Buck had forgotten the thrill of a hunt like this. Sure, he had hunted for food thousands of times since he left the Kiowa. But there was something about a tribal hunt, with everyone working together, that was particularly rewarding. He had participated in the hunt since childhood, when the chance of finding buffalo was much better. Then he had worked with the other children hauling the meat back to the camp. As he grew older he was allowed to accompany the hunters, and finally to hunt himself.

He had been allowed that privilege only a few times before he left the Kiowa for the mission school.

This hunt would be different, since they found no buffalo, but the hunters were able to flush out numerous deer. Buck moved along with the hunters, taking his share of game, then moving on as the women and children dressed and hauled the meat away.

They feasted that night. A central fire was built up and the tribe gathered around it while the women roasted up venison haunches. The elders and Holy men talked, giving thanks to the Gods for the bountiful hunt. The drums were brought out and dancing began. Children twirled on the outer edges of the fire while the dancers circled the fire.

Buck got caught up by the beat of the drums and the festive air to the gathering. He felt, finally, as if he truly belonged here, that he had been accepted, and all the cruelties he remembered from childhood melted away, as if they hadn’t existed in the first place. He began to entertain the idea of staying here. He felt a part of these people and his Kiowa heritage embraced him.

He sat at his brother’s side while Climbing Vine waited on them. That was one thing that bothered him. He had learned to treat women as an equal in the white world and not as a servant. But he kept reminding himself that things were different here.

He watched the dancers pass before him. He turned to his brother when he felt the older man elbow him in the ribs.

"You have caught someone’s eye little brother." Red Bear said with a grin on his face.

"What do you mean?"

"Morning Dove." Red Bear replied motioning to a young woman moving to the beat of the drum across the fire. "She has been casting looks your way. Yet you seem not to see them."

"I didn’t notice." Buck was somewhat embarrassed by the attention of the young woman. It was obvious, even to him, once he saw her.

"She is attractive isn’t she? And she can cook and scrap hides and sew. She would make a good wife."

"I’m not interested in marriage right now brother." Buck said nervously. Red Bear heard the tone in his voice and laughed.

"You don’t have to marry her! Just go talk to her. She is a widow. Maybe she’ll let you warm her robes tonight!" Red Bear continued to rib his younger brother, enjoying the discomfort his brother felt. Buck finally rose to his feet and approached the young woman, just to stop his brother’s comments.

She is attractive, Buck thought as he approached her. She turned toward him and smiled, her eyes meeting his instead of dropping downward as most young women did. Buck admired her confidence, even as it embarrassed him. He knew his brother was watching him and he hoped the others weren’t paying him any attention.

"My name is Running Buck." Buck said a he stood before the young woman.

"I know," she replied. "I’m Morning Dove. Are you here to stay?"

"No. I came to see my brother."

"And to talk to the Man of Dreams."

"Yes." Buck was surprised that she knew this.

"I hope you will find the peace you seek."

Buck was surprised at the comment. But apparently the village gossips had been busy.

She reached out and took his hand. "Shall we go for a walk?"

Buck didn’t know why, but he followed her as she led him away from the camp. Finding a downed tree she sat, pulling him next to her. They talked briefly, Morning dove asking a few questions about his life with the whites. But Buck was unprepared when she suddenly leaned in and kissed him. Her lips were soft and warm. He pulled away in surprise.

"You did not wish to kiss me?" she asked, somewhat surprised herself. Buck shook his head.

"No, it’s not that," he said. "You just caught me by surprise."

"Then you will be ready when I do this." She leaned in and kissed him again. Buck was ready. He allowed himself to get lost in the kiss, not objecting at all when she took his hand and they lay down on the ground, her lips finding his once more as her hand moved over his chest.

~*~*~

The celebration was still going on when the two returned to the fire circle. Red Bear watched as Morning Dove grabbed hold of Buck’s hand, pulling him close and kissing him deeply. Buck moved off and took his seat at Red Bear’s side. Red Bear started to chuckle, then to laugh. Buck gave his brother a friendly shove, then turned his attention back to the dancers. But his eyes kept wandering back to where Morning Dove swayed to the beat of the drums.

On to Chapter Three