Exploration of the Lake Kingdom, A Distant First Encounter

Desolate singing, accompanied by low drumbeats, rang out along the vast seashore, carrying a strange and fervent greeting.

"The sacred heaven and earth bless us! They are the flowers of spring, the rain and dew of summer, the fruits of autumn, and the songs of winter! Thank you, envoys of the lake tribe, for bringing us precious gifts! Guided by the spirits of nature, the 'people of the riverbank' and the 'people of the lake' have met to share this beautiful day. Come, envoys of the lake tribe, let us dance a dance of celebration together!"

Chief Kalan wore white clothing painted with frogs, a heavy deer head on his own head, grass ornaments like those of the Guachichil People wrapped around his legs, and two gourd-like wooden bells in his hands. With a warm smile on his face, he rose from before the blazing bonfire, came to the leader of the lake envoys, and extended an invitation to dance.

"Uh... dance? Sure, sure, dance. Good!"

Old Militia Chiwako spoke haltingly, hurriedly using the few Guachichil words he had just learned to respond with enthusiasm.

The great tribe here called themselves the "Yoreme," meaning the people of the riverbank, and they were a branch of the coastal Mayo. The Chief Kalan before them was the leader of the great Yoreme tribe, commanding one or two thousand tribal warriors. The Mayo were located northwest of the Zacatecas wasteland, along the coast. The language they used bore some similarity to that of the Guachichil People of the wasteland, and also shared common vocabulary with the language of Mexico. In this, perhaps, was hinted some kind of ancient connection.

Chiwako's eyes flickered, his smile sincere. He wore dusty-gray leather armor, an eagle-feather crown symbolizing his role as leader on his head, and an