Yet, the sudden memory of a kiss she'd stolen from him all those winters ago caused him some speculation. Was it possible he might come to desire her, even knowing he could never marry her?
Momentarily, the lines between his eyes deepened.
He shook his head. He was in no danger of losing his heart to her. After all these years of their communicating to each other via the mind-to-mind talk, he would know if his heart were in danger from her.
Hánnia,let her come into his country and decide for herself if she wished to stay or go. It was nothing to him what she did. After all, he was free to either keep his heart close to him or give it away, and he did not wish to bestow it upon her.
Still, there was the memory of that kiss.
As he deliberately set his mind away from the thought of their one and only caress, he saw his friend, Eagle Heart, approaching him from the direction of the Pikuni encampment surrounding the fort.
Shortly, Eagle Heart came to stand beside him, and for a moment they remained thusly, until, at last, Eagle Heart said in the Blackfoot tongue, "It has been a good trade this year, though I admit the hot weather is unusual."
Gray Falcon nodded.
"But, it is good," continued Eagle Heart. "It is to be assumed the weather is to account for all the bands of our people converging upon the fort."
"Áa,yes," responded Gray Falcon. "I have greatly enjoyed renewing many friendships with the tribes from the north during this season of Home Days. I have also rejoiced to see the fellowship of our women, watching them laugh and gossip with one another; it is good, also, to meet with the other medicine men in those tribes."
"Hánnia,it is so," returned Eagle Heart. "All are enjoying the bonds of friendship from our societies, as well as the dancing, the horse racing and the games, though I fear some have lost too much in their gambling."
Gray Falcon nodded, and the two men became silent.
"Do you worry abouther? Scouts tell us the mystery ship should be here this day."
"Áa,it is why I have come to this wooded place, away from our people. From here I can see the mystery boat when it first appears, yet I can remain apart so my meeting with her after these five winters will be private. But, you ask if I am worried about her. I am not, though I am curious to meet her again."
Eagle Heart didn't respond immediately. After a short pause, however, he said, "My wife is greatly excited to see her sister again. She and my sisters have put up a lodge next to our own, so she will be comfortable and enjoy the security of knowing her family lives next to her."
Again Gray Falcon nodded.
"Perhaps," continued Eagle Heart, "you will now feel at ease in taking a wife. I fear the honors you have brought to our people have caused the unmarried maidens in our camp to fuss over their grooming too much."
Gray Falcon laughed and was reminded that in his last mind-speak withher, she had asked him why he hadn't married, and, although he would admit he enjoyed watching a pretty woman as much as anyone else, he had not sought to marry. Not yet. He had been too busy learning to use his talents to attain the skills necessary to become a true medicine man, one who would help his people.
Of course, he would marry someday; it was expected of all Pikuni men. But, he was in no rush to do so.
In answer to his friend's subtle teasing, Gray Falcon said, "I believe I am not the cause of our unmarried maidens seeking to become even more beautiful than they already are. Besides, when have I had a moment in which to look at a woman with interest? As you know, I have been too busy learning many skills to help our people who are ill or injured."
Eagle Heart nodded, though after a moment he asked, "Does she know you speak English now?"
"I have not told her so."
"It is good. At least now you will have a chance to speak the language often."
"Áa,I will, my friend, I will."
Both men lapsed into silence, until, at length, Eagle Heart said, "I am glad you have remained in communication with her through the silent world of the mind talk. Without this, my wife would not have known her sister is now coming to our camp, since we came by this knowledge only through you."
"I am glad I was able to bring you both this news."
"Áa.My wife also asks me to invite you to stand with our family as we await the mystery-boat-that-walks-on-water."
Gray Falcon smiled but said, "I am honored you have invited me to do this, but I will await her here, I think. I would not have all eyes upon me when we first see one another after these many years."
It was true. Gray Falcon did not wish to see her and speak to her again beneath the curious glances of his fellow countrymen. This was especially so because he was well aware she might greet him in a manner considered to be too enthusiastic by his people.
Indeed, he feared this was her way. But, it was not his custom.
