Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2017 21:11:17 +0000 (UTC)
From: Snowblind94 <snowblind94@yahoo.ca>
Subject: Jared 2 - Chapter 27

Nifty is an incredible place to view free stories, but needs money to keep
up its good work. Please donate when you can to keep this service alive and
well. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html

Disclaimer: All characters depicted are above 18 years of age. The
following contains scenes of explicit scenes involving male sex and in a
variety of consensual activities. But, if you're looking for non-stop sex
then this isn't the story for you.  If any of this content is offensive to
you or illegal to access in your geography, please do not proceed any
further.  The characters are entirely fictitious and are not based on
anyone who has or is still living.

This story may not be copied or posted to any other websites without
explicit written permission from the author.

If you have any questions or comments, please send them to me at
snowblind94@yahoo.ca

*****************************************

Jared the Paramedic - Volume II
Chapter 27 - The Four Directions and the Awakening


Breakfast was fried potatoes, baked beans, eggs, and deer sausage with
pancakes. Grandfather had been up early and started the large wood cooking
stove outside to get things ready to feed his family.  The old man was very
happy not only having company, but seeing his grandson with so many
friends.  Frank joined him and helped to get the potatoes ready for frying.
The old style coffee pot looked like it came off the fire of a John Wayne
western movie.  It was the biggest coffee pot Frank had ever seen in his
life, and was amazed at how good the coffee tasted outdoors.  The two of
them were enjoying their morning chat and coffee together when they heard a
disturbance in the teepee.  Disturbance, well more like a tremendous amount
shrieking, laughing, and screaming would describe it better.  By the sounds
of it, the teepee was now filled with bedlam as the guys woke each other
up.

The men watched as all the campers came out of the teepee naked, and ran to
the river.  One by one the dove into the water and screamed, "It's
cold... you lied, Jared," but they stayed in anyways.  Grandfather had left
them some chlorogalum root which he had previously dried and then
reconstituted in a bucket.  The plant is commonly called soap root by
people who know of it, and he had taken some and soaked it in water with
rose hips and lilac.  What they got was a natural cleanser which smelled
like flowers and without the use of chemicals.

Frank watched the men washing and having carefree fun in the stream.  When
they were done, they used towels to dry off and hung them on a clothesline
near the teepee. Frank marveled at how casual they all were with their
nudity, and also how much his son had grown into a man.  After dressing,
the group came up to the cabin area for food.  It was no surprise to Frank
that Mark and Conner led the pack in speed up the hill, until Tyler and
Darren overtook them and pushed them over into the grass to pass them and
be first in line.

The men all had filled their plates of food and were eating quickly.

"Young ones," said Grandfather, "do not forget to either breathe or chew
while you are packing your faces."

Frank laughed at the comment.  "I would hate to think if someone's hand got
between the plate and their mouth right now."

"That body part would be missing," replied Grandfather.  "But if you waited
for a time period, some of it would come out again."

Jesse laughed, "Grandfather, did you just make a poo joke?"

"No poo, shit joke," he replied.  Frank rolled his eyes.  "Frank, nothing
is off limits for jokes here," said Grandfather.

"But speak loudly or Grandfather won't hear you," said Zane.

"Yes, he's right but please make sure you are always generous when talking
of Zane's smarts, height and especially penis size," said Grandfather with
a smirk.

"BURN!" said Jesse.

The group was beginning to laugh at the comments.

"Jesse is new to this, so has a lot of catching up to suffer through." said
Jared.  "A lawyer is standing in a long line at the box office. Suddenly,
he feels a pair of hands kneading his shoulders, back, and neck. The lawyer
turns around. 'What the hell do you think you're doing?' 'I'm a
chiropractor, and I'm just keeping in practice while I'm waiting in line.'
'Well, I'm a lawyer, but you don't see me screwing the guy in front of me,
do you?'"

The group was beginning to laugh loudly now.

Troy started this story, "Darren came home early one day and finds his
boyfriend relaxing in bed. All looks well till he notices a cigar in the
ash tray. He becomes furious and yells, 'Where did that cigar come from?'
A voice from under the bed says, 'Havana!'"

Not to be outdone, Darren told the next joke.  "Jared, Liam and Troy
rescued a man who was quite badly injured in a car accident. The entire
left half of his body was torn off but they took him to the hospital for
examination and treatment anyways. The doctors said he was all right and
the nurse said there wasn't much left."

The guys rolled their eyes at that one, but Frank was beginning to laugh
heartily now.

Grandfather started this one with, "Serious story.  Deep within a forest, a
little turtle named Adam began to climb a tree. After hours of effort, he
reached the top, jumped into the air waving his front legs and crashed to
the ground. After recovering, he slowly climbed the tree again, jumped, and
fell to the ground. The turtle tried again and again, while a couple of
birds named Conner and Mark were sitting on a branch watching his sad
efforts. Finally, Mark turned to Conner and asked 'Dear,' he chirped, 'I
think it's time to tell him he's adopted.'"

The men all had tears in their eyes from laughing so hard.

Josh had the next joke. "Zane walked into a bar one night and sat down for
a drink.  The bartender came over and looked at Zane, noting there was a
little man sitting on his shoulder.  Zane ordered a scotch and water, and
the bartender got it and put it on the bar in front him.  The little man
jumped down, ran over and kicked the drink over and then immediately got
back onto Zane's shoulder.  Zane got another drink and the same thing
happened.  When he ordered the third drink, the bartender asked what the
hell was going on.  Zane explained he had been walking on the beach one day
and found a lamp.  When he rubbed it a genie came out and granted him one
wish.  Zane quickly asked for 12 inch prick.  The bartender looked at him
confused.  Zane pointed at the man on his shoulder and said and there is
the 12 inch prick I got."

The entire table groaned at that one.

Jared had the last joke.  "Four Basic food groups for Frank the
cop... 1.Glazed, 2.Jelly, 3.Powdered, and 4.Chocolate Frosted."

Frank held his hands up in surrender.

Grandfather finally said, "Young ones, you guys are on clean up and 'coffee
fetcher'."

"Coffee fetcher?" asked Conner innocently as Jared was shaking his head and
bringing his hands up to his face.

Grandfather lifted his empty coffee mug up, "Fetch the coffee, Conner,
Frank's and my cups are empty."

"DOH!" mumbled Conner.

*****************************************

The river was wide, approximately 5' in depth with the odd deeper spots
while having numerous gravel and sand shoals in it.

The men were all wearing "normal" clothing during this visit, mostly for
Frank's benefit.  Everyone was in shorts, running shoes and some wearing
t-shirts while others had pulled them off.

Jesse, Zane, and Frank were standing in the shallow of the stream and fly
fishing into a deep spot.  Jared had shown them, with Zane's help how to do
the fly fishing and they actually picked it up fairly quickly.  Jared
didn't think they would ever catch anything but they had nice technique.
He was shocked when Frank caught a trout and from the men's reactions one
would have thought the lottery had been won.  To have filmed the four of
them trying to get the fish out of the water and then off the hook would
have taken first place on Funniest Videos, especially when Zane tried to
give it mouth to mouth and CPR.

Downstream another group consisting of Adam, Conner, Mark, Josh and Darren
were all chasing fish around in a shallow sandy bottomed area with spears.
Adam had used some charcoal to put war stripes on the guy's faces to add
some realism.  As Jared and Liam went by, Josh and Darren were using their
spears to start a sword fight with Conner and Mark.  Adam was now lying on
the bank, flat on his back, and his spear was being held up in his armpit.
From a distance, it looked like he had already been speared by someone.

Tyler and Troy had driven into the city early, picked up Patrick and were
back.  Before they left, the two of them started the fire and added the
rocks for the sweat later that night.  Darren and Josh had taken over
maintaining the fire while they were gone and they had gathered additional
wood for burning.

Jared and Liam checked the fire before continuing their journey together
upriver.  They were heading to a powerful location which Jared wished to
show Liam.  Jared led him to a sand stone outcropping where he had spent
many hours throughout his youth in meditation. The stones were flat
granite, positioned as if someone had done it intentionally to provide a
spectacular view of the valley.  This location also provided an
unobstructed view of the sun rising in the east, its travel across the sky,
and its setting in the west.  The two of them sat crossed legged - facing
the direction of the sun.  Both could feel the warmth of the sunlight on
their skin, and the feeling of renewing strength the sun freely gave them
with it's light.  Humans need exposure to the sun for their body to produce
some life necessary elements; something too many forget.  Jared explained
to Liam the importance of the location both as a beautiful place to
meditate, and to renew the strength for the physical body.  The two of them
sat upright, closed their eyes and held hands while beginning a deep
meditation together.

Their minds came together as one thought came to the front of their
meditation.  They both were thinking the words of a great War Chief
Tecumseh. "When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light in your
life, for your strength.  Give thanks for your food and for the joy of
living.  If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself."
The two men open their eyes and looked deeply into each other's beautiful
eyes.  Once again they thought as one, "I give thanks for your love and I
need nothing else to achieve the joy of living my life."  The two men
leaned forward and kissed before sitting back to continue with their
mediation.  As they were beginning their other world travel, they both
thought again as one, "I love you with all my heart," and then they began
their mediation journey.

Grandfather took Patrick, Frank, Conner and Mark under his wing and had
them help him clean up the sweat lodge and replace the sage, spruce and
cedar on the floor inside.  The four of them were good students as the old
man explained the significance of everything in the lodge and the reasons
for it.

They were absolutely astounded at the traditions as Grandfather explained
them.  Frank was having trouble believing some of what he was being told,
but he accepted it because of the tremendous amount of respect he was
building for Mathew.  He even called him Grandfather from time to time
naturally, it rolled off his tongue easily again because of his respect for
the man.  Frank asked Matt about what he thought he saw Jared's eyes do
when he had been shot.  Grandfather didn't answer the questions completely,
but promised him to answer it during the sweat tonight.

The others had continued to feed the large fire and the rocks were heating
in it.  Jared, Liam and Zane were filling everyone in on the traditions and
the steps the sweat would follow that night.  Jesse listened to everything
being said, but found much of it hard to believe.  Frank, Patrick, Conner
and Mark were very interested in what they were being told.

Everyone had been very active in the morning and the group had a light
lunch, to maintain their blood sugar levels for the afternoon and into the
evening.  During the afternoon, most of the group had laid in the sun and
worked on their tans.  Some of the others had enjoyed fishing the river and
they were doing that for the afternoon.  Every fish they caught was
carefully released back into the river.  Another day they may have enjoyed
the taste of fresh fish on the campfire, but not today.

The days are still very warm, but the darkness is coming earlier now than
it had a month ago.  The evenings were still very pleasant and most of the
time a person only needed a light sweater if they were cool.  The nights
themselves could be chilly, and was the main reason of course why there
were so many blankets and furs in the teepee for the men to sleep on and
under.

The men were finally ready for the sweat.  They were all dressed in soft
deer skin loin cloths, all of which had been made that afternoon while they
finished discussing the ceremony.  Frank felt awkward at first, but became
accustomed to it around everyone else.

***************************************** West:

Tyler, Patrick, Troy, Liam, Conner, Mark, Frank, Adam, Darren, Josh, Zane,
Jesse, and Jared all lined up for their position in the lodge.  Grandfather
Mathew smudged each one of them as they entered and sat in the thick
cushion of cedar and grasses.  Mathew finally smudged himself and entered
the lodge.

The Most Sacred Medicine Man sat cross legged.  He looked around at each
one of the men in the circle, and smiled at them.  He reached for tobacco
and pipe, packing the object without even looking.  Just by the feel of his
fingers he could tell when it had been filled properly.  He struck a wooden
match and lit the pipe, puffing it a few times to make it sure it was
burning well.  Holding it up in front of him with both hands, he prayed
aloud:

"Oh Great Spirit, I seek wisdom, the lessons you have hidden in every leaf
and rock so that I may learn and carry this message of life and hope to all
my people, May my hands respect the many beautiful things you have made, My
ears be sharp to hear your Voice, May my heart and the hearts of my
grandchildren and friends always be filled with the love you gave us as
your children, May I always walk in your beauty and let my eyes ever behold
the red and purple sunsets, So when life fades like the setting sun my
spirit will come to you without shame."

He took the pipe and puffed it again.  He passed the pipe and matches
around the circle starting to his left.  Tyler, Patrick, and Troy had taken
the pipe.  They had whispered into Patrick's ear what he might say and he
was then to take a puff.  Patrick did as they suggested.  Liam took the
pipe, made a prayer and each explained why they were in the sweat lodge.
Liam gave the pipe to Conner, who was vibrating with nervousness as he took
it into his hands.  The young man had the expression of absolute terror on
his face as he looked around the lodge at everyone.  Mark placed a hand on
Conner's knee to give him some physical contact and reassurance.

Liam leaned over towards Conner, "It's alright to be scared, Conner, but
you are in a circle of your brothers and friends to protect you.  None of
us would let anything happen to you."

Conner thought for a moment, and then said, "You're right, Liam, and I do
know that in my heart.  I don't want to make a mistake or do something
stupid to make you mad at me, or have the Creator mad at me."

Before anyone could say anything, Grandfather spoke.  His voice was very
clear and reverberated through everyone and everything in the lodge.
"Little one, you have such a beautiful heart and spirit the Creator has
never and would never turn his back on you.  In a family, we all make
mistakes; but we also forgive them as that is the way of the wise ones."

Conner looked over at Grandfather and smiled a weak smile.  "My father used
to get upset if we didn't do the readings right or if we did something
wrong during the service. If we did, it usually resulted in a beating when
we got home."

"Conner, we all love you," said Liam.  "We all make mistakes, it's part of
being a human and growing up."

Mark leaned over and kissed Conner's cheek.  "I love you too, Conn."

Conner now displayed more confidence and held the pipe up in front of him.
"Thank you for allowing me to meet all these people, especially Mark and
Frank.  Creator, they saved my life and continue to save my life.  Mark is
my first friend in years, and Frank took me into his home to live.  I pray
to become a better person for the future, good enough to earn the privilege
of being called brother by all these good men." The young man took a couple
of puffs from the pipe as Liam held a match to the tobacco.  He coughed a
couple of times, but then passed the pipe to Mark.  Frank gripped Conner's
shoulder with his big hand and squeezed it to give him some loving
reassurance. When Conner looked at him, he saw Frank had a big smile on his
face on a tear on his cheek.

Mark did the same as everyone else with the sacred motions of the pipe.
"Creator, thank you for saving my father's life and for letting Conner be a
part of my life as my special friend. I think if I had lost my father or
hadn't met Conner, I would not have continued my life.  I also thank you
for these men who each in their own way have done something to save me."
Mark took a couple of puffs of the sacred tobacco and handed the pipe to
his father.

Frank had a tear escape from his eye as he listened to the words of Conner
and his son.  He took the pipe from his son's hands.  Frank looked towards
Grandfather, and then averted his eyes upwards.  "You gave me a couple of
gifts more valuable than anything a man could possess.  You gave me a son,
and then the ability to understand, appreciate and reconnect with him.  You
gave me the opportunity to take in a young man as a second son.  I have
also been given a third young man as a part-time son, and I love him too.
You gave me my life back after I had been shot, and now I may share it with
my son and his friends.  I thank you, Creator, for everything you have
given me."  He took a couple of deep puffs and passed the pipe to Adam.
After handing off the pipe, he kissed Mark on the top of his head, and then
pulled Conner over to do the same to him.  He held out one hand which both
Conner and Mark grasped.  The three were holding hands as the pipe
continued its rounds.

Josh gave Zane the pipe who grasped it with both hands and raised it up to
wards the ceiling.  "Creator, I am blessed to be here to do your deeds."
He brought the pipe down and held it out.  "Creator, thank you for letting
me be able to love again; and to find a good man to share my love with.  I
can ask nothing more as I have everything I need, but I offer you whatever
I have.  Thank you."  He took a couple of puffs and passed it to Jesse.

Jesse was shaking as he took the pipe.  Zane reached out and placed his
hand on Jesse's shoulder, and gave him a light kiss on the cheek.  "I love
you, Jesse."

Jesse settled down, and turned to look at Zane.  "I love you more
infinity."  They both chuckled.

"Creator, I lost many people who I loved dearly including my husband.  I
began the journey of a man who was lost and floundering in his life.  You
guided me along a path to where I met Zane, and I found what I needed in
him and his work.  Your medicine men Jared and Liam taught me the people I
loved never leave or forget me, and they still loved me from the other
side.  Finding Zane and learning what I did on my trip, I once again have
purpose and love in my life. I thank you with all my heart for these gifts
you gave me and I pledge my allegiance to your work."  Jesse had tears
rolling down his cheeks as he took a couple more puffs from the sacred pipe
before handing it to Jared. Zane used a finger to wipe the tears from his
boyfriend's cheeks, and the he kissed him gently.

"I love you so much, Jesse," said Zane.

After Jared had finished, he handed the pipe to Grandfather.  As he
extended his hands with the pipe, he bowed his head to the senior Medicine
Man.

Grandfather took the pipe, and then smoked it deeply.  "My children and my
friend Frank, we are here as brothers in spiritualism, fellowship and love.
As the Most Sacred Medicine Man of the People, I wish to welcome Jesse,
Zane, Conner, Mark, Patrick and Adam formally to the tribe and our family.
Frank is welcomed as a friend of the family.  Every one of you here tonight
have made me very proud to be your Grandfather."  Mathew placed the pipe
back onto the antler holding rack in front of him.  He looked at Jared who
left the lodge to retrieve five large stones.  After placing them in the
fire ring, he sat down and pulled the furs and tarps to seal the door.  The
inside of the lodge was very bright from the glow of the stones, and the
temperature was rising quickly inside the structure.

The inside of the lodge was lit by the red hot stones, casting dark shadows
of each of the men against the sides of the lodge.  Mathew reached and
pulled the big hand-carved and sacred ladle out of the bucket of water,
pouring it on the red hot rock representing the west, repeating the
procedure for the rocks representing the north, east and south.  He poured
2 more ladles full on the rock in the centre representing the Grandfather.
The lodge filled with steam rapidly and completely.

Mathew smiled, "It's a good steam, my family.  This could be an interesting
night."

Jesse was watching everything going on with a mixture of interest and fear.
He reached his hand towards Zane, and grasped his hand firmly. Feeling his
boyfriend return the grasp immediately reassured Jesse, when Zane lifted
his hand to his lips and kissed it gently, Jesse was overcome with feelings
of being loved.

Adam was concentrating on the heated rocks, and watching the sparks fly off
them as the dust fell and burnt.  He closed his eyes to concentrate on the
sweat lodge and all the people who he truly loved.  The young man opened
his eyes and looked around the interior at the men.  Although he wished he
had a boyfriend for those lonely times, Adam was free of being used as a
sex object and a whipping post.  He loved the men in the lodge, and he
could feel their love in return.

Conner and Mark were both sitting wide eyed, watching everything with an
intensity Frank had never seen the two young men do before.  Frank had
listened to Mathew while he explained everything, but begin a cop... he
didn't believe most of it.  Frank accepted that Mathew truly believed what
he was saying, and he truly respected what he had been told... but his
analytical and procedural mind told him not to believe.  At the same time,
he was sure what he had seen Jared do just before he had passed out after
being shot.  Frank was going to keep an open mind on the whole thing.  He
chuckled to himself remembering how Conner and Mark had helped him figure
out the loin cloth.  Frank was conscientious about his nudity, but no one
else was, let alone his son, or sons.  He felt it was awkward at first, but
did feel better one he got the cloth wrapped around him.  This was the
skimpiest thing he had ever worn in his life, but it was comfortable and
even erotic at times the way the very soft leather rubbed his cock.  Frank
chuckled again and thought about the way he looked; he was definitely the
thorn between all these good looking men.  Thank God they were gay because
it did give him some chance with the women.

The men were sweating profusely from the heat of the rocks with the burst
of new steam being trapped inside the lodge.  It always surprised Liam at
how quick the temperature could rise in the hut.

Grandfather's voice came clearly through the steam, "The first round of the
four we will complete is for the powers and spirits of the west.  We will
be sweating once for each of the four directions, and acknowledging the
spiritual qualities brought by each.  The west or season of fall is
represented by the colour black in the sacred medicine wheel.  Young ones,
we need to look into ourselves deeply for the things we need to change as
the sun is setting.  There are two totems for the west; the beaver which
shows us how to work as a team so that we may accomplish anything we set
out to do.  The other totem is the snake which sheds its skin to remind us
we must do the same as we change to new ways."

Liam and Jared began using drums in a quick pattern of six beats, the first
two beats the loudest with the subsequent four lesser and equal.
Grandfather leaned forward and used his fingers to crush some sage and
sweet grass onto the hot rocks.  The smoke from the herbs rose to the
ceiling quickly, mixing with the steam in the lodge.  The smoke from the
sacred plants provided a safe and reassuring smell to the people of the
lodge.  Grandfather pulled out two small leather pouches from his medicine
bag.  He carefully opened one at a time and took a pinch from each and
threw it onto the rocks as well.  The two herbs he had added were known as
rat root and jimsonweed or datura.  The old man had noticed how tense the
new members of the family were and the very small amount of the herbs burnt
would allow them to relax a little.

Jared was watching the group as he drummed.  He had seen the extra herbs
grandfather had used on the rocks and approved.  There was a noticeable
difference in everyone immediately as they relaxed.  The men were all
beginning to slightly bob their heads to the drum beat.  Jared also noticed
they all felt safe enough to close their eyes as well.  Grandfather, Liam
and Jared began a simple chant and after repeating it a few times, the rest
of the group were repeating it as well.  Liam began to sing the words to
the beat which surprised Jared.  It was words and sounds to the tune he had
never heard before and from the reaction on Grandfather's face he may not
have heard it for a long time... if at all.

Liam's voice was beautiful as he continued singing the chant.  Within a
couple of minutes, the rest of the group had been drawn into the song as
well.  Jared and Grandfather could feel the power of the chant building
within the sweat lodge like they had never experienced before.  The old man
reached forward with the ladle and poured water over each stone.  The steam
brought the temperature of the lodge up rapidly making it very hot.
Grandfather looked around the lodge and saw all of the men were singing and
moving their bodies unconsciously in rhythm with the beat and the words of
the song.

The vision came very clearly to the group, all at once.  There was a river
lined with shores of trees and rocks.  Movement in the water caught
everyone's attention as three beaver swam across the river, and crawled
onto the shore.  The three looked around for a moment, and then at each
other.  It appeared the beaver nodded to each other, and then began to
chirp loudly.  The chirping caused ten more beaver to come up the river and
join them.  The group chirped loudly, and then began to knock down trees by
chewing the bases.  The vision showed them moving up the bank to an old
beaver lodge, and rebuilding it with three entrances of equal sizes.  The
vision slowly dissolved so that each man was now back in the sweat lodge.

As their focus returned to the rocks, grandfather poured more water onto
them.  The men were all sitting cross legged in the sweat lodge and as they
became more aware of their reality again, the young men were startled.  On
Mark's lap a coyote was laying and looking up at him.  Conner squawked when
he saw a fox curled up on his lap and Adam just smiled when he saw the
otter.  He had always suspected the otter was his spirit guide.

Grandfather spoke, "Mark, the coyote is your primary spirit guide.  His
qualities include being the trickster, intelligence, stealth, wisdom and
folly, guile and innocence but all in balance when you learn to use them."
The coyote sat up in Mark's lap and licked the young man's face.  He sat
there and his body quivered in anticipation until Mark looked at him and
stroked his fur.  Mark leaned his head down and nuzzled with his spirit
guide.

"Conner," continued Grandfather, "You are the fox which has cunning,
agility, quick-wit, diplomatic, some gentle qualities, the magic of
camouflage, shape-shifting and invisibility when needed. He has been a part
of you for many, many years, my grandson."

Conner was already rubbing the head of his appreciative spirit guide.  The
fox rolled over onto his side and allowed Conner to rub his tummy.  "This
is so cool."

The fox's tail was laying over Conner's leg pointed towards Mark.  A little
dark head popped up between Mark and Conner briefly before disappearing.
Similar to a periscope, the little animal had looked around to see where
his two friends were and quickly figured out how to get them playing again.
The otter playfully nipped at the foxes tail, then quickly crawled on his
belly quickly back to Adam's lap.  The fox thought the coyote had done it
and the two of them were staring at each other.

Grandfather laughed loudly before he made the sounds of a fox bark and
coyote yelp.  They both looked at him, and then at the otter.  The otter
had a "who me?" look on its face.

Jared leaned over to Grandfather, "I think we have found another one of
Liam's minor spirit guides as well."

"Adam, you have already met one of your guides as "Olly" the
salamander. He's a transitional guide to help you as you grow and face the
changes in your life.  You have another guide being the otter.  As you can
see, he is playful, friendly, dynamic, joy, helpfulness, and sharing.  He
is well suited for you, my grandson."  The otter climbed up and stood on
two legs to look directly into Adam's eyes.  The young man rubbed its head,
and then embraced it.  The otter chirped its appreciation as it licked
Adam's neck with its small tongue."

"These spirit guides reflect your personalities and strengths, my
grandchildren," said the old man.  "I'm sure as we continue the ceremony
tonight, more are going to make themselves known to us.

The three spirit guides broke free of their humans, each grunted and then
jumped through the wall of the lodge.  Frank was startled and moved as the
fox appeared to jump right by him.

Grandfather opened the door to the outside and said, "Run for the water and
jump in.  There is soap root down there."  The men filed out and ran for
the water.  Once the cool water had hit them, the chattering had started.

"Mathew, you are definitely making a believer out of me," said Frank as he
was washing himself.

"That's not my intention, Frank, but if you choose to believe that's good
too.  It is your choice, and not my forcing you."

"I once told Jared if he ever opened a church I would attend because of the
way he believed and spoke.  I am really beginning to understand who taught
him."

"Frank, we don't need to open or build a church."  Mathew gestured with
both his hands to look around, and threw his head upwards to look at the
stars in the sky.  "Who could truly build a place to give thanks, share
love and appreciate life better than what we have around us right now?"

Frank thought for a moment and then replied, "Gets a bit cold in the
winter, doesn't it?"

Mathew smiled at the man he was developing a strong friendship with.
"Keeps the sermons short."

They were both laughing when Conner, Mark and Adam attacked Frank from
under the water.  The fight was on amongst all of them, and Grandfather got
out of the water to sit on a stump at the fire.  He drank from a water
bottle and watched his grandsons having fun.

Soon enough, everyone came out of the water and stood by the fire to dry
off while drinking water.

Jesse spoke first, "Jared, I thought the day you spoke with my husband on
the other side was amazing but this blows that out of the water."  Many of
the others agreed.

Darren spoke up, "It was in a ceremony like this I spoke with my brother,
and I learned to live my life."

"I got my spirit guide here too," said Josh.  "He's a wolf, just like
Darren's as well as Tyler's and Troy's."

"Mathew, what was the vision about the beaver?  I mean, did everyone see
it?" asked Frank.

The group all replied yes.  Grandfather nodded to Liam to answer.  "The
beaver is totem of the west and showed us to be successful we must work
together.  A project will only be concluded by us coming together as a
team."  He turned to Jesse and Zane, "Did you guys figure out the building
with three entrances?"

Zane smiled and nodded, but looked at Jesse before answering.  Jesse
thought for a moment more before the 'light bulb' clicked on.  "The project
we are building for the new law office, ambulance base, and drop-in centre
with food bank and shelter accommodations downtown."

Liam smiled and nodded as he said, "We have been given a blessing on our
project and a reminder to keep everyone involved in it."

All Jesse could say was, "Wow."

***************************************** North and East:

The men drank more water as Jared and Liam prepared the lodge for the
second sweat.  Soon enough, Grandfather gave them the word and they all
went inside to the same places as before.  The second round was held for
the qualities of the north.  The great white buffalo lives in the north and
emphasizes courage, endurance and honesty.  Grandfather had once again
created a significant amount of steam in the shelter and placed his herbs
on the hot rocks as well.

During this round, Grandfather chanted briefly before he would speak.
Grandfather started with Liam and proceeded to tell each man in the lodge
how they had made him proud by following each of the three qualities.  He
had commented on each of the young men, leaving Frank for last.

"My new friend, Frank, you thought that I would say nothing about you when
I skipped over you earlier."

Frank looked at the ground for a moment and then into Grandfather's
eyes. "I must be honest, Mathew, and say I was both relieved but
disappointed in being skipped over."

Mathew laughed, "Which is why the honesty part need not be
discussed. Frank, you have shown courage many times in your job of
protecting others.  This courage is admirable, but does not set you apart
from many others in the same role."

Frank looked confused.

"The courage which is admired in you is this: the love for your son, the
courage to love your son the way he is, to adopt another son, and to love
him the way he is.  Your courage includes your loving both of them and not
to hide it behind closed doors. You have the courage to come to a weekend
like this and to call all of these men your friends and professional
colleagues in spite of what the vocal opinionated minority thinks of their
sexual orientation. You have the courage to accept these men not as faggots
or gay, but as the people who earned your respect just being
themselves. You have courage to deal with people like Officer Newberry and
you have courage to do the right thing, without thought of yourself."

Frank thought for a moment before replying.  "Thank you.  I truly
appreciate what all of you have done for me and for my sons as well."

"It's time to rinse off and drink water," said Grandfather.

The group left the lodge and once again jumped into the river.  The third
round was completed and celebrated the qualities of the new day, new life
and wisdom from the east.

***************************************** South:

Grandfather spoke, "This is the final round and it is for the south.  The
power of the south is in spiritualism and healing."  The men all moved back
into the lodge and took their places.  Grandfather brought the heated rocks
to the lodge this time and placed them in the sacred ring.  He placed eight
red hot rocks before leaning the shovel against a nearby tree.  After
grandfather was finished, he crawled into the lodge and pulled the tarp and
furs closed.  "I am now turning this over to Jared and Liam."

Jared added the sacred herbs along with a full twist of sweetgrass and a
twig of cedar.  The lodge was filling with a sweet smoke when Jared poured
water onto the rocks, instantly blending with the smoke and creating a
warm, sweet atmosphere.  The temperature was climbing rapidly as Jared
completed a second pour of water.

Darren leaned over to Josh and kissed the top his head.  "This could be a
good one the way they are building the steam."

Josh kissed the back of Darren's hand, and placed it onto his heart.
"Being here with you, I'll face anything."

Tyler and Troy were watching with interest as well.  The two of them were
already partially transitioned into the next world and could sense the
approach of other spirits to the lodge.

Frank was sweating profusely and thinking deeply when he heard growling
like wolves.  He looked up and immediately noted that Tyler, Troy, Darren
and Josh were snarling like wolves including having their teeth gritted and
lips pulled back.  The thing which caught his attention was all their eyes
were bright white... just like Jared's had been when he was shot at the
bank.

Jared barked a command in some language Frank didn't understand, and the
four men settled down.

Liam spoke, "We need use all the qualities we have gained so far in this
sweat from the west, the north and the east for us to grow as people and to
mature in the way we see and deal with things.  This leads into the healing
of the heart and spirit."

"Frank, it's time to answer the questions you have tried to ask us, but we
have been side stepping," said Liam.  "Everything you have been told about
us being shamans is true as is all the powers and gifts we spoke of in this
lodge.  My eyes, Jared's, Grandfather, and everyone's eyes glow white when
we are using the gifts the Creator gave us.  Jared was using his gifts to
heal you when you saw his eyes glowing.  Your path of life had been blocked
or altered by the shadow one when it was meant to go on for a long time.
You were healed to ensure your journey continued and to help people live
their lives."

Frank sat there with his mouth hanging open at what he was seeing and
hearing.

Jared continued, "You're an important man, Frank, because of two people.
You need to be a father and mentor to Mark and Conner for many years to
come.  I cannot tell you what will happen, but they need your integrity,
honesty, courage and all the skills you have as a good person to be taught
to them so they may move forward in their lives.  They will be successful
in their lives, and they will make you proud; they will even have an
influence on someone who will have an impact upon the world."

Frank was looking at his sons, and they were focused on Jared.  "How do you
know?"  Frank looked at Jared.

Frank was startled when he actually saw Jared's eyes, a piercing and
glowing white.  They pierced the steam and the smoke within the lodge and
he was also sure Jared's body had a glow to it as well.  When he looked
around the lodge, there were white eyes glowing in the men he called
friends.

"Have no fear, Frank," said Grandfather.  "The colour of white is absolute
purity in heart, mind, spirit, and love.  The gifts we have been given is
much like what you do as a policeman.  In the beginning, the Creator gave
gifts to a member of each of the original tribes.  Throughout the ages, the
gifts have been passed on through grandchildren.  Jared and I are shaman of
the forests, Adam will be the shaman of the plains when his training is
finished, and Liam is the shaman of the lost tribe.  He is the keeper of
the original knowledge, and the Creator guided him to us for protection
until his training was complete."

Frank was looking around, and not sure what to believe.  This was a lot to
digest.  "Are you gods?"

Liam answered quickly. "No, Frank.  We are not gods and we are not angels
either.  Like we said, we are sort of like you as a policeman who is trying
to help people.  We are trying to heal people or help them walk the path
they were intended to walk.  We are messengers."

Conner spoke up and startled Frank.  "Jared, may I make a request of you?"

Jared looked at the young man, "Of course you can, Conner."

Conner suddenly looked afraid.  "I'm sorry, Jared. Damn, I did it again.
Am I supposed to call you a special name in the ceremony?  I mean, I'm
sorry if I offended you."

Jared leaned forward and took one of Conner's hands into his.  "I'm Jared
to you, and I will always be Jared to you.  You will always be my little
brother Conner.  Many of the new faiths like the one you came from get hung
up on titles and positions and believe they are important.  There are very
few times we will ever use our full titles, and if we do use them... we
will tell you beforehand.  Little brother, what is your request?"

Conner just blurted it out, "Jared, can you fix Frank's neck?  He covers it
up well, but he is so sore by the end of the night before he goes to bed he
can hardly move."

"Of all the things you could have asked for, you're making this request for
Frank?" asked Liam.

"He has given me so much, and I have nothing to give him in return.  I
thought if I asked you it might happen because he would never ask for
himself."

Frank reached over and pulled the young man and Mark into a hug.  "It's ok
Liam, I have all I need here."

Liam looked upwards, and when he lowered his head his eyes were glowing.
He reached out and touched Franks knee.  Frank felt a warmth travel up his
leg, through his hip and up his back to his neck.  Franks neck felt warm,
warm from the inside not the outside like when a heating pad was used.  The
heat died away, and there was no more pain.  Liam sat back, his eyes having
returned to normal.

"Frank, a young man pure of heart made a request on behalf of a friend in
need who would never ask anything for himself."  Liam paused for a second
and then added, "Do you think I'm stupid not to ask for it to be granted?"
He started laughing.

The four men began to snarl again, and Jared again said something.

Liam spoke again, "I want everyone to be ready for this, but spirit guides
for Jesse and Zane have been outside a couple of times, and the scent they
are giving off is bothering the wolves of our tribe.  When I ask, they will
come in and introduce themselves while allowing their scents to bond with
everyone's spirit guides."

Jared called out something, and two large cougars bounded in through the
lodge walls from each side.  Frank and the boys all jumped.  They both sat
on their haunches, and then lay down with their heads on Jesse and Zane's
laps.  Slowly, Jesse reached up and touched it's fur between the ears.  The
cat pushed its head up to encourage him to rub his head harder.  The cougar
also began to purr.

The four wolves were sniffing the air, picking up the scent, and then the
men settled down again.

Grandfather spoke up, "Jesse, Zane... the cougar is representative of
leadership, loyalty, courage, taking responsibility, and foresight.  All
skills you display on a regular basis.  I also sense a second spiritual
guide for the two of you but its not the right time yet."

Everyone was saying, "Way cool", or "Man, those are great guides", or
"Lucky."  Even Frank had reached over and was petting one of the cougars.

Liam continued, "The spirit guide's qualities you two share in this world
are formidable alone, let alone together.  When you take two sets of these
qualities working together with the bonds of love, I would never want to be
on the receiving end of your negative attention even as a powerful shaman."

"Liam, we are all brothers here," started Zane.

"...and although brothers will scrap and have differences of opinion..."
continued Jesse.

"...they would never turn on each other..." Zane added.  Both Zane and
Jesse were looking at each other in amazement, and awe.

Jesse finished the thought, "...when we are stronger together than
separate."

Grandfather spoke, "Molly and Jack had noticed you two finishing each
other's sentences when they were last here; now they are going to be
shocked at you two finishing each other's thoughts now as well.  But," the
old man raised his hands up and spread them with the palms upward, "when
you two were placed on each other's path to meet, it was known this would
happen."

Jesse and Zane turned to look at Grandfather.

"Yes, you two were guided to meet by the Creator.  He wanted you two to
meet and grow together while healing each other.  You two developing a
relationship just makes your ability to serve stronger."

"We were set up?" asked Jesse.

"You were guided to each other, and you chose what the paths would be.  The
Creator put you two together with a purpose and a potential outcome.  You
chose the path, and made the outcome a reality.  You each had personal
control at all times to change your paths, but you followed your heart,
soul and the spirit guides' qualities to the mutual choice of a good path."

Jesse and Zane sat and looked at each other.  "If you finish my thoughts
all the time..." started Jesse.

"...I will bitch slap you so bad," finished Zane.  The two of them reached
to each other for a kiss and hug.

"It is something you will both learn to control, to turn on and off," said
Grandfather.  The old man smiled before continuing, "Or you will end up
annoying the hell out of me and still getting bitch slapped."

The group laughed.

"Mathew," stated Frank.  "I am now 100 percent a believer.  I am sitting
here petting a cougar, and not a two-legged type." The cougar rolled over
and allowed Mark and Conner to rub its belly while Zane rubbed its head.

Liam looked at Patrick who had been very, very quiet throughout the
ceremony.  That in itself was very uncharacteristic of him.  He had managed
to stick to Tyler and Troy, and below the vision of everyone.

"Patrick," started Liam. "You have briefly met both Kâkwa and
Misiminôs or the porcupine and lynx. It's time to be yourself, and trust
that it's safe to be who you are. The focus of the porcupine is on faith
and trust and you understanding and knowing that you can move mountains
with these powers."

Jared continued the explanation, "You will know things are not exactly what
they appear to be. You will be able to peel back the layers of deception
and see things for what they really are. Look through, rather than right
at, the object of your attention. Trust this cat to let you see the truth
of the matter.  We will teach you, little brother."

The lynx had come in through the lodge wall and was sitting next to
Patrick.  The young man had not seen the spirit guide enter the lodge nor
did he hear him.  Patrick turned his head and jumped when he saw the
animal.  Slowly, with a shaking hand extended, he touched the fur.
Carefully, he stroked the neck, head and then ear of the animal.  This
animal was long and lean, perfect for his role.  The animal was
approximately 38" long and 40lbs in weight... but was 100% muscle and
lethal fighting machine.  Liam thought of the animal's ferocity as similar
to wrestling a chainsaw at full throttle.

Tyler and Troy began to stroke the animal as well.

"Max," said Patrick out loud.  "I can't remember the other name, but Max is
part of it combined with lynx."

Liam spoke, "I know you're speaking with your guide, Patrick, but just
think the words.  Imagine you walk into a room and its just you and Max.
Think the words you wish to say to him, and he will answer."

Patrick smiled, and then stared off into space for a moment, before saying,
"That works.  Sorry, he likes the name Max because I can't remember
Misi-whatever but I can lynx.  I combined them and he likes his name."

Grandfather spoke, "Patrick, this animal will never be far from you but you
need to understand something."

The young man looked up, "What's that?"

"You are another one of the messengers who has been given the ancient
knowledge of the original tribes.  We need to teach, train and protect you
until you understand what that means."

Patrick was staring at his spirit animal, "I will do what is required of
me, Most Sacred Medicine Man and Shaman of the People, most respected elder
in the tribal counsel for the entire western region and favoured one of the
Great White Buffalo."

Grandfather smiled and said, "And the old knowledge has begun to make
itself known."

The lodge was quiet for a moment.  The cougars gave each of their humans a
lick up the side of the head, they coughed at the four men with the wolves
as spirit guides, and then jumped out through the walls to the outside.
After head butting Patrick as a sign of affection, as well as marking the
young man with his scent glands along his neck - the Lynx gave a cross
between a yowl and a meow before it jumped through the wall of the shelter
as well.

"Adam, the Creator sent a message for you," said Grandfather.  "Your main
spirit guide is waiting for you to complete the vigil or vision quest.  It
will be revealed to you that night, and it is becoming very excited to bond
with you, Adam."

"Thank you, Grandfather," replied Adam.

"You should realize by now that you are a special person, Adam.  Your
spirit guides have been imprinting themselves on your mind and body with
their qualities since your birth.  You have fought them at times, Adam, but
they usually managed to win and keep you alive... even through all the
times you tried to kill yourself."

Adam sat rigidly upright and still, the only thing moving was the tears
which were escaping his eyes to crawl down his cheeks.  Conner and Mark
moved themselves to be in physical contact with Adam.

"Adam, your time for healing the spirit has begun, and will finish during
the vigil or the vision quest you will undergo.  You have been wrestling
with demons from the shadow world for many years grandson, and your spirit
guides have helped you.  They have been waiting for you to reach a stage in
your development to begin the training.  You are there now, Adam."

"The physical and spiritual pain was a test?" asked Adam with anger.

"No, Adam.  You were consciously choosing the wrong paths, the easy paths,
and the safe path of subservience."

Adam was yelling now, "All those beatings and the pain my body was
subjected to was easier?  What the fuck was it easier than?"

Olly suddenly appeared across Adam's shoulders, tightly holding onto his
human's neck.

Grandfather smiled at the young man's anger, "Easier than doing anything on
your own.  You chose the paths you took, and after some time, you chose the
path to leave by.  You were always in control."

Adam's temper was coming to the surface even more.  Jared, Liam and the
rest were getting quite nervous and concerned about what the young man
would do next.

Grandfather saw his opportunity and he brought his hands up quickly and
thrust them forward.  A white ball of light flew out his hands and hit Adam
in the chest above the heart.  The young man raised his eyes upward and
screamed loudly.  The scream sent shivers down the spine of every person in
the lodge.  Jared was dropping more sacred herbs onto the heated rocks
while Liam poured more water.  The steam and smoke mixed, and headed
straight to Adam.  Grandfather hit the young man with another orb in the
middle of his chest, causing him to scream again.

Grandfather raised the sacred pipe and chanted a phrase loudly, he lit the
pipe and took a deep puff.  The old man leaned over the heated rocks and
blew the smoke into the young man's face as he breathed in.  He began to
cough aggressively, until a very dark shadow came out of his mouth in a
flowing, cloudlike mass.  Grandfather immediately acted, and captured it
inside a pure white orb.

The old man raised his hand up with an orb with the shadow trapped inside
of it.  He locked his eyes on it directly and said, "Did you really think
yourself so smart as to hide deeply inside of my grandson where I wouldn't
see your influences on him?"

When the shadow left him, Adam had crumpled.  He was caught by Conner and
Mark before he hit the ground.  Adam was shaking his head and regaining
control of himself.

Grandfather looked at the shadow, and then spoke.  "Adam, this one was
hiding deep inside you.  It was well fed by insecurity, and in turn it
created envy, jealousy, animosity and anger.  Adam, I knew you would never
speak to me the way it did in this sacred place, but it forgot where it was
and enabled me to remove the shadow from you once it exposed its location."

"Thank you, Grandfather.  I feel... so... different now."

Grandfather took the orb and smashed into the heated rocks.  It exploded in
white light, and as the scream of the dying shadow finished, it was gone.

"Adam, these are your brothers and you are all linked now as family. You
are not alone, and you are safe and loved with this family.  Your
grandfather Tom and I also love you, grandson."

Adam tried to look strong as he replied, "Thank you, grandfather Mathew."

Grandfather's eye turned very bright white as he raised his hands, palms up
to the sky, "Nimanitôm, I beg your blessing of my grandson's tribe and
grant them all the protection of the great bear spirt to watch over them."

Almost immediately the lodge shook as a very loud growl from a bear was
heard.  The only one who didn't jump at the sound was Grandfather, who
simply lowered his hands and bowed his head.

Jared spoke up now, "It's time for everyone to depart the lodge and rinse
off the final sweat or skin of the snake and allow us to grow in what we
have learned. Before we leave, I offer this prayer:

Mother Earth, Thank you for your beauty, And for all you have given me.
Remind me never to take from you more then I need, And remind me to always
give back more than I take.  Peace be with you all, brothers."

***************************************** Aftermath:

The men all filed out of the lodge and headed into the river to swim and
wash off.  This time, as they headed towards the water, Tyler and Troy
stripped their loin cloths off and threw them onto the bank.  The rest of
the men took theirs off without hesitation except for Frank and Mathew.
Even Patrick without thinking had shed his as well. The two older men
walked into the river and washed themselves while they laughed at hijinks
of the others.

"Mathew, I have never seen my son so full of life as since he has joined
this family."

"Frank, they are all like that after they join the family.  Their personal
chemistry gathers together like a mixing pot and they begin to act as one.
That goes for the mischievousness, too."

"That I have seen that many times, Mathew.  Look at them now."

The two men looked over at the group and they were all chicken fighting in
the water.  No one could tell who the teams were nor could either of them
tell who Adam was supporting as he was attacking everyone equally.  There
was laughter and screams of joy as they pushed each other into the water.
As they were watching, Darren stood up with Jesse on his shoulders, and
Zane on Jesse's shoulders.  Zane was laughing so hard he almost fell off.
Tyler, Troy and Josh tried it, but no one else could bear the weight of two
men on their shoulders.  Darren was yelling something about fire fighters
rule.  The whole mass of people ended up in the water, laughing and
squawking like young children.

Frank shook his head, but he had a big smile on his face.  "Mathew, the
love and respect they have for each other just radiates off of them and I
swear I can feel it at times, like now."

"You can always feel it, Frank, if you are open to its reception, and it is
a real thing."

The guys had all moved from the water to the shore and started to dry off.

"Helicopter time," yelled Troy.

Frank looked at Mathew and mouthed the word, "Helicopter?"

"Just watch, Frank, and you will soon know."

When Frank looked over at the group, they were all rolling their hips in a
circular motion.  This action caused their flaccid cocks to spin in a
circle, like a propeller or helicopter rotor.  Frank started to laugh out
loud.

"Mathew, I didn't make the connection.  We used to do that in the showers
after hockey games or during basic training all the time."

"Why didn't you make the connection?  Did you call it something else?"

"No, we called it the same thing.  I just didn't think gay guys would do it
too."

"Are they not the same mentally, spiritually and physically the same as
anyone else?  They have red blood and love others the same as anyone."

Frank's shoulders dropped as he hung his head.  "I'm sorry, Mathew, that
came out wrong."

Mathew put his hand on the large man's shoulder.  "Frank, you have come a
long way in a short time.  It does take time, and I know you don't mean it
in your heart.  It takes time to learn."

"You're right, Mathew."

"You are trying so hard and accomplishing so much, Frank, and those actions
have earned my friendship and respect."  Mathew stood straight, and gave a
deep bow to Frank.  Frank had no clue what to say or do.  He looked over
and saw all the younger men had stopped their actions and they too were
giving a deep bow.

Frank heard a "psst" from Mathew.  The old man said very quietly, "You
accept by giving a slight bow back or we stay like this until the Creator
calls us into the next world.  My back is 98 years old so hurry up."

Frank laughed as he bowed back to Mathew, who finally stood straight.  The
rest of the men also stood.

Frank called over, "What were you guys doing?"

Jared replied quickly, "When the Most Sacred Medicine Man and Shaman of the
People, the Most Elder of the People, the most respected Elder in the
tribal counsel of the entire western region, and the primary messenger of
the Sacred White Buffalo the Creator bows to someone out of respect,
everyone does."

Frank stood in shock when Jared revealed the ties and titles of Mathew.

Frank was surprised.  "I'm sorry, Mathew, I didn't mean to offend you."

"You didn't, but now you know you have the respect of an old man, and all
his grandchildren.  Respect is not easily earned or given Frank, but you
have it."

"Thank you, Mathew."

"You guys finish your helicopter activity and see if you can get the little
toy planes over there to stretch out longer a bit.  They don't seem to be
moving much air," said Mathew as he pointed at Darren and Tyler.  The group
started laughing and twirling.  Darren and Tyler stuck their tongues out at
Grandfather and then told everyone else to look out for the turbo props
coming in for a landing.

Frank and Mathew said their good nights, and headed up to the cabin for
bed.

As they were walking up to the cabin, Frank asked a question he had on his
mind.

"Mathew, I never thought I would see my son running around naked, having
fun like this.  I mean, they just appear to grasp nudity as easily as a
duck in water."

"Frank, they are happy and accept the skin they have, something many people
have a problem accepting.  The other thing to consider is when you are
naked, you have nothing to hide behind and they have nothing to hide from
each other. What you see is what you get from them, Frank."

"Can I do this again sometime, Mathew?  Right now, I feel so good and I
don't mean just happy.  Deep inside me, I feel better tonight than I have
for a long time.  I feel good."

"Frank, my friend, you may participate in a sweat anytime and you may also
come to visit anytime you need me or if you just want to have a coffee with
a friend."

"I enjoy our talks, Mathew.  Are you sure I wouldn't be an inconvenience to
you?"

"Frank, I live here alone except when I have my grandsons visiting or I'm
visiting them.  I do some traveling locally, but I'm never far. I would
enjoy having visits with you."

"Are you really 98 years old, Mathew?"

"Yes I am Frank, and you can use a chainsaw to cut me and count the growth
rings."  Frank looked concerned, and Grandfather had a puzzled look on his
face.  "Just a minute, Frank, I get humans mixed up with trees all the
time.  You count rings on a tree, right?"

Frank looked at him and said, "Yes."

"Ok, then it must be humans you ask how old they are and they will tell
you."  Mathew leaned over, elbowed Frank slightly and whispered, "98.  Is
that good enough?"

Frank was laughing hard by now. "I hope I have half of your faculties when
I am 60."

"That would make me 110 and missing half my faculties because you took
them.  Some friend you are taking half my faculties."

Frank's eyes were watering from laughing.  "Matt, I really understand how
and why Jared is the way he is.  Please never change."

"I'll try not to, but it's not in my hands, Frank.  Have a good night, my
friend," said grandfather as he headed down to his bedroom.

"Good night, Mathew."

*****************************************

Patrick had been enjoying himself when he suddenly realized he was naked,
and so was everyone else.  He's never seen any of his friends naked before,
but he had imagined it a few times.  The young man's hands moved slowly to
cover his half-hardening cock.  Quietly he tried to moved backwards into
the water to hide until his dick went down.

Conner came out of nowhere and tackled him, and Mark was on top of him as
well.  Adam wasn't far behind.  This time Patrick wouldn't wrestle, and was
acting strange towards his friends by avoiding them, and bent forward.

Conner stood in front of Patrick and grabbed both of his shoulders.
"Patrick, what do you think of this nudity?  I mean the first time Mark and
I..." As he repeated the story of them going naked the first time and the
problem they had with being hard all the time, and trying not to look at
Jared or Liam.

Patrick listened and was thinking when Adam moved next to Conner with a
towel for him to wrap around himself.

"I'm sorry, Patrick, we really do a lot natural activities and we forget
about the new guys with us.  We didn't mean to make you feel
uncomfortable," said Adam.

Patrick looked down at the water for a moment.  Then he spoke, "Guess its
too late to stop now," as he moved his hands and attacked Conner. Patrick
had made an impression as a shower, not a grower.  Obviously, he was uncut
and about 6" long on a very large set of low hanging balls.  The thickness
was what really caught the men's attention and it appeared to be thicker
than a tube of toothpaste.  He had a light covering of blond and very fine
hair above the piece of man meat.  Man or woman, this young guy would be
making someone very happy as he used that dick of his.

Tyler, Troy, Liam and Jared were watching the young men, and figured it out
fairly quickly.  When Patrick started wrestling with everyone... they knew
it was going to be ok.

Tyler elbowed Troy, "You see the equipment on that kid? I'm impressed."

Troy was nodding, "I suspected he was packing but wow."

Liam shook his head, "It has to be enhanced.  What the hell have you been
feeding that kid, Tyler?  Steroids?"

Jared looked at his boyfriend and then to Troy, "Whatever it is, can I get
some it to feed to Liam?"

The fight was on as Liam did a screaming tackle of the group.

*****************************************

After breakfast the next day, the group helped grandfather gather and split
some wood for the cabin.  They fixed lunch as group and after cleaning up,
headed out for home.  Grandfather had read some signs in the sky and
decided the spirit quest should be in two weeks instead of the following
weekend.