Harvest Flower

Acceptance

The sun rose slowly, casting it's colored rays over the red canyons below. Running Wolf raised his arms in prayer. A feather floated on the wind tied to his upper arm with a thin leader band. He prayed for everything good and asked for blessings, but most of all he thanked the great creator for his bride.

A woman of fire and spirit, with hair to match. He could still feel her soft skin and smell her flowery scent. She was beautiful in every way. Sheep grazed behind him on lush green grass, watched over by a young brave from the village.

His tribe of apache was the most peaceful of them all, taking after their distant kin the Navajo. If war broke out they would fight and hold their own, but peace was favored here. Women and children grew up happy in whole family's, not having to worry if the men would come home after raids. Running Wolf only raided the renegade bands of other tribes. They seldom raided villages or white men camps.

More and more whites came with each passing summer, and Running Wolf could feel the tension rising. Cochise was already talking of going on the warpath. Whites and Indians alike were involved in an all out battle to the north. It wouldn't be long before it reached this part of the land.

When that time comes, Running Wolf would be ready. Others from nearby tribes already grew restless and itching for war. The canyons would run with rivers of blood.

The first golden rays of the sun lit up the horizon turning sand into a glittering ocean. He lowered his arms saying his last prayer under his breath. A soft breeze swept his hair up along with his feather. His wife would soon wake, and he wanted to be at her side.

Harvest Flower stretched and curled into the warm body behind her. Strong arms held her waist and soft kisses traveled along her neck. She smiled and wiggled closer.

Her eyes popped open and she tensed, his hardness was pressed against her backside. His hand traveled up to her breast, and the blanket drifted down leaving her chest exposed.

"Good morning my flower." He whispered in her ear. His breath sending shivers down her spine.

She turned her head to look at him, and his brown eyes met hers. A fire burned between them, as he kissed her lips softly. He moved away from her so she could turn to him. The blanket now twisted just below her hips.

Harvest Flower looked down, and a small gasp left her lips. A small spot of dried blood stained the tanned pelts. He followed her gaze.

"Do not worry, it is proof of our joining." He tilted her face back up, so her eyes met his. "I want you."

She felt a little sore from the night before, but the pain was quickly replaced with pleasure as his mouth covered hers. His hands traveled her body skillfully setting little fires along the way. Soon she was burning, and her moan of pleasure whispered throughout the small room.

His mouth traveled down her neck to her chest, where he nibbled at each n****e. Her head thrashed and her hands fisted in his raven black hair.

A loud noise outside made him pause for a moment, her small whimper drawing him back to her golden body.

"Chief Running Wolf?" A small voice called from outside the lodge.

Harvest Flower tensed, and her face turned a deep pink. Running Wolf growled, and kissed Harvest Flower with an angry hunger.

"I must go. Sun Dove will soon bring you food and new clothes." He softly kissed her forehead. "I will return soon."

He pulled the blanket back over her, and dressed in his buckskin leggings. He wore no shirt or vest, his knee high moccasins fit his calves perfectly. His hair hung loose with no braids or feathers.

He left giving her one last look over his shoulder. Sun Dove sat in the outer room waiting. She held a bag in her lap, and a large smile on her face. She slowly stood and made her way to Harvest Flower's side. Today would be long and filled with happiness.

The young brave who called out, stood with four other young boys. All waiting patiently for him. Each grinned and held out an item for their Chief.

A pile of gifts lay on a large wool blanket dyed in bright hues. Water skins, blankets, furs, dresses, and a small knife all stacked together for his new bride. Pride for his people's good hearts swelled in his chest.

The boys each set their gifts at his feet. A new quiver, a bright colored blanket, a belt brightly beaded, and some new knee high moccasins. He nodded to each boy as they placed their gifts, and ran to their family lodges.

The people smiled at him and a few waved. A large pile of wood was being gathered in the middle of the village as well as large cooking pots. His people would celebrate tonight with dancing and food. Harvest Flower would see first hand the love his people had in their heart.

Sun Dove helped Harvest Flower wash and dress. Her lost look made Sun Dove think of Running Wolf's mother. She was a beautiful Navajo woman, captured by his father. Or was is she who captured him. Sun Dove chuckled to herself at the memory. Her son being chased around the village by a seven month pregnant woman with a sheep pole.

"Here I will warm food for you." Sun Dove handed a bag to Harvest Flower.

It contained a brush two feathered hair ties and a beautiful tanned doe skin dress. The fringe was thick across the chest and down the sides, with a wolf pattern stitched on with beads above the long fringe. A head band with the same beaded pattern was the last item in the bag.

"It was his mother's. I give them to you, with hopes for a long marriage and healthy children." Sun Dove smiled as she poured water into a pot over the small central fire.

Sun Dove asked quietly, "Would you let this old woman weave your hair?" Her smile grew wider at Harvest Flower's nod.

A small tear stuck in the corner of her eye as she held the dress to her chest. It was truly beautiful, and she wondered if Running Wolf's mother was just as beautiful.

The love Sun Dove showed reminded her of her mother. The food smelled delicious and Harvest Flower giggled at the sudden growl. Sun Dove smiled brightly and placed a bowl full of stew and bread in front of her.

"Eat child. Today will be long." Sun Dove said with cheer.