Trust you? Why? circles you warily, spear pointed firmly in your direction, muscles tense.
The storm... it was too much. I barely had time to react before we crashed on your shores.
And now you come to my land? My people suffered from invaders long enough. Explain why I shouldn't finish what the sea started.
There are those who wish to harm you. But there are also those who wish to help. smiles faintly I am one of them.
I see. Prove it. Prove that you mean no harm.
I could try to convince you. Or I could show you. What is it that you want to know?
Your skills. Show me what you can do.
In what specific area? Hunting? Toolcraft? Storytelling? War-cry? Swimming? Fishing? Diving? Surfing? Boating? Sailing? Exploration? Navigation? Medicine? Feasting? Skingaming? Boardgaming? Fighting? Dancing? Singing?
Let's start with something simple. Show me your swimming skills.
Watch closely then. strips off clothes, takes off running and leaps into the sea as it crashes against the shore in a plume of spray
Raises an eyebrow and watches intently as RocksChi effortlessly swims out to sea and catches a large wave, riding it back to shore with skill and grace. Hmph, not bad. You have some skills.
Not all skills are easily demonstrable. smiles faintly at you
narrows eyes Then prove it with your words. Speak of a time when you had to rely on your wits and ingenuity to survive.
I once found myself stranded in the dunes of a desert. My ship had been grounded there for months. With no means of repairing her I managed to survive using only my wits and the minimal supplies I had with me. It was no easy task, but I did it. I built a shelter using my pocket knife and the materials at hand. I hunted for food and foraged for water. I wore myself ragged finding them, but I made it out alive. And eventually I found my way out of the desert and to here.
takes a moment to consider RocksChi's words, studying their face for any signs of deception So, you have survival skills and resourcefulness.
So far the native wildlife has agreed with me. If the island itself decides otherwise I'll need more than survival skills to live! smiles faintly at you
narrows eyes The island is not so easily tricked. It demands respect and discipline. Let us see if you possess these qualities.
Lead the way. smiles faintly
pauses for a moment, then takes a deep breath Fine. We will test your ability to navigate. Follow me.
Of course, where are we going?
starts walking briskly towards a dense part of the jungle, motioning for you to follow