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For the past half hour Wanahca had been grinding corn, stone in hand and working against the sun-dried kernels, until it had a coarse, powdery texture. The work had been strenuous but she now had a bowl full, and would mix it together with pounded bison, dried berries, and tallow. The patties produced would be good for long trips, or as sustenance for the warriors whenever they left camp to make war, or to go out on buffalo hunts.
She was just mixing all of the ingredients together, when she suddenly glanced off in the distance, towards the circle of tipi’s which made up the Wico-ti. Or otherwise known as, their camp circle. Immediately catching sight of Dancing Wolf’s lodge, she was extremely displeased to see a certain somebody enter it.
On her feet in seconds, she quickly hurried off, making a beeline for the dwelling as quick as her moccasined feet could take her. She had just reached the tipi when Ten Beaver Woman pulled back the flap, exiting the conical dwelling which was made from animal skins. No sooner had the other woman stepped out, did Wanahca confront her, face serious and lips tight as she asked a straightforward question.
“What were you doing in there?”
Brows lifting at Wanahca’s presence, Ten Beaver Woman replied, “His bladders needed filling.”
“It is not your duty, but my own to do this,” she quickly said. “And you already know that I am his woman.”
“He has not taken you as a wife yet, so I do not see why you lay claim to him.”
“Everyone knows that we are together,” she quickly retorted. “You have seen with your own eyes, that he has taken me as his own.”
“He has offered nothing to Red Falcon in order to secure you,” she said. “No gifts of any kind, to make it clear he wants you as his wife.”
Although she hated to admit this was true, it certainly was, but she knew in her heart that Dancing Wolf would eventually do it, as his ways had always been so kind and genuine with her.
“The gifts will come, so do not worry. And he has made it clear to me, that I am to be his wife.”
Snorting in response, Ten Beaver Woman just shook her head, then gave Wanahca a look, as if to say she was foolish.
“You try to be a Lakota woman, but are not,” said Ten Beaver Woman. “Your place is to lay with him, and nothing more.”
“Do not come to his lodge again.” Tone stern, she gave Ten Beaver Woman a very serious look.
“You do not make this decision,” she quickly said. “And it is not your place to keep me from him.”
Burning sensation now spreading through her chest and into the pit of her stomach, Wanahca felt her breathing quicken in a way she did not like. Beyond jealous, she was now feeling downright territorial. But as a figure approached the two women who were having it out, they both turned their heads to see it was Dancing Wolf’s sister, Makawee. Clearly showing concern towards Wanahca, she joined her side.
“I do not wish to make quarrels with you, Ten Beaver Woman, but it seems there is trouble, so I hope I can help.”
Although she did not care much at all for Ten Beaver Woman, it was Makawee’s way to be as peaceful as she possibly could.
“No trouble,” Ten Beaver Woman hastily said. “It was only my wish to bring Dancing Wolf water, but since he will not return until evening, I can patiently wait to see him then.”
“Is it Wanahca’s place to take care of his lodge,” Makawee replied. “And my brother has told me he is well pleased, at her hard work of taking care of his needs.”
“But his bladders were not even filled,” Ten Beaver Woman said. “And is it not customary to ensure, that a warrior like Dancing Wolf has a fire already made before returning to camp?”
“Those are duties I have not forgotten,” Wanahca replied. “Can you not see all the tasks I have been doing since the sun came up?”
“If he is important to you, then you will stock his lodge first,” she smugly said.
“There are many women here in this camp, who do much better than you.”
“I have two bladders already filled right next to the corn that I was grinding. As soon as I finished, I would have delivered them to his lodge.”
“You are slow and lazy at doing things in the right way.”
“She is not,” Makawee exclaimed. “Her ways are impressive even to the elders, and she has never failed to work hard in this camp.
“Her work is no better than any of the others. But as I said before, I only came to bring him water.”
“You came to spend time with him…” Narrowing her eyes, Wanahca stared her rival down. “To get closer and be soft in a certain way, so you can try and steal his heart.”
“She is crazy!” Ten Beaver Woman exclaimed. “Her imagination is so wild, that she is making things up.”
“Wanahca does not lie,” Makawee said. If she feel this, then it must be true.”
“And you believe her!” Shaking her head, she gave a little laugh.
“Stay out of my brother’s lodge,” Makawee told her. “It is not your place to bring in water or wood, as he has Wanacha to take care of his home.”
Expression going görükle escort hard, Ten Beaver Woman just stared them down. Her eyes went from one to the other, and then back again, but after seeing the two women had put up an indestructible united front, she finally started off. Making quick, angry steps she headed away, posture tight and overly stiff. Relieved to finally have her gone, Wanahca exchanged a look with Makawee.
“Thank you,” she said. “For being so kind and for sticking beside me.”
“You are like a sister to me, Wanahca. And I want her to know you don’t stand alone.”
“Her ways are so strong for him. Are there not other warriors she can pick from?”
“Every warrior in the camp has shown their interest, but Dancing Wolf is the one she cannot have.”
“What should I do to stop her?”
“She is no threat to you.” Voice firm and assuring, Makawee gave her a soft look.
“My brother has made it clear he wants only you. You are all he can see, so please do not worry.”
“It is not worry, but anger. Her ways are sneaky, and I do not like it.”
“It is a game to her, but you will ignore it.” Taking her hand, Makawee gave her a smile, as if to reassure that everything would be okay. “You are my brother’s chosen, and the only one who has captured his heart.”
Side by side they then headed off, so they could resume their tasks for the day.
* * * *
A plan had been made, and the three warriors were fully prepared, each gripping a valued weapon that had been blessed just days before. Crouched and ready to go they eagerly waited, watching out for the signal from Dancing Wolf, who would let them know when it was time to go forward. With only moonlight to shine upon them they quietly watched, eyeing the large Crow village which spread out along a flowing creek.
In the darkness shone a ring of fire, where a group of Crow warriors sat laughing and telling stories. Completely unaware of their invisible watchers they enjoyed the night, hooting out laughter as jokes were told.
Having strategized in his head, Dancing Wolf was all set to attack, and clutching the war club in his palm, readied himself to go into battle. Along with the club he also had a scalping knife, which cut through flesh with such ease, that it was not only a treasured weapon, but one he never left behind.
Lifting his hand to give the signal, Dancing Wolf headed down the hill, posture strong and steps confident as he approached the mostly sleeping Crow village. For those who sat around the fire they noticed far too late, and by then the three warriors were already upon them. High on adrenaline the three Lakota men rushed forward, charging with such aggressiveness that it struck a fear in their rival’s eyes. A few had time to grab weapons and arrows were quickly shot, but each missed their mark, due to panicked hands that shook and fumbled.
Taking advantage of this, Dancing Wolf launched an attack, striking out hard with his war club until it met flesh with a sickening thud. Taken down in an instant, the rival he’d hit fell to the ground, but just as he turned to take on another, an arrow whizzed right past his ear.
Having travelled so quickly, Dancing Wolf felt its whoosh, and shifting his gaze to the left, saw his assailant. Immediately his rival reached for a second arrow, but on finding no more, threw his bow case aside. In just barely a second he’d withdrawn a knife, end sharpened to a point that was wickedly keen. A formidable weapon that even Dancing Wolf had to admire, it caught a gleam of moonlight which gave it an otherworldly glow.
Still grasping his war club, Dancing Wolf reading himself, shifting only when his rival slashed out into the air. Razor-sharp, the dagger narrowly missed him, before launching again with its deadly sharp point.
This time it found flesh, but little more than a nasty graze, Dancing Wolf fought on. Held high above his head, the war club whooshed as it came down, before meeting its target with dead-on precision.
Spiked with a sharpened antler, the ball-headed weapon ripped right through flesh, tearing apart the Crow man’s face as he let out a painful scream. As chunks of skin and tissue were ripped off, the structure of his face was demolished, leaving only a trace of distinguishable features.
His rival fell to the ground in a bloody heap, but no sooner had Dancing Wolf turned, did another brave warrior charge forward quick. Seeming to come out of thin air, the Crow man sat proudly on a pure white horse, whooping out in a wild way as he rushed forward with stunning speed.
Holding a tomahawk he struck out with it, aiming right for the head of his Lakota opponent. A quick duck narrowly evaded the blow, but a follow-up hit clobbered him right on the jaw. Although stunned at the pain, Dancing Wolf fought hard against it, and counter-attacked with his own fierce strike.
Launching out hard with the war club, he sunk the spike into the horse rider’s foot. Sinking through flesh and then bone, it tore in with great bursa escort bayan ruthlessness, forcing a scream from the Crow brave’s mouth. With quickness Dancing Wolf yanked him right off of the horse, and now on the same level, the two men fought.
Grunts and yells could be heard as they both fought for their life, summoning every bit of strength that they had from their muscular forms. Both powerful and manly, neither was easily brought down, but Dancing Wolf had an unmatched strength which came through the resilient muscles of his long, lithe form. Knowing he was outmatched, the Crow brave’s eyes went hard and flinty, and that was the last look he gave as Dancing Wolf slammed him hard into the ground.
The wooden ball of the war club came down fast, racing for its target with cold-blooded quickness. Aptly named the skull-crusher it did just that, slamming into the Crow warrior’s cranium with stunning speed. The spike on the end drove right through his forehead, embedding itself with a meaty thump.
Now lifeless beneath the Lakota shifter, the Crow brave stared up at nothing at all. But the look of fierceness was still there, forever frozen in his cold, dead glare. Glancing around, Dancing Wolf saw that Hawk and Runs With Courage had made good work, annihilating the remaining warriors who’d sat around the fire only minutes before.
Having already mounted horses his wolf brothers were ready, just waiting for the signal so they could take off. Mounting a horse of his own, Dancing Wolf marveled at its coat — pure white and completely unmarred, which would be more than fitting to give away to Red Falcon.
A few more horses were rounded up before they finally took off, but then several arrows were suddenly launched, zipping through air as they sought out flesh. Whoops and yells broke the still night air, as additional warriors came out of their tents.
Not worried in the least, Dancing Wolf led the way out of the enemy’s camp. And with his two wolf brothers on horseback just beside him, they raced off swiftly into the night.
* * * *
As Dancing Wolf, Hawk, and Runs With Courage returned to camp the next morning, many gathered around to watch, as they had brought six new horses with them. Much chatter could be heard as they came further into the village, and sitting proudly on the all-white horse, Dancing Wolf made a beeline for Red Falcon’s lodge.
As soon as he arrived, Dancing Wolf dismounted the beautiful animal, then tied it up against the spiritual man’s dwelling. He then nodded at Hawk, who brought forth a second horse, and after tying it up as well, the Lakota warrior headed off for his own lodge. The two horses he’d chosen, Sparrow Hawk and Ohitekah, were already waiting and ready to go. So after loosening the ties which had kept them next to his tipi, Dancing Wolf walked them forward, until reaching Red Falcon’s lodge once again.
With a total of four horses now offered as a gift, he had done his part to secure a marriage with Wanahca. But from the corner of his eye he suddenly caught sight of his grandmother, who held a blanket in her arms which had been freshly woven by her own hands. A master at her craft, everyone knew of her expertise, and with care she placed the blanket right next to the horses who stood side by side.
Understanding that she’d brought it as part of his marriage proposal gifts, Dancing Wolf leaned in to hug her, embracing her tight and long in his arms. When they pulled back he saw she was smiling, and clearly proud of the four beautiful horses that he had gifted to Red Falcon.
“Your gift of horses is very good,” she lovingly told him. “And Wanahca will be so proud, when she sees all you have done to ensure her as yours.”
“As long as she is happy, then I am too. She has learned our ways as Lakota people, so I know she will make a very fine wife.”
“She will.” Good Blanket Woman nodded, then spoke some more words before heading off.
“You are a good, strong warrior, grandson. And you will make a wonderful husband. I know you are patient in everything you do, but do not be lazy in making children, as I am eagerly waiting for your babies to come.”
Smiling at this, he leaned in to give another hug, and on pulling back from the warm embrace, Good Blanket Woman gently stroked his cheek.
“Protect and provide for her always, and the Great Spirit will bless your marriage in many ways.”
With these last words she was gone, and after taking a few moments to gaze at the gifts he had to offer, Dancing Wolf headed off to his lodge.
* * * *
News spread through the camp very quickly, and within minutes after delivering the horses to Red Falcon’s tipi, Dancing Wolf’s name was on the lips of every member of the tribe. Having been down at the stream doing her washing for the week, Wanahca had missed the grand entrance of Dancing Wolf. But on seeing Makawee head toward her with hurried steps, she immediately knew that something had happened.
As soon as they were close enough to touch, Makawee bursa escort grabbed her, gently tugging her hand to pull her along. Wanting eagerly to know what the rush was, Wanahca started to speak, but Makawee beat her to it.
“Have you not seen?” Her tone was filled with surprise. “Dancing Wolf and two other warriors have returned from the raid, and brought six beautiful horses into our camp.”
Thrilled to know he was home, Wanahca felt a fluttering in her stomach, and automatically veered straight for Dancing Wolf’s lodge. But Makawee would not relent, and still holding her hand, kept making a pathway for Red Falcon’s dwelling.
“You must see the horses first,” she told Wanahca. “There are four, and they are all very beautiful.”
Four horses, and they were all for Her hand in marriage? That was hard to believe so she did want to see, and on reaching Red Falcon’s lodge, saw it was indeed true. Astonished she just stared, and smiling at her reaction, Makawee spoke.
“You see, I have told you the truth. Now it is up to Red Falcon to accept these gifts my brother has given.”
“And if he does not?”
“Then more gifts are given, until he does say yes.”
“So we cannot marry, unless Red Falcon agrees…”
“Well yes, this is the way that it goes. But he has no reason to say no, as it is already known that he fully approves.”
Nodding at this, Wanahca felt calm. And as several people milled around checking out the lovely horses, most of them smiled at the bride-to-be, letting her know they were happy of this upcoming marriage. The moment was so nice she didn’t even see who was approaching, but as they pushed through the handful of people who surrounded Wanahca, her gaze quickly shifted to take them in.
Wearing a tight-lipped expression that showed her disgust, Ten Beaver Woman glared hard at Wanahca. Returning the look with a sullen glance, Wanahca unconsciously clenched her teeth. Her gaze then shifted to Ten Beaver Woman’s father, who walked beside her with a serious expression.
If that wasn’t enough to take in, she then noticed Dancing Wolf as well, who walked just a short distance behind them. Both surprised and happy to see him, she immediately gave a soft smile, then reached out to take his hand into her own.
As his palm touched hers, she could feel him firmly hold on, and for a brief moment they shared a look. His eyes were soft and loving just as they usually were, but there was something else behind them – worry perhaps – and she just didn’t like that.
Clearly unable to stop and speak with her, Dancing Wolf continued to Red Falcon’s tent, where he then disappeared behind the animal skins. What was this all about exactly, she curiously wondered, as Ten Beaver Woman and her father followed right behind him. Yet instead of receiving the answer she so desperately wanted, all she could do was blankly stare on.
The tipi flap closed tight behind them, blocking Wanahca’s vision as she remained outside.
* * * *
Red Falcon focused on Dancing Wolf first, then Ten Beaver Woman and her father, Thunder Voice. Always polite, Red Falcon gestured for them to all sit, and so they each took their places before him. While Two Beaver Woman and her father sat side by side, Dancing Wolf separated himself, choosing instead to keep his distance.
Red Falcon’s wife offered tea but Thunder Voice declined, waving it away with an unhappy expression. He then crossed his arms tightly in front of his chest, and began to speak in a strong, firm voice.
“This marriage cannot happen between your daughter and Dancing Wolf, as he has not been honorable in his actions.”
Brows pulling low at this, Red Falcon leaned in to hear more.
“What do you mean, he has not been honorable?”
“He has taken advantage of my lovely daughter, and instead of marrying her as a respectable man should, he has chosen instead to marry another.”
“I have never taken advantage of Ten Beaver Woman!” Dancing Wolf exclaimed. “We have not even been alone in such a way.”
“She has been in your tipi,” Thunder Voice declared. “There are others in this camp, who saw her go in more than once.”
“She came in to talk, and nothing else.”
“My daughter tells me you promised to marry her. But now I see you choosing a woman that was kept as a white man’s slave. She is not even one of our people.”
“I never promised to marry Ten Beaver Woman, and I chose Wanahca because I love her. She is a part of our tribe, and she belongs here with me. I am going to marry her, and there is nothing you can do about it.”
“I am with Dancing Wolf.” Red Falcon nodded. “Wanahca has been a great help to our people with the daily tasks that she does. She never complains, and always works hard. Our ways have quickly become her own, and she is just as much a Lakota, as your daughter, or anyone else.”
“I go by what my daughter tells me.” Directing his attention to Ten Beaver Woman, Thunder Voice looked at her expectantly. “Let Red Falcon know what Dancing Wolf did to you.”
Gaze focusing on Red Falcon, she parted her lips to speak some words. But from her peripheral vision, she saw Dancing Wolf staring intently at her. Wetting her lips, she tried to speak once again. But Dancing Wolf’s stare was so hard upon her, that she just simply couldn’t.
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