Title: Pipe Dreams
Pairing: Callie/Arizona
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Just in case you thought I did, no I don't own any of these characters.

Author's Note: I got the Native American names from a book on the Ute tribe in Southwest Colorado. The names represent fictional characters and do not represent actual historic individuals.

Callie gathered up her bow and arrow and headed outside of her tepee to where a group of men were already gathered. She glanced over at her sister Aria who was listening from the edge of the circle, just far enough not to be in the way but close enough to hear. Callie took the more brazen approach and charged into the middle where Aria's husband Shavano was instructing the group.

"We need to get moving before it gets dark," Callie interrupted. She knew if they had any hope of tracking her nephew they needed to move now. Almost an hour had already passed since the rest of the children had returned from savaging for vegetation. With the full force of winter approaching everyone was expected to work diligently to ensure they had enough food stored for the upcoming season. Somehow Aria's son Colorow had become separated from the group and had not returned home.

"No, Calliope. You aren't coming with us this time," Shavano commanded.

"I certainly am…" Callie had never gotten on very well with Shavano. He always insisted on using her full name and it frosted her that he would soon be taking over as Chief of the tribe. He took too long to come to a decision and Callie worried for their future as the white settlers began to move west and the northern tribes were forced south further into the Ute land.

"You'll only slow us down," Shavano worked to explain himself though the argument was weak. Everyone in the group knew that would not be the case. Callie was more capable at hunting and tracking then most of the men of the tribe. However, Shavano's pride would not allow him to admit it. "Go back and help prepare some food for our return."

Callie was about to argue further, but Aria stepped in and placed a careful hand on her husband's arm. "Please, Shavano. I would feel much better if Callie went as well. I would want to go myself if I wasn't…" Aria motioned down to her bulging belly which currently housed her second child. "Callie will be my eyes, ears, and my heart."

Shavano sighed, "Fine but only because we'd be wasting time arguing about this. If you begin to slow us down, Calliope, I will leave you behind."

Callie had enough sense of respect for the future Chief to give a quick nod of acknowledgement. However, any sense of hierarchy was quickly forgotten as she took the lead the moment they set out in search of Colorow.

Arizona brought a cup of water to the boy's lips and he steadily drank. She had been quite relieved when she saw his eyes struggling to open a few minutes ago and she had met no resistance when she gently raised his head to drink.

"You're going to be just fine. Back on your feet in no time." Arizona was fairly certain the boy would have no idea what she was saying, but hoped that her tone would soothe his nerves. "You haven't been out too long, only a few minutes."

The boy struggled to sit up, but fell back again. He glanced worriedly around him, but calmed down as Arizona brought the water glass to his lips again.

"Are you hungry? I have some stew coming to a boil." Arizona moved and filled a bowl part way full and brought it over to him. She fed him with a spoon and he ate up the food rather rapidly. The fact that the boy seemed to like it warmed Arizona's heart. To hear Mark talk you would think she was the worst cook in the western territories.

The boy settled back down into the blankets and began to drift off again. "Yes, you probably should get some more rest... I'm still not quite sure what to do with you." Arizona's voice went down to a fearful whisper, "and I'm sure someone's out there looking for you." Arizona's mind kept playing through the scenario of a mother bear separated from her cub. She definitely wouldn't want to be the one standing between them.