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"For what reason?" she didn't realize how sharp she spoke, but Aiden almost turned to look at her.
"He thinks you can help speed getting your people to settle out and quit warring."
"And how can I do that?"
"It's known you have influence on your people. You have become a great leader, a spirit woman. Isn't that what they call you?"
"Sometimes, yes."
"Your voice can have impact on what they do."
"And why should I tell them anything?"
"To keep them alive, and well."
"When the spirit dies, the body dies also. It would be a slow death, but a death, nonetheless. The ways of the Indian is dying, Aiden. When the buffalo are gone, so will the Indian die out. I can't stop it, but maybe prolong it."
"You really are a wise, little one, aren't you?"
"Who is the woman?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder at her.
"She is the child's mother."
"And she comes out here, herself, to find the child? In this weather… in these mountains?"
"She does."
She turned her head to look at the woman once more.
"I respect her for that at least. She's a snob, but a courageous one. It doesn't look as though she knows a thing about surviving out here." Lucy let her head fall against his back and rested.
"That's the truth." Aiden chuckled and pulled her hand tight to him.
"Are you tired?" He asked when she leaned her head against his back.
"No, I just like being close, Aiden." She sighed. "Something about you makes me want to be close. It always has. I can't seem to control it. Do you mind?"
"No, I don't mind." He chuckled softly, "It's the white side of you, Lucy, it comes out every now and then."
"Maybe… but I don't let everyone see that side of me often."
"I know that… " he whispered for her ears alone. "Will we encounter trouble getting the child back?"
She sighed once more, as though a bit exasperated, "I will speak to them for the woman. I won't lie to you, it is serious business. It is for their mourning that they took her. Custer, the yellow hair, came and killed many of the women and children one day while the braves were out hunting for food. Custer has the whites stirred up. Our people are the same. They want war with the whites. But this, this could cause a mourning war and you know that."
Now he did turn and look at her, "That's mighty nice of you, Lucy. I didn't expect you to comply so easily."
"I owe you. I pay my debts. Had someone come for me years ago, it might have made a difference… " her voice trailed off, the hurt in her voice echoing through the hills and valleys, touching a soft spot in Aiden's heart once more. "I may not like the woman, but I respect her for that at least. She came in the dead of winter for her child, that is good."
"You amaze me, Lucy…" Aiden said, his voice going soft again.
"Why?"
"There's a sweetness about you that is damn charming." He chuckled.
"Have you not heard I am the White Silver Fox, I am not sweet… nor am I charming."
"You forget, I know you a little too well. Just remember one thing, no matter what happens, I'm on your side." Aiden said and patted her hand.
