cried all kinds of insults, but they did not
matter. Thundering Dove prepared to move inland. Charity was his next
goal.
74 Back in Fo, Bay Blossom tended Little Blossom every day. One day, as
she changed her bandages she looked at her and smiled. "Why did you
have to come so soon?" she giggled. "I wanted him to myself for a
couple of seasons."
75 "What do you mean?" asked Little Blossom.
76 "You know what I mean," answered Bay Blossom. "I know what it means
when someone throws themself in front of a weapon meant for someone else. You love him, don't you?"
77 "I didn't MEAN to," the younger woman answered. "I swore I'd NEVER
love a man, that I'd NEVER let one touch me, unless I got something for
it. I'd make them pay a high price every time. But then I find myself
looking at a man, and realizing they CAN be tender, they CAN be caring,
that they're not all cold and brutal, only taking what they want and
pushing you aside afterwards. As soon as I'm well, I'll go away."
78 Bay Blossom touched her cheek. "Of course you won't! " she argued ,
"You'll stay and we'll learn to live together and share one another's
feelings. My joys will be your joys, my sorrow will be your sorrow. I knew I
wouldn't have him to myself forever, but it doesn't really matter.
79 She opened her robes and put her hands on her belly. "I'll be the
first," she boasted, "the first one will be mine. That's MY dream, not
to keep him forever for myself, but to have his first child, to be the
first bearer of his blood. That will fulfill all my wishes."
80 "I know your women don't believe in touching each other, but may I?"
Little Blossom pleaded. Bay Blossom took her hand. "How does it feel?"
Little