Chapter Seventeen
As Little Fawn made her way across the village to where Buck was waiting, Red Bear and Ike came back from their hunt. They dismounted and took the fruits of their labors to where Sky Chaser and Gentle Dove were busily preparing the noon meal.

As she placed the food in front of Buck, Little Fawn spoke quietly, “It looks as if they had a good hunt.”

Buck nodded. “It will be nice to have fresh meat,” he said. “I hope my brother plans to share with the village.”

Little Fawn smiled at the thought of a village feast. “I think it would be fun to celebrate your healing,” she said. She moved to wait as Buck ate, ready to be attentive to his every need.

Buck turned to face her. “Please sit by me,” he said.

Little Fawn shook her head. “It is not the way,” she said.

“You were the one who didn’t wish to play by the rules,” Buck reminded her. “I don’t want you to do anything other than sit. It is hard for me to speak to you when I cannot see you.”

Little Fawn nodded. She moved and sat so that she was facing Buck.

Buck shook his head. “Not there; here,” he said, patting the ground next to him.

Little Fawn glanced around the village. She could feel the eyes of some of the other eligible women on her as she stood and moved to sit next to Buck. She had been so smug with flaunting her nonchalance, but truth be told, she feared her father turning her out before she found a husband. She drew away when Buck touched her knee.

“What’s wrong?” Buck asked, moving his hand away.

“Others are watching,” Little Fawn said. “I do not wish to have them speak of me in such a manner as to anger my father.”

Buck nodded. “You didn’t seem to mind earlier,” he said reaching for her once more.

“Earlier there were not so many eyes on us,” Little Fawn said as she stood. “I think it would be best if I…”

“No,” Buck said loudly, “You will do as I ask, and sit now.”

Little Fawn stiffened and then did as he said. “Why are you angry?” she asked with tears beginning to form in her eyes.

Buck reached up and wiped away the first tear as it slid down her face. “I am not angry,” he said quietly. “I just wanted you to have a reason for sitting here. Now no one can fault you for sitting next to me; you are just doing what you were told like a good woman.” He winked.

Little Fawn smiled shyly and leaned into Buck’s touch. “I wish you were healthier,” she said. “I know a quiet place where we could be alone.”

Buck moved his hand away from her cheek. “Perhaps you can show me in a few days,” he said as he turned back to eating. “I am getting stronger every day, and will need to start taking walks to build my strength.”

Little Fawn glanced up at Buck. She was pleased to see that he was smiling at her. His lack of concern helped her relax and soon the two were enjoying a pleasant meal and conversation during which Buck learned that Little Fawn wasn’t closed to the idea of leaving the village.

Red Bear had glanced up at the sound of Buck’s raised voice. He started to go check on things, but Sky Chaser stopped him. “He does not need your help,” she said. “He is trying to keep her from getting in trouble.”

Red Bear looked at his daughter. “You know this how?” he asked.

“He spoke to me earlier this morning,” she explained. “I know that what he expects is different from our normal customs; he is protecting her from sharing in his different ones.” She paused before adding, “He wishes to discuss his intentions with Silver Fox, but needs assistance getting across the village. Could you help him, or get Silver Fox to visit Running Buck without feeling insulted?”

Red Bear nodded. “I can do that,” he said. “I will go speak to my brother when his meal is finished. We will need to plan our celebration of his healing and return.” He glanced at his hunting companion before adding, “As well as the possibility of adding to our own family.”

Sky Chaser stared at her father. “What do you mean?” she asked hesitantly.

“Silent Wolf has asked that he be allowed to spend time with you,” Red Bear said. “I told him I would be honored, but that I would not speak for you since you were mourning the passing of your intended.” He paused before asking, “So what shall I tell him?”

Sky Chaser glanced at where Ike was helping her mother get the deer he and her father had killed situated and ready for cleaning. She felt the flutter stir in her heart as she nodded, “Tell him yes,” she said. “I would be honored to spend time with him.”

Red Bear nodded. He spent a few more minutes talking to his daughter before going to collect Ike. *We should go share news of our good fortune with Running Buck,* he said.

Ike nodded. He noticed that Red Bear had managed to wait until Little Fawn was collecting the food items before venturing over to Buck’s home. As they walked, Red Bear shared the good news about Sky Chaser’s answer. *I hope she will not disappoint you,* he said as he placed a hand on Ike’s shoulder.

Buck noticed the smiles on both their faces as they joined him. “You did well?” he asked.

Red Bear nodded. “Silent Wolf is an excellent hunter; this is good to know since he has asked to call on Sky Chaser and she has agreed. It will be good to have another to help provide for my growing family,” he said and signed.

Buck laughed. “Did you get enough for us to share with others in the village?” he asked.

Red Bear nodded. “I plan on having a big celebration; everyone will be invited.”

Buck smiled. “I am glad,” he said.

“Was there anyone in particular that you wish to invite?” Red Bear asked with a glance and wink at Ike.

Buck answered, “I would very much like to invite Little Fawn and her family. I need to talk to her father first. I was wondering if one of you could help me with that.”

Red Bear nodded. “Would you rather one of us assists you in getting to him, or shall I ask him to please come see you?”

“I’d like to try to go to him,” Buck said. “I’m just not sure I can walk that far, and I’d prefer not to be carried.”

Red Bear nodded his understanding. “Let us try now,” he said. He and Ike helped Buck to stand. Before allowing him to go anywhere, Red Bear quickly looked his brother over. “You will need to wait until I can get you some appropriate clothing,” he said.

They helped Buck sit back down. “It will not take me long,” said Red Bear. “I will return as quickly as possible. Perhaps we could visit with him this evening at my home?”

Buck nodded. “That would be nice,” he replied. “I know I can make it that far.”

Red Bear smiled at his brother. “I will make the arrangements. You should rest and possibly have Silver Wolf take you to the river to bathe.”