Drifter – Part 25

By D

Chapter XLIX

“Do you think the soldiers will be all right... the ones that were part of Washburn’s horse outfit, I mean?” Donoma asked as they made their way from the cabin in the early morning light. “I did not see any of the Army at the town gathering. Do the Army and the townspeople not celebrate together? Surely they all owed you a debt of gratitude for what you have done for them,” Donoma stated with a bit of irritation in her voice. Not that she was enamored of the Blue Coats, especially after what they had all just been through because of one Blue Coat in particular; it was simply the principle of the thing.

“I think the Army is still busy trying to straighten out the mess Spencer left. Stephen said the Army would not be pressing formal charges against them, but he expected the major to institute some form of punishment upon those involved. What they did was wrong, so there needs to be some action taken, but since they were all following Spencer’s orders, they do not want to ruin their careers as soldiers.”

“Hassun believes they will be shoveling horse droppings for some time to come,” Honaw informed them. “I spoke with him while you were in town. He told me he hopes to visit the People more often. He felt welcome among us and I believe that is something he has missed.”

“That would be a fitting punishment for those soldiers who were involved with Washburn,” Koko agreed. “And Hassun would be welcome among the People.”

“That is what I told him,” Honaw assured them before moving off to join the warriors in a sweep of the area in an effort to give Donoma and Koko a measure of privacy. Traveling with them as a joined couple was very different from traveling with a sister, a seer or a brother warrior.

“That was an interesting party,” Donoma commented when they were alone again. “So much like our celebrations and yet so different as well. What was the instrument Stephen made music with?”

“A fiddle.”

“I liked it. It had a nice sound. And he had a good singing voice, though not nearly as nice as yours. Why did you not sing last night, Koko Kanti? I have missed hearing you sing.”

“That is not something I am comfortable sharing with the world, Donoma... especially the white man’s world. There is too much expectation there.” At Donoma’s confused look, Koko sighed and continued. “When I sang with the People, it was because I felt like it. I had something to express - happiness, sadness, loneliness, regret. Always there was a reason for my singing, and it was always my reason... not because anyone else in the world expected me to.”

“You sang for me,” Donoma objected.

“I sang for you because it made you happy - and that made me happy. Even when you asked it of me, you never expected me to say yes; you were just glad when I did so.”

“I always thought your singing made the stars twinkle a little brighter, like the Great Spirit was smiling down upon us,” smiling when she saw the light blush trail up dark skin. “I was glad to see Daniel’s wife came,” Donoma said, changing the subject. “I think it made Kitty happy.”

“I believe so as well. Maybe it will be a new start for them as a family.”

“Do you think Kitty will give up the saloon and move into the cabin? I think short of marrying, that might be the only way Mary would accept her.”

Koko shrugged. “I do not know, ka’eskone. She should not have to. That has been her life for a very long time, and is very much a part of who she is; but at least she has a choice now. Perhaps if she and Stephen decide to settle down....” letting her thoughts trail off and Donoma remained quiet. Finally Koko shook her head. “I do not know,” she repeated. “I think it depends on what Kitty wants to do with her life now. Those girls are her family too. I am not certain she will just give it up, even with the opportunity to do so. It is all she has known for the better part of her life.”

Silence fell between them then, though it was not at all uncomfortable. Their thoughts were mostly centered on the fun they’d had with the townspeople at Kitty’s going away party and the celebration they would soon share with the People in honor of their marriage.

“I hope Nahko’e does not overdo,” Donoma announced suddenly into the quiet. The warriors who had moved closer once the conversation earlier had ceased, had snickered. Koko glared at them and the sound stopped immediately, causing Donoma to smile in Koko’s direction. Koko rolled expressive blue eyes.

“Ka’eskone,” she said with patient amusement. “She is your Nahko’e and you have lived with her for how many cycles? You know very well she is going to overdo. This party is to celebrate the joining of her only nahtona to the one who has loved her since time itself began. It could go on for days.”

Koko’s words made Donoma’s breath catch in her chest and she simply stared at Koko for a long moment.

“Donoma?” Koko called softly. “Ka’eskone, are you all right?”

“That was beautiful, Nutta,” Donoma replied in an equally quiet tone. Koko blinked before realizing exactly what Donoma was referring to.

“And it is the truth, beloved. Do not ever think any differently.”

“I am simply unused to you stating it so plainly, warrior.”

“I will endeavor to correct that oversight in the future, ka’eskone.”

Donoma smiled and blushed. “I will do the same, Koko Kanti. You should always know how I feel.”

Koko smiled. “Oh I do, Donoma. You show me in every look... every word... every touch... even when you were still furious with me, I could feel it.” Donoma’s blush was so fierce, Koko was afraid the blood might actually burst from her skin and she found the reaction endearing. She grinned at Donoma rakishly and waggled her eyebrows.

“Do not tease me warrior - I have many ways of making you pay.” Koko cocked a brow in mute question. “For one thing, you can sleep under the stars with the warriors instead of sharing the dwelling with me,” indicating the single tepee they’d decided to bring along. Koko’s eyes grew comically wide and her lower lip started to tremble just the slightest bit.

“You would not be so cruel.”

“Are you certain?”

Koko held her gaze a long moment. “Yes,” she finally replied. “You would be no happier with that arrangement than I would.”

“Perhaps.” Her eyes were steady but Koko heard the smile in her voice and slumped in reaction. “So,” Donoma added with an outward smile, clearing her throat. “Several days, hmm?”

“I think so,” Koko answered, picking up the thread of conversation left nearly forgotten in the ensuing teasing. “If we are lucky, Litonya will allow only a short celebration with the People so we can make it to the summer camp to have a much longer party with the rest of the tribes.”

“How would that make us lucky, Koko? That just means twice the opportunities for jokes and tricks to be played on us and challenges to be issued to you.”

“Maybe, but we can sneak away from summer camp much easier than we can the People’s encampment. There are many more bodies and joinings at summer camp. There we are one among many instead of one among a few. Besides... who will challenge me? We are already wed to one another - there were witnesses and everything.”

Donoma smiled. “Yes, there were. But I look forward to seeing you wear your buckskins again.”

“I look forward to wearing them. They are a testament of the love we shared even before we confessed it.”

“Yes,” Donoma agreed fervently. “They certainly are.”

They fell silent for a bit after that, their need for conversation diminished in one another’s presence. So they continued their trek west, guarded by the warriors who traveled with them yet remained separate, allowing them whatever modicum of privacy they could provide.

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

“We should prepare ourselves,” Takoda mentioned to Odahingum one evening as they sat around the campfire together. “The warriors will be rejoining us soon.”

“Are Koko and Donoma with them?”

“I have not seen, but I do not believe the warriors would return without them if they were successful in their mission. However, I have not seen that either. All I am certain of is that the warriors will soon return to us. It is my hope that they were successful; I do not believe Donoma Chepi or Koko Kanti would survive another separation. And it would break Litonya’s heart.”

“I believe you are correct, my friend. Can you see how far from us the warriors are?”

“Not accurately, though I do am convinced they will reach us before we reach summer camp.”

“Soon then.”

“Very soon.”

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

“Koko Kanti?” Koko looked up from her place in front of the dwelling she and Donoma shared, meeting Honaw’s eyes over the small fire that separated them. She tilted her head and cocked and eyebrow, waiting for him to speak. He looked at Donoma and then back at Koko.

“No secrets, Honaw,” Koko assured him. “She will know whether you tell her now or I do later. You should know this. Now speak your mind.”

Honaw cleared his throat. “I am sorry, Donoma. I was speaking to Koko as one warrior to another; I did not mean to imply that Koko should keep secrets from you. I forgot that your relationship as Koko Kanti’s warrior advisor puts you in a different position than simply being her spouse does.”

“I forgive you, Hestatanemo. You have always had a tendency to try to protect me when you thought you could get away with it,” Donoma smirked. “Not that I always let you.”

Honaw sighed dramatically. “That is the truth.” He glanced at Koko who was openly smirking at him. “Not one word, Koko Kanti.” He grinned. “Now she is your responsibility.”

“At least I can keep up,” chuckling when the smile fell from his face.

“I hate you,” he grumbled, but the twinkling in his eyes belied his words. “Listen, I wanted to let you know that the warriors and I have decided to ride on ahead tomorrow. I believe we are less than two days from where we should find the People and we would like to give them a bit of time to prepare for your arrival.” He sighed. “Nahko’e will never forgive me if I do not give her at least a little warning so that she can be ready.”

Donoma chuckled. “That is probably the truth. Go ahead, Honaw. We will be fine alone.”

“Donoma speaks the truth, my friend. We will be fine. We are far enough from the white man’s world that they should pose no threat and all the People should be headed away from us. Besides, when we leave the People, we will not have the warriors to look out for us. That is something the People need to accept - it is best that they do so at the beginning of our journey together.”

Honaw nodded. “Very well. We will leave at daylight in the morning. If you remain here for an extra day, that should give us time to reach them ahead of you.”

“We will follow behind you, Honaw... two or three days. Just make sure the People keep moving towards the summer encampment. We do not want to be late arriving there. But we will make it to the clan before the tribe gets to the encampment,” Koko assured him. “I told you we would not deny Litonya the opportunity to host the celebration of our joining.”

Honaw nodded. “We will leave in the morning then.” He moved away from the fire and back to the small area the warriors had staked out for themselves. Donoma and Koko exchanged glances, then Donoma leaned her body into Koko’s, gratified to feel the strong arm wrap around her waist and pull her closer.

“I have a confession,” Donoma said so softly, Koko almost missed the words. She tilted her ear in the direction of Donoma’s lips. “I am glad they are going ahead; I would like a little time alone with you to prepare for the melee that is soon to come.”

“Me too,” Koko admitted. “Come,” she said, standing and tugging Donoma up beside her. “Let us rest tonight so we can send the warriors off tomorrow. Then we will see if we can find something to occupy us until we are ready to leave.”

Donoma didn’t speak - she had no need to. The expression on her face was statement enough.

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

Litonya went out to meet the warriors as soon as the word went up from the lookouts that they were approaching. She looked directly at Honaw as he rode forward and climbed down from his horse to meet her. The rest waited a few paces back.

“Well?” looking around for Koko and Donoma.

“They are behind us - two or three days. We wanted to give the People a chance to prepare for their return.”

“Things worked out well, then?”

“Things worked out well. But they will tell you the story when they arrive - it is their story to tell.”

“Fair enough. In the meantime, we have many preparations to make. We will wait here....”

“No. Koko insisted we continue to move towards the summer encampment. They will catch us, Nahko’e. Koko promised, as did Donoma. They have no desire to thwart your celebration. And since there are only two of them instead of an entire clan, it will make little difference in the distance they need to make up to reach us.”

“All right,” Litonya agreed. “Let us go talk to your Neho’e and Odahingum. We have a lot of work to do.”

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

“Are you ready, ka’eskone?” Koko asked as they approached the People’s encampment. Donoma blew out a breath and met Koko’s blue eyes. They’d had three wonderful days of just them and were just arriving at the tribe as the sun reached its zenith. The call from the scouts had already gone up and they could both see the entire clan gathering to welcome them home.

“They are our friends and family, Koko. I do not think we can ever be ready for that,” Donoma replied wryly.

Koko laughed, only her eyes betraying her nervousness. “I tend to agree with you, Donoma. Come, the sooner we get the greetings out of the way, the sooner we can get started celebrating.” Then they were arriving in the midst of the People.

Koko slid from the back of the big black, holding his reins and grasping Dapples’ in the same hand before extending her arms to Donoma. Donoma slipped from Dapples’ back and into Koko’s arms and together they turned to face the People who were waiting to greet them.

Litonya was the first and she took them both in her arms, murmuring words of welcome and congratulation. Litonya stepped back only to find herself lifted off the ground and into Koko’s arms. “Koko Kanti!” she squealed. “Koko Kanti... put me down this instant!” Koko obeyed with a chuckle, laughing even harder when Litonya backhanded her in the belly. She looked at her daughter. “You have your hands full with this one, Donoma Chepi.”

“Yes, Nahko’e,” Donoma agreed, wrapping her arms around Koko’s waist and feeling Koko’s arm come around her shoulders, completing their embrace. “And I would not have it any other way. She completes me.”

“You are happy, my nahtona?”

“So much, Nahko’e.” She looked at Koko and time stood still for the long moment they held each other’s eyes. The entire tribe watched in fascination - the public acknowledgment of a bond they had shared since they were children. “We both are,” Donoma assured Litonya without ever allowing her eyes to stray from Koko’s.

“Have you exchanged promises with one another in accordance with our traditions?” Odahingum asked formally as he came forward, knowing the answer but needing for them to acknowledge it publicly before the People.

“We have, Chief Odahingum.”

“And were there witnesses to this joining?”

“There were,” Koko replied. “Honaw and Keezheekoni bore witness of our exchange.” The two men in question stepped forward and nodded their assent of her words. Odahingum bowed slightly in acceptance of their agreement and turned back to face Koko and Donoma. He smiled and found the expression reflected back to him two-fold. “Then the People extend a welcome to the new family of Donoma Chepi and Koko Kanti. It is wonderful to have you home again!”

A cheer went up from the entire tribe and then they were being escorted into the village area.

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

The celebration had been going on for some time and the sun was just setting when Koko and Donoma were finally able to sit down with Litonya, Takoda and Odahingum. The People settled round them, waiting to hear the tale of what had happened since Donoma and Koko had left them months before.

Slowly Donoma told their story, drawing gasps and groans as she went through the adventures they had shared during their time away. When she reached the showdown with Washburn, Koko held her tighter and absolute silence fell over the entire encampment. Finally....

“So the threat to you has been eliminated, Koko Kanti?” Takoda asked, breaking the silence.

“The most obvious one, yes. There could be others, but Washburn was the worst. The rest we will deal with if and when they arise.”

“Are you certain about going off alone?” Odahingum asked. “The People’s warriors would be glad to stand with you if....”

“No, Chief. We need some time for us. There is so much we need to relearn about each other, discoveries we have missed by being apart from one another for so long. We are not saying we will never return to live among the People, only that we are not staying right now.”

“Let them be, Odahingum,” Litonya spoke up, surprising them all. “They are entitled to a bit of time alone considering what they have been through to be together again.” She turned to the two still clasping one another in a singular embrace. “You will come with us to the summer camp and make an effort to meet up with us there every year until you return to settle with the People?”

“Yes, Nahko’e,” Koko and Donoma said together.

“Good, then let us celebrate - this is a party!” With a whoop and a cry from the warriors, the party resumed, going on well into the night.

Chapter L

The trip across the prairie was slow and steady as the People made their way towards summer camp. Koko resumed her classes with the warriors at their request, spending her mornings sharpening skills that had been left to fallow when she lived among the white man. Donoma’s mornings were used to prepare the things they would need for their journey alone as well as contributing to the daily welfare of the tribe. Many of the women she shared chores with were intrigued to hear about her experiences in the white man’s world and she was glad to share her stories with them.

Afternoons they spent alone together, much as they had during their growing up years. After a few days of this, Litonya turned to Takoda as Koko and Donoma walked out of the encampment. “It is good to have them here again... even if it is only for a little while. They bring balance with them.”

“Are you certain it is wise to allow them to leave us again, Litonya? Surely you have seen the difference having them here makes for the clan.”

Litonya gazed at Takoda with a hint of loving exasperation in her look. “Takoda, you have been a shaman for the People since before your Neho’e passed on to the land of the Great Spirit. I know the well-being of the clan is your first priority, but you need to stop being the tribe’s seer and be Donoma’s Neho’e instead. Look at this from Donoma’s point of view. Her joining with Koko is nothing like anything the People have seen. They have been a couple for their lifetimes and yet they are just discovering the bond they share. You cannot blame them for wanting some peace to make that discovery.”

“None of the rest of us had that luxury, Litonya.”

“None of the rest of us have their history nor have we known separation like they have, Takoda.”

“You are not going to give this up, are you?”

“No. They deserve this together. They will return... one day.”

Takoda smiled. “Are you a seer now?”

“Better... I am a Nahko’e.”

“I surrender, Litonya.”

“I knew I had joined with a smart man,” Litonya said with a giggle. Takoda just laughed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders and together they watched the sun set. It was how Koko and Donoma found them a short time later.

Evenings were spent in conversation and games. There were a few challenges, but more because the warriors felt Koko and Donoma deserved the courtesy than because they wanted to break up their coupling. Not that there was any danger of that - Koko was able to take on all comers... and did so on a regular basis, much to the entertainment of the rest of the tribe.

Nights were about the two of them - Donoma tended to the minor cuts and bruises Koko had accumulated during her day while they shared experiences of their time spent apart. Some nights they spent making love and others they merely curled around one another in sleep.

So they slowly made their way across the prairie towards the summer encampment.

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

Their arrival in the summer camp was a heralded event and a feeling of excitement pervaded the People. Word had spread of Koko’s return to her clan and her joining to Donoma. So everyone was out to greet them when they finally reached the summer encampment.

It was odd - hundreds of People observing as they entered the outskirts of the village, but not a sound could be heard beyond the whisper the horses made. The scouts keeping watch had alerted the camp of their approach, and the People gathered together to welcome them.

Odahingum came first, followed by Takoda. Then came Donoma and Koko riding side by side in their joining attire. The respected elders followed behind them; the warriors were next, riding in pairs or threesomes and looking around carefully at the assembly. Bringing up the rear were the women and children.

When the clan reached the main village of the summer encampment, the ranks of the rest of the People closed around them from behind. The elders moved to take their places with the others and the People spread out respectfully to watch the greeting between Odahingum and the rest of the chieftains.

“Greetings, my friends.”

“Welcome, Chief Odahingum and the People of his clan. We understand you come bearing great news.”

“I do indeed. Koko Kanti has returned to us, and she and Donoma Chepi have joined their lives and formed a new family.”

“Were there witnesses to this joining?” Honaw and Keez stepped forward and awaited the chieftains’ acknowledgment before moving back to their places with the warriors. “Then we welcome the new family of Koko Kanti and Donoma Chepi to the People and look forward to blessing them on the day of the long sun.”

With that pronouncement, a cheer went up from the congregation and the tribe moved to set up their dwellings before mingling with the friends they saw for only a short time once a year.

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

Koko deliberately chose a quiet spot a little separated from the rest for erecting their temporary home. With Donoma’s help, it was up quickly and Koko led Donoma inside. Once they were alone, Donoma leaned her head against Koko’s chest; Koko wrapped her arms around Donoma and kissed the top of her head.

“Ka’eskone?”

“I do not like being the center of attention, Koko Kanti. It is very unnerving.”

Koko chuckled soundlessly. “You should be used to it, Donoma. You have always drawn attention to yourself, simply by being who you are.”

“Not like this, Koko Kanti. Before I was looked to for my gift as a seer and when that was not needed, I could become part of the whole... unnoticed by the rest.”

“None here tried to capture your attention, ka’eskone?”

“Only once....” Koko raised her eyebrows in question. “Warriors do not handle public humiliation well.” Koko didn’t need to speak - Donoma could see the thoughts running through her blue eyes. “It was the first year we came to summer camp after you left. Innan thought it was an open invitation. He did not know that you had taught me to defend myself. When I refused his attention, he went to Neho’e to force the issue.”

“What happened?” Koko asked, unable to resist the twinkle sparkling out of the green eyes.

“He challenged - I answered. I did not defeat him, but he did not defeat me either. I was left alone after that.”

“I am sorry, Donoma,” after a moment’s silence. “I should have been here.”

“We cannot change what happened, Koko Kanti. At least I was able to hold my own, thanks to you.”

“I wish I could have seen that,” Koko said wistfully.

Donoma chuckled. “I do not think Innan would be willing to give another demonstration. The warriors no longer tease him, but it took a very long time for him to live down.”

“I’ll bet,” Koko murmured. “Come, let us change from our wedding attire into more comfortable clothing. Then we can go out and mix and mingle with the rest of the People. Maybe we will run into Innan,” Koko added waggling her eyebrows.

Donoma laughed. “I do not think he would allow himself to be caught like that, warrior. Besides, he has his hands full with the wives and children he has now.”

“Take all my fun,” Koko grumbled, loosening the ties to remove her shirt. Then she caught her breath when Donoma’s hand started to wander across the warm skin of her back, gently raising the shirt with each passing touch.

“All your fun, warrior?” bringing her lips into play as she exposed more skin.

It was a while before they made it out among the People again.

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

The next few days were spent renewing old friendships and making new ones. Innan did manage to avoid them, much to Koko’s amusement. But it was nice to reacquaint themselves with those that had always counted them as friends. Finally, however, all the tribes of the People were gathered and as summer solstice dawned, they prepared to celebrate the births and marriages of the previous cycle. The elders blessed the babies first, then it came time for those who had been joined.

The eldest elder stood - a man whose cycles numbered beyond counting - and beckoned Koko and Donoma forward first. “The rest have requested that you be blessed first and separately. I believe you make them nervous.”

The assembly tittered and Koko and Donoma stepped forward and took their place in front of the elders.

“For a very long time, we have watched the bond you share grow and develop into something beyond what most witness and even fewer share. There were many among us that had given up seeing a successful resolution between you - I cannot tell you how it gladdens all of us to be proven wrong about it.”

“Me too,” Koko muttered, drawing grins from every elder within hearing.

“I will keep this brief,” the elder promised. “The sooner we finish the blessings, the sooner we start the celebration,” drawing cheers and whistles from everyone. “So....” he started, clearing his throat before he continued. “The strength of your mothers, the wisdom of your fathers, the warmth of your clan to surround and comfort you. Find your hearts in one another - keep them safe and love one another well until you make your way into the arms of the Great Spirit.”

The remainder of the elders echoed his sentiments and Koko and Donoma accepted the cheers and congratulations of the tribe with a blush before they were allowed to move on while the rest moved forward to be blessed. Then the celebration began.

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

“How do you feel, nahtona?” Takoda asked, sitting down beside Donoma much later that evening. Koko had been called away to congratulate those that had been initiated into the ranks of the Peoples’ warriors at sundown though their eyes never left one another despite the current physical distance between them. “Now that your joining to Koko Kanti has been recognized and blessed by the elders of the People.”

“It does not change how I feel, Neho’e. Why would it?”

Takoda blinked in surprise. “You do not feel differently now that you have been blessed... like your marriage to Koko has merit or validation now?”

Donoma turned to Takoda then, outrage flowing from her very green eyes. “My mating with Koko Kanti needs no merit or validation from anyone. What we share is between us and us alone. We allowed the elders to bless us because it is the way of our People and we respect that. They would have been disappointed had we not asked for their blessing. But it does not change the way we feel.”

“Problem, ka’eskone?” Koko purred as she wrapped Donoma in her arms from behind.

“No, Nutta. Simply a misunderstanding,” holding Takoda’s eyes. Unexpectedly, he smiled at them and took them into his arms briefly before releasing them.

“No misunderstanding, Donoma Chepi. You responded exactly as I hoped you would - you both did. Thank you for proving me right,” he said again. Then he brushed a hand over each woman’s cheek and returned to his place around the fire with the other shamen. Koko and Donoma watched wordlessly as he spoke, seeing the vehemence in his gestures and watching all eyes turn to them for a moment before the rest grumblingly relinquished some sort of payment to him.

Without a word they exchanged gazes, glancing at the shamen once more before Koko released Donoma from her embrace and extended a hand. Donoma accepted the invitation and together they walked away from the celebration and into the quiet peace of the prairie summer night.

“Do I even want to know?”

“Probably not. I know I do not.”

They walked further out into the prairie, until the camp was nothing more than a speck of light behind them and the only sounds they heard were those of the crickets, the herds and the grasses blowing in the breeze. Finally Koko pulled them to a stop and wrapped Donoma in her embrace, gratified when Donoma immediately turned in her arms to face her.

“Do you suppose my Neho’e and Nahko’e are watching? Do you think they know how happy I am?”

“I think they do, Nutta,” Donoma replied confidently. “I believe the Great Spirit shares our joy with them.”

“I wonder if we will ever see them again... in this world, I mean.”

“Perhaps one day... if we are in need of their help or guidance like we were before. In the meantime, I like to think they know we are finally happy together and that they are happy for us.” They both looked up at the two stars that represented Honiahaka and Rae’l to them for a few minutes. Then Koko cleared her throat before speaking softly to keep from disturbing the peace around them.

“Well, Mrs. Donoma Chepi Reb Stone,” seeing the arched eyebrow and chuckling in response to the address. “We have been lost to and found each other again; have been joined to one another; have made friends in the white man’s world; have defeated the enemy that would have seen us destroyed; have returned to the bosom of our People; and have received the blessing of both chieftain and elders. What do you want to do now?”

“Tonight, I want to return to our dwelling and show you just how much I love you. Is that not part of our responsibility as a newly blessed couple?” she added with wicked grin, allowing the merriment to peek out of her eyes.

Koko’s grin matched her own and her eyes danced with happiness. “I believe it is, ka’eskone. We cannot ignore this tradition. It could bring us bad luck and we would not want to start out our blessed lives inviting bad luck upon us in such a manner.” She ducked her head and kissed Donoma with passionate intent. “And after that - when we are certain we have fulfilled our obligations?” she asked breathlessly when they separated.

“After that, when we are completely sated by one another, I want to curl up in your arms and sleep peacefully until the sun comes up. And once daylight has returned to the land, I would like to take our leave of the People and go make our own way... wherever we feel led to go.”

“You sound like a woman with a plan, ka’eskone.”

“I am a woman with a life to lead, and I cannot wait to lead it with you, warrior mine.”

“Come then. Let us return to the camp so we may begin the ritual honoring the tradition of celebrating becoming a blessed couple. Then tomorrow we will see what lies over the next hill... and the next... until we decide differently.”

“I love you Koko Kanti... so much.”

“You are my world, Donoma Chepi. I love you too.”

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

Their leave taking the following morning was a boisterous affair as every member of every clan seemed to desire to offer well-wishes and farewells. Finally though, everyone was done except for their closest family. Odahingum was the first of the last to speak to them.

“Be well,” he offered. “And come home safely.”

Honaw stepped forward next. “Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey thus far. It was a privilege to have been witness to so much. Now do not go off and forget about the family here that loves and cares for you. I will be waiting for your return - I want to hear the stories of the sights you find and the places you go and the things you do.”

Donoma returned the hug he gave her fiercely. “I will write it all down for you, Hestatanemo, so I will not forget anything in the telling. Watch out for yourself and for our Neho’e and Nahkon’e.”

“I will and you and Koko Kanti look out for each other.”

Takoda walked to them next, taking them both in his arms and murmuring a low prayer for them. Then he kissed each of them and stepped back to allow Litonya to have the final good bye.

“We will miss you while you are gone from us, but I understand the necessity of doing so. I hope you find what you are searching for soon that you may return to us all the sooner. But if you do not, know that we will not forget and there will always be a place for you both at our fire.”

“Thank you, Nahkon’e,” Donoma said, hugging her mother tightly, then standing back so Koko could do the same.

“I will protect her, Litonya. And I will bring her home to stay when we are ready to settle with the People.”

“And you will return here to summer camp every year until you do?”

“We will make every effort, Litonya. I promise you.” Litonya held Koko’s serious blue eyes for a long moment, then nodded.

“Very well. Go with my blessing.”

The two mounted their horses and looked around at the expectant crowd. Then without a word, they reached out their hands and linked them, turning their horses west and setting off without a backwards glance.

Litonya chanced a look at Takoda and noted the mysterious hint of a smile on his face. She tilted her head in curiosity. “You know something,” she said flatly.

“I know that they have each other. That will make the rest all right.” They watched until Koko and Donoma were mere specks in the distance before they returned to the encampment, ready to pack up their own things and prepare for the trip across the Plains - back towards their winter home.

Epilogue

There was something to be said for solitude on the vast prairie and the peace they found together there was something Donoma and Koko appreciated on a number of levels. At the moment, they were appreciating the fact in the most intimate of ways.

Honiahaka and Rae’l had turned away at the first sign of lovemaking between their daughters - not to preserve their modesty as much as to give Koko and Donoma the privacy and respect they deserved.

“It is good to see them happy together, is it not?” Honiahaka asked his wife with a smile.

“It is indeed,” Rae’l agreed. “It was quite the road to get here though.”

“Yes, but it is not the destination that counts, but the journey we take to reach it. Koko and Donoma have made a wonderful start to a memorable journey.”

“I hope it is long and filled with happiness.”

“I think it will be,” Honiahaka said. The pair smiled down upon their children as Koko’s and Donoma’s mingled laughter rang out across the prairie. He and Rae’l moved further away, knowing for right now, everything was right in their world.

The Drifter had come home and found her place at last.

THE END

09/07 - 06/08

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