Chapter 48

Chris awoke to the smell of cooking meat. He sat up on his pallet and wiped the sleep from his eyes. When they finally focused, he saw Nathan and Vin sitting around the fire, a rabbit slowing roasting on a spit.

“Well, looks like sleepy head’s awake,” said Vin smiling over to Chris.

“Can’t sleep the day away,” started Chris. “It’s my wedding day.”

“Why don’t ya get over here and fill ya belly. Ya gon’na need it.”

Chris smiled and was happy that the tracker was no longer apprehensive about the wedding. He wanted him and Buck to stand by his side when he took his vows. He needed them for support, although we would never say.

“Have to go wash up first,” he said softly as he started to stand up. Unfortunately, his legs were not working as well as he thought. He swayed slightly as they tried to hold his weight.

Vin and Nathan had seen the weakness in the blond, but they both decided that they would ignore it. They knew he would want to stand on his own on this day of days. Stubborn he was, and they knew they would not win the argument if they tried to broach the subject.

When Chris was finally on his feet, he walked to the tipi flap and ducked outside. He did not see Vin as he nodded to Nathan and then swiftly followed him outside.

As Chris walked slowly over to the creek bed, he felt a presence near him. He stopped in his tracks and turned to face the presence. He smiled when he saw that it was his best friend and brother.

“You followin’ me?”

“Nope. Thought I get some of that great creek water for breakfast,” answered Vin smirking at him.

Chris looked him up and down and then shook his head in disbelief as he continued to the creek. Vin followed, whistling silently to himself.

When they got to the creek, Chris removed his leggings and moccasins, only keeping his loincloth on as he stepped into the creek to bathe. He felt Vin’s eyes behind him, not sure what the young tracker was thinking.

He splashed the water with fervor, washing his chest, arms and legs. When that was done he scooped up some water and started washing his face and hair.

Once he was done, he stepped out of the creek, shaky the water from his blond sun-bleached hair, trying to dry himself off.

Vin stared at the blond Cheyenne. Although he knew Chris was skinny, he could still see that he had lost weight during his sickness. His upper body had tanned darkly from being out in the sun all the time and his stance was that of a Cheyenne. But had he fully turned Cheyenne or was it just habit now. Vin did not know the answer, but he knew Larabee would have to make a decision soon and he dreaded the answer.

Chris started putting his leggings and moccasins back on. He noticed that Vin was silent and although they usually did not have to talk, they both could understand what each other was thinking. This time was one of those rare times when they were both in the dark.

Once he was done, he said, “Is there somethin’ bothering you, Pard?”

“Just thinkin’.”

“’Bout?”

“’Bout this and that,” said Vin starting to walk away. Chris quickly followed, knowing that his friend was avoiding answering him.

“Vin. If there’s anything…”

Vin swiftly turned to face him. His blue eyes were bright, dancing like the water in sunlight. “Chris, I cain’t say how happy I am to see ya so happy. But ya know ya haven’t said what ya gon’na do after the weddin’.”

Chris looked at him confused. “After the weddin’? You talkin’ that night,” replied Chris jokingly, trying to keep things away from the obvious.

“Chris. Ya know what I mean!” said Vin irritated.

“Tell ya the truth, Vin. I haven’t thought ‘bout it. I guess I was just tryin’ to get through the ceremonies and all,” admitted Chris.

“Well, when ya do, ya need to think what kind of life ya want for Mapiya and for ya children,” stated Vin determinedly.

“Children? What children?” asked Chris, quirking an eyebrow in his direction.

“Ya do know that Mapiya is gon’na wan’na have some kids, don’t cha?”

“I never really thought ‘bout it. I guess I haven’t thought ‘bout any of this, to tell ya the truth.”

“Didn’t think ya did, Cowboy,” said Vin grinning at Chris’ predicament.

“I’ll tell ya what. Let’s get me and Mapiya married first. Then I’ll talk to her about our future, okay?”

“That’s sounds like a right idea, Pard,” said Vin laughingly. He knew that Larabee was in for it once he and Mapiya were married.

“Come on. We got to get ready for a weddin’. I still got to find gifts for my in-laws, Mapiya and my friends,” he said walking away.

“What?”

“I guess someone wasn’t listenin’ to Young Man,” said Chris laughing as he continued walking towards the tipi.

“Larabee! Come back here!” yelled Vin, running after him. “Damn no good smart-ass!” he grumbled under his breath as he watched the blond duck into the tipi. It was turning out to be a good day.

* * * * *

Mapiya had bathed in the creek this morning in order to be blessed by the spirit of the Earth and now was in the temporary woman’s tipi busily putting the final touches to her wedding outfit.

She had also been busy making the gifts for her new brother-in-laws and her husband. It was traditional to give gifts to the people most important in the new life of the newly married couple. This was the responsibility of the bride and groom. The people she knew from her future husband’s side of the family was his brothers, all seven and his friend since being here, Kovaahe, Young Man. 
 
She knew that Emo'ôhtavo vo'e would have this as one of his tasks also. But she remembered that he had not time to get all the gifts that he would need during his illness, so she had made some for him, especially for his friends. She would have Otseemeoo'e, Standing Brave Woman who was her handmaiden for the wedding, bring them to her beloved before the ceremony.
 
Her father supplied other gifts for the rest of the people attending the wedding. He knew that Mapiya and Emo'ôhtavo vo'e did not have enough time to make or get gifts for so many people, so he had gifts made for everyone else. It would not be good to shame the newly married couple in front of the people.
 
She had finished Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s clothing yesterday and had sent to her father’s tipi. She hoped it would please him. It had taken her most of the day to finish it. Clothing for White Eagle was made by Otseemeoo'e and was delivered along with Emo'ôhtavo vo'e’s clothing yesterday. Unfortunately, the big hairy-faced man, the one called Buck, had refused to wear the traditional clothing and had told them in no uncertain terms that he would wear his own clothing. 
 
Cheyenne brides, grooms and kin were to dress in traditional clothing, usually made by hand. Vin, on the other hand, understood their traditions and he was more willing. But since Buck was not of the people, it was accepted. It was his choice.
 
Mapiya mind then started to drift and memories of being with Emo'ôhtavo vo'e entered her thoughts. She could almost feel his touch upon her skin and his lips upon hers. She remembered their very first kiss and how her heart beat so within her heart at its fire and passion. There had been no other man that could produce such feelings in her heart and soul and she knew there was no other man for her.
 
Just then, someone entered the tipi and Mapiya turned to find it was Otseemeoo'e. Otseemeoo'e was a young Cheyenne woman. Her long brown hair flowed freely down her back and her big brown eyes reminded Mapiya sometimes of a puppy, always in wonder and curiosity.
 
“Mapiya, it is almost time. You must hurry and dress,” she said in Cheyenne.
 
“Sorry. My mind was wandering,” replied Mapiya.
 
“You were dreaming about your warrior husband!” laughed Otseemeoo'e, as she patted Mapiya on the shoulder. “You will have much time with him once you are married.”
 
Mapiya looked at her smiling. Otseemeoo'e was always laughing and joking. She was Mapiya’s best friend and in the beginning was the only one who stood with her when she announced that she wanted to marry Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.
 
“Very well, sister. I will get dressed quickly. But I need you to take these to Emo'ôhtavo vo'e.”
 
Otseemeoo'e nodded and took the package that Mapiya had handed her. She then walked quickly out of the tipi.
 
Once she was gone, Mapiya quickly started to get dress into her wedding dress. It was turning out to be a good day.
 

* * * * *

Chris had dressed in his wedding leggings, moccasins, shirt and loincloth. They were clothing was handmade by Mapiya from soft deerskin and dyed white.

Chris touched the fabric with his fingertips. Its smoothness seemed to bring calm to his dark nature. These people were adept at not only creating beauty, but also to put the feelings of their culture into that beauty. There was beaded work intricately placed among the clothing that symbolized the beginning of life and of family.

Vin and the others stared at Chris, dressed in his Cheyenne wedding clothes. He was the picturesque example of a Cheyenne warrior. His hair was platted into two braids behind his back and held in place by a beaded white headband, decorated in color beads that signified the spirit of the four winds. The feather of a hawk was stuck in his hair, straight as an arrow it stood to crest his head.

Buck whistled gently. “Damn! Ya sure look like an Indian, Pard. Well, except for the hair,” said Buck smiling widely.

Vin agreed with Buck. It was not only his clothes that were Cheyenne, but the man himself. Although Chris’ memories were returning, he was surely becoming more Cheyenne each day. Vin’s earlier fear was starting to raise its head again. Would the change become so complete that he would loose his friend? Would his friend stay among the Cheyenne, giving up the life before? His mind was in turmoil, but he knew his friend needed him now and he would do nothing to ruin his happiness.

“Ya sure do look real purty there, Cowboy,” Vin said teasingly.

“You’re the one to talk,” answered Chris, eyeing Vin’s own wardrobe.

Vin was dressed as Chris, although he did not wear the headband or feather. His curly brown haired flowed loosely onto his shoulders wildly. The lanky Texan seemed to be comfortable in the Cheyenne garb as if he was born to it.

“Yeah, Vin. You look a mite injun there,” came Buck’s statement.

“I am in accordance with Mr. Wilmington’s opinion, Mr. Tanner. You do seem to wear that attire as if you were born to it,” said Ezra grinning.

“Well, Ezra, I say comin’ from ya I’ll take that as a compliment,” retorted Vin.

Suddenly, Chief Aenohe appeared at the tipi flap. “We are ready when you are, Emo'ôhtavo vo'e,” he said to Chris in Cheyenne.

“I am ready,” answered Chris and watched as the elderly chief closed the flap. Chris then turned to his friends and sighed deeply. “Well, I guess it’s time.”

“Ya not getting’ cold feet, are ya Pard?” asked Buck. He knew this was a big step for his oldest friend. He was going to start a new life, putting the past behind him and maybe once his life, he would find happiness. He thought his friend deserved some type of happiness considering the hell he had been in when he lost his wife and son. Now he would have a new wife and maybe even a new family.

“Nah, Buck. Just thinking on how things have changed so much for me in the past few months. If I hadn’t gone searching for…for…”

“I know, Chris, I know,” said Buck putting his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “But now ya got somethin’ to live for. Somethin’ ya may never get again.”

Chris nodded, holding back the tears that were trying to form in his eyes. “Let’s get going before this becomes sappy,” he said.

The men nodded and proceeded to go through the flap. Chris and Vin were the last through. Before they went, Chris turned to Vin and said, “Whatever happens, Pard, I’ll always watch your back.”

Vin looked into his eyes and saw that Chris would always be there for him, no matter what. “Me too, Cowboy.”

They both grabbed each other arms in their familiar hold and knowing that they would face whatever tomorrow would bring together, they walked out to meet Chris’ new life. It was turning out to be a good day.
 

*************************************************************************************************************

Chapter 49

Chris, Vin and Buck stood in front of the tipi that would be Chris and Mapiya’s home. Vin and Buck, with the assistance of Josiah and JD had put up the tipi the day before, as they were instructed by Young Man. Chris alone stood on a multi-color blanket, waiting for his bride to join him, by his side during the ceremony.
 
There were gifts from the people of the tribe lying around the tipi entrance. Everyone had donated something for the new couple’s start in life. 
 
Chris stood straight and tall as he watched his bride bringing brought to him by her father, while the drums beat in time to their steps. They were followed by Ma'emestahke, the medicine man, who carried a pipe with him decorated with many feathers hanging on it. Ma'emestahke was the Sacred Pipe Carrier of his tribe and would be the officiator of the wedding ceremony.
 
Chris eyes watched as Mapiya came to him, smiling, dressed in her white doeskin wedding dress, decorated with the same colored beading as his own. Her white deerskin moccasins softly took each step that brought her closer to him. Her hair was laced with beads and braided into two brown ropes that hung in front of her. She held an Eagle feather in her right hand. 
 
Once they had reached the men, Chief Aenohe motioned for Mapiya to take her place on the blanket next to Chris.
 
Mapiya shyly walked over to stand next to her beloved, raising her eyes to meet his. This was the day that she had been waiting for so long.
 
Chief Aenohe then placed Mapiya’s hands into Chris’. Chris felt the warmth of those soft hands and it made his heart beat faster. Mapiya blushed knowingly at what Chris was feeling, for she felt it too.
 
Vin and the others looked on unabashed and smiling. They saw that the couple was happy and enjoying every minute of the prospect of being together.
 
Chris was not listening as Ma'emestahke droned on about Chris’ husbandly duties and responsibilities. He was so enthralled by Mapiya’s beauty that everything else did not exist for him at this moment. He looked into her brown eyes and he felt himself drowning in a sea of calmness and serene. He held her hands in his, lighting rubbing them within his own. The touch of her soft brown skin next to his sent his mind awhirl with thoughts of passion. She was to be his and he hers. He could think of nothing more exciting than waking up in her soft arms.
 
Mapiya was also not listening as Ma'emestahke explained about what was expected of a Cheyenne wife. She was gazing into the eyes of a Cheyenne warrior, a warrior who would be bonded to her forever. This man, who had came into her life and turned everything around, was now going to be her husband. She felt his green eyes upon her and looked up into them. They held so much love and adoration in them that she caught her breath in surprise. She realized that this man truly loved her and he was with her now, not his past.
 
“Do you understand?” came Ma'emestahke’s question, bringing both Chris and Mapiya out of their reverie.
 
“Heehe'e,” answered Chris, still looking at Mapiya.
 
“Heehe'e,” replied Mapiya also not taking her eyes off of Chris.
 
Buck rolled his eyes in exasperation. He turned to Vin and said, “If they keep that up, we’ll never get this weddin’ finished.” Their looks had not gone unnoticed by the ladies man.
 
Vin smiled gently and nudged the big man gently with his elbow. “Ya keep talkin’ and I’m gon’na shoot ya.”
 
They watched as Chris and Mapiya were told by the Medicine Man to move off the blanket. Chris and Mapiya did so, waiting for the next step in the ceremony.
 
Chief Aenohe eyed Buck and Vin annoyed. He had been trying to get their attention for the past second.
 
Vin noticed the look on Chief Aenohe’s face and turned to Buck. “Buck, we’re up,” said Vin, moving to one side of the blanket. Buck then stumbled out of his thoughts and moved to the other side. Together, as instructed by Young Man, they picked up the blanket from the ground and wrapped it around the couple.
 

Chris and Mapiya moved into each other arms, as the blanket enfolded them into each other’s body. Chris could the smell the sweet scent of flowers that radiated from her hair. He placed a kiss upon it and then without preamble, placed a deeper kiss upon her lips as they were wrapped in the blanket.

Ma'emestahke then held out the Sacred Pipe and watched as Chris and Mapiya both took puffs, blowing the smoke towards the four ways of the wind. They then handed back the pipe to the Medicine Man, who then himself performed the same.

The Cheyenne people had no words that would express the end of a wedding ceremony. Each person makes a declaration that they choose to be known as husband and wife. It was a simple agreement between two people that held the bond of marriage. Their commitment was to themselves and to the Creator, to God. There was no breaking of that commitment, and no divorce. If the couple separated and went their separate ways, in the eyes of the Creator, they are still husband and wife. Only death ends a marriage for the Cheyenne people.

 
Once the smoking of the pipe was completed, the people who had come to the wedding and the other six men hooped, yelled and shouted approval at this. They knew without words that the ceremony was at its end.
 
Chief Aenohe then said, “Come. Time for the wedding feast and then the gift giving to your loved ones.” He smiled at the couple. His heart was very happy and he hoped reverently that nothing interfered with that happiness.
 
The wedding party and the people walked towards the center of camp where they wedding feast would take place.
 

* * * * *

 
Vin sat next to Chief Aenohe and Young Man, as he watched Chris and Mapiya still wrapped in the blanket, dancing in the middle of circle that surrounded the huge campfire that was blazing. The other five men sat on Vin’s other side, enjoying the food that was brought to them by the women of the tribe. ó'kôhóme was nowhere in sight. He had made it perfectly clear about how he felt about the marriage of his sister to a white man and Vin knew that his deviltry was not at its end. He just hoped that his friend would have some happiness before all hell broke loose.
 
Vin sidled a glance at his friends, who he could see were laughing and pointing at Chris and his new bride as they danced the Cheyenne-wedding dance. 
 
“Hey,” Vin heard from JD. “When did Chris get so good at dancin’? I ain’t ever seen him dance before.”
 
Then he heard Buck reply laughingly, “There’s a lot of things ya ain’t see Chris do, boy.”
 
“I do believe that Mr. Larabee seems to have an artiste inclination when it comes to native dancing, Mr. Wilmington.” That was Ezra.
 
“Well, at least he looks happy.” Vin heard Nathan interject.
 
“I do believe our brother has found what the Lord deems as heaven on Earth, boys,” came Josiah’s statement to Vin’s ears.
 
At that the music had stopped and the newly married couple came to walk over to their wedding entourage.
 
Still holding Mapiya within his arms in the blanket, Chris said, “It’s time for gifts.”
 
“Yes,” added Mapiya. “We would like…like to show…our…” She looked up at Chris and Chris finished her sentence.
 
“Appreciation.”
 
“Yes, a..praci…sheashone.”
 
“Close ‘nough, Shining Eyes,” he said chuckling and kissing her on the top of her head.
 
Chris and Mapiya then started to distribute the gifts that they had to their closest of friends, while Chief Aenohe walked away to give gifts to the people of the tribe.
 
The six men were the last to get their gifts. Chris and Mapiya had planned it that way, as they thought that the giving of gifts to these men was especially important.
 
Chris and Mapiya both stood in front of the six men. Mapiya handed something that was bundled in animal skin over to Chris and went over to Vin first.
 
“Vin, this is for you. It was one of mine, but I think now it belongs to a hand that can really use it likes it’s suppose to be used,” said Chris handing the bundle over to Vin.
 
Vin opened the gift and stared at it as his eyes began to mist a little. It was a knife. It was at least 9 inches long from the handle to the tip. The metal, Vin knew was European made, probably traded with traders by the Cheyenne. The handle was bone and was engraved with the image of an Eagle in white.
 
“I made engraving and Mapiya did the drawin’. Hope ya like it.”
 
“Chris…Chris, this is perfect,” was all Vin could say. But Chris read more into those words. He knew that the tracker was bursting with joy and pride at the gift. Chris only nodded that he understood.
 
Chris then next moved on to Buck. He said, “Buck.”
 
Buck Wilmington stepped to stand in front of Chris. His broad smile infectious to the others and his eyes lit up at the happiness he saw in the face of his oldest friend.
 
“Chris, we’ve been together a lot years. We’ve roamed around ‘bout every place a man could a gone. But I think ya have finally found where ya heart’s really at.”
 
“Buck, are you gettin’ sentimental on me?” asked Chris, his eyes rising in surprise.
 
“Are you kiddin’? Never! We’re too old for that shit!”
 
“Yeah,” replied Chris bowing his head to hide his grin. “I guess ya right.” He then motioned for Mapiya to bring him the next gift.
 
Chris handed the small gift to Buck and watched with delighted eyes as he opened it.
 
Buck brought what was in the wrapped skin out for everyone to see. It was a necklace made from colored stones. The stones had etching too small for the eye to see clearly. He looked at Chris questioning.
 
Chris stepped closer to Buck until he was next to his ear and whispered, “Me and Mapiya thought ya might need a little edge with the ladies.  She had this necklace made by the Medicine Man. It’s suppose to bring ya luck.”
 
Buck laughed hard at that comment. “Hell, Chris. What makes ya think I need any luck when it comes to women?”
 
“Now, Buck. Every little bit helps,” retorted Chris jokingly. Buck only laughed even more.
 
Chris then walked in front of Nathan. He said, “Nathan, if it weren’t for you, I woulda been dead and this day would not of been.”
 
“That’s not true, Chris. Mapiya’s the one that found the cure for ya. I just happened to be there.”
 
“But that wasn’t the first time ya saved my life, Nate,” said Chris turning to Mapiya. He took the wrapped item from her hands and handed it to Nathan.
 
Nathan opened the item and found in it a bag full of herbs. “I told Mapiya ‘bout how ya use herbs to help and cure the sick and wounded. This medicine has been used by the Cheyenne for as long as they can remember. It helps with sicknesses in the chest and head. She said it’s also good for fever and such. She hoped it come in handy for ya.”
 
Nathan nodded his thanks. “Thank you both. I sure ‘nough can use as much help as I can with the way you boys…” He stopped mid-sentence, realizing just what he was about to say.
 
“I know, Nate,” said Chris placing his hand on friend’s shoulder. “The others still gon’na need ya.” He knew the man was saddened by the fact that this might be the last time that they would ride together.
 
Chris then moved to Josiah. Mapiya handed him the gift for Josiah and Chris moved to stand in front of the holy man.
 
“Josiah, this is not much, but I guess me and Mapiya figured it would be suited for someone like you.” Chris handed over the gift, he and Mapiya had chosen for him.
 
Josiah opened the gift to find a medicine bag and the etchings of a bird, flying through a storm of some sort.
 
“This is a medicine bag that will protect ya. It carries the protection of the Thunderbird, my spirit guide, the way Mapiya has explained it to me. Anytime ya need me, ya just send this bag to me and I’ll come a runnin’.”
 
Josiah looked at Chris askance. He knew what Chris was saying, but it still hurt to hear it. The blond gunslinger was giving up his life in Four Corners and was choosing to stay with his wife’s people. He wondered if Vin heard this and when he turned to look over to the young sharpshooter, he knew he had as he saw his crestfallen face.
 
“Thanks, Chris. I will,” was all that Josiah could answer.
 
It was not lost on Chris that Vin had heard his words. He was planning on talking to Vin tomorrow about his decision. He did not want to spoil their enjoyment with the discussion on parting each other’s company. But it was too late. The words were already out of his mouth before he could stop them from leaving. He looked at Vin, saddened and determined to talk to the young man before he left for his bed and home with his new wife. But he needed to finish the gift giving first.
 
Chris then slowly walked to stand in front of JD. He said, “JD, I know we tease ya ‘bout bein’ one of us and I have to say, Kid, you are. So don’t let these smart-asses tell ya different, ya hear?”
 
“I sure do, Chris,” said JD, as sadness filled his throat with a lump. He knew he was really saying good-bye to his idol and friend, and although JD knew in a way sort of that Chris would probably be leaving their company soon, he had not believed that it would be this soon.
 
“Here, JD. I thought this would suit you,” said Chris, handing a large wrapped item to JD.
 
JD opened the item and found in it a bow and some arrows in a leather pouch. JD eyes grew at the sight of them and a huge smile formed on his face.
 
“Wow! This is great, Chris. But I cain’t use…”
 
“You’ll learn, JD. Just how you learned to be one of us,” said Chris, putting his hands on the young man shoulders. The easterner smiled his appreciation to Chris for such a gift.
 
“Look, Buck!” exclaimed JD running over to his friend. “Look, what I got!”
 
Chris chuckled softly at the young man’s enthusiasm. But then his faced turned serious and stepped over to where Ezra was.
 
Ezra stood waiting nervously, his feet not being able to stand still. “Mr. Larabee, I believe it is unnecessary for you to bestow any type of gratuitous…”
 
“Ezra, shut up,” said Chris glaring at him. Mapiya then hit Chris on the arm. “Ow! What ya do that for?”
 
Mapiya glared at him hard. Damn! The woman had got his glare down pat. “You are being rude,” replied Mapiya in Cheyenne to him.
 
Ezra looked at the two bewildered, but he knew that some disagreement had just occurred between the couple. He just did not know what. Well, it seemed that married life was already starting for Mr. Larabee. Ezra grinned wickedly at the two.
 
“Sorry, Ez,” said Chris growling. “Here.” And begrudgingly handed over to Ezra a small brown leather pouch.
 
Ezra immediately opened and sighed. “Why thank you, ah…Mr. and Mrs. Larabee. This is really an auspicious gift.”
 
Mapiya looked at Chris. She did not understand the strange white man’s language.  “He’s thankin’ us for the gift, Mapiya.” Mapiya nodded in understanding. 
 
Ezra then poured the contents of the bag out into his hands. It was the colored marbles that he had admired earlier when he saw the Cheyenne children playing with them.
 
“Ez, they ain’t valuable, ya know,” said Chris eyeing him suspiciously.
 
“But certain marks won’t know that, Mr. Larabee,” answered Ezra grinning at him as if he was the cat that swallowed the canary.
 
“Ya never change, do ya, Ezra?” said Chris smiling too.
 
Chris then stood back with Mapiya and smiled at all his friends. Friends he called brothers. He then looked at Vin and walked over to the man who was closest to him as much as Buck Wilmington.
 
“Vin, I meant…”
 
Vin held up his hand to halt whatever Chris was about to say. “Chris, there ain’t no need. Ya made up ya mind and I’m happy for ya, Cowboy.”
 
“Are ya truly happy for me, Pard?”
 
“Chris, we been friends for awhile now and I think I got to know ya pretty good. If this is what ya want, then this is what I want too.”
 
Chris beamed at him gently. Vin would always be a part of his heart and so would the others. He had fought by this men side and he would die for them. They would never be forgotten by him.
 
“Can we still talk about it tomorrow?” asked Chris tentatively.
 
“Well, I don’t think tomorrow ya gon’na be in any mood to talk to me,” said Vin jokingly, glancing at Mapiya.
 
Chris coughed loudly, trying to suppress a laugh that tried to rise out of him.
 
Mapiya looked at him worried. She thought something was wrong.
 
“Is there something wrong, husband?” she asked thoughtfully in Cheyenne.
 
“No. He just can’t wait to get you alone,” answered Vin in Cheyenne.
 
Mapiya giggled at this comment and hugged her husband.
 
“Vin!” threatened Chris, his green eyes glaring hard at him.
 
“Oh, come on, Chris. Don’t tell me I gotta teach ya ‘bout ya husbandly duties too now.”
 
“Vin! One more word and I’m definitely gon’na shoot ya!”
 
Vin only smiled widely.
 
They did not notice that Chief Aenohe and the rest of the wedding party were walking towards them.
 
“My brothers, guests, it is time to see the husband and wife to their new home safely,” announced Chief Aenohe amused.
 
Chris and Mapiya then turned to walk towards their new home on the other side of the camp, while the wedding party and their friends followed. All the way there, they were teased with words and sounds concerning the actions of their upcoming wedding night.
 
By the time they reached the entrance of their tipi, Chris and Mapiya’s ears had turned a dark shade of red and embarrassment showed on their faces. Before entering the tipi, the couple turned to the crowd. Chris said, “We thank you all for making this a good day.”
 
Everyone in the crowd cheered and laughed, as they watched the couple turn and entered their new home and the start of their new life together.
 
Once they were gone, everyone including the six brothers, walked away to find their own beds, except for Chief Aenohe. He had stayed a little while longer to scare off some troublemaking boys who tried to peep under the tipi and annoy the newly married couple.
 
“Tâhéovešêstse! Tâhéovešêstse!” he yelled at the young boys. 
 
The young boys got up from their hiding places and ran away from the tipi, laughing and giggling all the way.
 
As soon as he saw that the couple would no longer be bothered by the childish antics of the children, he smiled and turned to walk towards his own bed. “Yes,” he thought as he walked. “This has been a good day.”
 
 
Translations:
 
Heehe'e – Yes.
Tâhéovešêstse! – Go to bed!
 

*************************************************************************************************************

Chapter 50