NPC: Pure Tribes Potlatch
3/3/2005
09:46 PM
Logfile from GarouMUSH.
[Note: In this particular episode, Yi is not present. However, I am NPCing as a Wendigo - an Apache blooded theurge named Arrow-Scatterer, or just Arrow.]
Currently the moon is in the waning Half Moon phase (45% full).
Rainbow Lake(#2713RJ)
Long and narrow, the lake stretches a mile to the north and south, right at the heart of the woodland. Tall, silver beech trunks mix with the even taller evergreens and dominate the mountain valley. Where the canopy has been broken by a fallen tree, a riot of brambles and nettles have erupted, clinging to anything and everything and fighting for light among the thick forest. Underfoot there is a deep bed of mulch and last year's leaves, muffling any footfall.
Other plants have found a foothold where the beeches make way for the line of water. The edges of the lake are overhung by a wall of dark myrtle, their scent hanging sweet and heavy in the air, giving the place a dreamlike quality. The waters of the lake itself are a clear, unruffled indigo, dropping into bottomless darkness, with otherworldly reflections of the sky floating above the depths. Rainbow flashes of light play about the reeds and weeds that break the surface here and there, throwing colors into the air.
Part of the valley around the lakeside to the south is clear of trees, and often here in the brush and grass a small herd of three woods buffalo can be seen.
Contents:
Joey
Dana
Olga(#4061PJceq)
Michael
Desiree
Harold
Reggie
Keith
Jacinta
Horace(#2629PJceq)
Jordan
Troy Hunt
Richard
Potlatch
Maqii
Spirit Gifts
Obvious exits:
Two Eagle's Bluff Blue Mountains
[look Maqii]
Where the trees meet the shore there is a small rectangular structure about six feet wide and ten feet long. The short side faces the lake where rough steps lead up to an entrance three feet from the ground. A deerhide flap covers the small, square opening. The sides of the maqii are rough timber, gathered locally, and clearly worked by hand. At the lake end, the building is more than eight feet tall and the flat roof slops gently away from the river. Just over four feet from the entrance, however, the roof drops by almost two feet, and then continues its gentle downward slope. At the far end from the lake, a small chimney extends up above the roofline.
Not far from this construction, there is nearly aways a hide of some sort being stretched on a timber frame. Sinew is being dried, and bones, thoroughly cleaned, are being prepared for other purposes.
Dana startles at a glance from Jacinta, her hands clutching the strap of the duffel bag slung over her shoulder a little more tightly as she looks at a spot on the ground midway between herself and the fire. "My name is Dana Valentine. I'm Kinfolk, and I was adopted into the Wendigo tribe five years ago now, by Leonard." She opens her mouth momentarily as if she might continue, but then snaps her teeth shut, and falls into uncomfortable silence.
Jordan blinks then clears her throat as she realizes it's her turn once the silence settles. Fidgeting even more, she slowly climbs to her feet and starts her own introduction. Her voice is strong and clear, thankfully, but touched with a bit of uncertainty, "Yea.. I am Jordan Mankato Spears, Wendigo Kin from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation; and the only daughter of David Spears - also known as Laughs-at-the-Moon, Ragabash of the Wendigo. I am also..." She hesitates as she tries to find the right word before she finally surges onwards, "'helping' and under care of another Wendigo Kin, Richard Barking-Dog," She nods her head towards Richard, "Who I am very grateful for." The words sound a bit unfamiliar on her tongue. With that she retakes her seat stiffly and quickly.
Richard still seems a little taken aback as Jacinta conducts herself as elder, taking a piece of the fry bread out, and hesitating as he takes a whiff at the unfamiliar food. Cautiously biting out of it after taking off his hat, he seems pleasantly surprised when the culinary adventure doesn't come back to bite him in the rear. He seems much less hesitant over the stew, since it at least looks and smells identifiable right from the bat. Still, he doesn't eat much, keeping his mouth mostly free so he can shoot Jordan another scowl both when Michael mentions a wedding. Desiree gets a squint, the man tipping his head back as he almost seems to peer down his face at some comment she made. As Jordan starts to introduce him, he summons up another short-lived scowl; it seems she just can't do right by him. He straitens his head, clearing his throat twice. "Richard Barking Dog, Son of Maryann Morning Star. Kin to the Wendigo. And she ain't taking care of me." Then, he adds facing Harold more then anyone else. "BD does just fine by me."
Harold passes a knowing nod to the only person over 50 in the clearing before standing up with all the solemnity the occasion requires. Long experience in public speaking, both Tribal and otherwise, gives him a dignitas that draws eyes. As if that was a problem here. "I am Harold Smiskin, Tribe member of the Yakama Nation. I am Wendigo Kin through my Grandfather. I was introduced to the Wendigo of the Yakama in 1973, to Lupus Adren Galliard Howl-the-hills-clean," he pauses, "I then left to St. Claire, where there was no Garou Sept. This year I announced my presence to the Tribe. This Autumn I was elected to be the alderman for Ward 7 in St. Claire," he then pronounces a few words in Sahaptin to finish off, and sits down. His eyes automatically dart about the clearing to assess reaction, taking in a few people who had missed his attention before.
Troy rises and takes the space before the fire. "I am Troy Hunt, Wendigo kinfolk from Nunam Iqua. Nephew of the deceased Driftwood Dances, cousin to Pierces the Ice, brother to Francine Hunt, Swims Like Salmon, new Theurge cub of the Wendigo." He glances uncertainly to his cousin before beginning again. "I bring news from the Sept of Clear Water. First, my sister found her blood and has begun her training as Garou. Second, the Athapaskan Wendigo of the Interior have asked for more help, if there are any available to assist them in their fight against the Horned Serpent."
Reggie looks about the gathering of many faces, most unknown to him, his gaze resting longer on the ones familiar to him, as he clears his throat several times, before beginning to speak. The words slow to flow like sticky treacle, he starts, "I am Rags-Torn-to-Rags, a Cliath, Ahroun of the Uktena, and Reggie Coward in the city." The words warm and flow more easily as he continues, "My kin run a pool hall, The Sticks, on Fourth Street of St. Claire, where you are welcome for a table of pool." Shifting his seat, he pulls his bad arm across his ample stomach, then indicates Keith with an imperative wave of his good hand. "This is my sister's son, Keith."
At the mention of his name, Keith rises to his feet, tilting his head back slightly so his voice may carry. "I am Keith Evans, Kin to the Wendigo," he states, " I have come from St Paul, Minnesota to be here tonight." His dark eyes skim a few faces, and no more words come. He nods once, and reclaims his seat.
Olga seems terribly pleased at the prospect of stew coming around, as she sits up as high as she can, craning her neck to get a better look at it as it comes 'round. She's mostly quiet but completely inattentive as the introductions of people she already knows are recounted, though she does give a brief glance over and a quirky half-smile at the happy couple as they give theirs. The others she regards with enough attention to not seem completely horrible, an intense, almost rudely curious look punctuated by a sharp grin at the golden-haired woman she didn't even notice come in; a smile that's meant to be encouraging at the girl who seems to be having difficulties; and a wandering of eyes from Troy to Jacinta, trying to pick out the small resemblances. What she's really interested in though throughout is the fry-bread which she tears into with the ravidity of a starved wolverine. The end of Reggie and Keith's introduction is coincidentally the end of her fry-bread and the perfect time to pipe up. "'M Olga, a Theurge" she says conversationally, giving a smile too big and too friendly to be entirely unpainful on her end, exposing yellowed teeth which are still clung to by surviving bits of bread. "They call me Fat-Ripper. And this's Joey, a Ragabash, she's called Snaps-Leashes," the woman adds with a jerk of her head towards the girl beside her. "We're Bone Gnawers," she adds almost parenthetically, apologetically, in the same way someone might say `oh don't mind him, he's from out of town`.
Out of the south, a lone wolf's howl floats through the air faintly. An introductory notice of trespass, it signifies that Arrow-Scatterer, Crescent Moon of the Wendigo from the Sept of the Flat Mountains, seeks permissions to step into the territory here.
At the howl, Jacinta steps quickly to Olga's side, whispering quietly to her.
A tall man walks, or saunters, more like, up to the gathering. He smiles and waves at anyone who happens to notice him, looking for all the world like he belongs here. "Evenin'," he says amiably. "I'm Jesse Lightfoot from Sept of the Sandstone down by Yuma." He blinks and hunches a little at the introductory howl. "Oh, uh, this here Galliard requests permission to enter your territory?" he says, looking sheepish.
[look Arrow-Scatterer(#4076Pcr)]
A rangy looking wolf, red buff and black-ticked all along her short coat of fur.
Olga looks around when Jacinta whispers in her ear, gives her head a tight bob, and shuffles to her feet, giving Joey a slap on the back as she gets up, and talking quietly to both of them.
Harold c-a-s-u-a-l-l-y leans near Richard for a moment.
Olga heads off into the woods, in the direction of howl which had come, after a couple seconds dropping clumsily into Lupus form and lopining off.
Joey startles at the slap, then gives a faint nod as she gets back to work on the food in her lap.
Jacinta smiles at Jesse and gestures to the log benches. "Sit. Please. Are you hungry?" Without waiting for his answer, she fetches the now mostly empty bag of fry-bread and brings it to him. "And, now that we are known, it is time that we begin." She steps outside of the circle and removes her seal-skin boots before stepping barefoot onto the hides on the other side of the fire. "Michael. Desiree. Will you join me, here?" The tone is less question than command, and she gestures to their feet with a jut of her chin, indicating that they should do as she has done.
Richard snorts good nature at something, rocking in place in silent laughter. Growing more serious, he leans forward, looking between the two younger that Jacinta calls out after beign momentarily distracted by the Bone Gnawers.
Harold is all innocence and benevolent looks as one of the night's feature events begins.
Jesse gives Jacinta a wide smile as he helps himself to a piece of bread. After seating himself and setting the bag back on the table, he looks around, checking everyone out.
Jordan starts to munch on her fry-bread hungrily at first, before she starts to dip it into her fish soup. Finishing her meal quickly, she brings her knees up and wraps her arms around her legs as she listens to everyone's introduction carefully although she tries to act as if it doesn't interest her. Her eyes slide over towards a few certain faces before she focuses on Jacinta then Michael and Desiree.
Troy moves about the semi-circle, refilling bowls and bringing a bowl to Jesse. When everyone has been fed, he also leaves the circle and picks up Jacinta's drum. Kneeling just off to the side of the covered area, he begins to tap out a slow, quiet beat.
Dana does little more than nibble politely on her bread, grateful to return to obscurity while she watches those around her avidly, especially noting the Kinfolk present.
As the ceremony begins Horace starts paying as close attention as he can, curious and eager, a sentimental smile wrapped around his face, goofy-looking and entranced. His eyes do occasionally wander though, to the new faces, seeming to invite them into his enjoyment of the thing.
Michael moves first to retrieve a woven bag near him, and places it near Jacinta. He then steps towards his fiance, again taking her hand in his own, sharing a silent smile. The move together as one up to Jacinta, once Desiree has carefully removed her moccasins from her feet. She looks down for a moment, and then looks back up towards Jacinta. The woman looks across to her beloved and flushes in her cheeks, smiling warmly.
Jesse thanks Troy quietly for the soup and does his best to chow down as politely as possible, while still paying attention to the ritual. When the drum starts, his feet start moving, tapping a rhythm despite the slow beat.
The Gnawer elder returns not long after the beginnings of the ceremony, accompanied by a young woman carrying a tanned-hide bag that looks almost too big for her to be carrying. As things are underway, she gets shown to a place to reside, and settles in there with a grateful, but careful set-down of her bag. The girl, not much older than late teens really, tugs at the seams of her denim jacket a couple of times before cocking a head and waiting to see what's going on.
Jacinta takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly between her teeth. She waits until the new arrival is seated and then gives a sharp nod. She speaks first in Yup'ik, and then repeats in English, gesturing with two open hands first to te fire and then turning to the lake, "Between Fire and Water." She removes the central skin that had been covering the ground and places it behind her. "Between Earth and Sky. We come together to witness the joining of two lives." Looking out at the gathered, she spreads her arms wide. "Are there those who would witness the declarations of intent from this man and this woman?"
Harold raises his voice to be heard, "I will witness."
Horace looks over at the two coming in, his brow furrowing up in great and obvious annoyance, like they're doing things all wrong in coming now, like they've ruined the solemnity. Slowly his forehead smoothes back out as he returns his attention to the proceedings.
Jacinta nods and looks past the fire to Harold. "Ii. Then come and join us here." She reaches down into one of the small bundles and remove a beautifully braided leather thong, several shades blended together into one smooth, soft plait.
Jesse hastily mops up the last of his soup with a piece of bread and stuffs it into his mouth, then gets to his feet. Chewing furiously and hopping a little to get his boots off, he steps towards Jacinta and the bride and groom. "I'll witness too," he says, again looking sheepish. "If that's okay," he says, grinning widely now that he's managed to swallow his food.
Harold nods at the cerimonial duty, and works at the laces of his boots to get his feet out of them. Socks too. Barefoot, he *processes* to the fore, attempting to bring a hint of solemnity back to the event.
Jacinta gives Jesse a nod as well. "Ii. Join us."
A sort of nervousness enters Horace's posture as he sees Jesse go up as well, and Jacinta accept him. His hands come down against the ground like he's going to get up and go foreward, but he doesn't, he remains in the audience; again he smiles at the couple, though this time it's slightly strained, and apologetic, awkward.
Richard continoues to watch, pulling his hat over his knee slightly tighter. He lifts his brow as he opens his eyes that much wider, trying to keep his posture more upright and solemn than not.
Arrow hangs towards the back, noting some distinct lack of any familiar faces with a slight narrowing of her eyes. It doesn't last very long however, as she focuses attentions on Jacinta first. With the askance, and reply from Harold and Jesse, the girl tilts her head again ever so slightly. Her bearing witness is from afar, as one of the 'crowd.'
Olga snugly reclines as the ceremony proceeds, trying her best not to in any way disturb them. A smile sits happily on her face as she watches the two, watches their faces.
A tall obvious Native American is seen first by Jacinta, the only one facing intently in his direction as he walks up to the gathering. He announces to the gathering in answer to Jacinta. "I, Lightfeather, who am Fostern Ahroun to the Wendigo. brother to Michael and son of David Flying-Eagle, Adren Philodox and Emily Dear-Eyes. Widowed husband to the sister of Michael, Sarah. I come to give my blessing to this union on behalf of his blood."
When both witnesses and the betrothed stand near, Jacinta steps back to the edge of the bared ground. She reaches out a hand to Michael and one to Desiree and leads them to the center of the open area. "This cord will bind the hands of these before us, as they stand before Grandmother and Sister Luna, between the elements, and in front of witnesses to bind their hearts and spirits."
Michael immediately turns his head at the voice, and his jaw drops in surprise. This only lasts a second, as soon as Jacinta speaks once more he snaps his jaw shut and with a new determination replacing his simple joy, continues in the ceremony.
Mouse's features creep up into a faint smile as he looks on the couple and the proceedings, but there's a ghostly quality to it, his rich brown eyes seeming somehow haunted. He nods, nods again, rhythmically, as Lightfeather and Jacinta speak, and then brushes a few errant strands of hair from his face. Long arms wrap around his knees, hugging even longer legs to his chest.
Harold turns a quarter turn to get a better look at the ceremony he is to Witness tonight. His bearing erect.
Jesse comports himself into as respectful and solemn a demeanor as he can, which is to say that he stands relatively still but is grinning from ear to ear.
The bride follows the groom's gaze for a moment before she returns her attention back to Jacinta. Desiree stands patiently before Jacinta and Michael, the corners of her lips drawing into a smile once again.
When both witnesses and the betrothed stand near, Jacinta steps back to the edge of the bared ground. She reaches out a hand to Michael and one to Desiree and leads them to the center of the open area. "This cord will bind the hands of these before us, as they stand before Grandmother and Sister Luna, between the elements, and in front of witnesses to bind their hearts and spirits."
Jordan watches intently, a slight frown creasing her brow but she finally keeps still, no longer fidgeting as she stares intently.
Arrow finally gets a bit of a clue, and a bigger smile that is less forced pulls itself over her face. The girl leans in for a better look at the ceremony now with hungry eyes, absorbing details and expressions as she listens and watches.
Jacinta draws the two hands together, placing them in position to clasp each other, and places one end of the cord between them. "As I bind your hands and spirits, speak the words you give to one another to bind your hearts and minds." Again she speaks in Yup'ik, and repeats in English. "Grandmother, bind their spirits, twine them from two into one. Sister Luna, fill the void between them until there is none." While she speaks, she wraps the cord around their hands.
Desiree looks over her shoulder for a moment before her eyes turn back to Jacinta and Michael, a smile rising to her lips as she finds her hands being brought together. She looks towards Michael, her eyes settling on him alone as she watches his facial expression.
What little stress remained about Horace's face melts away, he watches them quietly, his whole face lax and easy, the smile across it unthinkingly happy.
Any looking in Dana's direction may notice her absently toying with a ring on her left hand, a wistful, lonely look in her expression around the slight smile as she looks on at the binding.
A smile manages to creep across Harold's face as the ritual progresses. Its not often something like this happens, afterall.
Troy's drumming becomes louder and a little bit faster until the Wendigo begin to speak their vows. At that, the volume drops almost into nothing, though the rhythm continues.
Michael, as his hand is bound, speaks to his beloved in an intended level tone that every few words slips some emotion free for all to hear, "From this day on, I choose you, my beloved Desiree, to be my wife. To live with you and laugh with you. Yo stand by your side, and sleep in your arms; to be joy to your heart, and food for your soul. To bring out the best in you always, and, for you, to be the most that I can. I promise to laugh with you in good times, to fight for, and not with you in bad. To solace you when you are downhearted. To make your tears my own, and together see through to their passing. To comfort you with my body. To mirror you with my soul. To share with you all that is mine. To be one with you."
Arrow breaks off her gazing at the spotlit pair, just long enough to check out the other various people gathered. As Michael begins his vows, she looks back and listens with a slight turn of her head to the right.
Mouse's eyes sparkle as the couple's hands are joined and they speak their vows. His tiny smile has faded, but the young man's expression now seems clearer, more geniunely glad for the pair and less wrapped up in his own thoughts.
Desiree looks into her lover's eyes as she begins to speak her vows. The woman's tone is soft, although can still be heard by everyone in the crowd witnessing the event. "My Dearest, I remember the day which I had first set my eyes on you. It seems like it was only days ago that I had fallen in-love with that man. When I was first told that I would marry you, I nearly laughed, but now that I see you, I can see that you are a true warrior, peacemaker, and lover. I will never hide my pride of being your wife and with those words, in the presence of our dear family and friends, I pledge to be your wife from this day forward. Where there has been cold, you have brought warmth; where there was darkness, you have brought light. Our strength lies in the path we have chosen together. I enter this marriage with you, knowing that the true magic of love is not to avoid changes, but to follow the path together, hand in hand. Let us commit to making each day work, together. Whatever lies ahead, good or bad, we will face together. Distance may test us for a time, and time may try us. But if we look to each other first, we will always see a friend." She then continues on to say, "For better or worse, richer of poorer, in sickness and health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, to be faithful to you alone Today, I take my place as your wife. May our days be long, and may they be seasoned with faith, love, understanding, and respect, forever and ever. Today is the beginning of the rest of our lives. I choose to spend today, and all of my tomorrow's, with you."
Richard, likewise, looks terribly solemn, if not a tad wistful as he looks on. He tries to keep his posture upright, lips sealed tightly as he nods to himself in rhythm to the 'vows'.
Jesse, though still smiling, sniffles a little and dabs at the corner of his eye with a knuckle.
Harold's face creeks into a more solemn mask during the recitation of the vows, earlier joviality driven away by the intensity of the two young people before him.
Jacinta's hand rests atop the bound, clasped pair, and she smiles faintly at their words. She turns her face to Desiree. "All things come from Grandmother, and all things to her return. Such is the way of the People. All are born of Woman and through Woman the People persevere. In this sacred place I ask you, is it your wish to become one with this man?"
Olga's stillness begins to fade as the vows are said, and her smile fades when she sees she's slurped up all her stew, and eaten all her frybread. Joey on the other hand remains grinning throughout the affair, ear-to-ear, basking in the ceremony of it all, paying perfect attention.
Desiree remains with her eyes kept on Michael while Jacinta. She answers with, "I do." as she looks up into the Ahroun's face and continues to hold onto that warm expression on her face.
Without response, Jacinta turns to Michael. "Luna gives us her power to defend Grandmother's body. Such is the way of the People. Man is the protector of the People, and because of his protection the People persevere. In this sacred place I ask you, is it your wish to become one with this woman?"
Michael returns the look with a deep stillness in his eyes. "This is my wish."
Jacinta allows a small smile and then asks of each, "What gifts do you bring to show your prowess and your readiness to be wed? What do you offer each other? What gifts do you bring for your witnesses, your visitors, and guests?"
Arrow, at mention of gifts, gives a quick glance to her brought bag. The girl wets her lips, and makes an effort not to fidget.
Olga too seems highly intrigued at this turn of events, the mention of gifts is quite enough to snap her slightly flagging attention back to full, though there's as much curiosity in her eyes as there is greed.
Michael turns, kneeling beside the woven bag he carried up. Untying the twine that binds it he lays out first a deer fur upon the ground, then atop that a large rack of meat both on and off the ribs. He then shuffles his arms beneath it to lift it up, presenting
Michael speaks in a louder tone now as before, commanding respect and showing the might of a warrior. "I bring to my beloved wife the skin of a beautiful deer that could become many things, I bring the meat of the mighty boar that will feed us and our children till the time comes that I teach them to hunt."
Arrow observes Michael for a little bit, and murmurs something to herself. Those nearest might faintly hear something akin to, 'big pig.'
Richard's facade cracks, brow wrinkling up even further then it is naturally as he looks on over at the couple with more than a mote of confusion. He squashes it down after a moment, before looking over to Jordan to confirm that the teen is indeed still there.
Jordan is alive and kicking, although the frown is still present on her brow. As she glances back at Richard, she quirks her eyebrows up at him before she falls still once more to look at the gifts. Her lips are drawn together in a tight line as she tilts her head curiously.
Desiree takes up a small basket, which she presents to Michael first. Within it is a a complete outfit made out of elk. The hide has been tanned into a nutmeg brown coloration. The outfit includes a jacket, pants, leggings, and moccasins. The jacket has Costal Salish iconography painted on the front and back of the jacket which has been painted in a deeper shade of tanned hide. For her vistors, from the both of them, she lifts a blanket from one side of the fire. "I have brought gifts which I have made by my own hands." she replies. The first being dried jerky, provided by Michael, with cornmeal and winter berry to provide their guests provisions for the trip home, woven baskets of various sizes, small articles of clothing such as moccasins, leggings, and gloves, and simple, woven blankets. At seeing Michael's gift, Desiree flushes deeply, looking fairly honored to be presented with such a gift.
Jacinta releases the hands and allows the symbolic cord to drop away. "You have shown your worth, your dedication, and your wish. From this day forth, you shall be one in heart and mind, in spirit and hand."
Horace smiles beatifically at the gifts Michael brings, there's a strange light in the boy's eyes, almost enraptured, as he stares at them. For once his eyes don't wander. At the announcement from Jacinta his lips part into a huge gaping-mouthed grin, stupid looking and happy, which almost dissolves into laughter.
Mouse glances on the bride and groom's gifts with obvious admiration, leaning forward to rest his chin on his knees. A quiet, approving sound - half-grunt, half-sigh - escapes his throat as the two are announced to be truly one.
Troy beats the drum into a crescendo and then silences it, before handing it over to Jacinta and taking a seat on one of the logs.
Harold reaches a hand over to touch Michael's shoulder to offer his own congratulations
Jacinta gestures to the newlyweds to begin distributing their gifts, and then she picks up one of her other bundles, unwrapping several small wolves carved from antler. "More food will be brought out, shortly," she says as she begins distributing her gifts to the visitors.
Jesse looks impressed at the bride and groom's gifts to each other. "Congratulations, guys," he says to Michael and Desiree, still grinning like an idiot. "It was a long drive but I'm really glad I made it."
Michael looks first to Jacinta with an approving thankful smile, then back to Desiree. Once their eyes meet again he embraces his new wife, and tilting his head down he kisses her deeply for all to see. Desiree offers her mate something akin to an eskimo-kiss before she playfully wiggles from his grasp and picks up the gifts to have them distributed among those gathered here tonight.
Dana says nothing, simply nods with a smile towards the couple, a gesture which may or may not be caught in the general return to activity now that the ceremony is completed. Her gaze drifts towards Jacinta, watching her as she mingles, her hands resuming their clutching on the strap of her bag.
At the announcement of gifts, as the high solemnity of the ritual passes away, Horace begins to look nervous again, though the smile and the sense almost of bewilderment remains there vestigially. The play between the newlyweds brings him back to his trance for a moment, smiling at them, distant again, not seeing too much else.
Arrow peels away from her spot as things have come to a happy end. Her impression of Desiree's gift seems to have outweighed Michael's a tad, judging by the eyebrow lifting at the work done to the outfit. Nevertheless once things have finished, she bends down and opens up her hide-bag to fish around in it.
Richard rises shakily using Jordan as support, offering the couple a wane smile and a few short words of congratulations when they finally come around in his direction as the gifts are distributed. Michael gets a brief handshake, but the older man is eager to return to sitting after the long day's walk to get her in the first place. When he's finally sitting, he tries to catch Jordan's attention, murmuring: "It's too late to go back... 'f you'd ask around, find someone who has a place where I can sleep tonight nearby."
As Jacinta gives away the last of her small carvings, she makes her way toward Harold, her voice quiet as she speaks to him.
He might have cut a handsome figure in the past, but the stooped old man is decades past those days. His square face has seems to cling to his head in a desperate attempt to stay where it is, and lines run under his eyes, either side of his nose and around the mouth in a seemingly permeant scowl from smiling far too little. His silver grey hair has retreated up his head and to the temples, the man keeping the remainder moderately short and combed back over his head. He has almost an intangible quality about him to some, seeming stoic and ageless. Almost even a tad familiar.
He's wearing a dress white shirt, buttoned up all the way except for the collar, and a denim overshirt on top of that. Folded neatly in the front pocket of the overshirt is a large pair of glasses and a wallet. His fairly nice jeans look haphazardly ironed, like they were pressed by someone who didn't quite know what they were doing and much rather would have been bowling, but his hard boots look freshly waxed and almost too nice to wear. A tan Stetson knockoff sits perched on top of his head, with a small green pin in the band.
Since ceremony seems to be winding down, Olga enthusiastically presents her own gifts, cornchips and soft drinks, though since she's the first one who grabs a fistful of chips and Joey's the first to snag a soda, it's obvious that they're intended more as a communal offering than anything else. With a wave of her hand in invitation to dig in she dumps the bag down in front of her.
Mouse doesn't move from his spot, just nods slowly at the newlyweds for a few more moments. Then, his gaze strays, looking at the others gathered for the first time, his gaze curious and shy. Then he's suddenly self-conscious, drawing himself up and straightening his back.
Jordan does help Richard up to his feet and even walks with him, offering her own congratulations to the couple along with a bob of her head. Helping Richard back, she listens to him carefully before she nods, murmuring back, "I'll see what I can do. Let me just hand out my gifts as well." With that, she reaches for the backpack she brought with her and brings out a small sack. Digging into it, she starts to hand out her gifts as well, a small tanned leather pouch with a drawstring, something simple and probably could function as a place to put small items such as change or herbs. Handing her first one to Richard, she then begins to give others as well, looking quite solemn although she offers a tight smile every now and then. However, once she moves towards Jacinta, she attempts to murmur something to her.
Troy, despite being a visitor and receiving visitor's gifts, plays the part of host and retrieves more frybread, salmon strips, dried fish, and moose jerkey to put out for the gathered. He also puts out a large metal bowl full of aqutaq, with salmonberries, blueberries, and raisons.
Harold reaches his bag after the short conference with Jacinta, and pulls out a canvass sack. Out of which come cloth wrapped bundles of what turn out to be smoked salmon. Discriminating noses note the presence of real wood smoke, not the chemical stuff. These bundles get passed out to the visitors to the area. He pauses before certain people to exchange a few words.
Horace's awkwardness returns as he slips back into awareness of his surroundings, away from whatever place he'd momentarily been. He draws himself deeper into his blanket, pulling its filthy length around himself. He smiles at those around him but the attempts at sociability are weak and slightly scattered.
Arrow extracts out a few, what looks to be handwoven baskets and another fur-covered package. Various baskets are handed out to these strangers, but not until she reaches the newlyweds does she truly pause. A bigger basket, woven with southwestern motif and colors, is presented to them out of the bag. "Please accept this as a well-wishing for your future."
Jacinta nods to Harold and then turns to listen to Jordan. "Ii," she replies. "Troy has a tent, here. It is not as soft as a bed, but he has an air matress. Richard may use that."
Jesse proceeds to Mingle now that the ceremony is over, making sure to snag a soda and some chips from Olga and Joey.
Michael nods his head and smiles in thanks to the guest, "It will be used well and with thanks."
Dana, as a visitor, seems disinclined to accept the gifts offered to with a softly spoken, "No, really, I shouldn't," accepting them only if the giver insists, and with an attempt at grace. Harold gets a curious look from her after he passes by, and the blonde looks over to Jacinta, briefly, with the same expression.
Rounds complete, Harold approaches Jacinta.
Keith accepts each gift as it comes to him, and though he seems a little awkward about receiving them, he is genuinely polite and thankful. He makes note to inform the newlyweds that he is honoured to have witnessed such a beautiful ceremony.
Arrow nods back with a politely pleasant smile, and then moves off to allow others access to the newlyweds' attentions. She then starts on a small invisible route to Jacinta as well, but seeing Harold step up first, she waits off to one side.
Desiree has barely been able to contain her smile all evening, which is just fine for a beautiful bride. Once she is finished handing out the gifts, she stands at Michael's side and smiles as she looks quiet amazed by the craftmanship of the southwest basket.
Jacinta smiles somewhat shyly toward Harold as he approaches, and turns to walk to the steps of the Maqii. There, she sits, and watches Harold with the same small, odd smile.
Jordan bobs her head before murmuring a thank you to Jacinta, offering a more genuine grin before she makes her way towards Richard. Her eyes move from people to people, although she eyes Kevin and Reggie curiously for a moment, then at Horace before she gives Richard the answer she got, "There will be a tent here, Troy's, he has an air mattress you can sleep on and stuff." She smirks lightly at him before she flops down. "I'll stay here as well."
Jesse also demures as much as possible when it comes to receiving gifts, but for his part it's all done with a wink and a nod and he ends up accepting most of the gifts anyhow. He responds with various promises of dancing and storytelling later.
As the gifts are distributed, Mouse stands to accept his. And once he's not trying to hunch and make himself look inconspicuous, it's clear how tall the young man really is - at least 6'4". "I thank you," he says, his voice both rich and deep, but also soft-spoken. After some trepidation, he approaches the newlyweds, nodding to Desiree first, then Michael. "I wish you luck and happiness. May your children be strong and the Grandmother bless you."
Harold departs the crowd to join Jacinta by the Maqii, his exit from the social atmosphere quite smooth.
Jacinta continues to watch Harold, and when he nears she speaks to him softly.
Horace doesn't quite get up, but he leans forward in his place, blanket spilling around him. He continues looking a little unsure but
Arrow hms to herself, seeing Jacinta and Harold move off. With a short nod to herself, she slips the fur-wrapped package in her one hand down back into her bag and ties the string tightly before starting off towards a slightly less crowded corner of the building.
Horace doesn't quite get up, but he leans forward in his place, blanket spilling around him. He continues looking a little unsure but he waits with all patience for a brief silence before saying, entirely earnest, his face so puckered it's sore, "Congratulations, Desiree. Congratulations Darkfeather-rhya."
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