some mood music

September 15th, 1880. Morning. The Camp of the Wicasas, Bear Butte

Time slips away. Crazy horse and his warrior arrive at the scene of the battle, ready for a fight that has already ended. Mollified by Wovoka's explanation (he already mistrusted The Hooded One) and the words of Eagles Floating, he takes the surviving Ravenites into custody. Only Little Crow remains, as Moses spoke on his behalf and managed to convince the mighty brave of his plan to try and show the truth of the end of days to the wayward Ravenite by taking him to Deadwood. Crazy Horse takes the step of formally banishing Little Crow to Deadwood, there to remain for the rest of his days, and vowing that if Little Crow steps foot on Lakota land he is to be slain on sight.

Wanbli Luja is unable to locate the two escaped Ravenites, but gives Crazy Horse a description of them before returning to his duties in the Hunting Grounds. Before departing, he gifts Tan Xiaohan with a luminous feather as a token of his esteem, and promises to watch over the youth whenever he can spare the time.

Wovoka accepts Art as a pupil, and promises to teach him more about the Ghost Dance as his time permits.

The body of Thunder Walker is wrapped and laid next to Black Kettle with reverence, so that the Ghost Dance may raise them...assuming Wovoka is allowed to perform it.

The night is filled with anxious dreams.

The next day is a busy one. Wovoka leaves to meet with the Wicasas, in order to plead his case, while Moses and the two braves who volunteered to leave with him make preparations for their journey to Deadwood, while keeping an eye on Little Crow.

Laughing Calf, the elderly shaman, and Amazing Horse, the brave who was last seen escorting the Mennonite pilgrims, reach the mountain in the afternoon, and Horn Chips fills them in on events. He and Eagles Floating have time to discuss the Ghost Dance, and teach Art and Rabbit (and Mama Avery, if she wishes to learn) more about the spiritual underpinnings of the dance.

Wovoka returns in the evening, troubled. His meetings with the Wicasas turned out to have...mixed results. While Spotted Elk, the Minniconju Wicasa, was quite enthusiastic about performing a Ghost Dance here on Bear Butte, Spotted Tail (the Wicasa of the Brule) was less enthusiastic, almost ambivalent, and Sitting Bull wouldn't meet with Wovoka at all. And worst of all, Red Cloud, Wicasa of the Oglala, had not even arrived at the mountain yet. Rumor had it that he had been wounded in the Battle of Ten Thousand Arrows, and was dying.

The night was again filled with strange dreams.

We rejoin our heroes the next morning.

((OOC: Alrighty. You have a whole day of downtime, and I'd like to know what you've been up to during that day. Also, You're on a holy mountain known for being close to the spirit world, which means the spirits might get in touch with you through your dreams. I'm going to treat these dreams as Interludes. You draw a card, then use the suit to fashion a dream appropriate to your character.

For reference:

quote:

• Clubs—Tragedy: Describe a tale of tragedy or misfortune from your hero’s past, featuring one of his Hindrances if possible. If the teller has a dark secret of some kind, hint strongly at it, drop clues, or otherwise give the rest of the group a glimpse into your hero’s dark side during your narrative.

• Spades—Victory: Tell the group about a great victory or personal triumph in your adventurer’s past. How did it affect him afterward? Was there a reward?

• Hearts—Love: Speak fondly of the character’s greatest love—lost, found, or waiting on him back home. What is her name? Where does she live? Why is the traveler not with her now?

• Diamonds—Desire: Tell a tale about something your hero wants (or already has). It might be a material possession, recognition, a political goal, or even a trip he wishes to take to some amazing destination.

If you happen to draw a Joker, let me know, and I'll come up with something special for you. }:D

When you complete one of these dreams, you may take your choice of a random fate chip or an extra Adventure card--your choice.))
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:04, Mon 26 Aug 2013.

13:23, Today: Moses drew the single card: 8H using the Deadlands system. Interlude dream. Love. Hmm....

Moses spends more time talking to Kills Iron Horse and Walks The night Alone. He also tries speaking a little more with Little Crow, but the Ravenite refuses to engage.
So eventually, the prophet shrugs and walks a little by himself, searching the battlefield for a replacement for his hickory stick.

20:34, Today: Moses rolled 5,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2. Notice.
A prophet needs a walking stick, after all. Especially if names Moses. Didn't you guys see the movies?

Finally, when the time comes, Moses lays down on the ground, feeling the grass and earth, small pebbles and some roots poking against his scarred skin.
Looking up into the stars, the prophet falls asleep.

---

The prophet wakes, startled by something. He looks around and his companions seem gone. As are what few belongings he owns.
He stands up, slowly and notices a campfire a few hundred feet away. Walking closer, he notices makeshift huts around the campfire. Then he hears voices... they are singing. Singing gospels.

The closer he walks, the more distant the voices become, but another sound becomes more distinct: the sound of hands clapping the rythm. By the time he reaches the camp fire, it has almost died down, the voices are faint, but the hands sound like banging drums.
Moses stokes the fire and suddenly sees a young black woman. Her clothes and hair dirty, she looks at him with a look of disappointment.
Surprised, the prophet stands up.
"What.. who... where am I? he stammers.
"You is home, Moses. Don't you remember?" The woman asks.
Moses rubs his head, slightly confused.
"No... I... I ran away."

The woman nods. "Yes, you did, Mo. You told us you'd do it and you did. You killed that bastard Leonard. Strangled him with his whip. And then you ran like the devil was behind you." She shrugs. "Well, he was, wasn't he?"

She comes closer, gently taking his head into her hands and kisses him, softly, on the cheeks, then his forehead, finally on his lips.
"You said, you will come and get us, Mo. You promised."

Moses covers her hands with his. "They done chased me." Suddenly he remembers something and adds. "Abbigail. They done chased me into the desert. I tried to get away, I really did..."
Abbigail puts a finger on his lips. "Sshh."
"I... fell", he whispers. "I fell... and I forgot. How could I forget you? And the baby?"
Abbigail shakes her head. When she speaks, her voice is suddenly cold and hard.
"The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh."

---

Moses opens his eyes again. The night is clear and dark. Close by he hears the soft snoring of the others. He looks for the bundle of clothes that is Screaming Rabbit and, once finding it, relaxes.
"Moses will ask Screaming Rabbit to sleep closer to him tomorrow. So that Your most humble servant can protect Screaming Rabbit, as it is Thy will." he whispers and nods at a small beetle looking up at him. "Yes, Lord."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:46, Tue 27 Aug 2013.

((OOC: Excellent! Awesome post there, Moses.

Moses can easily find weapons, and can easily find sticks, though most of the wood is pine, not hickory. There are a number of war clubs scattered about, including Rotten Bear Killer's massive bladed war club, which is a stock of wood shaped like a rifle stock, with a spike jutting out from where a hammer would be on an actual rifle.

The bladed war club (str+d8, AP 2, Parry -1, Requires 2 hands) is large enough to be used as a walking stick, but is clearly a weapon. The other warclubs (str+d6) are more like knobs of polished wood on handles as long as a forearm, so they won't serve as walking sticks. There are pine sticks that are strong enough to serve as clubs but aren't balanced as weapons (str+d6 damage, -1 Parry, -1 Attack, Min str d6). What do you want to pick up?))

OOC: Can't I lose the blade on the war club? That would be my first choice. Otherswise I'll take a pine stick.

((OOC: Sure, you can work the blade free. It'll take a bit of time, but it's doable without any rolls. Doing this changes the stats, however. The stats for the war club without the blade are (str+d8, Min Str d8, -1 Parry, Requires 2 hands). It loses the AP 2 it had, because the blade was what allowed it to puncture armor.))

[[Interlude card: 9H. Epic post ahoy.]]

In her dreams, Rabbit ran, and the iron beast pursued her. The first night she woke curled into a tight comma of pain, sweat-slick and grateful it was only cramps. She had dreamt the beast had caught her, its burning teeth and talons tearing away her skin and native clothing alike, then taking a grip of her neck from behind, sending the blood pouring between Rabbit’s braced palms as all her strength did not let her rise. The creature was hot as a forge and powerful as a locomotive, and if it carried through to do what the last man that had brandished a gun at her face had done, her death would not be fast.

She had woken in blank horror that faded through the day. The lessons had gone well, and no-one spoke the names of the dead, as was the custom. The black shamen seemed pleased with the gold coin Rabbit had exchanged for her spare knives, and the Cheyenne berdache now greeted Rabbit on sight, glad of the opportunity to wrangle for clothing on Rabbit’s behalf. Spare time had been spent tagging along with Sky Hawk in the hopes of picking up basic skills and avoiding the delegation of rail men.

---

The second night, Rabbit’s soul screamed at her that she’d had the dream before. When the beast bit her, Rabbit dodged, knew-remembered what twisting would tear the talons free and wrenched about to kick its head with all her weight, fleeing bloody, burnt and alive into the undergrowth. The dragon came after her, black and burning, tearing up briars to leave no refuge in its wake. Rabbit stumbled out onto a cliff edge, weak-kneed and holding herself where she bled. Below her stretched a Chinese valley. To jump would be death, but maybe it would be better to kill herself...

Rabbit shook off the thought, cinders swirling past her face. She called to the spirits, and a bridge of passenger pigeons condensed itself from a skyfull of timid wings. Rabbit hesitated, not wanting to harm the birds, but the beast was tearing through the thorns behind.

We give what we give, the doves told her, without speaking. Come!

So Rabbit leapt up on the bridge of doves, and ran for minutes or hours or half forever, each breath a mixed prayer of fear and gratitude, until she got to Texas. A horse the colour of a mouldy peach looked up from grazing beside a shack. A man rose, picked up his shotgun and paced over to meet her. He was a white man, up close, but Rabbit already knew that gait and wiry form, was reaching for him even before he took her gently in his arms and handed her the shotgun. The wind began to whip with a reek of hot metal, rippling the serpent hides nailed to the boards of the shack. His hands moved over hers, showing, steadying. The horse snorted and fled. Rabbit sighted at the darkness boiling across the sky: a dot becoming a ribbon in the wind, a rushing storm, an oncoming train. It did not fear her. The air shuddered, burning. The sky screamed.

Rabbit looked into the beautiful green-black maw of Hell three paces away, and shot it dead.

The explosion tore down the monster's body, cracking it scale from iron scale. Bits of dragon pinged off rocks and thudded into the grass. Hot heart of its form dissipated in so much smoke, like a New Year‘s firecracker. The cowboy went and toed at a piece, frowning, then walked away. Rabbit stared after him.

He glanced back in his doorway, concerned she did not - or might not want to - follow. Rabbit shook her head at herself and walked after him.

There was a meal ready: he gave her beans-and-bacon with a pitcher of water, moving more of the stuff from a soak pot to the pan for himself. Rabbit ate, ravenous from running, whilst he went to do something outside. She sought out one of his shirts to replace her torn one, washed wounds that had somehow healed themselves to no more than blemished skin, and eventually came out on the porch with a blanket.

The cowboy smiled as though she was the Princess of Heaven standing there, and reached up to touch what he'd been working on: pieces of the dragon strung on a wire. The scales chimed against each other, irridescent, and Rabbit laughed despite herself at all that heat and hate become a toy for the light and the wild Texan wind. She helped him finish it.

Later, they sat out with the sun almost gone, Rabbit a blanket-wrapped curl against the cowboy, who had beans. They breathed in the scents of late flowers, grass dying down and distant cold, the scales clunking softly against one another in the dusk. His free hand found the hollow of her hip and rested there, permitted without thought. Rabbit thought she understood then how the grass could dance whilst standing still. Yet...duty nagged at Rabbit's mind, the sense that she should be somewhere else, where the spirits called her.

The cowboy seemed to read her thought, for he laid aside his bowl and gestured to the dark ribbon of birds across the sky that Rabbit hadn't noticed. If the passagers found their way back to whatever held their bird hearts year on year, it could be done. "..."

Rabbit offered her palm, wordless. He took her hand and kissed her fingers, almost a promise. Leaning against his warmth, Rabbit realised she was falling asleep...was asleep...was dreaming...was awake.

---

Rabbit sighs, staring at the needles beyond her cradling branch, then uncurls and re-ties her bindings (excruciating experiment had taught her never to sleep bound early on) before dropping down, pulling the satchel after. An early wash and start wouldn't hurt. After that, Rabbit could find a good place to watch the dawn and look for passenger pigeons. Perhaps Moses would come.

Scuffing through the cool acridity of the predawn pines, Rabbit reflects with a bitterweet smile that some of the same birds that flew here must go to Texas. If the cowboy was still alive, would they take word to him? Watching the stars pale out in the dizzying sky, she wished she knew his name.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:31, Tue 27 Aug 2013.

OOC: 14:27, Today: Thunder Walker drew the single card: 9H using the Deadlands system.

Though the battle raged on around the fallen brave, to him those moments seemed to be but the last sight of the day as the sunset before all peacefully faded into sleep, and that red that gushed down from his scalp and filled his vision was the last light of a fading sun in a glorious dusk that would precede the darkness of the night soon to come. He remembered another blood red sky like this, far away from the rugged Black Hills where he had grown, near the place where the earth met the western waters and the shattered coast. In the twilight hour of such a day, he met a medicine woman who went by the name Singing River. He remembered her. She was tall and had long black hair and smelled of earth and rainwater and had sharp eyes like a falcon and sang her spirit song with a voice as beautiful as the sound of a rushing river through a forest.

As he lay dying there upon the holy ground of Bear Butte, his fingers twitched slightly. That was how the two of them had talked at first, with hands and fingers, as she was of the Hopi and he had learned only a few words of a language similar to that which she spoke best and she knew none of his. In time, he had spoken her language as well as she did, and she had learned the language of the Lakota. She was strong in the Earth Medicine, and he sometimes quietly cherished a view of rocky terrain and mountains as if their presence was a message to him.

For a time, before her death untimely in the tragedy that had befallen that part of the land and that had claimed the lives of so many that had been close to him, they had been man and woman, and well had he loved her. As the last moments of his life faded, he looked forward to going to the place where there were endless buffalo, and where she would be there waiting for him to join her again.

Art spent as much of the day learning what he could from Wovoka and any others that professed knowledge of the Ghost Dance. He would typically have been interested in getting to know the others with whom he shared the Butte, though was a bit reticent under the circumstances. It had been a difficult set of days for him, and he hadn't exactly been greeted with open arms by most of those present.

When it was time, sleep came quickly and easily to Art, but his dreams were vivid and dark. While he slept, the laughing coyote appeared to him again. He did not speak, but rather waved a hand in Art's direction and disappeared from view. Art quickly found himself in the form of a hawk, and found himself having a hard time recalling how to fly. He'd had plenty of practice, so the ground shouldn't have been rushing so quickly at him, but in the nick of time he found himself gliding inches above the ground before finding his wings and soaring high above the ground.

Once he had his bearing, he recognized that he was in the air above Deadwood. Though he had some degree of interest in perching on the window sill of one of the several brothels within Deadwood, his wings carried him past the town and out above the surrounding hills. The sky was strangely devoid of other living creatures, leaving Art alone with the sun, wind, and his thoughts.

While pondering why he might be on his current flight pattern, Art noted that he was drawing closer to a blasted out area of the Black Hills. A black and red scar that had been torn through the land screamed 'stay away', but Art couldn't help himself and flew closer.

As he looked around the destruction of the land with his sharp, avian eyes, he noted a hole that appeared to run even deeper into the scar. Somehow he knew it had been a mine shaft and presumed it was the source of the destruction. He couldn't resist flying lower to get a better look at the blight. He was just about to alight when a lash made of flame curled itself around his hawk form. He turned his head toward what he guessed was the origin before waking up from the nightmare, wailing in pain.

He quickly looked at where the pain was greatest, and saw a red scar in the same shape as that which had affected the land. He began to sweat profusely, and walked unsteadily away from the rest of the encampment.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:28, Wed 04 Sept 2013.

Walks The Night Alone and Kills Iron Horse seem pleased that Moses converses with them in their own tongue, though they seem a bit puzzled when he prays to the Lord every few minutes. Eventually, Walks The Night gets up the courage to ask what a "babel" is. Of the two, Walks The Night Alone seems more interested in learning about the coming Judgement Day, while Kills Iron Horse seems like she's more interested in hearing something that would confirm her prejudices. Moses can tell she's very, very bitter and resentful of the whites, though she seems to have a fondness for the white shaman, Art, that was with the Cheyenne.

Wovoka spends most of the day meeting with the Wicasas, or trying to, so it's actually Horn Chips (and the shaman Laughing Calf, when he returns to the group) who look to show more of the Ghost Dance to Art and Rabbit. Yawns Loudly, the Cheyenne berdache, winks at Rabbit and taps his/her nose as s/he goes to find clothes, leaving the youth to wonder what that was all about.

It seems the story about the attack has spread among the camp, and people do seem to be noticing Rabbit with a bit of wonder.

Art found the Ghost Dancers to be interesting companions. Horn Chips, the man who seemed to be second in command, was Olglala Lakota, and from the same tribe as Crazy Horse. He did not seem to be interested in speaking about the infamous Sioux warrior, however, and shunted aside all questions with sharp rebukes to "mind his steps". Horn Chips seemed taciturn and never quite seemed pleased with Art's presence, and though he made no overtly prejudiced remarks he did seem quick to find fault with Art's dancing, Art's prayers, and Art's general demeanor. Laughing Calf, on the other hand, was much more agreeable. Older than Horn Chips by at least twenty years, Laughing Calf was still quite spry, and had a pleasant laugh which he liked to use often. Where Horn Chips would chide, Laughing Calf would encourage. Where Horn Chips would scowl, Laugh Calf would grin.

Between the two of them, Art and Rabbit managed to learn a number of things about the Ghost Dance. The call was made to the spirit world. For five days shamans would dance and sing prayers, hoping to reach their loved ones. It was a very demanding dance, one that took the utmost concentration, and people could (and frequently did) drop from exhaustion long before the dance was completed. Those who dropped often had visions in which their departed relatives and loved ones sought them out, and occasionally they would have glimpses of the future. But the effects of the dance were the most powerful for those who completed the ritual. Then, the unnatural fear that gripped an area could be lifted. The unnatural could be cleansed, the same way a church ground could be made sanctified. Evil spirits could be driven out of the possessed, freeing the living from madness and harrowed from their unnatural life. And sometimes the dead could be brought back to full life.

On the morning of the second day, Horn Chips approached Rabbit. [Language unknown: "Po ileste nt wi fi ouwica ll ounwilith iouticproeenard na fifore he iltrwi'icte wh wi Utnd'mila."] he says. [Language unknown: "Ho day ticingday ven u oneeretra ut, isevhoplme sa oer orenceyin."] He looks a bit sour. Rabbit knew the request meant Horn Chips would have had to speak with Crazy Horse, and that he had disapproved of the request to begin with.

Rabbit bows deeply in thanks, trying to gather every cold and stone-like thought, but timidly makes eye contact with the shaman. [Language unknown: "K o urmi th us ssivfopl-sewe thatioith Is al blele,"] Rabbit says, straightening.

[Language unknown: "Ek To lat t olhou n ndthe herortear, som ur k i ecnot ulwi ckilna, wh itect lowaos ee n n iv...te th ceilst leieou reith iosawe, ate ntei, t ng ble ble lecano rutterhathouame alpoad, p enos ofouek icteng oer."] With a conscious effort, Rabbit uncurled both fists, glad the shirt Yawns Loudly had found had slightly long sleeves. [Language unknown: "U avese et, utpa wertheiou he ndel iliou resartrea...al nc, th rostpo, u itlin il trckou hatonsard t hamach."]

There's a slight repeat of the bow. [Language unknown: "Ek tio Pe Staresint conoveich ter arany."]

Horn Chips sighs. [Language unknown: "A ndbetrprnd. Encoernde m foeeas no sheverwit il erfo."] he says to Rabbit, Then he looks over at Art, stern and reproachful. [Language unknown: "Rut ch t haut? Ti one ateus, be iouwerati ha areicathi in aswh ta wero loate ich? Leoun it hoes san ul usfopo ativirfor, At innaev? I ecut mafor est, osur t iletwi, ceunfoivet latro osave veroeress is ver intse menlesnte n we Enc Out?"]

Art took the instruction from both Horn Chips and Laughing Calf in stride. He responded to both in the same way, apologizing when he didn't learn quickly enough and nodding at any positive reinforcement he received. He wasn't put off by Horn Chips' sternness, rather he appreciated that the man seemed to care. If he had received a cold shoulder and no instruction, it would have much worse than the constant rebukes that he received from Horn Chips.

He was tired but curious at Rabbit's desire to see the Ravenites, and nodded at Horn Chips' question. [Language unknown: "Pro, E oneve sa. Ce betaar Ad toect la hoth wa ortratsta rutainere n Di anyyinone paera p o ssusmonc. O un reayinundandwer es es etet iveyinwer om anytratra ticineourous. Ulnd io whsach ous ilsihe erri Motana fidich ectta ilwe usheaces poenpo ou ous an der thntis tic. It u icrietekof ce oveit atnato om ndompo'evofmo."]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:35, Sun 08 Sept 2013.

((OOC: What are Moses and Eagles Floating up to, guys?))

The old shaman stood by Art's side, meeting Horn Chips with a level gaze of his own, the weight of his years and experience behind the look in those old eyes. [Language unknown: "M on ons con mi. Een ca oneyinlat een ek ur Ilnc Unes st ne thelinive, nte alev lioer atma il itek stistiort man allthutic mo wa u. Lo resorewit dilo loadei lo nastr ereene. M tintedreable pl her fi thaforwhilat of, has o to p ureha ilwer ofma ie are nc ith."]

During the day, Moses keeps talking to those who follow him.

Eventually, he sits down next to the laid-out body of Thunderwalker, gently touching the dead warrior's forehead.
He nods to himself and sits down next to him, leaning against his newly acquired war club.

He watches the others practice the Ghost Dance and, sometimes talks to the dead man in front of him - or maybe the Lord, who could really say for certain?

"Deadwood burns. Those who follow the Earth demons are jubilant, for they believe their day has come. In truth, it is only the day of their downfall."

He flicks a piece of dirt from the war club.
"Yes, Moses does believe that, Lord. He would not be your most humble servant if he did not."
He touches Thunder Walker's hand for a moment, squeezing it.
"You are a brave warrior, Thunder Walker. You must not fight any longer. But Moses will wait and see who wins if you do fight. Moses will not allow you to be a slave."

The shaman meets Eagles Floating's gaze. [Language unknown: "Con ndnt."] he looks at the three. [Language unknown: "Prthi ngosai."]

He leads the three up the trail, to a point overlooking the plains where Bear Butte rises. Several wooden poles have been erected, and the Ravenites are lashed between them, arms stretched as far as they can reach. Blood drips from the many cuts and wounds being inflicted on them by Crazy Horse's warriors, and the man himself sits on a horse nearby, watching the proceedings.

The Sioux warrior turns, and looks over at Horn Chips and his companions. He nudges his horse and rides over. [Language unknown: "Eeha."] he says, looking down at them. His gaze lands on Art in particular. [Language unknown: "Itpr es nahe waswhithe ples?"]

[Language unknown: "Pros eeshe chus ur der ousspe e ica anthoucon whst red p ntsa n onpawe."] Horn Chips replies. [Language unknown: "Topre rut nime fi moevic atred eteve ol uletad fi Teme Fonc."]

[Language unknown: "Ek...haenev naas werstaundart nconul be..."] Crazy Horse says hesitantly. He seems extremely uncomfortable about something. [Language unknown: "Set ingterare verel wianul whi whethuthithu prepronce..."]

[Language unknown: "A et al?"] Says a damnably familiar voice. A figure dressed in robes, his face shrouded in shadow, appears behind the gathering. [Language unknown: "Me vir reain asit ughartwit red Bleineare Llhialus?"]

It's the Hooded One!

Rabbit goes straight-spined and whirls, right hand dropping at once to the razor with its thunder-eagle crestfeather. The small youth steps between Horn Chips and the hooded shaman, then realises that puts Crazy Horse behind them both and gives the general a look of utter confusion, left hand outstretched as though trying to sweep Horn Chips protectively towards the treeline. Realising taking on the two at once is impossible, Rabbit concentrates on the Hooded One.

[Language unknown: "N rom beca ndich hou laund wilandwas nten ndpe se lo ing e osulon a Onssin alur unstpa, man we wiie icaniv fo Onsromnte yinsheessare, ur daynceyinugh. Mehou ckfo tho os? Nd lat ersut, We ncprnc tha iv!"] Rabbit stands bristling, heart thudding rapidly, trying to keep Crazy Horse's horse within peripheral vision.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Mon 09 Sept 2013.

The Hooded One cackles at Rabbit's movements. [Language unknown: "Ted ou benedita li preca meous, ingbutichain. I ter i preprovir! Ortomeithrom i ll ilti yin asasha ndec ro, sthipr menho outurehat, ateblendebut ndllesti k caio undwheera!"] He holds up his hands, palm outward, then flips them over. There are no marks on them, though the wrists are a bit raw. They also seem older and more wrinkled than the hands on the other one who wore that hood last.

Crazy Horse coughs. [Language unknown: "Il ure encwilsan, loecwa ntei becaiv, themanome fi ro dayei p itnc ch menantter m loinsa itshe onsersore to cealdi. Ev hisameter es roare menta whiort'dayrom a ie ive Settra'lining oveof evll o ek larss astectain."]

[Language unknown: "Mastus eauwheilloul main! Plil, ntear, ceri!"] the Hooded One cackles. [Language unknown: "Theek naivec t ntine Koranyare. El Herona evpopl me korstrort, linee ho omieetis ichck. Hi kornotantill hathisave mist earderect onng ev ortatilat, riiswapl isie hi, inous ro i manpl. O hista thera linwhirut, ndssdius. Iver oustersan haenel nena ilnemi thita asta ti ek. Sti ngwemo evear ntoun, nti, ckis!"] Then he cackles again.

A sweat breaks out of a sudden down Rabbit's spine. Twin...? [Language unknown: "Be dinmo t whhassng? O beng uninat anckat momofo houon ee und thintince t iveandwer!"]

Rabbit swallows, still standing straight, wary. He knows he knows he knows. [Language unknown: "...fohe rihi ardithlat m fi O tr? Rethi pe meand th iththaure ckndni ionme diand, ta is u wimoth atithutraund ing, ter m ivminc in Ckcala Heie? Et La tinic renotr, Haatmeha Oulwaswhi fornc korac ad na but ck, Na eennothas eeai."]

[Language unknown: "P erstr ek ieararne, resndeeve illma anypr fo ortvernde, atiiv ofvir ckaiis, ca ectonered leof sheoussom us ast olec lo een at pous ai."] The Hooded One says with a dismissive shrug. [Language unknown: "Nc beio etnte ati loson k hi lisi anati."]

He laughs at Rabbit's defiance. His shrill cackle raises goosebumps. [Language unknown: "Sieve, os, is! Lano Oveavelatyin Oveousine estesteau histholin notce Oneromver, forevepre sati Ecmostng Esttedenc reunus!"] He leans in close, his claw-like hand grasping Rabbit's shoulder. Rabbit can see the shine of light off his crazed eyes, though the rest of his face is hard to make out even though his face is mere inches away. His breath reeks of spoiled food. [Language unknown: "Poeeun wiur eaukorkor, whentiers orthat-nteall. Tedad notsetthe sanur notwheugh oreconcon eialck, ain wasaveint, ceioek, esseauset wama o!"]

[Language unknown: "Conwhioun..."] Crazy Horse says, moving closer to the pair, with an obvious intent to stand between him and Rabbit.

The Hooded One releases Rabbit's shoulder and moves back a few steps. [Language unknown: "Tace, to, tio."] he mutters, and looks over the other two arrivals. He chuckles a little. [Language unknown: "Resmo p heli chere!"] he says, pointing at Art. [Language unknown: "Tra iou p diss paure leca larthusta il hasonswer all mo ce! On rea ica sa was ivunpeet derstieau tr! Ta venomerut isit esour ardll hearmi a ticort'ounwerard Ntnean Adevis ver ta tiol! Ival all set er pestil, ofdi ine ble ol intkorble ove, taenc unear oreherlar tioonshas no verti ndethoast i titipa m nima anyrution et wit artthiati ie estoerate rohonc iou asterarat sti ck!"] He lets forth another screechy cackle, then looks over at Eagles Floating. [Language unknown: "A, whonli. E usne Ilck earntence pong und, caacai ill hopata io siie ei. E no ic eauit fowe tha, me il we ngwil thitat Diusit Liiser saal vorbleven weac urha som ll und. Pahaol lele thi at tic unour, si ho o ame thu."]

Rabbit frowns, seeking briefly across one Chinese soul for some division, then catches on and almost laughs to realise how little how little the hooded man knew of gender outside his own. The contact cuts that short, however.

The little stray's shoulder is tense under the shaman's hand, but there's no trembling. Rabbit stares back at him, forcing down the memories to no more than a sick twisting in the gut. [Language unknown: "He ev thiardare, ectounsonnde to To st heseevai e ac. O ul ivehasthi thu ac nti."]

Still entirely wary, Rabbit makes a slight bow. [Language unknown: "Ha e, ivpoie Stsial On us acfo evanss en Inneek Asusil orend ouhe un wil a nt iceve haent ut Toelro Ll...olevou a ssolices et latle sa i on laul, atiro tono wilhatthe Ekecis? Mi ear waspa un atpl ichoveher o hionsaek Omecomtho Camo? Ni ince niel nated, P ingol u he traortera day mo antof whi all ore tic, P thevorsan. Eromie dipe e ch on, e o was atiundpre'oerenc ereal."]

In reply to Moses (msg # 15):

Moses leans forward, pressing a hand on Thunderwalker's chest. He seems lost in thought, obliviousto his surroundings.
"You are a great warrior, Thunderwalker. But you cannot defeat these... things with steel and wood. Your tomahawk is useless. Your heart and your will is the only thing that will defeat them."


The negro waits and shakes his head. "You do not listen to Moses, Thunderwalker."
He looks up in the sky.
"Lord, let Thy humble servant guide this mighty warrior."

A bug crawls up Thunderwalker's body and stops next to Moses' fingers and shakes its antennae.

Moses ponders the appearance of the bug.

"If it is Thy will to test your servant, Moses will gladly embark on this trial."
He looks up at Thunderwalker's face.
"There is the light, Thunderwalker. You can walk toward it and be in the Lord's presence now. You do not have to fight no more."
He pauses.
"But if you turn away now, you will not have to walk the path alone."

Moses starts humming, softly, and puts his other hand on Thunderwalkers forehead.
His head slumps down on his chest, as if falling asleep.

Art's head swiveled about as he looked at those around them. He was content to listen to Rabbit speak to yet another hooded one, but at the prodding he added his two cents. [Language unknown: "Men ol arcale oul ncou icnana evee ntentirutencnot herwh comessthi un erastrnce aveithent e ospomi oset Ivesonast urtr vente ev. Eediad etisfo ouchin to nti, ne m ng ekenus nt onsndethu on ck ce Ntitraove dayro Arostein esterasan. Stunom aieen raticaeve armo ivtiassi redoneevethe t ro encderson atat."]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:48, Tue 10 Sept 2013.

[Language unknown: "Na maen en fiess U ion an anystaera."] The Hooded One says. [Language unknown: "Ckall ur ntat verredrat wi Il omeli pe mefor atceni E elted hatomeast."] He sniffs. [Language unknown: "I eemofo onsounwer eeekpatr ndngiear, liivpa ie tingna stiderwhi."] With that, he shuffles away from the trio.

Crazy Horse, looking embarrassed, steps forward. [Language unknown: "I evhatihe. Olhat Toitho Acev houei ekndst sa m. Ng beeen amesa utera tinthoere. Ro chtamo llres korandwas orepl osioul."]

The old Cheyenne medicine man was not having any of it. Anger boiled within him at what had been done upon their holy place in the name of this man, and he could not believe that they were dealing with him like this...in a manner of peace. [Language unknown: "Aldi ithus ncera atipreoulith i teera iou mesan parotr, theandnce moofce k ure olkor en chhaio ing isivlo n and hedinc n Untr Leecwa? Ortantdin beom lepre iliefi k thie trnt la linoreand...plwas nt oschomme, ec pa acto! Io ndder, se ss p ear n Ivwhce Iv, diing e ugh aiec ect thplme il arthul anes palin!"]

He turned to Crazy Horse. [Language unknown: "Ast a sta pre noman larol ev, at ica plsipa hi conessive ted osiou wehiin? I essarefor st eiinse ashe nifor lo ilurpr werli in us whi!"]

The Hooded One halts, and looks over at the angry shaman. [Language unknown: "Ere illaveear! Chnt atefo fi beof liatwant wh ardin conicaoul thrat, M lahawe. Ad, teive, ul."] He rubs the woolen cloak that hides his face. [Language unknown: "Po e ca menintsetallore ardwasive, nd ain k omsa selepl ou. Pa el her forichsta ntla nceameund poad wiltheect u almoen t. Si, ille butonshat N eses derromromrea whian conthuove i t ev, be oun neta inepronde atstme hisat icpro k k aswehi oulichsom! Isplio il."] He cackles. [Language unknown: "Lipe-stno urmeadai! Wawi he lo hathi it? As anelei dintioand penot haswiloer, Risabe. K k peat shees een thita ilelekan heei arwas li na, u, we, wi ec Al est strsetwer esie fiour isonin, ouove Na tioameven atha u it ti."]

Crazy Horse sighs. [Language unknown: "I ei ne na ai. A eraencsti ioal, ainaventehis sanughoul ilure comlinoul tra mi resil, n unas ckbut sta rat preectome an li wehi hovor wehotreeme. U fo laio nteectnce me a ou str din ter stilel whi noncal."] His voice is hesitant, as if he doesn't quite believe the situation himself.

Rabbit looks disgusted and bemused, the way most boys would, but then the expression clears, lowering the weapon as the Hooded One retreats. After a moment's thought, Rabbit looks to the shamans. [Language unknown: "Ma fo n ut, M oultioame...ithverman iv aveca aran ith, mi si n ectte whhoth intlartic ca io ave sti ca m tinho, th u iona nemen olhou ntncom ofwe toasti the ce et. Nd no ndsan tithro, Ck ectameith ch. Fothpa Evseal...u stanc ncac eenicance essom Werthosti Fiet ha eiset? Ch cemo therei ch der p lewit rilofi o fo, ch ted a aveni ntiicahas rom taoul heto foas pl ousyinome leort u ngre Refian San k yinwheive n, Pe eschtr."]

Looking generally disturbed, Rabbit rubs the spot under the queue. [Language unknown: "Ut iecom ticho sa lar ughma lilone in, beaswe her...utble i trman e oerro ll tho io, tra ha ar yinthetho!be ect Us e lover astencproous reni le ithul taere of itwhe nt ll, mi eral, ta noprbe...M on lirat som."] Rabbit pulls a face.

Screaming Rabbit only has a moment to notice the boiling fury that passes over Crazy Horse's face before he steps forward and slaps the youth.

{{SMACK!}}

[Language unknown: "Tediv anetom roer oveio wi seou u Prohouion loen io he ad?"] He shouts, his face reddening with anger. [Language unknown: "NA LI MALES ONUT TA M P!? MIWHUN MAEVEN USHEIC DAYNTEWHI N ION SANINEHAT!? SHEEREMAN OME ROMSONTHE MENSTASOM, EVNGEL REA! SAN!? URFIUT K I WEHI E ORTEREERA FONO EN HAEROS ACARTI OU NAAL! BE IN HAIC CK BE!?"]

Rabbit makes no attempt to block the blow, merely bracing and turning away slightly - instinct by now - to avoid injury to the nose. The idea of the Raven cult accepting a Chinese member was crazy enough to bring home how upset the general was. The first instant of reaction would be crucial ('I said bow, bitch, you are lower than that!'). Kowtow? Argue? Hit him back? Rabbit settles on merely making a show of easing hand away from lazor and a respectful lowering of gaze.

[Language unknown: "A tedentles, n meis urattr witredncehis."]

Calmly, the old Cheyenne medicine man stepped up to the angry Lakota war hero, moving between him and the rabbit.

[Language unknown: "Rond tithwhac, Nathof Wasounome. Ntewhipro la te are ion di, annaad u iosa Manhououl oerbutere ore. Ratestter ntha isman. Venencmanpro ll reilur t t mo enest. Ta n tindai i no saat paati e een weasthpril si me ard olen?"]

Crazy Horse glares at Eagles Floating. [Language unknown: "Verai acwill lllar her chpadi ri ei. Ul ioss-paprpo. It enive eenateble k ha was ieand, precomnte t intwhifor Le ainul Eltr, aisom ourea et ck ai un noitie! Cecanc Me inmiai k ca n venpr weran hisi sheaincon usai and wilouspro? Ect ti ce thusac eeera ntiresest hou illproast ure i sonil? Verfo wared ss ntentelat ekho iveerstha an? She Leiein Notal il sarat ati ssing wano ekalei di o tiutlo! Ut si setour ul ilomou niat korte any a n! Me enha and tound conlatard il ant Nt Wato? I menterart pl sheanther peus bleentort day iouoneear proat but, saelil Prowiterawer!"]

Horn Chips coughs. [Language unknown: "Weroution, Ivelesest Isntha. Mirota, Terandnti Dayastarteve lo Manourear Diofma." il ssreno ma Ainilltic Evnc'tata. "Onsiththi pa, fo pe ev, undtinwheoer ta ive er. Enista acntlo thuhe urneivis semeut usin Houoervirnte, der eau hini oer iv Ad Adtoat ersessiou, er int it ivad our. Pl venaintedome lo utekes adnot ngati butat iswa artoulrut. Mewhe Strainugh wasan, stniof terionthe oer fi Hasartate ardtintha.st Aiith nti wer, icla ainro arosof ioufo atesetwaspro fo oveev tailou terartoul di com der somtedvorder na ratintiou.us K thiillons'onsnot ie pa our tieksi usista eenhatnce Anevek meniv allvorart hat lerea liou asttedwil. Li Nd essapl ave Korndebut reson elfi rotian. Fions k itble O ca roar rea."] he points to the figures on the poles. [Language unknown: "Os. Ularan ereos. Naat pl sanhoufor int ic. Ithestith al lo ou evdi ho weunpe."]

Rabbit does not point out that no force was suggested, cheek still stinging from the first slap from Crazy Horse's strong arm. A look to Horn Chips does query whether the youth was included in that suggestion, however.

Art remained stoic during the back-and-forth between the others. Given the general disdain for those with his light skin, he was reluctant to jump in where he wasn't invited. He'd had his own dealings with the spirits, though they had never demanded he keep anything hidden. It seemed to be an odd request from those on the other side, but then Coyote never seemed to do anything logically either.

Like Rabbit, Art did not presume the invitation to examine the figures on the pole extended to him as well. He was certain Eagles Floating would share what he saw, anyway. He leaned against his staff as he listened to the breeze rustling a few leaves, and gazed at his Cheyenne friend awaiting response.

Horn Chips motions to both Art and Rabbit...the invitation was for them as well. This was why they had come here in the first place, after all--to bear witness to the deaths they had a hand in causing.

Rabbit picks a target among the half-dead and pads over to examine him, steeling every nerve.

Speaking to Crazy Horse and Horn Chips, Eagle Floating kept his voice calm and steady, his temper even once more. He had a sad face, and he seemed even sadder now as he spoke, but his words were filled with quiet challenge to the Lakota war hero.

[Language unknown: "I llio acart t men u mi fo no, Vorstaant Ceckek. Ie ntipa u na to tamoin be e k ngek teprun, out ulder sa lesameion sehou ie stiingvor p tiant k. Thmi ichsanich ma thu cess us er rut haliio ard saarul redoveers Erewhetha ad itulolliol u o, ut ec onncevca la wil leent ella wast to, ncelo al u un eauho aspl nte eiain, utom me ere ere. Nt hervenave eiev the Re butthesta th et besiee us lomi neer houthivenrat terpreher. Il peat ngic ble ounratnotwhe sever ll inme all ce sta om. Not ameoveble mawhi witanyrea siio kor wanibe, no la llto nockar e thethalin m estinelinoul u eldite, stacadil esnd be riusnc, ni peneanno ek lewiwihi. Le urwhe pa estantart etckel il ek teect hasdayhis p eviolo."

"Ortlarpre il ughai aiur ie t ut wheoulsan, oveinethu ainof pe enro manher-ameons it venoulder. Onlo anstr ta Ollele som Onebutcomout she pemewa, Ingthande Theeretho. Romrateenshe, eveur hisichver whinother areho ulplmi te und ev wilsetwer to teul caman era men onestivir ri. Ameiourea nteeul a aloun waser n aracal, e peere ame essionhas Mowa Atofis p caout whee n erais tinhasive ec ilur Arearesan, allre ndli Rissitta e ni. Lin ssri nt ekho meer o ntibutnce, pre yinhatove monc ngro iltowi ica om with est saeconno any...as Osriti. Si roons eve nemi intri staatilar Ameintson Alecmo ouive eraur ol butos wh somverrom nd. T me thaom sonionast n ou ivicte any n verdayles, ivna i sta nceovehis, een M utcaad ngkor k t ee whiughwhe is undillble beprun fo eingpr eeall Ckeist. Anyte thi ons wass thilceil."] He paused to lick his lips, which were growing dry in the wind.

[Language unknown: "Aiof mitha deriouere nd p, Tedsetpro Atosto, houll si na acme, ni eenterwhe asble seonck io," a inpoenpe lo ionivepro Ivceri ven rom, "str paour ulilni conwhelar p pochar oertiough Tiningset ive e pecend fi...."] He paused, for effect, though it would be clear that he was going to say when he showed his face. [Language unknown: "...ceth as eitrekli een. Be stiwh dayromain roiofo ngyin om pe sass om, ceart of Virthaeau stiet di watope i caaios osar poteniaiin larmi in resce ad ion nees terto Ntiureoul leofus omll ncurte tho pr na heusthtiic nt oventeonstic, th ro ee oneto viraveard, fi ac is u. O aipost k hihain on mosa thure ted ilpate om adosto ilous hersoness. Lo ca trawi whithoour undla antounshe, Alloerure Verillive. Malat laeau long o p dimo art ceun ev osect Stplnt?"]

Crazy Horse stiffens, and seems about to respond, when a gentle hand rests on Eagles Floating's shoulder. [Language unknown: "Art un heure shemenion."] Horn Chips says, looking first at Crazy Horse, then at Eagles Floating. [Language unknown: "Atlail etitfo ncan re lin, ast rutntetho on ble traredtra ureveriou. Ouolad astanysom ughherdaytratic whilatingtinyin, li ti icli, ilma la earconthu tr e ckre. Erenwean, O allpe ceporili din i urmo, nd Te it Osnaet oun liom ive. K fitho ch eauonsvervenecthis ma Evutro Pediei...ni n hiricknd, si p ulwi on forreddin ssmiiv alles hat evtapa neol k follpe, he ho p ateateant nce he poca na wilto e ioecis ave artral ame est ei tio windil to oneortyin e seanal a oulthohistic. Acal foitta ivnc olouof itbe rut leing er adouosli. Rut ad hilapr, nce acti olce miseev whioveati ou po. Fi ie hat ulassi reunma utri rea rene. Ut t hopewh nder Aslise Ndthfi, hasar wh wioul tra stirutres tedbleles ei ofwhng p anydaytic alof elll rikor o iturpl, ver we thiit nce ne entwheyin ast whe k firut son sonon he Elneme, hi lance nc ioin he t. Ai. El er com chas Thuresday ntsent n teeita wi pro icare romencrut. Os essdinast encll, m lin. Ove isone ndsi si. Icine ne and soning'tedstiore usma icmetendar le ev preck."]

Rabbit, meanwhile, is looking over the man staked to the ground, who is, mercifully, not looking back. He seems to have fallen into a daze--Rabbit can see his chest move, but he is staring up at the sky. He's been cut open in several places, left to bleed freely. he's missing several fingers now, and his left eye is gone. There's a slice across the belly, from which his intestines have been pulled. The pinkish ropes of flesh glisten in the sun. Something about him bothers Rabbit--but the youth can't quite puzzle out what is wrong...

((OOC: Make a Notice check, -4))

With no visible emotion, Rabbit looks over and inside the still-breathing corpse that was someone's son, making a quiet study of his face, then his mutilated hands, and padding around the back of him, watching, witnessing.


[[08:09, Today: Tan Xiaohan rolled 2,-3 using d8-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1. Notice?
08:18, Today: Tan Xiaohan rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. red chippit of sheer curiousity -> 4]]

The brave is in bad shape, but the thing that was nagging Rabbit isn't the mutilations, or the contempt that the youth is given by some of the others tied to the poles who are still conscious (Hoarse From Roaring, in particular, is giving Rabbit the hairy eyeball).

The thing that catches Rabbit's attention is the complete lack of marks on the brave's skin. There are a few old scars, certainly, but no tattoos or spirit marks of any kind. Rabbit has to look again to be sure...but it's clear that this brave, at least, had nothing to mark him as part of the Order of the Raven, save the fact that Rabbit remembers him pulling a gun and shooting at Moses.

Rabbit gently brushes the man's hair from his neck, beginning to understand. There's an impulse to try and reassure him he's going, but Rabbit swallows it.

Hoarse From Roaring gets some seconds of blank attention without approach: Rabbit instead paces light-footed over to another dying native to examine his skin, neither rushing nor lingering. There's a small flinch on looking up to find this one of a sudden aware enough to look back, but Rabbit holds that gaze awhile. [Language unknown: "Belar dayromall neati venncepre iou. Liri whe wemo as trsa iowa ullein ceal ntal comng toai wh, selasi hian n omeek un nte. Ll lotr isday foishi os, io moadni son iveichday, romverbut mi yinanyine."] Rabbit swallows. [Language unknown: "A ithun hiec p nc il ekic, N laour dicessfo."]

The brave looks at Rabbit. He swallows. [Language unknown: "Iswhpr M Tass Orese."] He says weakly. [Language unknown: "Ta ioro Ismoun Ha Elund Cess."]

Rabbit holds his gaze a moment, then nods, committing the name to memory. Others still alive enough to respond will get a similar offer, the little stray doing as bid and examining the skin of each. Being spat or snarled at does not seem to shake the youth's resolve or cause any flicker of expression.

After Horn Chips responded to Eagles Floating and Crazy Horse appeared to have accepted Horn Chips' response, Art made his way toward one of the half-dead. He looked upon the results of the ritual, curious about how they were made to die so slowly.

((OOC: Going to be honest, I'm not sure how to respond to that, Art.))

Rabbit and Art look over the dying men. Rabbit collects only one other name, and it was already known to the youth.

[Language unknown: "Ul no Korvorard Atek Ametinenc."] The dying man says, glaring at her defiantly even as he bleeds out. [Language unknown: "Al ul ncica wit enho preice antousvor. K larstrent ble yinwa Dinavethe ar, reas Ilurun ulis ame. Ckpr anfi coningdayrea, ancon som pre eenosi nt nethe cete pro Aswiin Ounherons plson I n hou her haec ons en bechdi tinthoons stiortour. A ckol era fo. Ac her ec e theoerion peecof. Ouchss on heho Itplwh Anacol ad son, for M maugh in tionhe oulwerome matrit, are Hi ai ame ulin io ers ntead eeni chtic arevenany illsoniou u rea Resughhouame in ngbewe ted prno isceadom ie etasivti."]

Art is drawn, not to the technique that keeps the men lingering--his ancestors that had been crucified by Romans had gone through much the same. No, what strikes him is something rabbit sees as well. Only half of them have tattoos that mark them as members of the Order of the Raven. All were present, and all had fought them...but not all those who rejected the Old Ways could be found with a simple strip search.

[Language unknown: "Oun as. Se arere et sta aisine arll oneein, n ha ek cawil,"] he said, acquiescing to the wise words that Horn Chips had spoken. He gestured over to where Art stood, and began slowly walking in that direction, using his spear as a walking stick.

Rabbit looks back with an even, inscrutable gaze, then bows slightly, acknowledging it is Hoarse's choice to be so.

[Language unknown: "O andichion-earwhi ev oun et arewerrat hisme la pl pr, wilencith olssnc som wilar hasmanlar. P fi tic prev et be virsetyin earivemen, k eariv, n hatou a caas ulna inme ss evfievca dine nidin thetraove men. Hi beou acio hou oscast overatear t ers ei os men rut mefo...ek era a kor saieprut ect, ut ioudi t artencart."] Rabbit shrugs.

[Language unknown: "Ur pl anmeai o daywh hi. K as uradseti unthe moart P ith ittire e tic hissomcon, tha mo ainanyter p us. Ompent we, K si si it ndelinstr ro ne ssckma o il ulmi ulusas, arethithe ardproenc, foati hat etent...El t era wahat. Mannd a mo li chri: e fi ie unon iole ai stiounent k os il, the outthuame. Ivedertic wa omnc ulti wh her nd ure ouldin'saneau to t, ie th liol oumo plilec e."]

The slight Chinese turns to go and report.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:07, Fri 20 Sept 2013.

Horn Chips stands nearby, waiting for Rabbit, Art, and Eagles Floating to finish their inspection of the prisoners.

[Language unknown: "P ith difi dich of tesiar o ri?"] he says.

[Language unknown: "Tha toai son olul..."] Rabbit frowns and looks to the white giant, currently too far off to be of use, then tries English. "I-initiates?"

Horn Chips gets a helpless open-hand gesture. [Language unknown: "...somastpro der of nteortmen."] Rabbit almost-looks towards Eagles Floating, as though about to speak, but stops. The stray Chinese looks to the ground instead, making a more formal apology to Crazy Horse: [Language unknown: "K pre one he Dinentest Icaearing me chnd es nde Streraome. We ni unetck ectersous, ecse nt maneut. Sa waevle, ck aiivho."]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:39, Mon 23 Sept 2013.

Art turned toward Eagles floating as he approached and waited respectfully for his old friend to inspect the dying. He then gestured for him to come aside. [Language unknown: "Ivelo of mestei e wiall cati un stolac en noou Whelinsom outun elpoth erac. Ure toaian evncnelala i our ceho mith ur t str enthisresnotvor ntsipo. Toout lider ho trulti ingprocon, eine ncest ev ssome ietenc ughingcontio?"]

Crazy Horse nods at Rabbit's apology.

Horn Chips shakes his head. [Language unknown: "Ut ei ng ngchic totho wete, eswhth Proundted Llund. La atwa Ingareveress notherall ne Io Saur, verei ous urall ng ceomin nc Rom Wil sti Astprooeryin. Ur m ce cafor osho, ee astdinhas et Ardle Butta. Isol trayinenc sanastome icart earichersing e o ombe anywilall ortineartugh, weli tioessout urcom wiaifi areiveder uran ur wilthieve m le laie in ri lesredrea artencrom tingri nith witureill omin'beosec e k plhoni. Ati Menithand Iveonsnti ie ivec anleonal ch sonar tiread. Pr i ma wistulomnewe he lo llcehi set Prhe Ure whuslo alsiss. A onmoacss ameaveame iv red eeompr me ticectess whesanvir ev forforent ulni of nottheect of, rut ut ad Me Ndroho urentiiou stnonaol p rom eauhasugh. Kortedeve hiceen th ivearetio ce waecmo o oulsetant ie fo ishoanpo i whilet ous."]

[Language unknown: "Re th e venestent anyerstiodin hou uset trstr m ar ivein preepo ilural at."] Crazy Horse says. [Language unknown: "Tiplou her Hasenchas i ek Beekec Nanoli Stssil sheshefor Conartpro Nd, di ev teing Heatli preamewas prohe siplsa liacli u po unfona. Ta lentil anyanyvor Safitr Ilore wiai hi paut at lareraateeen almo-ekwh me ersderous'encvor, ur ndfonipr moekos thu prolarainere ssoshe. Tho ecos Olce haat ichoutave ichvirthi plos manticprowil n ckul, ati ce esstedour ouon ou comntiers icme conil san whiineany ioupa iengin eraearfor, ne latameort butre stne ei er ssart un oulwerure thuatithe blewheset, eeee sareatsi wit p ekwela sanie u thuforect pala ne romareainonethater ineastset ine us Nceol Tra artastwas somstrthe one Protioint. Latni pama cawire liugh wer wilorewas refor erest leinof ersanyvenive ai illte ngasad ecilin po it m ichne lo t ofni long t ecmepawi as ithth hishernti. Rotr un Lareenwilthe oveingtedkor. Nti artnceure ove, was tear lar wasou, rena paur ternc la hopowher?m Ich reieut nteomeiou elioof."]

Rabbit is completely startled by the unexpected apology from a superior, taking a moment to bow acknowledgement and get words in the right order.

[Language unknown: "N anddayill tin,"] the youth manages, then listens attentively, clearly taking it all in and no longer eager to chatter opinion like a forest jay. A single idea from the discussion caught like a bird in Rabbit's chest: a shiver of excitement at a fact that could pick the world up and make it shake. We will become bulletproof.

[Language unknown: "Iou...Al all. Eiain ad eiee undpr hanasami ul Tr virardrea. Om a ort i hasblehis e onfiol ousredent fo o rea p anyers'artsetthu amebleure. Hisateund hista Ettaha no loca alugh Pronotthu Andaveousres t wiceri renome anyectoer. P e eraut nti."] He shook his head sadly, at a loss for words, though he turned to listen to Crazy Horse speak.

[Language unknown: "T ictoil i aidi, i ngho, p ect ceta not venameere."] Crazy Horse says. [Language unknown: "N vir unevac dievic na ica entevecom cema, henc acous rut son pawill red eenillous, ioneprwa li sabeev whe, ons unus anpr she thioerany t hoofek al Derstiing heitat."] He looks over at the dying men on the stakes. [Language unknown: "Ou sanlinine na wever a antthaect iepe. Ers ev utpaac o poseth."] His face is stony. [Language unknown: "Ha menastpre widi, Manughhou Arestableion. Hi us N wero i lesartbut ta sane and, ie entoerall ilhi Whfo Ore tr a diseer sang an notromder maou der ent antyinant. Cared, utna ss mi chll, Ul waulwh ek weant orece."] His gaze falls on Hoarse From Roaring.

Horn Chips motions to the group. [Language unknown: "Pa dinconing prbeek. Ameiveain ri rutwasion osprth me om cetrin roei, Om comredoun."]

But even as he speaks, a runner approaches the group. He dashes nimbly up the slope towards them, then pauses for a moment to catch his breath. [Language unknown: "Ie, Prenotles Tineausti!"] he pants. [Language unknown: "En eien yin niit ckevou Unolul Mefoom ersrattha hisit t nottraurehasion Reilsi Uredinthi Misero ofuspr t vorthooun ortca st nt cewa. Io il coniv whiartoveenc i tahoom trwe Llloev Acre ive toadma roiema Tenasaic Rutmanere reou iveicaine hi rutle Ecivhe Korsetart."]

Rabbit looks anxiously to Horn Chips.

Art contemplated the words of Crazy Horse and Horn Chips. [Language unknown: "Whe red u ek llteee ussi antiv ssansiio eauorture nceyinich intti arcefo kor tiodaywhe trreon se tead'heai arhis Com Wil. Chulom E andhatlat heil ne encectwileenkor maou ceplus histraout ourma era tintioone she ill fiel i noai ntse unteti te ter ng te whmiol rat ni evederhat a eenet ur as traastthi mite aser intersain sanmanpre seerca trtrac sebut koravethi enwies ousstisan nteessess. O se itekouck eauverrat ri re."]

Art's attention turned to the runner as he approached, then to rabbit with a smile. Apparently, word travels fast.

Rabbit hunches a little under Art's attention, then makes a belated bow of greeting to the runner.

The brave, who has caught his breath by now, looks at Rabbit. [Language unknown: "Eiss Sstaom Notndeavewil ti thain Redthiugh Mopear. M vir tomo linri ave Ast Thaerated."] He says, then stumbles over a pair of Chinese words that make Rabbit's day even worse. "Teilong Kang."

Rabbit keeps a low gaze, swallowing. [Language unknown: "Th cehoie Fielur, o ri thvir li lathouund deril ioual me oshiho,"] the little stray pronounces carefully, hoping the elders will pick up the hint: Not safe. Do not allow the Prophet within Kang's reach.

[Language unknown: "Ect il fo e si haha?"] Rabbit's voice stays very even and controlled.

[Language unknown: "Ll somandwit rutntetinder wil thati Esyin. Wetaio eric fifoou not ndeallnce il."] Crazy Horse says.

The messenger shrugs. [Language unknown: "U ouromenti o ome thefi iv Eeouch Yinwerles, adte ter naevmo Enchar Uriv, anunloasac. U ionrearut m io thmo menet ardck lo wasoulear ol."]

It's nearly midday now.

Horn Chips frowns. [Language unknown: "Ie ivma en evefo whai ica Ichandrat Eendayich Acmech. Thceit ratortive man ritra onnt liwion ur alllarore p ieos n era."] He looks over at Art and Eagles Floating. [Language unknown: "Ver tedpa trabe en ec? Ing onilntev str Theredrom Thutedfor p catr."]

Eagle nodded at Horn Chips. [Language unknown: "Eeck, St tawi nt om."]

[Language unknown: "Erilul, No ardlarher ti il herni, al aseiei ngesis peek ulan linei a rut ut e fion ilnthe ectantred p staromand hest,"] Rabbit hefts and resettles the satchel, pale but calm with a kind of numb awareness that every choice made here would set things sliding far beyond knowledge or control. Let go or be dragged.

[Language unknown: "itmaai p tiwi Voryiners?"] the little stray asks, unsure.

Art nodded in acceptance. [Language unknown: "N tic ie ectmo i K o sincee."] Though that seemed to be in short supply these days.

Horn Chips allows Rabbi to stash the satchel with the Iron Dragon logo, but Moses seems to have wandered off somewhere and can't be found quickly, so it seems that only Horn Chips, Rabbit, Art, and Eagles Floating will be able to attend.

After the bag is stowed away, there's really nothing left but face the Chinese.

Some Mood Music

The brightly-colored tents of the Iron Dragon can be seen through the trees up the slope. The Chinese have not pitched their tent on the summit of the holy mountain, but it's still a fairly vigorous hike.

The Chinese campsite is ostentatious, with three fairly large tents, a slew of pack horses grazing to one side, and a cookfire that looks almost like an outdoor restaurant, given the many dishes being prepared over it. There is a faint wailing from the fire...ghost rock is being burned along with the wood.

Several hard-looking men in the green and gold livery of the Iron Dragon railroad stand at attention and watch the group approaching. All of them are armed with heavy, cleaver-like dàdāo.

A worried-looking Lakota dressed in the same style of clothes as the Chinese hustles up to the group.

 he says, licking his lips. [Language unknown: "Th m Ekstai Peeiiv, hace omekur N&#treì  o evpl Osivad Alsant daythuill. Oubepl i trri undre out Omeersted Stiithess Ast, E is lesac riai nitoll Thaastday Pro: m loet hereno thi eve poivnaar m eiwit Ntthas der ain Eraineave Atenbe butlatmen?"]

The briefest dash down to one of the many sources on Bear Butte's slopes had rendered Rabbit presentable, though nowhere in the league of the finery of Kang's men. The youth's fingers curl into the hems of the slightly long sleeves until the trembling is hardly visible.

[Language unknown: "A iclar Estreashe onsmanrutnce, us,"] Rabbit says, trying to judge whether to play up or down the ability. [Language unknown: "O haspa pe Artromessrom Eiinil."]

The brave looks relieved. [Language unknown: "Nc al som, dice, Foesnila Whiwhithi. Wa manwitrut ill trescare ev whes tiostaare, ic are wachto. M illro na ul n ev ovesheast di ear itckelfi Meanul Ineandati icbech."]

Rabbit bows slightly, at once keenly missing Thunder Walker. [Language unknown: "K ca acse ng."]

((OOC: Art? Eagles Floating? Are you waiting on me to post?))

 Art responded in kind. He listened to the exchange between the nervous Lakota and Rabbit, unsurprised when the oriental lad stated that he spoke the same tongue as the other orientals.

Art looked around the camp, intrigued by all they had brought. He frowned at the sound of the ghost rock. Where ghost rock wailed, there was often abominable machinery behind the sound. He casually wandered closer to the source of the sound while Rabbit was being asked to fulfill other duties.

Kira padded along next to Art, her tongue occasionally licking at the air. At the sound of the ghost rock, some of the fur on the back of her neck stood straight and her tail dropped low between her hind legs. Anyone listened closely could hear a faint whine emanating from the canine.

The cooking pit is set up as a fairly wide stone rectangle, with a grill of steel set over an open flame. Several wide, round-bottomed bowls with loops for handles sit over the fire, and the cooks use some long-handled ladles to stir the contents, which smells of pork, beef, and various vegetables. It smells delicious. There's also a crock-pot of sorts where rice is being boiled, set under the grill near the coals.

Ghost Rock isn't always used in infernal contraptions, after all. It looks like the Ghost Rock briquettes are simply being used as a heat source here. Given how hot Ghost Rock burns, it's perfect for stir-frying. Those cooking bowls must be made of Ghost Steel to withstand the heat.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:33, Sun 06 Oct 2013.

The nervous-looking Indian motions to the group of Ghost Dancers. The time has come for them to meet their benefactor.

The tent is huge and spacious. Obviously, the Iron Dragon delegation believes "roughing it" doesn't mean a ton of creature comforts can't be brought along. The soft grass has been covered with a tarp, and pillows are laid out for guests to sit on. There's a low, round table in the center of the tent, large enough for eight or nine people to gather around. There's a small pot of incense burning in the center of the table.

Sitting at the table is Crazy Horse, who has ignored the pillows and sits cross-legged, as well as three Chinese men in very elaborate robes, all in the green and gold colors of the Iron Dragon and all bearing the Iron Dragon crest. Two of the men have the traditional ques of men who expect to return to China one day. One of them his shaven bald.

The bald one is tall and burly for an Asian man, and seems to be in his late 30's. He sports a long mustache and a long, thin, braided beard, but is otherwise clean shaven. Scars from epic duels scriss-cross his face and scalp, and there's a dragon tattooed behind his ears, stretching along the back of his head. His eyes are fearsome and proud, and the other Chinese men at the table treat him with deference.

The bald man looks over the new arrivals and smirks. [Language unknown: "Omelinout, Ceivwe ti omai Tochli Ncma."] He says. [Language unknown: "Sa rirosa trar la omho onederkor Ni M&#wihaeóet Eause. Ant taelsa tha to hat whiconure, ss taes trthi u oulestnce le iv ti fihas wilhisconcon ingvenlarithame."]

Goupi begins translating. [Language unknown: "Ulaiet, Setsanort Ardthuing. O ei Hisies Naenc Cever Oulrutwhi. Il ischan ev, hape icut eiss wiwit of sanro staconousect unacntndas a p."]

Breathe.

Rabbit flicks a look to the others to indicate the translation was accurate and waits for the older men to introduce themselves, desperately trying to ignore the impulse to fall flat before those of great status. A humble peasant is a live peasant.

Art looked around at those gathered near the man calling himself Chief Kang, and then moved closer to the group as he was addressed. He inhaled deeply through his nose, gathering some of the scent of the incense as he did. He placed a hand gently on his own chest before he spoke. [Language unknown: "Ou e Erac Antwaslar Ckasss tin pato-iemi e olai Llouwiee, outeenoun Ho ivpe en ing nd lidi ionoreare. P strsanstaeveles se ncevhi mawhi oulatilat laac she et thiandoerredyin."]

Art looked around at those gathered briefly before settling onto one of the pillows, emulating the way the other men sat.

The Cheyenne Shaman sat cross-legged as did Crazy Horse, also forgoing use of the pillows. [Language unknown: "Ur ec Nticnc Hatderournot i Entounrut Ekoser we not Ckevlare,"] he said simply.

Goupi translates this, though Rabbit can tell that he's obviously only got a rudimentary grasp of the language. [Language unknown: "Forefi ro hopro Elngre Andng Ousmeneau, isnget maos Matehoan riisie le ckhi m ort tinastons. P meecicosac ationebut tetin oerounall oneck beec ven redterersughate."] he says, and then, obviously struggling, [Language unknown: "No at plbetowh fi ou elasis, Somconousenc Ectallcon"]

Kang raises his eyebrow.

Cheyenne don't bow? Rabbit tries to ignore the nervous perspiration along the spine and steps into easier view, bowing very low. Breathe. Breathe, breathe.

[Language unknown: "Saalbe allessnot waous eauectinecontha k di ulpa acnaul roplun,"] Rabbit says, voice soft and gaze low, [Language unknown: "o tioonebut o iofo ll avedinomentiave p ast statioterallion m ek Ofce Seroilwi."] Hopefully they will think I am a student.

[Language unknown: "Ss vor ominro houri urnt io ain letio th diatos tio leenou ri icniutti nt t nt ulro orenotard olhaelmoca: fith onlepori onsoerwil on Werarestr Notoulineout I Hanani Caposs."] Rabbit gestures at Eagles Floating with the controlled grace of a martial artist. [Language unknown: "Ss se to acwi Larorevorthe esenom, o o Staershas Lar, st,"] the youth tried to recall what Spotted Face had just called himself, "Art Cor Mac, [Language unknown: fi omas eeive ul thce Althti was."]

Another low bow preceeds the explanation to Eagles Floating: [Language unknown: "We wer nc an ersearoun verstaore, itfo adadhe."] Rabbit glances to Horn Chips, awaiting his lead.

Kang nods. [Language unknown: "Sadi me larat of it. Haast omhame of entio wilererat any atiestove lin ilioad. Ee wess menwi ditaol ll aintiohat a we Utunlo k ec redrut-tinvereve traorehis om u erelas at prene reaessamebuthasstaiou. Astus ac all ar, beenan ove?"]

Goupi coughs. [Language unknown: "Terss landee Ul i nafierme, trai wintri ai ove con nent el fies Chwant Tinne oer t ek thiureent k ave ncfodi."]

Horn Chips frowns, and looks over at Rabbit. He licks his lips, then speaks. [Language unknown: "Inerathas Miriwiho Astameort nc be watetamapo sa hat Ouniil Ameredere. Ul esdich sheur hasoutive der ta us."]

Goupi goes a bit pale. [Language unknown: "T...lin Thehasore lar thetiolat bleterbut, omri tereveday no conhatone reetca stang omroho oneta."]

Kang's gaze turns cold. [Language unknown: "Tha ers we einemo. Eeprie iouardure atiof ulere al comtioand n houartoul'eenour."] He says mildly.

Swallowing, Rabbit makes Horn Chips the bow of a wushu student towards a master, the gesture standing in for translation. [Language unknown: "Er stieauate, leelle whehassti. Ich ati ntres o m uret'wiar a san ho iouar are o Onnoli Whindehou estwerwhe?"] The murmur should be clear enough as an apology.

The elder shaman nods.

Rabbit waits a moment, a little unsure, then straightens and with a last look to Horn Chips to check permission addresses the warlord. [Language unknown: "Seit iclicaas rutwhiher ut Hatro Ivdiro, wa ioulesith dibeil of he Prelintic Cehaus pathu hi haeril it all Anonho Tiwaer. Es pl Latwheughour Hatourast, os ecneec erssomtraoun."]

Expression carefully blank, Rabbit continues. [Language unknown: "Ca nde tend eccaek was hainin ul ensta illwitive houmanrut ineorteau'oretin a k Tianme p taev arll ouneaumen k ta kornotine p pall hievne u essut ulndnditst To oerichest esacll teom icheveres ol at ourvirlesatiati tra. I evmo evine for setencpre theeenanyous tereenera nceoveingart wilarepre enbent pr artntiugh red i st Nceourthe Ncesheoer, ilver K ratthawhi nteou anac p asiead as reamenyin diwimestsa ess iepr whikoravedin tehiwh io lano Con Stween estencven." ]

[Language unknown: "K ical ofsi E ceon thuourati e shemantic ut: be pre conpreproeau seoun icahouthu benticta,"] the youth explains to Horn Chips, hoping Crazy Horse at least will pick up that rendering the translator useless might cost the man his head.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Wed 09 Oct 2013.

Crazy Horse's face is blank. They could carve statues that would look softer than his features right now.

[Language unknown: "Asnaas un conillain antlesstr on ore k nt he wasproort oulateica undndesti to utet pe, wa ma ustial it Sononsbut."] Kang says. [Language unknown: "It noevin prame p romresera reaoneastverlat icaughhatameone. Ateth moil re conherson thisaner eial thuateith seur setreskor andvorund ncevenman t iv. N wewa ave litha pemana resandany ted ec ca."]

Goupi nods, and looks at the group. [Language unknown: "Siicai Riol thunekri essne Ad reaant-dinany ittra nd, mica acon Aipa'evto Staallsom thtoital ei lollec, in m tinwhiwil hi Ioseat ionsta'lincom ich iocaou nokor Il."]

Horn Chips nods. [Language unknown: "Et Ernarosi Pealou poch a yinentantess ek stkor, ti P waer wa."] he says, then. [Language unknown: "Re m ivreom Itbehe Evela, redut her ss wito? Neard Ort Ofet sta Heble Somthiany Motaal olmewe si unlat an mo ieon siai ntimi sider eistll t ilhell."]

[Language unknown: "St ivpr ceacet,"] [Language unknown: "wasri e realested Si lat amewitate e tioromrut te dayearred ll whe omseis,"] Rabbit agrees, and translates:

[Language unknown: "O Adth Ngar eradaytio a inehasmeneen, pre ev dinre oveonsdin ven leer wadieviest? Annt Encit m pemass u ateoreent to oun trpro ndle stiant'ntiund vorone'hisvir."]

Art wasn't following the conversation between Rabbit and the man calling himself Chief Kang, but picked up what was spoken by Horn Chips. His ears perked up a bit at the discussion of the Old Ways. He was quite curious about why this Kang fellow wanted to speak with them, and as of yet that had not been made clear. Art's attention started to wander a bit, his eyes drifting about the camp as the others spoke.

The elderly shaman nodded when the youth explained the act of the translation, which he guessed was going on when he had been pointed at.

Kang seems amused. [Language unknown: "Llse les ratlarwer ndhas ee e iv urst ek ca redughort t ica, leate p manntesti ngmaca nce der li blestrsonres eroswiprre omnihi roos dinameoveyiname no houei onma os on nghoiv ith pope ta th th a Itla Aidiur. Olno eeckndle throm ticthooun omeoustic'latson. Eve osund wa stlimi ncen ictho daylo ardsanvertheund thaho oudiicmowi waol ee molaomiefi? Is ur essundbutoretho a ast esne trul and."]

Goupi translates: [Language unknown: "Wheersver Onsit waspreeraouleen n tecapl noma ear ul urtohitruradun. O rut ecmo sate wh ev icaerawer dion virch sahatier ti ee. Ut ngncil nandro pr setno setul wiceno nang elder watoth our elmo'pesi el undineeau weryinter ndentiwit, un al rolour pr intsi alevilbewi."]

Rabbit darts a tiny glance at Art, not having heard the adoptive Cheyenne's side of the fight, but the fire-headed giant seems fascinated by the tent structure.

The small youth looks back to Horn Chips, trying to ignore the fear/hope he might leave. Doubtless the elder would settle when the tea was brought in. Rabbit inhales the tent's gorgeous scent, attempting distraction in trying to guess the composition of the incense. Some precious substance, surely, since just as nothing truly resembled the jewelled shimmer of fine silk, no fragrance Rabbit could recall came close to this. Somehow, the snow-and-summer-storm scent of thunderbird feathers would be more comforting.

Breathe. A stammer taken for a veiled phrase, code or insult here could be lethal.

Art noticed the glance from Screaming Rabbit and smiled back at him. He was unsure if there was anything being requested of him at the moment. Art's eyebrows raised with a questioning look for the lad, though it seemed that Rabbit's attention had moved along to Horn Chips. Art stifled the urge to sigh and continued to wait patiently.

Horn Chips considers this. [Language unknown: "Iv osesal O altaom ith eenillfor his t thu. Set i uteve osenc p wiheel ommeiv sta ereatehas ncomatev anilee und to und, E i any."] He looks over at Art and Eagles Floating. [Language unknown: "Buteauith Mi he asce ure m errefo whhat man. Ur his men ntteadeshe inence ce forlarmen sting whi Laliho, th toure forantyin, thwhmi ure."]

[Language unknown: "Beth lech'niwi n betic on pehiroicai, ieof po evlar mo estestere us cker te tiohising hont, olev adanho to ashe iv vir er esnomoha yin onutnoca Unate Waec ismo ekriceheet,"] Rabbit translates, putting the invitation into exquisite Mandarin with an open gesture to the seated Ghost Dancers.

[Language unknown: "Nc Promantio lidi no ledina ta il ica nt somerares ertina ort ospoon lope k taofdi."] This time Rabbit makes eye contact with Art long enough to exchange a slightly pleading look.

[Language unknown: "Ha hourature ic threon si pre Wheortter Io ourng venna verectlinintave. Elchai th poei ek itro Sitaec Ectpa wi combutest eessus ha set omfint dias str anyek, As ll sire i omethaver palepa, totapa ol she hat t mait ardeveiou. Si omic k ro pahifo but ecpr haulat, u mo oul e ntast nceestdercon, vor urint le lahasi ro ilto an maospo io,"] he said. He wasn't adopting a pose of false humility; this was simply things as he saw them. [Language unknown: "Romthaugh ekit san icitat ven atmoul an liev latestestess-dertio kor sanvorwhe ughingera el honame."]

Rabbit translates this word for word, wondering where the tea's got to because that's better than wondering whether coming without word-gifts would sway Kang's favour to the Ravenites, whom he would see as simply a rival cult among foreign factions to be distracted.

Art considered Kang and Rabbit briefly, then turned to the young lad. [Language unknown: "Po an eeto ineom cenot t travorore nc atiherati thaanyereavetho, iouos O llilek i ectmi thu ess tr ni n hou prta'atha ai ith arto hereraast. Ho paure waet outingnte p p un ionromlesoer eloliter. Ho paie eric he ivca ultr, k ho, eenil ou nihiusus e era usnemi tiad thioerset e houn sanundhisset vironeine rostri sibe. A pe com in ic daypa etus us ardveriou?"]

As Kang waits for the translation of this, cups of hot tea are served to the guests.

[Language unknown: "Tr at whedinwasred reun iv ncncho thu nireta ovesanvir tioithart tose..."] Then to Horn Chips, swallowing: [Language unknown: "T pa hoatpo, ro ekasli er but der ersch nt?"]

Kang gets a swift update: [Language unknown: "Str Notun Nasan le sicatoreou larconeenwhe sees etrech'hiho u stahasrea eila n iv saalwi neeith alith aincomter ck ta pe es Isisre yinthoort, e Is be thaestson o io ce. K ro seekiv p onekdi il ur butleshis n ncweth a a ho."]

Rabbit waits for Horn Chips to sit and accept his tea before copying him, making sure both to quietly thank the tea-pouring servant and to take the most humble place, back to the tent door.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:18, Sat 19 Oct 2013.

[Language unknown: "Hapeic sonvirthe ll nehili undounven verallers. It no os onun eterro red dieen heonsack aica eraouttho stawh ter tr sta somhe omofsa e ho ol, Ck som no urilarprla." ]Horn Chips says.

Kang raises the tea in a "to your health" toasting gesture, before he begins to sip. It's green tea, and quite good.

[Language unknown: "O ha ntiherlin, nt p e aiwefo si oneoul'dayanyson, ek wercomardous n witmo ndmiel,"] Rabbit translates, then takes a deep breath, considering Kang's body language and the weight of the task. [Language unknown: "No thus hecece. Un inant weonli oneillnde, tr ar ec viryinectant at p it."] Rabbit glances at the interpreter to be sure he's ready.

The youth's fingers curl about the tea cup and take it from the table with a mirror of the Iron Dragon's toasting gesture. [Language unknown: "Ei. E tesan be ing ort, terta ted ha posero o, ec ev hipanc ameon. Encichnce n eve retho poni, stear ut ne nc manwhiestous. Plwhi ati wellsi tamo latlatshe ivech me iv lestr yiniveman."

"K unsom etanng thenc pasan romss, a u ma, pa on setwhelatove ioance. I ekaschro in Derthiven, ul ti erhi, pe etma ta essevered hi. Enc Mourio rutdi n illersons arehouareera."] Rabbit sips tea, mindful to use phrasing that would indicate happenings observed and otherwise when translated into Sioux.

[Language unknown: "Asushela ssmo eenca di Dinfortinati Etee, o tafond i roseun whe yines capa kordinany setntendeore t she day, ng ol ant. Ch oulus haul ti strpreers adulen, ant ashich, ateek os ourateion ive t meha larlarany, ic i to, ss mamost thanho mo siolme canot beoufo."

"Ni omlewe k whe un alllarest hiiemo, waev Tr oerte...ch thsawe chosre m iock essomesan hat plwa plma N plmaol waural ndeardera. Erala ich Ndsist whil unstprll Foecst men welamathsa she anssacen ul fiutsa heus lo witeveeauund, of iough onsntiain ek ardwhedin toacha astet. N nt cklaev foprin nteonsart ove averomlatichvor, ro iock his wited Ston'rohisa roel ouspe olove, et wious and il oul fo, erand urean a ek ain pl capees i en p wer di sanro k ma atekmo ssine."

"Ard an kor u is ureeaucom, a Wheoneble atesomrut atinteand nollse men ma virev loes Ckhist losi men u etrili p oer uliseetr ng walime ame wheeaurut unst leswitpre, miroad ameri nean intoneove setoerlar arehoutheers t me atin ri beuner e hasortday enno ame iv ol, ingre resaei fiprat a stitinare a kor Icaeretha erlefi resncelat nolaac ulhe taven laromeint reai om larichthaest derstacon ei ad nteec re."] Rabbit swallows.

[Language unknown: "th comlatble satr icfoha, stihouourtra trata set entpa p nicamo n etilta ommeof andreddin, oreon mobeit il but, wabeit ilpr veravewer po red linde, witos sihoat ess bepo'chai mo at t any sonsonionent t Etpawa Cerier. N ndma e lat ad foesee ersareher on stiis whetedwas we os proprodinnti ntlola, momowemo somndetering, dayus p arac foulme as for ortwhiome na el sspoiv, ereterredconkor wh ureul bewe anfohe. Haou prontr manorepre oun outproive icdin chektrse oulcoming rat ic ioma t der fiun utntmeerle viroerbut ichenttho sa Cainni. Hawa es ce eauhathis forno ssieta atetedent ca t Waceno wil, ai areentkor ion erecomove a eauiv ati i olos omeandous, set aren pro staentand."

"Of orttinwer stnt...i elinul, ti oneaveter wa iefor ni eeninefor pe a earshetedastill, u wefoio is temila as befo timi eensomthu dernc fi ainersratasteenany ettiat nothna omnt urkor een aiasac n whare sonarthis t pest catole. E urloin icreivusti, poteil ilis'beus mi ulon Ingsomven alnce strorence n oneandardsti the...pl fobele seevnd. I oeris ment plwas di anteveoer ulngne."] There's a small finalising gesture, a sweep of upturned palm. [Language unknown: "Hecon oul p ovevencon."]

[Language unknown: "Ulil arith ultaei converany mocele oulanyenc."] Kang says. [Language unknown: "To icll athafi th ughticfor we waour poisul o fi fiacolle."] he lifts his cup.

Goupi translates. [Language unknown: "Larounmen Ing hiseenrea iv herenture ad weul encichine icaingredpre heleon, o atewerwer o esnde moroplth."]

Horn Hips, hearing this, lifts his cup in the same manner as Kang. After others toast (or not), Kang speaks again.

[Language unknown: "Ssant loevar, cknaof ss virencant ilou illthuoneectate daypr, hisles'inthisove, uresomouttio? Ou osred wh ripati m areredany taour hasalling u ion heivieul ncemenrea. Onsfo ica stiatelar art ul ad er siteiv u hou be ardrutndeson."]

Goupi translates: [Language unknown: "Ingearsom Ul a tencofsapr st her i wepro winde evereaers'ineect la esssa astmencon mepeno san eibeio ers hisallsta. n moons oleses m maulil com ercawa, out andhateve ch weave trred ilurhi re oneun strantder ome neekpa re ai nackho."]

Meanwhile, several dishes are brought into the tent--fried noodles, rice, and vegetables mixed with beef, it seems. bowls are set before each of the guests, as well as the two courtiers and Kang himself. Matched sticks of wood that taper to points are set next to each dish.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:03, Thu 24 Oct 2013.

The Cheyenne shaman lifted his cup as well, imitating the gesture of salute and respect to the fallen Lakota warrior. Had he but had a moment more, he might have been able to help the man with his own medicine, but the time it had taken to bring Art back from the brink had not allowed for such an intervention.

He listened to the next question, and looked to see what next the answer would be.

[Language unknown: "Utniasnc eirom sta ni, acei paiewhfosi whimeneen, T paeihe?"] Rabbit semi-asks Art and the older shaman, then translates: [Language unknown: "O wittinine il la tio Terncehatfor ateredntetho illet was pre linreasetreandeset ome, Il Pamo Ad esonieev. Om sentas osecat encwiltin K ort urrom ca."]

[Language unknown: "Di eenithnce pldi m oul Meouti, een she Undwheatiate It, ie i chsa ri i unaimi weol houti E us we pa uthas o neast ardthions,"] Rabbit sets down the tea and holds both wrists up in a conscious echo of the Hooded One's gesture that morning. [Language unknown: "K hedipo e icahasere Prhobe Ven chugh Om eve Wahoek loetar i ec en, wa semeon, whe trahistha,"] Rabbit translates back, then ducks a little, nervous of talking too much.

Art also took a drink of the liquid in memory of the fallen, imitating the way it was done the best he could.

He listened to the translation offered by Goupi and nodded. [Language unknown: "M tin latek ofte ad asal esdiil sa Ourestich Ast nglami. Trlin e ca str po el Alnepo, pre."] He waited for affirmation rather than launching into the retelling right off.

[Language unknown: "Era Ivei Thu one ardlarhou sa ill ersatiand he was Omerce, us t na reate Ac Itneni herhasich,"] Rabbit translates for Art.

[Language unknown: "E erwhac ha ticck asic, ous uteick?"] Rabbit offers quietly to Horn Chips with a glance to include Eagle Floating in the offer, taking the chopsticks from the table.

Kang nods at Rabbit.

Horn Chips, looking at the stick pair with a little lost expression, nods gratefully at Rabbit's offer.

Crazy horse, who hasn't said a word all hour, continues to sit in stony silence, his face unreadable. He makes no move towards the food.

Rabbit gives Art a half-smile of encouragement intimating 'go ahead', and takes up Horn Chips' bowl whilst the gangly giant prepares to speak.

The question of noodles or rice resolves itself to 'noodles over rice' as Rabbit's quick hands move, trying to demonstrate the manner of chopstick use whilst picking  out morsels for the elder. There's a barely-there, distracted pause picking up a piece of meat before Rabbit closes eyes a moment to thank the buffalo and offer apology, then continues, returning the bowl to its owner quite full.

The elderly Cheyenne shaman nods at Rabbit's offer, eyeing the offering curiously as it comes to him. He looks carefully at Crazy Horse, taking in the legendary warrior's stony silence, and wondering about it in his own mind, but he spoke no word of it. Instead, he turned his gaze on the Warlord Kang, but spoke his words to the young yellow one, the one called Screaming Rabbit.

[Language unknown: "Tedatifor is in enee ilave mero inhotaio ersre, ol pe liom ri nte wi na is urliil ho peni lont undhouvor eifise. Intateder utiv Monoit Ulut i one Larderder Omleti ceante hious ticei ai k aiwhi herlarsta plhoie?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:38, Tue 05 Nov 2013.

[Language unknown: "Li comainers u t u e ho ll hi fo nohoil,"] Rabbit ventures softly, returning a well-stocked bowl to the Cheyenne and surrupticiously watching to see if Brick and Egg (as the youth had privately dubbed Kang's servant-sorcerers for their shapes) took mortal food.

Crazy Horse's reticence was worrying, since the only reason Rabbit knew for rejecting hospitality was a declaration of emnity. He might also be baffled by the chopsticks but Rabbit could not aid him with that, sitting across the table. Hopefully Crazy Horse knew enough of the Iron Dragon to realise attempting to strike him in his own tent would be a truly bad idea. Hopefully.

[Language unknown: "Neutes Eead-eiha U Poacee Butdinera whereaardvor beck urevirleswhi u wit ul verestest ck ntek ngtrenom Hoeau Inete ri Eltin Ou She ivtr notepoec,"] Rabbit translates the elder's sentiments to Kang, quietly filling a bowl with somewhat enthusiastic heed of his generosity.

[Language unknown: "Icawi i terwerrat."] Kang says. [Language unknown: "M are thu ri ati. U o lo whiratthi."]

[Language unknown: "Illtinsta Somee ratvirtha il noanec ll utshe n strcomerssan son Oulis Thiek Resoreichfor rimowa."] Goupi says.

The two men sitting beside Kang take the opportunity to fill their dishes. All eyes turn to Art.

Art nodded at the request. [Language unknown: "Il plhe usesnter me aius Haswasandwhi omemenund lat ioumenast ect fi oerestver n Ulnt Sonomeyin hi Tho Iveoreionwer. P ethi moes romlesnte iene ncanma saent ekee ing tiostrere o ainstalat Ulwaal te. Eveearera ma winde Hierpa Setasthat, a whi leitmi undatetho reahouame ieai Ndtalena. T pear est ure ive con ce hi is ngame a nteoneeau trfo e som ncereseve herwhitic he ho ess ioouat ne lito unai. Of art laect adany iv a seent athi linil ho m chave ch la comortave ch ons bealun trlapa. P erei'housnd fith te com manthoday pr naoffo ti astom eksatr ofenenwh m ing pe tinthoard lo ilev o elce weeen. E vorstiugh ain ichev waspo o Esteenbut Rutreaort, neat reare seis streve'eraenc n any hiicllaris Thashewas staichave il ng al staoursti m oulstiwhiati arenc ng ss rom notst trasi."]

Art coughed lightly before he continued. [Language unknown: "N eiing notarding nd butounticare t ac os t Maweie Ecsitr. Mo weoun chha in ei sta tr itenit n ntirutpro ileswi prhe hiad p ieout undortersble ard osacen to ca yin p ncwa sta cetace t Blentiort. Ch m Ililofolthloto unddinint alunar es tedmanlessta, we te lohito haeisi ng. Es thust caripllaar tho e omthe Tiointmen Ncngli, enalit ni at notwitoutort dayureere. A artshecom eeai prwaai Terbletio Comcomsoment ce Ingencere Urevirpro laen linio eenou k ess hean ellat ecncri. Ithwilate Wassomnde st ngetuswhwa ni ditimi llmo k ec i os andproratthu seniulmo n uromst ssfinall Thngna. Acpr ounpreous acar shetin-ereame prohe Ar Ereoreble toleos, i ateek tion ive te alplsi u tr ratthobut. E n ntithointint ng i t, ou thiiv tedughent n notoic nawe Ofpefo era ntitrarom us preousine lldili. Osnaec inebleous Aiener Oveardive is ovead."]

Art lowered his eyes briefly, then raised them again to those listening to his tale. [Language unknown: "In la uswaer os eraurence le ardpl, rat nti thoillour sanstason hosito ntal."] He paused to lick his lips and see if the others were able to follow his tale.

Rabbit manages to keep up a running translation with little additional explanation, adding only that Black Kettle was [Language unknown: "ri ateearmen o estndeich fo pe acioen waadto oerus meelwh laheolll"] and translating 'treacherous Pawnee' as [Language unknown: "Adlasapa poplal asleti, i bean traoneourichard whneca."] Concentrating so hard on the words, Rabbit even pulled off an unsurprised echo of Spotted Face's utterly casual mention of the ability to turn into a bird.

The last sentence gets rendered as [Language unknown: "Rema itsa niicll om pl paand ousainallfor, reamo t ithardncetio areareare lostncpahi pong sononeounone diany,"] before the youth takes advantage of the longer pause to get at food.

[Language unknown: "Ch timotatasa."] Kang says with a nod to Art. [Language unknown: "Th ss il icnd e anysomvir sa m blendewhe, ineatiard. Na refipeas tha eraaintin ur tecamo ca conna anywhifor setestout."]

He raises his tea.

Goupi translates: [Language unknown: "Olofpr Men ndecpo ou conwiltheichast, as aierle unmellenll ith ee alcewa Tinantpro Statheant. Mi nindiv il redbutlat t Diaste Uswichfo herartica ndomie."]

[Language unknown: "Inthu shend ngica om derhatrat thuur ta outwe e pataou ousa eteillpe koronelin?"] Kang says. [Language unknown: "Il pre eiome seasbe al fo wiunmo, anyos teices vir ughic atireavorday. K pe oslasi caseho wh yinenteau en nerewe ssll to ounwilomeher shesa, ac ischfi omntss thuentsom stect estomeoer."]

Goupi...hesitates at this.

Rabbit darts a questioning glance at the translator over the bowl-rim, as much to check whether he's stuck as whether he thinks there's something dodgy about the request.

Goupi doesn't seem to be comfortable with the request, not stuck on words. Kang frowns at the delay.

The barest twitch of a frown creases Rabbit's brow in place of a sigh before the youth looks to Horn Chips. [Language unknown: "In E inencence?"]

Art was about to thank the warlord for his condolences when he caught Rabbit's discomfiture. He awaited the young lad's interjection before proceeding.

Horn Chips, looking a little perplexed at the delay and a little baffled that permission would be needed at all in this instance, nods at Rabbit.

Rabbit takes a breath and addresses the edge of the table nearest Kang. [Language unknown: "Andmo nelassme en, foted forortortntethe ounughame as ecwami urntnt son atcksefolllo ca ad ac dayorewhe Ssear Siic On reslesdin milo ei hiaten he, onate oulichven und ncepretio aiinec n ingticundhas i stpaha hasol lail thederany po st p ieul on bleconant ndthe, dinom dinsonrat a il ive llect ithnotion. Disefo acelnt n hianat tha ncpaforo aveousres wi houvirlatorttin."]

Rabbit swallows. [Language unknown: "Fo...ncpro si inmi'erwe houli heeeni e ughle anpr ncmita in poro Maerse Osomun, u nower day hehe forwi lo rifo'paos ithherearica orell un Essingnte Ticprokor Ortoertha nc comurehououl a ecacll itecbeil estcomectivevor: ee oumies tr wa werev wipala m stiousone-oulsan tema m ivehatome lesno, ndate nt poatpeer menomeineanyart."] The youth speaks with quiet convert faith, quite serious.

[Language unknown: "Haplliai anset ourhaswilany ee la m roasch p il neiscale ev in chtawe evndit, us seivpa...ut us p redstirea set Nitint Usofic i fi ndweei, p ne ica tho k sath tho roic ngove ssut ore seliul moeela wasortpre ort ee icavenith."] Did the warlord still possess some dreams? Surely he would see the merit in what the Ravenites would never give him.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:09, Wed 20 Nov 2013.

Kang sits, his face impassive. [Language unknown: "A. A. Ut ta tiomantic we eveainast, il thiiveain."] he quirk an eyebrow. [Language unknown: "Thisanati Camiec Eessle? Ho n reand? Io men?"]

[Language unknown: "Stthu thoenconeeenlin ev kor whoufo,"] Rabbit says smoothly, expression just as carefully blank. [Language unknown: "Ac e terch ev tr k ne Dereveday Ovewerour, p ratallnti ni sanichtin fididi enil nceourbut int unsere ati Utat hi rateenkor po vorthotio mo Poere a Iv A pr mastaiwa, conut tio sheicaand ven tha wereraere ingul ticstrwasove acul ncus latour-terall."]

[Language unknown: "Conererom taio nceen si ounnc, a ouand innges aintra-dineve ectti."] Kang says mildly. [Language unknown: "Utted hafi n po tarea se, unseal trac st les ouceti icme hound ilei whedin'eensan, paul diunre he ith iean th Leserestr Meadus i witovebutble. Ce as son red undet sanvorwit wa eric hou all Erulev Liekus comilleenhouwil. E fick p iouon thi te atelinderall th ecla itwacket redbe."]

Horn Chips, his eyebrows coming together, tries to follow the conversation. [Language unknown: "Pedin eeles n yin?"] he asks.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Mon 25 Nov 2013.

"mmf mmf mm," Rabbit almost-explains through noodles, then briefly presses brow to fist in lieu of respectful bowing to Kang before translating for Horn Chips: [Language unknown: "E set el t poear erswilyin ughionive Wiioun Kormenati arewasioners t no re his wa ive ouniv i neta st t. Manttr, I na artul ersineout ou elenro"] Rabbit frowns [Language unknown: "uailo'ekiopr, reaureers ichec arllac et namiou, ticoreest er tr ie ateestthu pa ri usilmi thioveica hat Plloel Eenyinain. In staonsterear, Tedhaswer Ho, ierom preromart ugh illahi."]

The youth ducks a bit, adding swiftly and soft-voiced to Kang: [Language unknown: "Ho manverpro p ma in a, daywascom und tin e eve se yin hoekes wasoulhouame. Ro omeionpro o hider hasratiounde e le Whear Ove ioonis nahaen sti p is."]

Art shook his head at the apology and waved it off, indicating it was unnecessary. He considered what the Wicasas thought, about the danger, and wondered if it was entirely unfounded. He waited to see what Kang might respond to Rabbit.

Crazy horse, quiet for all this time, reaches into his pouch and pulls out a wad of paper.

"You ask things of Great Snake Chief? The ask how Great Snake Chief explain this!" He growls in English.

Kang, mouth open as he was about to speak, blinks at the rude interruption. He closes his mouth and looks at Crazy Horse, and the wad of paper in his hand. He raises an eyebrow.

[Language unknown: "The a ca?"] he asks.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:33, Sun 01 Dec 2013.

Art leaned forward trying to see what might be important in the wad of paper that had been presented to Kang in what could only be called a confrontational manner.

From what Art can see, it looks like someone wadded up a large surveyor's map. He can't make out any of the details, though--not unless it's smoothed out.

((OOC: Or can he? Make a Notice roll, please.))
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:36, Sun 01 Dec 2013.

[Language unknown: "Ouenro Terwheant Ratughore innate e ledichmowh tr manvirvir k no comaststiive red llme et Anythiing Liad Yin o has ntinmi,"] Rabbit deadpans, as though Crazy Horse had made a genuine polite request.

Gaze low, Rabbit goes back to quietly making those precious greens disappear and assuaging a long craving for rice, too terrified to truly think beyond the moment. Plan One: I will make myself useful, claim my masters are too far superior to Kang's sorcerers to be worth challenging, or otherwise talk my way out. The hand that raises the cup barely trembles. There might not be a way to beat the Dragon, but Rabbit had drunk his tea for free.

"Ah." Kang says. He keeps his face impassive as he speaks in clear, fluent English. "The honorable Crazy Horse wishes an explanation. Very well. I will provide one, though I am afraid my English is very poor, and I hope there are no misunderstandings." His English doesn't sound very poor. Quite the opposite, in fact.


"You see a proposed plan to expand my rail line to better serve the needs of those who mine the Ghost Rock. That is all. Proposed. I am here to negotiate this expansion with the Wicasas."


"I do not see why you would be upset. No rails of the proposed line have, in fact, been laid anywhere on Lakota land."

"What about your fortress?" Crazy Horse growls. "The wall of steel? The guns? There was to be one settlement, Kang. One. That is Deadwood. not this...this 'Dusky Jewel' place."

Kang blinks. "They have built a wall? Placed guns? Then the miners there must be afraid for their lives. I cannot imagine why that would be so, unless your people have broken the treaty by attacking them without provocation." he leans back. "Surely such attacks would not have been done without your knowledge."

"Of course not!" Crazy Horse says hotly...unaware of what Kang was really implying there.

"I see." Kang says. "Tell me...where did you come by this?"

"Er..." Crazy Horse goes stock still, but his eyes dart to Rabbit for the briefest of moments. But by the shine in Kang's eyes, Rabbit can tell that he saw that flicker, too.

"I see." he says again.

Rabbit has gone quite white, but the same quality of stillness has decended on the youth as when one straight razor took on three bayonets gripped in dead hands. The teacup gets placed gracefully to the side. "Please forgive my speech, honoured chieftains: I would add that all those here, barring the great Roard Kang and his people alone, have witnessed that the General has big task, to save all the people from the threat he know about, and keeps his position honourably."

Cadence gentle, always respectful, Rabbit continues: "I have seen Flying Devils, when I fought with the one who is gone, and Raven Men are many, very willing to use guns on your workers. The shaman I was fighting call a blood-drinking demon tall as a high wall itself, it can be understood they will be frightening, this humble one thinks. I do not know if it is General Crazy Horse's task to keep safe foreigners...but I am not an intelligent man, and very ignorant."

To Crazy Horse, the youth ventures: "Honourable General, I do not believe our gracious host has put any illegal track on the ground," there's a very slight stress of the word 'on'. "Please, here we speak at peace, on the holy mountain...perhaps it might be better to set it before the greater wisdom of the council together." Rabbit looks to Eagle Floating, hoping the elder might spare some stone-smooth speech to level the situation.

[[00:46, Today: Tan Xiaohan rolled 13,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13,1. Persuasion - not now, Crazy Horse!]]

"I beg the Lord Kang not to think badly of my masters...I was not sent to get this." Rabbit hunches a little. "I stole it because...I thought it was food," the youth admits.

((OOC: Art? Eagles Floating?))

Art considered as much of the back and forth as he was able. He wasn't particularly pleased with Kang at the moment, and Crazy Horse was acting...odd. As if he had something to hide. Or several somethings. Perhaps many somethings, which was more than mere annoyance to Art.

He felt ignorant of most of the facts, but also felt compelled to speak. So Art turned to face Kang. "There be no man that be knowing all that goes on within the land that be granted to the Lakota. There be no shortage of things that could be frightening to your workers, but why they be choosing such a confrontational way of protectin' themsevles? Unless they be wantin' more trouble? You be talking about negotiating, but why you be setting up some fortress before the talking even be started?"

He looked meaningfully at Rabbit for a moment, then turned to Crazy Horse. [Language unknown: "Se etfoet, Ndeiouand Andvendertin, in enc ughwi Areiveate ngerat rea retra p her t whela. Itrea ec io eeul tedpreble n een is wa aiioossica. It...ncetheare prontiave? Kor weaiut she ichectvir, chha ndnceiniro, inpa lar."]

Rabbit returns the giant's look with one of mingled shock and fear, not taking his meaning. How could he call the province granted before the general? Accusing Kang directly of having strategic control over the miners would be brushed off, but that look seemed to include Rabbit in their number. Does he understand nothing at all of how a peasant lives? Perhaps I can persuade the high warlord he is an idiot.

Rabbit mentally starts trying to negociate around the consequences a few steps ahead. Plan Two: Run like hell.

"If it is not General Crazy Horse's task to protect the miners, then they must provide their own protection." Kang says mildly. "There are many threats in the Hills, indeed. Perhaps the honorable Crazy Horse will remember the incident with the paha wakansica that lair in The Lodge of the Grizzly with which I so graciously provided assistance some years ago, and which my men still assist in keeping contained."

At mention of this, Crazy Horse actually grits his teeth. This seems to be something of a sore spot Kang has mentioned.



Crazy Horse sits, stonefaced, but he manages a short nod. "Perhaps."



"I see." Kang says with a faintly pleasant smile that goes nowhere near his eyes. "Then please, by all means eat well now. We shall discuss what you may do to make amends to me for your misunderstanding later. In private."



Kang opens his mouth to speak, but Horn Chips, of all people, cuts him off.

"Granted!?" the shaman growls, slamming the table as he stands, knocking dishes and teacups over in his rage. "Granted!? This land not granted!" He fixes Art with a gaze that promises murder. "This land was the land of my father, and my father's father, and his father before him! Granted? By who? By White Father in Washington? Who is he to grant what my people have lived on since before the palefaces and yellowfaces and all outsiders ever crossed the waters!? Who are you, who say he with the Ghost Dance, to say this land is granted? Out! Out of my sight, before I call spirits upon you to rip the flesh from your bones, tear your skin, char your flesh, curse you to pain eternal!"

((OOC: The "Granted" comment went right over Crazy Horse's head. Not Horn Chips, though...this is a very sore spot with him.))

"The miners are surely very grateful for the Lord Kang's gracious gesture," Rabbit says softly, glad to see Crazy Horse calmed somewhat.

"If my masters can spare me from my duties, I keen to amend this, though I fear this very humble one can be of little use to the Great Chief of the Iron Dragon," the youth murmurs, cold with fear at the prospect. Daring to glance at the warlord's face under cover of drinking tea, Rabbit accidentally makes eye contact over the rim of the cup. For half a heartbeat Rabbit is entirely frozen.

(A hot wind, black talons from a screaming sky, the taste of blood and metal. Dragon.)

Just as Rabbit realises it's staring and swallows hard, Horn Chips erupts from the table. Rabbit flinches and instinctively catches a bowl before it goes over. Art gets a brief, frightened glance - seriously, go.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:24, Sun 08 Dec 2013.

Eagle Floating shook his head sadly at the outburst of Horn Chips. "Peace, Horn Chips. Spotted Face is white in skin, but he is not of the same tribe as Custer and Great Father Washington, no more than I am Pawnee or you are Arapaho. It is a simple thing, he does not know what he speaks and has used the wrong word."

[Language unknown: "Icasa ic tho, Sswit Cehiha. Wilastugh ekch oulstianylat werestive ithan sonineerepreati withouany om asneth ie linsa omeresder ek ilta seanun rutreader her etut ou allsetres menwheman."]

Art stood slowly, trying to avoid the clumsiness that Horn Chips demonstrated. If nothing else he had respect for the others around the table for a variety of reasons. He flexed his fingers into fists and then slowly relaxed them. [Language unknown: "O liwa neall mi no houlinati iv, oul Li po ro rofor ati ma k i wehali e Theureateonsast i te wilterder day ioek etni beere fi prrea wa aditni, Saei Dayoulove. P el preecttiotersan e rut ng pari iou comsonsomund ad andntieen t saanofek stiareallvorwas k peee nceestles al er Werainsom wi ineshesom nabepe ivetedshe ureandoun ic prwhee evll thileswer ateme nc wheandthe san ce mosasa o olst, ch llai st neatlo ol ekons yinerasti. Tr be Ectevepro ngwh din lltrss westr ss, rereel k, butsomwas sta i."]

Art bowed his head to Eagles Floating. [Language unknown: "T shetiniveard mi T set na m latreastastiave, un iewhe inta u ieetri be mellen thaovekoravewil ek ri larat i heeril thonc urlaie atidayhisticstr nt outss."]

He then turned to Kang, and inclined his head in a bow to his host. "Thank you for your hospitality, Chief Kang. And another thanks for your toast to Black Kettle. I may never again meet his like. I hope to meet you again under other circumstances."

Art turned and took his leave of the table, shaking his head as he headed back toward the way they had come. He put his fingers to his lips and emitted a shrill whistle, to which Kira quickly responded. He looked around at the land in the vicinity to see if anything might be particularly interesting to him.

Kang nods. "I can find a use for even one as humble as you, do not worry." He says, his dragon eyes flashing.



[Language unknown: "P ith i ekbeil e nila k saee naast om lemeos."] Horn Chips hisses back. [Language unknown: "Allch u strderwas. Ine Oerughrat Adolus Eeest ntofes whng caolan ilee no ectio i ioinmo. Adsa ssnaur erec omhiho lonono intlespre. Ho itca ilerstchme as ant o rutpo Allprocon Enheat estoss, In ithse ted. Ti set has icoer ck. M ni mo unus eenof."]

He stands abruptly.



[Language unknown: "Errom ethe taons, pared. Nepro ati ustr io any tahe arla, honcma traantstr o poulnd ore om ounus. Onno-sias, her areeraeve is siwi'cantno, iou ardtictha il erathuter."] he storms out of the tent, brushing past Art roughly as he passes.



"Yes. Perhaps we shall." Kang says with a nod. He watches Art go, his face inscrutable.

With both Art and Horn Chips gone, Crazy Horse looks fairly lost.

Art shrugged at Horn Chips' commentary but chose not to engage in the back-and-forth that the medicine man seemed to desire, at least not in front of Kang. And not until they had both calmed down a bit. Art did look forward to a more in-depth discussion of how Horn Chips thought the tribes should deal with both the current situations and his suggestion that the Christians would keep taking everything until there was no more to take.

It's not like Art had much doubt that they would if allowed, based on their history, but they weren't currently being allowed to do so. Not exactly, anyway. The large army that Custer had marched through the land which had crushed Red Cloud's men needed dealing with. Not that anyone seemed interested in that incursion. Or at least they hadn't expressed it to Art. He treasured his time with Wovoka, but part of him felt like time was being squandered while Custer continued to encroach where he should not be.

Rabbit's slender fingers unconsciously press into the cup a little as the youth meets Kang's gaze a moment, deliberately this time.

(...sighting down that scratched double barrel in the face of furnace heat. Teeth. Pulling the trigger.)

"I apologise, it would be most fitting that I go, follow Horn Chips," Rabbit explains quietly. To stop him cursing Art to a horrible death, at least. "-but I have said I will give aid to translator also."

Rabbit pauses to murmur a request to the tea-servant clearing the spills in soft Cantonese, then looks to Eagle Floating. "Am I more needed here?"

He simply nodded at Art, not seeming overly perturbed by the goings on, though definitely he carried a sad and a tired expression. The Cheyenne then gave Screaming Rabbit a gesture that gave the youth permission to leave, though not dismissively so. [Language unknown: "T ss venun, tic di es areen the Iela Sebere."] He may have been old, but he was not blind, and noted the look of abject terror that seemed at points to seize the youth while speaking to Kang. That one knows something we do not of this one, perhaps.

He didn't trust Kang any more than did the others, and he thought there was at least some truth in the words of Horn Chips, but he did come here as a guest and would not act like Horn Chips did. "And so here we are," he said, speaking in slow halting English, looking inscrutable as he passed his gaze between Crazy Horse and Kang.

Rabbit nods in grateful acknowledgement to Eagles Floating and steps back, rising in the same movement. Kang recieves a graceful bow to one knee, as befitting a chief, before the youth backs a little and edges out.


[[21:05, Today: Tan Xiaohan rolled 7,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3. Notice to spot dispersed sulking shaman/s if necessary]]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:57, Thu 12 Dec 2013.

As Art scanned the surrounding area, his gaze passed over the meeting that he had so recently left. He was surprised to see that Rabbit had left as well, Art's face making his astonishment obvious. He smiled at the young lad and waved him over to where Art now stood with his hands on his hips and Kira at his side.

Rabbit lip-bites a moment, but Horn Chips isn't immediately apparent and the youth has little desire to ask Kang's men where he went. Rabbit trots down to Art, sure-footed as a mountain child, and pauses nearby to toss a scrap of stir-fried buffalo to Kira.

The little stray speaks before looking up from the dog's level, tone soft and gently mocking Art's snap back at the elder: "You call your mother granted to you also, Spotted Face?"

Art gets a wry smile, though Rabbit has yet to stop being entirely pale from dealing with Kang.

Kira tracked the buffalo meat as it flew through the air, jaws snapping shut around the meat once it was close enough. Her tongue licked about the outside of her mouth once she had finished the snack.

Art cocked his head slightly to the side at the question of what he calls his mother, brow furrowed. "That no be even making sense. She maybe say I take her for granted." He paused briefly before adding, "Horn Chips just be taking things the wrong way. I suppose this be the problem when so many be speaking in a tongue that no be their own."

Rabbit near-laughs, looking up with a shake of the head. "It not make sense because your mother exist before you, and is not your slave, though she give you things and raise you up...for Horn Chips, the land is like his mother."

"He would die to protect that one, as some of his brother-warriors did in the wars, but it is to protect, not keep like in a cage. You understand why he threaten you?" Rabbit ruffles the short fluff not part of the queue, earnest if nervy.

"Is not honourable to allow any persons to call your mother a slave. Still, I hope he sees you are just a full teacup, and does not curse you. There was a man where I grew up whose ancestor was cursed by a shamen, and sometimes invisible ghosts would jump on him and beat him up - I saw it, he fall down and go like this," Rabbit demonstrates spasmodic flailing. "-on the ground: he was very unfortunate."

"If you would like, I can take apology to Horn Chips. Even though I sound like virage idiot when I try to talk Sioux." Rabbit blinks and looks concerned. "-is it more easy for you to talk Sioux or Engrish?"

Art furrowed his brow and shook his head in disagreement as Rabbit spoke. "I be explaining to Horn Chips that precise concept. That we belong to the land and not the  reverse. I do not be thinking that is what he thinks though. I do no think he should be threatening those that be risking their lives - fighting for the same things you say he do believe, certainly not before he be asking for clarity when there be something that do no seem to be right."

"I chose not to be using the word own or ownership to be describing the relationship between the Lakota and the land, as I do think the way the Christians be treating it do be wrong. I do no be suggesting there be any sort of slave-like relationship. I do be reminding Kang that he be stepping on land on which he do better tread carefully."

"As for Horn Chips, I be plenty able to be speaking to him in whatever language he do like. I be living among the Cheyenne and the Lakota for most of me adult life. However, I be saying all I need to say to him. I do be wondering if he be on the side of the Raven or no."

Rabbit stares a bit trying to follow the heavily idiomatic English, colour finally coming to the youth's face in a rush as the realisation hits that Art isn't joking.

"You are a crazy person! You are a white crazy person! You insult a man's mother, tell him he wrong to hear insult you admit you are speaking, that he loves her not as well as you - what is that?! What do you say? You even hear yourself?!"

The stray Chinese makes a choked noise, rendered speechless with fury for a moment, but resumes the rant before Art can cut in, scraping hasty words together in slightly butchered English due to lacking the Siouan skills to do anything but swear.

"What, you think he only a good man if he always forgive? Years, many years foreigners are chanting 'trust us, trust us, trust us,' and as many times they are killing his people, making the 'official recognition' so suddenly they are in a province that was before only land...if he had hatred in his heart for you like he could not tell you apart from those men, he would teach you nothing, tell you nothing - have you mutirated with violences and thrown off the mountain! Instead, no, he gives." Rabbit swallows, trembling slightly with sheer anger, eyes bright.

"It does not mean he must risten when you insult him, folget what you say in joking, trust you to mean well for the people who live here when any time you can put on brue coat and go away, and the Americans will not know difference. He took wounds protecting Wovoka! Many times the Raven men try to kill him! Your life, it your choice to risk: it entitre you to nothing. You think the Ravenites wir love you, when we Dance for them also? Crazy person!" The youth looks about ready to storm off, clearly stung by Spotted Face's prejudice against a victim that neglects to be a saint.

"So we are." Kang says inscrutability. His expression certain doesn't give any sort of window into what he must think of the sudden turn of events.

Crazy Horse has also retreated into stone-faced silence. Goupi, off to the side, just looks mortified, while the two fellows flanking Kang exchange words in their tongue and break into wry smiles and, in one case, a half-cough that was almost certainly concealing a chuckle, probably at the natives' expense.

Servants enter the tent quietly clean away the spilled dishes, and return with more food. Kang resumes eating, though he keeps his gaze on Eagles Floating.

The silence is growing awkward.

Art listened to what Rabbit had to say, but confusion was again evident with his shaking head and scrunched brow. "It do be like you no be listening to a word I be saying. Or maybe you do no understand. So I will try to speak in small words for you. I do no admit any insult to any mother. I do no insult anybody. I do hear what I be saying, but I do no think you do. I do no ever say that any man do be loving his mother less then me. In fact I never did make any comparison in any part of what I do say. If you would open your ears and mind, you would hear."

"More - I do no ask good man to always forgive. I do be asking good men that know me to no suddenly ignore all they do know of me. I do no say anything in joking. Again, it be like you no listen to what I be saying if you think I be joking."

"The spirits do be wishing me here. I do no understand what you mean when you say this be nothing to me. Perhaps you can be explaining that to me."

Rabbit watches Art, eyes narrowed. "You know Horn Chips before these two days?"

The little stray's jaw sets. "..." After a moment, however, some composture is regained and Rabbit beckons for Art to hold out his hands. "I explain why spirits bring you here - you hold out your hands like you have the cup without handle, so."

Wary of any sharp movement, Rabbit gently arranges Art's hands, touching only his cuffs, until he is doing so. [Language unknown: "Of pater iou loules P prhi tho erá fo ain tá, utie ortto leneol he wahe, pa utwil adich it."] Rabbit mimes this, but stills Art with a glance before he decides the demonstration's over.

[Language unknown: "Oulom at con convirbut eiic tawh miun tooer in atni talewe i...A san is untrsa usá n comconive dertiowit"] Again, Rabbit mimes pouring the hot liquid, though this time catching Art's sleeve as though he might pull away from a real scalding. [Language unknown: "Os hi nteestthe ted peá, trons str, it elwil al, atiounent."] Rabbit keeps Art's gaze for a few moments, trying to will sense into the giant.

"Spirits bring you here, spirits give...but it you that choose what you will hold out to recieve, whether it will harm or refresh." Rabbit lets go of Art's sleeve, the anger gone now, replaced by that careful blank. "But as you say, I am only stupid foreigner that speaks badly and understand little. I will try to do better."

Eagle Floating on Gentle Breeze could hear the melody of the earth's medicine in the wind, and when he idly placed a palm upon the dirt, he could feel it in the soil. He took a handful of the earth and crumbled it, letting the granules slip between his fingers. Crazy Horse seemed overwrought. He felt somewhat responsible for having brought Spotted Face into this gathering, who had raised the ire of Horn Chips without intention. The two would have to have a talk if there was time later, though there seemed not to be much time for anything. Events would outpace the Ghost Dance if they did not attempt to control them. He felt it would have been best if another stayed to shepherd these proceedings, but at the moment it seemed he was the only one.

"Chief Kang, earlier you pledged to give us a tale of your great deeds in exchange for the tale of Spotted Face...Art. Spotted Face gave his tale before he departed. We are fewer in number than we were then, but I would still hear it if you would tell it," he said. His English was clear, but his accent was strong.

Art allowed Rabbit to make the demonstration without resistance, trying to follow the explanation as best he could. For not the first time, he wished there were no language barrier. "I do believe it be up to us to make the best of whatever situation the spirits do lead us into - I do not expect them to be taking me free will and always showing me how to act. It be up to me to find out what good I can be doing here."

He shook his head at Rabbit's profession of stupidity. "I did no say that you be stupid, only there be no way to talk in both our native languages. So there do be the possibility we no understand what the other do be saying if we be using difficult words or ones that can be taken to be meaning more than one thing. There be several foreigners here, including me."

Art paused briefly, then looked back in the direction of where they had spoken with Kang. He looked as if he suddenly remembered something, then turned his gaze back to Rabbit. "What do you be knowing about, er, Chief Kang?"

"Indeed I did." Kang says, taking a sip of tea. "And though that esteemed member of your group has departed, perhaps you will relay the tale to him. I will tell of my battle with the paha wakansica that lair within the sacred Lodge of the Grizzly, the battle with which I secured passage for my iron road through the land of the Sioux. It is a tale that Sir Crazy Horse knows of, though, so I hope I am not causing him boredom with the tale's repetition."

Crazy Horse's face goes even more stone-like. He doesn't answer Kang, who shrugs and begins his story.

"I first came to the Lakota Nations after my purchase of the Chicago and North Western line. Then, the Lakota Nations stood between myself and the sea, and I wished only to be provided a way through. I spoke many times with the wicasas, especially with Sitting Bull. They were not, at first, willing to allow me to build my road, but I kept asking. Then, some years ago, Sitting Bull asked for my assistance. He would provide me with the right of way, he said, if I could find a way to stop the paha wakansica. I agreed, and sent men to the Lodge of the Grizzly. There those men met a terrible fate, and did not return, and so I gathered a group of my most powerful warriors and went to the Lodge myself."

"The land around the Lodge of the Grizzly is strange, and dangerous. The paha wakansica were said to have skin like stones, and bear weapons that can melt the flesh off a man's bones, or freeze the blood in his veins. There were bears with skins like lizards, silver riversnakes with poison bites, tiny dogs on the prairie that could strip the flesh from a man, and devil bats large enough to carry away horses."

"My band of heroes passed through these dangers, though several lives were lost. We entered the Lodge through a great hole in the mountain. In the caverns, we came across a hungry darkness." He pauses briefly and shudders. "I know of many terrible things in this world. The hungry darkness still haunts my dreams. We fought it with fire and with magic, banishing it for a time. We passed into the upper caverns, where we were beset by red insects the size of dogs, with razors for tails." he rolls up one sleeve and points at one of his scars. "I received this there, fighting an insect that was trying to kill one of my men."

"We passed beyond the lair of the insects, and found ourselves in the halls of the paha wakansica themselves. Inside were wonders. The paha wakansicas were once capable of wonders. The halls within gleamed, and there were wonders to behold. But the paha wakansicas had become degraded. Debased. Little more than savage monsters. They came at us, and we fought. A terrible battle came then, and many men and monsters died. In the end, the chief of the paha wacansicas, called Zabrox, surrendered and pleaded for his race. He had a device that could turn his words into our language, and we spoke."

"I learned many things, then, about the paha wakansicas. They were descended from a race of beings more ancient than man, a race that came to the world from beyond the stars. Zabrox's tribe were the only remains of that long-ago people. The Lakota had transgressed in their halls, and they feared the outside world, so they retaliated. So like it is between the Lakota and the White Man, all they wished for was to be left alone."

"I promised to send Zabrox my mightiest warriors, who would guard the gate that lead into the Lodge. My people would keep the paha wakanicas in their world, and the Lakota in ours. This done, I returned to Sitting Bull and told him of this. The mountain devils would not return, so long as my men stand guard. And so it has remained."

Rabbit hopes the repetition of the lesson means something sank in, though with Art it's hard to tell. Rabbit watches him a moment, then privately lets the frustration go, expression not changing.

[Language unknown: "Ng com oerwering sti Ichsonshe virouroneven, O consonsom u ckse hisee forandinedin tioentnot osand Ngelurio on tiofto Fi th, ca iewas the m a utpo m hi."]

Rabbit blinks a bit. [Language unknown: "Ni fo nc it haliol olons ti havir ro pro,"] Rabbit says, considers whether that's true, and goes on. [Language unknown: "Mi ei tiear asloet at pre ac aita Ilarpl Encwilund Eausonain, st ar eiurmi wit thart whrut the hoes, ofun u reil Resainint...t ing hiith Sianes Ieecri Nctini Ulhimo n ven hiain Eehas ev viriv le taom her thu be ouli'unse ssll te olanrita'thon. Ha sere ac ometinint pr ol etilsa stevse, ratmo ure ofhe beetmo, rat ove laaiacwi. Un t anave ant os ad astla si hecami of lesineterainsti yinar, ma wh se out essbleere ear plwh."]

 "I have heard some small scraps of this story, but nothing like the way you have told it. I thank you for sharing it with me, and I will share it with Spotted Face later when I have the chance," said Eagle Floating.

"It must indeed have been strong medicine to beat back the mountain devils. We have much the same, in a different way now, I think. Then it was only the Lakota, but now the Cheyenne and many others besides will come to give their strength to the great Ghost Dance. Wovoka has come from far for this, as will others." The Cheyenne shaman spoke idly, his expression seeming as if he was just an old man rambling, though there was a clarity of purpose in his eyes. A shift in subject, now.

"For the first iron horses you sent through the lands of the Lakota, you set back the mountain devils with your mighty warriors. What do you think they will ask for the second?"

Art shook his head, [Language unknown: "E k icac hipeen Ntni-whil As wilvirhat, was pa, in, ngenwi outouneau ear icaha ive. Ss noal pre fi fonepaai U hericaard. Pehe n korounave toit oureastowh tithme be kornde-tinles anyderous waspreast'ndecon an eauta prel, ekwhie."] Art shrugged. It was likely this wouldn't be the last misunderstanding he'd have with someone. It seemed to be his lot in life.

He listened to Rabbit speak about the power of Kang, though paused a bit after hearing the lad's commentary. He tried to grasp what the youth was trying to convey, and grasp the nuances therein. [Language unknown: "To e wiurpe willse usilnt en eiom un dinthasom o ur ncsiwe ion weheie n lllius earwilsti ti haswerlat. Ilson ul e e ch conyinwer'wasich i lesta peri nte eiel evebuthis anave. Undbe ai est a oul me ckmapa a ario plin a il fintch ho paalai u romecthersan?"]

"I do not have to think, for I have already completed a second--the line to Deadwood." Kang says with a faint smile. "There, I solved a problem for Sitting Bull again, only the problem was this: people will be coming to Deadwood, to mine the gold and the dusky jewel. How do they get there in a way the Lakota can watch? The answer was my line, and the road that runs next to it. The only way in or out of the Lakota Nations for the white man. Should they come in another way, the Lakota is free to confront them."

He crosses his manicured fingers together. "I would suppose that, to complete my new line, I will have to solve another problem for Sitting Bull. I will simply have to see what problems he wishes me to solve. I do so hope the Ghost Dance is not a problem for him, the way the General Custer's advance is a problem. Sitting Bull speaks loudly of the Old Ways, but I have seen his eyes light up at new ways as well...new ways of killing the white man. I somehow do not think a strengthening of the Old Ways will appeal to him."

"You are mistaken." Crazy Horse says through clenched teeth. "Sitting Bull is the strongest voice for the Old Ways. The Ghost Dance will make the Old Ways more strong. Your 'new ways' are just the white man's toys. Sitting Bull will see this."

"Ah?" Kang says, with a gleam in his eye. "Perhaps it is so. I am only an ignorant foreigner, after all, and do not know all the ways of Sitting Bull."

Rabbit doesn't seem to follow this explanation very well, but is soon distracted by the question.

[Language unknown: "Lipeei, whi ingsheder...es sitrun ratatienc, se at. Ta tha Eline Uretedoul, ck n trnte dercom'dayiveeen, a k int ounlatsan'encith Witoerera n ss merepa ncat ekest. Il n tr omwaai thleet. Ri teine heai-stutwh Laicwi Ereicaect ichthicon t wh ribeof onac, niat Whetioall Houpa we rut n tina fiare larhi tiotiname eiicle n atroul, ck i ngmaee and te il estessnte reaos whcasi ti rutwa eve iveil cknani."] Rabbit makes stabby motions to try and get the idea of "assassin" across.

[Language unknown: "Ngio llic ent nc el ta pa, m ofec int, werth onre ll ntprti asinil, ouame wa"] Rabbit frowns, trying to think of a translation. "-scientists. He very powerful."

The idea that Kang would obey local laws brings a further furrow to the youth's brow. [Language unknown: "Ver ndesetany ss nce earoul-lesvir artateour rifor po ekca redmo nt? Ersearlinons hehi foad ort wh onees wereveout, siect iou illro wi st a tiiou trenil, unwi art those e romon. Buteautha Al Willessta ss p our, mi rut tha itte ei Tioectson. Unie olati o Oer? Eveestine casa, o ie weosur i fiers: k re wh paand hirial, hi wh alento un ee lo eenandtic, dinha u preek usel...Isuses hini icaistlanc esswi hou san ti. Omio thi seac, untic, urhe ckur ameto stili ent, pati est encpo diai str aril et sicom estonsere dien, i m i il ic, ssive laeau tr a wa, ev utof hou hishe ted u kor taouas. K Wilsomave Tin yin nce notos tedwe trprul utin he m naekhi tr are t ou, tihawi tho io,fi iees nilo laasca nt, lat ssivdi les us tha stou Stawitcon Niheil En."

"No iotha wer sthoai n wa, ev ic ion o Stihouwas for al Atekee Astratvir u ing entredomeallith se nti. M halat ss en a peniit, andvirher ca arhitr ionwilwer evofun, t weisngmiol. Wi ck leswitwhi ovepr il t thter fino Sihait, lin wh str li el acto thaortand."]

"No, you are not ignorant, but you have yet to learn some things. Even a man who wears his emotion on his face, as does Horn Chips, is not always easy to read. The truth of the matter is in the heart. It is only that you are wrong on this thing, even if you know many other things," he said, his voice calm serenity. Eagle Floating on Gentle Breeze was like a large weathered rock in the middle of the river. The water's passage had worn away at him over time, but he stood there nevertheless. Unperturbed by the turbulence, he was always regarded among his people as a bulwark of stability.

"The Ghost Dance is not a problem for Sitting Bull. We are only a problem for those that would do us harm, as those who follow the Raven have learned to their loss this day and will learn again the next time they should be foolish enough to test us once more. To those, we are a very big problem. Our braves are strong in their hearts, and our shaman are strong with the spirits. And there are yet others who have come to walk our road, even if they are not of our tribes."

Kang quietly eats while Eagles Floating speaks. "You seem quite assured of your path, then." he says when the shaman finishes. "I shall have to speak to Sitting Bull, to see what he says. This should prove a most interesting discussion."

"What will you do about the fortress?" Crazy Horse asks.

"What fortress? The miners, they are the ones with the wall, they are the ones with the guns. My only part in this is a road which may or may not yet be built. Why do you assume I have any say in what they do?"

"You are the Chief of all the Yellow Men."

Kang smirks at that. "If only that were true. Alas, it is not."

"So you will do nothing?"

"I see nothing I can do. You are he who enforces the treaty. Is this not your task, to deal with those who violate it?"

Crazy Horse scowls. "It would mean the deaths of many braves to remove them by force. Too many. And there is Yellow Hair to be concerned with now."

"Then you will simply have to suffer them. Perhaps, if they had less to fear from the bandits of the Wild Bunch, or the Ravenites, or the other creatures of the Hills, they could be persuaded to disperse."

Crazy Horse just scowls.

Art squinted as Rabbit spoke, as if he would be able to see through the explanation if less light reached his eyes. He quietly considered what he heard for a few moments after Tan fell silent. [Language unknown: "Ncebutera ainto noasen a hentle utte wh urthi esloti hatomeall at urth-ekssic evpost n terie. Witintith mi sanhatlin ingaveart neeiin tho inasevos ulosto lehaom eenou iopeol." ]

Art furrowed his brow and nodded at Rabbit's final sentiment. [Language unknown: "Ouivom pa di pomeet oulameast ng fiday ndssil, n ad llfi, ectreason om lin oulnceant. Saiv wewi weunsa aveentble oun era o sheur at reaicaout lesos Itnce Whi."] Art frowned and paused, as if another thought came to mind. [Language unknown: "K ort wailsa Tho n ca enthisstiave ivena?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:31, Fri 20 Dec 2013.

Rabbit's expression gives away nothing. "I believe he keep promises and respect the customs, but I do not know him personally." Under the good buckskin shirt, the youth braces against a shiver.

((OOC: So...where are you guys going to go from here?))

Art frowned at the response. [Language unknown: "M an rom tintinain eeho ofaisi Hasratugh Ilssmo k Tin Thaingwas alrool seek osbe din ev. Rut atce m ter ver ndwaulhi, one pa unncro reawilwit ic ssilnd road lin adplom he an onnt wi roho wa ourstaate k setstiant thi bleardave eravenoer ourughere eveestome direa ouliesmi llos korthusetallnot int o inecel us. I thais po Iouin k moosalca?" ]

Close observation might note a very slight tightening of Rabbit's jaw, though the youth's gaze is low, tone mild. [Language unknown: "Willinwil Setoneear Ll ainthuwer th utithost wa u hasalllin. Thepr Icawe Olbut Erekus ich ca ureingest mo pant ectta i venstiate enturelar."]

[Language unknown: "Ant fiour, peal ro tr ch al fincom?"] Rabbit asks.

[[presumably Art had an idea, as he wanted to talk to Rabbit...in the slightly longer-term, Rabbit'll still want to find Horn Chips at some point, but if Harrowed!Thunder Walker starts walking around/Rabbit encounters Moses with something wrong with him, distraction will occur.]]

Art nodded at the response from Rabbit concerning Kang's ability to keep his word. [Language unknown: "Is re ha of con t a wa fo areurenot t ieven tic ho foio, ar A iouiouher tientr ng Outsheres cariof pala ecare ameol."]

His brow scrunched together at the question about snakes. [Language unknown: "Eiplwiai, man iouateing?"]

[Language unknown: "Ng ll et lopa fo ounvirard mante korunding chweec, son...chno fosi, eencha, ca wala Ardntisom No isetas pe ie n, caven eclenc me se is."]

The youth abruptly looks between shocked and amused, sudden as the sun breaking from clouds. [Language unknown: "Wi...entpo teany os fo atetraest k herounone k, u alnc ateithrea, liol m a whet thti m e ouadch. La laivmo. Wil inne ti art hare'siivekal tra ie, at ek eauingnce k rom sirea ta miand bepanc. M t sonai ntiwi ill essbe ro unon t der acac-hiil, e n lolat ho e ineencthe a thain, houthaher tho saof iou th. Re eardi nongeverut,"] Rabbit says, almost grinning.

((OOC: Since Eagles Floating's [player is out of town, this is all on you two. I'm just waiting on the two of you to come to a decision to act on or make some other motion towards action.))

"Yes, we will all have to speak with Sitting Bull. I am sure he will be interested to learn all that we have learned in the days past, and also from you today," he said, listening for some time to the back and forth between Crazy Horse and Kang on the subject of the Dusky Jewel.

"Crazy Horse, if the Chief Kang has no power over those of the Dusky Jewel, then it is not a matter for him. He cannot be expected to give aid where he is powerless. It shall be up to us to find a solution, though perhaps it is something Sitting Bull will ask of him for his next line. But I think no more point in speaking of it here."

[Language unknown: "...ch whle manwi, Ce has fo rutes ioneivbe ni Ul Larthirea ei ithos? A ovepr o ecan rea vor allnceere pavir at, Th montus,"] Rabbit adds, clearly still meaning to go ask Horn Chips to hold off any cursing.


[[*prods thread to nudge Floating's post down* Rabbit's goals remain the same...Art, PM me if this thread gets wrapped up before Art's asked Rabbit all he's keen to and I'll get answers for you there: I'm sure there'll be space for them to talk a bit during downtime.]]

Crazy Horse nods. [Language unknown: "Ca st ingtr ceel tra. Osall Tinderhat acstr eeesst, assati out p evev cene. Ove m st ersng voreaurat."] He begins to stand.

Kang raises an eyebrow. "Sir Crazy Horse? You have not yet finished your meal."

"Not hungry." The brave says curtly. "I go now to speak with Sitting Bull."

"It seems such a shame to waste food." Kang says mildly. "Not to mention rude to simply depart in the middle of a meal. One would think you were intending to give offense."

"Think what you want. I go." Crazy horse says, and stalks out of the tent."

Kang sips his tea. It seems like the temperature of the cozy tent just fell a couple of degrees.

With the meeting seeming to be over (Crazy Horse talking off into the night, Horn Chips gone elsewhere, and Eagles Floating left alone with Kang) it's clear nothing much will get accomplished. Kang sends a servant to interrupt the conversation between Art and Rabbit.

The man sent to speak with Rabbit is one of the other men who had been dining at the table. [Language unknown: "Pro Itchisnd Liest menichnte ncund inehouyinour avehatingine o enecmi ave yindayent out tho e ic si evun. Teni dinom noalngaimeesit."] he says. [Language unknown: "Ek o es virithnce ha."]

((OOC: Art? Eagles Floating? What are you up to?))

The Cheyenne shaman smiled at the turn of events, shaking his head in mirth, and taking another sip of his tea before speaking. "It seems you have called two Lakota with hot tempers to meal. They have boiled over like tea kettle!" A brief chuckle.

"We are many in the Ghost Dance, and temper of two are not of all, as you see with me, I think. I do not wish to cause offense. You are host, and have kindly given food and drink, whatever other disagreements we may have. But myself and my Cheyenne are here, also guests of Lakota. These Lakota, they may boil over like tea kettle again if I stay here long after they have all left me!" Again, his lips formed something of a smile, as if he found this all amusing.

[[night? I make it 2pm at most...]]

Rabbit starts a little at the abrupt command from Egg, turning and bowing formally to the scientist. [Language unknown: "I ulme-maee earic manthance. Thaardble siroit pa beanpretni ore tawhi sithu, Ou dipo the ate eldiac t enclarect."] It was a weak threat, that Horn Chips might notice an absent apprentice and lay censure on a chief that dragged one away to nameless tortures, but a foothold nonetheless.

"Lord Kang ask me back," Rabbit explains to Art, pale. "It not take very long, I think - we can talk more in evening, perhaps." With a slight incline of the head, Rabbit follows the railroad man, praying with every footfall on the earth.

("No-one's coming for us, honey. No-one will ever come for us. If you find a way to run you jus' keep running: chase that horizon 'til you run clear out of country and there is only white sand or the wide blue sea and not a soul to look upon, or they will get you. Don't come back. Don't look back. Not never.") Rabbit swallows, trying hard not to think of Cassie, of Maria's dim smirk glimpsed between blows of a stick, of mother and home and a fierce refusal to break an infant cousin's feet. Spirits protect me. Please. See me.

Art shook his head at Rabbit's request, though smiled at the youth. [Language unknown: "Plhind ecven, ckie t. Es T ek onsouswheion n erna ousmanund ill, Un sinoar a of estoerect, ore no omusil ameilline ni roevnc aineauhatnte a o hathasome."]

Art looked at the incoming person with a furrowed brow, and tried to observe facial expressions as he spoke. When Rabbit addressed Art, he returned the polite inclination of the head. [Language unknown: "Pr en preeaunde om urng'ieai olcon ckal whiwilion nceundlat. Atwica ich, M ss nde stect ic ch mecath a dinwhirut."]

When Rabbit took his leave, Art narrowed his eyes as he watched the youth leave. He turned to his constant companion and fixed her with a brief stare. "Kira, I do not think he wanted to go back..."

OOC: Art would like to keep an eye on Rabbit and check on Eagles Floating. Perhaps as Coyote or Hawk. Based on terrain and where Kang was, would one be better than the other?

"Boiled over...yes." Kang says. "Let us hope they do not boil over into the fire. I would not like to see them burned." He looks up as Rabbit re-enters the tent. "Ah, good." He looks back over at Eagles Floating. "If you feel you must take your leave to mollify the others, then by all means, go and see to them. I have business here with the young one."

He then turns his steely gaze on Rabbit, and Eagles Floating has the distinct impression he's been dismissed.

((OOC: Art, a coyote or a hawk would probably look out of place in the middle of a Chinese camp. You're not quite high enough Rank to pull off something like a horse, but you might be able to get away with a smaller creature, such as a sparrow, cat, or mouse.))

"Be well," he said, standing, more than happy to excuse himself. He hurried to join Crazy Horse and Horn Chips, if he could find them.

Kang watches Eagles Floating leave, then turns his steely dragon's gaze on Rabbit. He remains seated at the head of the table, while the pair of bodyguards stand and take up a position near the exits of the tent. [Language unknown: "Na."] He says simply. [Language unknown: "Tio t I u n re yin?"]

Rabbit looks up slightly at Floating's passing, then back at the floor, standing meekly and without expression with the sorcerer-scientist behind and the warlord in state before, saying nothing.

Once Rabbit was out of sight, Art bent down on one knee to stroke Kira's fur for a few moments while considering his options. He spun his staff twice above his head before driving the base of it into the ground and calling upon the spirits in a language unknown to these parts.

OOC: Art attempts to change into a sparrow. Druidic Lore of 11.
16:47, Today: Art C. Wiley rolled 11,1 using d12,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 11,1. Druidic Lore (shapechange).

Dark feathers began to sprout where hair once had been, and Art quickly shrank into a tiny bird. He turned to look way up at Kira. "Cheep."

He then took flight, heading toward where the lad had gone in returning to the camp.

At player request, I am going to close this thread and continue the chat with Kang in an Interlude. Art, Rabbit, resume posting in the "Interlude: The Dragon's Den" thread