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  • FACING SUNRIZE
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    • INTRODUCTION
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    • Facing Sunrize, Chapter 1
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  • Golden Pheasant
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        A long time ago, in the land that is now New Mexico, there was a small village that rested high on the mountain's side. It overlooked what had been a mighty river, but is now, only a dry and dusty rocky bed. Occasionally now, the rains will come and flood the old river bed.....and for a time, wild flowers will grace it's parched banks. Crickets too will sing at night under the twinkling stars. It is a strange looking land, over-grown with thorny things and entities that crawl at night when the air is refreshingly cool. The air is thick and hot in summer, and the turquoise of twilight lingers, mingling with the fragrance of creosote blossoms.
        It was in this village that a certain old woman by the name of Sittingjing-gongala lived. She was a widow now, and stayed with her memories, watching the sun rise and set, the children being born, growing up....and moving away. But she had stayed all those years. She was an excellent weaver and craftswoman and delighted everyone with her stories. She was very grateful to the Great spirit for her beautiful life. It had been long and lonely though since her dear and valiant husband had died. Being alone hurt though she tried to be patient.
         For forty years she had been devoted to Chin-Honaw, her husband. He was a always a great provider and kept their family together thru good times and hard. He also had a terrific sense of humor. She tried to remember the times he made her laugh so hard, but now it would make her cry to think of him. It had only been three winters since that terrible accident that took his life. Although she missed him terribly, whenever she thought of him, she felt as if he were right there with her again in their little dwelling.
Gongi had borne him four healthy children, two sons and two daughters. Manox-Shinji, her first born son, had grown up to become a fine warrior. His heart too was kind and gentle, like his father, Chin-Honaw. When he was still a young man he was ambushed by Maney youths stealing from their corn patches. When Manox-Shinji fell, he struck his head upon a rock, and he later died from the injury. Now the Ehupai men were very peaceful and of a temperate nature. They did not want to fight with their neighbors, and did share much of their bounty with them during hard winters. But the Maney were always hungry. It seemed there could never be enough corn to fill their bellies, for they always returned with empty baskets. The Ehupai could never understand why these people did not plant their own corn. They had been kindly shown how, too many times to count, but they just did not care for gardening. They were hunters.
        Salanka was Sittingjing-gongala's first daughter. She had reached her 19th year and she and Red Horse were newlyweds. Of course Salanka came to visit often, but Sittingjing-gongala still felt a deep sorrow and loneliness inside that nothing seemed to dissuade, and which she tried to hide because she didn't want Salanka to worry. Salanka knew that only time could heal this great sorrow her mother was carrying. Time, and perhaps a new baby in the family. She missed her dear father very much too, but now she had Red Horse, and he was so wonderful to her. Red Horse's mother, Soclea, had grown up in the village when she and Gongi where young maidens. Soclea married and moved to her husband's village, but missing her childhood friend, she came to visit her often. They had always been good friends.
Salanka's brother Flying Eagle was a good friend to Red Horse and they would spend much time together hunting and talking stories. Flying Eagle was a rebellious fellow and was always finding himself in trouble. It wasn't his fault really, he was just so full of life and loved to dance and laugh a lot. He was still a bachelor as he was very shy with the girls and perhaps a bit too particular.
He was always sticking up for the under-dog and like his mother Sittingjing-gongala, he loved to help others whenever he could. He was a very brave young man and took chances another man might not take. Salanka was very worried for him and Red Horse all the time. Sometimes she would get angry with Red Horse for the chances he took when he was with her brother. She didn't want to lose them. They both acted like they were indestructible, but they weren't. She thought of her father Chin-Honaw, and the rock slide/avalanche that took his life. So she scolded them for their boldness whenever she could.
Flying Eagle was in his 20th year and one year younger than Red Horse, but they were both born when the nights were very long and the days were cold. They were always together from childhood and were quite a dynamic duo.
        Now Salanka's younger sister Leula, was sixteen, and even more rebellious than Flying Eagle. Their father had spoiled her and sometimes she was so unmanageable she made every one cry. She was terrible and wouldn't listen to her mother at all. Now she had run away with a young man from another tribe to the far West, He had come to the village trading seashells from the coast and finely tanned hides.
        Leula just took up with him and left with his little band. Salanka knew that her mother was more despondent than ever now. She was worried for her sister too, and hoped she was safe and happy and that she would return to their village again someday.
Leula was a daydreamer and didn't readily communicate her feelings to her mother, Salanka or Flying Eagle. Even though Salanka missed her sister Leula, she was mad at her too for causing Gongi so much grief and worry.
        As time passed, Salanka grew more and more happy in her marriage to Red Horse, and one day she came to her mother with the great news that soon she would be a mother too. This seemed to cheer the old woman, but at night Sittingjing-gongala would still cry alone in her tipi, because she worried so much for everyone. She could not live with the fear that she might lose another loved one again. Gongi would just stare into her little fire, reminiscing the years past when the children were small and she and Chin-Honaw were young and strong and in love. She thought of the baby to come, and bubbled over with joy, spilling tears into the deep creases etched in her face by time
Well, one morning just as Sittingjing-gongala was going out to gather herbs in the meadow, her brother Omwanaku came to her. In his arms he carried a little bundle. He laid the bundle down, beneath the nearby fir tree.
        "Look Sister, come here" he called to her. Sittingjing-gongala looked puzzled. As she came close, she thought she heard a baby crying. The little bundle was moving. The baby kicked the blanket off and Gongi was amazed to see the little smiley face of a beautiful baby girl. The baby stopped crying when she saw the old woman. The two just stared incredulously at each other in awe. Then the baby burst into laughter because both Omwanaku and Gongi looked funny staring at her motionless. She was kicking her feet and clapping her hands. The baby sat up, and began to crawl toward Gongi. The old woman looked at her brother skeptically.
        "Where did you find this precious bundle Brother?" He looked sadly at her, and then almost silently uttered under his breath...."Leula came to my lodge last night...."Gongi's expression changed instantly from surprise to joyous ecstasy. Stunned with her mouth hanging up, she could barely move her lips to form the word....the sound that came forth was shaking from her shock of incredulity. "Leula?"...the mother gasped as tears formed in the corners of her eyes and spilled onto her craggy canyoned face. She looked at her brother as if all her pain was now gone and forgotten. Leula her baby was back... and now, with a baby of her own. The sad lonely days and cheerless nights were over. Omwanaku said nothing.

Recomposed, she spoke her daughter's name again. "Leula...well, where is she brother. Is she coming this way soon?" Gongi looked around to catch a glimpse of her. He seemed hesitant to reply, but knew he must. Gongi sensed something was amiss. His face was soured and hiding something. "No. She returned to the forest. She did not look well."
"Brother,...is she alright?...How could you let her go?!" "She's changed Sister. She's been through a lot." he finally added. "I don't care about that. She's my daughter. I love her. She made a mistake, but her place is to be here. What about this baby. Is this Leula's baby? "Yes, she's your grand-daughter." Omwanaku assured Gongi.
"What's your name little one" Gongi said affectionately cuddling the little girl in her arms, her wrinkled skin falling in happy folds. The baby girl touched the old woman's skin with her finger and smiled. The baby's smooth skinned chubby face contrasted distinctly with the old woman's as they pressed their cheeks together. They both laughed aloud at the very blissfulness of it. The baby kissed the old woman's eyes and rested in the warmth of Gongi's neck. Omwanaku's uneasiness seemed over, and he happily said, "I think you've got a buddy now old woman. Ha! you're a grandmother now!"
"Isn't it wonderful Brother. Oh I have so needed a sweet little baby to love and take care of again. Soon Salanka will give birth, and the children will have each other growing up. It's so wonderful! It's a dream come true!!! Did Leula tell you her baby's name?" "She mumbled something", he replied. "Why don't you give her a name," he added quickly.
Gongi was annoyed for a moment that Omwanaku was not forthcoming with the baby's name. "Well, I will call her... Peaciwawala! The Fragrance of Pine Cones. We'll call you Lali for short." She kissed the little baby and played with her hair, twirling it in her fingers like ribbon.
"Isn't she coming back Brother?" Gongi finally asked as she and Omwanaku were walking back to the tipi. Gongi held Lali on one hip. "Why would she leave her baby with you and return to the forest? Is she with someone?"
"I don't know Sister," he replied. "I'll go out looking for her and when I find her, I'll try to bring her back." "Are you hungry Omwanaku?" she asked as they went into the tipi.
Gongi put the baby on the great grizzly bearskin rug, and then sat beside her. The fire was still cooking one of Gongi's gopher stew. It simmered in a ceramic pot resting on a set of stones. It was warm inside the teepee and the aroma from the stew made the baby very mobile. Gongi had to show Lali how to sit by the fire and not be burned. Lali didn't listen. She let her toe touch a hot pepple that popped out of the fire. It sure hurt. She screeched and tucked her head into grandma's lap. Lali learned that lesson fast.
"I'm still full," replied Omwanaku. "I want to go now and look for her. She must have a camp close by." He smiled to see the baby on the bearskin. "We haven't seen that for a long time." "Are you sure this isn't your baby old man?!" Gongi chided. "Do you have a girl friend somewhere we don't know about?"
Omwanaku laughed. "I wish" he replied as he moved the buffalo skin to open the door. "I'll be back. I have traps to check. Maybe I'll have a squirrel or rabbit to add to your marvelous stew." "That would be nice Brother. Good luck" Gongi said gratefully."...and be careful."
Omwanaku went out leaving Gongi and Lali together in the warmth of the tipi. The fire was almost out. Only the embers were still smoldering into ash, and the warmth of the sun beat tenderly upon the buffalo skins. Gongi moved to open the door. She tied it up, and the sun flooded in bringing light and fresh air. Lali crawled to the doorway and looked out. Then she looked at Gongi and sat up clapping her hands gleefully. "Mama" she said clapping her hands and smiling at Gongi."No" said Gongi. "Grandma" "Mama" she said again. "Mama"
The days passed quickly, and Gongi waited hopefully for Leula's return. The nights were grueling and long, but Lali slept beside her on the great grizzly bearskin that Chin-Honaw had battled himself. How Gongi wished Chin-Honaw were with her now to enjoy their grand-child. Having a baby alone was alot of work. "If only Leula would come back" she thought hopefully.Gongi's expression changed instantly from surprise to joyous ecstasy. Stunned with her mouth hanging up, she could barely move her lips to form the word....the sound that came forth was shaking from her shock of incredulity. "Leula?"...the mother gasped as tears formed in the corners of her eyes and spilled onto her craggy canyoned face. She looked at her brother as if all her pain was now gone and forgotten. Leula her baby was back... and now, with a baby of her own. The sad lonely days and cheerless nights were over. Omwanaku said nothing.
Recomposed, she spoke her daughter's name again. "Leula...well, where is she brother. Is she coming this way soon?" Gongi looked around to catch a glimpse of her. He seemed hesitant to reply, but knew he must. Gongi sensed something was amiss. His face was soured and hiding something. "No. She returned to the forest. She did not look well."
"Brother,...is she alright?...How could you let her go?!" "She's changed Sister. She's been through a lot." he finally added. "I don't care about that. She's my daughter. I love her. She made a mistake, but her place is to be here. What about this baby. Is this Leula's baby? "Yes, she's your grand-daughter." Omwanaku assured Gongi.
"What's your name little one" Gongi said affectionately cuddling the little girl in her arms, her wrinkled skin falling in happy folds. The baby girl touched the old woman's skin with her finger and smiled. The baby's smooth skinned chubby face contrasted distinctly with the old woman's as they pressed their cheeks together. They both laughed aloud at the very blissfulness of it. The baby kissed the old woman's eyes and rested in the warmth of Gongi's neck. Omwanaku's uneasiness seemed over, and he happily said, "I think you've got a buddy now old woman. Ha! you're a grandmother now!"
"Isn't it wonderful Brother. Oh I have so needed a sweet little baby to love and take care of again. Soon Salanka will give birth, and the children will have each other growing up. It's so wonderful! It's a dream come true!!! Did Leula tell you her baby's name?" "She mumbled something", he replied. "Why don't you give her a name," he added quickly.
Gongi was annoyed for a moment that Omwanaku was not forthcoming with the baby's name. "Well, I will call her... Peaciwawala! The Fragrance of Pine Cones. We'll call you Lali for short." She kissed the little baby and played with her hair, twirling it in her fingers like ribbon.
"Isn't she coming back Brother?" Gongi finally asked as she and Omwanaku were walking back to the tipi. Gongi held Lali on one hip. "Why would she leave her baby with you and return to the forest? Is she with someone?"
"I don't know Sister," he replied. "I'll go out looking for her and when I find her, I'll try to bring her back." "Are you hungry Omwanaku?" she asked as they went into the tipi.
Gongi put the baby on the great grizzly bearskin rug, and then sat beside her. The fire was still cooking one of Gongi's gopher stew. It simmered in a ceramic pot resting on a set of stones. It was warm inside the teepee and the aroma from the stew made the baby very mobile. Gongi had to show Lali how to sit by the fire and not be burned. Lali didn't listen. She let her toe touch a hot pepple that popped out of the fire. It sure hurt. She screeched and tucked her head into grandma's lap. Lali learned that lesson fast.
"I'm still full," replied Omwanaku. "I want to go now and look for her. She must have a camp close by." He smiled to see the baby on the bearskin. "We haven't seen that for a long time." "Are you sure this isn't your baby old man?!" Gongi chided. "Do you have a girl friend somewhere we don't know about?"
Omwanaku laughed. "I wish" he replied as he moved the buffalo skin to open the door. "I'll be back. I have traps to check. Maybe I'll have a squirrel or rabbit to add to your marvelous stew." "That would be nice Brother. Good luck" Gongi said gratefully."...and be careful."
Omwanaku went out leaving Gongi and Lali together in the warmth of the tipi. The fire was almost out. Only the embers were still smoldering into ash, and the warmth of the sun beat tenderly upon the buffalo skins. Gongi moved to open the door. She tied it up, and the sun flooded in bringing light and fresh air. Lali crawled to the doorway and looked out. Then she looked at Gongi and sat up clapping her hands gleefully. "Mama" she said clapping her hands and smiling at Gongi."No" said Gongi. "Grandma" "Mama" she said again. "Mama"
The days passed quickly, and Gongi waited hopefully for Leula's return. The nights were grueling and long, but Lali slept beside her on the great grizzly bearskin that Chin-Honaw had battled himself. How Gongi wished Chin-Honaw were with her now to enjoy their grand-child. Having a baby alone was alot of work. "If only Leula would come back" she thought hopefully.Gongi's expression changed instantly from surprise to joyous ecstasy. Stunned with her mouth hanging up, she could barely move her lips to form the word....the sound that came forth was shaking from her shock of incredulity. "Leula?"...the mother gasped as tears formed in the corners of her eyes and spilled onto her craggy canyoned face. She looked at her brother as if all her pain was now gone and forgotten. Leula her baby was back... and now, with a baby of her own. The sad lonely days and cheerless nights were over. Omwanaku said nothing.
Recomposed, she spoke her daughter's name again. "Leula...well, where is she brother. Is she coming this way soon?" Gongi looked around to catch a glimpse of her. He seemed hesitant to reply, but knew he must. Gongi sensed something was amiss. His face was soured and hiding something. "No. She returned to the forest. She did not look well."
"Brother,...is she alright?...How could you let her go?!" "She's changed Sister. She's been through a lot." he finally added. "I don't care about that. She's my daughter. I love her. She made a mistake, but her place is to be here. What about this baby. Is this Leula's baby? "Yes, she's your grand-daughter." Omwanaku assured Gongi.
"What's your name little one" Gongi said affectionately cuddling the little girl in her arms, her wrinkled skin falling in happy folds. The baby girl touched the old woman's skin with her finger and smiled. The baby's smooth skinned chubby face contrasted distinctly with the old woman's as they pressed their cheeks together. They both laughed aloud at the very blissfulness of it. The baby kissed the old woman's eyes and rested in the warmth of Gongi's neck. Omwanaku's uneasiness seemed over, and he happily said, "I think you've got a buddy now old woman. Ha! you're a grandmother now!"
"Isn't it wonderful Brother. Oh I have so needed a sweet little baby to love and take care of again. Soon Salanka will give birth, and the children will have each other growing up. It's so wonderful! It's a dream come true!!! Did Leula tell you her baby's name?" "She mumbled something", he replied. "Why don't you give her a name," he added quickly.
Gongi was annoyed for a moment that Omwanaku was not forthcoming with the baby's name. "Well, I will call her... Peaciwawala! The Fragrance of Pine Cones. We'll call you Lali for short." She kissed the little baby and played with her hair, twirling it in her fingers like ribbon.
"Isn't she coming back Brother?" Gongi finally asked as she and Omwanaku were walking back to the tipi. Gongi held Lali on one hip. "Why would she leave her baby with you and return to the forest? Is she with someone?"
"I don't know Sister," he replied. "I'll go out looking for her and when I find her, I'll try to bring her back." "Are you hungry Omwanaku?" she asked as they went into the tipi.
Gongi put the baby on the great grizzly bearskin rug, and then sat beside her. The fire was still cooking one of Gongi's gopher stew. It simmered in a ceramic pot resting on a set of stones. It was warm inside the teepee and the aroma from the stew made the baby very mobile. Gongi had to show Lali how to sit by the fire and not be burned. Lali didn't listen. She let her toe touch a hot pepple that popped out of the fire. It sure hurt. She screeched and tucked her head into grandma's lap. Lali learned that lesson fast.
"I'm still full," replied Omwanaku. "I want to go now and look for her. She must have a camp close by." He smiled to see the baby on the bearskin. "We haven't seen that for a long time." "Are you sure this isn't your baby old man?!" Gongi chided. "Do you have a girl friend somewhere we don't know about?"
Omwanaku laughed. "I wish" he replied as he moved the buffalo skin to open the door. "I'll be back. I have traps to check. Maybe I'll have a squirrel or rabbit to add to your marvelous stew." "That would be nice Brother. Good luck" Gongi said gratefully."...and be careful."
Omwanaku went out leaving Gongi and Lali together in the warmth of the tipi. The fire was almost out. Only the embers were still smoldering into ash, and the warmth of the sun beat tenderly upon the buffalo skins. Gongi moved to open the door. She tied it up, and the sun flooded in bringing light and fresh air. Lali crawled to the doorway and looked out. Then she looked at Gongi and sat up clapping her hands gleefully. "Mama" she said clapping her hands and smiling at Gongi."No" said Gongi. "Grandma" "Mama" she said again. "Mama"
The days passed quickly, and Gongi waited hopefully for Leula's return. The nights were grueling and long, but Lali slept beside her on the great grizzly bearskin that Chin-Honaw had battled himself. How Gongi wished Chin-Honaw were with her now to enjoy their grand-child. Having a baby alone was alot of work. "If only Leula would come back" she thought hopefully.Gongi's expression changed instantly from surprise to joyous ecstasy. Stunned with her mouth hanging up, she could barely move her lips to form the word....the sound that came forth was shaking from her shock of incredulity. "Leula?"...the mother gasped as tears formed in the corners of her eyes and spilled onto her craggy canyoned face. She looked at her brother as if all her pain was now gone and forgotten. Leula her baby was back... and now, with a baby of her own. The sad lonely days and cheerless nights were over. Omwanaku said nothing.
Recomposed, she spoke her daughter's name again. "Leula...well, where is she brother. Is she coming this way soon?" Gongi looked around to catch a glimpse of her. He seemed hesitant to reply, but knew he must. Gongi sensed something was amiss. His face was soured and hiding something. "No. She returned to the forest. She did not look well."
"Brother,...is she alright?...How could you let her go?!" "She's changed Sister. She's been through a lot." he finally added. "I don't care about that. She's my daughter. I love her. She made a mistake, but her place is to be here. What about this baby. Is this Leula's baby? "Yes, she's your grand-daughter." Omwanaku assured Gongi.
"What's your name little one" Gongi said affectionately cuddling the little girl in her arms, her wrinkled skin falling in happy folds. The baby girl touched the old woman's skin with her finger and smiled. The baby's smooth skinned chubby face contrasted distinctly with the old woman's as they pressed their cheeks together. They both laughed aloud at the very blissfulness of it. The baby kissed the old woman's eyes and rested in the warmth of Gongi's neck. Omwanaku's uneasiness seemed over, and he happily said, "I think you've got a buddy now old woman. Ha! you're a grandmother now!"
"Isn't it wonderful Brother. Oh I have so needed a sweet little baby to love and take care of again. Soon Salanka will give birth, and the children will have each other growing up. It's so wonderful! It's a dream come true!!! Did Leula tell you her baby's name?" "She mumbled something", he replied. "Why don't you give her a name," he added quickly.
Gongi was annoyed for a moment that Omwanaku was not forthcoming with the baby's name. "Well, I will call her... Peaciwawala! The Fragrance of Pine Cones. We'll call you Lali for short." She kissed the little baby and played with her hair, twirling it in her fingers like ribbon.
"Isn't she coming back Brother?" Gongi finally asked as she and Omwanaku were walking back to the tipi. Gongi held Lali on one hip. "Why would she leave her baby with you and return to the forest? Is she with someone?"
"I don't know Sister," he replied. "I'll go out looking for her and when I find her, I'll try to bring her back." "Are you hungry Omwanaku?" she asked as they went into the tipi.
Gongi put the baby on the great grizzly bearskin rug, and then sat beside her. The fire was still cooking one of Gongi's gopher stew. It simmered in a ceramic pot resting on a set of stones. It was warm inside the teepee and the aroma from the stew made the baby very mobile. Gongi had to show Lali how to sit by the fire and not be burned. Lali didn't listen. She let her toe touch a hot pepple that popped out of the fire. It sure hurt. She screeched and tucked her head into grandma's lap. Lali learned that lesson fast.
"I'm still full," replied Omwanaku. "I want to go now and look for her. She must have a camp close by." He smiled to see the baby on the bearskin. "We haven't seen that for a long time." "Are you sure this isn't your baby old man?!" Gongi chided. "Do you have a girl friend somewhere we don't know about?"
Omwanaku laughed. "I wish" he replied as he moved the buffalo skin to open the door. "I'll be back. I have traps to check. Maybe I'll have a squirrel or rabbit to add to your marvelous stew." "That would be nice Brother. Good luck" Gongi said gratefully."...and be careful."
Omwanaku went out leaving Gongi and Lali together in the warmth of the tipi. The fire was almost out. Only the embers were still smoldering into ash, and the warmth of the sun beat tenderly upon the buffalo skins. Gongi moved to open the door. She tied it up, and the sun flooded in bringing light and fresh air. Lali crawled to the doorway and looked out. Then she looked at Gongi and sat up clapping her hands gleefully. "Mama" she said clapping her hands and smiling at Gongi."No" said Gongi. "Grandma" "Mama" she said again. "Mama"
The days passed quickly, and Gongi waited hopefully for Leula's return. The nights were grueling and long, but Lali slept beside her on the great grizzly bearskin that Chin-Honaw had battled himself. How Gongi wished Chin-Honaw were with her now to enjoy their grand-child. Having a baby alone was alot of work. "If only Leula would come back" she thought hopefully.Gongi's expression changed instantly from surprise to joyous ecstasy. Stunned with her mouth hanging up, she could barely move her lips to form the word....the sound that came forth was shaking from her shock of incredulity. "Leula?"...the mother gasped as tears formed in the corners of her eyes and spilled onto her craggy canyoned face. She looked at her brother as if all her pain was now gone and forgotten. Leula her baby was back... and now, with a baby of her own. The sad lonely days and cheerless nights were over. Omwanaku said nothing.
Recomposed, she spoke her daughter's name again. "Leula...well, where is she brother. Is she coming this way soon?" Gongi looked around to catch a glimpse of her. He seemed hesitant to reply, but knew he must. Gongi sensed something was amiss. His face was soured and hiding something. "No. She returned to the forest. She did not look well."
"Brother,...is she alright?...How could you let her go?!" "She's changed Sister. She's been through a lot." he finally added. "I don't care about that. She's my daughter. I love her. She made a mistake, but her place is to be here. What about this baby. Is this Leula's baby? "Yes, she's your grand-daughter." Omwanaku assured Gongi.
"What's your name little one" Gongi said affectionately cuddling the little girl in her arms, her wrinkled skin falling in happy folds. The baby girl touched the old woman's skin with her finger and smiled. The baby's smooth skinned chubby face contrasted distinctly with the old woman's as they pressed their cheeks together. They both laughed aloud at the very blissfulness of it. The baby kissed the old woman's eyes and rested in the warmth of Gongi's neck. Omwanaku's uneasiness seemed over, and he happily said, "I think you've got a buddy now old woman. Ha! you're a grandmother now!"
"Isn't it wonderful Brother. Oh I have so needed a sweet little baby to love and take care of again. Soon Salanka will give birth, and the children will have each other growing up. It's so wonderful! It's a dream come true!!! Did Leula tell you her baby's name?" "She mumbled something", he replied. "Why don't you give her a name," he added quickly.
Gongi was annoyed for a moment that Omwanaku was not forthcoming with the baby's name. "Well, I will call her... Peaciwawala! The Fragrance of Pine Cones. We'll call you Lali for short." She kissed the little baby and played with her hair, twirling it in her fingers like ribbon.
"Isn't she coming back Brother?" Gongi finally asked as she and Omwanaku were walking back to the tipi. Gongi held Lali on one hip. "Why would she leave her baby with you and return to the forest? Is she with someone?"
"I don't know Sister," he replied. "I'll go out looking for her and when I find her, I'll try to bring her back." "Are you hungry Omwanaku?" she asked as they went into the tipi.
Gongi put the baby on the great grizzly bearskin rug, and then sat beside her. The fire was still cooking one of Gongi's gopher stew. It simmered in a ceramic pot resting on a set of stones. It was warm inside the teepee and the aroma from the stew made the baby very mobile. Gongi had to show Lali how to sit by the fire and not be burned. Lali didn't listen. She let her toe touch a hot pepple that popped out of the fire. It sure hurt. She screeched and tucked her head into grandma's lap. Lali learned that lesson fast.
"I'm still full," replied Omwanaku. "I want to go now and look for her. She must have a camp close by." He smiled to see the baby on the bearskin. "We haven't seen that for a long time." "Are you sure this isn't your baby old man?!" Gongi chided. "Do you have a girl friend somewhere we don't know about?"
Omwanaku laughed. "I wish" he replied as he moved the buffalo skin to open the door. "I'll be back. I have traps to check. Maybe I'll have a squirrel or rabbit to add to your marvelous stew." "That would be nice Brother. Good luck" Gongi said gratefully."...and be careful."
Omwanaku went out leaving Gongi and Lali together in the warmth of the tipi. The fire was almost out. Only the embers were still smoldering into ash, and the warmth of the sun beat tenderly upon the buffalo skins. Gongi moved to open the door. She tied it up, and the sun flooded in bringing light and fresh air. Lali crawled to the doorway and looked out. Then she looked at Gongi and sat up clapping her hands gleefully. "Mama" she said clapping her hands and smiling at Gongi."No" said Gongi. "Grandma" "Mama" she said again. "Mama"
The days passed quickly, and Gongi waited hopefully for Leula's return. The nights were grueling and long, but Lali slept beside her on the great grizzly bearskin that Chin-Honaw had battled himself. How Gongi wished Chin-Honaw were with her now to enjoy their grand-child. Having a baby alone was alot of work. "If only Leula would come back" she thought hopefully.Gongi's expression changed instantly from surprise to joyous ecstasy. Stunned with her mouth hanging up, she could barely move her lips to form the word....the sound that came forth was shaking from her shock of incredulity. "Leula?"...the mother gasped as tears formed in the corners of her eyes and spilled onto her craggy canyoned face. She looked at her brother as if all her pain was now gone and forgotten. Leula her baby was back... and now, with a baby of her own. The sad lonely days and cheerless nights were over. Omwanaku said nothing.
Recomposed, she spoke her daughter's name again. "Leula...well, where is she brother. Is she coming this way soon?" Gongi looked around to catch a glimpse of her. He seemed hesitant to reply, but knew he must. Gongi sensed something was amiss. His face was soured and hiding something. "No. She returned to the forest. She did not look well."
"Brother,...is she alright?...How could you let her go?!" "She's changed Sister. She's been through a lot." he finally added. "I don't care about that. She's my daughter. I love her. She made a mistake, but her place is to be here. What about this baby. Is this Leula's baby? "Yes, she's your grand-daughter." Omwanaku assured Gongi.
"What's your name little one" Gongi said affectionately cuddling the little girl in her arms, her wrinkled skin falling in happy folds. The baby girl touched the old woman's skin with her finger and smiled. The baby's smooth skinned chubby face contrasted distinctly with the old woman's as they pressed their cheeks together. They both laughed aloud at the very blissfulness of it. The baby kissed the old woman's eyes and rested in the warmth of Gongi's neck. Omwanaku's uneasiness seemed over, and he happily said, "I think you've got a buddy now old woman. Ha! you're a grandmother now!"
"Isn't it wonderful Brother. Oh I have so needed a sweet little baby to love and take care of again. Soon Salanka will give birth, and the children will have each other growing up. It's so wonderful! It's a dream come true!!! Did Leula tell you her baby's name?" "She mumbled something", he replied. "Why don't you give her a name," he added quickly.
Gongi was annoyed for a moment that Omwanaku was not forthcoming with the baby's name. "Well, I will call her... Peaciwawala! The Fragrance of Pine Cones. We'll call you Lali for short." She kissed the little baby and played with her hair, twirling it in her fingers like ribbon.
"Isn't she coming back Brother?" Gongi finally asked as she and Omwanaku were walking back to the tipi. Gongi held Lali on one hip. "Why would she leave her baby with you and return to the forest? Is she with someone?"
"I don't know Sister," he replied. "I'll go out looking for her and when I find her, I'll try to bring her back." "Are you hungry Omwanaku?" she asked as they went into the tipi.
Gongi put the baby on the great grizzly bearskin rug, and then sat beside her. The fire was still cooking one of Gongi's gopher stew. It simmered in a ceramic pot resting on a set of stones. It was warm inside the teepee and the aroma from the stew made the baby very mobile. Gongi had to show Lali how to sit by the fire and not be burned. Lali didn't listen. She let her toe touch a hot pepple that popped out of the fire. It sure hurt. She screeched and tucked her head into grandma's lap. Lali learned that lesson fast.
"I'm still full," replied Omwanaku. "I want to go now and look for her. She must have a camp close by." He smiled to see the baby on the bearskin. "We haven't seen that for a long time." "Are you sure this isn't your baby old man?!" Gongi chided. "Do you have a girl friend somewhere we don't know about?"
Omwanaku laughed. "I wish" he replied as he moved the buffalo skin to open the door. "I'll be back. I have traps to check. Maybe I'll have a squirrel or rabbit to add to your marvelous stew." "That would be nice Brother. Good luck" Gongi said gratefully."...and be careful."
Omwanaku went out leaving Gongi and Lali together in the warmth of the tipi. The fire was almost out. Only the embers were still smoldering into ash, and the warmth of the sun beat tenderly upon the buffalo skins. Gongi moved to open the door. She tied it up, and the sun flooded in bringing light and fresh air. Lali crawled to the doorway and looked out. Then she looked at Gongi and sat up clapping her hands gleefully. "Mama" she said clapping her hands and smiling at Gongi."No" said Gongi. "Grandma" "Mama" she said again. "Mama"
The days passed quickly, and Gongi waited hopefully for Leula's return. The nights were grueling and long, but Lali slept beside her on the great grizzly bearskin that Chin-Honaw had battled himself. How Gongi wished Chin-Honaw were with her now to enjoy their grand-child. Having a baby alone was alot of work. "If only Leula would come back" she thought hopefully.

The Thunderheads were hovering almost above her now. She could see Their Scowling Faces blowing the wind in her direction as it thrashed, fiercely shaking the tree she was under as if to draw her out.
But Lali lay quietly. She was so sorry and scaird. She even promised the Great Spirit and her Ancestral Grandmothers she would always be a good girl from now on, and always help Gongi whenever she asked Lali to give her a hand with the chores...If only she and Lokie could get back home to their village again unharmed.
Lali was repeating the counting song over and over again in her mind as she drifted off into a deep sleep. In her dream she was walking down a steep trail and she slipped into an icy dream world, she would not remember.
***************************************************
Suddenly someone was calling her name. Now she was back under the fir tree, clinging for life. When she heard her name called, she opened her eyes. An old man, strangely familiar, was approaching her. Although she thought she was well hidden, he knew exactly where she was. He was holding Gongi's little beaded purse in his outstretched hand for her to take. When she took the purse, he smiled and nodded his head reassuringly. Then he resumed his journey down the trail, disappearing into the shadows. Lali felt a warm glow as she clutched the purse to her heart. She forgot to shiver, and settled down cozily, resting comfortably until sunrize.
While she slept, the Thunderclouds released great sheets of snow, but Lali didn't know because she was dreaming, clutching the little beaded purse. It was the very first snow of the season and the trail that Lokie and Lali made was covered up by the soft falling crystals as they sparkled brilliantly everywhere in heaps.
The water from the river rushed and laughed over the rocks. Droplets shone like jewels in the morning sun. The beavers were already at work whittling away at their beams. But soon the sky become gray. The few patches of blue closed up and the water rushed more swiftly as the snow fell harder.
The whole countryside lay expectant and eager. The vibration was in the air. The snow soothed the earth, let it sleep, with all it's precious seeds. Sleep until another Spring...but Lali must not sleep until Spring. Why didn't she move?
Lali lay there dreaming. Finally the aching in her limbs and joints made her shift her position again. She reached in her dream for Lokie, but when he saw her, he merrily escaped again. The birds chirped loudly in the boughs above her. Lali sat up. The sun was peaking thru the clouds. The whole forest was dressed in white from bough to root. The sun was bright, the air crisp and clean.
If only Lokie would come back. Tears ran down Lali's face. She rubbed her empty stomach and looked around to see if there was something to eat. But there was only snow, deeply piled in banks. Lali scooped a handful of snow and put it in her mouth. It was crunchy and cold. Just then she heard a crunching sound behind her.
Lali held her breath. She tried to look between the pine needles without being seen, She was listening quietly. She smelled the air. "Hmmm. Not a bear" she thought. "I hope it's not a mountain lion" As she was straining to see what she could see, Lokie's big nose pushed it's way thru the low bough under which Lali was hiding.
The giant Thunderheads rumbled and let lightning fly, They were laughing so hard. They were have a good time teaching Lali the lesson of her life. If she didn't change her attitude soon, they were ready to lose patience with her. First they decided to give her a chance to prove her good intentions.
But Lali was in a scowling mood all day just trying to keep Lokie moving. She was still, just as determined as ever to ruin everyone's day if she couldn't have everything her own way. Compromise was not part of her vocabulary yet.
The Great Eyes of the Thunderheads followed her every move. They shook their heads in dismay, and it snowed a deluge on Lali and Lokie as they trudged wearily forward. The Thunderheads made her very uncomfortable with their piercing eyes, but Lali shook off her feelings of dread, as just her imagination tricking her into believing her grandmother's fairy tale.
"Some old clouds don't scare me! You'll be gone soon," she told them pretending to acknowledge them. "This storm is just passing thru. Tomorrow there will be plenty of sun again, and we wont have to look at your sour pusses any more!" She laughed nervously to prove she thought it was just a joke. But the Thunderheads didn't think it was a joke, and they poured more snow on top of her and Lokie, until Lokie could go no further and he lay down in the snow.
********************************************************
When Gongi got back to her camp, Salanka was there. "Mom" she said,"I heard they didn't find Lali yet. How are you doing" she added, rubbing the old woman's shoulder. Gongi shook her head and went into her teepee. Salanka followed. "Mom," she said gently, "come to my lodge tonight. I made a rabbit stew and it's still hot. Ebi and Shiro are worried for you too. Come stay with us tonight." Gongi just shook her head to say no. "Mom, what did you eat today," Salanka insisted. "You have to eat. You come with me now." She had to pull Gongi's arm to get her out of the teepee. She followed Salanka sadly to the family lodge.The Thunderheads were hovering almost above her now. She could see Their Scowling Faces blowing the wind in her direction as it thrashed, fiercely shaking the tree she was under as if to draw her out.
But Lali lay quietly. She was so sorry and scaird. She even promised the Great Spirit and her Ancestral Grandmothers she would always be a good girl from now on, and always help Gongi whenever she asked Lali to give her a hand with the chores...If only she and Lokie could get back home to their village again unharmed.
Lali was repeating the counting song over and over again in her mind as she drifted off into a deep sleep. In her dream she was walking down a steep trail and she slipped into an icy dream world, she would not remember.
***************************************************
Suddenly someone was calling her name. Now she was back under the fir tree, clinging for life. When she heard her name called, she opened her eyes. An old man, strangely familiar, was approaching her. Although she thought she was well hidden, he knew exactly where she was. He was holding Gongi's little beaded purse in his outstretched hand for her to take. When she took the purse, he smiled and nodded his head reassuringly. Then he resumed his journey down the trail, disappearing into the shadows. Lali felt a warm glow as she clutched the purse to her heart. She forgot to shiver, and settled down cozily, resting comfortably until sunrize.
While she slept, the Thunderclouds released great sheets of snow, but Lali didn't know because she was dreaming, clutching the little beaded purse. It was the very first snow of the season and the trail that Lokie and Lali made was covered up by the soft falling crystals as they sparkled brilliantly everywhere in heaps.
The water from the river rushed and laughed over the rocks. Droplets shone like jewels in the morning sun. The beavers were already at work whittling away at their beams. But soon the sky become gray. The few patches of blue closed up and the water rushed more swiftly as the snow fell harder.
The whole countryside lay expectant and eager. The vibration was in the air. The snow soothed the earth, let it sleep, with all it's precious seeds. Sleep until another Spring...but Lali must not sleep until Spring. Why didn't she move?
Lali lay there dreaming. Finally the aching in her limbs and joints made her shift her position again. She reached in her dream for Lokie, but when he saw her, he merrily escaped again. The birds chirped loudly in the boughs above her. Lali sat up. The sun was peaking thru the clouds. The whole forest was dressed in white from bough to root. The sun was bright, the air crisp and clean.
If only Lokie would come back. Tears ran down Lali's face. She rubbed her empty stomach and looked around to see if there was something to eat. But there was only snow, deeply piled in banks. Lali scooped a handful of snow and put it in her mouth. It was crunchy and cold. Just then she heard a crunching sound behind her.
Lali held her breath. She tried to look between the pine needles without being seen, She was listening quietly. She smelled the air. "Hmmm. Not a bear" she thought. "I hope it's not a mountain lion" As she was straining to see what she could see, Lokie's big nose pushed it's way thru the low bough under which Lali was hiding.
The giant Thunderheads rumbled and let lightning fly, They were laughing so hard. They were have a good time teaching Lali the lesson of her life. If she didn't change her attitude soon, they were ready to lose patience with her. First they decided to give her a chance to prove her good intentions.
But Lali was in a scowling mood all day just trying to keep Lokie moving. She was still, just as determined as ever to ruin everyone's day if she couldn't have everything her own way. Compromise was not part of her vocabulary yet.
The Great Eyes of the Thunderheads followed her every move. They shook their heads in dismay, and it snowed a deluge on Lali and Lokie as they trudged wearily forward. The Thunderheads made her very uncomfortable with their piercing eyes, but Lali shook off her feelings of dread, as just her imagination tricking her into believing her grandmother's fairy tale.
"Some old clouds don't scare me! You'll be gone soon," she told them pretending to acknowledge them. "This storm is just passing thru. Tomorrow there will be plenty of sun again, and we wont have to look at your sour pusses any more!" She laughed nervously to prove she thought it was just a joke. But the Thunderheads didn't think it was a joke, and they poured more snow on top of her and Lokie, until Lokie could go no further and he lay down in the snow.
********************************************************
When Gongi got back to her camp, Salanka was there. "Mom" she said,"I heard they didn't find Lali yet. How are you doing" she added, rubbing the old woman's shoulder. Gongi shook her head and went into her teepee. Salanka followed. "Mom," she said gently, "come to my lodge tonight. I made a rabbit stew and it's still hot. Ebi and Shiro are worried for you too. Come stay with us tonight." Gongi just shook her head to say no. "Mom, what did you eat today," Salanka insisted. "You have to eat. You come with me now." She had to pull Gongi's arm to get her out of the teepee. She followed Salanka sadly to the family lodge.The Thunderheads were hovering almost above her now. She could see Their Scowling Faces blowing the wind in her direction as it thrashed, fiercely shaking the tree she was under as if to draw her out.
But Lali lay quietly. She was so sorry and scaird. She even promised the Great Spirit and her Ancestral Grandmothers she would always be a good girl from now on, and always help Gongi whenever she asked Lali to give her a hand with the chores...If only she and Lokie could get back home to their village again unharmed.
Lali was repeating the counting song over and over again in her mind as she drifted off into a deep sleep. In her dream she was walking down a steep trail and she slipped into an icy dream world, she would not remember.
***************************************************
Suddenly someone was calling her name. Now she was back under the fir tree, clinging for life. When she heard her name called, she opened her eyes. An old man, strangely familiar, was approaching her. Although she thought she was well hidden, he knew exactly where she was. He was holding Gongi's little beaded purse in his outstretched hand for her to take. When she took the purse, he smiled and nodded his head reassuringly. Then he resumed his journey down the trail, disappearing into the shadows. Lali felt a warm glow as she clutched the purse to her heart. She forgot to shiver, and settled down cozily, resting comfortably until sunrize.
While she slept, the Thunderclouds released great sheets of snow, but Lali didn't know because she was dreaming, clutching the little beaded purse. It was the very first snow of the season and the trail that Lokie and Lali made was covered up by the soft falling crystals as they sparkled brilliantly everywhere in heaps.
The water from the river rushed and laughed over the rocks. Droplets shone like jewels in the morning sun. The beavers were already at work whittling away at their beams. But soon the sky become gray. The few patches of blue closed up and the water rushed more swiftly as the snow fell harder.
The whole countryside lay expectant and eager. The vibration was in the air. The snow soothed the earth, let it sleep, with all it's precious seeds. Sleep until another Spring...but Lali must not sleep until Spring. Why didn't she move?
Lali lay there dreaming. Finally the aching in her limbs and joints made her shift her position again. She reached in her dream for Lokie, but when he saw her, he merrily escaped again. The birds chirped loudly in the boughs above her. Lali sat up. The sun was peaking thru the clouds. The whole forest was dressed in white from bough to root. The sun was bright, the air crisp and clean.
If only Lokie would come back. Tears ran down Lali's face. She rubbed her empty stomach and looked around to see if there was something to eat. But there was only snow, deeply piled in banks. Lali scooped a handful of snow and put it in her mouth. It was crunchy and cold. Just then she heard a crunching sound behind her.
Lali held her breath. She tried to look between the pine needles without being seen, She was listening quietly. She smelled the air. "Hmmm. Not a bear" she thought. "I hope it's not a mountain lion" As she was straining to see what she could see, Lokie's big nose pushed it's way thru the low bough under which Lali was hiding.
The giant Thunderheads rumbled and let lightning fly, They were laughing so hard. They were have a good time teaching Lali the lesson of her life. If she didn't change her attitude soon, they were ready to lose patience with her. First they decided to give her a chance to prove her good intentions.
But Lali was in a scowling mood all day just trying to keep Lokie moving. She was still, just as determined as ever to ruin everyone's day if she couldn't have everything her own way. Compromise was not part of her vocabulary yet.
The Great Eyes of the Thunderheads followed her every move. They shook their heads in dismay, and it snowed a deluge on Lali and Lokie as they trudged wearily forward. The Thunderheads made her very uncomfortable with their piercing eyes, but Lali shook off her feelings of dread, as just her imagination tricking her into believing her grandmother's fairy tale.
"Some old clouds don't scare me! You'll be gone soon," she told them pretending to acknowledge them. "This storm is just passing thru. Tomorrow there will be plenty of sun again, and we wont have to look at your sour pusses any more!" She laughed nervously to prove she thought it was just a joke. But the Thunderheads didn't think it was a joke, and they poured more snow on top of her and Lokie, until Lokie could go no further and he lay down in the snow.
********************************************************
When Gongi got back to her camp, Salanka was there. "Mom" she said,"I heard they didn't find Lali yet. How are you doing" she added, rubbing the old woman's shoulder. Gongi shook her head and went into her teepee. Salanka followed. "Mom," she said gently, "come to my lodge tonight. I made a rabbit stew and it's still hot. Ebi and Shiro are worried for you too. Come stay with us tonight." Gongi just shook her head to say no. "Mom, what did you eat today," Salanka insisted. "You have to eat. You come with me now." She had to pull Gongi's arm to get her out of the teepee. She followed Salanka sadly to the family lodge.The Thunderheads were hovering almost above her now. She could see Their Scowling Faces blowing the wind in her direction as it thrashed, fiercely shaking the tree she was under as if to draw her out.
But Lali lay quietly. She was so sorry and scaird. She even promised the Great Spirit and her Ancestral Grandmothers she would always be a good girl from now on, and always help Gongi whenever she asked Lali to give her a hand with the chores...If only she and Lokie could get back home to their village again unharmed.
Lali was repeating the counting song over and over again in her mind as she drifted off into a deep sleep. In her dream she was walking down a steep trail and she slipped into an icy dream world, she would not remember.
***************************************************
Suddenly someone was calling her name. Now she was back under the fir tree, clinging for life. When she heard her name called, she opened her eyes. An old man, strangely familiar, was approaching her. Although she thought she was well hidden, he knew exactly where she was. He was holding Gongi's little beaded purse in his outstretched hand for her to take. When she took the purse, he smiled and nodded his head reassuringly. Then he resumed his journey down the trail, disappearing into the shadows. Lali felt a warm glow as she clutched the purse to her heart. She forgot to shiver, and settled down cozily, resting comfortably until sunrize.
While she slept, the Thunderclouds released great sheets of snow, but Lali didn't know because she was dreaming, clutching the little beaded purse. It was the very first snow of the season and the trail that Lokie and Lali made was covered up by the soft falling crystals as they sparkled brilliantly everywhere in heaps.
The water from the river rushed and laughed over the rocks. Droplets shone like jewels in the morning sun. The beavers were already at work whittling away at their beams. But soon the sky become gray. The few patches of blue closed up and the water rushed more swiftly as the snow fell harder.
The whole countryside lay expectant and eager. The vibration was in the air. The snow soothed the earth, let it sleep, with all it's precious seeds. Sleep until another Spring...but Lali must not sleep until Spring. Why didn't she move?
Lali lay there dreaming. Finally the aching in her limbs and joints made her shift her position again. She reached in her dream for Lokie, but when he saw her, he merrily escaped again. The birds chirped loudly in the boughs above her. Lali sat up. The sun was peaking thru the clouds. The whole forest was dressed in white from bough to root. The sun was bright, the air crisp and clean.
If only Lokie would come back. Tears ran down Lali's face. She rubbed her empty stomach and looked around to see if there was something to eat. But there was only snow, deeply piled in banks. Lali scooped a handful of snow and put it in her mouth. It was crunchy and cold. Just then she heard a crunching sound behind her.
Lali held her breath. She tried to look between the pine needles without being seen, She was listening quietly. She smelled the air. "Hmmm. Not a bear" she thought. "I hope it's not a mountain lion" As she was straining to see what she could see, Lokie's big nose pushed it's way thru the low bough under which Lali was hiding.
The giant Thunderheads rumbled and let lightning fly, They were laughing so hard. They were have a good time teaching Lali the lesson of her life. If she didn't change her attitude soon, they were ready to lose patience with her. First they decided to give her a chance to prove her good intentions.
But Lali was in a scowling mood all day just trying to keep Lokie moving. She was still, just as determined as ever to ruin everyone's day if she couldn't have everything her own way. Compromise was not part of her vocabulary yet.
The Great Eyes of the Thunderheads followed her every move. They shook their heads in dismay, and it snowed a deluge on Lali and Lokie as they trudged wearily forward. The Thunderheads made her very uncomfortable with their piercing eyes, but Lali shook off her feelings of dread, as just her imagination tricking her into believing her grandmother's fairy tale.
"Some old clouds don't scare me! You'll be gone soon," she told them pretending to acknowledge them. "This storm is just passing thru. Tomorrow there will be plenty of sun again, and we wont have to look at your sour pusses any more!" She laughed nervously to prove she thought it was just a joke. But the Thunderheads didn't think it was a joke, and they poured more snow on top of her and Lokie, until Lokie could go no further and he lay down in the snow.
********************************************************
When Gongi got back to her camp, Salanka was there. "Mom" she said,"I heard they didn't find Lali yet. How are you doing" she added, rubbing the old woman's shoulder. Gongi shook her head and went into her teepee. Salanka followed. "Mom," she said gently, "come to my lodge tonight. I made a rabbit stew and it's still hot. Ebi and Shiro are worried for you too. Come stay with us tonight." Gongi just shook her head to say no. "Mom, what did you eat today," Salanka insisted. "You have to eat. You come with me now." She had to pull Gongi's arm to get her out of the teepee. She followed Salanka sadly to the family lodge.The Thunderheads were hovering almost above her now. She could see Their Scowling Faces blowing the wind in her direction as it thrashed, fiercely shaking the tree she was under as if to draw her out.
But Lali lay quietly. She was so sorry and scaird. She even promised the Great Spirit and her Ancestral Grandmothers she would always be a good girl from now on, and always help Gongi whenever she asked Lali to give her a hand with the chores...If only she and Lokie could get back home to their village again unharmed.
Lali was repeating the counting song over and over again in her mind as she drifted off into a deep sleep. In her dream she was walking down a steep trail and she slipped into an icy dream world, she would not remember.
***************************************************
Suddenly someone was calling her name. Now she was back under the fir tree, clinging for life. When she heard her name called, she opened her eyes. An old man, strangely familiar, was approaching her. Although she thought she was well hidden, he knew exactly where she was. He was holding Gongi's little beaded purse in his outstretched hand for her to take. When she took the purse, he smiled and nodded his head reassuringly. Then he resumed his journey down the trail, disappearing into the shadows. Lali felt a warm glow as she clutched the purse to her heart. She forgot to shiver, and settled down cozily, resting comfortably until sunrize.
While she slept, the Thunderclouds released great sheets of snow, but Lali didn't know because she was dreaming, clutching the little beaded purse. It was the very first snow of the season and the trail that Lokie and Lali made was covered up by the soft falling crystals as they sparkled brilliantly everywhere in heaps.
The water from the river rushed and laughed over the rocks. Droplets shone like jewels in the morning sun. The beavers were already at work whittling away at their beams. But soon the sky become gray. The few patches of blue closed up and the water rushed more swiftly as the snow fell harder.
The whole countryside lay expectant and eager. The vibration was in the air. The snow soothed the earth, let it sleep, with all it's precious seeds. Sleep until another Spring...but Lali must not sleep until Spring. Why didn't she move?
Lali lay there dreaming. Finally the aching in her limbs and joints made her shift her position again. She reached in her dream for Lokie, but when he saw her, he merrily escaped again. The birds chirped loudly in the boughs above her. Lali sat up. The sun was peaking thru the clouds. The whole forest was dressed in white from bough to root. The sun was bright, the air crisp and clean.
If only Lokie would come back. Tears ran down Lali's face. She rubbed her empty stomach and looked around to see if there was something to eat. But there was only snow, deeply piled in banks. Lali scooped a handful of snow and put it in her mouth. It was crunchy and cold. Just then she heard a crunching sound behind her.
Lali held her breath. She tried to look between the pine needles without being seen, She was listening quietly. She smelled the air. "Hmmm. Not a bear" she thought. "I hope it's not a mountain lion" As she was straining to see what she could see, Lokie's big nose pushed it's way thru the low bough under which Lali was hiding.
The giant Thunderheads rumbled and let lightning fly, They were laughing so hard. They were have a good time teaching Lali the lesson of her life. If she didn't change her attitude soon, they were ready to lose patience with her. First they decided to give her a chance to prove her good intentions.
But Lali was in a scowling mood all day just trying to keep Lokie moving. She was still, just as determined as ever to ruin everyone's day if she couldn't have everything her own way. Compromise was not part of her vocabulary yet.
The Great Eyes of the Thunderheads followed her every move. They shook their heads in dismay, and it snowed a deluge on Lali and Lokie as they trudged wearily forward. The Thunderheads made her very uncomfortable with their piercing eyes, but Lali shook off her feelings of dread, as just her imagination tricking her into believing her grandmother's fairy tale.
"Some old clouds don't scare me! You'll be gone soon," she told them pretending to acknowledge them. "This storm is just passing thru. Tomorrow there will be plenty of sun again, and we wont have to look at your sour pusses any more!" She laughed nervously to prove she thought it was just a joke. But the Thunderheads didn't think it was a joke, and they poured more snow on top of her and Lokie, until Lokie could go no further and he lay down in the snow.
********************************************************
When Gongi got back to her camp, Salanka was there. "Mom" she said,"I heard they didn't find Lali yet. How are you doing" she added, rubbing the old woman's shoulder. Gongi shook her head and went into her teepee. Salanka followed. "Mom," she said gently, "come to my lodge tonight. I made a rabbit stew and it's still hot. Ebi and Shiro are worried for you too. Come stay with us tonight." Gongi just shook her head to say no. "Mom, what did you eat today," Salanka insisted. "You have to eat. You come with me now." She had to pull Gongi's arm to get her out of the teepee. She followed Salanka sadly to the family lodge.The Thunderheads were hovering almost above her now. She could see Their Scowling Faces blowing the wind in her direction as it thrashed, fiercely shaking the tree she was under as if to draw her out.
But Lali lay quietly. She was so sorry and scaird. She even promised the Great Spirit and her Ancestral Grandmothers she would always be a good girl from now on, and always help Gongi whenever she asked Lali to give her a hand with the chores...If only she and Lokie could get back home to their village again unharmed.
Lali was repeating the counting song over and over again in her mind as she drifted off into a deep sleep. In her dream she was walking down a steep trail and she slipped into an icy dream world, she would not remember.
***************************************************
Suddenly someone was calling her name. Now she was back under the fir tree, clinging for life. When she heard her name called, she opened her eyes. An old man, strangely familiar, was approaching her. Although she thought she was well hidden, he knew exactly where she was. He was holding Gongi's little beaded purse in his outstretched hand for her to take. When she took the purse, he smiled and nodded his head reassuringly. Then he resumed his journey down the trail, disappearing into the shadows. Lali felt a warm glow as she clutched the purse to her heart. She forgot to shiver, and settled down cozily, resting comfortably until sunrize.
While she slept, the Thunderclouds released great sheets of snow, but Lali didn't know because she was dreaming, clutching the little beaded purse. It was the very first snow of the season and the trail that Lokie and Lali made was covered up by the soft falling crystals as they sparkled brilliantly everywhere in heaps.
The water from the river rushed and laughed over the rocks. Droplets shone like jewels in the morning sun. The beavers were already at work whittling away at their beams. But soon the sky become gray. The few patches of blue closed up and the water rushed more swiftly as the snow fell harder.
The whole countryside lay expectant and eager. The vibration was in the air. The snow soothed the earth, let it sleep, with all it's precious seeds. Sleep until another Spring...but Lali must not sleep until Spring. Why didn't she move?
Lali lay there dreaming. Finally the aching in her limbs and joints made her shift her position again. She reached in her dream for Lokie, but when he saw her, he merrily escaped again. The birds chirped loudly in the boughs above her. Lali sat up. The sun was peaking thru the clouds. The whole forest was dressed in white from bough to root. The sun was bright, the air crisp and clean.
If only Lokie would come back. Tears ran down Lali's face. She rubbed her empty stomach and looked around to see if there was something to eat. But there was only snow, deeply piled in banks. Lali scooped a handful of snow and put it in her mouth. It was crunchy and cold. Just then she heard a crunching sound behind her.
Lali held her breath. She tried to look between the pine needles without being seen, She was listening quietly. She smelled the air. "Hmmm. Not a bear" she thought. "I hope it's not a mountain lion" As she was straining to see what she could see, Lokie's big nose pushed it's way thru the low bough under which Lali was hiding.
The giant Thunderheads rumbled and let lightning fly, They were laughing so hard. They were have a good time teaching Lali the lesson of her life. If she didn't change her attitude soon, they were ready to lose patience with her. First they decided to give her a chance to prove her good intentions.
But Lali was in a scowling mood all day just trying to keep Lokie moving. She was still, just as determined as ever to ruin everyone's day if she couldn't have everything her own way. Compromise was not part of her vocabulary yet.
The Great Eyes of the Thunderheads followed her every move. They shook their heads in dismay, and it snowed a deluge on Lali and Lokie as they trudged wearily forward. The Thunderheads made her very uncomfortable with their piercing eyes, but Lali shook off her feelings of dread, as just her imagination tricking her into believing her grandmother's fairy tale.
"Some old clouds don't scare me! You'll be gone soon," she told them pretending to acknowledge them. "This storm is just passing thru. Tomorrow there will be plenty of sun again, and we wont have to look at your sour pusses any more!" She laughed nervously to prove she thought it was just a joke. But the Thunderheads didn't think it was a joke, and they poured more snow on top of her and Lokie, until Lokie could go no further and he lay down in the snow.
********************************************************
When Gongi got back to her camp, Salanka was there. "Mom" she said,"I heard they didn't find Lali yet. How are you doing" she added, rubbing the old woman's shoulder. Gongi shook her head and went into her teepee. Salanka followed. "Mom," she said gently, "come to my lodge tonight. I made a rabbit stew and it's still hot. Ebi and Shiro are worried for you too. Come stay with us tonight." Gongi just shook her head to say no. "Mom, what did you eat today," Salanka insisted. "You have to eat. You come with me now." She had to pull Gongi's arm to get her out of the teepee. She followed Salanka sadly to the family lodge.The Thunderheads were hovering almost above her now. She could see Their Scowling Faces blowing the wind in her direction as it thrashed, fiercely shaking the tree she was under as if to draw her out.
But Lali lay quietly. She was so sorry and scaird. She even promised the Great Spirit and her Ancestral Grandmothers she would always be a good girl from now on, and always help Gongi whenever she asked Lali to give her a hand with the chores...If only she and Lokie could get back home to their village again unharmed.
Lali was repeating the counting song over and over again in her mind as she drifted off into a deep sleep. In her dream she was walking down a steep trail and she slipped into an icy dream world, she would not remember.
***************************************************
Suddenly someone was calling her name. Now she was back under the fir tree, clinging for life. When she heard her name called, she opened her eyes. An old man, strangely familiar, was approaching her. Although she thought she was well hidden, he knew exactly where she was. He was holding Gongi's little beaded purse in his outstretched hand for her to take. When she took the purse, he smiled and nodded his head reassuringly. Then he resumed his journey down the trail, disappearing into the shadows. Lali felt a warm glow as she clutched the purse to her heart. She forgot to shiver, and settled down cozily, resting comfortably until sunrize.
While she slept, the Thunderclouds released great sheets of snow, but Lali didn't know because she was dreaming, clutching the little beaded purse. It was the very first snow of the season and the trail that Lokie and Lali made was covered up by the soft falling crystals as they sparkled brilliantly everywhere in heaps.
The water from the river rushed and laughed over the rocks. Droplets shone like jewels in the morning sun. The beavers were already at work whittling away at their beams. But soon the sky become gray. The few patches of blue closed up and the water rushed more swiftly as the snow fell harder.
The whole countryside lay expectant and eager. The vibration was in the air. The snow soothed the earth, let it sleep, with all it's precious seeds. Sleep until another Spring...but Lali must not sleep until Spring. Why didn't she move?
Lali lay there dreaming. Finally the aching in her limbs and joints made her shift her position again. She reached in her dream for Lokie, but when he saw her, he merrily escaped again. The birds chirped loudly in the boughs above her. Lali sat up. The sun was peaking thru the clouds. The whole forest was dressed in white from bough to root. The sun was bright, the air crisp and clean.
If only Lokie would come back. Tears ran down Lali's face. She rubbed her empty stomach and looked around to see if there was something to eat. But there was only snow, deeply piled in banks. Lali scooped a handful of snow and put it in her mouth. It was crunchy and cold. Just then she heard a crunching sound behind her.
Lali held her breath. She tried to look between the pine needles without being seen, She was listening quietly. She smelled the air. "Hmmm. Not a bear" she thought. "I hope it's not a mountain lion" As she was straining to see what she could see, Lokie's big nose pushed it's way thru the low bough under which Lali was hiding.
The giant Thunderheads rumbled and let lightning fly, They were laughing so hard. They were have a good time teaching Lali the lesson of her life. If she didn't change her attitude soon, they were ready to lose patience with her. First they decided to give her a chance to prove her good intentions.
But Lali was in a scowling mood all day just trying to keep Lokie moving. She was still, just as determined as ever to ruin everyone's day if she couldn't have everything her own way. Compromise was not part of her vocabulary yet.
The Great Eyes of the Thunderheads followed her every move. They shook their heads in dismay, and it snowed a deluge on Lali and Lokie as they trudged wearily forward. The Thunderheads made her very uncomfortable with their piercing eyes, but Lali shook off her feelings of dread, as just her imagination tricking her into believing her grandmother's fairy tale.
"Some old clouds don't scare me! You'll be gone soon," she told them pretending to acknowledge them. "This storm is just passing thru. Tomorrow there will be plenty of sun again, and we wont have to look at your sour pusses any more!" She laughed nervously to prove she thought it was just a joke. But the Thunderheads didn't think it was a joke, and they poured more snow on top of her and Lokie, until Lokie could go no further and he lay down in the snow.
********************************************************
When Gongi got back to her camp, Salanka was there. "Mom" she said,"I heard they didn't find Lali yet. How are you doing" she added, rubbing the old woman's shoulder. Gongi shook her head and went into her teepee. Salanka followed. "Mom," she said gently, "come to my lodge tonight. I made a rabbit stew and it's still hot. Ebi and Shiro are worried for you too. Come stay with us tonight." Gongi just shook her head to say no. "Mom, what did you eat today," Salanka insisted. "You have to eat. You come with me now." She had to pull Gongi's arm to get her out of the teepee. She followed Salanka sadly to the family lodge.The Thunderheads were hovering almost above her now. She could see Their Scowling Faces blowing the wind in her direction as it thrashed, fiercely shaking the tree she was under as if to draw her out.
But Lali lay quietly. She was so sorry and scaird. She even promised the Great Spirit and her Ancestral Grandmothers she would always be a good girl from now on, and always help Gongi whenever she asked Lali to give her a hand with the chores...If only she and Lokie could get back home to their village again unharmed.
Lali was repeating the counting song over and over again in her mind as she drifted off into a deep sleep. In her dream she was walking down a steep trail and she slipped into an icy dream world, she would not remember.
***************************************************
Suddenly someone was calling her name. Now she was back under the fir tree, clinging for life. When she heard her name called, she opened her eyes. An old man, strangely familiar, was approaching her. Although she thought she was well hidden, he knew exactly where she was. He was holding Gongi's little beaded purse in his outstretched hand for her to take. When she took the purse, he smiled and nodded his head reassuringly. Then he resumed his journey down the trail, disappearing into the shadows. Lali felt a warm glow as she clutched the purse to her heart. She forgot to shiver, and settled down cozily, resting comfortably until sunrize.
While she slept, the Thunderclouds released great sheets of snow, but Lali didn't know because she was dreaming, clutching the little beaded purse. It was the very first snow of the season and the trail that Lokie and Lali made was covered up by the soft falling crystals as they sparkled brilliantly everywhere in heaps.
The water from the river rushed and laughed over the rocks. Droplets shone like jewels in the morning sun. The beavers were already at work whittling away at their beams. But soon the sky become gray. The few patches of blue closed up and the water rushed more swiftly as the snow fell harder.
The whole countryside lay expectant and eager. The vibration was in the air. The snow soothed the earth, let it sleep, with all it's precious seeds. Sleep until another Spring...but Lali must not sleep until Spring. Why didn't she move?
Lali lay there dreaming. Finally the aching in her limbs and joints made her shift her position again. She reached in her dream for Lokie, but when he saw her, he merrily escaped again. The birds chirped loudly in the boughs above her. Lali sat up. The sun was peaking thru the clouds. The whole forest was dressed in white from bough to root. The sun was bright, the air crisp and clean.
If only Lokie would come back. Tears ran down Lali's face. She rubbed her empty stomach and looked around to see if there was something to eat. But there was only snow, deeply piled in banks. Lali scooped a handful of snow and put it in her mouth. It was crunchy and cold. Just then she heard a crunching sound behind her.
Lali held her breath. She tried to look between the pine needles without being seen, She was listening quietly. She smelled the air. "Hmmm. Not a bear" she thought. "I hope it's not a mountain lion" As she was straining to see what she could see, Lokie's big nose pushed it's way thru the low bough under which Lali was hiding.
The giant Thunderheads rumbled and let lightning fly, They were laughing so hard. They were have a good time teaching Lali the lesson of her life. If she didn't change her attitude soon, they were ready to lose patience with her. First they decided to give her a chance to prove her good intentions.
But Lali was in a scowling mood all day just trying to keep Lokie moving. She was still, just as determined as ever to ruin everyone's day if she couldn't have everything her own way. Compromise was not part of her vocabulary yet.
The Great Eyes of the Thunderheads followed her every move. They shook their heads in dismay, and it snowed a deluge on Lali and Lokie as they trudged wearily forward. The Thunderheads made her very uncomfortable with their piercing eyes, but Lali shook off her feelings of dread, as just her imagination tricking her into believing her grandmother's fairy tale.
"Some old clouds don't scare me! You'll be gone soon," she told them pretending to acknowledge them. "This storm is just passing thru. Tomorrow there will be plenty of sun again, and we wont have to look at your sour pusses any more!" She laughed nervously to prove she thought it was just a joke. But the Thunderheads didn't think it was a joke, and they poured more snow on top of her and Lokie, until Lokie could go no further and he lay down in the snow.
********************************************************
When Gongi got back to her camp, Salanka was there. "Mom" she said,"I heard they didn't find Lali yet. How are you doing" she added, rubbing the old woman's shoulder. Gongi shook her head and went into her teepee. Salanka followed. "Mom," she said gently, "come to my lodge tonight. I made a rabbit stew and it's still hot. Ebi and Shiro are worried for you too. Come stay with us tonight." Gongi just shook her head to say no. "Mom, what did you eat today," Salanka insisted. "You have to eat. You come with me now." She had to pull Gongi's arm to get her out of the teepee. She followed Salanka sadly to the family lodge.The Thunderheads were hovering almost above her now. She could see Their Scowling Faces blowing the wind in her direction as it thrashed, fiercely shaking the tree she was under as if to draw her out.
But Lali lay quietly. She was so sorry and scaird. She even promised the Great Spirit and her Ancestral Grandmothers she would always be a good girl from now on, and always help Gongi whenever she asked Lali to give her a hand with the chores...If only she and Lokie could get back home to their village again unharmed.
Lali was repeating the counting song over and over again in her mind as she drifted off into a deep sleep. In her dream she was walking down a steep trail and she slipped into an icy dream world, she would not remember.
***************************************************
Suddenly someone was calling her name. Now she was back under the fir tree, clinging for life. When she heard her name called, she opened her eyes. An old man, strangely familiar, was approaching her. Although she thought she was well hidden, he knew exactly where she was. He was holding Gongi's little beaded purse in his outstretched hand for her to take. When she took the purse, he smiled and nodded his head reassuringly. Then he resumed his journey down the trail, disappearing into the shadows. Lali felt a warm glow as she clutched the purse to her heart. She forgot to shiver, and settled down cozily, resting comfortably until sunrize.
While she slept, the Thunderclouds released great sheets of snow, but Lali didn't know because she was dreaming, clutching the little beaded purse. It was the very first snow of the season and the trail that Lokie and Lali made was covered up by the soft falling crystals as they sparkled brilliantly everywhere in heaps.
The water from the river rushed and laughed over the rocks. Droplets shone like jewels in the morning sun. The beavers were already at work whittling away at their beams. But soon the sky become gray. The few patches of blue closed up and the water rushed more swiftly as the snow fell harder.
The whole countryside lay expectant and eager. The vibration was in the air. The snow soothed the earth, let it sleep, with all it's precious seeds. Sleep until another Spring...but Lali must not sleep until Spring. Why didn't she move?
Lali lay there dreaming. Finally the aching in her limbs and joints made her shift her position again. She reached in her dream for Lokie, but when he saw her, he merrily escaped again. The birds chirped loudly in the boughs above her. Lali sat up. The sun was peaking thru the clouds. The whole forest was dressed in white from bough to root. The sun was bright, the air crisp and clean.
If only Lokie would come back. Tears ran down Lali's face. She rubbed her empty stomach and looked around to see if there was something to eat. But there was only snow, deeply piled in banks. Lali scooped a handful of snow and put it in her mouth. It was crunchy and cold. Just then she heard a crunching sound behind her.
Lali held her breath. She tried to look between the pine needles without being seen, She was listening quietly. She smelled the air. "Hmmm. Not a bear" she thought. "I hope it's not a mountain lion" As she was straining to see what she could see, Lokie's big nose pushed it's way thru the low bough under which Lali was hiding.
The giant Thunderheads rumbled and let lightning fly, They were laughing so hard. They were have a good time teaching Lali the lesson of her life. If she didn't change her attitude soon, they were ready to lose patience with her. First they decided to give her a chance to prove her good intentions.
But Lali was in a scowling mood all day just trying to keep Lokie moving. She was still, just as determined as ever to ruin everyone's day if she couldn't have everything her own way. Compromise was not part of her vocabulary yet.
The Great Eyes of the Thunderheads followed her every move. They shook their heads in dismay, and it snowed a deluge on Lali and Lokie as they trudged wearily forward. The Thunderheads made her very uncomfortable with their piercing eyes, but Lali shook off her feelings of dread, as just her imagination tricking her into believing her grandmother's fairy tale.
"Some old clouds don't scare me! You'll be gone soon," she told them pretending to acknowledge them. "This storm is just passing thru. Tomorrow there will be plenty of sun again, and we wont have to look at your sour pusses any more!" She laughed nervously to prove she thought it was just a joke. But the Thunderheads didn't think it was a joke, and they poured more snow on top of her and Lokie, until Lokie could go no further and he lay down in the snow.
********************************************************
When Gongi got back to her camp, Salanka was there. "Mom" she said,"I heard they didn't find Lali yet. How are you doing" she added, rubbing the old woman's shoulder. Gongi shook her head and went into her teepee. Salanka followed. "Mom," she said gently, "come to my lodge tonight. I made a rabbit stew and it's still hot. Ebi and Shiro are worried for you too. Come stay with us tonight." Gongi just shook her head to say no. "Mom, what did you eat today," Salanka insisted. "You have to eat. You come with me now." She had to pull Gongi's arm to get her out of the teepee. She followed Salanka sadly to the family lodge.The Thunderheads were hovering almost above her now. She could see Their Scowling Faces blowing the wind in her direction as it thrashed, fiercely shaking the tree she was under as if to draw her out.
But Lali lay quietly. She was so sorry and scaird. She even promised the Great Spirit and her Ancestral Grandmothers she would always be a good girl from now on, and always help Gongi whenever she asked Lali to give her a hand with the chores...If only she and Lokie could get back home to their village again unharmed.
Lali was repeating the counting song over and over again in her mind as she drifted off into a deep sleep. In her dream she was walking down a steep trail and she slipped into an icy dream world, she would not remember.
***************************************************
Suddenly someone was calling her name. Now she was back under the fir tree, clinging for life. When she heard her name called, she opened her eyes. An old man, strangely familiar, was approaching her. Although she thought she was well hidden, he knew exactly where she was. He was holding Gongi's little beaded purse in his outstretched hand for her to take. When she took the purse, he smiled and nodded his head reassuringly. Then he resumed his journey down the trail, disappearing into the shadows. Lali felt a warm glow as she clutched the purse to her heart. She forgot to shiver, and settled down cozily, resting comfortably until sunrize.
While she slept, the Thunderclouds released great sheets of snow, but Lali didn't know because she was dreaming, clutching the little beaded purse. It was the very first snow of the season and the trail that Lokie and Lali made was covered up by the soft falling crystals as they sparkled brilliantly everywhere in heaps.
The water from the river rushed and laughed over the rocks. Droplets shone like jewels in the morning sun. The beavers were already at work whittling away at their beams. But soon the sky become gray. The few patches of blue closed up and the water rushed more swiftly as the snow fell harder.
The whole countryside lay expectant and eager. The vibration was in the air. The snow soothed the earth, let it sleep, with all it's precious seeds. Sleep until another Spring...but Lali must not sleep until Spring. Why didn't she move?
Lali lay there dreaming. Finally the aching in her limbs and joints made her shift her position again. She reached in her dream for Lokie, but when he saw her, he merrily escaped again. The birds chirped loudly in the boughs above her. Lali sat up. The sun was peaking thru the clouds. The whole forest was dressed in white from bough to root. The sun was bright, the air crisp and clean.
If only Lokie would come back. Tears ran down Lali's face. She rubbed her empty stomach and looked around to see if there was something to eat. But there was only snow, deeply piled in banks. Lali scooped a handful of snow and put it in her mouth. It was crunchy and cold. Just then she heard a crunching sound behind her.
Lali held her breath. She tried to look between the pine needles without being seen, She was listening quietly. She smelled the air. "Hmmm. Not a bear" she thought. "I hope it's not a mountain lion" As she was straining to see what she could see, Lokie's big nose pushed it's way thru the low bough under which Lali was hiding.
The giant Thunderheads rumbled and let lightning fly, They were laughing so hard. They were have a good time teaching Lali the lesson of her life. If she didn't change her attitude soon, they were ready to lose patience with her. First they decided to give her a chance to prove her good intentions.
But Lali was in a scowling mood all day just trying to keep Lokie moving. She was still, just as determined as ever to ruin everyone's day if she couldn't have everything her own way. Compromise was not part of her vocabulary yet.
The Great Eyes of the Thunderheads followed her every move. They shook their heads in dismay, and it snowed a deluge on Lali and Lokie as they trudged wearily forward. The Thunderheads made her very uncomfortable with their piercing eyes, but Lali shook off her feelings of dread, as just her imagination tricking her into believing her grandmother's fairy tale.
"Some old clouds don't scare me! You'll be gone soon," she told them pretending to acknowledge them. "This storm is just passing thru. Tomorrow there will be plenty of sun again, and we wont have to look at your sour pusses any more!" She laughed nervously to prove she thought it was just a joke. But the Thunderheads didn't think it was a joke, and they poured more snow on top of her and Lokie, until Lokie could go no further and he lay down in the snow.
********************************************************
When Gongi got back to her camp, Salanka was there. "Mom" she said,"I heard they didn't find Lali yet. How are you doing" she added, rubbing the old woman's shoulder. Gongi shook her head and went into her teepee. Salanka followed. "Mom," she said gently, "come to my lodge tonight. I made a rabbit stew and it's still hot. Ebi and Shiro are worried for you too. Come stay with us tonight." Gongi just shook her head to say no. "Mom, what did you eat today," Salanka insisted. "You have to eat. You come with me now." She had to pull Gongi's arm to get her out of the teepee. She followed Salanka sadly to the family lodge.The Thunderheads were hovering almost above her now. She could see Their Scowling Faces blowing the wind in her direction as it thrashed, fiercely shaking the tree she was under as if to draw her out.
But Lali lay quietly. She was so sorry and scaird. She even promised the Great Spirit and her Ancestral Grandmothers she would always be a good girl from now on, and always help Gongi whenever she asked Lali to give her a hand with the chores...If only she and Lokie could get back home to their village again unharmed.
Lali was repeating the counting song over and over again in her mind as she drifted off into a deep sleep. In her dream she was walking down a steep trail and she slipped into an icy dream world, she would not remember.
***************************************************
Suddenly someone was calling her name. Now she was back under the fir tree, clinging for life. When she heard her name called, she opened her eyes. An old man, strangely familiar, was approaching her. Although she thought she was well hidden, he knew exactly where she was. He was holding Gongi's little beaded purse in his outstretched hand for her to take. When she took the purse, he smiled and nodded his head reassuringly. Then he resumed his journey down the trail, disappearing into the shadows. Lali felt a warm glow as she clutched the purse to her heart. She forgot to shiver, and settled down cozily, resting comfortably until sunrize.
While she slept, the Thunderclouds released great sheets of snow, but Lali didn't know because she was dreaming, clutching the little beaded purse. It was the very first snow of the season and the trail that Lokie and Lali made was covered up by the soft falling crystals as they sparkled brilliantly everywhere in heaps.
The water from the river rushed and laughed over the rocks. Droplets shone like jewels in the morning sun. The beavers were already at work whittling away at their beams. But soon the sky become gray. The few patches of blue closed up and the water rushed more swiftly as the snow fell harder.
The whole countryside lay expectant and eager. The vibration was in the air. The snow soothed the earth, let it sleep, with all it's precious seeds. Sleep until another Spring...but Lali must not sleep until Spring. Why didn't she move?
Lali lay there dreaming. Finally the aching in her limbs and joints made her shift her position again. She reached in her dream for Lokie, but when he saw her, he merrily escaped again. The birds chirped loudly in the boughs above her. Lali sat up. The sun was peaking thru the clouds. The whole forest was dressed in white from bough to root. The sun was bright, the air crisp and clean.
If only Lokie would come back. Tears ran down Lali's face. She rubbed her empty stomach and looked around to see if there was something to eat. But there was only snow, deeply piled in banks. Lali scooped a handful of snow and put it in her mouth. It was crunchy and cold. Just then she heard a crunching sound behind her.
Lali held her breath. She tried to look between the pine needles without being seen, She was listening quietly. She smelled the air. "Hmmm. Not a bear" she thought. "I hope it's not a mountain lion" As she was straining to see what she could see, Lokie's big nose pushed it's way thru the low bough under which Lali was hiding.
The giant Thunderheads rumbled and let lightning fly, They were laughing so hard. They were have a good time teaching Lali the lesson of her life. If she didn't change her attitude soon, they were ready to lose patience with her. First they decided to give her a chance to prove her good intentions.
But Lali was in a scowling mood all day just trying to keep Lokie moving. She was still, just as determined as ever to ruin everyone's day if she couldn't have everything her own way. Compromise was not part of her vocabulary yet.
The Great Eyes of the Thunderheads followed her every move. They shook their heads in dismay, and it snowed a deluge on Lali and Lokie as they trudged wearily forward. The Thunderheads made her very uncomfortable with their piercing eyes, but Lali shook off her feelings of dread, as just her imagination tricking her into believing her grandmother's fairy tale.
"Some old clouds don't scare me! You'll be gone soon," she told them pretending to acknowledge them. "This storm is just passing thru. Tomorrow there will be plenty of sun again, and we wont have to look at your sour pusses any more!" She laughed nervously to prove she thought it was just a joke. But the Thunderheads didn't think it was a joke, and they poured more snow on top of her and Lokie, until Lokie could go no further and he lay down in the snow.
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When Gongi got back to her camp, Salanka was there. "Mom" she said,"I heard they didn't find Lali yet. How are you doing" she added, rubbing the old woman's shoulder. Gongi shook her head and went into her teepee. Salanka followed. "Mom," she said gently, "come to my lodge tonight. I made a rabbit stew and it's still hot. Ebi and Shiro are worried for you too. Come stay with us tonight." Gongi just shook her head to say no. "Mom, what did you eat today," Salanka insisted. "You have to eat. You come with me now." She had to pull Gongi's arm to get her out of the teepee. She followed Salanka sadly to the family lodge.

          It was a windy day, and the sun was shining brightly. Everything seemed so crisp and clean, and the air had the fragrance of creosote blossoms. Fresh leaves were on every bush and tree. Soon flowers would be everywhere. It seemed like every drop of air was bursting with infinite life.
        Lali stomped in with her usual "I don't do chores" attitude. "What?!" she snarled at her grandmother. As nicely as she could, Gongi replied, "I need you to take the jug to the spring Dear, and fill it up please."Lali pursed her lips and stomped her foot on the dirt floor. "No" she shrieked. "I don't want to! We're playing now!!"
        Just then, Tumby ran in with the ball and jumped over Gongi to get to a safe corner of the teepee where she could safely maul the ball. The ball was made from resin covered with bits of grass and moss. It didn't taste good, but she wanted it. The other kids rushed in now, all sweaty and excited. "There she is" shouted Shiro, running over his grandma to get to Tumby. Tumby went to Gongi for protection, but it did no good.
        "That's enough!" shouted Gongi. "Get out Tumby," she insisted with a shove as she grabbed the ball from the dog's mouth. Tumby gave a whimper and fled outside, followed by the children to whom she refused to return the ball. "Get back in here Lali!" screamed Gongi. Now they all came back in again, even Tumby, all hoping by being cooperative, they'd get the ball back. But Grandmother had a way of making them do what she wanted. "Okay," she said,"I'll give you the ball back,...when Lali comes back with the water!"
        "Aw, Grandma!” they all shouted. "Out!" Gongi replied. "Lali, the jug is right by your leg. Please go get the water now! We have to make lunch!" Lali stomped out, so Rizing Moon picked up the jug. "I'll go get it Grandma," she said nicely. "No!" replied Gongi. "You already got water for me today. It's Lali's turn." "Why is she like that Grandma," asked Rizing Moon. "I don't know dear" said Gongi with exasperation. "Why don't you go talk with her." "Okay," assured Rizing Moon, "I will." "Take the jug, but give it to Lali," insisted Gongi. Rizing Moon took the jug and hugged her Grandma. The boys hugged her too, but Tumby ran outside to be with Lali. Rizing Moon and the boys took the jug out to Lali. Lali and Tumby were over by the Cottonwood tree now wrestling. So they went over to her and Ebi said, "Let's go get water together Lali." "I'll get another jug," said Rizing Moon. Lali was annoyed. She had been chewing on the wind, and didn't feel like getting water. She wanted to keep playing, and she wanted the ball back! She had been winning!

        Just then, Salanka called to Rizing Moon to come home. Rizing Moon turned to Lali and said, "We gotta go now Lali. I gotta go see what Mom wants. We'll play later," she added turning to go. "But we were having such fun!" mumbled Lali sadly.
        The boys ran after Rizing Moon, but Ebi fell down and started to cry. As Lali started throwing the stick for Tumby to fetch, Gongi was cutting a fresh switch. Lali didn't see Gongi coming, and the sting of the switch on her buttocks surprised her. Gongi picked up the jug, and handed it to Lali emphatically. "I said, PLEASE go fill up the jug for lunch!" Lali looked at her grandmother and took the jug. "I was just going!" she said. "Good!" replied Gongi, with the switch twitching in her hand.
        "Now don't be late dear" Gongi advised, trying not to be too nice yet. Arrogant and unapologetic, Lali and Tumby started down the path to the spring. "When I grow up, I'm not going to have to get water," thought Lali, as she pouted. "If I want to, of course I will!" she added for Tumby's benefit. Tumby barked in agreement. "I'll just live close to the spring that's all! Then I wont have to carry the jugs, we'll just wash everything in the stream!" continued Lali.
        Now Tumby was pulling on Lali's skirt wanting to play. "Oh get away you pesky dog!" she yelled, trying to push Tumby off. When she did that, she stumbled over a gnarly root from the great Cottonwood tree that surfaced on the path. As she fell, the jug she was balancing on her head, fell too. Hitting a stone, it shattered instantly. "Now look what you've done Tumby!" shouted Lali. "You naughty naughty dog!" Tumby thought Lali was playing and jumped on her while she was still on the ground recovering. She licked Lali's face and was biting her hair and looking for fleas. That made Lali laugh, and she started throwing pieces of the broken jug at Tumby. "Well," said Lali affectionately to Tumby, "I think we're in big trouble now. If we go back, I'll get a good whipping with the switch." Tumby looked sad and put her head on Lali's lap. "And it's your fault Tumby!" she added as an after thought.
        How she wished she was grown up already and could do what she wanted. Inside her the fire swelled and she wanted to jump and play and just forget about the water jug. She felt grown up inside. She was self confident and felt competent that she was grown up enough to take care of herself! She knew how to track and hunt, but didn't like it much. She could fish though, maybe even catch a bird or something. In time she could go back, but right then, she was too afraid to face her grandma. She'd broken jugs before on purpose. Gongi wouldn't believe it was an accident. Lali didn't know what to do now.
        Something in the forest was so intriguing to her. When she saw the ruins of settlements, she felt an eerie presence. She felt strange, like she had lived there before, in those ancient times. She needed time to explore those fantasies...and discover, who she really was and who she could become. She listened closely to an inaudible voice, as if she were being called by someone. Her fantasy pulled her deeper into the forest now, as she wandered through the thick growth.
        The wind was howling through the trees and the air was so fresh it burned her nostrils. Tumbala ran ahead of her on the path. "Oh! Go back home you troublemaker" she shouted at Tumby, striking her on the nose with a stone. Tumby howled in pain and ran off in the direction of the village; crying in loud and pitiful yelps as she fled.
Lali felt a surge within her and began running and jumping deeper and deeper on the path that followed the stream. She hadn't turned off to the spring as she was supposed to do, and that's when she stumbled and broke the jug. She began hopping rocks that were in and about the stream. She hadn't been this far before alone. But she had come out here with her Uncle Omwanaku and others for gathering certain herbs and plants.
        The breeze was combing her hair, and the water made the air so sweet and fresh. In her mind Lali could see Gongi. She knew her Grandmother was beginning to wonder where she was, especially when Tumby returned home alone. She didn't care about that now though. She was dreaming she was an ancient princess of the realm, and could do what ever she wanted to do.

        Finally she stepped onto the cool moist grass beside the stream, winded now from skipping rocks. She lay on her back looking up into the clear blue sky. She was out of breath and needed to rest for a moment. She was feeling so comfortable on the soft grass as she lay in the sun. The fresh grass was so soft and fragrant, like a cushion beneath her. Before she knew it, she had fallen into a deep sleep.


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        The sun's rays were slanting towards the evening sky when Lali sat up. She'd been dreaming for some time. The thoughts flowed through her like a gentle breeze. She let them pass, watching only, trying in her childish way to understand why she had even been borne. It was just a cruel joke! She still didn't want to go home. She would get a good licking, she knew that. She didn't know what to do.
         As she was perplexing about her dilemma, abstractedly looking across the stream, she thought she saw a cave in the small hillside facing the water. There was a large stone near the entrance. It had been rolled away and revealed the dark interior. She got up and crossed over the water to the other side of the stream.
        Walking through the tall grass that grew on that side, she came upon the cave entrance. The grass was not tall there and wild flowers popped up everywhere adorning, what to Lali looked like a beautiful garden. Curious and excited, the hair stood up on the back of her neck. She felt strange, and had goose bumps all over. Her heart was pounding within her chest and she knew, although not a sound had betrayed the tenant, that someone was there. She wasn't alone. As she was very curious, she proceeded cautiously toward the mouth of the cave. She just wanted to peer inside. As she did, she felt an invisible hand pull her back suddenly, and she screamed without meaning to. She turned quickly, but no one was there.


 

 

BANANA PATCH FANTASY PRODUCTIONS

    FACING SUNRIZE, part II

    Chapter 8, page 1

        Harmony awoke slowly before sunrize. There were still stars in the sky, with the faint hue of lavender glowing luminously on the fringes of the horizon. As the blackness of the night became the light of dawn, dreams and memories sifted back into her consciousness. In endless patterns, overlapping each other, the ancient drama of her soul's journey was revealing itself.

        She could hear clearly beyond the shifting visions as light swallowed the darkness. She wanted it to make sense. "Life is not pointless" she thought. She could hear her voice echoing in the cathedral of her mind. Who was this person, numb and out of control? She was seeking refuge, unwilling to be derailed by this absurd 20th Century reality that soiled everything it touched.Birds cooed in their nests again. They too waited for the dawning. All night the lovers in their tree nests had slept in sweet embrace. Maji and
Harmony too within their bamboo dome beside the lively waterfall, fell asleep embracing, but as dawn approached, they had pulled away, each into their own dreams.

        Harmony looked at the man beside her. Could she measure up to his love? His incredible beauty rested now. There was no strain or frustration in the eyes or lips. Where did he go? Was he reaching deeply into his essence, as she was, trying to find the meaning of his being. Of his great individual Self. She looked up through the poles of the bamboo dome as a flash of light caught the side of her eye. Long golden fingers of light were reaching the tops of the trees. The mango grove was old and the trees were very tall, reaching 60-80 feet or more. Greeting the dawn, all the forest birds took flight together. It was as if the trees exploded with feathers and light. They flew in diamonds across the
sky in delirious delight, calling to the Sun to witness their morning offering of flight.
        Harmony's heart too exploded with wordless ecstasy. Light...after so many years of darkness. She forgot that now. She was remembering her dream. Her pulse rose with the ebb of morning light. She sat, still in the shadows of the night within the dome. The light was beckoning her to hillside.

        The sound of the waterfall was incessant. It bounced from the rocks in every direction. It's melody was ever changing and she listened to the joyous overflow of sounds. Something was in the air. All of life was stirring. Scuttling, scurrying, slinking, surveying ....Everything was so alive. She felt so invigorated. Her heart was beating in her chest. But she was not ready to let go of her dream yet, and felt as though she were free falling back into it. So she lay back and closed her eyes. She sighed deeply and floated comfortably
without straining to see or hear. She was just feeling the forest. The air was so sweet. She was perhaps dreaming when she smelled the familiar odoriferous pine of her village forest.

        She was running through the forest when she stopped suddenly. She saw the ocean before her, the great brilliant blue depths, stretching forever to where it joined with the sky somewhere at the end of the horizon.

        Suddenly she was back in the dome on Maui in the forest with Maji. Her eyes were out of focus, so she stepped back, what seemed to be a few feet, but found herself hovering over the whole island looking down. Strangely, she could still see their camp. Beyond that image, there was another more ancient view of Maui. There were great masses of land then, that now have collapsed back into the sea. Then there was the great city of Oulda, capitol of the fabled land once called Lemuria. She was seated upon her flying Pegasus
Kuivato, observing. Someone inside of her knew the meaning of this vision. Harmony did not. But recalling it made her chuckle. She could see herself beside Maji, inside the little dome sleeping, so well hidden in the sacred little gorge. Could all this really be true. How could she be Jzurlea and Harmony...and Lemurlalo? Was it some kind of joke or just insanity.

        How could she be so much here now, inside of Harmony, knowing her thoughts, discovering life with her, feeling and loving through her, knowing she was Jzurlea also, there in the piney forest of the first plateau. She could feel and hear the intoxicating beat of the drum, pounding in her mind. Her thoughts evaporated into the tribal chants that erased her restless wandering.

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        Lali's dear grandmother, Sittingjing-gongala was sitting by the hearth, shelling the seeds they used for porridge. The fire was burning nicely, and the rocks were almost ready to transfer to the water in the ceramic pot nearby. Lali was sitting nearby, grinding the seeds to a fine flour. Tumbala watched from the mat near the hearth where she waited for Gongi to throw her a tidbit. Jzurlea could still see these things. It felt like she could just step back into that life and time and forget that she was someone she knew now as Harmony. If only she could find the little flying machine again.

        "It must still be on the beach somewhere" she thought. "I'll find it today. I really have to get back to Grandma." Being in the jungle helped her remember a lot of things. "It seems, all I have to do is listen and all the secrets naturally unfold," she mused. Safely hidden in the depth of the jungle, she felt like there was a precious secret about herself she was ready to know. She felt like a seed within a stone, within the fruit... undiscovered by the world... still pure, sweet, uncontaminated. She would be ready to know soon. But for now, she drifted in her cocoon spinning her fantasy.

        She became aware of herself again when Maji, still asleep, turned onto his stomach so she had to shift her position beside him. She had been so absorbed in her own drama within, she forgot she was still in the dome with Maji, and felt as though she'd been ripped apart. For a moment she struggled with the distraction from her deep concentration, but was pleasantly aroused when she opened her eyes and saw him laying there beside her. His black curly hair was tousled about his muscular golden shoulders. He made her body throb. She longed for him to share her fantasy. To remember...or at least try to believe he really was Hokami. She wanted to believe in Hokami...that such a being existed; a being that was the unspoken part of herself, that which complemented the wholeness of her soul. A lover that would not abuse or deceive her. A lover that would protect her virtue and guide her when she reverted to weakness of character.

        A collaboration of inspired friendship. If only they could learn to play music together. If only they could create a union that would be a benefit to all Humanity. So many relationships only served to degrade her in the past. She knew Maji was different. He was the one with conscience and integrity. He was the compassionate sage that proves God's Grace. Would he ever remember his real Self? Will he find the passageway within himself and go through it?  Would they ever go back to the pine tree forest together?

        Fruit flies were already busy, and the whole forest was humming with them. The Overture began slowly. She listened. She could feel the love, everywhere. She felt like she was in a cocoon. She was looking out and the world was like a crystal; shiny...and safe. She would have to break through soon though. The time would come for miracles. Although she wanted to stay with Maji, time would not stand still. She realized that. But she did really want to stay a little longer within this little warmth they had woven together. And
although she dreamed of the moment of chrysalis, she could not, or did not know how, to take the giant step it required to break through her own illusions. One cannot just go thru the motions...one must "feel" the positive vibration deeply in one's own heart. One's motivation is key in transforming from innocence....to Being the Guardian. Bringing the blessing....If only one could find the love in one's own heart....."I must allow the bliss to wash away the burden each one bears just to draw a breath" she thought. "One has passed
thru the nights of weeping, of fretting...just letting it go...That is the path of healing."

        Maji moved again, and groaned. He was waking up. He reached over and tickled her. There was something so pleasing about his touch. He seemed to know when and how to touch her. He was sensitive and physic. She ran her palm along the curve of his spine. She saw his skin pucker like chicken skin. She felt the wave too. He turned over and smiled, rubbing his eyes. He sighed and sat up and gave her a quiet tender kiss on the lips before getting up to take a leak. Quickly he disappeared through the dense foliage, leaving her alone.

        She lay there in the cool morning, peacefully moving through the layers within her that Time had deposited over millenniums. The images were coming and going freely, even as the leaves of the trees moved the shafts of light that were finally reaching the forest floor.

        She could see herself as a child again, and Sittingjing-gongala was sitting on her great grizzly bearskin, endlessly plaiting sheaves of long grass, her nimble fingers seeing now for her eyes, as she told Lali stories of old. Stories so old that very few persons alive in the village remembered them. Slowly Harmony began to be aware of a sound she was hearing off in the distance, like many owls hooting, or chanting. It intrigued her, so she listened
more closely as it became more audible. Suddenly, Lali saw the Owl Woman again, and a girl lay on the ground near her with a bite on her ankle. The girl was rubbing her leg because it hurt so much.

        Then the Owl Woman manifested a beautiful ouva fruit and approaching the girl, handed it to her. The fruit was different from any food Lali had ever seen before. It was red and juicy and deliciously sweet. It looked and moved like cherry jello. She could sort of see through the flesh of the fruit like a frosty window.

        Harmony knew she was that girl and that girl was Lali (Jzurlea). Then she saw the Pyramid. As Lali was eating the ouva, the Owl Woman began doing a jig around the pyramid. As she did this, she changed from her human form to a small owl. The owl's claws scratched the ground as she danced, revealing a golden orb, inscribed with hieroglyphic images. In the center of the orb,was the eye, that the hieroglyphs encircled. Harmony brushed the excess earth away from the orb so she could see the exquisite detail better. As she did this the orb
began to rize on hinges, and the hooting sound was loud, and no longer muffled. She could see there was a chamber beneath the pyramid, and began to peer through the tiny opening. When her eyes adjusted to the darkness of the interior, she realized she was inside now, standing in the vestibule where long tunnels, branched out in all directions like hallways, leading to destinations unfathomable. There was a light shining eerily down a tunnel where the hooting seemed to be coming from. It revealed compartments along it's length all hand
carved from the rock.

        Harmony sat up. She was trembling. The tunnel reminded her of the long hallway that led to her Grandmother's apartment on Thompson Street. That's where she mostly lived while growing up. That's where her grandma told her the stories of Peaciwawala and Sittingjing-gongala on those bitterly cold winter nights. Harmony shuttered to remember that frightening hallway from childhood. She ran her hands over the hand hewn rock wall. It felt like the textured walls of the hallway, embossed in designs that could no longer be
distinguished, because of the filth that had accumulated on their crevices over the years.
        One naked light bulb shining high up in the darkness of the domed ceiling, dimly lit the space below. The brassy mailboxes glittered in it, casting their reflection on the stairs that led upwards. Harmony called thru the smelly darkness for her Grandmother. “Abuelita” she called loudly. Then the door would open. First with the chain as the grandmother checked to see if there were any drunks behind the garbage cans hidden below the stairs. Then the
door would close, and reopen. That's when Harmony would run fast as lightning into the apartment as her grandmother immediately closed and bolted the door behind her.

  Please go to:  Chapter 8, p 2

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