Moonlight beamed through the fire window, casting a soft, silver glow that made me feel less lonely. Unable to sleep, I rubbed a hand over my heart, watching as ghostly clouds glided in front of the moon.
He held me.
Hmm, only a dream.
He feels safe, like home.
I dream not of the ocean,
Nor snow covered mountains.
No gold for me,
I dream only of the sky as my roof,
The ground as my bed,
Just him… and me.
Chuck Locklear
Chuck’s new book, A Storm Coming, won a Chaucer Award from Chanticleer Book Reviews. A retired educator, speaker, blogger, and pastor, he shares on @Chuck.Lizzy with the love of his life, Lizzy.
“Jane, Jane.”
My aunt interrupted my thoughts, and I held up a hand to stop her from getting too close. “Why are you here so late? People are trying to sleep.”
“I have good new and I could not wait to tell you. The Council has given their approval for you to marry.”
This made me sit straight up. “What are you saying?”
“Ah, were you dreaming of Core Tom again? That was two seasons ago and he has not returned. It is time for you to marry and take your place in the community.”
I cleared my throat. “But, who will the groom be?”
Annwaraogon’s eyes brightened.
I just shook my head in disbelief.
Bear Clan
In spite of this, she waved me off and continued. “Your husband must not be from the Bear Clan. It is our custom. I have found an eligible young buck from the Turtle Clan, the oldest of our six clans. Long ago, Grandmother Turtle formed the earth by dividing the waters…”
“I know… crafted a mud ball at the beginning of creation to bring up a chunk of mud that expanded to become land.”
“Ah, you have learned well.”
“Do I not get a say in this matter?”
“Yes, of course you do. His name is John Pagett. He has hunted with your friend Sagaddio. He will visit you on the new moon to determine if you are interested.”
“So, you have given up on Core Tom?” I asked.
Culture
“My dear Jane, you know our culture. We do not believe in long courtships. You have already given him the traditional symbol showing your affection. It is expected that he should not have waited this long to respond.”
These words stung and burned the backs of my eyes, regrets filling my mind. “Perhaps, he does not know our traditions.”
“The Coree people speak our language. They are our brothers. They are not that different from us.”
I turned my head, so she could not see, and wiped at tears with the sleeve of my tunic.
Annwaraogon sat on the edge of the bed and put her arm around me. “You should begin preparing the groom’s gift… just in case. You will provide this, confirming your choice.”
I sat with my face in my hands, breath coming in short gasps. Can I really let all hope go just like that? My life seemed rolled up into this single moment.