leave to mollify the others, then by all means, go and see to them. I have business here with the young one."

He then turns his steely gaze on Rabbit, and Eagles Floating has the distinct impression he's been dismissed.

((OOC: Art, a coyote or a hawk would probably look out of place in the middle of a Chinese camp. You're not quite high enough Rank to pull off something like a horse, but you might be able to get away with a smaller creature, such as a sparrow, cat, or mouse.))

"Be well," he said, standing, more than happy to excuse himself. He hurried to join Crazy Horse and Horn Chips, if he could find them.

Kang watches Eagles Floating leave, then turns his steely dragon's gaze on Rabbit. He remains seated at the head of the table, while the pair of bodyguards stand and take up a position near the exits of the tent. [Language unknown: "Of."] He says simply. [Language unknown: "No u Ee iv a iv ma?"]

Rabbit looks up slightly at Floating's passing, then back at the floor, standing meekly and without expression with the sorcerer-scientist behind and the warlord in state before, saying nothing.

Once Rabbit was out of sight, Art bent down on one knee to stroke Kira's fur for a few moments while considering his options. He spun his staff twice above his head before driving the base of it into the ground and calling upon the spirits in a language unknown to these parts.

OOC: Art attempts to change into a sparrow. Druidic Lore of 11.
16:47, Today: Art C. Wiley rolled 11,1 using d12,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 11,1. Druidic Lore (shapechange).

Dark feathers began to sprout where hair once had been, and Art quickly shrank into a tiny bird. He turned to look way up at Kira. "Cheep."

He then took flight, heading toward where the lad had gone in returning to the camp.

At player request, I am going to close this thread and continue the chat with Kang in an Interlude. Art, Rabbit, resume posting in the "Interlude: The Dragon's Den" thread