The Tribe Welcomes the Party
Subject: Re: Words from the Dead
Erk will remain close behind Buchek, but his axe is in its sheath. If Buchek gives him the go ahead, he will begin administering aid to the wounded hunters.
From: Jake
Subject: Re: Words from the Dead
"I am not a servant of Khoftak, clan leader. He is no friend of Kipshaa, who I have faithfully served all my life. I am Buchek, son of Chauth and Suritani, formerly of the Cushat, and sworn enemy of Tossuc Kinslayer. I do not believe I am a spirit. I eat, I breathe, I bleed like any man. Why I live I do not know, and I hope to speak with your shaman on that subject. But this is not the shaman's tent, for me to tell you the story of my death and reawakening in the Tall Grass."
"The healing that we bring is not of the dead, but of the living. Among the Sunset people this one is reveared as a great healer," he says, pointing with his chin at Erk. He is favored by his god. May he approach, to render his god's aid?"
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Words from the Dead
Elotai remains quiet, but slings his bow back up and out of the way. He'll let Buchek deal with this.
From: Erik
Subject: Re: Words from the Dead
Holn answers "My friend here is not dead. He was left for dead. We wish only transit."
From: Clara
Subject: Re: Words from the Dead
Kayla remains out of the way, totally out of her depth. She's still sitting on the donkey, keeping with the travelers' things. If one of the party motions her forward, she will secure the donkeys and bring any of the vital equipment on her.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Words from the Dead
Kubalc defers to the young shaman as the man slowly walks forward, leaning on the bloody staff taken from his elder.
Stepping directly to Buchek's chest, his head barely reached the barbarian's chin. Reaching up with his right hand, he touched Buchek's scar gently, and ran his finger along the death markings on the opposite side of his face. The hairs on Buchek's back raised at the touch, but he did not move. The shaman then walked slowly around the barbarian, looking him over carefully while shaking the staff in the air.
Once he completes this circuit, he looks up into Buchek's eyes and speaks softly.
"You are not dead, no. But the shadow of death follows you. The sandy plain of the beyond was under your feet, but you ran back to the grasses of the living... You have a strength, warrior. But death does not let its prizes go easily."
With that, he calls back to Kubalc.
"This is a w arrior who Returns from Death's Sand. He has great strength of spirit and has lead a healer to us in time of need."
The spears of Kubalc's guards drop point down, and Kubalc strides forward to take grip of each man's forearm in turn, starting with Buchek and Holn.
"Buchek of the Cushat, Returns-from-Death's-Sands. You call the tyrant Tossuc kinslayer, and for that you are declared friend. You are welcome to my fire, my food, and my wives."
Turning to Holn, he bows his head while gripping his hand. "Walker on magical grasses, you too are welcome to stay, even if you only seek passage."
Erk is surprised by the strength of the human's grip, and blesses him in the name of Clangeddin.
"I do not know who this god of the mountain folk is, but I hope he is strong in arm and in compassion. I gladly welcome your healing arts, priest of the mountain."
Telwyn greets the man in his own dialect of the barbarian tongue, which makes Kubalc cock his head to one side. "You speak like the southern tribes who trade with us during winter, but you dress like the sunset people. I see you are a friend to the tribes, and so you are welcome at our fires."
Finally, he comes upon Elotai, and he hesitates before gripping the elf's arm. "You travel with these men, but you are not of their kind." He conspicuously looks at the pointed ears on each side, and furrows his brow. "Do you come from beyond the grasses? I have heard legend of faerie men from beyond the Tall Grasses."
From: Jake
Subject: Re: Words from the Dead
:) Cool turn Matt!