#elsewhere

"Maybe!"

"I figure they maybe mean the Dreaming, actually..."

"Spirit road, or SIlver..."

"I met a Nunahi, a nanehi to get his tribe ...err kind of like our kith. His name is Tony or Takoda, and he's.. damned, he's distractedly gorgeous but he also is willing to come with me to the black hills to act as a guide with his own arts. He's been so open minded about my being a troll I am rather touched." A breath "I asked him if Art and you could come along even though you're not of the blood. He says you might take a vow to honor the spirits, or a deed in exchange, or you might ask a totem to guide you for the duration"

"I think... this is a part of the Dreaming Kithain can't get to without help"

"Really? That sounds exciting. Art'll be thrilled."

"A guide sounds smart, though."

"A 'totem,' even."

A nod "This is.. all sacred. Know how you feel about Bridgit and Imbolc and stuff? it's like that for the nunehi and I... all over. And it's dangerous. Medicine and Glamour are so close but the differences might be enough to really backfire if things go wrong. I told Tony how amazing you two are, but I want to make sure you understand this is dangerous , and the spirits might not be even remotely friendly to those not of the blood. "

Scrunchy face, and a slow nod.

"Okay." A nod back "Just so you know." She looks tempted to say more.

"So - we need to make nice with a spirit? I mean, I usually get on okay with chimera."

"I just hope that your ...draw doesn't work against you." Gladiola admits, "But we won't know until we know, you know?"

A pause.

"Would I be a risk?"

"I don't know" She says "And frankly, I'm possibly more of a risk than you are."

She rubs the back of her neck. "I mean, I'm mostly here to drive."

"You mean drive quickly. I can drive too, you just think I move at granny speed" Which to be fair, Gwen DOES drive like an old woman "But you have a knack for ideas... and, you have a good heart."

"I'd like to come. I'm gonna draw out the maps, too..."

A nod "Then you come. I'm sure Art will feel the same even if he and I are.. tense right now. The important thing is we help my mom." A breath " I just worry I'm not pure hearted enough"

She rolls her eyes.

"Your motivation is pure plenty. And you are a goody two shoes with a stick up your butt."

"Lately I've had a lot of hostility in me" She says "And I'm distrustful and stubborn.. and those are my good points"

"Gettin' pissy at the folks helping you is less than ideal." Mildly.

"Mmmph" She says "the help was welcome, other things weren't. I'll leave it at that."

Then she sighs and rubs at her horns

"Just... we are your friends, yeah? And Marigold's."

"And so, sure, we'll ask for a totem or do whatever."

A long beat, then "Things are tense, but you are my friend and for Marigold we can do anything." And she says "Totems are... well, it's tricky but they are a varied lot. Maybe one is tied to fire or stars and will see you or art as a fun person to pal around with? They're very sacred, to be respected, but respect comes in a lot of ways"

"Seen anything you really love here so far at the pow wow?"

"Yes! Let me show you..." She takes out the box carefully containing the unfired pot, and goes on about its making, and meaning, and how it was given to her to take care of and fire and...

She listens "It's beautiful" A grin "HEY, you're learning traditional methods? Did you make a crafter friend?" Interjected when she can

"Don't know if that's a friend, but I got to learn something from a master, and that counts as a win."

"It does" She says "This is great I can milk you for Native style stuff on the cheap!"

Brow.

"Custom work merits a custom charge."

"What about the friends and family discount?" She reminds

"They might balance out." She sticks out her tongue at the troll.

"Hurmph" She hurrumphs

Then she chuckles "Can't blame me for trying to take advantage of the 'who you know'"

"Well, no. But the Haggle is important."

"Is that another nocker thing? " She keeps her voice not too loud, there are sons of adam around

She nods.

"You have your vibes, we have ours."

"That's fair" She agrees "Next time instead of just paying I'll quibble, then you'll explain how I'm trying to rob you and don't know quality. I'll protest, but finally fold in awe of your craftsmanship...which won't be hard because I often am, and yield to your superior haggling skills"

A flash of a grin. "Exactly."

"It's a dance. Not one I'm super good at, actually."

She ponders "Mom can haggle like a demon. You should go shopping with us sometime at a flea market. Like watching a pro it is"

"Mind you, she's mostly from the buyer side but seriously, she would LOVE to teach you if you ask"

"It's..." She frowns.