Destiny's Bride

by Ginger Simpson

  “Win yan…woman, Cikala Wakiyela.” Little Dove repeated even her name in Lakota, the dialect spoken by her tribe.

  “Lone Eagle…man,” said Cecile.

  “Wi`ca `sa… man.” Little Dove smiled, indicating her pleasure in learning another new word. She pointed to Cecile. “Green Eyes…Tozi Istas”

  Cecile tried pronouncing it and obviously failed.

  “Toe-zi es-shdahs.” Little Dove sounded it out.

  English was so much easier. Rather than wait for the translation of anything further, Cecile patted Little Dove on the arm. “Wah shtday…good.” She hoped the term would end the lesson for today. If she thought remembering faces was hard, learning the names presented a mountain she didn’t care to climb.

  Cecile picked up her basket of wet laundry and bid Little Dove farewell. “Ake wancinyankin ktelo,” she said, hoping she’d correctly translated “Goodbye, I’ll see you again.”

  While walking home, Cecile practiced the new words she’d learned, repeating first the Lakota and then the English. Little Dove was her primary instructor in language, but Cecile picked up several words by listening to Rain Woman. Watching the other women helped develop other skills. Every day was a chance to master something new, but doubted Lakota names would ever be one skill she excelled at. Thank goodness she had Lone Eagle to translate for her.

  Passing by Deer Woman’s lodge, Cecile saw strips of meat drying on a rack and smelled a delicious aroma wafting from inside. Her stomach rumbled, almost tasting the wonderful stew she imagined cooking inside, and hurried back to her lodge to find something to eat.

  She munched a piece of flat bread while hanging her wet clothes on a drying rack she constructed by supporting a long pole on two sturdy forked ones. Almost every lodge had one and she didn’t want to be an exception. So far, she only used hers for laundry, but when hunting season came again, she supposed she’d use it for many different things. She glanced at the sky, hoping the sun would come out from behind the clouds…and at the same time, worried if she was up for the challenge of learning so many different things. The last thing she wanted was to shame her soon-to-be husband.

  Lone Eagle was nowhere to be seen. A feeling of paranoia swept over her, fearing that he avoided her because of their romantic evening. Glimpsing his tall, slender form leaving his parents’ lodge brought a stirring in her abdomen that wasn’t her child. Lone Eagle looked handsome in his buckskin leggings and matching shirt as he walked toward her and smiled.

  “Hello, my beautiful woman,” he said as he came closer. “How did you sleep?”

  “For some reason I slept like a baby,” she said coyly, but her mood changed when she recalled how he’d made her worry. “Why didn’t you come back this morning?”

  “I was eager to speak with my parents about our joining. Marriages used to be arranged by agreement between parents, but now there is more freedom in deciding which mate to chose. I suppose I am lucky. I don’t have to present your father with horses to convince him I am a worthy husband.” His laughter was contagious as he followed her inside her lodge.

  The thought of him appearing in front of her father’s bank with a small herd of horses in exchange for her hand made her laugh. Lone Eagle had no idea how lucky he really was.

  “And does that remark mean I’m not worth several horses?” she joked.

  Lone Eagle took her hands in his. “I convinced my parents you are my choice…I will have no other woman. Whether it is here or somewhere else, I will take you as my wife. So, in the presence of the tribe, my father will announce our joining. Afterwards there will be a celebration with feasting and dancing.”

  Despite happy thoughts, her mind spun. How could she feel excited and scared at the same time? Not everyone in the village had warmed to her. She couldn’t let that scare her. Maybe becoming his wife was the only way to truly prove she wanted to become part of the tribe.

  Suddenly eager to learn every tradition before their wedding, she took his hand. “Do you mind if I go to Rain Woman’s lodge? I have a lot to do to prepare for our special day.”

  The worried look on his face faded, replaced by a smile. “Yes. Un`ci is wise and can teach you many things.”

  “Un`ci…that means grandmother. Right?” Cecile took pleasure in showing off her newfound skill.

  His brow raised and he stroked her arm. “Yes, Green Eyes. You are doing well learning the language. I’m very proud of you. Grandmother will be, too. I will wait here for your return.”

  On the way to Rain Woman‘s lodge, Cecile pondered her impending marriage and the festivities Lone Eagle described. The upcoming holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, came to mind, and she recalled past ones spent with her parents. Her good mood dulled. If only she could somehow contact her folks and let them know she was alive and well. Had they gotten the letter Walt mailed? Did he even mail it? Not wanting Rain Woman to see tears in her eyes, she swiped them away. Focusing on the present and happier times yet to come was what Cecile needed to do.

  With that goal in mind, she wondered how the approaching holidays would fit into her new life. How did the Sioux celebrate the holidays, or did they even know about such things? Making a mental note to ask Lone Eagle when she got home, she paused for a moment. Home? It seemed strange to say that, but she really did feel like she belonged with him.

  The usual smell of herbs and grasses permeated the air inside when Rain Woman bid Cecile enter. In a mix of strained Lakota and English, Cecile explained the purpose for her visit. Rain Woman’s wide, toothless smile indicated her pleasure, but the first thing she did was express concern over Cecile’s wardrobe by yanking at the flannel shirt. The old woman muttered Lakota words far too fast for Cecile to understand.

  “Un`ci. May I enter?” Lone Eagle’s familiar voice sounded outside the closed flap.

  He entered, laughing. “Rain Woman insists you wed in something more suitable.” He’d obviously overheard the old woman’s tirade.

  “Grandmother, I have talked about this with my mother, and she is already working on something for Green Eyes to wear.” He spoke first in Lakota, then translated.

  Cecile watched the two of them banter back and forth, understanding only part of what was discussed.

  “I have decided we will join in twelve risings of the sun.” He spoke one entire statement in English. For her benefit she was sure. Her eyes widened.

  He'd already picked a date? There was so much to be done in a very short time. It was hard to believe she was going to be a married woman again… and so soon.

  Rain Woman offered herbal tea while she chattered away in her usual combination of Lakota and broken English. Lone Eagle didn’t have to translate every single thing and that pleased Cecile. Her Lakota lessons showed time well spent.

  By the time they left, Cecile knew all about Lone Eagle’s stature within the tribe and the importance of this marriage to his people. She didn’t know what her role would be, but she knew she truly wanted to be part of the joining ritual.

  ***

  News of the approaching marriage spread throughout the village. The number of woman who visited and brought gifts stunned Cecile. They gave her baby blankets finely stitched from animal skins, a cradleboard, and even beautiful dresses and leggings soft to the touch and adorned with beautiful beadwork and small feathers.

  Using her newly learned skills, Cecile greeted her visitors and expressed her appreciation in their own language. After the last person left, Cecile sprawled out on the bed, never imagining entertaining so exhausting. Had she made a good impression? After all, she was going to be the wife of the next chief.

  Sitting up, she eyed the gifts heaped on the floor, eager to try on one of her dresses before she went to bed. But, first she had an idea. With her hair freed from the ribbon that held it, she drew a brush through the tangles and sectioned her thick tresses. Her fingers felt clumsy, working strands back and forth without a mirror, but finally her hair hung in two braids, the wispy ends brushing the crest of her bo
som.

  After unbuttoning her flannel shirt, she removed her oversized trousers and slipped into one of the fawn skin dresses. The softness reminded her of the fine silk nightgown her father had given to her mother. He’d spent a great deal of money to special order it.

  As she pulled on the matching fringed leggings, they expanded to allow for growth. She cradled her swollen belly and reflected on the day her baby would be born. God had certainly provided her a miracle the day he brought her Lone Eagle.

  ***

  Lone Eagle returned with the hunting party to the village, his success apparent from the deer carcass slung across his horse. He cared for his mount, carried his kill to the smoke lodge, and hurried across the compound to find his intended. His body had been with the hunting party, but the feel of Green Eyes’ body next to his occupied his mind. He stood outside her lodge and tempered his eagerness to burst in. “Green Eyes, may I enter?” This wasn’t yet his tepee.

  “Yes. Please come in.”

  His breath seized when he saw her. Such a beautiful sight in the flickering firelight. She wore a doeskin dress with a matching headband adorning her auburn braids. Words failed him, and the need to hold her in his arms and savor her kisses overwhelmed him. He gathered her into an embrace. “My beautiful Green Eyes. You truly look like a Lakota bride.”

  “I take it you approve.” Her giggle stirred his passion.

  “As much as I appreciate your new dress, I know what loveliness lays beneath.”

  He peeled her clothing from her, then quickly stripped away his own. Lowering her onto the bed, he trailed kisses along her neck and down her stomach, while his hands caressed her breasts. He urged her thighs apart, lowered his head between her legs, and explored her innermost part with his tongue.

  “Oh, Lone Eagle…” She whimpered.

  “Touch me, taste me, do what you will with me, my woman.” His words encouraged her to act.

  Timid at first, his adorations spurred her to explore. She held his hardened member in her hand and smiled at the soft groans she elicited. The sounds of his passion seemed to spur her desires. She straddled his body and lowered herself onto his erection.

  “You may be a good teacher,” she murmured “but I’m an excellent student.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Well into November, the wedding was only two days away. Cecile pondered the fact that their marriage would coincide with Thanksgiving. This year she truly had something for which to be thankful.

  She visited Rain Woman every day, continuing to learn more about Sioux customs and to practice her Lakota. In turn, she tutored Rain Woman in English. The old woman had become a second mother, since Cecile’s own couldn’t be present for the baby’s birth. Knowing someone she loved and trusted would be there for her brought her comfort.

  During their daily visits, Rain Woman worked on a strangely shaped beaded pouch. “Un`ci, what is that you are making? Cecile’s curiosity piqued and she had to ask.

  “It is a special amulet shaped like a turtle. Since you do not have a female relative to make one for your child, I do so happily.”

  “What will it be used for?” Cecile couldn’t imagine what a newborn would do with a beaded turtle bag.

  Rain Woman reached behind her and produced another completed bag. “The cord which connects you to your child will be placed inside one pouch for good luck. A second will serve as decoy to lure the evil spirits away from your baby. The true pouch will be hidden in your child’s cradleboard and later fastened to the child’s clothing. This helps assure a long and healthy life just like that of a turtle. ”

  The unclear and confusing explanation of the ritual didn’t dim her joy that Rain Woman cared enough to go to the trouble. Cecile fingered the work of art. “I’m sure I have much to learn from you. Maybe someday I will understand the things that seem so confusing to me now. I’m pleased you want to do this for my child. You are very kind and I thank you.”

  With the baby growing, getting up and down posed difficulty for Cecile, and feeling comfortable was almost as hard. She’d just found the right position when Rain Woman motioned her to rise. “Come, little one, it is time for you to visit the birthing tent. Raven Wing’s child is about to be born and this is a good thing for you to see.”

  Cecile stiffened. Was she ready for this? Could she even get up? She’d put her trust in this woman, so she struggled to her feet.

  On the way, Rain Woman patted Cecile’s arm. “This is a good day for you. The women’s tepee is used frequently, but not usually for birthing. This holy place has two purposes: bringing our children into the world and separating the men from women during their bleeding time.

  Cecile jerked her gaze around. “Every woman must remain there?”

  “Yes. Sacred objects and hunting weapons cannot be defiled by the touch of a woman during that time. It is believed that a man’s strength is lessened if he keeps company with women while they bleed.”

  Her mouth dropped. “You mean, every month I have to leave my husband? I‘ve never heard of such a thing.”

  Rain Woman chuckled. “It won’t be so bad. You’ll surely have company there, and it’s a good place for gossiping.”

  “Well, I think the idea is a lot of hogwash.”

  “Bathing a pig?” Rain Woman raised a wrinkled brow.

  Cecile regretted her word choice and explained the meaning, but in the end, it didn’t matter what she thought… customs were customs and she couldn’t change them. She paused outside the women’s lodge, reluctant to enter. The old grandmother gave her a little shove.

  The area inside was large and spacious. Cecile stood riveted against the wall and watched with eyes wide. To see a group of women assisting in the birth made the experience impersonal…and a tad intimidating. Maybe she hadn’t become as immodest as she thought. Her thoughts were drawn to the expectant mother by a low moan.

  Raven Wing squatted over a small trough lined with a square of deerskin and grasped a stick driven into the ground to help maintain her balance while she gave in to the bearing down pains. With each contraction, one of the women pushed on Raven Wing’s abdomen to hasten the baby’s arrival.

  Cecile wondered how long the woman had been in labor. Raven Wing’s face contorted with pain yet she never yelled or cried out despite her apparent anguish. Having never witnessed a child’s birth before, Cecile became frightened and inched toward the door.

  Rain Woman noticed and waggled a winger at her. “You must stay and watch so when your time comes you know what to expect.”

  “Okay, Old Mother,” Cecile relented. “I will stay.” But she thought of a thousand things she’d rather be doing.

  Finally, after lots of pushing and straining, Raven Wing’s blood-covered baby slipped out into the trough. The new mother fell back onto a bed of buffalo robes, totally spent and panting for breath. Rain Woman stepped in and cut and tied the umbilical cord then cleared the baby’s nose and mouth. The newborn boy immediately cried, flailing tiny arms in the air.

  The taste of bile rose in Cecile’s throat and she gagged when another woman removed the afterbirth and cleaned the blood from between Raven Wing’s legs. Cecile quickly looked away, her cheeks blazing at the thought of having someone else clean her private parts.

  Rain Woman washed and wrapped the infant in a rabbit skin then knelt and placed him at his mother’s breast, the old grandmother’s bones crackling when she struggled to straighten. Watching the baby boy suckle made Cecile’s breasts tingle. She covered her face, fearing how quickly her own time approached.

  ***

  “Lone Eagle, watching that baby born was so amazing, although a little scary. Everyone worked together.” Cecile chattered nonstop about what she’d seen. “Giving birth looked very painful, but Raven Wing didn’t even so much as cry out...there was so much blood…and she gave birth to the most beautiful baby boy.” She gazed up and sighed. “I wonder if I’ll have a boy or a girl.”

  Lost in thought about other things, Lone Eagle
wasn’t really listening He wasn’t privy to the happenings in the birthing tent since men didn’t take an active role when it came to giving birth. Those were things women discussed among themselves. Rain Woman would make sure everything went okay.

  His thoughts centered on tonight and his desire for his woman. It wouldn’t be long before he would have to forego the pleasure of mating with her because the closer it got to Cecile’s time, the more dangerous it was for her and the child. But, tonight…tonight he planned to enjoy her to the fullest. He took her hand and led her to bed. There had to be a way to end her excited rambling.

  ***

  His pleasure sated, they snuggled together. With Cecile’s back pressed close against him he cradled her stomach in his hands, trying to imagine the sex of the child. “Green Eyes,” he whispered against her neck. “I care not if the child is boy or girl. I only pray the Great Spirit will grant us a healthy child.” He never imagined he would feel such love for a seed he hadn’t planted.

  Too comfortable to move, they fell into a serene slumber. Lone Eagle woke hours later, and lovingly pulled the blankets securely around her shoulders, then tiptoed out.

  ***

  A silent snow had fallen during the night, and a layer of white blanketed the ground, making the compound look like it had been finely dusted with flour from her mother’s kitchen. Today was Cecile’s wedding day and despite the cold, the clouds parted to let in the sunshine reflect on the lodge’s side.

  Needing to walk to combat her nervousness, Cecile stepped outside. She shielded her eyes from the sun’s harsh reflection on the stark whiteness and strolled toward the ceremonial lodge, the largest in the village and where the wedding would take place.

  She pictured herself riding to the ceremony on the new white mare Lone Eagle had presented her as a wedding gift. Her gift to him was a new doeskin shirt. Rain Woman had shown her how to tan and soften the hide, but Cecile did the stitching all herself. She had been so anxious to show off her accomplishment, she’d already given it to him. The look on his face told her she’d done a good job.