Welcome to Gaia! ::

((YAY TEUFEL! biggrin *clings* Haha and I dunno how to wri))

"Yeah. Jokes." Like he hadn't heard that about three hundred and twenty-five times. Probably more, if he thought about it long enough. "But, a name's a name..."

Archer repeated Akiak's name quietly to himself. It felt funny in his mouth, but seemed to fit the strange man he'd found swimming in the river. "My name? It means... archer, most likely. You know, bows and arrows and that sort of thing?" He mimed pulling an arrow taut on a bowstring, then releasing it. "Not too creative, my parents. Quite literal people."

"Ah, yeah, people after me. I honestly don't think they're looking for me to be sayin' hello, my friend." Archer shook his head, "They'll be wanting to lock me up in that ship again, no doubt..." he rubbed at his wrists, which up until only a few hours ago had been tied up fairly tightly.

The British man gave a laugh, "Brothers? We've only just met, but whatever you say, redman." Of course, it wasn't an insult or anything. The brown haired man listened as Akiak mentioned a story, and giving Archer a new name. And being a sidekick. "Ahh, but it's there you're wrong. I would never go so low as to be a sidekick. Partners, maybe, would be acceptable though." He flashed Akiak a slightly crooked-toothed (he WAS British after all) smile and gave the man a hearty pat on the back.

"The sea?" He didn't like the sound of that... Not to mention, that's where he just came from. "I don't think Fox or whoever knows what they're talking about... I just CAME from the sea - the ocean, really - and I'll tell you, there's not much pleasant about those chaps..."

He had to admit, however, that he WAS interested in the Shawnee. More Indians? This guy was pretty interesting... He had a feeling the others would be as well.

((haha funny how I only saw the movie once, and haven't again listened to the soundtrack 'COS I DUN' HAVE IT! D:> *want*

Haaaaw, I should be in bed. *is gonna be yelled at by Aka tomorrow, she just knows it*))

Archer got a laugh surprised out of him. Who knew some savage from another world would make a bow and arrow joke. Apparently, they had archers all the way out here too. "You're alrigh', Akiak. You're alrigh'." The paler man chuckled, stumbling slightly over the rocky riverbank. His feet were starting to complain.

They complained even more when the redman took off down the riverbank, the sound of his laughter carried over the wind as he dashed away. "Fast enough!" Archer called back, ignoring his tender feet and dashing after Akiak, determined not to get left behind. He knew good and well that he'd not survive too long out on his own. Not that he'd starve or fall down a hole... He was worried that his ah, overseas brethren (the sort that was like the step brother you hated) would find him and have a hayday.

So, it was either follow the little red indian, or make it halfway, get lost, caught, and locked up. His feet could deal with a little running as soon as he thought of the alternative.

When they finally arrived at the edge of the woods, it was hardly a few scatterings of trees that gave way to a lovely beach, where the water was lapping lazily up and down the shore. Not too far off, Archer could hear the rush of the river they'd been following emptying into the ocean. He was quite sure he heard some strange splashings not too far away ((That be you, J, yes yes?)) but ignored them.

Archer was too busy skidding to a stop and trying to suppress a groan. Akiak had led them almost directly to where the ship he'd just escaped had hit land, and this time, there were people of all sorts walking around on the beach. Most had helmets on, and all of them had guns. "Well that's just dandy," Archer murmured, hand on the hilt of his stolen sword. It was a useless gesture. Never bring a sword to a gunfight, they say. And that's what this would be - a gunfight.

"Uhhhh, we should leave. Unless uh Fox wants you or me shot, 'cos he thinks it'd be funny, I don't think we need to be seen." He was trying and failing to hide behind a rather skinny tree. Basil had taken refuge atop his head, clinging tightly to his hair.

((OKAY! I think at this point, we can all like... OMG BE IN THE SAME PLACE. BAHA. Ha. My eyes are like; I R ITCHY D: so I go to bed. X3))

((lollololololol... I POST biggrin ... and YEAH! I have an idea... hopefully it's helpful. YEAH? OKAY!))

Akiak, when he had reached the edge of the wood, clung to one of the trees and somehow blended eerily into the pattern of leaves that the shade of the trees cast. He quirked his mouth and tilted his head a little.

"You didn't say there were more of you... They are hairier than you are..." He said airily as he rubbed at his own hairless face and glanced over his shoulder. He choked on a laugh at the sight of Archer trying to hide. "Not here then... THIS WAY." He crouched low and gripping Archer by his forearm and ran like a wind through the sparse trees and over their roots.

Ahead of them maybe there was a bear, running as awkwardly as bears tended to do, but when they both stumbled and suddenly slid down a steep rocky slope the bear vanished at Akiak's strangled yelp in mid stride as it ran on thin air. They both landed with a splash in a hidden inlet of warm water and tiny stones. Akiak could have done without the tiny stones.

Akiak had landed rather uncermoniously face first into the water with his rear in the air. He lifted his face from the water, blinking away the salt as he did so. As he looked around, he laughed and glanced over at Archer. He sat up and back, rubbing the water from his face.

"You alright?" He wanted to know. "I found you a hiding place." And he grinned through a curtain of his sopping hair.

((Haha I was just waiting for the opportune moment to put her in...meaning when someone noticed her...))

Neshoba stared out at the sky. She knew the ships were here and who had come off them. This was the reason she was out in the water in the first place. She had known the two would meet her there, so she waited.

Just as the two came towards her a snow white wolf walked out of the forest line, eying the two men with light blue eyes of either amusement or disappointment. He slowed near them, looking them up and down, tail dropping slightly. His silence broke as he howled, a sound beautiful and strangely soft. The woman standing out in the sea ran a hand over her coiled hair and turned around as Archer asked who she was.

"I've been waiting." She said, voice smooth and somehow inhuman. It was nothing quite like anyone's voice, and at the same time, like all voices. Her language was both English and that of Akiak's own. To any listeners it would have sounded like very complicated gibberish, but to the other men it was separated each hearing their own language. "Wolf is disappointed..." She muttered with her own wolfish grin that was strangely beautiful on her face, as though it was meant for just her own lips.

"I am not though. Archer...very handsome...pale but handsome. And you, Akiak, you're cute." After laughing she walked towards them, wolf still watching before sitting down and yawning. "My name's Neshoba. Wolf is called wolf, unless you care to make a name for him, he enjoys it. There should be another white man coming. Fate's brought us together. Destiny...the gods wanted us to be together. We have very important jobs." Her smile softened as she finally reached them.

After kneeling down next to them she reached out a hand and ran it over Archer's jaw, eyes studying his own before nodding and looking over to Akiak and doing the same thing. "Steady jaw, means you both of strong spirits, and your eyes are both deep, strong hearts. This is good." Wolf moved to her and pressed his head against her own, closing his blue eyes.

Her crystal green orbs glittered and she stood up again, dusting off her skirt. "Smells like a storm is coming."

((haha...she's strange...))

Neshoba gave a soft laugh and shook her head. "No gods. The gods never speak to me. And I never said I'd bind you to a thing, Akiak..." She gazed at him in confusion before smiling. "I just want to be friends with you. Even if this is your story...I'd want to be part of it. Life has been boring. I just sense that you guys will bring excitement to my world." She gave them both a smile and rubbed at her cheeks.

"If..if you don't wish to be my friend...I...I can understand..." Her eyes seemed a bit hurt as she lowered her head. Wolf glanced between the three humans before trotting further up the coast line as if sniffing something out. "I've just been waiting for those people to change my life. To take me somewhere new." Her smile fluttered and she gave a shrug. "It's okay. I'll never force a soul to do anything they do not want. Freedom is important. And I have no right to take that away for my own good."

She gave a whistle and Wolf cocked his head towards her. Something passed between the two, and the canine disappeared back into the forest. "Our tribe is about to have a feast for the full moon. The invitation is open for both of you. If you'd like to come. Thankfully I took no part in the cooking, I am bad at cooking you see." Giving another laugh she began to walk backwards towards the trees.

"It was nice meeting you, Akiak, Archer, Basil, and you too." She nodded to the bear with a high appreciation and respect. "Such a strong spirit. Something I truly envy, for mine has not shown itself." She paused by one of the trees and traced a finger along its bark as if waiting for them to do something. "Ummm...okay then...perhaps this is good bye? Or is this...hello, how are you, let's be friends and eat together? Our deer is good, and our fruits ripe...very delicious they are."

((haha I HAD to post!...I wanted to develop or mooore. I have a feeling she'll be different from what I originally thought. XD ))

((I'M GOING TO POST biggrin !!))

Akiak eyed her carefully as she spoke and as she went on he relaxed more. His eyes were still blazing, but bit by bit his body untensed. The bear by his feet blinked a few times at the young woman and glanced at Akiak briefly before disappearing in a wind as a flurry of leaves. They danced around Neshoba's feet briefly before vanishing into the woods.

Akiak watched them go thoughtfully and then as if nothing had happened between them he smiled. "He likes you." He said and tilted his head a bit. "Bear has never lead me wrong before!"

He then glanced at Archer. "We'll eat with them, since you're probably hungry white man from across the sea." He said in a jokingly dramatic voice.

At the mention of spirits his expression brightened. "We all have spirits... even YOU." He said with a wiggle of his fingers as though this were a very mysterious concept. He then stooped and lifted one of Archer's feet like it may have been hiding there. "Everyone has a spirit... Maybe one day I'll tell you yours." He paused and then frowned as he eyed Archer's left foot.

"Your feet look terrible." Akiak then stepped out of his own soft moccasins and left them for Archer to put on. "White man feet are TENDER feet." He joked. "What a wuss... Let's go eat!" He cried happily and on his own started to walk the way to the village... which he really had no idea where it was, but figured Neshoba would lead the way.

((hahha, he's really weird... *wooonders about him.. ANYWAY.. I GET READY FOR WORK! YEEEAH!!!... lP ))

Archer gave a nod. "Eating sounds heavenly." he made a bit of a face though, when his bare foot was lifted up and examined. Claims were made about him having a spirit animal, and he almost laughed. That sounded so silly. Even seeing these strange animals around (and he'd just realized how odd it was that he'd not been frightened of them) didn't seem to prove to him that spirit animals would exist. At least for him. Come on. A ghostly animal that would follow you around? Right.

Archer decided he'd just stick with Basil. At least Basil was real and tangible.

"Ah, not too sure... Yeaaah. They took my shoes when they found me," Archer muttered, curling his toes in the soft sand. He didn't want to admit how much nicer that felt against his feet than a forest floor full of pokey sticks, or the underbelly of a boat that had splinter-covered floors.

He looked down at the moccasins for a moment, then eyed Akiak for another few breaths. Did he just give him his SHOES? Maybe he'd share one of his smokes too then... Archer really felt like he could use one. "Whatdya think, Basil?" The rat turned around and scratched at his ear. "Good 'nuff."

The man stepped into the shoes and tied them up, frowning slightly. They were a TAD too small. Oh well. Better than going barefoot, that was for sure.

Well, it was time they headed off, he supposed... And once the correct direction was found, he followed after them, looking quite a bit surprised at Neshoba's wanting to talk to him. Her voice still made his ears ring in an odd sort of way - as if his ears were itchy on the inside.

She then planted a myriad of questions on him, and for a moment, balked at the sudden interest. All he'd wanted was some food and to get away from his captors... Not tell his life story. Then again, she was the one providing him access to food. So, biting at his lip for a moment before tugging at his sorry excuse for a beard, he answered. As best as he could, anyway.

"Uhh, it's mostly grey. Rains a lot..." he rubbed at his scruffy chin, "Pretty dirty. But eh, it's home. There's animals... Wait." He raised an eyebrow at her, and waggled a finger in her direction, "You're telling me you can't swim, but you'd jump out in the water and try to anyway? What are you, suicidal? Not to mention, I was on that boat for MONTHS. You'd NEVER make it just swimming... Or, uh, half-drowning." Archer frowned. "Don't you guys have boats? Heaven knows you've got enough wood here..." He shook his head, "You're a strange little girl, aren't you?"

He may have said more, but was slowly being distracted by the sounds in the nearing distance. The smell of food was practically having him drool right down his beard and onto his poor excuse for a shirt, though he was slightly disturbed by the sounds of the drumming. Usually drums meant some sort of military action...

Then another thought crossed his mind, and he gave Akiak a bit of a tap on the shoulder, "I'm not going to be prodded or stripped down or anything, am I?"

Neshoba smiled sweetly and Archer as he began to explain his world. She wondered how a place could be gray. Her bottle green eyes sparkled and she looked ahead, drawing pictures in her mind of where the man was from, imagining all his people walking around with furry faces. He then told her she was strange and she laughed loudly.

"Of course! I'd rather be strange than normal." She said simply and nodded slowly, eying Akiak as he swung around like a crazy monkey. "And I didn't KNOW I couldn't swim...I had never tried before. See, I kinda just was placed here or something. I've got no childhood, and so swimming was a new thing. So I figured perhaps there was something out there. And I ran into the water and realized that I was not meant to swim. I just sunk to the bottom and couldn't get up. Some have tried to teach me...but I just don't swim. I can climb and walk though." A hand ran over her hips and she shrugged. "Yeah, but not as big as yours, they're what you might call canoes. You know, small and long? But we don't want to destroy our wood for big things like you people have. The trees shelter us, why destroy our home?" After she said it they had gotten to the small village.

Smoke plumed from a large fire near the center and people bustled around, children jumped and tagged along their parents. Delicious smells came from cooking deer and steaming fruit. Neshoba stood near the edge and watched them for a while. Wolf had already gotten there, sitting near a cooking deer, watching a older woman tend to it. A few children noticed Neshoba and all came galopping over to her. All of them were boys and all of them were grinning widely before seeing Archer.

"Neshie! Who's this?" One of the taller boys spoke in their native Shawnee tongue. Neshoba glanced at Archer and smiled gently.

"A friend." She said back in Shawnee and took Archer's hand, holding it out towards the boys. They stared at the pale skin and put their hands near it, looking at the contrast. They all giggled and began muttering things and then looking up at the man's face. "He's a guest for the moon feast tonight. He came all the way from another world."

"Another WORLD?" A chubbier one gasped and gaped at the white man, eyes wide with curiosity. "Like...a star?"

Neshoba laughed and nodded. "Like a star. Do you know where the elders are?" The boys all looked at each other as the skinniest spoke up.

"Over near the fiah'"

"Thank you. I'll see you guys later, and perhaps our friend can tell you stories?" They all seemed happy with this and jogged away to find some festivities to attend to or some mothers to bother. Neshoba grabbed Archer's hand with a smile and tugged him gently as she walked to where the elders were. As they passed eyes all looked on to all three of them, Neshoba was looked at like some high respectable being, where the other native was curiosity, and then the white man with surprise.

"You need to meet the elders first, they'll want to meet you very much. And then we can get you some...more...suitable clothes." She quirked a brow at his strange apparel and drew closer to the large fire.