McIntosh didn't respond.
"These now yours," said Eagle Heart as he led his Appaloosa and Nokota by their buckskin ropes and gave those ropes to his father-in-law. "Spotted Pony is name...Appaloosa. Good buffalo horse. Goes Far is name...Nokota. Take...them. If must leave...go in peace."
It wasn't long before McIntosh had saddled his own horse, and, leading Eagle Heart's ponies by their ropes, made ready to leave.
But, before he left, She-steals-my-breath joined the two of them, and, taking one of Eagle Heart's parfleche bags from him, gave it to her father. She said, "It's full of dried meat. Please do not be angry with us. I love this man. I will always love him."
Her father sneered at her, which she ignored. Instead, she said, "Have a safe journey, Father."
Her father didn't reply. Indeed, he did nothing but scowl and, without a word, set out upon the trail.
Steals-my-breath voice was almost a whisper, when she murmured, "He didn't even say good-bye."
"Do not...worry," Eagle Heart's voice was low and calming. "He losing you. Also, first time he see big people, too. Hard...sometimes...on a...man.
****
The Blackfeet Encampment
Northwestern Montana
Spring 1835
––––––––
THE WINTER HAD BEENa hard one this year with many snows and a few more blizzards, although Eagle Heart and Steals-my-breath had barely noticed. Pitching their own winter lodge within the Pikuni camp, they had spent many warm and cozy nights in each other's arms, and the difficult winter had passed them by almost without notice.
But, now it was spring. A warm "Snow Eater" had blown in weeks ago, and, as its name implied, it had eaten up all the snow. Their tribe, at present, had made the journey to Fort McKenzie on the Marias River.
"Come," said Eagle Heart to She-steals-my-breath. "Walk...with me into woods on shore...Marias River. Female big person there."
"Truly? She is in the forest? And, we are going there as though we are friends?"
"Áa. We...friends. News...I have...for her."
"News? You have news? This is the first time you have mentioned this to me."
"Áa," He nodded. "I know. Was not...sure before. Now... sure."
"Oh. Well, let us take a walk, then."
"Soka'pii."
They had done little more than step a few feet into the small forested area, when Eagle Heart said in the mind-to-mind talk, "Your husband lives. He is farther north in the mountains. It is almost straight north. Go to him. Make many more children. Live well."
"You found him?" asked Laylah.
"I did."
"Thank you," came the silent reply from the big person. And then, she was gone, disappearing so fast, it was almost as though she simply melted into space.
His wife turned to him and said, "You have been looking for her mate?"
"Áa.It took...long time. Now they be...one again."
"Oh, my husband. You have been very kind to her. I must admit, my love, sometimes you take my breath away."
"No, you one who stole breath from me."
