Chapter 11
Together
We decided to have two weddings. One in his village and the other here on the homestead. We held the first one here among our friends. Achilles was smiling more than I had ever seen. I went to him and smiled.
"Thank you."
"No need, you and Connor did this on your own. I have a gift for you."
He held out a box and inside were hidden blades like Ratonhnhake:ton's. I smiled at him gratefully.
"Thank you Achilles."
"You are most welcome."
"Are you ready?"
I looked at Ratonhnhake:ton. I nodded with a smile and took his hand. We said our goodbyes and then left. I had never thought I could be as happy as I was now. When we reached his village Kanen'to:kon greeted us.
"Welcome back my friends."
I smiled and nodded.
"We have come here to be married." Ratonhnhake:ton said.
A large smile came to his face.
"This is indeed wonderful news! We must discuss this with the elders." he said.
We followed him to a longhouse and sat down. I did not understand what they were saying, but I knew it was good from the smiles on their faces. Ratonhnhake:ton looked at me.
"It will happen day after tomorrow."
I smiled and looked at the elders. I bowed my head in thanks and they nodded. We got up and I walked down to the water.
"Sisika."
I looked at Kanen'to:kon. He smiled and stood beside me.
"Ratonhnhake:ton and I have been friends since we were children. I have never seen him this happy."
I smiled.
"It brings my heart joy to hear that. I hope I can be a good wife to him."
He put his hand on my shoulder.
"You will be. He feels safe with you."
I nodded and looked out again.
Connor's POV
When the day finally came I was smiling. In her hands she held her basket of clothing material. And in mine, the wedding cake of white corn. Kanen'to:kon was chosen to speak.
"On behalf of the people, greetings, love and thanksgiving is given to our Mother Earth, then to the waters of the world. To the fish life, the food and all garden food. To the berries and their leader; the strawberry. To the trees that make up the forests of the world. To the animals, big and small and their leader; the deer. To the medicine in the mountains, the fields, the river's edge and in the forests that heal our sickness. To the grasses of the world that provide food for animal life. To the birds, who greet our eldest brother the sun with beautiful songs to bring satisfaction and enjoyment. To us; the human beings. To the Eagle; who is the leader of all bird life, we greet and thank you for your gifts. To the four winds who bring the warmth and coolness; the changing of the four seasons for the people. To our Grandfather, the Thunder, for renewing the lakes, the rivers and quenching our thirst. We, the human relatives, give you our greeting and thanks. To our eldest brother the sun for the light and the warmth, for all that grows and our children to live. To our Grandmother, the moon, for the birth of our children. To the Stars for their deposit of the morning dew and their great beauty. To the four sacred Sky Dweller beings who protect and guide us, as the Creator instructed them. To the ultimate, our Creator, who provided all that is necessary for life. To our Creator, who only asked that we be grateful.
We ask you, our Creator, now, that the power and guidance be given to the people and this young couple who will be starting a life together as you so intend human beings.
Our Creator, your people are of one mind and we send you our love, greetings and thankfulness. The Creator made Earth. From the Earth, man was made. Man became lonely so woman was made to be a companion and the Creator put them together to populate his world. His wish is being carried on. Welcome to everyone who is here. We will be doing this traditional ceremony in our native tongue.
Tho."
I smiled and looked at Sisika. She smiled at me and there was a blush on her cheeks. She looked beautiful.
Sisika's POV
Though I did not understand what they were saying, in my heart I knew. When the ceremony was over, it made this marriage real to me, and to Ratonhnhake:ton. He kissed me and I put my arms around his neck. He held me close to him and I heard happy voices. A feast was held and there a dance called 'The Rabbit Dance'. It was the happiest day of my life. I never thought I could love someone as much as I loved my husband. Even though we still had a job to do, I was happy we would do it as husband and wife.
Later on that night Ratonhnhake:ton found me by the water. He took my hand and I smiled at him.
"We will have to go to New York after this." he said.
"Hm. I know."
"When the time comes…I will let you do what you think is best."
I sighed and laid my head against his chest. I didn't know if I could kill him anymore.
"Is something wrong?"
I smiled and shook my head.
"No. We should go back. The night is not over yet."
He nodded and we went back.