<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffffff">The Chieftain waved a dismissive hand at the notion of discussing ore with the Two-Spirit. "He talks in circles and more often than not what surfaces is what benefits him most," the Chieftain's held an edge of harshness. "The people of the village love the Two-Spirits. They are rare and have gifts that few can truly comprehend. At least that is the belief, and I will not presume to cast too long a shadow of doubt on that belief."<br/>
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The Chieftain paused. She knew her words pushed close to the edge of what was respectful and what crossed the line. "But it seems your travels have taken you far enough to know what I know. This stranger is from a dangerous place. I've seen his belongings, and while there's nothing remarkable about them, they are remarkable in their plainness." She looked to Arjan as though he would understand what she meant. Even the plainest of people had things of distinction, and too little distinction was suspicious. "While I don't know who or what this man is, I know he has taken measures to not be recognized for whatever that is. My duty is to protect my people," she settled her gaze steady on the healer's. "even if it puts me at odds with one  of their most revered spiritual figures."<br/>
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As a hunter, Rhiak's ears were tuned to the subtle sounds of nature and after a few moments he could hear Orri step from the water and pad softly over to where he stood. The smaller lithe man tugged gently on the hunter's sleeve then hugged around his arm with both of his own. He looked off across the horizon along with Rhiak and smiled softly as he stood shamelessly naked beside the other. "The sun will be set soon," he spoke quietly but clearly. "You may sit by the east fire and I will take my fur to the west fire. That is the ritual fire."<br/>
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Orri spoke casually as he began describing what could be expected. "I will...fall asleep there. At least that is what it might look like to you. You must watch me. You must keep me safe. No matter what happens around this camp, you must watch me." The Two-Spirit rest his cheek to the hunter's bicep and looked up affectionately to him. "Always. Just watch me. I will be running. I will be searching. I will be searching for the man's lost strength. If there is trouble, you must keep me safe. You must pull me back. You will know if there is trouble; you will see it. I will not be able to tell you because my spirit will be in the otherlands while my body is here. Is this okay? You will do this for me, yes? Please? I know you are the one I can trust."</span></span>