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It was the thirty-first day from the time Clawson’s men had visited the camp. Everyone had been on edge all day, listening for every sound or sign of the soldiers. However, nothing happened other than more preparations for war. That night Keme and Leotie went off to his shelter and ate together while most of the others were at the fire boasting of how they would handle the outlanders.
Keme put his bowl down and reached for her hand. “Leotie, with the war coming. Perhaps we should...”
She braced herself, figuring he was going to talk about running away again.
“I mean, perhaps we should consider...” He glanced off, fiddling with a twig in one hand. “I-I know our wigwam isn’t done and we haven’t had a ceremony, but we’ve been together for a long time, and I thought perhaps we could spend the night together.”
Her heart skipped a beat. He was talking about joining before the life-bond ceremony. They’d often kissed and snuggled, but never gone so far as to join. Many people didn’t wait for the life-bond ceremony, but she’d always pictured having one. It was right for the man to make the commitment to her family. Her father expected it from any man interested in his daughter. He often said she should consider Wayna again, or another warrior, but he didn’t understand. She’d been around enough warrior types to know they were all obsessed with how well they could fire a bow, and seemed to care more about what she looked like than to actually talk to her.
Keme was different. He cared about her as a person. He was a partner who had waited. A unique and handsome man.
“I only want to be with you.” Keme caressed her cheek while his eyes waited for answers.
Leotie found it tempting, and it was at a time of the month where the risk for pregnancy would be low. However, Izrah always reminded the women that pregnancy could happen at any time. Still, Keme looked so adorable the way he stuttered and kept looking away.
“What about the life-bond ceremony?” she asked.
“I have wanted to mention it, but everyone is so busy.”
He was right. There wouldn’t be time for a ceremony.
He took her hands. “I already consider you my life-bond. Do you feel the same?”
She smiled. “Yes, of course.”
“Perhaps we can have our own ceremony.” Keme reached behind him and lifted up a bear skin blanket. He pulled out a new bow. “I’ve been saving this for the ceremony because I know you wouldn’t want some silly necklace.”
Leotie stared, stunned he’d had a life-bond gift hidden all this time. “I love it.” She took the bow. “I have something for you too, but I don’t have it with me.”
Keme chuckled. “Really?”
“Yeah, it’s a vest. I finally finished it, with help from my mother. It has the symbol of a healer on it – the white dove. I know you might be hesitant to wear it around your father, but you should.”
“He can’t say anything against a life-bonding gift, which is great.” He smiled, his eyes amused as he leaned toward her. “You can give it to me later. For now, let’s just...”
“But we should at least tell my parents we have made the commitment?”
Keme backed up a little. “Yes, but your father is sleeping. I’ll do so first thing in the morning.”
“You’re sure?”
His voice softened. “As long as you don’t mind my reputation as coward. No doubt certain people aren’t going to let me forget it, especially if there is a ceremony.”
This confirmed why he’d held back for so long. She took his hand and squeezed. “Whoever thinks that is a fool, so why would I care?”
He chuckled and pulled her closer. She rested her hands on his back, warm and smooth. Her concerns faded as Keme’s lips ran across her neck, his breath warm on her skin. He cautiously ran his hands along her sides.
She pulled back. “We also have to finish the wigwam because we’re still going to be here, right?”
He stared off to the side. “I hope so.”
She looked at him with questioning eyes. “And you won’t ever mind that I’m a warrior?”
“I accepted that a long time ago.” He motioned to the bow.
She believed him. If only the others would too. Leotie turned to the entrance and peeked outside. Everyone was still at the fire. She adjusted the deer hide flap, making sure nobody could see a thing.
Keme came up from behind her and kissed her on the neck, moving slowly, his hands along her sides, touching her breasts. He eased the dress off her shoulders and it fell down around her waist. It wasn’t right he still had a vest on. She pushed it back and down along his arms until it slid off. Her dress lingered around her hips, while he still had on a breech cloth and leggings.
She leaned closer, and he caressed her breasts. As he touched her, she shut her eyes for a few seconds. Then opened them, and put her arms around his neck. The two kissed on the lips. She felt the outline of his chest beneath her as they explored each other’s mouths.
He pulled her toward him, leaning back and down onto his mat as he fiddled with the end of her braid, taking out the tie. Then he undid the braid, letting her hair hang down across her shoulder with a slight tickle.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered into her ear, and pulled her down next to him.
The two lay side by side. Helped each other out of their clothes, giggling at the awkward moments until they were naked. Keme put his hand behind her neck and scooted over, kissing her on the lips. He moved down along her neck and to her breasts, kissing them in the most slow, teasing way.
She rested her hands on his shoulders and moved them along his arms, admiring the shape of his muscles. He had a reserved strength about him that he rarely showed, but could easily do so if needed. Keme moved lower, kissing her and caressing in the most delicate places. Her breathing quickened and muscles tightened. As he came back to her lips, the two kissed ravenously. She ran her hands along his manhood. Keme leaned down. Their bodies clung to each other, soft and warm. She craved to have him now, her heart racing. The two came together without thought to what the future would bring.
They sank down and lay next to each other, smiling. She felt safe and content, and couldn't imagine ever being with anyone else. They snuggled under the blankets and drifted into a deep sleep.
