Free Bittersweet Ecstasy by Janelle Taylor

how close in age she was to Sun Cloud and knowing of his alleged conquests with women, she asked herself if she should entreat Sun Cloud to explain men and their feelings to her. Perhaps her uncle could tell her how to win Soul-of-Thunder’s attention and heart.
    Just before telling Sun Cloud his uncle Eagle’s Arm had arrived, she decided it was best for her grandparents to share that news with him. She did inform him of her father’s guests and said she had come to fetch water for her grandmother. “I will tell Grandmother and Grandfather you have returned to camp. We saved food for you.”
    Sun Cloud smiled at his niece, and knew something was brewing inside her lovely head. If they were not related, she would make a perfect choice as his mate; she was beautiful, intelligent, giving, strong, and gentle. Tashina knew she was a woman, and she was proud and happy to be one. She did her chores with skill and without complaint. He was very proud and fond of her.
    “Tell Mother I will be there shortly. I must tend my horse and refresh my body. Guard her well, Soul-ofThunder,” he remarked genially to the warrior at her side, “for she is beyond price and words.”
    “You are too kind, Uncle, but your words and feelings please me. It is good you are home safe.Grandfather has a surprise for you,” she helplessly hinted, then boldly winked at the man she loved.
    The Cheyenne warrior grinned and nodded agreement. He was moved by her control, for most females would have blurted out news of an uncle’s unexpected arrival. More and more he realized how special she was. He followed her into camp, wishing Sun Cloud had arrived later..
    Sun Cloud dropped to the ground while his horse drank his fill of water. All the way home he had thought of nothing but Singing Wind and of what had, or almost had, transpired between them in the forest. He had been stupid not to comprehend her abrupt change of heart and her rejection. He realized he had been blind and foolish. He had spoiled everything with innocent words. It was exasperating to have to guard one’s tongue at a time like that. He had offended her and challenged her, without meaning to do so. Soon, he must correct her mistaken impression and appease his growing hunger for her…

Chapter Three
    Early the following morning, Windrider and his son left the Oglala camp to return home. Tashina and Soul-of-Thunder had been given no time alone after their brief encounter at the river, nor the privacy for either to speak the feelings in their hearts. After the men left camp to hunt game for the impending feast to celebrate the arrival of Gray Eagle’s half brother, Tashina went to visit with her grandmother.
    As the two women carried out their morning tasks, Tashina told Shalee what did, and did not, take place last night. “I fear I was too bold, Grandmother. I was about to approach him and confess all when Sun Cloud returned. Perhaps his intrusion was for the best. Perhaps my move to him was coming too swiftly and rashly. If only I could read his feelings as he reads tracks upon the face of Mother Earth.”
    “Do not worry so, little one. If the Great Spirit wills the joining of Tashina and Soul-of-Thunder, no power can defeat it. Many times I have told you of the forces which tried to keep me from Gray Eagle’s life and side, but the Great Spirit destroyed them and we became as one. You must have patience and faith,” the older woman encouraged.
    “It is hard to wait, Grandmother, for other maidens desire and chase him. He does not know I think of him as a man. If he chose another, I could not bear it. Soon we will leave our winter camp and the distance between us will be greater. As troubles with the whites grow larger, his time for visits grow smaller. He has just left my side, and I miss him as if it has been a whole season.”
    “Does your father know of such feelings for the son of his friend?”
    She glanced away guiltily as she confessed, “I have not revealed such