***

Chapter Nine

***

Leader walked out of his tent, smiling at the returning hunters.  "Is there good news?" he asked.

Toler got down.  "Eta cannot sit on his horse.  He is across his mate's lap at the moment leading his horse. Maris is very amused.  The boys and she are hunting now.  Sata told me they are married by their peoples traditions and now expect to do the same in ours.  They stopped to snare something for dinner."

"That is good news.  Tell the others.  We have a few others who wish to marry as well.  We can combine them so no one gets any sleep tonight."

"With the way Eta can't sit, I'd be surprised if Star's Fire hasn't finally figured out how to please a bouncy wife."  He walked his horse off.

Leader's Wife came out of their tent laughing.  "I'm sure Eta showed him on their wedding night.  How many others?"

"Two of the ones in the tents that Eta brought when he rescued our hunters.  One other thinks he does but wants to wait.  The others will be soon so we should combine them."  She nodded, going to gather food for them.  Leader went to wait on them, finding Sata there first.  "You're back?"

"If it doesn't bother you."

"Of course not.  What happened?"

"My father and Tapa decided to dishonor our bloodline.  Tapa tried to interrupt the wedding as well.  Eta threw my knife at him.  It gives my mother someone to nag at until she has grandchildren since she can't nag at Eta about his cooking skills."  That got a smile and a nod.  "They are mated and married by our standards.  Kept everyone up that night as is typical from what I remember."

"I was told Eta could not sit?"

"No, my brother is very good at making Eta squeal like a girl."  Leader laughed at that.  "He needs his pillows and some warm water to bathe in.  They both could use it.  So could I."

"We have a number of couples who need to marry.  We'll combine them."  That got a nod.  "The children?"

"Hunting food.  Toler sent a few of his hunters with them."

"Good."  He held his horse's nose when he got down.  "No tent?"

"It's on the back of Eta's horse since she's not being ridden.  So are his clothes and things."

"That makes much sense, Sata."  He clapped him o the arm.  "Go clean up."

"Let me get their tent ready."

"Let Star's Fire.  It will let him fuss.  All new husbands like to fuss over their wives."

Sata smiled.  "Good point."  He went to the bathing tent to warm some water.   They'd need a lot for them.  Then maybe Eta could sit sometime that night.

Leader looked up as Star's Fire's horse rode into view, Eta's horse following them.  "Have a good trip?" he asked, helping Eta down.  He hissed when he stood, earning a smile.  "Did you tease your husband into spanking you as you deserve?" he teased.

"Not yet," Star's Fire offered with a grin.  "It was a rough ride here and there."  He slid down and helped hold his mate up.  "I wish to marry him within the traditions of this tribe, Leader."

"And so you shall when we marry off a few others in a few days.  By then he'll need to be able to sit."

Star's Fire pouted.  "You mean he has to be left alone?"

"The night before be more gentle, Star's Fire," he said, giving him a pat on the arm.  "Sata is warming water.  Put Eta in your tent on the pillows, then get him a bath."  Star's Fire beamed, walking his horse off to their tent to put his mate inside and fuss over him.  He ran to the bathing tent to get some warm water then came back with it, going to get more and come back.

"Ah!  Cold!" Eta yelped loudly.  "That's mean, Star's Fire!"

Leader's Wife shook her head.  "Warm it by the fire before you do that, Star's Fire.  He'll appreciate the warm bath a lot and let you help him with his hair."  She went back to her own tent.  Sata came out of the bathing tent clean and mostly dry, moving to put up their horses and then his own tent.  A few of the wives came over to help him, giggling at the noises Eta was making because his mate was bathing his sore spots.  Leader's wife giggled, leaning on her husband's shoulder to laugh into his body to muffle it.  "Toler chose well for Eta."

"He did.  Now we have to choose one for Sata."  He smiled and they went to talk to Toler about it.  Well, they'd do it later since his wife was making squeaky noises with him.  The children rode in with meat for the feasts and it was good that night.  Even if Eta couldn't sit that night or for the next few days.

***

Sata walked into Eta's tent then turned and walked back out again.  "Tie it shut next time you don't want to be interrupted," he complained.  He went to find Toler.  "I'd ask Eta but he's busy.  Again.  A few of the younger boys wanted to go on a hunt soon to learn what to do.  Can I help?"

"Of course.  There's plenty that could use your help.  How busy was he?"

"He was on his husband's lap," he said dryly.  "I didn't look to see if they were *busy* or not.  With the noises I could only assume he was making Eta sore again."

"Good idea.  Eta would get embarrassed and not cook for anyone for days."

Sata laughed at that.  "Star's Fire has found a jealous streak recently.  He never used to have it but he's been growling at his mate on and off since the night before they married."

"Maybe he thinks he's a wolf.  Marriage does odd things to your mind," Toler reminded him.

"Oh, I do remember working up a good growl now and then," Sata agreed.  "When did you want to go?"

"Tomorrow?"

"That'd be fine.  Come get me when you're ready."  He listened.  "They're quiet so I'll tell him."  He walked off shaking his head, stepping into the tent again then out and tying the flaps closed then at the bottom.  "They're very busy."  He sat down outside his tent, smiling at the boys.  "Toler said I could help with your first hunts."  They crowded around him.  "What do you know of animals and their ways?  It's been a while since I had to teach anyone."

"Birds fly so we have to watch for them as we walk and stalk the earth-bound animals," one said.  Sata nodded at that.

"Fish swim but you can catch them in a trap.  Maris told us you taught her how to trap fish."

"I did.  I'm very good at traps."  He smiled, going to get some rope so he could show them how to make snares.  They watched and then he let them try their own version.  He carefully corrected their knots.

"Do you like boy wives like Eta or do you think you'd like Toler and Eta to steal you a girl wife?" one asked him.  "My sister says you have to tell them so they know who to ride out and steal from their tribes.  Or else they won't think of you when they're getting another's wife.  Or maybe you get an ugly one who can't cook or have children and who will nag."

Sata smiled.  "I don't know.  I think it more important that they like and understand me.  Though I would like one who could cook like Eta does."  They giggled at that.  He heard a growl and realized his brother had heard him.  "Think I can get Eta to teach my future wife to cook?"

The boys laughed.  "Of course he will.  He teaches us how to cook too," one said.  "That way we can impress the wives he'll steal for us."  The other boys nodded at that.

"It's a good skill.  I wish my mother had taught me.  I make myself sick now and then."  They laughed.  He took the rope to make another type of snare.  "This is for a bigger animal.  Something bigger than a squirrel."  They stared and he did it again, then let them have the rope.  "You try it."  They got to work building their own.

Eta walked out dressed and a bit sweaty but looking mostly normal.  "Of course I'll teach your future wife to cook and I'll keep my mate from being jealous at the same time."  He sat next to them.  "It's time to show you boys how to hunt, isn't it?"  They smiled and nodded.

"Toler said I could help," Sata offered.

"That's fine.  It'll be nice to have someone else for their mothers to yell at when they get mild scratches and things as they learn."  They shared a grin.  "Star's Fire is going hunting to feed us tomorrow with my boys and possibly Maris if she begs nicely enough.   We can go toward the west?"  Sata nodded.  "There's been some birds and rabbits noted that way.  That'd be a good first hunt for them."

"That's where I started.  That and fish."

"It's too cold for the fish to do much swimming now," one boy told him.  "When it gets warmer will you teach us to make fish traps?"

"I can teach you now so you have time to build a few," Sata offered.  "It'll give you something to do when it's too cold to go out."  They beamed and went to get sticks.  "Get some hide strips and some water to soak them in, and about twenty long sticks, longer than your arms," he called after them.  "They seem like good boys.  At that age we were loud."

"Our boys tend to be bouncy instead of loud."

Sata looked at him.  "No, you're loud for other reasons."  Eta blushed.  "Next time I'll announce myself."

"Sorry.  He said I'd never go a day without him touching and pleasing me.  So far I haven't.  Many times a day."

"It's good you spanked him into being a good husband, Eta, but tie yourself in so no one else has to see you like that?" he suggested dryly.  "I did not want to make him jealous by catching you in his lap or anything else."

"I nearly did but he growled and he does it very well."

"I've noticed the new growl.  One of our hunters found a wolf pup and trained it to help him hunt.  Should I ask him for tips for Star's Fire's training?" he teased, looking serious.

Eta grinned.  "He is very well trained already.  You and your mother did a good job."  Sata burst out laughing, giving him a pat on the back.

Star's Fire came out smoothing down his shirt.  "I'm not that bad."  He sat beside them. "Sorry, Sata."

"Next time, tie the flap shut," he ordered.  "It could have been one of the children wanting to go on their first hunts."

"Yes, big brother."

Sata looked at him.  "One asked me if I wanted Toler and your wife to steal me a male or a female wife."

"You stared," Star's Fire pointed out.

"I've seen it before, Star's Fire.  Plus done what you were doing earlier."  He blushed.  Sata gave his brother a pointed look.  "I do not poach hunts.  I would not poach your wife even though they hunted you down for him instead of you hunting him.  Calm down before you grow fur and a tail."

"Yes, Sata."  He leaned against his mate's shoulder.  "We'll work on that."

"Uh-huh. Before you turn into that hunting wolf pup?"

"I'm trying."

"Good."  He got up.  "The boys are gathering sticks and hide strips.  When they have them, I'll teach them how to make fish traps."  Star's Fire smiled.  "You need to work on yours for the spring fishing."

"I will be," he promised.  "I'd never let my mate starve."

"Good."  He walked off.  One of the older boys caught him, making him smile.  "Nephew.  Is there a problem?"

"One of the younger, unmated hunters noticed that you had a bit of tension about you and wanted you to know that some of them did believe in playing with each other to relieve that."  Sata gaped.  "If you did the same I could introduce you."

"I would not mind that introduction."

"Nothing serious."

"Of course not.  If they wanted me that way they would've already made themselves known."  That got a nod and he led him to a tent down by the river.  "Good day."

"Sata."  He smiled.  "Come sit and warm yourself.  It's chilly out today."  He sat down.  "I do not want you on a permanent basis but we are both single and Eta's cooing and Star's Fire's growling have been making you tense."

"Now and then, yes.  You're offering to help me cure that?"

"Now and then," he offered with a smile.

"I could like that.  Later tonight?  I've been working with the younger boys today."

"That's fine.  Come here when you're done later."  Sata smiled and nodded, taking a kiss before walking off.  "He must have taught Star's Fire many things.  He tastes good."  His friend laughed, leaving them alone.  He went back to working on his own weapons.  They had to be ready for hunting or for fighting anytime they might happen.

***

Star's Fire looked up a few weeks later when hunters came rushing toward the village.  "Is there an attack?"

"We're not sure.  There's a lot of people riding this way."  He went to get Leader.  Star's Fire ducked in to get his own weapons and came out with them.   They went to meet the people coming in.

"Mother?" Star's Fire asked.  "You didn't have to bring the whole village to visit us.  You could have come with just a guardian."

"I wish it were a social visit, but it is not, son.  We've had a problem with the village.  We had an avalanche that buried part of it."  She dismounted, looking at her son.  "Your mate's people seem very nice.  We wanted to talk to them about a further alliance."

"Of course.  Let me introduce you.  Leader, this is my mother."  He heard other riders.  "You brought everyone?"

"The village was destroyed by the snows," she admitted.  "We managed to avoid most of it but the buildings are gone.  We had to take the food stores out from under the snows.  We lost two of our elders and a few others to the snows and then the cold that night took another two."  Star's Fire hugged her.  She looked at the leader.  "We know you are honorable people."

"We are.  Come, let us talk.  At the very least we may be able to work things out.  Get your brother, Star's Fire?"

"Of course.  He's on a hunt with the little boys and Eta."  He went jogging off to find them.  It was a long run back to the village but that was fine.  He saw them across the river.  "Sata!"  He looked back.  "Mother's here with bad news!"  He came jogging back, jumping across the icy spots to get across the river.  "There was an avalanche," he said more quietly.  "Most everyone is here."

"Why?  It didn't seem like we'd have one there."  They walked back together.  "Mother, are you all right?"  He looked her over for bruises or limping.  Nothing was visible so that was good.

"I'm fine, son.   Some of us went back to the old village until spring.  Some of us came with me since we need a new place to live.  Your people are honorable."

"Of course you can stay with us."  He looked at the others.  "Let's put up the horses."  They nodded, moving to do that.  Toler and Eta were creating a warm spot for them.  Maris was ferrying some of the extra grass for them.  He smiled at them.  "Thank you."

"What else would I do?" Eta asked.

"I know."  He clapped Toler on the arm.  "This is Hogar, our former leader hunter.  Let him watch the boys?"

"We can do that," Toler agreed, taking him to where the boys were watching.  "Boys, this is Hogar.  He taught Sata and Star's Fire.  Their village had an avalanche so can he watch you stalk your first game?"  They nodded, helping him across the river since he was still limping.  "We tend to be bouncy," he warned quietly.

Hogar smiled.  "Our boys are usually loud."

"Sata said our men are loud, our boys are bouncy."  Hogar laughed, nodding a bit at that.  He went back to help.  "Their hunter is helping the boys," he told their elders.

"Hogar could use more to do than heal," Sower said.  "It does him good."  He looked at the local elders.  "I know there are many of us but we did bring what stores we could dig out."

"We'll be changing camps in the spring.  It's not a problem to work with you and shelter your people among ours," the shaman assured him.  "Were many killed?"

"Fortunately it went down through the middle of the village and most of ours was against the rock walls, as you saw."  That got a nod.  "The rumbling gave us a bit of warning to hide inside the caves nearby, but it destroyed most everything.  Our storehouse was buried by it."

"It didn't seem like an area that would get an avalanche.  That's why we set up there," Sata offered.  "Why now?  I don't remember ever hearing about one in the past."

"We think the same things that's been driving the bears out up there did it," Sower told him.  "Your family is at the other village."

Sata nodded.  "That's probably a better idea.  They wouldn't be welcome here after they dishonored the family that way."

"True."  He patted him on the arm.  "How is the local hunting?"

"Fairly decent."

"We've been here for three years.  This is the a lot less than the winter we got here," Eta told them.  "We'll rotate in the spring so our crops don't hurt the lands and so the game is allowed to regrow for future hunting."  He looked at his elders.  "The tribe to the south moved out too.  I don't know why but when I went to scout that way on my last hunt they weren't at their last camp.  We have no idea why."

"The one who had you?" Sata asked.

"Them I did not check on."  He looked at the shaman.  "You said you went?"

"Yes, and they agreed to be insulted on your behalf.  They said it wasn't right they were given you since you were mated.  They did agree to send that hunter up here to talk to some of ours that needed a wife.  He'll be here shortly and I've already told the one he should have to prepare his tent."  Eta smiled.  "They were very impressed that you were so ill with that snakebite yet only managed to slightly hurt him instead of killing him.  They appreciated that and will be sending one with peace gifts up next month."

"Good.  Toler's little brother could use a good wife or husband."  Toler nodded at that.  "That does mean we have free run at those berry patches."

Their elders looked at him.  "Your stomach thinks ahead of the current time," one noted dryly.

"Well, yes, but they have many uses."

"You still may not play with dyes, Eta.  Or teach your daughter to do so."

"I know."  He grinned.  Sata laughed.  "Within months we'll need to send more to our new camp.  Make sure it's set up and safe.  Is there any idea of what was driving the bears out?"

"We think some bigger hunter.  We're not sure.  We know it's not a tribe that way but we're not sure what sort of creature it was.  We warned all those around us when we left."  That got a nod.  "Are you sure we won't strain the village?"

"You brought some supplies.  We can make them stretch," Leader's Wife assured him.  That got some nods.  "We'll have to expand the camp unless you want to send some of the hunters to the new site?"

Leader looked at the other elders.  "Is that a good idea?"

"I'd like to scout to the south, see if they're truly gone or just moved away to escape the cold," Eta offered.

"That's not a bad idea.  If so, we might move our next camp a bit further south since that's where we've been doing some hunting recently."  That got a nod from them.  He looked at the shaman.  "Did you see signs of them?"

"Not a one.  They left a few things they had built there when they left.  I don't know why they left."

"We can ask the other tribes locally," Eta said.  "That way we don't poach their lands and end up fighting."  That got a nod.  "I'll go on that tomorrow then.  Toler?"

"I'll stay to help here then send some of my hunting team to look at the other sites, Eta."  That got a nod.  "Are you pulling both Sata and Star's Fire on yours?"

"I was going to ask you that.  Sata, do you want to start a new hunting team with your fellow hunters since they're here or join one of ours?"

"Either would work.  Whatever's best for everyone."

"Then we'll let you form your own so the hunters they brought get to know the local game paths," Toler decided.  Eta nodded at that.  "Stars' Fire will join Eta's team, of course, and I've got two new ones on mine."  The elders nodded at that.  "The rest can help with village defense."  That got another nod.  "Sata, your team can check the site to the north.  We moved from there last time."

"Eta showed it to me during a game hunt."

"Good.  Check that this seven-day," Leader ordered.  "Eta, your group will go to the next campsite once you've figured that out."  That got a nod.  "That way you can start what we need to bake and things."

"Of course.  I was helping when this one was set up."

"I remember.  Try to find a good spot next to the river again.  Last time it was a bit far away to haul water."

"If possible.  If they have truly moved on we might think about moving that camp down to the west of the berry patches.  The water's shallow there but it's a good camping area."  That got a nod.  "We'll talk with the others and see."  He stood up, smiling at his mother-in-law.  "Welcome.  Let me start dinner for my family.  I'll do laundry tonight as well after telling my hunting team."  He left to do that.  He saw the curious looks.  "Sata and Star's Fire's people had an avalanche through the center of their village."  A few moaned at that.  "They managed to dig out their supplies but their village is ruined.  They're here for shelter."  That got some nods.  "My hunting team is going to scout the tribe to the south and talk to the others nearby.  We go tomorrow."  They went to get ready.  "Toler's is going to be out too.  Sata is forming his own."  The rest nodded at that.  "Maris, help your grandmother set her things up."  She nodded, going to find her to help her.  "Set the younger, idle hands to helping them set up their tents."  The rest went to do that while he went to gather food to cook that night.  He settled in beside his fire, getting comfortable.  Star's Fire came in.  "Will she be happy here?"

"She'll get to fuss, of course she will."  He took a kiss and smiled.  "We'll do fine.  What laundry needs to be done?"

"What I'm wearing now and the other two outfits."  Star's Fire took it and his with him to the bathing tent.  Eta smiled at that kindness, getting back to cooking.  Sata came in.  "Is she all right?"

"She's fine.  She's stealing my tent tonight with the children until hers is ready for her to take over."  He sat down.  "That is that one spot with the rock ovens, right?"

"It is.  We used to have one here but a horse kicked it early this summer.  None of us got around to rebuilding a permanent one."

"That happens I suppose."  Star's Fire came back with the wet laundry.  "Did you only soak it?"

"No, I beat it with the rocks."  He hung them up and settled in.  "Are you going to be all right?"

"Of course.   We'll be fine."  He looked at the couple.  "Mother has my tent."

Star's Fire smiled.  "I saw that and figured you'd be here tonight.  We can be more quiet."

"Please.  It'll be a lot of riding soon."  Star's Fire laughed but it was fine.  This is what they did as hunters.   They protected the tribe and gathered for its needs.

***

Eta came back ten days later looking worse for the riding.  "Elders."  He flopped down in front of them.  "That former leader came back to cause problems for the ones to the south.  He gave them to the tribe that helped him according to the ones to the south-east - the ones who had me.  They're considering that land cursed.  They did enlarge their borders."  He pulled out a rolled hide.  "I talked to them, the one to the south that took on that one.  Who are not friendly.  I said I wanted to know if it was a sickness or not, in case it caught our group.  They told me no, they had been rightly taken over because they were bad and evil basically."  He pointed.  "This group says they don't want to expand.  They had a bad year for the last few years.  They have almost no children in their village that I saw.  This one said that they're considering that area cursed and so is this one," he finished with a point.  "I asked if they cared if we raided those berry bushes.  They told me the old village's site was now cursed but if we wanted them to have them.  I would like to see if we can replant some?"

"That might be nice," Leader agreed.  "We'll try, Eta.  Why is it cursed?"

"Apparently they were cursed by their ancients for being bad people and evil.  They didn't ask who I was but one did mention that their spirits made them weak if a man like me could make their former leader beg for mercy."  That got a smirk.  "I did say I heard that I'm a nice hunter until you bother my people.  He said their people don't like people like me and we're cursed anyway.  The ones to the east of there said they're cursed because their old leader put it onto their people's former lands for going against him.  They'll wait a few generations to see if it's gone before moving in any farther than that.  They did ask if we had any women to steal, I told them not really but we had gotten some from a tribe up north that had an avalanche.  They sent their wishes for their health and said they wouldn't raid us for a while for mates until we got things straightened out."

"I have noticed that the women who eat a lot of those berries do seem to have daughters," one of the women noted.

"It's more they crave the berries and honey when they're carrying girls," another told her.  "But we do use the berries for many things beyond Eta's drying them."  That got a few smiles.

"Did you go by that camp?"

"I did and I'd say if we wanted to, we could move the camp here," he said with a point. "That's by that rock ledge.   It has that stone beach area.  There's rapids just up the river for the fishing the boys want to do.  There's plenty of game.  We'd be more open but the tribe on that side is looking very weak with how small they looked."  He looked at the shaman.  "The last time you were there, did they have more than twenty tents?"

"They had many more.   Were they moving camps?"

"One said they had a sickness early this month, some sort of spots."

"I saw a case of that and treated it," he said, nodding a bit.  "I'll go talk to them, make sure they know how to treat it, Eta."

"Thank you."  He looked at his leader and then the elders.  "If we move there, it'll give us a lot more room to expand.  Or we can put it up by the rapids, here," he said with another point.  "That one's a sheltered spot but right on top of the river.  With them being so weak we can camp on either side.  This side has that drop-off but the other doesn't."  That got a nod.  "The woods have good game.  I brought back two deers.  If not, there's a third option here.  Star's Fire liked it but I thought it looked weak for hunting.  We'd have to travel to do that and it's about like here for water access."

"We'll look over all of them when the thawing starts," Leader decided.  He took the map.  "Are you suggesting we move our lands outward?"

"I'm saying we're now one of the bigger clans in this area.  I'm also suggesting that a few have had fevers and things that would make for them coming to us to take shelter as well.  So we should plan for that in case it does happen.  Only the ones to the south that don't like us are really healthy at the moment.  They seem sour so they might make themselves sick with their dislike of others.  Who knows."

"We will consider that when we decide where we're moving the camp," Leader agreed.  "The deer you brought?"

"I let Maris take them from my horse, and my horse, to clean them up so I could come right here and not forget anything.  Star's Fire was bringing down a turkey for me too."  He smiled.  "If we have bread?  I found more herbs.  Oh, Shaman, in my pack are more healing herbs for you.  I found a good patch by the rock ledge, within an hour's ride."

"Thank you, Eta."

"Since they said it had a fever I got you things for that and for sneezing."

"That will be helpful.  Is that one with the rock beach good for growth of crops?"

"Right past it to the north is a good, fertile area for crops.  If we take down some of the nearest trees, the ground is very firm and very rich.  No one's farmed there ever as far as I know."

"Then we'll look at it when it starts to thaw."  They all nodded at that.  "Thank you and save me some of the soaked bread."

"Yes, sir.  Leader?"

"My wife would enjoy that.  Our current child bothers her back at the moment."  Eta nodded and left to finish taking care of his things and then clean himself up.  "That's an interesting idea."

"If I remember right, one of those caves had some warm water running in them.  It floods now and then in the spring but not too badly."  That got a smile.  "I'll ride out tomorrow to talk to them about that fever."  That got a nod so he left as well.  He took the other shaman with him.  He needed to learn how to treat these things.  He saw Star's Fire riding in with a huge turkey strapped down behind him.  "That is large."

"I got it on the other side of the river.  My wife will be pleased but I hope it fits in his dish."

"If not, there's a way to put them on a spit," he reminded him.  "And still use the drippings for the bread."  Star's Fire smiled.  "He's cleaning up."

"That's fine."  Maris came over to get the turkey, grunting at the weight.  The shaman helped her move it to where she was blooding the other kills.   Star's Fire put up his horse and went to search his mate to clean up with him.  He took a kiss.  "The turkey I was tracking is nearly bigger than Maris is."

Eta gaped.  "That will feed the family for weeks."

"We might have to put it on a spit."

"I know how to do that."  He took another kiss.  "Help me with my hair?"

"Of course. I like your hair."  He helped him clean it up, with a lot of running his fingers through it to make sure the soap got each strand, then rinse it, smiling when Eta dried off and left him to clean himself up.  It was nice to come home to his mate.  Especially when his mate wanted to cook.  He hurried up and went back to their tent, finding Maris helping him spit the turkey's carcass.  He helped and then watched him make his bread filling to stuff the cavity and set underneath it to get the juices dripped on it.  He loved to watch his mate cook.  "Are we smoking the deers?"  Eta nodded.

"I've already got it started," Maris told him.  "Mother wanted some of it."  Eta shrugged.  "Thank you, Father.  You feed us very well."  She kissed him on the cheek then skipped out.  "Come help me work this hide," she told her brother, smacking him on the back when he groaned.  "Father brought home two and Star's Fire brought home a good sized turkey."

"How big?"

"Father had to put it on a spit next to the fire.  It was nearly as big as I am."

"That's big."  He went with her to help her work the hides so they could cure them.  "Think Father wants them both?"

"Ask him.  I do not read male minds," she said patiently.  He jogged off to ask, making her shake her head.  "Like every man, he ducks out of helping."  Sata laughed, coming over to help her.  "Thank you, Uncle."

"I've had to do this myself, Maris.  Where are they?"

"Their tent.  They're just back.  How does the old site to the north look?"

"Overgrown but not bad.  I found that family of squirrels in the ovens up there."  She smiled because she had helped him cure those.  "I wasn't listening, was there good or bad news?"

"Some of both," Eta said as he came back with his son.  They took the other hide to work with.  "The ones to the west had some sort of fever with spots.  The ones that took our hunters to the south are no more.  Their former leader came back to take them out.  Most of the neighboring tribes consider that area cursed now.  We added to our hunting lands because the others couldn't hold it anymore.  The one to the south and east wanted to come raid for women but I told them your people had joined us recently so they'll wait for a bit.  I gave a few good suggestions on how to move the camp this spring.  They'll look them over when it's closer to time.  Then we'll go prepare the site and get things set up."

"That makes sense to me," Sata agreed.  They finally got to hang up the hides. "Who's been turning the turkey?"

Eta shrugged.  "I asked a few of the young girls to."  They went back to find it hadn't been turned in a while but it was still not fully burned in that one spot.  He trimmed off the burned spot and tossed it into the fire then went back to slowly letting it roast over the pit.  The bread got stirred a few times but finally it was done.  "It's done!" he yelled.  People came to get some.  Including his mother-in-law.  "Mother."

"Eta."  She tasted it and moaned.  "I want to know how you do that."

"Me too," Sata said, getting swatted for it.  Star's Fire laughed.  "I would."  He took his bowl of food and settled in to eat.  Eta fed the others then they left them to eat together.  "Is my tent free?"

"Mother moved to her own," Star's Fire promised.  Maris walked in with the boy she liked.  "Hungry again?"

"Mother's fussy.  The new baby won't sleep."  She sat down.  "I'm not watching the baby, the aunt is.  I don't want children if they're all like that."

"Yes you were," Eta agreed.  "I spent many nights with you when you wouldn't sleep so your mother could."  She let out a groan of complaint.  "You spent many nights curled up beside me in my blankets, snoring into my chest hair."

"That's why the ancients created fathers," the boy said.  "To help the mothers when the children would not sleep."

"It's good you think that way," Sata told him.  "Some men aren't so good and don't."

"Mine was like that," Eta agreed.  "It's why I can cook."  His daughter smiled.  "Eat."  They got their own dinner and went to talk to each other some more.  "We'll have to get a tent ready for them some day.  Remind me to put things to do in it?" he asked his mate.

"Of course we will.  And berries for when they have no idea what to say to each other."  Sata laughed.  "It helped."

"I'm sure it did."  He finished up and stood up.  "Want help cleaning up?"

"Star's Fire cleans since I cook," he said dryly.  "Happy sleeps, Sata."

"You two as well.  Try not to keep us all up with the squealing."  He walked out smiling, tying the flaps closed since his brother kept forgetting.  He didn't want someone like their mother to walk in on that.  She might squeal in fear or something.  He laid down and got comfortable.  "I need thicker pillows," he said, getting up to flip them over and fluff them out.  He'd have to take some of the turkey's feathers to restuff them.  He laid back down and finally got to sleep, ignoring the mild squealing they were doing next door.  Eta and Star's Fire were going to drive everyone nuts some day soon.

"It's not like you can make him with child," someone shouted.  "Be more quiet so we can rest."

"I'm rewarding him for another great dinner," Star's Fire called.  "We'll be riding out soon to find you your own so you pay more attention to your tent than ours."

Sata and a few others he could her laughed at that.  That poor young man.  Star's Fire would pick him someone who nags on purpose.

***

That spring, Sata looked around the new camp site.  "This is nice."  He looked at the ground.  "It floods?"

"It has in the past.  We didn't get much snow so it should be all right to plant.  Plus it's easy access to water."  That got a nod.  "We need to build the baking ovens and clear the campsite."  They got to work finding the right size rocks.  Sata started to build the bottom layer since his was more even while Star's Fire got to work cleaning the campsite of weeds, small animals in dens, and anything that would cause them a problem.  Sata looked over at the quiet cough.  "Well met," he greeted the single rider, standing up.  "Eta?"  He came out of the trees with his basket of moss to stuff the oven's gaps with.  "Do we know them?"

"We do.  They live to the west."  He came out.  "Well met, Leader."

"Well met, Eta."  They clasped hands.  "You're settling here?"

"They agreed it would be good for crops."

"It looks like it is.  The spring thaw hasn't been that hard either."  He looked around then at him.  "This is not disputed lands but we were wondering if your shaman was close by?  With ours gone, we need a spring blessing.  Our winter was bad for the whole tribe so we were hoping a good blessing would cure some of our curses."

"He's back at the old camp but his apprentice is here.  He was with Star's Fire and Sata's people until they had an avalanche.  Would he do?"

"Most likely.  May we speak to him?"

"Of course.  Shaman?" he yelled.  He came out of the woods.  "This is the leader of the clan to our west.  He wanted to know if you could bless their crops since theirs died in the fevers this winter."

"I would be honored to," he agreed, coming over to talk to him, see what he needed.  He rode off with him, going to do whatever blessings he needed so they could grow stronger again.  He came back a few days later to find the campsite mostly set up, the ovens ready and working on something that smelled very good - clearly Eta had tested it out- and everything ready for the planting to start.   The next group of people showed up and set up their tents by the growing areas.  They would shrink the camp in the winter again, after the harvest.  For right now, water was easily carried and there were a few little run-offs to gather some from for more minor things.  The children came to help with the planting and at night Sata taught them how to make fish traps.  That made them happier and with the rapids just up the hill they could use them there safely.  Finally the last of the people showed up after a few weeks and everything was ready and settled into the new camp.

Star's Fire came out of his tent, walking over to the shaman's.  "Eta's got the sneezing problem again."

"Why?"

"Probably the dunking when Toler pushed him into the river."

"You'd think Toler would've learned when Eta painted him."  He found the right herbs he had drying, handing them over.  "Make him drink them when he sneezes."

"Yes, sir.  Thank you."  He went back to take care of his mate, finding him missing.  He sighed, going to get his brother to help him hunt him down.  "Where did he go?"

"He's hiding from the herb tea," Sata said dryly.  "You fussed too much, brother."

"Maybe he wants to be hunted like prey," he teased, going to find his horse and find his mate.  Toler gave him a dirty look.  "Your dunking gave him the sneezing problems.  He's hiding from the herbs."

"He said he went to hunt a mate for his middle son.  You'll never find him, Star's Fire."  That got a pout.  "You can check."  He rode off, going to see if he could catch his mate.  He could track very well.  Toler could only shake his head.

"See, Father is just like every other man, he skips out on work," Maris told him with an evil smirk.

"Yours is slaving for you I see," he taunted back.

"He said something stupid and nearly got drowned," she told him, making him laugh.  "I'm serious."  She walked off, going back to her planting duties.  "Some day, some bright woman will figure out how to do this without children breaking our backs to plant," she complained a few minutes later.

"Hush," her mother called.  "If they do, you can use it then.  Until then, get more sore for the good of the tribe, daughter.  Or don't eat this winter."

"Yes, mother."  She went to deal with her row of plants, placing them where they needed to go.  Her row wasn't straight by any means but it was close enough for her.  The elders frowned but she scowled back.

"Maris, are we perhaps feeling the stirrings that mean you should complete that special outfit?" one of the senior women asked her gently.

She snorted.  "Not yet.  Soon but not quite yet.  Even if I were I would not have a child like my little whiny brother.  I'm hoping he takes after my own father instead of his."  She got back to work.

"We all hope he does," she agreed.  She went behind the children to straighten out a few of their plants and then went to see what Eta had been planting.  "Those berries," she grumbled but made sure they were secure and hopefully would grow.  Eta didn't have a good hand with plants.  Maris came over with a sigh to tend them for him.  "Where is he?"

"Off stealing a mate for my second brother so he can hide from the medicine the shaman gave Star's Fire for his sneezing."

"Ah.  Just like a man."

"Unfortunately so.  How would we tempt my little brother to be more like my father?"

"Teach him that girls are evil," her male friend said dryly, giving her a dirty look.  "She nearly drowned me."

"He said something stupid."

"Stop it or be pledged in marriage tonight," she ordered impatiently.  That stopped that argument.  She went to talk to Star's Fire's mother.  She seemed like she had sense and could help Maris quit picking on the poor boy.  Before she ruined his ego.  All hunters had to have some or they never caught anything.  She nodded and went to talk to Maris about her mouthy ways.  Something she had clearly learned from her father that they were hoping her little brother didn't learn at all.

***

Star's Fire finally found his mate and handed him the bag.  "Should I go steal one and bring her back for you to talk to?" he teased finally.

Eta scowled.  "This is serious."

"I know.  I can only imagine what would happen if I had to ferry back each one for you to pick from."  He took a kiss and pointed.  "Her?"

"Her for Toler's oldest," he admitted.  "But they'd argue.  She's not that nice from what I've seen."  He pointed.  "That one?"

"She's pretty but they have to keep telling her what to do."  He pointed.  "She's young but not that young and she seems like Maris.  She'd drive your son to talk to the spirits now and then."

"Don't wish that on my poor son.  Though I do know a hunter in another tribe that could use her."  He decided and got up, going for his horse.  Star's Fire went with him and they rode into the village, capturing the girl they were going to take.  Her mother shrieked but he grinned.  "It's for my son," he called as he rode off.  She swatted him so he popped her on top of the head.  "Stop it. You'll like him.  I raised him well and he's a good son.  He can even cook some."

"It's not proper for a man to cook," she sneered.

"I do.  My mother couldn't so I had to."

"No sisters?"

"No."

"Pity."

"My husband doesn't think so.  Less people to nag him about me."  She whined.  "Stop or I'll release you and then you'll have to live it down."

"Which one are you?"

"Eta."

"Fine."  She waited until they got to the village, then pouted at the chief.

"She even pouts like one of yours, Eta.  Are you sure she's not?" Leader teased.

"I don't like girls that much."  He walked her over to his son, pulling him off by his hair, making her laugh.  He shoved them into a tent and tied it closed then walked off.  Star's Fire captured him and made him drink some tea.  "Must I?"

"I will pout," he warned.  "Then you can sleep alone tonight."  Eta sighed but did as ordered.  "Thank you.  Are you going to tell someone about that one girl?"

"Why?  He was watching and heard us."  He shrugged and walked off to check on his berry plants then help with the other jobs around the camp.

"Eta, did you already go mate hunting?" Toler demanded.

"Yes, Toler, and your oldest son is next."

"Get Sata first," he ordered.

Eta snorted.  "No."  He smirked.  "I found a few sweet but simple ones for him so he's not overwhelmed."

"Don't make me do something to you that would make your mate fuss," he taunted with a scowl.  Maris pushed him into the river.  "Hey!"

"Hush.  You're acting like a dumb bird."  She looked at her father, then pushed him in.  "And you're sweaty, Father.  You must be clean to cook.  That's how you got me into the baths so many times."

Star's Fire pushed her in.  "Egos are for males, daughter, not for girls."  He walked off to help his mate out, taking him to dry him off in their tent.

Toler shook his head.  "At least he was a good one to steal."  He got out and helped Maris out, handing her to Sata.  "She's being mean.  Clearly time for her to have her ceremony soon."

He stared down at her.  "I think it's more because she wants something and can't have it."  She pouted.  "Don't try it with me.  I had to endure Star's Fire's pouts for years.  His is worse than even your father's."  She kicked him on the ankle.  "That is not getting you what you want either, niece."

"May I have it please?"

"If you're good for the week."  She sighed, going back to work.  Her boyfriend made horrified noises and made her go change by dragging her off, cracking Sata and Toler up.  "He's very stubborn," Sata said happily.

"He'll have to be to make her bear children," Toler said dryly, going to clean himself up.  "Who did you really find for my son?" he called as he walked past Eta's tent.

"You'll see soon."

"Fine.  Hopefully she's nice?"

"Mostly.  But she does nag."

"He could use it.  His hair is never combed."  Eta came rushing out and onto his horse, even though he was nearly naked, going to get her too.  Star's Fire sighed but followed, making Toler laugh.  His son got pointed at his tent.  "Now, son."  His son gave him a horrified look so he shoved him to the river.  "I would clean up and actually comb your hair this time.  You want to make a good impression on her, son.  Otherwise she'll nag you for years."  He went back to his drying off.  Eta came riding in just at dinner time with her over his saddle, still complaining by the way her voice was hoarse.  He looked at her.  "She's pretty but loud."

"Loud works with bouncy.  Look at my relationship."  He slid down and pulled her off, walking her to the tent Toler pointed at.  He opened it and shoved her at him.  "She complains but she'll settle down soon."  He tied them in and walked off again. "Make Toler a grandfather.  Have children like me for me to teach."

"Don't wish that on my children," Toler complained.  He swatted him.  "Your mate is sulking."

"My mate needs to sulk for a bit.  He thinks the sun goes around him.  It doesn't."  He went to bathe and then swim for a bit in the river with the others down there.  Leader looked over.  "Toler's oldest son is in his tent too."

"Good.  Is she nice and sweet?"

"She's loud.  She nags.  She's pretty but not vain.  But otherwise she seemed so.  If not, she'll swat him until he runs away or does her bidding.  As your wife does to you."

"That's fine then."  They heard the shrieking and watched but she didn't come out of the tent.  Soon the shrieking got nicer and calmer, then happier noises came.  They all smiled and went back to their swimming.  It looked like Toler was going to be a grandfather finally.  It'd give him a chance to brag and make his own happy noises with his wife.  Maybe he'd give the tribe a daughter soon since all he had were sons.

Sata looked at his little brother.  "What did you do?" he asked patiently.  "It's clear your mate is punishing you for being sulky."

"I said the wrong thing.  He thinks my ego is too big even for a hunter.  He said it was bigger than birds trying to win a nest mate."  He pouted.  "How do I fix it?  I'm sure you said the wrong thing to your wife at least once.  Or Mother told you.  If I ask her, she'll laugh at me."

"Many times but she calmed down for the price of a kiss.  Yours will make you sleep alone.  I would try to do something nice for him."  Star's Fire gave him the most clueless look.  Clearly he had missed teaching him something somewhere.  "Do something nice, Star's Fire.  Like make dinner or clean up the tent maybe.  Give him a night to feel like a spoiled wife so he forgets you're the spoiled one."  He went to start with cleaning their tent and figure it out.  Sata looked up and shook his head, earning a few laughs from his mother.  "I know but you didn't teach him how to deal with a fussy, bouncy wife, Mother.  We missed lessons somewhere."

"He'll learn as you did, son.  You did very well when your wife fussed at you for being a man."  She patted his cheek.  "Eta, Star's Fire was thinking about cooking for you tonight."

He got out and ran back to the tent to save his precious pots.  Star's Fire grabbed him and kissed him then laid him down to comb his hair for him.  It was a good start.  He'd have a long time to figure out how to fuss over his bouncy, fussy wife and beg nicely for him to cook for him.

Maris walked past the tent.  "I will never make noises like that."

Her mate looked at her.  "When we're of age, I'm sure I can make you be as loud as your father is.  If I have to, I'll take lessons from Sata and Star's Fire.  Star's Fire seemed to learn well enough from his brother so they should be able to teach me how to deal with the female version of your father."  He grinned.  "Would you like help gathering dinner?"

"I wouldn't mind not having to do all the hunting in the family," she admitted.  "They're saying I need to work on some outfits very soon."

He snuck a kiss and ran off.  "You do and I'll do mine.  I'll make sure we have a good feast."

She rolled her eyes.  "Boys!" she complained.

"Soon you'll be complaining about men," her mother teased, handing her her brother.  "Here, get used to it for when you have your own.  That way I don't get whined at about how messy children are and that you have no idea what to do with one."

She stared at her.  "There's no way I'm having children until I'm nearly an elder, Mother."

"They happen even when you don't want them to, daughter.  They come from being loud like your father is."  She looked over.

Maris looked at the loud tent.  "It's not like he can give me a sibling," she called.  "Be more quiet before you have to tell me what to do with one of you."

"Ask Sata, he taught me," Star's Fire called.

"Behave, daughter, or be married this week," Eta called.

She sighed, handing her mother back the child.  "I'm going to help hunt for dinner."  She stomped off once she had her bow and arrows.

Her mother giggled.  "I will have to have that talk with her soon.  Plus talk to Star's Fire about giving her a sibling."  She looked at the baby.  "We should, yes.  We'll talk to Eta about watching you tonight too so Star's Fire can go gooey minded because you're adorable.  That way he helps his child's mother like Eta helped us."  She smiled at Sata when she caught him watching.  "Did you want to hold him?"

Sata backed away from her.  "I did plenty of watching of them when Mother was ill or giving me siblings.  I don't need to watch another one."

"So you want a male wife?" Toler joked.

"As long as he can cook, I don't mind.  Find me one like Eta to drive my mind to the spirits too."  They all laughed but Maris' mother did go into the couple's tent to hand the baby over to Eta before walking off happy with the image of them naked and touching in their tent.  "I told you to tie those shut if you didn't want interrupted," Sata called at Star's Fire's complaining noises.

"Not that!  He's gross!  He drools!  He's happy he's drooling!"

"So did you," Sata assured him, shaking his head.  "Get practice, brother."

"I've had my four," Eta complained.  His mate kissed him and it was nicer.  The baby was set beside them and they went back to kissing and cuddling.  Not like they could keep being loud with the baby in there.  He had no idea how you had more children with the original one in the tent.  Star's Fire took the thoughts from his mind in the nicest way, making him a happy hunter who wouldn't worry about children any more.

After all, he had a husband, he couldn't do it the natural way.  Any that came in other ways, he could be a second-mother or father to so he wouldn't have to clean them or deal with them too often.  And hey, he could always take his mate hunting if he had to escape the children.  Star's Fire kissed him again and his thoughts went away again, letting him get loud and happy for a while longer.  As it should be.

The End.

Finished November 17, 2008  3:35 pm.  50,240 words.
 
 

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