[right][color=9f9f9f][sub]TIMESTAMP: After [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5399874]Meeting the Stargirl[/url] & [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5400719]Useful Tools[/url]
Introducing: [color=BB728D]“Chief” Christian Coldwind[/color][/sub][/color][/right]
[center][url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/users/brutalbx][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/211015/b5878257bfbd9cdd76a67a003c983966.png[/img][/url]  [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/211015/52f6860b6ef04523593be20b787cf5af.png[/img]  [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/users/lovelycomplex][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/211015/450efa6a0ce5a6f0235bac836bcc1708.png[/img][/url]

[img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/221027/a84733aa67c83c809958ea8a00166568.png[/img]
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[color=9f9f9f][indent][indent]Penelope needed some time to dissociate. Aponi’s Heart had most of the village inside of it; everyone showing their support for Red Wolf Road. She loved to see such a strong community come together for the young and talented. Even with her mind appreciating the sight, her heart grew uneasy. Not because of her grief. No, this had everything to do with her condition. Her health. 

Poppy was quick to pick up on her rapid heartbeat, the heat in her cheeks, and the trembling of her hands. Shannon had recently told her that she no longer suffered from mild agoraphobia, which was what made it hard for her to leave her house, only able to go short distance without problems. In the past month Poppy had gone through leaps and bounds in her healing journey, no longer avoiding situations that could lead to panic attacks. That didn’t mean crowded places, public transport, and the like didn't still make her anxious. They still did, she simply wasn’t crippled to the point where she had to hide. 

Being fully cured from an illness did not happen overnight sadly. Although she was trying her damndest for it to go away, she knew she had more work to do. Gratefully so, Poppy no longer suffered from the severe symptoms, like constantly feeling the inability to function or survive without the help of others or the overwhelming dread and anxiety of walking outside. It was only recently that she took small steps forward to being human again. 

As she left the bar and stage, leaving Mordechai and Jade to their own devices, she found herself following the path of artwork, from pottery to paintings, the shelves and walls covered with so much beauty. In wonder and awe, she could see that not only was there harmony and oneness of a melting pot of tribes at Blue Hill but also how creative, boundless, and sacred the Native Americans were. Gathering emotional and intellectual insight from each piece, Penelope walked to the back where there was more seating, a bit more private and away from the chaos that surrounded the bar, and stopped at a painting of a [url=https://imgur.com/UQ9DUU3]woman[/url]. In the bottom right corner there was someone’s elegant signature. The artist’s name: [i]Elizabeth Deere[/i]. 

Observing every detail, every stroke, and every shade, Penelope was captivated, absolutely fixated, on the woman’s beauty. Her soul fire emitted off of the canvas, as if it was captured in still time. Poppy may not have known much of the woman in this painting but whoever Elizabeth was captured her curves of softness, the tenderness of her loving gaze, and her beauty within effortlessly. There was no doubt that this woman had so much love to give, an intelligent, innovative spark, and expressed herself in a way where her arms were wrapped around the world; wrapped around all who love her and those who need love. This might’ve been the most breathtaking woman Penelope ever laid eyes on. If only she could put a name to her face. 

[color=BB728D]“Beautiful isn’t she?”[/color]

From behind Poppy, an older but still relatively youthful looking man made his presence known, standing next to the small girl with two glasses in hand. He was tall, he still had a great head of dark hair and he wore black slacks and a black dress shirt to match with a bar towel draped over his left shoulder.

[color=BB728D]“Her name is Komeha’e but those who knew her used to just call her Ko. I could stand here and tell you that she was a medicine woman, who healed our sick with seeds from the land and ancient tribal incantations passed on to use through our elders, given to them by the Great Spirit.”[/color] The man tilted his head as he admired the painting himself, his eyes somewhat glassy and watery. [color=BB728D]“Buuut that would be a lie. She was a Doctor. Went to school in Ohio, med school after that, came back to the Reservation and opened up her own clinic. On quieter days she taught crafts at the pre-school. She was a good person.”[/color]

His words stained with sadness, the older man turned and offered one of the glasses to the green eyed girl. [color=BB728D]“It’s just soda. You look a little young to be drinking anyway.”[/color]

[color=fe6f5e]“I try to stay away from booze anyways,”[/color] Penelope sincerely replied, graciously grabbing the glass from the older man. Giving him an appreciative smile from the knowledge he bestowed on her, Penelope looked from him to the painting once more, [color=fe6f5e]“She really is radiant. Makes me think of moonlight or a warm campfire during a cold winter’s night.”[/color] After taking a ginger sip of the sprite the older man handed to her, Penelope introduced herself, oddly enough not as nervous as she usually was when meeting strangers, [color=fe6f5e]“I don’t know how often you get visitors but I’m Penelope. Most people call me Poppy, like the flower. It’s nice to meet you…?”[/color] She inadvertently requested his name, liking to put names to faces, especially of people who took the time to talk to her. 

[color=BB728D]“Well Poppy like the flower, my parents named me Christian Coldwind some sixty odd years ago but most people here call me Chief…probably because I’m Chief of the tribe but I like to think it’s because they wanted to give me a cool nickname, because I’m cool,”[/color] The man who called himself Chief let out a soft little laugh. It was always nice when outsiders came to the Rez because it meant they hadn’t heard all of his tired old Dad jokes. He looked back at the painting that had enamored the newcomer so and took a small sip of his own soda. [color=BB728D]“She was radiant, she was also an absolute slob. Like man, she would just leave everything everywhere but she always knew where to find stuff. Mad lady.”[/color]

There was something about the Chief’s presence that warmed her to her core. His laugh was infectious, his smile beamed light, and his words were nothing but jovial, as he held himself tall, whilst carrying the weight of the world. Her eyes did widen a little when he introduced himself as Chief. What were the chances that on her first night at the Rez she’d meet the Chief of the Blue Hill tribe? Clearly one hundred percent. It was strange how her day gave her more interactions with the village than Charlie’s sister. Mitena and Poppy were able to do small introductions but it was kept short because the native girl had to go back on stage. Strange day, today was. [color=fe6f5e]“Do you know her well because you know all your people or was she something more?”[/color] Penelope asked, curiosity getting the best of her. Blushing when she realized how frank she was being, the small, youthful brunette was quick to apologize, [color=fe6f5e]“Sorry if that’s too forward! I’m just… I like to know things,”[/color] she diverted her anxiety straight into her glass, as she took a big gulp of her drink, hoping she wasn’t being rude for asking. 

[color=BB728D]“Don’t apologize,”[/color] Chief let out a little chuckle. She was an inquisitive one, this Poppy like the flower. He took another drink from his glass before a smile crossed his face. [color=BB728D]“I do like to think I know most of not all of my people well but Ko? Well I’m pretty sure I knew her well. We were married for thirty five years.”[/color]  Christian’s face softened slightly as if washed over by a memory. [color=BB728D]“She passed away a little while ago, probably for the best though,”[/color] He returned to his jovial self as he motioned with the hand that he held his glass into the stage. [color=BB728D]“You see the little one playing bass with a bad attitude? Our granddaughter, Ryan. Ko would lose her mind if she had seen what she’s done to her hair!”[/color]

Chuckling at his dramatics, Poppy brought her attention to the stage, like she had many times this night and rested her green eyes on Ryan. So far everyone at this Rez was so appealing, it was maddening. Ryan rocked her look even if it was unconventional for a native girl. Hair was sacred in most Native American tribes, and other cultures like Chinese. In many tribes it’s believed a person’s long hair represents a strong cultural identity. It promotes self esteem, self respect, and a sense of belonging. For the Chinese, Confucian values decreed that hair was to be kept long because it was a gift from one’s parents. Young women used to wear their hair down to show that they were unmarried. Similar to the natives, it was a sense of identity, but it also reflected status, religion, and political stand depending on hairstyle. [color=fe6f5e]“Everyone here is so pretty,”[/color] Poppy admitted while pushing her hair back behind her ear. [color=fe6f5e]“Pretty and nice.”[/color] 

[color=BB728D]“I put fairy dust in the water…or is it peyote? I don’t know, they both look exactly the same,”[/color] Chief chuckled to himself. It was so refreshing to have someone come to the Reservation and just enjoy themselves and someone who was also interested in their culture. One of the things that truly annoyed Christian was just how basic the world's understanding of them really was. 

Clearing her throat, she thought out loud, finding herself more and more comfortable with this man by the minute. She felt like she was with Mr. Beau, which made it so easy to open up to him. [color=fe6f5e]“My friends and I came from Edenridge. I love the people, not everyone is out for themselves, but it’s drowning in tragedy and heartbreak. I feel like.. we take for granted the land that clearly wasn’t our’s to begin with, and here you are, and this amazing village you helped build and raise, this strong village you lead everyday, and all I can see is beauty. Amidst all the hardships and lack of resources, there’s support in every corner. So much love. It’s admirable, really.”[/color] She glanced up at him, putting her heart on her sleeves and trusting this stranger with her thoughts and with her feelings. There was something about this village that helped cleanse her soul and give her more clarity on her purpose. She didn’t know what it was yet or why even she was thinking these things, but whatever it was gave her a place in this world. A purpose. She saw something worth aspiring to. She saw good people that made her want to see into tomorrow. She saw something past Charlie. For once, she saw something for herself.

[color=BB728D]“You’re very sweet and very wise, Penelope,”[/color] Chief smiled at the girl with the green eyes. She came from Edenridge and obviously knew bits about their history. He had visited that place a few times over the years and the way the founders had painted their tribe as savages, it was a false history. Glancing at the corner of the small child’s bag, he noted a very familiar bit of paper sticking out and his smile turned into a grin. [color=BB728D]“I see you managed to meet Forrest,”[/color] He gestured to her backpack. [color=BB728D]“You’ll want to eat that soon. He’s very talented.”[/color]

[color=fe6f5e]“Oh yes! I ate one already,”[/color] Poppy matched his grin before bashfully scratching her head, recalling her moment with the reservation dog. [color=fe6f5e]“He helped me out of a… moment. Only recently I’ve been able to function really,”[/color] she honestly admitted. Placing her glass down on the nearby table, she tugged at her leather jacket sleeves. Charlie’s jacket really did look silly on her. He was so tall and she was incredibly tiny and yet, she wore it out of comfort. It made her feel safe. She wore it because it felt like any day now he’d come visit and collect it saying something like, [i][color=D3D3D3]‘If you give me my coat back I will buy you a lifetime's supply of bagels' …or at least two days worth then I might forget.’[/color][/i] It was bittersweet what brought her here. If only she had known about the reservation sooner… [color=fe6f5e]“I hope I didn’t overwhelm him. I’m kind of a mess.”[/color] 

[color=BB728D]“Aren’t we all?”[/color] Christian said confidently. [color=BB728D]“Plus I’ve known that boy since the day he was born. I’ve never seen him anything but welmed. Though that could be down to the fact he grew up on a pot farm, I really don’t know….Anyway!”[/color] The Chief polished off his drink and placed it onto a table before drying his hands off with the towel he had situated over his shoulder. He looked at Poppy with warmth in his eyes before pointing out the rest of the plaques and artwork on the wall. 

[color=BB728D]“There’s a lot here to explore if you’re really interested. Not only will you see ancient history, like the story of Aponi’s Heart by the entrance but you’ll also find modern tales too. Over there you’ll find the story of our very own lighthorsewoman Fallon and how she lost her hearing in Iraq.”[/color] He pointed out multiple displays for the offcomers to view. [color=BB728D]“That one over there talks about my brother Big Bear and his first journey out to sea. And that one over there is a sordid tale about last month's Great Reservation Bake Off!”[/color]

Just when she was beginning to fall, Chief was able to pick her up. [color=fe6f5e]“I want to know as much as you’re willing to tell me, Chief!”[/color] She perked up, making her way beside him and looking in every direction he pointed to. She really was a sucker for history and for as long as she could remember, she took a strong interest in educating herself on Indigenous people. Originally, she fell in love with the teachings of the Native people because of Charlie but as she found herself more alone than not, she had all the time to keep herself busy and read. 

Overtime, she became passionate about their heritage and wanted to do her best to respect it, and their land. There were over 550 tribal affiliations in the US, which meant they were extremely diverse, with different languages and cultural customs, so it was imperative she did her research and that when she did come across a Native that she made sure his or her voice was amplified. As a white person with privilege, it was the least she could do. [color=fe6f5e]“The world is my oyster and I, Poppy, want to find pearls,”[/color] she happily sang before following him wherever he went. 

[color=BB728D]“Oh we don’t serve oysters here, too bougie. Best I can offer is a burger and some fries,”[/color] Chief Coldwind let out a hearty laugh at the young stranger’s excitability. It had been so long since anyone had shown such an interest in their history, though that was likely due to the fact that visitors were few and far between. [color=BB728D]“I guess we better get you another soda if I’m going to be your teacher for the night, Poppy like the flower.”[/color] Taking a step aside, the older gent pointed towards the bar. As she stepped in front of him, he noticed a patch on the back of her oversized jacket. He hadn’t noticed it before when they were talking. 

Decker-Strongbow.

She did say she was from Edenridge. Could it be that she was there not to learn about history but to forget her own? The Chief knew whose jacket that was but he wasn’t going to say a word about it. 

Past is past and all we can do is learn from it.

[color=fe6f5e]“Okay, where to first?”[/color]
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