Marriage Proposal

Seven days had passed and my aunt wasted no time getting to me early in the morning. When I awoke, she was sitting there. “The men returned from the hunt late last night. Core Tom will leave around mid-day. It is time to show your affection… if you are interested.”

I rubbed my eyes trying to clear my mind. “So, what is your decision about going to war against the English?”

She took a deep breath. “Core Tom made a strong case and many of our warriors agreed. Even so, I am not convinced.” She smiled at me. “I’m sure we will have this conversation again.” She stood, but paused before leaving. “Don’t waste too much time. This may be your best opportunity with Core Tom.”

I dressed quickly. I had imagined this day all of my life. Still, I never considered what I would wear. My skin already felt sticky from the humidity, so I put on my light skirt of woven grass, dyed with bright colors. Over my long-braided hair, I placed my beaded tiara, indicating my status as Annwaraogon’s niece. As I moved my two braids over my shoulders, I caught myself thinking of how I would soon switch to wearing one braid like married women. Will this be the day? Will Core Tom offer me a wedding ribbon? Things were moving quickly. Despite this, I paused to consider all the possible answers to these questions. Then, I remembered my mission and slipped on my deerskin moccasins and hurried down the aisle.

I announced my presence before entering the cabin where Core Tom and the other guests were lodging. Core Tom invited me to join him. He was working on his gasdó-wä, a fitted hat made of strips of wood. In addition to the traditional turkey and hawk feathers, he added a long pheasant feather.

When he stood up, I noticed that he wore no shirt and the sunlight, through the smoke door, glistened off his tan skin. Diverting my gaze, I tugged nervously at my tunic. I never had this reaction to men before, not those in our town, nor of any in my clan.

He seemed to notice my unease and pulled on his shirt. He motioned to his two companions to give us the room, but began talking as they left. “It was a good hunt. We brought back many deer. My prize was a large pheasant from which I got this beautiful feather.”

“Nice, very distinctive.”

As he looked up, I presented him with the nut milk, brought as a show of affection.

A smile brightened his face as he accepted it. “What is this?”

With one hand anchored to my hip, I grinned and set the drink on the bench. “It is a traditional Tuscarora drink, given to express honor and respect.”

Core Tom gleamed as he picked up the cup and brought it to his nose. As he sniffed, his eyes widened, and he took a sip. “Hmm, so sweet. I have never tasted anything like this.”

I turned to hide my smile. Warmth spread throughout my chest.

See also What Does Love Feel Like.