A glimmer of a smile appeared on Amara's face as she subtly nodded in the direction of Ohanzee. Her smile froze in place as she saw how covered in bruises he was, but softened as most looked as though they were starting to fade. Potentially a legacy of his capture.

Without much furhter ado, Amara nodded respectfully to the Khan. "I greet you and am pleased to be a guest of the Red Thorn Khan and in this place. Though I see we are not the only guests the Red Thorn clan is hosting. Might we be introduced to the Khans other guests?"

Tarnessh sat down across from the Khan and gave a diplomatic smile of greeting to the Khan. He managed to also nod at the Yelmalions behind him, even though he felt that their presence at this parley was an insult to the entire process, bringing foreigners into what should be a private affair between Praxians. "I greet you Khan. I am Tarnessh Listens to the Silence, an initiate of Sun Hawk, and will be speaking for the Wandering Rangers in this parley for the release of Ohanzee, also of the Wandering Rangers. It is my hope that we will be able to put aside our tribes' grievances, and come to a decision for the good of all." He stated, then looked pointedly at Amara when she asked who the guests were. If she or someone else started speaking up when the parley really started, it would make the Rangers look like they were not unified and indecisive, weakening their position.

As when heading for the Earth Temple to meet with Noita, Salen walked calmly through the crowds paying them almost no heed (which is not to say he wasn't secretly paying them attention, but rather that he knew how to hide it, to watch them surreptitiously). His expression was calmness personified, and once inside the tent of the Red Thorn Khan nothing changed. Quickly he scanned the crowd around him, then bowed in respect to the Khan, before nodding to his Uncle and his brothers. After that he sat and waited for the pipe to be passed (always the highlight of his day), but said nothing.

As the Rangers settle on the Bison hide before the Khan, Emesh-Ga positions himself behind Kobal who is wearing the Earth Knights burnished copper helm. It and the great shield held by the nearby Hoskar draw many favourable glances and remarks, their power and great antiquity much admired.



A wary nod is returned by the Yelmalions, the men acknowledging the Sun Hawk as at least standing close to their own religion.

"Law speaker you are welcome as is your brother. I Kelab Besi Khan of the Red Thorns know of your father and of his father too. Great men, not to be ignored. It seems their children aspire to similar greatness" replies the Khan.



"And you must be the Amara Brightsky that I hear so much of, who despite having only one hand is able to defeat her foes with dramatic ease. Your matter of factness and bluntness mirrors what little I know of Rhinos."

All eyes travel to the nearly healed left arm of the red haired brave.

"Healed with Lunar help so I gather. Interesting the friends that the Rangers keep." This causes a low muttering to spread about the shady tent.

Ignoring her request for introductions, he instead looks to the rest of those present to introduce themselves as is fitting for the occasion, especially as he is a Rune Lord and leader of a powerful clan.

Picking up on the khan's quizzical look, Hoskar bows deeply; having to shift the massive shield of Emesh-Ga to one side to accommodate the forward motion of his torso. As he rises, he too greets the Red Thorn Khan.

We are honoured by your countenance, Kelab Besi. You see much, it is clear; well-served as you are by both spirits and loyal men - something we witnessed for ourselves from the conduct of the worthy Kolar the Blunt on our first arrival. We have indeed kept strange company in the journey towards the Green so far, but in the cause of the common weal.

I am Hoskar; in this place known as the Feather, but with other names elsewhere. I ride a rhino of Sky Watcher ancestry but like many of my type I seem to be of no place and many. As a follower of both Issaries and Condor I offer you the respect that is your clear due.

Making a further obeisance, he subsides back into silence, allowing the others to pay their respects.

Golden tongue, I hope. Issaries grant that we be well received.

The Khan seems impressed by the Rhino rider's short speech, the communication runes visible on Hoskar shining bright.

"Welcome shield bearer. I know who you are. Your father was a great warrior and I have had dealings with your mother. They did not go well for me, but that shall not cloud my judgement as it was her skill at bargaining that undid me that day."

Whilst the Rangers settle into place and make their introductions Brinna sits to one side, flanked by her two guards.

"Now, to the task at hand, if you don't have any objections. We are here to discuss the growing Oasis and the Red Thorns role in guarding it." Tarnessh began.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:03, Fri 29 May 2015.

"That is correct, something that was dictated to us for all to hear when the mighty Tada himself rode into the Oasis..."

The Khan doesn't bother to hide his slightly mocking smile as he looks at the nearby Akala.

"Please explain why we" and here he indicates his people around him "Should listen to a small band of calves like yourselves? How long has it been since you became adults, one year, two?"

As he speaks the Khan avoids looking at Emesh-Ga, all of his intimidating attention kept on Tarnessh instead, his hands busy with readying the Tobakeh pipe.

In reply to Kelab Besi (msg # 464):

Tarnessh didn't rise to the bait. "If you didn't care about what we had to say, then why did you agree to this parley? In any case, there's the question of what will be considered the oasis." He asked, simply.

Smiles wryly at the Khan's mention of his mother's sharpness; raising his right hand to his temple with a weakly-embarrassed expression. Ohh but she's sharp in trade. Thank Issaries he's a just man.

He inclines his head in another bow, then looks towards Tarnessh; attending to the truth-speaker's conversation.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:28, Fri 29 May 2015.

Smoothing his beard the Khan then puts the pipe to his mouth, holding it so the bowl is offered to Tarnessh to light

"Go on, enlighten me..."

In reply to Kelab Besi (msg # 467):

"Simply put, the oasis is growing, but it is not...proper that your territory should grow with it. I would suggest that the territory would be considered to encompass that which you held when the declaration was made." Tarnessh said, after lighting the pipe with a simple Ignite spell.

"We will hold everything that is beyond the Holes and the Giant stones, what ever the size of the Oasis, until someone stronger than us forces us to leave" answers the Khan calmly

"It is the way of things and has been since the Darkness."

He passes the pipe to Tarnessh, an honour indeed.

Tarnessh took a drag of the pipe and nodded approvingly (managing to keep from coughing as the smoke entered his lungs). "I spoke to the Tada-walker afterwards, and he informed me that there is also the spirit of the agreement to keep in mind. First of all, the Giant Finger Holes are sacred ground, and thus any pilgrims journeying there must be allowed to pass through without hindrance...unless they themselves attempt to attack you and yours of course. I know that this will make it difficult, with outsiders walking through your territory willy-nilly, but such is the nature of holding the honour of guardianship of such a sacred place." He paused for a bit to gather his thoughts. "Secondly, guardianship of this land means just what it says, guardianship. Tada's approval of you holding this oasis is contingent on you guarding it from those who would harm the land and the Giant Finger Holes, and it is not to be used as an excuse for political ploys. I would say the same if it was one of my tribe gifted this land now." He added quickly. "The rule of strength is, of course, valid. But if you wish to claim Tada's approval, those were the intended conditions that were spoken to me by he who walked the walk of Tada"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:45, Fri 29 May 2015.

Amara smiled from her position in front of the Khan "And as to why you might wish to listen to us? It is true we are calves and fresh from our mothers embrace...so you could ignore us or try to stop us from what we are doing relatively easily. Something I would suggest you might want to consider is this. I am Amara Brightsky. I have seen sixteen summers. I have been a brave for less than the turning of a year and yet....you, the Khan of the Red Thorns know my name. The Garden has started to regrow. My name may not resound throughout the land. I might not have any titles of honour or reknown, but I have not been a brave for even a year. I might not be able to match myself against one of your clans heros, but I would be the equal of your most seasoned warriors, yet they have many years on me. If both I and the wandering rangers are this well known and skilled in under a year...then the next time we visit this place, we will have grown in words, deeds and accomplishments." Amara looked to the back at Ohanzee "And I would rather we be friends, each with a sacred and holy task that compliment one another. What we strive for..is not in competition, it is in collaboration. We seek nothing more than a return for the garden for all who wander the Wastelands. Our tribes strife with one another detracts from that task....and we cannot challenge you to stop this strife. Yet."

At the back of the tent Ohanzee gives a slight involetary snort and whispers something under his breath

Exhaling the Khan listens to Tarnessh and then leans in "There is no Tada. All I see are young braves with balls, presuming to tell a whole clan what is what. Who are you to dictate to us?

Those wishing to access the temple will have no problem from us. I am listening to you out of respect of the priestesses of Eiritha and the Earth. That said I like those who are brave in the face of adversity. So I will humour you and accept what you suggest with good grace.

On one condition. That your brother takes one of my daughters as his bride. I will give twenty Bison as a gift to start her herd and expect this to be matched by the same number of herd beasts from you. "



"I like you Amara half hand, despite the shadow of the Red Moon that falls over you. I do not doubt your valour or skill at arms.

Drink with me."

The Khan claps his hands and at the back of the tent Ohanzee is given a dig in the ribs from one of his guards "Serve them well slave" he whispers.

Tarnessh nodded. "I will speak to my brother in support of this union. I hope that this will also be an opportunity to heal the rift between our tribes. If I may be frank for a moment, I'm not even certain why we have been feuding for so long, except that we have been feuding for so long."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:44, Sat 30 May 2015.

Ohanzee rises and takes the ornately decorated kumis skin with him moving first to Tarnessh. As he leans over to pour from beside the brave he whispers to the Sun Hawk

In reply to Ohanzee Shappa (msg # 475):

Tarnessh gave a barely perceptible nod to Ohanzee, "We have another issue, I see. Ohanzee is one of us, yet held as your slave. He has been geased to serve the Earth Witch, but cannot fulfill his duties while held by you. Furthermore, he has come here as a pilgrim, yet you have taken him as a slave!"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:23, Sat 30 May 2015.

Amara raised an eyebrow as she agreed to drink with the Khan. "I like you Khan, Kelba Besi, but the Red Moon has cast no shadow over me. I have used those who follow it to heal me, this is true, but they were the fools as I'll be killing many many more of them in the time to come."

She looked cautiously towards the Yelmalions "I can see why you might be mistaken, as though who are tainted by their dealings with the Red Moon are present." Amara drank from the liquid that was offered, flashing a quick and warm smile to Ohanzee as he passed among the group.

"The Khan is correct, Tada's Bloody eye is watching you."

It is the Red Thorn Shaman, speaking for the first time since the Rangers arrived. His voice carries great authority and his spiritual presence is powerful indeed.

"Their magic has taken hold, healed you for sure, but it will not go. Wrong you were to take their help. You have the aura of a Sable rider."

"Ha, so this is to be the way of it. Anyone taken within a hundred leagues of here has to but say "We are pilgrims" and we are to let them pass.

He was taken far from here. He is our slave. A sellable commodity, nothing more nothing less."

The Khan's relatively good humour begins to visibly lessen.

All the while that the parley takes place the crowd watches with interest, for it is a novel thing indeed to see such youths courted by a Khan...And one, obviously of some importance himself offered a daughter in marriage.

Amara paused regarding the Red Thorn shaman. "I have a great deal of respect for the Red Thorns and their shamans words, but in this.... you are wrong. I have bathed in the waters of Kinope. The healing was only a matter of expediency, for I do not think I could help return this place to all who wander the wastes like we do without it being restored to full health and limb. I consider the red moon followers to be foolish and have been fooled, for I will kill many more followers of the red moon."

She tilted her head to the side as she watched the shaman. "And even if you thought me a sable rider.....there are even sable riders at the Earth Temple that follow and show respect to the old ways and the Storm Gods. I have learned much on the paths that I have walked, shaman. Enough to learn that there is much more yet remaining to learn. One thing I can promise you is that the red moon has no hold over me."

She turned her attention back to the Khan. "So.. let us ignore the issue of how Ohanzee came to be taken as slave, for it is irrelevant. He is a slave now. How much  are you looking for, for him?"