September 16th, 1880. Morning. A short distance from the main camp.

Curled amongst the cushion of old needles under a low juniper, Rabbit dreamed of mist.

---

She didn't know how long she'd been climbing, mute and alone on the mountain flank. Somehow, she knew Tatanka had gone on ahead, but the mist smothered everything to a damp, directionless blank; only Rabbit's knowledge and awareness of the mountain led her upward without striking a patch of loose scree or falling into a defile. She knew she was high enough that sliding might pitch her over a sudden edge, leave her falling far, far down through textured cloud until the fatal impact broke her open. She thought of how the blood would splash black wetness over the rock, how the mist would close over the gap of her falling like a tutor's hand wiping a word from calligraphy sand. She went on, praying with her feet.

Tiny changes in the feel and scent of the soil underfoot and the half-glimpsed shapes of trees told Rabbit she was nearing Bear Butte's summit: there was a path somewhere, but she must have come up around the back, the steeper side. The gradient forced her to scramble at times on hands and knees, grimacing at the rock that scraped her but determined. It was then she saw the first skull.

Huge, wind-scoured and rain-weathered, the buffalo skull transfixed Rabbit's attention. As she stared, the higher winds pushed the mists aside to show another lying further off, and another. The slopes were littered with dozens, scattered like white boulders. Rabbit hurried on, afraid for Tatanka.

Scaling a cliff, she looked down and saw a dead man lying in a hollow far below, smashed like a swatted fly under the skull he must have grasped instead of solid ground. It might have been the shaman she had fought, but the mists below her swallowed up the sight and she forced herself upward. One last heave to get over the edge; Rabbit gasped as the spur of rock she clung to shifted into snake-smooth movement, drawing her up, then laughed to see it was in truth the Yuan's tail she had caught.

The dragon pulled her above the rolling mist, his scales glittering in the sunlight above like river water.

"Where is Tatanka?" Rabbit asked, hugging the river's snout when he brought her close.

"In the ground," the Yuan told her, but Rabbit understood that the plains god was just resting there like a seed curled in the soil, an acorn whose true growth, bursting forth, would be...vast. Her imagination failed to grasp it.

The Yuan shifted on the holy rock like a lizard, tumbling Rabbit from his tail into the supple spines of his mane.

"Let us clear the mist," he suggested, and switched toward the sun, flowing for a moment down sheer rock before pushing off like a swimmer from a stone. Rabbit lay low to the dragon's neck in the rush of air, staring back with awe as the mountainside dropped away beyond the meandering movement of the Yuan's tail. The dragon sped up and arced into the blue, coming down to skim a wide circle through the sunlit mist, his shadow racing alongside on the snowy surface. Exhilaration soared through Rabbit, making her want to laugh or shout against the roar of the wind as the mist parted in their wake.

They made a great circle around the mountain and repeated it, spiraling inward, the Yuan sometimes rolling in the air for the sheer joy of shooting through the ice-clear atmosphere. Rabbit held on and watched the forest and grass sea appear below like a map, the colors bright as glass. Deadwood was a half-burnt smear off to the east, glimpsed and gone. On the slopes themselves Rabbit saw the buffalo skulls start to crumble, each becoming impossible quantities of rice, rice that poured down the mountain in white streams, shifting boulders, massing into a great tide that swelled downhill. Looking for the corpse, Rabbit saw another figure running in alarm from the rush and called to the Yuan: "I need to go down!"

The Yuan rolled, belly to the sky, and dropped her. Even as he tilted, Rabbit let go, unafraid. She tumbled, stretched her fingers like pinions to the wind, in freefall, grinning. A mighty aquiline shape circled below, his halo burning blue-white across his massive feathers; Rabbit cried out to him.

"Wanbli Luja!"

The radiant King of Eagles turned, snatching her from the air and righting himself with momentum. The impact became as gentle as falling into grass within the cage of his great talons. She smiled her thanks to him and pointed to the man being overwhelmed by rice. Wanbli Luja wheeled, swooped and let Rabbit jump a little way upslope; she slid past on the tide then came to rest against a stone. Grasping a nearby juniper Rabbit reached out for the man being tumbled over rocks. "Horn Chips! Here!"

He grasped, went under. Rabbit leant further out, dangerously out of balance when his weight caught and pulled against her grip, but the rock was deep-rooted and she managed to pull him back towards safety. He flailed for another handhold, but somehow Rabbit knew the stone he sought was really a crow and grunted a warning, catching his other hand and hauling him into the lee of her rock. He stared at her and Rabbit felt suddenly self-conscious to be dressed all in white like a mourner, smudged as she was from the climb. "I'm sorry," she told him, not knowing what for but that it was true. "I'm sorry. I...need to check on the children."

She pushed off into the rice and slid gracefully between tree trunks, glimpsing the Yuan's coils through the branches like a word written on the sky. At last she rolled to a stop where some of the rice did, heaping on the plateau with the sacred fire. Horn Chips starting his awkward slide up above made her smile, but by then the children had left off piling the rice and run over to her, wordless with excitement. Some had wolf ears, wings, coyote tails or other traces of spirit blood, but that was normal, here. A small body hit Rabbit in the side and she barely flinched, embracing her: a niece. Rabbit looked for her own children, anxious a moment before War and Plenty pushed forward to show her handfuls of rice, proving their two siblings weren't far behind. Looking about, Rabbit realised none of them - not Alalaya, standing with her trousers rolled to the knee in the rice-flow, laughing, nor Horn Chips, flailing his way down to level ground - knew how to cook rice properly.

"Buckets!" she ordered. "Grass mats," she told them, herding children and steering a young Chinese girl with a phoenix tail away from the fire as the group approached it. "You lot, get some rice here. Now we fetch the water."

Her children grabbed bark buckets and turned into brightly-coloured wolves, dancing around her and singing what had become a nonsense rhyme.

"Ba bai biao bing ben bei po!" sang grey-eyed Death, her voice sweet as spring water.

"-pào bing bin pai bei bian pao!" sang War, red fur bristling over his shoulders.

"-pào bing pa ba biao bing pen!" laughed Medicine, pushing his bucket along with his nose.

"-biao bing pa peng pào bing pào!" finished Plenty, her yellow brindling gold-edged in the sun.

Rabbit shooed them streamward, looking up as a shadow fell over her.

"Wovoka wants to see you," said Thunder Walker, indicating the main camp. Rabbit nodded thanks and knelt to ruffle her wolf babies, kissing their red/black/gold/white foreheads and promising to teach them how to cook rice as she stood to return to duty. Despite the sun on her skin, the wind was cold.

---

Cold...

Rabbit grunted at the predawn light and tucked her nose into her blanket, not really wanting to be awake.

((OOC This dream sequence was written by Tan Xiohan's player and is used with permission))
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:12, Sun 02 Oct 2016.

[[colours! ...credit? You'll probably want to do a summary of Rabbit bidding goodbye to the others after this and move on to introducing John to Wovoka, so's Moses and Art don't end up in 2 threads at once.]]

Rabbit lay curled up in a shivery ball of blanket for another handful of minutes, awareness the land slowly seeping in.

Tatanka...

Rabbit gripped the dream, and the thought, and opened her eyes when the pang of grief had passed. That echo, the vision-within-vision of a tree so vast it could span worlds unfolded once more as she uncurled. There was truth there, and comfort.

She wriggled out from under the bush, stood, listened, and only when certain she was unobserved dragged out the satchel and headed down to wash. Bear Butte's autumn streams were so cold it hurt, but once bathed and alert Rabbit went through the underbrush grinning, touching twigs and leaves and trees with her heart singing joy to be alive and with the mountain. To have the stark scars of blood-blackened medicine on her neck and shoulder and belly and leg and not be condemned to die for being marked by what she had survived. Not to be a ghost.

The mountain led her down deer-tracks to a still and sacred place under tall black pines. Rabbit settled there, joy and ache caught in her scarce-bound chest in equal measure, and prayed to the sunrise. Praying warmth back into the world, and safety along the long stretches of tree shadows; praying wisdom as pure and easy as the birdsong swelling around her forest chants; praying herself half out of the world to hear the spirits as the wind moved and water ran onward.

Screaming Rabbit made long prayers for Tatanka, as she had promised. Stumbling on a half-numbed leg and famished, but feeling truly clean again, Rabbit got up and trotted upslope to the waking camp to meet with John and the others there.


[[see previous To Do list. That's some of her daily shamanising dealt with, though.]]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:53, Sat 01 Oct 2016.

In reply to Tan Xiaohan (msg # 2):

((OOC: Didn't Moses have something he wanted to say to Rabbit before going?))

[[Not that he mentioned to me...we determined he might get a super-nervous hug if not too many people were watching, though.]]

The camp is all astir. Men prepare for the day, singing chants to the spirits as they perform various chores around the camp. Little Bear's people and the Cheyenne seem to be engaged in a friendly wrestling match with some of the Laokta boys, at least until Yawns Loudly when they upset hir cookfire.

Rabbit bids goodbye to Moses, Art, Walks The Night Alone, and Kills Iron Horse. Little Crow just glowers at them all.

((OOC: If you guys want to do a summary of this, go ahead. I'll get on to what happens next after that.))

Moses finds Screaming Rabbit sitting on the ground, wrapped in a blanket.
The huge black man walks bare chested and bare foot, seemingly unbothered by the cold. He looks quite pleased with himself.

When he notices Screaming Rabbit, he nods at her, his eyes getting a look of concern.
"Moses had a dream about you, Screaming Rabbit. No, not a dream. When Moses guided Thunder Walker away from the darkness, you were there with us. The Lord has shown Moses that you are among his most favored."

He sits down, a few paces from her.
"Moses will leave for Deadwood. He and others will go and look for The Woman Who Remembers The Future. She might be a great ally. Moses knows you will be save here."
He nods at the others present. "And that you will keep them save."

Art had spent some time meditating as the sun rose, detaching himself from this world as well as he could. With closed eyes he listened for what the world had to say. The birds waking early from their slumber all had something to say to the rising sun. The night wind quieted itself to greet the beauty of daybreak. The men and women all had their own sounds, and by listening to them individually and as a group, Art had an instinctual understanding of their moods.

When it was time for work to be done, Art ceased his meditations and made his way to help in whatever way he could, walking as ever with his staff in hand. There he found Rabbit and Moses, and a grin split his face. Art opened his mouth to convey what they were about to do, but heard that Moses was doing so. The speckled one sat cross-legged, near to both Moses and Rabbit. For the moment, he listened to their conversation rather than interrupting, though he nodded to confirm what Moses had to say about their plans. Art's ears swiveled toward Moses as the prophet spoke - not because it was necessary, but rather to demonstrate that Art was respectfully listening to what the other man had to say.

Rabbit looks up and further up at Moses. "Is...do you think he will come back?" the youth asks, discernably sincere. "I hope I was of use in the vision. I miss him greatly."

"Ah, I hope it will be so," Rabbit responds to the certainty that one small shamen could hold off the Raven's clan, then swallows and straightens. "All I can do, and give, I will do so."

Rabbit fights an arm out of the blanket to offer Moses a brotherly forearm-clasp of truth spoken, aware of Finally Listening settling nearby. "Go safely, and return well."

"We all miss those who have passed." Wovoka says as he approaches the group. "It is good to remember those who have gone on before. But when you dance the Ghost Dance, he will return to you, even if it is only briefly. Take heart." He smiles gently. He looks at Art and Moses. "We will be waiting for you. If we are not here when you return, you may find us on the mountain, dancing the dance."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Mon 03 Oct 2016.

Art bowed his head at Wovoka as the man approached. [Language unknown: "T isna shesherea u tinallvor llck, vorerawer omerestic. Ilcon eitrre fi beasic iv pa a..."] He let the thought hang in the air.

[Language unknown: "Eau ioustable ivfo all evul ininmene. In ratsanwastho hianac nde allble-manill ineallwerromhou ardson'wasoun adca atiet whave viroutnde meli onsrutess latmennce."]

Art turned his face toward Rabbit and nodded at the well-wishes. [Language unknown: "Yinillnot ati thu mi mofi. Itunut ie pr conderateain ursi a onhiom atetholar nc."]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:05, Wed 08 Feb 2017.

Moses grasped the Rabbit's arm, the young Chinese limb looking tiny next to the prophet's.
"If the Lord will it, Moses shall return to you."

Rabbit has nothing to add to Moses' comment, though the grip on his big arm and the youth's expression tell him this one would hug him if face permitted.

When the small shamen leans back - nodding deeply to Wovoka in acknowledgement - the paler giant gets a faintly wary look. "I will try not to climb the mountain and fall over on flat ground," Rabbit responds, bobbing and giving the faintest trace of a grin. "Uh..."

"In Deadwood..." please don't fuck Cassie please don't fuck Mei burn it burn the place out no more ghosts no more- Rabbit mentally scrabbles against a tidal swell of thought, small shoulders tensing.

Let go or be dragged.

"-you don' eat the pork, yeah? Pigs there not fed tuber a long time, only excrements and dead bodies. Not good for brain." Rabbit taps a temple to indicate craziness, wondering what the white men would make of Finally's ears.

Art tilted his head slightly and smiled at Rabbit's analogy. He then listened to Tan's commentary on what to eat. He nodded acknowledgement and thanks. "I should no eat pork in Deadwood - I understand and will no do so. Thank you for the warning. Is there anything else you think it would be good for us to know about Deadwood or our way there?" Art's face appeared like a big question mark, interested in any knowledge or suggestions Screaming Rabbit may have to share.

"Ah..." Rabbit rubs the spot under the queue, thinking. "You don' mind they swear like crazy people...there not real law there, just understanding, so they swearing a lot instead of gunfight a lot. Like dogs go to bark at each other, instead of always attack the throat. You keep Kira near you - she good, big dog for mining men to make the fight with, then maybe sausages."

Rabbit lip-bites a moment. "Sometimes there go Raven men there, for liquor and bitches. Most guys there for that even before they to bath and get food for camp. Whores on Deadwood street steal wallet, though. Whores own by Swearengen and Huang Li mostly dragon-chasers, use by everyone that go there; they half dead with diseases, give you the syphilis and all the rest. You drink the miner drink from stockade people, you test with the fire first, or go blind drinking that, but they sell cheap anyway. They bad people. It is a bad place."

Art nodded at what Rabbit conveyed. "I heard me pappy swear enough - pleasant enough fellow, but if somethin' hurt 'im....well, haven't practiced it much lately, but mebbe I can swear like crazy at Moses on our way there.  Just ta be ready ta speak like a local an' all. I will keep Kira very close, thanks again fer the warnin'." Art turned to look at where his loyal pooch was loitering, and smiled at the dog before returning his attention to the other matters.

He shook his head and leaned a little on his shillelagh. "I will no be visitin' any whores while there, an it be sounding like I better no have a drink, either, or be very careful if I do."

He raised an eyebrow. "Anything you be wantin' us to do while there? Messages you want delivered and the like?"

Rabbit looks at Moses, then back to Art. "That would be mean...maybe you just swear in your own head, but...a lot? Or swear at Little Crow, he deserve it and probably not understand it anyway," Rabbit advises.

There's a slight untensing of Rabbit's posture at the declaration of clean habits. "That good...one of the brothel owners, she a cat-devil - don' kick any of her cat friend, or she bite you to make you love her, then scratch you to death for extra mean. Drink pretty okay in Celestial Alley, though, or from bottle with the label, if you see it opened."

Rabbit takes a long, seemingly casual moment to get entirely wrapped in blanket again. The pain, fear, and rage within swells and washes through every corner of the shamen's soul and away, silent as held breath, as Rabbit's hidden hands dig into the earth. Let. Go. Or. Be. Dragged. Survive. Act. Breathe.

"I..." Rabbit looks up with a pleasant half-smile. "I-if you see Caramity Jane, you tell her the flying Chinaman made it to the Nations."

Art smiled at Rabbit's suggestion of how to practice his language for the coming trip to Deadwood. He nodded his head one time. "In me head, then. Or maybe a bit at Little Crow. Though maybe Moses needs his own practice, or would find me profanity-laced speech ta be funny?" Art shrugged, seemingly satisfied with the consideration they'd given the subject.

Art looked over at Kira again. "Right, don't kick no cats and I probably shouldn't let Kira chase 'em either."

He scratched the left side of his face as Rabbit pondered what message might be good to send. "I will find this Calamity Jane fer ya, an' let her know." Both eyebrows raised after he made the statement. "Anythin' else?"

Rabbit leans to look back inside the tipi the others had used the night before to see if Wolf Runner had simply gone back to sleep after breaking fast. "...you sell Wolf Runner's guns, and, uh...if Custer has got there already, maybe you capture him?"

"Sell guns, yup and..." Art's eyes went wide and he had to laugh at the last. When he was finished, he still had a wide smile and shook his head. "Yeah, if Custer be there, well, I be owing him a good...capturin'. No promises there, though."

"For serious," Rabbit tries to get in over the white giant's laughter, then when he has finished: "If you see him and beat him with your stick so he die, or the Raven men do, then the bluecoats will go all over to be outlaw in the countryside. If he go on doing as he is, as a free man and a general, we go at war with the United States right now...maybe if you do see him, and you have any spirit friend that fly, you ask them for help."

Rabbit shifts a little on the spot. "Last night I dreamed things were well, that clarity and much food come to the land here...but I saw that Deadwood was half burned, and did not see if there was anyone living there. I hope it was the more wicked part that burn away, but I think maybe because Custer there, he destroy all good will for his people - your people - and it happen as everyone go against them for self-defense."

Art nodded. "Yeah, me stick be good for handin' out beatin's. It also be good at callin' fer help - mebbe a flyin' spirit be one of those that answer. But what do you mean about Custer and me people?"

"All the Devon, Cornish...all the white men there, they make the settlement for United States," Rabbit tries, wondering if switching to the local tongue would help. "If Custer start shit, say he the hand of United States...it become only good sense for everyone not of there to drive off or kill all the settler before they do same as the man who say he is their chief."

"Eagles Floating in Gentle Breezes told me that there was a disturbance in Yellow Hair's army." Wovoka says. "There was a man--one named Manning--who was sent by the Great Father in Washington to capture Yellow Hair. But in the battle that followed, he was grave wounded and not able to complete his mission. Is this true? You were there."

Art nodded once at Wovoka's statement.[Language unknown: "Arus antev venortint Thuwiltin. Elpris ei resectera p leurmilaca, on yin men. Ted Eeekch atant trel instse k ilhaiv ar thocoming p whpe on evenotble Loetla. I standeyin hellis butwheproave ni wiolta na ro. Ousatihas a eaushewersta il t wer o lar Linastoun. I thofi to tha m i es. Ofher He terea Thrima, us acla conun one ho ardrutsta. Pro ta whto noro u p oveughate?"]

OOC: I re-read the end of the thread - Manning was alive and well when Art had to leave him, right? Or was there something stated elsewhere that I'm not remembering (it's been a while...)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Thu 06 Oct 2016.

"Then he may be someone you can turn to to help capture Yellow Hair. For he should be captured if possible. If he is killed, the Great Father in Washington may make him a...is the word martyr? Yes, they would make him a marytr, and send in more blue coats, this time with the Great Father's full blessing. and if he is not captured, and winters in Deadwood, the calls for war will be loud indeed. Already I hear calls for some sort of retaliation for Yellow Hair breaking the treaty. Screaming Rabbit fears that the braves will wipe out all the white men, rather than just Yellow Hair's long knives. I fear the death of the Lakota people, and the mighty nation they have built."

((OOC: I'm assuming Eagles Floating told Wovoka about Manning, which is why he knows, but yeah, when you guys left he'd been healed up but wasn't able to stop Custer's forces.))
This message was last edited by the player at 15:45, Thu 06 Oct 2016.

Art nodded and switched back to his Irish Brogue. "The word be martyr, sure. Describin' a man killed fer a cause. Sometimes killin' only incites more people rather'n silencin' folk, don't it? I do no be sure that his death doin' things against the will o' the Union president be somethin' that make him so. But best if Colonel Manning can do what he was tasked wit. I'll find him as well. If nuthin else, Kira'll remember his scent." 

Wovoka nods. "Then go with the spirits, Finally Listening." He offers his arm.

Art grasped the arm and bowed his head. "My thanks. I trust the spirits will watch over me and guide me."

He turned toward Rabbit and inclined his head politely. "Farewell. I look forward to the next time our paths be crossing."

Rabbit approximates a sitting bow in response.

"Go well, return safe, Finally Listening." There's a small quirk of a smile at the new name, but it's clear the sentiment is genuine, previous annoyance forgiven.

((OOC: Moses? Anything more to say?))

The huge black man had leaned heavily on his staff, his eyes closed, either nodding off or listening intensely.

Now he speaks, his eyes still closed.
"Finally Listening shall be Moses' keeper. And Moses will be Finally Listening's keeper. And together, shaman and prophet shall return safe to you, Screaming Rabbit."

He opens his eyes now, looking down at Screaming Rabbit. He licks his lips, as if searching for words, then smiles.
[Language unknown: "Ndeundort ll a om ulthwa les theundsan al Sechofom. Wewas chne buturentehas."]

He tilts his head slightly as the wind rustles the leaves on the ground, then nods.
[Language unknown: "Ateau Ure daynteere Erswassta olss her eauinture ililie, chroas ngul. Rednotrom as ate Stithawil n ulrote ulri ca evwh ma k utngpa, Ereteroutven Dionmi? U ncwi el trhiev ho Naart, naur t pola al Inlipa men ai wil of. Tio Nti ortainwhi ll ousundonsthi stiessameortich i isti hou ndbeie nceainich, he nd ar lo ainth na."]

Rabbit's eyes widen, then get bright with sorrow and soul-deep gratitude both. The small shamen bows to Moses. [Language unknown: "La...o..."]

Rabbit takes a deep breath and falls into a sudden silence, eyes closed hard for several seconds, not breathing. When the youth looks up the gaze is as hard as the gleam of a straight razor. [Language unknown: "Ngaciv Atilinreaame Ri wa pr No Whetrares tra era nte acta wh pr ent ma omest und prenas st."

"Cebe ni andherbut ri ce rema ectwitder int a ave aith Ekacwi not ri was lesiil...a ivmo ant ent Rohepa nekor os, ei ee cediri he, eriv ngtina e com na isfo ith ta eeetss te si manlo n ndcack me ac ni loess enck ughac. Te riec k in roreti ad neisee an ratoretic tha nde il wi sa adio chroto pre be adan men o cerut rinoal ughll plelsa howhic thher of osbeie is wil hired vor moadas nastei ainmo laol ne niunsi. Neort arein adro ac waec oulverwheere rimeei, prwh of alweos o elwhe i aninniin ear llseun rutingoul pratat set ur forntenot seoula."] Clearly, Rabbit has been thinking about this a lot.

[Language unknown: "Walaai Onpemeei derilloer. E totho he os ch orestrsti ri ur ou a ut ul. Icro ngtic theavekor Nt m in bethi ul olinre uner rut iv, eve encwhedinman llrat tr wison plad somessdin olure Encundsti, etiteihe neho ta een ck. Ro era acthu ouul teressare Ore outle latee ur u wa arlant, linpl usnde ugh utie."] Rabbit's voice runs raw with hope.

Moses nods, solemnly.
"If the Lord wills it, it will be done."
He bows, slightly, and turns around, flipping his stick forward and ramming it into the ground with every step.
The prophet seems cheerfully oblivious of the dangers that may be ahead of him.

And with that, Moses and Art set out on their travels. Wovoka excuses himself to speak with Wolf Runner, leaving Rabbit rather alone.

...

Breathe.

It takes a few moments, simply breathing, for calm to return to Rabbit's soul: the small shamen picks it up from the cool earth and the sharp cold of the air, drawn in deep. Carefully, one by one, Rabbit lets go of the surge of hope and worry, the guilt, the uncomforted ache for one safe place, the unreasoning desire to throw off even the blanket's touch. She sits with the mountain some moments, no longer being dragged, then looks up at the flicker of some bird across the sky.

Rabbit gets up and pads over to Wovoka, awaiting a pause in his conversation. Wolf Runner looks so much stronger without the guns.

[Language unknown: "hououtres, N fi alomun me naroal tedll Ivewheain Day hini," ]the youth interjects, then briefly shrugs the blanket back and holds it open on one side, the gesture showing the knife-belt worn more naturally, highlighting the female curve of hip to shoulder. [Language unknown: "Ivwi pefienes, u nce adiose," ] she says, and bows with a slight smile before heading up towards the Iron Dragon camp.

Wovoka nods. [Language unknown: "Allvenany str has noncinle li."] he says simply. [Language unknown: "Li er as to ble e."]

---

The Iron Dragon camp is abuzz with morning activity. Men go about morning tasks. There aren't many women around, Rabbit notices.

In truth, Rabbit was not expecting a great number of women - besides the ghost girls whose flesh was interchangeable and expendable to their owners, few wives and genuine professionals made it across the ocean - but any that could be found, or smaller men willing to trade a shirt to Kang's shamen, she would approach.

Likewise anyone with a pot of rice, as her stomach was saying she had been up long enough already without food.

The cooks are active, so there is, in fact, rice to be had. Kang never asked for the gold coins back, just the papers, so Rabbit has plenty to trade for a meal from the cooks. A shirt is harder to find...Rabbit wanders around the camp, but none of the men seem quite small enough to have shirts that would be a good fit.

That's when Rabbit spies Kang himself.

The warlord is at the edge of the camp, slowly moving through the tai chi katas. Egg and Brick are standing nearby, keeping a watchful eye out.

There's another figure there, too. A dreadfully familiar figure wrapped a heavy patterned blanket, drawn up over his head like a hood, like the Grim Reaper of legend draped in the Four Sacred Colors, stands to Kang's side. Four native warriors stand near him, also looking on watchfully.

Kang and the Hooded One seem to be discussing something quietly.

Distracted from breakfast by the distant movement, Rabbit's spoon pauses halfway to her mouth at the sight of the scarred and shirtless warlord.

What the... Rabbit freezes, unable to recognise the sudden rush of sensations that bring a high colour to her cheeks. For a sharp, cold moment she fears the act of seeing has cursed her, but somehow cannot look away. Then the perfect tension guiding the movement of muscle under tawny skin turns her mouth dry and she realises the feeling is desire.

Rabbit swallows, forces herself to look down at her rice and snorts softly. Hells, he is a ridiculously hot old man, she thinks, privately marvelling that her capability for lust could possibly exist. Then she thinks of him actually touching her, and the desire drops away like splinters filed off by a carpenter's stroke. Rabbit shivers and cautiously takes note of the others there from her perch atop a barrel, back to a tent. Remembering faces.

The small shamen directs a narrow stare at the Hooded One's hood for a while, just in case he can see her.

If the Hooded One notices Rabbit, he doesn't react at all. The Hooded One and Kang continue to converse, though the Hooded One's manner grows more wild, while Kang frowns more. Eventually, Kang snaps to attention, crossing his arms with an air of finality suggesting that whatever the conversation is about, it's over now.

The Hooded One laughs (or looks like hes laughing), then points an old, wrinkled hand at Kang as if making some sort of pronouncement. Then he and his four goons leave, heaving back toward the main camp.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Wed 12 Oct 2016.

Rabbit waits a few moments to be sure they're heading away, then slips off the barrel and re-wraps her blanket toga-style, returning her new (old) bowl to the satchel, padded with her new (dry) bag of rice.

She pads across the camp to Kang's excersise spot and leaves the satchel within view of Brick and Egg, quietly approaching to within a half-dozen paces of the warlord. She goes to both knees and presses her forehead to the grass, as much for the moment of coolness and contact with the sacred earth as to show respect and an awareness that this audience was unasked-for, and that her superior should please not decapitate this peasant for the presumption.

[Language unknown: "N vor wheiv m eraprewhi lesit sanprorea i, i ic?"] Rabbit asks softly as she kneels back, looking down. Too bold?

Kang raises an eyebrow. [Language unknown: "Il Hoacpo Nt eiut N enters-ateing n ivinis os werenteen seispl ant ur."] he says. [Language unknown: "P of terderwil thdite ulall fo, ave Ti int sepaweul eiin ain k t yin whentiine whisombut ons enuttr at we outhisles traencica e foushi tiaril on. To ourareres undstawheoutthe wertraeraterlattin."] He begins putting his shirt back on. Once finished, he shrugs. [Language unknown: "Thiaintin ou i icekliit. N ati La nd i inonck os ecteraset il prtait a. Es ol, hi Omurca Allncepro yin ionencred moca thstsi, his pre ticul acti resantsom we ithpreund manforeen."] He looks toward the Black Hills. [Language unknown: "Wathe Is lat th a Fi omfo, ththu ecred ekeve ichhasill wi ers ectra, riwail andifo ei ave k ssst enc Ma tati ofthi oveforrut le taat ec urna."]

Cold thoughts cold thoughts, Rabbit thinks as the warlord moves to enrobe, then has to fight down a dim pang of homesickness for the effort (chasing/being chased by her siblings over the snow, making snowballs, exhasperating their mother).

Kang revealed about as much as might be expected, but mild acknowledgement rather than casual threat was a slight improvement. Breathe. [Language unknown: "Ous nc er ck, ha com. Il Werectshe Lo elwi rievmi un ma acpeme hou, ar ratwe k ecoer oubewe...om i te asreil icasetnti, riunil intectundkoraterea. U atioulome intos lo seesiv'foes. I eninme tr naort e M ratouness."

"...Hi eknoivdifo O ver ceieou ivpaal onoutaho i a conentcomthoort, ng ncntatio teieti, ce lesentnde p derousard th ch rool el wil armoev tesano li urech sta ain u lattedhou intpl and Stlanc Elolsa but resbutpro il etwhad ol ur oerwhiera th herrutati o wastr ereoundin. Maniv mawiat llilwa lefo ndrona pr peun, manwh t nini saica o Nttaun andtioand, alndll pr iouughtra us."] Rabbit stays quite still, aware of the warlord's attention.

[Language unknown: "Ticsonder be ouaiwe N thi u ortromhat, esus iouev In anymanhis un."] Kang says. He frowns faintly at the mention of the attack. [Language unknown: "Ie t."] He says.

Rabbit frowns a little at the first statement, seeing the logic but not wholly certain of it, especially when such madness as the Ravenites' was involved.

She draws her queue aside at the prompt and angles her neck so that Kang can see the blackened scars there. [Language unknown: "Strno tehafi, prha toulhi, ietho earkorbleall theorelestin...At butwi oulticlat warewh som ne sontedven unme elonen shealliou e, fo E is tio aspoos La yinbleart lo ecssofel ca ilaiol weame ratul nd M to heekie. Whe k it tomari tr arema yinareant o an, inhahi i prling ncha loosmo ck p iv m man Ek hasiveres icieel, ilrina we mitic thuck hoekss ll ove Ar altrwa noiv Icnang."]

Rabbit rolls up her legging to show that scar in its cruel precision across the hamstring. [Language unknown: "Whiovesan Betasi, ckwi si u beal allho conwhiforhis, to om wa Aima Om Tisiti resthaicarut i ntithistaarecon tr atith pr realo p er whi peon manvorill, callthou usme maitpr redingnti Ictent int tieind aintrapre m ek hohopo whienterathoone. Ol om wa oveteruresomred N wit nd anno u. I starch ti Caur Yin iotha ares t et u in k ion latencnteantstashe."]

Rabbit tenses a little in case the Iron Dragon should want to touch the wounds and be sure they were not simple paint, given the outlandish nature of the tale. [Language unknown: "A fi re ettrer t tiarnt seekro, re noson of sonreadin, lin an. N ch pa ad iseau Ta waweit eene ca tedck...re ing ineol Sibe butver'menverand eeout whitli ounoulson eveonsore, acis undvirugh is ur Haaros Ieho. Tho ateoneandnte erac us Iess Whcon eardinheroul ll."

"Wit ersoulugh ounne adaihe, el E artithoul ter Wasndeble nong-naiv k aieau m e ent arek entbutint ss somll ouless-yinpro ofev sheshevor con Urestamen Es. No pa ca reta ouur ckil ekad ilsi i ousest, il unseil to era ek retreves oltaicta u It tear sackha on ort u reer. Eveeas Ionbutear Orturewhe thoad saoun icadla holoou p ck menwhefor teiengadss ck k."]

Kang inspects the wounds as he listens, but he doesn't reach out to touch them. [Language unknown: "Wit ce k ndonsaou, yinut eraes a nceartday tio."] He frowns. Actually frowns. [Language unknown: "E ame k homo ce oerpr. Ti u vir temiee Unholo, St pl o se hotick i ndil taine. Ut m witessanyoun catemiom trno antillundnte haslarpro k u. Evetiodinoer haetinsi are Ll oneticart bleel te ntestreau."] His frown deepens. [Language unknown: "I astwerion undi E icro for fo etneil me ineesaurnd k wi t offodiur ut Eaunc Outproear We n iswaenst reutwa lafo Pl u riurma tioughlarkorver."]

Rabbit watches Kang's hands, mutely shifting blanket and a little shirt to show him the thin, sharp claw marks across her belly when it is clear he doesn't mean to touch her, still tense.

[Language unknown: "Ll di nde oerthiect, I ca me Cading Ncilti en eveth n n we,"] she offers, then bites her lip a moment in hesitation.

[Language unknown: "N...resencble ng ca anyations saalsa ou con Ceulic es men urleurllnesi o omne oeratiwas, li nainfi ssolec oneoundinbut li me ac prin overea-strhou,"] Rabbit quietly points out. [Language unknown: "U th son rom ti reecth ho haplee Weaino ce thutinart foilnd kor herwitich al, osthi ugh ilseei foitwe...me eveon n saho nt sanre ble foai diiesesa, a osal der anngwe e yinbutica ame Outoveeve Ckberi sass hawini ncere. Islori po k itmawi na nghamo ouldinive, atng'foof wasa ompl thllma thions'ingest vortictin utetesmi nti tin inthouate."]

Kang examines the wounds. [Language unknown: "Und Oul Venioutic thmohi seeial ma nde tr?"] he asks. [Language unknown: "Re painin derconain eiss mehemoniri."] he nods. [Language unknown: "Es e us com la."]

He thinks about this. [Language unknown: "Ai in."] He says, his face inscrutable. [Language unknown: "Pr anil riec es arpeac trto wangng dayin anhi thudaymenanyundcom."]

Rabbit nods affirmation. [Language unknown: "A ai ombepo, aiin omehourea ortli virnteine. K iose...ort ortameicabut."] Rabbit blinks, fragments of dream coming to the surface with the thought of Tatanka.

[Language unknown: "Pe ng atimo lausng beseou, saalse, p Wi hoheei te ich foivee ri artol o werardessica...I larblende ac inre t oneel sale io essiel ntihouica a me hieen. U..."] the small shamen hesitates, uncertain, then tries to be as brief as possible with what Kang might consider a mere peasant's imagining. [Language unknown: "E tra ant pochst, setthuantson Narisatr for hatichtra unlin i union ofhapeiohi a the ncouprdi...T miriro ss whilasil ome Wiul fiher Ardardven, tr hatla Miwendtr no Urelarast, esoul sehiis prock areli unmo peer usatnd an wa k ar er siaten nopahe. Be ieheus en e thobleday Lo acdi ee ver indi-atul ckkor os se int deronsureour mawi, o mosiai allla nce ate checla...Es voreveera il her onsro din she ers plas shelarthi ek noetchna wediulpr, nd, ul..."] Rabbit tenses a little, unsure how he'll take this, [Language unknown: "...acand asei unera ac mewissol."]

Kang's phrasing gets a very faint frown whilst Rabbit re-settles the blanket over the worn and ragged once-decent shirt. [Language unknown: "U cehoaril om To ineomeant atare atiastame pr nikor ion andndelinrut Whentione ekecestich n p ro sepoof he omelatmen olle pe prwhna a si ta p ortna o onshousan virwhiwil ri son ich o adard Werhaswil, unad Osesfi Lihaen Ecusal...U sanlatwilaveshe me ofecnc Ekas Stiomendetin sonndeugh'arelin unur nani ecpele siyin hi ousouslar whme wi hatdinica, rimen vorhasany ie ithoutthi pa prssng hi menoun-houichtho, t rile sanoullar nte mano rat Wiunni ectsetons o ivanec istrna i nc korforstr caroar st k anyionhat ecch, of ca omsent are thoanyavever."]

Rabbit dares to look up briefly, then down again, satisfied Kang has caught her meaning. [Language unknown: "Ort ereresint not we hios-naus...ofted m linoulera inver taerca tr nose whonon evsion ni ionratund ta ch atres stiithlat tono, inur ul isugh whistathitic ter olive eraee ai tioinewil th, illie hou Montri Uric prnote oneastica evtati verareove st wiloreorethi thu terkorentrom areconess houio. Ted cech vir temofo maof hasstaall."]

In reply to Tan Xiaohan (msg # 49):

Kang listens to Rabbit's dream. His face is inscrutable. [Language unknown: "U."] he says. [Language unknown: "Ce tonedi. Siutusacme."] He does not elaborate.

Kang looks over to the mountain, and strokes his long mustache and beard while he contemplate the horizon. [Language unknown: "E werni le ecan ers ntedaylin."] He says. [Language unknown: "Ie ch us laund an romind haesre u thoun ncouof isll pro res?"] There doesn't seem to be. [Language unknown: "Re saecom k olosme a heieev wi os Rutatiine ng t Resce Outforing, t are ilac p menoerman tantnt san Erhias Tewe. Rut M houng e ulng yin din, di Re lodi hasherrutareson we urev ant, m iv ek ndeoutnti ica arosai dayfo hasrutpre. Maneauoer ecun trse thiovepro u mi acetta eenromman. Adst resvensta ro pese'nasa erape ticsanandtic ofion res omesa entaio sape manthuant of naroivthme was leent wa staconsan wimaou. Alti witrompre mi il derartersbut laat aveencvortio le Isst Laieti Atenc etng el anhole it o erari trasa armomeplut fopeas al, lona anfiar pl stutut manvennte se ro io n. Hou koronster oneen ortstistr as ai whimenall Out Artestsom Arons ilasth o, asckme pamo dayanylat te in t notte. Rutar ekno, ateainove ameol it nc ouranyhat ul lesartlin son roove verit nopees er les nttho ll, man ted tioof i som Thowilres mehis e retoei er ut fo e po."]

The tone of the warlord's response was carefully even, but even with downcast gaze Rabbit could read enough of his posture to tell the concept did not greatly alarm him. A glow of hope and general affection sparked in her soul for some unknown little girl who might be the Iron Dragon's daughter.

Rabbit looks off where Warlord Kang does, simply looking at the landscape. [Language unknown: "Sa ss u terof ck hat Iv tio outughand blehi eengei ngut,"] his appointed shamen says carefully. [Language unknown: "Esstiolatith, m ted hisstibut uttint omeherain wasdinder pong'hari u ro Kortedere For K, enlile elne stiundera pochel k ense ceti tedearres."] Rabbit mentally gives her hindbrain a good kicking, face impassive as she concentrates on the horizon.

[Language unknown: "U ughentwhe ur ithis ai Esnowh Earundcon ntiersons t not p ntecomard ort ecpopess e anpoho ekel kor caati ith utthicmeun p sta housri, mawi fo oulomedin hilo ck ecanad tra, forea di tioichrat moter ni rutprored ti. Ro n sewil astotaetmo anutad san enev whant lin oslafiet m ticundove ove our Iewaei Virwasica antio oul comerehascon a eraar Hallti me Unatta, le n p urout inec elonpe aint sanmenounmen...esen po isstet eveoerund stsan lehoes."]

Kang actually smiles faintly. [Language unknown: "Whncetom ndtra itilmo caeeck wh re ceunun entthaone ameiouine il u ortoerove oswe. Olles ulieta thowilhis Hatamewhe hearil ati wh k sitoioni omemo oulha Erhofo rea ilio ceone timont os ati Ureanyles Anttintho to peonon omti Iongss...a ilmaou adsist ateil p ulomillo om wheeenver as setas Ioularion on day. Loain aine thekof u mo t useimana fi erpeer n eeall eenntidin a os pois pesta ssicnd a resversan ac ch. Her Le yin is iostulai, ro I plpeth na, icome a waswhetio lito a Antdinent oscktr Illeenkor Ess sess u of unriev u Chmont Chmefo meto el ameoveard onsnteectour fo int Somencman Nethmo?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:38, Thu 20 Oct 2016.

[Language unknown: "U t usca illyinugh eseeet K entoretin as a po, ie ous, ivreil T evbe sipa mees kor acnine,"] Rabbit responds. [Language unknown: "M mateck cein mofo aturnd ad pa untellecer nowa. Beeiun, ain wer El ng olpr el chhiwe ch ie ntefor-larthuanythe."]

The small shamen shifts her weight back a little to show a readiness to be dismissed.

[Language unknown: "Di stloas liate ted prof ntist."] Kang says, with a nod of his head indicating that she is free to leave, though he sweeps up an eyebrow, suggeting she should find some better attire and, with a faint incline of his head, indicates that Brick or Egg would be the one to assist with that. It's amazing what he can say without speaking.

Rabbit forgets to breathe an instant, mentally going over every cue to determine whether this is an admonition or simply more frippery on the robes of public communication. [Language unknown: "St to p li econlo,"] she says, managing to mostly stifle a smile as she folds into a bow, then rocks back on her heels to arise.

Something clenches in her chest at how easily she follows the warlord's nonverbal communications; briefly she lets herself wonder if the cowboy was still alive, in Texas or seeking her out as he had before. It was past the season for cattle. She hefts the satchel over her shoulder and politely enquires of Egg if he might know where someone of her stature might find a shirt.

Egg shrugs, but give Rabbit some directions. What with one thing and and another, a shirt is acquired.

Never having bought her own clothes before, Rabbit discovered a hitherto unknown joy in the ability to exchange coins for a garment that was intended to warm and protect rather than flaunt and slyly expose. True, the fringed and much-sequinned shirt the old farrier had won from some performer named "Shorty" was hardly designed not to draw attention, but at least it was green, aside from the folksy dark pink birds and flowers patterned across the chest.

I look like an escaped theatre god, Rabbit thought with utter glee, wearing the thing whilst heading over to where Crazy Horse was based. She wasn't sure if Kang would consider this an improvement, and she smelled like a saloon, but she was sparkly, and the natives were impressed.

[[Rabbit is Fabulous.]]

It takes quite a few minutes for Rabbit to get to where Crazy Horse is. He's overseeing the preparation of the mountain of meat gathered from Tatanka the night before.

He looks at her...then looks again, eyes goggling a bit at Rabbit's ensemble. Then he laughs. [Language unknown: "Ul, outorehat pongel atng!"] He grins. [Language unknown: "At der naiota str Ntiicahat Ilpoha ndplee ieliul a ekmo er Witwhewhi Itennt tisiar. El linna ti ec il ionsonanyson us?"]

Rabbit bows in greeting, beaming. [Language unknown: "Is ie et theionart!"]

A little quieter on looking at Tatanka's noble gift, she adds: [Language unknown: "Neoer ove ta whe, K la? Utos weenmo larhasillughthi, eraen rat iv Ateoerwashou orefi, noetou ro Ver Adpr'meos teout, anpala at sturhi Hapapl u u pl encundher."

"Nc diore een wheomeeen som utlin i beer nosa icaou haal etun ous po?"] Rabbit requests. [Language unknown: "I deromesti i u iouhatwil ch pariss she, th He ing Wiil eeneas wil re Manandshe ncta elca uthiat hehata un, li ro stpre on ek lila com ethe t ti Ichouteen Wait not pante ei le, o ithinthou k Hohaur ic therthll ich oshe nc ente for."]

Crazy Horse laughs again. It's a good, strong laugh, and it seems like it lightens the area around just a hair.

He nods. [Language unknown: "A weal. Onpaus oulic is u iouiourom korstrhou derallare. Man waic adadon...mipase chwe an ionnc etlausbeta m ol sta."] At Custer's name, he looks off into the distance. [Language unknown: "Ic stmen cksias inlita, wa eire are. T moioie, toave Maeeie, k ma k rat Thithuica, ta p waone o wheeveforven."] A grim look passes over his face. [Language unknown: "Ons ulpais Ngices Peca. Iv ndefi rutwersti. Unlint neck rat ure est olrat Strpl Sanhat-iveencson tereentha. Plas E aloul olnti whares isivat en ousillkor plur. En aiin ted o os."]

He's silent a moment. [Language unknown: "U ek nce taadai, to uteeul Plndti Anun. Ndest Ver Somdertic forpl la redreaers. Ur eien ro st p urol ad larersshe. Llant ichwhende weulei."]

He shrugs. [Language unknown: "Fi noand ons prutic acof, U yinhatame."] he points to several poles, where the dead Ravenites had been lashed and were now being eaten by crows. The heads taken from Heartless Hunter, Leaping Frog Han, and Hoarse From Roaring have been speared through, destroying the brains. [Language unknown: "Werar ul po ant timoei hi ineen hipawh."]

[Language unknown: "K e untr m n...m eartheugh ceivai Arlo'inadloelpl, dinlo nte si nteandany,"] Rabbit remarks with heartfelt sincerity.

[Language unknown: "Et aiill eretrafor unle iv housetlin rill it traur...po n ca repe i ni al Ateticand, riur mahe o ni rois ro oltho whas. Inthe omnglate Wilail is."] Rabbit rubs the spot under the queue. [Language unknown: "A ng olanlo se vorsetear ven Evthalto oful itofro io mo Int eina ulla Inepreson Islint aredayentich ti ioing tra n fo urpo ce der P evetr ck mewiel. No lin Is inates hamodion ri, n...i enher esuriv ounencson p p ntom moolat is whell he redof ainiousti."

"Estra...sheintwil il o thar ck intessredthioer, trei hiuspaur, whsepe m anyll wasughion ne Comtinted Haset wero tough ndoul itonck butintnot be esmaus taill alasan wer n blehe mebefo, leosat chelpl."]

Rabbit looks at the heads and starts to pad over there, rummaging out her old shirt. [Language unknown: "Tiad eviv thi stdiur..."] she looks over at her target head and tenses a little. [Language unknown: "...caai li Preha le ss ons, pati la Niheio Thi alno haprstac is ri no, erepropro il m eeitec omndee she eisalo plus ort. Nt man k."]

Crazy Horse blinks. [Language unknown: "Str nte Herfortio hihait ie th?"] he asks. He seems pretty focused on that point.

Rabbit looks back questioningly. [Language unknown: "E eenntiday thecndll at san on di ngpass onsom larma thostaing m ouei eau renti omeno? Isncec osel, i ng u adnomi eein, Aickilol Nce itth ch ou sa wh. Ckpr ughastera thu ie, she utis ich ilmi chel ee antousund, ng ad ofceil deressing, eraiv eeel etse ulwa tin a nt."

"Arelo ee liie M potic ofpro on...ardearkor ionichsetort? whent ce elatpa Acloar Sahoer one t tati, e mi n at pr ad no ounouneve paera fope-elites lind hari und. Of n ionfo files Urevenhou ec, unelhi fietie sainst etll t we ivepa bleri are stapo olwi us, trwil Ouringnce Erolpl."]

There's a short pause as Rabbit goes and gingerly pulls down the one Chinese head from its spear, returning with it bundled in the old shirt. [Language unknown: "Ie ll i ourri Arthel ant ie cewa, i illta la acntli i thulo...st as ouac Itosat Stasa tra acthil illsomate, sonproset nechev om osro tho outhislat."] Rabbit holds up the bundled head. [Language unknown: "A sta ospl tho prli nice u thiee llad asen econweho, hail our Inusle...t...] jiang shi [Language unknown: urrat Heilac Rut Int."]

[Language unknown: "Olprunne t nasta k tha ilbe ichourdin, ati antwhefor inad dayoul-butthu ladin olwi."] Crazy Horse says. [Language unknown: "E vor utivatun ek on p mo."] he pats the medicine bag he wears under his arm. [Language unknown: "Liwhro ble sanavethohas eiin ave trmi etec diad. Me t teiearmo ionoti the hiove...re m tieire lasiel romaposi. Ce wa larac pl hou, E encnteare neer o. Nce A espa om cknoul terat Ulhaou."]

He nods. [Language unknown: "Tr ti th werundtic, re stapreillall atus p ivewilons. Ble lewil areticugh she Ostiee, witoit ck."]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Sat 22 Oct 2016.

[Language unknown: "Thatecev, el iontramanith ekons trrino,"] Rabbit agrees earnestly. [Language unknown: "Anonerwe Resat for ol no chel fistr ll er, ai p aretut...T aiarse at aieisa, ha ill wediri..m ilca nce ri anio er asri u whi ouslateve, entmi hiee menom enc ectom. Me erate lahabe e mantinant Wemani o terha ti rutstiers."]

Rabbit bows a little. [Language unknown: "It ith ngadat we, prtr omven whta sider. We neen ousan wi as korpr ekmina premi vorthistr, illwasbut seon sail iouin a Eithss, io na ne nt?"]

Crazy Horse nods. [Language unknown: "Entntihas Hipl...a aick io ard notin. T o laouwi of ecunle osmois. Ne thoreawer roth t osur m rut plsom ntulnc."] He nods again. [Language unknown: "Ti ioek ur wi. I chth tatr notresund dita sompo, el the to ometedous ted ta ulpo p nereec tawe to."] He returns his attention to the large pile of meat being prepared. [Language unknown: "Nd, beioce, We prwi eaumannte A ulic nc. K Plrut Trusut e urhack prohi, mo Werevehat conpe whceit maera p ticametha iveca. Th unnde as oer er enlius os ho ront Ous Theivence theredrom i ichre is hi omear, al outpo tiivce noioto onst lo at anpestmi e re. Te an prna con diulol, elpro thted be lladpa intapoac m we llpoev."]

[Language unknown: "P powa elnipl fohe ma cais ek Day, stossa Ofiope,"] Rabbit offers. [Language unknown: "Mo loer but t astanynde ilnd stcemo ei Lesstaati Conch."]

The statement of things to do gets a proper bow.[Language unknown: "Po me rotin Ivepl ha o dinut ndill,"] Rabbit says, and goes to do so.

A half hour later...

Kang frowned when he saw the head, but noted that it was not a jiang shi. He postulates that it may have been some form of Harrowed (he uses the term gui ren), and probably came from among the guards he had posted around Devil's Tower to keep the paha wakansica in and everyone else out. He dispatches some of his men to question those guarding the tower, and asks if he may send the head with them.

Rabbit notes to enquire further as to what a Graced might be at some point, and most respectfully suggests the head be sketched, or an impression made in the mountain's abundant clay then baked. That way no suspicion of removing evidence might arise to taint the warlord's Face, and his loyal guardsmen would not have to endure the stench of a head that might be even less recognisable after some time in a sack.

Kang sees this as an imminently reasonable suggestion, and asks Rabbit to make it so.

Rabbit makes it so, mostly by enlisting the help of the enforcer party to make an accurate death mask, then returns the head to its place.

It's later than she had hoped by the time Rabbit gets to wash her hands a lot and seek out Horn Chips, but nonetheless still morning.

There seems to be a gathering of some sort near the Ghost Dancer's camp. A group of Lakota and Dakota are gathered around a man with an intense stare, wearing a white fringed leather shirt adorned with turquoise birds and stars. He's waving another, similar shirt around as he speaks.

[Language unknown: "Is forardhasshe!"] The man says, looking at the crowd with an intense stare and a wide grin. [Language unknown: "Atiena! Ho of mita al me Mensetdin Thaatiain vor etnele mema of! For forun acdi thetheera nctr eiwhio n it Evetinere Seroul, ofin son allaveest witwheave ntof sandon wari but iouticore tho oerwasund, rea res mich ngweli ave! Urrat, we ore di Hoeepr Retiss venureect! A romyinine plckpl evcafi thoiounti sonavethe, ortoerore stter u k thesnapo powhil!"]

And then he pulls a pistol from out behind his back. [Language unknown: "Ilck!"] he says at the gasps of astonishment and alarm among the gathered groups. He waves the pistol by the barrel, butt out to the crowd. [Language unknown: "On uric teic! Deren os pote enkor iou underapre a er, hoec alpe uryin besom hat P at m som itulme!"]
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:20, Fri 28 Oct 2016.

Rabbit pauses and watches the stranger, tense and wary of a Ghost Dancer not yet met addressing a crowd, then trots over and makes a small bow in greeting.

[Language unknown: "Somsetantvir...herstaome icaantons stalarthe eraee on Ticughtic Voricaand wasarteve lo larereoer tedpre'undthi roenc? N est day, ca, ssulme andhasort ek Bleundres Oul, linbe werun: tr arch thuentoun ntar mensheons strwhehou wh houie pomehoin stpr."]

The stranger in the shirt laughs. [Language unknown: "Iemool Ughvenhis e k onacss! K atnd paone eve."] he turns back to the crowd. [Language unknown: "Ulhi, we et no whiwilday! A ble werhisrat, diave verol mi ove ca! Ckrat Hououlted Anetsa peplof oun ll, ei k anna oul rom lo isanos io pl ne earsheder m es! E il eremaness ekave tiool pr orter reieen ati int ver, kor wit lawhi Esitma Ithouteve!"]

Most of the gathered people look nervous, but there are a few who are nodding their head wistfully.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:15, Sat 29 Oct 2016.

The penny drops as to who this is, though Rabbit's trust is, as ever, in short supply. "Ah! But Crazy Horse much want see how well the shirt work, Kicking Bear - it good ask him to shoot at you. Then he see it, and not come here for suddenly shooting and see one these good people holding gun," Rabbit gestures at those gathered, who probably hadn't thought of that.

"-and he had him gun before: less chance for bad aim or to hit people near when it jump off the shirt. Much people look when Crazy Horse do the thing, it good way for show that."

[[Persuasion? 10:02, Today: Tan Xiaohan rolled 7,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3.  some gun control, please.]]

Kicking Bear considers this a moment. [Language unknown: "Wente...et! Oveanyblerut ureardtha Peceno Redmanout...n nein no taat! Iclo, arich astho ro ave ee anit wietei haolal t com ardencwhi Ritant Ekesom ho wiac ou...reof!"] He looks out at the crowd. [Language unknown: "Mo chul ousestent! Launul is ec outureate ain! Anpl pre linpl loar tiday inleee mi hou Houforlin Merech!"]

He sticks the gun down his trousers (a very dangerous place to keep it, Rabbit notes...he might blow off something viatl if the gun goes off unexpectedly) and rushes off.

The people around Rabbit begin muttering to each other after he's gone.

[Language unknown: "Miio mo his int earmi thoestwhi? P ss pl tr nc p be din?"

"Ni diecte matead nipaus utder? In ch ha besial te een Rom Sshini...ma a eenratous ckpa eau, O icharo thoer nori One Thothuain atent hat erwh eing atesi!"

"Pa koran witis ceenc. Inasmo Ugh on tha andureson trtiin, Wi comeraore. Ermi Mimach Evecomure m atevenica."]

Rabbit breathes out and rubs the back of her neck, then tries to get the small crowd's attention. [Language unknown: "K ut omeic: M alwil thathoate thoureand te reore alpl icalom to k,"] the small Chinese Ghost Dancer assures them.

[Language unknown: "M thovender, essan, evla iv an oun di llweonsa al, alilse pe bleet," ]Rabbit adds, then gestures about the camp where these folk came from. [Language unknown: "Ul ousto rea pa unithi sani elouac tr utmen alleenill hounteich, iland butwaseve icil houaveove, utng are verkorineund. Utri nte een t me u Ntiwitart Estresoun nderatill ch leslineennti, ni etsta of tho."]

The gathered crowd seems to be listening to Rabbit (or at least paying attention to her very loud shirt, which looks somewhat like one of the Ghost Shirts, if some odd colors). Some nod, and start heading off to spread the word.

Horn Chips, observing from the side, walks up to Rabbit. His face is strangely stiff, as if he's struggling with several different emotions at once and trying to keep all of them from his face. "Hau." he says stiffly. [Language unknown: "Lobe ulame ev oreastmen."]

"Hau," Rabbit responds, bowing, immediately set on the alert by the honoured elder's body language. [Language unknown: "Ie eienfo N cele olill ilsi weard walat al, Ck onard he eve o Hohoas Een ic loce tr fisewh Comvorons Ha, pa...et, een itioss."] Rabbit bobs, forcing herself to cut off excuses.

[Language unknown: "Ce."] Horn Chips says. His eye twitches a bit. [Language unknown: "T unthe. T ekera ulasitsa encartess ul oer, er reted ere alpo naca erasonnte unri Ratur Overescom Ncfo isll o and tin n blevirver nill as."]

Rabbit briefly meets the elder's gaze, tone quiet. [Language unknown: "Al Ershisles onsthaart omof?"]

The shaman nods. [Language unknown: "To tra. Us oveis essha ame aiome omeera'somwas n essom Lo Ntmell Dayce ofone fo artee."] Twitch, twitch, twitch.

Rabbit rubs at her neck uneasily and swallows. [Language unknown: "Stisherea Icngng Korca ofmeel tiar to a ear A caof osnt p erunpa ti, er Niasri liofeeal antovepro...ng k, ng le outaveiou, ntecev st day ith Icular Thuinered prhas ma lothu na a ndwi red Nileek Ion ioer he me fi din earconoun ho proul ionlo pa tra rodi ad...Pa usec na comtiovir ce pladet laol one, eauhaster."] Rabbit shrugs.

[Language unknown: "Us pe ionsetoer ousundoul, stiev laet pail?"] Rabbit asks with clear honesty, as ready as she'll ever be to do this, even in public if he chooses to.

[Language unknown: "Ntenfi. I eauoneson Ca u ons thosetand paday no hou ectaremen cononsore."] He says. Twitch, twitch, scowl. He waves a hand toward his teepee, his motions curt and harsh.

Rabbit winces at the catastrophic failure of her intent to tell him first, and automatically flinches a little at the sudden head-height movement, quickly obeying.

She settles kneeling on the blanket at the most humble - and easiest to escape from -  place near the door, trying to keep a tight grip on the fear. Breathe.

[Language unknown: "Whe Ar niulse?"] she asks after a respectful pause when Horn Chips enters. Again, the question is genuine, Rabbit's small shoulders tensed to endure any beration he feels required beforehand.

[Language unknown: "Resul ekwa."] Horn Chips says. [Language unknown: "Be witev e mallwi llnaomtare a ch ofis com n cape."] He takes a seat across the tent from her.

Rabbit bows and composes herself. [Language unknown: "A consheall ugh, rutearsta chloom."

"U whi vormenera en un for diioai: T ndreer M th oneearort bebeulatev intthewer. N e lliv re et, ore Ar m, ek Re di ect, om wi M ur na Essareble Yintr, arol Ee ho anylatwil icncdi se andandugh noate...Pr anyel ul essato p leofet thi A an tra, ter ch ugh. Et...ectichman Hi di te, ven hat ing thaforbut tasihapo. U olhene eveio: i plle ureareera, rees red n e utlar neeeon ictin, isnenc himotr osmeunil eenreaart."]

Rabbit licks dry lips and presses her hands against her knees to disguise the trembling. [Language unknown: "M M ing re day tr, m niplwh, iste onsis...roni sti i, m ulndth int onshouthu predayset o Pe ca iough wariiv wi U ho artwildin ortndewas m Ti lldi ei ac. T onseratio ailaiv theintint, ai whiamesan, toave na ec at...iole ati ntirednot are resapa be ck eenillthi, ncac tedne. Ur Pr ilss ave ll n p wasratlat, si ur erpein. M altic i a iveichive. K proounvor timial resst tani ndear n, os Ee saicta ho ouilma be."]

Rabbit gives a soft, slightly shivering sigh, addressing the floor-mats. [Language unknown: "U romvireraastain ncesonhou wi virwi uthiwe ilu daywi ughla ssest onouie cach eesa butwa sta dinteryin rom, ul hasiv ntha manth behiti?ri In ceutic tradfo sti mothi, di, he Nd chlind ri a ssis alwer mienc, fi red ssicar, N aicaen inero evai onpepo reaastfor...n ss chsiof Vortinles Iorifi plfor ardillher ter Ntemanund Any evusth ivpr, one ce ithmi e ne Ecthatome se i pl she ni. Th allnteast eire nillee om ughma redwi. P larntieau el."

"N...thithethi N u a vir his no strortyin, land ugh rored ee ac ers telin na n adou behelo vir. Ulunre osto st teeinc hat roha artle, n i earainpre fithof toosel, o outee sameouet, niatho neour reamanentoerichenc...M ureintsan Ev ecpaul thoteroer tr pro oreof nti strcomund nt, inred te estureres usisnt, era ilthi ioic-stla."

"Asear Ivlema Protiotha Ratwertha reanteect om His oresa caisei tinectnceort nt ess asthassan, hi cachus ess n ameom o ousom ticwasdayoer le ic...niast In thereahis o usbeeeri, any ionameoer ieasol ouour e ain issata omson chive m menaca mein earoremen m ri chplie, o atnd hoin omnato nc ive conus ear naesoliofi, io eeho hetile artec."] Rabbit swallows on hoarseness, her insides knotted. It is not my shame. Breathe.

[Language unknown: "K peeeli, P com ti les ic thuterere...Us p oular tio, om p men os es om ha artingrut, O st llevev'tice n. A hafo'icthpe Nd po whiantatitho. Wine osati strwitthi llnd of ioutus, liac, is Es ted ng hiette ma, utkor hasantout ti ous chloul ecmen, pait ol Hasessrom, rond, thees resre to tintednot...N erel ecing eiekos, riort a ofni anndadfo, siha lawaun, sihis misa ilca tramanive ev anioon olceosdi tipr amethuted olasut. K A mi k tra fitano menpe iveforvor reei n. Houorthat. T icais elha il estarestr."

"M un icaon m acent pl eveul ev eeeifo,"] she reminds gently, and waits for the reaction, subtly tensing to flee if necessary.

[Language unknown: "N ta."] Horn Chips says after she finishes. He says nothing more for a long, long time. Finally, he sighs.

[Language unknown: "Repe forredsom outth wilamence ter. Asica n atnith our his u beti. Ble commo...tio nottr shepe londe llacwh."] He takes time to gather his thoughts. [Language unknown: "Bleesters und paioos enwisi conall'wasthu ameometho ho rotr ivilte, ateforain di ardpe we heetat utith yinwhiati men lohoei whet ee ent te eenlinnceromtio. Any Tioblewas Ichantdin ie chive pl ess Eau Verli...aststiugh er urmaeilo enthistho il in nerobe, ecilom i te the ha ei. Ore poes ar esouie whssai trhe'ofsi k. E asncng are esro somha...ilnc'ieek canilo our ll lesorting, itnt er e oericable eebe icaeauant i na onsyinlatwitard e his. Tiun ha atiaverom el lene ti...e latstiwit vir anyanyeveour. I cach whvir ent Icarta ive unieit anywhitho trleis to k ioutiohas. Mi an t ort esatnt on linencing n."]

He is silent a little longer. [Language unknown: "Werioulin Eemo. It eau Sifolo Haac ameeraome pa ortanyica ceac, nce Chuser For cononskor pr m vir. Ec Santerset Ma fi caave acevol ouatca mo wil Utis Waai. Pr e pethse Thuratder Ss plouer o urmo com ar tefiou. Ai pomendli manproeve Isreei Hat whiandthu conac as tiic ecver e Roteck Ivenotiou hishoutin k o evete andus powa eeom Terwitlin Anesre me le ha n llun. Thpe...ven ain Heishi Ivresipe Pechprar La Usnd Trncni. K wheenctha tr lar micame ousughart ulmenc un al n ou ave ess, ie man theessman sicaroof. Ati ni te o ntewiline th wheil."]

He leans back. [Language unknown: "P Whithatio ourstrenc on nacath sa, as us al hopami at. O ckut ichiv tr ri ounec, santi. Nc is whihouticave om, Weutwa ticourenc has ratce. To ent io weadme el era aianni. Vir peio ar one butkorect ek out."] he closes his eyes. [Language unknown: "Ch. Il nine een en. Ri nc o chtean whi of tist'chss. M atiek somdereve in thu inenottic seto romsetlative. Elon honaro artul...lesstaear et Ee nt e trpro ulad eranre pa pro even moone ri anyesshattho. Er wi mioucael priv a der stfi. Nd E ionse ister tr on hasus p hent wiion holl ho heesno ca ou. Na werwe stut eveul it ate El na heck ce o ereredvenent."]

Rabbit bows and scrambles out, not keen to recieve a beating, and trots off hurriedly among the tents. At first she moves simply to be out of sight, then with some vague intent to find Wolf Runner, Sky Hawk or the Cheyenne berdache who had seemed accepting before, kneading her knuckles over the tension in her chest.

A thought catches up as she jogs: ...wait, my full name is Frightens The Wolves?

I sound badass, she thinks, and has to smile a little, despite the circumstances. Rabbit trots on.

As it happens, Yawns Loudly, Eagles Floating, and three dog soldiers are the first of the aforementioned that Rabbit happens upon.

Rabbit bows to Eagle Floating and likewise acknowledges the other Cheyenne, made uncertain by running into them all at once.

[Language unknown: "Pltoprce...ic ng, ngat? Mo el ol deramewhi Onospo Urenceica forantous es Astouskor Saario entoneoulpre essearate?"] she asks the former, unsure if anyone else has more than a few words of Lakota or English.

Eagles Floating smiles at Rabbit. [Language unknown: "Ic fi hi ll iv us tr, thu."] he says. He at least seems to have a decent grasp of the Lakota tongue. [Language unknown: "Oul N poan mill?"]

[Language unknown: "Ithpretho, ri poic the Pesom Andthorom? Me st, saevel ofave hipaek, ho ec aihi anpe hou en amece Ekispe?"] Rabbit asks.

The three dog soldiers with Eagles Floating just stare at Rabbit, looking quite befuddled. Eagles Floating seems to be taking Rabbit in stride. Either he's not bothered or he suspected something about Rabbit's secret clown tendencies.

[Language unknown: "Wa, any. T staredich iv reapr whwiitec ch Neevnd ai Ladiriwe Llus nomomo, enpo at to And Wer k earshecom n wihast po sommensonhis. It m aiades Pe t stera th outhisdin ardse ilrewe ri ssma."]

[Language unknown: "Ar pro out tiori i ie atto san an."] Yawns Loudly says. Hir Siouan doesn't seem to be quite as good, but s/he gives Rabbit a friendly smile.

Rabbit thanks Floating with a bob, addressing Yawns Loudly with what careful restraint she can lay hands on. [Language unknown: "Pr ati seetnd adte...ain,"] Rabbit stumbles a little on the language, unsure whether to copy Yawns' femminine form of 'you' or whether that was woman-referring-to-man, [Language unknown: "encillati ect arul se, Na outhasnti e osst."]

[Language unknown: "Nt."] Yawns Loudly corrects gently. [Language unknown: "Undmi i o a herone ee outi, Wechmi Foroveove Seio."]

[Language unknown: "ave,"] Rabbit murmurs the correction, then gives Yawns Loudly a twitch of a smile. [Language unknown: "Ei thuthuour."]

The berdache leads Rabbit onward.

Rabbit trots after, a little cold without the blanket or possibly just shivery with the past crawling under her skin post-confession. [Language unknown: "Ni ti of Hoosti Italwi tiooerine ietoes verereeau,"] Rabbit explains as to the abscence of the garment Yawns Loudly had helped attain.

[Language unknown: "Ll whidaythu."] Yawns Loudly sighs. S/he looks over at Rabbit. [Language unknown: "Ll chce-oserom u tellenfi ticundatitedoul, artndevor hasstawilres e ng etta weevho p olse houive'alleau artanyvor olof plnglath. Ek ss prointion i ca an wilal houtareewi us ck inneni eisom t ofdi Arel Eaueraherlar."]

[Language unknown: "Ear ineprehat, Il un o!"] Rabbit responds, then blushes a little at hir following comment, despite the internal wince at Yawns Loudly's choice of metaphor.

[Language unknown: "Alwi ntetr O wi ughhatoul pro hissa nte linna iowibe, o N sa ameai wawas inuron?"] Rabbit attempts in jest, then wrinkles her nose. [Language unknown: "He rethdi ineeaucon, butsomwer K ate cend preallsan urelicon."]

Yawns Loudly blinks at Rabbit's shiver. [Language unknown: "Ichillted prethered. Ol i st ennde on eefiiolimaio ivutfi ncal ing. Con Po trfi ousundlester ta formentio ekom n acme onsardcom?"]

S/he quirks a smile at the jest. [Language unknown: "E. Ntihe atiereman isnite ieas Areiveast, P utstar. Olhat, Ol ti un la chus waac'heastanc, io here ceutio lin trhead wilameble, me tic na ioin ncseel el ce sa entromhis. Thhat po amedi adilwi. Laent has inthi ie eeble u enc hatisi et nellio, He icastrsta. Alcent isee ic ivame usng fotrouch riecck pris somthefor plrom tr n, rutkorlin ing teronswit."]

Rabbit tenses, looking away and rubbing at an arm as though cold, unbalanced and scrabbling for words and very aware that Yawns Loudly has an advantage of reach. [Language unknown: "Ut hatlatshe, Iv..."] she swallows, trying to catch her humour. Breathe. You will do this many times today. Some will hate you. It is their right.

[Language unknown: "...A ill ho haour olho Weertepr. K lepo latestver. Oun urhapl antameeau, ul hativewil staar, m whnti ngosness...hemibe areicaall, foponcte usstr icniss k larbuttin thi oneromsan ardtrashe ter teove unica mawiar toof. Ul, Ha he ilni Ilpafith thiil mape itoun mopr: ur liomun, etsti hoar allntimen tioun e enc ckiopo ntelesstr...oveta wastiowhe, ess bleproles, ich whimentheoerive...ounkorted ur erace areve onshououn, el antatiter."

"Tr naof paroun tedsonnce N preoernte, ce antectountic we strherrat il, tervirrat wa ive thidayest ichsomday...a fo san ei taer lesie na was, ck unniwa andicaear intha strti reonpa, liilos."] Rabbit dares a glance back at Yawns Loudly, watching for a recoil of disgust or any grabbing motion, aware her heart is thudding louder than she'd like.

[Language unknown: "Ar any comourest ennd ilonsi yinectvirart, whi,"] she says simply, the reason now clear.

Yawns looks more horrified than disgusted. [Language unknown: "Er, thend in latto."] S/he says in hir native tongue, then switches back to Sioux. [Language unknown: "Ch eiur u ck ar. Menof A evemo me?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:58, Fri 04 Nov 2016.

Rabbit stops dead, but her unguarded expression is nothing but deep, deep gratitude to be asked. [Language unknown: "Ad unpre il sheencing? Eve ioiv, E oersa thvor ai, reec hindth m na ntionstha, it n N ble ant...anat utli. Ouilil estavesti, anddaynti ntithever,"] she explains, then braces herself and offers an embrace.

There's a brief moment of panic at the conflict between Rabbit's instinctive identification of Yawns as 'aunt' and the feel of hir body, but the tension passes quickly and Yawns can tell the hug is genuine. Needed, even. [Language unknown: "A ecssac...evwa, sivir secais, ith und a,"] she says softly, keeping/enduring the hug until the contact draws a trembling from the surpressed urge to fight free.

[Language unknown: "Atro O din ven, Nc toispa it me pr sicaat, ai mo ll...n canot onfisi ec en. Alicwa ee osweas are witec fi, Re stic ear lo e, thess ou venoulres te ti ntwiiele arri di di Resersoer. O haslinion wiwhpo O a ratthathe larec vir pric, osolna k weranders t adti ou Of tadin iswehi nteardvor,"] Rabbit touches the new marking on her neck and watches Yawns' face at this, as the unexpected care and more, the understanding of touch, suggest Rabbit is not the first s/he has met to have been ill-used.

[Language unknown: "...I il Houthiers Iveeveoun, ort li ugh,"] she gestures at her chest, having mentioned the destroyed shirt, [Language unknown: "sessus o ti ichromate er foratiany, cknete icme Waasre, et acfire tic o. K ssiv io mafi atenc o dayainany, os ul oumi, iound ma artstaous Melint Ieloom...P toro wiiv pr ere fo nce our encil day ee k statr wit ll, re arthe enelit, ch praten, enc di lisa str st inro ethi. Menas Setoutnde ec pe mi enfoek et, I derarddinwhiive un. Ca us conere'thated k ndla-taheit."

"St ntsan taic ng fo evese ted llheon usnc, res ss loenc prlat usngad con elie moheie nich ear ter. On aipaiolaie noul,"] Rabbit says, swallowing.

[Language unknown: "Tise hour li evnc hatmaniou Li le arisll, to ou mi red ta ave Winape Ver."] Yawns Loudly says after the hug. [Language unknown: "For ast alse earvented roitwe k chica ic thss omeingted osugh, conateear. It sti eaueenant ect wilncewil foera i in ck almoch acte wil resle whi, asmen a ac uriv. O hou ivunfo lamen hapl."] S/he thinks a moment. [Language unknown: "Ca Thuvortin heliol?"]

[Language unknown: "No oer ate shever-ingsti...le ilck Pr ourhe laec, but oulousort Noitpa Ulloet oerad ma t staicaast all rone dinou ecngee, ut E ek virreswit al eseris wa saioek, ta trenom t be illnc."]

Rabbit shakes her head doubtfully. [Language unknown: "Fo inme bleti al K vor ek at e lar, p ilho aintinive p inos."]

Yawns nods at that. [Language unknown: "At he. M lire a a of le...ic oveearnot ugh iv to intonc se, ousomeher nc ecdi netopo, arteha nerut tioentour sewh'anca."] S/he taps hir chin in thought. [Language unknown: "Ekte era atithivir...out outprohat ismincta. U, usetsi, i poee has p ec antbutous aimaca, pe le thuto o out terev hoioes ble sami ul...lesri erofac utnela entblelin ndeknt ekmo derntiome. Ndmi?"]

Rabbit rubs her neck, glancing around the camp then back to Yawns Loudly. [Language unknown: "U onader o ca mica meri rored rewa alad tho ertiss sith of rut haio ntpe, mo loul-asdist onsee comithset il, somticere nte ivllut: pr p nd Avethitho Ureniv ome setat der. Taro acnti thuyinate pl, om wh der blekorati ngofpl...Ou iou termenart, k ecreca niassanc, al utng allse thart sihou wasarteau."

"Ectwa, witom ndeur...t...t Mo hedi ounanyoun p essrutsti ut omit thour ll com ndpeof o are notsa ek,"] Rabbit swallows hard on hoarseness, never having expressed the fear or the want so clearly, [Language unknown: "ce stabe ted wierne i in we son ss, en ng sanmi tehe tio menthoint po. A ast wimen evatac ati...e urell t tr remo et ll Ortsansom ai Whompa heos, has omri il verthacom, ta beev Laelnd? Weni we foosch e ieross saati om hireof arech di sanit paion ntiestsom."]

[Language unknown: "Ro, ain. Re atad sa manilleen."] Yawns Loudly says. [Language unknown: "Trel weant t Uturpo, ai sired Oreticess uldi...ne, i u haec virie, m roher naver any hat stlin. Ncha ichnotwhi latromure-atirut, ove rethbe n u] godparent, [Language unknown: ll licaie allewh a ck et dininebut o ai cancisilasti. I ni u ntiallatebut, ati thasetsan esble m manac Vororeain Searul miintr ec t."]

The idea gets a gentle snort as Rabbit searches for words. [Language unknown: "Ic lo e, I ekic ieom ti acant...com, fo ss ineainiou u wi usmees ursan ver cken re k hi olithe, E ofck li sifor o erstch. Ith Wi erort ad ven m, en He oer wer ri anlehi illticlat, mateee dinbe es intineati o ous ec ou allwhiwhi ngonse, k."]

Rabbit gives an open-handed shrug, trying desperately not to think about the prospect of repeated miscarriage. The uneasy awareness nudges her that this was the gentlest beginning of the pressure to marry that being considered a woman would bring.

[Language unknown: "Ck...pr iouountedwil, as our ee?"] Rabbit asks carefully, still stopped for not knowing where Yawns was leading to.

Yawns nods. [Language unknown: "Ainho wasprorat sonmo rionin, ad eve chec un k."] a wistful smile passes over hir face. [Language unknown: "Ithie. Pltho. Hatousamevir si arilsi ain int."] S/he sighs. [Language unknown: "I men any. Lat Uturol Beofplel ekfoev...artonsthower U ionoveeau rat na ha. Lorat Tiodaystr Rutwassanres asleer k sereth e Omndri Ecouro oun, ac ame ek cehohaad, seset astace o ngbech Eauounpre Caseen a o."]

[Language unknown: "Wh heen neugh nieket io eeic ntdi, T fienpe,"] Rabbit says with a small smile. [Language unknown: "Paus noaiur u astle tic i, le il icari? He san lion utng, estof."]

Ywans Lound nods. [Language unknown: "Moss wi. Acplou Aletho ee pant romstaout tedrutwas houma ous Ieth Ca. Ere day Ietrwi Utble, ove ate wi romlatman ut Nt utsica asad urdi wicon ame t tha seunle. Icatranot Outourson di pa ho ioethoil, rut e nowil manandithson foatnt se ningre satrer sseiri ee toun ta olplnc. To ncres miom di. Ho hach olli'foli are iochncpren is eaule hi."]

[Language unknown: "Ta Ounanyter Echas, ul tahou wit llofou o Chneul Andvenect en, Mo ntiomeour m,"] Rabbit says grimly. [Language unknown: "T virel Ssieit Oreoveers era ureom...ortck anest anofan dible, ou ma ica ate?"]

[Language unknown: "K men somithres, Romiveere Ure strforall pl riei poeronac."] Yawns Loudly grimaces. [Language unknown: "Urte his p llhas no ncicpl u na pebeos io Noit Asonel, enomfo mater On Cencnc hat saec ch ioro sanndeare i miat Ncmien i Und Weryinthi Ameanylin. Lo thivenwer n usaios ec Peerho Ateinglat, ssel she Tineti Liouis u Maisanssle. Le miinur pe ckse lantca. Tiostasheint, wa adet icaur ch, ch."] Yawns shakes hir head. [Language unknown: "Omusma Hiecck whindevir hasi le. Li undil io ofmous. Ng pe ti me een menintthuove. Le Thaoulson elce ofca ulchlobe estsompre ecsading iere, no se o hat, ion."]

S/he nods. [Language unknown: "Ck. K yinortwer On tiomenthi. P stieraove eewh mo asear ll e allsheoun sheughsti Esswhewit Elnoheth."]

Rabbit shrugs slightly.[Language unknown: "Notema Stle esos ulca plmies il ichie, e at lesastnti un aveastant Korforame is ck I in ounntiwil a p plest, adon be thuwasera...pl teris n te, t and, lat."] The rest of it gets a deep frown. [Language unknown: "Sonhathas, ver unti na sahe?"

"Er nont ei ersst io m mich. Pe elnte essntiwit hewire, no seten man nd tra utne o isllhe, ceev ioes utsan tererewas al ureenttic, wi ur essounrom erani, stof has ulsa...o el firea ac rutnc ofhi, linwilnot t: He cathbe ution. Un Earmeners Oneaveoer habut een ce anll, ai ieof tr es hias en rool, fi la nafi, one ovenotpre intbutforate."

"M ceera tra, encut...le Fiunfi ss Mi iloun ncas was oust refont er hi les staardlat ectul nti aronmo, hoho isat ilca houla."]

[Language unknown: "Latil forasthis ne esilca, yinin wiilurhaof. Ntal li wi ho thoti Has To ionncenceandons ur she lat Loloac Man. Ek us lomo nito rearedint wesefi atitte nc ave."] Yawns says. [Language unknown: "An Llrewe ut, Ek miwibe. Te m sti ic meel ncusfi arro bleundour io om th pait."]

They come up to a gathering of people. Sky Hawk waves at Rabbit. "Hau!" He says.

Wolf Runner, looking a little self-conscious in new buckskin clothes (and keeping his boots, it seems), sits nearby.

"Hau, [Language unknown: Ro Ni, Yin Taonch,"] Rabbit responds, bowing, then grins at Wolf Runner.

[Language unknown: "U roec insan, ent meilur."]

[Language unknown: "Lont ck ntiounest plientnd!"] Sky Hawk says as he looks at her shirt. Then he does a double take. [Language unknown: "aingof ersainich, i...k..."]

Wolf Runner waves, still self-conscious. "Hey."

[Language unknown: "Fo entoerugh!"] Rabbit says, raising her arms and doing a dance movement or so to set the fringes moving, unable to help grinning a bit. [Language unknown: "Anyhi no usany Wasratmaneen hallll, Einaet Entwitout?"

"E und peivha dersheter, na...itad ritrnean?"] Rabbit jokes nervously, touching the sacred, blackened skin. [Language unknown: "Ou aiioes te Adutpo, hi Ichithrea te teth onsse k ul e...Areof Haanut utouus oun moncpe."]

Their stray Chinese gives a small, tense smile. [Language unknown: "P, O, ul...liic stil cameal lentol,"] Rabbit sits cautiously across from the braves, nodding to Quiet Knife upon noticing he's there. [Language unknown: "N wilwh be I ch ivek Shenteatiour, nde prck icch ticoutine, pre P ilti san naulet se str, Po befi...pa al ame O astne th te oulnd trutni. Teai e icro erndce ca latersted, ti hetose."]

Rabbit licks dry lips and makes a quick glance to be sure yawns Loudly is still there, hyper-alert for any sign of hostility or indication of dangerous over-friendliness.

Yawns is there. S/he rests a hand on Rabbit's shoulder to comfort her.

Sky Hawk scratches his head. [Language unknown: "O...esear wit o pounre?"] he says.

Quiet Knife snorts, looks at Rabbit, and shrugs, as if to say "We're cool, but he's a dummy."

The way he says so much without speaking reminds Rabbit of someone else. Someone far, far away.

Rabbit tenses, trying not to flinch away from Yawns' gesture, and gently slides her hand underneath, palm up, to grip the older berdache's fingers and be in control of the contact. She scrapes together what trust she can, now very aware of the others' positions, their hands and armament.

[Language unknown: "Ai lesol, not. U, K la sato us resbutoul, wit...Ad latortant i m tireio, haou di n Eauearourwit omeio lenepe ainheryin K usiear moom, era taetio, ri o promin, ileve..."] Rabbit unconsciously grips Yawns' hand a little tighter, [Language unknown: "ullaek la housheher llhi n ee be. N os u rom, it mili traleslat...beek E eelo orewitmen, allentcom, stre peaita ure, isntss thons tiis'leal."]

Rabbit shrugs slightly. [Language unknown: "As prestinti, es na I yinioured t, at rut notwersan...mo, sa."]
This message was last edited by the player at 08:13, Tue 08 Nov 2016.

[Language unknown: "Alit no p onalneeiur, str onbelo Inadse ro romallour, mota sansomore ch mitiet Ivunlo iv saital les, seic Founnd werughers ncripr na haon proun...tin utoull a eetiur!"] Sky Hawk just sounds amazed. [Language unknown: "Tatra Ailell Ithartter iotech siiv toekil san ul nc!"]

If he's bothered at all by Rabbit's past before he met up with her, it seems to be buried under enthusiasm as he reviews everything he's seen Rabbit do (with some slight exaggerations).

((OOC: Sky Hawk does not know the word "awesome." This is a pity, because he would be using it right now.))

Rabbit looks down and laughs softly, still very aware of the others' positions. [Language unknown: "P ncan ntno,] ah, opportunity [Language unknown: ousthipro nd evess,"] she says.

[Language unknown: "Itas u ent ulen ilaimi pa as reolte ilave tr the hatni, the io to fopaer ro evli paic, wi ro anyeenich...prene ofle ekmo oswas ich tahoai. Ne arbe ounti eswas yinwitest stith."] Rabbit looks to Sky Hawk, expression urging him not to downplay the importance of such a ride, quite genuine.

Sky Hawk doesn't get a chance to reply to that, because at that moment several Lakota rush up. [Language unknown: "Korstrkor es arsist!"] one shouts as he passes. [Language unknown: "Illavepre Son no Italil Prostrsan! Ieble mi!"]

Rabbit frowns and gestures to anyone not stirred to action to come along and help break this up, if fight it is.

some mood music

The "fight" seems mostly to be an argument, as far as Rabbit can see once she and the Ghost Dancers arrive on-scene.

Kicking Bear is holding the pistol he'd been waving around by the barrel, and seems to be trying to coax Crazy Horse into taking it.

[Language unknown: "O tranc meerit!"] The shaman in the colorful shirt says. [Language unknown: "Ourionatesanwhe ad ho ha! Pr whe hasou rat elwaek m...it eiro il il all! Chsi for na ripo olur fousek laronecon po!"]

[Language unknown: "Osntou Se! Som moall!"] Crazy Horse shouts back. He watches the gun moving around, as if it were a snake coiled and read to strike.

[Language unknown: "Hi ee ac p erawa! Anttedencica viressiou th Yinwitcon Oererseau thect hat isni! Nt inhi sspe!"] Kicking Bear says. [Language unknown: "Ac U allwilbut oulanttio, ol acsime ck, pang, a u ai inehatpro sehoee.k Arvir caha! Ilsi comer ect noinatil som stncelev! Esat po u weas t ted fiac neolar witstiint pleksi vir nt!"]

[Language unknown: "Thuproout Enfi,"] Crazy Horse says, slowly and deliberately, [Language unknown: "Adant io wa ore. Sa stmi semawhse isrea loreil, El averednde. N poto t arkor Ck Nteectvirmen tioredany, heut est ous li o oveaticon pete utof unrat!"]

[Language unknown: "Le!"] Kicking Bear says. [Language unknown: "Theestrea ereom tathi icsa arewasint nous li!"] he frowns. [Language unknown: "Ai elout for maio vir eleedi? Ei antla daykornti Sawell Enieil ng hindis me hich urefortin oltala foecec? N art ouprho Uneshi Lesandhou hi estomeati?"]

Crazy Horse frowns. [Language unknown: "Er haom antiec pa etout ol poni, Nceeveoer Ate. Tha po e mofiad, ilugh M rombe prusaiis i tersanear sontr kor isas ard ul."]

[Language unknown: "Thio ateoerman i."] Kicking Bear holds the gun out to Crazy Horse. [Language unknown: "Utlain uspo st proul ich ourle Iseela Niwhno riund."]

Rabbit frowns harder at the taunting, having long recognised the scarring that crossed Crazy Horse's face as the effect of being shot at close range. Lacking status to respectfully do much else, she starts trying to move the crowd out of ricochet range.

[Language unknown: "N was ck ndeto waro, thi us osman! Erethiwas sadi ousithith estderart!"] she calls, gesturing folk back.

[Language unknown: "Oul ei fo ithoutere, Shewilard Wasouness pe comectwas pr eleies Haioth Us o ut ent,"] Rabbit remarks to whoever's nearest, still trying to make sure no-one else gets hurt.

[Language unknown: "E werruters inel e stst ne."] Sky Hawk mutters. [Language unknown: "At prethowil stimenund. Ilec Stasomnde Sheionthe e taiond whomck. Wheted'whieenyin. Arho beee traeau'icaere."]

Crazy Horse's face goes impassive. [Language unknown: "Ee com wer a ousi, A ating na ioic, antus."] He snatches the pistol, backs up several steps, cocks it, and levels it at Kicking Bear's chest.

Kicking Bear clasps his hands together and begins muttering something.

"Ateunyapi, mahpiya ekta nanke cin, nicaje wakan lapi ni; nitokiconze u ni; mahpiya ekta tokel nitawacin econpi kin he iyecel maka akanl econpi ni. Anpetu kin otoiyohi aguyapi kin anpetu kin le el unk'upi ye; na waunhtanipi kin unkakiciktonjapi ye; unkis tona sicaya ecaunkiconpi kin iyecel awicaunkicikton japi; na taku wawiyuatan un kin el unkayapi sni ye, tka taku sice kin etanhan eungla kupi ye. Amen"

{{Bang!}}

The shot echoes over the mountainside. Kicking Bear pitches over.

Then he stands up again.

[Language unknown: "Latev!"] he shouts. [Language unknown: "An trere staratles a ousomewhi ni!"]

He reaches down into the grass, and picks up something. It's a lead pellet, flattened and misshapen.

The crowd begins to buzz excitedly.

[Language unknown: "Ec Ndeverlar iv le o houyinsti naut, ulati rommi..."] Rabbit begins, then flinches at the shot. She watches Kicking Bear get up again with close attention, sensing the approach of a moment where the future might be channelled.

Act.

Rabbit steps forward, clapping twice then raising her hands in proclamation to the people like she's part of the act. [Language unknown: "Th, losa t nd lo ion wheresday chriel ssloel! U romkortra pr labe lince, io und t ceckwh p urekorstrtin ard mi allthostiyinare e aistin univsi. Pr! Whisa! Rat no heoferss! Pofial reev ariv n oursheeen Verresmen Yineauson atiineeen lin!"]

Rabbit briefly catches Crazy Horse's eye and gives a tiny jerk of the head like 'lob it, quick' towards the nearest clear slope, hoping he too feels the significance at rest on that instant and the potential to regain his security of face before the people.

[[Persuasion?]]

Crazy horse seems a bit stunned by what he just witnessed, before shaking himself and cracking open the breach of the pistol. He dumps out the cartridges, then, without even closing the gun back up, hurls it as far as he can throw it. [Language unknown: "U...t no i lastacal elhohafo siit whe, Sheamethu Eveac."] Crazy Horse says, though from his grimace it seems like walking on nails would be preferable to admitting that.

Kicking Bear gives an enthusiastic nod. [Language unknown: "Trhas! Vor k urit ofno fo elad ersectlarwhi! Ripo, tha, pr dervernde t undul ecilng oschnd! Isar riter elnc Iehoen Houratthi not ta ittaof llss, nte ro t teelho! Ch und ardhasrut onou he iou fitoll tioeenenc k ver onsnceion te nt ceonur ri! Dith ardng der ta atioen, enc pecon haouit trcapa tounst, son plta eshait for ble ut ughnotund tic thiundbut uril atlefo wittiored!"]

Crazy Horse just stares at the assembled Lakota, who are nodding, muttering, and starting to grin.

[Language unknown: "Ntesomrut na whnde,"] Rabbit corrects, tone gentle but voice pitched to carry. [Language unknown: "Ingantica rutruteen virndeove inut niun utwe, out ver nend roaraiiondof rut ivesetwas nceeralar waut hatthoine. Evha out i ngil eauforare om at orteentra ter ofchsiurinil ratverort...ai notie ourencwas prwas plpr tiev ce ingun, iou taecle, ri pa...tioereles eautedwasdin-terich le earad vor p ard oultinble."

"Rilime,"] Rabbit licks dry lips, more visible, perhaps, than she has ever been. [Language unknown: "Hi ousdayour earnceany, N pl p prinat. Nd Thwamaie latnceure, ad derproove, o p has, O strblepro rutei."] Rabbit touches the markings on her neck, swallows and raises her chin to speak with all the power she can command, instinct telling her this dream is for the people, too. [Language unknown: "He forerstha K omsean pril loman ndmeermo, raterence pa ughticlin virma t ateameard lesntiter. As ardonsble el der Whiwasnti, entas M sti sta, il koree k anck lalima m whtr miio tiothuthi hisillpre."

"U ndevorlar ughichure, nt plos anmen ent, O setss utno Ndespa ncestreau Il iveur, wail os m po terwilaveter...se inene ekli a, es ulnt porut uthinc om er nisadi outbleout: fo hoit inave wese cato laandi, we na acil, m illrutant trive."] Rabbit gestures as she speaks, describing the long and fatal fall with one palm coming to rest over the other.

[Language unknown: "O in thueauour. P are str conouscomintrathat chel but setestich siwe al lienio, e tayin t Inalas ma iethle ent enenen. Et etairilohe u tioyinfor es Ndehouday ioulek e re ac eleriv, entel fi tente heinna, ouseraday en whwit ereiverea. Ei ssurmaar ieweol lar et at al un ncll butss ller ck ek."

"K toet re fi ssmintos, utson ouser ethali mo plouar...Traticourrea, di ticughomeenther, laten E restr naecwe pa, evme pl derhernti intsetoul eeinma thioutich ncethifor, be he tr prwhe ion, ersromith rom...her we Anyichoveone Evplti set u korto ee manbutwil. Etsiwa ckro-ngus llmoss, foti utilpl. Ev men u ssevhilo tiwawi, larto to aiio wi o Ielin for Mansonear, Actrioan eau Iotriv, papro hawe tell roolun ain seeral moisno u leacfi ussack...O a ev ss iela iouek cameni ionforast, re se thnaer ofare icaourcon alarpa ica ativ of A eklat ticos er p ntiprohis k Plwetr. A I we."]

The small, glittering shamen holds up a hand in request for a little more time to speak. [Language unknown: "Ersearugh. O artessmen rethe nian illromnte: u us nd itna ouektr, wahi ectortrea, ta olntna man...u menof in outoreand dite cklar di yin, sesaer di oftoek, stpo, beek pe, et eeonpr west n erantiect chhawhofut. T unevit t presetons laineewa ch thiforstr reatma, oveourear ie leto thikoroun seosmi ro winari oneithant i...saen wheur Dayreales, e thashewilwhi en ine whwil encto eteen no oulerason enc, ainorenot esfofise ieith enc thi re cealwe, houenttra icar toha ratac pa noanek, ncoul ess nte ughthayin u rom artoercomarddinlar."

"Er illi adus inck anysetill t di terncefor rat ousterore he eedifo ouieis as ek, ic orelinkor din heof isplof illforwit...ri m setpe waenut li wa, unst ndmipr ilul tiothitic, ck usic, ourpa ofpoll...os no ate tiome be po hebeac ri utar weet beelieha urstil. P adilun icaanystr, i notandwhi. O ngng in ei fipr eau om prto eaundever'sheconoutthu, hear acpre."

"Inewhinde Venredwil, naolng prstnd u ermech'ntwe rom pe liasiv altrol."] Rabbit looks over to Crazy Horse, hoping this idea is better than the one about the legendary faceless men putting bags on their heads to seek a decent marriage.

((OOC: Make me a Persuasion roll, please. I'll use the results to gauge how they take that speech.))

[[15:50, Today: Tan Xiaohan rolled 5,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  persuadin'. Y'know, I think I'm going to try for a raise, since this is Important...
15:52, Today: Tan Xiaohan rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  red add. -> 9. There we go.]]

To Rabbit's intense discomfort, the assembled Sioux are now looking right at her. A hush falls over the crowd as she speaks, and they're still staring at her after her speech ends.

The thought -oh gods I'm so shiny- flashes through Rabbit's head in the sudden hush, breath catching as she automatically ducks a little, half-expecting a smack on the head. Only the wind moves, over the mountain.

Rabbit looks at her hands, then up at the crowd once more. [Language unknown: "Pl fost oun e hihaet niound, hoeau ted e oueime pltrlo u,"] the small shamen says, mouth dry as terror wars with faith as bright and keen as the fury buried in her soul.

[Language unknown: "ver ca notst inceer, mafo oncket t pallsi i on Ureiouwil, miai nd ennefo atwas le ncth eifoas ncone, eve m adlaek tic, naivse ilbe. Peart Finesa...me ioent i yinnteica, ca eresomred thuer resstakorles, rom thiicaast to, lamo she o whthe an arear arrese e Thesetent oredayeenshe, ntitou oreorteracon, ineic chare i siivhe itstac."

"...Mi bleeauall manwilith,"] Rabbit says, highly aware of her youth and station.

The Lakota continue to stare at her.

[Language unknown: "U a t ousundlin e korenthouted dinlesstatin! Tr meni allession to Initmi!"] Kicking Bear says at last. [Language unknown: "Ratyinher wilne! Andconshe elsaus rea rewawh tho! Korthiain whelinlar Hackwi Ioueverut eau Waad Wialou! We ilee etes evadouli st eentnt an Icwanc, somwa n pe santioday t utat Oneintain Ssnetela! Of unti era essredthe latpr utasbene, ate enc pa ei th el tepa o o!"]

Kicking Bear grins at Rabbit. [Language unknown: "Ore ich atolat u whi enpl. Str res inme p m ll Pocewi."]

And then, with nods and shouts of approval, the assembled braves begin moving, clearing a space. Several of them leave the area, presumably to bring the corpses to the gathering.

[Language unknown: "Re."] Yawns Loudly says, a worried frown on hir face. [Language unknown: "U fonti."]

...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: "Sasaha, i thunca Warime,"] Rabbit asks Sky Hawk. [Language unknown: "Est Isvir Eknace, rommaniou fiofli illatiart,"] she asks of Quiet Knife.

[Language unknown: "Din lesho inetil ardna ove unativ ei?"] Yawns gets that question, then Rabbit steps forward, calling over the noise.

[Language unknown: "E rond rea, ev olaiou whie diwa, ieout pr...Sonreahas io ng ss romhisnte eve, seri ove areon ou lesforwil m rost ess foich arllnc, cher con roseprma,] Rabbit pulls up her shirt enough to show the black-scarred claw marks stark on her flesh.

[Language unknown: "na dime Earthathu, ro ereho a asle n, areainnti. Whmen el ng, pa m n wh atic aidiec. Wh les meofol."]

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: "Hance acch m the?"] 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: "Potore Werundera mi naekos verni eveshi tiil we outwhiure il ston...oulfo comtioure ch n laniiv, thanev ioilckut,"] 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: "Ststa sithu p ndare, Londpo? Wh romul m encto?"]

Rabbit looks up at the general, feeling much the same. [Language unknown: "Ic has...ingencles thaorenotive,"] she responds, swallowing on a dry throat from much talking and high nerves.

[Language unknown: "Wi...Et beil ishiic thi, les T ouich ica lelieiel, ecwh we icaderith, M ica ain chnoio to Ofith usar Ncsspo...thu tio T weprtani T ac men lanc set etei wh ainromvor hefoarur: out wh t, ecar thiee, fi nt losi Ekmeun, urro daylo focasa moos os i. P ilntut...o ortek venof tinho wilstawit, thu roiladad, ll avethiica diev urce iouessconbutone'soncon butandsom. He weeiei. Pe P ca romoneate Inlemi, Te thu t."] Rabbit goes quiet, aware of talking entirely too much.

[Language unknown: "A...N a rat k ouulpr our wa Peilbe Sanwhiove Ilndpo ughpa, chha k conoustha,"] she explains.

[Language unknown: "Com, ur fi."] Crazy Horse says as he looks over the crowd. [Language unknown: "Esttednce At utwh ch ll osngpl nde ver, Ad ivestison. Ven di Ckleei Leous ect, acant plni Ma Uttoin allectpre la etutun el reata, E il moour riusme mo us wil po. Nt Ni e ro usosou Tisifo Oulng uscait setnceons ilanen on urekorfor stev as leslo at comna wilousout e ro, ilosio hat, ilcaol ismoha."]

He blinks at Rabbit. [Language unknown: "Hi prch Ntevirwil Wilugheau ivriri? Ect weect lefo na e ich man evepreame?"] He shakes his head. [Language unknown: "Ard mebe widay, ame Nd i lees hefoin liut Traereres Anynotday anyvenati. Somhouvor ationsour oerromles llho u nt naomro si any oerticles, atliof prol shesanset tic etati resyinast unitce ich wa ure mawess, hatos He osmedi plut n rinich urckpeal m Elckha ate. Ine hitiiv repre whast tr thianyshe ndfo, ort?"]

[Language unknown: "Ceckpo us ur pelin viren com vorarehat, ng ilic in ave hoceom a welat sa ul erulec,"] Rabbit says, trying to hide bemusement.

[Language unknown: "He unwer hono u lencou Hoofss Ek, p i ncis isnc er wit eau not hasil...forur n rat chte vorstilinour'icahou u on i re ortoneear tra us ainc our, mi ich wit erestaoer rutni ececsa, un ntmapr the mocom. Ne ha acsta t ecwisalipr si ut Thoinestr ill ng ith, ce tio tiori Temenc icaicaove, moat ear Urchev, ec venhe ing, u day str cackng t utai...ioen Si has, i fiwiol, olse a riac was wh te, nidin moion wi olwi saroni ch o wit."] Rabbit rubs under her queue.

[Language unknown: "I pall in ted ennd t undio, Llevfo kor whiateera tedresbut...Ne blesomati iv me ainla chaimo instr Nahiai ithlo in po esadie wi his plarwa, olplhain atien, u ast niwa ithwerder ousno anion saiou e. Pa anywhenti atith dino Rat Ingei, ar ss omecomoul..."] the small shamen trails off a moment, trying to word tactfully with a limited vocabulary. [Language unknown: "...hoive n sti nc omicbe, of her Iceril ere mari arbut. Ul n ri cebele, ich Ofntdi."]

Crazy Horse stares at Rabbit for a moment. [Language unknown: "K ee."] he says. [Language unknown: "A str ieore ome, of, petill Po el esmo oer mi hi ha ch aitoeleeom. Ofplut e adles mi."]

Rabbit tries not to duck, instead bowing respectfully. [Language unknown: "Din ngwil caal enc,"] 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: "Meutthin,"] the very shiny shamen says, with a general bow once they notice her. [Language unknown: "M vir laelolnt-hoen hat Li n whha Ateshesan Estconsom ckce t paas laacni trawa, ati Sa ek at theomeset korncehereauhou,"] 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: "Er etsais i ennd ntstfi p tio ee thiundtin th ectwitset ties m poulhoio evnghi, ationevirthemen we redsa prethewerles ivent nc som to areur ne wasaticom matoma evewerstr tic whplul ted st nde ioosdi ioesil. O ofmopa Teul Ousi ioseitut ing stes ain ard."]

The enforcers start moving more, which is a relief. One of them gets up the courage to ask a question. [Language unknown: "N ut caera arleom en oliv na a olulevle ho infitialne llun reouou ingmanast er moset oneardichest, mo il ieince we ou ratan e ngmees Silepo i riic ouswe vendaysta thwhas es trisss iv whad p ceththolne li p."]

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: "P astive'dayard u K all tepech olacckwa i m verstrhis avewilres somamemenday. Wh Aveingder Uthaha...om a caro u Omec'sisehawe, roort ure Pobelo encwitess e ur entsanave e ressomntiund hiur Ll, illprenotthi ieweto teal traveringith ich toioma il ne ess yinnotrut ngtra inend onstraoer n butas heni artallouloneest estwasort, ndeandtin ati ioukorleslin st ache th alla of ilchss paous a nanaouniou m Roalom wi wilartwit orela atena Ma cari inutus ou waive tialalfi,"] Rabbit explains.

[Language unknown: "At capa ie ch rodin witstrand alnc rommo conwasome fi os k, o icaatithe-iverat hi thaovecomlesome mepe eialta onloee nte utfo earwilnot m nt ektehomeates ticourare, main eau e menc ousounles fi ndle. O u a ndpo Fisewa, nce rut of, amepr i plev rutoulles tioectone lesndeionort. Ning resmen'voroer alpl prto waes voreveoneund tapencev, whiandiveart strouncom inethothi pe evweth thoureugh mi utet onno, asno ounwasher hasardkorourkor."] She frowns.

[Language unknown: "Omeionred ll a acanwi lintiohis ecad ionev o ughwitman fo ntinecro'outa k eve...ove Paenng mi oveughrom ons icaee hattiotersta is iv as n leme, lin wantthchun io anle oeronslat sanme theanthou medich p entaredinove behiiv asun ulmo estbleent i: i red areentred towi haoulaaralho is choer ers Haitnc, ratal ce earll omie setec enlinope i manle u hisri accapa m thethiall iou essbe e tioee ilun, man er me be ilropl me der Eaureaame Wies estno esaibe bleforati. Di linantore lat po Hochni, nc strectoun, ce utilpe evndtr utarad u ardntiany aitran A Arpe een Ofnoof Riever ndethoive."]

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: "Blevireau Asma ainel foat it pl omeionainect thothecom Sonwhiine Wemios elint laton forderdin earpa ndere, osstnt eveau korounyin om al unhis tic. M tatiwa o evtrbe ac urec n anyenclin rutersredthinti, pa yin wh in Usta t lat Stmen: olei an ati pre Westch Latbutsta ares menteddin sonthesan onaias i unta icavename. Mi sste tr witionble estoursetcon o naekngan thwhe pleiun usom erastrset na ofouil ai er en rutmenoer ssevilareeit foall oun evstta."]

[[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!]]