Clayday, Truth Week, Earth Season.

Soon after the culmination of the oath taking the Wandering Rangers, both old and new, make their way to the entrance hall of the Earth Temple where they are met by the Elders of the Red Thorn Clan, Cantalas of the Blue Llama Clan and the extended family of Kelab Besi.


The ceremony is to be held here, officiated first by the Earth Witch before returning above ground where Waha will bless the union with Eiritha.

Cantalas acknowledges the Rangers but his face is grim, more so when he spies Ohanzee. He has taken the death of his step son and nephew badly by the looks of it and still hasn't got over his problem with the Raven brave.

As for Kobal's wife to be there is no sign, the audience apart from Sehana and Amara being completely male.

From deep down the many tunnels comes the sounds of horns and cymbals...

Drums. Drums in the deep.

Salen was a trifle bored - he wanted this over and done with. Perhaps there would be some beauties to charm after the ceremony...there was precious little here now, for sure!

Amara stood in vigil at the side, wary for anyone who might wish to disrupt the ceremony. It was not her place to question the ceremony itself. It solved a short term problem, though she couldn't help but feel the red thorns had done spectacularly well out of this marriage.

She idly wondered if the girl would be a good match for Kobal.

Feeling an unusual need to stand guard instead of joining in, Melock stands next to Amara, looking alert and wearing armour that looks like he's at least tried to clean it. At his belt is his new bronze dagger and his bone sword, while he has his square shield on his left arm and is carrying a loaded light cross bow in his right hand. Grinning cheekily, he nudges her in the ribs and whispers to her, "What do think Kobal's bride's going to be like?"

"I'm sure she'll have a good appreciation for her new position. She might well be the wife of the Prairie Thunder Khan one day.....and I'm sure she knows it. I...well, she at least will know something of what it takes to be a Queen for a clan, unlike many others who might flounder I think she'd be more likely to keep the clan in peace and harmony." she commented "But..as to what she's like personally? I just hope she makes Kobal happy."

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 5):

"lets hope she does know how to lead, as for making Kobal happy, if she doesn't, he's shortly going to have another wife who might and if he's lucky he might meet at least know what she looks like." he holds back a laugh, "What was yours and Ohanzee's wedding like? Do you have any suggestions for me when I marry Wild Pastures?"

Amara leaned closer to Melock "Our marriage was....well, we weren't really ourselves when we were wed. I was the Earth Queen and he was the River King. I think in a real sense we were wed because I was the only woman around.... but having said that....Ohanzee definitely needs someone to look after him, and who better than I? Still next year when we return, I'm sure he'll be married to Sehana and be much happier for it. She's a proper Eirithan, unlike I. I think her connection to the Earth is much stronger. In any case, our marriage will only be for a year, I am sure." she paused a moment and then continued "Melock, the best way to deal with Wild Pastures is to be yourself and think of her as your equal partner. While you are gone, seeking glory, she will be raising your children and looking after your herd. She could make you very rich, if she is respected. If she does not feel wanted, then she's not likely to look after the well being of your family....and you cannot hide who you are. You might be able to keep some parts of yourself hidden for so long, but the truth of who you are comes out in the end. You'll both be happier, if you are who you are, instead of who you think she wants you to be."

In reply to Amara Brightsky (msg # 7):

"He definitely needs someone to keep an eye on him and you're probably the only person with enough patience to do it," He shakes his head, "I doubt he would choose a Sun Hawk over you, I mean can you imagine being in a relationship with one," he shudders, "They always know your lying, even about the little things." As he thinks of Wild Pastures he smiles wistfully, "thank you for the advice, if I can return the favour, you only have to ask." He shuffle's his feet, "Oh, I'm sure you'll be happy to know that Taya has gone back to the spirit plane as I couldn't find her body."

Kobal shifted his weight from foot to foot as he waited nervously for his bride to approach.  It had been easier charging into that cave to fight the leaping bear.  No need to think that time - go straight at the bear.  Now, the anticipation was getting to him.

It didn't help that, in the temple, the walls bounced echoes of whispering to his ears.  He couldn't make out what was being said but was sure it was his fellow Rangers making fun of his situation.

"Great Waha," he whispers under his breath, "make her beautiful and kind, and I will dedicate myself to you each morning."  His prayer brings his mind back to Sand Fox and Nixa struggling to describe her.  Damn them.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:51, Thu 10 Mar 2016.

Voras sees Kobal shifting nervously and calls out.  "Just take a few deep breaths.  I'm sure it will be fine."

He pauses for a moment and continues in a lower voice.  "Not that I have much experience with this kind of thing."

Henal stays quiet while they wait, keeping an eye on his clansman that is to be wed. Hearing the others whispers he whispers to Kobal "this will help bring peace between the clans and must aid us in bringing back the Green.

Hoping to ease Kobal's mood, Melock calls out to him, "They say the first wedding is the hardest!"

The music draws nearer and at long last Kobal sees his wife as she approaches from one of the tunnels. Dressed in the fineries of a Bison Khan's daughter, her ostrich feather headdress wafting in a sacred breeze, with skin oiled and coated in red ochre, she walks over towards her future husband. She's accompanied by the priestesses of the Temple and an honour guard of High Llama Axe sisters, the warriors letting out a shout as they enter the room, swirling their axes in a show of martial power.

As she draws closer Kobal can see that she has a proud face, neither beautiful nor plain, framed with black hair coated in holy white chalk. She looks haughty and proud as is befitting her station, but there is the slightest hint of a smile as she bows to Kobal and his party, before standing before her father and her clan folk.

The Earth Witch takes her place between the two groups

"The Earth gives up her daughter today, a woman of the Red Thorn Clan, a sister of the Herds and a mother to be. She is blessed by the goddesses that reside below, to protect her and ensure her fertility."

At the Axe sisters' shout the Vinga women enter from another tunnel adding their own display of martial prowess and then come to stand by kobal. Each Impala brave carries a small garland of flowers which they place about the tall Bison braves neck, several of them playfully slapping the brave's arse in a bawdy show that draws several looks of disgust from the other side of the hall.

"I accept these blessings gladly" replies Jella, her voice clear and strong. Then moving over to Kobal she goes to place her own garland about his neck

"Blessing which I shall share with my husband, to bring bounty to both our great families in this happy union."

"I come from the womb of the mother, fertile and powerful, as will all our children be and look to you for your generosity, good nature and protection in times of strife."

Smiling happily so much for 'bison's arse' then: thought not, Hoskar sees no need for a herald here, so again takes up another of his god's roles; kitted as he is in gleaming metal. His expression showing naught but happiness, his gaze wanders everywhere; appearing bland but watching for trouble even here for who can tell when a happy occasion will be assailed...

...Like that Sable wedding party we... He stifles the thought, determined not to dwell on old errors.

Ohanzee surreptitiously moved to the back of the group of Wandering Rangers, furthest away from the Cantalas and the Blue Llama Clan. As the sounds of the horns and cymbals grows louder he rubs his temples wincing a little after the late evening of drinking.

He stifles a yawn What am I doing here? It's a wedding between one Bison Khan's daughter and a former Bison Khan's son. I could be sleeping off this head in the shade somewhere or dulling it with the hair of the dog. He looks about at the gathered folk wondering if the Morokanth are present.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:42, Fri 11 Mar 2016.

Jella takes Kobal's hand and leads him past her family and the Rangers, the Vingans and Cantalas, out along the winding passage that lead to the Rangers' caverns and eventually out into the sunshine filled main hole, where as soon as they appeared a great shout erupts from the crowd that lines the lip, fifty metres above.

It's the whole of the Red Thorn clan and all those pilgrims that are presently visiting the Temple. Five hundred plus Dendra, each vocalising their acceptance to the union in one great holler to the sky.

Also there, hovering above the rancid lake, are the Harpies, new guardians of the oasis, their queen watching from amongst her white feathered guard.

She let's out her own screech and flies upwards to circle far above.

Soon the small procession makes their way to the centre of the oasis, the Ten Tall men beating their drums and leading the way to where the assembled Red Thorn clan waits.

Kobal's bison is there, with a near white Bison cow by it's side and a small herd of forty cows behind. Jella's herd for certain.

It's time for Waha and Eiritha to bless both nomads and herd beasts and standing before them is a priest and priestess of both, the latter Salen's aunt and the former Kelab Besi the clan's chieftain.

Kobal's mouth tightens at the comment, which to his ears, seems to echo endlessly in the cave.  Is that supposed to comfort me?!  They are making fun of me, damn them!



Kobal smiles back, relieved that she's not ugly.  Though with her average height, he towers over his bride.



Kobal bends and lowers his head, so that Jella can lay the garland over his head.

He solemnly offers to her the basket of cured sable meat he holds in his hands.  Jella takes it with another smile at the corner of her mouth, before passing it to one of the high llama sisters to hold.  He can't help but smile in response.

Then, taking the folded blanket draped on his arm, Kobal wraps it around his bride, resting it on her shoulders.

"I follow the Warrior, the Provider, the Flamebringer.  I will protect our family and herd, take life to preserve life, and build our hearth.  I look to you for gentleness, good nature and care of our children and our herd."



Kobal bows low to the two rune priests.  "Wise Ones, we have taken our first steps together, making our path to you.  Before you, before the Khan of Khans, before the Protectoress, before all here, we ask that you witness our first meal together, our first drink together, our sharing a pipe."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:26, Sun 13 Mar 2016.

Jella motions to the high llama sisters on her side.  One brings forth a dish of stewed meat and flatbread.  She waits for Kobal tear a piece of the bread to scoop a mouthful of stew, before doing the same herself.

After the first sister withdraws, another brings a ceramic vase and pours of cup of kumiss.  Taking the offered cup, Jella sips from the cup (with only a slight fumble) before passing it to her groom.

Then a third sister steps forward with a wedding pipe, intricately carved with a man and woman intertwined.  A sweet tobakeh incense fills the air.   The sister waits for Kobal to take a puff of the pipe, before offering it to Jella to do the same.

Now Jella bows too before the two celebrants.  "Khan, Eiritha Woman, before you, before all here, we promise that we will care for each other, our children, our herd.  We will be each other's strength.  We will be each other's joy.  We will be each other's shelter.  We ask that Eiritha and Waha bless us and our herd."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:29, Sun 13 Mar 2016.

Kobal repeats after Jella.  "We promise that we will care for each other, our children, our herd.  We will be each other's strength.  We will be each other's joy.  We will be each other's shelter.  We ask that Waha and Eiritha bless us and our herd."

Ohanzee follows along with the others as the procession heads up to the surface hanging back as they go so that he ends up at the rear of the procession. Because he's a Ranger I suppose, that's the only reason. So I'll hang around long enough to make it fitting and then find somewhere cool to rest.

He catches a glimpse of his rough scared skin on his right hand and imagines what the rest must look like Not much chance of sweet talking a girl. There was little chance of that before this, what with them all being Bison Chicks, next to no chance now I look like this.

What follows is a day of blessings, rituals and riding around the large camp, accepting gifts from the clan, eating food and drawing ever closer to the time when it would be just the two of them...alone...and in a tent.

A tent especially set up in the centre of the camp, where the entire clan would sit, singing all night until the appearance of the happy couple at dawn.

Morning Windsday, and Kobal emerges from the tent, though not too early in the morning.  He has a gap-toothed smile, greeting any revellers who are still singing.

Jella appears next to him, wrapped in the blanket, hair blown by the breeze.  There'd been some awkwardness given that they'd only just met each other, and he'd heard little of what she was like, but he'd found her to be a good natured soul.

He takes her to Wandering Rangers and introduces her to his brothers and sisters.  "My wife."  A big grin across his face.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:08, Mon 14 Mar 2016.

Nursing a suitable hangover Salen never the less makes sure to hang around until the newlyweds make their appearance. He smiles when they do and walks across to stand before them, nodding in deference to Kobal's new wife Jella, then slapping his chum on the upper arm.

"Nice one!"

With that he turns and walks off.

Amara smiled greeting Kobals new wife with a warm happiness and a hug. "Welcome to our fold Jalla. Our journeys will provide you with many animals for your herd."

Having stayed up all night singing and telling stories, Melock is glad to see Kobal and Jella emerge from their tent and with weary smile he greets Jella, "Welcome to our merry band of travellers, may you both be happy and have lots of children." He rubs his face and stifles a yawn, "I need to get some sleep. If its decided that we are leaving today, I'll be down in our caves." With that he heads off.

Jella smiles, then gives a demused look up to Kobal.  That was brief.



She stiffens an instant at the unexpected familiarity, then returns the hug before drawing back with a smile.  "It's Jella, not Jalla.  Thank you, with the Protectoress' blessing, our herd will multiply.  I'm pleased to meet you, and hope we will become friends."



She smiles back, particularly at the mention of children.  "Pleased to meet you."  Then she looks closer at him, then leans closely forward, peering at his bruised forehead.  Watching the brave walk off, she turns to Kobal.  "Is he all right?  He seemed to have hurt his head..."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:45, Tue 15 Mar 2016.

Kobal laughs.  "Haha, that's Melock of my clan.  We were closer as children, but he follows Raven now.  Just a head butting contest two nights ago.  He'll be fine.  His ego is probably hurting more than his head, haha."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:20, Tue 15 Mar 2016.

At last, time to wish them well and get on with the day. Ohanzee seizes the moment and steps forward "Congratulations and may your many kids and many herd beasts bellies always be full."

Outside the tent is a pile of accumulated gifts for the newly married couple and at their appearance the crowd cheers and begin to stoke the fires once more as a Bison cow is killed for the morning's food.

Akala, Leaper, Sand Fox, Gloaming and Nixa all approach, each bearing gifts and kind words for Jella and Kobal.

And there is Tarnessh, looking both happy and sad, a fine set of blankets in his arms.

"For both of you...To keep you warm on the way south, though I doubt you shall need them... Kobal, a word before the day passes, we must hurry back to our Clan, for they wait for us and our news...And " Here he bows to Jella "There is other business too..."

"Perhaps we can leave after our Sun Hawk holy day? It would mean we arrive back in the first week of Dark Season."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Tue 15 Mar 2016.

The Raven brave uses Tarnessh's approach to makes his departure beckoning to Sand Fox and Nixa to follow. "Can you take me to the possessed girl? I'd like to hear about her visions and have an idea about how we could help her if the family want the spirit gone."

"And depending on whether the spirit sounds useful get it on side too."

Jella is taken aback an instant by the scars all over Ohanzee's face and body, a reaction she tries to recover from quickly, but probably not quick enough for the brave to fail to notice.

She smiles, "Thank you.  May your cows remain healthy and your milk never sour."



"Thank you, Tarnessh, brother, for your thoughtful gift.  My husband has told me of you."  She looks a question at Kobal about the vague matters that his half-brother wants to discuss.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Wed 16 Mar 2016.

"She's over there " points Sand Fox "Are you sure you wish to approach them now?"

Ohanzee can see a tight knit group of people amongst the many hundreds of Red Thorns sat about the wedding tent, a girl sat between them, draped in a blue blanket. He can also see the Morokanth further back amongst the trees...
This message was last edited by the player at 10:06, Wed 16 Mar 2016.

"U-Uh, yes, that sounds good.  The clans will waiting for news from us.  I don't know if the Earth Witch has been able to get word to them...  I think it's a good idea to wait until you and your brother Sun Hawks can honour the Feathered Rival here.  In fact... if you need more time, this will be fine with me, haha, ha..."



Kobal leans down and says quietly to his wife, "I'll talk to you about that later..."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:46, Wed 16 Mar 2016.

Ohanzee looks at Sand Fox questioningly and then back at the family then admits "Perhaps not." before turning back to the Red Thorn brave again "Though we've not got that long before we have to leave."

"Tell me, have you heard anything of how she got possessed, if there's anything in common between her and the lad who ran off. Maybe they both went somewhere they should have stayed away from?" and the Ghost Hole springs immediately to his mind.

"I assume that the family would like her free or the spirit, do you know what it has been prophesying?"

"She was wandering the camp from what I hear and then found by herself under a tree. As for the other lad they were not related and separated by some twenty years in age. He was tending his Bison when he was attacked by a spirit or ghost.

I've not heard what she has been saying, but from accounts it deals with many things... She will see my Clan's shaman today."

At the last statement Ohanzee turns and fixes Sand Fox with a stare "Banyak Bulu? I thought that he was gone with his followers. Are they to travel to him?"

He ponders, his Raven touched mind working in the way it does "Wouldn't surprise me if he sent the ghosts to make a need for his return. His mentor certainly was a man like that!"

"The shaman has returned, though keeping a low profile...That reminds me, the family of the man whom we brought back wishes to thank us with a gift of three Bison."

Amara and Henal find themselves surrounded by the Thundergirls, the Impala braves telling them that they plan to tarry a while and that they will  join the Rangers on their trek north to Pavis and the Pairing stones.

"That's unexpected, but welcome." Ohanzee replies to the news of the gift of the bison "Well if he's back I for one will be glad to be away." He smiles "Though I'll bet it is as salt in a wound to him to learn that we were successful where his own band failed, and so much more than successful!"

He looks back at the group surrounding the possessed girl "Let's leave that problem to him then."

And he walks on to where the Morokanth rest. "Enjoying the show?"

The Morokanth, some twenty in all, are sat beneath the shade of trees and bushes, having watched the ceremonies and joined in with the all night vigil.

Broken Claw, his albino skin shining brightly nods at the Raven brave and gestures for him to join him, pushing several female Morokanth and a human slave out of the way with a heavy, carved stick..

"It has been most gratifying and once Kobal is more rested and not so busy I have a wedding gift for his bride. How are you?"

Ohanzee sits where offered and as he does so his skin creases roughly where his limbs fold, something that he will no doubt get used to but at the moment still notices. "I am well thank you. I'm not used to my new appearance and nor are others if the look on Kobals bride's face is anything to go by just now."

He smiles "Still, it could be worst and at least I was able to liberate the trapped purity from Old Croak." He looks at the white skinned beast "I am assuming that you have heard all about it by now and given that it has been a week I'd be surprised if any hereabouts haven't!"

"I had heard whispers..." replies the Morokanth. "You were lucky to survive."

He nods in response "Yes, lucky indeed. Luck tends to follow be around, sometimes smiling on me and sometimes laughing at me. Good friends help too of course."

He looks out at the tents and those going about them "Their shaman has returned. We don't get on him and me, so it is best that we are leaving soon I think." He laughs "Though best for who, who knows."

"The fellow had a falling out with his khan, you share that with him and you share a certain Rival with him. You do not share the mutual dislike of me I hope though. I never apologised for the words we had when I accused you of hiding Two Thumb's intent so you have that now." He smiles at the shaman Though I still don't trust you and I know you are hiding something about that. "The fault of youth and prejudiced upbringing."

"The first I'll grow out of if I live long enough and the second I am working on since we are changing this land for all."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:51, Fri 18 Mar 2016.

Amara smiled looking forward to the ceremony at the pairing stones when they'd be reunited with the Thunder girls "It should be an interesting journey, the mother of my heart will be joining us. She has business in Pavis before we continue on to the pairing stones. As she is Queen of our clan and a vingan priestess, I hope she presides over my joining to Vinga."

The Vingans show surprise, obviously not knowing that a priestess was so near

"We wil come with you back to your clan to meet her then, if you can vouch we will be safe"

"I can vouch you'll be safe from anything within the clan unless you are intent on causing trouble... but from the normal dangers of travelling in the Wastes? that I cannot guarantee. Zonta should also be there and she is also Vingan. Angelika Snowspear is the name of our Queen and Vingan priestess. She's originally from Sartar, but has chosen to live as a rhino rider." Amara said by way of explanation.

After introducing Jella to the Wandering Rangers, Kobal takes her to meet Hilimaz Mushen,Queen of the Harpies, to Cantalas of the Blue Llama clan, and to Broken Claw shaman of the Black Mud morokanth.

"Yes we meant amongst your clan", comes back the amused reply "We can look after ourselves out here sure enough. So we'll come and meet your Priestess. It would be an honour to escort her to Pavis and might mean that we can enter the city to pay respect at the Temple there."