Pallaton sighed and smiled faintly at the pup that growled at him again. " Oh so your just going to growl at me I see." He said as he laughed finding it funny as he took the Pup to where the ladies had Ahyoka warming up. He placed the small pup down under the covers as the pup nuzzled Ahyoka and quickly curled up and went to sleep. He smiled as he turned and headed out with Red Cardinal. " I'm sorry your right. It's not fair for you to be in the middle." He said softly as he followed knowing it had to be hard for the poor man.

Ahyoka slowly started to wake as she felt warmth. She also felt something wet and "AH!" about that time a wet tongue went right up her nose waking her up. She looked down as she saw the small pup wagging it's small tail or trying to at her. The other women all laughed as they brought her some soup and some cook meet for the pup. The women had managed to find some milk some where for it. "wahy'a" The women said as they pointed at her then then pup. "Wolf." She said knowing that is what the word meant as she smiled looking down at the small pup. She held it in her hand as she held it over the bowl of Milk. The pup lapped it up like there was no tomorrow. " Calm down it's ok there is more. " She said but the pup didn't seem to care or didn't understand. She looked at it's size and worried about it. It's mother must have been gone for several days. The pup was way smaller than she felt it should be. The women where laughing and calling him little wolf. She looked up when the elder women she had helped spoke up coming over and looking at the pup for her.


" Keep this one and raise it and no harm will come to you ever. This one is a gift for you. You showed us kindness today. I have consulted the spirits and they have chosen you as our new medicine women but you will be unlike any others. A warrior you are ad much you have to tech us. Ahyoka is not the game the spirits have chosen for you. Orenda Kamali (magic power spirit guide) was the name they have chosen for you. You must go through the trials to earn that name Ahyoka. You are unharmed and not sick with fever because the spirits have chosen you. I will speak with Spotted Deer. The spirits have spoken for her. She will no longer be Spotted Deer they have chosen a name for her she must earn. " The old women said. As she stood giving the pup back to Ahyoka. " Rest child." She said as she turned and left heading to where Spotted Deer was and the others.

Red Cardinal laughed for the first time that day and shook his head. "It's not so bad brother." he answered and walked up to Spotted Deer's house and knocked on her door. "Princess I need to speak with you.." he said and slowly opened the door. Spotted Deer was sitting on the edge of her bed, crying and with her hair around her like a beautiful dark brown curtain. Red Cardinal frowned and motioned for Pallaton to follow him inside. "Princess please do not cry. Your father would not want you to be crying." he said softly and looked over at Pallaton before looking back at Spotted Deer. "I have brought Pallaton with me because the twoo of you need to actually talk and settle your differences like adults. The people need guidance, and if neither of you can get along and work together, what are the people going to do? Who are they going to go to for help?" he asked. "I know you hate him, and I know you don't want to speak to him or marry him. I know you're upset, you're hurt, you feel let down and lost and have given up all hope. You both are upset for different reasons but you both have reasons and rights to be angry. I am not here to condone your behaviors or to pick a side, I am here to make sure neither of you get out of line. I am here to make sure you talk and get everything straightened out." Red Cardinal explained seriously.

Spotted Deer wiped her tears away, trying to calm herself down. She looked up and smiled weakly at Red Cardinal, at least he was back and safe. Looking at Pallaton, she frowned and stared at him. "W-what is it you wish to talk about Pallaton?" she asked quietly, hugging herself to keep from shivering so much.

Pallaton looked at Red Cardinal for guidance what was he suppose to say that he hadn't tried. He felt keeping quiet was the safest thing to do at this point. He wasn't sure if he really wanted to go in but before he could make up his mind the elderly lady grabbed his hand and pulled him along inside with her. She pointed to the floor across from Spotted Deer for him to sit and he did so feeling like a child again and she was his mother. He watched her as he saw her marking. She had been the wife of the medicine man. He soon remembered her as the women stood peering in at the fire waiting for everyone to get comfortable.

" I am sorry Princess Spotted Deer. I have been consulting the spirits and this cannot wait. You are Princess of your people their leader but you have to let go of your grief. You need help these white men aren't like us they don't know our way. However you have forgotten our way in your grief it's time for you to put the past in the past and move forward or we are all doomed. " The elder said as she threw herbs into the fire a wonderful smell filled the hunt helping to relax everyone. " Your fathers would have consulted the elders today and the spirits for guidance instead of exploding at one another. If you had you would have heard as I did that the white women is to stay in our village. Her skin may be a different color but she is the wolf and with be a great protector of our village. She has brought back a wolf pup as proof from the spirits. " The elder said as she looked to Red Cardinal.

" You where guided to her by the white wolf spirit weren't you child? A wolf so rare is revered by our people. She has no damage to her and she should be sick yet she is up and tending to the wolf pup. The spirits have answered your Pray Princess. They have sent you a great warrior in Pallaton. You have prayed for him to return to you and he has. You have prayed for help and they have sent you the white wolf. You are to accept her Princess and she is to join our tribe. The spirits have chosen her name and title. Orenda Kamali (Magic power spirit guide.) To call her just a healer would not suffice to them because she is a fighter, to call her wise is not fair there is much to her like a great wolf. " The woemen said cutting her eyes back to the Princess. " You they have chosen a name befitting a Queen. Hehewuti (warrior Mother Spirit). Right now you are Cha'akmongwi (crier chief.) "

The old women looked to Paul as she narrowed her eyes at him. " Spotted Deer is not the only one here to blame but you two will be married and you will figure out how to get alone. Spotted Deer you will stop your crying and you will be the wife and leader that you have always been meant to be. The past is the past child and nothing we do now can change it. We have all lost so much but only remembering what we lost is what the evil spirits feed on that will destroy us. We have two wolves inside us that we can feed. We have the white wolf and the black wolf. By giving into anger and grief you feed the black wolf. That wold will eat your alive and take everything beautiful you have from you. Look around Princess you have been feeding that wolf for so long let it go. Where is my beautiful princess and her warm smile with her sweet voice and caring heart. I know your there. But you have a chance at a bright future Princess. Letting go of the past and all the pain and all that we have lost isn't easy but you have to do it. Can't you see your hurting Red Cardinal with your tears? And even the stranger you once loved. You say he is a stranger but he has traveled far and suffered just like you to get here. And instead of compassion your letting bitterness and grief take you over. Your time to morn is over. You are our Princess and he is our Chief. You will marry and you will pick together elders from both sides to make a new council to help with questions and guidance. You will allow the white girl to join our tribe and be our sister. You will give her the respect that is hers as medicine women. That does mean that she will be married to one of our men. But not just any, she is rare not quiet as valuable as you Princess but no simple warrior will do for her. You will find one worthy of her it will be a honor to have her as a wife. Things will not ever be as they was but they can be better if we all try. " The elder said as she looked to Red Cardinal.

"You will take the girl as your wife. Things have been spoken for you and for him." She said looking at Paul. " Names have been chosen for you. " She said looking to Red Cardinal. " You have no attachments to any women here but you are the only one for white wolf. It was no accident that the white wolf appeared to you. Don't you think it's strange that the mountain and wind wouldn't allow Pallaton to find White wolf ? You are black wolf and in time you will learn to love her. " The women said looking back to Spotted Deer. " Your father would want you happy. Leading isn't easy child. You can't do it all alone. Your father gave responsibilities to his people and governed over them. You two will have the final say but you have to let go Princess. Red Cardinal has proven himself and should be made in charge of the warriors their training and all hunts and protection. Any plans should be ran by you from him. White Wolf I will start training in our ways and how to speak to the spirits. Let Pallaton worry about food and supplies for us. He and White wolf can talk to the white man where we can't. White wolf can also get any supplies we need. " The women said pointing out that Rebeca could be a great ally.

Spotted Deer stared at the woman in silence even after she was done speaking. "I..." she started and shivered. "I have nothing to say about this...if...if this is what you all want then it shall be this way. I have no control over the choices any of you make. I have tried to help, I have done my best and it is never enough." she said and glared at Pallaton, "I hope you are happy. You and your sister got what you wanted. She is part of the tribe now, I can't hate her now, and now I have to marry you. I am sure you are overjoyed to hear this." she said calmly then just shook her head and stared at the ground. How was marrying someone she hated going to help? "You all can do what you wish." she whispered and walked over to the corner of the house where she had a little shrine of sorts with photos of her family. She wasn't going to let go. She was always going to think of her family and it would always bring her sadness but now she had bigger things to worry about thanks to their surprise visitor.

"I'm sorry but I don't know Ahyoka well enough to marry her. I don't even love her. Don't you think you are moving too fast?" he asked. "And I am not fit to order anyone around. I have a job already, to protect the princess, I cannot be made in charge of others...I do not feel that I can do that." Red Cardinal answered. "I am honored you would think I can do it but I can't." he said honestly. He had been on a few raids before but he stopped going on them the moment the princess was left all alone. He had always been there for her even when her family was still alive but when they died he remained with her in the village. The thought of marrying a complete stranger didn't seem logical to him, what was that going to prove?

The elder held her her hand to silence him. " You have asked for guidance Princess and it has been given. It's your choice no one can force you or anyone here. You are here in your bitterness and sadness but have you stopped to think about what this would mean for the girl. You think this man his happy look his face is red he isn't happy about any of this either." She said looking to Pallaton. " If she is made part of the tribe she can never go home she loses her family to savages who hate her. She will be stuck in a land that isn't her home land with people who aren't her blood. With a way of life that is very different from hers. But what's funny is out of the two of you she seems to be the most willing to work for peace. " I am just a crazed old women what do I know. You are our leader so tell us what to do if you don't other tribes will exploit your weakness and so will the white man." she said as she bowed and excused herself heading home.

Pallaton said nothing as he clenched his fest the anger easy to see in his face. He had turned blood red as he sat there hearing Spotted Deer. He finally stood and turned leaving. He stopped as he stared out at the snow. He stopped because he had promised to be there. But once again she was proving she was never going to change. She wasn't a catch like she thought. If he had a choice between her and a snake the snake would be his choice no question. She wanted him to be a enemy and stranger fine he would be. She was worse than a cactus and suborn. She sounded prideful and weak all at the same time traits he would never be attracted to. His brother was wrong this women was no leader and not wife material. If this was what he was to wed he'd rather stay single or meet a quick end.

He pulled out the necklace that she had made him all those years ago and yanked from his neck as the glass beads fell on the floor along with the charm she had put on it. The beads had been her promises to him there where lies and he was done with her. He reached up and pulled out a long brade from the back of his head and pulled out one of his swords as he cut it from his head. It had been a promise and he had attacked one of her feathers she had adored. He had kept his promise but she had moved on and had broken hers. She had promised to love him always and honor him. Instead she disgraced him and told him she hated him and treated him like a enemy. He put his sword away as he took a step outside. It was late and nothing had been gained she had made her choice and it would be time to make his soon. He walked to the spare tepee and fell asleep keeping his swords on him wishing for once he was anywhere but home.



Ahyoka feed the pup and ate her soup and was told to get some rest. She agreed and fell asleep with the small pup in her arms as the two slept. However tears had feel from her eyes as she laid there. Ahyoka didn't want to be here. Her brother was wrong the people hadn't accepted her and wouldn't. She didn't like Spotted Deer and really didn't want him marrying her. The women was stressful and her brother could have had a lady back home. They both could be in warm beds with plenty of food and friends. However the thoughts woke her as she just laid there and thought. It wouldn't be fair to her brother that wasn't his home she knew. Maybe she should tell him that she was going to leave and head home. She loved him but who was she kidding these people weren't her family and wouldn't accept her. She wanted to run to him and curl up to him and just cry but what would it solve. If he was going to be a leader she couldn't be near him. He didn't need her ruining his chances. The thoughts made tears run down her face.

Spotted Deer turned to face Pallaton and frowned, he didn't look happy at all but if they had to be married there was nothing they could do. Her family was probably disappointed in her right now. When the woman had left, she decided to speak. "Pallaton, I know you don't want to but if the promise was made then it must be kept. What would our fathers say if they were here right now?" she asked. What he did next took her by surprise though. "Pallaton don't!" she called and gasped when he threw the necklace she had made him to the floor and cut the braid. Spotted Deer quickly was on her knees as she picked up the necklace and the braid. She really had angered him now and there was nothing that could be done to fix this huge mistake of hers.

"Brother!" Red Cardinal called after him but it was in Vain, he was gone. Sighing, he knelt beside the princess and pulled her into his arms as he let her cry once again. Just when he thought things could be fixed and possibly work out, this had to happen. There was nothing that could be said to cheer her up, Spotted Deer had truly lost everything in such a short amount of time. She lost her name and her friend, and now Pallaton wasn't coming back he was sure.

Pallaton slept through the night and woke before sun up. He found clothes to fit him that the women had put in the entrance for him. He changed folding the clothes from England and letting go of that life. He had to if he was going to make it work here. He picked up his bow and arrows and headed out looking more like a Indian now. The snow had stopped and it was much easier for him to navigate. He quickly moved heading back to where his village had been. Once he had made it he walked over the ruins as he did a ceremony to honor his people. He sat where his father's te pee had been and found one of his father's feathers as he picked it up and paced it in his hair. He took ash from the ruins of his people and made paint from it as he put it across his face and started a small fire there throwing herbs into it as he meditated there. He needed clarity and to get guidance. He needed to let go of the past and fix what he could here and now. He needed to be a warrior and chieftain Paul needed to die and Pallaton need to return.

He sat in his trance for half a day waking suddenly as he had his answer. He thanked the spirits and put out the fire as he picked up some items that where left from his people. He had found a rope and knew what he needed to do. He made his way further inland to the flat pastures where the great horses ran. He waited as he saw one of the herds appear like they had as a child. He had a vision of him capturing them and taking them back to the village along with meat that would weight all that he captured down. He let Paul go and his worry for Rebeca. He waited and just like when his father had first taught him he was able to capture the lead mare along with ten others. He tied the group up and went to his people's favorite hunting grounds. Just like as a child he was able to stack deer on the backs of the horse having to clam them and earn their trust. His father had taught him his tricks with horses. It was like having his father right there as he did it. He smiled as the head mare became suddenly friendly with him and seemed to calm the others down as he lead them up the mountain to the village. He entered the village the horses in toe tied to one another with long ropes so they could from a line behind the lead mare. Villagers stopped almost not recognizing him thinking it was White Eagle there. He was changed he looked like a proud Indian warrior. He looked confident as he lead the horses further in.

He asked for the women to bring water for the horses and for the men to start dressing the deer and give the skin to the females for tanning. He tied the horses to a few trees near the back of the village. The area was flat here and good for grazing for the horse's in summer months. He asked a few of the men to join him in making a pin for the horses. The men looked excited as they all went to work. It was back breaking work and he poured sweat but he didn't stop he worked hard cutting and splitting trees for wood to make the large pin that would be needed.


Ahyoka woke hearing some one coughing. She found a winter dress for her by her bed along with warm pants and shoes. She felt a little nervous as she got dressed folding her dress and putting it beside her heels that she had taken out during the night to read some from the book she had. She saw fresh herbs there and berries that she needed to help the people. She smiled as she took them along with the bowls and leaves that had been provided for her. She wondered who had been so kind do to all of this for her. However she only got tow steeps before she heard a small wine and laughed seeing the pup trying to wake up and follow her. She bent down and picked him up placing him in her pack as she wore it so he could be wit her. She noticed that most where sleeping still and the sun had just started to appear in the sky. She walked to where she heard the coughing as she found a entire family that looked ill. She bowed and waited to be invited in. The people looked scared as she felt but allowed her in. She started feeling better as she saw they had a simple cold. She made them a past to help. It would seem into their skin and help fight the cold and smelling it would help to open their air ways.

She spent her time going from one tepee to another helping. One of the young women had pulled her from her latest te pee and pointed at the man who had brought in the most beautiful horses she had ever seen. She stared at the man and here eyes widen as she saw who it was. It didn't look like her brother at all. He look like a powerful warrior and could see why the settlers where scared. If she didn't know him he would scare her. She could still see that he was her brother and that he was trying his best to make it work here. She noticed that being busy as she was she didn't want to leave. She could see that last night had been hard on him and knew at some point she needed to talk to him. She could only smile seeing how much deer he had brought them. She knew that none of it would be wasted and that the people could use it. Before she could do anything else she was pulled along to another te pee to help another family.

Spotted Deer had cried herself to sleep in Red Cardinal's arms. He gently picked her up and lay her down on her many blankets then draped one over her to keep her warm. While she slept, Red Cardinal too this chance to pray to her family, asking for help and for all to be well soon. When he was done, he turned to look at her once more before quietly stepping out of her house and walking back to his where his raccoon friend was curled up and fast asleep. Smiling tiredly, he lay beside his friend and easily fell to sleep, hoping that the next day would be better.

The next morning, Red Cardinal woke up early and was greeted with a lick on his cheek. "Good morning to you too Koon." he said and looked up to see his hummingbird Piki was still sleeping. "Lazy little bird." he said and laughed softly. He heard movement outside and walked out with Koon on his shoulder. He saw what looked to be White Eagle but as he watched the man walk, he noticed it was Pallaton. He had changed back! What did he do? He had left earlier it seemed because he was returning with deer and horses. He knew Spotted Deer was going to be surprised to see him this way.

Red Cardinal walked over to Spotted Deer's house and knocked on her door. "Princess, are you awake yet?" he asked and walked inside to find her trying to fix the necklace, sniffling. She didn't look to well. "Princess, there is something you need to see. I think you will be surprised." he said and led her out of the house.

Spotted Deer looked up at Red Cardinal and nodded. Standing, she walked out with him and followed him over to where he pointed out Pallaton. The man Red Cardinal looked nothing like the Pallaton that had returned, but like the one who had left. "Pallaton!" she called and ran over to him to get a better look at him. "You've changed once again..." she started and frowned. "I need to speak with you. It is very important...I know you do not wish to speak with me, you don't have to talk if you don't want to but please...please just hear me out." she said softly.

Pallaton turned from his work as he heard Spotted Deer's voice he bowed down to her out of respect. He staid there and waited for her to dismiss him. The only way to teach the people was to live by example his father had always said that. If Spotted Deer was going to get respect from her people then he needed to give it to her rather he agreed with her or not. " Princess Spotted Deer I have brought great horses for you people and the head mare for yourself as apologize for my rudeness. I have also brought back plenty of deer to cloth and feed our people with." he said on his knees before her. All of the people took notice and the men stopped their work and bowed down with him in Spotted Deer's presence.

Ahyoka had made her rounds and stepped out of the Tepee as she watched her brother. She lessened to him and then understood why he as doing what he was. She was proud of him but sad for him at the same time. He was making peace even if Spotted Deer was wrong. He was going to be the bigger man it appeared. Her brother had told her many times about his village and his people's way with the great wild horses and where they hunted. It looked like he had went home. She looked at the markings on his face a felt sad knowing that must have been ash from his village he had used to make the paint. He must have visited it early this morning to make up his mind.

She wasn't sure how to feel and where this put her. But she smiled regardless proud of him. She was happy to see he was home the one place he had wanted to be for years. Ahyoka turned as she saw some of the kids playing with her heels and dress. She smiled and didn't bother to stop them. She could see they where just having fun. The parents went to stop the kids but where surprised when Ahyoka asked them to let the children be. She had never liked the dressed nor the heels the children may as well enjoy them. Ahyoka turned her attention to the small pup in her back pack who wined not allowing her to watch any more of Spotted Deer and her brother. She turned as she headed to the river. She found a stick and used one of the sharp rocks to carve a sharp point on the stick then used it to pull out a fish for the pup.

She kelt down and put her pack down as the young pup tried to sink it's teeth into the fish but couldn't seem to quiet get past the scales. She laughed as she finally helped the small pup. " I'll help you but you'll have to learn to do this by yourself soon." She said as she smiled almost forgetting she was in a dangerous place where people wanted her dead. The pup was a great distraction that she welcomed. So fair she had survived another day here.

Spotted Deer was surprised to see him on his knees in front of her. "I...w-well thank-you..she's beautiful." she said softly and shook her head. "P-please stand." she said and frowned. "Pallaton, what you did yesterday hurt me more than you will ever know. I know I am not the ideal wife that you would have wanted. I know you wish to have nothing to do with me. I know you are upset with me and are only doing this because you have to...I understand and you have reason to be." she said and looked down at the broken necklace in her hand. "I am very sorry I really am. You shouldn't apologize, you never did anything wrong but I did. My behavior was one that a princess should never have. I let my people down, I let my family down, I let Red Cardinal down, I let you down and I let myself down." she said and looked at Red Cardinal. "I wish to speak with him alone. You should go look for your future wife and tell her about that. She needs to know." Snow Deer commented and looked back at Pallaton. "I am willing to give us a try...a chance. If you want to that is. I...I promise to be the wife that you deserve." she said quietly.

Red Cardinal was proud of her, perhaps yesterday's events was what she needed in order to truly understand. "Very well princess. I will return soon." he said and bowed in respect before leaving and cradling the racoon in his arms. Looking around, he couldn't find her anywhere in the village and so headed outside and spotted her near the river. She seemed to be in her own world and he didn't want to interrupt her and her friend but he had to. Spotted Deer was right, she needed to know. Sighing softly, he walked over to her and smiled at the little pup. "Hello Ahyoka." he said quietly and looked over at the fish in the river, he wasn't sure how she would take it but he had a feeling she would not be happy about it. "I have something important I must tell you. This is not a choice I could make, the choice was made already so do not be upset with me. Although I will understand if you are." he started.

Pallaton rose as she asked as he lessened to her proposal. He stood and lessened to her as he asked the other men to leave to give them some alone time. Once the other men had gone he spoke to her. “ I understand you where upset. But the person you made those promises to is gone as well as the person who made them. I will not force you to marry me. I will do my best to make you happy and to protect our people and help to lead them if you chose to go through with this. I am more than willing to try and go through with this because it was what our father wanted. I will try my best to make you happy Princess “ He said as he bowed to her respectfully. “ Nothing is set in stone and we don’t have to marry if you don’t wish.” He said as he heard the horses and looked up smiling. “I believe they wish to be free from their ropes my princess. Please allow me to finish their pin and if you like I’ll teach you to ride the mare besides you have to name her and give her your feather.” He said softly.

Ahyoka turned as her wolf let out a low growl but as it saw it was only Red Cardinal went back to eating it’s fish. She smiled warmly at him as she laughed softly. “ If it’s I need to go back home I fully agree. I don’t belong here and I’d rather not have to worry about my life constantly being in danger here.” She said softly as she slowly stood to face him.”Thank you for saving me. I am sorry for being a headach however I’m proud of Pallaton. He is really home now. I’m sure he wishes for me to go back.” She said softly as she frowned a little looking down at the pup as she noticed the racoon. “Oh it’s so cute what is it?” She asked as she laughed happily as the pup looked like it wanted to play with the racoon.

Spotted Deer frowned as she looked down at the necklace in her hands. "I am trying! I am trying to be better for you and for everyone else but it seems that no matter how hard I try, it is never enough." she whispered and turned away. "I came to you, to apologize, I do not know what it is you want from me. You said you wanted me to grow up, well here I am! I am trying to be the princess I am supposed to be! What am I doing wrong?" she cried and turned to look at him with wide eyes. "I made a promise to myself that I would fix this, that I would follow the ways my father would want me to follow. I want to make everyone proud...I want to make you happy but I apparently am no good at that. We must get married because out fathers said so, and I would not want to disappoint my father any more than I already have." she said and wiped away her tears quickly, she didn't want to cry but now she truly was lost and confused. "I...don't know what to do anymore." she said and shook her head. "Don't worry about me, I will be fine. Have fun with your horses..." she said sadly and started walking away.

Red Cardinal sighed, "You cannot just leave, are you foolish? Pallaton will be crushed if you leave and next time I will not come looking for you. I brought you back because I promised my brother that I would." he replied and held Koon closer to his chest. "The spirits have spoken out and then have said that you are very important to the tribe, you must stay and we are to be married. I am not sure when, but it must happen. It is not wise to go against the spirits." he said and frowned. "She is my friend, Koon." he answered and looked at Ahyoka. "I know I am no one to ask you for a favor...but may I anyway?" Red Cardinal asked.

Pallaton closed his eyes then yelled at her. " What is your problem? I have done nothing wrong and have agreed with you. If I agree with you I'm wrong and you cry and carrying on if I don't agree with you you yell and cry! Just make up your mind. I agreed with you just now and said ok and was accepting your apology. I am trying to be the person you wanted! There is no winning with you women! I was just being polite as our custom demands! " He said yelling not caring if anyone heard at this point. " Go meditate and try to get some guidance. I have better things to do than be yelled at by a women who doesn't know what she wants. I agreed with you and was being nice. However your to dense to even notice. "

He said as he walked over and grabbed her and held her in his arms. " That being said I don't like you upset and crying. " He said as he held her. "You are tired aren't you." He said picked her up and carrying her in his arms back to her tepee. He gently placed her on the bed as he felt her forehead. " As I thought you have a fever. You never lessen. You didn't when we where young I shouldn't expect any difference now. " He said as he got some of the fresh water and dipped spare cloth in it and wiped her head. " Please lay here and rest. If not you wont be able to yell at me more and tell me how awful I am and cry." He said as he looked around. "We should get some medicine for you. " He said as he sighed and shook his head. " In some ways you haven't changed. I was not being insulting to you. We are not the same people we where when we made our promises. That doesn't mean you did anything wrong. You made a fair point we aren't the same people then. If we are going to do this we should start over. That is what I was saying. Because your not the girl I remember and I'm not the boy you remember. I know your upset but you have got to stop jumping to conclusions and only hearing what you want to hear. You said I was a stranger to you so I'm trying to get in touch with my roots to be someone you could learn to be friends with and maybe one day love. Your upset with me and I understand that. I don't have to agree with it but your sick and only making yourself worse. I was trying to give you a peace offering. You have got to learn to shut up sometimes and hear what people are saying. " He said as he sighed .


Ahyoka looked at him and nodded trying to understand what was being said. She wondered if he was really sure she should stay there. " Sure." She said not sure what else to say she was trying to understand what was going on. She needed time to think about this. These people had been so against her what had changed. She frowned not really liking what was going on. He wasn't looking for her out of kindness and he said he wouldn't bother again. Maybe she was right to think it was better to leave. She didn't want to be stuck here with people who want her dead most of the time and with someone who could never love her. She would just be a burden.

Spotted Deer stopped and turned back to look at him. She allowed him to yell at her because she knew that she deserved it. Meditation...yes that was a good idea! She hadn't meditated in the longest time, perhaps the spirits could tell her some answers and guide her on the correct path. A few people were staring at the two and listening to Pallaton in silence. "I do not wish to fight...I want this to work out as it should. As it would have when we were younger." she said and sighed. "Meditation sounds like a good idea, perhaps then I will get the answers I have been desperately seeking." she agreed with a weak small smile.

When he held her, she smiled genuinely and shook her head. "I got some sleep after you left." she whispered and rubbed her eyes as she was carried back to her house. Spotted Deer sat still on her bed and watched Pallaton, "I am sorry Pallaton." she apologized with a frown. She felt like a child being scolded by her father again but that thought made her smile once again. "I do not wish to yell at you or call you awful." she started but did as she was told and lay down on her bed after setting the broken necklace to the side. Spotted Deer listened to what he had to say to her and nodded, he made a good point. "Start over.." she repeated. "We should all start over, even the tribe. We must start from the ground up. Help those who need it, make any improvements, stock up on food and water..." she listed. "I accepted the horse you got me, she really was beautiful. I am very impressed with all of the horses and deer you have brought. The warriors will be very thankful to have a horse that they can ride out into battle." Spotted Deer pointed out with a nod of her head.

Red Cardinal could tell something was on her mind as he looked at her. "Look I know you don't agree to the arrangement. I do not hate you, but I will be very upset if you hurt my brother in any way." he said and set Koon down to play with the pup. "I would like you to try to get to know the princess. I...I know she doesn't look like the kindest person, but she is. I know she is. The princess is just stubborn like your brother, perhaps that is why they can never get along. I wonder how much fighting is going on right now that I am not there with her. Although, she was behaving very well this morning so I can only hope that all is well." he commented. "You do not have to speak with her if you do not want to, I won't force you to do something you wish not to do." he added and looked down at Koon.

"That's not true I have no say so." Ahyoka said as she looked to the snow. " You said I had no choice and had to marry you so why would I have a choice if I speak to her or not? If I am to marry you at some point I would have to be in a room with her. " She said as she looked to the ground. " Why bother to talk to me you already said you didn't care about me and if I left again you wouldn't waste your time. My brother would agree that I must leave. What life could I have with a person who doesn't care about me and could never see himself loving me. And with a people who would rather kill me. " She said being bluntly honest not trying in anyway to start a fight. " Your people say that the whitemen are evil but your just as evil in your own ways. You are treating me no different than they treated you. If you want to change then start by fixing yourselves. I haven't raided your village, killed your people for sport, made you sick, stole your land, or done any of the evils. I did defend my brother but I have tried to help your people not that any of you care. You all would rather tie me up and burn me. So forgive me if I don't want to be here. But I have no choice it seems. But I am not marrying someone who couldn't respect me and love me. I know your laws very well. The spirits may have talked but it's our job to live up to what they say. And as of now I have no intention of being in a loveless marriage. I'll take my changes with my life. I'd rather die single than die married to a man who doesn't love me and wouldn't defend me or fight for me. That is highly disrespectful in all cultures. I also know my brother wouldn't allow you to marry me. He is a chieftain and I will though through what ever trials to be one of his tribe members. I trust my brothers judgment. I also know that the spirits are just and if I make my plea to them I am sure they would agree. It's not fair to be in such a marriage. You would have to agree. Because I would have the right to put your things outside and be done with you. Women here can divorce a man by putting his things outside the te pee except for Spotted Deer it would be more complicated than that. I'm not just some white women. My brothers have educated me more than I'm sure your people would like. I am not going to be a second string wife to any man. I will only marry someone who will at the lest respect me. I am not Indian and I will go into battle with my brother. I am not one to sit at home. That is if my brother chooses for me to stay. " Ahyoka said as a slight spark could be seen in her eyes.

" So no I will not marry you unless my brother deams you worthy. Spirits can say what they want but it's the people that have to make it so. They can say a man is great but the man has to make himself great. If we are to marry then we'll have to work on each other. Because I marry no man who doesn't respect me enough to fight for me. If I did I wouldn't be looked favorable on by the other people here. Honor is very important here and it would be dishonorable to be in such a marriage. If a man wants me then he better be willing to fight for me because my brother will fight hard for me." She said in a authoritative tone. There was a regal air about her as she stood tall almost looking like a wise wolf herself. Her eyes had the intensity of the grate wolves and she had the demanding presence that the great wolves had.

"Thank you for being kind enough to tell me. However this will not come to pass unless something changes. I am not here to fight with you. I simply will not marry you because the spirits say so. The spirits will can change depending on our actions. By your people's laws you would have to convince my brother of your intentions. You have already said you wouldn't fight for me so there is no need for you to go to my brother on this account. It's not unheard of, for the women's family to insist a fight for the right to marry the women. I mean nothing to do you and the spirits would expect you to fight for me and follow your customs. Spotted Deer was promised to my brother by her father and he by his father and he fought for her at a young age. The spirits said they were to be but he was still made to fight. That is why I say it is up to us to make what the spirits say true. The spirits can say a man is great but if he never gets up and makes something of himself then he will never be great. The spirits can only tell you what can be. To dable to much into our lives would be to control us. They can only give us guidance and show us different paths that could be. It's our jobs to choose witch one we want to take. " She said sounding like one of the wise old elders.

By now the pup had stopped eating and playing and was staring up at her with great respect. The small pup looked fondly up at her as if it was proud of her for standing up for herself. The white wolf appeared just behind the wolf pup and Ahyoka it was easy to see it's glowing white eyes making it's self known only to Red Cardinal. Tribal marking now shown on the white wolf. The wolf started at him with the same eyes that Ahyoka did. The two looked identical and the wolf stayed there so Red Cardinal would know that the girl had spoken the truth. It also wanted him to know that she was one of their people and would be guarded. The presence of the white wolf spirit made the coon run to Red Cardinal as it shuttered the air grew even more fridges as the spirit lingered there. The spirit allowed him to see Ahyoka as she really was on the inside. The wolf spirit wanted to show Red Cardinal what he had to fight for. The spirit suddenly vanished leaving him there with just Ahyoka and the wolf pup.

Pallaton smiled softly as he heard her making a paste from some herbs he had seen his sister do for some of the others. He rubbed some on Spotted Deer as he peered down at her. " Well you have to get better fox chaser before we can do any of that. That means you have to rest and take it easy." He said as he looked at the necklace and smirked remembering how they met. " I remember when you came crashing through the plains where my people and I where working with the wild horses. You started the herds into a great run and I had to save you pulling you up onto my stallion as we ran with the herds across the great plans. I was so mad but you started out scared then quickly starting laughing as you enjoyed yourself. When we stopped and where able to return to her fathers. I got you down and yelled at you asking if you had a death wish. "He said as he laughed and shook his head remembering their meeting as if it was yesterday. "And you just looked up at me with those big innocent eyes and told me that it was the blue fox's fault you had been following the spirit here." I wanted to kill you. " He said as he laughed and then thought about his own running with the blue fox. " And then we met again less than a month after when I was following the spirit fox apparently into you. You had such a hard head because when we hit my head hurt for days after. "I remember that our father's did believe us about the fox spirits. We both got scolded and told that the fox spirits where mischievous and if we saw them to not fall victim to them. It wasn't until that Bear that all our people and fathers believed us about the fox spirits. You had been out playing and had fallen hurting your leg when the fox spirit appeared to me in the middle of our village. It lead me and my entire village to you your own fox spirit leading your people to you. My fox spirit defended you until I was able to get there and shoot the bear. I remember how scared our people looked as both fox spirit's appeared before us both and allowed everyone to see their glowing eyes and to feel their power. No one was able to speak as they all stared at the fox's. I remember the wise women and men coming forward and saying that it was a sign that you and I where meant to be together. Remember that's how we got our markings. They took the markings from the spirit foxes and gave them to us. The elders said that foxes mate for life and though mischievous they where cunning and would fight until their death for one another. The elders said it was a sign of a great love. " He said as he smiled looking down at the necklace with fondness. " I remember when you gave me the necklace and when I gave you my own feather and made you a necklace. I carved you a fox spirit out of one of the stones I found. " He said as he smiled thinking about it. " Most would never believe that we saw spirits. White men don't believe in such things they don't have the respect we have for nature and even each other. That is where Ahyoka is different. You may not believe me but the other reason I stopped fighting her and only her was a white wolf spirit appeared. I thought I was imaging things I've seen it several times but only glimpses of it. Not like your fox and mine that brought us together. But the elder said that a white wolf appeared to Red Cardinal, yesterday letting him know where Ahyoka was. If it is so then I wasn't imagining things. You know Ahyoka can be really scary at times like you could and still can be. She is so sweet and kind but if you dare harm someone she loves or a innocent a power comes out in her like a wolf. In that way the two of you are twins. I still have knot on leg where you kicked me so hard. I swear you where part horse with how hard you kicked. " He said as he rubbed his leg remembering her kick.

He smiled as he looked to her. " I honestly have thought about making her go back home. But right now Ahyoka is one of the few people here that can help with healing. You should know that she beat your brother into a bloody pulm on your behalf. He made her so mad because he refused to come back with us. He refused to send you a message and didn't want you to know he was alive. You would have swore it was your father taking over Ahyoka's body instead of her. " She called him a coward and told him that blood was thicker than water, and how could he turn his back on you and your people. She told him that you needed him and if he didn't come he was no better than the white man to you. She had begged him to come and he refused. He said that he was happy and never wanted to come back and that he was sorry but he would rather remain dead then come back. Ahyoka didn't' take that very kindly. " I swear sometimes she reminds me of the great warriors. Before he could defend himself she had him on the ground and had beat your brother like I have never seen a white man do. When she was done she told him that he was a disgrace because his little sister needed him and so did his people. His argument was you where dead. Her response was one never dies they live on in our spirits. I remember that's what your mother said." At that time the white wolf appeared with it's glowing eyes looking as angry as Ahyoka was. The others there with us all saw it with me. It showed us Ahyoka as one of our people wearing the markings of a warrior and wise elder. Her eyes looked like all our past ancestors all at once. It scared your father and the rest of us. The wolf vanished as soon as it appeared leaving us wondering if where where imagining things."

" However the wolf had done it's job. Your brother wrote you a letter and started teaching Ahyoka about our people and the herbs and different plants here. Your brother ended up marring a women from there and told Ahyoka that unlike her our people would never accept him or his wife. He wrote her a book on everything he remembered from here on healing and many things. Sadly it is in white man but she had also gotten him to write to you. I'm not saying you will ever come to like Ahyoka but you should know she stud up for you and didn't even know you. Your right she isn't a women of our village or tribe. I plan on teaching her to hunt and teaching her skills for war. She is highly skilled with bow and arrow already but it will be different on horse back. I will have to find her a horse to teach her but I cared enough about you to give you the best mare. I do care for her but in a different way than I care about you Spotted Deer. I want you to understand that she will always be special to me but not in the same way as you. She is not one of us witch makes her prefect to teach. Our women don't normally fight but Ahyoka can and will. It would be better to have someone here to protect our people if all the men where away at war. I can not by law teach you to fight but Ahyoka isn't bound by our laws. Red Cardinal may not always be here to protect you or our people so we need someone who can do so. Besides how many chieftain can say their little sister can take on men and win? Well besides you. I remember you beating the snot out of a few warriors yourself when we where little. I'm sure Ahyoka will have no issue training you or any of the other women. The rules are us men can't teach you. " He said smiling.

Red Cardinal listened to Ahyoka and nodded, understanding what she was saying and where she was coming from. "I understand. I just want you to know a few things. If you leave the tribe it will be your choice and I will not force you to stay. You have reasons why you want to leave. All I can do is ask that you really think about it, our brother will be heart broken if you leave. I'm sure he doesn't want you to leave, he has brought you here for a reason. He wants you to meet his people and I am sorry that some don't like you, but don't generalize and say that everyone in the tribe hates you. I for one do not hate you and just because I don't love you does not mean I will never love you. I will love you over time I am sure." he said and picked up Koon. "If you don't wish to marry me that is fine, I understand. You have a right to choose your own husband. I will make sure to speak to our brother though." he said and looked out towards the horizon, he needed to head back but it wouldn't be smart to leave her alone here would it? When he saw the spirit wolf, he smiled, she could take care of herself. He didn't need to babysit her. "I should go. Don't stay out too late, would not want you to fall ill or get hurt somehow, please be careful out here. You never know who might be watching." he said to her. Her as a wife...he never thought he'd be getting married someday, he always thought he'd be single. Kneeling down, he gently pet the pup and smiled. "You will take good care of her for me right?" he asked and laughed softly before standing and looking at her again. "Fight for you...okay." he said and with that, he turned and left to the village. "Stop biting my hair Koon." he said to his friend. He was going to braid his hair to get her to stop biting it.

Spotted Deer smiled as she listened to Pallaton recount how they met. "Ah yes, I remember our fateful encounter." she said and laughed, only to cough later but she still smiled. "I do not think I have ever seen you get so angry with me before...well except for last night." she said and frowned. "I did not mean to anger you Pallaton. You did want to kill me then and I am sure you want to kill me now to." she said and looked at him with her big and beautiful eyes sadly. "Pallaton?" she started. "Can we do that again?" she asked and coughed a bit. "C-can we go ride through the plains again?" Spotted Deer asked. "Maybe not today, but perhaps when we get the chance to?" she suggested. Spotted Deer wanted to have fun again like when they were younger and maybe it would help her realize just how much she really cared about him and maybe it would help her understand other things. "Do not send her home Pallaton, if you do I know both of you will miss each other terribly and we all know that family sticks together no matter the color. If the spirits have chosen her, then there is a good reason for it. I truly hope she and I can get along someday you know. I will try my best to get to know her without becoming upset." she promised. She had to get along with her, she was important to Pallaton and she wanted to make him happy any way that she could.

Ahyoka was surprised as she heard him. She picked up her small pup as she followed Red Cardinal back to the village. She gently walked up behind Red Cardinal and placed her hand on his shoulder to stop him for a moment. She gently put her pup down on the ground to play some as she pulled his hair back from his shoulders. She started to braid his hair for him doing his braid a little closer to his head than normal Indian brads. She laughed softly as she felt the pup on her leg wanting to her pick him up. “Hold on pup. Let me finish this.” She said softly as she made sure his braid was tight so it wouldn’t fall out. She was careful not to make it to tight. She used one of the strips from her dress she had left and tired it off at the end for him. “There that should help. I did your braid a little tighter learning from one of my brother and I friends from Africa. It will take a lot for your braid to fall out now. “ She said as she reached down and picked up her pup. “Thank you for your kindness Red Cardinal. I know it wasn’t easy for you. “ She said softly as she started walking back to where the Elder women lived knowing it was safer with the women than to be out alone.

Pallaton turned as he looked at Spotted Deer feeling his heart ach seeing her beautiful eyes sad. “If you promise to get better then of course we will. But you will have to tame your mare for us to go out again. Besides you’re the only one with a horse out of the two of us. I need to find myself one. Maybe I’ll take Red Cardinal with me so he can find himself one. If you like I”ll wait until your better so you can go with us. You never liked others doing things without you.” He said as he laughed softly shaking his head looking at her. “ I didn’t know what to do with you then and I still don’t know what to do with you Princess. If that is what you would like. I think it might be wise for you to let her care for you. If she could make you better faster wouldn’t you like that so you can go riding on the plains sooner? Besides if you are sick you can’t care to your horse and she might end up choosing me as her owner. “ He said trying to give her incentive to get better. “Don’t worry Princess I’m only playing with you. I can work with her for you while you rest. “ He said as he smiled softly at her. “ Besides I think we should do a competition for new ranks in our tribe. It would make the men work harder. If they had a chance to become a great warrior many would try to out work the other. It would show us who is the most loyal as well. The elder is right we need to reform our ranks. I believe we should make part of it helping rebuild the tribe and hunting. The other part could be battle. He said as he looked to her.

Red Cardinal stopped walking when he felt her hand on his shoulder. He wasn't sure why she had stopped him, maybe she wanted to talk some more? When Ahyoka gathered up his hair, Red Cardinal knew what she was going to do. It was as if she had read his mind. He stood still to let her braid his hair and was surprised that his hair wasn't being pulled. The older women of the tribe always tended to pull his hair hard when they would braid his hair, those braids never lasted and he dreaded going back. This was a very pleasant surprise. When she was done, he turned to face her and bowed in thanks. "Thank-you Ahyoka." he said softly and smiled at her as she walked away. No it wasn't easy for him, it made him uncomfortable to have to tell her that. "Come Koon, I need to visit the princess. I hope she and brother are not killing each other as we speak." he said and walked to Spotted Deer's home. "Princess, I'd like to come in." he said and walked inside but frowned when he saw her in bed. "Princess what's the matter?" he asked her.

Spotted Deer smiled and nodded, "I promise I will get better Pallaton. I will tame her, I will name her Priya (beloved). I know it will take some time but that is okay." she said and raised an eyebrow. "You did not get yourself a horse Pallaton?" she asked. "Well we will have to fix that. It will not be fair if all the warriors have a horse but you." Spotted Deer pointed out. She nodded, agree to his suggestion. "I am sure he will enjoy it very much but I do want to be there when you both get your horses. I do not like missing out on the fun." she said and laughed. He was right, she hated it when she was left out of things. It warmed her heart that he still remembered. "You still remember.." she whispered as she looked to him. Spotted Deer giggled as she listened to him, "Yes I would like that very much. You can let her know then. I am not sure I can get out of bed until I'm all better." she explained and laughed again. "You are not taking my Priya, Pallaton." she answered jokingly. "A competition?" she repeated. That seemed like it could work, and if Pallaton was in charge of it she knew the men of the tribe would listen to him without question. "I like it, I say let us do it. I know the men will do as you tell them to without question. I agree, we need hunters, builders, and plenty of warriors in case of another raid." she answered and looked up at Red Cardinal as he walked inside. "Your hair...you braided it?" she asked and coughed a bit. "I'm alright Red Cardinal, I've gotten a fever according to Pallaton." she answered and looked at the raccoon. "Who's that?" she asked.

"A fever?" he repeated and sighed. "I knew it would be bad for you to stay out in the snow for long. We need to get you some medicine." Red Cardinal suggested and smiled when she mentioned the braid. "Ahyoka braided it for me. Koon here kept biting my hair so I had to restrain it." he explained and pointed to the raccoon in his arms. "I spoke to our sister, she was not too happy about the marriage arrangement but we'll take it one day at a time. Now tell me, you both talked and settled your differences?" he asked.

Pallaton turned as he heard Red Cardinal and smiled. “ Impressive your alive.” He said as he peered out seeing Ahyoka. “Ahyoka come here please.” He said as he smiled at her honestly happy to see her. “ Will you please help Spotted Deer I believe she has a fever.” He said as he watched her. He could see she was a little hesitant but was proud of her for pushing through it. He heard her and walked to the fire bringing her back some heated water. He smiled seeing her face. He had been with her long enough to know how she thought. He headed back fixing another soup knowing that the soup was what she needed starting last night when she didn’t eat it. He wasn’t paying attention till he heard her. He just gave her a evil grin and then frowned as he was smacked in the face with the bundle of herbs. He put it into the water with the meat as he glared at her. “ Keep it up little girl and I”ll take you outside and roll you in the snow!” He said in a playing tone. He then laughed looking at her.

Ahyoka smiled as she laughed hearing him. “ your welcome any time. “ She turned to leave as she heard Pallaton call for her. She headed to where he was as she paused seeing it was Spotted Deers house. She waited and bowed her head respectfully as she entered feeling a little strange. She walked over to him and was surprised when he asked her to tend to Spotted Deer. “If you would like of course. “ She said as she walked over and bowed to Spotted Deer. She gently put her hand on Spotted Deer’s fore head as she frowned. “You have a fever.” She said as she started rummaging through her bag. “You need rest and hot liquids so that means soups for you and warm water with herbs submerged in it.” She said as Pallaton came with warm water as if on que. It made her laugh as she put some of the herbs in there steeping them and mashing up some berries so it would be sweet and taste pretty good. She handed it to Spotted Deer. “Here sip on this and I’ll start some food.” She offered as she turned watching Pallaton already starting to start a fire and get water boiling and adding in some bear meat. “ Oh you you’ll cook for her but you couldn’t help me at home?” She said putting her hands on her hip. “ If I’d known you where playing I would have had you in there cooking with me!” She said as she threw a bundle of herbs at him nailing him in the face with them as she burst into laughter. “Roll me in the snow? That sir is uncalled for!” She said smiling as she laughed. “Keep it up and I’ll sick my pup on you. He’ll lick you silly.” She said in a playful tone as she gently picked up the small pup and placed him beside Spotted Deer. “ Here keeper her company and stay out of trouble. “

Red Cardinal raised an eyebrow at Pallaton, "Was I not supposed to brother?" he asked and chuckled when he saw that way he and Ahyoka behaved with each other. They really did get along, he knew it was going to be hard for Spotted Deer to accept her but he trusted her to do her best. From what he saw, Spotted Deer and Pallaton had not killed each other and they didn't seem to be in terrible moods. Had they actually talked? He could only hope so.

"Don't worry Red Cardinal, we are starting fresh Pallaton and I. He has made a few suggestions to help the tribe which I approve of." Spotted Deer said and then looked over at Ahyoka when she had entered her house. All she could do was smile. A fever in winter? She never knew that was possible, but she trusted that Ahyoka knew what to do in this situation. She knew this was hard for the girl, taking care of someone who she felt uncomfortable around. "H-Hot liquids?" she repeated and cleared her throat. "Won't that make the fever worse?" she asked. She wasn't questioning Ahyoka's methods, she was just curious. Spotted Deer took the drink and drank it all easily. It was really sweet thankfully. "Thank-you..." she said quietly and looked at the pup. "Oh...hello there little guy. Aren't you a cute one?" she said and smiled then looked at Red Cardinal. When did you get your raccoon?" she asked.

"Well good, I'm glad you two are going to try to make this arrangement work out." he said and walked over to where she lay, setting Koon down near Spotted Deer's other side. "Koon?" he pet the little raccoon as he thought. "Well she followed me back one day after I was done hunting. I did not have the heart to send her away. She is friendly, but I would keep her away from your hair." he informed and laughed softly.

"Yes it will help battle that fever of yours. But the best advice is to rest and stay inside warm. " She said as she smiled warmly at Spotted Deer as she laughed looking at Coon and the pup. " Seems like Coon is happy and that's what matters. She chose well in a friend it appears." Ahyoka said as she hung her head as the pup jumped over Spotted Deer and started playing with coon. " Keep it up pup and I'm going to name you pain. Because you really can be a pain in my rear." She said as she reached over and picked the pup up and placed him back in her bag. " You can't come out until you learn to behave. I know you want to play with Coon but you have to be nice. Spotted Deer needs rest and is not a play toy! Coon is a friend and sometimes needs rest. " She said as the pup tried to free himself from the bag but couldn't and hung his head and soon feel asleep.

Pallaton smiled as he worked on the food for Spotted Deer. He had to admit the herbs made the meet smell wonderful. He fixed Spotted Deer a bowl full of the soup and meat and bought it over to her. " Here enjoy it smells good I'm jealous. Wish Ahyoka made something that smelt so good for me. You should smell some of the stuff she cooks. " He said in a playing manner as he felt eyes on him and laughed. " Red Cardinal may have a future wife but she's more like a future brother! She has the skills of a man not a girl." He said as he burst into laughter knowing it would make Ahyoka furious.

" What did you SAY?" Ahyoka shouted at Pallaton as her eyes narrowed. She looked scary as she glared at her brother. " My cooking is excellent you haven't died from it! In face you always want more! We at lest Spotted Deer will have a great Sister for a husband!" She said as she crossed her arms over her chest and smiled. " I do believe I've beaten you more than once with bow and arrows. I also believe I've pinned you to the ground many times great warrior. More like great Sister!" She said as she looked to Spotted Deer. " He can also make clothes very manly." She said in a playful tone as she grinned seeing the face. " Awe little sister is upset. I tell you what let's take this outside. If I win you have to be Spotted Deers slave for a week. And you can't leave the village you have to be a women for the entire week and help with choirs. Also I get to go hunting with Red Cardinal and the other men. I also get to be trained by him about the land and animals." She said giving her brother a wicked smile. "Are you a big chicken brother? Afraid of losing to little old me?"

Pallaton glared at Ahyoka as he gritted his teeth. "REBECA!!!!!" He hissed and then held out his hand to her. "Fine your on. But I'm not holding anything back!" He warned as he stood and walked outside. He put his hands up ready to defend himself and his honor. He honestly was surprised how easily she had fell for his lure. He knew that she needed to prove herself and what better way to prove she was more than a pretty face than fighting him out right. Honestly he was a little scared he knew if he didn't fight her with all his strength she was going to beat him.

"Rebeca? Oh someone is mad. I don't think I've heard that name since last week when I took the peice of pie he was eyeing." She said as she laughed and rose to her feet. " Well a battle it shall be then. " She said as she paused looking over to Spotted Deer." Don't worry I'll just hurt his ego not his face. Besides if I win it means you can have him all to yourself. So I promise to work hard to beat him for you." She said as she smiled and walked outside. She looked at her brother and smiled as she stood across from him. " If we must do this let's being." She said as she watched her brother suddenly charge at her.

"Oh my." She said as she simple steeped aside and then suddenly did a side kick nailing him in the back as he hit the ground hard. She smiled as she leaped across and waited for him. He moved suddenly as she blocked his attacks with her arms. He was fast and hit rather hard. She saw a opening as she grabbed his arm and swung him over herself and onto the ground. She quickly pinned him there as she sat on top of him. "Say it! I'm not removing until you say it!" She said as she dug her fingers and knees into him making it very painful for him.

Pallaton couldn't move as he finally sighed. "You are the best and I was wrong to challenge you. Now get off me you win!!!" He said as he coughed and finally was able to stand he sighed as he knelt down before her. " You win." He said as he heard some laughter coming from the women in the village and smiled as he started laughing himself looking up at his sister. He jumped up and hugged her. "I guess I will have to be Spotted Deers man slave oh well!" He said happily as he pinched his sisters cheeks knowing she hated it.

Spotted Deer flinched when Pallaton raised his voice to his sister. Great, she had gotten him angry again and she had worked hard to get him to be calm and happy. Frowning, she sat up and slowly made her way to the door. Red Cardinal tried to stop her but she just shook her head. "I need to watch what she does...what they both do." she said and walked out with Red Cardinal behind her. Koon was fast asleep on her bed. Spotted Deer coughed a bit and sighed as she watched both Ahyoka and Pallaton fight over silly comments, all of which had made her smile and laugh. Making her forget she was really ill for a moment. At least she hadn't hit his face which was good. "Oh no..." she said and frowned when it was all over. She was sad that he had gotten hurt and was laughed at, but he didn't seem upset at all which was a surprise.

When the both had left, Red Cardinal noticed that Spotted Deer had gotten out of bed. "Princess you should be resting." he said seriously but she wouldn't have it. Sighing, he followed her outside where both of them watched Ahyoka defeat Pallaton in the battle they had agreed to. "Looks like Pallaton will be spending more time with you, Princess. Ahyoka will be spending more time with me it seems." he said and wondered how that would go exactly. She wasn't the talkative type and he didn't know if she would even want to talk to him. At least he'd keep himself busy hunting.

Pallaton laughed as he saw her eyes suddenly flash with anger knowing it was time to let her go. He steeped back as he turned and saw Spotted Deer there. " Your suppose to be resting princess. That doesn't look like resting." He said a he walked up to her and bowed respectfully. "Princess if you allow me I'll stroke your head while you rest like your father use to when you weren't feeling good. I know that use to make you feel better." He said honestly worried about her. " How else was I going to get more time with you alone if I didn't do something to make Ahyoka have to spend time with Red Cardinal. " He said at almost a whisper to her. " Ahyoka's weakness is she loves to learn. And you need rest. I figured it would be a good comprise for all of us. This way you get alone time with me and I with you and both Red Cardinal and Ahyoka get alone time together. Now please Princess you must rest. It's to cold for you out here. " He said softly in a caring voice.

Ahyoka watched Pallaton as she saw how gentle he was with Spotted Deer. She smiled softly as she stood there watching them. She could tell that Pallaton still cared deeply for Spotted Deer and she was starting to see that maybe Spotted Deer cared still for her brother. Ahyoka's eyes widen as she suddenly realized what she had agreed to. She blushed softly as she looked Red Cardinal and then looked to the ground. Ahyoka wasn't sure what to do and before she could get a change she was suddenly being drug along by several hands. She turned startled as she saw a group of young women where pulling her. She tried to plead with them to stop but they just laughed and giggled as the Elder appeared. The women told Ahyoka to clam down it was time she rested and the other girls wanted to spend some time with her.

The old women grinned as she made her way to where Red Cardinal was. " A good warrior you are but don't worry we'll give you something worth fighting for when where done. Tonight you will come and eat in my tent with a certain white women. I expect you on your best behavior. I will tend to the Princess tonight though I think she may prefer to be alone with him tonight. " The old women said as she looked at Pallaton and smiled. " Looks just like his father did in his younger years. " She said as she looked up noticing Red Cardinals braid. " And I wonder who did this? It's not one of our people's." The old women said with a warm smile on her face. " I expect you clean before you enter my tent and you are welcome to bring that racoon friend of yours. Make sure you bring the white girls things and pup with you tonight." The old women said as she turned and left not giving him time to respond on purpose.

Spotted Deer frowned, knowing she was caught disobeying the rules. She really was stubborn it seemed. "I-I'm sorry Pallaton. I know I should be resting but I wanted to watch you both." she explained and kept her gaze down at the ground, feeling ashamed for getting caught disobeying. His request brought a small smile to her face. Her father was her best friend and he was gone now. He always knew how to cheer her up, what to do and what to say. he always did stroke her head when she wasn't feeling too good and it always helped her sleep faster which in turn helped her get better faster. "Okay Pallaton, thank-you." she said and lifted her gaze up to him, smiling warmly. Spotted Deer laughed softly and nodded, "I see, so you did this on purpose? How sweet." she whispered to him and nodded. "Yes, I think this is a great idea. I hope they both enjoy their time together." she said and looked at Red Cardinal. "Have fine, don't worry about me Red Cardinal I'll be fine." she said softly and walked back into her house and sat on her bed then picked up the bowl of soup and started eating it.

Red Cardinal chuckled slightly when he saw the look on Ayhoka's face. Perhaps she didn't expect to win so fast. Listening to Spotted Deer, he only nodded and watched her head inside her house. He was going to follow but stopped when an older woman approached him. Red Cardinal listened to her and blinked but nodded. "I understand." he said quietly. Clean up? Best behavior? He was always on his best behavior, unless he was upset but even then he tried his best not to lash out. He watched her leave and then he turned and walked into Spotted Deer's house. "It seems I will be having dinner with Ahyoka, I must go now but I need to bring the animals with me." he explained and picked up both the pup and Koon. "Listen to Pallaton princess, you are in his care for a week it seems." he informed and smiled at both of them before walking out of her house and heading to his. He set both the pup and Koon down, then sighed. "I will be back, just need to clean up before we go anywhere so I want both of you to stay inside okay? Please?" he instructed the animals and peth them both gently. "I will be back very soon, I promise." he assured. He was just going to go to the river and clean up even though he knew the water would be freezing at this time. It didn't matter though, he was used to it.