by Ann Patty
Navaho Blessing
The new day was met with solemn relief from the brothers and Terra. There was no question that this was the day to move on. The boulders served them well, but since the incident the energy had shifted to one verging on suspect, even fear. The Dine were peace-keeping kin and not accustomed to thug tactics. A final breakfast was laid out on the table rocks. It consisted of leftovers, but good leftovers. A bit of this and that sat on each of their paper plates. They ate diligently. Discussion came among the brothers as to this being their parting spot for a bit. Who would go where and their future plans were high topics. Atsa would remain with Terra for another night or two as they continued to press on and explore another spot in the desert; one that was called the Terra Cotta Canyon.
With the plates polished off, the routine practice of, leave no trace, held all four hostage for a bit. One by one the four gathered their packs and reconvened in the main room. Hugs and good blessings surrounded the brothers' farewell. Yiska embraced Terra and chanted a Navaho way blessing in her ear.
“In beauty may You walk.
All day long may You walk.
Through the returning seasons may You walk.
On the trail marked with pollen may You walk.
With grasshoppers about my feet may You walk.
With dew about my feet may You walk.
With beauty may You walk.
With beauty before me, may You walk.
With beauty behind me, may You walk.
With beauty above me, may You walk.
With beauty below me, may You walk.
With beauty all around me, may You walk.
In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, lively, may You walk.
In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, living again, may You walk.
It is finished in beauty.
You, Terra, are beauty.”
Terra was taken aback with deep emotions for such a gesture had never been blessed upon her. She stepped back, put her hand on Yiska's shoulders and smiled her appreciation. Her eyes were glistening and one tear fell in silence.
Next, Tahoma approached Terra and scooped her up in his massive arms. He was the tallest at six foot one. Always a person of few words, but Terra's heart felt his kind spirit easily. Perhaps, it was that Tahoma was much like Atsa, in looks, although his demeanor was gentler. “I'll never forget you my dear, Terra. Never. I know we will cross paths again. Many times.”
Terra felt the same way about him and whispered, “Me too,” in return as she kissed his cheek.
The two brothers set off. Atsa looked at Terra. “Are you up to one more desert challenge?” He saw her nod a firm, yes. So they set off as well.
Terra Cotta Canyon
Aiming in the direction that went east, this trek would be almost a full day. Past the two mile mark, the region began to reform into a variety of low junipers and natural tundra. Of course more rocks of all sizes continued to be a main stay. However, wildlife including rabbits, lizards, foxes, and snakes began to populate the area. Accustomed to brown brambles, it was a refreshing change when the brush was turning to a welcome green. These new signs indicated a water source. Rainfall, underground springs, or a nearby river would support this life. For as dead as a desert could appear, on close inspection, the terrain was teaming with life.
Atsa directed Terra to take frequent breaks. The temperature had turned a bit cooler which made walking even easier. During their journey, they talked about their childhood and families. Atsa entertained Terra with stories of growing up with his brothers. The three were rambunctious, and had been a handful for their now deceased mother. Atsa explained that his mother had given him and his brothers all traditional Navaho names. In loving tradition, she had reasoned to keep the culture alive. Atsa's mum used to tell the boys that anyone could have an ordinary name. But why not have an extraordinary one?
The boys loved pulling ongoing pranks. Such as the night they painted the neighbor's cows each a different color. The reason? Because the old cow farmer took to calling the three boys hoodlums. So to stop him from using that expression the boys challenged him by painting his cows. Thank goodness their artwork streamed off in the next rain. In high school Atsa and Tahoma switched out dates and made their girls so angry they both got dumped. During the night the boys would take one another blindfolded somewhere, anywhere, with the intent to shock. One time, the brothers dropped Atsa from a cliff into a lake for a wake up call. Another time, the brothers made pots of spaghetti over several days. During the night, Atsa and Yiska quietly covered Tahoma in the sticky, starched pasta. Tahoma was a heavy sleeper. He never woke up until morning. The spaghetti strained into every orifice from being squished about all night long. Tahoma was horrified. He had to go to a job interview that day with his dark hair gummed together in clumps. The pranks were harmless, although entertaining. Terra could not reciprocate tales. She was an only child and compared to these brothers she decided her childhood was quite boring.
Over the course of the six hour jaunt, Atsa and Terra became closely acquainted with how each other thought and what made their partner tick. They talked of previous partners and reflected on what they learned in their embrace. Atsa talked of his love of architecture and shared the challenges of his hard won projects. Terra educated Atsa to the world of copy writing in the advertising world. The two compared notes to find that other than the different work venue, that business was business wherever you went. Atsa talked about his dream projects that were waiting to be bid on. His excitement animated him. Terra never knew anyone who got that excited over their work. She marveled at his enthusiasm.
When Atsa questioned Terra of her future dreams, she stumbled. Literally. She had to admit that she had none. Terra made no excuse or apology for her limbo in the work sector. Quite frankly, she did not care. Atsa understood where she was. Terra relayed again that she just got off a roller coaster of a relationship that included a thankless job. Atsa told Terra to enjoy herself. Take some time. He assured her that her intuition and her guides would place her inside the perfect plan. All she needed to do was listen, and trust. Terra bent an ear to his wisdom and smiled gratefully.
Dine Event
Terra was amazed as they approached a recessed canyon rimmed with life. Trees bore green, tall grasses that swayed in the breeze, and wild orchids dotted the underbrush. Twin fawns fed at their mother's side, gopher holes abounded, and birds fluttered overhead. In the middle of nowhere cracked open a refuge bar abundant with life. The designation, Terra Cotta Canyon, was waiting in full living color. The last of the three destinations was the most lush with foliage. This canyon was nonsensical. It was out in the middle of nowhere. It was carved into the desert as a knife would split a cake. Then it peeled back at mid line to expose an underworld unseen. The natural composure came on gallant yet the landscape was graceful.
Atsa led Terra to one end where there were natural stepping stones that led down inside the canyon. They followed a natural path to the valley floor about two hundred feet down. When they looked back up, the distance was deceivingly much farther. Atsa explained that their ancestors had lived in the canyon full time. Its natural barriers and lush vegetation made for excellent homes. Few outsiders knew of their cavern, but it was found out by those who flew in airplanes overhead. Still on reservation land, which was policed by the Navaho for preservation, occasionally outsiders slipped in. In keeping with harmony the Navaho had posted a sign, which Atsa and Terra bypassed. The sign acknowledged other visitors, and simply asked that they respect and enjoy the land. Setting out a welcome and an expectation, the canyon had been kept well preserved.
The pathway proceeded lower to the bottom of the ravine. It was time worn from feet, human and animal alike. Pushing on ahead, Terra was glad their destination was so close at hand, as they had walked eight hours. Good conversation with her lover made the time disappear. The path wandered as the canyon spread wider. Sometimes the path spurred off and into dead ends. Terra thought the de
ad ends would make great camping hideaways. Atsa mentioned the path went from end to end and that a true oasis lay in the belly of the slot. That was their destination, which they would be at in under an hour since they continued to explore. Terra was pensive, but also excited at another natural discovery.
As the two walked little urgency was necessary. Terra bent over, hair falling with her head, to look at the flowers. Atsa scanned the horizon of the rim. “Just looking,” was what he answered when Terra inquired. They both knew Atsa's anticipation stemmed from last night's scene. They both also acknowledged that it was likely to be over. So they took their time wandering down each spur.
As the canyon's width grew so did the length of the offshoot trails. At a main juncture, ground water appeared as a marsh. Taking the left trail the water flowed to the side. It was not a creek and it wasn't moving. The marsh grew lush with taller dark green foliage specked with pastel colors of wild poppies. Peach, orange, yellow, red... All the colors of spring sprung forth. A cornucopia enveloped the couple as they strolled hand in hand.
The path swayed this way and that. Each turn revealed another side of the canyon. Terra understood why this place was favored by the Navaho ancestors. The protection the rock walls offered. The abundance of fauna and water. Obscured and protected, it was choice valley real estate. However, there were drawbacks. Enemies that found the entrances could easily box in the dwellers and take control. A flash rain could be lethal swelling canyon water sources to overflowing. Water marks were apparent and high on the canyon walls. A flash flood could fill up this slot canyon's moat and drown it victims. Yes, every silver lining had its secrets. But, for now this place was to be enjoyed and devoured as a fine piece of decadent dark chocolate.
Rushing water could be heard. At first, as a hushed sound, then louder with each turn in the path. Soon a mist floated on air. The lushness grew to new heights and covered the ground and walls with green. The last corner revealed a seventy foot waterfall split by two pools above. Water gushed from an opening high up the canyon wall. The origin of the water flow originated underground then surfaced high up on the rock face to perform the waterfall spout. Water spurted into the first of two pools twenty feet below. When the concave rock ledge filled it spilled over into the next rock catch thirty foot below. The last fall sprinkled a layered spray to the shallow bottom basin. A perfect people shower. The water was then reabsorbed back into the earth. This recycle of nature's dynamics supported the ecosystem inside the ravine. If Terra did not know better she would have thought she was standing back under one of the lush falls of the Pacific Northwest.
Terra crouched at the edge of the basin pool. Stretching out her arms, her cupped hands brought fresh water to her lips. Atsa put his backpack down and joined her. It was but a few moments later that Atsa stripped to his birthday suit and wadded into the natural shower. He just stood there soaking up the refreshing rinse. Terra sat back on the bank and laughed. It did look inviting. After a moment, Terra stripped down and joined Atsa. The wall of water washed away any tension from the previous days. They laughed and splashed and pulled at each other's long hair. Little kids' hearts escaped their souls. The pool was as large underneath, in back of the falls as it was outside coming in. The depth was only waist high. Atsa held Terra's hand as he walked her around the perimeter. The backside was a concave stone wall natural to the canyon. It was indented so far that it offered an ingenious hiding place from predators. The waterfall cave grew ferns from top to bottom, side to side. The life energy here was soothing. It was healing, almost magical in quality.
The underside of the waterfall was the fountain of youth to many locals. On the third Thursday of each month during all the spring months, no matter the weather, the local township gathered at this basin to bless and thank the spirits for this renewable source. Today was Wednesday. The third Wednesday of the month. Tomorrow the elders, families, and children would gather to pay homage. Atsa knew many of the Thursday visitors. A number of them were his cousins, aunts, and uncles. He had been away for quite a while on business, so Atsa was eager to rejoin with his extended family. Terra was eager to meet his extended kin. Navaho folks were kindred spirits. She loved their celebrations of thanking the earth. Never had Terra felt so alive in nature as she had these past few days with Atsa and his brothers, and now all his relatives to come.
Inside the cavern of ferns, Atsa faced Terra and backed her up against the soft watery wall. His right hand lifted her left leg and placed it on a rock perched to the side. This opened Terra's legs exposing her to him. Atsa was rock solid from the shower refreshment. He wasted no time in penetrating Terra's inviting cave. Water was the seed of eroticism for the couple. Their copulation began below the waterline once more. Terra placed her palms on Atsa's shoulders and wrapped her fingers down on his back. Atsa braced his palms against the side of Terra's hips. He grabbed around to her back to support his thrusting. Atsa firmly rammed Terra with only a dozen strokes before he came. With a lunge and a muffled cry against Terra's shoulder, Atsa's deposits floated away amidst the pool waves. Terra bent to kiss his forehead. Atsa had taken his pleasure using her body. “Tonight is for you,” Atsa spoke. He nodded, withdrew, and waded out, with Terra's hand in his, from beneath the waterfall.
Back on the beach of the basin, Atsa suggested they pick a spot to claim. The celebration participants could arrive early. Since they were there, they might as well pick a spot that was private and a bit away from the celebration spot. Terra agreed. They both redressed, picked up their packs, and began to explore. Atsa had one advantage. He knew this slot canyon well and the prime spots. He waved Terra to follow him.
Hiking not too far, but enough out of distance for distractions there was an obscure path. Ducking the branches, Terra and Atsa meandered another five minute walk. The perfect spot opened up against the canyon wall. It was one of the dead end trails like so many others that Terra saw previously. Now all the spur trails made sense. Every one served as campgrounds. This spot had clean running water. At the base of the canyon wall was an adequate stream that was siphoned off from the pool. Up to the creek was a carpet of green moss. The side walls grew tall grasses and thick trees. This was a natural room with built in privacy. Perfection. Atsa opened his pack and took out his head band. He held up a finger indicating to Terra he'd be right back. When he reappeared his bandanna was gone. “I hung it on a branch at our entrance, to make a claim that our spot is now taken,” Atsa told Terra. Then Atsa added, “It's tradition.”
Terra laid out everything. Shaking her head, she asked, “How long are we staying here Atsa? Food is low.”
Atsa dismissed her worries with a wave of his hand. “No worries, my cousins will bring more food than any of us can possibly eat. Another tradition.” He smiled to wipe the worried look from Terra's brows. He saw her nod and then she seemed to rest easy.
For the rest of the day, which included mostly the evening, the couple just relaxed in their natural habitat and their birthday suits. Atsa took a hold of Terra's feet and massaged them. Terra climbed on Atsa's back as he lay down on his stomach and gave him a shoulder rub. Leisurely and easily the two ate the remaining food. Then they both fell into a deep slumber that carried them into and through most of the night.
Occasionally voices could be heard during the dark hours. This was the first of the cousins arriving and settling down in campsites. It went on for several hours until silence settled back in. Deep in the night another delicious vigil began. Terra, still naked, laying on her back, arms overhead, one knee cocked over to the side, was sleeping deeply. Atsa propped up on one arm and looked at her open body as a dessert. He scooted down and positioned his head between Terra's legs. Atsa's fingers, then hands parted Terra's legs wider. Atsa's worked his tongue inside Terra's thighs until he found her treasure trove. Terra opened her legs wider and pushed up into Atsa's face. He acknowledged and complied readily. His rhythmic, insistent stroking made Terra squirm and moan. The constant pressure began to build and Terra
's body jerked. Several spasms later, she lay spent. Atsa did not remove his mouth. He enjoyed her woman juices and the pungent scent of sex. Atsa was among many who desired to feast from their mate thereafter.
The night disappeared inside the bowels of the canyon. Terra and Atsa, spoon wrapped, slept well into dawn. Sleep for the next few days would be caught on the fly. Celebrations of this Navaho clan would carry on non-stop for three days. It was good they preserved their reposeful bedroom early on as it would serve as a quiet reprieve.
Growing Family
The Dine extended family continued to grow through morning and afternoon. So many of them came to the canyon. Young boys and girls, teenagers, young adults, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, the elders, and babies. Atsa and Terra stood off to one side watching and eating casaba melon. Every other person grasped hands with Atsa and welcomed him with a 'where have you been' hug. Each time Atsa turned and introduced Terra. How would she ever remember all these names? Atsa just told her to call every guy, sir, and the women, miss. They understood a newcomer would be overwhelmed.
