...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: "Ainstatho, wa yinthions Trastrand,"] Rabbit asks Sky Hawk. [Language unknown: "Nc Ethi Thukorthe, iouvirure tihoon ulilmo,"] she asks of Quiet Knife.

[Language unknown: "Lar lowil bleioneau thiie hoiv tedsonday meshe?"] Yawns gets that question, then Rabbit steps forward, calling over the noise.

[Language unknown: "K no po, m ceosnd el ous, linin ekart...Eeunat moear al wa ugheauate kor, li anic icane is horoth a ous riwhe ro chhoee, allnt test aitrckho,] Rabbit pulls up her shirt enough to show the black-scarred claw marks stark on her flesh.

[Language unknown: "lorat derol Waarpe, ma nadin et us we, ectyinwhi. All ar vor, ol k p ha ertha hocktr. Of and ulsanc."]

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: "Pe er a tiin?"] 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: "Ternottic Allrutcon sa ithalo usun stroveted li m staoulrat nc ho...arant ardreseen p n mancomlat, ourichrom anenwite,"] 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: "Letin waas k alss, Somcomdin? Naec nti ce tha?"]

Rabbit looks up at the general, feeling much the same. [Language unknown: "Ne meere...shestaare ssasasta,"] she responds, swallowing on a dry throat from much talking and high nerves.

[Language unknown: "E...P tr isngto urver, ndwhi U inpe proei ntainasa, mi tothi ououfi, An for hatmo icawilome o Anest dich Ofonek...nti ngre T nctounis O es ta osck ro waul pe hisineter ofinripr: lepro k ec, ecou ut, noha na itect Liespl, ith wione nemaac rat p ll. P ckwina...n llss unro erce orestrder, all meiechie, o somstaugh te iope adncerprchweel icanotove. Notck enplta. Mated Ec rat ofnith Hatlesint, Ac oer p."] Rabbit goes quiet, aware of talking entirely too much.

[Language unknown: "E...At u wil th bleentwas el som Evolic Thothunte Thuderson evit, ie u onelit,"] she explains.

[Language unknown: "Pooun, ta ureic."] Crazy Horse says as he looks over the crowd. [Language unknown: "Reseraenc Tic ilnte wi me sttour di paei, Fi ictant. Tha lo Tourin Ersis ntons, plwa lire Sanla Thishelat staonetra atrut eechsa o icro, Ck wa etmi antestear a lence wasma utpr. Onat T tr ch whiwitain Ineorerom Intof wamoof ticsheons ioacou tr hatwasthi een of ugh u ut encughles io e, utatis lang, koranttic asisng."]

He blinks at Rabbit. [Language unknown: "Lalo et Ntckwh Yinkorrat atiresing? Oueen ion to m re atun seet pathen?"] He shakes his head. [Language unknown: "Adma be ndit, paof O e seac iourie ca Mihowi Lonait ndilhi. Evchta hashister houtiomen onho e tedno ofrema fo stng latoertio, evewilure yin nteineter alol sitr vorndeest ofndfo eve st pader cechfi, pawer Of stiwheour pl m uleidi viress'whiwer u Ioaiio ter. Loove ermeat na utlat ar lesswa oun, tawil?"]

[Language unknown: "Notintnot osnot o thi es evch siadsi, e omwa ai ekint prceus pr ure ous ta inthos,"] Rabbit says, trying to hide bemusement.

[Language unknown: "K ta ive iv ithsontin Timaar Se, fi t res loec a heint ameil riave ersdi...he o wias witan utacmeosckho t sanil a ati tichatich eire all mesom proof, aint reis ansan siposi maect ceouil, mi ureaveone ho yines. E i een ie outman-derproven k ekrea Riivei nte thech koren, iv si ted Findmi hirome, as ho Enctinhas, hatte bebut alek, na nd ame anteenset na ut...she Ol ss, il ithsanwit, miro er ome ine p ev, ho rea rea ica traameame of u thu."] Rabbit rubs under her queue.

[Language unknown: "M con th ainha nane sa mi, Iediad and oushasect strandine...N dieipe i o ere leinho derre Disain ri utai teris omethoion linck hass ouswitoun, lestiovirove me, et ivul histr notintpro el we ithmo k. Ck repana to ro Notal Foto, elek he usrosi..."] the small shamen trails off a moment, trying to word tactfully with a limited vocabulary. [Language unknown: "...ro u ta oun evofri, thi for Ichyinnde chee elmo evbut. T at ioure encproles, ndll Paelri."]

Crazy Horse stares at Rabbit for a moment. [Language unknown: "Ie ngsom."] he says. [Language unknown: "Ek an ceur tinit, rut, ililti Pe k rone he n paeve hifi ni ofdiasheos. Intameous ai po som."]

Rabbit tries not to duck, instead bowing respectfully. [Language unknown: "Inore pe in erang,"] 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: "Ounourticset,"] the very shiny shamen says, with a general bow once they notice her. [Language unknown: "At nce areenctiosheshesom eau Butle la moch Pearhe Witell en k nce anofpl sanst, itek To ugh p notlarect evheto'reel,"] 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: "Ul thetinpro li was eauiouwas ce ndame iou setwhenot was ioofma onhe n larstiughvir orethanot, thceliivon eenee sasti siit'usho whi ai me omth pre even trsape hisase encantyin unut ounearres uras it ithwe trntul eliour. Si sthain Es Unvir ilmodiio peion wil roou hipo."]

The enforcers start moving more, which is a relief. One of them gets up the courage to ask a question. [Language unknown: "T asol trus stmiet sanpe haten ing a wistekom ca icpeleitri il laadel waistr th unol ionticestnti, tioto men alloreome a strfi etpro nt wilratast Vorproica on daywi ha outratrea ioinho me haevhe il niho ri ineouswilhisand p at."]

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: "He eiatndnd ha A ive ntlele ulenutto e m ivceei mensonave nabeisme. Saio Eknowa Eareenest...m ar vor ss Ncdiitnender, ie icom Oveeartio menhouove t os ectthashe ro ceitwiur st Fita, inttedundave oltawi ave reserawheble mo ellaan m fiho to ughrutsta toth si dayhisess at wer encha osrowaekev foweca, tiasul mi ekhostio hi his po wil un osmali ter t anyughthiwilles il Ngasno prepl meioil illck stst Ha forfi tinillill con whe estvenkorout,"] Rabbit explains.

[Language unknown: "Lo wa t meio hieve sesano set one ovehasman il ieta k, k hasielitmo re atiectatiardenc nti ckhaos urieas taat ssmo ndioev p ekou nteoveessthianyvir uraiin, art er p thac eraartera al linna. Ou i ca ainad Kormaning, rut to nc, llac n mate miwhpl omunmi illbutoulson. Leie astder'rutpro ons evnd rince hatresilllat setonsvereen, tinsomessfor foroneher undeausti en dinprosti cononsany e te int, waic houhisdin trivteient."] She frowns.

[Language unknown: "Elacpe er we wiisll neinis ca inen n homoio whe ticreaoundinprosan i ri...ro Whethoter cetr eeheti os temi oursomhasmen ent p virng ek ho, llme moreicwefo ol ilous nieeev en naitpo itncun ng siinesek mostiv ic aistr yintedcom n: ta we iveticder llma ainessentionmanous us lo sila Ingtershe, sito on ine ivewa unec heroonho ss si ic ove intmanwit to asenel lat ithpl il ngec pe, sanio som sonck iv romani ngho aime Alevic El ion lousri sswani. E llllre il po Ssesta, aveun iltato, isss weulmi resyinous ckhoee pl lesoullin ioleou E Wit ce Anithe Conprorom allanysan."]

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: "Iletom Plpe th fordi the ck ivewilwitsan ereioutic Entsheman Nalawa som herro eenoreven whe paur, notativer whwe ovelarate u ate urnde pound. Ng unitma u verardoul os anof la astfortic thos-peusll, o reala he nti Ing il heur Alshe: mo i ect nti Wilingant Artndeica nato lafope hofoil inbeon ie utac enckto. Ng ee t taurio witcomatison ha tersheateest andwa thuectent hill seprni ic aveiveder ilfi nce le lahiur wasithillamedaylat setos com ounstapro."]

[[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!]]