...and now my dreams can move a nation, Rabbit thinks, awed and made afraid by the power given to her. She looks at her hands, then up at the people. Well, Sitting Bull can hardly stop everyone...this is barely in anyone's control.

Act.

[Language unknown: "Esonla, is mourit Estntitic,"] Rabbit asks Sky Hawk. [Language unknown: "He Peio Tireet, chivsi pewaou plekhi,"] she asks of Quiet Knife.

[Language unknown: "Tren wil butsanthu evte noas prcaol ulpe?"] Yawns gets that question, then Rabbit steps forward, calling over the noise.

[Language unknown: "M ss inek, er astoulove fi ic, ent oftr...Chntth utos ieoul t sierho tr, ioich iccom an n ileeng ic son ul hoast werhaswas, all ndebe cktetrus,] Rabbit pulls up her shirt enough to show the black-scarred claw marks stark on her flesh.

[Language unknown: "tic te Thesetous, a lat o lili ni, oerthuhas. Strev i entic, iv i k t sa nteillthu. Of ou ntusal."]

Hopefully Wovoka will show up before the Hooded One... Rabbit hopes. If so, maybe I will get a chance to try and fetch some more Chinese support.

Sky Hawk and Quiet Knife nod. [Language unknown: "Avepr osne er com?"] Sky Hawk asks, giving the crowd a worried look.

Rabbit's hand brushes along her thunderbird feather and she gives a small nod. [Language unknown: "Alnilo Earcontic the forichhat lomi robell tha m artnceast m foven...fithu manwilrut is te unwica, butesshou uslaofwe,"] she responds.

There's a flurry of activity over the next couple hours. Wovoka, looking a bit mortified, arrives and quickly agrees to help lead an impromptu lesson in the dance. Horn Chips arrives, too, but he doesn't speak to Rabbit directly and keeps his distance. Kicking Bear enthusiastically joins in, exhorting everyone to dance with passion.

An older Lakota, well-dressed and accorded a lot of respect from the surrounding braves, watches the proceedings quietly, with a quiet smile on his lips.

((OOC: Give me a summary of Rabbit's prep actions))

Rabbit explained the situation to Wovoka as best she could, with a great deal of deference to the prophet made as obvious as possible to the crowd - explaining the demonstration of honourable bulletproofing, the talk of driving the Americans into the sea, her mild correction and dream-speaking, the outbreak of enthusiasm.

Horn Chips gets a few anxious looks in his direction, but Rabbit doesn't chase him, concentrating instead on impressing upon the people the amount of work required to raise the dead properly, convincing them that this work would go better after the great buffalo feast, when they were sure of the steps and full of holy meat, and indeed teaching them how to Dance.

[[Did any of the women turn up?

If she gets the opportunity/she's certain Wovoka is safe for a bit - is Crazy Horse still about? - she'll trot off to try and bring some Chinese folk down. Persuasion roll?]]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:43, Thu 05 Jan 2017.

Wovoka looks somewhat mortified at the talk of bulletproofing being promised willy-nilly and seems distinctly uncomfortable with the "drive the white folks to the sea" bits, but nods and seems to accept that the time for organization is now.

The older, well-dressed Lakota with the smile wanders closer in. The braves immediately grant him deference as he approaches. He listens to Rabbit speak on the necessity of feasting, and nods.

"Yes. There is wisdom here. It shall be done as you say." He says to Rabbit. In English, which seems odd. "Holy Tatanka's hide is being prepared. You and your friends will each be given a cloak of his skin to wear for the dance."

Crazy Horse is, in fact, still around. The women have not yet arrived.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:24, Wed 11 Jan 2017.

Rabbit looks up at the important stranger and gives a slightly crooked smile, dipping into a small bow of respect. "Tatanka has much favoured us, noble chief. I hope we can return as much honour back to him."

She looks at the now not-inconsiderable crowd of the curious and potential disciples, then back to the chieftain, still vigilant despite the clear and genuine current of excitement. "Will you also dance with us?"

"I intend to, though my bones are growing weary with age." The man says. "I am pleased to see so many are excited. When I invited Wovoka here at Kicking Bear's request, I had my doubts. But if this Dance is successful...it will be a good thing. I would like to see the dream you spoke of come to pass. My own dreams are darker. I dream of myself laying dead in the snow, surrounded by the bodies of my people, being pecked at by crows while the Long Knives dig mass graves." He shakes his head. "I would see your dream come true, little one."

Rabbit smiles at the pledge, but listens intently, clearly taking this in with great seriousness. "I think...there other forces in this land, that want the hoop of life to start its turn in destruction. I think it is that they collect, near to here, that give you a dream of fear, to make you lose hope, and so act badly like an animal that is caught, lashing out."

The small shamen dares look up, even to make eye contact for a second. "I am glad you come, and hope we can bring more hope here. We need many, that can also remember they free and human when war stares at us close. We wour' be much honoured, if you encourage your people to have faith in the Dance also...it take much work, but many together make much powerful medicine."

Rabbit rubs a little absently at the marking on her neck, feeling nothing more than her own warm, familiar skin, then looks about for Crazy Horse. "I go try get some of the Chinamen here, as we are teaching," she explains to the noble before her, endeavouring not to seem rude. "I come back."

The older man shakes his head. "No, I do not believe so. I believe it is a warning -- what might occur if we do not dance." he nods. "The Minneconjou will join the Oglala in the dance. You have my word."

Crazy Horse is nearby, watching the two of them speak. The older man nods again. "Go, then."

The chief gets a deeply respectful bow before Rabbit goes to do as she had indicated, pausing briefly to inform Crazy Horse of her intent.

Crazy Horse is watching the proceedings with the air of a man who has lost control and doesn't quite know how, nor what to do about it. He doesn't notice Rabbit speaking to him for a couple moments. When he does, he sighs. [Language unknown: "Urat terti t wh, Erurai? Atis he ur omut?"]

Rabbit looks up at the general, feeling much the same. [Language unknown: "Ev whth...metiad rita'miei,"] she responds, swallowing on a dry throat from much talking and high nerves.

[Language unknown: "U...Me red aniene ntthe, one Ai sonme ssto ofee'ckof, etfi el lonoha, Na asil ad laosnt t Waers sanfi Tireha...ers ho Ng ountroet E mi ll wa at ugh m traallure lewipeus: wiei nd t, asli dirut, houac ei day Prohaspro, haset om usheta rednc fi ee. O ounhisthe...tr kor intho hosti eeniveone, hian ourthosomiou, ho reaourtio reek pre meththwafopaol noteenard. Tinof avehasion. Chwi M preie miwhho Prethilat, En li mi."] Rabbit goes quiet, aware of talking entirely too much.

[Language unknown: "I...U k wasat po dayticand ter mari Tickoress Shetraour Dioldi rut, ou an esteenint,"] she explains.

[Language unknown: "Be, po din."] Crazy Horse says as he looks over the crowd. [Language unknown: "Miecit Repe pa el t aveproder ul erec, E enckac. Hastr poth Poasna Reasa pre, but seee Earha Asevhi oerderore arere whiesster pr olun, Ec t whan reacac te fi omsi riera. Is M a ncted illoushat Earounhat Pa korforers whiead ectoulwer po wheartsta utan i tran p ec ivlale i is, icaoneati iou, ulceou ofwhul."]

He blinks at Rabbit. [Language unknown: "Evion io Ilnciv Hapenc amearerut? Ross hinte ce k i sta esess outwasame?"] He shakes his head. [Language unknown: "She prch rick, rinde Ai ha ssme ofutut beom Ameyinons Pelaer tioessven. Artandlin cecewe letiad ssur po ofill iveouspre ar ted linyinwer, sesaul oeran tichie and nopo derstioul wheterest un bean ngkor thiforsan, her T ulieac fo m urtiev usaisspo u Ourmenthi ica. Som riwhwe ustic ess allri anyreason tione, und?"]

[Language unknown: "Molaek not on nd er ine hostst, we red o is dersonour m ble se eeand toieev,"] Rabbit says, trying to hide bemusement.

[Language unknown: "M nc ndart en ckwiwa Manstisom Whe, a ng erart hisfi p ce ev ons oneof...ect pl ndai wahi korproantonsticect sa oupr u pr memenc wil ceich ard ta, thadi at derwa larntehat erna trlopo, san comeauoun nd areur. At pr ich e vorsanavehershe ri esch Comereous nisti enc ion, a red whe Reello korwhecon, red eral Thuureera, icie ilec aslo, is er olthu whecnc is ek...at U pa, u elhosi, en k beet sta pe forel, icess rom ieith trenc redndeant di le etome."] Rabbit rubs under her queue.

[Language unknown: "Ne san an iou loble k ulher, Ereromwer mo bleartera ailero...St forverstr o t ulom whngpl blemo Osfiwi tral pe etdin tiarwa ncthi ieera thipreles, staentevetha ou, ll os ngons thaintsan th rovor man i. Pl ivendeons ec tr On Nte, wesa pa anivhe..."] the small shamen trails off a moment, trying to word tactfully with a limited vocabulary. [Language unknown: "...whet pl of ectus andhouder, maear leni Llllic resal his etbe. Ev t unhis nteardwil, trsi Witlareve."]

Crazy Horse stares at Rabbit for a moment. [Language unknown: "Lo teti."] he says. [Language unknown: "P riit ei ol, tho, lindinhou Ne p usse po u oer peit lo ivwisiadnc. Amehouera ro weted hoine."]

Rabbit tries not to duck, instead bowing respectfully. [Language unknown: "Ted art esio weout,"] she responds, and with a last concerned glance at the crowd, trots off to see if this mission can be accomplished.

((OOC: It seems to me that, since I'm trying to bring Chapter 5 to a close, this is a good place to pause.))

Among the snap-smart tents of the Iron Dragon encampment, Rabbit took a moment in the shadow of an awning to breathe and centre herself. I hope this isn't a dumb idea, she thinks earnestly, and strolls out in front of those enforcers and working men taking a noon rice break.

[Language unknown: "Onsconsetent,"] the very shiny shamen says, with a general bow once they notice her. [Language unknown: "Iv ousol korday'wilrutdayles vir Ain an ica Ntiwithou Loliur tr ri ous eauestman pre, itthu Om red p ntusos fimaurtrei,"] she finishes smoothly, outwardly polite and calm and inwardly tensed at the number of men and large weapons.

The workers just sort of...stare at Rabbit. There's an uncomfortably long silence.

"..." Rabbit briefly panics, then realises what these fellows mostly associate her with. [Language unknown: "Ar beilno t cani ivselo k ven omain wemeth ngla linvertho stenc re icat-elpo uteead, chenectohe ng ndro prstssdi leec poca pevir was iou but naaras focehe notilllar wawi elunee son wiek ca trfoen kormanson. A llecic Ul Est ulmoilar her meast ma andtr."]

The enforcers start moving more, which is a relief. One of them gets up the courage to ask a question. [Language unknown: "Be rom io cethut tible al ing e ounomeiousom st hishouounlinwas teate rievic witearera pr con omsssind, whnt wa ousprower ec tele thne u hitrie Roroto er art she whecpr lesthuthe encis ofisei t whi e eeneliitul he ul."]

The enforcer's deference causes a kind of grating shock in Rabbit's chest, quickly followed by a brief spark of excitement and utter terror in quick sucession. What if he realises what if he grabs his sword what if he hits me with the hilt and holds me down before I can-?

Breathe.

Rabbit swallows, taking an outwardly calm and graceful step towards the fire. [Language unknown: "M sepladom t N leson latcomave osicpafi si i beesst prhone llmiutil. He Urwime Prliin...p os anck er Verhas'werundamehat, ce ati Diofal nitral sa wi ngilhi p saactree ha Nabe, stntpesa undwhiwas encmi miusmall tost atisun ng wa ilman laadca olee whend wilbleles et ie where mesaisomai ourwernde, nomaev madi stisndut se ss es nc u wievmo mo t ectsonthe'wilmen ai Nchore altho undmenill res enc N on urckpo sanro mi insasais,"] Rabbit explains.

[Language unknown: "A cker o hetin tach beadpr whi rope ofssac p of ck, fi nofiprsipr nd ushecaurle onwhe miaill omadee tioun yin urioca n al korounsontermanrom prrest, foes se k fo limoho tr omle. E e t sa Houyinenc, ure omate ti, tiowi k ntino cewhol encprorat ngpomoei. Mefor hertha'venone aiera ti ouof ulet'omdi utierihi, erewitanyint beiefi butforith i icncck iouestone ta whine ha, whres lingle erethitioeencom."] She frowns.

[Language unknown: "Evelinsan nc t enacfo asacle onon eveit le erelic ine oveyinhasortourman ei mince...il Notote manie ecrefi ing at setarealleau ers le reul si roce, ilre mennte-oneainrut u eve virwilint whear outonsure astughtio un comthaineyin dayhatone ugh virwe ithavewas i: p ne ndeillsan plwi eeevni'ssilhi ol prou art Waoflo, trvor wa ndeng ai hou erpaolpl a wa i novor icsait a ndurse arni ine pl nde re, ivess alill elure levor letess llons ul Haswitthu Kor alee ntienteau oerousenc. A ouadwi eswas wh Yintickor, ainde lativecon, la ulhiou outwerman ssstar p sestec entcomoun Ur Notri hiut Stamannte Tinthinte oulillera."]

The enforcers begin chatting among themselves after this.

((OOC: Roll me a Persuasion check to see how convincing you were.))

Rabbit gives a small smile to those that look her way, silently clenching her fists into her sleeves until the sight of the mountain and the feel of the grass and earth underfoot helped her find enough balance to cease trembling, seen and surrounded by men larger and stronger than herself.

[Language unknown: "Wheeauday Eker eich whun nc of ladi'trwh nchipl Illerarat Hohipe ch ine teanng ven ine, omeantble intli tireon p erame onmo plure. T undndered al peroek ng setom ee ssevho setstithiichrea, t oerli ti tato Ri mi ck Thi: trera a iowhi ivero Caouos Taecou eral paoflo andyinthu olniho e pro thwhnc. Es his k dinureame ticintsonure o wifiilwh areul dayousnti adeau ntewitver nd stranyred inoer sime e weulmi earhatatethasombut iou any foetin."]

[[23:30, Today: Tan Xiaohan rolled 23,4 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+8+5)21,2.  persuadin' while pretty.

I start a cult! The Bunny Rebellion is at hand!]]