by Rita Karnopp
Noiseless, he entered his father's tipi. Everyone slept, including Whispering Sun. Two Shadows lay next to her, feeling the warmth of her body. Her steady breathing brought him comfort. He enjoyed her warm breath as it brushed his cheek. His heart soared with love.
Tomorrow they would decrease the false hellebore tea. Hopefully she'd tolerate the pain and come out of the drowsy state she now existed in. He wanted to drown in her water-blue eyes and be reassured of her love for him.
He worried about her reaction to being in a tipi. Would his people seem primitive and undesirable? He wished, with his whole heart and being, that she would love the Blackfeet ways. The past few days he had been telling himself it wouldn't matter. If she couldn't live in his world, he'd go live in hers. They would be together. Fears and doubts filled him. He loved living in the village. He loved his family and the Blackfeet way of life. Could he give it all up for Whispering Sun?
He rose on his elbow, leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers. He yearned for the time when again they could set each other on fire. To hold her tight and secure against his body. To hear her heart beat wild against his own. Just the thought caused his breathing to increase.
Pulling the blanket around her chin, he left as quietly as he had entered. Finding his sleeping blanket, Two Shadows collapsed from sheer exhaustion. It seemed he no sooner closed his eyes and it was time to open them again.
The day started early, as each one did. Young bucks already yipped and hooted while racing their horses around camp. It appeared trading and games were the best ever. Nitapi Waksin had filled their cooking pots with fresh meat as the rendezvous continued. They were fortunate, indeed, when the buffalo stayed close to the great celebration.
A yipping miniature warrior dived across Two Shadow's chest, straddling him.
"Wake, my lazy brother. I am greatly excited. I must show you which knife I have chosen to be mine," Little Arrow announced.
Rubbing his eyes, Two Shadows bounced his legs up and down, sending Little Arrow into the air like a bucking pony. "A great warrior should be allowed to rest in his own tipi."
"Do not be angry. I am too excited to wait. Look!" He shoved a pearl-handled knife in front of Two Shadows. "Is it not the most handsome knife you have ever seen? I have asked Mother to make a fine sheath for it."
"Yes, little brother. It is a grand choice. You take good care of it and use it wisely."
Holding the knife up to the light, Little Arrow said, "Everyone is talking how you and the white woman killed the bad men. They are saying she killed a bear and saved your life. They say she walked the narrow pass in the Mahkwi Opikinah and soon after it slid away, killing the Sioux that were after you. Is all this true about the white one?"
Two Shadows embraced Little Arrow, then held him back by the shoulders, gazing fondly into his shining brown eyes. "It is all true. But I would ask you to call her Whispering Sun."
"Are you going to take Whispering Sun for your sits-beside-you wife?"
"We will give her time to know us, then I will ask her to be my wife," Two Shadows said, looking away.
"I hope she says yes. Already the people are planning a great feast in her honor when she is well. Are you coming to the trading today, Two Shadows? Can I come with you? I will be good and will not talk while you trade. I will help carry your supplies and furs. I can carry much. I am strong like you."
Two Shadows smiled at his brother of seven winters. "Yes, you may come with me. But first I must go to the river and wash. Have you washed already?"
Little Arrow bounded off Two Shadow's chest. "No, I rushed to get my fine knife. I waited to go to the river with you. I waited until I could stand it no more. The sun is rising and still my brother does not come out of his tipi. I decided you needed my help to wake up."
"You did that well, little brother. Let us go and bathe before the waters are filled with people." Two Shadows rose and looked over at Otter Woman's blankets. Through their loud talking the old woman continued to sleep. He smiled. She needed rest, he felt glad they had not waken her.
"Now quiet, Little Arrow. We have not yet awakened my mother. Let her sleep. She lost a son yesterday, then worked hard to make a great meal for my friends and me. She deserves some extra sleep."
Two Shadows guided Little Arrow out of the quiet tipi. The crisp, fresh morning air felt refreshing. Soon the sun would kiss the land and breath its warmth upon them. Early morning had always been his favorite time of day; peaceful and still. But, this morning fell short of that description. He listened hard to hear the trills of the morning birds, but the busy camp drowned out their cheerful singing.
Many young boys rushed to them, laughing and touching Two Shadows. Several displayed before him the knife or gun they had chosen. Not one failed to thank Two Shadows for the gift.
As they neared the water, Two Shadows found everyone had a greeting and a smile for him this morning. Men raised their new guns and knives; smiles or nod of head expressed gratitude. They were pleased to know the killer of the people no longer lived.
Smiling to himself, Two Shadows had saved back a handsome Mississippi rifle and fine Bowie knife. He looked forward to giving them to his father.
For Willow Basket he saved several cooking pots, serving bowls, stir sticks, and staples. For Otter Woman he had several blankets, a large black cooking pot, wooden bowls and eating utensils. By the looks of her belongings, he had chosen wisely.
The women would be most excited, but his favorite surprise would make them overjoyed. Hidden in his travel bag he'd hidden enough seed and pony beads to last them a lifetime.
For Little Arrow he'd kept back a new pinfire. It would make a fine first gun. He wouldn't give it to Little Arrow until his eighth winter.
The waters overflowed with talking and laughing people. He realized this is what he missed the most during those long, lonely days in the tree outside the fort.
Looking up, Two Shadows found himself staring into Laughing Eyes face. "Good morning. Is it not a beautiful day?" he asked. The conversation with his brothers surfaced, making him uncomfortable with her presence. Her glare told him she hadn't recovered from his rejection.
"I hear the white woman is not only your lover, but a great warrior herself. A man should be ashamed to admit a woman saved his life. Or is it just talk so the people will accept her? We don't need her kind among us."
Two Shadows took a step toward Laughing Eyes, he fought to control his rising anger. "Your tongue has become sharp and your eyes no longer laugh with warmth. At one time I admired you for always having a kind word to say. It appears you have grown bitter and now you speak as your mother does."
"Do not bring my mother dishonor. Do you think your insults will change what I think about that white whore?"
Her words hit him like a tomahawk. "I think it is not Whispering Sun who has become the whore. My ears hear of a maiden who sneaks each night into a different man's tipi. One who I thought to be pure and good. One who now I wouldn't touch if I wanted a woman." He stared into her eyes, watching what little remained of beauty turn into an expression of ugliness.
"I hate you, Two Shadows. How could I ever have thought I loved you? Knowing you have white blood flowing in your body makes my skin crawl." She spun on her heels, then ran down the path toward camp.
He couldn't help feeling a sadness for the once good-hearted girl. He couldn't quite shake feeling responsible. A wave of guilt filled him, then he remembered her insulting, bitter words about Whispering Sun, all sympathy fled. Laughing Eyes had allowed hatred to swallow her up. She'd soon be known as a hateful, spiteful, and vindictive woman, like Buffalo Woman.
He didn't have time to dwell on it. Young and old alike swarmed around him, expressing gratitude for the gift and for the justice they'd long awaited.
Bathing held no privacy this morning. Quickly refreshed, Two Shadows rubbed his skin with pine needles. Little Arrow had long since joined his group of young friends who'd run off to watch the adults trade and
game.
Two Shadows hurried toward his father's tipi. The need to see Whispering Sun overpowered all others.
Willow Basket sat in front of the tipi, sewing beads on a pair of soft, white moccasins. "She has been stirring. You may go sit with her and send Amunis Ahki back to her tipi to fix you something to eat. She refused to leave the girl's side until you returned.
"Thank you, Mother," he said, placing a kiss upon the top of her head. "Your design is beautiful. Is it not a sun that you make?"
"Yes. These are for Whispering Sun. Her feet are healing. I do not wish to see them cut up again in those shabby things called shoes."
Laughing, Two Shadows hooked the tipi flap open. "I must admit, she was shamefully clothed by the time I got her here, wasn't she?"
"Indeed. White women wear strange things. How she could breath in her dress is a wonder. Did you see those garments under her dress? Otter Woman and I laughed when we saw them."
The pink color spreading across Willow Basket's cheeks told Two Shadows her words implied more than she'd meant to. "I hate to ask what you did with them," he said, smothering another chuckle.
"You did not think we would keep them, did you?"
Her expression became more than he could take. He responded with a loud, roaring laugh. "No, I did not expect you to keep them." Allowing his senses to sober, he paused, then asked, "Would you do something for me?"
"Certainly, Two Shadows. What is it that you need?"
"When Whispering Sun killed that bear, I removed the claws without her knowing. Would you use them in decoration on her moccasins? I have many, perhaps you can save the others for another time you wish to decorate a fine dress or robe. Do you want them?"
"Oh, yes. It would be beautiful. It will give her strength and protection to wear them. I would be honored to sew them on her moccasins."
Two Shadows nodded, entered the tipi, retrieved a small bag from his sleeping blankets, then returned to Willow Basket's side. "Here. Take one to use on a necklace for yourself. I would like to see you have protection too." He didn't wait for her response, he turned and stood just inside the tipi. Whispering sun, propped-up by a folded buffalo robe, looked incredibly good.
* * *
Whispering Sun concentrated on the weathered face of the old Indian woman. Her long white braids framed her bony jaw and deep, prominent wrinkles tracked to gentle, brown eyes. Her broad, flat nose accented her high, dignified cheekbones. But her charm came from the expressive, broad smile that caused her entire face to brighten with warmth and dignity.
When the old woman placed another spoonful of warm liquid to her lips, Whispering Sun eagerly responded. The broth smelled heavenly. She listened to the musical Blackfeet words, not really understanding what she said, yet comforted by the soothing tone.
"It's good. What is it?" Whispering Sun asked, making slight hand motions with her words.
The Indian woman smiled and nodded. Sitting the buffalo horn howl down, she raised her index fingers above her head, palms closed, they looked like horns. "Nitapi Waksin," she stated.
Other than jerky, Whispering Sun had never eaten buffalo before. She'd always believed it to be heathen food. Surprisingly, it tasted better than the beef they'd eaten at the fort.
Briefly she glanced around. Surprised at what a tipi looked like on the inside. Slowly, she scanned the incredibly large structure, finding the ground crowded with buffalo-skin beddings, parafleches, willow-rod backrest, and many other colorful, beaded bags and items she didn't recognize. Across the lining she glanced at weapons, a brilliantly designed shield, a wooden bow, and items that looked like they could be sacred objects.
She felt no fear in the clean shelter. "Will Two Shadows be coming to see me?" she asked, hoping the old woman would understand.
"Iks-skat-sit," she said, pointing toward the tipi flap.
Whispering Sun glanced to her right to find Two Shadows standing, watching. He looked so good. She found she couldn't keep herself from smiling.
"So, you do remember me," she said, leaning back. "I thought you might have forgotten me by now."
"I could never forget you," Two Shadows said, kneeling by her side.
She allowed him to pull her hand into his. The warmth of his palm felt good. She found it impossible to stop staring at him. It seemed so long. He looked more handsome than she'd remembered.
"You are looking well, Whispering Sun. Many Pipes, our medicine man, prayed hard for your recovery. He worked many hours on your leg. Everyone thought you would die. I didn't want to believe it could happen. Once again Napi has protected you and kept you safe for me."
"I feel much better after that broth. Who is the woman that fed me?"
Two Shadows smiled. "She is my new mother."
Whispering Sun drew her brows together. "What do you mean, your new mother?"
She listened to him explain the ways of his people when a provider dies. She listened to his words, all the while wishing he'd pull her in his arms and hold her.
"It's a good custom when someone can take a deserted woman into their family," Whispering Sun responded. "I wouldn't find it a good custom if no one wanted the deserted old woman."
Two Shadows laughed. "If that's all it takes to make you happy, then it will give me great pleasure to have a tipi filled with old women. I hope you will also fill a tipi with my sons and daughters."
Whispering Sun felt a hot blush crawl up her neck and spread across her cheeks. Nothing more would please her than to have Two Shadow's child. Just the thought brought a longing in her heart. She would be a good mother. Her children would know they were loved. She'd give them the hugs and kisses she never had growing up.
"You look serious, my love. Does this talk of children not please you?"
She noticed a shadow of alarm touch his face. She placed the palm of her hand across his smooth cheek. "How can you ask such a question? If I don't have your babies, then I'll have none at all."
Reading the tenderness and love in his expression, she lifted her lips to him and felt his mouth cover hers hungrily. The intimacy of his kiss gave her strength and reaffirmed how they truly felt about each other. A warmth flowed down her like the sun on a hot day.
Chapter Sixteen
Whispering Sun rubbed her aching injured leg. She should stay off it more, but each day brought so many exciting, interesting things into her life. The Blackfeet treated her with respect and courtesy. She found their life busy and fulfilling.
"Come walk with me, Whispering Sun," Two Shadows said, holding his hand out to her.
All thoughts of resting fled from her mind. She smiled, placing her palm in his. "You seem restless, what's on your mind?" she asked.
"I have been wondering if you long for your soft feather bed and your fancy dresses."
Whispering Sun glanced at Two Shadows out of the corner of her eye. "Men don't understand, do they? You think a soft bed and petty clothes are what make a woman happy. You're wrong. I had all those things, and more, my whole life. To be honest, I hated it. I wanted to blend in with the others, not stick out as something different. I hated my life and myself." She paused, giving her leg a rest.
"I love you, Two Shadows. You're everything to me. Did you know that Trail Walker was the only one who ever showed me love, before you? I love him like a daughter should love a father. Without Trail Walker's teachings and faith in me, I never would have survived all that has happened to me since I left Fort Bryson." She noticed he pointed to a rock and allowed him to lift her up on it. She watched as he sat on the ground at her feet.
"Now that you have your hearing back, maybe things will be different for you."
Whispering Sun noticed he didn't make an effort to face her. Alarm filled her. "Are you saying you're taking me back to Fort Bryson? You no longer want me to stay here? You've changed your mind, haven't you? You've decided to marry that maiden who watches you all the time, haven't you? I don't blame you, she's beautiful. I certainly don't look much like a Blackfeet maiden, b
ut I do love it here. The people treat me with more respect and kindness here than I've ever felt at the fort. It's just as Trail Walker said it would be." Whispering Sun fought the tears that pooled in her eyes.
"I think you have misunderstood me. I want to make sure you would be happy here. I have no wish to marry anyone but you. Will you become my sits-besides-him wife? Will you share my tipi and give me many sons and daughters?"
Whispering Sun released a heavy sigh before allowing her happiness to shine through. She slid from the rock, into his arms. Brazenly she pressed her open lips to his, giving herself freely to the passion of his kiss. "Yes," she whispered between kisses, "Yes, I want very much to be your wife."
Tasting the sweetness of her mouth only made him want more. He wanted her, every fiber of his body ached for the need and want of possessing her. He fought his ardor, even as she stirred beneath his touch. They had not made love since the night her leg had been injured. It didn't seem right to take her now, not until they were married in the eyes of his people. They had a great respect for her, as he did. Two Shadows didn't want to jeopardize her honor.
Putting an arm's length between them, he said, "He Who Listens' wife, Sunny Smiles, will claim you as her sister."
"I don't understand. Why would she do that?"
"In order for us to marry, you must not be relative to one of our village. Sunny Smiles is of the Piegans. You will go live at their tipi from this day, until the marriage. I will take twelve of my best ponies and ten buffalo hides to He Who Listens."
"You are going to buy me? Once Trial Walker told me he paid a handsome price for his bride. I didn't quite understand what it meant. I do now. Why do you have to pay for your wife?" she asked, rubbing her leg.
Two Shadows lifted her foot onto his thigh, then gently massaged the sore muscles of her leg. "It would be a great insult to ask for a wife and offer nothing in return. In giving much, I am saying you are worth much. The greater the payment, the more respect and value I am announcing I feel. Maybe I should offer a rabbit skin for such a skinny, little white woman."
