Day 2 | Afternoon | Mother Nature

[Efren Lanville]

“We’ll need to observe where they are without them knowing we are there. Watch how they move and operate. And find a way to cut them off from spreading their poison to the outside world.” He suggested.

“We are also looking for two of our friends. A large man and a youth. They were supposed to be in this region practicing hunting… Have you seen two people like that?”

[Kannon]

The part about 'poison' and 'the outside world' didn't seem to be getting across too much.

"They are on the other side of the mountains, where we can't see them." The Old Mother said. "Our hunters have seen a man and a youth once or twice, from distance. They were violent and we avoided them."

[Efren Lanville]

“Do you know when they saw them?” He asked.

[Kannon]

"Last time three suns ago, in the foothills to the south. But they moved in all directions."

[Kiran Alsahar]

The part about 'poison' and 'the outside world' didn't seem to be getting across too much.

"They are on the other side of the mountains, where we can't see them." The Old Mother said. "Our hunters have seen a man and a youth once or twice, from distance. They were violent and we avoided them."

"They're twisting the ailar into poison that people can't stop using," Kiran clarified, bitterness tingeing their voice.

[Kannon]

The Old Mother nodded with understanding after a sorrowful trill.

"God will punish them in time chosen by God."

[Laila Bridger]

Or I'll do it.

Not for the Muadh, who don't want it. Not for some god I don't believe in. Not for the fucking Atteides, not for the law.

But I can do it for me.

Be nice to kill someone who deserves it for a change.

[Hadrian Martikova]

"All things have a time and place." Hadrian gently reminded his colleagues in a way that came across as informative for the women's sake. "For our purposes we have a singular desire. And that is to bring our wayward hunters back into the fold. In time we will no doubt have discussions regarding those that have, and will continue to harm. But for our business here let us not stray."

He turns from Efren and Kiran back towards the clan-mothers.

"We ask only for what you may give, and will endeavor to repay kindness with kindness of equal measure. If you have need of us ask, but I suspect that we are more or less a liability to you and yours at this juncture. Therefore I'm hoping we might impose on you this..."

He paused for brevity.

"We don't know this terrain like you do, nor do we know how to navigate it as you do. Help us in this manner that we might move silently and swiftly, with wisdom as our guide rather than simply duty. With your help, we will expedite our passing, swear off violence beyond self-preservation, and act only in a way that preserves harmony." A momentary pause. "Would that be acceptable?"

[Kannon]

The Old Mother thought long, also because some difficult words were used the meaning of which she could only guess. But once she concluded she got the gist of it, she trilled with conclusive finality like Yar Zell had done before.

"It would. Our hunters will guide you to places. But you must stay with us for a time now so that we can watch you and know the truth of your words."

She raised two fingers.

"But after that time when you take your hunters away every voice from the outer world must leave on the wind to the ocean, as has always been. We must hear God alone."

[Laila Bridger]

"Any who ain't feeding the jungle, anyhow."

[Efren Lanville]

“This is acceptable to us. We thank you for your hospitality and kindness. We will prove the veracity of our words in deed.” He said with a confident nod.

[Kannon]

The Old Mother did the finality-trill.

"The Young Mother will speak with you, Eph Ren. I will speak with the aylonit. Charges of Thra U and Yar An will let be seen by our tribe."

[Laila Bridger]

Which is a polite way of saying, "you two freaks get the fuck out."