tell the rambler, the gambler, the back-biter [introduction]

[gritted]

Mattie sleeps well, considering the long day she's had. Little Blackie is nearby her, which comforts her and makes her feel safe. She's still afraid of the snakes that come out at night even though Rooster told her that they don't attack young girls, but for now, she tries to forget that

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[kamloops_rose]

Not the Choctaw Nation, and not the Shuswap Nation either, Delilah would add.

The young woman can be found in the kitchen, making soup, something hearty and warm that smells of home to her, and probably of Injuns to someone like Mattie.

Her dress is typical of a Shuswap woman of the 1910's, and she is humming peacefully, happily.

This might be a bit of a difficult encounter for them both.

[gritted]

Mattie's nearby, and when she sees Delilah, she's almost comforted by the sight--it reminds her of home. Still, as she approaches the young woman, she realizes who--or rather, what she is--and stops, unsure what to do. She wasn't expecting this, necessarily.

"Hello," she says politely.

[kamloops_rose]

Delilah has been in a world of white people for a while - though of course, her friends don't look as... colonizing as Mattie does.

When she spots Mattie, her eyebrows rise, she frowns, if only momentarily. Still, here is a child. She can't be blamed for the sins of her forebearers, she reminds herself.

"Hello," she replies, a touch cautiously.

[gritted]

"My name is Mattie Ross. You are the first Indian I have seen around here. Are you new too?" Yes, she's making assumptions.

[kamloops_rose]

Typical. "I'm not Indian," Delilah replies with dignity. "I am Shuswap. And I am not new."

[gritted]

"I admit I do not know the Shuswap and their ways. Have you been here a while, then?"

[kamloops_rose]

"Over a year," Delilah replies. She scrunches her nose at Mattie, as if gauging her, which she is. "What sort of white person are you?"

[gritted]

"I do not know what sort of white person I am. I suppose I am kind enough. I respect the Indians and their ways, or attempt to."

[kamloops_rose]

... okay then. "I meant, if you are French or English."

Delilah frowns, and adds, "And I'm Shuswap, not Indian."

[gritted]

"I apologize. I am American, if that is what you mean."

[kamloops_rose]

Heh, that's a third brand of whiteman that she's never been exposed too. "-- I guess it is. What's an American?"

Delilah doesn't know much about politics beyond the great big kahuna of Canada. She had other things to think about.

[gritted]

"You don't know?" She's a little perplexed right now.

[kamloops_rose]

"No," Delilah replies. "What do you know about the Shuswap people?"

[gritted]

"--Nothing," she says with a bit of embarrassment. "Then I suppose I should explain America to you, then. It is only fair." She clears her throat.

"America is a great country, but young. We earned our independence from the British a while back, and we've been expanding ever since. I find it very inspiring and exciting."

[kamloops_rose]

"... Oh." Delilah pauses. "-- is that your clan? You don't look Indian."

[gritted]

"It is not my clan, no. I am white, like all the rest of the settlers in the West. Or most of them, anyway."