“That is the question I should be asking you. Why are you delaying it because of her?”
“Oh come off it, Chito. You were the one who presumed it’s because of her. I never said she is the reason I haven’t left. I will leave, soon.”
“It seems soon will never come. Apparently, what you understand by soon is not what everyone else understands it as. How did the meeting with the council go?”
“Better than I expected.”
“Really? With Elder Kahona there? The man despises you. It is a surprise you were able to come out of there with a good judgment.”
“Uh huh. He did try to strike a few times but he was not the only one there. He was not allowed to have his way, well completely, that is.”
"Well, that is certainly good news," Chito said with a nod. He tilted his head in the direction of the shack where Elaina resided. "How is she?"
Running Wolf shrugged, "Why are you asking me? She is over there and I am over here."
"Sure, I hear you. I hear you loud and clear. You have absolutely no idea how she is doing."
Ignoring his friend, Running Wolf headed back in his tepee to retrieve his bow and arrow, "Are you coming with? I'm going hunting."
"Where you should be going is on your vision quest."
Running Wolf sighed, "Are we on that again?"
"Of course. We never left it behind. All you keep doing is delaying what you have to do. The agreement was that she fend for herself. I do not understand why you have the need to stay with her and protect her, Running Wolf."
"I just want to go hunting, Chito. It's either you come along, stay here or return to the village. The choice is yours to make. Now, I will leave you be."
"Wait for me, I'm coming along," Chito called after him grudgingly.
Running Wolf hid a chuckle and started down the path. She needed meat, that was the thought in his mind as he ventured into the woods.
Chapter Ten
Elaina heard the footsteps before Running Wolf showed up around the corner. She tilted her head at the two large baskets he was carrying.
"Uh… What are those?" She asked.
"You need to build up your strength. You just pushed a little human out of you. You must be exhausted," Running Wolf said as he placed the baskets at her feet.
Elaina's eyes widened, "This is a whole lot! When could I possibly finish all these?"
"I have no doubt that you will be able to. You will be eating for two after all," Running Wolf said with a small smile.
Elaina grinned wider, her eyes taking in the basket that was piled with fruit and the other had smoked meat. "You really didn't have to go to all this trouble, you know."
"I know, but I wanted to," he said slowly. "So, how's Jessica? I presume she is asleep."
"Yes. She is really calm. It didn't take long to get her to sleep." Elaina smiled. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, by all means," Running Wolf told her. He hoisted the baskets and set them in the area set aside for the kitchen.
"Well… you have been keeping your distance all this while. Whenever you bring me anything, you don't even approach. I understood that. I am a stranger here after all. But now, you're crossing the threshold. Why?"
He blinked. It was obvious to Elaina that he had not been expecting the question. He scratched his head and said, "You need more help now. The baby is here. There is only so much you can do, right?"
"You've really been of tremendous help to me. I don't think I can thank you enough," Elaina said softly.
She found herself staring deeply into the pools of honey that were his eyes. They were rich and sincere eyes. She had not seen eyes so sincere in a long time.
