***Chapter 5
****
Eta looked up as the Shaman walked into his tent a few nights later. "Shaman, is there a problem?"
"I went to carry messages to Star's Fire's people." He sat down, looking at the boys. "They were pleased to hear it was a mate hunting team, not one causing a problem. Sata had sent back a message already with one that had shown up who we didn't catch." That got a nod from Star's Fire. "They seemed to think it was a good pairing for you when we told them about Eta. Your shaman was very pleased." Star's Fire smiled. "He did think we should keep Sata as well since he seemed to be comfortable here and there he'd have to take an elder's position soon. During the visit they called your mother down to talk to her as well. Your father is not wholly pleased."
"He and Tapa are a lot alike," he agreed quietly. "My mother?"
"Wishes to meet him when you bring your wife home to meet your tribe. They agreed that you and Sata could both stay here if you wanted or you could bring Eta home. They didn't care either way." He smiled at Eta. "Though I believe we'd have to send Maris with you." He patted the boys on the head. "Your month is over in another seven-day and a half. Try to make a decision soon so we can do some hunting for the bridal dinner." He stood up and left them alone, going to talk to the elder about what he had seen and about what he had seen when he talked to the tribe to the south who had been causing problems. "Star's Fire's people are very nice."
"Good," Leader's wife said. "Do they accept his marriage?"
"They do. They said it would be fine to bring Eta home or to stay here. Sata as well since they say he'd be taking an elder's job soon." Sata walked in. "I thought your brother might've told you."
"I heard my name mentioned. Which elder died?"
"Your senior hunter was badly injured by a bear. It got one of his legs so badly they weren't sure he'd keep it. I stayed long enough to help with the infection since your shaman is young and barely trained." That got a nod and Sata sat down. "They said they did not mind if you and Star's Fire stayed here or came home. They knew you didn't feel ready for an elder's job yet."
"No, I'm not." He shifted. "Will he live?"
"He will but the senior hunter's job is open if you wanted it."
Sata thought then shook his head. "No. I would do good but our group is too young and full of hunters who need time to lengthen their tempers. That would lead to more conflict. Tapa would like that but I wouldn't."
"It's a wise decision," Leader agreed. Sata smiled. "You're most welcome to stay, Sata. We like you. You have sense and keep your brother's wife from bouncing us into sickness when he fusses."
Sata laughed. "I think Star's Fire will learn that lesson quickly. He seems like a very tolerant husband so far." He looked at the shaman. "Is there other news?"
"Your father's views were much like your youngest brother's."
"As usual."
"Your mother does want to meet Eta when you bring him to introduce him."
"That would be fine. I think Mother will like him, if only because he's a very good cook and he does fuss over Star's Fire. He gets into trouble when he's left alone."
"Is that why Toler stole him?" Leader's wife teased.
Sata nodded. "He once pouted himself out of being kidnaped." She laughed, shaking her head. "Star's Fire is just like that. That's why we were sure it was because of mating. Father was the one who argued it was for a different reason. No one who knows Star's Fire will keep him when he pouts."
"Eta too," the shaman told him. "He slept with another hunter to get out of it once." He patted him on the arm. "I stopped in to see the tribe we had to steal our people back from. They did remove their leader. His family banished him." That got a smirk of delight from their leader. "They sent him further south instead of this way so he couldn't pretend to be with them to cause problems. They did apologize and did say that they're not claiming that area in their hunting grounds. Though they do want the berry patches. I gave them some of the ones I took from Eta's stores to nibble on. They agreed we could share those since they don't know how he does it either." Sata laughed. "They were upset that so many of their women left but decided it was their own fault so they won't try to steal them back. The one that is with child is not going to be taken by her mate either. Apparently she wasn't happy with him and wanted to kill him to get free. They said it's better that she didn't have to. Their things will be here later this week." That got another nod. "They know we'll treat them well so no one minded."
"Good. Any other problems you saw?"
"The tribe to the north of Sata's camp is having a snow sickness. One showed up to talk to their shaman about some herbs for it. I only knew a few but I told them who had trained me and where he was. I escorted him up there to talk to them actually with that shaman since he could use some more herb training. He knew what to do and how to help them. We need to make sure we don't get the same thing."
"Do we have the herbs?" Sata asked.
"Your people do know what to do if it comes. As do I. I do have the herbs but a few are in short supply. I'll be borrowing some of the young hunters and Maris to gather some for me."
"Is that wise to encourage her?" Leader asked.
"She's better than most of our hunters."
"We've noticed she's like the female version of her father," his wife agreed.
"True. She'll be a good and happy mother as long as she likes and respects her mate." He looked at Sata. "There was a young one there that looked a lot like you."
"My cousin, Morate."
"He seemed her age."
"He has views like Tapa now and then. I'd have to beat sense into him first. There's a few I could introduce her to. They're shaping up well. One's in the original village but his mother would not mind." He smiled. "She might like having a daughter-in-law who could hunt the mice that get into her meat stores." He stood up. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Your mother is expecting you to bring him home next month, after the first good snow to make sure it won't be too bad."
"I can plan that." He walked out to tell his brothers. He pointed Tapa to the tent, making him walk that way. He walked in and sat down. "Mother said to bring him home next month, after the first real snow to make sure it won't be that bad."
Star's Fire blushed. "The shaman said she didn't mind."
"She's probably excited that this time's problem is keeping you," Tapa said. Eta glared so he calmed down.
Sata looked at him. "We'll be bringing Maris with us." He looked at Eta. "The shaman thinks there's a few up there who could be good for her. Including our younger cousin, Morate."
Star's Fire shook his head. "He's not good enough for her."
"I know I can beat sense into him," Sata assured him. "If not, I can think of four or five of the ones who're about to hit manhood age who might do very well with her. That way she has someone she learns to respect and like instead of having a month to make that decision."
"When she's of age, she'd probably ride up and capture him herself then ride off with him," Eta said with a grin.
"I have no doubt she'd be good at it." He smiled back then looked at his brother. "Hogar got injured by a bear."
"How badly?" he asked, shifting closer to him. "Is he dead? Will you have to go back early?"
"One leg is seriously injured. They weren't sure he'd keep it. The shaman here stayed to help with his treatment. Plus to help with the one who came for advice about snow sickness." That got a shudder. "He took them and ours to the shaman that trained him for herb advice. Ours is barely out of training so it can only help him more. I was offered Lead Hunter."
"Do you want it?" Tapa asked.
Sata shook his head. "I'm too young. I'd have to ride out into battle with some of the hunters we have who have such short tempers. He said the elders weren't sure I'd take it and told him if so, there was no problem staying here."
Eta nodded. "Of course not. You'd be welcome in our tent anytime, Sata."
"Thank you." He looked at his youngest brother. "Father was the only one upset with this marriage. So when we bring him back to introduce him, you distract Father."
"Yes, Brother."
"Thank you." He looked at Eta again then at his brother. "Toler sent you a present. I put it under your pillow."
"I found it already," he said with a blush.
"Good!" He smiled, standing up. "I'll let him explain those things to you. We'll see you in the morning."
Tapa stood up. "I think you should take the position. You've earned it."
"I'm too young to be an elder," Sata said firmly. "I don't know enough and I don't have the experience to make tribe-wide decisions. I'd end up starting conflicts and that's not good for the tribe. Our elders agreed since they knew I wouldn't want it yet." He smiled at his little brother. "I'm not offended by it. They know my strengths very well since half of them taught me." He walked out. "Tapa, come on. I'll make dinner."
"I'll make dinner," Maris yelled from her tent. "That way you don't have to poison yourself."
"Thank you, niece." She giggled, letting him walk that way. "Tapa!"
"Coming." He looked at Star's Fire. "You should convince him."
"It's an honor but if he thinks he's not ready then that's his decision. It is a big responsibility. I wouldn't want it." Tapa stomped off. He sighed. "He needs to finish growing up."
Eta pulled him closer to hold. "Sata knows his heart and mind. If he feels he isn't ready he'd probably end up making those mistakes he's worried about. The same as some day I'll have to make that decision." Star's Fire looked at him. "I'm one of the senior hunters. Even at my age."
"You've both proven your worth to your natal tribe," he agreed. "I'm not bad but I don't ride second on a hunting team yet." He smiled. "I'll ride with yours?"
"We'll end up letting Toler split some of mine to make his own hunting team. It's about time he had his own. During this he's proven he's good at it. That would leave room on my hunting team and his, you could probably be on either one." He took a kiss and smiled. "This means you can go over that book without your brothers picking on you."
"Sata warned me to learn what I needed to or he'd provide a practical demonstration soon," he teased back.
"Not on me."
"No, not on you." He took another kiss. "You're a very good mate but I need to eat after our snuck hunt earlier."
"I think the rabbit stew should nearly be done," he said, looking at the pot. "Stir it for me." He moved to do that while Eta fished out the roots from their baking in the ashes. They were done so he settled down to eat with his husband. Then maybe he could explain the way of things to him. Because Eta was nearly desperate to have his mate now. Star's Fire respected him, had learned to like him. Hopefully he would learn to like his touch and soon. It had been too long since he had someone understanding touch him.
***
Star's Fire helped clean up after diner then settled in to look at the book, Eta looking suspiciously in any direction but at him. "How hard is it to change over?"
Eta shrugged. "They made me fuzzy headed to have children," he reminded him.
"Oh." He shifted closer to the fire, eventually making it go higher so he could look at the pictures easier. "Um...."
Eta laughed, coming over to look at him. "Not our best paintings." He pointed at something. "That's a second figure, not a piece of meat."
"I thought it should be." He leaned closer to the fire. "Maybe tomorrow when it's not dark," he decided, putting it under his pillow again. Eta just grinned. "I'll learn it eventually."
"I know you will. Or I could show you." He took a kiss, making him moan. "That is only the first step."
"It's one I can appreciate." Maris came stomping in. "Maris." Eta pulled back to look at his daughter. "Is there a problem?"
"My second father is dumber than birds and fish. He's even dumber than the stupid biting bugs. He's even dumber than the snow that sticks around after it gets too warm for it because it's in a pile from us moving it."
"Why?" Eta asked.
"He thinks I should take Sata."
"He's older than I am."
"He said that doesn't matter." She sat down, hugging her father. "I'm sorry to interrupt, Star's Fire."
"It's not a problem. You're too young anyway."
"I pointed that out. Mother did too. He's not listening."
"Has he been in the fermented berries and honey again?" Eta demanded. She nodded. "He needs to wander out into the woods when he's like that." He gave her a hug. "You're not old enough to even think about marrying. You haven't reached womanhood yet. There's no way you're ready." She looked up at him. "When I get out of here, I'll talk to him about it."
"He says he's my father, not you."
"Really? I don't remember him being on the pillows that night," he said dryly. Maris' mother stomped in. "Did you send him screaming into the woods in fear?"
"I'm about to." She sat down and pulled her daughter closer. "The elder told him you're too young, Sata's too old for you, and you're not ready yet."
"He's stupid."
"He is," she agreed.
Eta sighed, shaking his head. "It's the drinking."
"I know," Maris agreed. She glared at the tent opening when someone opened it. "You can come calm me down too since my father wants me to marry your older brother, Tapa."
"He's just pounced Sata and got himself knocked out within minutes. The leader wants your family there."
Eta got up, pulling his daughter up. "I can do better than knocking him out." He walked her that way, Star's Fire and her mother following. He walked into the Leader's tent, kicking her second-father on the side, making him moan. "Maris is *my* daughter, not yours," he said firmly. "Everyone knows that."
"You shamed her mother!" he slurred. "We're married!"
"She volunteered because you're pathetic." He got up and took a swing. Eta knocked him back down. "It's clear why your sons have to have extra hunting lessons whereas even my daughter is a good one."
"Enough," the shaman said. "He is not in his right mind."
"I can send him to talk to the spirits," Sata offered. "They can get him right before passing him on."
"No, we will not do that," Maris' mother complained. "Or I'll do it myself. I'm sorry he insulted you that way, Sata. I know you're too old for her and she sees you as an uncle, not as a future husband." He relaxed and nodded. She looked at her husband. "You're the one who wanted me to volunteer to have Eta's daughter. Which I don't mind. He's taken very good care of all of us because of Maris. He could have just created her then left us alone." She stared at her husband then at their elders. "I don't want him anymore. The child I'm carrying has no father." Maris gave her a hug. "It's bad enough he was trying to force Maris into marrying before she's ready for her womanhood celebration. I won't have him hurting our children."
The elders nodded, talking to each other. "We can move him to his own tent. It's possible he'll be more reasonable in the morning, when his head feels like a spring river."
"No. He does this too often. He runs and hides when it's time to do things around the camp. He doesn't hunt for our table very often. My daughter hunts more than he does. It's a good thing she is her father's daughter since she's kept us eating." That got a nod from them. "I will not have him. I may take in another husband some day, but not him."
They talked quietly then nodded. "We can do that," the shaman agreed. She relaxed. "Maris is how long from her celebration?"
"Probably within two years. She's started on her outfit. Her father is teaching her how to sew better."
"That's a good thing," the shaman agreed. "Maris is a strong woman who will make sure her family is well protected and fed for many years to come." She smiled at the compliment. "Even if she does have her father's temper."
"She's like a female version of him," Sata agreed. Maris swatted at him. "Behave, niece."
"Yes, Sata." She smiled. "Does this mean you can help me throw his things into the woods?"
"I can do that without his help since I made all his clothes, the bowls, and everything else," her mother said. "He doesn't have much beyond what his mother made him. Is she not here?"
"She refused him as her son for this," the Leader admitted. "Said to let him live in the woods."
"Then he might talk to those who would try to gain entry into camp," Star's Fire said. He glared at the moaning man. Then at his brothers. "Can Maris stay with you two tonight in case he comes back?"
"Of course," Tapa agreed. "She'll be safe with us. I'd never hit on my niece."
She looked at him. "I'd stab you if you tried." Sata laughed and pulled her closer to hug her. "Thank you, Uncle." She looked at the elders. "I'll help my mother then go to their tent for the night. Mother?" She nodded, following him out.
Eta looked at the moaning lump of hunter then at his elders. "Where is he going tonight? I'll drag him that way."
"Your temper has been high," Leader pointed out.
One of the other elders coughed. "That's because his mate is not yet familiar with how to keep his temper for him." A few of them laughed at that. Star's Fire blushed. "Once he is, I think Eta's temper will go down to a more normal level."
"Probably," he agreed. "With us being forced together all the time I can't even take care of myself." Star's Fire gave him an odd look. "You'd have to watch it and you're not comfortable with that thought yet."
"Thank you for giving me time to get comfortable with it," he said.
"Welcome," he said with a grin. "To Toler's tent so his wife can beat him or where? I doubt the horses would put up with him."
"Put him in the bathing tent for the night, that way he can't annoy anyone," the shaman ordered. He nodded, dragging him that way. "Star's Fire, did you have questions we might help you with?"
"Um, no, sir," he squeaked. "Toler gave me a book earlier. I'll look it over when it's brighter." He fled to help his mate and then his brothers since his mate was done dragging him. Sata sent him back to the tent, making him blush at his mate. "I'm sorry they asked that."
"I'm not. They like to tease me." He took a kiss. "Go to bed, Star's Fire. Dream drams from the spirits about what marriage beds are like." He got a hotter blush but laid down to do that. Eta waited until he was asleep to groan and undo his pants. He got back down to his cloth and laid down on his own bed, quietly taking care of himself for now. Star's Fire didn't need to hear him and be more embarrassed.