Colors of the Wind (EvergreenGoddess and Lady chello)
 

It had taken almost a month if not a little longer to finally make it to Paul's home land. He had been so thrilled to be going home that he hadn't taken into account the feelings of his own people and of the settlers. When they arrived he found the settlement in shambles and the fear he saw in the settlers eyes where unsettling. He knew there had to me more to the story than he was hearing from the locals and the local government. He didn't trust the captain nor any of his men that he and Ahyoka had been passages of. The local governor seemed to be under the captain's thumb witch bother Paul. Paul knew his people and something serious had to have transpired to inspire such retaliation.

Paul hadn't wasted anytime taking Ahyoka with him as he hurried through the wood. He moved with great speed and was amazed that his little sister could keep up in her dress and heels. He laughed as she quickly stepped out of her shoes placing them in a back pack she was wearing. He loved watching how easily she could keep up she looked like one of his people moving along side him. She didn't make a sound and she looked to be reading the land well.

Paul lead her further and further inland away from the settlement. He was surprised by how much had changed. It was still his home he remembered but at the same time very different. He felt fear for the first time as he saw the first sign of his people. He looked to his sweet Ahyoka worried that they may not accept her and what they would do to him. However he didn't really have a choice this was his home and his people. He had promised to return and let his father and mother know he was alive. Paul hurried following the stream to the valley that his people had owned for generations. However instead of the large village he only found ruins. He stared in horror nothing was left none of his people. He slowly walked into his once great village as he just saw ruins and what looked like fire damaged.


Ahyoka (Rebeca) followed her beloved brother she would follow him to the ends of the earth with no question. She was happy to be away from the settlement and away from the captain and his shady crew. She was glad her brother had insisted she come with him. She really didn't want to be left alone there. Ahyoka felt her heart sink as she saw her brother's village. She looked around not straying from his side as she saw signs of a war. She paused as she saw what looked like gun powder in a small barrel. " Brother look there is a barrel of gun powder...." But before she could move she was greeted by a arm scout party of natives. They had their bows drawn as she heard them speak in their language to each other. Ahyoka went to reply but Paul stopped her as he stood removing his shirt reveling his markings noting him as the son of the cheif of this village or what once was a village.

" I am Pallaton son for White Egal. What happen to my people? Where is Eku Winema Beautiful Chief)? " He asked witch was the name he and his people had called the princess he was to be married to. He watched as the men looked at one another confused and then saw his markings as they walked up to him and greeted him. Then looked to Rebeca not to happy. Paul put his arm out he told them she was his sister she was Ahyoka and was not to be harmed. The men looked confused by agreed to take him and Ahyoka to their village.

Ahyoka felt her heart pounding as she followed the scouts and her brother further and further inland. She could tell by his face that this wasn't where the first village had been. They went high into the mountains and came to a large river where they saw a rather large village. She was amazed seeing it as everyone stopped what they where doing and all eyes where on Paul no that wasn't right she noticed they where locked on her. Ahyoka felt a chill of fear run down her spin as they where lead to the outside of the Cheif's house. The scouts bowed and summoned the one her brother had called Eku Winema.

Red Cardinal was right outside Spotted Deer's house that morning and greeted the scouts that had approached. He listened as they spoke of Pallaton returning with someone else who he called his sister. "Pallaton is back?" Red Cardinal repeated and raised an eyebrow. Apparently he wanted to see the princess. Quietly, he turned and walked inside where he noticed Spotted Deer was pulling on her cloth boots. "Princess Spotted Deer, your audience is being requested at this time. The requester is Pallaton and a sister of his. Do you accept or decline?" he asked and waited patiently for her answer. He wondered if she would decline it, but seeing as how it was a request by the man that was supposed to marry her, he didn't think she'd ignore it.

Spotted Deer looked up, shocked at what she was hearing. "Pallaton has returned?" she repeated and wondered who this sister of his was. "Let them know I accept. I will see them momentarily. Keep a close eye on them, do not let either one leave. Pallaton has some explaining to do...why did he just leave and why is he just now returning?" she asked herself and fixed her hair. This was going to be quite a day it seemed. The man she was to marry had returned, but why now? And who did he bring along? Was it an outsider?! Oh she hoped not, she really hoped it wasn't an outsider. Her people didn't need to be frightened.

Red Cardinal nodded and walked out of the house where he looked at the scouts, "The princess has accepted, let the visitors know that the princess and I will be with them momentarily." he explained and watched the scouts leave before looking up at the clouds, what did this visit mean, surely is was no coincidence. He knew she wasn't going to ignore the request, and he was glad that she didn't because he was very curious to see Pallaton again and this sister of his he had brought. This visit had a meaning behind it and he hoped he would find out what that meaning was. When Spotted Deer walked out of her house, she looked at him and smiled as he led her down the same way that the scouts had left.

Ahyoka turned as she heard coughing. She couldn't help herself as she turned seeing a elderly women about to fall. Ahyoka ran to her and caught the old women. She spoke in Pallaton tongue perfectly seeing the markings on the women noticing she was one of Pallaton's people. The women had tears in her eyes as she answer Ahyoka and told her she was tired but no one here would help her,and that her family was lost. " Ahyoka picked up the large bundle of batches and twigs the women was trying to carry as he helped the women to her feet holding her mostly as the women told her where her home was. The others there didn't know what to make and one man stepped forward with a bow pulled pointed it at Ahyoka.

Ahyoka felt her temper rise as she glared at him making him step back as she yelled out him and called him a coward because none of these people would help the elder in need. She told him he was no man because a man would have helped and that the people should be ashamed of themselves. She also informed the man she didn't fear him because only a coward would dare to draw a bow on a unarmed opponent. The man looked more confused than anything as the entire village went silence all eyes on her never seeing someone like her speak their language and understand their ways. Ahyoka pushed pasted him as she helped the elderly women to her tepee. Ahyoka frowned as she found what looked like was left of Pallaton tribe. " Pallaton! " She called out to him seeing what was left of his tribe living in poor conditions. Ahyoka knelt down as she saw a small child with great sickness. It brought tears to her eyes as she spoke kindly to the small child that shivered and shook from fever.

Ahyoka saw a large gash on the child's leg sent gently unwrapped it as it stuck from the infection taking over. Ahyoka pulled from her bag some berries and other herbs she had gathered with Pallaton and made a paste in a bowl the elderly lady leaded to her. The women kept calling her "Elu Ayashe (Beautiful little one.) as she put the paste on the childs wound and covered it with cloth she ripped from her dress. She ripped more strips and wipped the child down with fresh water trying to help cool the child. Ahyoka looked at the women and children that where left as they where amazed with her and looked a little scared of the other tribe. " Where is the medicine man?" She said out loud wanting to know why he hadn't done his job.

Pallaton turned felling a sudden wind in time to see Ahyoka catch the women. He watched her defy he man and couldn't help but smile. He followed after her as he saw faces he knew. The women and children fell to their knees crying and calling him Adoeete or Great Chief. He saw the sickness in the people and look around as he noticed that there where more sick than just the remnance of his own people. He looked around as he saw the long house was empty where the Medicine man would have been. Pallaton called for one of the young men as he told him to go and gather the herbs that Ahyoka would need to help the people there sick. He watched Ahyoka interact with his people and smiled as he heard the elder women speak so kindly to Ahyoka. He felt confusion and anger at the same time wanting to know why his people where like this and why there was no medicine man. He knew that Spotted Deer would have questions and was more than likely furious with him even though it was not his fault by any means.

"Pallaton!" Spotted Deer yelled as she spotted him and then noticed his sister. Her eyes went wide in both feer and anger. How dare he bring her here! "Pallaton! What is she doing here!? We do not allow her kind in here or have you forgotten everything now that you have been away with the enemy!" she yelled and looked down at the lady before turning away in disgust. "You wanted to see me then speak. As you can see I have much work to do and I don't usually speak to traitor and much less to the enemy." she commented. Looking around, she could see her people were getting sick, she knew it was bound to happen eventually even though she had always don't her best to prevent illness to reach them. "Just when I thought we were growing closer and forming a bond, you vanish. Then you come back and you bring her! Do you want more land to be taken? More villages to be burned?!" Spotted Deer asked, she was very upset right now because of his vanishing but mostly because of what he brought with him.

Red Cardinal glared when he saw what Pallaton had brought back with him. Had he done this on purpose to anger the princess even more? Surely this wasn't his sister, there was no way. Was he really living with the enemy all this time? Looking at how angry Spotted Deer was, he gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Princess, let us hear their side of the story. I do agree that Pallaton has done wrong bringing the enemy here, but let us hope he has a good reason for doing so. At least now you two can finally get married as it was arranged by both families." He said calmly. It was early out, rather cool and he was hoping to go out hunting for rabbits later if the princess wished it of course. Right now he just wanted to know what was going on without getting too upset right away, although the princess had reason to be upset. Pallaton had vanished for a long time, why?

Pallaton turned as he heard a familiar voice. However he grew silent as he narrowed his eyes. " Eku Winema have you forgotten your place? " He said very calmly. She may be leader for now but she was a women and had no right to yell at him. He was a cheiften as well." He said as he stood proud and tall in front of Ahyoka as he put his hand on one of his swords ready to defender her with his life. " You come and spit like a snake and know nothing. Enemy? They only Enemy I see here is you and what was once good people. Look at the tribes our fathers would cry." He said as he looked around at the people. " So much has changed and not for the better." He said out loud more to himself. He closed his eyes as he sighed. " I didn't leave you by will. I was sent to war to battle to protect our lands. After the fight I was wounded and captured by white men along with others including some of your family. " He said as he turned and looked to Ahyoka. " This is Ahyoka and you will treat her with the respect due to her. She is my sister and the reason why I and all that where captured lived. Before you judge her you should know her. Ahyoka has been trying for years to get us home. I wasn't willing with the enemy. Nor was your brother and cousin. I came home when I was able to. What happen here? Why are you so cold why are our people like this? The settlers claim you raid their settlement. I don't believe you do it for fun. What really happen? And if you make one move towards Ahyoka any of your people I will kill them. I will defend her with my life. She saved me and in return I owe her my life. That it is our way. If you let any harm her great dishonor will befall you and your tribe by our laws. " He said not allowing any to get close to Ahyoka. "

Ahyoka turned as she heard what the women said. She had to admit this women was nothing like how her brother had described her. Ahyoka felt she was more of a cobra instead of a beautiful blossom. Ahyoka turned back to the small child as she tried to sooth the child who was scared by Spotted deers sudden words. Ahyoka looked up as she saw a man appear on her left holding a hatchet. The man made a sudden move forward at her. In one quick movement she was on her feet as she rushed him managing to grabe his arm by surprise and slammed her head into his then forced him to the ground as she used her legs and pinned him there making him scream in pain as she dung her knees and fingers into key nerves paralyzing the pain for the most part. Ahyoka turned as she heard another rush forward but this time coming straight at her brother. Ahyoka picked up the hatchet that laid on the ground from her and threw it nailing the man in the center of the head. As she stood and kicked the one man who dared to attack her in the head knocking him out cold. " At'eed (girl)!" She said as a ultimant insult as she narrowed her eyes at another group of men who looked ready to challenge her and her brother. "Any other children needing punishment." She said as she looked over at the lifeless corpse of the man who had dared to run at her brother.

Pallaton turned as he watched what happen. He saw that Ahyoka was shaken from having killed the man. Pallaton bent pulled Ahyoka to him as her wrapped one arm around her keeping her at his side. He held her close as he looked to her knowing that was the first man she had ever killed. She was not wrong to do so but she hadn't killed before. He would speak to her later but for now he looked to Spotted Deer as he frowned.

Spotted Deer watched in horror as the enemy killed one man. "I will scream if I want to! I want her out! Do you understand? Out, I do not want her here. If you want to leave then leave with her, go back to the enemy and sleep in their beds. You have done it before so you can do it again." she whispered. She was shaking from the anger she felt but there were tears in her eyes. Maybe she wasn't a good princess after all. "Do not come in here and think you can tell me what to do and expect me to tell you anything. You were gone when you should have stayed here and cared for the tribe, but instead you ran off with this!" Spotted Deer sobbed as she pointed to Rebeca. "I do not wish to know her name! I do not want her here! She killed that man and soon she is going to kill us all and you already said you would kill us too! You are just like her! You are becoming the enemy now. I don't need this, we don't need this. You...you changed. You used to be kind and now you return a complete stranger. Leave." Spotted Deer turned away from Pallaton. She didn't want to see him anymore and she didn't want to marry him anymore, she didn't know what to do. Her people were dying, they did as they pleased, she was no longer a princess.

"Pallaton, are you serious? Do you not know how we all feel about bringing outsiders here?" Red Cardinal asked calmly. He didn't like seeing the princess cry. She was usually so happy like everyone else but it all changed one day, almost like overnight. "Pallaton I don't know what to say about this. I do not agree to it and I'll stay away from her, no use wasting my time and I have better things to do than fight with the enemy. I do suggest neither of you kill the people here. If the thirst for blood is great, just go elsewhere and leave us be." he said and frowned as he looked down at Spotted Deer. "Please do not cry princess, I am sure Pallaton did not mean to upset you this much." Red Cardinal commented softly but glared at both Pallaton and Rebeca.

Pallaton just stared not believing was he was hearing. " Ahyoka we aren't going any where. These are my people and until they are well so we can move with them we aren't going any where. Take my sword kill any that dare to harm you or any of my people. Like it or not we are stuck here." He said as he turned and went to helping what was left of his people. They seemed to be the only ones who where able to explain what had happen. He didn't understand what was going on with Spotted Deer her father had raised her better right now she was a disgrace. He didn't have time to run after her. Someone need to take care of the people. Pallaton was no enemy but she wasn't wrong he had changed and he felt for the better as he put Ahyoka to work helping with sick. Pallaton spent his time repairing homes and gathering wood to help the women. He kept his eyes open for attacks most staying away from him.

Pallton even went to Spotted Deers house and managed to get some men to help him repair her house and then move to the other houses in the village. He was sadden more than anything as he saw the conditions the people where living in. It made his blood boil as he helped as he could. Pallton could see that the food supply seemed to be low. He had seen the signs of fighting and noticed there weren't many free men able to hunt or fish. Pallton had escorted Ahyoka around the tribe so she could help people. At first many didn't want it but many came after pain started to get to much for them to bare. He saw their faces as many started to feel the pain vanish and felt better after Ahyoka helped them. He knew it wasn't going to be easy coming back but he hadn't expected this. Pallton took Ahyoka with him as he made himself a bow and watched as Ahyoka made herself one. They made their own arrows as he wondered further into the forest with her.

Pallton wasn't sure what to say Ahyoka hadn't spoke and didn't seem like herself. He had been the one to happily bring her he hadn't thought about her. He had only been thinking about himself and getting home to Spotted Deer. He felt stupid honestly he had done so much to get here only for this. He couldn't let Ahyoka go back to the settlement something shady was going on there. He wasn't paying attention when a bear appeared out of no where. He said a prayer as he shot the bear and brought it down. It was a welcome surprised. He got Ahyoka to help him as they dressed the bear there and left the inner for the other animals. To his surprise he found some men hiding and in awe of him as they offered to help. They took the meat back and the hide as he split the meet among all the people. He could tell many where thankful. He took the hide and was going to hang it when a few young women took it from him and went to hanging it for him. He looked back to Ahyoka as he frowned watching her heading to the river.

Ahyoka was fast and he found it a little difficult to keep up with her. "Taught her a little to well." He said as he finally found her. He watched her make a spear out of a sharpen wooden pole she had found. He then watched her start spear fishing with it. He was impressed he noticed that some of the younger women from his people had brought baskets and where starting to help. He could see they where a little scared but he saw them correcting Ahyoka and teaching her how to do it correctly. Pallton watched her from the forest as he smiled faintly seeing that there was hope. The women seemed to be giving Ahyoka a chance and even seemed to be having fun with her. He noticed that they where impressed with what a hard worker she was. He watched as the baskets started to fill with fresh fish to help the people.

Pallton watched from a distance as he wondered what to do about Spotted Deer. He knew she had faced great hardship but she didn't even hear him. He hadn't went willingly with the white men he along with members of her family had been taken against their will. He didn't understand what part of that she didn't understand. And by their law Ahyoka had been right to defend herself. She was a princess since he had made her his sister. However he could tell that some people where going to be harder to convince of Ahyoka's value the main one being Spotted Deer. He sighed wishing he knew what to do. He wish his father was here or even one of his family members to guild him. However the only one he had was Ahyoka and look what he had dragged her into. He had honestly thought Spotted Deer would be the same girl he had learned to love with all his heart. But this snake wasn't the women he had loved. There wasn't a better description for her other than snake. He was hurt and angry all at the same time when it came to her. She didn't know what all he went through to get here and now she just spits in his face and tells him he isn't good enough for her. He had traveled across the ocean to come home to be with her and keep his promise only to have it end like this. And poor Ahyoka was forced to kill a man and turned into some evil monster. Ahyoka was anything but that.

When the women went back to the village he watched as the young women took Ahyoka into their tepee and started teaching her how to cook their way. He himself went and brought some of the bear meet and wrapped it up in leaves for Spotted Deer as he placed it just inside her home. He had also made a necklace for her out of the claws and left it with the meet. He had given her the share that was for her and his own so he knew she would have enough food to keep her full. He then went and helped the women or was going to before they kicked him out giggling telling him this was women work. He smiled as faintly as he sat outside and worked on making arrows and bows.

"Come, we're going home. I am not hungry and am not going to eat anything. I want to stay away." Spotted Deer said as she and Red Cardinal walked back to her house. When she saw the changes to it she only grew angrier, "What did they do to my house?! I did not need anything done! My house was perfectly fine!" she yelled and shivered from the cold. Without another word, she turned and walked with Red Cardinal out of the village. "Princess I don't think you should be out here, it's very cold." warned Red Cardinal. "I don't belong in there anyway. I'm not doing anything, let them do whatever they want. I am staying out here and you can go back inside if you want to." she said and hugged her knees to her chest and continued crying, her long dark brown hair fell around her like a curtain.

Red Cardinal frowned, "I'm not going anywhere princess." he promised and sighed when she started to cry. He wasn't sure what to do. He felt bad for Pallaton, Pallaton wasn't a bad person when he was last here. He was only seen as a bad person because of his sister who didn't deserve to even be called sister, she was different, she was not from their tribe. He wanted to speak up and tell Spotted Deer to go back inside and keep warm but he knew she wouldn't listen to him. Right now her mind was clouded by her emotions, she probably felt betrayed and with good reason. Shaking his head, he prayed things would get better in the tribe, especially with Pallaton's sister. She was the bad luck right now and they needed to figure out how to change that.

Ahyoka froze as she heard what Spotted Deer said and her guard. She had left to get more water from the river when she over heard what was being said. She frowned not sure what to do. If she left she would deeply hurt Pallton but if she stayed she would hurt him. Ahyoka turned as she left not caring if anyone heard her. She left the bowl near the river as she stared at her reflection. She was a fool to believe anyone could love her like Pallton. Ahyoka sat there until she couldn't feel her feet due to how cold they had become. She held her own knees as she thought about things. Tears feel from her eyes as she sat there. She felt truly sorry about the man but she couldn't let anyone hurt Pallton. But Spotted Deer was right she was the enemy if she wasn't here Pallton would have a better chance with the girl.

She got up as she started to walk further away from the village. She had made up her mind to leave. She couldn't see straight do to her tears and slipped and fell off one of the ledges sending her tumbling down the side of the mountain. When she finally stopped rolling she found she was near the base of the mountain. She shuttered as she saw how late it was getting. Somehow she manged to find a cave. However she quickly learned she wasn't alone. She saw a baby wolf pup in the cave. She looked around not seeing it's parents witch she thought was odd. She shivered more the colder it got and moved near the pup who looked like it was near death. She managed to crawl over to it and picked it up worried when it didn't move or cry. She tried to pet it rubbing it constantly till the small pup made a soft cry. It made her smile as she forgot on pain. She peered out from the cave wondering if anyone would miss her.

She had fallen a great distance and was sure it would take several days if anyone could locate her. She was on the edge of the mountain near the base she was sure not many would see this place and worried about her safety but hearing the small pup it snapped her out of her own funk. She shutter her more as she felt the wind suddenly get colder. She looked up as she saw snow flakes starting to fall. She held the pup tighter to her as she shivered and managed to pull out a few berries as she ate them and then forced the juice into the pup giving it some nutriment. She shivered as night fell trying her best to keep her and the small pup warm. At some point she had fallen asleep dreaming of being back home in her warm bed with her parents near to comforter.

Pallton was invited in for a meal with the women from his tribe as they told him stories and where so happy to see them. It wasn't till dark that he noticed Ahyoka was missing from among the faces. The elderly women had noticed it and asked where was the pale girl that had helped them. He felt fear as the young women told him she had went for water for them. He quickly got up to leave but froze as he saw snow starting to fall. "No." He said knowing he couldn't track her in weather like this if anything had happen to her. However he headed out and went to the river where he found her bowl he then saw a few foot prints but they vanished. They where leading away from the village. He felt his heart break the last parts of it as he screamed out her name frantically. He tried to follow her tracks however the mountain was plagued with great wind gust that almost sent him over the mountain's ledges. He cried for the first time in years as he finally had to head back to the village. He had sobered by the time he reached the village coming back with only a bowl as he took his spot in the tepee of the old women. The old women tried to comfort him and told him that the girl would be fine she had a wolf sprite guarding her. The women told him that the girl was stronger than he gave her credit and she would be found alive.

Red Cardinal noticed it was starting to snow and helped Spotted Deer up and into the village. They walked back to her house and when she saw the food and necklace, she threw it out of her house and looked around. This was his sad excuse of an apology gift, she knew that much but she didn't want anything from him. He was a stranger and she didn't talk to strangers. She was confused when she saw him run out only to come back in tears, what had happened? Did something happen to his sister? Did she care? Yes and no. She didn't want to see him cry, but she didn't care for the girl. Sighing, she looked at Red Cardinal, "Go see why he's in tears. Don't tell him I sent you but if he assumes I did just let him know I don't want his gifts or his food. I don't want anything with him, he should move on and find someone else." Spotted Deer's voice cracked at the end and she ran into her house to get some sleep or at least try to.

Red Cardinal looked at the wrapped meat and the necklace and picked it up before going to find Pallaton. When he found him, he frowned and sat beside him. "Can we talk? Alone?" he asked and looked at the bowl that Pallaton was holding. "What exactly happened?" he asked quietly. "Where is your sister?" Red Cardinal asked as he looked over at Pallaton. He remembered he hated him when he first arrived here but Pallaton had proved himself so now they were like brothers even though they didn't always talk much or get along very well. Still, Red Cardinal liked to try and keep the peace as much as he could.

Pallaton was going to stand but the old women rose as she bowed to him and excused herself going to the teppee with the younger women leaving the men alone. He looked to Red Cardinal as he saw the meet and necklace. " It's alright there is no need for you to cover for Spotted Deer. I wasn't apologizing to her. She isn't eating enough she looks weak. If you wouldn't mind to cook it and say you shot a bear for her I would appreciate it. I understand she is angry with me. She has a right to be but she is wrong on many things. I didn't go willingly with the white men. They don't ask if you want to be captured. We killed as many as we could but more just kept coming. " He said as he paused and looked down at the bowl. "I came back for her to keep my promise and to help my people. I out of the others who lived a the only one who came back because I missed my home so much. Yet I was foolish to think of coming home. " He said as he stared at the bowl.

" No one knows what it's like over in their land. None of you know what horrors they do to our kind. I would have been killed if it hadn't have been for that foolish girl. I killed so many of their kind every chance I got along with the others that the slave master was about to have us hanged but then she appeared. I had given up on everything. Her parents made sure all of us got good homes as children instead of slaves or death. I of course escaped that night and tried to come home. And there she was saving me again that night. She did it for every night for a entire year getting beat worse and worse each time. She even helped me hide from the others and tried to get me passage on boats to get me home. I hated her and all those who looked like her. Until one night when she didn't get up after being attack to protect me. Her body had taken all it could for me and she couldn't even scream from pain. The monster had broke most of the bones in her body and was going to kill her calling her a savage lover. I have never been so angry watching as her own people didn't dare stop the man. She was only a little girl. She was just seven. That's when I heard Spotted Deer's voice and my fathers. Spotted Deer had told me that I didn't know what love was when I met her. We where only children but she had showed it to me and had taught me. She never let me go even though I was stupid and hard headed in my younger days. She was just like Rebeca in her spirit. I remembered my father telling me about the bonds of family and that when you found family you stuck with them and never betrayed them. This little girl had saved me night after night not resting not giving up on me and tried to help me. She had done so not for glory or for any reason than she just wanted me happy and to keep me safe. I couldn't let her die there so I spent the next year caring for her. When she was better she still didn't stop trying to get me home. We made it close several times but each time she was taken back and beaten by the governors. She has always saved me and she was the one who told me that I had to go home because I had promised to be with Spotted Deer. She told me that you don't give up on your promises because it isn't easy. She reminded me of my father she always has. She is wiser than most. "

He said as he went silent for a moment. " I apparently haven't learned my lessen even now. I didn't think about her all I thought about was coming home I figured that it would be a happy reunion and that everyone would learn to lover her as I have. I gave her the name Ahyoka because she brought me happiness in all my sorrow and can do that for the most evil of people. I've seen it and I don't understand how she does it. You think she is a monster what you didn't see was how upset she was by killing the man. Ahyoka has never harmed a person. I was going to try and talk with her. But yet again I failed. I never thought about how hard it would be on her if I brought her. I never thought about how up set Spotted Deer would be. " He said as he looked to the bowl almost ready to cry again. " This wasn't no one's fault buy my own and it's no one else's concern. I brought here her and I didn't think about her today. All I thought about was coming home. Ahyoka tried to leave I found her foot prints before the snow covered the others. They where very faint I taught her a little to well it seems. But the winds here...I'm afraid my Ahyoka is gone. The last footprint was near a ledge. I couldn't look for her because of the winds. " he said as he looked to the fire. " It's nothing for you to worry about you have enough on your plate. It was my fault for bringing Ahyoka. Even after everything today she thought of me. She ran thinking if she left it would fix everything because Spotted Deer couldn't be mad you couldn't be mad no one would be mad. I'm hurt that she left but I'm madder at myself for what I've done. I hurt you by bringing her and I hurt her by bringing her. I'll look for her in the morning. I can't track her in this weather I haven't been here in so long. If my father was here he could track her. I admired him and Spotted Deer's father. Those two where unstoppable. I'm sorry for taking up your time." He said as he gently put the bowl down.

(*tears* )

Pallaton stood as heard what Red Cardinal said and bowed his head in respect. " Thank you brother I will do as you say. I am worried about Spotted Deer as well. Ahyoka believe it or not has training to be one at lest until we can find another. If you find her you find our chance of healing the people here." He said as he gently took the meat and necklace from Red Cardinal. I will go to Spotted Deer at once." He said as he left leaving Rebeca's life in another man's hand. He was not stupid he hadn't been in the land in so long there was no way he could find her to help.

Pallaton walked to Spotted Deer's house as he waited outside. " Eku Winema" He said letting her know he was there. " I wish to come in." He said as he slowly made his way inside. He walked to the fire as he took out the bear meet and started to roast it with some of the herbs Rebeca had got some of the locals to gather. He took some of the fresh water and heated it adding the roasted bear meet and herbs to it turning it in to a soup of shorts. " I understand you don't wish to talk with me. But the meat is for you. You are looking ill Red Cardinal is worried for you as am I. If you wont eat this for me do it for him you care deeply for him and he does for you. I'm not here to rule you. I could never do that." He said as he finished making the soup and took it over to where she was and sat it down before her as he bowed.

Red Cardinal bowed his head, "Family sticks together, we all bleed the same way." he said and smiled sadly, "Yes, If Ahyoka can be the new medicine woman I am sure the princess will learn to accept her much faster." He suggested. "I will find her brother, and she will be safe." He watched Pallaton leave to Spotted Deer's house and decided to go to his own home to gather what he would need for the journey. Walking out of the village, he prayed to the spirits that everything would be okay and started on his journey to find Ahyoka. He had with him his bow and arrows, a spear, a tomahawk, the bowl, a blanket to keep him warm, and apparently his little racoon friend wanted to tag along. "It is not safe for you, you need to go back to the village and stay with Piki." he instructed but the raccoon refused. Sighing, he picked up his friend an wrapped her up in the blanket and continued walking. Looking down at the snow, he could see the faint outlines of her footsteps. "Ahyoka!" he called out into the snowy wilderness.

Spotted Deer was sitting on the floor near the fire to keep warm. She wondered where Red Cardinal was and what was taking him so long. When she heard Pallaton, she smiled sadly and looked over at him when he entered her house. "Why are you here?" she whispered calmly. The emotional storm had passed it seemed, but she was still hurt. She watched as Pallaton prepared the bear meat in silence. Why wasn't he with his sister? Had something happened to her? "I am fine. I am not ill, if I was I would be dead already." she answered simply and stared at the soup he had taken to her. "Do not worry about me Pallaton I am fine. You should worry about your sister, not a stranger." she whispered and shivered. She was not ill, she did not feel ill. "I...I am no princess, I cannot help my people. I try everyday, but I cannot do everything. I am only one person. If my father were here, he would know what to do." she answered and took a small bite of the soup.

Pallaton saw her shiver as he grabbed one of her blankets and put it around her. He picked her up and the placed her in his lap so his own body heat would help to warm her. " If my father was here none of this would have happen." He admitted as he stared into the fire. " You are no stranger to me even though you keep saying it. And you are still the leader here and their princess. You have kept them safe and alive this long you have done a fine job. It's not easy taking care of others and having to put their needs first. Today wasn't your fault as I might have said it as. Much has happen here and I'm sorry I wasn't here to help. But believe me I didn't leave on purpose I didn't get a choice. " He said as he picked up the bowl of soup and held it for Spotted Deer she wasn't the only stubborn one. " It was my fault for thinking I would be welcome back and my fault for thinking that our people would be open minded and could love someone different from them. The one you hate is gone. I didn't think about anything other than getting back to you and our people. I never thought about her feelings and how she would be treated. " He admitted as he sat there.

" She left thinking that it would fix my problems with you and with our people. She is so foolish at times just like you could be. But her heart is always in the right place like yours always is. You know she's the reason I'm here. She has saved my life many times over. In their land we are seen as nothing but savages and are treated worse than animals. But her and her family aren't like the others. At seven she was braver than most. She didn't even know me and every night or day when I tried to escape she always appeared like one of our spirit guides to save me. The people where so mean to her for helping me. They would beat her and hurt her but she just kept appearing to save me. She tried many times to buy me passage. I hated her I hated them all but it wasn't until the night she stop standing up for me that my hate vanished. She had taken so many beatings that the one man had broke most of her bones in one hit. She couldn't even scream from the pain. That's when I heard your voice and my Father. You had both tried to teach me what love was and the importance of family. This girl just like you had been trying to protect me and just like you I had ignored her pain and suffering. It was that night I started my year of tending to her wounds. It reminded me of when I almost lost you due to sickness and I spent months caring for you as a child. It was my fault you feel into the freezing river and I'm still sorry for it. You may hate her but she's the reason I'm here now. She never let me give up and told me like you and father had that nothing worth having is easy. My father would be disappointed in me. I still apparently haven't learned my lesson when it comes to others feelings. I wish he was here to hit me for it instead of having to learn the hard way. "

Pallaton smirk softly as he thought about what Spotted Deer said. " You might be fine but your still a princess and it's the leading warriors job to take care of you. Red Cardinal is going to look for her so your stuck with me Princess. It's ok if you don't like me and don't wont nothing to do with me I can accept that or I'll figure out how. But you need to eat and get warm. That's not a suggestion. Your people need you and you don't have to do everything. Have you thought that maybe some of your people would like to shelter some of your burden? Show faith in them and let them start having some responsibility. You are only one person and you can't do everything. Today we got repairs done and food. We need to get more food for the winter or we will be not better than the settlers." He said softly.

"Pallaton?" Ahyoka said as the small pup wined until she woke. She looked around the cave as she put the small pup in her cleavage where their was a nice space for him to curl up and get warm. "I think this is the only time I'm glad these stupid dresses fit so tight." She said to the small wolf pup who still whimpering to her. " It's ok I promise I'll take care of you.' She said as she noticed the pup didn't seem to stop whimpering. She then heard it again. It sounded like a voice on the chilly wind. "Pallaton?" She screamed out as loud as she could. She sat that not sure if she was imaging the voice or not. Ahyoka looked down at her body as she noticed she was hurt bad no broken bones maybe a few bruises but nothing time and water couldn't fix. She shivered from the cold as she looked to the pup who had stopped whimpering and seemed to relax. "Spirit guides are suppose to be more helpful I thought." She said in a sarcastic tone to the little pup who just seemed to have wanted her to wake up. " You couldn't make fire appear or bring someone to save us? You are a little runt you know that pup." She said to the pup who just laid against her it's ear's moving as if it heard something.

Spotted Deer was surprised when Pallaton had pulled her onto his lap. "You should not blame yourself, after much thinking I have figured it out. Fate has brought you to her, the spirits are trying to tell you something. Your sister, she is important, she may have an important role to play here. One that we have not yet figured out but we will in time." she started and stared at the fire as she thought aloud, "Maybe I have forgotten my place as you said." she said and took the bowl from him. Looking at Pallaton, she listened to him with a frown. "She helped the people who were ill, I am sure the people are thankful for her deeds." she commented. "Leaving didn't make anything better, if anything she was foolish for leaving. What kind of sister leaves her brother behind?" she asked and sighed, taking a few more bites of the soup he had made for her. "This is lovely...thank-you." she whispered. Her foolish? Well maybe he was right but she wasn't too sure. "Enough sadness. I am sure your sister is okay. I realize now that you care very much for her and I have to accept her even if I do not like her. I do not like to share what is mine, but you're no longer mine so I guess I shouldn't care." Spotted Deer said quietly.

"I do not feel like one. I am not doing anything..." she started but this conversation wasn't going to change so it was best to keep quiet. "Oh joy, I'm stuck here with you. It will be just like when I'm alone then, I'm fine with that. I hope he's okay...I hope he can return safely." she said softly and prayed that her protector would be okay. The weather wasn't friendly it seemed. Spotted Deer snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Pallaton. "No and I will not. It is my job to protect my people and it is what I will do. I will do my best to help them, They do not need any more burdens, the winter we are in is a burden on its own." she answered.

Red Cardinal looked around as he walked along the river and towards the edge of the cliff. "Oh no..." he whispered and frowned. "Ahyoka! Ahyoka where are you!?" he screamed out into the wilderness and looked down. Had she fallen? Was she hurt? Was she alive? Off in the distance he thought he heard something, and he was sure it wasn't an echo. Was that her? Where was it coming from though? Red Cardinal had to keep looking, he was getting cold and he knew this wouldn't end well but he had to find her and take her back to the village, he had to keep his promise to Pallaton. "Ahyoka!" he called out again. If that really was her voice, at least he knew now that she wasn't dead and that, was a huge relief.

Pallaton shook his head as he heard her. " Putting up more walls. You are the one that has decided I'm not yours. You need the help rather you admit it or not. So this is how it was like dealing with me growing up. Suborn, hardheaded,..."He said as he laughed and shook his head. " I don't know how to help you. I have been faithful and came back to you. I don't know what more you want. Your the one upsetting yourself saying such foolish things as I don't like sharing, but it doesn't matter your not mine. I'm not married and not interested in any other women honestly. And if your going to help your people then you need them to start fishing and hunting so there will be enough food. I'm sticking around to help. If the white men have done all this we need to stick together instead of ripping each other apart. You don't have to be alone your the one choosing this. " He said softly as he looked to the fire.

"I don't know what you went through and I can't change the past Spotted Deer all I can do is try to fix here and now. Your not telling me how to fix here and now and I have no idea other than to try and help our people get ready for winter. You don't like me fine but stop hurting yourself and keep reminding yours I'm not yours. Because your the one who has chosen that path not me. If I need to I'll rejoin the tribe as a warrior to help unite the tribe. " He said as he closed his eyes thinking silently he was done talking.

Ahyoka looked up as she heard the voice again. This time she was sure it was a voice. She braved the wind and snow as she peered out of the cave. She very carefully stood as she leaned against the outside wall of the cave peering up. "I'm here!!!!" She yelled out as she tried to use one hand to hold the pup in her dress and the other hand to hold her against the wall. "Down here!!!" She yelled out Ahyoka wished she had something she could light up and let whoever was calling her name know where she was. Ahyoka was trying to think when the pup started howling cutting through the wind. She stared down at the little pup and smiled. She closed her eyes and started Howling loudly with him knowing the sound would cut through the wind and snow.

A white wolf appeared before Red Cardinal as it let out a howl to get his attention. The wolf then turned and lead him down the mountain to a trail that jutted off the side of the mountain. The wolf waited for him by the trail as it seemed to know Ahyoka was in trouble. The wolf let out a loud howl as it suddenly vanished in the snow and wind.

Spotted Deer was just being honest and now he was upset. "This is why I should have never talked to you. I should have just kept quiet." she said and put the bowl to the side. Dropping the blanket on him she angrily walked out of her house and headed out of the village to wait for the only friend she had. "Oh father, what do I do? He has changed, he is not the man I once knew and had grown close to. He...I do not know what to do. I have no one to talk to and ask for advice, you were the wise one. I cannot be a princess to these people, they don't even pay attention to me." she said sadly as she sat down under a tree and frowned. "I am not going to marry him, he can marry whoever he wants but I am not going to be his bride. I know you are upset with me father, but look at him, he brought her and cares so much about her. Why not just marry her instead?" Spotted Deer muttered as she waited.

Red Cardinal heard her voice again and let out a sigh of relief. He looked over at the wolf and hesitantly followed it down to the trail where he approached the cave. "Ahyoka?" he said and saw her. "You're alive...I knew it." he said and motioned at her to get up. "Come along, our brother is worried about you, he was in tears when you vanished. I do not know why you left, but it matters not anymore. I am taking you back, I promised him that I would. Can you walk?" he asked.

Pallaton didn't miss a beat as he followed her taking the bowl of soup and blanket with him. He sat put the bowl down on the ground and picked her up taking a seat then placing her in his lap as he wrapped the blanket around her he said nothing figuring it was best. She could be angry he didn't care he had promised to look after her rather she liked it or night. He wrapped his arms around her waist so this time she couldn't leave. He didn't care if she kicked or screamed she was acting like a child and he was done with it. If she was going to be stupid then she would be treated like a child. Pallaton didn't have to be as careful as Red Cardinal did with her. Pallaton remembered what she had said he was a stranger so if she wanted him that way then he would be that way with her. He was done with her tantrums and always running off. She wanted to sit there fine they would sit there and he would hold her and not let her go. He had made a promise to Red Cardinal and he'd keep it at any coast.

Ahyoka turned as she saw a strange figure appear out of the snow and wind. She stared at him for a moment not sure if she should trust him. She frowned slightly seeing that it wasn't her brother. Ahyoka stared at his hand as she wondered if she should trust him. She looked down as the pup in her dress whimpered from the cold and she sighed as she finally took his hand and followed him. She didn't speak and only followed.

"Pallaton let me go! I don't want you around me! Leave me alone...just go!" she cried and tried to squirm out of his hold but she couldn't. She ignored the soup and felt tears come to her eyes, "I hate you. You won't even listen to me. You're no different than the rest of the tribe. I don't even know why I bother trying to talk to any of you anymore." she said and wiped away her tears. She missed her father, if he was here she wouldn't have to deal with this. She just wanted to be alone right now and she wasn't even allowed, he wouldn't give her any space and she hated it. She was not marrying him, and this was not the way to treat a princess but she was done talking...it was all just a waste of time.

Red Cardinal let go of her hand and started walking back to the village. He was glad that she wasn't talking because he wasn't much of a talker himself unless he had to be. Lifting a bit of the blanket, he smiled when he saw his racoon friend sleeping in his arms. He hoped that when he returned to the village, that both Pallaton and Spotted Deer would have settled their arguments. They needed to get along, or at least try to.

Pallaton let her go suddenly as he studd and picked her up throwing her over his shoulder as he headed back to her house. He took her to her bed and placed her on it with care as he put the blanket on the edge of it heading out side and standing guard. He stood right in front of the door so she couldn't leave without him seeing. He crossed his arms as he stood there keeping guard. He could tell by the looks her people where giving him that didn't approve of him handling her that way but some looked like they understood. Pallaton didn't know what to do with her. This was his parents department not his. There was a reason he was sent to battle and not to meetings with other tribes. He felt the cold as he hopped Rebeca was alright. She had to be doing better than he was with Spotted Deer.

Ahyoka shivered unable to move anymore. She held onto her chest hugging herself as the pup shivered with her. She wished she had wore something warmer. She hadn't expected the winter to hit so sudden here. Ahyoka felt her body start to shiver out of control as she laid there. She could hear the small pup whimpering but there was nothing she could do. She was so cold. Her body suddenly stopped shaking as she just laid there her body giving up and the cold starting to take her as she closed her eyes not able to keep them open anymore.

"Let me go! Put me down! Pallaton you are behaving out of line, you do not hold a princess like this!"she cried and frowned. She didn't say anything when he put her on the bed but when he left, she sat on the bed and started to cry. What was going to happen now? The moment his sister returned he'd ignore her again but that wasn't going to help the tribe in any way. She had to figure out how to help the tribe but nothing she did seemed to work. She was running out of options.

Red Cardinal carefully took the blanket from the racoon and wrapped it around her and then carefully picked her up. The raccoon curled up on her stomach and continued sleeping while Red Cardinal continued making his way to the village. It was getting hard to see because of all the snow but once he found the trail, he just followed the river until he reached the village. Sighing softly, he walked back inside and want to Spotted Deer's house only to hear her crying. "What did you do to her Pallaton? Did you not speak to her as I asked you to?" he asked and handed him over his sister. "Here you are, just as I promised. At least one of us kept our promise. Seems to me like all you did was make her cry, what happened?" he asked seriously.

Pallaton looked to Rebeca as he frowned. " I kept my promise as well. When she clams down and turns into a adult I'll have no issue trying again. I kept my promise she ran off like a child and was going to freeze because she didn't like what I had to say. When she starts acting like a adult everyone here might treat her like one and have respect. I believe her grief for everything she has lost is taking her over and turning her into this emotional mess. I told her that she might want to let some of the people help her and her response was no and she was the princess and then she started the crying and saying she wasn't the princess. I picked her up like a child and brought her back here to keep her warm and safe. She may hate me but I kept my promise I kept her safe. As for the other it's on her. She said she didn't wont me and hates me. I told her she was the one making that choice not me. I honestly don't care at this point. I don't know why she doesn't marry you she cares more for you. I just want to help our people. As soon as I can get my people healed we're leaving and that should make her happy. I'm going to take some of the men and do a hunting party for meat and get some of the women to do fishing. I suggested it to her but she is in no condition for lessening or giving orders. The food supply here is low we need to rebuild it before winter is fully here. " He said as he looked to Rebeca. " He saw the blanket move as he open it and saw the racoon. "What the?" He said then saw her chest moving as two ears popped out from the top of her dress then a tiny muzzle. " What on earth is all of this?" He asked as he saw the little wolf pup open it's eyes and let out a low growl as the racoon snatched the blanket from him and covered them back up. The pup stopped growling as he looked to his brother. " I'm hoping these are your friends? " He said not sure what to do with the animals. It was easy to see they where happy with Rebeca and had no intention of leaving her.

"If you have any ideas brother I will lessen and I humble myself to you. I did try with her the best I know how. I even told her I'm willing to join the tribe and work my way up to warrior. My intentions are good but I don't know her or how to handle her. She isn't the person I knew or remember. If my father was here he would know what to do. I'm sorry I'm nothing like him. I never was like my father even though I wished I was. I was a warrior and that is all I'll ever be. I need to get her to a fire. If you want to talk I will lessen and do as you think is best brother. My intention is not to make her cry brother but I apparently can only do that. I'm not here to force her to marry me. She said I'm a stranger and it would be unfair to make her keep a vow to a stranger. I believe you should marry her. At lest you make her happy." He said as he turned and left heading to the tepee where the old women was.

He laid her down and started to pour hot liquids into her mouth making her drink it to warm her up however he was kicked out of the tepee as the younger women and elders took over caring for her leaving him in a small tepee near theirs. He went inside as he sat by the fire and counted the arrows he had been able to make. He looked over the bows he had made as he worked on them more to make them perfect. He tried to get everything that had happen today out of his mind.

"You should bring the pup back to Ahyoka. I think it bonded with her. And if she wakes up and can't find it she'll tear the village up looking for it. Her view is wrong on the matter. I could as easily get offended and storm off at how close you and her are together. Its no difference than Ahyoka and I. We have all lost a lot and I can tell she had lost much. But taking it out on the one person who has come back isn't right no matter the reason and taking it out on a innocent isn't right either. If you feel you can get through with her then I'll followed your lead. However I'm not holding my breath. I too can be offended and have every right to be as well. If I had come back with one of our people she wouldn't' be treated as this. But because of color you all judged her. You don't know her I am offended by Spotted Deer and her actions thus far and words to Ahyoka. I don't want to marry her. I want to help and get out. If she can't accept my sister and get's jealous over nothing who would want to be married to a women like that? All she has proven today is she is not better than a snake. The sweet girl I knew isn't there. How can she be jealous of someone she doesn't know? She is the one who said I'm a stranger. I honestly have no intent to marry her. My father is dead and that promised died with him it appeared. I would rather pull one of the women from what is left of my tribe who is kind and caring than jealous and bitter. The women today may not accept Ahyoka fully but they showed her kindness and didn't judge her right off the bat. They haven't accused me of anything. If anything they have been grateful for the help that Ahyoka did and happy to just be alive. Spotted Deer doesn't have to worry bout marriage I want nothing from her in that way. I will find someone else when I decide I want to marry if I every decide that. I just want her to stop with all the crying and be a leader. " He said as he went quiet. " I'm not going to repeat myself to her because us both being mad will get us no where. But neither of you seemed to see where I could have a right to be mad. Just like I never thought of how Ahyoka would feel when I brought her here. I owe you for finding her and bring her back. I will do as you ask but I have no intent of marrying her in her current stage. " He said as he calmed himself nowing it wouldn't do him any good.