...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: "Undpreeve, lo oerfornti Waaite,"] Rabbit asks Sky Hawk. [Language unknown: "Re Has Etalnt, erssomrut esssanles estartion,"] she asks of Quiet Knife.

[Language unknown: "Ekpro onone fiarwh marea ll menastnte ugh?"] Yawns gets that question, then Rabbit steps forward, calling over the noise.

[Language unknown: "N alall all, nd raturesom si ai, roal aiwil...Plinat itart io o sssaho was, eiss event paest ul omeprotha ic oerth est ckos relalo, wil lanti eehihisi,] Rabbit pulls up her shirt enough to show the black-scarred claw marks stark on her flesh.

[Language unknown: "ame ta Foaite, e ei k rovor p, willinyin. Reom n onepa, u pl k ev sa lisilo. Po wa hasthuter."]

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: "Ave ncul os reata?"] 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: "Lenghe Foroureen butnt wawhan os itnawh haal p oftafo t ver...ro rearedine t pl nddifo, terforcom ilunekti,"] 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: "Prelo icto tr nili, Tothre? Bleei acbe ta forac?"]

Rabbit looks up at the general, feeling much the same. [Language unknown: "T io...manreaort dimeprnd,"] she responds, swallowing on a dry throat from much talking and high nerves.

[Language unknown: "I...E meder undwerion ted, ri Le bedin enore fote'elec, poout mind vermanome, K sawe whut ckesck an Der iv Coneenect...di ho A eenyinateing As arnti vir mo etnte pllo la wienhe ritiitne: whdi p t, ad wil, ta i the Iehaee, son tho ntiwhiart en os hi. Ca sereai...m seent sa con ecolwa, on ousainioutin, om pockee notre tele tedles'wilrombutatited witourall. Ro uremanand. Ma A our arprwa Tedforent, P out iv."] Rabbit goes quiet, aware of talking entirely too much.

[Language unknown: "Re...Nd k ilit k isasin the os Thashehas Hosiil Waiees tho, ore wh alroun,"] she explains.

[Language unknown: "Ou, li ta."] Crazy Horse says as he looks over the crowd. [Language unknown: "Essatiint Hou moec near i tiopreany rom out, O arhibe. Sti ame Ekwiro Ckpo inest, ender wit Ain Whllca tinoulted ivwi cacece hi ekis, To we fo ivssek al and omear mi. Olhi A le erepa somtedoun Ntitralat Osday wheichthu conounhas eentinica n ouslinrat fi i ure i ome chetha pe os, tinichart asur, atilwe wertrahas."]

He blinks at Rabbit. [Language unknown: "Ll est Hemoas Fomeho probleore? Avepa is tin p he in nce betoni?"] He shakes his head. [Language unknown: "Ol avent liiv, at Ne un iveit tamemo plfi Meerpe Chchni virforman. Ateourill eswhfi dihier ess es ere seinto nc ica setamerea, undaveine ame mioula lehas ons atmeec saleee pa om prcon ingsetvor, he Ha stirutant we mi ivenof ourichavefor ek Etieio lo. Stidi staandent ich in alred termenest atiit, atshe?"]

[Language unknown: "Haesei ng t sese ing chlar hasvorthu, sa ng e verec isliha i ho pant eeus thutpa,"] Rabbit says, trying to hide bemusement.

[Language unknown: "I ta lar ai esoupe Thadit Thiet, u n weret nt ck iou ne and lole...ard k al la oreromicaovelarave ad ect wh be tichouove oer thuel ur int, onein atart refo ousncethe enla fiusil, ove reswaswer pa icaof. O ce conee ss ithectthocomoun o seat Whestaove heto me ilis, iv heth ine Weevto astatiwas, ec os Ceaspl, il she itati, ha notto eve stunon lo mepa...chie A ate, t ithbutlat, son p ioth leev i ee, ceti ekany of entpr eauthesom i it ughma."] Rabbit rubs under her queue.

[Language unknown: "Li pa ll ieard est t encil, Thisheeau ni ashihe benech...Ng ceheit il po ted hoofec ur Alwitr ro os fo inetiowit ol rut sasile, omsemopa in, n nce eeart ullina te pro le t. Na stawerers ted le Usas Ovena, el a tedonsart..."] the small shamen trails off a moment, trying to word tactfully with a limited vocabulary. [Language unknown: "...no ca tiur thi tiieun, etiv siio Icasanter eiai io re. P ce thisa evtien, whe Anythoess."]

Crazy Horse stares at Rabbit for a moment. [Language unknown: "Nt ad."] he says. [Language unknown: "Ou atfo ilder no, po, witderica I ou esas io k ing whnot re enmoieline. Etthti ng eau liac."]

Rabbit tries not to duck, instead bowing respectfully. [Language unknown: "Hina nc ee miti,"] 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: "Adaiouil,"] the very shiny shamen says, with a general bow once they notice her. [Language unknown: "N oun tinenindpedi capl Astpe il dicom Redundrom Thihattho nceck o whifi stirearut ho, atck P ove a hatnteles rutichredyinfor,"] 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: "Cket trwapl il thuom shesheard th und fo yinhouwhi meou usmemo lant m bleeau'larous oswhit, terverateticter ant nevor anyundstitra mi fial atero he sta chil ivtest unpenc omofil nence wethin ereou reun prest behont conorebut. To theesstic Tedol Molo nteati'earwas urred ngers ant our."]

The enforcers start moving more, which is a relief. One of them gets up the courage to ask a question. [Language unknown: "I ent een sahiek whepo ing virfi a olatecer urout streauratoulver sipro lesarewit ardforlar i caar outearmennde, and to ntiterter ca onsss rut n tantle Mautro o ntad ilsa atehisday verthaest con moanal po osect e macawiekpr i pa."]

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: "K wheeaustrich a Iv pr ardsanwit antndebletha un o niioec tenaer oulhercomred. Whear Tinundven Ativensti...ee t to t Ioniuratplch, om the Rothei onesetven i u ounoreear k mofillnc avehi Miwhe, motihoce onehateve din ithmantiooun tio ioulinted li comiv si wileol fo ectwi choumi he ter haand wawawhanpr vericawas, ekasut eve tausrope m ad ss ine at siadpe reat k ndmontusck ca Inaiti tra wheencshe chera anoul I beme redvorsta son strto illureiouive,"] Rabbit explains.

[Language unknown: "Ma nt we ce tho stiesswas st llmo ereema k son is, m eveare'ortcontra foand ionwhipreterres on shewasove icmaus foie di ersereati k ever kordinblevensoname essastast, wer lees ch ort cathna m evman. M nc a le Oftist, thi ar oneut, es of ha ckitev ulanca wiasmoca. Meth ekiohiev ec utwit presi urentiionstr elnobeli, illvorlarted tiacti ckhaac ha alritr onsstiter e fi fisa, et illereant neurllseck."] She frowns.

[Language unknown: "Rotota k m tautom anroei ouno der et inosma nabut onsstaforstaainive u com...un Whiiouyin ive rofimo whiiv str houderandver waek nd lesul ek anhe, wa alesplarpo o ilca ticvorera der preurerea lebehe we ichpreioustr waseauwas set ing serenc ac: a evev eccaad aiwhi evchomadmath fi fiive rom Tepasi, ofman ma toon ulnde ion nile'sila n plng ca ev eiches e sheanyany paio lat ng in il, icaen mo caiou res oulato ncla ntihi Trasetate Iou sonbe pleral iltrte. T voranding but all Ounntioun, noos romintoun, herss fiaire tithec modihe ca ersereres rohoil A Newas na Onsmenvor Setwerard olleul."]

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: "Hatthevir Itpa he tha tin hat vorkorsheout hissanoul Atwiec Atntai aric oerun whicpl ncil hiec, nievno te ndilpr k al icno role. N sanwheday e esmawe sheee ersi il riheme naaitoarne, el theil i ie Aclat ng pre Pr: thwa a tr wi Hantit Ceerto lin hionpe poieca ivnati k poit pohape. Nc adho m notersect alittock ck onsvertraive rease yinanyvir ble ritole ou reawasman ssai her e aiuler ncehat-shehisillcom thiiv hiie dinkorred."]

[[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!]]