In amazement, the man asked, "You have been watching us. You have tried to get close to us. Why do you do this?"
The Man replied, "I mean no harm. I enjoy watching you and your fellow friends. I wish to learn the language so I can speak to you."
"We are glad you enjoy watching us, and as long as you cause us no harm, we will teach you our language."
For many months the Ravens taught the man their language and how they lived each day. The Man became educated and most of the Ravens accepted him as a friend.
One day, a Raven dropped a walnut on the Man's head. It was purposly dropped, and all the Ravens started to laugh.
The Man was hurt from being made fun of. He asked a Raven, "Why are you picking on me?"
The Raven became serious. "We thought you understood us, but obviously you don't. We aren't mocking you, well maybe a little bit but it's our way of having fun. Don't take it seriously. You should know us better."
For many months the "pranks" continued. The Man decided to leave the pack. He went away for many moons.
In the village, he told the tribe about his adventures with the Ravens. The villagers gave him the name of "Black Feather" because of his relationship with the Ravens, but he objected and informed them, "I am no longer closer to the Ravens."
From above there was a single raving calling. Some looked up in shock because they could understand him, but others just looked away because they could not understand him. The Raven spoke to the man and said, "It is true, you are closer to us then any Anishinabe (human) has ever come. I invite you to return to us, many miss you."
Black Feather started to follow the Raven, but then he asked, "Why do you invite me back if the Ravens are mean to me?"
"See how little you understand us," the Raven responded, "The Ravens didn't fight with you because you are Anishinabe, it is because they have accepted you a member of the Raven tribe. You should know that we fight amongst ourselves."
"Then I should return to my people in the village." It's useless, I can't even fly!"
All of the Ravens roared with laughter.
"Of course you can't fly! You're Anishinabe and wer'e Ravens! We love you and care about you and even fight with you. We want you back! Join us or not. The decision is yours.
The Man returned to his village to bid everyone farewell because he knew he had decided to live with the Raven people.
An older Raven dropped a walnut perfectly, right on the Man's head. All of the Ravens and the Anshinabes laughed. The Man looked up smiling and said, chuckling, "Good One."
