"Oh....he is?" Spotted Deer asked and shrugged. "Alright then, he deserves to sleep as much as he can." she said and laughed softly and nodded at what Ahyoka was saying about Red Cardinal. "Yes you are right!" she said and looked at Ahyoka happily. "He has so many women admirers that it surprised me that he never notices. He respects women so much that he would stop whatever he is doing just to help them. One time I remember he stayed up all night fixing something for a woman. He was sleeping all day when morning came and he had finished. That is the kind of man he is. He loves to hunt, loves to help people any way he can." Spotted Deer explained and smiled warmly at her as she thought about Red Cardinal. "You are right, I care for him very much and want only the best for him. which is why I will keep my eyes on you. I do not want you to break his heart, but I know you would never do such a thing, I can see that you are starting to like him too even if you yourself do not realize it fully yet. I know you two will be happy if you marry." she commented honestly. When she heard the joke, Spotted Deer chuckled, "Aww, what a shame." she said jokingly and laughed. "I promise I will get plenty of rest. I wish you could stay longer to talk, but I know you and Red Cardinal will be busy today correct?" she asked and wondered if he was awake yet.

Red Cardinal frowned when he didn't see her and walked outside again. He looked around everywhere for her but didn't see her. "She isn't...maybe she is." he said to himself and started walking towards Spotted Deer's house. When he arrived, he stood outside and could hear some talking. "Princess, I'd like to come in if that's okay." he said and waited a bit before walking inside and seeing that she was talking to Ahyoka. "Ah here you are Ahyoka, I was looking for you all over but never thought to look here. I hope you slept well. I hope you both slept well." he said and walked over to Ahyoka, handing her over her pup.

Before Ahyoka could answer she heard Red Cardinal's voice. She smiled as she took the pup who looked excited to see her. " I hope you didn't cause him trouble. I'm thinking maybe that's what I should name you. " She said as the pup licked her face happily. " Ah!!" She said as she laughed and hugged the small pup who was just happy to have her back. " We really should name you shouldn't we? " She said to the small pup who let out a small yelp trying to bark. It made her laughed as sh shook her head. " WAYA may be the best. That's what all the women call you any how. After all your a wolf." She said as she paused and looked at the pup. " You know it just hit me this pup doesn't act like a savage animal. I thought wolves where vicious animals." She said as the pup looked at her and nuzzled her.


" I'm sorry for worrying you. I wanted to make sure that Spotted Deer was alright. I was worried because the fire was low last night here. " She said as she smiled at Spotted Deer and looked down at the small pup who nuzzled her lovingly. " You act more human than Paul does some times. Sadly you have better eating habits too. " She said as she turned hearing her brother's voice.


" Keep it up and that pup will go back where you found it!" He said as he saw his sister there. It made him smile seeing her as he looked to the small pup in her arms. " It's too young to remember it's mother. And it really needs to stay with Spotted Deer and I if your going out with him. This is still a baby not even really a pup yet. Leave him here with us so we can feed him hourly. If we don't the pup could die from the weather. Besides we haven't decided if he can stay or not. Like all wild animals they aren't meant to be tamed. He may be sweet now but what happens when he gets older? It might be better for you to take care of him and then return him to where you found him. However I have a feeling you might have already made a bond with this pup. I'm afraid he may think your his and wont let anyone near you when it gets older. It looks like you and Red Cardinal may have more in common. You both have a way with animals. He said as he smiled and looked to Spotted Deer.

" Good morning Princess." He said softly as he smiled looking back to his sister. " mmmm I smell food." He said as he smiled and sat up. " Red Cardinal please be careful today. Ahyoka make sure to do what he says today and not to be stubborn. He is doing you a favor he is a busy man and doesn't have to take you out hunting. So if he tells you something lessen to him even if it seems odd to you. He is a good man and from what I can tell a great hunter and tracker. You are going to have a issue if you keep this wolf pup. Horses wont let anyone who smells like a wolf near them. Unless we can find you a young horse that we can teach horses may not be a option for you or Red Cardinal. If he is going to be around you and let you keep this pup we will have to either find brave horses and train or young ones for you two. But for now give me my nephew and Spotted Deer and I will take care of him for now." He said as he smiled looking to Cardinal. " Go have fun you two.

"He was no trouble at all Ahyoka." Red Cardinal said and smiled. The bond she and her pup had was the same bond he had with Piki and Koon. They did have more in common than he thought so maybe they would be able to get along better? when Ahyoka spoke again, Red Cardinal shook his head. "It is alright Ahyoka, I'm just glad you're safe. I was starting to worry that perhaps something could have happened." he answered. He was actually going to go out and look for her outside but he had decided to check in here first, he was glad that he did.

Red Cardinal listened to what Pallaton had to say and had to admit he was right. A wild animal was called 'wild' for a reason. It was very hard to tame them and only a select few could actually do it. He was one of those few people. "I will be careful brother, and I will take good care of our sister so you do not need to worry. She is in good hands." he said. He was confident in his abilities to take care of her, he had done so before when he went to go look for her and bring her back here. Listening to Pallaton, Red Cardinal smiled. Yes he was a busy man but he didn't mind making some time to go hunting with Ahyoka. He was more worried about what animals they would encounter out there. It was snowing out but he didn't think bears would show up at this time, but one could never be certain. "We will. I shall go get my weapons and we can go." he said to Ahyoka before leaving.

"Good morning Pallaton." Spotted Deer said to Pallaton as she managed to sit up and looked at Ahyoka once Red Cardinal was gone. "Just to let you know, Red Cardinal loves hunting. His favorite meat is rabbit meat so you might end up hunting rabbits today. He hates having to kill unless he has to, but I'm sure you both will have a lot of fun today. Who knows, the both of you might get closer and learn a thing or two about each other." she said to her with a smile. "Try to talk to him. I know he looks like he doesn't like talking but once you start talking to him you'll see that he does enjoy talking about various things. He's just quiet all the time because he takes his job of protecting me and the people seriously. When I asked him why he never spoke, he answered by saying that when he didn't talk, it helped him focus on everything else a lot better." Spotted Deer quickly added.

" Ahyoka" Pallaton said as he got up and walked over to where his bow and arrows where he had been working on. He then handed them to her. " Take this and go easy on him. " He said as he looked at her a little worried as he reached out and suddenly pulled her to him and hugged her tightly. Just at a whisper he spoke to her. " Keep alert because I have a bad feeling about that captain if you see him or men shoot to kill. If don't I'm afraid they will shoot to kill you or Red Cardinal. He said as he finally let her goo. He picked up the small pup as it growled at him trying to break free of his grasp to go back to Ahyoka. " Oh calm down I'm not killing you yet." He said as the pup suddenly stopped and looked up at him. " Keep it up wolf and you'll be outside." He said the pup looking at him as if it was trying to deiced if he was serious or not. The pup glared at him the two getting into a grudge match it seemed. " Little runt!" He said as the pup finally yelled and sighed relaxing in his hands. " That's more like it." He said as he handed the pup to Spotted Deer. " Here we wont have an issues from him." He said knowing the pup knew his place now.


Ahyoka nodded hearing Spotted Deer as she smiled. She watched her brother and nodded hearing what he had to say as she took the bow and arrows. " Well we should be off then. And please be good for them. "She said to the small pup. " I promise to bring you something back and to let you sleep with me tonight." She said as she stood and headed outside to wait for Red Cardinal. She wondered what they where going to hunt and if they would find anything in this weather. She honestly hadn't been hunting like this before. Well in this land.

Spotted Deer watched Pallaton hug his sister and smiled. She was jealous, it must be nice having a sibling. She did her best not to stare at them so much though and looked down at the bed, coughing slightly from the illness. She hated being sick but she would get better soon. When Ahyoka left, Spotted Deer looked at Pallaton and smiled. "It must be nice having a sister." she said to him and then looked back down at the pup, petting it gently. "I hope those to have fun hunting together, I know Red Cardinal will though, he enjoys hunting even though he feels terrible after killing the animals." Spotted Deer commented.

Red Cardinal walked out of his tepee with his spear and tomahawk in one hand while carrying a basket with the other. He walked over to Ahyoka and motioned for her to follow him. Hunting wasn't all fun, it was serious and you had to remained focused at all times if you wanted to make a kill. Walking outside of the village, the air was freezing, making it hurt when you breathed. He wasn't bothered by it it seemed. "When hunting, one must remain silent and focused. When approached by an animal do not make any sudden movements." he warned but he guessed she already knew this right?

Pallaton smiled as he wrapped his arms around Spotted Deer and hugged her tightly. " Did you think I forgot about you so easily?" He said as he kissed her cheek. "Good morning Princess. " He said softly to her as he got up letting her go reluctantly and started fixing the breakfast for them. " I'm not worried about those two. I believe they will work great together. Besides we have to have some faith. Here you go my Princess here is the food that she brought for us. I hope that it's as good as it smells. And what are we going to do today your majesty?" He asked wondering what she felt up to.

Ahyoka nodded as she followed his lead. She kept as quiet as she could following him. " I will do my best I promise." She said to him as she remembered what Spotted Deer had said about trying to talk to him. " So what will we try and hunt today? Are we just going to wait and see what is in the area or is there a animal you have in mind?" She asked trying to start a conservation with him. "Thank you for taking care of the pup last night. And than you once again for last night. I wish it didn't have to end. I was really enjoying spending time with you last night.

Spotted Deer blinked in surprise but smiled warmly and nervously played with the ends on her hair. "Good morning Pallaton, I hope you slept well." she said to him softly and watched as he fixed them up their breakfast. Spotted Deer chuckled softly, "Yes, we must have some faith in them. Your sister is a good person, I can see that now. I want only the best for Red Cardinal and I feel your sister is just that." she explained and smiled when she received the breakfast. "Thank-you, it smells lovely. I'm sure it tastes even better than it smells. As for plans, I though you said I was to stay in bed all day and rest?" Spotted Deer reminded and then took a bite of the food happily. "Delicious!" she cried out.

Red Cardinal was as silent as he was when he first started looking after the princess. He could be intimidating when he didn't talk. Listening to her question, he stopped walking and turned to look at her. "What we can find. I want to start with fish, but we may get a deer or rabbits if we're lucky." he said to her. "No bears." he said seriously and turned back to focus on the river in hopes of catching some fish with his spear. He smiled slightly when he heard her. "He was a good pup, and Koon enjoyed having a friend visit her. I am always happy to help whenever you may need it Ahyoka, do not be afraid to ask me." he started and nodded, "I enjoyed it too." he said as he caught some fish and placed them in the basket.

Ahyoka smiled as she listen to him. She watched him as he fished and wished she had a spear or something she could use to help him. She noted that bear seemed to be something off the table. Her brother had told her about bears but she had never seen them. She pulled out a arrow as she heard something near the bank of the river opposite them. She froze as a majestic buck appeared. He was breath taking and Ahyoka couldn't force herself to strike him down. Instead she watched the deer with fascination as the deer suddenly vanished as if spooked by something. Ahyoka turned her head wondering what the deer was scared of. She wondered if maybe she should warn Red Cardinal. However he was the expert here not her. She kept quiet as she watched him once again keep her eyes open though for any threats.

"Well you do have to rest but there are things we can do here why you rest. We can work on clothing and necklaces or work on crafting some weapons or bowls. I mean the list is endless." he said as he smiled up at her hearing her reaction to the food. " You sound like you haven't had food before. The food is good but not that good. "He said as he laughed playing with her. " I'm glad you like it Princess. Besides if I wrap you up really well and carry you we could go out and do something. But you have to be carried today and can't do much moving. She said you had to rest and stay warm. " He said as he smiled at Spotted Deer.

Red Cardinal was busy fishing but stopped when he heard movement. He looked over at the distance but he didn't see anything. This worried him, were they being watched? He looked over at Ahyoka with a look that asked her if she knew what had made the sound. He noticed she had an arrow ready and so he held his weapons tightly in his hand just in case of an attack. If they were attacked, his job was to keep Ahyoka safe. "Ahyoka, if there is an attack, you will run to the village and let Pallaton and the princess know." he ordered quietly. He was sure that he'd get scolded for having her run off but her safety was important to him. He didn't mind getting hurt as long as everyone else was safe.

"It is very cold out, some warm clothing would be a great help to the people." Spotted Deer commented honestly. The people were freezing, they needed some warm clothing. "I want to make you a new necklace...since the old one is broken and cannot be fixed." she said with a frown as she remembered how angry he had gotten and that he had broken the necklace she had made him. He also ruined her feather and had cut his braid. That had to be the most emotional day she had ever witnessed and experienced. She had lost her friend, but now it seemed he was back and she didn't want to lose him again.

"There was a deer there it was so beautiful. I sadly couldn't bring myself to kill it. But it ran off for some reason. I have been looking but I can't find a reason for it to have left as it did. " She said honestly as she kept a look out for any dangers. " I wish I could help you fish. However with only one spear it would be a little hard. Bows and arrows wouldn't really help any with the current as it is. " She said honestly as she shifted her head hearing a sound. She quickly armed her bow knowing something was there. They where being watched but by what she wasn't sure. Suddenly a large bear appeared. It looked hungry and half asleep. Ahyoka watched as the bare hadn't seemed to see them yet. It was walking with a limp. She noticed that the bear seemed to be injured. It looked like a old injury. She stared at the wounds as she noticed they where round it was from guns. She looked at the bear. The wounds where old and the bear looked in pain still. " She tried to be quiet knowing that it wasn't good for the bear to be this close to the village. " I believe this bear was disturbed and has been drove up here or further in land to find peace." She said very softly to Red Cardinal.

Pallaton looked to Spotted Deer as he smiled at her. " I promise not to remove the new one. " He said softly to her as he looked at her. " If you like I'll bring some of the skins and pelts that are done drying and help to make clothes. I can gather some new beads and different things for you to make a necklace and some different feathers if you like my Princess. " He said softly to her. " Remember I lost so I have to do as you say." He said softly to her.

Red Cardinal smiled at her and sighed softly. "You are very kind hearted. So kind hearted you will not harm an animal even though that is what hunting means. I understand that if you don't need to then you shouldn't." he started and held out the spear for her. "You can fish, I will watch and listen." he said quietly. Red Cardinal quickly looked up to the direction where the noise had come from. He expected a person to charge at them but was surprised when he saw it was a bear. A smile appeared on his face as he set down his weapons as to not frightened it. The bear seamed distracted though since it had not noticed them. Listening to Ahyoka, he watched the bear in silence and then looked over at the fish in the basket. "If it is hungry, we must feed it." Red Cardinal whispered.

Spotted Deer was eating her breakfast quietly as she listened to Pallaton. She swallowed and nodded. "I understand if you do. I know I can be stubborn and sometimes I drive you insane, my behavior is what caused you to remove the old one. I will do my best to change my behavior so that you don't remove the new one." Spotted Deer explained. "I know you lost, you lost on purpose though so technically it was not a real defeat." she pointed out with a smile. 'Please get as many things as we will need to remain busy for the remainder of the day. I hope you like the new necklace. It may not be as nice as the old one but I will try." Spotted Deer commented as she looked at a small drawer which was where she had his old things he had tossed that day.

Ahyoka followed Red Cardinal's lead placing the spear down along with her bow and arrow. She looked at him a little confused hearing what he said. " Feed it? " She said not sure if going out there was the best idea. " Wouldn't leaving and heading to a different area be better? " She asked at a whisper not really sure what he had in mind. However it was really close to the village and if any of the children came down it might attack them. She looked to him as she relaxed and waited for his guidance. She trusted him and would learn from him.

Pallaton looked at Spotted Deer he saw her eyeing a small drawer and had a feeling that is where the necklace was he had ripped off. If he could go back he wouldn't have went that fair. He could tell that it hurt her deeply. Something that he wouldn't do again for any reason. He nodded as he bowed finishing his own food. " Then I will return shortly he said. He walked out and spend some time helping the villagers. He smiled hearing some of the women gossip. And was surprised when he saw some of the men approach him with pets and and feathers from different birds. Some also had food. They had followed him back to Spotted Deer's Teepe. He was amazed as they awe bowed women appearing with berries and beads and different things. " Spotted Deer I think you should come out here." He said stepping inside long enough to tell her. " Princess I believe your people have some gifts for you. I believe they are wanting to see their Princess." He said honestly impressed with what the people had brought. He was surprised to see that some of the men had went hunting it looked like.

"If it is fed, it will leave to its home." Red Cardinal whispered and quietly picked up the basket with the fish. He didn't mind giving them all to the bear, he could always have Ahyoka fish once the bear left. Carefully, he started walking towards the bear and froze when the bear looked over in his direction. "I do not wish to hurt you.." he said quietly dropped a fish on the ground for the bear to eat then slowly backed away. The bear seemed to sniff the fish and quickly ate it so Red Cardinal gave the bear some more fishes until the bear slowly started to make it's way back to where it came from. When the bear was gone, Red Cardinal sighed softly and looked at Ahyoka. "Okay back to hunting we go." he said and handed her the spear. "It is very simple." he said to her. However, his smile vanished as he listened carefully to his surroundings and could hear someone speaking to someone else. They sounded close by too. They mentioned Ahyoka's English name and said that they were looking for her to take her back along with the one who brought her here in the first place. Did that mean they were looking for Pallaton?! "You need to run and warn the others." Red Cardinal ordered to Ahyoka and picked up his tomahawk and walked over to where he heard the voices. He was sure to remain hidden as he listened in on their conversation. It was a group of about six people and one was obviously their leader. When Red Cardinal figured out who the leader was, he sprung out at the group and quickly slammed his Tomahawk into the head of the leader, killing him instantly. He didn't stop there, he kept attacking the body, leaving it absolutely mauled. The others quickly started to attack Red Cardinal, stabbing him and one actually managed to shoot Red Cardinal in the chest, causing him to fall backwards.

Spotted Deer looked at Pallaton and nodded. "I will be here." she answered and finished up her food then gently pet the pup who lay on her lap happily. When he returned, she looked at him, worried by what he said. "Why? What happened?" she asked as she slowly got out of bed with the pup in her arms. "Gifts?" she repeated and followed Pallaton outside, surprised at what she saw. The entire tribe stood there with gifts just for her it seemed. "What...? I..." she started and smiled. "I do not know what to say." she started and looked at each person. "I am truly honored that you all have gone out of your way to do this. It is very kind of each and every one of you to be here right now. You do not need to bring me gifts, I will always welcome visitors. I truly am grateful though...I know I have not been the best princess that I should be, but I promise you all that it's all about to change. I will do everything I can, to be the perfect princess and soon hopefully the queen that this tribe deserves." she said, meaning every word.

"What? " Ahyoka said as Red Cardinal vanished on her. She looked around as she picked up their things. She started heading back to the village as he asked. Ahyoka had made it to the entrance of the village when she heard the distinct sound of gun shots. Ahyoka felt her heart almost shatter as she turned whiter than normal. She dropped everything as she looked to the village and to her brother and Spotted Deer. "Pallaton Red Cardinal! " She screamed making all the villagers turn as she turned suddenly and started running as fast as she could not caring if she go injured. Gun shot was not something the people here had. It meant that white men where near. Red Cardinal had vanished and told her to warn the others. She hadn't understood what he meant until now. He must have known that the men where near. She ran trying to find him. She was so confused not sure where she was anymore.

She stopped as a white wolf appeared out of some brush. It was the same one from before she stared in it's eyes as it tuned and started running. Ahyoka started running after it. She was well winded and was far from the village and from where they had been hunting. She panted as the wolf suddenly vanished. She stopped trying to catch her breath. She snapped her head to her left hearing shouting. She ran once again as she came up on a group of men attacking another. She didn't think about her safety as she saw the braid first knowing it was Red Cardinal . She looked to the ground as she saw one of the guns there. She picked it up as she took aim and fired. She sent the man to the ground as the men turned and suddenly where aware of her presence. She didn't wait to shoot again. This time she shot first sending another one down. She shot again hitting the last one dead in the head. The last two men charged at her. Suddenly the White Wolf jumped from behind her at the two men knocking them to the ground. The wolf started attacking the men giving her time to grab one of their knifes. She stabbed one in the head sending him to the ground and did the same to the last one. As the White wolf seemed to take guard. She dropped the knife as her hands shook at what she had just done.

However she turned hearing sounds seeing Red Cardinal. "No!" She screamed but only a whisper came out as tears streamed down her face. She ripped her dress as she put pressure on his chest wound trying to get it to stop. " Please...no..." She said as she looked down at him. " You foolish man why wouldn't you just come with me? " She said as tears started to fall from her eyes like rain.

Pallaton turned as he heard gun shots. He felt fear and anger all at the same time. He looked as he heard Ahyoka calling after her. " Ahyoka!!! Wait!!!!" He screamed out but she was gone. He looked to the men of the village as he let out a war call. He ran to where the horse's where and climbed up on Spotted Deers. He stopped long enough to help Spotted Deer on as other men from the tribe joined him forming a small war party. He was surprised how fast they had mounted their horses and was surprised as one handed him a tomahawk and looked to him to lead them. He look around at the party and let out anther call as he nudged the mare. The horse flew froward as he held Spotted Deer closed to him holding onto the mare's main. The other followed him some staying behind to keep the women and children safe there.

He lead the way as he road trying to find any sign of Red Cardinal or Ahyoka. They road fast and hard he heard more gun shot and followed their sounds. By the time he and the party had found the source of the gun shots he saw Ahyoka holding strip from her dress on Red Cardinal's chest. He felt his heart break as he saw the tears falling from her eyes. He turned as he gave orders to the half of the party to go further out and make sure no more white men where in the area. He looked down at the ground seeing all the carnage. He tried to calm the mare who didn't like the smell of all the blood. He let go of Spotted Deer as he slide off the horse and looked to Spotted Deer. " Stay here in case there are more white men. I'll go see if I can help. " He said as two of other men joined him.

Red Cardinal was loosing a lot of blood but he had to kill these men before they got to the village. One man tried to stab him again but Red Cardinal kicked him back with his foot and groaned in pain. He was expecting to be killed when he suddenly heard more gunshots. He turned his head to see Ahyoka and smiled weakly. Red Cardinal was breathing heavily as she approached him, "If I did, they would have kept looking for you and Pallaton. They would have found the village and hurt my people. I will not allow...any danger to reach the village.." Red Cardinal replied. He knew it was foolish, but he was only doing it to keep Ahyoka and everyone else safe. "I do not...mind getting hurt. I am just happy...that no one else got hurt. I am happy that...you are safe." he whispered and winced when she applied pressure to the wound. It hurt to breathe and he couldn't keep his eyes open any longer as he lost consciousness.

When the gunshots were heard, Spotted Deer became terrified. "We must go after her!" she said and quickly ran after Pallaton to where the horses were being kept. With the help of Pallaton, she was able to get on the mare as well and took note of the small party that had gathered with them to help look for the source of the gunshots. This wasn't good and she hoped both Ahyoka and Red Cardinal were okay. As the party lunged forward letting out a battle cry, Spotted Deer held on to Pallaton to keep from falling off the mare, a frown on her face the entire time.

Spotted Dear looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Ahyoka and Red Cardinal, only to become very scared when more gunshots were heard. When they had reached the source of the gunshots, her eyes widened upon seeing Red Cardinal laying motionless on the ground. She wanted to run over to his side but she obeyed Pallaton. "Please be careful." she whispered and watched him leave.

Ahyoka looked up as she heard foot steps. She was revealed that it was Pallaton. " I need to get the bleeding to stop. " She said as she watched Pallaton removed his shirt and start to tare it into strips for her. " I need a fire." She said knowing that they couldn't move him until they got the bleeding to stop. She was surprised as the other two men nodded and started building a fire. She still held pressure on Red Cardinal's chest as she watched Pallaton give orders like a general. She was surprised how well the others listen to him. Another group came back and reported that there where no other white people for miles. She was surprised when Pallaton gave the order to throw the white men in the stream. She watched as Pallaton put his knife in the fire for her knowing why she asked for a fire. He ordered one of the men to gather herbs for her and water. By the time the man was back the knife in the fire had heated up enough for what she had to do.

Ahyoka finally calmed down as she removed her strip of cloth and dug her fingers into his chest. She removed a small metal ball and threw it in the fire. She quickly replaced the her cloth as Pallaton knelt down and cleaned the could with water removing her hand as the other man held Red Cardinal's head freeing Ahyoka to get the heated knife. She reached and took the handle of the knife only the blade had been in the fire. She whispered softly as she prepared herself for what she had to do. " I'm sorry I know this hurts. But please just hang on." She said to Red Cardinal at a whisper as she placed the hot blade on his chest would. The smell that came from it made everyone sick. She removed the blade as one of the men handed her a make shift bowl from a curved rock where he had mixed water and the herbs making a past. She speared the past on the wound the knife having seared the skin and stopping the bleeding. She sat the rock down as she started to wrap his chest with some of the strips from her brother's shirt She then started cleaning his other wounds and using the knife on the bad ones. She made sure to keep his wounds clean and took her time making sure she did everything right. She was covered in blood by the time she was done the area looked rather disturbing with the snow stained in blood.

She looked up as two men came back they had made a simple bed. She was impressed as she looked at the wood framed they had tied together with rope and strung animal hide along making a bed to carry Red Cardinal on. She noticed that two of the ends stuck out a lot further. She watched as the men worked together and lifted Red Cardinal onto the strange bed. She watched as Pallaton used rope and to tie the two poles to the Mare that Spotted Deer was still on. She looked up as she saw Spotted Deer and knew Spotted Deer would be worried. Ahyoka was surprised as one of the men held out his hand helping her up. The man took off his own shirt and put it own her as he helped was some of blood from her. She felt as if she was in a fog.

The man lead her to a horse and placed her own it. He took a rope and wrapped it around Pallaton and Spotted Deer's horse and tried one end to it and the other to the horse she was on. He did another rope attacking it to the strange bed they had made for Red Cardinal. She looked over her shoulder's at Red Cardinal worried about him.


Pallaton spoke with the members of the party as they all came up with a game plan. He nodded when they all agreed on what to do and mounted the mare as he wrapped his arm around Spotted Deer. He looked over at his sister and saw she was out of it. She needed to take a bath in the river to get all the blood off her but for now they needed to get Red Cardinal back to the village and get him warm. He looked over as he saw the men who had chose to stay behind starting to dig up the earth to help hide the blood. He nudged the mare as it started forward his sister's horse following. He kept the speed rather slow to make sure that Red cardinal wouldn't fall off.

Pallaton was the first to dismount once they reached the Village. He helped Spotted Deer down as he went next to help his sister down. The other men had already untied the bed by the time he joined them to carry Red Cardinal to his house. He was surprised as his sister beat all the men to Red cardinal's house and held open the flaps for them. He helped moved Red Cardinal to his bed and before he could ask his sister had already started building a fire. He and the other men left the teepe as they saw a large crowd gathering outside. He held up his hand to quiet the people. " Our brother is injured and needs rest. For now only he Princess will be allowed in. When our brother is better you will consult with our medicine Women and come in as she directs you." He said as everyone looked surprised. He turned as he saw his sister standing beside him looking hurt that she could be with Red Cardinal. He gently took her hand as he looked at two of the men who had been in the hunting party. " Guard the Princess while she is here. No one enters this teepe but her. " He said as he gently pulled Ahyoka away. Many of the women followed as he stopped and looked over at them. He gave them a order of things that Ahyoka would need as well as what they could do to help. He told some that meals would be needed and fresh clothes and strips of cloth. Some he told to gather Ahyoka's bag and take it and leave everything outside the guards would take it in for Spotted Deer.


He smiled as the Elder Women came to him carrying clothes for him and for Ahyoka. He bowed to her and thanked her as he gently took his sister's hand and lead her to the river. " You have to clean that blood off. " He said as he turned his back to her and watched acting as her guard. When she was done he helped fix her clothing trying not to laugh at how big it looked on her. He bent down and cleaned himself and changed then headed back with Ahyoka.

Red Cardinal was falling in and out of consciousness, he could hear movement around him and heard Ahyoka's and Pallaton's voices. He managed to open his eyes and watched as Ahyoka removed the bullet with relative ease, he winced slightly and watched her grab a knife. He knew it was going to hurt, a lot. When he felt the hot knife in his wound, Red Cardinal screamed out in immense pain leaving him breathing heavily once again. He was glad that was over even though he was still in pain. He was cold and he knew it was from the amount of blood he had lost. Occasionally though, he felt the knife again, and again he would let out a scream but when she was really done he closed his eyes, trying to rest.

Spotted Deer heard the screams and wanted to see him but knew she couldn't, not yet. She'd see him once they got back. Spotted Deer watched the men bring back Red Cardinal who lay motionless on a makeshift bed and it broke her heart to see him this way. This was who he was though, Red Cardinal would put himself in danger just to make sure everyone else was safe. He was a wonderful person, she just hoed he would be okay after this.

When they got back to the village, Spotted Deer hopped off the mare with Pallaton's help and watched as Red Cardinal was carried into his home. It was nice to see Ahyoka was already there, she must really care about Red Cardinal ans that made Spotted Deer smile softly. She understood why the crowd had gathered, Red Cardinal was respected by all here, he was important to everyone. He was their brother and now he was hurt, she couldn't remember the last time he got hurt like this. Probably because it never happened. When she heard Pallaton, she understood why he said what he did. Ahyoka needed to clean herself up before entering any house. "Be careful you two." she said to both Pallaton and Ahyoka before quietly entering the Teepe where Red Cardinal lay fast asleep on his bed.

Pallaton greeted the guards as they bowed. They open the flaps and let him and Ahyoka enter. He turned as the guards spoke and handed him the different things that people had brought. He wasn't surprised by the amount of things people had brought. He took some of the food and handed it back to the guards. He asked them to please keep him posted and to tell him when the rest of the men came back. He wanted to speak with them. The guards bowed and where honestly surprised by the kindness he showed them. He took some of the food and fixed some for Spotted Deer placing it before her along with some fresh water. He fixed himself some and looked as he saw Ahyoka already going through her bag starting to mix things and getting water on the fire to warm. He watched her as she took one of furs and put it near the fire to warm it. She then walked over and placed it on Red Cardinal to warm him. He watched her unable to eat seeing how she acted.

Something wasn't right as he watched her. He watched as she checked over all his wounds again changing a few and cleaning them again. He watched as she put different past on his wounds and bandaged him up again. He finally couldn't stand it any more as he walked over to her and grabbed her hands forcing her to stop. He held her as he peered down at her. " Ahyoka you are acting like a mad women. If you keep this up you will run yourself into the ground. There is nothing more you can do for him. You haven't stopped since entering. This is why I didn't want you in here. Spotted Deer is able to care for him just as good as you can right now. What happen? " He asked as he felt her hands and arms shaking knowing there was more to this. Pallaton took a seat still holding her as he pulled her to his lap and letting go of her hands and wrapped his arms around her waist as he did many times before. He knew she was blaming herself for this and that as the reason she was obsessing like this.

"He said that he had to attack them or they would keep looking for me and you. They would have found the village and hurt his people. He told me he was just glad no one else got hurt adn that I was safe. " She said trying to fight back the tears that wanted to flow. She didn't want anyone to see her cry. She wanted to keep busy so she wouldn't cry. " I didn't understand why he vanished. We had started off fishing and heard a noise it turned out to be a bear. So he was feeding it when suddenly he told me to go to the village and warn you. Before I could asked him about what he was gone. It wasn't till I got here I understood what he meant. If I'd heard them I would have went with him. I'm sorry I would have....it doesn't mater now. He is hurt and he did it for me along with everyone here. I don't know what happen. I just I came up on those men attacking him. I saw his braid and lost control. I couldn't bare the thought of someone daring to kill him. He is the kindest person I know. " She said as she felt Pallaton pulled her to his chest turning her as he held her so she could cry like she use to. He held her like that for a while as she cried silent tears. She didn't make a sound as she rested against him. She could tell that worried him more. But the pain hurt to much. She was worried about losing Red Cardinal. Finally she pushed away from him. " I need to stoke the fire." She said as she got up and left the teepe to go get some wood. She needed to clear her mind and not be weak. Spotted Dear was the only one who had the right to cry she didn't and she needed to stop acting like a child. But the more she thought about it the more tears that came no matter how much she tried to stop them.

Pallaton smiled as he heard Spotted Deer. " That's what worries me honestly is how much she cares about him. I don't believe she really understands yet how much she cares for him. And I'm sure he didn't at the time know how she felt for him. She needs time to clam down. She has never done well with such things. She hates crying and I'm worried because she didn't make a sound as I held her. For her that means she is hurt deeply. I've seen those tears rarely from her but I know those tears aren't good. She will close herself off and try to keep busy so she doesn't have to work through her emotions. You would think she was a man. I think she needs some time to think and cry. I wish there was something I could do. The other part was what she did. I know once she clams down she will hate herself for what she did to those men. However maybe not. We'll be luck if she doesn't kill Red Cardinal when he comes to. She gets that from you. I swear you two could be Twins. I don't even him because I know you both are going to be sweet and then beat him and tell him that he should have thought about his safety." He said looking at Spotted Deer.

" I'm not sure if we are going to get food in her tonight. But maybe we can calm her down if she stays here tonight. You know what if you teach her how to make a necklace and do feathers. It might help her and I'm sure Red Cardinal would like it. Besides his hair could used to be washed. You could show her how to put in the feathers. And you could be close to him. If that is alright with you. If you want to be alone with him tonight I understand. I can go track her down and if I have to hold her down and force feed her. However if I do I expect a kiss from you because she is going to beat me when I let her go." He said as he smiled trying to keep the mood light. He hoped that Spotted Deer would laugh and not cry.

Ahyoka walked outside of the village as she gathered small sticks. She paused as a set of white paws appeared before her as she was knelt down on the ground trying to gather sticks. She looked up as she saw the White wolf. The Wolf held a large sick in it's mouth and placed it in front of her. The wolf didn't move back instead it sat down in front of her and gazed into her eyes. The wolf leaned forward and licked her face of her tears as she smiled and laughed softly. without thinking she reached out and hugged the Wolf. The wolf didn't move or growl it just sat there and let her hug it. " Thank you. " She whispered to it as she finally started to clean her face. The wolf looked at her with understanding eyes. " You've been helping me for a while. Thank you." She said as she sat there. She thought about everything and how sweet Red Cardinal had been. She really did care for him and knew everyone was just as worried. She would have to thank him when he came to. As she sat there she started to feel better. She looked up and was surprised as she found it was just herself there. She looked around not seeing any paw prints. She started to wonder if she had been seeing things and made the whole things up.

She rose as she got the sticks and froze seeing the large stick there as she still wondered if the wolf had been real or not. She picked up the last stick and headed back feeling a bit better. Even if the wolf wasn't there she felt better. She was so upset because he was someone she cared for. It surprised her as she learned that. It wasn't because she wanted anything from him. She honestly just cared for him. He was such a amazing person it was hard not to like him. She smiled softly as she headed to the village with the wood. She wasn't surprised as she saw people trying find out how he was doing and leaving gifts. It warmed her heart as she saw the concern and love the people had. She turned as she heard hoof beats and saw the men return. She could see how tired they where and thanked them as they came to a stop before her. The men nodded as she told them that Red Cardinal was sleeping and he didn't have any more bleeding. The men looked happy and told her to tell Pallaton that they had taken care of the area and made sure that no one could tell that the men had been there. The men told her that they where tired and where going to care for the horses and then go home." She nodded as she thanked them again.

Ahyoka turned as she made her way through the line of people that had gathered to the opening of the Teepe. She turned feeling compelled to let the ones there know he was alright for now. " Red Cardinal is resting and it looks like he will be well soon. It may be a few days before any of you can come in and see him. If you have questions about his condition I am more than happy to answer them. When he is awake I will let you know. " She said as she saw relief on the faces of the people. She bowed as the guards open the Teepe for her. She carried the sticks she had gathered and placed them where the others had been she used to make the fire. She turned as she heard the guards speak to Pallaton.

Once he was back she turned and spoke with him. " The men made it back to the village unharmed they said that they did as you asked. However they looked really tired and asked if it was alright to put the horses away tend to them and go home. I told them yes because the looked rather cold. I know that is your and Spotted Deers place I hope you wont get made at me for doing so. I promise not to make it a habit. She said as she put a few more stick into the fire and looked over at Red Cardinal. " Really if he didn't want to hunt with me he could have just said so. This is a bit much to give a girl a hint. " She said in a playful tone as she looked around the Teepe noticing they where missing a Koon. " Where is Koon?" she asked as she stood hearing a yelp knowing it was her wolf pup. She walked to the entrance the two guards holding Koon and the Pup out for her. She laughed as one of the guards told her the Elder Women had heard noses coming from the Princess's Teepe and had stopped these two bolted out.

Ahyoka looked at their strange coloring and saw that Koon held a bead in it's paws. She shook her head as she took them both over near Red Cardinal. " Koon what did you and Pup get into? What are we going to do with you two?" She said as Koon tried to look innocent along with the pup. Koon handed her the glass bead as she laughed. She then looked to Red Cardinal and picked Koon up so she could see. " He got into a fight today and is hurt so no jumping on him ok." She said softly as she petted Koon. She gently placed Koon beside Red Cardinal knowing that is where Koon would want to be. Her eyes shifted to her own pup as she stared at him. " I take it you felt lonely and Koon came to keep you company. You better not have messed up the princesses house." She said to the pup looking sternly at him.

Pallaton laughed as he heard what his sister had to say. He could see she felt much better. He was surprised hearing what she had to say about the party of men. " How dare you!" He said sounding like some of the upper class people from England. He burst out into laughter as he smiled looking over at Spotted Deer. " I believe it wouldn't matter what I say. At the end of the day what Spotted Deer says is what matters. Mother didn't raise a stupid son. I'm well aware if you want a happy wife you do as she says." He said smiling at Spotted Deer. He turned as Koon and the pup made their entrance. He saw the glass bead and looked to Spotted Deer again. " Maybe I should come inspect the Teepe and make sure it's in one piece. " He suggested as he looked to his sister. " You should eat something but make sure not to eat like a man. No one wants a manly women. Besides Red Cardinal couldn't hunt enough to feed you then." He said picking on his sister. He grinned as he felt something hit his head. " AH!!" He said as he looked down at the glass bead she had thrown at him. " I'm thinking mother named you wrong. Your not a girl at all. I should start introducing my brother Hemene (wolf.)" He said as he laughed seeing the look she gave him.

" Keep it up old man and I'll make you eat those words. Go on already or the next thing I throw wont be so soft. " She said then looked to Spotted Deer as she sighed. " Well I guess I really couldn't throw anything in here hard at him. His head is so hard already I'm sure it would bonce right off." She said in a playing tone. She rolled her eyes as Pallaton left and she looked over at Red Cardinal. She smiled softly as she looked to Spotted Deer. " I hope that you are doing alright. It's really heart warming to see all the people and how much they care. I hope it was alright Princess that I told them when he was awake I'd let them know. I told your people that it would be a few days more than likely before any could visit him. I'm sure he would prefer your company the entire time. Even though it's really sweet how much the women here care about him. I can't blame them he is a very kind person. "

" I still need to slap him for that. I know that really hurt you. He knows better. I would enjoy learning from you on how to make one. I know that one lasted for such a long time. You know he really did care for you. You where all he ever talked about. He didn't let anyone touch his necklace or his feathers. I know several men who almost lost their lives trying to. Sadly where I come from some people aren't that nice. And your right about Red Cardinal he loves his people and it's good to see that you all love him back. I really can't go back not that I really want to. I am sorry though for my parents. You know they always encouraged us to do what makes up happy. For Pallaton it was swords you should see him fight with his swords. I bet not many Chiefs carry swords around with them like he does." She said as she laughed softly. " I brought that up because one of his teachers was from a land far away. My favorite cup had got broken in a match the two had by accident and I was very upset. However the teacher took silver and fused the cup back together. He told us that when something old breaks you put it back together and it because even more beautiful." She said as she looked to Spotted Deer.

" So maybe instead of making a completely new necklace why not add to the old one and restring it on new line. That old one has a lot of meaning to you both and the old feathers you should do the same with. Keep them and just add some new ones. And I'm sure he wont be so hasty to rip it off again. It hurt him as much as it hurt you. I understand where you were both coming from at the time. But I also have seen how hurt you were from it. " She said softly as she looked down hearing Koon and the pup starting to play heading for the food. " Oh no you two don't!" She said as she pulled them back to her. She laughed as she got up and fixed them both portions of the food that she knew they could have. She then fixed herself some food as she sat down and started to eat her food.

" Princess.." She said pausing thinking about the White wolf that she kept seeing. " This may sound strange and I may be going out of my mind but I swear I keep seeing a white wolf. Since I've got here I swear it keeps guiding me and protecting me. Is there really a white wolf here? I ask because it lead me to Red Cardinal and helped take on some of the men. But when you appeared it was gone like it had never been there. Then tonight I went to search for sticks and it appeared with one and I was stupid and just wrapped my arms around it and told it thank you. However when I let go and looked back it was gone. There where no paw print or anything but the stick that I could have swore it brought me. I'm just wondering if I'm going out of my mind honestly."

Pallaton went to the Princess's house after helping some of the villagers. He talked with them and even played with some of the young ones. He was happy to see that everyone looked to be in good health. He walked into Spotted Deers home and was happy to see it wasn't to bad of shape. He cleaned up everything and paused as he saw the drawer seeing his old necklace. He hung his head as he reached down and took the drawr. He gathered the other things he had brought for the Princesses to work with and headed back to her and Ahyoka.