Chapter Twenty-six
It soon became evident that Buck was not going to be able to do much of anything for the day. He just couldn’t shake the hung-over feeling the willow bark tea left him with. Little Fawn quickly decided that there was no point in trying to start anything because Buck was too tired and out of touch.

After a few attempts and many heated kisses, Little Fawn pulled away from Buck’s embrace. “I think it would be better to wait until tomorrow,” she said.

Buck nodded. “I’m sorry; I just can’t get my head to clear up so that I can stay focused on anything.”

Little Fawn leaned in and once more kissed him. She adjusted her clothing and then did the same to his. “I am going to see about getting us some food,” she said. “That is the one thing that wasn’t taken care of due to our lack of a ceremony; a proper ‘wedding home’ was not set up for us.”

Buck smiled at her. “I think that is a good idea,” he said, “especially since we are having guests this evening.” He struggled to a sitting position, but had to stop there when his back started aching.

Little Fawn placed her hand on his shoulder. “Do not make me undress you to keep you inside,” she said with a wink. “You rest; I can tend this on my own.”

Buck waited for the pain to subside. “What about Laughing Crow?” he asked.

“I do not think he will try anything so soon,” she said. “As far as I know he has not returned. He left right after Red Bear stopped him from hurting us.”

Buck nodded. “If you feel it is safe enough, then I won’t stop you,” he said. “Perhaps you could find Silent Wolf to assist you.”

“I will see if he is still in the village,” Little Fawn said as she kissed Buck’s cheek and stood. “He was planning on going hunting with Little Fox and Stands Tall.”

Buck once more nodded. “Maybe I should try and come with you.” He moved slowly and was able to stand. It became evident that he wouldn’t be able to offer any type of protection as he tried to take the few steps needed to exit the teepee. “Then again,” he said as he sank back to the ground, “perhaps it would be better if I just waited here.”

Little Fawn laughed softly. “I think that is best. Do you need help getting back to the bed?”

Buck shook his head. “I’ll be alright in just a bit. You go ahead and work on finding some food.” He smiled up at her. “If you happen to see Red Bear, would you tell him I’d like to talk to him?”

Little Fawn nodded. She leaned down and kissed Buck softly on the lips and then made her way outside. She quickly located Red Bear, delivered Buck’s request, and then went to see if her mother had some food to spare.

As Red Bear visited with Buck he also realized that in the haste of making this marriage take place, the families had not provided the necessities to get the household started properly. “Would you like me to bring some of the provisions from my last hunt?” he asked.

Buck shrugged. “I do not know if we will need them. Little Fawn has gone to see what her mother can offer us.”

Just then the two women returned. Smiling Dove welcomed Buck into her family by presenting him with the small offering of food she was able to pull together. She then excused herself and went back to preparing the midday meal for her husband and sons.

Little Fawn smiled shyly at Red Bear. “I am sorry,” she said, “that we do not have more to offer you.”

Red Bear replied, “Do not worry. I will go get some of the food from last evening. Our family should have helped prepare this home more adequately. It is I who should be apologizing.” With that he took his leave of the newlywed couple, and made his way back to his own home where his wife was busy preparing their meal.

He returned shortly with enough food to easily feed Little Fawn and Buck for the noon meal as well as to make the evening’s get together presentable. “Thank you,” Buck told him as Red Bear once more settled in for a visit with his younger brother.