The brush made slow, long strides through Wanahca’s hair, working its way along her thick locks with patience. Using care she groomed herself, letting it work from the top of her head to the very ends, which fell just at her waist. Made of porcupine tail hair, the brush worked well to smooth down her hair, and did an impeccable job of working in the bear grease which now nourished her strands.
Watching intently was Dancing Wolf, who reclinined beside her on grass-filled cushions. Feeling his stare she lightly smiled, then met his gaze before speaking some words.
“Your eyes have not stopped watching.”
“Should they?” He looked almost insulted. “When a man sees beauty, he is meant to admire it.”
Feeling a warmth in her heart at his compliment, she gently smiled.
“You are as beautiful as a flower,” he said. “And I enjoy watching your womanly ways.”
“I am glad.” A few more strokes of the brush was given, then her hands went to work at braiding up her hair.
“Leave it free,” Dancing Wolf told her. “I wish to touch it while we make love tonight.”
“I grow bigger by the day, and still you want me.” She gently laughed.
Now six months along, she had a righteously swollen belly, which had led to them inventing new positions to accommodate her stomach.
“I will never stop wanting you, Wanahca. And seeing your belly holding my child, only makes me crave you more.”
“Your admiration is flattering,” she said. “But if we keep going like we have, the baby may come sooner than we think.”
“She will come in perfect time, just as God intends.”
Comfortably warm from the fire they had going, both Wanahca and Dancing Wolf were in the nude. His eyes went from her belly to her full, ripe breasts, and loving the perfect roundness of them, reached out a hand to caress and fondle.
Watching on with gratification, Wanahca felt a heat spread quickly between her thighs, warming the very core of her being in a way that made her all flush.
“Your hands…” So large and manly, they touched in a way she could not resist. “They touch in a way that makes me hunger.”
“When we make love tonight, I will fill you up,” he told her.
Eyes glossing over at the thought alone she gently smiled, then leaned down to give him a kiss. Their lips came together in a soft, gentle way, tongues lightly bumping before pulling back.
“I would like you to smooth my hair too,” he said as they ended the kiss, and as she picked up the brush, he got into position.
Seated comfortably with legs crossed, Dancing Wolf felt the porcupine tail hair work though his soft, wavy strands, and enjoying the moment he lowered his lids. The languid motion was enough to make him fall asleep, but wanting to make love after, he fought against the beckoning of slumber.
Noting the way his muscles had gone all lax, Wanahca knew he was thoroughly placid. And as the sound of his breathing deepened, she knew he was on the verge of falling asleep. Carefully she set down the brush, but the moment she did, he immediately spoke.
“Why did you stop?”
“You were falling asleep.”
“I was not.”
“You were.”
“I was fully awake.”
A laugh passed her lips. “You are tired, and need rest.”
“I am fine,” he said. “And I don’t want to rest. I want to make love.”
“I will not deny you if what’s what you want,” she told him. “But I think it’s best for you to rest your body.”
Adjusting himself so that they gazed face to face, Dancing Wolf sleepily smiled in a way that was utterly cute.
“You are right, I am tired. But I am also very horny, and craving your heat.”
“Then relax,” she softly said, and placed her hands on his chest to gently lay him down.
Once flat on his back she got into reverse position, so that her back was directly facing him, with buttocks fully on display for his eyes. Already hard he sunk right into her, and at the very same time they let out a moan. The feel of him inside her was so exquisite, it didn’t take long for her to reach that point. Completely overtaken by her senses she moaned his name, and groaning out in pure pleasure, Dancing Wolf held tight to her bare, round bottom.
Pressing into her flesh, the tips of his fingers held on, loving the feel of her bare ass as she tirelessly rode his arousal. Amazed at her energy he loudly moaned, shifting his hips to aid in the motion that threatened to bring him right over the edge.
He hadn’t expected it possible for their lovemaking to reach a new level, yet somehow her being pregnant made it more enjoyable in an incredible way. Along with her using certain muscles he hadn’t ever felt before, the big round belly was a huge turn on. Knowing he’d made her so swollen and full of his child, made him feel proud and intensely masculine.
Shifting his hands to now feel her tummy, he gently caressed, but didn’t let up with the movement of his hips. Before long Wanahca cried out in blissful pleasure, and as the heat overtook his own male form, canlı bahis Dancing Wolf let loose and released. Surging hot and powerful into her womb, he let out a grunt, happily giving her every bit that he had.
The feeling of euphoria didn’t let up as she lay down beside him, damp skins clinging to each other as they shared a wet kiss. As their lips sealed even tighter the baby began to kick, making tiny taps against her tummy that felt like pleasant ripples.
Bringing his hand to her stomach she left him share the moment, and no sooner had his palm began to touch her, did the baby kick again.
“She is active.” Already feeling prideful, the Lakota Warrior gazed down at her stomach. “The kicks she gives are good, but I feel a calmness in her spirit.”
Placing her hand on top of his, Wanahca smiled and enjoyed it all. Not only the sensation of their baby kicking insider her, but the wonder and awe on her husband’s face. Already they were a family, and bursting inside of excitement and happiness, she spoke some words.
“Thank you,” she blurted out, expression beaming as she gazed deeply into his eyes without blinking even once.
“For what?” His brows gently rose, eyes watching hers with a touch of surprise.
“For the baby we are to have,” she softly replied. “It is a gift that I treasure already, and you have made me happier than you know.”
“She is a gift from the Creator,” Dancing Wolf told her. “And we made this baby together, so I want you to know that I am honored to have you carry it.”
Lowering her gaze in a humble way, Wanahca could only softly smile.
“This baby takes after you already,” she told him. “The softness she carries can already be felt by me, so I think you are right about her being a female.”
The smile he gave her was knowing, as if amused she had finally come to realize, that it was to be a girl child.
“I would love it regardless,” he said. “Because it came from our nights of passion.”
In full agreement with this, she snuggled tighter against him.
“Calm In Her Spirit,” he sleepily said. “It is a good name, and it matches her heart.”
Not minding at all that he had picked out a name, Wanahca came into accordance with him.
“The sound of this name is nice, and I think it is right for her.”
Nuzzling his nose into her hair, Dancing Wolf took in her scent, then tenderly kissed the top of her head. Laying comfortably they fell into sleep, cozily warm and all wrapped up in a loving embrace that couldn’t be broken.
* * * *
“She is here!” Eyes lit up with excitement, Singing Voice burst into the couple’s lodge.
“Already?” Stopping mid-stitch, Wanahca put aside her sewing, then rose to her feet and followed her friend.
“It did not take long for Makawee to push her out.” Leading the way out of the tipi, Singing Voice gave Wanahca a bladder. “We will gather fresh water for her, then assist her in bathing and freshening up.”
On reaching the river to collect water, they filled both bladders, then tied them off. They then headed straight for Makawee’s lodge, where Good Blanket Woman was carefully bathing the infant. Zeroing right in on the newborn child, Wanahca gazed in wonder at the tiny human being.
Along with thick, dark hair she had beautiful almond eyes, which were framed by long, fluttery lashes. Simply put she was a beauty, and kneeling beside Makawee who now rested on a pallet, grabbed onto her hand to gently hold it.
“She’s beautiful,” Wanahca said. “And it seems you did well at pushing her out.”
“She was stubborn at first,” Makawee told her. “But grandmother was a huge help.”
“Singing Voice and I will be here to help in any way.”
Makawee nodded in appreciation. “I would like some tea, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course, I will heat the water. Just rest and let your body heal. We will do what is needed to keep up your lodge.”
Immediately making good on the promise, both Wanahca and Singing Voice got busy at tidying things up. While Wanahca prepared herbs for a tea that would aid in evacuation of the placenta and leftover afterbirth, Singing Voice gathered bloody rags and other bedding that needed to be washed. With news of a brand new baby in the camp, people came in to have a look. The atmosphere was joyous and many wanted to celebrate, but Good Blanket Woman kept the visits to a minimum.
After drinking the tea, Makawee was bathed by Wanahca and Singing Voice, who used water warmed over the fire to provide an experience that was pleasant and calming. A mixture of melted tallow and fragrant herbs were rubbed into her skin, then the baby was placed in her arms so they could bond and take in each other’s smell.
It was at this moment that Makawee’s husband, Medicine Arrow, came into the lodge with their four year old son. Men and children were kept away from the birthing lodge within their tribe, so now finally able to meet his brand new daughter, Medicine Arrow was overly eager.
Rushing kaçak iddaa to her bedside he kneeled, gazing hard and long at the tiny infant. As he proudly looked over the baby, it became apparent that this was a moment just between them only. So as she excused herself, Singing Voice followed, and together they exited the tipi.
Feeling joyous for her sister-in-law, Wanahca smiled, and putting palm to her now seven month pregnant belly, began to imagine her own birthing process.
“Are you afraid of the pain when your own time comes?” Singing Voice asked her, eyes alight with a curiosity.
“A bit,” Wanahca admitted. “But my grandparents gave me knowledge of herbs I can use to make an easier time.”
“You have seen that we have this same knowledge among the Lakota,” Singing Voice said. “So it is good we have similar ways, as you know what to do when the baby is ready.”
“Do you make plans to have one of your own?”
“After some time, yes,” Singing Voice said. “But Moves Swiftly has not been my husband for very long.”
Nodding at this, Wanahca recalled they had only been married for a little over a month.
“Once we are ready, I will have as many as he wants. We both love children, so it won’t be long before we start trying.”
“You will make a great mother,” Wanahca said. “I have seen how you are with the little ones in this camp, and they all seem to love being around you.”
“Moves Swiftly tells me that is because I am young at heart.”
Crookedly smiling at this, Wanahca couldn’t help feeling amused at this declaration, as Singing Voice was just twenty-years old, and therefore still a baby in her eyes. And although she was only three years older, Wanahca still felt like an older sister to her friend.
It was then that a rippling feeling suddenly came from within her tummy, not too unlike a butterfly fluttering in her stomach. Gasping a little, she put palm to her stomach, enjoying the gentle and pleasant sensation.
“He is moving?” Singing Voice widened her eyes.
“Yes.”
Stretching out a hand, Singing Voice asked with her eyes to have a feel, and on receiving a nod she touched Wanahca’s stomach.
“I have been wanting to feel him move,” she told Wanahca, and the baby kicked again as if hearing these words.
“It seems he understands you.” A grin passed Wanahca’s lips.
“Because he does,” she replied. “The words we speak are heard, and he feels everything that you do.”
Wanahca’s brows gently lifted at this, and almost immediately Singing Voice knew what she was thinking.
“It does not understand completely when Dancing Wolf and you are together, but the good feelings you share in that time, are sent to the baby.”
Nodding at this, Wanahca felt relief.
“Is it much different while you are pregnant?” Singing Voice asked. “Because it seems that the size, would make it too hard to enjoy it.”
“Not for me.” A smile spread across her lips. “It only makes me want him more.”
“I did not think that possible.”
Wanahca smirked, and having reached the area where crops were planted, they began gathering tobacco leafs.
“It is good you are happy together,” Singing Voice said, and after gathering a handful of leaves, she placed them in a basket that Wanahca was carrying. “Moves Swiftly has been a wonderful husband and so kind to me, but sometimes I wish he would not be so polite.”
“A respectful husband is a blessing.”
“I am speaking of when we lay down,” she bluntly said.
“You want rougher ways?”
Singing Voice nodded.
“Speak to him,” Wanahca suggested. “And if that does not work, then you show him what it is you desire.”
“I will do this tonight,” she said, and as Wanahca smiled at her, she smiled right back.
* * * *
Working needle and thread in a slow, methodical way, Wanahca created the tiny garment with gentle and precise movements. Stitch by stitch the garment was created, and after finishing a seam she tied it off. Eyeing her work with a discerning gaze, she searched for imperfections that glaringly stood out.
As far as she could see there were none at all, and shifting attention to the hem of the fringed dress she was creating, thought of a pattern she would use to embellish. She was just gathering the beads to be used, when Dancing Wolf entered their lodge.
“Beautiful flower.” With a smile on his face he immediately came to her, holding two dead foxes he’d just acquired from a hunt.
“You went hunting,” she said, and as he laid the foxes next to the cushion where she sat, Wanahca reached out a hand to touch their fur.
“The pelts will be good for the baby’s moccasins,” he said. “And any leftover can be used for other clothing.”
“They are very soft.” Caressing the fur, she admired how smooth and glossy it was.
Having turned his attention to the garment she was making, he reached out to hold it in his hands. Dancing Wolf was so tall and manly, that the tiny clothing looked comically kaçak bahis small. But as he checked out the stitching that his wife had created, a look of approval washed over his face.
“Our daughter will be proud to wear this dress,” he told her. “Your hands made it in a way that is nice for the eyes, and will surely be admired.”
“Your grandmother is the one who taught me to do such good stitches,” she said. “So I cannot take credit for the way that she taught me.”
“You have talent,” he firmly declared, and as she accepted the compliment he gently smiled.
Kneeling before her as she relaxed on the cushion, Dancing Wolf placed his palm on her stomach. Almost immediately the baby shifted, and as a soft jabbing movement struck up against his hand, his lips spread in a proud smile.
“She knows the feel of my hand,” Dancing Wolf said while gently caressing her belly.
“She is very calm most of the time. But when you touch me, she immediately wakes up.”
Dancing Wolf smiled at this, then became thoughtful. “Is there nothing you need I can get? That tea you love to drink, or maybe an extra bowl of soup?”
“Tea would be nice,” she replied. “And some salve for my feet, as they are swollen.”
Lowering his gaze, Dancing Wolf saw this was true, and after pouring her tea, retrieved the salve. The feel of his hands on her feet was completely relaxing, and before very long she was completely soothed.
Her eyes closed softly and then she was asleep, being lifted in his arms and over to the pallet which they used as a bed. Consisting of animal skins stuffed with grass, it gave plenty of cushion, and always afforded them a good night’s sleep. After undressing he joined her side, pulling a buffalo robe up over them. Cradling her belly with his hand he protectively held it, then gratefully joined her in a deep sleep.
* * * *
Wanahca squatted in water that reached just above her ankles, settled in a comfortable position as she did her washing. Rocks lined along the river provided a surface to scrub the garments, getting them nice and freshly cleaned. Once wrung out, she hung them along lavender bushes, which grew plentifully along the prairie.
The sun was warm against her skin, breeze light and pleasant as it blew through the land.
Humming as she worked, she enjoyed the beautiful May morning, but then a movement came towards her, and lifting her gaze, saw it was Singing Voice. Guessing she had come to assist with drying out the laundry, Wanahca gently smiled. But Singing Voice was sprinting now, and then she called out in a panic.
“White man! White man!”
Dropping the garment she had been holding, Wanahca’s face went totally slack. Shifting her gaze in direction of the camp, she noticed there were white men – three to be exact – but several warriors had begun to surround them. Without even thinking she started to move, but clumsily so, as her belly was pregnant. Desperate to hide she searched for a place, but only wide open prairie surrounded them.
“You must not run, they will surely capture you!” Rushing to her side, Singing Voice tugged her arm, lowering her gently into the tall, thick grass.
Doing her best to lay on her side, Wanahca allowed for the vegetation to provide cover. The weight in her stomach made it difficult to lie down without pain however, and almost immediately felt a shift in her belly. It felt different, weird even, and soon it seemed as if the fetus inside her was squirming and rolling around. Having always been such a calm baby, Wanahca knew that something was very wrong.
“The baby…” Gripping her stomach she held onto it tightly.
Concerned for her friend, Singing Voice looked at her softly, then reached out a hand to touch Wanahca’s tummy. Feeling the movements which went on inside she dryly swallowed, as she knew they just weren’t normal.
“She will be okay,” said Singing Voice in a shaky tone, but as the words left her lips she already felt doubt.
It seemed to Wanahca that they lay there for a very long time, and then suddenly she felt somebody coming nearer. The grass rustled as they did, and her heartbeat pulsed in her ears as they came closer. She even caught their scent as it blew in the wind, a biting ammonia odor that reminded her of lye.
She didn’t have to see with her eyes to know that this person was now right up on her, and only inches from the spot where she hid, the steps continued forward in a methodical way. It seemed there was a knowing in the way that they moved, and as the grass parted in front of her, a cold sweat broke out across her body. The white man’s face was now visible, mustachioed and grinning as he reached right for her.
Her bladder loosened then, making a big wet spot beneath her on the dirt. Singing Voice took her hand to act as an anchor, and holding each other tightly they began to tremble. There was no time to run and they knew it, but then a sudden swish of sound cut through the stillness.
An arrow went deep into the bounty hunter’s shoulder, forcing a sharp, shrill cry from his thin lips. A second swish and another scream, as arrow after arrow met its target. Taken down hard, the body of the white man swiftly fell, and both women shrieked as he plummeted towards them.