Bittersweet Ecstasy

by Taylor, Janelle

  It was Tashina who interrupted them with her return. She was baffled by what she observed, for she had believed both were in love with others. Too, the flap was not closed to indicate privacy. “I have returned, Singing Wind,” she called out to catch their attention as she ducked to enter, pretending she saw nothing.

  “It is good to see you, Father,” Tashina added as she looked at him and smiled. “How was your journey? You are injured?”

  “It is good to see you, daughter. It is a small injury from my mourning cut. Do not worry; Singing Wind has tended it for me. All went good on our mission. When the council meeting is over, we will talk of our joinings. Perhaps they can be on the same moon.”

  Neither female replied as he grinned and left. “What will we do?” Tashina asked in dread. “What if they set the joining date for soon? Have you changed your mind about my father?”

  Singing Wind gave it some thought and answered, “We will use our woman’s ways to stall it as long as possible. All is resting upon their visions; we must find a way to prove they are wrong.”

  “What if we cannot?” the younger female questioned in panic.

  “Then you must join Silver Hawk and I must join Bright Arrow.”

  The Oglala council met and a full report was given, even the parts which Bright Arrow wished he could hold secret. His arm was aching again, and he wanted the council over so he could chew the special root which removed his pain, but also his consciousness. He was tense and irritable, impatient and uneasy. He hated going through all of this again, and it showed. It did not help when Night Rider and Touch-the-sky gave their reports and impressions, for neither gave Bright Arrow credit for their success, but did for their minor defeats.

  Matters grew worse for Bright Arrow when war chief Big Elk was the one to relate Sun Cloud’s newest coups. It was clear to everyone that Sun Cloud’s deeds far outweighed Bright Arrow’s information. It was also clear that several council members and high-ranking warriors were being drawn toward Sun Cloud.

  Sun Cloud was dismayed by what he was perceiving. He said, “My brother is injured and feverish. He needs to rest before we ride to the war council on the new sun. He has gathered many important facts for us, and we must think carefully on them. His plan to attack small bands is a clever one, and we must use it. If there is no more to discuss, we all need food and rest, for our journey is upon us.”

  Bright Arrow glanced at his brother and frowned, for Sun Cloud’s words seemingly pointed out his weakness and tension. “I am fine, my brother. There is no need to end the council early for me.”

  Big Elk said, “There is nothing more to say until after the war council. We must plan how to use the whites’ fears and rivalries against them, but we must not attack their new camp until we have help from our allies. Do not worry over the whites’ words, for they do not know our ways. If all goes well, you can be the one to slay Flaming Hair. I am pleased you did not fall into the bluecoat’s trap. You were wise to save the bluecoat’s garment; we may have need of it. Return to your future mate and share time with her before the sun sleeps.”

  Bright Arrow snipped, “No sun has gone to sleep on a day when a woman is more important than missions or a council meeting.”

  Mind-who-Roams ventured, “You are weary and injured, Bright Arrow. You must make yourself strong to ride for your people again. Return to your tepee; I will send a special herb to you to ease your pain.”

  Flaming Star squeezed Bright Arrow’s arm to caution him against speaking sharply again, and Bright Arrow, suddenly realizing how foolish he was being, said, “Forgive me, for I am weary and injured. I will do as my council says, for they are wise and kind. Many good and brave men rode with me; at the next council, I must tell of their coups. No men could do more to help than Flaming Star, Good Tracker, Night Rider, and Touch-the-sky. When I was about to make errors in my eagerness and illness, they halted me or corrected me. I thank them and honor them. I will think and plan while I rest.”

  If any two women could be grateful for the bad luck of others, Tashina and Singing Wind were that night. Pretty Red Fox was weak and sick, and asked Tashina if she would sleep in her tepee to help her care for her new child and husband, for she was an only wife. Tashina explained the problem to her father, then left quickly. As she fetched water, Sun Cloud approached her and they talked.

  She confided her new fears and doubts to him, then asked, “Are you certain you can prevent my joining to Silver Hawk?”

  “I will do all I can, Tashina. Pray I find victory soon, for your fate is tied to mine and to our people’s,” he responded sadly.

  “And to Singing Wind’s, for she is trapped too,” she murmured absently. “I wish we could both be free of our duty and pain.”

  Sun Cloud looked at her and asked, “What do you mean?”

  “I do not wish my father to be hurt by the loss of another woman he loves, but Singing Wind does not wish to join him. She loves another. As with me, she is being forced to join him. Father announced it in council before she was told. As with you, she says our fates depend on the truth of the visions, and she waits to have them proven wrong.”

  “Who is this man she loves?” he asked, his heart drumming wildly.

  “I do not know; she said it was wrong to think or to speak of him while she is promised to another.”

  Sun Cloud questioned hoarsely, “Why has she kept this love a secret? Why did she agree to join my brother?”

  “She could not speak of him to others until he made his claim on her. There was no time after she learned of their love, for her joining to my father had been accepted by Medicine Bear and spoken aloud by Father. He has not challenged for her or gone to her in love or anger, so she fears he does not love her as she loves him. What does it matter? Our laws and duties must come first with us and with our loves. Yet, I would rather die than accept Silver Hawk in my love’s place.”

  Sun Cloud hugged her affectionately and coaxed, “You will join Soul-of-Thunder, I promise you, so do not worry this pretty head.” As he watched her return to camp, he wished Singing Wind was not trapped in the tepee with Silver Hawk and Bright Arrow. Right or wrong, there was something he had to do very soon…

  Bright Arrow had taken the medicine herb which the shaman had brought to him, so he was drowsy when Silver Hawk returned. It was a battle for him to stay awake long enough to relate his recent deeds. Singing Wind served her brother’s meal, aware of his annoyance at the event which had taken Tashina from his grasp, but ignorant of his vexation toward the devious bluecoat who had left a message for him. Soon, Bright Arrow was asleep, taking her from his eager grasp. Silver Hawk left to speak with Sun Cloud, to see what he could learn about the council meeting, preventing her from going to her love secretly.

  When Silver Hawk returned, he could not sleep. He tossed and turned until he was irritable. Singing Wind saw him as he sneaked the remaining medicine root and devoured it to help him sleep. Soon, both men were deep in peaceful slumber. Singing Wind was edgy too, for she was so close to her love, but unable to seek him in another’s tepee. She decided to go for a swim, even if the camp was asleep and it was rash. She slipped from the tepee and made her way to the river. She walked down its bank for a ways, then stripped, and dove into the water.

  When she surfaced and wiped her face of moisture, she found herself looking into the grinning face of Sun Cloud. She glanced around in alarm, then whispered, “What are you doing here? This is forbidden. Your brother could slay you for this offense.”

  Sun Cloud stepped toward her. She defensively tried to back away, her eyes wide with panic, but he gently seized her shoulders and pulled her against his nude body. His face came close to hers as he vowed confidently, “I do not believe you love and desire my brother or will be happy with him, for I own your heart and body. I cannot push our past aside and go on without you. No woman has touched me as you have. I believe it is the will of the Great Spirit for you to join the Oglala chief; that will be me after the vote is taken. I w
as coming to tell you of my love and to ask for your hand in joining from Medicine Bear after our council, but Bright Arrow announced his joining to you. I could not challenge him before I learned the truth from your lips, not without staining your life by revealing our stolen passion. If evil has separated us, we must destroy it to be joined. If it is the will of the Great Spirit for Bright Arrow to be chief and to win you, then I must tell you of my love, and I must have you one last time. And know, no other woman will ever take your place in my heart.”

  Singing Wind was stunned by his confession and suggestion. “If you love me and want me as you vow, how can you allow me to join your brother, or any other man? You have the right to me by first possession and can challenge for me.”

  “Challenge my own brother to the death? I cannot. He did not know about us when he asked for you and made a public claim on you. If I had known of his desires and plans for you, I would have spoken to him and halted this matter which rips out my heart. He has been misguided, but soon he will be enlightened; then he will release you to me. If I challenged and lost, all would know of your dishonor; I cannot do this evil thing to you, for I love you, Singing Wind, and wish no harm to come to you, from me or from others.”

  “It is no dishonor to love you,” she protested his choice of words.

  “To us, it is not; but to others, we both know it is viewed that way. I cannot slay my own brother. If he was not my brother, I would forget the shame we would endure and challenge for you this sun. There is another reason; to challenge for you when our love has been kept secret would make it appear I only seek to hurt him and to snatch the chiefs bonnet for myself. Others do not know his vision is not from the Great Spirit. I must be chief, as is my duty to my people and to my father. We must be patient until Grandfather reveals this evil.”

  “Are you sure it is me you desire, or only the chief’s bonnet?”

  Anguish flooded his eyes. “If you must ask such a question, you do not know me or trust me. It is wrong to battle for our union.”

  “You are right. It is only that such fear lives within me. I have waited for you since I was born; now, I might lose you to evil. It clouds my mind and controls my tongue. I love and desire only you. Why must our laws bind us more to them than to each other?”

  “We are bound by men’s interpretation of them, but that changes nothing. We will win this battle, my love.”

  “Will we, Sun Cloud? Will we?” she asked frantically.

  “If the vision is true, you are to join the Oglala chief. Do not agree to join Bright Arrow until he is chief, for it will not come to pass.” His eyes roamed her face; then he smiled into her worried gaze. His hands left her shoulders to push her hair aside and to stroke it, relishing its texture. Unable to halt himself, he pulled her into his arms. He sighed happily when she cuddled against him, knowing she was there with eagerness and trust. He had longed for this moment since their meeting by the pond. He could feel her heart beating rapidly and he could feel her tremors, or were they his? This was perilous before everything was straightened out, but he could not help himself.

  With Sun Cloud touching her and declaring his love for her, she could think of nothing except how much she loved him and wanted him. She knew how much they were risking, being together like this, but she could not resist this stolen moment. His smell tantalized her nose, and her hands wandered over his dark and sleek torso. He was so unique, so splendid, so perfect, so intoxicating.

  He lifted her and carried her into the concealment of the trees and laid her upon the damp grass. Hungering to feel her flesh beneath his starving hands, he claimed her body, caressing here and there. He nibbled at her ears and shoulders, and teased his tongue over his favorite spot on her throat. His mouth took hers possessively, exploring and heightening their desires. His hands grew bolder as his passions burned brighter. His hot breath made her quiver and cling to him as his lips traveled down her neck and to her breasts.

  Singing Wind dreamily trailed her fingers over his hairless frame. Her respiration had quickened with his movements, and she was tense with anticipation as she recalled their last and first union. Her entire body seemed to glow with the heat of his actions. He was enticing; he was stimulating; he was hers. No man could compare to him in looks or appeal. He was more important to her than her own life and honor. She was more alive in his arms than anywhere. He could take full control of her being, for she did not care and she yielded her all eagerly. Her body reacted to each touch, to each kiss, and seemingly pleaded for more and more. That day by the pond had been marvelous; but tonight, their contact was sheer ecstasy.

  Sun Cloud’s hand drifted down her taut stomach and across her sleek thighs, covered the dark domain which it located there. He could feel the heat radiating from it like a roaring fire. Bittersweet ecstasy filled him, for he wanted her instantly and urgently, but leisurely and gently. He called on all he knew and had heard to bring her to an almost unbearable height of arousal. His fingers invaded her secret domain and claimed it blissfully, causing her to moan and writhe as his mouth added further rapturous torment to her breasts and lips. He wished they had forever to make love, but they did not. The longer they lingered here in passion’s fiery embrace, the more likely they were to be discovered. He worked swiftly and greedily to prepare her to accept his entrance, but she had been ready for him long ago.

  Singing Wind’s body and mind were ensnared by the delightful sensations which he was creating and stimulating. She wanted to relax and enjoy them, but she was too tense and ravenous to stall her feeding much longer. Each action brought bliss and sated one need, while tormenting her and inspiring a deeper need which demanded appeasement. She could lie there forever, allowing him to have his way with her.

  Sun Cloud moved between her parted thighs and very slowly entered her, staggering both of them with the heady contact. As he set his pattern, she joined him. Their bodies moved to and fro in a magical dance of love. When he began to tease her sensuously by nearly withdrawing between each stroke, she wrapped her legs around him and captured him tightly against her womanhood. Their mouths fused feverishly as they performed their own magical dance of love. Soon, neither could contain their hunger and they demanded to feast on delectable passion. Their bodies worked in unison as they sought the ultimate peak of pleasure, and found it together.

  He murmured over and over in her ear, “I love you, I love you, I love you, Singing Wind. You are mine forever and beyond as with my mother and father. One day our love and passion will rival theirs.”

  Singing Wind kissed him and hugged him fiercely while the stunning release to her tension struck her forcefully, as did his words. “I love you, Sun Cloud. I will never give myself to another, for I am yours,” she vowed as she began her downward spiral into a tranquil state.

  Still, they kissed and pressed close together, knowing how long it would be until they were together this way again. Their hearts drummed heavily and they were wet with love’s laborious perspiration. It was difficult to breathe after their passionate task and between kisses, but they did not mind.

  Sun Cloud finally leaned away from her and gazed into her lovely face. Moonlight played over her naked and damp flesh with its rosy glow. Sated passion caused her eyes to darken and soften. She was a mixture of innocence and earthy sensuality. His hands caressed her cheeks and teased over her glistening skin. She was powerful magic; she was irresistible allure; she was heady enchantment; she was his.

  Her fingertips lovingly and appreciatively grazed his jawline and traced over his shadowed features. “If this is the last time you have me, you will never be able to forget me or to replace me,” she teased provocatively, then mischievously seized his hair to pull his mouth back to hers. Her mouth meshed with his and tasted his response.

  When their lips parted, his teeth playfully grasped her lower lip and tugged on it. His eyes were filled with devilish mirth, but she could barely read it, for he was still above her in the shadows, and still within her body. He did not mo
ve aside or withdraw, for his manhood was growing large and hot with renewed desire. As he began to move seductively, he saw her smile knowingly, then lift her arms to encircle his neck. He heard her moan in rising desire and felt her arch to meet him. Soon, they were making love again.

  Later, he lifted her as before, this time returning her to the water. He sat in the chest high section and placed her on his lap. As his lips worked upon hers, his hands sensuously bathed her.

  When he lingered too long and too enticingly in her private domain, she laughed against his lips and murmured, “Do you have such hunger and stamina that you can make love three times each night?”

  His merry gaze met hers as he replied, “I have never done so before, but you inspire me and arouse me as no woman ever has before. I cannot seem to have my fill of you, even though each feeding seems matchless. I am like the earth in the hottest summer; each time you rain love on me, I savor it, only to dry quickly and demand more of love’s refreshing and enlivening liquid. If you are near, I crave you.” He nuzzled her ear as he added, “When you are not, I pain for you.”

  “Then quickly prove our brother’s visions are false or wrong, so we will not suffer apart. My body needs love’s rain each sun and moon.”

  “Love’s rain? Or mine?” he taunted, nibbling at her earlobe.

  Her gaze locked with his as she vowed, “Only yours, my love, only yours.” Their lips sealed in another blazing kiss.

  It was difficult, but he pulled her arms from his neck. “We must go, my love, for we tempt danger by remaining here too long.”

  “It is so hard to leave you, to return to our pretenses.”