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 SHAMAN-WILLOW-BIRD-5                           "Shaman Willow Bird" series
 Shaman Willow Bird (part 5)                    Copyright 2001 by Vince Water
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*                            "Shaman Willow Bird"                       7/01 *
*                                  (part 5)                                  *

     My eyes lift for Father Sun. He has not yet risen to the height of His
sky but my stomach is rumbling. Smiles A Lot's soup this morning had been good
but not fulfilling enough. I'm looking forward to having lunch with my mother.

     I hope that it will go well. Smiles A Lot needs another friendly face to
make him feel welcomed to our tribe. If my own mother won't, who will? I know
that it's difficult for someone from an enemy tribe to find acceptance and he
has nowhere else to go. Not back to his own People! I want him to remain here,
at my side as my lover and teach me how to use my special gifts. I fear that
I'll be in need of them soon.

     We slowly pass the tipis of my tribe. Someone waves at me but I don't
take notice. What had been discussed with my chief, our concerns for war fill
my thoughts. Our People are too few. Even if the Split Tribe's warriors were
to join our numbers, how could we hope to face the many spears of our enemies?
They would easily overrun us.

     I stop. My hands lift to Him with my plea: 'Oh, Wah-Conda. Please show
me the way to peace! And if war comes, how can our People survive the anger of
our enemies that is undeserved? How can I defeat the Trickster's evil plan?!'

     My eyes fill with the sun. His Light brings me much pain, nothing else.
I lower my arms in defeat. Smiles A Lot waits patiently at my side, no pleas
from him about my sudden need to pray. Only curiosity fills his face.

     I continue with our walk. Children are happily playing and the women go
about their morning tasks, often waving to me with smiling faces. It pains my
heart to think that all of them could be so easily rubbed out by our enemies.
War is a terrible thing! If the Spear-bearing warriors were to come, all that
would remain of the Kalinlepi are burned out tipis fallen over the ground and
bodies lying unattended where they were struck down. Oh, Father. Please don't
let that happen!

     Smiles A Lot grips my arm. I sense his concern for me but ignore his plea
to share with him. Mine are only worries of what may come to pass. There is
still time to try preventing it.

     A boy is running towards us. When my eyes lift, recognition fills them
and my heart leaps with hope. Crying Loon turns his head at me, a nice smile
is blossoming on his lips. I return his smile. I look the boy over with new
eyes. He has long black hair that flows past his shoulders. A lean chest.
Golden cloths cover the front and rear of his body that can't hide part of
his butt when I peek in through the side of his breechclout. I've seen him
without one before. Held his trembling body in my arms when making love. Ah!
My young sweetheart appears to be the same but having Smiles A Lot at my side
as my pledged lover has changed me.

     Crying Loon stops his advance. My heart longs to hold this boy in my arms
again so why won't he come to me? Is he jealous of Smiles A Lot? Perhaps he's
mad at me for tying my white pledge band around the young shaman's arm instead
of his. That's when I notice an old squaw sitting over her ground mat. She's
watching our aborted reunion.

     To my dismay, Crying Loon runs away. Gone was his smile. Smiles A Lot
flinches at my side when he feels the terrible anguish in my heart being Sent
him. I bury my pain deep inside my head. I'm left feeling stunned though.

     My legs become weak. Smiles A Lot prevents me from falling by his tight
grip around my waist. He leads me away, towards the forest. The tipis of my
tribe are left behind when we enter the woods. I fall to the roots of an old
gnarled oak. My lover sits beside me. His arms come around my shoulders with
their support.

     'Crying Loon still loves you,' assures Smiles A Lot, 'but he is afraid of
getting into trouble. I saw his smile for you.'

     There are tears in my eyes. Not from anguish or love lost but from fear!
I'm afraid for the boy; for us. How can we of the Mahyee-na set up a lodge and
practice our rites when the People fear us? They could come to hate us for
what we are.

     'Don't think that,' asks Smiles A Lot. 'People fear what they don't
understand but my tribe accepted those of us who man/love, the Mahyee-na.'

     'How did that come about?' I ask while rubbing an arm across my eyes.

     'Snarling Bear proved himself in battle and as a spiritual leader of my
People,' explains Smiles A Lot. 'His rank in our tribe convinced them that him
loving men wasn't bad. He initiated all the boys being brought to his lodge by
eager mothers wanting the best for their sons. They hoped that our shaman's
power would pass into them, or at the very least, his manhood strength to fill
their immature loins.'

     I envy that great man. He held power, had the respect of his People and
he could love the boys of his tribe. Just as I have been trying to.

     'These passing moons will test your spirit, Willow Bird. If war comes,
your body and heart will also be tested and when you survive, the stronger you
would have become. Learn the ways of shamanism. That is the path to wisdom
from which you can lead your People. Happiness will also be yours to embrace.'

     I turn to my lover and peer into his soft eyes. 'You are wise. I've felt
the calm strength of your spirit that's helped me with Healing, amongst other
things. We make a good team. Soon, we will be a couple in Mahyee-na. A joining
that I hope my People will come to accept.'

     Smiles A Lot nods his head. 'When the right moon comes. I look forward to
our hair love/embrace rite, Willow Bird but you must decide how Crying Loon
has your heart and where I have a place in it.'

     My hand tightens around his arm. 'I love you fully, Smiles A Lot!'

     A smile. 'I know that. When these troubling times have passed and you can
meet with the boy to settle things between you, I'll be waiting to tie my cock
to yours.'

     A surge goes through my loins to hear this. Yet I recall Big Horn's first
attempt to bind my love to him. My fingers had pulled away his knot around our
cocks because there was a boy in my heart that prevented me from tying my knot
over his. Then the chief learned what I've been doing with Song Bird. No longer
could I touch his son in love. That freed me to fully love my monedo. Our pa-
he-wat-che rite was performed by rubbing our groin hairs together, joining us
at last. Will my love for Crying Loon prevent me from binding myself to Smiles
A Lot?

     I release a sigh of frustration. Nothing in my life is simple! My loving
companion sits patiently at my side; he no longer intrudes on my guarded
thoughts. I lower my eyes to stare at my feet. Dust covers them. A sniff of my
body reveals that I could use a swim in the river.

     'Too cold!' comments Smiles A Lot.

     A laugh comes out of me. "Yes. And those two girls always seem to be
washing their clothes on the bank." Smiles A Lot nods. I think that he
understands much of what I've said but coming up with words for him to say is
harder. I've been blessed with Mind Speaking from our Father. It has proven a
useful gift and everyone that I've touched has become closer to me.

     I notice the approach of my lover's face to mine. We kiss, gently. Our
arms find each other and hold with a tightness that reveals our growing bond.
I do love him so!

     'Yes, Willow Bird. I love you so much that all my fears are put aside!'

     A twinge of sadness fills me. The unspoken thing that could separate us
is a real threat. I'm glad that my chief commanded his war leader to stop our
men from harming this boy but what of the Split Tribe? They will not easily
forget their suspicions and hatred for a 'scout' of the Spear-bearing Tribe
they'd taken prisoner. I only have him on loan so that our shaman can be
tended to. I fear the day when he recovers from his head wound.

     'Is that why you won't attempt Healing him, Willow Bird?'

     I've forgotten to guard my thoughts! but my lover speaks truly. I have
considered using my powers of Healing but fear the expected outcome for Smiles
A Lot if I were to succeed.

     'He is doing well,' answers the boy. 'That gives us a month to be together
and for me to train you as shaman.'

     Tears fill my eyes, obscuring my companion's face from sight. We kiss
some more. I feel his body trembling in my arms. He also has a wet face. It's
alright to cry when in the arms of your lover. Good words. They had come from
an enemy People but that truth is the same for everyone.

     Joy slowly replaces the worry squeezing our hearts. My hands lower to
Smiles A Lot's rear end that's covered by a deerskin flap. I pull the boy
into my lap. His legs wrap around my butt. We kiss more passionately. This
brings a swift rising to our cocks, mashed together and rubbing. Only thin
breechclouts prevent our bared touch.

     'I need to make love to you!' begs Smiles A Lot. He removes the smoking
pouch from his companion's shoulder and places it on the ground.

     A smile comes to my lips. 'Yes. We were interrupted from it last night.'

     Smiles A Lot pulls his face away. He wipes tears from his eyes and
speaks. "I love you, Willow Bird. Love you, love you. Oh, I much love you!"

     My heart bursts to hear those words. "I love you, Smiles A Lot. Love you,
love you. I really LOVE you forever more!" My sweet boy lowers his arms from
my back so that he can remove our breechclouts. His flaps are easily tossed
aside but my lengthy cloth gives him some trouble. I raise my butt from the
tree roots so that he can pull my breechclout away. My arms tremble from the
effort of lifting his weight with mine. When I've been bared, I sit back down
with this eager boy in my lap. Rushing to kiss me as if for the last time.

     It's a wonderful feeling to embrace a naked boy! His thin arms are
wrapped around my back, one hand lowering to find my humping butt. Our chests
are pressed together. We kiss. Kissing each other again and again from our new
love. Smiles A Lot is a dear person. I didn't expect we would be this close
since another boy had taken my heart but he'd somehow managed to sneak in.

     I clutch Smiles A Lot's soft rear end. Pulling over him there in beat to
his legs wrapped around my butt, tightening and loosening to rub the front
part of our male bodies together. There's no rush to our love making. I'm
enjoying the thrills from my body and open myself to this boy's thoughts.

     Smiles A Lot senses my need to Share. I'm given his thoughts of love for
me, how his body feels next to mine and it is very sweet but at the edge of my
awareness are the boy's fears. He tries hiding them from me. I Show him how
I'm feeling in his arms and open my heart with its love. That distracts him
while I probe the guarded parts of his mind.

     A small tendril of my being sneaks into the depths of Smiles A Lot's
head. It's like trying to wiggle a finger past the tightness of a boy's
asshole. I'm trying to be gentle. I enter the hidden part of his mind
undetected and look for what he's keeping from me. This is what I find.

     Smiles A Lot fears being taken back to the Split Tribe, tortured and
killed. That's nothing new to me but his greatest fear is if I try rescuing
him by using my powers, to Change into a fierce beast to scare the men away.
He knows that would risk my becoming shaman. I can't lead my People through
fear and they would be scared of me if they knew all that I can do. Their fear
could easily turn to hatred. Smiles A Lot thinks they would drive me away or
even kill me because of it.

     I hold the troubled boy closer in my arms. Smiles A Lot gasps for breath
that interrupts the steady beat of his arms and legs around my body. He asks
me what is wrong.

     'I have given you my promise.'

     'Your promise? Oh, Willow Bird! You must not stop them if they take me
across the river to be killed. I came here to train you to be shaman and the
next leader of those who man/love in place of Snarling Bear. Do not save me!'

     'Not with the use of my powers. I've promised you that but I still have
my voice to persuade the chiefs of the Split Tribe. I have a plan.'

     'To do what?' asks Smiles A Lot.

     I gasp for breath when the boy's arms tighten around me. 'You have not
been named a brave by your People. After our shaman is well, I will ask my
chief to name you a man of our tribe. That would make you Kalinlepi! The Split
Tribe wouldn't risk angering my People by taking you back to be killed if
you're one of us.'

     'Would your chief do that for me?'

     'I think so. You have proven yourself to us by tending to our shaman and
the chief knows that we are lovers. I would vouch for your conduct with my
life if he needs further assurance. Oh, Smiles A Lot! I love you so much. I
need you to be at my side through the troubling times ahead. How could I
endure without you?'

     Smiles A Lot guards his thoughts. When the boy senses my plea for Sharing,
he allows me into his head. I See him considering my plan. That it could work
if only the Kalinlepi warriors would come to accept him.

     'They allowed your father's presence in my tribe,' I add.

     'Yes. But he had to set up his tipi on the other side of the river. Big
Horn was also the chief's nephew. To keep his warrior lover from harm, he had
to be my father's shadow wherever he went.'

     'To protect him! Coyote Thief wore five eagle feathers in his hair. Our
warriors were suspicious of his motives. They thought he would betray Big Horn
after learning about our People's weaknesses and laugh all the way back to his
Spear-bearing Tribe carrying that brave's scalp. I've heard Catch-fish-with-
arrows say this same thing about you.'

     Smiles A Lot releases a trembling breath. I sense the boy's dismay, his
hope for my plan isn't a strong one. He stops thinking about what may be and
returns to our love making. We have this moment together. Why waste it by
worrying about things that may never come to pass?

     The lusty rhythm of our bodies continues. Smiles A Lot kisses me. His
hand clutches my butt and with his legs tight around the rear of body, gets
our cocks to rub. I enjoy pulling over his flexing ass. Thoughts of fucking
him sends exciting tingles down my spine but I'm content to simply belly rub.
That way, we can kiss and love each other as equals.

     Pleasure builds in me. I feel my cock stiffening from nearing climax so
my hands are pulling faster over my lover's ass. We return to Sharing our
thoughts. Mostly lusty feelings for one another, how our bodies are thrilled
from sex but too, we Send each other tender offerings of love. He's proud of
me for showing strength to the challenges I've faced. He's attracted by my
strong arms around him, the strange features to my face and my big cock
stabbing against him. He likes how my butt flexes against his legs. I reveal
my attraction for his slim body, boyish in size and soft. His face also looks
strange! But I'm not frightened. I know that he's not an enemy but my lover.

     'If we met in battle, I'd want you to conquer me!'

     'No. That's done to humiliate the fallen man,' I answer.

     'Silly! You know what I mean.'

     Ah, I do. Our heated bodies are struggling. Instead of a clash of
strength that comes from doing battle together, we strive towards a mutual
goal: male fulfillment. That's the difference between showing love for one
another instead of hate. I hold this dear boy in my arms to pleasure him, not
to hurt. I'm savage with my stabs against his hard cock. He strikes me back
with love. Furious acts!

     'I am close to exploding, Willow Bird!'

     My cock is tingling in warning. 'Me too!' I kiss the boy's lips between
breaths, our noses bumping. We peer into each other's eyes. I see fire in his.
My hands pull over his wildly flexing ass while his left hand pulls over mine
joined by his legs squeezing me hard. Our cocks are in battle between us,
enjoying the fierce struggle and filling with lightning thrills. All these
sensations are enhanced by being connected. We share our intimate thoughts and
bodily excitement. We're joined as close as two human beings can be in spite
of being the same sex.

     Smiles A Lot blows his breath into my mouth. A sharp gasp. The boy's eyes
flutter when his cock shoots to my belly. His intense thrills are given me. I
hear his high-pitched cry and that sends me over the edge. I groan with joy.
My liquid love covers his belly and I smell our male sweetness in my nose.

     Too soon, our climax fades into a sweet memory. Smiles A Lot struggles
to regain his breath. I'm not as affected, being used to loving boys in my
arms. I hold him in my lap until he has recovered from it.

     Smiles A Lot clings to me as if not ever wanting to let go. I keep the
boy close in arms. His face is buried in my neck, breathing on me and crying?
I feel the downwards flow of our sperm from our bellies gathering on our
balls. My body is cooled there. I try shooing him. Soft spoken words in his
ear of how much I love him, hoping that he'll understand. The boy's troubling
thoughts return. Without the distraction of love making, he thinks of what
will happen to him in the days ahead.

     'Not for another moon!' He realizes how quickly its passing can be though.
Too short a time for love and to train me. He may be a young shaman with much
wisdom and training but he is still a boy. Scared of what will happen to him
at the hands of those across the river.

     The tiny hairs lift at the back of my neck. I slowly look around, seeing
only pine trees and forest foliage in the shadows until a man steps into view.
It's Ringed Tail. This warrior frowns at me, his eyes looking over our nude
bodies huddling together and wet from just making love.

     "Must you do this within sight of the tribe?"

     I release a sigh. "Oaken Strength doesn't want us embracing in the
shaman's lodge so I thought the woods would give us privacy." Smiles A Lot
tries turning his head at our intruder but I keep his face pressed in my neck.
I don't want him to see this man's harsh glare.

     "Obviously not, Willow Bird. Get back into your breechclouts before
someone sees you."

     "Are you embarrassed?" I ask teasingly.

     "No. It's a thing I've seen before between two needing braves."

     I'm filled with curiosity. "Who were they?" My sly grin proves that I
suspect Ringed Tail was one of those braves.

     "Ah. I won't reveal my companion's name and shame his memory," answers
Ringed Tail. "There was no love between us, only the need to release when we
were out scouting the woods for a few days to chase down suspicious tracks."

     My head thinks back to when Ringed Tail was a young brave. There was
often a companion with him when they hunted or scouted the woods around camp
for signs of our enemies. Hands-on-his-head was his companion's name as a
warrior but it's taboo to speak it out loud. He's long dead from being dragged
down by water spirits. I never suspected anything about them.

     "No. We were not, ah... Mahyee-na like you and your monedo. He married
and has children."

     I know that Ringed Tail has proven his manhood in the arms of his wife,
Soft Calf's Skin. Fox Tail is their son.

     The warrior has circled our position around the oak tree. His eyes have
seen much. I don't see lust in the man, simply curiosity. It becomes difficult
to face his glaring eyes over our bodies.

     "Please go. I want to have a moment longer with Smiles A Lot. Alone."

     "Next time, run deeper into the woods when you're in need!" scolds Ringed
Tail. "It isn't good if our children were to catch the both of you together."
The warrior makes a gesture for mating with his curved hands touching at the
fingertips, a humping motion coming from his palms. He grins slyly.

     Anger fills me but I don't give the warrior any words of reply. I'm not
feeling shame for loving this boy. Children often spy on their parent's loving
embrace in the night and marvel at it. That's how they learn how it's done.

     Ringed Tail leaves us in peace. Smiles A Lot continues to cling to me.
I've been passing to him what was said between the warrior and I. His thoughts
were kept from me throughout. He has learned how to guard his thoughts well
when we're connected.

     'Ringed Tail has gone,' I assure Smiles A Lot.

     'He spoke truly. We shouldn't have embraced so close to camp.'

     'Yes. But we needed to, my love. I am not ashamed.' The boy kisses my
cheek before burring his face back into my neck. I hold him close, letting him
vent his fear against me with tears and I soothe him by Sending all my love
to him without shaping words; emotions only.

     A bird sings in the branches above us. When I lift my head to catch
sight of it, there's movement felt against my butt. Not Smiles A Lot's legs.
I'm sitting over this oak's tree roots and wonder fills me when I feel
movement under me again. An unbelievable possibility.

     'I think we should be leaving.' Smiles A Lot lifts his wet face to peer
at me questioningly. I raise him to a standing position, turn, and press my
palm against the oak's smooth bark. Thanking him for guarding over us.

     Smiles A Lot is held in one arm, his warmth pressing against my side but
I'm concentrating on hearing what this ancient oak has to say. It's a deep,
rumbling voice. Slow to answer my plea. I stand and wait for his answer. My
lover fidgets in my arm, studying me to glean what I'm waiting for. I too grow
impatient and begin feeling foolish standing next to this tree. Naked. Growing
chilled except for my lover's warmth beside me.

     A connection comes between us. Images are given me: wooden warriors
keeping vigilance around my tribe with green head feathers. Slow to anger but
when summoned to act, theirs is a swift and deadly response.

     I gasp with revelation. My legs turn around in a circle so that I can
view all the trees standing near us. Their leafy branches shake though there's
no wind. A forest full of silent warriors. Watching. Waiting.

     'What is it, Willow Bird?'

     'Don't you see them?'

     Smiles A Lot wipes his eyes and takes a good look around. 'No. I don't
see anything.'

     I lift my right hand and point. 'The trees! They will protect my People
if we're attacked! The Spear-bearing Tribe and the Thundering Horsemen may
have more warriors than us but they're no match against a forest.'

     'What are you talking about?' There's fear behind his thoughts. He
doesn't understand what his companion is telling him.

     I sense Smiles A Lot's confusion. 'Don't you remember telling me how the
trees accepted me, will watch over and protect me?'

     'Uh-huh. Willow Bird! Did they speak with you?'

     I point to the ancient oak. 'He did. Ah, with images in my head.'

     Smiles A Lot reaches out the tree trunk. He presses his palm against the
oak and closes his eyes. Sung words spring from his mouth. I don't understand
their meaning but the song is a familiar one. Big Horn had taught me this
melody that's sung to honor trees.

     My spirit lifts from hearing Smiles A Lot's singing. I can feel the
ancient oak responding. His roots slowly twist at our feet, dancing in the
earth. I hear the rustling of leaves. All the trees around us are waving at
us! My lover lifts his eyes in wonder but he manages to continue his song.

     There's warmth felt against my chest. I look down at myself, seeing the
tied deerskin bundle hanging from my neck by a thong: the sleeping seed
within. He awakens to whisper something that I'm to do when the time comes.
How I can rally the forest into action.

     Smiles A Lot has ended his song. He turns to me, seeing my right hand
clasped around my little bundle. I blink my eyes to clear them of tears.

     "They hear me!"

     I nod my head. "They will hear me when my People are in need of their
protection. This little seed has told me so."

     Smiles A Lot stares at my hand with wonder. I release the deerskin pouch
so the seed can return to sleep. I'm feeling exhilarated. He has filled me with
power along with the assurance that my People will be kept from harm.

     I raise my arms in thanks unto Him, our all-giving Father. A burden to my
shoulders has been lifted. I've been given hope!

     My arms lower to my sides. I notice my wet balls, the tickly sensation
from having cum dripping from them. My belly runs with thick white seed. I see
the same on Smiles A Lot's body. His dark groin hair catches some of its flow.
I teasingly reach out to my lover's balls and swirl our seed with my fingers.
"From a proven man's loins is given strength to the boy. It makes us one."

     Smiles A Lot lifts his right hand in a warding off gesture. He laughs.
"I no need to. Snarling Bear initiate me so my balls full of man seed!"

     I join him in laughter. Grasping his left shoulder connects our thoughts.
'I know. You have already proven to be a man in my arms and there's wisdom in
your head too. But you'll need a few more summers of growth until your body
becomes hard as a brave's. You still cry like a boy.'

     'You too.'

     I nod without revealing any embarrassment. 'I have not been given a man's
name. When the right moon comes, perhaps my chief will name us both braves of
the Kalinlepi.' Hope shine in Smiles A Lot's eyes. I wonder if my shaman would
be willing to announce that we're a couple. He performs all the wedding rites
for our tribe, a joyous union between a man and his squaw. How about one brave
to another?

     'It would be enough for us to conduct the hair love/embrace rite.'

     My sweet daydream is only that. Smiles A Lot is right, it would be enough
to conduct that male binding rite ourselves since our People won't accept us.
I'm given a fierce hug. My arms fly around my lover and hold him close to my
breast. No kisses. We've already released ourselves. Our embrace is for love
of heart and to cling to each other when we feel danger.

     'Was that warrior very angry for catching us being together?'

     'No. He's held a man in his arms too when in need,' I explain. 'He was
concerned that others would see us so he advised that we run deeper into the
woods when we're in need.'

     Smiles A Lot giggles. 'I think there is hope for us in your tribe.'

     My eyes peer deep into my lover's. "I love you always no matter what the
others may think or say. We have revealed our hearts to each other. We know
the truth of it. Love comes between two human beings."

     "Yes, Willow Bird. I like hear you to say love me!"

     The boy's words fill me with joy. "I love you, Smiles A Lot."

     "I much love you, Willow Bird."

     We reveal eyes longing for each other. I want to hold him in my arms
forever but to all things there is an ending. We have loved. My body is
chilled by standing in the shadows and my stomach rumbles with hunger.

     Smiles A Lot catches my thought. He slowly pulls from my arms, turns, and
reaches down for our breechclouts. I peek into his opening butt. A sharp pang
of lust clutches my balls, urging me to stick in even though I've just spilt
from them. The boy turns to face me unsuspectingly. I see the white band tied
around his right arm and sigh with much longing. He will be mine!

     We help each other into our breechclouts. Smiles A Lot's are mere flaps
of deerskin that's folded over his thong belt. My long cloth is tucked in
front against my loins, brought through my legs and pulled taunt in a fold
against my butt. The chief's flint blade weighs down my thong belt. I'm glad
that he's not asked to have it back. My smoking pouch is fetched from the dirt
and hung over my left shoulder.

     I lead my companion out of the woods. Only a handful of steps brings us
into camp and the familiar sounds of my People: wood being chopped, dogs
barking and children at play with happy voices. I don't see any men. When I
look for Father Sun, I see that he's nearly reached the height of His sky. I'm
hungry. Smiles A Lot follows me to my mother's tipi.

     We pass several tall tipis before coming to where I've lived all my life.
It's placement is in a new campsite but seeing it fills me with fond memories
of home: the same ragged tipi patched with elk scraps for the holes. That
saddens me. I must find time to hunt. I'm sure that my mother could use the
meat and tanned hides would make a proper covering for her tipi.

     I call my name at the door but no one answers. A peek inside reveals that
it's empty. My mother must not have finished with her chores or we've come
earlier than expected. A gesture is given for Smiles A Lot to sit down with me
over her ground mat by the door. I glance in all directions for her return.

     "I am angry."

     I turn to Smiles A Lot with a puzzled look on my face. "Who are you angry
at?"

     Smiles A Lot rubs his stomach. "It angry," he explains with a grin.

     "You are hungry!" I respond, emphasizing the word 'hungry' that he's
spoken incorrectly. I am glad that he's trying to learn my People's tongue.

      "Ah, yes. Hungry. You, Willow Bird?"

     I rub my stomach. "Yes. My mother makes good food." Smiles A Lot nods his
head but he doesn't say anything more. I look around nervously for Warm Hands.
I want our lunch together to go well and for her to meet my lover, get to know
him. A laugh escapes from my mouth. I'm acting very much like the worried son
who's brought his wife-to-be hoping to gain his mother's approval.

     "Why you..." Smiles A Lot forces a laugh from his mouth.

     I reach over to grasp my lover's hand. Speaking is too clumsy and we're
both showing our nervousness. 'I want my mother to like you. It's as if I'm
bringing my young squaw home to get her approval.' I gesture at our white arm
bands with a jerk of my head.

     Smiles A Lot lowers his eyes in embarrassment. 'You may be expecting too
much from her. I'm not a bride your mother would approve of.'

     I tighten my hand around his. 'I know. But she's already gone though this
before with me and Big Horn so it won't come as a shock.' Smiles A Lot nods
but he doesn't think back to me. I sense his worry, the nervousness that we
share. Lunch with my mother is not simply for eating.

     We wait anxiously. When Morning Fog passes by with her curious eyes
falling on us, Smiles A Lot releases my hand and I feel a pang of hurt in my
heart. I'm not ashamed to be holding hands with my lover.

     Waiting. And more waiting! I should be planning what to say to my mother
about Smiles A Lot, how to convince her to accept him but I'm too anxious to
form clear plans in my head.

     Will it be easier for my mother to see that Smiles A Lot is about my age?
Big Horn was already named a brave when he took me for his lover. A man four
years older than me and well known to her. I think she thought my monedo was
taking advantage of her innocent son. It wasn't so! I'd learned much from him.
Perhaps this boy from another tribe will make it easier for her to accept our
relationship. A close friendship that sometimes occurs between two young men.

     Ah, but no. She knows that ours isn't only a friendship. Everyone in our
tribe has heard from Light-in-his-steps that he caught us fucking in the
shaman's lodge. They already knew that I'm Mahyee-na because of Big Horn. I
think it will be harder for my mother to accept Smiles A Lot as my lover. He
comes from the Spear-bearing Tribe. They had tortured her husband to death.

     My head lowers to my chest. I'd forgotten about that. If my mother were
to learn that Smiles A Lot could have helped my father to escape, she'd hate
him bitterly and would probably hate me too for showing love for this boy.

     Warm Hands approaches with her hands full. I rush to my feet and go to
my mother, helping to carry some of her burdens. She smiles with gratitude.
I'm tucking a rolled elk hide, newly tanned under my arm and grasp a bowl of
black berries that she's picked. Her fingertips are stained red. She keeps the
bowl of meat in her hands.

     "I didn't know that you and your... companion were waiting for me."

     "We were early, mother. I'm hungry!" Warm Hands slips into her tipi,
leaving me standing with the bowl of black berries and rolled elk hide. I drop
down beside my lover. My smile for him tries hiding my nervousness.

     Smiles A Lot eyes the black berries that I'm holding but I don't offer
him any since we must wait for my mother. She seems to be taking a long time.
Our early arrival has upset her plans for lunch. I think she's as nervous as
we are.

     Warm Hands steps out of her tipi with her hands full. Again, I rush to
help my mother. A water skin, two wooden mugs and a bowl of seasoned meat are
taken from her. She unrolls a deerskin mat beside ours and sits down.

     "Thank you, my son. Ah. Why didn't you offer the berries to Smiles A Lot?"

     "I thought we should wait for you." My mother smiles, gesturing that we
can begin eating. The bowls of black berries and fresh deer meat are placed on
the ground between us. As expected of a guest, Smiles A Lot goes first. When
he's chewing, I take some meat from the bowl and put it in my mouth. The
venison is nicely seasoned. Just the way I like it! My mother eats last.

     Our meal is in silence. I'm trying not to stare at my mother but when she
peeks at my lover, I try reading her face. There's worry in her mixed with
concern. Smiles A Lot often glances at me with his grin. He also smiles at my
mother when feeling her eyes upon him.

     The black berries are eaten for dessert. Red stains my fingertips so I
pour water into the two wooden mugs. I realize that there are three of us so
my lover and I will have to share.

     I dip my fingers into the mug to clean them. My fingertips remain stained
but at least they're not sticky. I lift the mug to my lips and drink. My mother
is doing the same with her mug. I refill mine and offer it to Smiles A Lot.

     The black berries are quickly consumed. I'm reminded of a humorous story
about Song Bird gathering a basket full for his mother last summer. He'd gone
across the river at our original campsite and spied on Big Horn's naked
embrace with Coyote Thief from a bush. The boy watched their love rite that
involved smearing sperm from that enemy warrior's stallion over their bodies.
He saw them belly rub and release. Their kissing excited my young friend.
After they had touched butts in the first rite of the Mahyee-na, the boy was
caught by Coyote Thief like a rabbit trapped in a bush. His erection was
pulled on until it turned bright red, like his face. When the warrior let my
friend go with his warning to remain silent about what he'd seen, Song Bird
ran back across the river. His basket of berries was left behind.

     Smiles A Lot notices my grin. I'd want to share this story with my lover
but I don't think my mother would much care for it.

     The empty bowls are put together and my mother slips into her tipi with
them along with the water skin. Smiles A Lot offers what remains in his mug
for me to drink. I empty it in silence.

     My arms stretch along the tipi against my back. I'm feeling better, less
tense. My belly is happy. Warm Hands is taking a long time inside. I remember
the smoking pouch at my side and bring out my pipe and tobacco. To my dismay,
Stands Tall hasn't provided me with anything to light it with; no tinder pouch
that would contain small bits of wood or dried grass and a sparking stone.

     Smiles A Lot sees my disappointment. He asks for my pipe and the pouch of
tobacco. He fills the bowl. I observe him with curiosity; he has nothing to
light it with not even a stick.

     With the raising of his hands to the sky, Smiles A Lot asks for His
blessing. He lowers my pipe and wiggles his fingers over the end of it while
uttering a strange Word. I feel power! To my surprise, I see smoke coming from
the bowl. The smiling youth takes a careful puff, coughs, and hands me my pipe.

     I stare at it with wonder. My lover gestures for me to smoke. I do so,
enjoying the pleasant buzz that comes from it. He takes another turn smoking.
Before I can ask how he'd lit it, my mother returns and sits at my side. I'm
given my pipe back and I smoke from it one last time.

     The ash is tapped out against my thigh. I reverently return the pipe and
tobacco to my smoking pouch. It's placed on the ground against the tipi.

     "That was gifted you?" asks Warm Hands.

     "Yes. Stands Tall from the Split Tribe was grateful to me for rescuing
his son from the plains." I don't want to mention that I'd also saved him from
the Trickster's evil clutches or the other things I've done with the boy.

     "Who'd given you that flint blade?"

     "My chief, when I accompanied him across the river when we spoke before
the Chiefs of the Split Tribe."

     "Hmm. You haven't told me what's been happening with you, my son. I see
the injuries that you've suffered when you were gone. I'm glad that your wolf
bites are healing along with your shoulder wound."

     My eyes lower with embarrassment. There's much I haven't told her about
my ordeals. How can I? I glance at Smiles A Lot with love in my eyes. At least
she knows about this part of my life.

     "Ah. How is our shaman?"

     "He's healing from his head wound. Smiles A Lot has tended to him night
and day. I'm glad that he's able to pop his head out from the lodge to take
lunch with you."

     "Yes. I think our People should see him."

     "Mother. What have you heard about Smiles A Lot? I need to know what's
been said about him so that I can..." I'm unable to finish my sentence.

     "Ah. Hmm. Well, they know that he's come from the tribe of our enemies to
heal our shaman but they aren't sure why. They know he was studying under that
warrior/shaman who died under mysterious circumstances. Some say that our
shaman's spirit had smite him."

     "Snarling Bear went Above and traded his life for our shaman!" My mother
lowers her eyes in fear for my having named that dead warrior out loud.

     "Why would he do that?"

     I peer at my mother and answer her. "He was a man of peace. When he
learned that his People planned to war on us, he came to warn us. His sister
is our chief's second wife and he brought his mother here for sanctuary."

     "Smiles A Lot was not part of his peace party."

     "No. He left the Spear-bearing Tribe after him. That warrior/shaman had
Seen that he wouldn't live long enough to train me and had asked Smiles A Lot
to act in his place."

     In a low voice. "Why can't our own shaman teach you? This boy is from an
enemy tribe with different ways and customs."

     I nod my head with understanding. "That is so, mother. When our shaman
has recovered, I will learn the sacred rites of our People from him but I need
Smiles A Lot to help me use my special gifts."

     "Ah. They say that you healed Hands Weaving," whispers Warm Hands, "that
you kept her heart from fading unto death."

     Again, I nod. "Our Father has blessed me with certain abilities like
Healing but I'm not yet a shaman. Smiles A Lot has been trained and he is
teaching me how to use my gifts."

     "What else can you do?"

     My eyes lower from hers. How can I tell her about my powers of Changing,
Fire Speaking, Seeing and Mind Speaking? Those are shaman concerns.

     "I should not have asked, my son. Our shaman has said that you will
follow in his footsteps. That pleases me. Your father would have been proud."

     I feel tears stinging my eyes but I hold them back so that my mother
won't see me as a weak boy. I'm startled when Smiles A Lot speaks. I'd almost
forgotten that he was here.

     "Good food. I thank!"

     Warm hands gasps with surprise. "You can speak our language?"

     "A little." Smiles A Lot glances at his companion.

     "He understands much, I think, but finding words to say is harder." My
mother studies my lover with new eyes. I think she's embarrassed for having
spoken to me about him when he could have followed our conversation.

     "You didn't say anything bad about him, mother. I need to know what our
People think about my companion. About us."

     Warm Hands gasps. "Ah. There are many whisperings about the two of you."
Her eyes lower in shame. Nothing else escapes from her mouth.

     I look my mother in the eye. "He is my lover and, I hope, you can accept
that's how my spirit leads me." I try reading her face for a reaction to what
I've said but she lowers her eyes, almost closing them.

     It becomes a tense, silent moment. I glance at Smiles A Lot with sad eyes
that he acknowledges with a slight nod. I'm startled when my mother speaks.

     In a bare whisper: "I knew about your monedo's love for you, my son long
before he dared reveal his heart to you. At first, I was against it! But I
saw how you returned his love. Needed to be with him. You had been without a
father so I thought it was that kind of bond but when he took you to his tipi
to... be with you, I was very angry. Your monedo should not have taken
advantage of your feelings and twist your path in life."

     I'm stunned by my mother's admission. This is the most she's ever spoken
about my relationship with Big Horn. "He didn't corrupt me, mother. I felt my
attraction for those of my sex as a young boy. My monedo helped me find my
path into the Mahyee-na. I loved him dearly."

     My mother keeps her eyes lowered from mine. I patiently wait for her to
recover, glancing at Smiles A Lot for his much needed support. To my surprise
(and dismay), the boy clasps my hand. He faces Warm Hands and speaks.

     "Mother. Ah, I need Willow Bird and he need me. We love, yes. I train him
to be shaman for Muddy River Tribe. Not ank-ha-ee path but hard if he alone."

     My mother lifts her shy eyes to Smiles A Lot. I can see her pondering
over his words. They are not correct but she gathers his meaning and in
response, she slowly nods. Tears come to her eyes. It's difficult for me to
see my mother crying.

    Warm Hands peers at her son. "You are no longer my little boy, Willow Bird.
You've become a man and don't need me to tell you what you should do."

     I grasp my mother's arm. "I care about what you think of me!"

     "It is difficult to see this boy at your side. To know that you and him
are... together."

     I can only nod my head. "I need him, mother and he needs me. Especially
since he has no tribe to return to by coming here to train me."

     Warm Hands wipes tears from her eyes. "Let me get used to this, my son.
I will try to understand you. Always you will be my son and I love you."

     "I love you, mother." She covers her face with both hands, crying softly.
Smiles A Lot urges me that we should be leaving, to let her think over what's
been said. I suspect that my lover understood much of what was spoken between
us and he is wise beyond his years.

     "Thank you for lunch, mother. We need to be returning to the shaman's
lodge." Warm Hands continues to hide her face but she nods in response. I
release her arm and get to my feet feeling rather sad. My smoking pouch is
grabbed. When we're about to leave, I hear my mother's plea.

     "Willow Bird. That elk skin mat is for Smiles A Lot."

     I reach down for the rolled hide and hand it to my lover, gesturing that
it's my mother's gift for him.

     "I thank."

     Smiles A Lot takes my hand and leads me away without looking back. An old
woman pops her head back inside her tipi at our passing. Another squaw sitting
over her mat lowers her eyes. I realize that our lunch was observed by my
mother's neighbors. Too far to hear our conversation but they had watched us.

     We pass through our tribe in silence. Women smile at my passing but they
avert their eyes from my lover. No one speaks to me. I realize that I'm wearing
a sad expression on my face, reflecting how I'm feeling inside. Lunch with my
mother was difficult as I had expected but I didn't mean for her to cry! I
don't want to be a bad son.

     Smiles A Lot tugs on my arm when I'm turning for the shaman's lodge. He
wants us to go somewhere else. I let the boy lead me on. His hand remains on
my right arm close to where I've tied the Wah-ha cloth band. Happiness returns
to me to see his right arm also covered in white.

     The tipis are left behind when we head up river, away from the men
guarding it and towards the stand of cat tails. I sense that Smiles A Lot wants
to take a swim. A bath, at least since I know how much he dislikes the cold.

     We pass the stand of grass where we found Song Bird this morning. My
lover walks on. He leads me to the bank and with a grin, stops at the edge of
the river, removing his breechclout to stand naked before me. His arms stretch
for the sky. I quickly undress. My eyes are all over him, his unabashed
nudity. The boy slowly turns around so that I can enjoy every part of him:
his thin arms lifted high above his head, face smiling, an arched back that
brings my eyes down to his butt. It's of lighter color than the rest of his
sun kissed body. Nice curved cheeks, soft and lean. I'm attracted to his
undeveloped body that is similar to Crying Loon. He's taller, though.

     Smiles A Lot turns to face me. Sadness fills me to see his cheeks and
forehead marred with cuts and bruises, nearly healed. I note his strange
features that come from being from the Plains Tribes. My eyes fall down his
flat chest with its large brown circles, nipples sticking out. His belly shows
a slight bulge from having eaten. I look lower to stare at his cock. He's not
erected. A thick foreskin covers his knob that I know is brown, unlike the
boys of my tribe. His balls are also different. Reddish in color and bulging
from his orbs within. He is mature enough to shoot the thick white seed of a
man. Not to fill a squaw with his baby but to give me in love.

     I take my turn to show off my body. Smiles A Lot looks me over. My arms
stretch out when I slowly turn in a circle before him. I'm excited by his
interest in my nakedness. What does he see in me?

     With a giggle, my lover backs into me to touch butts. He faces the river
and I stare at the cat tails. We both turn our heads at the same moment to look
at each other. A secret understanding passes between us: we are Mahyee-na!

     Smiles A Lot quickly turns and offers his arms to me in want of an
embrace. I eagerly step to my boy, pressing my body against his warmth, cock
against cock and when our arms reach around each other, our chests meet. We
kiss sweetly. I relish the feel of his bared skin against my own. The
closeness that we're feeling from hugging and Sharing our thoughts.
     'I have always wanted this,' thinks Smiles A Lot. 'To really be loved!
My brief joining to needing tribesmen felt exciting, having all their cocks
sticking my butt and squirting in me but nothing passed from them into my
heart afterwards. I knew that what we did wasn't love, only male lust being
satisfied. Your arms around me, Willow Bird. This is so much more! Oh, I love
you. Love you!'

     I bury my face in the boy's neck. 'Yes. I love you too! You are not the
first but I know what you're feeling. With each lover, I've learned good things
from them and can better express myself. A first love is the strongest though.
Song Bird was mine. Big Horn showed me adult love and what it means to be
Mahyee-na but I'm most fulfilled to be in the arms of a boy. To teach him how
to love.'

     'What happens to us when I'm older?'

     I sense Smiles A Lot's concern when his body becomes a man's. 'Mine would
also have grown hard and muscled. We will be named braves. Lovers, still. My
feelings won't change for you because I love you for more than your body.
Yours is a gentle spirit. A good heart!'

     'Hmm. I think that boys will always attract your attention, my love. This
is my secret desire as well. If Crying Loon is willing, let's join him into
our hair love/embrace as a third. We can fully love each other that way.'

     'Ah, yes! I'd want that.' Smiles A Lot brings his face against mine so
that we can kiss. Our hands have lowered to our rear ends, pulling over them
to mash our cocks that have sprung to life during our embrace. I'm not feeling
the need for release. Belly rubbing feels good though. Proof of our love and
the need to be close to each other and expressing it. I'm not looking forward
to a cold plunge in the river.

     'Me neither. Let's get that part over with so we can dry off in the sun.'

     Smiles A Lot pulls from my arms and dives into the river. I quickly give
chase. Oh, so cold! but I was expecting that. We settle over a sandbar close
to shore and rub mud over our bodies, cleaning them. My lover's teeth are
chattering. That makes me laugh. We sit in the water for only as long as it
takes us to bathe. The boy streaks out. I following him back to the bank.

     We shake water from our hair. High in the sky, Father Sun's Heated Hand
is felt over our chilled bodies. It feels good. A flat stone catches my
lover's eye. Moss covered. He plants his butt over it, beaconing me to join
him there. I sit behind the boy. My legs stretch out over his for a patch of
soft grass at our feet. My hands slip under his armpits and turn for his
breast, clutching him. I bring my lover's wet back against my chest. My cock
tickles against his slippery butt. Limp, but enjoying his soft curves. I feel
an eagle's soaring in my heart to be holding him. He is mine and I am his.

     'Yes. Hold me as if this is forever, Willow Bird.'

     I lay my head over Smiles A Lot's right shoulder. There's no need to
respond, we simply are together. In love and enjoying that wonderful feeling.
I don't think to him but open my heart to Share my tender emotions with him.
Father Sun dries our bodies. The cold stone below our butts slowly warms. I
hold my dear boy, resting with him without a care in the world. My eyes close.
A soft giggle in my ear. I think my nose was tickling his neck. I breathe in
the scent of him, his wet hair and skin rinsed of sweat from the muddy river.

     Smiles A Lot is also feeling good in my arms. We share bodily warmth,
sharing our sweet feelings for each other that is love. I'm feeling very
completed by him. Safe. All my worries have fallen away like a discarded bone.

     Birds are singing above us. I hear the river's gentle flow that's putting
me to sleep. Smiles A Lot's arms press over mine against his chest not ever
letting go. I feel my body relaxing.

     I'm awakened by movement against my legs. Smiles A Lot has folded his so
I wrap mine around him and return to my light sleep.

     Men are shouting. Their lust-filled voices and happy whoops chase after a
boy through their camp. He's from an enemy tribe. Scared and alone. Running. I
watch their sharpened sticks and stone clubs being struck at the youth. Blood
runs down his legs. Pity fills me for him even though I know that Spear-bearing
scouts must be killed when they're caught.

     When I look into the boy's teary eyes, recognition fills me. Fear grips
my heart! This is Smiles A Lot. He staggers towards the safety of my arms that
are open for him. The angry Split Tribesmen run him down. Striking him. He
collapses over me, passing through my body like a cloud. I look down at his
mangled body over the ground. Still and lifeless but the essence of what he
was is not dead. He lives on in my heart.


     A shock of cold has startled my lover. I open my eyes and hear giggling.
High-pitched, not coming from Smiles A Lot!

     'It is only a young boy,' explains Smiles A Lot. 'He was taking a swim
in the river and peeking on us so I gestured for him to sit in my lap to keep
warm until he's dried off.'

     I lift my sleepy head and peer around Smiles A Lot's shoulder for the
youth. A boy of around eight years of age. When he glances back at me, I see
that it's Day Rabbit. He sits over my lover's thigh, facing sideways and away
so I can only see his slim shoulders and back. My eyes roam down to his little
butt. Humping. He has a hand clutching Smiles A Lot's waist. I can't see his
right hand.

     Another excited giggle. Day Rabbit is doing something that interests my
lover. I can't see what it is but there's a rhythmic flexing coming from the
little boy. Oh. I know what he's performing.

     'Yes. He's playing with himself,' answers Smiles A Lot.

     'I taught him that.' My head moves to Smiles A Lot's left shoulder so I
can peek down on Day Rabbit. His stiff pole is being handled. My lover's hand
bumps against his when he also masturbates himself. I feel my cock tingling in
want of joining into their male game.

     I rub over Day Rabbit's shoulder. He glances back at me again, a nice
smile on his lips. He stares down at Smiles A Lot's cock and giggles. I lower
my right hand to clutch the boy's little cheeks. Soft in my palm and humping
over my lover's thigh. My cock stiffens. It pushes through my lover's butt.
Seeking.

      "I'm getting tired," complains Day Rabbit. His hand takes a rest.

     I reach around Smiles A Lot's waist and find his hard cock. His groin
hair tickles against my palm. 'Take over for the boy while I pull over yours.'
My lover eagerly agrees. His left hand flexes with a familiar beat over Day
Rabbit and I pull over the foreskin of his cock. Pleasure builds in both boys.
I'm able to reach into the youth's head and partake of his thrills but I don't
let him know what we're feeling.

     Day Rabbit watches my lover's cock that I'm handling with much interest.
He wants to see it squirt. His erection is feeling good but he knows that
nothing will come out from his small loins. I suspect that this boy wants a
growing up rite to be performed for him.

     Smiles A Lot is getting very excited. He is gentle with the youth, his
fingers making slow pulls over Day Rabbit's pole until I urge my lover to a
faster pace. 'He can reach climax if you do him more quickly.'

     'Slow your hand around me, Willow Bird. I'm feeling close to it!'

     My palm rests over his balls. Smiles A Lot pants for breath but his
clenched fingers fly over Day Rabbit's erection to pleasure it for him. The
youth cries out, startling my lover.

     'I've hurt him, Willow Bird!"

     'No. The boy has felt his intense thrills. Rest a moment then return to a
fast pace over his erection. He can enjoy it again and again since he's young.
Nothing can come out of his dick.'

     Smiles A Lot notices my own need. My oozing knob pushes against his hole
but I don't dare stick in. I'm content to hold my lover against my chest and
spy down on their simple boy game.

     'Do you want to fuck me, Willow Bird?'

     I'm feeling an urge to but I haven't prepared his tight entrance with my
tongue and spit. Penetrating his asshole would hurt him too much. I also don't
want that act of love to be seen by this youth. He might tattle on us.

     Day Rabbit's butt is flexing against my right palm. My fingers slip
between his cheeks and I daringly rub over the boy's hole with my desire to
stick in him. Ah, but he's much too young.

     I feel a small hand above mine wrapping around Smiles A Lot's cock. When
I peer down into my lover's lap, I see Day Rabbit pulling the thick foreskin
back, revealing a dripping brown knob. The youth's face reveals his curiosity
from seeing it.

     "Why is yours brown?" asks Day Rabbit.

     I translate the youth's spoken words to my lover through our connection.

     Smiles A Lot answers, "All my tribesmen are. Muddy River tribe have red
ahn-eh... How you to say this?"

     Day Rabbit giggles. "My knob," he explains. "All the boys and men of my
tribe have red knobs to our dicks. And our balls are brown while yours is red."

     I fondle Smiles A Lot's balls with a grin. Day Rabbit returns my smile
and pulls over my lover's cock with lots of giggling. His erection is handled.
It's exciting to see them doing each other and an urgent throb comes from my
cock to be satisfied.

     'Push in me, Willow Bird. I can feel your need to love me."

     Smiles A Lot backs his butt onto me. I hear him moan when my oozing knob
penetrates his asshole. A tight warmth swallows my cock. When my groin hair
presses against this boy's cheeks, I know that our bodies have come together
for mating. I'm really needing to! They're playing with each other in front
while I can perform as a man in back.

     "Can you squirt?" asks Day Rabbit.

     Smiles A Lot quickly nods his head. "Ah, stop your hand to rest!"

     The little boy ends his pulling. He notices the sticky oozing covering
his fingers and brings that back to his erection. It makes for a slippery
handling when Smiles A Lot continues to masturbate the youth.

     I begin my careful thrusts. Smiles A Lot feels really tight around my
cock so I hope that I'm not hurting his butt too much. I'm not feeling like
coming out. We've already embraced our needs in the woods.

     Day Rabbit cries out again. It's cute to see the boy's eyes fluttering
and hear his sharp exhale. Smiles A Lot releases the youth's angry colored
pole. It springs against his smooth groin, recovering for a moment. My lover
gathers more sticky fluid from himself and covers the boy's foreskin so it
won't chafe. They exchange sly knowing grins.

     "My to wet your dick," explains Smiles A Lot. "When you older to wet from
your dick so ank-ha-ee do this thing. I give to your as you little boy and no
have wet. Pah-ne-ha?"

     "What's he saying, Willow Bird?"

     I've followed what my lover has tried to explain and from our connection,
I know what he means so I tell Day Rabbit: "He has given your dick his sticky
oozing so that handling it is easier. When you're older, yours will drip too."

     "Hmm. I thought that's what he meant. Smiles A Lot sure talks funny!"

     "His People have their own language. He's trying to learn ours. I don't
think you could utter even one word that he would understand."

     "Nope. Why should I learn when our tribes are enemies?"

     Sadness fills me to hear this from Day Rabbit. Our two People have ever
been at war, using stone clubs, arrows and spears to say how we hate each
other. No one has tried to ask why. Snarling Bear and Smiles A Lot have come
to our tribe in peace but has anyone but me listened to what they have to say?

     My lover has stopped handling Day Rabbit. He's musing over my troubled
thoughts. When the youth peers up at me, I reveal my sadness to him that has
the boy glancing nervously at Smiles A Lot.

      "I'm sorry, Willow Bird. I don't hate him."

      Some hope is given me for this boy. "If we can learn to speak with the
Spear-bearing Tribe about our differences, maybe we wouldn't hate each other
so much and there would be no war."

     Day Rabbit considers my words but he slowly shakes his head.

     "That enemy warrior/shaman was killed by our People," whispers the youth,
"and I've heard men talking about returning Smiles A Lot to the Split Tribe
who really hate him. None of our warriors would go to the Spear-bearing Tribe
in peace since they would be killed."

     "That is probably so. But you are wrong about that warrior/shaman being
murdered by our People. He was beaten by some of our men but they didn't kill
him. He had traded his life in the Above for our shaman's return. Our war
leader has told our men that Smiles A Lot is not to be harmed. I need him to
teach me how to be a shaman. We can learn about his People and find a way
towards peace."

     Day Rabbit lowers his eyes. "My father doesn't agree with Oaken Strength."

     When I'm about to ask the boy to tell me more about Iron Bow, my lover
begins to sing. It's a familiar song in rhythm though his words are strange.
My People use it to ease sad hearts after someone's death so I'm troubled to
hear it. Day Rabbit listens carefully. But like me, we can't make out the
words. Only its haunting rhythm fills our hearts. We remain patient in asking
our questions until after he's done.

     Smiles A Lot's voice trails off. 'I am honoring my shaman who is in the
Above. My People don't know yet that he's dead and no one in your tribe sent
off Snarling Bear in song so I have.'

     "Is Smiles A Lot sad?" asks Day Rabbit.

     "A little. He sings to honor his dead shaman since no one from the Spear-
bearing Tribe knows that he's gone."

     "Will you sing for Smiles A Lot?"

     My heart is pained by the boy's worded arrows! I gasp with surprise. Does
this youth know what he's asked of me?

     'I am not dead yet, my love.'

     "I can sing a song." Day Rabbit clears his throat and begins singing the
'fallen warrior' ballad.

     My arms hold Smiles A Lot close when the youth sings. I'm put at ease to
know that I had mistaken Day Rabbit's intent. He has a good voice. High-pitched
and filled with emotion when he sings to honor Snarling Bear. I translate the
words for my lover while he listens to the melody.

     Day Rabbit slaps his chest at the song's end. He peers up at me and I
give the boy my smile of thanks.

     "What you to sing?" asks Smiles A Lot.

     Hmm. Their songs were sad but I feel the need to sing a happy one,
something dear to my heart. With my head pressed against Smiles A Lot, I begin
a love song:

                "My eyes are always seeking you.
                 Do you know what's in my heart?
                 Hidden deep. In want to spring out
                 like a squirrel from its tree nest.
                 Oh, my heart soars when you are near.
                 Does your heart feel the same for me?
                 Eyes seeking me? Your desire to tell
                 me so and then we can be together for
                 always in sweet love."

     My mouth closes though my heart still flies on the wings of my love for
Smiles A Lot. I press my face against his left cheek and kiss him. He returns
my joy, Sending me his intense feelings to love and be loved. I sense Day
Rabbit's interest in us. He wonders how two boys can be together that way.

     I turn to peer down at the youth. He quickly lowers his eyes as if feeling
I've caught him peeking at something he shouldn't of. "You sang well."

     "Ah. You too, Willow Bird." Day Rabbit stares at his feet.

     Smiles A Lot rubs his hand over the youth's wet shoulders. That has Day
Rabbit lifting his eyes at him. Something seeking in them. The boy's flat
chest is also rubbed. I stroke over my lover's balls, feeling his cock resting
over the back of my hand. It doesn't sleep for very long.

     Day Rabbit's pole is taken in hand and gently coaxed back to life. The
boy breathes in sharply when feeling his returning thrills. I move my cock
through Smiles A Lot's ass. I'm feeling it getting hard in want of spilling my
love seed in him.

     Smiles A Lot humps his ass, sending exciting tingles into my cock. I drop
my right hand from Day Rabbit's wiggly butt so that I can grip my lover's
waist, pulling over him there when I stab into his butt. Smiles A Lot grunts.
I pause from fucking him when sensing his sharp pain. The youth peers up at me
with wide, curious eyes.

     "Willow Bird, have you stuck in him?"

     I stare at Day Rabbit without answering him, not even daring to nod.

     "I know that boys can do that together." A sly grin. "Crying Loon has let
me try that but my hole is too small for him!"

     "Show me," I dare. Day Rabbit giggles nervously when he sees that I'm
serious but he jumps out of my lover's lap to stand at our side. The boy turns
around. He bends over with his legs spreading so that we can peek through his
cheeks. I look at his brown hole: small and tight. It's cute seeing his small
clutch of balls hanging down between his legs.

     My left hand reaches out to stroke over the boy's loins but when I touch
him, Day Rabbit jumps away like a startled frog.

     "You've seen how small it is! Crying Loon couldn't fit his dick in me and
I won't let you either."

     I shake my head when Day Rabbit turns around to face us with a grin. He
stares at my hairy groin pressed against Smiles A Lot's cheeks. The boy kneels
down for a closer look.

     "You are stuck in him." There's awe in the boy's voice.

     Day Rabbit reaches under me for my balls. His little hand traces along my
shaft through Smiles A Lot's cheeks and with his finger, finds where my cock
has slipped inside. My lover squirms in my arms.

     "You're embarrassing Smiles A Lot." The little boy giggles in reply.

     "Did you squirt in him yet?"

     I glare at Day Rabbit. The boy returns to his feet with a sly grin. He
begins dancing around where we sit, his pole flopping against his groin. When
the boy returns to our left side, he crouches down with hands on his hips,
staring at our bodies knowingly. There's a smug look on the youth's face. I
bury my face in my lover's neck, trying to ignore his piercing eyes.

     "Do him some more, Willow Bird. I know how good that can feel!"

     My left hand squeeze Smiles A Lot's chest to express my regret. 'The boy
is making fun of us. I'm sorry, my love. We shouldn't have done this in front
of him. I don't want you to be shamed.'

     'I'm not. Ah. Did he say that he's stuck in Crying Loon's butt?'

     'Yes. But his hole is too small to let Crying Loon fuck him.'

     'Your cock, too! Don't be angry with Day Rabbit. He's young. He doesn't
understand what love is and why we've joined our bodies to express it.'

     I kiss my lover's right shoulder. Day Rabbit startles me when he presses
his face against Smiles A Lot's left shoulder, mimicking my show of affection.
An idea comes to me. I Show the little boy what it feels like to be in love.
Emotions only. My arms squeeze Smiles A Lot hard and I kiss over his neck. My
lover Shares what he's feeling in my arms.

     I make strong stabs into Smiles A Lot's ass. He moans in response to
being loved. Our arms squeeze each other harder, as if we're trying to be one
body to hold all of our love. My head turns to give my lover a sweet kiss to
his cheek. He turns to me, lips seeking so that we can kiss. I bring up my
left hand to hold the side of Smiles A Lot's head, helping him to reach me.
Our lips meet. Sweetly! We kiss to show our love for one another. I'm
expecting the youth to giggle at us but he doesn't.

     Smiles A Lot has to take a breath. He stares at me with sparkling eyes,
wets his lips and resumes kissing me. I'm feeling so much love from him! My
cocks is feeling good inside my lover and I know that he wants me to release
in him. He's getting very excited and that makes his cock grow harder.

     My right hand falls down to his hip. I pull over him to drive myself
deeper through his tight ass. He's feeling some pain but more so, he needs me
to complete our act of mating. Smiles A Lot is startled when Day Rabbit leans
close to his face, peering intently at him with their noses almost bumping.
I've forgotten that he's still connected to us.

     When I glance at the little boy, his eyes fall sheepishly to his pole.
Our kissing ends when my lover turns to the youth.

     "To sit, Day Rabbit." Smiles A Lot slaps his left thigh.

     "I didn't mean to act bad," whispers Day Rabbit. He kicks at a clump of
dirt.

     "You haven't," I assure the little boy. "Come and sit in Smiles A Lot's
lap. We miss not having you in our arms."

     "Really?"

     I nod my head. "Smiles A Lot likes you a lot. Me too."

     After a moment's hesitation, I watch Day Rabbit plant his butt over my
lover's leg. His right hand meekly reaching for his waist. I rest my chin over
Smiles A Lot's right shoulder so that I can peer down at the little boy. He
won't lift his eyes at me.

     Smiles A Lot takes the boy's erection in hand. He beats over it with an
exciting rhythm. I peer down anxiously at the youth, watching his growing
excitement and waiting for his next explosion. He peeks up at me with his
timid eyes. Pleasure fills them.

     I fuck through my lover's butt. Watching him masturbating Day Rabbit only
adds to my building excitement. I'm not feeling much lust. My cock will squirt
in him if given enough thrills so I drive myself faster up his hole.

     There's a sharp pain coming from Smiles A Lot. I sense something wrong
with his right hand.

     'A cramp in it, Willow Bird.'

     Day Rabbit turns to Smiles A Lot with his eyes full of worry. He notices
that his companion's hand is bothering him.

     "It hurt." An idea comes to Smiles A Lot. "Day Rabbit, to me. Ah, teh ha
mat-yee."

     The little boy peers up at my lover with a puzzled look on his face. He
doesn't understand what's being asked of him but I do from our connection. My
permission is given him to embrace this youth fully.

     "His hand has a cramp in it," I explain to Day Rabbit. "He wants you to
turn and face him." My sly grin is noticed by the boy and taken with special
meaning when he combines it with my words. He peers down at Smiles A Lot's
hard cock then glances at his own erection, putting the two together in his
head. The youth breathes in sharply.

     Smiles A Lot helps turn the boy over his crossing legs until they're
facing each other. I notice that my lover's cock has lost its hardness. Not
limp, but his brown knob is tucked within his foreskin. Day Rabbit has kept
his erection.

     'Willow Bird, Share our feelings with him so that he can learn what love
is like.'

     I reach into Day Rabbit's head, connecting him to us again. We guard our
thoughts but pass our emotions onto the little boy.

     Smiles A Lot looks down fondly at the little boy. His arms reach around
the youth, bringing him closer until their bellies touch. I sense the youth's
need to be loved. His erection is making him feel good, pressed against my
lover's cock and gently rubbing but too, his heart fills with our love. That
completes the little boy like nothing ever has before.

     Day Rabbit wraps his legs around us, his heels digging into the cheeks of
my butt. His hands clutch Smiles A Lot. His face is buried in my lover's
breast, kissing him there. I try another stab. Smiles A Lot moans, squeezing
his legs around the youth's butt. He lowers his face to kiss the boy's hair. I
reach my arms around them both, tightening our embrace. Our male bodies are
straining with sex. We're trying to join as close as possible.

     I sense the little boy's excitement. He's amazed that we're letting him
be with us, to experience what love is like. His pole tingles with thrills. We
pass onto him the joy that we're feeling for each other.

     'I am enjoying our embrace, Willow Bird. Do you think this little one
will tattle on us to his father if we...'

     'No. I've given Day Rabbit a growing up rite before and I even sucked on
his pole. He's not told anyone. Give him your love. I feel your excitement by
being with him so go ahead.' Smiles A Lot continues to belly rub with this
youth. I hear his trembling breaths, the reaction of his body from clutching
the boy's. It is very sweet to embrace an innocent. To teach a young male
about love and how his body performs that act.

     When my lover is assured that I'm not feeling jealous, he gives himself
fully to this little boy. His kisses roam down to Day Rabbit's forehead. I see
that they are welcomed. Needed by the youth. I kiss over Smiles A Lot's left
shoulder. His back is arched when he reaches down to kiss parts of the boy's
face: his eyes, nose, cheeks and even his lips.

     I'm happy for Smiles A Lot that he's giving himself to this little boy.
Where are my feelings of jealousy though? I'd felt that at the Moss-bowl Tribe
when Big Horn embraced their needing men when I wanted to keep him only for
myself. Have I grown out of it?

     Joy fills me to hear their kissing. I feel their growing bond by being in
connection with them so it's as if I'm kissing them too. These are new and
powerful sensations for Day Rabbit. Smiles A Lot, too. I'm happy that they're
exploring love together. A young boy learns from the older boys the things
he'll need when he becomes a man. Making love is an important lesson.

     I gently return to my thrusts. Fucking Smiles A Lot's asshole fulfills me
in a manly way. I'm not needing to cum. Our embrace is very sexual but too,
love of heart flies though our trio on the wings of a freed bird. Soaring to
unexplored heights. We are expressing our needs as males.

     Day Rabbit is understanding his role in it. We Share our feelings of
love with him so that he will know. He likes kissing. Our bodies find a lusty
rhythm. We're like three river waves beating against the shore. Our arms and
legs are surging, butts humping and the front of our bodies stabbing. Thrills
are building in us with love that binds our hearts.

     I lower my left hand to clutch Day Rabbit's rear end. There's a nice
motion to his soft cheeks. My fingers slip through and I rub over the boy's
hole. He moans with pleasure. A secret desire in the youth is revealed to me:
he wonders what it's like to get dicked in his butt and feel the ending
squirts deep inside him. Only his fear of getting hurt prevents him from
pursuing his fantasy with us.

     I'm struck by what this boy has revealed. Could he be showing signs of
being Mahyee-na? My lover also suspects this. He wants to test this youth.

     My hand is joined by Smiles A Lot's right hand feeling over the boy's
flexing ass. He traces down my naughty fingering. When he sticks his fingers
through the youth's cheeks, I let him take a turn rubbing over the boy's hole.
Day Rabbit moans with pleasure. There is desire in him to be taken.

     'He likes it, Willow Bird! I remember Snarling Bear preparing my butt to
be taken in his lodge after he initiated me when I was a young boy. It had
felt real good. I discovered that I liked getting fucked much to the relief of
needing braves in my tribe.'

     'Big Horn did the same with me,' I admit. 'After he initiated me as a
man/lover, he licked into my butt before he stuck in.'

     'This boy is too young for that.'

     'Maybe. But I've stuck into Running Wolf to release my seed in his butt.
He's only a few years older than this boy.' Smiles A Lot ponders over my
lusty thoughts. His hand returns to their rubbing dicks to gather his sticky
oozing. This he brings back to Day Rabbit's asshole. A gentle fingering gets
him inside.

     I sense the youth's excitement from being penetrated. His legs spread.
Smiles A Lot fits all of his slippery finger into the boy's little butt. He
makes an in and out motion though Day Rabbit's hole in beat to my cock
stabbing into his ass.

     'Oh, Willow Bird. I'm feeling very intense with this little boy!'

     'He is a sweet youth. It was a good idea to let him Share our love, to
know what that is like. Crying Loon and him have done things together. Mostly
for bodily pleasure. I want this boy to feel good in his heart too. This
experience will stay with him for the rest of his life, shaping how he will
love another be it a boy or a girl.'

     I feel Smiles A Lot's head nodding against me. He Sends me no more
thoughts, only emotion that's very tender and intense. Day Rabbit picks up on
this. He adds his heart to ours, wanting desperately to love and be loved. His
small body has learned the motions. I hope that his spirit will be set free by
our love.

     Smiles A Lot pulls his finger out. He brings it back to his nose and
sniffs the boy's butt smell, enflaming him with utter lust. His body becomes
still. He's trying to delay his explosion. My lover lets me fuck him hard and
Day Rabbit stabs against the front of him. I'm enjoying the boy's little feet
rubbing against my butt. That drives the front part of his body. He's so
frantic! I hear his kisses to my lover's chest between gasps for breath.
Smiles A Lot wails when his right nipple is sucked on. The boy rushes to suck
his companion's other tit like a hungry babe in mother's arms. I sense an
explosion coming.

     I stick my finger into the boy's hole. He feels tight, too small for my
cock to penetrate him but I know that he likes it. When I sense pain from the
youth, I pull out. My finger is brought back to my nose for a sniff. I'm also
enflamed by his butt smell.

     Day Rabbit bounces over my lover's legs. I'm barely able to keep hold of
his little butt with my other hand. He stabs Smiles A Lot again and again
with sexual rage. A gulp of air is taken into the boy's mouth. Held. I watch
his face intently. When his eyes narrow, I Reach deep into the youth's head to
catch his moment of climax. His erection feels nice thrills that with each
heart beat, sharpen and grow more intense. Holding his breath is a clever
trick. The youth likes stabbing against Smiles A Lot's bigger dick, feeling
its soft heat against his erection and knowing that it will squirt out to him
soon. He waits for that moment.

     Smiles A Lot relaxes in our embrace. He's the calm between our frantic
bodies, enduring stabs to both sides of body that pleasure him without having
to do anything. I sense this shaman quality in him. Not a girl's passive role
in love making but a young man who acts from wisdom. I envy that about him.

     My cock is feeling very intense. I strike my lover's ass as if to invoke
a reaction from him: an angry outburst, a painful grunt or a moan of pleasure.
He endures my savageness. The boy stabs him in front. I wonder who will get an
exploding dick first?

     It's Day Rabbit. He cries out in his high-pitched voice and that gets
Smiles A Lot to cum. He quietly shoots to their bellies. The little boy cries
out again, more like a gasp of surprise than feeling his dick being thrilled.
My cock is squeezed by my lover's tightening hole and I'm exploding into it. A
few joyous squirts! The youth cries out yet again. He's connected to us and
has felt each of our intense thrills that comes from pumping out our sperm.

     Loud breaths fill my ears. Sex is exhausting so our huddling bodies slow,
legs no longer flexing and our hands loosen their grip over backs, butts and
hips. I inhale the sweet aroma of spent males. There's regret in Day Rabbit
that he couldn't get his dick to come out. I'm tempted to Mind Speak to the
boy, to assure him that he's performed well with his body but only emotions
are passed onto him. He feels our love without being given word/images that
could frighten him.

     I peer down at the dazed youth. He's shared much with us, feeling our
strong climaxes and his heart is filled with our love. I give the boy a nice
smile. Day Rabbit releases a puff of breath from his mouth.

     Smiles A Lot kisses the boy's forehead. Day Rabbit looks down at himself,
at his belly running with thick white cum. His small hand gathers it up. I
catch his eyes with my own and I see mischief in them.

     "Did you sperm his butt?" asks Day Rabbit in a low whisper.

     I nod my head. The little boy lifts his right hand to Smiles A Lot's
shoulder, pulling himself up so that he can fold his legs under him. He cups
his filled left hand as if trying to hide what he's gathered from his belly.
My lover gasps with surprise when the youth lowers his head to suck on his
dripping cock. I also watch it wide eyed.

     Day Rabbit sneaks his left hand behind himself. He's playing with his
butt. From our connection, I know what he's doing with Smiles A Lot's cum. The
boy is pushing fingers into his hole, filling his butt with sperm while he
sucks what remains in my lover's cock.

     'He is proving himself a man/lover,' thinks Smiles A Lot.

     'Yes. I sensed his hidden desire that is like ours, to have his butt
filled with male essence.'

     Day Rabbit pulls from Smiles A Lot's cock with a wet mouth. I see him
swallowing. He glances down at his left hand, palm empty. There's an intense
surge coming from the boy's erection. Another dry climax? His eyes flutter as
proof of it. I think that the youth realizes what he's done by fulfilling his
lusty desires.

     Smiles A Lot squirms in my lap. My cock is satisfied in his butt. I give
my lover a tight squeeze, my heart soars to hold him. Being with him! The
little boy clutches his left shoulder so that he can stand. He peers down at
himself, his long pole flopping against his groin and frowns.

     "Mine can't squirt yet," he whispers.

     Smiles A Lot Sends me his plea to do something with this youth that I
approve of. He leans forward, opening his mouth so that he can swallow this
boy's pole. Day Rabbit gasps. I watch my lover sucking on his dick. His hands
rush around for the youth's wiggly butt. Clutching him hard.

     After only a few heart beats, Day Rabbit cries out. I feel his intense
thrills. Smiles A Lot pulls back to release the boy's erection. His lips roam
down to his small clutch of balls to kiss them.

     I nibble over my lover's earlobes. 'Enjoying your little boy?'

     'Ah, yes. He is a willing youth and sweet to my lips!'

     Day Rabbit grasps both of Smiles A Lot's shoulders. He makes a bucking
motion with his hard dick in a gesture for my lover to swallow him again.
He's given another quick suck. The boy closes his eyes in concentration.
Breaths rush through his mouth with his pink tongue sticking out. I sense his
building thrills.

     My hands reach around for Day Rabbit's soft butt to join my lover's
there. We're enjoying this youth's flexing cheeks, driving himself in front
towards another dry climax. Young boys can do that again and again. When his
breaths hold, I know that this boy is ready to explode. I Reach deep into his
head so that we can Share in it.

     'He seems never to tire,' remarks Smiles A Lot.

     'I know. Little boys can't shoot so their loins urge them to try it again
and again. In my youth, I was often beating off until my pole became sore. Men
experience that ending relief that comes from sperming. Once is enough for us.

     Day Rabbit stabs his little dick in and out of Smiles A Lot's mouth. His
butt humps wildly. I hear another urgent breath being taken into his lungs.
Held. The boy cries out, gifting us with his intense male pleasure. I feel a
throbbing from my cock. My lover moans.

     'We love you, Day Rabbit! You are a good boy.' My thoughts were Sent to
him as a soft Mind whisper. I don't know if they were heard. In the next
moment, Day Rabbit drops to his knees in Smiles A Lot's lap. He gives him a
fierce hug. Head buried in his breast.

     'He heard you, Willow Bird.'

     We clutch the trembling youth while he's recovering. Smiles A Lot massages
the boy's lower back, often rubbing over his sweaty cheeks. My hands bump his.
We're enjoying his soft curves with the urge to try fucking him in the moons
ahead. I know that Smiles A Lot has never stuck into a man's butt. He may want
to do a boy.

     "Ah. No, Willow Bird. This boy is too young for us to try that act. It
would pain my heart if I were to hurt Day Rabbit from lust.'

     'He seems willing.'

     'My love, I think you listen to your cock too much and don't heed the
warnings from your heart. That will get you into a lot of trouble.'

     Anger fills me but I release it with a long sigh. 'You speak truly. I
have been enjoying boys without considering the consequences. Big Horn had
warned me about this before. He was against showing youths any love acts of
the Mahyee-na.'

     'Hmm. There's no harm to offer boys instruction in sex so long as it
doesn't hurt their small bodies or betray their trust. Giving Day Rabbit a
growing up rite, a nice belly rub or to suck on his pole is alright. Only if
the youth freely allows it. I'm afraid that lust could get his butt hurt. For
a boy to get raped would harm his spirit and make him mistrust those who
man/love.'

     Our conversation is interrupted when Day Rabbit springs to his feet. He
peers down at us with a weary grin. I see understanding in his eyes.

     "Love is a good thing," the boy whispers. "The others in camp say it is
bad for you to be with him, Willow Bird but I don't!"

     Tears fill my eyes but I won't let them fall. I don't want this boy hurt
from seeking pleasure with his body. He has already given much of himself to
us and, I hope, will continue to seek love in our arms. Gentle Mahyee-na acts.

     Day Rabbit offers his hand to Smiles A Lot, helping him to get up from
my lap. My cock pulls wetly from his butt. At the boy's urging, my lover turns
around and spreads his legs. I smile when Day Rabbit peers through Smiles A
Lot's cheeks to see what I've given him in love.

     "It's all inside you?"

     Smiles A Lot gives me a puzzled look until I hand sign the youth's words.
Embarrassment makes his face turn red. I gesture that they should perform the
first rite of the Mahyee-na.

     My lover straightens his back. He slaps over his cheeks and I hear the
little boy giggling at him. "Turn around, Day Rabbit. He wants you to perform
a special rite with him by touching butts."

     There's reluctance in the youth but he does what I've asked. I get to my
feet and stand beside them as a witness. Smiles A Lot reaches his hands back
to grip Day Rabbit's hips. Their butts press together. Rub. I release a sharp
sigh when recalling my first backwards embrace with Big Horn.

     "Does this mean I'm like you?" asks Day Rabbit.

     I meet the boy's piercing eyes, my head nodding. "This is the first rite,"
I explain, "between those who want to love other boys. I've seen your heart
and it is a good one. The Mahyee-na may be your path in life but we won't know
until you're older."

     "I'm always having to wait until I am older!" complains Day Rabbit. "My
father won't give me a breechclout until I'm older. I can't hunt in the woods
until I'm older. I want to grow up faster!"

     My hands shape the boy's words to Smiles A Lot. He gently pushes himself
from Day Rabbit, turning to the youth with an understanding grin.

     "We too... heh-ung," says Smiles A Lot. His hands shape the words that he
doesn't know how to say. 'We also had to wait to grow up. It will happen
faster than you expect and when you are on the verge of manhood, you'll look
back at your carefree youth and sometimes long for it.'

     "Not me!" Day Rabbit glances down at himself, at his pole sleeping over
his balls and frowns.

     My lover gives Day Rabbit's belly a fond tickle that makes him giggle.
The boy's eyes widen as if remembering something and he streaks to where our
breechclouts are lying over the ground. Smiles A Lot's thong belt is taken up
along with his two flaps. The boy rushes to put them on. Fear grips my heart.
I recall having to chase him through camp the last time to retrieve what he'd
stolen from me so my arms spread in warning.

     "I won't do that again, Willow Bird. I only want to try it on."

     I nod my head. Day Rabbit's slim waist is covered with deerskin cloths,
much too big for his body. Smiles A Lot adjusts his rear flap. We both stand
back and admire him.

     "After today, I shouldn't be naked."

     "Yes. Ask your father for a breechclout and he may give you one. Don't
tell him why!" Day Rabbit nods with understanding. He looks down at himself
with pride. His small hands rub over the soft deerskin against his body with
much longing.

     Smiles A Lot shares in the boy's excitement. He's content to remain
naked, pressing the left side of his body against me, his arm reaching around
to hold me close. I clutch his right hip. I'm enjoying the feel of his wet
butt against my arm.

     'It is good to share our love with boys.'

     I release a sharp breath. 'Ah, yes. This youth was nice to embrace but I
long for another boy to join into our hair love/embrace.'

     Smiles A Lot turns to his companion. 'That is my hope, too.'

     I give my lover a hug. We kiss each other, sharing our tender emotions
that comes from new love. I'm glad that Smiles A Lot isn't jealous of Crying
Loon and wants to include him.

     'Big Horn wasn't as understanding,' I explain with pain in my heart.
'When he learned why I wouldn't tie my knot over his around our cocks, that
Song Bird had already taken my heart, he warned me against showing boys the
love acts of the Mahyee-na. My chief then forbade me from touching his son.'

     'You continue to love him.'

     My head lowers as if shamed. 'Yes. We risk much and for reasons you don't
know about. I'm under oath. Song Bird had told me that he isn't a man/lover.'

     'Oh, Willow Bird. I feel your disappointment. Snarling Bear had told me
that boys often perform acts with their bodies that excite them from embracing
boyhood friends but when becoming men, they turn to their squaws.'

     I peer over my lover's shoulders for Day Rabbit. The boy is twirling
around like a dust devil. His deerskin flaps are flying from his body. I eye
his naked parts.

     'Even this youth may prove to not be a man/lover but that doesn't prevent
him from embracing us with the joy of learning how to make love.'

     I lift my eyes to Smiles A Lot. He wets his lips in want of being kissed.
I do so without any reluctance. Our arms go around each other in an embrace.

     "You two don't ever stop!" shouts Day Rabbit.

     We turn to the boy with our shy grins. He rushes to our side, untying the
thong belt around his waist and he bares his body so that he can slip between
us, facing Smiles A Lot with his erection. I'm not surprised to feel his butt
humping against me.

     'I think he really likes you, my love.'

     'Yes. He is an eager youth!'

     I tighten my arms around Smiles A Lot, squeezing the boy between us. My
limp cock presses against his upper back making me realize how short he is. My
lover lowers himself so that the boy can make proper stabs against his cock.
I bend my knees to lower myself in their embrace.

     Day Rabbit reaches his hands up to Smiles A Lot's upper arms and grips
them. He is lifted between us, his thin legs going around my lover. I feel his
butt humping against my loins. It doesn't surprise me that this little boy
feels the need to pleasure himself again.

     After only a few heart beats, Day Rabbit releases a loud gasp. I've
connected him to us so that we can Share in his male joy. It is very sweet!
I'm noticing the difference between a boy's dry climax to ours. Day Rabbit's
stiff pole surges with brief intense thrills but when I cum, my cock feels
pleasured longer while I'm pumping out my sperm. An act that tires me.

     Smiles A Lot's arms loosen from around the youth clinging to his body,
not wanting to let him go.

    "Again!" begs Day Rabbit.

     A weary laugh. Smiles A Lot gestures that his arms are tired. I pull on
the boy's hands to loosen them from my lover, turning his small body around so
that he can face me. Day Rabbit stabs against my cock. Frantically! My hands
are slipping over his wet butt so I lower them to his thighs. My arms enjoy
feeling his humping.

     I peer down at the little boy. His eyes are aflame. I think that my eyes
are just as revealing. I'm feeling my body responding to his male efforts and
my cock gets very stiff. Angry from getting a beating? Ha! Day Rabbit gives me
a mischievous grin. His faced bumps into mine when he tries to kiss me. I wet
my lips and lift the youth closer. We kiss. My heart soars to be given this
boy's love.

     Smiles A Lot's arms are felt coming around me. Tightening. Day Rabbit
struggles between us to fulfill himself again. He's such an eager pup. I'm
feeling the thrills building in my cock and think I could cum. The boy blows
his breath into my mouth. His narrowing eyes prove that he's reached climax.
I pass on this boy's sharp thrills to my lover.

     "Don't you ever stop, Day Rabbit?" My teasing makes the boy blush. He
breathes heavily, arms loosening from around my shoulders so that he can fall
down my body to the ground.

     Smiles A Lot grabs the boy's arm when it looks like he's going to fall.
I see a dazed look on the youth's face. His pole has given him countless
thrills and that must be weighing on him. I give my lover a knowing grin.

     "It felt real good," whispers Day Rabbit, almost to himself.

     My heated body welcomes the breeze coming off the river. I look down at
my throbbing cock, a bit disappointed that it didn't come out but I'm feeling
my male satisfaction. Smiles A Lot has a filled butt.

     I gaze longingly at my lover, admiring his slim shape that has felt so
good in my arms. A nice rounded behind. His cock is withdrawing back into his
foreskin over his reddish balls. There's such pleasure to be had with our
willing bodies yet I'm most fulfilled by how are hearts feel for each other.
I have accepted him as my mate. Even if the time we have together is short.

     My eyes turn away when feeling tears stinging them. I look at Day Rabbit
while he recovers from having sex. I've looked into his heart and saw that he
understands my deep feelings for Smiles A Lot, for himself. I look forward to
teaching this youth more about love.

     Day Rabbit has regained his breath. He holds his arms up to me in want of
another embrace. A impish grin. I dart my hand down to his erection and push
on it in a gesture that it should go down. "You've done enough with it for one
day! Now run along and let me spend some time alone with Smiles A Lot."

     "Ah, I'm often swimming in the river. Away from where our men guard the
bank," Day Rabbit hints. "Will you be here tomorrow afternoon?"

     "Smiles A Lot and I will be looking for you here," I answer. The little
boy grins. He steps back from us with his right hand raised in farewell. We
watch the youth streak back to camp.

     I turn to my lover and sigh. 'He wants to be with us tomorrow,' I hand
gesture. 'I don't know about you, but that little boy has worn me out!'

     Smiles A Lot laughs. 'Me too.'

     My eyes fall to his butt. I sigh longingly, it is nice looking and has
satisfied my male lust. I'm sure that there are needing warriors and brave
back at the Spear-bearing Tribe who will miss him.

     Smiles A Lot continues to stare in the direction of camp. When he glances
back at me, I sense something dark in my lover. The usual smile on his face
has vanished to be replaced by a troubled expression. My hand reaches out to
him. 'Day Rabbit won't tell anyone.'

     'I know. It's just that I'm not looking forward to returning to the
shaman's lodge.'

     'Then we won't.'

     'That old man needs me to tend to him.'

     'You have already done much, my love so he only needs sleep and to heal
on his own,' I explain. 'Iron Bow will look after him. We have this day to be
together and I don't want to waste it.'

     Smiles A Lot considers my offer while reaching down to the ground for
his breechclout. I help him put it on. Mine is fetched and my body is soon
covered. We face each other.

     Smiles A Lot touches his companion's shoulder. 'Tell me. What's happened
to my father's horse, Night Moon?'

     'He was Big Horn's companion and after he... went Above, he became mine.
Would you like to see him?' Smiles A Lot nods excitedly. I take hold of his
hand and we return to camp where the horses are corralled.

     I'm often glancing at my companion. We're holding hands and walking side
by side together. He sees my smile of happiness and returns it. I'm glad to be
with my new lover amongst my People. I know that many find it hard to see us
together but I don't. That's what matters most.

     I don't catch sight of anyone when we approach camp. Smiles A Lot keeps
hold of my hand but I know that he'll pull away if he sees anyone. I hear a
high-pitched whinny. My lover also turns at the sound.

     We head for the corral. Our tribe's horses are being kept in a clearing
near the tipis. Some are simply staked to the ground where they can nibble at
the grass while most of our horses are kept in the corral. Long thin trees
form the sides of it tied to stakes driven into the ground every few steps.
Its gate is a series of thong-bound branches.

     When we approach, many sets of eyes lift to watch us and I hear soft
nickering. A strong familiar smell fills my nose: dung and sweaty animals. It's
a lusty scent! I've held a horse before with my need for love and Pai-alucia
has demonstrated his strength as a stallion. I wonder if Smiles A Lot's father
has told him how he'd turned to his four-legged companion when feeling his
need for male release?

     'These are all your People's horses?' gestures Smiles A Lot.

     I count their numbers and gesture back, 'Yes. The Kalinlepi became a
small tribe after being split in the time of my grandfathers. Not worth a raid
from your tribe.'

     Smiles A Lot nods in agreement. 'Ah. Where is Night Moon?'

     I climb onto the side of the corral to look for him. A white mare shoves
her nose into my chest, forcing my eyes downward to see if she is going to
bite me. No. I hear her hungry nickering. Song Bird and his white brother have
fed them grass this morning but I know that a horse is always hungry.

     "Eiii! Sah-et me yah, Pai-alucia!" cries Smiles A Lot.

     I watch my lover eagerly climb over the corral and jump inside. He pushes
a red gelding out of his way to reach his father's horse. It's going to be a
happy reunion for him. Someone familiar that will help Smiles A Lot forget his
presence in an enemy camp if for but a moment.

     "Pai-alucia... Tawd ag-wa!" greets Smiles A Lot.

     I climb over the corral and eagerly join my lover. His face is bright and
cheery, turning to me with a grin before burring his face in Pai-alucia's soft
neck. His arms reach around the front of the stallion. Whispered words are
spoken in the horse's ear.

     I step close behind Smiles A Lot and hold both him and Pai-alucia in my
arms, Reaching out to share in their reunion. My lover's emotions are those of
happiness for meeting a companion but tinged with sadness because it reminds
him of his lost father. I sense the horse's curiosity and his hunger. He turns
his head and shoves his big nose against my lover's chest, dislodging our arms
from around him.

     I face Pai-alucia and greet him. "How are you?" The stallion nickers with
recognition for me. I rub over his nose, bringing my face close so that I can
share breath with him. His strong horse smell fills my lungs.

     "Ag-wa tah ben ah, Willow Bird. Pai-alucia ang tah wee-pah ahn, eh!"

     I turn to Smiles A Lot with a sly grin. He's forgotten that I don't speak
his People's language but I can guess his meaning. Probably something about
this horse remembering me as his owner.

     Pai-alucia's nose wanders down my chest to sniff at my right hand. I open
it to show that it's empty. Guilt fills me. I should have thought of bringing
him something to nibble on. My eyes turn for the woods. There's likely an
apple tree there that has ripened this time of year.

     I face Smiles A Lot with an idea. 'Let's go for a ride,' I gesture. 'It
has been too long since I've ridden him and maybe we can find an apple tree.'

     Smiles A Lot glances nervously at the tipis. 'I don't think anyone would
loan me their horse.'

     I nod in sad reply. 'Night Moon is strong. He could easily take both of
us over his back. Come on!' I take hold of Pai-alucia's neck and lead him
towards the gate. Smiles A Lot runs ahead to open it, being careful not to let
any of the other horses escape. I hear a loud neigh and nickers of protest;
they don't won't to be left behind in the corral.

     "Eh, What's going on there!" shouts Fire-singes-his-hair, running.

     I face the angry warrior with my right hand raised to him in greeting. He
sees that it's Pai-alucia in my arms before glancing at Smiles A Lot standing
in the gate. The man's flint axe is tucked back into this thong belt.

     "Ah. You're going for a ride, Willow Bird?"

     "Yes. I've not ridden my horse since my return to our tribe so I'm sure
that he could use the exercise."

     Fire-singes-his-hair lowers his voice to a mere whisper. "Is he going
with you?"

     I slowly nod my head, sadness filling me to see this warrior's suspicion
for Smiles A Lot. I try ignoring it. "Do you know if trails have been made in
these woods?"

     "A few," answers the warrior. "The longest path is in the direction of
the rising sun, ending at the river. The other circles around."

     Fire-singes-his-hair joins my lover at the gate. They exchange glances.
I pull my horse past them, sensing Pai-alucia's eagerness to be ridden. The
warrior hands me a bridle before closing the gate behind me. Smiles A Lot
rushes to my side. I fit the wooden bit into the stallion's teeth, secure his
neck thong and pull the long reins to his withers.

     "Be careful during your ride, Willow Bird. These are strange woods. Some
of our warriors have fallen from their horses when unseen branches reached out
to grab them and there are many tree roots that haven't yet been beaten into
the ground."

     "Thank you. I'll keep my eyes out. Ah. Did you say that the trees have
struck riders?" Fire-singes-his-hair nods with a grim expression on his face.
Shivers run down my spine. I remember Speaking with these trees and realize
that what he's said could of happened.

     "And there could be other dangers in the woods," the warrior hints.
"Don't be too long from the safety of your tribe."

     "I'll be careful. Smiles A Lot will be with me!" I turn from the man's
dark eyes, holding back my laughter at his hidden warning to me about being
alone with an enemy scout.

     I jump over Pai-alucia's back and grab his long mane in my hands. Once
I've steadied myself and have hold of his reins in my right hand, I offer my
lover a hand up. Smiles A Lot has to jump a few times before getting his
right leg over the horse's back.

     "Enjoy your ride, Willow Bird."

     I nod my thanks to the warrior. A swift kick gets Pai-alucia trotting for
the woods. He needs little guidance to follow the beaten path into them.
Smiles A Lot has his arms around my waist, holding me tight. I relish the feel
of his body behind mine. I'm reminded of Song Bird's ride with me earlier this
summer that had led to our first kiss in the woods.

     We enter a small clearing. I see a raised platform there and remember
with much sadness that this is where Fire-singes-his-hair's son rests. My
horse stops on his own. Smiles A Lot notices the lone platform and his
thoughts fill my head.

     'Is that the boy who was... murdered by Little Fox Eyes?'

     'Yes. That warrior at the corral was his father.'

     'I am sorry, Willow Bird. Ah. At least you were able to save Running Wolf
from the Trickster's evil clutches.'

     Anger fills me. 'How many more children will he take until we drive him
away? My chief foolishly waits for our shaman to recover before the circle of
protection will be made around our tipis. I'm unable to face his evil until
I'm trained but you and I could perform that protection rite.'

     'The trickster will avoid a confrontation with us. He acts from the
shadows, to prey on the weak and unsuspecting. Lies often serve him better. I
will teach you how to uncover his evil plans and how to thwart them. You have
been given power to protect the People. We can talk about this later. Please!
Let's try to enjoy our ride.'

     'I am sorry. Yes. We have this day together and I'm always thinking of
ways to ruin it.'

     'No, my love. I know that the many burdens on your shoulders are
difficult to ignore. I'm with you now. I'll be with you tomorrow. Now, get
Night Moon past this place of death. I want to feel the wind rushing through
my hair as if I'm a bird!'

     I give Pai-alucia a swift kick. His strong legs surge ahead, galloping
into the woods. I keep my eyes forward to look for obstacles. Smiles A Lot is
shouting behind me. His happy whoops of freedom fill my ears.

     My heart soars like an eagle and I join my shouts with his. "Eiii!" We're
flying down the forest path. Carefree and happy. Smiles A Lot daringly raises
his arms to feel the rush of wind. I reach my left back to grip his waist so
that he won't fall off. Pai-alucia stumbles. My lover grabs my arms. He huddles
close behind me, no longer shouting. I've been keeping my eyes ahead. The tree
limbs almost seem to pull back before our passing. There are no exposed tree
roots for Pai-alucia to trip over. I wouldn't be surprised that these trees
would tell me where ripe apples could be found if I were to but ask them.

     It grows darker when we ride through the forest. I pull on my horse's
reins to slow him to a trot. Smiles A Lot relaxes behind me, his hands aren't
as tight around me. I keep my eyes forward and down to look for anything that
could trip us up. Pai-alucia is my first horse and I don't want anything bad
to happen to him.

     'My love, I'm glad that you were given my father's horse. And I see that
you honor him when speaking his Plains Tribe's name and even think it.'

     'Yes. Pai-alucia is his name though I know in my tongue that he's called
Night Moon. Ah. I would like to learn more of your People's words so that I
can speak to him properly. I saw him reacting to your greeting. He remains a
Spear-bearing stallion though living now with the Kalinlepi.'

     'I would be glad to teach you. And I'll learn more of your People's words.
The Kalinlepi is my tribe now. I will remain here for as long as you want me.'

     I turn my head to look at Smiles A Lot. He gives me a smile but I detected
sadness from him caused by something he's hiding from me. Before I can ask,
the boy kisses me. It's clumsily done since we're riding a horse. At its
ending, I return to looking forward. There are no tree roots sticking from our
path and no branches reach out to grab us. Was Fire-singes-his-hair trying to
tease me with his warning? Perhaps he was talking about that other trail
circling around our camp.

     It's growing brighter up ahead. Not as many trees are crowding the sides
of our path. Before I realize it, we reach the river. Pai-alucia stops at my
urging. There's a trail running along the bank on my left. I decide to follow
it. The river is very wide here. I peer across and to my surprise, see a pile
of rocks on the other side as high as a tree. Black smoke is billowing from
its base.

     'Do you see that?'

     Smiles A Lot turns to look. 'Ah, yes. I've heard about the Wanderer's
signal fires. They make black smoke and break its rising with blankets to send
messages to each other across the plains.'

     'Words sent by smoke?' I ask in disbelief.

     'It is similar to hand gesturing. That's how the Wandering Bands of the
Tagalou warn each other of danger and where buffalo has been sighted.'

     'Then that means someone is over there.'

     'Yes. Perhaps we should be returning to camp.'

     Fear grips me. I look down at the strong current, realizing that it is a
formidable barrier to the land. Warriors from the other side would find it
very difficult to cross over to us.

     I tug on Pai-alucia's reins to turn his head around. The river is at our
backs when I see five men running out of the trees for us. Their hand weapons
are lifted in our direction and two men have arrows fitted in bows.

     'Willow Bird!'

     I'm about to kick my horse into running but realize that even if we could
outrun these armed men, we wouldn't escape their arrows. I keep a tight hold
of Pai-alucia's reins and bravely face these men. Smiles A Lot lifts his right
hand to them in a peace gesture.

     We're quickly surrounded. A four-feathered warrior grabs hold of my
horse's bridle. He signals for me to remain still but another warrior pulls
Smiles A Lot down to the ground, shouting that he's caught an enemy brave.
When I see him readying his flint blade to cut my lover's throat, I dive off
Pai-alucia onto that man's back. He yelps in surprise. He tries stabbing his
knife at me. I'm fighting for my life!

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  End of file: SHAMAN5.TXT                The story continues in: SHAMAN6.TXT