Chapter Six:

Debacles and Demonstrations

Marissa paid attention to her surroundings and memorized all possible entrances, exits, defensible places ranging in difficulty and other such warrior-like things. Scarlett walked along whistling happily, arms swinging, gazing up at the canopy above. Marissa paused to glare at her when the tune began to sound suspiciously like "Oh, what a beautiful morning", but it quickly turned back into a jumbled garble of notes. Bluemind marched ahead of the two. Marissa noted that he was tense and somewhat nervous, his feathers and braids cleaned and face paint redone. In fact, he looked dressed to impress if her sense of their fashion was correct. The butterflies in her stomach quickly turned into a knot when she began to see where they were going. Bluemind courteously allowed them a moment to take in the sight.

The two stood stock still. It was possibly the largest tree in all of two universes. It could easily rival a modern 70 floor skyscraper in height and the Gallery mall in width. A gigantic mass of very small people had gathered at its base, where boulders (some fifteen feet tall) formed a natural amphitheater and looking at the people Marissa noted distinctive styles and patterns among the assembled people. It seemed there were eight main divisions and eight people standing calmly in plain view of everyone. Those with cloth clothing, the most braids, feathers and wooden ornaments stood the closest. Warriors formed lines every ten or so feet, in a pose of military attention, made visible by the space they were surrounded with and ranging from fantastically made of costumes to simple pants, knifes and face paint. She also noted with no little shock that some of them had no face paint at all.

Bluemind cleared his throat and the two turned to him. Scarlett grinned at him, speaking first.

"To rush ahead blindly is cause for worry, my sight tells me no need to hurry," she said, a hint of gentle amusement laced in her voice.

Bluemind shrugged and Marissa felt certain he was blushing somewhere under his paint.

"If I may be so bold, I wish to speak with my friend of old. A separate and unaccompanied entrance would be more appropriate, my friend. I think in a time of peace it is the right message to send. My sister and I will follow a few paces behind and give the people time to gather their mind. They us should clearly see, our faces and integrity, would you this allow me?"

Marissa mentally jumped for joy at the clever ploy, hoping fervently he would agree. After a moment of great hesitation he agreed and resolutely began his descent to the ground. Marissa looked at her, eyes twinkling.

"That was brilliant!"

"Which part, the entrance or the costume?" Scarlett replied absentmindedly gazing at the masses below.

"Both."

"Observations?"

Marissa looked at her quizzically. "From me?"

"Yes. I need to know what impressions we're getting so we appear unified and of one people."

Marissa quickly related what she had noticed, as Scarlett continued her pose of distracted observing. She nodded every now and then. Finally, she turned to look at Marissa.

"Looks like we're on the same page. I'd be willing to bet money that the color differences are related to the cardinal compass directions and that those without face paint have yet to prove themselves. The elaborate decorations may or may not mean rank, they could mean master craftsman or tribe - I think they're in tribes- tribe leader. I'd be willing to bet they're a pretty loose society on most accounts but warriors and craftsmen are definitely different. As we get down there see if you can decipher what crafts they have. It'll help psycho-analysis. Children are well treated, boys and girls," a note of surprise entered her voice. "That and they practice open democracy. Value language highly, then. Get a layout in case we need to escape quickly?"

"Yep. So, what's the plan?"

"We're gonna step forward about ten steps and let them stare at us for a good two or three minutes then take the ropes down," she pointed to a rough pulley system of tiny platforms, " it'll be more impressive. I need you to stand to my right a step back and to the side and look hidden dangerous. You'll go down first, glare a bit as I come down and we'll proceed directly though the crowds not by the paths. Then we'll argue for our lives and convince them I am a Blue Witch of the South." She grinned. "In other words, dinner and a show."

Marissa groaned in mock horror. "You're still hungry?"

"Yeah, for a big hunk of sharp cheddar cheese."

Marissa rolled her eyes. "Come on sis, let's get this over with, Bluemind's reached the front."

"Right-o."

They stepped forward in unison. Marissa let her eyes roam unashamedly over the mass of mixed colors in a parade ground stance, as Scarlett stood grandly, somehow making herself seem even larger and more powerful, standing straight and dropping the easy going fool act. It was a refreshing change, Marissa decided. The crowd slowly turned to gape at them, as predicted, starting at the back of the crowd and working its way forward.

Once this was achieved, Marissa walked over to the pulleys. She gripped a thick knot and put her foot on the tiny stirrup like board. She sank quickly, but not enough to upset her stomach. She stepped quickly off and sensed it whip back up the tree as he took a few steps forward and allowed her look to become slightly dangerous, the friendly don't-touch-me stare. She heard the ropes rustle and Scarlett step off the wood.

They walked side by side and gently waded through the crowd, remaining clam in face of thousands of faces looking at them curiously, or with open hostility. It was slow going as several groups tried to impede their progress, but after locking eyes with either of them, quickly gave it up. They reached the front of the crowd and paused. Eight elders stood in front of them, in mono-color outfits and face paint in the order of the rainbow. Marissa noted with some surprise there was no blue leader and that some of the leaders were actually female. That, and a white leader and a black leader stood in front of the six colored leaders. Without hesitation, they started out to meet the two odd colored leaders.

The white leader was male, the black, female. They four looked each other over calmly, emotions carefully buried away. Marissa recognized the man as a warrior and acknowledged him with a nod, as he did the same. Scarlett curled her lips softly at the woman and received the same greeting.

The man and woman broke the silence simultaneously, "Welcome."

Marissa felt her eyebrows rise involuntarily before she corrected her expression and Scarlett adopted an amused look. "Thank you."

The man spoke. "Why have you come here?"

Scarlett shook her head softly, ignoring the open insult. "To converse with one another introductions are a necessity. Long has it been since my people have travelled and come to see the changes in the world. Perhaps, our expectations are of an older time." She paused meaningfully. "Clarification is necessary."

Marissa gave a mental cheer as she watched the leaders behind them bristle and heard a murmur of conversation arise behind them. The acoustics here are fantastic. Wonder how good? The two did nothing but gaze at each other briefly, a glance full of intricate and precise meanings. Marissa had a sudden flash of insight. These two were married! She touched her thumb to her ring finger on her left hand and Scarlett nodded slightly, having seen the subtle hint. The two faced them once more.

"Do you seek to tell us what proper decorum is?" the man asked, his rough low voice even. Marissa heard the threat. Careful!

Scarlett smiled slightly and shook her head. "No. We simply mean to know whether customs have changed, so as not to give unnecessary offense."

A flicker of amusement flashed through both of them. The woman spoke, "Do you wish to give offense, then?" her voice middle toned and melodic.

Scarlett leaned her head to one side. "Sometimes insults are far more effective in resolving issues than forms of politeness. If one devotes himself to being only polite, then his opinion and stand in any matter will be washed away in trying to keep everyone in good favor. Although, I would hope we shan't resort to that. Particularly not on our first meeting."

Marissa fought to keep her jaw from dropping. She had said that! Months ago! During a conversation in which Scarlett was half drowsing and not participating in! She had thought she wasn't even paying attention! The light bulb flicked on. Scarlett was paraphrasing! It wasn't true diplomatic skill, she was pulling from her vast memory of books, conversations and rants to fit the situation.

It made more sense now. That was why she needed her to make the observations. Because she was busy remembering. Scarlett's idea of negotiation involved speaking in as few words as possible while insulting the other person as much as she could and making it seem as if she was right the whole time; that or throwing them on the floor, sitting on them and ranting; and occasionally, a good discussion full of random references designed to throw the other person off-track, off guard and into the deepest depths of confusion. Lately, confusion had been her preferred method. Marissa suspected it was because she now knew three languages.

In the time in which this epiphany had occurred, another long look had been exchanged. "Your mannerisms are strange for the Tall Ones," the white one said, somewhat suspiciously.

"And your mannerisms are strange for a people renown for their hospitality, if they aren't killed at first sight." The venom laced comment was delivered from a bemused face, somewhat strengthening the acidity of the not so subtle reminder of their purpose. Marissa resisted the urge to face palm. So much for diplomacy…

The two leaders twitched slightly and all restraint was lost. "A people cannot be responsible for the actions of a single person," the black one said coolly. "And you have transgressions of your own to answer for," the white one continued.

"And you both are terrible at attempting to threaten me into submission," she interrupted, eyes flashing, "If you want to intimidate me, go learn from my Village Elders and learn metaphors so long a single discussion takes ten days. If you think you can make me kowtow to you out of abject fear, then you are a thousand years too early." The stadium erupted in outrage, with the other Village Elders stepping forth to glare at Scarlett and a particularly rowdy bit of protest being led by Pleasantmorn. It took every last bit of her willpower and patience, coming from mental depths she didn't even know she possessed, for Marissa to resist the urge to face palm.

It was the laughter that shocked them all. It was deep and low pitched, sounding more like thunder rumbling on a stormy horizon than laughter. Slowly, very slowly, painfully, embarrassingly, outrageously slowly, the outrage died as the laughter pervaded the mob's noise and silence one more began to fall. Scarlett and Marissa looked at each other, then gave a shrug, turning to find the source of the laughter. It was a Village Elder. The Red Village Elder, to be precise. As Marissa processed this fact, he walked up to the huddle of the others and stared in unabashed good humor up at Scarlett.

"I like this kid," he said cheerfully and deliberately. "I think it's way past high time someone came to challenge us. Not ot mention she brought a good fighter with her. A real good one too. It's refreshing." He grinned widely. "I might even be prompted to say, that I approve of her actions and invite her to come again under the Red Banner. That is if I'm allowed to step off my righteous platform and be honest for a minute."

Scarlett smiled warmly at that. "Gracious be my thanks, from the bottom of my heart, may everyday be a joy from start to finish, and finish to start. One who honors another's family, is truly fine company. I do gladly accept your invitation and on behalf on my sister do say, it pleases her to make your acquaintance this day."

His face paint rose where his eyebrows would be and he let lose an earth shattering laugh. The Purple Village Elder shook her head and sighed as the Green's lips twitched ever so slightly. The Orange Village Elder looked ready to stab somebody and the Yellow was twiddling a feather between his fingers watching the exchange with avid interest. The two in charge still looked as icy as slabs of marble, which Marissa had expected. She had the personality types, but couldn't see the pattern Scarlett had figured out, if her jubilant look was any indication.

"You are aware that you have a throbbing temple vein, right?" Scarlett asked the Orange Village Elder. This caused even more laughter, an even deeper shocked silence and the Green to smile very slightly. As the Orange began collecting himself for a major tirade, the Yellow cut him off.

"The Blue Ones are fond of color given names, a similarity I would hope has stayed the same, yet I know not what meaning has your name. I should ask to see, if you should decide to tell me?" The feather was still being twiddled, however at a much slower rate. And that was when the pattern clicked. Oh, well done…very well done.