I again. I'm typing three stories at the same time so I kind of have to pick and choose which I'm going to work on (or which I feel like spending the time on with the little time I have). Just a note: I love Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. On to the story.

Life Happens chapter two: Life
Begins
Wolfsong

It had been three months since her exile. Spotted Fawn had rode away from the village with nothing but a few hides, canteen and her horse. After finding a nice meadow close to a small stream she made camp. This meadow was the same one that she had spent the nights with the mystery man. It seemed fitting.

She had been successful in setting up a small lean-to big enough for herself. It could be added onto when her child had grown. But that would be awhile. She didn't have to worry about food. There was a large berry bush close by and she had frequently, secretly gone hunting with Grey Wolf, the chief's youngest, and closest in age, son. She was a great marksman with a steady aim. Rippling Water and Grey Wolf had both helped her perfected it.

Rippling Water had stopped by on occasion to see how her friend was doing, and to keep her informed about the tribe. The first time Water had seen the lean-to, she was surprised to see how well she was getting along. With the pregnancy even. Spotted Fawn had gotten along well. Of course, Water promised not to tell anyone where Fawn was. Once, in the village, Grey Wolf had pulled Water to the side for a private word. He had told her he was worried about Spotted Fawn and the unborn child. He had also asked if maybe he could go see her. Water promised to ask, but made no promise that he could go, telling him that it would be a while before she would see Fawn again.

That time had come. Rippling Water had snuck out of the village again to visit her friend. She found her washing the few clay dishes she had. "Hello, Fawn."

"Hi, Water. How goes it today?"

"Today goes well, my friend. How are you this fine day?" Water asked sitting down outside the lean-to across from Fawn.

"I am doing alright." she said rubbing her extended stomach. It was close to her due date. "How is everything at the village?"

"Things are going alright. We've had a few settlers come to the land and steal. Some of the young men are going to establish better border signs. Running Creek and Grey Wolf are to help." she said taking a piece of dried fruit offered her. "Speaking of Grey Wolf..." she continued, "he's been asking about you. How you're doing and all."

"What have you told him?" Fawn helped herself to a handful of the dried fruits.

"Just that you're getting along. Both with the pregnancy and living alone. He wants to see you. He asked if he could come sometime."

"What did you tell him?"

"I said I would ask if you wanted to see him." She paused, waiting for a reply. "So?" she continued after Fawn made no answer.

"I guess it would be alright. It would be nice to see him again after almost seven moon spans."

"I'll tell him. You know...it's almost time for this little one to come. Are you scared?"

"No. Not about having her or raising her. More about whether she'll have a tribe to call her own."

"Everything will be fine, Fawn." her friend reassured, removing her hand from her belly.

"Thanks." They sat there awhile in companionable silence.

"Well, I best be getting back. It's been good seeing you again. I'll tell Grey Wolf he can come next time."

"I'll walk with you 'til the end of the meadow."

"Fine." The two set out to cross the small meadow. Half way there Spotted Fawn grabbed her belly and Water's arm. "I think it's time."

The next several hours were spent in difficult labor. Rippling Water stayed by Fawn's side the whole time, helping her through. Twelve hours later, after nearly losing both mother and child, they brought a beautiful baby girl into the world. Water wrapped the child in a hide and laid her in Fawn's arms.

"She's beautiful."

"Thank you, Water, for everything."

"No problem, little one. How did you know she was a girl?"

"Because...I told by mother that I was going to raise her and she would be great like her father."

"What are you going to call her?"

"Earth. Because, you, Water, helped me through this. When she's old enough, I want you to train her the way you trained me."

"I would be honored. Shall I still tell Grey Wolf to come?"

"Yes. Please. I want him to she her." With that, Rippling Water left her friend and the newborn, both safe in the arms of love.

End chapter two. Three coming. This one was short. I didn't write in how she built up the place and everything or the months between exile and birth. I thought that might be a bit much. Hope you're liking it so far. Later!