36 INIPI At The Burrow

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FINALLY a new and much anticipated chapter for my longest running story!

Okay, a few things before the chapter begins – firstly, my apologies for the HUGE time gap between chapters. Along with everything else, I'll have to admit that I was bit burned out on this story. That's one reason for finishing 'I will Always Love You' and 'I Love You But…' first. I needed something else to concentrate on. It's difficult to believe that I've got 5 years and over 240K words invested in the story with this chapter. I also have started another off-beat story that, much like 'I Love You But…' I won't post until it's finished.

Secondly, I would like to address something that I WAS going to let pass (which I usually do), but now I've decided to answer. A reader, a 'guest', posted that he/she really enjoyed the story, then went on to chastise me for the huge time gap in chapters. That I owed it to my readers to be more regular in my postings. To that reader I can only say this – as previously stated, this started as a single chapter story that has become a monster. To keep feeding the story, and to put out a finished product that people will enjoy reading takes time and effort, and a surplus of imagination. I challenge this same 'guest' to get an actual account, then try to write something that is enjoyable to read. Then expand the story from a couple of thousand words to around 240K words with the addition of this chapter.

Now that I'm finished with my rant, on with the story. I'm going to try to be a bit more attentive and put out a chapter a bit more often than every 6-7 months.

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By the time Judy has managed to call Bonnie and Sally, Nick calls Bolo and Lefty, and Judy manages to slip into a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt, a fairly new short bus pulls up in their driveway.

As Michael, Yvonne and Renee, along with their two younger charges Short Tail and Bright Eyes exit the bus, the five are cheerfully greeted by Nick and Judy.

While Michael and Nick greet each other with a traditional pawshake, the females simply nod in greeting, with the kits semi-hiding behind the adults, not exactly sure of how to greet the fox and bunny – after all, it has been a while and the circumstances are vastly different since they all said their fare-thee-wells at the reservation.

"Bright Eyes, Short Tail, please greet Iron Eyes and Wolf Spirit as you would at home on the reservation." gently prods Yvonne.

With that, inhibitions are gone and the two young mammals run and hug Judy and Nick.

"Youve grown so much!" exclaims Judy, while the other four adults simply roll their eyes and say nothing.

"It's only been a few weeks…" says Bright Eyes.

"Well, young mammals grow quickly." defends Judy, trying not to smile.

As Bolo and Lefty pull up to the house, Judy gets a text from her mother stating that she will be delayed for a few minutes, and that Sally had already left to put the finishing touches on the new store.

"Sunkmanitu Tanka Ob Waci!" (Dances With Wolves) "It is good to see you again. And you as well Charles Sanderson." As Michael greets Bolo and Lefty with traditional Lakota pawshakes.

"While not a great while, it still seems like it has been too long Ciyewaye Ki!" (chee-yea-wah-yea kee ~ younger brother.) answers Bolo.

Continuing to follow customs, making sure to keep from making their guests uncomfortable, the females again simply nod at the males and at each other in greeting.

Just then, Bonnie arrives and exits the old truck that Nick updated not that long ago.

"Hello everyone, sorry I'm a bit late."

Having already given the short version of traditional greetings so as not to unknowingly offend anyone, Judy introduces her mother to the group.

With that out of the way, Judy begins with a subject that has been tossed around the burrow, and actually voices a concern that has apparently been a subject of concern with their visitors as well.

"If I may" she beings "there's something that's been tossed around for a few days here that I think we should address as soon as possible."

"What might that be?" asks an interested Michael.

"The subject of Short Tail staying with Lefty. We don't believe that it would be appropriate for such a young pup to be staying unattended with an unknown male. We'd like to propose that Short Tail stay in the burrow with kits his age and be chaperoned by one of my older siblings as he performs whatever duties he is tasked with at Lefty's."

"We had given this much thought as well, and unless there are any objections, we welcome your solution." admits Michael.

"Splendid!" says Bonnie. "Now, if y'all will follow me to the burrow, we'll get you all set up. My younger kits are looking forward to meeting their new friends, and you older mammals all have accommodations in our guest quarters."

"I would like to stay behind and discuss a few things with Iron eyes, that is Nicholas, and Thomas if it is alright." requests Michael.

While unsure of the nature of the request, Judy and Bonnie of course honor it and a small caravan leaves for the main Hopps burrow, minus Nick, Bolo and Michael.

Turning towards the other two mammals, Michael reveals the reason for his unseeming request.

First addressing Nick, Michael begins "Maza Ista, I wish to observe your preparations for the coming Inipi, to be sure that everything is correct. This is not to cast doubt upon you, but simply to observe that tradition is being followed correctly."

"I understand and take no offense." admits Nick.

The wolf then addresses Bolo "Sunkmanitu Tanka Ob Waci, you are to observe the preparations as well. Grandfather has tasked me with training you for conducting Inipi."

As Nick and Bolo share a collective state of shock, Michael continues "Maza Ista, no offense is intended, but even though you are considered a member of the tribe and an elder, tradition maintains that you cannot be trained to conduct Inipi."

"Although I am a bit disappointed," answers the todd "I understand and will honor tradition. I will, of course, perform any and all tasks that you and Sunkmanitu Tanka Ob Waci ask of me."

"I expected no less of you." admits the wolf. "Let us see how your preparations have progressed."

With the other two males in tow, Nick heads the short distance toward the anticipated Inipi site.

Michael nods in approvement at the fire pit, the large sacred circle created with the smaller stones that the Hopps kits had acquired for that purpose, the small holes Nick had created to demark the places that the saplings were to be set in for the lodge, and the pit that would be used to hold the white-hot stones used during the ceremony and the shed antlers that are to be used to move the stones. Michael also approved the pile of stones to be used and commented that there was certainly enough wood to heat the stones properly.

Nick then leads Michael and Bolo to the small grove of trees to show the two males the saplings that he had selected as main supports for the lodge. After showing his approval of the saplings, Michael helps the other two males thank the creator for providing the materials and then cut the saplings and trimmed them to the proper length.

After taking the supports and tying them in place with the natural twine that Nick had found, the three inspect the blankets, quilts and tarps as well as the stones that Nick had managed to accumulate for that purpose weighting the bottom edges of the structure down with.

"There are tables in the garage that will be used to hold the food and drink for the Wupulla after lodge. It will be attended by Judy's parents, her siblings who wish to render their services and any of my employees who wish to volunteer.

"You have done well in preparation for Inipi Maza Ista, and are to be commended for your efforts."

"Thank you, brother. It warms my heart to know that my efforts were done correctly according to tradition." humbly admits Nick.

"Do you have any idea of the mammals that will be attending Inipi tomorrow?" asks Michael.

"Unless something changes between now and then, yes. Besides you and Stands with a Fist, for sure there will be Judy and myself, her parents, Bolo and She Always Laughs, Lefty, Midnight and a new hire named Sabine, as well as another one of our newbies named Sally."

"That comfortably leaves room for at least another couple of mammals, considering how many small mammals will be sitting in." adds Michael.

"True." agrees Nick. "I have no idea who it might be, but you are correct."

"So … if we're finished here, we can head to the main burrow … right?" asks a slightly distracted Bolo.

"Sounds like someone has an agenda to me!" smirks Nick, with Michael nodding in agreement, both knowing full well that Bolo is anticipating spending time with Renee (She Always Laughs).

When Nick, Bolo and Michael arrive at the main Hopps burrow, they find Bonnie, Yvonne and Judy standing solemnly on the front porch.

"Grandmother," begins Bolo addressing Bonnie as he leads the three males to the burrow "I seek permission to court the female known as She Always Laughs." as he then kneels and bares his throat as is the custom.

Having been schooled on the proper procedure to be followed according to tradition by Yvonne prior to his arrival, Bonnie takes her time considering the request, and finally answers "Rise young one. I will speak with She Always Laughs and will consider your request. If I find her answer to be agreeable, I shall tell you, or send you away if it is not."

With that, the elder doe turns and enters the burrow.

Knowing that Bonnie is simply lurking just inside the door, and that Renee is waiting at Skye's home, it's all that Yvonne and Judy can do to not smirk, let alone laugh, at the poor bison waiting just in front of them.

Finally, after several agonizing minutes, Bonnie returns and confronts Bolo.

"I have spoken with She Always laughs … and have found you to be of high moral standards, and to be a responsible and caring mammal. You will treat She Always Laughs with respect at all times. Since she will not be staying in my lodge, I have chosen a designate to chaperone her in my stead. You will address my designate with the same respect as myself at all times. You will submit to all requests and directions by my designate as if they come from my own lips. Is this clear?"

"Yes Grandmother, it is." answers Bolo solemnly.

"You will go the lodge of Skye Winters and create a sacred circle on her grounds." continues Bonnie "Within that circle you will create a bench large enough for you both to be seated without touching. The circle will also be large enough to contain a small fire in which you will burn the four sacred elements – cedar, sage, tobacco and sweetgrass. After you purify yourselves with the smoke of these elements you may begin courting if your chosen deems it proper and my designate and I agree. I have spoken."

With that, Bonnie turns and reenters the burrow.

"I … guess I'll see you guys later?" asks a tentative Bolo.

"Yeah, ya better get to it. I think we're pretty much finished until lodge on Saturday." agrees Nick with Michael nodding in agreement.

After Bolo climbs into his pick-up and heads toward Sky's house, Nick and Michael join, Judy, Yvonne and Bonnie, who has reemerged from the burrow, on the porch.

"Well done, Grandmother." Michael complements Bonnie.

"When Yvonne explained the custom and its importance, I was immediately interested. Heck, I might even start using that on some of my younger kits. Heaven knows it'll do some good. By the way, Bonnie will do just fine"

"I mean no disrespect" answers Michael "but this is our way of showing respect to our elders. Unless you will be offended, I would prefer to continue to address you as Grandmother in accordance with our customs."

"Since you put it that way, by all means please continue." Bonnie says with a very gracious smile. "Now, if you two will follow me, I'll show you to the guest cabin that we've prepared for you."

"Well," begins Judy "with everything well in paw, my darling husband and I need to get to the shop."

After leaving the Hopps burrow, Bolo first heads home to pick up some of the four elements needed to complete the task he's been given. With sweetgrass, sage cedar and tobacco in hoof, he next heads to the local thrift shop where he remembers that there happens to be a couple of old church pews. With the largest medium mammal pew loaded into the back of his pickup, Bolo remembers that there are a few small rock piles along a fence line at the edge of one of Stu's fields. With several dozen smallish rocks joining the pew in the back of his truck, the bison heads towards Skye's home.

Pulling up to the back of her property (roughly 2 acres) Bolo selects a space along the shelter belt (a long line of trees) to set up his sacred circle.

First placing the pew that will serve as the requested bench in the desired spot, Bolo gathers enough dead wood, tree limbs and branches, to build a small fire to burn the elements to be used for purification, being sure to place the fire so that the mammals in the circle are downwind of the fire so that smoke from the burning of the different elements will cover the participants.

With that done, Bolo uses the rocks to complete the large circle, leaving an opening on the eastern side, where he also places a small conch shell and some sage to purify those entering the circle.

Satisfied that his efforts will be satisfactory, Bolo gets back in his truck and drives to the front of the house where he again exits and goes to the front door, tapping as gently as he can, but loud enough to call attention to the occupants inside.

Not a bit surprised when Skye opens the door, Bolo begins his narrative "I come to ask permission to court the female known as She Always Smiles. Grandmother Hopps has informed me that you are her designate, so I ask permission to speak with her under your supervision."

"Do you have a sacred circle established as instructed by Grandmother Hopps?" asks the vixen, having been coached by Yvonne and Renee in the courting ritual of the Lakota mammals.

"I do. it is located on your property, to the south, just under the protection of your tree line."

"I shall inform She Always Smiles, and if she is agreeable, we shall meet you at the designated spot."

Leaving his truck and walking to the circle, Bolo takes his position at the opening to the circle.

Several minutes later, Skye appears with Renee following demurely close behind.

"She Always Smiles has agreed to speak with you concerning the matter of courtship." begins the vixen solemnly. "You will each smudge into the sacred circle, light the cleansing fire and be seated without touching. You will speak to each other in a good way and only converse about matters concerning courtship. If you are in agreement on all matters, you will then smudge out of the sacred circle and will await notification of Grandmother's and my decision. Is this agreeable to you?"

"Yes designate." answers Bolo who then smudges into the circle and lights the small fire, adding the four elements which begin to smoke.

Returning to the opening, Bolo smudges She Always Laughs into the circle and escorts her to the bench, being sure not to touch the she wolf.

As Skye retreats to the tree line, far enough away to give the participants a show of privacy, yet close enough to be able to hear the conversation, Bolo turns his attention to the mammal of his desire and begins:

"Iye- Ohinni- Ehate (She Always Laughs), I am a mammal of simple means and simple desires. I have made many mistakes in the past, but have owned up to all and have secured a stable life, one which could easily include a mate. If you consent to court me, I shall strive to maintain the stability that I have attained. It is unknown as to whether we would be able to have young in the future, but that is unimportant at this time. What is important is that I have cast out the demons that had haunted me in the past and seek only a chance to prove my worth to you and the possibly of a future together."

With her heart beating a mile a minute, while barely being able to maintain a straight face, Renee takes several moments to compose herself before answering. "Sunkmanitu-Tanka-Ob-Waci (Dances With Wolves), I understand the many trials that have shaped your past life, and the difficulties that you have endured as an Indigenous mammal. The fact that you have successfully dealt with these trials and have become the mammal that you are today is a testament to your being of strong character. It speaks well of your ability to provide a strong relationship with me and with any young that we may have in the future. I will speak to the designate and to Grandmother Hopps about our possible courtship and will send word through the designate concerning their decision."

With that, Renee rises and moves toward the opening in the circle, stopping briefly to allow Bolo to smudge her and himself as they exit.

With Skye in the lead, the two females walk slowly and confidently toward the house, with Bolo's gaze following them until they were inside and the door closes.

With the ritual concluded, Bolo heads home to change into work clothes and then towards the shop.

Arriving at the shop, Bolo is only somewhat surprised to see Bonnie and Stu's truck parked in front, with a grinning Nick leaning against the front door.

"Boss, I can exp-" as Bolo realizes that he is almost an hour-and-a-half late for work.

"Chill dude" begins Nick. "It's all good. I had a feeling that something like this was gonna happen when the bunch from the rez finally showed up, the same goes for Skye. By the way, we need ta see you in the office for a few."

With a slight feeling of dread, Bolo follows Nick into the office where the assembled multitude includes Nick and Judy, Michael and Yvonne, Skye and Renee and finally Bonnie.

"Sunkmanitu-Tanka-Ob-Waci," as Skye actually pronounces Bolo's Lakota name correctly "Grandmother Hopps wishes to speak with you concerning your wishes to pursue courtship with Iye- Ohinni- Ehate."

"While I cannot hope to correctly pronounce your names in the Lakota tongue, I am still able to convey my thoughts properly." begins Bonnie. "While I have not known the mammal known as Thomas Dancer, or Dances With Wolves for a very long time, I have always found him to be a very hard working and kind mammal, one who I feel will continue to uphold the values he has shown.

"In speaking with Sees Far and Stands With A Fist, I have come to believe that the female known as She Always Laughs is of sound spirit and will be a respectable member of the community, one who will instruct our young on the customs and traditions of her tribe and the Lakota mammals in general.

"It is therefore, after careful thought and deliberation that I grant you both permission to court if its truly what you desire. In doing so you must be mindful of your commitment to adhering to the ancient ways as closely as possible. You may hold paws im public and an occasional hug will be permitted. Present yourselves as you would on the reservation. Be kind and respectful at all times. Do you both agree to these terms?"

"Yes Grandmother!" answer both Bolo and Renee at the same time.

"Then go in peace and do all things in a good way. Mitakuye Oyasin."

"Mitakuye Oyasin." return both mammals.

"Bolo" begins Nick "why don't you take the day off and show Renee the shop and the community. I expect you back here bright and early tomorrow morning though."

Looking a bit shocked, Bolo is at a loss for words for a few seconds, then manages to stammer "Ye-yeah, ummm, sure thing boss …"

"And remember, I need to have She Always Laughs in front of the school board at one pm sharp today to present her tentative lesson plans for the courses she's going to be instructing." adds Skye.

"Yes designate." Responds Bolo.

As the newest couple exits the shop, Bonnie looks eagerly to Michael and Yvonne "Well, how did I do?"

"You did well Grandmother." Michael tells the elder doe. "I doubt that you could have done any better even with more practice. I am convinced the Bright Eyes and Short Tail will be in good paws while staying here in your lodge."

"Do those young kits have other names?" asks the elder doe with a touch of curiosity.

"I'm sure that they do, but it is not my place to present them at this time. It is my fursonal belief that it would serve a better purpose to have everyone in your lodge and your village address them as they have been presented to you. It will help spread the message that we Lakota are respectful of your culture, and that that respect should be returned in kind." answers Michael honestly.

"I see your point, and totally agree with you." says Bonnie. "Anyway, I need to get back to the burrow to get you two settled in. That and hopefully I won't walk into some sort of disaster … I left LaVonne in charge of the kitchen."

"MOM!" gasps Judy "why on earth would you do that? She's the only one worse at cooking than I was when we were young!" she squeaks.

"She's gotten better bun-bun" answers Bonnie with a slight grin. "At least she can now boil water without starting a fire."

"Mom that's not fair, it only happened that one time…" whines a flustered Judy, giving Nick a look that threatened all sorts of retribution should he make a comment about her cooking….

Shortly after Bonnie left with Michael and Yvonne, things began to settle into a bit of a normal routine. Nick heads into the shop and Skye and Josh went about their daily tasks under Judy's watchful eye.

When a light tap at the office door draws her attention, Judy was amazed to see: "Sylvia?"

"I-I'm not interrupting anything am I? I can come back later … just never mind … I-" as the younger doe begins to back away.

Quickly stepping over to take her sister into a gentle hug, Judy reassures her "Of course you're not interrupting anything. We always have time for family, you know that. What's on your mind sis?"

"I … I was kinda wonderin' … I was thinkin' that maybe I'd kinda like to do that lodge thing you was tellin' me about earlier … if'n it's okay … maybe … please?" comes the stumbling, mostly shy and very quiet reply.

"Of course you can come." Judy asserts "Nick told me that when the lodge is finished there'll be room for a couple more mammals. Ummm … if you don't mind me asking, is there any special reason why you changed your mind and decided to join us?"

After a long moment's hesitation, Sylvia begins to tear up "I … I've tried ta shut out what happened to me in high school for so long … I know you had that happen to you an' … an' you were so miserable for so long. After a while you acted like it didn't bother you no more, but I knew that it did. I knew that you was just skatin' along in life and I knew when you left ta work in the station in Zootopia it was just ta get away from the Burrows. Then you met Nick and suddenly got better. Nick's a good mammal Jude."

"Yes he is Sylvie."

"An' then when you an' Nick moved the shop out here ta mom an' dad's place when the shop blew up 'cause of Johnny Whinters and them damned brothers of his, I kinda got ta thinkin' that maybe there'd be a chance fer me ta get better too."

As Sylvia prattles on, Judy notices that she began to slip into and out of the Cajun accent that she'd adopted to try to cope with being date raped in high school, just like she had been.

"An' – an' then when I talked ta that nice Sabine gal and then even Sally was so nice ta me I figgered that maybe there's hope fer me after all. Judes, I been so lonely … fer so long … I don't know how much more I kin take."

With that, Sylvia broke down and started to cry.

Taking her sister into a gentle embrace, Judy smooths the does ears down and gently strokes them.

"It'll be okay Sylvie." Judy coo's tenderly "Lodge probably won't be a be all and end all for your problems, but at least it's a start. I won't lie, you've got a long road ahead, but I'll always be here for you as well as a couple of others who went through the same thing that we did as well."

"Do ya really think so Jude?" asks Sylvia, with a hint of desperation in her voice.

"Of course Sylvie, I'd never lie about a thing like that. Not to you, not ever."

As the tears slowly dried up and the shudders lessened and finally stopped, Sylvia uttered a very soft 'Thank you.' Into Judy's ear.

'Anytime sis' Judy whispers back.

Slowly releasing the hug, Judy takes her sister by the paw "C'mon Sylvie, we're gonna go to the house and get you ready for lodge, it's the day after tomorrow after all. I've got a pretty sun dress you can wear, and I'll tell you about the experience and the customs and the rules you'll need to follow-" as Judy leads her sister out of the shop towards her car.

Just entering the office after his usual tour of the shop, Nick just catches a quick glimpse of Judy leading one of her many sister sacross the parking lot.

"Okay, what'd I miss?" he asks the two dumbfounded mammals left in the office.

"Sylvia came in her and wanted to know if she could attend the lodge thing Saturday." answers a still slightly stunned Josh.

"I had no idea that Judy'd been raped in high school …" murmurs the vixen.

"It's probably fairly common knowledge around here." confirms Josh "Several of the does in the area were assaulted by several of Whinters bucks, especially Johnny. No one believed them to begin with, and with old Bill Whinters being the burrow's mayor at the time, not much happened, even after it was confirmed that the does had been raped. 'Specially with David Whinters being sheriff of the entire Tri-Burrows."

"Even with so many coming out against them?" asks anow horrified Skye.

"You have to remember, back in those days, DNA evidence didn't exist." Josh reminds her "the whole thing was touted as a conspiracy against the Whinters clan since they were some of the richest and most powerful rabbits in the Tri-burrows."

Suddenly a light comes on in Skye's head "Whinters … wait a sec, that's the creep who drugged and tried to molest me when we were still in Zootopia!"

"The very same." confirms Nick.

"And he's the same buck who lost racing against Judy … and the same one who killed that other poor doe with his car!" gasps the now trembling vixen.

"And the same buck, a very mutilated buck I might add, that's now doing life in prison for mammalslaughter." Nick reminds Skye.

"Along with several of his brothers." says Josh as he tosses in his two cents worth.

"The same ones who blew up the shop…" replies Skye with a bit of heart in her voice.

"Things happen for a reason." interrupts Nick "Think of all that's happened since we've moved here … the mammals that we've met, the thing's we've done that we would have never even dreamed of before."

"Still …" grumbles Skye.

"Don't you have a few things to get done before you take Renee to meet with the school board?" Nick asks the vixen. "Ya might want ta get them done so you're not behind tomorrow."

"Fine," she responds "Slave driver…" as she sticks out her tongue at the todd.

"Real grown there Alecia." pipes up Josh.

Turning on her mate, Skye settles an evil eye on the buck "If you wanna live to see the sun come up in the morning, you might wanna can the smart remarks "Emanuel!"

"Oooooh, middle names…" as Nick begins a taunt.

"Watch it Piberious …" fires back the vixen "I doubt if you'd want Michael or Yvonne to hear that one very often…"

"Okay, enough said." replies the now properly chastised todd. "Back to work both of you."

AN: more to come, I decided to break the chapter off there or it would probably run to around 10K words and take another month or so to complete. Hopefully there won't be a 6-7 month gap before the next chapter comes out.