A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who is hanging on during this crazy time of COVID-19. I apologize for taking so long. I sincerely hope you enjoy this next chapter. If it wasn't for my dear writing besties, Vandy, Laura and Susan, I would have long given up.
Same warnings and copyright blah blah blah.
"It's the start of us, waking up, come on, Are you ready? I'll be ready, I don't want control, I want to let go, Are you ready? I'll be ready, 'Cause now it's time to let them know we are ready, What about us?
Pink
Chapter 15
What About Us?
Rock Creek, Nebraska
April 1865
Things were going well back home at The Bar PXF. Ike and Jeremiah had successfully negotiated several horse deals that were very profitable. Jeremiah would eat dinner with either Jimmy, Amanda, and Lydia or would eat with Lydia at her place. The couple had not done anymore than kissing since that night.
One afternoon, a couple of weeks after Buck and Lou had left, Ike found Jeremiah in the barn. He stood and watched him aimlessly shovel nothing in one of the stalls. Ike had also noticed that Jeremiah seemed frustrated at times. Ike laughed and walked over to the stall. He sat his arms on the top rail and looked over.
"You know, Jeremiah, that stall is clean enough." Ike said.
"Sure. Be there in minute." Jeremiah said absently. Ike raised his eyebrow and chuckled.
"You want to go to England?" Ike asked.
"That sounds good to me." Jeremiah replied. Ike couldn't stand it. He was about to burst with laughter. He walked over to the bucket of water and took a dipper full.
"Jeremiah. JEREMIAH!" Ike said. Ike dipped his fingers into the water and flung the water onto Jeremiah. He didn't notice. Ike then took the rest of the dipper and threw it onto Jeremiah. This got a reaction.
"What to hell! Ike! Man, what's that about?" Jeremiah asked as he turned around and faced Ike. Ike was laughing so hard he sat down on a bale of hay. Jeremiah took his hat off and wiped the sweat from his brow. "Sorry Ike. I just . . . I just was thinking."
"Man, come sit down and tell me what has you so preoccupied?" Ike said to his young friend. Jeremiah walked over and sat down opposite Ike on another hay bale. He took off his hat and scratched his head.
"Lydia." Jeremiah said to Ike. Ike looked at him curiously.
"Is everything alright. I thought you guys were happy together." Ike asked.
"Oh we are. We are. It's just . . . that. Well, I . . . I . . . I'm a virgin." Jeremiah said to Ike. Ike looked at him for a minute.
"And. . . that's bad or good?" Ike said. He wasn't sure where this conversation was going. And if he wanted to be a part of it.
"It's good. Lydia is too. So, I mean we can share that with each other. You know. I am . . . just. . . UGH! I'm worried that I won't know what to do!" Jeremiah said loudly. He jumped off the hay bale and began to pace in front of Ike. "I mean. . .I want to be the best man for her. To . . . to give her . . .you know. . .you know. . .pleasure."
Ike was taken aback. Jeremiah was really asking him about sex. Sex that involved Jimmy Hickok's little sister. He wasn't sure that this was a conversation he should be having.
"I can't talk to Buck about this because he's married to my sister and that would be weird. It's weird enough knowing that they do what Lydia and I did to begin with. OOOPPPPPSSSSS!" Jeremiah said as he clasp his hand over his mouth. Ike raised his eyebrow.
"Jeremiah. . . uh. . . what exactly did you and Lydia do?" Ike asked. He was afraid of the answer. Wait. Didn't he say that they were both virgins?
"We . . .uh. . . okay. A few weeks ago, the night of the attack, I escorted her back to her place. We talked and had cocoa. Then, we started kissing . . . and . . . touching. I carried her into the bedroom. We still kissed and I . . . uh . . . took off her . . . nightdress. She took off my shirt and undid my pants." Jeremiah stopped talking to collect himself.
"Okay, so you guys were making out pretty hot and heavy. Were you both enjoying it?" Ike asked.
"Oh yeah. It was amazing. Lydia was so timid yet determined. I kept looking into her eyes making sure she was alright. In fact, I asked her if she was sure. She said yes. I kissed her breasts. She moaned. That was the most amazing sound." Jeremiah said. He stopped at the memory.
"So, you guys were exploring." Ike said to prompt Jeremiah to continue.
"Yeah. Then, I . . .uh . . . I . . . touched her. I touched her there. She was so soft. So warm. The way she moved under me was like heaven. The feelings I felt I can't even describe. The sounds she made. The way . . . Ike, I didn't know it could feel like that." Jeremiah said. Ike smiled. Jeremiah was experimenting yet being respectful.
"It's an amazing feeling. Did she climax?" Ike asked. Jeremiah looked away and then looked back up with a smile. "So she did. The feeling that you gave the woman you love something like that is awesome."
"Yeah it is. She was breathing heavy and smiling." Jeremiah stated.
"So, what happened next? Did you guys cuddle?" Ike asked.
"Uhm, no." Jeremiah answered. Ike looked shocked.
"WHAT! Man, if you love her, you cuddle after. She needs to know that you are not using her just for her body." Ike was frantically explaining.
"We didn't cuddle . . . because . . . she was touching me." Jeremiah said. He blew out a breath at the memory. Ike went from shocked to curious. Exactly how far did they go? "Lydi was stroking me. It felt . . . amazing. If that is how she felt I understand why she moved and sounded the way she did."
"She flipped me over . . . on my back. She . . . kissed down my chest. Then she . . . put her . . . mouth . . . on . . ." Jeremiah said as he again blew out a breath at the thought. "She began . . . to . . . up and down . . . I . . ."
"You climaxed. You spilled your seed in her mouth." Ike said with a smile. Here leaned forward resting his forearms on his knees. Jeremiah nodded his head yes.
"Yes. It was so amazing. It felt like I exploded. Then I got nervous. What if she didn't want that? But she was completely okay with it. I have never felt like that before in my life." Jeremiah said.
"Wow. Sounds like you guys enjoyed yourselves. What else happened?" Ike asked. Jeremiah went to sit back down.
"Nothing. We laid there and held each other. Both of us agreed that we didn't want to go any further. I respect her. I don't want her to think that her body is the only reason I love her. I want respect the way we were raised. You shouldn't have sex before you get married. That's the way we were taught." Jeremiah said. Ike smiled. He was so proud of the man Jeremiah had become.
"You are right Jeremiah. Buck and I were taught that way as well. I can tell you though that you are better man. Neither Buck nor I nor Jimmy nor Cody or Kid and even Lou waited until we got married. I don't think that makes us terrible people or condemned to hell. We all learned from our mistakes. But making love to the woman you love with all of your soul, that's a feeling you can't describe. It's magical and beautiful." Ike said to him. Jeremiah nodded and hung on every word.
"I understand. That's why I couldn't talk to Jimmy. This is his sister we are talking about for crying out loud. And I can't talk to Buck because the thought of him telling me what he does with my sister makes me sick." Jeremiah said looking like he might throw up. Ike laughed. He understood. "So, what can I do to make sure she feels that every time. Sex shouldn't be just her wifely duty, I want to love her."
"I get it. I really do. I would probably feel the same way if my sister were still alive too. Look, Jeremiah. You are doing everything right. Really. You love and respect her. You guys are great together. And you are right. Sex should be enjoyed not a chore." Ike said to him. Jeremiah listened. He knew now that Ike was serious and even though they had always treated him like a man, he could come to them with anything. "The first time is easier on you than it is her. You just need to focus of her and pleasing her the way you did before you actually enter her. You can use your fingers or even your mouth."
Jeremiah's eyes got as big as saucers. He listened on as Ike described how to please Lydia with his tongue. He then explained that Jeremiah needed to focus so that he wouldn't let go too early. Ike then explained about allowing Lydia to adjust to his size. That his pushing into her would be painful for her and to let her lead the pace. He also let Jeremiah know that Lydia would probably bleed and that was normal.
After their talk, Jeremiah thanked Ike. He told him how much he appreciated his advice. Ike told him anytime and headed for his house. He kissed Emily and rubbed her rounding belly. Emily smiled and ran her hand down his chest. Ike looked into her eyes and leaned in for another kiss, this time heated with passion and love.
Ike guided Emily upstairs to their bedroom. He reached around and unfastened her skirt and let it fall to the floor. He pulled her blouse over her head along with her chemise. Emily moaned as Ike's hands glided along her breasts. She reached out and pushed his suspenders down and unbuttoned his shirt. She pushed his shirt off his shoulders as he pulled his long john top off. Ike pulled her to him again and reached down. He grabbed her ass cheeks and squeezed. He realized that she wasn't wearing any drawers. Ike smiled and squeezed again. He backed Emily up to their bed. While Emily settled in, Ike pulled his pants and long john bottoms off. He began to kiss her again and lowered his lips to her nipples. Emily took in a sharp breath at the sensation. Ike lowered himself to her feminine. He opened her seam and began to lick and suck on her until her legs were shaking. Emily cried out in a spectacular orgasm. Ike climbed back up and sat on his knees. He lined himself up with Emily and pushed inside her. Both of them moaned at the sensations. Ike hooked her legs over his elbows and began to thrust into her. Both husband and wife were moaning and calling out to each other. Both of them climaxed together. They laid there in their bed and held each other for the rest of the night.
A few days later, Emily and Rachel were shopping in town after Emily's doctor's appointment. They went to have lunch and stopped to talk to Amanda. On their way back to the ranch the ladies decided to stop and see Lydia since school had just let out. Lydia was sitting at her desk staring blankly at a piece of paper.
"Hey Lydia! How are you?" Rachel asked. Lydia looked up and squealed.
"I'm sorry Emily, Rachel. You both startled me. My mind was somewhere else." Lydia explained. Emily and Rachel took a seat.
"Is something wrong Lydia?" Rachel asked. Lydia felt her lip start to quiver. How could she talk about this?
"No. Well, . . . not really. Can I talk to you ladies about something?" Lydia asked. She was so nervous but she was going to explode if she didn't talk about it. She didn't have many friends her age here in Rock Creek. Sure, she was part of the church and the ladies social, just like Rachel, Emily, Louise, and Amanda. The ladies of The Bar PXF as they were known were well respected members however, everyone knew they were a breed unto their own. They socialized however didn't agree with standard town talk. Lydia was quickly following suit with them instead of the other ladies her age.
"Lydia, you can talk to us about anything. You should know that." Emily said. Rachel nodded in agreement. Lydia took a deep breath and went to close the door to the school house. She returned to her seat and took another deep breath. "Lyd, did something happen with Jeremiah?"
"Yes. I can't talk to Amanda because I don't want her telling Jimmy. I'm his baby sister and he would kill Jeremiah." Lydia said to the ladies.
"Lydia, did Jeremiah hurt you? Did he force you to do something you didn't want to do?" Rachel asked. No one would ever think that Jeremiah would ever do something like that. He was a good boy; a good man.
"OH NO! Nothing like that. But . . . uh. . . . something did happen between us. I . . . uh, so how do you . . . how do you know what to do?" Lydia stuttered out. Rachel and Emily looked at each other and then back to Lydia confused.
"How to do what?" Emily asked. Lydia looked down and then stood up. She began to pace and wring her hands. The ladies just sat and watched her. They let her lead the conversation.
"Uhmm, the night of the attack, you know Jeremiah escorted me home. He stayed and we had some cake and hot chocolate. We started talking and then kissing. And then. . ." Lydia explained to the ladies. "We . . . uhm . . . well, we ended up in my bedroom. On the bed. We were kissing. And touching. He pulled my nightdress off. I helped him out of his clothes. We laid down and he was on . . . on top of me. He kissed me, my breasts. He touched me there. Down there. It felt so good. So right. The fire and the high."
"Oh Lydia! Was that the first time you have ever been touched like that?" Emily asked.
"Yes. Jeremiah and I are both virgins. He was so timid and shy. He kept asking me if I was okay and if I was okay with what he was doing. It was amazing. Then all of a sudden, it's like I exploded with this feeling of sheer pleasure and I was breathing so hard and so fast. I didn't know you could feel that way. It was. . . it was. . . magical!" Lydia said to the ladies. The ladies smiled.
"So you climaxed." Rachel said to Lydia.
"I guess if that's what you call it. It was amazing." Lydia said. She was smiling and yet hid her face to hide the blush. She had so many questions. "So, how do I make sure I keep him . . . satisfied. As part of being a wife, I have to keep my husband satisfied. How do I make sure that he is satisfied?"
"Well, Lydia, did anything else happen between you and Jeremiah? Did he cuddle you?" Emily asked.
"No. He didn't." Lydia answered. Emily and Rachel looked shocked. "He didn't because I started to . . .to touch . . . touch him."
"Oh." Emily said and began to smile.
"I kissed his . . . chest. I rubbed him. I . . . leaned down . . . and . . . and I . . . put him in my mouth." Lydia said to the ladies. Emily and Rachel both smiled and giggled. "I went up and down and licked and . . . and then . . . then . . . he exploded in my mouth. I knew he had to feel the same way I had felt. It was incredible."
"So, he spilled his seed in your mouth. Did you guys do anything else?" Rachel asked. Emily was just as curious.
"That's when we laid there and cuddled. We both said we didn't want to go any further. But . . . how do I know . . . that he is happy and . . . satisfied? Isn't that what I am supposed to do as a wife?" Lydia asked. She was almost fearful of the answer. Lydia wanted to be with Jeremiah more than anything but wanted to make sure that he was as happy as he made her.
"Lydia, I don't know how much you know about the way a man and woman should act when they get married. I know you have some great role models around here. None of us were innocent when we got married, certainly not the boys. But, sex is not a chore or a burden. It is meant to be shared and enjoyed. He should satisfy you just as you satisfy him." Rachel explained. Emily nodded her head in agreement.
"That's right. He may not cause you to climax when he is inside you, but he could have you climax before. You said you are still a virgin right?" Emily asked.
"Yes. We both are. We were both raised with the understanding that sex is to be shared in marriage. Not before. I don't judge anyone but that's the way I want to keep things. I think he does too." Lydia explained. Rachel and Emily both smiled.
"There's nothing wrong with that at all. Lydia, the first time you are together is not going to be pleasurable. It will hurt and be painful. You may even bleed some. But that is normal and every woman has that happen. Just let Jeremiah know what you are feeling so he can help. He can stop and wait or be slow. Just let him know. After the first couple of times, you will have pleasure and it will be everything you hoped it would be." Emily explained. Lydia sat back down and smiled.
"Does that help any?" Rachel asked.
"Oh yes! Absolutely. I am so glad I asked you ladies. As much as I love Amanda, she is married to my brother and I wouldn't want him to find out any of this. I mean he understands that once we are married, Jeremiah and I will have sex. At least I hope he does. And Louise, well, that's Jeremiah's sister and that's just as weird. Thank you both so much for everything." Lydia said as she got up. She went and hugged both of the ladies tightly.
Emily and Rachel walked back to the ranch. Both ladies were more than ready when their husband's got home. Things around the ranch were more than great. All of the riders and their families were doing very well. Jeremiah, Ike and Jimmy began to mark off where the new house would go. Jeremiah and Lydia also set the date for their wedding: September 1.
In all the flurry of activities, Amanda announced that she was expecting. Bets were made on if Lou and Buck would come back with the same announcement. Everyone was excited for all the new additions to their family.
Back at the village, as the sun was setting, Red Hawk was being well received. Red Bear and Buck stood and watched as he was greeted and welcomed home. Once Red Hawk spotted the men, his face lit up with a smile. He ran over to where they were standing. Both men hugged and greeted Red Hawk warmly.
"Running Buck, I am so happy to see you. Please tell me you brought your family with you?" Red Hawk asked. "Chief Red Bear, thank you for allowing me to go on this vision quest. I have received many answers and visions. I will not let you down."
"Yes Red Hawk. My family has come with me. White Fire is now my wife and we have a son. There is something we need to tell you." Buck said to the young warrior. At seventeen years old, Red Hawk was a man. He could have his own dwelling and was more than old enough to marry. Red Hawk's father, Standing Elk, came up to the small group. He had accompanied Red Hawk on his quest. Standing Elk and Buck embraced and greeted each other.
"Tell me Running Buck, Chief Red Bear. What has happened?" Red Hawk asked.
"Little Star and Red Flower were attacked earlier today by the creek. Both of them were beaten into darkness. Little Star was about to be taken by force when Running Buck, myself and some of the other warriors stopped the attack." Red Bear told the men. Buck tried to control his anger as best he could.
"Little Star. My Star?" Red Hawk asked, panic rising in his voice.
"Yes Red Hawk." Red Bear answered.
"How is she? Where is she? Please I need to see her!" Red Hawk said. His voice was rising with every word. Standing Elk put a hand on his son's shoulder.
"She is in here with Red Flower. Red Flower has told us what happened. Little Star has not awoken yet." Red Bear as he led the men to the dwelling. "Running Buck, Standing Elk and I will wait out here."
Buck understood. It was Buck's responsibility to level the punishment against Howling Wolf. However, as Teresa's intended, Red Hawk should have a say as well. Buck opened the flap and both men stepped inside. Buck asked Yellow Rabbit to get Lou and Dancing Spirit something to eat. Buck went and sat behind Louise while Red Hawk took his place on the other side.
Buck and Lou watched as Red Hawk tenderly took her hand in his. He brought that hand to his lips and gently kissed it. Tears began to run down his cheeks as he gently caressed her face.
"Little Star, I am here. I am sorry I was not here to protect you. Please forgive me. Please come back to me. I love you and I want to see your beautiful eyes for the rest of my life. I promise to protect you for the rest of my life. I love you." Red Hawk said. He voice was trying to break on the words as he spoke them softly in Kiowa. Louise had tears in her eyes as she watched the tenderness he had for her sister. She knew they were meant to be.
"Running Buck, did they. . . was she . . . taken? Was she taken against her will? Taken with force? Taken from me?" Red Hawk asked. He was now getting angry. He realized now what Chief Red Bear had said. Someone had tried to take her from him.
"No Red Hawk. When I came upon them, the person was trying to untie his pants. Little Star was naked as was Red Flower since they had been swimming in the creek and thought they were alone. He was in between her trying to untie his pants when I pulled him away and knocked him into darkness." Buck explained. He realized that he had not told Louise that part and now Lou was crying harder. Teresa was almost raped.
Buck hugged Lou tighter. He whispered love and apologies into her ear. Lou tried to calm down realizing that Buck had saved Teresa from that terrible fate. Red Hawk hung his head. He prayed to the Spirits for Teresa's recovery and for guidance in his next steps. Once his prayer was finished, he raised his head and looked at Buck. Buck was caressing Louise. Lovingly assuring her of his love for her and Teresa and his regret for not getting there sooner. Louise kissed him tenderly.
"Running Buck. Please. Please tell me." Red Hawk spoke when Louise ended their kiss. Buck looked up at him. He saw the anger and hate in Red Hawk's eyes. "Tell me who did this to my woman. Tell me who hurt my woman and Red Flower. Red Flower is my friend. I want to know who."
"Red Hawk, if I tell you, you must promise to not run out of here and seek him out. I will tell you more after you calm down." Buck said. He wanted to make sure Red Hawk didn't do anything stupid.
"I promise not to run out of here. I cannot promise that I will not kill him where he stands." Red Hawk answered.
"Fair enough. Considering I almost killed him next to the creek." Buck said. Louise was surprised. He had not told her that either. She knew Buck loved Teresa as his own sister. He even called her his sister. "Howling Wolf. Howling Wolf hide behind the bushes and watched them swim. He then came out and said some things about her being a proper wife. He then knocked them both into darkness. He got between Little Star's legs and started removing his pants when I pulled him off of her. So, she was beaten yes. But I stopped her from being taken. She is still pure and waiting for you."
Red Hawk had tears in his eyes again. She was spared. Now, if she would just wake up. Red Hawk caressed her hand again. He leaned down and kissed her softly. He then picked up the cloth and rewet it. He then gently wiped her face. After he put the cloth down he kissed her again. He leaned over to her ear.
"My Star, Please come back to me. I love you. I am waiting for you." Red Hawk whispered to her.
"Red Hawk. As Little Star's closest male relative, I have to level a punishment against Howling Wolf." Buck said to the man. Red Hawk looked at Buck. "I would like for us to make that decision together. You will be her husband. In her heart and yours, you are already married. I believe you should have a say in what happens."
"I agreed Red Hawk. Little Star loves you with her heart and soul. She dreams of the day she will marry you." Lou said to the warrior. Red Hawk nodded. He couldn't speak for the emotions he had. They all sat there for a little while longer until Standing Elk told his son it was time to go home. Red Hawk reluctantly went back to his parents dwelling where he was still living. He told his father that he would be approaching Red Bear about his own dwelling soon. Standing Elk understood.
The next morning, Red Hawk was up early and requesting permission to see Teresa. Lou and Dancing spirit had stayed with the girls through the night. Red Flower was sleeping peacefully and was talking more. Teresa was the same.
"White Fire, you and Dancing Spirit have been here all night and all yesterday. Let me take care of my woman and my friend while you take a few minutes to relieve yourselves."Red Hawk said to the women. Both women looked exhausted. A few minutes later, Buck and Red Bear came into the dwelling. "Chief Red Bear, Running Buck, I asked the women to take a few minutes for themselves. I will stay with my woman and my friend."
"Red Hawk is right honey. You need to stretch and take care of yourself. Come, lets walk a minute." Buck said as he reached for Lou's hands. Louise reluctantly took his offered hands and stood up. They couple walked out of the dwelling. Red Bear nodded to his wife. They also left the dwelling.
Buck and Lou went down to the other end of the creek. Lou undressed and got in the water. Buck followed her. He rubbed her shoulders and tried to help her relax for a few minutes. They both got out and dressed again and walked back to the village. They went to Standing Elk's dwelling and checked on the baby. With all that had happened, Two Leaves, Standing Elk's wife, had taken the baby to her home and cared for him.
Buck and Louise spent some time with the baby as well as Red Hawks family. Buck and Standing Elk talked of their disappointment in Howling Wolf. Soon, Gray Wolf came in and greeted their guests. Gray Wolf sat down and talked for a few minutes with the families.
While the couples were gone, Red Hawk sat between the two women he loved. Red Flower was his best girl friend. He loved her like a sister and always had. Little Star was the woman who had stolen his heart. She was amazingly kind, fiercely loyal, wondrously beautiful, and extremely intelligent. She had never taken a second look at the fact that he was Kiowa.
"Red Hawk. Is . . . Is that you?" Red Flower asked. He turned to look at her and smiled. He took her hand and kissed it.
"Yes Red Flower. I am here. I am so sorry I wasn't here to protect you and Little Star. I am so sorry." Red Hawk said to his friend. Red Flower smiled at him.
"It's alright. You could not have known." Red Flower said. She took several deep breaths and relaxed. "How is Little Star. Did he . . . hurt her?"
"Other than beating her, no. He didn't hurt her like that. Why would he try this? Did he not know she is my woman?" Red Hawk asked.
"No. He knew. I have no answer as to why he did this." Red Flower explained. "Has she woken yet?"
"No. I am so worried about her. She is my soul. I cannot live without her." Red Hawk replied. Just then, Teresa moaned and moved her head. "Little Star. Can you hear me my Star?"
Teresa moved again and cried out. She was in so much pain and she felt like she was spinning. She tried to open her eyes but they only fluttered. She could hear voices but couldn't recognized them.
"Little Star, my love. Please. Please wake up." Red Hawk said to her. He held her hand and gently kissed her lips. Teresa calmed a bit. She was beginning to stop spinning. Her eyes fluttered again. She could hear Red Hawk. He was there.
"Red . . . Hawk." Teresa said hoarsely. Red Hawk smiled. Teresa slowly opened her eyes. She saw his handsome face smiling at her. She tried to smile but couldn't. She was in so much pain. "It . . . hurts."
"I know babe. I'm so so sorry. I wish I had been here to protect you." Red Hawk said to her softly. He leaned down and kissed her lips again softly. Teresa smiled a little.
"Red . . . Flower. Is . . . she . . ." Teresa said. She had panic in her voice. Red Hawk shifted so that the girls could see each other. Teresa began to cry.
"Little Star, please do not cry. I am okay." Red Flower said to her friend. She reached her hand out and Red Hawk placed their hands together.
"I . . . I love you. . . Red Flower. You. . . are . . . my best . . . friend." Teresa said. She was crying so hard she was causing herself more pain.
"Little Star, please. Calm down." Red Flower said to her. Red Hawk grew concerned. Teresa began to cry out from the pain. Red Hawk took her hand and whispered a prayer of comfort and healing. As he finished and realized that Teresa was not calming, he stood to go and get help.
He lifted the flap and saw his brother running towards them. Gray Wolf had always loved Red Flower. The children had always played together and were closer than any siblings. Especially now that they were older. They were each other's secret keepers. While Red Hawk was gone to the ranch, Gray Wolf and Red Flower became very close. Gray Wolf wanted to marry her. But only he knew of his dream.
"Red Hawk, what is wrong? I heard about the attack." Gray Wolf said to him. He was worried for Red Flower.
"Gray Wolf, please go and ask mother for some willow bark tea. Little Star is in too much pain. I am . . . scared." Red Hawk said to his brother. Gray Wolf nodded and turned to run back to their dwelling. He made it there is no time and flung open the flaps. Buck and Louise were still there.
"Mother, please. Do we have any willow bark tea? Red Hawk said Little Star is in too much pain. I heard her screams. Red Hawk is afraid. Please mother." Gray Wolf asked. Two Leaves immediately got up and went to brew the tea. Buck, Lou, and Standing Elk hurried out to return to the dwelling. They went inside and found Red Hawk still trying to comfort Teresa. Red Flower was also upset now because her friend was hurting.
"Teresa, Teresa I'm here." Lou said to her. Teresa opened her eyes and looked up at Lou and Buck.
"Louise . . . Buck . . . I'm sorry. I . . . I . . ." Teresa tried to say. She screamed again at the pain.
"Little Star, you did nothing wrong. Please just calm down and heal." Buck said to her. He leaned down and took her hand. He began to sing her favorite Kiowa lullaby. Teresa began to slowly calm down. Buck had always had a way with her. They were very close.
"Little Star, you are safe. You are protected. I will not let anyone hurt you ever again." Red Hawk said to her once she calmed. He continued to stroke her hand and hold it. Gray Wolf then came in with the willow bark tea. Red Hawk helped her slowly drink the tea.
"Don't worry White Fire. The tea will help her pain and help her rest better." Red Hawk explained. Louise nodded and smiled. She already knew that from Buck. She was enjoying knowing the Teresa had found such a fine man. She thought of how life would be for Teresa. They had much to discuss before they married.
"Red Hawk, would you come with me. We need to talk." Buck said after about an hour or so. Louise looked at his curiously. Red Hawk stood and went out with Buck. The men went and got their horses. They rode out for a ways. Neither speaking. One following the other. Once they stopped, Buck set up a sacred circle and both men blessed the circle. They entered and they both prayed to the Spirits. Both praying for wisdom and guidance. One praying for the other. The other praying for his woman. After their prayers they sat and ate a small meal with some provisions Buck had brought with him.
"Red Hawk. I need to know what your thoughts are about the punishment for Howling Wolf. I don't believe he should die however, his punishment should be severe." Buck said to the young warrior.
"I agree. He did not kill Little Star. However, he hurt her a great deal and that will not be tolerated. He knew she is my woman. Yet he still decided to act that way." Red Hawk replied. The men came to a decision. They mounted up and returned to the village. They asked to speak with Red Bear. They told the Chief their decision. He agreed and said the punishment would be handed down the next day. Red Hawk asked to speak to Red Bear alone. Buck walked toward the dwelling where the girls were. He was pleased to find that Red Flower was sitting up and drinking some broth. Teresa was still laying down however had more color and was not in pain. After a little bit, Red Hawk asked permission to enter. Once inside, he sat between the love of his life and his best friend.
"You have that look Red Hawk. What are you up to?" Red Flower asked. Red Hawk looked down and smiled. Red Flower laughed as well. It was music to everyone's ears.
"I asked Chief Red Bear if I may have my own dwelling. Well, actually, I asked if my brother and I could have our own dwelling. We need to be separate from mother and father. I already know who I shall marry when the time is right. This way he will also have time to find a wife." Red Hawk answered. Teresa smiled at Red Hawk while they held hands. Buck and Louise smiled and congratulated Red Hawk. Red Flower smiled but her smile didn't reach her eyes like it usually did. She didn't like how she felt. What was she feeling? Gray Wolf. A wife. He couldn't marry. Could he?
Red Flower was not sure she liked the idea of Gray Wolf marrying someone. Soon after, Red Hawk excused himself for supper. He and Gray Wolf both came back to see the girls before bed. Buck had managed to get Louise out of the dwelling again while the boys visited.
The next day found the tribe gathered at the canopy where Howling Wolf was bound. After Howling Wolf woke up, he had been cut free and rebound against the post. He was feed daily by his father. A warrior guarding him at all times. Red Bear stood before Howling Wolf. Night Wolf stood beside his son. Buck and Red Hawk stood behind and to the side of Red Bear. The members of the Tdien-Pei-Gah flanked behind Buck.
"Howling Wolf. You were found beating and about take Little Star, betrothed to Red Hawk, sister of Running Buck and White Fire, niece to Chief Red Bear. You also were found to have beaten Red Flower, daughter of Chief Red Bear and Dancing Spirit, niece of Running Buck and White Fire. What have to say?" Red Bear said to the young man.
"Red Hawk should know how to take a woman. He is no man. Little Star should have already been taken. Red Flower too. They should act like proud women. Little Star would have made a fine wife but now she is spoiled." Howling Wolf spoke plainly. Night Wolf sharply spoke to his son to be quiet. Buck was holding Red Hawk back from attacking Howling Wolf.
"Howling Wolf, you are wrong in how you have treated these women. They are not your wife, slave, or captive. They should have been treated with respect. Running Buck as Little Star's oldest male relative shall level the punishment. Red Hawk, as Little Star's intended, do you have anything to say?" Red Bear asked.
"Yes. Howling Wolf, since you say I am no man, let us fight for her." Red Hawk said. Buck and Red Bear looked at him. Red Hawk took off his knife from his side. He handed the knife to Buck. "Let us fight for Little Star. If I win, you will have your punishment handed down. If you win, then you are forgiven."
Red Hawk took a stance. Howling Wolf was given a minute to prepare by being unbound. The warriors surrounded them. Red Hawk laid the first punch to Howling Wolf's face. Howling Wolf recovered and hit Red Hawk in the gut causing him to double over. Red Hawk then lunged forward and toppled Howling Wolf. With a swift movement Howling Wolf rolled Red Hawk. Red Hawk continued to roll them until he was on top. With a war cry he began to beat Howling Wolf in the face. When Howling Wolf was almost unconscious, Buck and Standing Elk pulled Red Hawk off Howling Wolf.
Red Hawk protested and tried to free himself from the confines of his father and Buck. Howling Wolf slowly got up and turned to face Red Bear. He hung his head, accepting defeat.
"You are to be gone from this tribe forever. You shall never be a part of the Kiowa Nation again. Your father, Night Wolf, is free to stay or leave as he chooses. If you are ever caught again as part of a Kiowa Tribe, you will be killed on the spot. Is that understood?" Red Bear said before the whole tribe.
"Yes sir." Howling Wolf answered.
"Yes Chief Red Bear. I will go with my son. Thank you for your mercy." Night Wolf said to Red Bear, Buck, and Red Hawk. Night Wolf knew that they could have easily sentenced Howling Wolf to death and been completely justified. Night Wolf was thankful that he still had his son and was able to leave with him.
"You have until sun set to be gone." Red Bear said to the men. The village all turned and went back to their day. Night Wolf and Howling Wolf left the village as soon as they were able. They were never heard from or seen again.
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