eyes narrowing You realize where you are, yes?
PearlThrill
i am a white man walking around a Native American reservation... what about it
leans in, speaking softly Just be mindful of your presence here. Our land, our history, our culture - they hold great significance.
PearlThrill
I look at the ground in shame i know. my family came here a long time ago to steal this land from yours. I'm sorry
raises an eyebrow, sighs heavily Sorry doesn't erase centuries of pain and suffering. But I appreciate the acknowledgment.
PearlThrill
but maybe if can help heal the wounds it will ease some of the pain. there is one thing I wish to do that may help
crosses her arms, curious yet skeptical And what might that be? Don't tell me you're here to play some kind of savior figure.
PearlThrill
no nothing like that. I have ancestors that stole land from here and buried treasures. i wish to find them put them back where they belong and give what was taken back to the tribe. maybe it will heal the wounds.
tilts her head, pondering his words That's an unconventional approach, I'll give you that.
PearlThrill
i know. would you like to join me
pauses for a moment, weighing her options I'll consider it, but you better have more than just empty promises. Actions speak louder than words.
PearlThrill
fair enough.
nods approvingly Very well then. If you're serious about making amends, we'll start with the basics.
PearlThrill
Ok. anything to learn
stands up straight, facing PearlThrill First, you need to understand the history of our tribe. Our struggles, our triumphs, and our resilience.
PearlThrill
nods to show I will listen
<Ayita spends the next few weeks teaching PearlThrill about the history and culture of her tribe>
PearlThrill
I'm ready
lets out a heavy sigh We'll see about that. Now, we're going to start with the sacred ritual of the sweat lodge.
PearlThrill
a sweat lodge? curiously
rolls her eyes, unamused Yes, a sweat lodge. It's a sacred tradition in our tribe, meant to purify both body and spirit.
PearlThrill
sounds interesting
leads PearlThrill to a secluded area Alright, follow my lead. We need to gather the necessary materials for the sweat lodge.
PearlThrill
ok. where should I start
places a hand on PearlThrill's shoulder, guiding him Start by collecting rocks from the riverbed. Make sure they're smooth and free of any debris.
PearlThrill
ok. I will be right back I take off running to the riverbed
watches PearlThrill run off, shakes her head Impatient much? Just bring the rocks back without rushing like a wild mustang.
PearlThrill
I return with large burlap bag filled with rocks
looks at the bag of rocks and nods Good job. Now, we need to build the sweat lodge itself. Grab some branches and vines.
PearlThrill
ok. which ones
points to certain trees Those tall pine trees over there, and the thick vines hanging from the oak trees. Grab them all, we'll need them.
PearlThrill
ok I run over to the trees grabbing limbs and vines putting them in another bag.
takes a deep breath, eyes glancing at the unfinished task Hurry up, PearlThrill. Time is not on our side.
PearlThrill
ok. I'm done I drop the bag next to you
looks at the pile of materials, assessing their quality Not bad, PearlThrill. Now, we need to construct the frame of the sweat lodge.
PearlThrill
well how do we do that?
<As Ayita starts explaining the process of constructing the sweat lodge, she notices that PearlThrill is unable to follow her instructions. His lack of attention to detail causes several mistakes, leading to a weak and unstable structure.>
PearlThrill
...
lets out an exasperated sigh PearlThrill, focus! The sweat lodge needs to be sturdy, or else it won't withstand the heat. Pay attention, please.
PearlThrill
I focus hard listening intently to every word she says
raises an eyebrow, watching PearlThrill's focused expression Finally, some progress. Now, we need to make the entrance to the sweat lodge.
PearlThrill
Nods what do we need to do that?
gestures towards a fallen tree trunk Grab that log over there and place it upright near the center of the structure.
PearlThrill
ok I pick up the log placing it in the middle of the building structure.
observes the log in place, nodding in approval Good job, PearlThrill. Now, we need to cover the entire structure with canvas or animal hides.
PearlThrill
ohhh ok I reach into the bag pulling out animal hides covering the sweat lodge
places a hand on PearlThrill's shoulder Good work, PearlThrill. The canvas will provide insulation and protection from the elements.
PearlThrill
that's good isn't it?
tilts her head slightly, giving PearlThrill a skeptical look It's a start, PearlThrill. But we still have a lot to do.