43 Righting A Wrong
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I got this finished and cut part of it off to use on the next chapter, so here's a Memorial Day treat. Yet another longer chapter, enjoy.
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"Do either of you have any reservations considering the courtship of Black Feather and Morning Sun?" asks a now very serious Michael, addressing Nick and Bonnie.
Stepping forward, it's Nick who unexpectedly raises an objection.
"I, Iron eyes, protector of Morning Sun, raise an objection!" a statement which shocks almost all of the mammals observing the event.
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Although Black Feather was a bit stunned, Sylvia almost fell to her knees in disbelief, with only the physical support form Bonnie keeping that from happening.
Taking another step forward, Nick turns and faces an equally stunned audience.
"Hear my words!" he begins, raising his arms. "It is not my intention to stop this courtship, only to set straight a grievous wrong."
Gesturing towards the young lynx, Nick continues "This young mammal … a mammal known as Black Feather … has carried the stigma of his parentage for far too long. Born as a hybrid cub from a cougar father and a lynx mother, this unfortunate mammal has been unjustly persecuted for most of his life. Branded with the black feather of a raven, which is known among the tribes as a deceiver and mischief maker. He has to my knowledge, never been the cause of any unfortunate event, he has only ever acted in self-defense.
"Therefore, before all the spirits, before Grandmother Hopps and all those mammals gathered here, I propose another naming ceremony to be conducted here and now."
Turning and addressing the young feline Nick asks "You have revealed your past and pledged your fidelity to Morning Sun have you not?" he asks.
"Yes, I have done so in the presence of a witness and all the spirits." cautiously admits the younger mammal.
"These are not the actions of one so branded as a trouble maker and charlatan, which is what the name implies," Nick continues passionately "but the actions of a mammal strong of heart. I therefore ask that the name of Black Feather be purged."
"And what would you call this mammal?" asks Bonnie.
"I would humbly ask that Thomas Golden be henceforth be called Wasake Cante (wah-shah-kay Chahn-day) or Strong Heart in the common tongue, for this is the character that he has portrayed to me and to others."
Looking at the now totally stunned feline, Michael asks "Thomas Golden, do you accept this name?"
Looking at a now very hopeful Sylvia, Thomas first simply nods, then finds his tongue – "I-I accept the name given to me in a good way by Iron Eyes."
Stepping forward to the small group, She Always Laughs holds a conch shell with sage and sweetgrass smoldering in it and tells Thomas "Breathe in the sacred herbs and bathe yourself in its smoke …" she begins, fanning the smoke with an eagle feather fan.
As Thomas finishes that bit of ceremony, Nick retrieves his chanupa (sacred pipe) that has been conveniently placed for the occasion, lights it and passes it to Thomas.
"Take the sacred pipe and breathe in the smoke, bathe yourself in it while bowing to the spirits."
Following the directions precisely, as he has done many times in the past, Thomas quickly completes the task.
Looking back to Nick, Michael asks "Iron eyes, do you now withdraw your objection to this courtship?"
"I withdraw my objection, and ask Grandmother Hopps to stand with me to allow the courtship to proceed,"
"I have no objection to allow Strong Heart to court Morning Sun." announces Bonnie.
"Hear my words!" again announces Nick as he suddenly removes the small black feather that was worn by the young lynx "The mammal formerly known as Black Feather is no more. From this day forward he is to be called Strong Heart. I have spoken."
With that, Nick takes Strong Heart's left paw and places Morning Sun's right paw on top. "Go in peace, Mitakuye Oyasin!"
"Mitakuye Oyasin…" is echoed, first by Thomas and Sylvia, then by everyone watching who understands the phrase.
"To rejoice in this courtship, we ask everyone to participate in what we know as a round dance." announces Michael. "Please enter the sacred circle after being smudged and move from left to right, which is the path of the sun. All dancers with regalia, please perform your traditional dances while being mindful of your fellow participants. Please instruct those who wish to learn your dance style."
As the drum beats begin, most of the initial participants are only mammals wearing different styles of regalia. The townsmammals are a bit reluctant to join in at first, content to simply watch the various mammals perform their various styles of dance. There are mammals doing the Northern Traditional, Southern Traditional, the Grass Dance, the Hoop Dance, various hunting and warrior dances, all performed by the males. Then the female Traditional which is being taught to Sylvia by She Always Laughs, Jingle Dress of various ages, to Fancy Shawl performed by females, all of which awed the various spectators, most of whom finally joined in.
…
After several trips around the dance circle, Nick, who was joined by Judy, who's kit bump is now very prominent, motions for his small group to exit and the group are promptly smudged out of the circle by Renee who paws off the duty to another mammal and joins in the procession.
"Please follow me …" prompts Nick as he heads to the store.
Entering the still closed store, the small group prepares for a small conference.
"NICK … I mean Iron Eyes," begins a slightly perturbed Sylvia "You did all of that on purpose …! Why?"
"Of course." answers the smirking todd "I knew that young Thomas here had been dealt a raw deal, simply because of his heritage, and I thought that that would be the best way to rectify the situation."
Looking at the small feline, Nick directs his next remark to Thomas "Thomas, I apologize for revealing your birth name, but it was necessary to give credence to the ceremony."
"I understand Iron Eyes, and am forever honored and grateful for the changing of my given name." answers a grateful Thomas.
"Now," interrupts Bonnie, addressing the young mammals "we have a few minor things to discuss. First, I am withdrawing the need for a chaperone. You two are old enough and seem to be wise enough to be able to behave yourselves, both in public and in private. You both know enough of each other's past to keep your paws, and … other parts to yourselves ..." which, of course, embarrasses Sylvia to no end.
"I will allow paw holding and a few hugs in public, otherwise you are to show proper restraint. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, mother …" shyly admits Sylvia.
"Yes Grandmother Hopps." enjoins a very serious, respectful and demur Thomas.
"Wolf Spirit and I will be going back to the shop," announces Nick "and I believe that She Always Laughs may join Dances With Wolves (Bolo) for the festivities if she so wishes. Grandmother Wilde, aunt Shirley and the cubs should be able to handle the store for the rest of the day, while you two" indicating Sylvia and Thomas "may spend the rest of the day in each other's company if you wish."
"Thank you Iron Eyes, Wolf Spirit, and Grandmother Hopps for the trust and joy you have given Morning Sun and I this day, I promise we will not disappoint you, we shall be ever mindful of your trust." humbly states Thomas.
…
As the new couple strolls arm in arm through the now even more crowded streets taking in the sights, they are congratulated by almost everyone, both townsmammals and the few indigenous mammals who are in attendance as well as many of Sylvia's many siblings.
"Iron Eyes is truly a devious mammal." comments Thomas casually.
"Yes, he is," admits Sylvia "but he isn't as sneaky as Wolf Spirit. Nick may have organized the entire naming ceremony, but I'd be willing to bet that it was Judy that planted the idea in his head. But what amazes me is the fact that everyone seems to be okay with us courting."
"I noticed that as well. we've been shown nothing but approving greetings and glances by everyone. The most curious seem to be the various younger kits."
"Especially the teenagers." observes the doe. "I have a feeling that both Bright Eyes and Short Tail will be put to the test by a few overly aggressive kits at school including both bucks and does."
"Then we must make sure that She Always Laughs stresses Lakota courting customs to the young students when school starts. She will be teaching at the local schools will she not?"
"That's true, but a quick notice telling the locals to mind their manners concerning dating rituals among the tribes inserted into the local paper and on social media might help as well." suggests Sylvia.
"Good idea …" begins Thomas.
…
As the day progresses, Sylvia pulls Thomas to a food vendor that touts indigenous tacos.
"Are you sure?" asks the young feline "I don't see a vegetarian option on the menu."
"I'm sorry I never thought to tell you earlier," the doe shyly apologizes "but I seem to have inherited the same ability to eat meat that Judy has evolved to, she is carrying a predator's kits after all. She needs protein to keep her kits healthy while she's carrying them, and most likely will need protein for the rest of her life."
Seeing the stunned look on Thomas's face, Sylvia continues "That's probably another reason that mom cautioned us to keep our 'paws and other parts' to ourselves!" the doe emphasizes, making air quotes with both paws.
"I – I never thought …" stammers the feline.
"That you might actually be able to get me pregnant if we messed up?" Sylvia asks.
"Not necessarily if we messed up, just that that it might actually be possible to have kits … or cubs … of our own in the future" Thomas admits.
"I guess it should be more on my mind since Judy is actually carrying Nicks kits…"
"I truly wondered if it was actually possible to be honest, no offense to your sister." again admits Thomas, not exactly sure how to phrase the statement without offending the doe.
"According to Judy, it's becoming more and more commonplace." she admits, setting the feline's mind at ease.
"So … allow me to buy lunch?" asks Sylvia. "I do have a paying job, and I'm not sure how well you were being paid, no offense."
"None taken. And I will allow it this time, even though it goes against our traditions since the male is to be the provider." he admits.
"Here" the doe whispers, slipping her new boyfriend some money "you can pay me back when you get your first paycheck from Nick … at least you won't look like a poor provider to your friends."
"Or when Mr. Laroche gives me my final pay." says Thomas as he finishes the sentence when they step up to order.
…
As the new couple is almost finished with their shared meal, Paul Laroche approaches.
When Thomas attempts to stand to address his former employer, Mr. Laroche motions for him to stay seated.
"Bla - I mean Strong Heart, please sit. I wish to congratulate you on your new job, and on your commitment to this lovely doe." he begins motioning to Sylvia. "I also wish to apologize for revealing your birth name to Iron Eyes, but when he informed me of what he planned to do, I felt that it would be necessary. Please forgive me if you feel that I did this in a bad way."
"No sir, I wish to thank you for revealing my name to Iron Eyes. Everything you have done for me since I joined the band as a stagepaw (stagehand) has helped me to become the mammal that I am today. I have learned to deal with the bad things that have come my way in a more calm manner. It helped me to have the opportunity for a better life, one with someone that I have feelings for and who shares those feelings. For those reasons I will be forever grateful."
"You and your lady will always be welcome whenever and wherever we have a play date, and I hope that you will visit us often."
Addressing Sylvia, Paul politely asks "If you would excuse us, I would like to borrow Thomas for a moment or two."
With a simple nod, Sylvia gives her consent.
After moving a short way from the doe, Paul addresses Thomas and paws the feline a small packet "As a small token, I wish to give you your final pay, with a small bonus. You have helped the band to grow, and have grown as well. This should help you until you can find a place to call your own, and hopefully a place to share with your lady in the future."
As is the custom, Thomas simply takes the offering and places it in his pocket without looking at it. To look in the presence of the giver would be an insult to both mammals, especially since it was given in a good way.
"Thank you sir, it is appreciated and will be used wisely."
"I shall take my leave now, be safe and take care of your lady … Mitakuye Oyasin!"
"Mitakuye Oyasin!" echoes Thomas as he bids his former employer farewell.
…
"I take it things went well?" asks the curious doe as Thomas returns to her.
"Very much so, yes." the now smiling feline admits.
"What say we go join the dancing." suggests Sylvia taking his arm. "We're dressed up, it'd be a shame to not use the opportunity to use the occasion to our benefit."
"As you wish, Morning Sun." politely submits Thomas with a slight bow.
"Come along then Strong Heart, we mustn't keep our public waiting…" giggles the doe offering her paw to her suitor.
Returning to the dance circle, the new couple is slightly amazed to see Sylvia's mother sitting just outside the circle, still in her regalia, seemingly enjoying the music and the various dancers.
"Mom, is everything alright?" she asks, a little concerned.
Smiling at her daughter, Bonnie answers "Everything's fine Sylvie, I'm just enjoying the day, all of the younger kits are being looked after by the older ones, so I kinda have the day off. It's such a rare thing and all."
"Thomas, Nick would like a quick word with you if you can manage to tear yourself away from my daughter for a few minutes." adds Bonnie "He's over by the Brulé soundstage."
"As you wish Grandmother." … responds the feline with a slight bow, wondering what Nick could want, and why everyone is beginning to be so informal … and so soon after just talking to Paul.
Giving the doe's paw a quick squeeze, Thomas heads out in search of his new employer.
"Mom?" questions Sylvia when Thomas is out of earshot.
"Everything's fine sweetie." again answers a smiling Bonnie. "Nick just has a few things to discuss with Thomas for tomorrow concerning his new job, as well as where your new boyfriend is going to be staying until he can afford his own place."
Stunned, Sylvia has no answer for her mother's last statement. Everything has been going so smoothly, neither she nor Thomas had even thought about where he'd stay. The doe knew that no one would allow him to stay with her in her new apartment, even if she wanted him to ... and that was out of the question even in her mind, things were moving way to quickly for that, even for a bunny ... and especially for her.
…
As Thomas approaches the music venue, the first thing he observes is that the stagepaws (stagehands) are beginning to tear down the systems and getting ready pack up and leave. The next thing he notices is Paul and Nick. The two are conversating and their demeaners are loose and casual, meaning that there is (hopefully) no bad news on the immediate horizon.
"You wish to speak with me Iron Eyes?" he asks tentatively when the opportunity presents itself, while being mindful not to interrupt.
"Yes I do as a matter of fact." states the todd. "It has come to my attention, that lost in the hustle and bustle of the last few days, you have no place to stay."
Looking like he was totally blindsided (which he was) Thomas can only stare.
"I – I would never presume to-" the feline begins.
"To try to stay with Sylvia … Morning Sun?" interrupts Nick "No one was even considering that, not even you from the sound of it, which is a point in your favor. I have asked a few of my regular employees and there are a couple that would be in a position to take you on as a temporary boarder … just until you can find a place of your own that you can afford. She Always Laughs betrothed, whose name is Dances With Wolves, or Bolo, has agreed to put you up for a while. You can ride to and from work with him."
"Again I have you to thank for my good fortune." comments the feline.
"You have made your own good fortune by simply being the mammal that you were truly meant to be." deadpans Nick, returning the complement to Thomas where it rightly belongs.
"As you can see, we are getting the band ready for the road," says Paul. "You can tell your goodbyes to the rest of the crew and gather your belongings from the bus now if you wish."
Suddenly taking the elder timber wolf into a very non-traditional hug, Thomas quickly releases the mammal and heads to gather his few belongings and wish the rest of the crew and performers the best.
"I believe everything will turn out alright …" comments Nick watching the retreating mammal.
"I certainly hope so … and to think he almost didn't come on this trip."
"Really?"
"He got in a slight altercation with one of the performers shortly before we left, but decided at the last minute to stick it out and make the best of the situation."
…
After spending a few minutes with the performers and other stagepaws and then gathering his few meager possessions, Thomas makes his way back to Paul and Nick.
Seeing the slight look of disbelief on Nick's face, Thomas explains "I – I never knew when any trip with the band would be my last, so I never kept much in the way of material things."
"I guess that was a wise decision considering the circumstances." admits Nick "At least you won't be taking up much space at Bolo's. Anyways, let's see about getting your stuff dropped off with Bolo so you can enjoy the rest of the day, what little's left of it, with Sylvia. I think she'll probably be waiting for you across the street at the store."
…
Entering the store, Thomas sees Sylvia, along with the cubs, the elder Wilde vixens, She Always Laughs, Skye and a slightly smaller than normal bison.
"Thomas, this is Bolo, better known as Dances With Wolves among the clans. He is She Always Laughs betrothed. Bolo, meet Thomas, now known as Strong Heart." as Nick makes proper introductions.
Taken aback slightly by the appearance of the bison, Thomas quickly recovers and advances a couple of steps, offering his paw as a greeting.
Taking the young feline's paw in a traditional Lakota pawshake, Bolo tells him "It's good to make your acquaintance Strong Heart. I look forward to meaningful conversation with you in the coming times."
"And I with you sir." admits Thomas.
"Since it's getting late and most of us have to work tomorrow, I think we need to call it a day." intercedes Nick. "Thomas, I think you can put your things in Sylvia's truck and you two can follow Bolo to his place, then you can say your good nights to each other. I think the cubs can ride with Skye, Renee, mom and aunt Shirley, until you get to Bolo's, then to the warren with Sylvia."
Although disappointed, both younger mammals know this to be true, so Sylvia escorts Thomas to her truck, where his few items can be stored in the cab of the truck.
Following Bolo to his residence (Renee rides with the vixens and the cubs to Skye's place, she has plenty of room in her '56 Montclair) bunny and lynx unload Thomas's possessions in the room provided, then make a quick trip outside.
Wrapping each other in an emotional hug, both young mammals simply share in each other's presence before touching foreheads, then share a brief kiss before parting.
"I'll see you tomorrow at lunch?" Sylvia asks tentatively of Thomas.
"I'd like that …" comes the expected answer.
Climbing back into her truck, Sylvia takes one quick look back to see Thomas waving and waves back as the cubs clamber into the cab.
"You really like him, huh?" asks Bright Eyes as the trio head back to the warren.
"Yeah, I really do, and I hope he likes me too …" returns the doe.
"He does." comments Short Tail firmly. "I heard him tell Bolo that he cares for you more than he's ever cared for anyone, even his parents."
"That's … nice …" replies the doe with a slight, dreamy smile playing across her lips.
…
After the cubs exit the truck and head into the burrow, Sylvia remains for a few minutes, pondering the past few days events, then heads in towards her room.
Passing through one of the many kitchens, Sylvia sees her parents sitting at a table, sipping a cup of tea.
"Please, join me for a few minutes …" Bonnie asks.
"Is … is everything okay mom … dad?" asks the now slightly concerned younger doe.
"Not to worry Sylvie, we haven't changed our minds, everything's fine.
Bonnie reassures he daughter.
"Then what …?"
"Nick says that the apartment is livable now, so we think it's time you moved out of the warren."
"Mom … dad?"
With a soft smile, Bonnie reaches across the table and takes one of Sylvia's paws in one of her own "Sylvie, you're a grown doe … you've matured so much the past few weeks, it's time you moved into your own place. I … we … trust you to make proper decisions when it comes to being with Thomas or we wouldn't even think of suggesting that you move. That said, you need your privacy. You can come and go as you please without having the younger kits getting in your way or on your nerves. Just … think about it … whenever you're ready you can make the move. You don't have to worry, your father and I aren't throwing you out, we're simply letting you know your options."
After thinking about the sudden freedom she's suddenly had thrust upon her for a few moments, the younger doe has only one reply "Is … is it okay if I move tonight?"
"How about if you pack tonight and put everything except what you need for in the morning in the truck. No sense making two trips." suggests Stu.
"Ummm, yeah, I guess that'd work too …" returns a still slightly stunned Sylvia.
"Go ahead sweety," prompts Bonnie "get everything ready to go so you can get to bed fairly early."
Standing, the younger doe quickly heads for her small room, hugging her parents on the way.
"Do ya think she's excited?" asks Stu.
"Maybe just a little …" returns Bonnie, smile still in place.
…
Meanwhile at Bolo's …..
After everyone has left, Bolo checks up on his new boarder.
Tapping on the doorframe, Bolo asks a slightly discombobulated Thomas "How are you holding up Ciyewaye?"
Giving the bison a slightly confused look, Thomas has to ask "You … you call me brother?"
"I do so in a good way, please take no offense." hurriedly explains Bolo.
"No, I take no offense. It's just that so much good has happened to me in just a few days, it's … difficult to grasp."
"I understand. From what I have been able to grasp, you have had a difficult life, and are not used to the good that the spirits have bestowed upon you. Do not worry, all things are exactly as they appear, nothing has been done in a bad way. I am sure you will find the mammals at Nick's shop will give you good treatment. You will receive the same respect that you show others. No one there cares who or what you are, only that you do your work in a good and timely manner, and that you treat others with the respect that they treat you with."
"And my involvement with the doe called Morning Sun … Sylvia?"
"Will be of no concern to anyone, as long as you treat her with respect. Many of the mammals there have mates outside of their species, so that is a non-issue. In case you hadn't noticed, Nick's mate, who is very pregnant with his kits, is a rabbit, one of Sylvia's many sisters."
"And your betrothed is a wolf, correct?"
"Yes, she is. Are you uncomfortable with that?" asks a now slightly concerned Bolo.
"Of course not." confidentially answers the feline "I am simply amazed at the diversity of the mammals and their mates here."
"Good to know. I will leave you to yourself for now, you'll need to rest up for tomorrow. Jeans and shirt will be fine to wear in the morning, I usually leave around 6:15 for the shop, I need to get there early to help get the assignments set up in case there are any changes. You'll be given uniform shirts to where when we can get some your size."
As the bison exits the room "I'll see you in the morning … it's good to have another Lakota in the clan."
"Clan?"
"Lala Nahtaka Zitkala (Grandfather Kicking Bird) has given the group of Indigenous mammals here, both natural and Tiyospaye (Extended family) permission to become a clan." Bolo tells the young feline "Nick and Judy, that is Iron eyes and Wolf Spirit, are the clan leaders. You have been given a high honor to be allowed to join the clan."
"I will do my best to deserve the honor that has come to me." answers a now astounded Thomas.
"Again, I bid you a good night …" says Bolo as he retreats into the modest home.
AN: (Ki - chee-yea-wah-yea kee ~ younger brother)
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