Chapter Sixteen
When Little Fawn returned to the cook fire she shared with her mother, she was reprimanded. “You need to be careful; if your father catches you being so forward, you will be punished. You know what happens to girls who are too ‘easy’.”

Little Fawn nodded to her mother. “I have done nothing wrong,” she said. “Running Buck is not offended by my behavior. In fact, he has asked me to join him for this meal.”

Smiling Dove simply shrugged. “It will only bring you pain,” she said. “He is leaving as soon as he is able.”

Little Fawn shook her head. “He isn’t sure if he is staying or not,” she said. “I may be able to convince him to stay. How much better would this family’s status be if I was married to the war chief’s brother?”

Her mother thought over this and shrugged. “Just be careful,” she repeated. “If you push this too far, your father can still turn you out. Are you ready to face that reality if Running Buck does decide to leave?”

Little Fawn nodded. “I am prepared to face whatever happens,” she said. “I just want a chance at being happy. I want this family to be viewed as it was before Little Fox made his relationship with Stands Tall official.” She then went back to her cooking and would no longer speak with her mother.

Sky Chaser had also watched the exchanged between her uncle and Little Fawn. She waited until the young lady had returned to her cooking area, and then went to check with her uncle. “I noticed that Little Fawn caused a bit of a scene,” she said as she sat next to him.

Buck shook his head. “She did nothing wrong,” he said.

“She made a pass at you,” Sky Chaser said. She waited until the girls passing by were gone before adding, “She told me about her actions last evening at my father’s fire. If she continues this behavior, her father will beat her or worse.”

“What could be worse?” Buck asked, not sure he wanted to know.

“He could turn her out,” Sky Chaser said. “If she acts in such a way as to make it seem as if she is willing to give herself to any man available, she will be treated as such. It would then be allowable for any man to use her as he sees fit; no one would be able to prevent it.”

“What if I spoke for her?” Buck asked.

“It wouldn’t be allowed after she was turned out,” Sky Chaser stated simply. “You should know this.”

Buck nodded. “I should know many things that I don’t about the workings of the village,” he pointed out. “I wasn’t allowed to participate in most activities and seldom included in village activities.”

Sky Chaser dropped her gaze. “I am sorry,” she said. “I am afraid I forgot about how you were treated by the others; I also should have remembered that you left before you were old enough to understand all the workings of the village.”

“You have no reason to be sorry,” he said. “I am glad you spoke to me. I will be sure to keep this information in mind while dealing with Little Fawn; I do not wish to cause her trouble.” He hesitated just a bit before asking, “So, would it be wise for me to speak to her father now?”

Sky Chaser also hesitated. “That would depend on how serious you are,” she finally replied.

Buck simply looked at her.

“If you are really serious about staying to be with her, then yes, speak to her father. If you aren’t, then you need to tell her and stop her dreaming.”

Buck nodded. “What if I’m not sure?” he asked.

It was Sky Chaser’s turn to simply stare.

Buck sighed. “I do not know if I wish to stay after I am healed,” he said. “It will depend on how things are here while I mend. If they go well, I think staying would be good.” He paused. “I know I would miss my white family, but if I could find someone here who is willing to love me…”

Sky Chaser nodded her understanding. “Then you should talk to her father,” she said, “but be very clear about the possibility of your not staying.”

Buck nodded. “I can do that,” he said. After a few minutes of silence, he asked, “Do you think she would ever consider going with me?”

Sky Chaser shrugged. “I do not know. I know that she is genuinely fond of you, and would be hurt if you decided to leave, but…” she paused, “you would have to speak to her.”

“I will do that when she brings me my meal,” he said.

As Sky Chaser stood to leave, Buck asked her, “Do you think you could do me a favor?”
“Depends.”

“I need to talk to Little Fawn’s father, Silver Fox, as soon as possible, but…”

Sky Chaser nodded. “You cannot walk to him.”

“I do not wish to insult him by having him come here. Is there anyone you know that could assist me since Silent Wolf is still out hunting?”

“I will see,” she said. “Perhaps if I explain to Silver Fox, he will not be insulted at coming to you.”

Buck smiled his thanks. “Whatever you feel is best,” he said. “I leave it in your hands.”