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Right. Nate nodded, having listened to the first volley of wonder, opinion, and wisdom. He was glad no warmongers had come frothing out at the first. Even those rightfully wary of the Long Marchers seemed reasonable.

Moreover, Sounds like a good many of you would be content to follow Elk Charm's lead. Let's put her forward, then, for Eagle Chief. Will Walosi trust her to act out the Council's decisions abroad, and present us well to strangers?

Blue eyes scanned the gathering, We have to decide all together. So we can argue, and if anyone has doubts, it's important they're said. But whatever we choose should be something we all concede to.

He gestured with a paw, Chakliux's words speak true to me. I haven't seen Cen. But a silver she-wolf made it plain enough they weren't scared to fight, should the winds blow that way. If the caribou cross the border, and we try to bar Saatsine passage, it's liable to come to blood. His grimace made plain his own preference to avoid such an outcome. Cecil's right, too. If they like their odds, it might come to blood regardless.

Even so, knowing the danger could not discredit, They're suspicious of us. Nokomi's talks sense — probably ought not to trust them, either. But Sheauga's got the truth of it, too. We play our cards right and maybe trust can start to go both ways. Might not be easy. Still seems better than forcing a violent outcome before we've tried anything else.

An inhale, All they've asked for is medicine. From what I understand, caribou give 'em most of what else they need. He looked between those who had met them before, and knew them best, But could be there's other things they'll like, too?

Though Nate anticipated a more formal negotiation between leaders, trade might be largely done on an individual basis. It would benefit tribesmates to know what could be worth collecting ahead of time, and how to make the best impression.