A WARRIOR’S LOVE

Emma stiffened the hairs on the back of her neck prickling as she felt a presence behind her. Standing back up right, she let the rock fall from her clammy hand and spun about, her other hand going to her throat.

Tokaalah remained stock still, not wanting to frighten her anymore then she already appeared to be.

Stepping back Emma immediately lost her footing in the loose gravel, plunging backwards into the cold water.

Tokaalah hid a smile as she gasped, her slim legs flashing underneath her voluminous skirts as she tried to stand once again. Emma managed to regain her footing and stood dripping wet, her hair falling from its loose bun and plastering against her in long dark strands. She eyed him carefully, her hands lifting the bottom of her dress from the water. Looking down at herself, she then brought her gaze back to him, her eyes flashing.

He was handsome, his long blue-black hair hung loosely down just past his wide shoulders adorned by one lone eagle feather. His dark eyes were evenly spaced apart and were regarding her with such intensity, it made her stomach flip. His cheeks were high and his mouth almost looked inviting. His outfit was made of soft tanned hides; the pants snug over his muscled thighs. The shirt was adorned with quills around the neckline and down each arm to the elbow.

She knew by the Majors endless droning that this was a man of stature in his tribe. Only the higher ranking men were allowed to wear such decorative clothing from day to day.

Do not scream. I do not hurt you. His voice cut into her thoughts making her blink rapidly, her gaze meeting his evenly.

Wiping her chin free of the dripping water, she swallowed, taking a step back. Who are you? She asked after finally finding her voice, surprised at his use of English.

I am called Tokaalah. Son of Jaydah, leader of my people. He answered clearly and immediately, encouraged by her lack of hysterics that seemed to befall many white women he had seen over the years.

Emma blushed under his intense stare, feeling rather ridiculous standing in the cold water. What do you want of me? She asked sidestepping a few feet and then out onto the shoreline, her hands clutching her middle as she shook from the cold.

Tokaalah saw this and whistled for his horse. The crashing of the brush beside them made her jump in alarm, thinking it was a wild animal coming in for the kill.

It is alright. Stay. He tried to reassure her as his horse came into view.

Emma fought for control of her pounding heart, feeling like she was going to faint from the tension.

Pulling the blanket from its back, he held it out to her. Take it. He took another step closer to which Emma took one back. Stopping, he remained still, his hand still holding out the blanket to her waiting.

Emma glanced about as if looking for something and decided that the blanket might be in her best interest. Cautiously, she came forward, taking it from his hands, and then quickly jumped back once again.

Each time we meet, you are cold. He commented watching her wrap the blanket about her shoulders tightly.

What are you talking about? I don’t know you. Emma asked looking back at him.

He lifted the necklace that hung from his neck for her to see. It appeared to be a flat stone with the middle ground out with bright auburn red thread wrapped about it.

Emma furrowed her eyebrows craning her neck to see it better, not understanding the significance of it.

He pointed to his hair and then hers. Emma pulled back, her hand went to her neck where the short hair was, and her eyes got wide. It was you. She whispered.

Tokaalah nodded letting his arm drop to his side once again, glancing over at his horse just to his side. Yes. He confirmed it with one simple word.

That’s my hair……. You cut it.. Emma let her hand drop once again to clutch the blanket. Lifting her chin, she swallowed before speaking. Thank you for saving my life.

Tokaalah stared back wordlessly, as if he hadn’t heard her, taking in her quiet beauty. Her skin was clear, a light tan color that gave her an appealing look compared to the pasty white faces of the other white women. Her eyes were of great interest to him for they were to shade of meadow grass in the summer. Never before had he seen such eyes.

Why would you do such a thing? She asked bringing his attention back the present. He stared back, wondering what she meant. Cut my hair. She offered when he didn’t reply.

Tokaalah touched the necklace unconsciously, turning away from her. Women do not question men. He said patting his horse on the neck, his long hair falling forward obscuring his face from her gaze.

Emma flushed at his rude statement, tossing the blanket back at his feet. I am not going to stand here and be insulted. Thank you for the blanket and good day. She pushed back her skirts, and then turned to leave.

Tokaalah looked up, caught off guard by her anger. He wasn’t accustomed to outbursts from women as they knew better.

I return when the moon is full. He called out stopping her in her tracks.

Emma looked over her shoulder in time to see him easily mount his horse, tossing his long hair back over his shoulders.

Be here. He added before turning and galloping away and out of sight.

Emma’s mouth dropped at his arrogance. I suppose that was my gracious invitation. She scoffed brushing off a bug from her hand. Looking about, the area was dead quiet save a few birds and the rustling of the bare branches overhead. It was almost as if he was never there.

You’ll be here alone, I can assure you! She yelled at the top of her lungs not caring if he or anyone else heard.

Men,,, doesn’t matter the race,, they are all the same. She muttered as she again started to walk back home. She dismissed the Indian from her mind for the time being and concentrated on a plausible story to explain her appearance.