"Next week?" Red Cardinal repeated. He wast stuck in bed for an entire week? He was hurt worse than he thought. A week wasn't so bad though, he did need a break from working so much. "I understand. I must admit it will be rather odd not to be doing anything for an entire week but I will enjoy my short break from work." he said and smiled at Ahyoka. So she did eat? He didn't remember seeing her eat but perhaps she had eaten while he was still sleeping. "Well I'm glad that you ate." he said and thought for a moment. "How is the tribe doing? Are there any sick people?" he asked, wanting to know the status of his fellow people.

Spotted Deer smiled and walked out of her tepee with Pallaton. Listening to him, she looked at him. "Well he does love to stay busy even when it looks like he's not doing anything he's usually working in some way." she said and frowned trying to think of something. "Well he loves bears, he loves rabbit meat..." she started. Thinking hard, she gasped when she thought of something. "Are you thinking to bring the woods to him?" Spotted Deer asked. I'm not sure bringing so many animals to him would be a good idea." she commented.

Ahyoka smiled softly as she looked up at him. " The people are doing alright. They have been hunting and that has helped with the sickness. There are a few that are sick and I have tended to them. The people seem to be starting to show signs of rebuilding. They are helping one another now and repairing many things here witch is keeping people warmer. So I would say the village is doing well for now. " Ahyoka said as she laid down the pup running over to her and curling up to her. She softly petted him as she listen to the fire and before she knew it had fallen asleep tired for the day's work.

"No but I guess I could if you think it would help. I was thinking of bringing him wood to carve a good bow from or arrows and find some good feathers. How would I bring the forest to him? I mean what should I bring back to make that happen?" He asked being honest just wanting to make Red Cardinal happy. " If he could handle it I would make him something so he could ride with us. I need to get more horses and we need to start training. Maybe we could fix a area so he could watch use train the horses. We could make Ahyoka train it would be entertaining. She never really got horseback riding. I did try."

Red Cardinal was glad to hear that the tribe seemed to be building itself back up from the ground. At least no one was hating each other anymore. He was happy to hear that the people were helping out around the tribe and that hunting was getting done. "I'm glad to hear that." he said and looked at Ahyoka, surprised that she had fallen to sleep near the fire along with her pup. "Ahyoka?" he said and smiled as he watched her sleep. "Sleep well Ahyoka." Red Cardinal said quietly and wondered where Koon could be.

"Oh I see! I think that's a great idea! Woodcarving is always a fun pastime, he also loves weapons so I think he will carve weapons just for fun. I think we should do that. Gather plenty of wood for Red Cardinal to carve while he waits to get better." Spotted Deer answered and thought for a moment. "Feathers?" she repeated and smiled. "It will be nice to put some feathers into his hair sometime. Some red ones like the one Ahyoka put on his necklace." Spotted Deer commented honestly. "As for the horse riding, you'd have to ask your sister. She is the medicine woman and so if she approves of this idea than i think we can do it but he is hurt so I don't think he'd be able to move around so much." she explained.

Pallaton open the flaps for Spotted Deer once they reached Red Cardinals teepe. " Then I will gather wood and your right we should ask." He said as he entered seeing Ahyoka asleep with the puppy beside her. " I see sleeping on the job." He said as he sighed then smiled softly as he waled over and covered Ahyoka lovingly before taking a seat near Spotted Deer. " It's a good thing we came back that way your not board Red Cardinal. I see Ahyoka feel asleep already. She had been working hard. We where wondering if you wanted to watch us train the horses one day if Ahyoka ok's it. We could put you on one of the cots and use one of the horses to carry you to the pin and make you a seat there so you can watch with a fire of course. However we'll have to ok it through Ahyoka. I'm glad you seem to be in better spirits. How are you doing brother?

Pallaton nodded hearing Red Cardinal's request. He stood as he took some of the food and put it in a pouch. He was about to leave when he felt something on his leg. He looked down and saw the little pup there. " You know if I didn't know better I'd think you knew what we where saying." Pallaton said as he picked the pup up and carried him over to where Koon had laid the night before. He let the pup sniff and then he looked at the pup. " Can you follow this sent for me pup?" He asked as the pup yelped as if saying yes." Then it's settled lets go little pup." He said as he hurried out the teppe. The pup followed him as the pup bolted heading right out of the village. Pallaton kept up as the young pup ran down to the river. The pup sniffed around and suddenly started moving again along the bank. The pup lead the way further away from the village.

The little pup went nuts as Pallaton saw a dark figure in the water. "Koon!" He yelled out as he ran along the riverbank surprised that the current was as strong as it was. It was winter the current shouldn't have been this strong. He managed to catch the small pup before it hit the water to try and save Koon. " Oh no you don't! I am not being responsible for you dying little pup. This water is far to cold for something as small as you!" He said managing to scoop Koon up with his other arm. He quickly put the small pup down as he put Koon inside his clothing and held her shivering body next to his. " Hang in there little Koon." He said as he quickly ran back to the village. The pup did a good job keeping pace with him however the poor thing grew tired and fell to the ground upon entering the village.

Pallaton turned to reach for it but one of the guards had ran to the pup and picked him up bringing him to the tepee. Pallaton thanked the man as they both entered Red Cardinal's tepee. He took the largest bowl he could find and sat Koon in it. He took some of the warm water and poured it in very slowly. He was in the middle of doing so when he heard Ahyoka cursing him out.


Ahyoka had been woken from the sounds coming from inside the tepee. She woke to see a shivering Koon and her brother putting water into a bowl. " NO!!!! You'll make her go into shock you......." Ahyoka took her blanket as he gently picked Koon up and wrapped it around her shivering body. She kept rubbing Koon through the blanket knowing it would warm her up slowly. She moved close to the fire and sat down with Koon constantly rubbing her. " If there is any milk Koon could use it. We need to warm it and get it down her slowly. " She said as she saw her own pup curling up in her lap looking for warmth as it enjoyed the heat from the fire. She saw that her pup was fine and looked to poor Koon. " Just hang in there pretty girl we'll get you warm in no time. And I promise we'll have some berries waiting on you." She said trying to heat Koon's body up slowly so not to cause her to go into shock.

Upon hitting the water, Koon cried out and started to move her little arms in hopes of swimming back to shore but the current was too strong for her to swim against. She continued trying though, kicking her legs as best as she could until her body grew tired and she stopped. She felt someone pick her up but she was too weak to wiggle her way out. She was freezing cold and was happy to be warmed by person's body heat. Her eyes closed to get some rest but she was aware of everything. Koon opened her eyes when she was set in a bowl and when the warm water started to be poured in she started to panic and cried out.

Red Cardinal looked at the tepee entrance when Pallaton returned with a soaking wet Koon. "Koon!" he called out, he was glad to see she was alive even if it was barely. He smiled and looked at Pallaton, "Thank-you brother. For finding her and bringing her back. I am in your debt." he said. Maybe he was being dramatic, but Koon was his best friend, not just his pet. They had a close bond, one that few people understood. He wanted to hold her but he couldn't, she was better off in Ahyoka's arms. It was then that he remembered, "Oh Ahyoka, it seems our brother and the princess have something to ask of you." he informed.

Spotted Deer watched as Ahyoka cared for Koon and nodded. "I should go get some milk for Koon then, but yes Pallaton and I were wondering if it would be possible for Red Cardinal to watch us train with the horses. You are also more than welcome to join in on the horse training. If you want to that is." she said and looked at Pallaton, hoping that his sister would be okay with the request.

Pallaton smiled as he heard Red Cardinal. " Well we will have to change that. You'll have to get better and help me convince Ahyoka she needs a horse of her own and to get on one herself. " He said as he looked to his sister and saw she was sitting up now petting her own pup. " I'm surprised you said yes Ahyoka are you sure it's alright if Red Cardinal watches? " He asked honestly wondering what his sister was thinking. She had seemed to calm down and he wasn't sure if he liked it or not. He felt a little suspicious of her as he crossed his arms and stared at her watching her intently.

Ahyoka looked up as she saw her brother staring at her. " Huh...did you say something?" She asked and then heard what he said again." Oh....well I could say no but honestly it depends on him. If he feels that he can handle it then he should do it. I can only guess on his wounds and try to predict how they will heal. However his seem to be healing rather well. My only real fear was them coming open again. They don't appear to be doing so, so if he can handle the pain of getting there and sitting up then I don't see a reason why he couldn't go. Healing is part medicine and the other part is the person. If we keep him cooped up as long as I feel he should rest he would become depressed. So I'm fine with him watching. You know maybe you could slowly build him up to standing and petting the horses or holding a rope. I see many benefits to him going. " She said as she looked to Koon." Besides it might keep Koon out of trouble as well as we all make sure there are plenty of berries here for her. " She said as she smiled softly.

Pallaton froze as he looked to Spotted Deer he felt his heart melt hearing her beautiful laugh. It had been ages since he had heard that laugh. It took him back to his childhood when he and Spotted Deer had just met one another. She did torture him but it was her laugh that always saved her skin from him. It was that beautiful smile of hers that always made him melt no matter how mad he was at her. He smiled softly forgetting for a moment where he was and everything that had happen. For a moment he felt like he was a boy again. She had watched him train with the horses and use to laugh at him all the time when he failed and the horses would get even with him by multiple means. He remember when she was done laughing she would run into the pin to confuse him making the horses run in every direction. His anger turned to fear and panic every time she did it. However some how she was always alright. He would try and lecture her but would give up halfway through seeing she wasn't listing him.

Pallaton smiled softly as he rose to his feet. " I need to go check on the villagers. You three behave." He said softly as he smiled to Spotted Deer and turned heading out. He checked around the village making sure that everyone was alright. He helped where he was needed. He went to where the horses where as he checked on them. He looked around knowing that the horses would need more grazing land. He gently lead each horse to a shelter that he and the men had made. It wasn't something that his people where use to building but they did a fine job with the instructions he had given them. The horses at first where scared of it but soon relaxed and enjoyed having a roof of shorts over their heads keeping some of the cold snow off them.

Spotted Deer looked at Pallaton and smiled, her dark brown eyes full of happiness as she looked at him. She could tell he was thinking about something and wondered what it was, but before she could ask him anything he spoke up and left the tepee. "Oh...okay then." she said as she watched him leave and looked back at Ahyoka and Red Cardinal. "I wonder what he was thinking about...he was obviously thinking about something since he looked zoned out." she said and gently pet Koon. "I need to go wash up but I promise I will be back really soon okay? I just hope that Pallaton doesn't worry too much. I'll just go to the river and come back I promise." she said and looked at Ahyoka. "Besides, I'm sure you both would love to have some alone time!" she teased and giggled before running out of the tent and over to her own tent to get some clothes then ran off to the river outside of the tribe's walls. It was really cold out but she needed to clean up.

"Please be careful princess." Red Cardinal said as he watched her leave. It was too cold to be cleaning up but when the princess put her mind to something it was hard to convince her otherwise. "Let's just hope she actually gets here soon. I don't think our brother would be too happy that we let the princess go anywhere by herself." Red Cardinal said to Ahyoka. He thought back to what Ahyoka said about him getting depressed if he remained inside all the time. He wasn't sure he'd be depressed, although maybe he would because he wouldn't really be able to do anything. "You know Ahyoka, I think it would be a good idea for you to have a horse of your own don't you think?" he asked her.

Ahyoka looked to Red Cardinal caught off guard by his statement. " I...uh....we should get you one once your better. " She said as she smiled softly. "Are you hungry or thirsty? " She asked then looked to Koon. " Is Koon doing alright?" She asked as she smiled softly and stared to fumble around as she tried to stand up. " uhh...I could go check on the Princess! I mean really she just got over being sick. And........" She said almost stuttering as she tried to come up with anything to talk about or do other than horses. "Uh I'm sure you would love to think about what kind of horse you would want for yourself." She said as she frowned and thought about the horse she had road to the village. But she didn't have to control it and at the time she hadn't really paid any attention to it because she was worried about Red Cardinal. " Th.....the t-truth is I don't like horses. "

Pallaton spent some time with the horses as he looked after them making sure they where ok. After a while he headed out of the village. He had spotted a clearing near the river with a mixture of trees that would be perfect for him to practice his swordsmanship. He paused as he looked Red Cardinals Teepe. He wondered if he should tell the others where he was going. However he felt they would be keeping each other company. He walked to the clearing and stood there as he closed his eyes. He concentrated on his breathing. He listen to the world around him then suddenly pulled out one of his blades from his hip quickly starting his graceful movements. He danced with his blade doing the movements he had done thousands of times. He kept his mind focused making sure not to harm any of the trees.

Red Cardinal was confused with the way Ahyoka was responding. "Well yes, I do believe I should get a horse once I actually can." he agreed and looked at Koon who had finished the milk and had fallen to sleep. "Koon is fine and so am I thank-you." he answered. When he saw her stumbling during her attempt to stand up, he wanted to help her but it hurt to move. "Ahyoka..." he said seriously and frowned as he looked at her. "I'll get a horse eventually. Right now I'm worried about you though." Red Cardinal admitted. "Why do you not like horses?" he asked. "I understand if you don't want to talk about it but I'm curious to know. Has a horse hurt you sometime in the past? Is that why you developed a fear of horses?" Red Cardinal asked.

Spotted Deer reached the river and smiled, it was so peaceful outside. Setting her clean change of clothes to the side, she slipped out of her dress and headed deep into the river where she proceeded to wash herself. As she did, she sang softly to herself a song she and her brother would always dance to during any celebration. It had always brought a smile to her face. She couldn't believe her brother was gone, she just hoped that he was happy even if that meant he would never come back. Spotted Deer dove under the water to wet all of her hair and then came up for air, tossing her head back and causing her hair to make a loud splash against the river as it hit. Spotted Deer gasped and looked around. She didn't see anyone so she assumed she was safe. Letting out a soft sigh, she continued to wash herself and sing to herself.

Pallaton's focus was shattered as he heard a loud splash near by. The sudden sound had made him forget about his training. By the time he remembered what he had been doing his blade had already hit one of the older trees near him. He felt bad as he tried to retrieve his sword from the bark of the old tree. He had wedged the blade in rather well and it was going to be a little bit of a struggle to free it. With a little effort he freed his sword and returned it to his side. He slowly made his way cautiously to the river bank once again. He tried his best to not may any noise. He was occupied by the thoughts of white men finding their way to the village once again. It hadn't been that long since Red Cardinals run in with the last group of white men. He felt his heart starting to race with anticipation.

Pallation kept some distance from the water trying to stay in the shadows. He searched being as stealthy as he could with his swords at his hip. He let out a low whistle sounding like one of the local birds. He paused as he hide in the shadows peering out at the river bank. Some small foliage and a tree or two blocked his full view. However he was close enough to the river bank to hear if any one made a sound. He wanted to see if the sound he heard was friend or foe. Crouching down he waited in silence to see if gun fire or shouting would follow his whistle. White men had many reasons from coming this fair and from what he had saw of their settlement they could use food. If it was a hunting party the sound of a local bird would draw them out. However if any of the villagers where near they would know that whistle was one of their own calling out to test the waters to see who was out there.

Ahyoka frowned as she thought for a moment. " It....it's honestly nothing. Your in worse shape than I am. If you would like a horse than I'm sure that Pallaton will help you get one. Besides it might be good for you to have a companion that you could ride. I'm sure you would enjoy training it along side the others. " She said as she tried to smile for him. " There is really no need to worry you with my fears or issues. The only thing you need to worry about is getting better. " She said as she smiled warmly at him. Ahyoka stood there for a moment as she looked to Koon. She thought about her old life and all that she had been through in the short time she had been there. Red Cardinal had tried to help her and seemed to honestly care. She sighed as she closed her eyes knowing it wasn't right to only give him what she wanted him to have about herself.

" Your right I don't like horses, because of an accident that happen in the past. " She finally said almost in a child like voice. She slowly open her eyes as she peered down at the fire. Her mind drifting off to the day of the accident. " Not every person is kind and many aren't kind to animals where I'm from. People forget that animals have feelings and needs just like we do. Back where I'm from people do strange and sometimes painful things to themselves and others for fashion that extends to animals as well sadly. Most people don't view animals as anything really valuable other than property. So to them they feel it's alright to do as they see fit to any animal they own. " She said as she stared intently at the flames. It was easy to see that her mind was far from Red Cardinal's Tepee. " It happen long before I met Pallaton and the others. I was trying to keep up with my mother as she crossed the busy street. However I noticed that one of my mothers favorite gloves had fallen in the street behind us. I turned to retrieve it and that's when I heard the angry sounds. I turned in time to see a driver getting down from his carriage trying to clam a horse down that had started to thrash about not caring if it hurt the other horses or even himself. Before I or anyone could react the horse suddenly snapped. The horse managed to break free of the carriage and it's restraints and in doing so upset the other horses. It sent the entire team of horses into a up roar. I remember the horses suddenly bolting forward. The driver screamed as he was trampled. " She said as she closed her eyes and open them again looking to Red Cardinal.

" I don't remember much after that. I remember pain and screaming. Everyone said that I was lucky to be alive when I woke. I was unable to move because of the accident and the doctors thought I was going to die at any hour. My injuries where rather severe and the doctors had prepared my parents for the worst. For a few years I thought I wouldn't walk again because of it. I managed to proved the doctors wrong on everything but the walking. My poor parents hired the best of the best to try and help me. My mother blamed herself for what happen. It was then I learned many things. I started forcing myself to stand no matter how painful and make myself walk as fair as I could. The doctors cures weren't helping me and I couldn't bare not being able to walk or run. I guess in all honestly I couldn't stand my mother blaming herself. I managed to gain full mobility but I have never been able to go near a horse since then. Horses sense fear like all animals but they are keener on it than most. Anytime one gets near me all I can see is that angry horse and I freeze up. It makes most horses upset. My parents have kept me away from them as best as they could. Pallaton had tried to break me of my fear but my parents stopped him before he could stop. I have never seen my parents so angry. My parents aren't mean people but they where very mean to Pallaton. Pallaton told me that he wouldn't try again unless I was ready. He told me horses weren't evil and that if you respected them they would respect you. He also told me that the reason the horse lost his temper was the type of harness being used on it. Apparently the carriage and team belonged to a well known Lady of the Court. She was keeping up with fashion standards and had made the driver pulled the reins so tight that the horse's head was up straight constantly. It had no free movement of it's head or neck. Apparently the one horse had enough and that's why it snapped. The poor driver apparently had been trying to calm it down. "

She said as she walked over and took a seat beside Red Cardinal. " To me horses aren't something beautiful. Another young boy about my age had raised his horse from a foal. They where out riding one day and the horse got spooked. It didn't think about the young boy and ended up killing him. I've seen to many mishaps with those wild beast I don't like Pallaton with them and neither did my parents. But he would sneak out sometimes and help one of the locals with their horses. I followed one day and watched him. He has a way with them but even he isn't safe from them. I've seen them throw him and turn on him. They aren't like most animals. They are wild and should be left alone. "

Spotted Deer was shivering but when she heard the bird call she wondered who it could be. Just to be safe, she sank deeper into the freezing water to hide her body from whoever could be there watching. She looked around in the direction of the bird call but she didn't really see anyone there. "Hello?" she called out and frowned. It probably wasn't a good idea to be calling out like that, it could be a white man. "If you do not show yourself I will scream and my people will come out and find you!" she warned. She sounded fearless but she was terrified on the inside.

Red Cardinal said nothing as he listened to Ahyoka explain to him why she feared horses. Now he understood why Pallaton had said 'convince her to ride a horse' there was no way he could ever do that now. She would just refuse and hate him for suggesting it to her. When she had finished her story he sighed softly. However, upon hearing her say that horses weren't beautiful and they should be left alone because they were wild he narrowed his eyes. "I understand that you are afraid of horses Ahyoka. It's fine to be afraid after what you went through but I don't agree with you on a few things and you can scold me if you wish." Red Cardinal started.

"First, I would have left that glove alone and followed your mother instead. I understand you were trying to be nice but when something falls in the middle of a busy street I think it would be wise to leave it behind. You could always get another one at another time. Second, it was an accident and accidents will always happen. Just because something doesn't turn out your way does not mean you just give up on it completely. You're not even trying to like horses now just because of two accidents. If I fall off a horse do you expect me to give up and just sit here instead?" he asked. "Horses are beautiful creatures just like every other animal out there. Koon is also a wild animal. Am I supposed to stay away from her now? If she attacks you will you hate all raccoon too? Ahyoka you must not generalize, I still think you should at least try to ride a horse someday. If you can't do it alone the I will ride the horse with you and little by little you should learn." Red Cardinal explained softly.

(Worked so hard on my post and took my time, Goddess just throws one up like it's nothing *tears*)

Pallaton was surprised as he heard the voice. He rose immanently and almost ran to the water's edge. " Spotted Deer?" He said as he came to a sudden stop and saw her head above the water. He quickly averted his eyes blushing from the awkward situation he was in. He kept his back to her as he tried to not look at her or face her, while he looked for her clothing. He found her clothing and held it out behind him keeping himself in forward so not to see her. " I.....Spotted Deer it's to cold for you to be in the river! If you had told me I would have fetched you some water and got it warmed for you to scrub down in your own Tepee. Your going to get sick. Get out of there!" He said trying to sound upset and concerned. However catching her this way just made him blush and honestly feel out of his comfort zone. He was finding it hard to scold her as he stood there. " Come on we should get back white men could have been out here. What if anyone had have saw you? Do you think about these things or do you just try and see how many times you can worry me today? " He said really hoping she would get out of that water and get dressed.

Ahyoka was surprised by what Red Cardinal said. She sat quietly as she thought about the points he had brought up. She looked at Koon and honestly wondered if she would trust Koon if Koon attacked her. Her eye's then went to the small wolf pup who was trying to play with her hand. She smiled softly as she started to play with the pup. The pup was gnawed at her fingers playfully. She smiled as she looked to the small pup and then to Koon. Red Cardinal made valid points and Koon didn't seem to be wild like the horses where. But he was right that she to could attack without warning. " I'm not sure about horses. But your right that I shouldn't judge all by one or two's actions. I don't believe I would stop trying to be Koon's friend even if she attacked me. So maybe I should at lest try to be around the horses. I'll give it a try but I wouldn't mind doing so with you. Besides your the only one I know who wouldn't make fun of me. Just what I need White women who's afraid of horses to add to the jokes the people can tell. " She said as she sighed and laughed herself as she smiled.

(I am freezing so I'm surprised I could focus. I might go to bed after this post. Need to be up early for class tomorrow.)

Spotted Deer blushed when she saw it was Pallaton who was there. "I hope you weren't watching me Pallaton. Red Cardinal would not be happy to hear this if you were watching me wash up." she said and smiled after he turned his back to her. "Looks like Pallaton is shy around naked women as he should be, good." she said and giggled sweetly. "Thank-you." she said as she stepped out of the water and wrung her hair to get rid of the water then started to get dressed. He was right and she knew it was cold but she needed to wash up."I didn't know where you were and I just wanted to enjoy some time out here with nature." Spotted Deer answered simply and sighed softly once she finished getting dressed. Spotted Deer approached him and hugged him from behind, totally ignoring what he said. "Thank-you for handing me my clothes." she said softly before pulling away from him and walking away back to the village.

Red Cardinal could tell that Ahyoka was really thinking about what he said and he was glad to know she was at least taking some careful consideration on all this. He smiled when she said she wouldn't mind trying as long as he was there with her. "We will take it one day at a time. I do not expect you to love horses on the first day." he explained and laughed softly. "I won't make fun of you Ahyoka, I am going to do my best to help you. We will have you riding horses eventually you'll see!" Red Cardinal said happily. He was excited and hoped to get better soon so that he could help her with this fear she had.

Pallaton was caught off guard as he suddenly felt Spotted Deer's arms around him. He forgot what he had been talking about and everything but her for that moment. He stood frozen in place as he watched her walk away from him heading back towards the village. He watched her staring at her in wonder as he started to run after her. He had forgot about everything he had worried about and the past and the future all he could see and focus on was her. He quickly wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly against him hugging her from behind. He held her for a while not wanting to ruin the moment finally letting her go long enough to turn her around to face him. He peered down into her beautiful eyes full of life and wonder. He had always loved those eyes of hers. Without hesitation he leaned down and kissed her.

Ahyoka smiled as she heard him and laughed. She gently moved close to him as she gently leaned her head on his shoulder. She made sure not to cause him pain as she did so. " I'm sure I would be be headed right now if I was any other white man. Just as I'm sure I would be dead if my own people say me like this with you. But I don't care your a very kind person and it feels right to be like this with you." She said as softly ran her fingers along his jawline softly smiling as she did so. Ahyoka felt suddenly tired as the lack of sleep started to catch up with her. She smiled softly as she yawned and started to drift off to sleep beside him.

Spotted Deer heard his footsteps as he had started to run after her and she smiled warmly down at the white snow. When his arms wrapped around her, she stopped walking and stood there. He was always this way with her. He would try to scold her and then do something sweet right after. It was nice to know he hadn't really changed. Spotted Deer blinked in surprise when he turned her around, now they were looking right at each other and she blushed softly remembering how he had walked in on her bathing. Her dark brown eyes looked up at him as she wondered what he was going to do next. What he did surprised her even more, he kissed her. Spotted Deer relaxed in his arms and kissed him back softly.

Red Cardinal looked at her and frowned. "Let them see us. You know I wouldn't let any harm come to you Ahyoka." he reminded. He would kill anyone that tried to hurt her, all he needed was a weapon in his hand and he was ready for any fight. Red Cardinal blushed softly and carefully wrapped an arm around her waist to keep her from falling off the bed since she seemed to be dozing off. "You should get some rest Ahyoka." he suggested and ran his hand through her hair carefully.

Pallaton was surprised when Spotted Deer kissed him back but happy that she did. He wished for that moment to never end. His father had told him that there would be moments that would last a life time and today he had one. He always had moments to remember when it came to Spotted Deer. He stared down into her lovely brown eyes as the kiss faded softly smiling at her. " That's the princess I have always loved. The one I'd always come back to." He whispered to her as he softly caressed her face. He smiled as he stood there admiring her taking in all her beauty. He softly ran his finger through her wet hair as he smiled and laughed taking his clock off that one of the tribe men had gave him in privet earlier when he had been with the horses. He gently wrapped it around Spotted Deer in a loving manner. " There now you wont freeze my beautiful princess. " He said as he gently wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up holding her against him moving his hand down to under the back of her knees and the other on her mid back as he carried her back to the village.

Spotted Deer didn't know why she had kissed him back, probably because she always liked him even if she didn't show it. Her brown eyes looked up at him in a loving manner, a slight blush on her face though many would think it was just from the cold but she and Pallaton would know otherwise. She leaned into his loving touch and reached up to gently caress his cheek with her hand. "You are still as sweet as ever." Spotted Deer whispered back sweetly and honestly meaning it. Spotted Deer was thankful for the warm cloak, it was warmed with his body heat. "Thank-you." she said to him softly and smiled beautifully up at him. Spotted Deer was a beautiful woman so it was surprising that she had never really gotten married earlier. Well she would have married Pallaton earlier but then he left for battle so there was nothing to be done about it. At least now they would be able to marry if they wanted to anyway. She blinked in surprise when Pallaton picked her up, it was kind of him to do this. He cared so much that he didn't even want her to walk back.

Red Cardinal was still holding Ahyoka close to him and Koon had fallen to sleep on his lap. He was getting tired now too though and he wondered what was taking Spotted Deer and Pallaton so long to return. He didn't worry too much about Pallaton since he knew he was well trained, but he worried about the princess. Red Cardinal was dozing off though and before he knew it, he had fallen to sleep as well.