Drifter – Part 12

By D

Chapter XXIII

"Neho'e, I do not feel right about this," Honaw complained to Takoda again. They had been following their new course for several days and with each step that took them further from Donoma and Koko, Honaw felt the heaviness settle deeper into his chest. Now, sitting beside the small fire Takoda had built inside his dwelling to stave off the chill that accompanied the rain, he reiterated his position. Takoda sighed and faced his eldest son. Honaw, more than his brothers, was sometimes gifted with the same insight that Takoda himself knew. So the shaman couldn't refute his worries on the grounds that he knew best – they both understood how fallible they could be.

"What troubles you, Honaw? What have you seen?"

Honaw shook his dark head. "It was not a vision, Neho'e. It is more a feeling – a heaviness in my chest that I cannot seem to shake. I think... I believe Donoma Chepi and Koko Kanti may be in trouble."

"You do not think this feeling extends from the difficulties already between them?"

"No, Neho'e. Despite Donoma's anger, she wants to forgive Koko. In her heart, she knows she must to be whole again. It may take her some time to admit that to herself or to allow it to happen, but I do not think it will. She has been miserable alone for far too long. Why would she allow it to continue when the chance for happiness was within her grasp?"

Takoda cut his eyes at his son. "You do not know much about women, do you?" he asked wryly. "They can be the most vindictive creatures capable of holding onto a grudge for years."

"I understand that, Neho'e," Honaw countered seriously. "But I know Donoma's heart – I know how she feels about Koko,” he said with a certainty Takoda could not doubt. “She may fight and struggle with it briefly, but in the end she will have to let it go for her own sake... to say nothing of Koko's."

"So if this heaviness is not because of what has happened between them, where is it coming from?"

“I do not know, Neho’e. I only know that I have not been able to shake the feeling of unease from my mind since we left them. I am no longer certain that was the right thing to do, given the circumstances.”

“You do not believe Koko Kanti is capable of protecting your sister? You do not trust in the vision I was given by the Great Spirit?”

“I know that Koko Kanti is still recovering from a critical wounding, despite the vigor with which she destroyed the white men that pursued her. Is it not possible that some should have remained to protect them until we were sure she was healed? And if that was not serious enough, we have deviated from our chosen path – if they required help from us, they would not find us.”

“Honaw, I appreciate your concern, but you cannot possibly think that a warrior of Koko Kanti’s caliber could not find the trail left by an entire tribe no matter how careful we are to hide it.”

“What of Donoma, Neho’e? Could she find us if she was the one required to search for us? You know as I do that we are not all gifted with the same visions or the same strength of sight.”

Takoda blew out a deep breath. Honaw made some very valid points in his argument and Takoda couldn’t disagree with his concern. He also could not deny the fact that he had been given the vision that led them away from their chosen path. The carnage he had witnessed had been disturbing, especially since that was all the vision he had received. Takoda met his son’s eyes squarely.

“What would you like to do, Honaw?”

“I would like to take a small contingent of warriors to ensure their safety... at least until I am convinced that Koko Kanti is able to do so on her own.”

“You do realize that if you go charging back in there, regardless of your intentions and whether or not they have resolved their differences, you run a very serious risk of being thrashed by not only Koko Kanti, but by Donoma as well? Or that they may no longer be where we left them?”

“I do, Neho’e. But I also feel this is something that needs to be done.”

“You feel so strongly then?”

“Yes, Neho’e. I realize now I should have spoken sooner, but at first I thought it was because of all the tension surrounding them. I do not think that is the case any longer.”

Takoda nodded his head. “Very well. I will speak to Odahingum. Surely we can remain in this vicinity long enough for you and a small band of scouts to check on them and return. If not... we will figure something else out.”

“Thank you, Neho’e. I appreciate your faith in my sight.”

Takoda didn’t reply with words, but Honaw felt the warmth of his gaze and smiled. Then Takoda wrapped up against the blowing rain and went in search of Odahingum. Honaw did the same before kissing his mother goodbye and heading back to his own home to wait.

************

Colonel Jonathon Ignatius Spencer stood at the window of his office looking out unseeing at the town stretched out beyond the walls of the large fort. Something was brewing – he could feel it, and he didn’t like the way it felt. Unfortunately, he was an officer in the United States Army and he functioned under facts and orders... not feelings and instinct. However, he had learned to have a strong respect for his gut; for now, he would keep a cautious eye out.

A knock at his door brought him out of his musings and he returned to the heavy chair behind the big desk before calling out, “Enter.”

Sergeant Jake Clemmons, his aide, opened the door and snapped to attention briefly before relaxing into a more at ease position. “Sir,” he announced softly in the low drawl he had. “The Marshall from town is askin’ to speak to you. He said it’s a matter of some urgency.”

Spencer crinkled his forehead at the wording Clemmons used. Most of the men in his regiment were not well-educated and tended to speak plainly. Obviously the sergeant was quoting the Marshall’s words. “Then by all means, sergeant,” Spencer commanded. “Show him in.”

Clemmons nodded and stepped from the office, only to return a moment later with a large man dressed roughly in black denim and a course linen shirt with a badge pinned to the left breast. He extended a hand to the colonel and Clemmons closed the door as he went back to his desk.

“Spence... thanks for seeing me.”

“You’re always welcome here, Murph. It’d be nice if it was for something other than trouble though.”

Stephen Murphy nodded his dark head. “That’s the damn truth, though I’m not entirely sure it’s trouble... yet.”

Spencer leaned forward on his desk. “What’s happened?”

“Reb Stone seems to have disappeared. Not unusual, I know, except she was running after Hobbs and his gang when she left outta here. I’m getting a little concerned.”

Spencer nodded his head. “I can see where you would be. What do you propose we do about it?”

“Well, I was hoping you might be willing to keep an eye on things in town for a couple days while I ran out to her place. It’s possible she went there for whatever reason, especially if she was hurt. You know how she feels about showing weakness.”

“Yeah, I do.” The colonel sat back thoughtfully. “I don’t see why not. There’s nothing pressing going on here at the moment. The men could use a new challenge.” He looked up to see the Marshall gazing back at him thoughtfully. “I had a squad that asked to go out looking for horses the other day.” He shook his head. "We don't really need anymore here, but the cavalry can always use them. Would have been a good exercise for the men."

“They didn’t find any?”

“Oh no... apparently they found some....”

“But...?”

“But something’s not right about the whole situation. My best wrangler and a lieutenant were crushed by them... or rather, they were trampled by their own horses when they got spooked or something – the corporal wasn't particularly forthcoming with that information. Said they were split up in an effort to cover as much ground as they could and intimated they weren't close enough to see what happened... that by the time he and the others reached them, it was too late. The rest corroborate his story."

"That makes sense, Spence – isn't that how it's normally done?"

"Yes, but that's not what bothers me. Murph, these horses are trained *not* to spook. They have to be to be war horses. So what could have spooked them badly enough that they were not only thrown off, but trampled to death as well? One of my captains, the lieutenant's older brother, in fact, is convinced there is foul play."

Murphy sat up straighter in his chair. "Does he have a reason to think such a thing?"

Spencer shook his head. "None. He just doesn't want it to be Leroy's fault, so he's making noise that Reb Stone is behind the attack."

The Marshall burst into laughter. "You've gotta be kidding me, Jon. You know as well as I do that Reb Stone avoids anything to do with the army as much as possible." He noted the grave expression on the colonel's face. "You're serious??? He's really trying to blame her for his brother's death???"

"He'd like to, Murph. I've told him to drop it, but the Washburn brothers have always been hotheads... especially where Reb Stone is concerned. Think she needs to learn her place."

"Evidently, they were not here five years ago when she showed the town just exactly what her place was. Jon, there's a reason she is the most feared bounty hunter in these parts."

"Preaching to the choir, Marshall. I've come to respect Reb Stone. She's done nothing but good since she showed up out of nowhere and as far as I can tell, the only one's complaining about her being a woman are those stupid enough to try and take advantage of her because of it. I'll keep an eye on Washburn; you go see if you can find Stone. Aside from knowing she is all right, it would be nice to know what happened to Hobbs and his gang."

Murphy rose from the chair and slapped his hat back on his head. "I'll do what I can and let you know what I find out. Shouldn't be gone but a day or two unless something is wrong at her place."

"Stop by here on your way out so I know when you're leaving."

"And on my way back in so you can hear if I find out anything. Thanks, Spence." Murphy gave him a little salute before exiting the office. Spencer turned back to the window to contemplate this new complication.

************

"I do not know about this, Takoda. You were so sure we needed to leave the winter encampment and change our path to reach the summer camp. I am not certain I can justify turning around again to...."

"No, Odahingum... no. Not the entire tribe – just a small scouting party."

Odahingum shook his head. "Still, Takoda. I do not know. Did your vision not indicate that we needed to leave them alone to resolve their differences?"

"No, my friend. My vision indicated we needed to move from our normal path to avoid the slaughter of our People. It was my belief as a father that Koko and Donoma needed to resolve their problems on their own – we were only making the situation more difficult for both of them. Odahingum... it was past time that we left the winter encampment."

"So why is there a need for a scouting party to return? Surely Koko Kanti is even stronger now than she was when we left them alone."

Takoda sighed. "I know this is frustrating, Odahingum. I do not understand it myself – why would the Great Spirit not share something so important with me? But I cannot discount Honaw's intuition. Though his gift is not as developed as mine nor as strong as Donoma's, he does have some ability. Not sight so much as sense, but it is there. Would it be so difficult to allow him to go check on Donoma if it would give him some peace about them? I have never known him to ask if he did not feel there was sufficient reason to do so."

"Very well, Takoda," Odahingum sighed. "Honaw can go. But he will go by himself. We cannot afford to separate the tribe while we are on this altered path to go on what could amount to a wild goose chase. I refuse to put everyone in danger like that and sending the warriors...." Odahingum shook his head. "I do not want to seem heartless, Takoda, but I have to be honest – these kids... all of them... are beginning to drive me crazy."

"I understand, Odahingum. I think it will be enough for Honaw that he is allowed to go. Thank you for allowing him to set his mind at ease. I will admit I would feel better knowing how they are now that Honaw has stirred things up a bit. Do you think that makes me crazy?"

"No, my friend... I think it makes you a good parent." The chief blew out a breath. "I will ask Keezheekoni to go with Honaw. I am sure he will ask to go if I do not."

"Thank you, Odahingum. It makes me feel better."

Odahingum put an arm around Takoda's shoulders and leaned in to speak softly, though there was no one else in the dwelling to hear. "I would deny this if you told anyone, Takoda, but it makes me feel better too."

Takoda laughed. "I will let Honaw know. I am sure they will start out as soon as they can get started. Are we going to stay put until they return?"

"No... but we will move slowly. Ensure they are aware of our planned path so that they will be able to find us upon their return." Takoda nodded and rose from his place beside Odahingum.

"It will be as you say, Odahingum." Then he headed back into the rain to give Honaw the news.

************

Honaw exchanged sodden glances with Keezheekoni. They could have waited until the rain stopped, but the urgency Honaw felt prevented that. When he had heard of Honaw's request, Keez had insisted that they head out as soon as possible, regardless of the rain. The sooner they reached their destination, the sooner they would be able to return to their homes and families. A little bad weather was not going to deter them.

"Do you think they will be in the glade where we left them, Honaw?"

Honaw exchanged glances with Keez before smirking just a little bit. "Think about this a minute, my friend. Donoma has Koko Kanti at her beck and call for the first time in five cycles. And she has five cycles worth of anger and frustration to get out in regards to Koko Kanti. Do you seriously think that there is any way Donoma is going to allow them to go anywhere for the next full season?? It will take them that long for Donoma Chepi to release all that pent-up aggression. Why do you think Takoda insisted they have their dwellings?"

"So you really have not had a vision then?"

"I do not have visions, Keez; I can only sense things. And I really do sense that something is not right. It is... it is hard to describe... like a heaviness in the pit of my stomach that seems to center around them. It does not happen often thankfully – and usually only about a battle or a place that is unsafe."

"So why them? And why now?"

"I do not know, my friend. Perhaps because of all the controversy surrounding them; perhaps because I understand Donoma almost as well as she knows herself. But I will feel better once I have had the opportunity to see how they are for myself."

"Well then, let us get there. I am certain the remainder of the tribe is waiting for our return. They are as anxious to know what is happening as we are." He wiped the rain from his eyes and chuckled. "We should have simply stayed with them until things were settled; it would have saved us all a lot of grief."

Honaw laughed in sympathy. "I do not think Donoma would have tolerated the supervision."

Keez paused in thought. "I think you are right, Honaw. I believe I would have made an effort to get away from that much interested interference."

"As I recall, you tried. You were just not as successful as Donoma."

Keez snickered. "I am not as scary as Donoma."

"Keezheekoni, *no one* is as scary as Donoma Chepi on the warpath. I almost feel sorry for Koko Kanti." Their sniggering and chuckles followed them, and despite the rain, they felt better about the trip they were making and their reason for undertaking it. With any luck, they would find that Honaw's gnawing gut had been the result of bad food – that things had returned to normal for Koko and Donoma and they would be able to report the same to the tribe when they reunited with them. And if they were really lucky, the sun would start shining sooner rather than later. Otherwise, it was going to be a long, uncomfortable ride.

Of course what they found when they reached the dell more than made up for the misery they had suffered on their ride. They were going to have some news to share.

Chapter XXIV

They were met by Black and Dapples, and it was clear from the horses' aggressive behavior that something had happened. Honaw and Keezheekoni let the horses reacquaint themselves with the horses of the tribe before they dismounted and then allowed Black and Dapples to satisfy themselves that they were friends. Only then did the make a move towards the dell on foot.

They reached the edge of the small glade and looked down... then exchanged glances and slapped their hands over their mouths to keep from cheering. Koko stood proudly in her fine war regalia holding Donoma firmly in her grasp. At that moment, Donoma pulled away from her and Koko circled. The two men watched what to them was a silent tableau, knowing they would need to share all the details with the entire tribe upon their return.

Mindful of their still healing bodies, Donoma pulled away from Koko's grip and turned her back. Koko circled her carefully then stepped up behind her, threading her arms around Donoma's waist and holding her in place. "Join with me, Donoma," she commanded firmly once again. "Be my chosen mate." Her voice was low and growly and sent shivers up Donoma's spine, causing Koko to smile in satisfaction.

"Tell me why, warrior. What makes you a worthy mate for me?" Donoma asked the question with the intensity it required, but Koko heard the breathiness in her voice.

"I am a strong warrior, ka'eskone – a stalwart defender and protector. I have proven my prowess on the battlefield in defense of my People. I am a skilled hunter and a good provider. Never has my family done without food and shelter."

"That makes you a good prospect for anyone, Koko Kanti. What makes you a worthy mate for me?"

Koko turned Donoma in her arms, refusing to allow Donoma a chance to escape. Donoma brought up her hands, trying to keep a sliver of space between them only to find them crushed against Koko's soft chest. Her breath caught in her throat and she raised her eyes to meet Koko's intense blue ones.

"Nayeli, Nutta," Koko answered softly. "Because I love you, beloved," she reiterated in English, "with all my heart - and I have for my entire life. No one will love or care for you as completely I do. Join with me, ka'eskone. Be my chosen mate, and I will love you and care for you and protect you for as long as we are together."

"How long are you willing to commit to me, Koko Kanti? How long will you stay by my side?"

"For as long as you will allow me to do so, Donoma Chepi, but my commitment to you is forever."

Finally Donoma allowed her hands to slide up Koko's chest, locking them behind the dark head and urging her down to Donoma's lips. A hairsbreadth apart, Donoma licked her lips, gazing at Koko's mouth for a long moment before dragging her eyes back to burning blue. "That is a very long time, warrior mine."

Koko let her eyes drop to Donoma's lips, reaching out with one hand to trace them reverently. She pulled her eyes back to shining green. "It is only the beginning, ka'eskone." Then she leaned down and captured Donoma's lips, plundering her mouth with a passion and intensity that left them both breathless when they separated for air.

"Join with me, beloved," Koko asked for a third and final time. "Be my chosen mate."

For answer, Donoma pulled Koko's mouth back to hers, possessing it with the same intensity as Koko had shown her mere moments before. Then she backed up slightly, allowing her hands to scratch lightly down Koko's neck and torso and smiling at the shiver that followed her touch.

"Come, my mate," reaching for Koko's hand and urging her towards her home. "It is time."

Koko cursed her injury, wishing she could scoop Donoma and carry her into what would soon be their home. Instead, she dropped to her knees and leaned her forehead on Donoma's belly. Donoma let her fingers tangle into Koko's loose hair once more and held her in place.

"Nayeli, my warrior. Until time is no more, I will love you. Now come...." Koko rose from her knees and took Donoma's proffered hands, following her into the tent.

************

Once they were sure Koko and Donoma were too preoccupied to detect their presence any longer, Honaw and Keez removed their hands from their mouths, but barely breathed as they watched the courtship dance commence. When Donoma and Koko disappeared into the confines of their home, the two men backed away from the edge of the ledge they were reclined on before rising and moving back to the Plain.

"Well, it seems as though your vision was incorrect, Honaw."

"Perhaps, Keezheekoni, but I would feel better if I could talk to them. They were still very careful with one another. Not that I think they are uncomfortable with each other," he pressed on before Keez could protest," but something has happened... beyond Koko Kanti's injuries. Even Donoma was slow and careful in her movements."

Keezheekoni nodded slowly. "Perhaps you are right, hestatanemo. We have a bit of time before we should begin our return to the People. Besides, when they hear of the bonding, they will forgive us for our tardiness. Come," he said. "We may as well be comfortable in our wait." And the two began to gather chips enough to provide a fire for what would be their temporary home until they were able to talk to Koko and Donoma.

************

Stephen Murphy rode out of the town as the sun rose, hoping to reach Reb Stone's home before the sun reached the horizon. He had never actually been to her home, but he had a good idea where to go and one of the scouts had given him directions after a fashion. So he knew there would be a bit of searching involved; he only hoped it would be easy to find.

There was no path to follow and no real landmarks; he had to rely on his sense of direction and navigational skill to guide him for the first little while. As midday approached, he reached the stream and the lone cottonwood that grew beside in and knew he was close. He took a break, giving his horse a chance to rest and taking the time to walk around a bit. He ate then remounted, anxious to complete his journey and get some answers to his questions.

It didn't take as long as he feared it would and he was soon pulling up in front of her homestead. It was neat and tidy... and so quiet he knew she was not there. Still he approached with caution. Though she knew who he was and had no quarrel with him, the Marshall knew Reb did not tolerate unexpected visitors well. She had made that clear when she still lived in the town, and there was a reason she guarded her privacy so fiercely.

Still, he had an obligation to find her – for his own peace of mind as well as her safety. So he dismounted and walked slowly towards the front of the tiny cabin built from river rock. Murphy knocked several times and when they continued to go unheeded, he lifted the latch and pushed open the door. It was immediately apparent that no one was home, nor had they been for some time. There was no fire in the fireplace and the air was slightly musty – as though the door had not been opened for a while. He looked around inquisitively, not touching anything, but trying to satisfy his curiosity about the woman he respected and outlaws feared.

There was nothing personal out in the open... nothing that told him any more about Reb Stone than he already knew. After looking around once more, he took his leave, careful to close the door and leave the latch out like he had found it.

Murphy went back to his horse, trying to figure out his next move. It was clear that she had gone chasing after the Hobbs gang, but she hadn't returned since. That meant trouble. The question was – what kind? Either she had been ambushed or killed by them or she had been injured and forced to hole up somewhere to heal. Either way, Stephen Murphy had no way to find her.

He clambered aboard his horse and headed back to town. On the other hand, he reasoned, Spence might be willing to send a scouting party to find her, if only to learn the outcome of her run-in with Hobbs. Although given the resentment some of the soldiers seemed to feel towards her, it might not be the wisest course of action the Marshall could pursue. It would bear thinking about and he would have plenty of time to ponder it on his way back into town.

************

Donoma turned to Koko once they were inside her dwelling – what would soon become their home. She watched as Koko released the ties to shut the outside world out and allow them the privacy all mated couples were entitled to. A little odd, considering they were the only ones for miles, but it was tradition and it helped bolster her belief in the pledge they had just made to one another – made it seem more than just a fevered dream.

Then Koko stepped close enough that their bodies were just touching and Donoma knew that no dream had ever felt so real... so right.

Koko lifted her hands to Donoma’s face, allowing her fingertips to follow the planes and hollows so prominent in her features. Her touch was light and compelling and Donoma closed her eyes under the onslaught of intense emotion it created within her being. She felt as though Koko was worshipping her and forced her eyes open to find it was the truth.

She raised her own hands to Koko’s face to return the favor, closing her eyes to enhance the sensory feeling. Donoma followed the same path that Koko chose – across her forehead, over smooth eyebrows, down the sharply raised high cheekbones, around the nose, tickling full lips into a smile until they reached the firm jaw.

Donoma felt Koko move closer still and held her breath – nervous and excited at the same time. “Donoma,” Koko requested quietly, though there was no one to overhear them in this moment. “Beloved, look at me.”

It took a long few seconds for Donoma’s brain to catch up with her hearing; when it did, she blinked her eyes open slowly, gazing at Koko with an expression full of love and desire and seeing the same reflected back to her.

Koko’s hands moved from her jaw, down the front of her dress to stop at her waist. Then she shifted until her hands were gently cupping Donoma’s ass and bringing them into such close contact along their length that there was no room for air between them.

Koko bent her head, gratified when Donoma’s hands slid into her hair of their own accord, tangling in the thick locks and pulling her head down with tender ferocity. Then their lips met again and time ceased to have meaning.

When they finally separated the barest bit to reclaim their breaths, they leaned their foreheads together. “I never thought that this would be real,” Koko confessed. “I dreamed of it, but I never believed it would actually happen.”

“I never allowed myself to dream,” Donoma replied. “Not of this... I could not. It would have only served to remind me of the impossibility I would never attain.” She looked at the ground and bit her lip before returning her eyes to drown in the blue that stared back at her with complete devotion. “I believe I am going to like my reality much better than I ever enjoyed my dreams.”

Her smile was matched by the one Koko sported and she urged their lips together again. This time, however, her hands slid from Koko’s dark hair to the ties that held her shirt closed in the front of her body. She gently loosened them, fumbling slightly in her excitement, but knowing instinctively what she needed to accomplish in order to feel the smoothness of the Koko’s skin against her own in something other than the capacity of a healer.

Donoma didn’t even realize Koko was returning the favor wholeheartedly until cool air hit her bare skin and raised goosebumps along her exposed flesh. She tugged at Koko shirt, lifting it until she could no longer reach and allowing Koko to finish its removal. Then they stood and gazed at one another – finally allowed to look with the eyes of a lover.

“So beautiful,” Koko murmured, letting her eyes roam over Donoma’s body. Donoma wasn’t content to look; her hands began to wander of their own volition – tracing the womanly curves she had not been able to appreciate as a mate til now.

She paid close attention, noting the places that caused Koko to catch her breath and those that caused her hands to roam or to clench. She leaned down to kiss the still healing belly wound, glad for Koko’s amazing recuperative powers. When she reached the ties of the trousers, Donoma undid them and pushed them down the long length of leg with a fascination akin to reverence. Koko watched her, feeling humbled by the myriad of emotion she found in Donoma’s gaze when their eyes met.

Donoma opened her mouth to speak, but found her breath caught in her throat. At a loss, she reached for Koko’s body, wrapping herself around the strong body she craved and merging them into a single being. Koko closed her eyes at the contact, relishing the explosive sensation of skin on skin. Then she surrendered once more to Donoma’s urging, and they met in a hot, open-mouthed kiss, tongues plunging and invading as they explored tastes and textures.

Mindful of her limitations, Koko eased Donoma down onto the furs she had prepared earlier with just this moment in mind. No longer were they two divided stacks of furs creating two distinct beds – now they were a single entity covered with a new blanket, waiting to be christened as their joining bed.

They separated briefly in deference to their still healing bodies and collapsed gently onto the smooth surface. Donoma ran her hands over the soft blanket, recognizing it with surprise and looking up into Koko’s eyes.

“Where did you...?”

Koko shrugged and looked down at the blanket. “It was in the box of your things. I found it when I was searching for some bandages after you were injured. It was right on top. I thought it was a sign,” peeking at Donoma through long lashes. “I remembered it.”

“I am certain you did, warrior,” Donoma replied with a small smile, stroking the blanket once more. “How many nights did you sit beside me at the fire while Rae’l and Nahko’e and I worked on it? I never thought we would be able to use it as a joining blanket.”

“Nor did I, ka’eskone,” shifting her hands from the blanket back to the silkiness of Donoma’s skin. “I am glad you saved it,” letting her hands trail up Donoma’s body from her waist to the full round breasts and relishing the widening of darkened, green eyes and the flaring of Donoma’s nostrils when her thumbs teased rigid nipples.

Donoma closed her eyes as the first sensation rippled through her body, but couldn’t resist the desire to return the same pleasure to Koko. She opened her eyes, meeting the burning intensity in Koko’s and reaching out to caress the expanse of bare skin within reach.

Koko closed her eyes, enhancing the sensation for a long moment before nudging Donoma farther back, reclining them completely on the bed. They sighed simultaneously when they were fully stretched out along their lengths, absorbing the sensation of completion and desire that shivered through them. Then they turned their attention to loving one another, claiming one another in the most intimate and precious of ways.

************

"How long do you thing it will take them, hestatanemo?" Keez asked as the sun touched the western horizon. I do not recall any of our tribe taking so long to join with their mate."

Honaw snickered inwardly, though his expression remained carefully neutral on the outside. "I do not think they are taking so long before joining with one another, Keez. I would be willing to wager that they are *still* joining with each other." He paused. "Do you remember the attention to detail Koko was famous for as a warrior?" Keezheekoni nodded. "Why would you think that she would be any less focused on something that means everything to her?"

Keezheekoni nodded before his eyes widened perceptibly. "You do not think...?"

"I am not going to go any closer to find out, hestatanemo. I value my life."

"Honaw, that is not natural. Not even the strongest among us could last...."

"Not even the strongest among us could defeat Koko Kanti, Keezheekoni. Do you really think there can be a comparison?"

Keezheekoni thought about Honaw's words for a long moment before standing and wiping his hands on his trousers. "I will go hunting... see what I can find for our dinner." He pointed in the direction opposite of the dell where Koko and Donoma were still comfortably ensconced. "I will go that way. I have no desire to find out if there could be a comparison. I promised Calyle I would return from this without any more bruises."

Honaw burst into laughter, then quickly slapped a hand over his mouth. "She is already tired of repairing the damage that happens when Koko Kanti is around?"

"I think she grew accustomed to not having to do so. Besides, I do not believe Koko would let me survive if I interrupted her coupling with Donoma Chepi."

Honaw snickered again. "I think you would have more to worry about from Donoma Chepi."

Keez's eyes widened comically. "I will be over there... very far away over there," scooting off away from their tiny camp to the sound of Honaw's laughter. Honaw watched him go before rising and heading out after him, knowing someone needed to collect more chips if they were going to have a fire. Besides, he didn't want to be around just in case Koko and Donoma had heard them. He valued his life.

************

Koko and Donoma lay curled up together, gently stroking all the bare skin within reach which was considerable considering their nakedness. An unexpected sound stilled their movement and they exchanged glances.

"What was that?"

Koko tilted her head slightly. "Honaw... and probably Keezheekoni. They have been here for a while – since before we pledged to one another."

"You knew they were there?"

"I was listening, ka'eskone; I heard their approach. I saw no reason to deny them the opportunity to share in our joy. They will provide witness to the People."

"You are very clever, warrior mine."

"And I am definitely yours, Nutta."

"As I am yours, Nutta."

Koko smiled and shifted until she was leaning over Donoma. Donoma smiled and twined her hands around Koko's neck. "They can wait," she declared and lowered herself to meet Donoma's lips. Honaw and Keezheekoni would be waiting a while.

Part 13

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