Chapter Thirty-two
Later that evening, Little Fawn and Buck joined Ike and Sky Chaser back in the main room for another meal. Buck explained that Red Bear wished to leave early in the morning. It was decided that Ike and Sky Chaser would get everything ready so there would be no need to wait on them in the morning.

As they were packing, Ike realized that he didn’t really have much to take. He took a couple of pair of pants and a blanket or two. That was all he would need because Sky Chaser had already told him she would make him more appropriate clothing once they were back at the village.

The packing done, they returned to the main room where Buck and Little Fawn sat watching the rain fall. “I wish it would never end and they wouldn’t have to leave,” said Little Fawn. “I know you shall miss Silent Wolf as much as or more than I will Sky Chaser.” She leaned into Buck and sighed.

Buck nodded. “I shall miss him,” he agreed, “but I will know that he is happy, and that will help me survive.”

Sky Chaser quickly interpreted the overheard conversation for Ike. He thanked her and went to sit next to Buck. He placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder and squeezed gently. *I will miss you, too,* he said.

Buck smiled. “I wish there was a way for us to stay together, but I can’t go back there.”

Ike nodded. *I know,* he said. He glanced at where Sky Chaser sat talking quietly to Little Fawn. *And she can’t live anywhere else.*

Buck nodded. “We will visit,” he said.

Ike returned the nod. *I will visit too,* he said.

They both were silent for a few minutes as they contemplated a future without the other because despite the promises of visits, the chances were high that they would never see each other ever again. As the sun disappeared on the horizon, the young couples closed the door and made their way to their rooms.

They both paused outside the doors that lead to their private quarters. None of them really wanted to be apart from the others this last evening together. Finally, Sky Chaser dropped Ike’s hand. *Wait here,* she said as she disappeared into the room she shared with Ike.

Thinking she knew what her friend was doing, Little Fawn instructed Buck to wait also. Soon both women had returned with blankets and pillows. They then went about preparing a sleeping area in the middle of the room where they could all spend the night together. When they were finished, they turned to their husbands. *Let’s get some sleep,* said Sky Chaser. *The morning will be here much too quickly as it is.*

She took Ike’s hand and led him to the newly made bed. Little Fawn did the same with Buck. The women then quickly undressed, and then turned their attention to their husbands. In a matter of seconds, the men were also unclothed. The two couples lay down in their respective areas and soon they were lost in the world of dreams.

The early morning sun streaming in the windows woke them. They quickly rose, dressed, ate a quick meal, and then went to located Red Bear and Smiling Dove. As the small band of travelers left the yard, Buck put his arm around Little Fawn and pulled her to him.

Little Fawn placed her head on his shoulder. “I miss them already,” she said.

“I know,” Buck replied. “So do I.” He turned to kiss her on the forehead. “We’ll visit them soon.”

Little Fawn smiled up at him, and then took hold of his hand. She looked at Teaspoon and Rachel before turning and leading Buck back to the bunk house. As she closed the door, she said, “I think in the morning you will need to talk to Teaspoon about exactly when he expects you to return to work.”

Buck nodded, as he moved to untie Little Fawn’s dress. As it slid off her body, she reached for his pant ties and undid them allowing them to fall to the floor next to her dress. This pile of clothing was quickly joined by his shirt. As he lowered her to the pile of blankets they had shared last evening with Sky Chaser and Ike, he whispered, “First thing in the morning.” He then covered her lips with his own and they once more enjoyed each other’s company.