Hca pulled the leather cover aside and grinned in at the blonde. "Anpo is at my ate's fire," she informed her.

Kathleen swallowed and nodded. As her friend dropped the covering, the thought crossed her mind, Am I doing the right thing? Two years of pain and emptiness flashed through her memory. The many nights crying, the nightmares, a forlorn desire for someone to cuddle with, the taste and smell of her warrior just out of reach.

Inhaling deeply, the blonde shook the memories off. "Aye, la.s.s. There's no doubt about that. You are doing the right thing." She slipped out the tiopa.

It was almost surreal, this feeling of deja vu that overcame Kathleen as she made her way to Gi's ti ikceya. So much like the first time. She saw the entire camp was out and about in support and she smiled. And so different! When she neared the lodge, she could see her family seated about the fire, smoking and talking. But she only had eyes for Anpo, the confident warrior comfortably telling a story to her cinksi and tunska .

Anpo could feel her woman's presence. She looked up, her handsome face breaking into a welcome smile.

Silence fell about the fire as Kathleen arrived. The blonde spared a glance at the others there, finding a wreathe of smiles. With no words, she reached out her hand, sighing as Anpo's warm skin touched hers. She turned and led the way back to her own lodge, the b.u.t.terflies in her stomach raging.

As she'd done before, she held the leather cover aside for Anpo before stepping in. With sure steps, Kathleen led her warrior to the place across from the entrance and helped her seat herself. Kneeling before Anpo, she gently removed the moccasins on the dark feet and replaced them with new ones. "We are joined, winuhca."

Anpo reached out and pulled the braids forward to hang in front of the blonde. "We are joined, winuhca," she repeated with a smile.

The afternoon was another whirlwind of activity. Wagna's camp celebrated the joining of the couple with a fine feast that all were invited to. Many of Mani's people joined them as well as a few others from the main summer camp. Anpo ate her midday meal at her own fire in front of Kathleen's ti ikceya, the blonde serving her with gentle grace for all to see. After all had served witness to their domestic bliss, Anpo took her winuhca by the hand and led her into the lodge.

Kathleen chewed her lower lip in a heady mix of fear, antic.i.p.ation and arousal. She was reminded of the first time they had ever been together, before she understood the words spoken to her or the intentions of the strange warrior in the yellow shirt. Her mouth quirked in a slight grin as she remembered her surprise at finding a woman, not a man.

The blonde found herself being drawn to the sleeping robes that Anpo had placed in their appropriate place. The fire burned low, more for light than heat, and the bottom of the ti ikceya had been rolled up a few inches to allow a breeze to cool the interior.

Anpo stopped at the robes, turning her dark eyes on her winuhca. She recalled their first night together, as well, and proceeded to deliberately copy it. Her hands touched the pale skin, caressing, studying, bowing her head to peer closely at the small hairs that decorated it. It has been so long.... Again, the warrior marveled at the movement of the hair as her breath brushed across it.

The tickling sensation caused Kathleen to sigh and close her eyes, a shiver running up her arm and to her heart. A vague throb developed between her legs and she pressed her thighs together to ease it. It only served to intensify the need. The sensation of lips on her skin popped her eyes open. She's never kissed me there!

With tender curiosity, Anpo nibbled the pulse point at her woman's wrist, tasting the skin there for the first time. Her own body was smoldering, her heart fluttering in her chest as she proceeded to lick and kiss a line towards Kathleen's elbow. The hand she held curved about her head, pale fingers grazing her hair. Hearing a whispery sigh caused her blood to pulse hotter in her veins.

Kathleen crooked her arm, planting her hand firmly behind her warrior's head. With a craving that surprised her, she forced Anpo's mouth to her own, demanding a kiss. Their lips met, voracious appet.i.tes whetting. Hard arms wrapped about the blonde and pulled her tight, one hand behind her head, the other squeezing her rear. The wave of pa.s.sion that a.s.sailed Kathleen almost made her swoon, her knees becoming weak from the rush.

Anpo freed the delicious mouth from her attentions, her motions fierce and frantic as she blazed a trail to the lithe neck. She could feel smaller arms clutching at her waist and head, could hear a moan force its way from her winuhca's throat and she bit down on the skin there, feeling the sound in her teeth. The muscles beneath her hand tightened as the blonde pushed her hips forward.

The unfamiliar sound rising from her throat shocked Kathleen even as it excited her. Dark blue eyes flickered about in confusion as if she were just waking up. A war erupted in her head, her desire fighting with the puritan upbringing of her parents. The teeth nibbling her neck and the resultant growl from her warrior sent a flood of heat to her thighs, an ache to her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. What's wrong with me!? I've never felt this way! Not even with Adam!

Feeling the woman in her arms begin to struggle weakly, Anpo released the smooth neck and pulled her head back. Kathleen's eyes were br.i.m.m.i.n.g with fear and arousal and the warrior's heart went out to her. "Hiya, Ketlin," she whispered, peering into the stormy eyes. "Shhhh. You are safe with me, mahasanni ki." With slow, deliberate movement, Anpo moved the hand that had been kneading a full b.u.t.tock. As their eyes remained locked, she traced a path over the swell of hip, the curve of waist, brushing a breast.

The fear receded at the gentle touch. Kathleen's breast ached even more as her warrior's hand barely caressed it and she found herself opening her mouth in a soft sigh, eyes becoming hooded. She licked her lips, feeling thirsty and hungry all at once.

Seeing that Kathleen's fears were calming, the warrior's hand wrapped about the neck, her thumb caressing the reddening mark where her teeth had just been. "I love you, Ketlin. I will not hurt you." The thumb roamed up to follow the jawline, her other hand caressing the back of the blonde head. "We will give each other pleasure on our joining day."

Kathleen swayed a bit as she was released. With a bit of concentration, she focused on the warrior before her who was removing shirt and breechclout. The blonde blinked. A memory flitted across her mind's eye - the man in the yellow shirt becoming a woman after removing her clothing. The gentle dark eyes that promised when no words could be understood that nothing would harm her. With a smile, Kathleen pulled her dress over her head and kicked off her moccasins.

Smiling in return, Anpo took her woman by the hand and settled down on the robes. They faced each other in the dim light of the fire, sitting cross legged, knee to knee. Again, she reenacted their first night, reaching out to touch with inquisitive hands. There was a difference, however. As her hands roamed the pale skin, her dark eyes locked with Kathleen's, watching the blonde's responses.

The blonde sat very still as she was caressed. Touches trailed along her arms, gently ma.s.saged her shoulders. They brushed her neck and she arched it as a cat receiving a scratching. Dark eyes stared into hers and Kathleen tried diligently to keep visual contact. When Anpo's touch drifted to her aching b.r.e.a.s.t.s, it was too much and she let out a soft moan as her eyes finally closed.

Anpo's heartbeat increased at the sound. She finally dropped her own eyes and watched her dark hands against the fair skin, circling the soft roundness, watching the nipples pucker in antic.i.p.ation. Curiosity washed over the warrior and she leaned closer.

A familiar sensation occurred and Kathleen's mind frantically searched for the memory. Nursing! She opened dark blue eyes and peered down her chest to see Anpo suckling her left breast. The warrior's eyes were closed and her hands had reached around Kathleen's back to support her. The sheer eroticism of the moment flushed through the blonde and she tossed her head backwards, her own hands finding the dark head and pressing closer. "Oh, Anpo," she sighed.

The skin was smooth and warm. The warrior could hear the rapid heart beating, could feel it on her lips as she sucked on the small bud. Hearing her woman's response to the suckling, a wave of pa.s.sion flowed through her and she attacked the right nipple with hunger. Anpo braced the blonde with one arm, bringing her other hand forward to knead the abandoned breast.

Once again, Kathleen lost herself in the intensity. Both her hands were wrapped in raven hair and she clutched at Anpo, wanting her to continue, wanting her to stop, wanting her to do... something. Teeth grazed her nipple and she groaned, bringing her head forward to rain kisses on her lover.

With raging appet.i.te, Anpo moaned and avidly attacked her woman's chest and neck, finally stopping at Kathleen's lips. There, her touch became gentle, her kisses teasing, drawing the blonde out and away from her nervousness and fears.

Expecting the same frenzied attention, Kathleen was frustrated. She tried to extend the kisses only to have Anpo pull away. Her dark blue eyes snapped in pique. Hands still buried in dark hair, she forced the desired lips closer and attacked them. Their tongues entwined, she could feel her warrior's moan and it urged her to lean forward.

Losing herself to the sensations, Anpo pulled her winuhca closer. She was sitting cross legged and Kathleen was in her lap, straddling her waist. The shock of their bellies and b.r.e.a.s.t.s touching, rubbing, pressing against each other brought another wave of arousal and sound from both of them.

Anpo's hands rubbed the pale thighs, occasionally reaching around to knead the rounded b.u.t.tocks and pull the blonde closer. She could feel the light curls brushing and mingling with her own darker ones, feel the moisture there mixing with her own essence. Small hands, having finally released her hair, scratched up and down her back and shoulders. "Mahasanni ki," she whispered between incendiary kisses, capturing one of the hands.

Kathleen found her hand pressed to an aching breast. She broke off the kiss as she peered down, brushing her thumb against the darker areola, seeing the erect nipple peaking. Bringing her head back up, she stared into fiery brown eyes and licked her lips. With deliberate slowness, she squeezed the breast, capturing the nipple between thumb and forefinger.

The warrior's eyes closed and she pressed against the blonde's hips with a groan. "Ohan, mahasanni ki," she panted as the attention continued, a rush of wetness between her thighs.

It was Kathleen's turn to marvel at the effect of her touch. She lost herself in the wonder as her hands crossed heated flesh, watching her lover's reactions to the different touches. Straying down, she brushed the curly hair between them, feeling moisture. Surprised, reached further, scooping Anpo's essence onto a finger and brushing the sensitive bud.

Anpo was on fire, her body automatically bucking as the blonde touched her. She opened dark eyes to slits, watching as Kathleen studied the liquid on her finger.

"You are wet," the blonde said, holding the digit up to show the warrior.

Panting, Anpo couldn't help but chuckle. "Ohan, Ketlin. It is what happens to winyan when they are aroused." With a sly grin, she brought her own hand down and returned the favor, her smile widening at the gasp of surprise as she caressed Kathleen's s.e.x. Bringing her finger up, she showed the blonde that it glistened with wetness, as well.

The jolt of pleasure from her center startled the blonde. While there'd been some amount of feeling with her husband, it had never been so intense with just a touch. She watched as Anpo licked her own finger clean, eyes closing with enjoyment. Kathleen peered at her damp finger, a maddening curiosity overcoming her. What does she taste like? The resulting explosion of saltiness on her tongue amazed her.

Anpo opened her eyes to see her winuhca repeating the action, finger in mouth as she sucked the warrior's essence. Her hands returned to the pale skin, pulling Kathleen's hips closer until their centers mingled. She heard a moan that drove her on and her hands ma.s.saged the firm muscles of the blonde's b.u.t.tocks, moving slowly south.

As long fingers played in her wetness, Kathleen's hips began to move, pressing herself against the warrior. Not wanting to be left out, she reached between them and caressed Anpo's silky folds, her body on fire at the immediate and carnal response.

They moved together, soft moans punctuating their touches as they thrust against each other. Lips and tongues clashed together in breathless excitement, fingers reaching into places that hadn't been touched in too long. The pair rode wave upon wave of ecstasy until they cried out in a final spasm, bucking against firm skin in mutual climax.

Anpo was physically exhausted but her heart was filled to bursting. She eased backwards onto their robes until she lay with her woman splayed across her body. Her fingertips idly traced patterns on Kathleen's back and sides. I have found my path, as Inyan told me many winters ago.

The blonde relaxed under the stroking, her body sluggish. A hundred thoughts rampaged through her active mine, foremost being, Good Lord! What else have we been missing!? She listened to the steady beat of her winuhca's heart, slowing to normal after their exertions. Another sound filled her ear, the croon of her warrior singing a love song.

When it was finished, Anpo hugged her woman close. "I will never leave you again, mahasanni ki. Not even in death."

Though the words sent shivers down her spine, Kathleen lifted her head, falling into deep pools of brown. "And I will never leave you, mahasanni ki. Not even in death."

Epilogue.

1784.

The spring morning was chilly and a little overcast. It had rained pretty steadily for the last month and Stewart was happy for the break in the weather. He tightened the cinch on his saddle and readjusted a stirrup. Certain that he and his gear would stay on the animal, he turned to his family with a smile.

As usual, Teca was in Anpo's arms. The boy was five winters old now and becoming more and more distracted by the hoksila who ran wild through camp. Beside the pair was Kathleen, her dark blue eyes shining with tears despite the happy smile on her face. It was to her that the blond man went first.

Kathleen's breath hitched as she was gathered into his arms. She reined in her rampant emotions and bussed his cheek. "You take care of yourself, Stew," she insisted, pulling back to dust and straighten his homespun shirt.

"Ohan, sis, I will," Stewart responded. He tilted her chin with a finger and stared into eyes that were so like his own. "And you take care of yourself and your family."

Despite her best intentions, the blonde burst into tears and pulled her little brother into another embrace. "I will," she promised in a fierce whisper.

After a few moments, Stewart pulled away, his own eyes suspiciously damp. "Here now, la.s.s! No tears!" He helped her wipe her face before turning to Anpo.

The warrior stared at him for long seconds. Her face was unreadable as she set Teca down and reached for a pouch at her feet. Anpo handed the leather to her sic'e , a slight smile gracing her face. "Thank you for bringing my winuhcala and cinksi back to me."

Blinking in surprise at the gift, Stewart opened the pouch and pulled out a fur bundle. Inside was a bone pipe, yellowed with age. Small animals were carved on it and a second piece of bone had been fashioned into the bowl, its interior blackened from use. Stewart looked up at the warrior.

"That is my best pipe," Anpo explained. "It is made from the bone of tatanka ska and is very sacred."

Stewart fairly gaped at her, knowing the importance of this item among Anpo's personal belongings. He automatically reached out to hand it back but Kathleen intercepted him.

"Never refuse a gift," she murmured.

Swallowing, the man nodded. He pulled back and looked at the warrior. "Thank you, Anpo. You do me a great honor with this gift." His mind raced as he considered his own belongings. "I have nothing to give you in return."

Anpo's smile widened. She picked Teca up again and held out her arm, draping it around Kathleen's waist. "You have given me a great gift, Stu'et, one that I can never repay. You have brought my family home to me."

Unable to top that, Stewart accepted the compliment and gift with grace. he bundled the pipe up carefully and stowed it with his gear. Final good byes were said and he mounted his horse.

"Give my best to mum and da," Kathleen said.

"I will, sis."

Teca, who had remained fairly silent through the exchange, finally called out, "Leksi ! You will return?"

Stewart's eyes took in the boy, his family. He turned a bit and studied the winter camp of Wagmiza Wagna with fond eyes. A smile crossed his face and he looked back at his nephew. "Ohan, tunska! I will be back to see you."

"Good." Satisfied, Teca asked to be put down and he scampered off to his mother's ti ikceya to play.

"Take care, sis. I love you." Stewart urged his mount away, threading through the camp. Once he was through the eastern entrance, he kicked the horse into a trot.

On a hill outside of camp, Stewart pulled up short. Turning around, he looked down and saw his sister and hanka walking arm in arm back to the lodge. Teca was dancing around the fire, pretending to be hunting tatanka ska.

"Aye, sis. I'll be back. You can bet on it."

He turned the horse for home.

Cast of Characters.

Hca Wanahca (hajah wah-nah-hajah) - (Cinksi/Anpo's sister) nicknamed Hca He Osni (hee oh-shnee) - (medicine man) nicknamed He Hehaka Yatke (heh-hah-kah yaht-keh) - owner of Kathleen from Mani's camp Inyan Ceye (een-yahn cheh-yeh) - (shaman) nicknamed Inyan Magaju Ahi (mah-gah-joo ah-hee) - (Anpo/Hca's cousin) nicknamed Ahi Nupa Olowan (noo-pah oh-loh-wahn) - (Cinksi/Anpo's childhood friend) nicknamed Nupa Stewart Franklin McGlashan - (Kathleen's brother) nicknamed Stew Tatanka Teca (tah-tahn-kah teh-jah) - (Ketlin/Anpo's child) nicknamed Teca Topeya (toh-peh-yah) - (native who received the first steel knife from the white trader) Wagmiza Wagna (wah-gamee-zah wah-ganah) - Chief of Cinksi/Anpo's camp Wanbli Zi (wahn-blee zee) - (Cinksi/Anpo's father) nicknamed Wanbli Waniyetu Gi (wah-nee-yeh-too jee) - (Cinksi/Anpo's mother) nicknamed Gi Wayawa (wah-yah-wah) - medicine man of Mani's camp Wi Sape (wee sah-peh) - (Nupa's father) Wicasa Waziya Mani (wee-chah-shah wah-zee-yah mah-nee) - Chief Wi Ile Anpo (wee ee-leh ahn-poh) - (a.k.a. Cinksi) nicknamed Anpo Yus'as'a Wicasa (yoo-she-ah-she-ah wee-chah-shah) - son of Nupa and Hca, Anpo's nephew Zintkala T'e Zito (zeen-takah-lah teh-eh zee-toh) - Opposing Lakota chief in 1768 civil war Kathleen Sarah McGlashan Stevens - the white woman, nicknamed Ketlin Jonathan McGlashan - Kathleen's father Rachel McGlashan - Kathleen's mother Stewart Franklin McGlashan - Kathleen's brother Franklin O'Neill - Rachel McGlashan's father, Kathleen's grandfather Kathleen O'Neill - Rachel McGlashan's mother, Kathleen's grandmother Widower Adam Stevens - nearest neighbor and Kathleen's husband.

Kathleen Sarah Stevens (nee McGlashan) - daughter of Rachel and Jonathon.

Lakota Glossary.

ate (ah-the) - father cana (cha-nah) - crotch area ce (chee) - p.e.n.i.s cinksi (cheen-kashee) - son cunksi (choon-kashee) - daughter cuwe (choo-weh) - older sister cuwekala (choo-weh-kah-lah) - precious, older sister cuwignaka (choo-wee-genah-kah) - dress Hahatunwan (hah-hah-toon-wahn)/Ojibwe tribe - 'village by the falls'

han (Hahn) - female greeting hanka (hahn-kah) - male to sister-in-law hankasi (hahn-kah-shee) - grandchild hau (hah-oo) - male agreement, yes / greeting hehaka (heh-hah-kah) - male deer, elk hiya (hee-yah) - negative, no hoh (hoh) - male negative, strong no hokahe (hoh-kah-heh) - "let's go"

hoksila (hoh-keshee-lah) - boy igmu (eeg-moo) - cat, mysterious animal ikceya (eek-jeh-yah) - common lodge (a.k.a. tipi) ina (ee-nah) - mother inanup (ee-nah-noop) - mother two jiji (jee-jee) - fair complexioned ki (kee) - the koskalaka (kosh-kah-lah-kah) - young man leksi (leh-kashee) - uncle mahasanni ki (mah-hah-sahn-nee kee) - 'my second skin', very intimate name for one's mate maske (mah-shekeh) - female to female close friend misun (mee-soon) - female to younger brother mitan (mee-tahn) - younger sister mitankala (mee-tahn-kah-lah) - precious, younger sister nigesanla (nee-geh-sahn-lah) - antelope ohan (oh-hahn) - female agreement, yes oinikaga tipi (oh-ee-nee-kah-gah tee-pee) - sweat lodge pispiza (pees-pee-zah) - prairie dog san (shahn) - v.a.g.i.n.a Sicangu (see-gahn-goo) - one of the seven tribes of Lakota sic'e (shee-chah-eh) - female to brother-in-law ska (skah) - white stepan (sheteh-pahn) - female to sister-in-law taha (tah-hah - buckskin takoja (tah-koh-jah) - grandchild tanksi (tahn-kashee) - male form of younger sister, close friend tatanka (tah-tahn-kah) - buffalo ti (tee) - lives in tiblo (tee-beloh) - female form of older brother / close male friend tiopa (tee-oh-pah) - door, opening tiospaye (tee-osh-pah-yeh) - extended family unit tunska (toon-shekah) - nephew tunkasi (toon-kah-shee) - father-in-law tunkasila (toon-kah-shee-lah) - grandfather tunwin (toon-ween) - aunt unci (oon-jee - grandmother uncisi (oon-jee-shee) - mother-in-law wagmu ohanpi (wah-gemoo oh-han-pee) - squash wakan (wah-kahn) - very powerful wakan tanka (wah-kahn tahn-kah) - the great spirit wakanyeja (wah-kahn-yeh-jah) - baby wana (wah-nah) - now wansi (wahn-see) - pemmican, dried meat and fruit mixture wicahcala (wee-chah-hajah-lah) - 'real man,' term of respect wicasa (wee-chah-shah) - man, older adult male wicincala (wee-cheen-jah-lah) - girl.

wikoskalaka (wee-kosh-kah-lah-kah) - young woman.

winuhca (wee-noo-hejah - 'real woman', term of respect.

winuhcala (wee-noo-hejah-lah) - precious, real woman / term of endearment for wife.

winyan (ween-yahn) - woman, older adult female.

wiwoha (wee-woh-hah) - daughter-in-law.

end.