Peskotomakat, Pestomokat, same difference. It's the name of a nation, and to be specific, it's my name. Pestomokat, it translates into "the scallop-spearer." A lot of folks in the surrounding villages call me Evergreen though. I've lived longer than any of the tribe elders and medicine men, but keep my enduring youth all the same, I still look like a rugged, uncontrolled, rebellious toddler.
The villagers came ages ago, so far back in my memory I couldn't dare to reach for it now. I was still in this childlike form, perhaps appearing just slightly smaller, I didn't speak, not with my tongue. I could make noises, imitate animals, and play a sort of charades with the people. They thought I was a sign of good fortune and they settled there in the white pine forest on the edge of the river.
They were a nomadic people and would keep the tradition of changing location with the seasons. Sometimes we were deep in the woods, other times we were in the high land ranges, the rest were spent along the rough Rock coast fishing. They brought their wisdom to me, they gave me a language to speak, stories to learn and create and tell. I was given a home and family that never left my side. They took care of me.
In return I taught them about the land. I showed them how to hunt and fish, when the animals changed location for winter, showed them where they went... I showed them how to climb; they taught me how to build. I showed them the many delicious berries and fruits that grew plentiful in my rugged home.
They taught me to cook, and how to weave and dye cloth and animal skins. They made beautiful Jewelry as well. Some made from stone, some shells; some were made with beads and feathers.
Our skin was reddish tan; this was a result of living in the open air. Fishing, harvesting and traveling with the great oceans rising eastern light on our backs. The orb would rise over the salt water horizon each morning at the crack of dawn and set each night behind The Greatest Mountain, Mount Katahdin. We had dark eyes that could shine, strong muscles, knowledge of our homeland, and humble wisdom, and a long lasting peace.
I and my people lived in this fashion for a long time; I never dreamed that anything could ever change. I never would have foreseen the outsiders, on their India bound ships... to cross the eastern endless expanse of water, and discover my sanctuary; claim it as their own New World. It never crossed my mind someone would stake me out as part of a territory, rip me away from the way I once lived and tell me to live another. That I was to become a proper lady, I was to live my life under a man I would never know, never meet, far across the eastern sea. I also never dreamed to consider these strangers friends or family.
Well this is the story beyond my wildest dreams.