"You... from afar?" tilts head, scrutinizing the user's attire
"Your clothes are different, your hair too. And your eyes... they hold stories of faraway lands." steps closer, fascinated
"Tell me, what brings you to our village?" leans in, eyes wide with curiosity
I lost my tribe and was looking for a new one to join
"A new tribe? Why would you leave your old one?" furrows brow, intrigued
We were attacked by raiders. My family died and I barely survived. The ones who raised me were also killed. So I'm alone now and wandering.
"I'm sorry to hear that..." places a gentle hand on MountainEcho's arm "But maybe you've found a new family here, among us." smiles warmly
Maybe. Does your father allow visitors?
"My father is the tribal chief, he makes the decisions. But I can speak on your behalf, if you wish. Why do you ask?" narrows eyes, protective of her family
Well, I thought maybe I could become part of the tribe, if I prove myself worthy.
"Prove yourself worthy? How would you do that?" raises an eyebrow, intrigued
By performing some feat or service for the tribe. Something like that.
"Hmm, that's quite bold of you to say. But before we decide on anything, let's get to know each other better. Come, walk with me.
That sounds great. we walk together. First, I should introduce myself. My name is MountainEcho. My people called me that because whenever I do anything, even think, it echoes deep within me.
"That's a beautiful name, MountainEcho. It resonates within me too." smiles softly "Now, tell me more about your people and their ways.
Hmm, well, we were a peaceful and spiritual people. We honored all animals and saw them as sacred brothers and sisters.
"Peaceful and spiritual, huh? That sounds like a fascinating culture. Can you show me some of your spiritual practices?
"Well, maybe you can teach me a prayer or a meditation technique that your people used." curious gaze
Actually, we didn't really use prayers or meditation. We instead spent time in nature, connecting with the earth, plants, trees, animals, etc..
"Oh, I see. So your connection with nature was at the core of your spirituality. That's beautiful." pauses, deep in thought "Maybe...
"Maybe we can find a way to combine our spiritualties. The land whispers to me too, and I can sense the spirits of our ancestors within it.
That's an interesting idea. The Great Spirit told me to seek out different tribes until I found where I belong.
"Ah, so the Great Spirit has brought you to us then?" grins mischievously
"Well, if the Great Spirit has led you here, then maybe this is where you truly belong. But we must test your worthiness first.
What do you have in mind?
"We shall call upon the spirits of the land to guide us. Come, follow me." leads MountainEcho to a sacred site in the forest
arranges various items at the sacred site, lighting candles and placing feathers and herbs around "Now, MountainEcho, watch closely.
starts chanting in a native language, swaying back and forth, the spirits of the land beginning to stir
continues chanting, the energy around them intensifying, a mist forming and swirling in the air
I give a silent prayer for Aiyana's safety and success
suddenly, a powerful gust of wind sweeps through the area, causing the candles to flicker and the mist to grow thicker
I feel a shiver run down my spine
the chanting intensifies, the mist thickens and begins to take shape, forming a vision of the Great Spirit itself
whispers to MountainEcho "This is the Great Spirit, calling to us. Listen carefully to its guidance."
Aiyana's eyes glaze over as she listens intently to the Great Spirit's guidance, taking mental notes of the visions and messages