~ I ~ Feather in the Wind ~ I ~

~ Jasper ~

~ Historical (fan) fiction ~

~ Chapter 16 ~

1845. After a forced agreement with Whites, 15 year old Piper is betrothed to Jason Grace, son of the one who has caused much harm to her people. Yet she doesn't know that and it doesn't help the vast rumors of forced marriages with the lightly-colored she had heard of. But yet she never thought that she would fall for him, despite the knowledge that he might leave.

~ Lightning Spirit ~

~ Jason ~

Around one month later…

The masquerade ball is in six days and everyone in Grace Manor is hyped up.

At the current moment, Jason was in his and Piper's room. Piper was in the wash room with Esperanza getting washed, while Jason was getting his father's old suit tailored by Miss Iris. Miss Iris had delivered Piper's and the other's dresses along with the masks and Jason had asked her for the favor.

"You haven't sipped a bit of my tea. It will cure those beginnings of a cold you have. My tea is a miracle worker!" Miss Iris peeped. She continued poking Jason with her needle.

"Ow…" Jason muttered and said a little louder, "Oh that's great, Miss Iris."

Jason felt weird in the position he was in: arms parallel to the ground and as stiff as a manikin.

Soon Esperanza came out of the wash room closing the door behind her. She looked at Jason and stifled laughter. She went into the closet and found comfortable and casual day dress.

After all, they were going to her homeland. To Cherokee lands. He had promised Piper he would take her before she could no longer travel because of the pregnancy. Right after Miss Iris leaves, they are to be off.

"When you all get back, make sure Piper puts on the dress to see if there any adjustments to fix. Alright?" Miss Iris let out from her bending position as she pinned his ankle trim.

Jason nodded stiffly and Miss Iris stood up.

"That is all for now."

"Thank you, Miss Iris. Let me pay you. I just need to get off this stool step." Jason said, stiffly getting off.

"Oh no. It's fine, Mr. Grace. No worries. Besides, I need to get going and by the time you get your wallet all across the room, it'll be too late. Ta-ta." Miss Iris as she left the room through the door, swaying her hips and chin up, seemingly proper.

Great! Weird manner she walks though, Jason thought.

He quickly slipped out of the suit and hung it carefully in the closet. He sat in his desk writing a few documents. His father was to come the night before the ball. And he was not at least one spec excited at that arrival. Reyna would be and Dylan but that's it. Everyone else would see it as hell.

Soon enough he heard the women come out of the washroom. He immediately jolted up and walked to the washroom door. Out came Piper, looking as beautiful and sweet as ever smiling warmly at Esperanza.

"My ladies." Jason bowed joyfully.

Esperanza smiled and said, "Well I am off to prepare lunch for Reyna. She told me that she'd like porridge for lunch. Strange sister of yours."

The couple chuckled at the girl's occurrences.

Soon Esperanza left the room and Jason and Piper were left alone.

"You look beautiful. Are you ready to go?" Jason asked her.

"Yes, I just need to rest a bit, maybe sit down. I haven't been myself lately. I am more tired and less energized. Seriously, this baby is sucking the life out of me." Piper settled a hand over her over-swollen baby.

Jason chuckled and sat next to her, "Well, you are five months along. In four months or less you are due. No wonder this baby is taking you apart."

He leaned down placed a small kiss on her baby bump.

A knock was heard from the door.

"Come in." Jason yelled. Soon after, the door swung open and in stepped a chocolate colored man holding his sun hat in his hands. He wore a loose fitting white shirt that has been stained over his work in the field.

"Ah, Clinton. What may I do for you?" Jason stood up and shook hands with the slave.

Jason, since young, took caring interest in the slave workers. Luckily, for many experienced slaves, this plantation was less harsh than others heard of. Whenever the general came were the harsher days but since he was always on trips, it didn't matter. Jason made sure the Watcher didn't mistreat them much.

Clinton was around the same age as Jason although he wasn't sure. They couldn't really keep track of ages. They were just young'uns, men, or folks.

"We jus' finished tossin' the luggage on the horses and carriage, Jason." Clinton said,

Another thing, since young, he never really liked formalities. So 'Mr. Grace', 'Mister', or anything of the sort was not included in everyday vocabulary. Besides, he felt they were a family, growing up with them and seeing Reyna grow up and play with the younger girls on the plantation. As will his children and grandchildren.

"Thank you, Clinton. We will be right out." Jason smiled at him.

Piper came to the door, "How are you, Clinton?"

"Verra good, thank you, Piper." Clinton twirled his hat in his fingers.

"And little Jelan? How is she holding up?" She asked.

Jelan is Clinton's seven year old sister. They recently lost their father from a heart attack and from what Piper could collect, Jelan and Clinton along with the other three were very fond of their father, obviously. Jelan had gotten sick after that.

"Much betta. She's acceptin' food and is gettin' up of bed more of'en. Well, I mustn't be late for roll call. Have a safe trip." Clinton fitted his hat on his head and went down the stairs.

Soon enough the couple followed his footsteps. After they said good bye to everyone, the couple hopped into the carriage were off to Cherokee land.

Green scenery and plain invaded their view. the sky was blue and tad chilly.

"You know Piper, I have been thinking of our child's name. Would you like it if we name him Damien. It means "one who tames or subdues'. And he will, he will help tame the never-ending feud between our people because of his ethnicity. Of course if it's a boy."

"I like it. But you said it had to mean sky."

"And think of this. 'Calm Skies'. That could be his tribal name. I thought of it once when we first met, your father said it. Now I understand what he said, with your Cherokee lessons and all. Thank you, by the way." He said, putting a hand on her lap.

In the passed month, Jason had been receiving Cherokee language lessons from Piper and he understands what Esperanza and Piper talk behind his back. He mentally chuckled.

"No problem, and if it's a girl?"

"That's easy: Amber Carina. Meaning the sky and darling. Also Carina is a constellation." Jason blushed at the sudden outburst of names revelations.

Piper smiled, "I haven't even though of names and meanings. Well maybe one name I heard in town. Serenity. And for a boy, I heard, Julian."

"Serene…" Jason hummed. "I like it."

He leaned in forward to kiss her on her temple. She stayed on his shoulder soon sleep found her. By the time he had to wake Piper up, they had arrived. The tribe land within view.

"Pipes," he rubbed her belly, "It's almost dawn but we are here."

Piper 'hmm'ed and sat up. She looked out the window and saw the familiar scenery. The happy face on her just made Jason tingle with excitement.

Soon enough their were near the Chief's quarters.

"Remember to speak only Cherokee." Piper reminded him. He nodded.

The whole tribe were either asleep or out hunting buffalo. Luckily the chief was here. When he open the dried reef-woven door and saw his wedded daughter, he nearly broke in tears.

"Feather in the Wind! You have arrived!" the chief hugged her tightly. Jason was worried she might lack of air soon enough, if not already.

They pulled back the chief seemed to barely notice Jason standing there like some idiot watching an emotional moment.

"Thank you, son. For taking care of her." The chief choked.

"No worries, Chief Gahege. I love her more than I would have thought. I would not let any harm come near her." Jason replied in almost fluent Cherokee. The chief's eyes just sparkled.

He stepped back from Jason and looked at his daughter and his eyes widened. He noticed the bump.

"You're… You're pregnant?" the chief choked, placing a hand on her belly.

"Yes, Father. I am." Piper said, holding out a hand for Jason.

"Oh, we have to announce this to the tribe. During our morning feast." The chief smiled warmly at both.

Soon enough, the tribe had settled around in groups to eat a menu of various fruits and meats. Piper refrained from meat and just ate the fresh fruit. Jason followed. Many children were running around playing about, others were eating; others were with their families; all laughing. Jason imagined this type of civilization back in his own type. Laughing and smiling for real. It seemed intangible.

He was seated next Piper on the chief's layout. They had been giving traditional Cherokee gear, to symbolize amends had been made. Piper was wearing a long animal skin dress; her tummy was still visible though. Maybe the dress was hers when she lived here because she seemed comfortable. She hugged the rim of the sleeved in her palms. On the other hand, Jason did not feel comfortable, in a skirt and bare chest. A wide leather strap was hung from shoulder to the other side of his front. They were each given leather moccasins.

Soon after everyone ate, the tribal chief stood up.

"Today, I knew the day was going to be what the wind desired. And it was going to be pleasurable. I turned out my instincts were right. Today, my daughter came back to see along with her husband. And they did not come by alone, no. They came with a new addition. A child; they await a child in a few months time."

Everyone burst into cheer as Piper and Jason stood. Many women held their children up to see. Men held their spears up in the air, their long blowing in the wind.

"Please welcome my daughter Feather in the Wind and her husband, Lightning Spirit into our tribe. And soon enough their child."

Jason had just been given the of 'Lightning Spirit.'

The cheering was interrupted by a strangled yelp: it sounded like "yololololololo!"

And a sudden image of a guy in almost the same outfit as Jason appeared before him, and he had a spear aimed right at Jason with a furious look.

A/N: If you want to know why I haven't updated in so long, check out Ambrosia's A/N. I am to tired to keep writing my excuse down. :) I just pulled an all nighter. *yawns* Night!

I wanted include a visit to the tribe before the ball. You will know why soon. And as to my question last chapter, yes it was Leo who was being chased. You will learn more next chapter about that.

Anyway, thank you for your amazing support. 126 reviews already! Thank you.

~BeautiWind –heart-