"Danny don't play with your food." Rebecca lightly scolded her son as she sat down at the table. The young boy nodded with a sheepish smile placing his hands in his lap. Rebecca smiled at her son before looking over at the two grown men at her table. John looked at her happily before quickly turning his attention back to his food. "It's time we say grace. John would you like to?" Rebecca asked.
John politely nodded before nervously folding his hands. "Um…Heavenly father, or the great father as Tonto calls you…yeah um… we thank thee for this warm home and hot food that thou has graciously given us…for Rebecca's kindness… and loving nature and generosity and thoughtfulness…" John felt a swift kick in the leg from Tonto, signaling to quit while he was ahead. John gave a pained yelp but tried, unsuccessfully, to cover it with a cough, causing Rebecca to chuckle. "ahem um… and thank thee for our safe travels. May they continue to be so amen."
"Alright boys dig in." Rebecca said with a flourish before her guests greedily started to scoop up food.
"We are much obliged to you Rebecca, for sharing your home and hospitality." John said swallowing his food, his grin reaching ear to ear. Rebecca gave a small smile feeling her heart swell. "And the food is mighty fine too."
Rebecca giggled, "Well thank you. Though I can't take all the credit…"
"I made the mash potatoes!" Danny chimed in excitedly looking over between his uncle John and Tonto.
"Well that's my favorite part." His uncle said scooping up some onto his fork.
"What about you Mr. Tonto?" the little boy asked cocking his head towards the warrior. Tonto glanced over at the boy and grunted.
"All is good." Tonto nodded before returning back to his food.
"Why is your face painted?" Danny asked his curiosity getting the better of him.
"Danny! I'm sorry Mr. Tonto..." Rebecca started but was interrupted by his up turned hand. Tonto looked at the boy before leaning in close.
"My face," he started, his tone stoic, "holds markings of warrior, of hunter." Danny's eyes widened, studying the black lines that streaked down his face. He pondered for a second before looking back over at his uncle.
"Why don't you have paint on your face? You are a warrior too right?" John seemed to freeze, his eyebrows shot up before looking over at Rebecca, who shrugged her shoulders an amused smile on her face.
"Well…um…" he started but was cut off by Tonto.
"That's why he wears mask." He nodded before returning back to his food before mumbling under his breath, "Too stupid to be warrior."
