~Welcome~

~If you are Coming into Sweet Fawn's for the 1st Time, Read Part One First~

The Love story of Tasheena & Wolf~ part One

The Love story of Tasheena & Wolf~part Two

Tasheena had been in the Village a little more then two moons now. The Village was bustling with excitement . She and Wolf were finally going to get married. When Tasheena first came here, she really didn't have much time to think about what happened. She just graduated from high school and was planning on going to the University the next fall. Of course that was out of the question now. Her place was here with Wolf. She didn't want to go back. She loved Wolf so much she didn't think she could stand it. Just looking at those dreamy brown eyes of his made her feel weak inside. Her best friend Little Doe was Wolf's sister. She was her age, and they were having a double wedding. It had taken some doing to convince Chief Buffalo Man and the Council to let them get married at the same time. They had never heard of such a thing. Tasheena found out there were a lot of thing's in this Village they had never heard of. She still didn't know why? She wasn't sure if they were forbidden to talk about certain thing's or they really didn't know. It was like she had walked through a time warp to the past. From what she remembered about her history, it had to be in the early eighteen hundreds. When she asked Little Doe what year it was, she didn't know what she was talking about. She told her what Moon it was instead. She thought back to when her Grandfather brought her here at the start of the summer. It seemed so long ago now.

Actually, she first came here with her grandfather the summer before. That was when she met Wolf. In the short time she was here they fell in love, but she had to go back home. She had one more year of high school and she wasn't eighteen yet.

As the year crawled along, Tasheena found there wasn't a day that went by that she didn't think about Wolf, and how he made her feel inside. All she wanted to do was go back to the Village in the Mountains with Wolf. She would have moved to Alaska if that was where he lived. When school was finally over, she said goodbye to her mother and brother and happily climbed in her Grandfathers Jeep Cherokee and they headed up the Mountain to his Cabin.

It was strange the way she couldn't remember coming to the Valley. She chalked it up to her heavy schedule of Final exam's, tutoring grade school children in math and English for a Fee, and getting her clothes ready to go to her Grandfather's for the summer. She only took her buckskins, preferring them to the white man's clothes. As she packed her large buckskin backpack she made sure not to bring anything that belonged to the white man if she could help it. She did make concessions though. She brought a large heavy comb that wouldn't break, to comb her long black hair, a pack of toothbrushes and her underwear. She laughed, wondering what Little Doe would say if she saw them. She knew little Doe had never seen silk panties before.

Her mind went back to the trip up the Mountain. It was only a two hour ride, but she had been tired. About half way up here she climbed over the back seat and drifted off to sleep, mumbling something about wake me when we get there. The next thing she knew was walking through the rock tunnel on the Mountain, and seeing the waterfall ahead of her. The sun was so bright she had to squint her eyes at first. She wasn't tired at all. In fact she felt great.

Tasheena had looked around her, and asked her Grandfather how they got there? Hawk said they had been in an accident on the Mountain, but everything was all right now, and she would remember what happened in due time. They had gone out from behind the waterfall and Tasheena saw the Village in the distance. All she could think about was Wolf. She wondered if he was all right, and if he had missed her. She dismissed the missing time as something she would think about later. There was no sense worrying about what was over and done with. In the last two month's she managed to get some of her questions answered, but she had some large one's that were still hanging around waiting for answers. She asked Wolf to take her around the Mountain to where she knew the little town she was from was located. She wanted to prove to herself that it was still there. Those in the Village didn't seem to know the outside world existed. The problem was, when they reached the spot where the Town should be, it wasn't there! Tasheena didn't remember the ride back to the Village.

Little Doe stuck close to her side when she wasn't with Wolf or doing her chores, and when Little Doe wasn't spending time with Red Fox, who she was madly in love with. As much as she and Wolf wanted to get married right away, Tasheena was told by Rose petal, who was her Aunt, that there were certain procedure's that had to be met and customs to be upheld. That would give her time to get to know Wolf.

Everything was ready for the Wedding's in the morning. The women of the Village had constructed two marriage bowers in secluded sections from each other, and equipped then with everything they would need for their time together after the wedding. Guards were selected to be stationed at discreet intervals in the wooded hills to make sure an enemy didn't wander into that area. The Villagers knew to stay away. Rose petal made Tasheena a white Buckskin dress with long white fringe on the sleeves and hem to wear for the wedding. She even made the accessories that went with it. She didn't know what she would do without Rose petal. In the year she was gone, Rose Petal didn't seem to age at all, and had an endless supply of energy. Her grandfather actually seemed and acted younger. She couldn't figure it out. Well she wasn't going to worry about it. What she needed to do was get away by herself for a while. She wished her mother were here. She had wedding jitters. Tasheena always thought her mother would be at her wedding. She stood up and brushed the needles that carpeted the ground from the many Conifer Tree's from the brown buckskin dress she was wearing and looked around. Everyone seemed to be doing something and wasn't paying any attention to her for a change. She saw Rose Petal at one of the Community cooking pot's with some other women. Her back was to her. She didn't see Little Doe anywhere. Wolf and Red Fox left out with some other warrior's earlier. They probably wouldn't be back for hour's. She knew by the position of the sun that it was the middle of the morning.

Tasheena walked slowly, so she wouldn't attract attention to herself, and headed up stream to Rose Petal's Cabin. She gathered a large backpack, her new Bow and quiver of arrow's, and what she felt she would need. If she was stopped, she could show them the backpack and tell them she was going to look for roots and berries. Rather then go back through the Village, Tasheena headed East into the woods. She was familiar with this area. They had traveled it several times, going back and forth to the long cave in back of the waterfall, that led to her grandfathers cabin. Tasheena looked around slowly. She didn't see anyone. She quickly left the trail, heading into the cover of the tall Conifer trees. The area was heavy with underbrush, and vegetation. She kept going until she was sure they couldn't see or hear her from the trail. Hawk, her grandfather,  had taught her sign and tracking, and what root's and plants were good for eating, and the curing of various ill's. Much to her dismay at the time, her grandmother taught her how to cure and tan a hide. She also taught her how to dry meat and fruit, and keep them in a parflake in a cool, dry place for use during the winter when it was often impossible to get out and hunt for food. Tasheena noticed the forest seemed greener, and the sky a deeper shade of blue. The air definitely smelled better. There was no exhaust from car's up here.

As Tasheena made her way slowly through the wood's, enjoying the beauty of nature that surrounded her and listening to the small animal's scurrying in the underbrush, she thought of her mother. Even if she made her way to the cave and used her Grandfather's Jeep to get down the Mountain, there was still no way she could get back before morning. From where she was now, it would take a good six hours to get back to the Cabin, and another two hours to drive down the Mountain. She knew she couldn't make her way back through the wood's at night by herself. There were wild animals here, and she might get lost. She swallowed her disappointment.

She was too happy. She and Wolf were finally going to be together. Tasheena stopped and looked around. She had traveled a little farther then she intended to. She had turned to start back when she heard  a pitiful cry. It sounded like a baby animal that was hurt. Tasheena stood quietly, and listened. There, she heard it again. Then she heard a second cry. There were more then one. Tasheena headed in the direction the cries seemed to be coming from, an arrow fitted to her bow in case the mother was around somewhere. She followed the cries to a small den under a rock ledge where two baby wolves cried from hunger. There mother lay dead nearby. She hadn't been dead long. Tasheena looked around worried. From the look of the mother wolf she had been in a fight and lost. She concentrated on the babies who were watching her in alarm, and backing up farther under the wide ledge. They only looked to be about two or three months old and they were so cute. She knelt down on the ground, laying her bow and quiver of arrows in reach. She was going to have to scoot under the ledge to get them. She lay on her stomach, trying to reach them, and they kept backing up. One of them let out a low growl and she couldn't help laughing. "I won't hurt you, come here;" she pleaded. She knew they were probably hungry. She couldn't reach them, the space was to narrow for her to fit under, which accounted for how they escaped from what killed there mother. If she left them here, they would starve. She backed up a little and sat cross legged on the ground where they could see her. Slowly opening her backpack, she took out a buckskin bag with some dried meat in it, and removed two large pieces. She laid them on the ground in front of her, while the puppies watched her every move. They looked at the meat, and then back at her, trying to decide if it was worth the risk.

Tasheena sat silently, letting them make up their mind, and trying not to think about whatever killed their mother coming back. They were hungrier then they were cautious. The male came out first, stopping every little bit to look at her, then at the meat. Tasheena let him come up to the meat and take it. He snatched the meat and ran back under the ledge. Great, Tasheena thought. Now what? The male wasn't going to share his meat. The other one eventually ventured out get the other piece of meat. This time she reached out at just the right moment and scooped the puppy up, holding it close to her. The puppy hung on the piece of meat for dear life and snuggled up under her neck. The male sat there under the ledge, eating his piece of meat and watching them. When he finished, he slowly came out to get the other piece that Tasheena had set out for him. She scooped him up also. He was a feisty one, and started squirming to get down. Tasheena tried to hold onto both of them, eventually managing to get the backpack open, put a couple of pieces of meat in the bottom, and stick the puppies in the backpack with the meat. She breathed a sigh of relief.

Tasheena started for the Village wearing the backpack in the front, so she could keep the puppies from jumping out. It took the rest of her meat to get back to the Village with them. Little Doe, who had been looking for her, saw her coming and hurried toward her.

"Where were you?" she asked, then she saw the puppies. A worried look crossed her face as she looked back the way Tasheena had come. "The mother is dead;" Tasheena explained. "I couldn't just leave them. They would die! I think I'll give the male to Wolf as a Wedding present. I want the female." Tasheena handed the male to Little Doe to hold. Little Doe tried to hold the squirming bundle next to her to keep him from jumping down and getting away. They had black and white marking's and were so playful and cute. Tasheena didn't see why she couldn't train them like any other puppy. They headed for Rose Petal's cabin before someone saw them. Tasheena wanted it to be a surprise. She needed to build some kind of pen to keep them from taking off. She would let them stay in the cabin tonight while they got used to her. They couldn't get out unless the door was left open. She would have to think of a name for the female. Wolf could name his.

An hour later, they had built a barrier in one corner of the cabin next to where Tasheena slept, found something to put water for them in, and laid out several more pieces of meat. The puppies looked over their new territory, then curled up together in the corner. It had been an exhausting day!

Tasheena was hot and tired. She gathered her bathing supplies, and headed for the women's bathing area at the stream, while Little Doe ran back to her lodge to get her's. It was Late afternoon. They found Rose Petal and some other women already there. There were no activities that night. The two brides were expected to stay close to, or inside Rose Petal's Cabin.

Wolf was in the sweat lodge with Red Fox and the Shaman. Then they would go for a swim at the warrior's bathing area, and try to stay away from Tasheena and Little Doe. They were not allowed to see the bride the night before the wedding. Little Doe was spending the night at Rose petal's Cabin who had volunteered to get both girl's ready for the wedding tomorrow. Little Doe didn't have a mother or female woman relation to help her. She only had her brother Wolf, and her grandfather who was Chief  Buffalo Man. Three other women would show up in the morning to help. Tasheena and Little Doe were getting nervous. They finished at the stream, put on a clean buckskin dress and short moccasin's, and then sat outside on a large log so they could lean back against the cabin and enjoy the night air. It was cooling off fast. The cool breeze felt good. Tasheena and Little Doe talked quietly about what to expect after the wedding. They could hear the two wolf puppies fussing inside the cabin.

 Hawk decided a week after they got here that two women in the house was more then he could take for his peace of mind. After    conferring with Rose petal and some of the warrior's, enough skin's  were gathered to make his own lodge. Hawk left out with several other warrior's to gather and prepare the long poles that would be needed to erect the lodge. When everything was gathered, the women put it up for him. After all, Hawk was also the Village Shaman, and as such The People looked out for his welfare, provided him with meat, and came to him for spiritual advice. He was also consulted about Vision Quests and dreams. Since Hawk was here full time now he took on more of the responsibilities. The only other Shaman in the large Village was glad to get the help. Two day's after Hawk was established in his own lodge, Wolf showed up with Ten Horses, asking for the hand of his granddaughter. No one had ever given that many horses for a wife before, but Wolf could afford it. Being the Chief's son and next in line for Chief, he was considered wealthy because of the small horse herd he owned. Not to be outdone, Red Fox showed up at Wolf's lodge the day after that with ten horses for Little Doe. It was still the talk of the Village.

The women built the marriage bowers and equipped them with everything they would need. They would take them down after the couples week of seclusion by the same women who erected the lodge. Their possessions would be reclaimed. The women who were selected as blanket bearers would show up at Rose Petal's in the morning along with the women who would bathe and prepare the two brides. The aroma of the cooking pot's and roasting meat drifted through the Village on the cool evening breeze. Tasheena and Little Doe sat outside the cabin watching the activity of the Village that they could see from their vantage point.

Warrior's sat around fire pit's, smoking their pipes and discussing the events of the day. Women gathered in small groups to make sure everything was ready for tomorrow. Sentries were stationed in the hill's and Mountain's around the Village to guard against unwanted intruders and enemies. There were Bobcat, Wolves, and Bear's in the Mountain's. They were not all friendly if you ventured into what they considered their territory.

At each end of the long Council house sat a feast lodge made of log's, with a window at each end that could be closed and secured in case of an attack. One feast house was for the women. The other was for the warriors. There would be a feast before the wedding Ceremony.

Young boy's ran thru the Village causing havoc and jumping camp fires until corralled by several warrior's who had to chase them first. They were returned to their respective lodges and placed in the care of an older brother or their father, and told to stay there for the night. The Camp started to settle down for the evening.

The soft melody of a flute could be heard as a warrior played for the attention of a young maiden. Women sat outside their lodge and sewed on garments by the light of the evening fire pit in front of their lodge.

Wolf and Red Fox finished a long swim in the cool Mountain stream and headed for Wolf's lodge to pick up a few thing's. Wolf found his grandfather, Chief Buffalo Man sitting with some friends, enjoying the cool Mountain air and having a smoke.

Wolf greeted him, Red Fox nodded politely, and they continued into the Lodge. Wolf wanted to see Tasheena in the worse way but he knew he was forbidden. He couldn't sit outside the lodge because he had a clear view of Rose Petal's cabin, depending on where he sat of course, and he didn't want to hang around over at Red Fox's Lodge, which was to far away. If he didn't get out of camp he knew he would be tempted to sneak over to Rose petal's.

Wolf retrieved the pouches he wanted, along with his Bow and quiver of arrow's, and they left the lodge. Red Fox stopped at his lodge on the way back from the warrior's bathing area and already had his. Wolf paused to tell his grandfather they would be back later. They were heading East. Then they headed for the horse herd. Tasheena talked so much about the cave in back of the waterfall, that led through the Mountain, that Wolf thought he would check it out. He was pretty sure from how Tasheena described it that he knew which waterfall she was talking about. The moon was full. The star's twinkled in the night sky. They would have plenty of light to see by.

The Junior warrior's that guarded the horse herd saw them coming. Wolf and Red Fox called to their favorite stallion. It wasn't long until they were heading East. They took it slow and stayed on the main trail, listening for any disruption in the night sounds. Red Fox said he knew the area Tasheena was talking about. They had camped near there a few week's ago when they were on a Deer hunt, and they went swimming near the waterfall. He said he didn't see any cave in back of it, but then he wasn't looking for one either. Wolf wanted to check it out for himself.

It took a little more then an hour by horse to get to the area Tasheena was talking about. He had traveled all over these hills and Mountains, and there wasn't much he didn't know about them. Wolf remembered the stories that were passed down about Tasheena's grandfather Hawk. He first came to the Village when he was a young man, and studied with the Shaman. They knew he was of The People but never did know exactly where he came from. He appeared as silently as he left. Now he was back to stay, and his granddaughter Tasheena was with him. Hawk said they could never go back. He didn't say why!

When Wolf and Red Fox reached the area where the waterfall was, they hobbled the horses and walked the rest of the way up on foot. The climb was to steep to risk taking the horses in the dark.

It was another half hour before they reached where the water cascaded over the rock facing. They paused to take a drink, then made their way around to the edge of the waterfall, sliding sideways and running their hand over the rock facing ahead of them as they went. Wolf went all the way through to the other side of the waterfall, then had to stop because of the rock that went straight up. He turned to go back. He didn't find any opening. Wolf knew Tasheena wasn't lying. He wondered if this was the one she meant? When he turned around, Red Fox wasn't behind him. He called out softly. There was no answer. Wolf knew he was right behind him a minute ago. He wondered where he disappeared to so quickly? He found the opening on the way back. He wondered how he could have missed it? It wasn't that wide, but was big enough for him to walk through comfortably. He entered a larger room where he found Red Fox using some flint to light a torch to see by. "I wonder how I managed to miss the opening?" Wolf asked. "I could have sworn it wasn't there." Red Fox managed to get the torch lit and stood up, holding it up as they looked around.

"It wasn't!" Red Fox exclaimed, trying to keep the torch from shaking. "It just opened up, and suddenly it was there. I fell thru it."

They looked at each other wondering what was going on, then at the long dark corridor of rock leading back thru the Mountain that faced them. Both knew the torch they had wouldn't last long. They also didn't know how far the tunnel ran. They would have to be better prepared. They could come back and check it out another time. Neither of them wanted to take a chance of getting stranded somewhere, and not making it back for their own wedding! Regretfully, they went back thru the opening, and started back down to where their horses were hobbled. Red Fox and Wolf made a pact with each other not to mention the cave to anyone until they got a chance to check it out.

As Wolf and Red Fox made their way back down the trail they talked softly about where the cave might lead. By the time they got back, the Village was asleep. Each headed for their lodge.

Tasheena and Little Doe watched them leave the Village earlier from their vantage point outside Rose Petal's cabin. Both knew why they were leaving camp. They looked at each other, and burst out laughing. Rose Petal returned and saw the two wolf puppies in the cabin. She told Tasheena and Little Doe she would be right back, and left for Hawk's lodge. A few minutes later she returned with Hawk.

"Where did you get the Wolf pups?" Hawk asked Tasheena. "Sh.h.h.h;" Tasheena replied, putting her finger across her lips, and trying not to laugh. She knew how to get her way with her grandfather. "It's a surprise for Wolf;" she told him excitedly.

"Hawk had an exasperated look on his face. "You can't raise wild Wolf pups like you do a domesticated animal;" her grandfather said.

"I don't see why not;" Tasheena argued, "The mother is dead, and they are to little to survive on their own. They will die if I don't care for them. I'm going to keep them."

Rose Petal and Little Doe were looking at Tasheena in shock. You never argued with an Elder, especially one that was a Shaman. They knew Tasheena was different in a lot of ways, but didn't know why. The fact that she was a sweet and caring person made up for it. Tasheena stood her ground. Hawk saw he wasn't going to change her mind. To Rose petal's surprise, Hawk gave in. He said she could keep them, but she was responsible for any damage they did.

"I may as well help you build a place to keep them for the time being;" her grandfather told her. "I'm going to get some help, but we will keep your secret from Wolf. I'll be right back."

Rose Petal shook her head, and hurried in the cabin to check on the puppies. Tasheena and Little Doe sat back down on their log near the cabin door, and waited to see what Hawk was going to do. It wasn't long before Hawk was back with a couple of friends. He announced they were going to build a shelter for them, with enough room for them to run and play in. It still wasn't dark yet, but the sun had disappeared behind the Western Mountains, and the shadows were lengthening. Tasheena and Little Doe watched them cut young saplings, and gather brush. One of the warriors pulled open a large parflake containing strips of buckskin and proceeded to tie the branches together. An hour later, the puppies had an enclosure about the same size as the cabin, with a small bower they could go into and get out of the rain and night chill. Tasheena was quite pleased and hugged her grandfathers neck, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"I knew you wouldn't let me down;" she said, "Wanna see the puppies now?" she teased. Hawk couldn't help grinning at his favorite and only granddaughter as he followed her in the cabin to retrieve the puppies. Tasheena handed Hawk the male, who kept wanting to get down. The female cuddled up beneath Tasheena's chin. She grinned at her grandfather as they took them outside to the enclosure. He grinned back.

When Tasheena and Little Doe climbed in the pen, and sat on the ground to play with the puppies, Rose petal told them they were going to have to get a bath all over again. The girl's said they didn't mind, and continued playing with the puppies.

Rose petal wondered what this younger generation was coming to. She went back in the cabin to get things ready for the Ceremony that would take place later. The girls stayed with the puppies, making sure they had food and water, and letting them get used to them until Rose petal finally came out of the cabin with some bathing supplies and ordered them out of the pen. It was full dark now. It was going to have to be a quick bath. They would be bathed more thoroughly in the morning before the weddings. They headed for the stream a short distance away.

Later, in the cabin, Rose Petal started a small fire in the fire pit. It sat in a good sized circle of rocks in the center of the cabin as you came in the door. The wood flooring started a short distance from the pit and covered the rest of the cabin floor. Tasheena and Little Doe were wearing simple buckskin sleeping dresses. They sat on a soft fur near the fire pit. The warmth from the fire felt good. The Mountain air had a chill to it once the sun went down.

Little Doe looked over at Tasheena, a questioning look on her face. Rose Petal was bustling around the cabin gathering what she would need. There was a gentle tapping on the door. Rose Petal opened the door to find her friend standing there with a grin on her face and holding a large parflake in her arms. Rose Petal stepped back so Moon Flower could enter. She was a small woman who wore her long dark hair in a single braid down her back. Moon Flower grinned at the two girls sitting by the fire pit, and set her parflake down on the fur that Rose petal indicated was for her. Tasheena and Little Doe knew Moon Flower. Everyone knew everyone else in the Village. She was about Rose petal's age, married and had two son's who were grown. Neither were married yet. They both took after their father, towering over their mother. Moon Flower sat on the fur across from Tasheena and started taking things out of the parflake, and arranging them around her.

Rose petal put a small iron kettle on the hot rocks in the edge of the fire and poured some water from the waterskin hanging on a peg near the door into the pot, filling the small pot half full. Taking a measure of leaves from a buckskin pouch she added them to the pot and left it to come to a boil. Rose petal had cleaned up the cabin after the puppies, and had made Little Doe a pallet to sleep on near Tasheena's. Little Doe's Grandfather, Chief Buffalo Man would not come near the cabin this night. There were ceremonies that were done by the women before a wedding, secret things they talked about and did, that the warrior's didn't know anything about.

   Rose Petal made sure  the two windows at each end of the cabin        were shut, and the locking bar put across them. The glow from the fire pit cast a warm glow around the large single room, causing shadows to jump around in the corners. Above the fire pit in the roof of the cabin was a smoke hole a foot in diameter. Hawk had built a slanted roof covering for the smoke hole, that was attached to the roof of the cabin to keep the rain from coming in. He and some other warrior's had built the Cabin for his sister years ago.

Tasheena and Little Doe looked at each other, and smiled. Little Doe was surprised that Tasheena didn't seem to know anything about the ceremonies that took place before they were married, or about the Wedding Ceremony itself. Little Doe had spent lazy summer day's explaining to her what would take place. Tasheena sat there with her mouth hanging open, as Little Doe told her that women would bathe both of them on the morning of the wedding.

Rose petal stirred the tea in the little pot with a wooden spoon, than fished the leaves out. Taking a small wooden scoop she put some hot tea in four wooden cups that hawk had carved for her, and handed one to Tasheena and the other to Little Doe. They took them carefully and settled back on their fur. Rose Petal handed Moon Flower her cup and then sat down on her fur.

Tasheena resisted the urge to blow on the hot tea, as she knew it would offend the spirit of the Plant it came from. As the tea cooled enough to drink, Moon Flower started telling them what to expect the next day. They would be bathed, dressed, and their hair would be done. Everything would be done for them. Two other women would come to the cabin in the morning to help out. The girls would be escorted to the bathing area by the blanket carriers, who were four women chosen to hold up the blankets that would enclose them. No one was to see them until they entered the feast house where the women of the Village would hold a Feast for them before the wedding. The warrior's would have their own Feast in the warrior's feasting cabin at the other end of the Council House.

Tasheena and Little Doe sat quietly listening to Moon Flower and Rose petal explain in detail what was going to take place. "There are things that are told to a new bride. Your mother can't tell you these things, so I will tell you what she would say."

Tasheena looked at Little Doe. She wouldn't meet her eyes.

"First there are things we must discuss;" Rose petal continued. "The women who will build the marriage bower will leave everything you need. Twice a day a warrior will bring your meals. A signal will be given and your husbands will go to get the food. You will not have to cook and wash your clothes. These things will be provided for you."

"In the morning the blanket bearers will take you to the bathing area. Moon Flower and I will be with you. The blanket carriers will shield you from view until the wedding ceremony."

Tasheena was listening to everything Rose petal was telling her. This is going to be one of those talks about what every bride should know, Tasheena thought. Rose Petal continued.

"When a man and woman give their heart to each other in marriage, it's a special time for them. They are no longer two, but one flesh. A bride should know certain things. I will give you a white blanket, and an ear of corn. The ear of corn tells Wolf and Red Fox that you will prepare their meals, and take care of them. The blanket is to put around him at the end of the ceremony. He gives you a haunch of venison. This tells you he will always provide you with meat and take care of you."

"Your grandfather, as Shaman of this Village;" Rose petal said, looking at Tasheena, "will guide you through the Ceremony. He has been given permission from the Council to marry you. There will be a giving of gifts after the Ceremony, which will be taken to your lodges which will be waiting for you upon your return from your seclusion with your husband." Moon Woman reached for their cup's and poured some more tea in them. Without thinking, Tasheena blew on the hot liquid in the cup trying to cool it off enough to drink. A stern look from Rose Petal made her realize what she had done. She said she was sorry, and waited patiently for the tea to cool.

Tasheena's head felt strange. She wondered what kind of tea that was? She felt wonderful. At a nod from Moon Flower, Rose petal started talking about the responsibilities of a wife to her husband.

"Your body is not your own, but the others;" she said. "You show your love in many ways, but the best way is when a man and woman come together in the act of love!" Tasheena and Little Doe were struggling   to stay awake. Tasheena had a feeling that Rose petal was getting to the good part. She didn't want to miss anything. Try as she might, she felt herself slipping away. She could hear Rose Petal as she continued talking, and felt their gentle hands as they lay her down on her sleeping mat. Removing her moccasins, they covered her with a light blanket. The last thing she remembered, was something about joining. Rose Petal and Moon Flower smiled at each other and sat down near the sleeping girl's. Rose Petal talked softly about the act of love. She knew that the girl's would retain what she was telling them because of the special tea. When they were satisfied they had told them everything, they gathered what parflakes they would need, and left the lodge.

Moon Flower went to her lodge to get her large cooking pot, a long wooden spoon and some parflakes. Several women started a second fire pit, not far from the first. They were talking quietly as they waited for them. The women would help with the feast for the bride. Large chunks of venison were already roasting slowly over one fire pit. Moon Flower's large iron pot, would go over the second fire pit. It would hold several kinds of vegetables and roots, along with chunks of meat and spices. It would cook slowly through the night. Women would check on it, and add wood to the fire.

Six other women, each with buckskin bag's and parflakes of food were preparing food and getting things ready. Rose Petal bustled around getting things started.

Chief Buffalo Man sat with Hawk and quite a few other warriors in a large circle around his fire pit. Wolf and Red Fox had headed East on a private mission of their own. The warriors discussed the details of the feast. Chief Buffalo man appointed two young warriors to bring in the two white horses at the end of the ceremony. Several women were preparing the feast for the warriors. Everything had been prepared. They relaxed and passed the long stemmed Pipe around the circle.

Tasheena and Little Doe woke about the same time. They both needed to use the privacy area. Rose Petal heard them, and told them to stay here, she would be back in a few minutes. True to her word, a few minutes later, she was back. The blanket bearers were outside the door. They would escort them to the privacy area. Tasheena reached for her belt, with her pouch and knife in its sheath, on it. She forgot about the blasted silk panties she was wearing. She would need her knife to bury them in a hole in the ground. She would never be able to explain them to Wolf. The two girls stepped out of the lodge, and into a five foot square area of blankets. As they walked forward, two bearers fell into place behind them, leaving them completely enclosed within the blanketed square. The only thing they could see was the sky, and the tops of the trees. Both concentrated on watching their feet, and trusting the blanket bearers, to watch where they were going.

When they reached the privacy area, she removed the silk panties, dug a hole with her knife, shoved them in the hole, and covered them up. She couldn't help laughing, just thinking about what she was doing!  Little Doe, who had her back to Tasheena turned at hearing her laugh, and gave her friend a puzzled look. Tasheena just laughed harder. When they were finished, the blanket bearers walked them back to Rose Petal's lodge. She was waiting.

"Good morning. It's time;" Rose Petal announced. Moon Flower stood nearby grinning. "We have asked Star and her daughter Shania to help prepare you;" Moon Flower told them. Tasheena knew who Shania was. She was very beautiful, and always helping someone. She watched Rose Petal as she ran around gathering things. She thought about Wolf! Was he nervous?

There was a knock at the door. Moon Flower opened the door for Star and Shania to come in. Tasheena nodded at Star who she met before. She looked at Shania who had a big grin on her face. They gave each other a hug, and Shania wished her much happiness and many children! Tasheena thanked them for helping to prepare her. She wasn't exactly sure what preparing her meant. The stories her parents told her didn't include preparing a bride for marriage.

Rose Petal got everything she needed, went to the door,  stuck her head out, and called to the blanket bearers who waited nearby. When they were in place, she motioned for Tasheena and Little Doe to go first. Tasheena stepped into the blanketed square again, with Little Doe right behind her. She tried not to giggle, and glanced at Little Doe. Walking inside a five by five foot space, and only seeing the feet of those holding the blanket corners, and the tree's above was a bit funny. They finally arrived at the women's bathing area. Everyone knew to stay away when a bride was being prepared. The blanket bearers turned their backs to the bathing area, while still holding up their blankets in a long line, giving privacy to the bathing area. Tasheena had a funny feeling she knew what preparing the bride meant. Star and Shania started at once to take loose her braids and comb the snarls out of her hair. Moon Flower and Rose Petal quickly undressed and went into the stream to bathe. By the time Star and Shania finished combing the tangles out of her hair, Moon Flower and Rose Petal were finished bathing. Tasheena quickly undressed and stood with her arms crossed over her breasts feeling self conscious.

Star and Shania were busy bathing not far away. There must be a rule that you had to be clean in order to bathe a bride, Tasheena thought. She had a feeling that was what they were going to do! Rose Petal and Moon Flower used soft doe skin with sweet-smelling pulp, that made lots of suds on it, and started washing her. Tasheena was embarrassed. She tried to take the wash cloth from first one, then the other. "You must not;" she was told by each, as they kept washing her. Tasheena stood quietly. She didn't have a choice. She glanced at Little Doe who had a far away look in her eyes and wouldn't look at her. She tried to relax but found it difficult. They washed her from head to toe, including her private parts. Long before they were finished Star and Shania, who finished bathing, took more of the sweet-smelling pulp and started washing her hair. Her mother was the only one whoever gave her a bath. She felt a twinge of guilt at her mother not being able to come to her wedding. Then she wondered what Wolf was doing. This afternoon they would be husband and wife. Suddenly she was scared. Getting married was a big step. Was she doing the right thing? Then she saw Wolf's sweet face smiling at her, and her doubts vanished. After they left the water, soft doe skin was used to dry her. "I can do that;" she offered. "You must let us do it;" Rose petal told her. Shania giggled, and Star gave her a reproving look. The four blankets were back in place. All she could see of the blanket bearers were their hands, as they held the blankets over their heads. Rose petal, Moon Flower, Star, and Shania, were inside the blankets with them, drying them off, slipping simple dresses over their heads and putting their moccasins on. Then they gathered their parflakes and headed back.

Wolf and Red Fox each had two attendants, who walked them to the warriors bathing area. As with the women, others knew to stay away. Wolf and Red Fox undressed and they were given a soft doe skin cloth, and a handful of sweet-smelling pulp. Then the attendants turned their backs to give Wolf and Red Fox some privacy and make sure no one entered the bathing area. Wolf washed his hair first. He wondered how Tasheena was doing with the women. He grinned. Standing a discreet distance from Rose Petal's lodge were two Junior warriors. Their mission was to let Chief Buffalo Man and Hawk know when Tasheena and Little Doe were ready. Wolf breathed a sigh of relief when they reached his lodge. They had decided to both get ready there. Several warriors were standing around. Only Red Fox and Wolf entered the lodge. Wolf and Red Fox each unwrapped a package that was given them by the women of the Village. Both knew they contained their wedding outfits. They pulled out a white buckskin shirt with matching pants. White fringe lined the outside seam of the shirt, and pants. Included was a matching headband, braided belt, moccasins, and pouch. When Wolf turned the shirt around, he found green quill mountains, hovering over rolling green hills. A blue stream meandered down and around the hills, to form a good sized lake in the valley below. Wolf would have to thank the women. He knew a lot of time and effort went into making it. It was perfect. They both loved it. Wolf took a pouch with a creamy substance in it that had a pleasing masculine aroma. They rubbed a small amount under their arms and across their chests, then taking quill combs, they started combing out their hair. Each made the others part, so they would be straight. As they braided it, they wove in a long white strip of buckskin. Then dressed in their new outfit's. A white headband was tied around their head. Two  Eagle Feathers were placed in the back. They looked each other over. They were ready. As they left the lodge their attendants were waiting for them. They were each handed a wrapped package of venison. Both knew it was to hand to Tasheena and Little Doe when the time came. Wolf thanked him, and handed it to his wedding attendant who would stand beside him during the Ceremony. Red Fox did the same. Both were handed a white doeskin blanket with white fringe at the edge. This would go over their arm during the ceremony. White horses would be brought by junior warriors to take them to the marriage bowers. A security circle would surround the Bowers, far enough away that they couldn't see or be seen. The only one who can break the circle was the warrior who would bring their food. Wolf was getting nervous! Everyone was gathered in front of the Council House, sitting on blankets, and waiting for the announcement that the Feast would begin. Then the warriors would file into the mens feasting lodge, and the women would enter theirs. Wolf and Red Fox looked toward Rose Petal's Cabin. They could see the corner of the cabin, but not the door. They waited impatiently. 

Tasheena and Little Doe were finally back inside the lodge. The blanket bearers waited outside to escort them to the feasting cabin. Both found their dress being pulled over their heads. Four pair of eyes stood looking at them. Their long black hair was loose, and flowed around them like a cape.

They had been bathed, rubbed with something that smelled like fresh flowers, and escorted around inside blankets. Tasheena knew they expected her to know about these things. But the subject just never came up before. Shania lifted her long hair, that smelled like the rest of her, twisted it into a coil on top of her head and held it. Rose petal and Moon Flower slipped her white dress over her head, while Star and Shania worked on Little Doe. The long white fringe swayed back and forth below Tasheena's knees. "Please sit here;" Rose Petal said, pointing to a mat with a clean white buckskin on it to protect her dress. Tasheena gladly sat down, feeling relaxed and comfortable. Rose Petal started combing out her hair with a quill comb. Moon Flower was rubbing something on her face with a slow circular motion. The color was skin tone. She wondered what it was. When she was finished, she washed her hands in the wooden bowl nearby, took a small pouch, and started rubbing something else into her cheeks. Rose petal was putting her white moccasins on. Slowly the accessories were added to her outfit. Tasheena transferred the contents of her the brown pouch to the white one. Tasheena wished she had a mirror. She wanted to see what they were doing to her hair. They had brushed it with a quill brush until it shone. Then the last thing they did was tie her headband on the right side, with the white feather facing down.

Rose petal, Moon Flower, Star and Shania stood there for a minute, looking at Tasheena and Little Doe. They were truly beautiful. Moon Flower told the young warrior's that were waiting outside the lodge that Tasheena and Little Doe were ready and they dashed off with a whoop, running toward the Council House clearing, where everyone was waiting.

The drum started a message to The People. They were ready! Tasheena wondered if Wolf was as nervous as she was? She closed her eyes and saw him looking back at her. He had that dreamy expression on his face. His eyes looked into her Soul. Would she always see him this clearly?

Suddenly the drums stopped. They changed tempo. Rose petal and Moon Flower guided Tasheena and Little Doe out the door flap, with Shania and Star following them. This time her attendants walked behind the blanket carriers.

Two log cabins sat at each end of the Council House. They were fourteen feet long, ten feet wide, and seven feet high. One for the men, and one for the women. A window sat at each end of the building. It was made with split logs, tied together with strips of wet rawhide. Straps that attached to a log in the ceiling held the window open. It could be quickly slammed shut and a log slipped into place to avoid anyone entering by the window. Tasheena and Little Doe entered the feasting lodge. There was a collective sigh as they walked in. Both made a very beautiful bride. Rose petal led them to a raised platform covered with soft furs. She saw that Tasheena was comfortable, then sat down next to her. Moon Flower sat next to Little Doe while Shania and Star went to sit with the other women.

Two maidens handed the brides a wooden plate and a spoon. The plate held different kinds of meat, fruit and vegetables.

"I can't eat all of this;" Tasheena whispered to Rose Petal. "Just try a little of each;" Rose Petal whispered back. While they were eating, several maidens sang a song. The words were about true love and how it always turned out all right. The last line in the song was, "In the end, true love goes where you go!"

Tasheena paused, her spoon half way to her mouth, trying not to spill anything on her dress. She carefully lowered the spoon back to her plate. Her grandfather Hawk had said pretty much the same thing. She instantly thought of the scripture about a time, a place, and a season!

Wolf and Red Fox, being the guests of honor at the warrior's feast, sat on a raised platform covered with furs. Their friend who had been chosen to help in the marriage ceremony sat next to them. The feast had begun. The women served the warriors then left the Feast lodge. The warriors told jokes about new husbands, amidst a lot of laughter, and a little kidding. It wasn't lone until a junior warrior came to the door to tell them it was time to start. Hawk, their Shaman, was waiting. Their two wedding attendants took their wrapped bundle of venison, and walked out the door with the messenger, standing on one side of Hawk. Rose Petal and Moon Flower stood on the other side of Hawk, holding an ear of corn. Wolf and Red Fox waited until everyone left to go sit with their families. Then at Hawk's nod, they took three steps outside the door and stopped." Wolf looked across the space in front of the Council house, to where Tasheena stood outside the door of the log cabin facing him. His breath caught in his throat. Their eyes met, and the rest of the world slipped away. This was their time!

Tasheena had been standing outside the door to the Feast Lodge waiting for Hawk's signal. When Wolf walked from the lodge, her heart skipped a beat as her eyes met his. No one else existed. She felt a gentle nudge behind her, and started walking toward Wolf. They met in front of  Hawk. They're eyes never left the others. At a signal from Hawk, Wolf was handed the wrapped package of venison. Wolf accepted the package, paused for a brief moment, then handed it to Tasheena. She accepted it, nodded at him, and handed it to Rose Petal, who gave her the ear of corn. Tasheena handed the ear of corn to Wolf. He held it for a moment, then gave it to his attendant. Then Red Fox and Little Doe went through the same ritual.

Hawk prayed to the Great Spirit. Then told them to put their blankets around each other, with Wolf and Red Fox going first. The love they shared affected all who saw them, as the two couples gazed into each others eyes, the rest of the world forgotten. Hawk said a final prayer to the Great Spirit to protect them, and to give them a long life together. Hawk announced the ceremony was over. The attendants left. Tasheena and Wolf turned and faced the village, as did Red Fox and Little Doe. The trilling and cheering from the crowd of Villagers echoed across the valley.

Young Warriors were coming their way with four white horses. Removing the blankets, they handed them to Rose Petal, who appeared beside them. She would care for them until they returned from their time in the marriage bower.

Tasheena took the white feather out of her hair and handed it to Rose Petal. This is for you, she said. Rose Petal hugged Tasheena. Moon Flower wiped a tear and accepted the white feather from Little Doe.

White doeskin lay across the back of the horses, to keep them from soiling their wedding clothes. Tasheena turned to Wolf, who put his hands around her waist and lifted her onto her horse. Wolf mounted his horse, and holding the lead reigns of the horse Tasheena was on, they slowly made their way to the back of the village, where they headed into the hills. Red Fox and Little Doe were headed in another direction. The junior warriors and small boys followed them to the edge of the village, whistling and jostling each other until they lost sight of them in the woods.

Wolf and Tasheena passed the first sentry, and waved at him. They wouldn't see the others. The marriage bower sat near the same stream that fed into the lake in the valley, but a good way above the bathing area for the women. The canopy overhead shielded them from the hot sun, letting thru the cool breeze. The women had picked out a secluded spot in a cove. It was perfect for a honeymoon. The door to the marriage bower faced east. Tasheena found it was big enough to stand up in. A fire pit ringed with stones sat a short distance from the entrance. Extra wood was stacked on one side of the bower. Inside they found a woven basket with several different kinds of fruit. Both were curious. They started looking into several parflakes setting against the wall. They found three changes of clothes, a quill brush, bathing supplies and an assortment of things they may need. Wolf pulled Tasheena into his arms, and she melted against him, their hearts beating as one. Maybe we should take off these hot clothes before they get soiled;" Wolf said in a husky voice between kisses. Tasheena knew he was right.  She reached for two empty parflakes, put there for the clothes they were wearing and handed one to Wolf. He took it and sat down on a fur, removing his moccasins. Then he stood and removed his headband and shirt. Wolf glanced over at Tasheena who was standing there with her moccasins in her hand and a scared look on her face. "I'll tell you what;" Wolf told her gently, "I'll undress outside. You can change in here. Everything will be all right. I'll wait for you by the stream." Tasheena smiled, thankful for his understanding. She thanked the Lord for still being a virgin. She knew that Wolf would have known if she wasn't. In her day and age, that was a rarity, but she wasn't in her time. Wolf rummaged in the parflake holding clothes for him, and came out with a breechcloth and short moccasins. Smiling at her reassuringly, he gave her a quick kiss and ducked out the door, letting the flap fall back in place. Tasheena stood for a few minutes gathering her courage. Maybe she made a mistake. What was she thinking of? Then she saw those hypnotic eyes that drew her into his soul. She knew she was lost. This is what I wanted she told herself. Wolf will not hurt me. I'm not afraid! She held her moccasins out the door flap and brushed off the dirt, then put them in the bottom of the parflake. Removing her dress, she turned it inside out and put everything in the parflake. That left her standing there without a stitch on. She rummaged in the parflake of clothes, and came up with a dress that came to above her knees. After checking the length of the other two, she saw they were all that short. She chose one and slipped it over her head. The dress was very soft. A gentle breeze made the heat bearable. The trees provided shade. Sliding her feet into some short moccasins, she took the quill comb with her. She was hoping Wolf would comb her hair. She stuck her head out the door flap, and saw him sitting by the stream in a breechcloth. He looked toward her, patting a smooth grassy place beside him. She shyly walked over and sat down. His smile touched her soul. Wolf reached down and removed first one moccasin, then the other, caressing her foot as he did so and putting them in the cool water. Seeing the quill comb in her hand, he reached for it. Her hair felt like silk. As much as he would have liked to play in it, he knew she was hot, and proceeded to comb and braid it. Tasheena sighed in pleasure. The cooling effect of the water, and the relaxed feeling of having her hair combed filled her with contentment. When Wolf finished, he tied the ends with strips of buckskin. Then he gently pulled her into his arms. "You're not still scared are you?" he asked. "I'm all right now. What happened to the horses?"

"I took them downstream;" Wolf said. "A couple of warriors will pick them up and bring them back before on the sixth day. Tasheena found herself becoming hopelessly lost in the depths of his dark eyes. "You are part of my Soul." Tasheena whispered. Wolf moaned, pulling her onto his lap. The most delightful feelings started to race thru Tasheena's body. The intensity of them startled her, and she tensed. "It will be all right; Wolf told her soothingly. Their lips met, searching, finding, and leaving them both shaken to the core of their being. Both took a deep breath and looked at the other. The world could stop turning, and it wouldn't matter to either one of them. Certain things came to Tasheena's mind as they held each other closely. She lifted her lips to his ear, gently pulling on his ear lobe, then kissed her way down his neck. She wondered what Rose petal told her, after the drug took effect. Wolf lifted her from his lap, and sat her beside him. "We have plenty of time;" he told her in a shaky voice. "Let's go for a swim. Tasheena searched his eyes. He was serious. She liked the idea. "With or without clothes;" she asked. "Without;" he replied, laughing. "Oh," was all she could get out. Then seeing how silly she was being she laughed with him. Wolf rose from the ground and held out his hand, drawing her up beside him. He kissed her gently, trying to curb the desire to take her in the marriage bower where a bed awaited them. Instead, he pulled away, and before she knew what he was doing, he reached for the hem of her dress and pulled it up over her head. She didn't have time to be embarrassed, for with a pull of a string his breechcloth dropped to the ground. Their eyes traveled over each other. Wolfs reaction was apparent. Both held their breath, letting it out slowly. "You're so perfect;" Wolf told her, wanting to touch her. He was fighting a losing battle to go slowly. Taking her hand they ran into the water until it came to their chest. Wolf remembered when they were swimming in the lake. He wasn't taking any chances of her getting away this time. He kept hold of her hand, and gently pulled her close to him. Her skin was smooth as silk. Her young breasts pushed against his chest. Their hearts beat as one. Wolf felt her tremble as he ran his hands down to her breast. Tasheena saw the love in his eyes. She knew he was trying to go slowly for her sake. Their closeness was sending strange signals to the core of her womanhood. The water caressed them as the outside world slipped away.

They couldn't get enough of each other. Slowly common sense prevailed, and they left the water before they drowned. They had to hold each other up, as they trudged thru the water, falling on the grassy bank, still holding hands, trying to get their breath. It was late afternoon. The sun peeked from behind white rolling clouds in a blue sky. They lay on their back, looking up at the white puffy clouds, and trying to pick out shapes. "Do you see that woman sitting on a white horse over there?" Tasheena asked, pointing to the one she meant. Wolf studied the clouds for a few moments.  "I see her;" he said excitedly. "How about that old man with the white beard?" Wolf asked. The game didn't last long. They slipped their clothes on, and decided to go exploring. Small animals scurried for cover. They stood under the canopy of trees, their arms around each other, as they watched two squirrels play tag in a maple tree. They didn't wander far. Wolf knew the boundaries they could go without running into the sentries, or exposing themselves to danger. They talked softly about the future, holding hands, content in the company of the other. They lost count of how many times they christened the bed in the bower.

Wolf and Tasheena sat on the banks of the stream each day, and watched the sun set in a riot of red, yellow, and purple. They swam several times a day, laughing, and playing in the water like small children. Twice a day Wolf went to get their food. He was always back in a few minutes. Sometimes they would take turns feeding each other. Their hearts were as one. They laughed as they held each other. Finally, it was the evening before they had to leave for the Village.

Tasheena sat in Wolf's arms near the big tree at the streams edge watching the sun sink behind the Mountain to the West. They didn't talk. They were content as they were. Tasheena didn't think she had ever been this happy. Her thoughts flashed to her mother. Tasheena wondered if she would ever see her again? She glanced at Wolf and saw him looking at her intently, his love shinning in his beautiful eyes for her to see! She forgot everything else but Wolf, as she snuggled deeper into his arms. When they got back to camp she had a surprise for him. She knew he couldn't have helped hearing about the two wolf puppies, but not being able to go near Rose petals cabin he hadn't seen them. He also didn't know whose they were. She couldn't wait to give him the fiesty male. Rose Petal had promised that she would care for them while she was gone.

Tasheena forgot the puppies as Wolf drew her lip's to his, and the outside world slipped away. Nothing else mattered. They had each other!~

written by Sweet Fawn aka "Sue"

RunsWithTheWind3@aol.com

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