Tanuchan

Amanda bandages Nate's shoulder gently, although tight-lipped and pale. Rosalie helps her, always the silent and loving sister to them both. Nate, also pale, holds his wife's hands after she's done. "Sorry for all that, Amanda... I..." "Shh... no, Nate. It wasn't your fault. Cartwright was a very hot-tempered and harsh man, as his son's were. You were trying to keep peace. And after that, we were all trying to protect our family." She kisses him soflty. "You did right," says with a smile, "and I'm proud of you, Nate." While putting his arm in a sling, Amanda talks again. "Trudy was harsh in her words against our family, but she didn't deserve to die because of Cartwright. And her children... they first lost their father, then their mother. What will be of them? Polly needs a loving guidance, in her age... Isaiah,jr needs a father... and poor little Nell..." she sighs sadly. They couldn't possibly take care of them, could they? She'd have to think carefully, then talk to Nate. And... Trudy had been shot in the back. Who could have done that?

I agree with Gnarlitch, and I like also the feeling behind the words My Spanish is more than rusty, for I've concluded a basic course a year ago but wasn't motivated enough to go on... I can understand very well, but wouldn't dare to write Anyway... as Gnarlitch said, you don't have spelling problems although the verb "amar" and it's form "amo" are spelt with just one "m"... There are a couple of grammar issues, but I don't know enough to really help you on it... although I'd write (in prose at least): *Quiero su amar yo / ?Puedes amar yo tambien? => you'd need to use the forms "me" and "te"... something like "quiero amarte" (not sure of spelling) or "quiero te amar" (not sure which form is grammatically better). And "¿Puedes amarme tambien?" (again, not sure of spelling or correct grammar besides the use of the pronoun) And you can use ALT+168 (numeric keypad) to get the ¿ *Ehh... Katz posted while I was writing...* I don't remember the inverted !... but if I do, I'll post. The ñ is easy in my keyboard because of the language setting I use... so, sorry if I can't help on that *hugs*

I think that first of all, any lengthy OOC talk should be at this Q+A thread... Twice I got confused trying to track the game amid all OOC talk... Then, yes I agree that there's been too much OOC talk about game strategy. The only good thing is that it's open to all eyes, so it isn't like PM alliance. However, all that talk should ideally be done IC among the villagers, and not OOC between the players. It's up to each mod, but I basically agree with Katz, that OOC stuff should be cut down, at least in the game thread. My two cents

But the reality is that we are playing a game. Yeah, you're right. I can't avoid all metagame thinking. I didn't really express myself well. I meant just that, whatever reason I may have OOC, I always try to use IC reasons. And I don't like using metagame information, so I don't like changing votes because of a catch phrase. So it is also that, once voted, I just rarely change votes... unless there's something really convincing. And I don't consider a catch phrase *that* convincing, as you can always be bluffing. But it is my personal view of the game. I just ignore the innocence cards... No hard feelings on this, please.

"But you, Amanda! Standing by your husband is one thing, and very admirable, but to accuse a man simply because he points a finger in your family's direction? *tsk* Mr. Cartwright has been thoughtful and wise. He has avoided voicing wild accusations. He has acted with calm and propriety at all times, neither proud nor vain. And yet you accuse him." Amanda shakes her head, sighing. Then adds in a very low voice, "Trudy, I respect your opinion. But Nate is my husband, I know him, and I know how gentle and caring he his. And Rosalie is my dearest sister, and just I know how much she has suffered. So, Mr. Cartwright's accusations *are* wild." "And... I can't consider such a rude person as thoughtful and wise. Sorry, Trudy. He may be innocent, but I won't condemn my own family, who I believe more innocent than him." OOC Vote stands. And I don't like the "innocent card", either. I don't play considering it. ~~~~~~ Edit: correcting the idea of the "innocent card"

SCORECARD Abraham Cartwright/Vahktang ==> 3 votes Nathaniel Bluett/Merelas ===> 1 vote Amanda Bluett/Tanny ===> 1 vote

((OOC No bumbling there either for you, Elwen. Many of us who don't have much time end up cutting down RP there, and no one really minds. It's a different forum, a different style. ))

OOC Merelas, you're an exceptionally good RPer, and I can say this having the experience of playing your "wife". You did no bumbling, and you're doing really well for a first-time player. Please, keep your nice RPing and share the fun with us!

Amanda pales in fury when she hears of the way Ben Cartwright has reacted to Nathaniel's accusations. "So he thinks he can humiliate people because they are city-born? That's not a character trait I approve in anyone!" Then, behind her, she listens to a heavily-accented voice shouting her name, and turns to find Gunther accusing her. "You killed her! You killed them all!" Nathaniel is suddenly at her side, ready to jump onto the blacksmith, but Amanda holds his arm. "No, Nate." He looks at her, and she shakes her head. "He's out of his mind. Look at his eyes. He had some attachment to Cat, she did tell me about the puzzles he gave her... His mind snapped." Amanda turns again towards the general direction of the Cartwright's wagon, calming down and whispering to herself, "Cartwright could have been outraged by accusations, but threatening an unarmed man isn't helping his claims of innocence. Is that how a person shows that he's trustful and may help others in the wilderness? Is that what we expect in a neighbor?" She sighs."Nate, I think you're right. Cartwright did have the means... and the temper." OOC Vote for Abraham Cartwright/Vahktang

Amanda looks at the mountains behind her, somewhat lost in thoughts. "Amanda, stop that." Nate presses her shoulders with gentle hands. "She wasn't really ours to care. She made that clear, that she would go wherever she wanted. We protected her when we could. No more than that." "I... liked Cat. She was a wild girl, but there was some different wisdom in her eyes. She was so upset because of fights among us all... she didn't really understand our ways. I, and also Rosalie, wanted her to be again part of our world." "I know. But it didn't happen. Forget, dearest. She probably just decided that we were too different. She probably left. Maybe she's with that odd indian who told us the legend." "Or she could have been..." Amanda catches herself, unwilling to voice her thoughts. "She could have been driven away from us. By someone who didn't like her... But she was a *child*. There wasn't anyone here who could have hated a child, even a somewhat queer one..."

It was very IC for her, and a perfect example of the kind of creativity we need to put a vote in, when we don't have enough IC cues.

((And there's an answer rant from me, also ))

Gnarly, I apologize from my part. You know it was the first time ever that I didn't vote in a ww game, and exactly because of what you say. However, I'd like to say also that here, I'm unwilling to create too much on any other player's characters, because we do care for the personality of the "person" we created. I would be really upset if someone created some background situation for Amanda that I saw as "impossible" or "out of character". Or if someone said something that wasn't in character for her. So I just avoid doing the same. And I'm quite sure at least some of the others feel the same. We make a point of PMing character's backstories to the people involved... as we did among us (Merelas, Elwen, and Deg), because they were involved with Amanda in some part of her life and that could come about during RP. So they are people who know how each one would probably react, and even so we avoid putting too much of each other in our posts. And I've PMd you the backstories so you could make good use of them if you needed. As a mod, I also received the same kind of backstory from some of the players. So, this is my point... find an IC reason to vote. But don't do it by creating things that weren't said or referred to somewhere in the thread. It feels like you're intruding on a characters' "life". Some of us don't take it too kindly (I know I don't). We RP here... more than play. You praised us for that at K&C, remember? This also seems like a rant... Nothing personal, Gnarly. There was no offense meant in what I wrote, just defending my point. I did mod here... never with such a crazy round, but I know how frustrating it is, when it comes to voting. *hugs* ~Tanny

OOC I have the same question as Merelas, Gnarly... maybe Nate and Amanda have just caught a terrible cold or something, and are unable to leave their wagon? And Rosalie has to stay there caring for them??? (We need an :evilgrin: ...) Merelas, Dean was referring to the difference in style when we play WW here and in another board... if you want to check, go to K&C Games Forum. Here we privilege the story, there it's more the game aspect

"We need work together; stop killing now!" Amanda rests a gentle hand on Cat's shoulder. "Catling, I know it must be difficult for you to understand us... I do think you haven't been with white men long enough to be able to." She sighs, looking at the plains in the dusk. "We are suspicious by nature, and some of us harbor very hard feelings. Most of us just appear to be rude, aggressive... but some are like that in heart. We are always trying to sort out these last ones. It must be some kind of survival instinct." Cat looks at Amanda, frowning. Amanda continues, "You're right, young cat... we need to work together. But unfortunately, I don't think you can make people stop killing. Because we will always kill at least to defend ourselves and those we love. White men are like that." Amanda looks at Nate, who's just coming back to the wagon and, squeezing Cat's shoulder lightly, leaves her to greet her husband with a gentle hug. "Nate... I was so worried... "

OOC/OOG : Come here and see if this is easy

Yay! *huge hugs* Welcome to the Pen, Jamz!!! We do hope you enjoy being here! Stops for a while to wring her hair dry, muttering against aliens and lizards in general, and against salt water in special. Then stops short and smiles innocently at Wyvern Care for a piece of cake, Wyvern? We've already started a party, but there's always room for more people

Mmm... what did you mean by "change the roles"? You can choose to keep the spirit of wolves/hunter or baner/seer... see that we had werewolves in the first two games, then assassins, aliens, and now outlaws. The Baner (Hunter) and Seer also can have variations as to fit the setting you choose... for example, the Seer could be a counter-intelligence agent (in a spy setting). *Lets other more experient mods add their opinion... *

Amanda looks at the gathered settlers, in inner turmoil. Nate turned from me... Markus' being accused of killing... Charlotte says she can help... and my heart tells me Mr. Cartwright is innocent although I don't like him. She can't avoid a longing look at Markus, though it's so brief no one can see it. I can't hate you.... and I can't accept you'd kill unless to defend yourself. I wish you were dead, buried as I thought you were. Because I have to choose you or Nate. And I... I still love you. But you've been dead these last four years. And so you must remain. She turns and leaves in a run, tears running down her cheek, away from people and into shadows. OOC Withdrawing vote.

"I... I'm sorry Amanda. I thought that I could listen to you and vote with your instincts... but I believe her." Amanda looks at Nate, quietly defending Charlotte, then at Markus and Charlotte arguing bitterly. She squeezes Nate's hand, looking again at him. "I... don't know, Nate. What Charlotte says can be true, but so can what Mr. Black says... And Mr. Cartwright, accusing you, of all people here!" She then hears Trudy talking also to Mr. Cartwright, defending Nate. A small smile comes to her, as she nods to her husband. "You see, dearest, there are people here who won't take kindly to Mr. Cartwright's baseless accusations... you don't have to worry about your honor. And she also has a point... he's being accused, but he isn't defending himself... what can that mean?" Charlotte raises her voice in fury, slapping Markus. "Tempers are flaring... Do you really think Charlotte is innocent? Because I'm not sure... as I'm not sure of Mr. Cartwright's guilt, although his suspicion on your character makes me want to see guilt in him." She looks at Nathaniel sadly as he shakes his head, turning back on her and going towards the wagon. "Nate..." ~~~~~~ OOC Edit: Merelas posted while I was typing...

Cat comes silently to the wagon, and sits down at the sisters' feet, telling in her unique way what she has heard around. Rosalie looks at Amanda, her face showing clearly some amazement at that nearly unrecognizable English, and something else that Amanda recognizes as her Teaching Spirit. Laughing softly, Amanda talks a bit to Cat before she leaves again, now towards Charlotte's wagon. "Even Nate is being accused... how can one think evil of him?" "Temper," answers Rosalie quietly. Amanda shakes her head, sad. "They don't know Nate. He wouldn't be able to kill... he's too much of a lawyer for that. Cat suspects Mr. Cartwright, and she didn't like listening to his suspicions of Nate either. I'm not sure it's her wild wisdom, or just dislike because of us. And Charlotte..." She looks towards the Cajun girl's wagon, frowning and whispering almost to herself, though Rosalie can listen. "What's she doing here... and the murders could have been by a woman's hand. None of them needed a man's strength, not really. She seems also to attract so much sympathy from others, specially the women... Would it be possible? Rosie, what do you think? You are very observing, and I trust you... " "Maybe I should just ask Nate if he knows something of Charlotte, or if any of his friends has had some news from Louisiana... OOC Vote for Charlotte Gainsbourg/Lady Celes

No need of apologies... I enjoyed the poem I should make one about the teacher's point of view... preparing and marking those tests...

"Amanda... I want to ask your advice," Nate says slowly, before continuing, "Who do you think is responsible for these murders?" Caught completely by surprise, Amanda keeps quiet for several seconds. Then, she turns slowly to the wagons, shaking her head sadly. "I... don't know, Nate. I was suspicious about Eric Smith, but he was no assassin. I'm unsure I could accuse someone right now. There are some here I trust more than others, but... two murders?" She bites her lips, then holds her husband's hand and both come back to the wagon circle. "Let's listen and observe more, Nate... I don't know these people well, nor do you. Mostly it's my instinct... I can't help following it. I would like to listen to you, also... as you want to listen to me." Just before they reach Rosalie, Amanda smiles to Nate, "I love you, Nate. Never feel useless. I can defend myself if needed, but I do need you. I need your love, and your support. This is what you can do for me. We will build our new home together, and we will learn new things together." They hold each other for a moment, then Nate turns to go to where the men are talking, while Amanda meets her sister by the wagon. "You did well, Amanda..." whispers Rosalie, hugging her. "He feels so unsure of himself..." Amanda leans against Rosalie, sighing deeply and speaking very quietly. "But I couldn't tell him about Markus. The way he is feeling right now... he will be insane with jealousy, Rosie. Even if I don't tell he's here. I will lose him. And I can't stand even the *idea* of that happening."

Amanda stands up, her heart heavy. She looks at little Nell, asleep on her own bed, then turns to her sister asking her to look after the girl. Kissing both of them, she leaves the wagon, looking at the prairie and the sunset. Nate, out of the sight of the fires, looks at the plains and falls to his knees... "Amanda..." he says, starting to weep slowly, "I love you." A gentle hand touches his shoulder. "And I love you too, Nate," says Amanda softly. She kneels at his side, wrapping arms around him and holding him tight. "I love you, my dearest husband, and I ask you to forgive me for hurting you." They keep silent for a while, Nate slowly calming himself in Amanda's loving presence, and Amanda asking silently that he keeps his temper in check once she starts talking. At last they stand up. Hand in hand, they come back to be in sight of the fires and, so, able to be seen by the men on guard. Amanda can make also Rosalie sitting by their wagon, and instinctively knows she's observing them. "Amanda, I'm sorry if I somehow pushed you away from me. I know how self-sufficient you are and, although I do forget most of times, how you hate being overprotected. But..." He sighs, hesitating for just a moment. "There's something else, Amanda. What are you holding from me?" She shakes her head, also sighing. "We've fought because of this before. And it seems we always will. It's part of what I am. Here, in the wild, I'm more in my environment than you. I know how this grates you." "I'm trusting more my instinct here, than ever before around you... please, try to understand this. I grew up, and lived all my life, in a farm. I've learned how to deal with men. I've learned to see trust and suspicion. I'm not always right, of course... but I'm always one to trust my own instincts. I will listen to you, Nate... I will, and I will consider your knowledge, and I will talk to you about them. But don't expect me to always follow you meekly. I cannot do that, and you know it very well. I respect and trust your knowledge, dearest. Respect mine, also. I'm wiser in wild prairies than you are. " "Amanda..." He holds her hands tighter, an edge of irritation in his voice that he fights to control as soon as he notices his temper ready to flare again. Amanda's voice reacts by becoming colder, "I am not, and will never be, a useless piece of decoration in your life, Nathaniel. You must understand this. I was raised to manage a farm. You cannot change me. As much as you would like me to be a little bit more submissive, and I've tried as hard as I can, here in the wild and where we are going to, I cannot be." She catches herself, breathing deeply and calming down. In a sweet voice, looking deeply into Nathaniel's eyes, she asks, "Forgive me for what I said, but this is the truth." Hesitating a bit, she continues, "Do you doubt I love you?"

It's very, very descriptive, Katz... it made me remind *my* tests... Wish you good luck, really *hugs*