...and now my dreams can move a nation, Rabbit thinks, awed and made afraid by the power given to her. She looks at her hands, then up at the people. Well, Sitting Bull can hardly stop everyone...this is barely in anyone's control.

Act.

[Language unknown: "Safosa, un trlena Heicet,"] Rabbit asks Sky Hawk. [Language unknown: "Ai Wepa Enceenpro, naulce earbleres atewheany,"] she asks of Quiet Knife.

[Language unknown: "Foday een platlo ngul iv oseswa trnd?"] Yawns gets that question, then Rabbit steps forward, calling over the noise.

[Language unknown: "P ngck whi, ha onilas ac sta, ant out...Ntofan leiv ivst u icavirbut tonce, linli eine ou a heanit wh ecpl hoted artad houicadin, elica ntion comeen-asteau,] Rabbit pulls up her shirt enough to show the black-scarred claw marks stark on her flesh.

[Language unknown: "hemen tifi Sackwe, hi rut li pe t, eenverble. Esspo ee one, p a i na onion ntecontio. Et illss onmiin."]

Hopefully Wovoka will show up before the Hooded One... Rabbit hopes. If so, maybe I will get a chance to try and fetch some more Chinese support.

Sky Hawk and Quiet Knife nod. [Language unknown: "Ll ard is ard?"] Sky Hawk asks, giving the crowd a worried look.

Rabbit's hand brushes along her thunderbird feather and she gives a small nod. [Language unknown: "Daybutugh Rutthinti nabut manntirat intus ilulof tio un isstch lo traca...ard ardredres ro m romsomast, evutfi earaventiyin,"] she responds.

There's a flurry of activity over the next couple hours. Wovoka, looking a bit mortified, arrives and quickly agrees to help lead an impromptu lesson in the dance. Horn Chips arrives, too, but he doesn't speak to Rabbit directly and keeps his distance. Kicking Bear enthusiastically joins in, exhorting everyone to dance with passion.

An older Lakota, well-dressed and accorded a lot of respect from the surrounding braves, watches the proceedings quietly, with a quiet smile on his lips.

((OOC: Give me a summary of Rabbit's prep actions))

Rabbit explained the situation to Wovoka as best she could, with a great deal of deference to the prophet made as obvious as possible to the crowd - explaining the demonstration of honourable bulletproofing, the talk of driving the Americans into the sea, her mild correction and dream-speaking, the outbreak of enthusiasm.

Horn Chips gets a few anxious looks in his direction, but Rabbit doesn't chase him, concentrating instead on impressing upon the people the amount of work required to raise the dead properly, convincing them that this work would go better after the great buffalo feast, when they were sure of the steps and full of holy meat, and indeed teaching them how to Dance.

[[Did any of the women turn up?

If she gets the opportunity/she's certain Wovoka is safe for a bit - is Crazy Horse still about? - she'll trot off to try and bring some Chinese folk down. Persuasion roll?]]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:43, Thu 05 Jan 2017.

Wovoka looks somewhat mortified at the talk of bulletproofing being promised willy-nilly and seems distinctly uncomfortable with the "drive the white folks to the sea" bits, but nods and seems to accept that the time for organization is now.

The older, well-dressed Lakota with the smile wanders closer in. The braves immediately grant him deference as he approaches. He listens to Rabbit speak on the necessity of feasting, and nods.

"Yes. There is wisdom here. It shall be done as you say." He says to Rabbit. In English, which seems odd. "Holy Tatanka's hide is being prepared. You and your friends will each be given a cloak of his skin to wear for the dance."

Crazy Horse is, in fact, still around. The women have not yet arrived.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:24, Wed 11 Jan 2017.

Rabbit looks up at the important stranger and gives a slightly crooked smile, dipping into a small bow of respect. "Tatanka has much favoured us, noble chief. I hope we can return as much honour back to him."

She looks at the now not-inconsiderable crowd of the curious and potential disciples, then back to the chieftain, still vigilant despite the clear and genuine current of excitement. "Will you also dance with us?"

"I intend to, though my bones are growing weary with age." The man says. "I am pleased to see so many are excited. When I invited Wovoka here at Kicking Bear's request, I had my doubts. But if this Dance is successful...it will be a good thing. I would like to see the dream you spoke of come to pass. My own dreams are darker. I dream of myself laying dead in the snow, surrounded by the bodies of my people, being pecked at by crows while the Long Knives dig mass graves." He shakes his head. "I would see your dream come true, little one."

Rabbit smiles at the pledge, but listens intently, clearly taking this in with great seriousness. "I think...there other forces in this land, that want the hoop of life to start its turn in destruction. I think it is that they collect, near to here, that give you a dream of fear, to make you lose hope, and so act badly like an animal that is caught, lashing out."

The small shamen dares look up, even to make eye contact for a second. "I am glad you come, and hope we can bring more hope here. We need many, that can also remember they free and human when war stares at us close. We wour' be much honoured, if you encourage your people to have faith in the Dance also...it take much work, but many together make much powerful medicine."

Rabbit rubs a little absently at the marking on her neck, feeling nothing more than her own warm, familiar skin, then looks about for Crazy Horse. "I go try get some of the Chinamen here, as we are teaching," she explains to the noble before her, endeavouring not to seem rude. "I come back."

The older man shakes his head. "No, I do not believe so. I believe it is a warning -- what might occur if we do not dance." he nods. "The Minneconjou will join the Oglala in the dance. You have my word."

Crazy Horse is nearby, watching the two of them speak. The older man nods again. "Go, then."

The chief gets a deeply respectful bow before Rabbit goes to do as she had indicated, pausing briefly to inform Crazy Horse of her intent.

Crazy Horse is watching the proceedings with the air of a man who has lost control and doesn't quite know how, nor what to do about it. He doesn't notice Rabbit speaking to him for a couple moments. When he does, he sighs. [Language unknown: "Pre acmen on und, Tioectnot? Ulen ec p vor?"]

Rabbit looks up at the general, feeling much the same. [Language unknown: "T lefi...bewhou unofilri,"] she responds, swallowing on a dry throat from much talking and high nerves.

[Language unknown: "E...Th onon iethlo poome, os Ei les oun penaicai, ofrut na attaal, Ni teic chati olerhe i Noiv hois Ichndeive...ver aswi P ovestikorble Is dires ma was llad ble m vorbleres urewhe'tinast: ie st ro, are ivet, veran u thtin Whutro, and ncoul nesani sonce i e. P romyinthi...m us oshis vir haheli, sifo entthiearcom, ti nautse tho eitr thomanatered'eauoreons sainiv. Ofis ulheof. Na K ardit ndairo Cheiiv, U il ng."] Rabbit goes quiet, aware of talking entirely too much.

[Language unknown: "U...E i urat i hatntitin but oueen Moncti Esnoho Wilsanpre nce, weear ha ivlier,"] she explains.

[Language unknown: "Ss, it wa."] Crazy Horse says as he looks over the crowd. [Language unknown: "Ekasat As wi mout ee lassne ave ta, Ol thotintho. Any ticut Ecoses Een on, sinti oulma He Stfitr ecerwe ntess ersthamen re ol, P u thwe ndcetr k ati hona tra. Yin O un noiv averedtin Mellac Acore ntiineast whilatrut toerec i nerest er m peut on nce whierawhi k ni, ivngar omme, theinture ofomwh."]

He blinks at Rabbit. [Language unknown: "Ou rea Tertedund Thuouroul ruturehou? Towit onad venpa mi mo oer for tondut?"] He shakes his head. [Language unknown: "Wh yin le, era M ai evma ritina set Stiwasher Venourugh aninle. Enteareau comiouvor peceom an o ch dinlatsom a ngect romestund, eswhmo en hemofi acer ate celest strticbut usrom toenc ur rincen, se He witdayill estfi om oulcommen onsanyentill ri Moanol urel. Mopro menomesta ill ted out ioniouove hoof, ta?"]

[Language unknown: "Wherbe ectng i vir anun ave ourimo, ck wema re era wimilo o arut hou staho tillac,"] Rabbit says, trying to hide bemusement.

[Language unknown: "N ei res us ecthol Ousallrea Ssera, i t ekas rea la was ating io fond...pro il ev notul elncasurwaat a es st ta strntilar ughhi ure ouous eeon, neoul our fo ivliwh osyin enerhi, loble aclodi si ive. At o res k ekivofleol m prof Roriil tosi acpo taun, p osle are Onnaai tinerspro, sonck wiom Tinthidin, sonie riri cedi, he omech menc strstanot ic has...eau Te il, a eruton, chce ta pl ad k ugh, ive lar anat not ichoutted o o din."] Rabbit rubs under her queue.

[Language unknown: "Di niti lo som roca t of, Wericashe hou artingtra orendebut...Nt venwitrea o e usie ntckwh his Sielhi ndma sa adday roomen lenot ng pabees, thederntiwhe si, k een ee verearith yin encar ven me. I ortromain weev wilri Ati Whpre, ee ie ntedayove..."] the small shamen trails off a moment, trying to word tactfully with a limited vocabulary. [Language unknown: "...pa ha tra ioli artial, on ecca Ioncur taha etbe ni. Il e enss oerourant, som Nimiad."]

Crazy Horse stares at Rabbit for a moment. [Language unknown: "Nd peil."] he says. [Language unknown: "Fi sene bethe orean, thno, verichshe I p le tin at lat con ng anosicpeic. Ticwhidin p etis reugh."]

Rabbit tries not to duck, instead bowing respectfully. [Language unknown: "Thev sala nce thu,"] she responds, and with a last concerned glance at the crowd, trots off to see if this mission can be accomplished.

((OOC: It seems to me that, since I'm trying to bring Chapter 5 to a close, this is a good place to pause.))

Among the snap-smart tents of the Iron Dragon encampment, Rabbit took a moment in the shadow of an awning to breathe and centre herself. I hope this isn't a dumb idea, she thinks earnestly, and strolls out in front of those enforcers and working men taking a noon rice break.

[Language unknown: "Riutniou,"] the very shiny shamen says, with a general bow once they notice her. [Language unknown: "U tra proven-icaectersrea di Caar t ithal Mengur Teevst een e lick atimenect one, sanss A onst er thoithast omeschofol,"] she finishes smoothly, outwardly polite and calm and inwardly tensed at the number of men and large weapons.

The workers just sort of...stare at Rabbit. There's an uncomfortably long silence.

"..." Rabbit briefly panics, then realises what these fellows mostly associate her with. [Language unknown: "Fi utsiil o hat onusno nc na ur manundshe alni plhopr aiee m virthilinnce oltisa, usetiesilo ta nd eethpeti sipo airo mosta stai erson ica nteoveent laurpo ecetol utnt arhaur saom fo ei icckwi reckwi. N redomeati Hame St llec'itit ariv urill iouro whur."]

The enforcers start moving more, which is a relief. One of them gets up the courage to ask a question. [Language unknown: "Wa itro fiwh tiicer lilat our pro m eenanyandrom en ilaimeplin te tedien ecttioout of the areithencove, an out oresheare mo wh ss u artwastio Blesheant ai ll haai dericaeen ingousout chare usomne on oun i ourate'whihatthu i ad."]

The enforcer's deference causes a kind of grating shock in Rabbit's chest, quickly followed by a brief spark of excitement and utter terror in quick sucession. What if he realises what if he grabs his sword what if he hits me with the hilt and holds me down before I can-?

Breathe.

Rabbit swallows, taking an outwardly calm and graceful step towards the fire. [Language unknown: "I erslinresers k K icaev omriet tiondeeenvir po me ckhoce arplha hievwemo. Atebe Stiivered Strstitio...ai i fi p Trivroonsend, ove heill Nceterund vertraenc nt ng wilonsble n atarouli ich Ss, notmensonere redthewil wh dersetandati fi wilthekor un mo lo sanstawer fiure linus shenotica wa somla com ettralfone ticortthi, soneauout ssare nithngwi ri out a pl u elneti man n erbencernt p Ndmead encni sethatone beore se M neom roeith lin tael omemenainter,"] Rabbit explains.

[Language unknown: "Ie iswa p ndic pre neprck dinme weun allncende ho ne a, he usichiuris rill icutsa-ilpl ate redtedlat iculil tehi aceau inevorund ng al dinonshoutioererat forntired, inmo tic u aipr rutderson o stee. Li o u pe Evioan, nde etck atnce, arrut ro tictr nessta utriol ntenouer. Neil haalster into enat we ngwe'bece antencerehat, ughpre-herent atekwa laniwe a oneeauthu cemous o ugh she, siro eeomta waon'toeind."] She frowns.

[Language unknown: "Ountrance e we ntacad rutbuttho rever fosom n essillnte eldin asolilhicawi ma alng...fi Someaular oun ckouni anyou pand witwhewhilar anil la iema ev ti, pl atiationehernti e but virdayset thuet tithnc ouniveere m esenispa ivicer ee tho ckwhto ce: se plion tealmo iv stinotconkoruretra nc urlo ac Etunro, protr la deres ec ith avereastrout di enc n pro ngdire il ncross po icave es ted utsti, roeen hatin ion allat titisa onec ic Traich She ver mefime illstason. U mietme ur sheac Wabena, ilame iveeaucon, sti somthover hatousome lamoni k latthuera esarad In Es ter Oushoueau Weulou ietoto."]

The enforcers begin chatting among themselves after this.

((OOC: Roll me a Persuasion check to see how convincing you were.))

Rabbit gives a small smile to those that look her way, silently clenching her fists into her sleeves until the sight of the mountain and the feel of the grass and earth underfoot helped her find enough balance to cease trembling, seen and surrounded by men larger and stronger than herself.

[Language unknown: "Siinil Riday ad un ofain utto naolwine evicer Redlesred Ratvernte nceet prwil astvoryin ofhe rutng, hishoular ive etacbe ei pl san mo. Io weonin al teekno pro bleme p sonwastio thisom'inecomdin, m tinlo of fo Io he plhis Ive: stait n she teith Oveandain Romioutio com ardeststa entpreive meousa m ie ureainwer. On th t thunoteen ersingwertic ck iveverlarith stss tioyinshe sti oerstafor k hereveugh kor oun nt anyreaere tichiseauheroureau areen it estpreica."]

[[23:30, Today: Tan Xiaohan rolled 23,4 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+8+5)21,2.  persuadin' while pretty.

I start a cult! The Bunny Rebellion is at hand!]]