Finding Home

A young pioneer woman finds herself at a crossroads when her father, her only remaining family is killed by a bear as they are trapping their way west along the Canadian border away from the War between the North and the South. Nat and her animal companions winter in a small northwest town where she finds much more than shelter from a storm. She finds home.

PART ONE

Nat rode through the pouring rain toward the cave that she had been using for shelter for the past few weeks. The rain drops slid down the brim of her hat only to bounce off the leather of her saddle. Hardy, her buckskin stallion exhaled sharply and shook his body violently to free his body of the soaking raindrops. Each day he and his master grew more intolerant of the dreary weather, yearning for a less miserable clime.

Nat and Hardy reached the clearing that opened to a large cave, one she, Hardy and Quincy her pack mule had called home for several weeks and she was welcomed by the smoke of her smoldering campfire. Quincy, who was tethered at the rear of the cave, welcomed them home with a loud grunt. Hardy shook his body one last time in an attempt to rid his body of the cold rain before stepping under the protective lip of the caves entrance.

Nat dismounted and hung her full length range coat on an oak limb that had conveniently grown into the mouth of the cave. She hung the pelts she had recovered that day beside her coat and began removing the saddle and tack from Hardy. Fully grown now at four years old, Hardy had grown into quite a loyal companion who had served Nat well. Stretching the tack out on the rocks near the fire pit to dry, Nat picked up an old blanket and wiped the soaking wetness from Hardy’s body.

Gyp, Nat’s faithful blue coated companion trotted up to her master and licked her face as she bent down to dry Hardy’s legs. “Hello Gyp,” she said to the dog that provided protection for Quincy and Nat’s belongings while she was out during the day. Nat buried her hands in the deep blue fur of the animal as Gyp continued to lick her face.

Nat hung up the blanket to allow it to dry and then attached feed sacks to Hardy and Quincy. “Ready for some left over stew,” Nat asked Gyp? Gyp’s ears perked as she sat and watched with loving eyes as her master added dry wood to the fire. Nat settled the stew pot on the spit above the flames and sat back beside Gyp as they waited for their dinner to warm.

Nat reached inside a saddle bag and pulled out a chunk of dried jerky, tearing off a piece for Gyp and tossing it to the patiently waiting dog. “Good catch girl,” Nat praised her canine companion and then she tore a piece of the dried meat off with her teeth. Nat chewed slowly allowing the saliva to mix with the meat to soften it enough for her to chew the spicy meat.

Nat removed her hat and let her shoulder length black hair tumble down her neck. She laid her head back against her bed roll as she watched the flames dance to life in the fire pit. Shadows licked the walls of the cave as Nat slowly surveyed the culmination of her last month’s efforts. Mounds of pelts were stored near the rear of the cave to remain dry and to remain secluded from anyone who might wander into the cave with thoughts of looting her bounty. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time a fellow trapper took advantage of another to profit from their hard work.

After another day to obtain a final days trapping and to retrieve traps, Nat would break camp to head to Seattle to sell her pelts, restock her supplies and to choose her next destination. This site had been very profitable, but Nat grew weary of the endless rainy days and cool temperatures.

Nat smiled to herself. Some time spent closer to the ocean would do her and her companions good she thought, as she watched the contents of her stew pot start to boil. Nat scooped up a portion each for her and Gyp who waited patiently for her meal to cool. Nat slowly stirred the thick stew allowing it to cool as her mind wandered.

Nat, born eighteen years ago in British Columbia as Nathalie St. Croix was the sole child of Nathan St. Croix a Canadian trapper and his wife, Nanya a full blooded Mohican woman. The family traveled the Canadian/US border together trapping, hunting and trading until Nanya died six years earlier during an outbreak of influenza. Motherless at twelve years old, Nat clung more tightly to the father she adored as he struggled to teach her the ways of the world. Trapping, hunting and fishing came as easy as breathing to Nat, but teaching Nat to be a woman was an impossible task for Nathan. He had always treated Nat as a son, her slim, six foot tall frame with androgynous features allowed her to pass as a young man in most settings which proved a benefit to Nat during most of her young life.

For five more years after her mother’s death Nat and her father trapped the Northern US and Lower Canada. Nathan taught her everything he knew about fur trading and Nat was an adept student, learning quickly the skills she would need to survive her rapidly changing world.

War had broken out in the eastern half of the country so Nathan decided they would push further west away from the brewing turmoil that caused many families to head further west as well. Many times in their travels Nat and her father had come upon a solitary wagon of “Green Horns” who had fled west to escape only to find themselves lost, starving or besieged by illness. Other travelers had ravaged the supplies and possessions of the deceased leaving little evidence of those who had perished.

Nat’s emotions grew hard in the vigorous environment she was raised, but she could not hold back the tears which flowed freely down her cheeks after she and her father discovered a small group of wagons that had been razed. There were several burnt skeletons, mostly of adults, but also several small children. Nat and her father buried the remains to prevent further devastation by predators.

Nat sat on a rock next to Nathan as they rested after covering the bodies and listened to the whispering of the wind as a cool breeze picked up. A weak sound made it to Nat’s ears and she struggled to make out the sound. She stood and moved slowly back through the debris changing direction with each new sound emitted. Nat discovered that the sounds she heard were the whimpering of a small animal and she followed the source until it became stronger.

Tracing the sound to a pile of discarded clothing, Nat crept closer to the sound and raised a partially burned shirt to find a tiny bundle of blue fur. In this harsh environment, the mother must have abandoned this pup as the runt of the litter, left to perish on its own while increasing the chance of survival for its stronger siblings.

The pup’s eyes barely open peered up at Nat pleading for her help. Nat bent down, cradling the small creature in one of her large hands as her fingers stroked the soft fur. She walked back to her father to show him her discovery.

Nathan looked at the small pup in his daughters hand and knew its chances for survival was very slim, but the glow in his daughter’s eyes told him she would do everything in her power to see the pup survived.

“Looks like we have another mouth to feed, he said with a smile. Bundle her up and let’s see if we can teach her to eat, he added. ”

Nathan set up camp away from the burnt out wagons and started a fire. Nat warmed up some of the stew she and her father had eaten the night before and dipped her fingers in the rich gravy. Holding the pup in one hand, she smeared the gravy across the pup’s lips and spoke softly to the tiny animal encouraging it to eat. Slowly the pup began to lick its lips, tasting human food for the first time in its short life and Nat felt that the pup would survive. Nathan, more of a pessimist than his daughter, worried that the pup would die, helped his daughter by dipping a small rag in cool water and pressing it to the pup’s mouth. The puppy instinctively chewed on the rag, forcing out the water as her small knobbed tail wagged in Nat’s hand.

Nathan finished setting up camp that night while he watched his daughter nurse the young pup. As he toiled, he offered a silent prayer for the pup to survive and become a much needed companion for his daughter.

After their meal, Nathan watched as Nat and her small friend curled up next to the fire and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning Nat awoke to a soft warm tongue lapping at her chin and shiny brown eyes gazing up to her. She warmed up more gravy and a small chunk of otter meat which she mashed into tiny fragments that she finger fed to the small pup.

After breaking camp, they mounted their horses and headed north to a cabin tucked away in the dense woods. During the ride, the pup snuggled under Nat’s coat reveling in her warmth and protection.

Near nightfall, they reached the cabin and cautiously entered the abode. Many a stray traveler or vagrant animal had been known to take up residence in trappers cabins, so the first entry was always deemed dangerous.

Nat and Nathan were fortunate to find that the last human inhabitant had left dry wood on the hearth and Nat quickly had a fire burning to light and warm the cabin. Nathan found several small lanterns and filled them with oil they had obtained from the creatures they trapped and soon the cabin was ablaze with light.

Comfortable that the cabin was secure and safe, Nathan returned outside to begin to unload the packs and tend to the animals while Nat set up shop inside the cabin. She stored the pelts in a small room off the kitchen and unpacked their food and cooking supplies.

Nat portioned out flour and patted out biscuits to accompany the last of their trail stew. Tomorrow they would hunt and with good fortune they would have fresh meat for dinner. Nat hummed with excitement as she prepared their meal, the puppy bouncing along behind her every step.

Nathan brought in fresh water and watched as Nat cleaned up the sleeping areas and prepared the rustic cots for slumber. Nat returned to the hearth and found the biscuits browning nicely. She dipped out a small bowl of gravy and another small chunk of the meat and prepared it for the puppy.

Nathan dished up stew for he and his daughter and added biscuits to each of their plates as Nat placed the bowl down in front of the puppy. Nat then sat down with her father to begin her meal.

“Have you given thought to a name he asked?”

“I was thinking Gyp, short for Gypsy,” Nat replied.

“Well we are a group of nomads, he said so Gyp would fit right in,” he concluded.

“Do you really think she is going to make it Dad,” Nat asked?

“From the way she is attacking that food bowl I would say yes. I think I may have finally found someone who appreciates my cooking,” he added with a grin.

Gyp growled her appreciation of the meal and then drank fresh water from the bowl Nathan had placed by her food.

“Instinct is kicking in,” he said as he watched the puppy lap at the water.

Nat watched with pride as Gyp finished her meal and she broke off a portion of biscuit and dipped it into the gravy on her plate before dropping it in the pups bowl.

“I want you to go hunting for some fresh meat in the morning Nat while I start setting the traps, her father requested. I don’t know about you but I am sick of otter stew he said with a grin. ”

“I could devour a thick T-bone myself,” Nat replied.

“When we head in to trade next month, I promise you will have the biggest steak you can eat,” Nathan said.

“Something to look forward to, Nat said as she cleared the dishes and walked Gyp to the door. We will check on the animals and be right back,” she said as she opened the door and walked out.

Nathan smiled to himself and thought how lucky he was to have such a strong young woman for a daughter. Sure he had always longed for a son when he was younger, but now he doubted that he could be as proud of anyone as he was with Nat. He waited for Nat and Gyp to return and then he doused the lights and they both retired for the evening to rest up for the big day ahead.

Nat awoke first and put fresh wood on the fire before taking Gyp outside. She watched the puppy pounce on leaves that blew on the ground in front of her, Nat’s laughter breaking the silence of the deep woods. The seasons were beginning to change, the brilliant color of the leaves that were rapidly falling from the trees and the brisk chill in the air would soon give way to snowflakes and long winter nights. Nat would be glad to make it through the passes to Seattle ahead of the winter storms and take shelter somewhere less desolate. For the past few years she and her father had spent the winter in a small rented out cabin just south of Seattle where they had planned for the coming year and caught up with fellow trappers sharing trends in the trading market and news of the bloody war.

Nat returned to the cabin and set the coffee kettle on the fire. She cleaned her rifle and loaded it while she waited for Nathan to stir. He walked into the kitchen just as she was pouring the strong steaming liquid into their mugs. “Morning,” he said.

“Good morning, did you have trouble not sleeping on the ground last night,” Nat teased?

“When you get my age, it takes a while to adjust,” her dad tossed back as he picked up his mug.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Nat said as she continued packing her bag for the mornings hunt.

They made small talk while they drank their coffee and then Nat stood and stretched one last time. “I better get moving if I am going to get any meat today she said. See you when you get back tonight Nat said and then she picked up Gyp. Sorry my friend but today you will have to stay inside, she told the small pup as she placed a warm blanket in the wood bin and placed the pup inside. ”

She kissed her dad on the forehead and picked up her bag and rifle.

“Good luck today Nat,” Nathan said as her watched her out the door.

Nat laced her arms through the straps of her pack and shouldered her rifle. She walked through the woods with a deadly silence as she looked for signs of wildlife. She had walked for nearly half an hour when she heard a buzzing sound echoing through the cool morning air. Her keen ears led her to the trunk of an old tree that was now home to a swarm of honey bees.

Approaching carefully, Nat caught a glimpse of a large comb overflowing with honey. Honey for biscuits would be a pleasant change for both she and her father so Nat propped her rifle next to the tree and lowered her pack. She took out a small strip of worn out cloth and wrapped it around a long stick. She would have to work quickly to harvest the honey without getting stung, but the sweetness was just too promising to pass up. Nat removed a jar from her pack and slowly spun the lid from its lips and took one of her remaining few matches and struck it careful not to waste the precious fire. She lit the rag which burned slowly fueled by the animal fat and oils creating a plume of smoke which Nat placed into the hive. The bees buzzed angrily, but fled the hive just as Nathan had taught her they would.

Nat worked quickly to cut off a large section of comb and slip it into the jar and then dipped the jar into the honey until it was filled to the rim. She wiped the excess from the outer rim of the jar with her finger and then raised it to her lips. The sugary taste locked her jaws momentarily as they adjusted to the taste and she quickly replaced the lid and tucked her prize into her pack.

She extinguished the cloth with damp leaves from the ground and picked up her rifle to move on before the angry bees returned. With a huge smile gracing her face Nat continued into the woods making a mental note of where the honey tree was located for future visits.

Another mile into the forest Nat came across fresh tracks where a deer had crossed earlier and Nat hoped he would be heading down to the small river that was a few minutes’ walk further into the woods. She crept quietly down to the river’s edge and waited in frozen silence for her prey. Nat watched as several rabbits hopped to the river’s edge for a quick drink and then darted back into the undergrowth when they heard a larger animal approach.

Nat watched as a huge buck stepped confidently from the concealment of the forest to the river’s edge. She calmly raised the rifle and had the buck square in her sights. A fine specimen indeed and one that would provide meat for Nat and her father for many days she thought as her finger twitched on the trigger. Nat waited until the buck lowered his head to drink and then squeezed the trigger firmly. The shot rang true striking the buck in the heart and dropping him immediately.

Nat took the rope from her pack and walked to where the buck laid dead. She laid her hand on his neck and she could feel the warmth as it left his body in the cool morning. “Thank you for your sacrifice,” she whispered to the animal, and then she tied the rope around his back hooves. Nat carried the animal to the nearest tree and using the rope hoisted his body upward until his body was off the ground entirely.

Nat despised the next part of the ritual, but took the knife from her belt and slowly drew a line across the buck’s stretched throat to bleed him and then made the deep incision down his belly to disembowel the beast and prepare his carcass for transport. This unpleasant task done, Nat walked to the river bank to wash her knife and hands before making her way back to the cabin where she would bring Quincy back to carry the buck home for her.

She gathered her goods and made her way back to the cabin. She left her pack on the porch and peeked inside the door to find Gyp soundly asleep in the wood bin and she quietly closed the door. Removing the tether from Quincy’s back legs, Nat led the mule back to the river’s edge to retrieve the buck. Quincy allowed Nat to strap the buck across his back and then they walked back to the cabin.

Nat strung the buck up into a tree once again when they reached the cabin and she began the task of skinning the buck with her sharp knife. She carefully placed the hide on the tanning wall on the end of the cabin and then began to carve the buck. She cut a large roast from the hind quarter and carried it into the cabin where she skewered it onto the spit and placed it over the flames for roasting.

Gyp watched her from the wood bin with sleepy eyes and then wagged her whole body when Nat reached down to pick her up and carry her outside. Gyp trotted along beside Nat and sat watching her as Nat carved the rest of the meat and carried it into a small smoke house to prepare for curing. Gyp watched her intently as Nat coated the meat with salt, rubbing it deeply into the tender meat before hanging it from the rafters by string and lighting the fire in the smoke house. The process would take days so Nat scoured the woods surrounding the cabin for firewood to keep the fire stoked.

As the afternoon sun faded, Nat finished her chores and cleaned up at the river’s edge before she walked back into the cabin. She pulled the jar of honey from her pack and placed it on the table. The roast in the fire smelled heavenly as Nat rolled out fresh biscuits and placed them on the hearth. She checked the fire in the smokehouse and was playing outside with Gyp when she heard her father ride up.

“That is the most heavenly smell” Nathan said as he dismounted and walked toward Nat.

“I was lucky this morning and got a nice buck,” Nat said as she walked her dad around to the tanning wall and then led him into the smoke house.

Nathan was very impressed with his daughter’s success. “I would say you were very fortunate,” Nathan said as he placed his arm around Nat.

“I have a roast cooking and there is plenty of back strap to make jerky and yes before you asked I saved the heart and liver too,” Nat replied.

Nat knew that Nathan enjoyed making stew from the deer’s heart and if they could find some wild onions or potatoes he would fry the liver as a special treat. Nathan taught Nat well how to use every part of an animal’s body so nothing would go to waste.

Nat helped her father care for his horse and together they walked into the cabin, Gyp bouncing merrily along behind them.

“I swear she has grown since this morning,” Nathan said as he scooped Gyp up in his rough hands.

“She slept most of the morning so she’s been full of herself this afternoon, Nat said as Nathan scratched behind the pup’s ears.

They walked into the house together and Nat started setting the table while Nathan checked the roast on the spit. “This looks fantastic,” Nathan said as he took his knife and sliced off several pieces of the fragrant roasted meat and carried them to the table.

Nathan sat down at the table and spied the jar of honey sitting next to the biscuits. “My, my you did have a good days hunt,” he said as he lifted the jar holding the golden honey, spinning the lid off and pouring a small amount onto his plate.

“I thought we could use a treat,” Nat said, her glowing smile lighting up the room.

“Indeed, you have prepared us a feast,” Nathan said as he returned Nat’s warm smile.

During their meal they discussed plans for spending a couple of weeks in the cabin before moving on toward Seattle to do their trading and settle down for the winter. Both Nathan and his daughter were eager to make the trip and return to civilization if even for a brief respite.

Later that evening, Nat dreamed of soaking in a hot bath and buying a new pair of dungarees and work shirt which would replace her buckskins which could use a good airing out.

****

Nat sat back against the wall of the cave and closed her eyes. Her hand instinctively went to her neck where she located a leather thong and traced it down her neck until she touched the large bear claw nestled under her shirt.

****

The days passed quickly at the cabin and two days before they would pack and hit the trail, her Father went out ahead of her to check traps. Nat saddled Hardy an hour later and followed her father’s trail into the woods. Today’s catch would be the last and they would pack and head out at first light for the long ride into Seattle.

Hardy’s nostrils flared as they rode deeper into the woods and his muscles twitched with every sound. Hardy could smell something in the forest that had his every nerve on edge and his anxiety was slowly transferring to Nat. She patted his neck in an effort to calm him but even her reassuring words could not prevent the lather of sweat breaking out across his body.

A rifle shot rang out in the woods from the direction her father would be trapping and suddenly the relatively calm forest broke out in a riot of sounds. Nat drove her heels into Hardy’s flanks spurring him to a full gallop as she recognized the bellow of a large bear and heard her father shouting at the beast. Nat reached a clearing and could only watch as Nathan got off another rifle shot, striking the bear squarely in the chest as he charged, but not slowing his advance. Nathan fumbled to reload as the bear, a full grown grizzly reared onto his hind legs only three feet away from him.

Nat watched in horror as the bear advanced on her father, sharp claws striking out at him while rabid foam flew through the air as the beast roared his anger which echoed throughout the forest. She raised her rifle to take aim as the bear raked a large paw across Nathan’s face and neck slicing through his skin like a knife through warm butter. Nat squeezed the trigger and her shot hit the bear behind its left ear driving the bullet deep into his brain, but the bear did not fall. She ejected the shell and reloaded preparing for another shot as she saw Nathan fall to the ground. Her next shot struck the bear straight in the heart and the bear finally faltered and fell beside Nathan.

Hardy slid to a stop ten feet away and Nat jumped off his back still carefully eyeing the bear as she rushed to her father’s side. The bear twitched and Nat shot him once again then kneeled down next to her father.

Blood gushed from her father’s face and neck, his jugular severed and the realization struck Nat a crushing blow that there was nothing she could do to prevent her father’s death. Nat sat beside her father on the blood soaked ground and held his hand while she watched his life slip away from his body. “I love you Father,” Nat said then Nathan closed his pain filled eyes and passed into the next world.

Nat sat for hours with her father’s head in her lap in the death filled meadow, until Hardy’s soft lips brushed her neck bringing her out of her stupor. She managed to find her father’s horse and struggled until she managed to drape his lifeless body across his saddle and then mounted Hardy for the ride back to the cabin.

She carried Nathan’s body onto the cabin porch and bathed the drying blood from his body. She searched through their packs until she found a shovel and began preparing a grave for her beloved father. Shock overcame her body and she moved mechanically as she carried Nathan and placed him in the ground, slowly covering his body with the freshly dug earth.

Nat made several trips down to the river’s edge to collect rocks to prepare a mound over her father’s grave and as the sun slowly sank into the horizon she placed the last rock upon her father’s grave. She sat beside the grave and Gyp who had traced her every step crawled up into her lap to provide whatever comfort she could to her mourning master. The chill of the oncoming night forced Nat into the cabin and she sat before the fireplace totally alone for the first time in her life.

Sometime during the night Nat curled up in a ball in front of the hearth and she awoke the next morning with Gyp cuddled up in her arms. She walked outside to where she had buried her father to confirm that she was indeed awake and not living some horrible dream. Reality struck her like a brick as she looked down on the mound of stones that covered the last of her family. Tears slid down her cheek as she wondered what would become of her now. Nathan had prepared her well for trapping and trading, but she never dreamed she would be all alone at such a young age.

Nat saddled Hardy and with Gyp trotting beside her rode to the clearing where the bear lay motionless. Hardy shied away from the smell of fresh blood and remained a distance from the prostate bear refusing to approach further.

She dismounted and began the tedious work of skinning the large bear, removing the large claws and tucking them away in a leather pouch. Grizzly claws were prized trading items as well as the bears pelt, but Nat was certain she would never part with the hide of the animal that killed her father. Nat hated to waste any animal but she would be damned if she would taste the flesh of this beast and once she finished her work she set the carcass ablaze, purifying the ground where her father had died.

Hardy shied away from the bears pelt when Nat approached so she rode back to the cabin to retrieve Quincy and safely harnessed the pelt to his back. Once they returned to the cabin, Nat removed the deer hide that had finished drying and replaced it with the bear’s hide. Nat cut a long strip of the hide and used it to bind the two pieces of wood together that she had fashioned as a cross to mark her father’s grave. She had carved her father’s name into the crosspiece with the year of his death and used a large stone to drive it into the ground at the head of his grave.

Nat spent the next two days packing her supplies and preparing for the journey to Seattle, carefully storing the dried meat and other food supplies for the weeks of travel waiting ahead. She made one more trip to the honey tree to salvage one final jar of honey for her trip and that evening used the last of her flour to make a final batch of biscuits.

Sitting in front of the fire, Nat chose one of the bear claws and using a tiny awl bored a hole through the claw. Using a thin strip of the deer hide, she fashioned a necklace with the bear claw and slipped it over her head to rest just above her heart. In the days and years to come, Nat would caress the bear claw when thinking of her father and take comfort in this token of his life.

The next morning, Nat packed the animals and stood before her father’s grave and with a final goodbye she turned to take the first step to her future.

She rode for three days until she found the large cave she planned to rest in before the final leg into Seattle. They had made the journey through the final mountain pass just as the first snow began to fall and Nat was relieved to once again reach flat ground. After a week’s rest, Nat would ride the final two days into Seattle where she would have to make decisions on what path her life would lead. Nat knew she was close to her destination when she encountered the dreary rains that plagued the area, sometimes for days on end.

The final week passed quickly and soon Nat was facing the final night in the protection of the cave. Nat slept curled around Gyp that night and the following morning she began arranging her packs for the final leg of her journey. Unsure of what she would do once she traded out her pelts, Nat was sure of only one thing. She would stick to the plan that she and her father had made to rent a small cabin to spend the winter months restocking and planning for their next journey.

Nat and her companions spent one last cold and damp night in the woods and by noon the next day she crested one final hill which opened up to the bustling town of Seattle. Nat sat for a moment and watched the bustling of the crowded streets and with a final look over her shoulder back into the forest, she urged Hardy to move forward.

PART TWO

Her first stop was made to the furriers to begin negotiations on her pelts. Smithy, the owner had always dealt fairly with Nat and her father, knowing they would only bring him the highest quality pelts and he rewarded them handsomely for their loyalty. Smithy smiled warmly at Nat, a smile that faded quickly when he realized she was alone.

“Where is Nathan,” he calmly asked, placing an arm around Nat?

“He’s gone Smithy,” Nat said, the threat of tears choking her voice. “He was checking traps and was mauled by a grizzly a few weeks back.”

“I am so sorry to hear that,” Smithy said. “Nathan was a great man,” he added.

“Yes he was,” Nat replied in agreement.

“What will you do now?” Smithy asked.

“I don’t know for sure yet Smithy. After trading I plan on getting a hot meal and bath and then hopefully rent out the old Johnson cabin for the winter before deciding what to do,” Nat said in a weary voice.

“Well why don’t we get you unloaded and you can go get some food while I survey your pelts,” Smithy suggested as he walked outside with Nat.

Smithy noticed the bear pelt on the back of her father’s horse and ran his hand through the course fur. “Is this the one that killed your dad?” he asked.

“Yes it is,” Nat answered. “A big son of a bitch he was too.”

“Are you planning on trading the pelt?” Smithy asked

“No Smithy, that one’s a keeper,” she said.

“Well let me know if you ever change your mind, a pelt that size would carry a large price on the market.”

“You can see what you can get for these,” Nat said as she took the leather pouch which held the bear claws and tossed them to Smithy.

Smithy opened the pouch and looked inside. “A small fortune I would expect,” Smithy said. “Some of these new greenhorns pay dearly for grizzly items and I am sure these will be a prize. Give me a day or two to get the best price for you,” he added with a grin.

“I’ll check into the Stillwater and drop in to see you in the morning,” Nat said as she led the two horses and mule over to the livery.

“See you in the morning then,” Smithy called out to her.

Nat gave instructions for her animals to be cared for and then with Gyp on her heels she headed to the Stillwater to get a room. The clerks smile turned to a scowl as he eyed Gyp, but the look on Nat’s face told him she was a force to be reckoned with and he handed her the room key without comment.

Nat carried her packs up the stairs to her room and then left the room with Gyp to find a nice hot meal. She stopped at the desk to tell the clerk to order up a hot bath for her in her room and then walked into the dining room. She sat at a small table and Gyp sat at her feet.

A young woman approached her table to take her order. Nat took off her hat and her dark hair fell to her shoulders bringing a smile to the woman’s face.

“What can I get for you?” she asked.

“The biggest steak you can find well done with the works,” Nat answered. “A smaller steak well done for my companion too please,” she requested. “You can hold her beans,” Nat teased, “they give her gas,” she added with a chuckle.

The waitress rewarded her with a brilliant smile before heading to the kitchen to place Nat’s order. Nat looked around the dining room at the town folk that had come in for an early dinner and a few stray fellow trappers who like her were still rugged from the trail. A hot bath would do wonders for Nat and she looked forward to it as much as she did a hot meal.

The waitress returned with a steaming plate of fresh rolls and butter. “You look hungry, so I brought these out for you,” she said as she sat the plate on the table.

“Thanks, we’re starving,” Nat said as she buttered a hot roll pinching a bite off for Gyp. “We are both sick of my cooking too,” she added.

“How long have you been out?” the young woman asked.

“What month is this?” Nat asked.

“November,” the woman replied.

“Nine months then,” Nat replied.

“That’s a long time to be in the woods alone,” the young woman commented.

“I was with my father until a few weeks ago,” Nat replied. “He was killed by a grizzly she added numbly.”

“I am so sorry to hear that,” the woman said and blushing turned to go.

“Thanks,” Nat said.

Nat ate a few more of the delicious rolls while she waited on their dinner. When the woman returned carrying two large plates of food Nat’s mouth watered with one look of the steak. She reached for Gyp’s smaller steak to cut it into smaller pieces and the woman said, “You start on your steak and I will cut this one up for your friend.”

“Thanks,” Nat said as the woman sat down at the table to cut Gyp’s steak.

Nat took a bite of the steak and her taste buds exploded with ecstasy, the warm juices and seasoning assaulting her senses. She moaned loudly and the young woman at her side blushed. “This is heavenly,” Nat said. “My compliments to the cook she added.”

“Why thank you ma’am,” the young lady said, “just be sure to save some room for desert, I have fresh pies baked today,” she added as she stood to leave.

Nat sat the plate down in front of Gyp and watched with delight as the young pup devoured the tasty meal, gnawing the bone while Nat returned to her own feast. The young woman brought out another basket of fresh rolls and then left Nat to finish her meal.

Nat cleaned the meat from the T Bone and then placed the bone on Gyp’s plate as she drank from a mug of cool water. Nat looked up to see the young woman approaching again with a tray holding several slices of pie. Nat chose a thick slice of apple which incredibly was still warm.

Nat finished off the fantastic meal and asked the young woman to send her bill to the front desk. Nat left several silver pieces on the table for the young lady and then walked over to the general store to purchase a pair of dungarees and a soft cotton shirt.

When Nat and Gyp returned to the room steam was coming off the tub, and Nat was anxious to strip down and soak in its luxury. Nat had just pulled off her top when the door opened up and the same young woman from the dining room was standing in her doorway with a pot of hot water.

The woman blushed again and quickly stepped inside and closed the door. “I am sorry, I didn’t realize you were in here,” the woman said as she turned away from Nat who was totally naked, except for the bear claw around her neck.

“That’s alright,” Nat said as she walked toward the tub. “I couldn’t wait to get a bath,” she added as she watched the woman pour the steamy water into the tub.

“Since you are here,” Nat said, “could I convince you to wash my back?” she asked.

The woman turned to find Nat standing naked beside her and stammered out her reply, “Yes, I could do that.” Marissa had never seen another woman naked and she felt a strange stirring deep inside as she gazed at Nat’s long sensuous body that had been so cleverly disguised by the buckskins she had worn.

Nat stepped into the tub, moaning loudly once again and soaked a washcloth in the tepid water handing it to the young woman. “My name is Nat,” she said.

“My name is Marissa,” the young embarrassed woman replied as she began lathering the cloth with a bar of soap.

Nat lowered her body under the water and emerged with her black hair plastered to her neck. Marissa stepped forward cautiously and bent down to place the soapy cloth against Nat’s skin. Marissa caressed the tight muscles of Nat’s back and shoulders with the soapy cloth as Nat watched her in the mirror.

“That feels fantastic,” Nat said as she bent forward allowing Marissa access to her entire back.

“How long will you be staying in town?” Marissa asked.

“I hope to rent out the old Johnson place for the winter,” Nat responded.

“Well then, we shall be neighbors if you do,” Marissa said. “I live in the small farmhouse just down the road,” she said.

“I am sure we will be seeing each other again then,” Nat said as she took the cloth from Marissa. “Thanks for washing my back,” she added with a grin.

“You’re welcome,” Marissa said. “I hope to see you again soon,” she added as she slipped quietly out the door.

“You can count on it,” Nat said to a closed door and then sank deeper into the water to soak.

Nat washed her hair and body then soaked until the water turned cool. She slipped on a new night shirt and slid between cool clean sheets for the first time in almost a year. Gyp slept on a rug next to the bed and neither of them moved until the sun came up.

Nat and Gyp went downstairs to the dining room where they were met by Marissa.

“Good morning,” she said while smiling sweetly. “What can I get you this morning she asked?”

“How about some bacon and flap jacks,” Nat requested.

“Would you like honey, or maple syrup?” Marissa asked.

“Maple syrup and lots of butter,” Nat said with a grin.

“Coffee,” Marissa asked?

“Lots of it,” Nat said, “with sweet cream if you have it,” she added.

“We even have sugar cubes here,” Marissa teased.

Marissa disappeared into the kitchen and returned a few minutes later carrying two large plates, one with bacon and flapjacks and another with cut up bits of egg, flapjacks and sausage. “I thought your pal might be hungry too,” Marissa said setting the plate down in front of Gyp.

“Careful, you’re going to spoil us,” Nat said with a grin.

“You two look like you could use a bit of spoiling,” Marissa said a she patted Gyp’s head.

“We could, but won’t your husband get jealous if we start showing up at your place for breakfast every morning,” Nat asked looking at the silver band on Marissa’s ring finger.

Marissa looked a little shocked at Nat’s comment and then stammered out her response. “I am a widow,” Marissa said with a blush as she turned to get the coffee from the kitchen.

Nat felt like a total heel, but there was no way she could have known. It was her turn to blush when Marissa walked back to the table. “I am so sorry for prying,” Nat said when she returned.

“It’s no problem,” Marissa said, “it has been two years now and wearing the ring helps to prevent the men in here from making assumptions,” she added.

Nat didn’t feel any more comfortable with her answer, but the smile in Marissa’s blue eyes seemed to bore right through her warming her to the bone. Nat was relieved when another customer arrived and Marissa left her table to seat him and take his order allowing her to watch Marissa as she finished her meal.

Marissa made several more trips to Nat’s table to refill her coffee before Nat finished her meal and left her few silver coins on the table and sent a smile to Marissa before she left the building.

Nat and Gyp walked over to see Smithy and they received a warm welcome as soon as they stepped inside the door. “I was very impressed with this year’s pelts and I hope you will be pleased with the price,” Smithy belted out. “I lucked up on the bear claws too he crowed. I found one easterner who wanted the whole lot at quite a good price who is just waiting for your approval he added. ”

Smithy led Nat into the office to go over the figures and Nat was impressed with the offer. The pelts and bear claws would net her over two thousand dollars, more money than most of the townspeople would see in years. Nat carefully reviewed the figures and then signed the sheet and handed it back to Smithy.

“This looks very generous,” Nat said.

“Good money for high quality,” Smithy said.

“Thanks for the compliment,” Nat replied.

“Nathan taught you well,” Smithy said with a smile. “So well in fact, if you decide to settle down here instead of heading back into the woods, I would hire you in a minute,” Smithy added.

“I might just have to think on that offer pretty hard,” Nat said as she turned to leave.

“Stop by later today and I will have your money ready,” Smithy said as he walked Nat out into the morning.

PART THREE

Nat walked out into the bright morning and decided to ride out to the old Johnson place to take a look at the cabin before she would go make an offer to rent it out for the winter. She walked into the livery and saddled up Hardy then headed out of town with Gyp on her heels. There was a definite chill in the air and Nat predicted there would be snow flying soon. If the cabin was still in good shape Nat would rent it out and get busy preparing supplies for the coming winter months.

Nat was relieved to find the cabin in good shape and with a small barn and smoke house it served as an ideal place to spend the winter. Curious, she rode a few hundred yards further down the road until she reached a fairly new farmhouse which surely must be Marissa’s home. Nat felt strangely comforted to know that Marissa was close by which left her emotions rather confused.

After Marissa had left her room last night, Nat lay in bed thinking how great it felt to have Marissa’s hands on her body as a rush of pleasant warmth came over her body. The longer she thought of her, the warmer her body became and she felt a dampness growing between her thighs. Nat’s fingers probed the wetness as she thought of Marissa and her body was soon trembling with pleasure. Confused by these new feelings and totally exhausted, Nat slipped into the most restful sleep she had experienced in a long time.

Nat returned to town and once again left Hardy at the livery and walked back to Smithy’s to retrieve her payment. She left the furrier and went directly to the bank to deposit the majority of her funds into the bank for safe keeping. She also met with Mr. Barker who owned the Johnson place and rented out the cabin paying for all three months in advance.

Nat also returned to the general store and ordered up supplies she would need for the winter and requested they be delivered to the Johnson place the following day. Nat had decided she and Gyp would spend one more night at the hotel and would move into the cabin first thing the next morning.

The day slipped by quickly, nightfall setting in as Nat headed back to the hotel. She was disappointed that Marissa was not in the dining room, but ordered up another hearty meal from the hotel owner’s wife. Nat devoured pan fried chops and fresh vegetables sharing the bones and scraps with Gyp who accepted her masters offering with licks from her soft tongue.

Nat took a large mug of spiced apple cider out to the porch where she sat with Gyp and watched as large snowflakes began to spiral down from the sky. Nat laughed as Gyp jumped into the air trying to catch the flakes before they floated to the ground.

“Quite a pup you have there,” Smithy said as he walked up to the porch and sat beside Nat.

“Yes she is,” Nat said. “Dad and I found her at a burnt out wagon site as we worked our way west,” she said. “You would never know from looking at her now that she was abandoned by her mother as the runt of the litter,” Nat added.

“Those usually turn out to be the best of the litter,” Smithy proclaimed.

“Well I know I couldn’t ask for a better companion,” Nat said as Gyp returned to the porch and laid her head in Nat’s lap.

Smithy chuckled and said, “I think that feeling is mutual. I am going to head in to get some dinner, but please don’t be a stranger this winter,” he stated.

“I will stop in whenever I come into town,” Nat promised as the huge man left the porch.

Nat finished her cider and she and Gyp retired for the evening. After a hearty breakfast, she and her traveling companions would move into the Johnson place and she would begin preparing their home for the winter.

Nat’s mind whirled with plans as she prioritized the tasks she would need to complete in the next few days. She walked over to the window and peered out to see that the snow had almost completely stopped. Hopeful that the first heavy snows would hold off for a few days Nat curled up on the comfortable bed and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning Nat packed up her goods before heading down for breakfast. She was pleased to see that Marissa had returned to the dining room and deducted that she must work most mornings which Nat felt was a great way for her to start her day.

Marissa approached her table and with a warm smile asked, “What can I get you this morning?”

“Why don’t you surprise us,” Nat replied with a grin as Marissa poured her a cup of coffee.

“Not a problem,” Marissa said as she spun around and headed to the kitchen.

Marissa returned a few moments later carrying a steaming platter of fried eggs, bacon and fried potatoes and a small plate with the same combination for Gyp. She sat the plates down in front of Nat and Gyp and watched as the two devoured the food.

“This is fantastic,” Nat said and Gyp raised her head long enough to lick her lips in agreement.

“I thought you might want something hearty this morning,” Marissa said. “It is really cool outside this morning and this should help to keep you warm,” she added.

“This is exactly what we needed today,” Nat said. “We will be moving into the Johnson place today so we have lots of chores to do.”

“So we will be neighbors then,” Marissa stated.

“Looks that way,” Nat responded with a smile.

“I get off later this afternoon,” Marissa said. “Would you mind if I stopped in to check on you later,” she asked.

“No, not at all, feel free to visit anytime,” Nat told her as she gobbled down another mouthful of the food.

“Okay then, since you will be busy why don’t I stop by with some supper,” Marissa suggested.

“That sounds delicious,” Nat said as she wiped the corner of her mouth. “From the looks of the weather I am a few days behind in preparing for winter so I won’t take time to cook,” she added.

“I will see you later today then,” Marissa said as she turned to walk back to the kitchen.

Nat finished her meal then went to the desk to pay her bill before returning to her room to gather her packs. Marissa was in the dining room when she walked down the stairs and Nat tipped her hat to her as she left the building. Nat walked to the livery and paid her bill there and then saddled Hardy and her father’s mount and packed her bags on Quincy. Nat mounted Hardy and they rode out of town as the sun was rising.

It was a brisk twenty minute walk to the Johnson place that morning and Nat watched as Gyp ran ahead of her chasing different scents, but always returning to where her master was. Nat thought that after all was settled in a few days, she and Gyp would do some hunting so she could begin training the small pup.

Nat tied Hardy and her father’s horse to a porch post and unloaded the packs from Quincy, carrying them into the cabin before taking the animals into the barn. Nat unsaddled them and let the two horses and the mule out into a small pasture to allow them to graze on the remaining few patches of grass. Nat searched the wood bin and found barely enough wood to start a fire in the hearth. That would be her first task, to set in as much firewood as she could before the weather turned miserable. She could work on the inside of the cabin after the sun set and on the dreary days ahead.

Nat took out her axe and walked into the woods behind the cabin. She didn’t have to travel far before she located several fallen trees that were large enough to provide a good start to her stash. She took her coat off and began chopping the trees into three foot sections, trimming the smaller branches and tossing them in a separate pile.

Nat worked for several hours before taking a break. Gathering an armful of the smaller branches, Nat walked back to the cabin and placed them on the edge of the porch. Stepping inside she picked up the water bucket and dipper and went to the well to pump a bucket of fresh cold water. Taking a long drink, Nat sat for a moment on the steps to take in the beauty of the fading morning. Clouds were rolling in and Nat felt sure they would receive more snow tonight. Prompted by the ominous clouds, Nat returned to the woods and began carrying logs back to the cabin.

Two hours later Nat had carried a fairly large amount of wood to the cabin and she was busy splitting logs when Marissa arrived. Nat did not see her approach which allowed her to watch Nat for several minutes. Nat had removed her work shirt while she split the logs and Marissa watched the ripple of muscles on Nat’s back as she expertly chopped the wood into sections small enough to fit into the fireplace. She admired Nat’s handsome features for several minutes until Gyp walked around the edge of the cabin and saw Marissa. A short bark alerted Nat that she had company and she turned to find Marissa standing twenty feet away.

“Sorry, I didn’t hear you come up,” Nat said as she laid her axe down and reached for her work shirt.

“I can be quiet at times,” Marissa answered with a grin as she walked up to Nat holding a picnic basket.

“It’s good to see you again,” Nat said returning her smile.

“Why don’t you continue here and I will go in and get our meal set up and then come get you,” Marissa suggested.

‘You have a deal,” Nat said anxious to get some of the wood in today.

Marissa went into the cabin as Nat stacked a large pile of wood near the front door and then began stacking a pile of the logs at the south end of the cabin, away from the worst of the impending bad weather.

Marissa placed her basket on the table and began arranging a meal of fried chicken, biscuits and cheese. She found plates and cups in the pack Nat had set down near the kitchen so the table was set. She stepped out onto the porch and bent down to pick up the water bucket as Nat stepped onto the porch.

“I’ll get that,” Nat said as she reached for the bucket and for a second, their fingers touched on the handle. Nat felt a bolt of electricity surge through her body and from the startled look on Marissa’s face, Nat was sure she felt it also. Marissa turned and held the door open as Nat carried the bucket in and sat it down on the table.

Surveying the meal Marissa had laid out for them Nat said, “This looks fantastic.”

“Just some leftovers from today’s special, but I thought it would work,” Marissa said with a blush.

“I’ll take this kind of leftovers any day,” Nat said as she poured them both a mug of water.

Just as they were about to sit down to their meal, Nat heard hoof beats in the front yard and looked out to see a wagon from the general store bringing her supplies. Horrible timing she thought, but necessary supplies and she told Marissa, “Sit tight for a few minutes and I will be right back.”

Nat walked out to the yard to greet Jess who was making her delivery and said, “Let’s just set these on the porch and I will take them in later. The horse feed and hay you can put in the barn for me if you will,” she added.

“Not a problem,” Jess said as the young man picked up the first of the large feed sacks and carried it into the barn as Nat started unloading the boxes of household supplies.

Ten minutes later and Jess was headed back to town, leaving Nat and Marissa to finally sit down to the meal. “Oh wait, I forgot something,” Marissa said as she stood up and walked to the hearth to retrieve a jar of gravy that was being warmed by the fire.

“Now I know you are trying to spoil us,” Nat said as she picked up a biscuit and crumbled it up into Gyp’s bowl, added a few small chunks of cheese and then poured some of the rich brown gravy across the mixture before setting the bowl down in front of Gyp.

“You do love that dog, don’t you” Marissa stated.

“I guess you could say that,” Nat teased as she patted Gyp’s head. “Go ahead girl,” she said and Gyp dug into her meal.

Nat picked out a drumstick and took a bite out of it, moaning loudly at the succulent taste and then picked up a biscuit and broke it open and poured gravy across it. Marissa watched as Nat cut the biscuit with her fork and then slipped a chunk past her lips. “Okay that settles it,” Nat said, “I am sending you a bag of flour a week so you can make gravy,” she said bringing a huge smile to Marissa’s face.

“You know it is easier to cook for two so you are welcome anytime,” Marissa stated boldly.

“Careful or we will be at your door every day,” Nat teased.

“I wouldn’t mind that at all,” Marissa responded.

Several moments passed while the two women contemplated the last few statements and who would make the next move. Surprisingly Marissa was the next to speak.

“We could do some bartering here if you are interested,” she suggested.

“What did you have in mind,” Nat said slyly.

“Well for starters, you need help today putting in your supplies and setting up house and I could use more firewood than what I have managed to collect. I noticed you were very handy with your axe and I am pretty good in the kitchen,” she added. “So why don’t I help you tonight and you can cut me some firewood?”

“Hmmm that doesn’t sound like too bad of a deal, especially since you threw in this wonderful meal,” Nat said with a grin.

“I will even toss in use of my bath tub at any time,” Marissa added to sweeten the deal.

“Okay you got me with that one,” Nat admitted, “even if I do have to heat my own water she said with a chuckle.”

“No sense in two women struggling if they can work together to make life easier for themselves,” Marissa said.

“That’s very true and besides I smell much better after a nice hot soaking bath,” Nat said with a hearty laugh.

Having that issue settled both women seemed content with their agreement and finished their meal in relative silence. Nat finished her meal and headed out to the barn to harness Quincy while Marissa remained inside to start on the kitchen.

Nat led Quincy into the woods and used his strength to drag three large trees up to the cabin where she could chop them into lengths for splitting and minimize the amount of carrying she would have to do. As Nat began her rhythmic chopping Marissa hummed as she cleaned off the plates from their meal and began putting away the stores of supplies delivered that afternoon. Gyp trotted back and forth between the kitchen and the yard checking on each of the women from time to time.

Nat removed her shirt as she chopped and hung it on the porch railing once again exposing the strength of her upper torso to Marissa who would stop to watch her work for a few minutes as she walked out to carry in each box of supplies. She was amazed at how fluidly Nat’s body moved and watched as sweat began to soak through the undershirt and run down her arms. As Marissa sorted through the contents of the last box she allowed her mind to wander and wonder what it might feel like to be wrapped in those strong arms. Marissa had loved her husband deeply, but even he failed to make her feel the way she did when Nat smiled at her or the way her skin burned whenever they touched. Marissa tried at first to deny her attraction to Nat, but fate would have its way with them, that she was certain.

Marissa finished in the kitchen and moved to the small bedroom. She covered the feather mattress with the new linens Nat had purchased and then laid a fire in the small hearth, lighting it to add some warmth to the room. She placed a small oil lamp on the table next to the bed and sat the packs which held Nat’s personal belongings on the bed. Content with what she had accomplished, Marissa packed up her picnic basket and walked out onto the porch.

Sitting on the rail she watched Nat as she worked methodically. She was such a natural for outdoor work Marissa thought as she observed Nat. As hard as she tried she couldn’t see Nat happy working inside all day and yet it was hard to imagine her happy spending months alone in the woods while she trapped. Marissa sighed, louder than she had intended and the sound caught Nat’s attention.

“I have your kitchen and bedroom prepared,” Marissa said proudly.

“Thank you,” Nat said. “Tomorrow I will go to your place and start on your firewood,” she promised.

“There’s no hurry,” Marissa said. “I have plenty to get me started she promised.”

“Understood, but a bargain is a bargain,” Nat said. “Besides, after all this wood cutting I will be in need of another bath she said as she wiped her brow.”

The sun was starting to fade so Nat stopped chopping and stacked the wood she had cut, while Marissa carried several pieces in to stoke the fires in the bedroom and the kitchen. When she returned, she told Nat that she would be home by midafternoon and would once again bring them home a light dinner. She also told Nat that she had left a plate of food in the kitchen for her if she were to get hungry later.

With a gentle hug of thanks from her new friend, Marissa walked the short distance to her home and spent the evening straightening up her cabin in expectation of Nat’s visit. As she lay in bed that evening, Marissa thought about how much they had in common. Both had suffered the loss of someone they loved and both were struggling to make their way in the world. Just as they had similarities they also had their differences. Nat was tall and well-built with a rugged handsomeness about her while Marissa was more petite and better suited for more delicate type work. A good compliment to each other she thought as she drifted off to sleep with thoughts of Nat’s arms wrapped around her ushering her into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile, Nat sat down in one of the cane backed chairs and pulled her well-worn boots off. The physical exertion of the day felt good to her and she knew sleep would come easily tonight and she would be up ahead of the sun tomorrow to begin the routine all over again. Nat stood and took her boots with her into the bedroom, lit only by the small fire in the hearth. Using a piece of straw she lit the small oil lamp and sat it beside the bed once again as she unpacked her belongings and stored them safely away.

She noticed the bear pelt sitting on a chair and she decided then that she would wash it thoroughly to get the wild smell from it and then she would use it to warm her bed in the coming winter months. She made a mental note to pick up some fragrant soap on her next trip to town as she changed into a sleep shirt and slipped between the cool covers. Gyp jumped up on the bed and lay down near the foot of the bed and within minutes both weary travelers slept an exhausted sleep.

PART FOUR

The next morning Nat shared the remaining chicken with Gyp and then poured some of her honey over the remaining biscuits. Washing her meal down with cool water, Nat dressed and once again began chopping wood as the sun slowly rose.

As Marissa passed by on her way to work she could hear the rhythmic thuds made by each stroke of Nat’s axe. She smiled as she envisioned the taut muscles that were rippling underneath Nat’s shirt and Marissa quickened her pace eager for the work day to end.

Nat worked for several hours chopping wood and stacking it at the end of the cabin. By noon she had a sizeable pile and was satisfied that she would have enough for at least a couple of months. Axe in hand, Nat went to the barn and hooked up Quincy and they walked together to Marissa’s home.

Nat reviewed the pile of wood and noted that Marissa was severely short of the split solid wood that would burn for hours. Nat made a small pile next to Marissa’s door and then headed to the woods with Quincy.

She felled several large trees and after trimming the branches she cut the tree into sections small enough for Quincy to pull. Nat went to work on the sections, cutting the hardwood into sections short enough to split and was busily splitting the wood when Marissa came home.

“My, you have been busy,” Marissa said as she sat her basket on the porch and bent down to pet Gyp.

“Just getting started,” Nat said as she stopped swinging the axe and walked over to the porch and sat down. She picked up a file and began to sharpen the blade, careful to stroke the metal with even passes to bring it to a thin edge.

“Are you hungry?” Marissa asked.

“Not too bad and you,” Nat responded. “I’d like to finish up here first if you don’t mind,” Nat replied.

“I don’t mind at all,” Marissa said as she stood and started carrying the split wood over to the pile Nat had started and placed it on the stack. “You split and I will stack,” she said.

‘Fair enough,” Nat said as she resumed placing the large logs on a stump and splitting them into smaller chunks.

Two hours later the last of the split wood was chopped and stacked and Marissa had an ample supply for the first few months of winter. Marissa sat down on the porch, obviously winded from the physical labor. Nat sat beside her and offered her a cup of cool water pumped from the well. “Here this will help,” she said as she sat down next to Marissa.

“Thanks,” Marissa said taking the offering and savoring the cool water as she took it in to her body in small sips. “That is really hard work,” she commented as Nat watched her concerned that she may have become overheated.

“It’s just like anything else,” Nat replied, “takes some getting used to is all.”

“Now I understand how you can eat like a horse and yet still remain slim,” Marissa spoke softly.

Nat chuckled at Marissa’s comment. “Dad always said, Work like a horse, eat like a horse so I guess he was right.”

“Did he also mention anything about smelling like a horse?” Marissa said as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

“That just comes natural with hard work,” Nat said as she offered and hand to lift Marissa to her feet.

“If you want to get supper ready, I will take Quincy home and feed the animals,” Nat said.

“Don’t forget to pick up some clean clothes so you can have the bath I promised you,” Marissa reminded her.

“Oh I haven’t forgotten,” Nat returned with a smile and she left the porch heading for her home.

Marissa carried her basket into the cabin and sat the containers of food on the hearth to begin slowly warming them. She ran a length of chord across the back room where the bath tub was poised and placed a large sheet across it to allow Nat some privacy while she bathed. Marissa then carried several large buckets of water and dumped them into the tub and then began heating the water for bathing. A large container would be heating while they ate which when mixed with the water already in the tub should be enough to get Nat started on her bath while Marissa heated up another large container. Marissa placed a few dry logs in the fireplace to stoke up the embers, heating the water faster.

Nat fed all the animals and placed them in the barn for the evening. Snow had begun to tumble from the sky and she wanted her dear companions to be as protected from the elements as possible. Nat rumbled through an old pack that held soft, warm blankets and covered each of the animals with another layer of protection. Nat then went into her cabin and located a set of clean clothing, a towel and soap before heading back to Marissa’s.

Knocking on the door before she entered, Nat stood with hat in hand until Marissa opened the door. “That was quick,” Marissa stated as she guided Nat to the kitchen. Marissa handed Nat the bucket and she compliantly walked out to the pump to draw a fresh bucket of drinking water.

When she returned, Marissa had the food set out on the table and taking the bucket from her doled out cups of the chilly water for them. Marissa looked around the room and asked, “Where is Gyp?”

“She is waiting out on the porch,” Nat said. “She hasn’t been invited in yet,” Nat told her in a deadly serious tone.

“Have you lost your mind,” Marissa chided, “it is cold out there and you should know that Gyp is more than welcome in my home,” she prattled on. ”

“It’s not polite to assume anything,” Nat said with a mischievous grin.

Marissa flung open the door and called to Gyp who trotted politely into the cabin and came to rest in front of the warm hearth. Marissa dipped out a large portion of pot roast, vegetables and gravy for Gyp, breaking off chunks of corn bread and mixing it in with the rest. She carried the full bowl over to Gyp and sat it down in front of her and Gyp licked her hand in warm appreciation for the meal.

Nat and Marissa finally sat down to another hearty meal, sharing little conversation while they ate. Nat ate until she was stuffed and then watched as Marissa ate more than her usual small helping thinking she did work up an appetite stacking the firewood.

“Thanks for another great meal,” Nat said as she sipped the cool water.

“You are quite welcome,” Marissa said as she stood to clear the table.

“How are you set for meat?” Nat asked.

“Since my husband passed I haven’t eaten that much meat and what I do I usually buy in town,” Marissa said. “We have a great smokehouse, but I just don’t have the skills to hunt or the knowledge of curing meats,” she admitted.

“Well it just so happens that your new neighbor is an expert at both and if you will allow her, she can teach you,” Nat said rather brazenly.

“I just hope she has the patience of Job,” Marissa fired back.

“I think she can manage one student,” Nat said as she smiled at Marissa.

“I was hoping to do some hunting tomorrow afternoon if you would care to join me,” Nat suggested. “I have seen signs that there is a rather large buck in the area that would put a large amount of meat in your smokehouse for this winter,” she continued.

“I do miss the taste of venison,” Marissa admitted and she accepted Nat’s offer to join her in the hunt.

“The first vat of water should be plenty hot enough to start your bath,” Marissa said. “Why don’t you dump it into the tub and then get a fresh vat warming over the fire while the hot mixes with the cool and I will clean up from supper.”

Nat stood and followed Marissa’s directions to the letter and then disappeared behind the makeshift curtain, stripped off her clothes and lowered her body into the hot water. Nat slipped completely under the water and emerged with her black hair draped along her neckline and began bathing as she listened to Marissa bustling in the kitchen.

“Are you ready for some more hot water?” she yelled from the kitchen.

“Yes, please whenever you get a chance,” Nat responded then once again ducked under the water to rinse her hair.

Marissa went to the hearth to retrieve the water and stepped quietly behind the bed sheet drape. Nat made no effort to hide her nakedness and Marissa blushed profusely when Nat caught her gaze as she looked down at her body. Marissa poured the hot water slowly to mix with the warm water left in the tub and asked, “Would you like me to wash your back?”

“That would be lovely,” Nat responded and handed Marissa a soaped cloth.

Marissa stroked the cloth across Nat’s back in large circular motions and Nat felt herself relaxing fully under Marissa’s caresses. Marissa finished her task and handed Nat back the cloth.

“You know there’s plenty of room for one more in this tub,” Nat suggested with a hint of challenge in her voice.

Marissa stopped dead in her tracks. “Excuse me,” she said.

“I said there is plenty of room if you would care to join me,” Nat said a little louder to tease Marissa.

“A nice soak would feel good,” Marissa said as she turned away from Nat. “Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?” she asked.

“Not at all” Nat replied with a sultry smile.

Marissa stood with her back to Nat as she began to unbutton her dress and then allowed it to fall from her shoulders and down her body. Nat’s heart raced as the fabric dropped and Marissa’s milky white skin and soft curves were revealed. Nat could feel a stone choking off her voice as Marissa pulled her blonde hair up into a knot and then turned and stepped into the tub. Nat caught a glimpse of full breasts and the light down that was nestled between Marissa’s thighs as she slowly sank into the hot water.

Marissa eased her body into the water and tried carefully not to crowd Nat’s much longer body. Nat witnessed her distress on where to rest her feet and legs and softly told Marissa, “You can rest your legs on mine.”

Marissa gingerly lowered her legs onto Nat’s and then laid her head back against the tub. “This does feel wonderful,” Marissa stated as she allowed the warm water to enclose her body with its caress.

“A welcomed reward after a long day of hard work,” Nat replied as she watched Marissa’s body relax. “I bet your feet ache something miserable after standing on them all day,” Nat said as she tenderly placed Marissa’s right foot between her large hands, massaging it gently. Nat’s strong thumbs kneaded the sole of Marissa’s foot as she moaned softly and once again closed her eyes.

Nat watched the pulse throb wildly in Marissa’s neck as she slowly lowered her mouth to softly kiss the tips of Marissa’s toes. Marissa gasped as she felt Nat’s warm mouth on her foot and her eyes flew open. Nat watched as her eyes clouded over with pleasure, each subsequent stroke of her tongue and lips bringing undeniable desire to Marissa’s gently quivering body. “Are you chilled?” Nat asked innocently.

“Oh for God’s sake no,” Marissa stammered as she looked deeply into Nat’s dark eyes. “Can you not possibly know how you are affecting me?” she asked in a whisper.

“Tell me,” Nat instructed as her lips encircled Marissa’s big toe.

“Your touch makes my body burn with desire,” she admitted. “A desire that is said to be unnatural between two women and yet I find myself drowning in need to be touched and caressed by you. You must think me crazy,” Marissa stated with concern.

“If it is madness then it is one that we share together,” Nat said. “Since our eyes first touched, I have wanted to take you in my arms and hold your body close and I ache to feel the touch of you against my skin,” she added.

Marissa stared in shock as Nat described exactly how she felt, better than any words she could use to describe her own feelings. Marissa once again shivered, this time truly because the water was rapidly cooling. “We need to dry off before we catch a chill,” she said as she stood and stepped from the tub.

Nat stepped from the tub and was wrapped in a thick, warm towel by Marissa who had dried and had a towel tied around her body. She reached for an edge of the towel to dry Nat’s hair and then combed the thick black hair away from her face. She led Nat over to stand in front of the fire place to take the chill from her body and felt a schoolgirl awkwardness threaten to overcome her.

Nat reached down to take Marissa’s chin in her fingertips, raising her eyes up to meet her own. The need in her deep blue eyes urged Nat forward as she bent down to place her lips against Marissa’s. Nat’s head spun with the excitement of her first kiss and her mind began racing wildly as Marissa parted her lips and encircled Nat’s tongue with her own.

Marissa’s moans vibrated deep into Nat’s body causing her to shudder with spasms of need as her inexperienced body shook with pleasure. The kiss lasted for what seemed hours as the two women softly probed each other’s mouth while their hands began to caress as they explored the other’s body.

Marissa broke the kiss and took Nat by the hand leading her through the small cabin into the bedroom where she pulled back the heavy covers on the bed. Her hands removed the large towel from Nat’s body, dropping it to the floor as she stood admiring Nat’s strong body. She gently guided Nat back onto the bed and then dropped her towel and crawled into the bed beside Nat.

Nat rolled onto her side propping up on an elbow as her eyes caressed Marissa’s body. Marissa watched patiently as Nat slowly surveyed the curves and valleys of the body that was so different from the hard edges of her own. As Nat bent down, the bear claw lightly grazed Marissa’s skin raising goose bumps on her flesh. Nat’s fingers traveled down Marissa’s excited body from her face, down her neck and chest and further down her body to the extent of Nat’s reach, the path of Nat’s fingers burning a trail of fire blazing in Marissa’s body.

Marissa pushed Nat back onto the bed as she covered her mouth with a slow sensual kiss. Her fingers began to explore the firm angles of Nat’s body from her strong chin down to her small but muscular chest to the flat, ripples of muscles across her abdomen. Nat’s body ached to be touched down in the hot, wet space between her thighs, the exact spot Marissa took painstaking care to avoid with her soft caresses. Instead, Marissa’s fingertips brushed lightly over Nat’s hardened nipples as her kisses threatened to steal the breath from Nat’s body.

Marissa’s body trembled as she moved to lie partially on top of Nat’s warm body and Nat could feel the excitement rushing through Marissa’s body. Nat’s hands brushed through Marissa’s hair and down her back as Marissa kissed her way down Nat’s face and neck until her soft lips were only inches from Nat’s erect nipple. She could feel the hot puffs of breath on her sensitive skin as Marissa approached and covered her small breast with her warm, soft mouth. Marissa’s hand slipped between Nat’s thighs as she slowly suckled Nat’s breast and her fingers played in the soft wet curls.

Nat’s breathing became more labored with each new movement from Marissa and when she finally touched her there, Nat feared she would faint from sheer anticipation. Marissa’s fingers traced the same trail that Nat’s had followed as she discovered her blossoming womanhood, but the combination of Marissa’s mouth on her breast and her fingers caressing her wetness were beyond anything Nat had ever experienced.

Nat could feel the tremors growing uncontrollably, deep within her as Marissa’s fingers parted the soft hair and her fingers slid deep into Nat’s wetness as her teeth nibbled on sensitive nipples. Combinations of moans echoed through the small bedroom as Marissa’s movements brought Nat to her first climax, her muscles convulsing in violent spasms as her mind reeled with pleasure.

Marissa removed her fingers slowly and traced her lips with fingers damp from Nat’s wetness. Moving back up her body, Marissa covered Nat’s mouth with another slow gentle kiss sharing the taste with her lover for the first of many times to come. Nat could feel the need vibrating through Marissa’s body as she rolled over on top of her and using Marissa’s example, slowly explored the soft, contours of her lover’s body. Marissa’s screams of pleasure at first scared Nat who feared she was hurting the woman but soon enough her screams became music to Nat’s ears as Marissa exploded in orgasm.

Nat lay beside Marissa and watched as her breathing slowed, her eyes communicating to her what Marissa’s lips were unable to speak. Nat softly kissed her exhausted lover on the lips and then turned her on her side. Nat pulled the covers up over their bodies and then wrapped her arm tightly around Marissa’s body holding her close as they quietly drifted into sleep.

PART FIVE

The next morning, Nat awoke to soft lips on her neck and she stretched her arms above her head and engulfed Marissa in her arms. Marissa moved on top of Nat’s body and her lips softly caressed Nat’s as she welcomed her lover awake. She traced the outline of Nat’s lips with her tongue, teasing her as her hips began to grind into Nat’s body. Nat placed her large hands on Marissa’s ass and held her close as her hips began to undulate with her lover’s rhythm. Nat’s tongue reached out to meet Marissa’s tongue, tip to tip as their arousal continued to mount.

Marissa’s hands moved down between their bodies and her fingers tugged gently at her nipples as they grew hard and her moans began to resonate. The heat generated by their bodies made Nat begin to sweat and she kicked the covers from atop their bodies as Marissa kissed down Nat’s neck and her mouth covered her right breast. Her tongue swirled around her arousal darkened areola as her nipple twitched with excitement. Marissa’s right hand cupped Nat’s breast and she squeezed the small mound of excited flesh as Nat’s body began to writhe underneath her.

Marissa was enraptured by the sensations of making love to Nat and she knew this time she would taste her lover. Her mouth blazed a trail of desire down Nat’s body and when her tongue reached the inside of Nat’s thigh, she caught the scent of desire and her need to taste her grew unbearable. Marissa used her fingertips to part Nat’s soaked lips and closely examined the soft folds of exposed flesh as she looked upon a woman for the first time. The tender touches of her fingers were driving Nat’s body wild and the small bud normally hidden between the soft folds had grown erect with blood and Marissa stroked the top of it with her tongue. Nat’s hands grabbed the bed linens as Marissa’s warm breath teased her body and her tongue lavished attention on her body.

Marissa moaned at the alluring taste of Nat’s desire and her body hungered for more. Her tongue stroked the damp edges of Nat’s entrance making her tremble with delight and then her tongue probed deeper, entering the well of Nat’s wetness. She buried her face between Nat’s thighs as she feasted on her lover and violent convulsions ripped through Nat’s body as she felt the most unbelievable sensations of her life. She gasped for breath as Marissa continued to drink greedily from her body. Nat’s body erupted again and she coated Marissa’s face with her juices.

Nat pulled Marissa back up her body and tasted herself for the first time when their mouths locked again in a fevered kissed. She rolled their bodies on the bed until she rested on top of Marissa’s body and she could feel the heat and the wetness as she pressed her body between Marissa’s thighs. She was eager for Marissa to experience the overwhelming pleasure she had just felt and as slowly as she could she kissed her way down her body.

When Nat’s mouth hovered above Marissa’s mound, she groaned with anticipation of what was to come. She spread her thighs wide and invited Nat to take her. Nat spread her soaked lips with trembling fingers as she gazed at the beautiful flower that opened up to welcome her. She bent her head forward and traced the outer ridges and moaned loudly when the sweet taste of Marissa exploded in her mouth. Her tongue explored every inch of Marissa’s outer folds and when she slid her tongue inside her wetness, Nat felt the silky lining inside Marissa and her mouth pressed deeper as her teeth grazed the swollen bud that was throbbing with pleasure. Marissa’s body erupted, soaking Nat’s face as she ground her hips onto Nat’s waiting mouth. Nat’s tongue continued to explore the depths of Marissa as her thumb brushed over the swollen bud and Marissa’s body continued to writhe in ecstasy, gasping for breath as Nat brought her to peak after peak of pleasure. Marissa finally reached down and placed her hands on either side of Nat’s head and lifted her mouth from her sated body.

Nat lay beside Marissa, the grin on her face making her dark eyes shimmer as she looked at her lover.

“That was incredible,” Nat said as her fingers slid up Marissa’s body raising goose flesh in their wake.

Marissa shivered from the softness of her touch. “That was the most passionate I have ever felt,” she admitted. “There is something about you that draws me to you and I want to touch and kiss you all the time,” Marissa said with a deep blush.

“Well I don’t mind if you do,” Nat said feeling suddenly very giddy and mischievous as her fingertips drew small circles around Marissa’s left nipple as she licked her lips.

Marissa’s breathing quickened as watched her and her heart was racing in her chest as she observed as Nat’s eyes devoured her body. Nat looked up into Marissa’s blue eyes and smiled as her hand crept down her body and her fingers slowly entered Marissa’s body. Marissa bit her lip to keep from crying out as three of Nat’s long fingers sank deeply into her body and touched a part of her that had been abandoned for so long. Her fingers moved slowly in the velvety liquid coating her fingers and she watched Marissa’s eyes glazed over with desire as she thrust her hips to meet Nat’s fingers.

Nat’s fingers drove faster to match the movement of Marissa’s body and her cries of pleasure spurred Nat on until Marissa’s body shuddered and her climax soaked the bed linens. Nat kept her fingers inside Marissa’s body as they shared a kiss and she could feel the muscles deep inside wrap around her fingers as her climax lingered. The slightest movement from her sent waves of pleasure through Marissa’s body and it was several more minutes before her body relaxed enough to allow Nat to withdraw.

“I will not be able to walk if we don’t get out of this bed soon,” Marissa said as she rolled over on top of Nat.

The sun had started to rise when Nat asked, “do you have to work today?”

“Yes, but only until lunch and then I am off tomorrow,” Marissa said as her fingers played in Nat’s hair.

“I will do some work around the house then and when you return we will go hunting if you wish,” Nat said.

“I have never been hunting before,” Marissa said. “You will have to teach me,” she said.

“I can do that,” Nat said as she climbed from the bed to retrieve the fresh clothes from the kitchen table. She grinned to herself as she felt a stiffness in muscles that weren’t used to the exertion they received last night and again this morning. It was a pleasant feeling and one she would enjoy working out with a repeat performance with Marissa. She was still smiling when she returned to the room to get dressed.

“That is a beautiful smile you are wearing,” Marissa said.

“You make me feel beautiful,” Nat said as she slipped on her dungarees and then bent down to pull on her socks.

Marissa reached up and pulled Nat back onto the bed. “In case you haven’t noticed, you are beautiful,” she said and then kissed her softly on the lips.

Nat was still naked from the waist up and Marissa needed tremendous restraint to keep from covering one of her breasts with her mouth to resume their lovemaking. Instead she kissed her again and then climbed from the comfort of the bed and began to dress for work. She poured a basin of water to freshen up and then pulled on a soft cotton dress as Nat watched her closely from the bed.

“Dress warmly today, there is snow in the air,” Nat said as she sat up and pulled an undershirt over her head then placed her arms through the sleeves of her work shirt.

“I am sorry I don’t have time to cook you some breakfast,” Marissa said with a light blush.

“The breakfast you gave me was plenty to hold me until lunch,” Nat said with a wicked grin.

“Would you mind if Gyp and I walk you into town?” Nat asked.

“I would love that,” Marissa said. “If you would like, I can cook you breakfast after all,” she said.

Nat was starved from all the activity and she did want to spend more time with Marissa. “Are you hungry Gyp?” she asked the dog and Gyp let out a short bark. “Well I guess we are going to breakfast then,” Nat said as she chuckled and walked to the door. “Stop by the house when you are ready then,” Nat said as she kissed Marissa softly. “I will grab a coat and be ready when you get there,” she said.

“I will be ready in just a few minutes,” Marissa said, as Nat opened the door to a brisk wind.

Nat and Gyp walked the short distance to their home and were glad to get inside away from the chilling wind. She stirred the embers in the fireplace and tossed a few logs on them to keep the interior of the cabin warm. She then walked into the bedroom and pulled her range coat over her shoulders and picked up a small coin purse and tucked it away in her pocket. She looked over at the chair where the bear pelt sat and her thoughts went to her father. Today she would buy the lye soap to boil the pelt in to rid its fur of the wild smell and prepare it to provide warmth for her bed for the coming winter months.

She and Gyp walked out to the front yard where she laid a small fire that she would build to boil the pelt and she was kneeling down when Marissa walked into the yard. When Nat looked up at the sound of her approach, Marissa was mesmerized by the dark eyes that locked onto her from beneath the brim of Nat’s hat. Nat scowled when she saw the shawl that was draped around Marissa’s shoulders, knowing the garment was not heavy enough to keep the small woman warm in the bitter wind. She would have to take care of that when she made it into town she thought to herself.

“Are you two ready to go?” Marissa asked.

“Yes ma’am just waiting on you,” Nat said and Gyp sprung to her feet as they headed into town.

Gyp trotted ahead of them and dashed off the road following the scent of some animal that had passed through earlier. Nat smiled at the young dog, nearly full grown and had proved to be a dear companion to her since her father’s death. They walked together in silence and Gyp joined them just as they entered town. “I have a few things to buy at the general store, but we will stop by in just a few minutes,” Nat said as they went in separate directions.

Marissa gave her a brilliant smile her cheeks flushed by the chill wind and said, “I will have some hot coffee waiting for you.”

Nat returned her smile and watched as Marissa walked toward the hotel. “Let’s go Gyp,” she said once she saw her disappear inside and they walked down the street to the general store.

Inside, Nat found a box of lye soap flakes and then went to the clothing section. She found a pair of dungarees and a wool sweater that should fit Marissa and then found a buckskin coat with a lamb’s wool lining that would work well to keep her warm when they went hunting and as she walked to and from work. The merchant wrapped her purchases for her and Nat was on her way.

Gyp had waited for her at the door and rose to her feet when Nat emerged from the store. They walked to the hotel and found a seat in the dining room. Marissa’s smile lit the room when she walked from the kitchen to see them sitting in the dining room. She carried a mug of coffee over to her table and asked, “What may I fix you two for breakfast this morning?”

“Have you got biscuits in the oven yet?” Nat asked.

“Yes I do,” Marissa said with a grin.

“Well we worked up quite an appetite yesterday, so how about eggs, bacon and some fried potatoes for starters and then when the biscuits are done some biscuits and gravy,” Nat suggested.

“I do love your appetites,” Marissa said with a slight blush and she turned to walk back into the kitchen.

Nat watched her and was amazed at how much she craved Marissa. Nat had never had someone affect her so profoundly and felt a warm rush throughout her body whenever she looked at Marissa. She sipped her coffee and pondered her thoughts while she waited for Marissa to return with steaming platters of food.

She and Gyp were the only patrons so far, so when Marissa brought out their food she sat with them for a few minutes. The impending weather must have the normal breakfast crowd tucked away inside the warmth of their homes, Nat thought, and she enjoyed the quiet time spent with Marissa.

Nat and Gyp finished their meals and Gyp had placed her head in Marissa’s lap as she and Nat talked. Nat watched Marissa’s hand as it stroked Gyp’s head and she remembered her soft touch as she caressed her body earlier that morning and she felt the butterflies take flight in her stomach.

Nat paid for their meal and with a short good-bye she and Gyp walked back to the cabin. Nat placed the package on the small kitchen table and stoked the fire before returning outside, the box of soap flakes in her hand. She fastened a large metal pot above the fire pit and lit the kindling to start the fire. She made several trips to the well for buckets of water and when she was satisfied she poured the chips into the water and waited for it to boil. She walked into the bedroom and picked up the pelt. She carried it out to the fire and placed it in the pot of boiling water. Gyp sat next to her on the front porch, her head in her lap as they watched the snowflakes begin to slowly fall.

Nat’s fingers were buried in Gyp’s fur as she relaxed and allowed her thoughts to drift back to the day of her father’s death. Her heart still felt the ache of his loss, but she knew that her father was watching over her and she took comfort in the love they had shared. Once she felt the pelt had been boiled enough to remove the wild smell, Nat took a thick branch and lifted the pelt from the water. She carried it over and hung it over the railing of the porch to dry. She dumped the wash pot over the flames in the pit and listened to the sizzle as the water extinguished the flames and sent plumes of smoke into the chilled air.

Nat and Gyp returned to the cabin and added wood to the fireplace in the main cabin and in the bedroom. Nat felt weary and decided to lie down on the bed for a short nap while she waited for Marissa. She stretched and lay down on the bed and Gyp jumped up to lie at her feet. Within minutes, Nat’s body had drifted off to sleep and she rested peacefully with Gyp warming her feet.

PART SIX

Nat slipped into a deep sleep and drifted down into the world of dreams. Nat dreamt of the previous night with Marissa and the pleasure they had shared. In her mind, the sounds and tastes of their lovemaking remained vivid and she moaned softly in her sleep.

Gyp moved up beside her master and Nat’s hand moved down to softly stroke the young dog’s fur. Nat and Gyp were still asleep on the bed when Marissa returned just after lunch. She noticed the freshly washed bear hide stretched across the porch railing to dry and she winced at the pain Nat had felt over the death of her father. She walked to the door and knocked softly.

Marissa listened carefully for an answer and when none came, she pushed the door open and stepped into the warmth of Nat’s cabin. She walked further inside and found Nat and Gyp asleep on the bed, Nat’s fingers wrapped deeply in Gyp’s soft fur. She stepped on a loose floorboard and the sound of the creak made Gyp raise her head to investigate the sound.

Gyp recognized Marissa and jumped from the bed to greet her, licking her hand with a soft warm tongue.

“Hello, Gyp,” Marissa said as she knelt down to pet the young dog.

“Welcome home,” a rich voice called from the bedroom and Marissa looked up to find Nat smiling at her.

“Thank you,” Marissa said as she stood and walked into the bedroom.

Nat’s eyes sparkled with desire still fresh from her dreams as she watched the soft sway of Marissa’s hips as she approached. She remembered the way those hips felt grinding into her body and Nat felt a hot rush flow through her veins. She stood and welcomed Marissa with an embrace.

Their lips met as Nat’s hands moved down Marissa’s back to cup her buttocks. Nat pulled her tightly into her body as Marissa softly moaned in her mouth as their bodies melted together.

Nat’s hunger for Marissa was uncontrollable and her hands removed the thin shawl from her shoulders. She ended the kiss and watched Marissa’s eyes widen as her fingers slowly started to unfasten the small buttons down the front of her dress. As the fabric fell open across Marissa’s breasts, Nat’s heart raced in her chest. She lowered the dress from Marissa’s shoulders, leaving her standing in her thin undergarments as her fingers slowly traced down Marissa neck.

Her fingers trembled with excitement as they rested on the fastener of Marissa’s bra and her heart raced with delight when the bra spread open revealing Marissa’s full breasts. Nat cupped them in her large hands as her thumbs stroked Marissa’s nipples, feeling them grow erect under her touch.

Marissa watched the look of wonder on Nat’s face as she continued to caress her breasts. Nat’s hands, strong and used for hard work, felt like velvet as they caressed her skin and Marissa felt the fire of wetness spreading between her thighs.

Nat knelt down in front of Marissa and her tongue licked across the nipple she held cupped in her left hand. Marissa’s eyes closed and her head tilted back as she surrendered her body to Nat. She did not care what Nat did as long as the euphoric feelings she was having continued to flow through her body.

Nat filled her mouth with the soft flesh of Marissa’s breast as her hands caressed down her lover’s hips, slowly lowering the cotton bloomers down her body. Naked and completely exposed to Nat’s control, Marissa stepped out of the bloomers and softly kicked them aside. Nat’s hands encircled her body and cupped Marissa’s buttocks kneading them as she gently suckled her breast. Flashes of light raced across Marissa’s closed eyelids as desire flowed through her body and a soft whimper escaped her lips.

Nat’s hands stroked down the back of Marissa’s thighs and down past her knees before circling around to the front of her body. She caressed her way up the insides of Marissa’s thighs until she could feel the heat radiating from her body. Her fingers glanced across damp curls, causing Marissa’s body to tremble with excitement. Her mouth moved to Marissa’s other breast as her fingers lightly teased soaked lips, her thumb stroking across her clit making Marissa shiver with pleasure.

Nat stood and took Marissa in her arms as she covered her mouth with a heated kiss, her tongue swirling wildly in Marissa’s mouth. She reached behind Marissa and lifted her body, placing her legs around her waist as she carefully walked to the bed. She lowered their bodies onto the bed, her full weight pressing into Marissa’s body as she slowly began to roll her hips. The rough seam of Nat’s dungarees ground into Marissa’s center and her body exploded with pleasure with each stroke of Nat’s body.

She broke the kiss, gasping for air and cried out, “Oh yes, Nat, please don’t stop now.”

Nat had no intention of stopping and she thrust her hips furiously into Marissa’s body as the bed rocked wildly against the wall. She looked into Marissa’s eyes as she lowered her right hand between their bodies and pressed three fingers deep inside her body, thrusting them in and out with each movement of her hips.

Marissa’s cries of passion swelled into echoes in the room and Nat’s voice joined hers as they climaxed together and collapsed in a pile on the tangled sheets. Nat lay gasping for air as Marissa rolled onto her side and laid her head on Nat’s shoulder.

“That was incredible” she whispered into Nat’s ear. “Thank you my love,” she said.

Nat raised her head and turned to look at Marissa. “I have never felt like this with anyone before,” she said.

“Neither have I,” Marissa said, surprising Nat.

She wanted to ask about her husband, but Nat did not want to ruin the perfection of the moment by dredging up the past, so she lay her head back on the pillow and remained silent.

After several minutes of silence, Marissa climbed on top of Nat and straddled her waist.

“I rushed home thinking we were going hunting,” she said, “but this was much more enjoyable.”

“We are still going hunting,” Nat said. “I bought you some warmer clothes and I thought I would help you change,” she added with a mischievous smile.

“What happened, did you get a little distracted?” Marissa asked.

“The sight of your bare skin gets me so excited, I just couldn’t contain myself,” Nat said as she reached up and softly caressed Marissa’s left breast.

“I do like your excitement,” Marissa said, as she felt her nipples growing hard again.

“I can see that,” Nat said.

“We still have plenty of daylight left to hunt,” Marissa said, as her hips rocked against Nat.

“Yes we do,” Nat said as she reached up and covered Marissa’s other breast with her hand, gently squeezing the soft flesh.

“Oh yes, Nat,” Marissa crooned with joy as Nat’s fingers slowly twisted her aching nipples.

“You like that don’t you?” Nat asked.

“Oh yes, please don’t stop what you’re doing Nat,” she begged.

“Only for a minute,” Nat said as she pulled Marissa’s body up to straddle her head. “Hold onto the headboard,” Nat instructed.

Marissa reached for the rounded post across the headboard and held on tight as Nat’s finger’s parted her soaked lips and her tongue slipped inside her body. Nat’s hands returned to Marissa’s nipples and resumed teasing them as her tongue swirled inside Marissa’s wetness.

“Oh my God,” Marissa cried as Nat’s tongue dove deep inside her body, licking her walls as she twisted and stretched her throbbing nipples. She instinctively spread her thighs open wider giving Nat’s tongue complete access to her body.

Nat ground her face into Marissa’s wetness, her teeth roughly rubbing across her swollen bud as she drove her tongue in and out of Marissa’s shuddering body.

“Yes, yes, yes,” Marissa chanted as she coated Nat’s face with her juices.

Nat removed her tongue and took Marissa’s clit in her mouth as she entered her with two fingers, sinking deep past her knuckles as she reached the spot that melted Marissa’s final reserve and she screamed out her pleasure over and over as Nat sucked her clit wildly.

Marissa raised her hips and moved down beside Nat on the bed. She hungrily licked her juices from Nat’s face as her fingers unfastened Nat’s belt and the buttons of her dungarees. Nat raised her hips from the bed and pushed the pants down her thighs as Marissa’s hand disappeared between her thighs.

Nat’s fingers found Marissa’s body still soaked and she entered her again with two fingers and moved with the same rhythm as her lover. Nat strained, thrusting her hips off the bed as she drove Marissa’s fingers deep inside her body and they came together, one soul twisting in the winds of pleasure.

Nat held Marissa in her arms for nearly an hour as they rested quietly together, not sleeping, but remaining silent in the wake of their passion. Nat looked out the window and saw the snow coming down in large flakes.

“Do you still want to hunt today?” she asked.

“I am so content to just lie here in your arms,” Marissa said.

“There will be plenty of time for that later,” Nat said. “That won’t feed us during the long cold winter ahead,” she added.

Marissa smiled. “As long as you are here to share it with me, I could care less about food,” she said.

“That is very sweet of you to say, but that won’t help us survive the cold,” Nat said.

“I know you are right, but you sure are warm and comfortable,” Marissa teased as she rolled off the bed.

Nat stood and buttoned up her dungarees. “Your new clothes are on the chair,” she said to Marissa.

Marissa walked to the chair and opened the small package revealing the wool shirt and dungarees Nat had bought for her. She located her bra and bloomers, slipping them on before she pulled the shirt over her head and stepped into the dungarees.

“You did very well with the fit,” Marissa said, as she turned to show Nat.

“Yes, it appears I did,” Nat said with a smile. “You look very nice,” she said.

“Thank you,” Marissa said. “Are you ready to go hunt now?” she asked.

“I will be in just a moment,” Nat said, then took Marissa in her arms for a long, slow kiss.

“Now we can hunt,” she said as they left the bedroom.

Nat took her range coat down from the hook by the door and slipped it over her shoulders, then handed Marissa her new coat. Once more, Nat had chosen well and the coat would provide great warmth for her lover. Next she walked over to the mantle and pulled down the two rifles resting there, handing one to Marissa.

“Have you ever shot one of these?” she asked.

“A few times, yes,” Marissa answered.

“Great, let’s go then,” Nat said and they stepped outside.

The snow was beginning to accumulate on the ground and made a soft crunching sound as they walked behind the cabin and into the woods.

“Our buck will probably be moving around to stay warm and if we are lucky we will cross his path and be able to track him,” Nat said.

She watched as Gyp moved ahead, her muzzle to the ground as she searched for scent. Several times she would trot off the path they had taken only to return moments later ahead of them.

Nearly an hour had passed without any sign of movement in the woods. The snow had grown heavier, limbs burdened with its weight began to snap or hang low to the ground. It had grown colder as well and their breath blew like smoke out of their mouths and noses as they traversed the wooded hillside.

Nat was about to suggest they turn back for the day when she saw Gyp’s ears perk to a sound just ahead.

“Easy girl,” Nat whispered to the excited dog as they crept forward as quietly as they could.

They reached a small clearing that looked down over a small creek and standing there taking a drink was the buck Nat had thought they would find. He was large. His rack spread easily thirty inches and he would easily weigh two hundred pounds.

“Do you want to take him?” she asked.

Marissa looked at her with fear in her eyes. She was doubtful about being able to kill such a majestic creature and her trepidation was evident to Nat.

Nat had to remind herself that not everyone was a natural born hunter and it may take several hunts for Marissa to become comfortable with killing for food. Until then, Nat would provide for them and teach Marissa all she knew about hunting.

“I will take this one,” Nat said.

Marissa watched as Nat raised the rifle to her shoulder and took aim at the buck. Nat waited until he raised his head as he smelled the air, but too late to catch their scent as her finger pulled back against the trigger and a single shot rang out. The buck fell to the ground as the shot echoed down the valley and Gyp raced forward.

Nat had hit him squarely in the heart, dropping him immediately, killing him instantly, preventing any suffering he would have felt, had her shot not struck a fatal blow. They walked down to the creek and Nat turned to Marissa.

“This part gets a little messy,” she said as she took a long knife from her boot. “You might want to look away,” she warned.

“I will be fine,” Marissa said and she watched Nat as she knelt down beside the buck.

“Thank you for giving your life to us my brother to keep us fed during the winter to come,” Nat said as she drew the knife across the buck’s throat to drain the blood from him.

Next, Nat plunged the knife deep into the buck’s chest and made a cut the length of his entire underside to eviscerate the animal and prepare him to be carried back to the cabin. She took two lengths of rope from her small pack and tied the buck’s hooves together in front and back while she sent Marissa in search of a long branch they could use.

They struggled at first with the weight of the buck, but after several minutes they were traveling comfortably back through the forest to the cabin. They lowered the buck next to a tree and Nat disappeared into the barn for a length of rope which she used to hoist the buck above the ground.

“Would you mind going down to your smokehouse and starting the fire I have laid there?” Nat asked.

“Not at all, Nat,” Marissa said as she took the rifles inside and then disappeared down the path to her house with Gyp closely in tow.

Nat quickly removed the buck’s pelt and draped it across one of the porch railings. She then began sectioning out the buck in quarters, carving out the ribs and loin meat. She carefully laid the meat on the stump she had used to chop firewood as she finished off cutting up the carcass. She laid the bucks head to the side. He would make a beautiful display that she would treat and mount for sale in town. Nat hated to waste any part of an animal and would put as much of it to good use as possible.

Marissa was returning to the cabin when Nat turned around next and she asked her to bring her the large box of salt from the cupboard. When she returned, Nat asked, “Do you want to watch how I do this?”

“Yes, I would,” she answered.

“Take the rib sections and I will carry the quarters,” Nat said.

They carried the meat down to the smokehouse and laid it across a small table. “Would you get us a bucket of water?” she asked.

Marissa disappeared and came back moments later with a bucket of water. She watched as Nat rinsed off a large hind quarter and then sprinkled the meat with a generous portion of the salt. She then tied the quarter to the rafter above the fire and reached for the second. Marissa had already rinsed it and Nat watched as she coated with meat with the preserving salt. The ribs had to be strung on meat hooks to suspend them over the fire and soon they had hung all the meat for smoking except the loin. Nat took her knife and cut five large steaks before treating the rest of the meat and hanging it.

“Supper,” she said as she picked up the steaks and rinsed them in the water.

Marissa returned the bucket to the porch and followed Nat and Gyp back to her cabin. Nat laid the meat on a small table and went outside to wash up from the hunt.

“Why don’t you make us some biscuits,” Nat said as she began to season the steaks. “I think I still have a few potatoes left that I can slice and fry with the steaks,” she said.

“Sounds good,” Marissa said as she located the flour and started making dough.

Marissa placed the tray of biscuits on the embers as Nat sliced the potatoes and dropped them into the two skillets where the steaks were already cooking. She placed a lid on each of the skillets and walked over to Marissa.

“Nothing to do but wait,” she said as they walked to the table to sit.

“You did well today,” Nat said. “That deer meat will last for several months and will help us survive if the winter gets too harsh to travel into town,” she said.

“You made everything look so easy,” Marissa said. “I am not sure I will make much of a hunter,” she admitted.

“That is no problem,” Nat said. “Hunting is all I know and I can keep us in meat all winter long if needed,” she said. “There is no need for you to kill,” she said.

Marissa blushed, but she knew Nat was correct in her assessment. She would go hungry before she would pull the trigger on an animal and Marissa knew this and accepted it politely.

“As long as you keep making biscuits, we will make a great team,” Nat said with a smile and reached over to cover Marissa’s hand with hers.

“You have a deal, my friend,” Marissa said and returned her smile, relieved that Nat was not disappointed in her.

Nat pulled off her work shirt and rinsed it in the bucket she used for washing clothes and hung it by the fire to dry. Marissa admired Nat’s taut upper body as she moved about the cabin in her undershirt.

Nat turned away from a task and caught Marissa watching her. “What are you thinking?” she asked.

“I was admiring how handsome you are, Nat,” Marissa said blushing.

“Thank you,” Nat said blushing as well as she moved to the fireplace to check on dinner.

“Is there anything you can’t do?” Marissa asked.

“Cook biscuits and make decent gravy,” Nat said and Gyp let out a small bark to confirm her statement. “See even Gyp knows my weaknesses.”

Marissa laughed and when she did her blue eyes sparkled even brighter. Nat felt her knees go weak whenever she saw that look in Marissa’s eyes. A rush of heat passed through Nat’s body and she picked up the water bucket and headed outside for water and some cooler air. When she opened the door she stopped dead in her tracks.

“You have got to come see this,” she said to Marissa.

Marissa and Gyp leapt to their feet and walked to the door. Nat stepped aside so they could see the ground covered with several inches of pure white snow.

“Beautiful,” Marissa said as she stood beside Nat.

“Almost too beautiful to walk on,” Nat said, “but I am thirsty,” she said as she stepped off the porch.

Gyp ran past Marissa and flew off the porch into the blanket of snow following Nat. Nat bent down and grabbed a handful of snow and pressed it into a ball before tossing it to Gyp. Gyp jumped to catch the ball which disintegrated in her mouth as soon as she caught it. Gyp shook her head and cocked it at her master, looking dumbfounded as the ball melted in her mouth.

“It’s called snow, Gyp,” Nat said with a laugh as she lifted the pump handle to draw some fresh water.

Gyp raced her back to the porch where Marissa was waiting for them. “Beautiful, but cold too,” she said as she led them back inside.

She took the bucket from Nat and dipped them each a glass of water and set a bowl for Gyp.

“Will you stay here with me tonight?” Nat asked.

“Only if you promise to keep me warm,” Marissa said as Nat pulled her into her lap.

“I think I can do that,” Nat said.

“I am sure you can,” Marissa agreed and leaned into Nat for a kiss. “I am getting warm already,” she said when they broke the kiss.

“There is much more of that to keep you warm all night long,” Nat promised.

“I am off tomorrow, so I will look forward to being kept warm all night long,” Marissa whispered into Nat’s ear as her tongue trailed down Nat’s neck.

They kissed and caressed each other until dinner was ready and they shared a hearty meal, with plenty of leftovers for the next day. When Nat could eat no more she pushed the plate away from her and sat back in her chair.

“I am about to explode,” she said. “That was one fine meal,” she said.

“We make a good team,” Marissa said.

“Yes we do,” Nat said.

She stood to start clearing the table and was stopped by Marissa.

“I will get these,” she said. “Why don’t you relax?” she said.

“I will go down to the smokehouse and check the wood then while you pick up the table,” Nat said. “Then we are all done for the night and can both relax,” she said.

“That is a good idea,” Marissa said as she watched Nat and Gyp leave the cabin.

Marissa rushed to clean the dishes and then turned out the lamps except for one which she turned down low. She tossed another log in the fireplace in the bedroom and turned the lamp by the bedside low as she stripped off her clothes and climbed between the cold sheets.

Nat and Gyp walked the path down to the smokehouse where Nat placed several logs on the fire and checked the security of the meat. Content that everything was progressing well, Nat locked the smokehouse door and she and Gyp walked back to the cabin.

The room was dim as she walked inside and hung her coat by the door. She turned off the oil to the lamp and the room was pitched into darkness. She could see the soft glow of the lamp coming from the bedroom and followed it like a moth to a flame.

Marissa was lying in the bed waiting for her return.

“Welcome back,” she purred from the nice warm bed.

Nat smiled at her and reached behind her head to pull the undershirt off her body. She then sat down on the bed and unlaced her boots and removed them and her socks. Nat stood to unfasten her pants and turned to see Marissa watching her closely.

Marissa had not had the opportunity to watch Nat undress and she smiled as Nat’s hands slowly lowered the dungarees and tossed them aside. She admired Nat’s long, lean body in the soft glow of the oil lamp and was disappointed when Nat reached over and turned off the oil.

Marissa felt the covers rise and then felt the weight of Nat’s body as she entered the bed. Nat pressed her cold body next to Marissa’s and was welcomed into her warm arms with a passionate kiss. Marissa pulled Nat on top of her and wrapped her legs around Nat’s waist, holding her close as her body warmed. The full moon had risen and was shining through the bedroom window as Nat looked down into Marissa’s face. Her dark eyes shined with excitement as Marissa said, “Love me tonight, Nat.”

Nat covered her mouth with a kiss and loved her slowly and tenderly then later with wild abandon. Marissa’s sounds of pleasure rang in Nat’s ears as she loved her deep into the night and finally collapsed exhausted in Marissa’s arms for a night of dreamless sleep.

PART SEVEN

The next morning Nat woke to the smell of frying bacon. Marissa’s spot in the bed had turned cold as Nat reached for her and realized she was not in the bed. She stretched her body and then quietly crept from the bed and slipped on some clothes. The air in the bedroom had grown cool with the dying of the fire and Nat placed more logs on the embers and stirred them until a small flame licked up the sides of the newly placed wood.

Nat walked into the kitchen and hugged Marissa from behind.

“Good morning,” she said, as her hands slid down Marissa’s arms and turned her body.

“I hope you are hungry. I felt like cooking a full breakfast this morning,” Marissa said. “Gyp has kept me company in your absence and I think she has worked up an appetite walking between the kitchen and bedroom to check on you.”

Nat leaned down and stroked the dog’s head. “She is a very faithful companion. I don’t know what I would have done without her these last few months,” Nat said.

“Have a seat at the table and I will bring you some coffee,” Marissa said.

“Thanks,” Nat said, as Marissa placed a cup of the steaming liquid in front of her.

“You are welcome,” Marissa said as she walked to the fireplace and pulled out a tray of fresh biscuits.

“Those look fabulous,” Nat said, as she watched Marissa cut several open then placed a pat of butter between the steaming halves.

“How would you like your eggs cooked?” Marissa asked.

“I think fried would be very nice this morning.”

“Fried it is then,” Marissa said, as Nat watched her take four eggs from the basket.

Marissa cracked the eggs and dropped their contents inside the skillet she had used to bake the biscuits. They began to sizzle even before she reached the fireplace. Marissa sat the skillet on a small rack and returned to set the table as they eggs fried.

Gyp sat at Nat’s feet, licking her lips as the smell of Marissa’s cooking filled the air.

Marissa finished the eggs and doled out two onto Nat’s plate and one to her own, placing the last of the fried eggs in a bowl she was preparing for Gyp. She mashed up the egg and broke up a biscuit and a few slices of bacon and cubes of fried potatoes into her bowl and mixed it together. Gyp waited patiently for Marissa to finish and when Marissa bent down to place her bowl on the floor, Gyp licked her face in appreciation.

“I do believe you are spoiling my dog,” Nat said with a grin.

“Gyp deserves spoiling just as much as you do,” Marissa said as she served the bacon and potatoes.

“This looks and smells great,” Nat said.

“Get to eating then, before it gets cold,” Marissa said.

Nat picked up her fork and began devouring the food. The yokes of the eggs broke and spread out across her plate and she used the fresh biscuits to sop up each drop of the precious liquid.

“That was really good,” Nat said.

Gyp let out a soft woof, adding to her praise.

“I am very glad you two enjoy my cooking,” Marissa said.

“What plans do you have for your day off?” Nat asked.

“I have some laundry to do and I thought I might bake a pie if I could talk you into going to town and buying some apples,” Marissa said.

“For your apple pie, I would walk a hundred miles,” Nat said. “Are there any other supplies we need?”

“We have some meat left over from dinner last night, so we can heat that,” Marissa said. “I will also bring down some beans I canned this summer,” Marissa said, “so I guess we are good for now.”

“I will help you get the fire and wash pot ready before Gyp and I walk into town,” Nat said.

Marissa stood and was about to start clearing the table, when Nat took her arm and pulled her into her lap. She encircled Marissa with her arms and leaned down to softly kiss her lips.

“Thank you for such a wonderful meal,” Nat said.

“You are most welcome,” Marissa said, as her cheeks flushed with color. “For a kiss like that, I will cook for you every day.”

“You don’t have to cook to get a kiss from me,” Nat said as she kissed Marissa again, her tongue parting her lips to tenderly probe her mouth.

Nat’s hand slid up Marissa’s leg beneath her skirt. Nat could feel the quivering of Marissa’s body as she softly stroked her thigh. Marissa placed her hand on top of Nat’s.

“If you keep that up, I won’t get my wash done and you won’t get a pie tonight,” she said.

Nat looked into Marissa eyes and she saw the desire sparkling in her eyes.

“I won’t perish without pie and I am sure we can find another clean outfit for you to wear,” Nat said as she lifted Marissa and carried her back to bed. “Besides, it is still early in the day.”

Nat carefully undressed Marissa, placing her dress on the chair next to the bed and she pulled her shirt over her head and stepped out of her dungarees. She climbed onto the bed and pressed Marissa’s body onto the soft mattress.

Nat covered Marissa’s mouth with her own as her hand softly cupped a breast, gently squeezing and kneading the warm flesh. Marissa’s back arched as her moans vibrated in Nat’s mouth. Marissa boldly reached down between Nat’s thighs and found her soft curls damp with excitement. Her fingers stroked the length of Nat’s lips, teasing her, as Nat’s fingers slowly rolled Marissa’s nipples between her thumb and fingers.

Nat’s tongue left Marissa’s mouth, burning a hot trail down from her neck to her left breast where she flicked the tip of her tongue across Marissa’s erect nipple. Marissa smiled at Nat as her fingertips parted her lips and located her swollen bud, lightly brushing it as Nat’s tongue teased her nipple.

Nat closed her eyes as she struggled to hold back her passion as Marissa ignited her body and covered her breast, sucking her nipple deep into her mouth. Marissa moaned loudly as Nat suckled her and slipped her fingers into Nat’s wetness, penetrating her deeply. She curled her fingers inside Nat, stroking her inner walls as Nat’s tongue swirled around her breast. Nat’s hand caressed down Marissa’s side and came to rest between her trembling thighs. Her teeth nibbled Marissa’s nipple as her fingers gently spread her soaked lips and Nat’s fingers slid deep inside Marissa.

Marissa began sliding her fingers in and out of Nat’s body as she thrust her hips against Nat’s fingers. Nat could feel the quivering of Marissa’s inner muscles as she inserted a third finger, filling her body completely as she stroked in and out of her body. Marissa’s breathing changed to panting as her desire grew and her free hand pressed Nat’s mouth firmly against her breast. Nat suckled her roughly and Marissa’s wetness erupted to fill Nat’s hand, causing Nat’s pleasure to overwhelm her as her body shook violently on top of Marissa.

Nat rolled over onto her back, gasping for air as Marissa turned on her side to smile at her.

She watched as a small droplet of sweat rolled down Nat’s side and moved to capture the salty offering with her tongue.

“I think we are both due for a bath tonight,” she teased as her tongue licked up Nat’s body.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea to me,” Nat said as she buried her hand in Marissa’s hair and pulled her up for a deep kiss.

“Do you still want to wash today?” Nat asked.

“Want to no, need to yes,” Marissa said.

“I will carry the water if you will get the fire started beneath your wash pot,” Nat said.

“Fair enough,” Marissa said. “When you get back from town, I want these clothes you are wearing so I can wash them too.”

“Yes ma’am,” Nat said as she moved from the bed to get dressed.

They walked outside to find that most of last night’s snow had melted and they held hands as they walked to Marissa’s house. Nat stepped inside the smokehouse to find the wood nearly depleted and she placed more wood on the smoldering embers. The wash pot was already hung over the fire pit, so Nat picked up the bucket and moved over to the well to begin pumping water as she watched Marissa lay a small fire. Marissa placed a small bundle of dried grass under the center of the wood and disappeared inside her home. She returned a few moments later with a small shovel filled with embers from her fire place which she dumped onto the dried grass. They watched as the grass burst into flames and ignited the dried wood.

Nat carried four more bucket of water to fill the pot halfway and then returned the bucket to the porch.

“I will be back soon,” she said then she kissed Marissa softly.

“Hurry back,” Marissa said as she walked toward the house to get her clothing.

“Let’s go Gyp,” Nat said as they walked to the road to town.

Gyp ran ahead of her with her nose near the ground searching for the scent of any wild life in the area. Nat watched her trail a scent twenty yards ahead of her and smiled at the small dog. She continued to walk as Gyp disappeared from the road into the dense woods. She emerged again five minutes later and trotted back to Nat.

“Did you have a nice run?” Nat said as Gyp took up pace beside her master.

A few minutes later, they reached town and Nat walked directly to Smithy’s shop.

“Hello, Nat,” the large man said. “How are you today?”

“I am well, Smithy and you?” Nat answered.

“Very well, thank you. Is there something I can do for you today?” he asked.

“I took a very large buck yesterday, with an impressive rack and I wondered if you were interested in purchasing it?” Nat asked.

“These greenhorns pounce all over buck heads to mount in the smoking rooms,” Smithy said, “so bring it in and I will take it off your hands.” He smiled at Nat. “What about the pelt?”

“I need to have some new breeches made from that,” Nat said with a smile.

“There is an Indian woman right on the outskirts of town, that makes wonderful deerskin breeches,” Smithy said.

“I will have to look her up then,” Nat said. “I will bring the buck head in tomorrow,” she said as she left his store.

“See you tomorrow then,” Smithy said, as she left the building and walked to the general store.

Nat picked out a dozen apples and bought a pound of cane sugar as well. She browsed around the store and selected a lavender scented candle and some fragrant shampoo. With her small package tucked beneath her arm, she and Gyp left the store. Instead of turning right to go home, Nat took a left and walked to the edge of town to find a small shack. Sitting on the porch, tanning a length of buckskin was a beautiful Indian woman.

“Good morning,” Nat said, as the woman looked up.

She returned Nat’s warm smile. “Good morning, my sister,” she said.

“Smithy said you make the best buckskin breeches,” Nat said. “I have a pelt and a need for a new pair,” she said.

“Bring the pelt to me tomorrow and I will measure you then,” the woman said.

“How much do you charge for the breeches?” Nat asked.

“The remainder of your pelt and a bag of those apples,” the woman said with a smile.

“I will see you tomorrow then,” Nat said and with a smile she was gone.

The woman had very little in the way of possessions. Nat had snuck a peek inside the small building and there was very little stored in the woman’s food pantry. A bag of apples was very cheap price for a pair of breeches so Nat planned to bring a few extras to exchange for the pants. She and Marissa had plenty venison, so Nat would bring her a slab of the smoked meat and maybe a small bag of flour.

Gyp raced ahead to Marissa’s and was sitting on the porch with her when Nat walked into the yard.

“Well now aren’t you two the perfect pair?” Nat asked.

“We were wondering if you were going to finally show up,” Marissa said. “Gyp has been here at least five minutes.”

“Four legs are twice as fast as two,” Nat reminded her.

“Very funny,” Marissa said with a grin.

“I was thinking as I walked.”

“Thinking of what?” Marissa asked.

“I have always wanted to see the ocean,” Nat said. “Nathan and I were supposed to go this year,” she said sharing a sad memory.

“You are so very close to it now,” Marissa said. “A good day’s ride and you would be there.”

“Would you mind looking after things for a few days while I am gone?” Nat asked.

“Like what?”

“Keeping the fire going in the smokehouse and feeding the animals, except Hardy and Gyp who I assume will be going with me,” Nat teased as she reached down to stroke Gyp’s fur.

“I think I can handle that for a few days,” Marissa said. “When are you planning to leave?”

“You go back to work the day after tomorrow correct?”

“Yes,” Marissa said.

“I will leave then,” Nat said, “If that is fine with you.”

“I will hate to see you go, but I know that you will be coming back soon,” Marissa said.

“I would think no more than four days,” Nat said, as she took out her knife and started peeling the apples. “I assume you want these peeled?”

“Yes, please,” Marissa said. “Let me get a bowl and you can core and slice them too.”

“That’s the least I can do for fresh apple pie,” Nat said. “Here, I brought you something too,” Nat said as she handed Marissa the package.

Marissa opened it to find the scented candle and the fragranced soap. “We can use these later tonight,” she said.

“I wasn’t sure if you needed sugar for the pie so I bought some just in case.”

“I think I still have some, but it never hurts to have more,” Marissa said. “I will be right back,” she said and disappeared into the house.

She returned with a bowl and sat beside Nat as she peeled and sliced the fruit. When Nat had finished, Marissa picked up the peelings and headed for the yard.

“Where are you going with those?”

“I was going to toss them into the fire,” Marissa said.

“Good idea, but make it the one inside, it will make the house smell so sweetly.”

“I hadn’t thought of that,” Marissa said.

“I think I will go tend to the animals while you put the apples on to cook,” Nat said.

“Stop by your house and pick up some clean clothes and something else to put on now so I can get those washed.”

“Yes ma’am,” Nat said as she walked to her barn, with Gyp close on her heels.

The afternoon sun still burned brightly down on her shoulders warming her as she toiled with her chores. She fed the animals and checked her tack to insure it was in good shape for her trip. Her buckskins and warm shirts were clean and would serve her well on her trip. She would camp out under the stars or if the nights turned too cool she would seek shelter. Nat was excited to know that very soon she would make another of her dreams come true.

Nat walked into her house and went into her bedroom to pack her bedroll. She would travel light, but have adequate gear to keep her body warm during the cold nights. Her years in the woods with her father had taught her so much and Nat followed her instincts so naturally due to her training.

Nat walked outside to draw a bucket of water and poured it into a large bowl. She stripped out of her clothing and used the water to wash her body. After she was as clean as possible, Nat slipped into a flannel nightshirt and some buckskin slippers. She chose a clean pair of dungarees and work shirt to change into after her bath and with Gyp following her closely she returned to Marissa’s.

She stepped inside Marissa’s kitchen.

“You certainly look comfortable,” Marissa said.
She was spooning the cooked apples onto a piecrust and Nat sat at the table to watch as she placed the top crust above the steaming fruit and pressed it onto the edge of the pie plate.

“You make that look so easy,” Nat said as she watched Marissa’s hands move gracefully around the edge of the pie plate.

“It is easy,” Marissa said.

“Easy for you maybe,” Nat said with a wink.

“It will take a couple of hours for the pie to bake, so we can take that bath while it cooks, if you would like,” Marissa said.

“I will start carrying in cold water from the well and we can use some of the wash water that is already boiling, if that is fine with you,” Nat said.

“That’s fine and I will wash these while you carry the water,” Marissa said, as she picked up Nat’s dirty clothing. “They are well overdue for washing.”

“I guess I could buy a few more pairs of dungarees,” Nat said.

“That might not be a bad idea,” Marissa said as she wrinkled her nose.

They walked outside together and she dropped the clothing into the wash pot as Nat started carrying water inside. She lit the candle on one of her trips inside and it quickly filled the room with the scent of lavender. When Nat had the tub filled halfway, she walked to the wash pot and started dipping out hot water as Marissa stretched her clean, wet clothing over the porch railing to dry. After a half a dozen buckets of the hot water were added to the bathtub, Nat thought it was the perfect temperature for a bath.

She stepped outside and took Marissa’s hand and led her inside. She slowly unbuttoned the buttons on her dress and lowered it from Marissa’s shoulders. Nat smiled at the perfect, white skin that was unveiled as the fabric of the dress was slowly lowered down Marissa’s body.

“So beautiful,” Nat whispered as her hands lowered first the dress and then Marissa’s undergarments.

Marissa’s body trembled under the soft touches of her fingers and Nat smiled as she caressed her body. “Are you ready for a bath?” she asked sweetly.

“Oh yes,” Marissa said nearly breathless.

Nat helped her into the tub of steamy water and then pulled her nightshirt over her head. She picked up the bottle of shampoo and stepped into the tub. She used a tin cup to scoop the water over Marissa’s head to soak her curls then poured some of the fragrant shampoo into her hand. She gently massaged the shampoo into Marissa’s scalp and then rinsed her head clean. She then pulled Marissa’s body back against her body and placed Marissa’s head on her shoulder as she began to softly stroke Marissa’s body under the water. Marissa turned her face toward Nat and her eyes begged for a kiss. Nat lowered her mouth onto Marissa’s as their tongues swirled together.

Nat’s hands cupped Marissa’s breasts and gently squeezed as their tongues continued to dance.

“Oh yes, Nat, take me please,” Marissa breathed when they broke their kiss.

Nat turned Marissa’s body to face hers and pushed her across the tub until she was pressed against the far end of the tub.

“Grab the sides of the tub,” Nat said.
She watched the excitement cross Marissa’s face when her body began to float to the surface of the tub. Nat moved between Marissa’s outstretched legs and her smile grew as she approached her lover. Marissa’s thighs draped over Nat’s shoulders as Nat’s hands returned to cup Marissa’s breasts. Nat nibbled the inside of Marissa’s thigh as her mouth moved closer to the downy covered mound between her thighs.

Nat’s fingers moved down to gently part Marissa’s lips as her tongue lapped at the soft bud, bringing it awake as Marissa forced her hips above the water. Nat placed her hands beneath Marissa’s body and supported her above the water as her tongue probed Marissa’s lips until it slid deeply into her opening. She swirled her tongue inside Marissa as her hips bucked in pleasure forcing Nat’s tongue deeper inside her body. Nat lapped and licked Marissa until she screamed out in pleasure and her thighs clamped around Nat’s head.

When Marissa could speak again, she purred across the water to Nat. “That was unbelievable,” she said, her face still flushed a deep red.

“You have got to feel how good that felt,” she said as she pushed Nat against the back of the tub. She kissed her passionately, tasting the sweetness of her pleasure on Nat’s lips. The taste only increased her hunger as she lifted Nat’s legs above her shoulders, as Nat grabbed for the edge of the tub.

Marissa’s tongue entered Nat’s body deeply and Marissa encircled one of her thighs with her arm and her fingers stroked across Nat’s blood swollen bud. Nat closed her eyes as the pleasure coursed through her body in waves until it built beyond her control and she flooded Marissa’s face with her juices.

Nat pulled Marissa into her body and they kissed deeply until the water began to cool. Marissa dunked Nat under the water and when she surfaced, she washed Nat’s hair and then her body. After they rinsed their bodies, they climbed carefully from the tub and dried their bodies. Nat slipped the nightshirt over her head and opened the drain on the tub as Marissa went into the bedroom. When she returned she was wearing a soft nightgown, her damp hair lying softly on her shoulders.
“Are you getting hungry?”

“I am starving,” Nat said.

“Have a seat at the table then, while I heat up some dinner,” Marissa said with a warm smile.

Nat watched as Marissa moved effortlessly around the kitchen, placing the meat and canned beans in the fireplace to warm. She checked the pie and it was coming along well. It should be ready by the time they finished dinner, so Marissa also put a pot of coffee in the fireplace. After dinner they could share the pie over a cup of coffee, she thought as she turned back around to find Nat watching her.

“You are so beautiful,” Nat said, as she watched Marissa approach.

She sat in Nat’s lap and they shared a heated kiss.

“You keep kissing me like that and I will be having you for supper,” Nat said as her hands slid under the nightgown.

“You can have me for dessert,” Marissa promised as she stood up to set the table, “After the apple pie, of course.”

PART EIGHT

Nat woke up starving when she smelled Marissa cooking in the kitchen. Marissa had placed her night shirt on the end of the bed and she slipped it over her head before going to the kitchen.

Biscuits were baking in the hearth as Marissa was frying bacon in a skillet.

“Good morning, Marissa,” Nat said as she hugged her lover from behind.

“Good morning, my love,” Marissa said as she turned in Nat’s arms and kissed her sweetly. “Are you hungry?”

“I am starving,” Nat said as she squeezed Marissa.

“Have a seat at the table and breakfast will be ready soon,” Marissa said.

Nat took a seat and was eying the apple pie when Marissa turned around. “Don’t even think about spoiling your breakfast,” she warned.

“Yes ma’am,” Nat said.

Marissa finished frying the bacon. “How would you like your eggs?”

“Fried for me,” Nat said and Gyp let out a “woof” of agreement. “Has she already been outside?” Nat asked.

“Yes, she went out when I first got up,” Marissa said. “She has kept me company since coming back inside.”

“She is an excellent companion,” Nat said as her fingers stroked the dog’s fur.

“She loves you dearly,” Marissa said.

“That feeling is mutual,” Nat said. “I don’t know what I would do without her.”

Marissa placed two eggs on Nat’s plate and two in Gyp’s bowl then turned away to cook her eggs. Nat broke up several slices of bacon and a biscuit and then broke the yokes on the egg for her companion. Nat buttered a biscuit and then poured some honey over it while she waited for Marissa to join her.

“Go ahead and eat while it’s hot,” Marissa said.

“No, I will wait for you,” Nat said. “You won’t be long.”

Marissa returned to the table and slid the eggs onto her plate and joined Nat at the table.

“Thank you for a great meal,” Nat said.

“You are most welcome, now let’s eat,” Marissa said.

Gyp had waited on Marissa and when she saw Nat begin to eat, Gyp stood and began to eat.

Marissa watched her closely. “She is so well disciplined.”

“Not discipline, Gyp has good manners,” Nat said with a wink.

They ate their fill of breakfast and Nat looked at Marissa. “What are you doing today?”

“I thought I would put a roast on for dinner, with some canned vegetables from the garden,” she said.

“Will you need to be here to watch over it?” Nat asked.

“No, I think the fire is low enough, it will cook slowly without burning. What do you have in mind?”

“I need to go into town to take the pelt in and make payment on some new breeches,” Nat said. “I also need to drop the buck head off to Smithy. Would you care to join, Gyp and me?”

“I would love to,” Marissa said and as she stood to clear the table, Nat reached for her and pulled Marissa into her lap.

Nat studied her face closely, tracing the fine lines at the corner of Marissa’s eyes with a slow fingertip as the smile on her face grew wide. Marissa’s eyes shined with excitement as Nat examined her face intently.

“Do you like what you see?” Marissa asked.

“No,” Nat said. “I love what I see.”

Marissa pulled Nat’s head down to meet her lips and kissed her softly. “You make me want you so badly,” Marissa whispered.

Nat smiled seductively at Marissa and scooped her up in her arms and carried her back to the bedroom. Gyp stretched lazily and trotted over to the fireplace in the bedroom and curled up for a nap.

She sat Marissa on the edge of the bed and lifted the night shirt above her head as Marissa’s hands caressed the length of Nat’s long muscular legs. Marissa’s hands on her body made her burn with desire and she reached behind her head to remove her night shirt, leaving her naked in front of her lover. Nat smiled down at Marissa as her hands moved around to fondle the cheeks of her ass as her tongue trailed from one hip bone to the other. Nat buried her hands in Marissa’s long hair as Marissa’s hands moved between them to cup Nat’s small breasts, causing her lover to moan with pleasure.

“I need you,” Marissa breathed against Nat’s skin.

Nat pulled back the covers on the bed and then joined Marissa on the bed. Marissa rolled her onto her back and straddled Nat’s waist. As she leaned forward, her hair cascaded down across Nat’s bare skin, leaving a trail of fire burning down Nat’s body. Nat moaned loudly as Marissa kissed down her body and her hair floated across Nat’s hard nipples.

“You like that feeling, hmm?” Marissa whispered against her skin.

“Oh yes, Marissa,” Nat said her voice full of passion.

“Then you should really like this,” Marissa said as she moved her right breast between Nat’s legs as she drug her nipple up Nat’s lips and across her aching clit and then moved down to repeat her movements.

“That feels so good,” Nat groaned.

Marissa felt Nat’s wetness coating her breast as she moved her body against Nat’s. “I am going to make you feel so much better.”

Marissa moved further down Nat’s body, her tongue tracing small circles around Nat’s clit, teasing her lover to the brink of climax only to back off and allow Nat to release the breath she was holding.

“Marissa, please,” Net begged.

Marissa’s fingers gently parted Nat’s lips and her tongue lavished slow kisses on Nat’s body as she drank in Nat’s juices. When her tongue finally entered Nat’s body, she shook uncontrollably and flooded Marissa’s face with her sweetness. Marissa climbed up Nat’s body, licking her lips as her eyes smiled at Nat.

“You taste so sweet, my love,” Marissa said as she whispered in Nat’s ear.

Nat took her in her arms and cradled her to her body. “You make me feel so loved,” she said.

“Because I love you so dearly,” Marissa said.

Nat stroked Marissa’s hair as she stared into her love filled eyes.

“May I return your love?” she asked.

“We have an errand to run first, but then you will have all afternoon,” Marissa promised.

“I will hold you to that,” Nat said.

“I certainly hope so,” Marissa said. “I will clean up and put the roast on while you get dressed and clean up the kitchen,” she said. “Then we will be off to see a woman about some breeches.”

Nat returned her smile as Marissa left her arms, leaving her body feel so empty. “I love you, Marissa.”

“I know and I love you too.”

Marissa poured fresh water into a bowl and washed her face. Her hands washed Nat’s wetness from her bare breasts and she smiled at the memory of their lovemaking. She patted her skin dry and slipped a clean dress over her head. Today she would forego undergarments, preferring instead to feel the soft cotton against her bare breasts. She would wear the coat Nat had bought for her to hide her brazenness as they walked to town.

Nat and Gyp waited for her out on the porch and when Marissa appeared from inside the house Nat reached for her hand and she picked up the small bag of supplies and they walked to Nat’s cabin.

Nat handed Marissa the small sack and walked around the cabin to pick up the buck head that she would sell to Smithy. She returned to Marissa and took her hand as they started into town.

Marissa and Gyp waited outside as Nat went inside to bargain with Smithy. He was impressed with the size and perfect condition of the buck’s head and paid Nat handsomely for the prize.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if this sold today,” Smithy said. “Be sure to keep me in mind if you do more hunting.”

“I will,” Nat said as she tucked the gold coins in her pocket and stepped outside to join Marissa and Gyp.

Nat took the sack from Marissa. “Is there anything you need while we are in town?”

“I will buy some coffee,” Marissa said.

“Take this then,” Nat said as she fished a gold coin from her pocket.

“I have money, Nat,” Marissa said.

“I know you do, but I’ve been the one drinking all your coffee.”

“That’s a small price to pay for all that you have done for me,” Marissa said.

“I’d say it was a pretty even deal, so let me buy this time,” Nat said.

Marissa took the offered coin and slipped it into the pocket of her coat as they walked to general store. She bought coffee while Nat picked out a dozen yellow apples.

“More apples?” she asked.

“Part of my deal for new breeches,” Nat said with a smile.

They paid for their items and then walked to the small house on the edge of town.

The Indian woman was sitting on her porch and smiled as they approached.

“Good day,” Nat said as she stepped onto the porch.

“Welcome back, my friend,” the woman said. “Come inside and I will size you.”

Nat and Marissa followed the woman into the small house while Gyp waited outside.

“You may have a seat there,” the woman said to Marissa as she pointed to a chair. She then took a length of rawhide in her hands as Nat sat the sack on the table.

“You have long legs to be so small in the hips,” the woman said as she measured Nat’s inseam.

“I do a lot of walking so they get me where I need to go,” Nat said with a wink to the old woman.

“There,” she said as she finished measuring Nat. “Let’s take a look at your pelt.”

Nat took the deer skin from the sack and handed it to the woman.

She smiled at Nat. “You tanned this piece well. I can easily get two pairs out of this,” she said.

“That’s even better,” Nat said. “Just let me know what else you need for the second pair.”

Nat took the apples, venison and other staples from the bag she had brought for payment and laid them out on the table.

The woman smiled at the smoked meat as Nat placed it on the table. “Your payment is more than enough for two pairs of breeches,” she said. “When do you need them?” she asked.

“I am going to the ocean for the next four days, so there is no hurry,” Nat said.

The old woman’s eyes lit up at the mention of the ocean. “Will you do something for me?” she asked.

“Certainly, what is it?” Nat asked.

The woman walked from the small room and returned a moment later with a waterproofed skin. “In the sands of the beach close to the shore you should be able to find clams,” the woman said. “I would appreciate if you could bring me some stored in salt water when you return,” she said as she handed Nat the skin.

“You will have to tell me what they look like as I have never been to the ocean before,” Nat said.

The woman picked up a piece of charcoal and drew a crude shape on the table. “They look like this and will be buried in the sand where the waves wash over. When the tide is low, you will easily see the bubbles in the sand from their breathing and will know where to dig. “She smiled at Nat. “I will make you two some excellent soup, if you can bring them.”

Nat picked up her sack and took the skin from the woman. “I will do my best and will see you at the end of the week.”

“Thank you, my friend,” the woman said as she walked them out the door. “Be safe in your travels,” she said as they walked off the porch to join Gyp.

“Thank you, I will,” Nat said and waved goodbye.

They returned to Marissa’s cabin and stored their supplies. “I need to go to my cabin to prepare for my trip,” Nat said. “I will be back soon.”

“Is there anything, I can help with?” Marissa asked.

“No, I will take care of a few things and return shortly.”

Nat and Gyp walked outside into the cooling air. Nat lit the fire she had lain under the wash pot and added more water to the large pot. Then they walked down toward the smokehouse. She added more wood to the fire and turned the meat lying across wooden strips. She portioned out a pound of the dried jerky and would wrap it in a fine cloth to take with her on the trip to the ocean.

She packed her bedroll and tucked it under her arm before she left her cabin and walked back toward Marissa’s. She noticed that Marissa was running low on split wood and decided she would split more and carry it onto the porch before she left.

Marissa was placing the pie in the hearth to warm when Nat and Gyp returned from their errands.

“Are you hungry now or would you like to bathe before we eat?”

Nat placed the jerky on the table and wrapped it in cloth. “I can wait a time to eat,” she said. “I want to split some wood for you and get you stocked up before I leave tomorrow,” Nat said.

“I will carry and stack while you split then,” Marissa said.

“You have a deal,” Nat said as she removed her jacket and placed it on a hook by the door. Then she walked to the end of the porch and picked up the axe and walked to the splitting block and began to rhythmically split the wood.

Marissa watched as Nat’s body moved fluidly as she split the wood and when a small pile had formed she began carrying wood inside and then added to the stack just outside her front door.

Nat was working up a lather chopping the wood and removed her work shirt. Once she had split enough wood to last Marissa for a week or more, she picked up her shirt and hung it over the porch rail as she stored the axe. Then she helped Marissa carry the remainder of the wood onto the porch.

“I will begin carrying in water from the well if you are ready.”

“That should give the water on the fire time to heat up,” Marissa said. “I will help you and we can bathe together if you wish.”

“I would like that very much,” Nat said. She smiled at a blushing Marissa and walked onto the porch to pick up two buckets and walked to the well, followed closely by Marissa and Gyp.

They filled the buckets and took turns carrying them into the house until the tub was one third filled with fresh well water. Then they began taking hot water from the wash pot and after several more trips, a steaming bath awaited them. Marissa instructed Nat to go inside and strip out of her clothing and then she placed their soiled clothing in the pot to be boiled clean. She pumped several more buckets of water to pour into the tub before joining Nat inside.

Nat had grown cold in her nakedness and had stepped into the bath. “Sorry, I could wait no longer,” she said.

“That’s fine, I did not want you to get chilled,” Marissa said as she pulled the dress over her head.

Nat watched as Marissa undressed, marveling at her gentle curves and soft skin. Marissa lowered her undergarments and the cool air on her skin made her nipples harden. She smiled when Marissa looked up to see Nat watching her.

“You are so beautiful,” Nat said as her eyes followed Marissa while she walked to the tub and stepped into the steamy water.

“Thank you,” Marissa said with a blush. “It pleases me to know you think that.”

“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met, and I am happy that we have become friends,” Nat said.

“You are much more than a friend to me,” Marissa said, surprising Nat.

“What am I then?” Nat asked coyly.

“You are my protector, my provider and most importantly, my lover,” Marissa stated boldly.

Nat smiled and reached her hand out to Marissa. Marissa took her offered hand and brought her body forward to meet Nat’s lips. Nat kissed her lips softly then covered Marissa’s face with light kisses as her fingertips traced the outlines of her cheekbones and jaw line. Marissa rested against Nat’s left arm and lifted her face to welcome more of Nat’s kisses. Nat felt her shiver as her tongue circled Marissa’s lips until her lover parted them and their tongues danced sensually.

Marissa’s body tingled with the desire running through her body as they kissed and Nat’s hand cupped her left breast, her thumb stroking lightly across her aroused nipple. Nat broke the kiss and kissed down to Marissa’s ear.

“I want to make love to you,” she whispered and felt Marissa’s body quiver in response.

Nat took the bar of fragrant soap in her hand and soaked a cloth in the water before rubbing it across the soap. She lathered the cloth and started at Marissa’s neck and slowly bathed down each arm and across her chest. “Stand for me please,” she said.

Marissa stood and took the soap from Nat’s hand to bathe her womanly parts as Nat bathed her sides and legs and turned so Nat could bathe her back and then she took the cloth from her as she sat back into the water to rinse. She rinsed the cloth and lathered it again with the fragrant soap and bathed Nat’s body with loving strokes. Marissa bit her lower lip as her hands glided over Nat’s chest and down her firm, muscular body as she ached to lie in Nat’s embrace.

Nat rinsed her body and stepped from the tub. She raised her hand to Marissa. “Are you ready, my love?”

Marissa stood and climbed from the tub and allowed Nat to wrap her body in a large towel and a warm embrace before she moved to dry her body.

Nat reached for a nightshirt to pull over her head.

“Don’t bother with that,” Marissa said. “I need to feel your skin next to mine,” she said as she took Nat’s hand and they walked to the bedroom.

Nat placed more wood on the fire as Marissa stretched onto the bed. Nat extinguished the flame of the oil lamp before lowering her body into Marissa’s welcoming arms.

Nat kissed Marissa until she was breathless with desire. Their lower bodies were entwined as their movements gently rocked the bed. Nat’s mouth kissed down Marissa’s neck and enclosed her right breast as she gasped for air.

“That feels so good, Nat,” Marissa said and she took her hand and placed it between Nat’s legs to find her soaked with desire.

Nat moaned against the skin of Marissa’s breast as she felt Marissa’s fingers penetrate her body to sink deeply into her wetness. Nat moved her hand between Marissa’s legs and entered her body as her teeth grazed her erect nipple. She mimicked the movement of Marissa’s fingers, moving slow and deep as the sounds of their pleasure filled the room.

Nat’s body shuddered as she called out, “Marissa.”

Marissa felt Nat’s body release and when she called her name that was all she needed to reach her climax and she filled Nat’s hand with a rush of wetness.

Nat kissed Marissa and moved to lie beside her on the bed. Marissa reached down and pulled the covers over their bodies then curled up in Nat’s arms.

PART NINE

The next morning Nat awoke early and crept quietly from the bed and dressed in her travel clothing before walking to the barn to saddle Hardy. The morning was crisp as the sun was slow to crest above the horizon and the excitement of her trip stirred Nat. Hardy met her in the stall as he too, sensed an adventure and an opportunity to stretch his well-rested legs.

Nat tied her bedroll to the back of her saddle and walked Hardy to Marissa’s cabin and tied him to the hitching post. “We will be off soon,” she said to the large horse as she patted his neck while he nuzzled her. Gyp trotted beside her as she walked back onto the porch and went inside.

Marissa had gotten out of the bed and was dressed and starting breakfast when Nat returned.

“Good morning,” Nat said.

“Good morning. I hope you weren’t planning to sneak off without saying goodbye,” Marissa said.

“No ma’am, I would not do that. I know you have to be in town early this morning and wanted to leave when you did,” Nat said, as she took Marissa in her arms. “I would never leave you without a goodbye.”

Marissa kissed Nat’s lips softly. “I would hope not,” she said with a pout.

“Besides, we can’t leave with empty stomachs,” Nat teased.

“I have packed yesterday’s biscuits and bacon for you and will make some flapjacks this morning if you would like,” Marissa said.

“That would be great,” Nat said as she moved to get a jar of syrup down from the shelf.

Marissa stirred the batter for the flapjacks as she watched Nat prepare for her trip. Dressed in her breeches and travel shirt, Nat looked just like she had the first time she had seen her at the hotel. “You look just as handsome as the first time I saw you,” she said.

“I hope I smell better though,” Nat teased.

“Without a doubt,” Marissa agreed.

Nat packed the jerky and biscuits Marissa had prepared for her into a sack with a draw string and took it and the skin the Indian woman had given her out to Hardy where she placed the items inside the saddle bags. She also carried her rifle out and slipped it into the carrier on Hardy’s left shoulder.

When she and Gyp walked back inside Marissa was placing their food on the table and had placed Gyp’s bowl on the floor beside them. “Breakfast is ready.”

She and Nat sat down at the table and began to eat their breakfast. “I will miss you,” Marissa said.

“I will miss you too, but we will be back soon,” Nat promised.

“I have grown so used to your being here, the cabin will feel so empty,” Marissa said.

Nat was at a loss for words. She would only be gone for four days. How would Marissa feel when she left in the spring to head back into the woods she wondered? She wouldn’t worry about that now and would have the long winter months to decide what she would do come the spring.

“Do you want me to leave Gyp with you for some company?” Nat asked and Gyp looked up at the sound of her name.

“I would not deprive Gyp of the adventure with you,” Marissa said and Gyp went back to eating.

“It would seem strange without her,” Nat said.

“I will be fine,” Marissa said. “I will just have to keep myself busy.”

“Time will pass quickly and we will be back soon,” Nat said, but Marissa feared the hours would drag by.

When they finished eating, they rinsed their dishes and stood facing one another. Nat could see tears pooling in Marissa’s eyes. She brushed the hair from around Marissa’s face with her hands. “I will be back soon,” she said then kissed her tenderly.

Marissa returned her kiss and hugged Nat tightly. “Enjoy your trip and hurry home to me.”

“I will,” Nat said, as she turned away from Marissa. She stopped at the door and took her hat, placing it atop her head and slipped her arms through her range coat before she turned back to Marissa. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Marissa said.

Nat and Gyp walked out the door and Nat mounted Hardy. Marissa placed her arms in the coat Nat had bought her and walked onto the porch. She watched as Hardy, Nat and Gyp disappeared from view and then began to walk toward town.

Nat followed the road west for hours as Marissa had instructed. As the sun passed over her head she could smell a difference in the air. The fragrance of alpines and evergreens was replaced by the smell of salt in the air. They followed the sun as it moved toward the horizon and when she crested a hill, Hardy halted in his tracks. Lying there before them was the Pacific Ocean, its waves crashing down upon the rocks and cliffs that separated earth from water.

She guided Hardy down a small path and across the soft sand as Gyp trotted ahead of them chasing birds. Nat’s eyes had spotted a cave that should be high enough to protect them from the rising waters while providing protection from cold winds or rain should it begin to fall. She dismounted Hardy and led him up a narrow path until they reached the cave. She tied his reins to a small branch growing out of a rock and went in search of dry wood before the night brought in the darkness. Nat gathered drift wood from the beach as Gyp chased the receding water and then turned to rush back to Nat as the next wave beat against the shore. The cave was not deep, but would provide the shelter Nat and her companions needed.

Nat took the saddle from Hardy’s shoulders and carried it inside the cave. She removed his bridle, placing it on the branch where it was tied. Hardy would not wander far from her in his search of grass and Nat knew a whistle would bring him running to her.

Nat arranged her campsite and laid the fire in a small pit just inside the lip of the cave. She placed her food bag up off the floor of the cave and took a slice of jerky and walked down to the water. She tore off a strip of the jerky and tossed it to Gyp as they walked. Nat made her way down to the beach and stopped short of the water as she reached down and touched the Pacific Ocean for the first time as it rushed to her fingers. The water was cold to Nat’s touch and when she lifted her fingers to her lips she tasted the saltiness of the water. She moved beyond the reach of the waves and sat with Gyp to watch as the sun retired for the day, spreading its beautiful colors across the dark blue water.

“It is beautiful, isn’t it Gyp?” Nat asked as she placed her hand on the dogs back.

Gyp barked lightly in agreement with her master as they watched the sunset together.

Nat noticed a bubbling in the sand a few feet away from her and stood to walk over to it. She used her hand to scoop away the sand and found a clam nestled in the wet sand, just as the woman said it would be. She picked up the small shell and inspected it closely.

“Can’t be a whole lot of meat in there,” she said to Gyp. “It must take a lot of these to make a decent soup,” she said.

Gyp saw another bubble form and she used her paws to dig away the sand as Nat laughed at her and walked over to pick up the shell Gyp had uncovered.

“Yours is bigger,” Nat laughed as she took the shell in her hand.

Nat walked back to retrieve the skin the Indian woman had given her and dropped the two shells into it and filled it partially with water. She and Gyp hunted clams until the moon began to rise and then they walked back up to the cave. Nat lit the campfire after tying the clam bag to a branch. Nat doubted there were any bears in this area, but she would not risk her food to any other predators in the area.

Nat took a bacon filled biscuit from the bag and handed it to Gyp and then took another for herself. Hardy had wandered back to the campsite and Nat placed a feedbag over his head as they settled in for the evening. As the moon glowed across the rippling water, the three companions shared their first meal at the ocean.

Nat enjoyed the warmth of the small fire. When the sun had set, the day’s warmth had quickly disappeared and she was glad for the extra warmth. She leaned back against a rock outcropping using her saddle as a pillow and gazed up at the night sky. The night was cloudless and the stars were spread across the sky like a shimmering blanket. Nat picked out the constellations she recognized from her father’s teaching and marveled how beautifully they lit up the night sky. She couldn’t help but wonder if Marissa was watching the same beautiful sky back at home.

Marissa had seen the night sky, but was busy shuffling around completing her chores and did not take the opportunity to sit down and enjoy it the way Nat was. She carried the last of the split wood she would need for the night inside and closed the door behind her, shutting out the night’s beauty as she did.

Sitting around the fire staring up at the sky made Nat think back to the many times she and her father had shared while trapping in the deep woods. She remembered one night as they camped while crossing over a wide prairie how they had gazed up at the stars watching a shower of shooting stars until their necks became sore from the awkward position.

“I miss you, Father,” Nat said as she tossed another piece of wood onto the fire. Often, she would find herself thinking about her father and her hand would go to the bear claw necklace she wore around her neck. She still felt the pain of his loss and wondered if the pain would ever dissipate completely.

The sound of the waves as they crashed upon the shore began to lull Nat to sleep and when she felt herself begin to nod she picked up her saddle and walked inside the cave. She unrolled her bedroll and fell asleep watching the shadows of the fire flickering on the cave walls. Gyp curled up next to her and was softly snoring as Nat drifted into dreams.

Hardy stood patiently at the opening of the cave dozing as well. Deep into the early morning hours, Gyp was awakened by his soft huffing sounds and she stood up and stretched beside Nat. When she walked to the mouth of the cave, Gyp saw what Hardy was concerned about and she trotted back inside to stick her cold, wet nose to Nat’s chin to wake her.

At first, Nat just pushed Gyp away, but the dog was persistent and returned to lick her master’s face until Nat stirred from her sleep.

“What has gotten into you Gyp?” Nat asked as she petted her neck.

Gyp let out a soft “woof” and walked to the mouth of the cave and gave a short bark when she turned and saw Nat was not following her.

“Okay, I get it, you want me up, so just hold on a second,” Nat grumbled as she searched for her boots.

Nat slipped into her boots and stood stretching her body. It had been a while since she had slept on the hard ground and she winced as her back felt stiff. “I am getting spoiled sleeping in a soft bed every night,” Nat said aloud.

When she walked to the mouth of the cave, Nat stopped in her tracks when she looked to the sky. No wonder Gyp had wanted her awake. Neither of them had ever seen anything quite so incredible as the sky she was looking into. The Northern Lights had filled the early morning skies with swirls of brilliant green and Nat stood in awe at the most beautiful sight she had ever seen.

“Oh my word,” Nat said to Gyp. “That is so beautiful.”

Nat placed fresh wood on the fire and hung her coffee pot to make coffee as she and Gyp sat next to the fire admiring the beauty of the morning sky. When the coffee was ready, she poured herself a cup and sat with her arm around Gyp as they watched the Northern Lights begin to fade as the sun began to creep to the horizon. The brilliant greens were replaced by orange and yellow rays as the sun rose to start the day.

Nat took the last two biscuits from the food sack and she and Gyp had breakfast. Nat wanted to do some exploring that morning, so after she and Gyp finished eating, she took the rifle from her saddle and they started down the beach.

Nat didn’t think she would need a rifle for protection, but she took it just in case she ran into trouble. There would be no bears still awake this late in the season, but she would be prepared for other predators. She had no idea what form of wild life would live in this environment, so Nat kept a vigilant eye open as they walked down the shoreline.

Gyp ran ahead of her chasing the waves as they rushed ashore, running away from the cold water as it approached and chasing it as the water receded. Nat laughed at her antics as they walked toward a small rock lined pool. The outgoing tide had left a bounty of ocean life stranded in the shallow water. “We are going to have a nice dinner,” Nat said to Gyp as she surveyed the variety of fish and shrimp to choose from.

Nat found a long stick and using her knife carved a point on one end to fashion a spear which she used to impale a large fish, driving the point through its brain killing it instantly. She stuck the other end into the soft sand and removed her boots. She rolled her breeches legs up her calf and waded in the shallow pool filled with cold water as Gyp sat on a rock watching her. Nat corralled a large shrimp and snapped its head off and then another until she had a half dozen to accompany the fish. They would feast well tonight. She impaled the shrimp on her spear and left it behind with her boots as she and Gyp walked further down the beach.

Nat slipped the barrel of her rifle down the back of her shirt as she and Gyp collected an armful of drift wood to use in the campfire. They stopped to pick up the spear with their dinner, and then walked back toward camp. Nat dropped the firewood next to the pit and took the large fish from her spear and carried it down to the water’s edge to clean it in preparation for cooking, washing the blood from her hands and the carcass in the cold salty water.

Gyp trotted along behind her as she walked back up to the camp and fashioned a spit from the pieces of driftwood she had collected laying a fire beneath it. Nat stoked the coals with dry grass until the flames began to lick up against the fresh wood. She then placed the fish on the spit and turned to Gyp. “We are going to need more wood,” she said to the dog.

They collected three armloads of wood and placed it around the fire pit. Nat turned the fish on the spit and then she and Gyp walked back to the water’s edge. They sat just beyond the limit of the advancing water and listened to the relaxing sound of the water’s rushing.

Gyp lay next to Nat, her head resting on her master’s thigh as Nat’s hand stroked through her thick winter coat. “This is beautiful isn’t it my friend,” she said to her companion.

Gyp raised her head when she heard a strange noise and she and Nat strained to see across the water. A hundred yards beyond the shore, they watched as a large beast rose to the surface and blew water from its body. As they watched, several more of the strange creatures surfaced, expelling air and water from their bodies. Nat was amazed by the sheer size of the creatures as they surfaced and dove again beneath the water remaining underwater for several minutes after each breath.

They watched until the creatures disappeared from their sight and Nat stood stretching her stiff muscles. “Let’s go check on dinner,” she said to Gyp who jumped to her feet and trotted alongside her master.

The smell of the roasting fish met them halfway to the cave and Nat knelt to coat the fish with seasonings as she turned it on the spit. Curiosity seized Nat as she stood and looked into the shadows of the cave. She picked a burning limb from the fire and walked deeper into the cave. It was deeper than she had originally assumed and as she walked deeper she began to see strange drawings on the cave walls. She brought the fire closer and saw images of the creature she had seen earlier painted into the rock of the cave walls. She continued on her search and made a turn into a broad opening.

The last visitor had left a small stack of wood in the fire pit and Nat used her flame to ignite the dry wood. As she had expected, hunters had used the cave as refuge as evidenced by the large pile of bones illuminated by the fire. Large rib bones, over six feet long were propped against the wall. “These must be from the creatures we saw today,” she said to Gyp who was eyeing the bones curiously. “The hunters must have slain one of the creatures and brought the carcass here for harvesting,” Nat said. She looked at the huge jawbones of the creature and marveled at the flat almost human teeth that graced its ridges. She picked up a tooth that had fallen free from the bone and ran her fingers over its edges. “Not jagged and sharp as you would expect of such a large predator,” she said as she examined it closely. She tucked the tooth into her shirt and moved to explore the rest of the cave.

The walls were covered with artwork of strange and wondrous creatures, unlike Nat had ever seen in the deep woods. Large fishes and tusked creatures filled the walls as Nat walked around the cave, studying each carefully. “Amazing,” she said as she made the circuit around the cave.

She watched as the flames from the fire danced upon the walls bringing the creatures shimmering to life. “We shall move in here tonight,” she told Gyp as they walked back toward the mouth of the cave. The fish was cooking well and Nat peeled the hard shells from the shrimp’s bodies and placed them on a skewer which she held above the flames, until the pink flesh roasted to a bright red. Satisfied that the strange meat was done, Nat removed them from the skewer and placed them on her plate to allow them to cool before she and Gyp would feast on them.

She and Gyp watched the sun as it sunk past the horizon, its last rays casting long shadows across the water as they tasted the shrimp.

Nat offered one of the shrimp to Gyp and watched as they dog ate it slowly.

“They are kind of bland aren’t they?” she asked as she bit into the meat. “I bet they would taste much better basted with some honey butter,” she said, as she chewed. “Maybe we should take some home for Marissa to cook. I bet she knows just how to prepare them,” Nat said.

Her words reminded her of just how much she missed her lover. The ocean had turned out to be a beautiful surprise, but Nat was missing the comfort of Marissa’s arms. “Would you mind if we went home early?” she asked Gyp as her companion looked back at her with loving eyes. “No, I don’t guess you would, you love her as much as I do, I think,” she said.

Nat took the fish from above the fire and peeled some of the flakey meat to place in Gyp’s bowl and placed a healthy portion on her plate. Hardy walked up to them and Nat stood to place some feed in his bag and slipped it over his head.

When she returned, she tasted the fish and moaned softly. “This tastes much better,” Nat said as she placed the bowl in front of Gyp. The seasonings had roasted into the meat and it flaked apart lightly as Nat picked it off the bones with her fork. Gyp finished her portion and licked her lips at Nat who chuckled and added another portion into the dog’s bowl.

They ate the entire fish before walking down to the water to rinse out their dishes as the moon began to rise. Nat and Gyp dug clams until the sack was half full and then walked back to the cave. “Tomorrow we will check the pools for more shrimp and then head for home,” she said to Gyp as she moved her bedroll deeper into the cave.

Nat put more wood on the fire and stretched out on her bedroll with Gyp tucked closely into her side. She fell asleep with her left hand buried in Gyp’s fur and dreamed of the creatures that danced upon the cave walls.

PART TEN

Nat woke up the next morning and put a pot of coffee on after stoking the fire. The Northern Lights were starting to fade when Gyp joined her and stretched before lying down by the fire. There was an extra crispness in the air this morning and Nat felt certain they would encounter rain before they made it home.

She lifted the sack and carried it down to the rock pools in search of shrimp with Gyp on her heels. Nat removed her boots and waded into the pool where she was rewarded by a bounty of several dozen shrimp that she placed in the sack. She added more water and then tightened the drawstring on the sack. She sat down on a rock as she waited for her feet to dry then put her socks on and slipped back into her boots. They walked back to the cave where Nat hung the sack and took out several slices of the thin jerky for breakfast.

“I sure could go for one of Marissa’s breakfasts right now,” she said, as she bit down on the chewy meat.

Gyp held the strip between her paws as she chewed the meat until it was soft enough to swallow. Nat sipped her coffee as the sun crept into the morning sky and then doused the fire with the rest of the coffee. The hot embers hissed and steamed as smoke filled the air. Nat took the remainder of the wood into the cave and laid it next to the fire pit as the previous visitor had done. She rolled up her bedroll and fastened it to the back of her saddle which she carried out and placed on Hardy’s back. She cinched up the girth and placed the bridle on her faithful steed as they prepared to leave for home. Nat slid the rifle back into the holder and slipped the strings of the food sack and the water proofed sack over her saddle horn.

Nat placed her foot in the stirrup and mounted Hardy. “Let’s go home, my friends,” she said as her heel nudged Hardy into movement. They traveled the path until noon when Nat pulled Hardy to a stop and dismounted. She led him over to a small stream and allowed him to drink his fill of the cold water as she and Gyp shared more of the jerky. Nat knelt down and filled her hands with the cold water and quenched her thirst as Gyp lapped up water beside her.

After a short break, she mounted Hardy and pulled her hat down over her eyes to block the light rain that had begun to fall. Gyp ran ahead of them chasing wild scents and would disappear into the dense woods and reappear ahead of them down the path and wait for them to catch up. Nat observed an abundance of wild life as she plodded along and would have taken a large buck if she had brought Quincy the mule to carry the carcass. You will only grow bigger, she thought as she watched him bound across the path in front of them.

The plodding of Hardy’s hooves and the creak of her leather saddle made Nat sleepy and she felt her head begin to nod. A sharp yelp from Gyp made her head jerk up and her hand instinctively moved to the butt of the rifle. She watched as a rabbit bolted from the underbrush and fled quickly down the path with Gyp closely on its heels. Another ten yards and Gyp would have caught the rabbit that veered hard right and disappeared down a hole in the ground. Gyp skidded to a halt and used her front paws to dig at the hole.

“That rabbit is long gone, Gyp,” Nat said with a chuckle.

Gyp stopped digging and trotted back onto the path. In another hour, they arrived at the cabin and Nat dismounted and grabbed a water bucket, dropping two dozen of the shrimp into it and covered them with the salty water. She left the bucket on the counter and returned to take up the sack and mount Hardy for the ride into town. Nat planned to drop the sack off to the Indian woman and then meet Marissa at the hotel to walk her home.

She rode Hardy to the woman’s small house on the edge of town. The Indian woman was sitting on her porch, peeling one of the apples Nat had brought her.

“You are back sooner than expected,” she said to Nat when she dismounted.

“The ocean was beautiful, but it was time to come home,” she said as she took the sack from her saddle horn and walked to the porch. “I have a surprise for you,” she said with a smile.

The woman watched with anticipation as Nat opened the drawstring on the sack and placed her hand inside fishing around until her fingers came across one of the shrimp. She pulled it out of the sack and the woman cried out in surprise.

“Shrimp,” she said. I haven’t seen those in ages,” she said, her eyes shining brightly.

“There are a dozen or so in there with your clams,” Nat said.

“Wonderful,” the woman said and hugged Nat’s neck as she took the sack she offered.

“What is the best way to cook those?” Nat asked. “I tried grilling them on the camp fire, but they were very bland.”

“Remove the head and outer shell and then dip them in a whipped egg and then some seasoned flour and fry them in some light grease,” the woman said.

“Sounds easy enough,” Nat said.

“When they turn a golden brown, take them from the grease and let them cool.”

“I will try that tonight,” Nat said.

“If you and Marissa will come by tomorrow night we will have some fresh clam chowder,” the woman said with a warm smile.

“You have a deal,” Nat promised and turned to walk back to Hardy.

“Wait just a minute,” she said.

Nat stopped and turned back to the woman.

“I have something for you,” she said and took the sack inside and reappeared moments later with two pair of breeches tied up with a string.

“You are done already?” Nat asked.

“When you get to be my age, you don’t sleep as well as you did when you were young,” she said, as she handed Nat the package. “Try those on later and let me know if any changes are needed.”

“Thank you, my friend,” Nat said as she reached for Hardy’s reins and they walked to the hotel.

The sun was starting to set and Nat knew it wouldn’t be long before Marissa finished her shift. She left Hardy tied to a hitching post and told Gyp, “stay” as she entered the hotel. When she stepped inside Marissa looked up to see Nat enter and her smile lit the entire room.

Marissa rushed over and hugged her tightly. “You are home early,” she said.

“I missed you,” Nat admitted with a smile. “How much longer until you are done here?” she asked.

“Just a few more minutes,” Marissa said.

“We will wait for you on the porch and walk you home then,” Nat said.

“I will be right there,” Marissa said as she turned to walk back into the kitchen.

Nat walked back onto the porch and sat in a chair with Gyp beside her as she waited for Marissa.

Marissa finished up the last of the dishes and then joined Nat for the walk home. “I am so glad to see you,” she said as they walked from town and she reached for Nat’s hand.

“The ocean was beautiful and we saw some unique creatures, but we decided we missed your cooking and warm bed,” Nat admitted.

“Are you saying I am spoiling you?” Marissa teased.

“Yes, that is it exactly,” Nat said with a grin. “Tonight I have a treat for you though. I am going to cook dinner for you. ”

“Oh goody, what are we having?” Marissa asked.

“I am frying shrimp for you,” Nat said proudly.

“I haven’t had fresh shrimp in years,” Marissa said.

“Tonight you will. I just caught them this morning,” she said. “As soon as I take care of Hardy I will be over to cook for you,” Nat said when they reached her cabin.

“I look forward to that,” Marissa said as she stood facing Nat.

Nat leaned down and kissed Marissa softly. “I will see you soon.”

Marissa walked on to her cabin as Nat led Hardy into the small barn and removed the saddle from his body. She wiped down his body and filled his feed bin before leaving the barn. She took her bedroll and rifle back inside her cabin and then walked to Marissa’s.

Nat took her coat off and hung it behind Marissa’s door. Marissa had brought out a frying pan and was heating it by the fire while she waited on Nat. Nat peeled and removed the heads from the shrimp as Marissa watched her closely. “Can you pour some flour in a bowl for me?” she asked.

“Yes, I will,” Marissa said.

Nat took a small grate and placed it above the coals in the fireplace. She also put a large portion of lard in the heated frying pan and placed it on the grate to heat up. Next, Nat took two eggs and cracked them emptying them into a bowl and used a fork to scramble them. Nat shook salt and pepper into the flour and shook the mixture, blending it together. Marissa watched as Nat picked up a shrimp and dunked it into the egg and then coated it with the flour. She repeated the process with a dozen of the shrimp and then carried the plate holding them over to the fireplace and placed them in the bubbling grease.

She returned the plate to the counter and breaded the remaining shrimp as the first batch began to cook. Nat took a clean plate and a long metal fork and sat on the hearth as she watched the shrimp cooking. Marissa took the shrimp shells out in the bucket and dumped them in the fire and rinsed out the bucket.

Nat turned the shrimp in the grease and smiled when she saw them beginning to turn a golden brown. Marissa placed plates and forks on the table and poured glasses of cool water for them as Nat cooked.

The first batch was cooked and Nat took them from the grease. She placed them on a plate to cool as she cooked the next batch with Marissa watching her carefully. “You handle that frying pan well,” she said with a smile to Nat.

“I can cook, it’s just that I am limited to what I can cook,” Nat said. “Most of my experience has come in the woods, where we eat what we have killed.”

“Well those smell wonderful and I can’t wait to taste them,” Marissa said. “How was your trip?”

“It was good to finally see the ocean. Gyp woke me the first night, to get up and see the Northern Lights,” she said.

“Good girl, Gyp,” Marissa said, and Gyp lifted her head.

“They were a beautiful swirling green and we watched them until the sun rose. Later that morning, we found a small rock pool that was teaming with ocean life that had been stranded by the receding tide. ”

“That sounds interesting,” Marissa said.

“I was amazed by how plentiful the food was, just swimming there in the pool, waiting to be harvested,” Nat said. “I was surprised that no one had settled close with the plentiful food supply,” she said.

“I am sure someone will settle close in the coming years, as the towns continue to swell,” Marissa said. “I have heard that the winter storms on the coast can be brutal, which may discourage settlers from moving in.”

“It was much cooler there than here,” Nat said. “We were lucky when we found a nice cave to take shelter in.” She looked at Gyp, lying between them. “We saw some strange creatures in the ocean, didn’t we girl.”

“How were they strange?” Marissa asked.

“They were huge fish like creatures, but every few minutes they would come to the surface and blow water out of their bodies through a hole on the top of her head.”

“Those are called whales,” Marissa said. “The natives hunt them for their meat and for the blubber that the animals store to help them maintain their warmth in the frozen waters up north.”

“In the back of the cave we found paintings of the creatures and others I have never seen before,” Nat said as she turned the shrimp in the pan. “There was also a skeleton of one of those whales and I brought this back with me,” Nat said as she pulled the tooth from inside her shirt. “This was one of many inside the huge jaws of those creatures,” she explained.

Marissa had never seen a whale, but had heard many tales of the giant creatures. She took the tooth in her hand and examined it closely. “You would think it would be sharp and not flat like a human’s tooth,” she observed.

“That is what I thought, when I saw the size of the creatures,” Nat said. She took another batch of shrimp out and dropped the last few in the seasoned grease. “Why don’t we start with these while the last of them cook?” she said.

Marissa followed Nat to the table and watched as she cut several shrimp into bite sized pieces for Gyp and placed them in her bowl. Then she took several of the shrimp and placed them on her plate, cutting a bite for herself. She bit into the crunchy morsel and smiled at Gyp. “These are much better fried than roasted,” she said with a chuckle.

“These are tasty,” Marissa said, as she took a bite.

“I roasted some over the campfire last night and they were terrible,” Nat said.

“Well, you didn’t have the luxuries of home, so there wasn’t much else you could do, but roast them,” Marissa said.

“That is true, but the fish I cooked was excellent, so we filled our bellies with that,” Nat said, as she placed Gyp’s bowl on the floor.

“She will eat anything you do, won’t she?” Marissa asked.

“So far, but I think I was pressing my luck with those shrimp,” Nat said.

“She seems to be doing just fine with these,” Marissa said, as they watched Gyp eat.

Nat stood and walked to the fire to turn the shrimp still cooking. She was very pleased with how well they had turned out and Marissa seemed to be enjoying them.

“We have been invited to town tomorrow night for clam chowder,” Nat said as she turned and walked back to the table. “The old woman was surprise when I brought her some of these shrimp and gave me the secret to cooking them,” Nat admitted.

“You did an excellent job and I will look forward to the chowder. I have never had it, but I have heard of it from travelers,” she said.

“I think the next time I journey to the ocean I will take Quincy with me,” Nat said. “I could have taken a nice buck on the journey home, but would not have been able to transport the carcass,” she said. “I bet some of those fish would taste great smoked too.”

“Maybe next time I will travel with you,” Marissa said.

“I would like that,” Nat said with a warm smile. She walked to the fire and took the remainder of the shrimp from the grease and placed the pan on the hearth to cool.

She and Marissa ate their fill and then Nat cut up the remaining shrimp and dropped them into Gyp’s bowl. Gyp stood and ate the rest of the food and then let out a soft burp.

Marissa and Nat laughed at the dog as she cocked her head to the side.

“My feelings exactly,” Nat said as she patted her full stomach.

Marissa cleaned the dishes while Nat took the frying pan outside and poured the grease over the wood in the fire pit. Unlike bacon grease, that she saved to season other foods, the grease from the shrimp smelled too pungent and Nat doubted it would be good for seasoning. She then took the pan to the well and rinsed it thoroughly.

Marissa was wiping down the table when Nat returned inside the house. “It is a bit cool, but it’s beautiful out tonight,” she said. “Would you like to sit outside with me for a while?”

“Just let me get my jacket,” Marissa said.

Nat and Marissa sat on the front porch steps and looked up into the beautiful night sky. Nat wrapped her arm around Marissa and held her close, sharing her warmth with her. She pointed out the different constellations and told Marissa the stories her father had shared with her as a child.

“You really miss living outdoors, don’t you?” Marissa asked.

“It is so beautiful, but I have to admit after sleeping in a bed, the ground was a lot less comfortable.” Nat followed up her statement with a long yawn.

“Comfortable maybe, but lonesome without you,” Marissa said.

“So you missed me too?”

“You could say that,” Marissa said.

Nat felt her shiver beneath her arm. “Why don’t we go warm that bed up,” she said.

“That is fine with me,” Marissa said as she stood and took Nat’s hand.

“Let’s go Gyp,” Nat said and Gyp came bounding up the steps racing for the door. “Are we set for firewood in the bedroom?”

“Yes, I stocked up before I left this morning.”

Nat blew out the lantern in the kitchen and then followed Marissa into the bedroom. She placed several pieces of wood on the fire and then began to undress. Marissa offered her a night shirt, but Nat shook her head. “Tonight I want to feel your skin next to mine.”

Marissa stripped down and climbed between the sheets, while she waited for Nat.

Nat joined her in the bed and pressed her body close to Marissa. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too,” Marissa said.

“Will you roll over onto your side and let me hold you tonight?” Nat asked.

Marissa was disappointed that Nat was ready for sleep but understood her weariness from traveling. “Of course I will,” she said, as she turned her back to Nat.

Nat snuggled in close and placed her hand between Marissa’s warm breasts. She fell asleep breathing in the fragrance of Marissa’s skin.

PART ELEVEN

When Nat woke the next morning, she found Marissa’s head lying on her shoulder as her fingers toyed with the bear claw around her neck. When she realized Nat was awake she looked into her lover’s eyes and said, “Tell me about your father.”

“Nathan and Nanya were my parents,” Nat started. “My mother was full blooded Mohican and died many years ago from influenza, so Nathan pretty much raised me on his own.”

“Have you spent all of your life in the woods?” Marissa asked.

“With the exception of a few months each year when we would take shelter for the winter months,” Nat said. “Before the war broke out, we would winter with my mother’s tribe. Once the war started Nathan felt it would be best if we traveled west. ”

“You have never had any formal education, yet you read and write?” Marissa said.

“Father was a well-educated man and at night he would teach me reading, writing, math and history.” Nat smiled with the memory of her father. “During the day he taught me everything he knew about tracking, trapping and harvesting the valuable furs that were so plentiful along the border with Canada.”

Nat fell silent for a few minutes as sadness seemed to hang around her like a mist. “I don’t have many memories of Nanya,” Nat said somewhat saddened. “I do remember though, how beautiful she was and how my father looked at her.”

“How was that?” Marissa asked.

Nat smiled. “The way you are looking at me now,” she said, “With love and adoration.”

Marissa blushed at Nat’s words. “I understand the way he must have felt about your mother.”

Nat rolled onto her side, facing Marissa as her eyes searched Marissa’s face. Her fingers caressed her cheek. “I love you too,” Nat whispered before kissing Marissa’s lips.

They spent the morning making love under the warm covers oblivious to the falling snow that was blanketing their world. When they finally crept from the bed, Gyp raced to the front door, ready to go out to relieve her bladder. Nat opened the door and sighed. “Would you look at this?” she said.

Marissa walked to her side and looked out the door at the yard covered in at least six inches of snow. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

“Very much so,” Nat said as they watched Gyp romp playfully in the snow. “I think Gyp likes it too,” she said with a chuckle.

“Don’t forget we are supposed to go into town for clam chowder tonight,” Marissa said.

“I am looking forward to it,” Nat said. “I think I have worked up an appetite this morning,” she said with a grin.

“There should be some leftover bacon and biscuits if you would like a light meal. I can cook you some eggs too,” Marissa said.

“You have my mouth watering.”

“Scrambled or fried?” Marissa asked.

“Fried, so I can dip my biscuits,” Nat said.

“Then we will take a bath to be fresh when we go into town,” Marissa said.

“You don’t like the smell of the wild on me?” Nat teased.

“It is not as appealing as your fresh and clean smell after a bath,” Marissa said.

“I guess I better go light the fire on the wash pot then,” Nat said.

“There is already cold water in the tub, so at least we won’t have to carry more in,” Marissa said. “Three eggs for you and two for Gyp?” she asked.

“That should be plenty,” Nat said. She moved off the porch and took several pieces of dry wood and used dry grass to stoke the fire and watched as flames began to lick up the side of the wash pot.

Nat scooped up a handful of snow and formed it in a snow ball and took aim on an unsuspecting Gyp. She hurled the mass at Gyp and struck her in the hind quarter. Gyp let out a sharp yelp of surprise and turned to look at Nat. Nat laughed as she shouted at Gyp. “Caught you sleeping, didn’t I?”

Nat was still chuckling and shaking her head as she started for the porch. Gyp ran up behind her and caught Nat by the ankle, causing her to trip and lose her balance, falling none too gracefully on her butt in the cold snow. Gyp looked at Nat and made a dash for the house. Nat saw her run toward the house and roared with laughter.

Marissa turned just as Nat entered the house, still wiping snow from her backside. “What are you two up to?”

“Just playing,” Nat said.

“Gyp ran into the house like her feet were on fire,” Marissa said.

“She ran in for protection,” Nat said with a chuckle.

“Were you picking on her?” Marissa asked.

“I was, but she got the better of me,” Nat said.

“Good girl, Gyp,” Marissa praised.

“Hey, don’t encourage her,” Nat said.

Marissa placed Nat’s eggs on her plate and then cooked two for Gyp. Then she joined them at the table and ate a biscuit and some bacon as she watched Gyp devour the meal. “This cold weather is good for her appetite.”

“Was there something wrong with it before?” Nat asked.

“Maybe she has just gotten used to my cooking,” Marissa teased.

“Well, it is better than what we eat in the woods,” Nat admitted.

“Maybe I need to fatten you both up some this winter then.”

“Gyp maybe, but I need to be able to fit in my clothes,” Nat said.

“Not to worry, after all my good food, you haven’t gained an ounce.”

“That could be because you work it off of me,” Nat said with a mischievous grin.

Marissa blushed at Nat’s suggestion. “I think I will start carrying some water in,” she said, as she left the table.

Nat finished her meal and took a bucket to assist Marissa in carrying water to fill the tub.

“Undress and let me have those clothes to drop in the wash pot,” Marissa instructed.

“Yes ma’am,” Nat said as she began to remove her clothing.

Marissa took the clothes and said, “Get started on your bath and I will join you shortly.”

Nat climbed into the bath tub and began by washing her hair. It had grown well beyond her shoulders and Nat considered asking Marissa to cut it shorter for her as she bathed her body. When Marissa walked into the room carrying fresh clothes for Nat and began to undress, Nat forgot all about the length of her hair.

When they had bathed and dressed, Nat suggested they walk into town and stop by the store to purchase a pound of coffee.

“We still have coffee,” Marissa said.

“It is not for us,” Nat said. “We should take it and maybe some sugar as a gift for the meal we are about to eat.”

“Good idea.”

“You know it is a shame, but I don’t even know the woman’s name,” Nat said.

“It is Maggie Lightfoot,” Marissa said.

“That is a nice strong name,” Nat said.

“She has been living there at the edge of town ever since I can remember.”

“Besides her stitchery, what other services does she provide to maintain her sustenance?”

“She gets quite a bit of business from the trappers, but she also does some baking and canning of vegetables she grows for the hotel,” Marissa said.

“So let’s add a pound of flour also,” Nat said.

“You really have a soft spot for this woman, don’t you?” Marissa said.

“She charged me a fifth of the price she should have for those breeches,” Nat said. “I would have had to pay much more for them anywhere else.”

“Toss in a couple of spools of thread too then,” Marissa said. “She collects scraps of fabric from old clothing and makes some of the warmest down quilts in the area.”

“Any more and we will probably hurt her feelings,” Nat said.

“We will stop there then,” Marissa said, as she finished dressing.

Nat pulled on her boots then reached for her range coat, sliding her arms through the warm coat. She handed Marissa the coat she had bought for her and then wrapped a warm scarf around her neck. “Stay warm,” she said as she opened the door and they were met by a light snowfall.

They made their purchases at the store and walked the short distance to Maggie’s house. Nat knocked lightly on the door and they waited.

Maggie opened the door and smiled as the three of them entered. Gyp shook the flakes from her coat and made a bee line for the fireplace.

“Welcome my friends, let me take your coats,” Maggie said.

Maggie placed their coats on hooks behind the door to dry while they visited. She looked at the package in Nat’s hands.

“We brought a few small gifts,” Nat said as she handed the package to Maggie.

Maggie took the package and placed it on the table to open it up. She smiled when she saw the coffee, sugar, flour and thread. “Thank you,” she said for her gifts.

“Thank you, for the dinner invitation,” Nat said.

“You made that possible, by bringing back the clams,” Maggie said. “Are you hungry?”

Nat looked at Marissa. “I am always hungry,” she said with a sheepish grin.

“You work very hard, so you work up a good appetite,” Maggie said. “That is very good for you.” She took her coffee pot and poured water and some of the ground coffee into it and placed it on the fire. “We will have coffee with dessert,” she said with a smile. “Have a seat and I will bring the meal.”

“Is there anything I can help with?” Marissa said.

“You can fill four bowls with the chowder while I get the fry bread,” Maggie said.

Marissa filled three of the bowls to the rim and the fourth she left some room. She took the water pitcher and poured a small amount of water in it to cool the chowder.

Maggie had torn up a piece of the fry bread. “Here, drop this in there as well to help it cool.”

Marissa took the bread and dropped it into the steamy soup and used a spoon to stir the mixture as Gyp sat and watched, licking her lips in anticipation.

“Better wait a few minutes yet,” Nat said, as she took a seat at the table.

Nat looked at the creamy chowder and it smelled wonderful.

“It is very hot, so be careful you don’t burn your mouth,” Maggie said.

Nat lifted a spoonful and blew softly on it to help it cool. When she placed the mixture in her mouth she moaned with appreciation. “This is very tasty,” she said.

“I hope you like it,” Maggie said with a smile. “I used the clams that you brought back, and added diced potatoes and some corn.”

“This is really good,” Marissa said.

Maggie dunked a piece of the bread into her chowder and took a bite of it after tasting a spoonful of the chowder.

Nat ate heartily of two bowls and three slices of the fry bread.

“Save room for some apple pie,” Maggie said.

Nat placed her spoon in the bowl and grinned at Maggie. “I forgot you mentioned dessert, but that chowder was so delicious.”

“I am glad you enjoyed it,” Maggie said.

“I will definitely be bringing back more clams the next time I go to the ocean,” Nat said.

“They are a great deal of work for such small portions of meat, but the meat is very rich and will give you energy,” Maggie said.

“Nat used your instructions for cooking the shrimp last night and they were very tasty too,” Marissa said.

“I had the last of mine for lunch today,” Maggie said. “They were a very pleasant surprise.”

“I still can’t get over the bounty of ocean life trapped in the rock pools,” Nat said remembering how simple it was to catch the shrimp.

“Maybe I could join you on your next trip and help harvest some of them,” Maggie said. “Did you see large brown colored shelled creatures with long feelers and claws for hands?” Maggie asked.

“Yes, there were many, but I had no idea what they were,” Nat said.

“Those are called lobsters,” Maggie said. “It is a very sweet, tender meat, that when boiled and dipped in melted butter, is like tasting heaven.”

“That description makes me want to ride out and get some now,” Nat said.

“They have more than likely taken to deeper, warmer waters for the winter, but they will be plentiful again in the spring.” She smiled at Nat. “We could probably sell all that we can carry back alive to the hotel.”

“I think the owner would jump at that opportunity,” Marissa said, “but I will be sure to ask just the same.”

“You have a mule don’t you?” Maggie said.

“A very stubborn one,” Nat said.

“I have a small wagon out back and for a small price we could buy a couple of those large pickle barrels and bring back quite a haul,” Maggie said.

“I will check on the barrels tomorrow,” Nat said. “When the winter breaks, we will go to the ocean and bring back what we can.”

“I will look forward to that,” Maggie said.

Maggie got up then and served pie and coffee. After they finished dessert, she sent them home with two large jars of the chowder.

As they stepped out onto the small porch, Nat noticed the very small pile of chopped wood Maggie had and made a mental note. The snow had begun to fall again in earnest as she took Marissa’s hand and they rushed home.

That was the first of the many snows that would besiege them that winter. By the end of the first month, the drifts had accumulated to over three feet. Nat and Gyp would walk into town with Marissa on the days she had to work and Nat frequently found herself spending her days with Smithy, assisting him in evaluating the late season furs that trappers brought in as they took refuge from the bitter winter storms. She enjoyed spending time with the big man and in some ways she reminded him of Nathan with his gentle ways. He was ferocious when it came to trading, but always treated his customers generously and professionally.

During that winter, he taught Nat a great deal of knowledge of what furs and products sold best in the market. As he had explained to her when she first returned to town, any bear products sold for excellent money, but mounted heads were also a big market item.

While he was not encouraging her to hunt for bear, he did say he could move any bear item she was to bring in next year. “Buck heads and ram’s heads are also much sought after items,” he had told her after one customer had left the store. “The man that just left is the owner of the saloon and livery and will buy any decent mounted piece to hang in the saloon. He loves to spin wild tales of his hunting adventures to inflate his sense of masculinity,” Smithy said with a chuckle. “To be honest, I don’t know if the man would even know how to load a weapon.”

“What do you know about whales?” Nat asked.

“They are huge creatures that the Inuit hunt as their main source of food and heating oil,” Smithy said. “Why do you ask?”

“When I went to the ocean a few weeks back, I found the remains of what I believe to be one of those creatures in a cave.”

“If you journey back there,” Smithy said, “bring back some of those rib bones.” He smiled at Nat. “I bet some of these Green Horns would buy them, they seem to buy anything wild.”

“I do hope to go back that way, once this weather breaks,” Nat said. “I saw a huge buck on my way home that I plan to go get,” she said.

Smithy chuckled. “You are always on the hunt aren’t you?”

“I guess I am,” Nat said with a grin.

“Have you decided on what you will do this spring?” Smithy asked.

“No, not yet,” Nat said.

“You will have a job here if you want it,” Smithy said.

“Thanks Smithy, I am not sure what I will do,” Nat said.

“I know you will make the right decision when the time comes,” he said.

Nat left his store to meet Marissa for the walk home.

Every few weeks Nat would wake early and hitch Quincy to a small sling and bring in a pile of chopped wood for Maggie’s porch and be home by the time Marissa had breakfast on the table. Nat never saw Maggie during her deliveries, but Maggie would be there, behind the curtains watching Nat as she stacked the wood close to the door.

One morning when it was time for Nat to make a delivery, she found a package with her name on it wrapped in string. She stacked the wood and picked up the package before she started home. She cared for Quincy and walked into the kitchen as Marissa was placing biscuits on the table.

“What do you have there?” Marissa asked.

“A gift from Maggie apparently,” Nat said. “I found it sitting on the porch this morning when I dropped off the wood.”

“Open it,” Marissa urged.

Nat untied the string and peeled back the paper. Maggie had sewn a quilt, the most beautiful she had ever seen.

“That is beautiful,” Marissa said, as Nat lifted the quilt and opened it to reveal the bold pattern Maggie had sewn for her. “We will need that on the bed if the temperature keeps dropping like it has,” Marissa said

“Have you been getting cold during the night?” Nat asked.

“A little, yes,” Marissa said.

“I have the remedy for that,” Nat said. “Take this and place it on the bed and I will be right back.”

Marissa took the quilt and spread it across her bed, then waited for Nat’s return.

Nat walked back to her cabin and went to the bedroom. For the last several weeks, she had been working on the bear skin and had finally managed to clean all of the wild smell from it. If she placed the skin over the new quilt, Marissa would not be cold again at night, she thought as she took the pelt in her arms.

She carried it back to Marissa’s cabin and walked to the bed and spread it on top of the quilt. “Now you won’t get cold again,” Nat promised.

That night after they entered the bed, Nat pulled the covers over their bodies and they slept the night away wrapped in the toasty warmth of one another’s body.

PART TWELVE

Nat sat on the front porch while taking a break from splitting wood. The afternoon was fading quickly and Marissa would be home soon. She sat with one booted foot on the porch railing and watched the dripping of water from the roof line. Winter was almost over and the snow that had packed the roof for months was beginning to melt and Nat thought about the future as she was mesmerized by the falling droplets.

Earlier in the day, she had delivered the pickle barrels to Maggie’s home and placed them securely on the small cart they would use to go to the ocean. She also fashioned a small bench seat for Maggie to sit on while they traveled.

If the weather continued to warm over the next few days, they would leave for the ocean that weekend. She and Maggie made preparations for the trip, including proper pots and pans to do real cooking in the cave where they would shelter during the trip.

Nat also made a stop at the general store to purchase dungarees and warmer clothes for Marissa to travel in. There would be no comfort in dresses on this trip.

Gyp bounded off the front porch and ran to the road to greet Marissa who was returning home.

“Hello, Gyp,” she said as she knelt down to stroke the dog’s head.

Gyp walked with her until she came into contact with the cabin and saw Nat sitting on the porch waiting for her to arrive. Marissa carried a small bucket filled with chicken and biscuits she had prepared for their dinner.

“Hello, my love,” Nat said when Marissa stepped onto the porch.

“Hello, Nat, I hope you have had a good day,” Marissa said.

“I have at that,” Nat said. “I spent the morning preparing for our trip.”

“Is there anything I need to do?” Marissa asked.

“Other than try on your new outfit, no, I think we are set,” Nat said.

“What new outfit?” Marissa asked.

“I bought you some proper traveling clothes,” Nat said.

She followed Marissa into the cabin and sat down at the table as Marissa sat down the bucket and opened the package sitting on the table. Marissa held the dungarees next to her body and then took out a long sleeved undershirt and then a thick work shirt to wear on top.

“Let’s see how well you did on the sizes,” Marissa said as she disappeared into the bedroom to change.

Nat had actually done very well on selecting the correct sizes. Marissa slipped on the dungarees and then the undershirt, tucking it into the dungarees. She then slipped the work shirt over the undershirt and other than the sleeves being a little long, it fit her quite well. She put her leather boots back on and went to model the outfit for Nat.

“What do you think?” she asked as she stepped back into the room and made a slow circle for Nat.

“I think, you look like a proper out of doors woman now,” Nat said. “The fit looks good and should be ample to keep you warm during our journey.”

“It feels so odd to not be wearing a dress,” Marissa said.

“Have you never owned dungarees before?” Nat asked.

“Never,” Marissa said.

“So, this is another first for you,” Nat said with a warm smile.

“Yes it is, my love,” Marissa said as she sat in Nat’s lap and wrapped her arms around her neck.

“I have prepared our bedrolls for the trip also,” Nat said.

“I am so excited, I can barely wait,” Marissa said.

“We will leave soon, my love,” Nat promised.

For the next two days, Nat made the final preparations for their trip. She took Quincy into town to have his hooves filed and she hooked him up to the small cart and pulled it home. Nat intended to take a small load of split wood to use in the cave which would burn longer and hotter than the dried driftwood. She would load the wood the morning that they departed.

She also took Hardy and Buck into town to see the blacksmith for new shoes. While she waited on them to be shod, Nat went to the general store to buy several pounds of salt and a new box of cartridges for her rifle. They would camp at the small river on the return trip home while Nat hunted for the large buck she had seen. If she was successful in her hunt, she and Maggie would split the meat and coat it with heavy salt until they arrived home. Then they would smoke the fresh meat. She and Marissa still had a bounty of meat in the smoke house, so Nat intended the majority of the venison would be smoked for Maggie. She would also take the pelt and the head would be sold to Smithy along with several of the whale ribs if they were still present in the cave.

It would be a fun trip for them as well as a profitable one, if their plans worked out.

The night before they were due to depart, Marissa was overcome with excitement. She baked biscuits and a fresh pie to take with them on the trip. Nat was worried she would not sleep that night as she bustled around the kitchen, but when she curled up in Nat’s arms later that evening, she slept soundly throughout the night.

Nat woke before the sun rose and dressed in her breeches and travel clothes. She slipped quietly from the house and hitched Quincy to the cart, filling the back of it with the split wood she intended to take with them. She also loaded the axe and a small rake into the back of the cart.

She went inside to wake Marissa. She sat down on the side of the bed and leaned down to kiss Marissa. “It is time to wake, my love,” she softly whispered.

Marissa stretched and turned toward Nat. “Good morning, love,” she said with a sweet smile.

“It is time to be up and moving about,” Nat said. “I have Quincy hitched and will take him into town to load Maggie’s supplies and bring her here.”

“I will be ready when you return my love. I will cook some bacon to go with the biscuits and then douse both fireplaces,” Marissa said.

“I will saddle the horses when I return and we will be ready to depart,” Nat said. She leaned down to kiss Marissa. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Marissa said as she threw her arms around Nat’s neck and hugged her close.

Gyp and Nat walked Quincy into town. Maggie had her bundles ready and they loaded them into the cart. “All set?” Nat asked.

“I think I have everything we need,” Maggie said.

“Let’s be off then,” Nat said.

Maggie walked beside Nat and Quincy, choosing to walk the short distance. She led Quincy the last way to Marissa’s while Nat stopped off to saddle Hardy and Buck for the trip. Maggie and Marissa were sitting on the porch eating a bacon filled biscuit when Nat led the two horses into the yard.

Nat ate a biscuit with them and then walked back inside the cabin to get the rifle and her range coat which she tied across her bedroll. She handed Marissa her coat as she tied it across her bedroll as well. The sun had risen and was shining down on them as they prepared to leave.

Nat helped Marissa into the saddle and then mounted Hardy. Maggie walked beside Quincy preferring to stretch her city legs for most of the morning. They made good time and by the time the sun was overhead they stopped at the small river.

“We will camp here on the return home as this is where I plan to take that buck,” Nat said.

“I saw his tracks a small way back and he is huge,” Maggie said.

“He will provide enough meat to feed you through next winter,” Nat said with a grin.

Maggie smiled back at her. “How much further?” she asked.

“We will arrive by midafternoon,” Nat said. “We should water the animals here and fill our flasks as fresh water is rare once we get to the ocean.”

After the animals were watered and flasks filled, the travelers continued on their journey. In another hour of travel, Nat could begin to smell the scent of salt on the breeze and she knew that they were coming close.

“Can you smell the ocean on the air?” she asked Marissa who was riding beside her.

“Faintly, yes,” Marissa said. “Will we be there soon?”

“Very soon,” Nat said.

As they approached the final hilltop, Nat could hear the roar of the water and she knew they had arrived. “Here we are,” Nat said as they crested the hill and looked down onto the beach.

Nat dismounted Hardy and handed her reins to Marissa, then took Quincy’s halter and led him down to the beach and up the narrow path to the cave. Maggie and Marissa followed closely behind. “Let’s set up camp and then we can go explore those pools,” she said to her friends.

Nat carried the wood into the back of the cave as Maggie lit a fire and she and Marissa carried their supplies inside. Nat unsaddled the horses and placed the saddles deep in the cave and watched as Hardy and Buck ran down to the water’s edge. Nat then unhitched Quincy, propping the arms of the cart on a large bolder to keep it upright. She then watched as Quincy joined his larger friends, rushing to them in his fastest speed, a slow trot.

She watched the three animals down at the water’s edge and then moved inside to see how the camp was coming. Marissa was looking at the painted walls with great curiosity as Maggie interpreted the meaning of each painting for her. Nat looked into the rear corner and saw that the whale bones were still tucked away in the shadows.

“Are we ready to walk down to the pools?” Nat asked.

Both Maggie and Marissa nodded their heads and followed Nat to the mouth of the cave. Nat stopped to take the rifle from her saddle and then led her friends to the rock pools.

She watched as Maggie and Marissa walked around the pools pointing out various types of ocean life, but also taking inventory. “I have counted twenty-five lobsters,” Marissa said excitedly.

“Wait here and I will bring one of the barrels and we can begin the harvest,” Nat said.

Maggie had already removed her boots and was rolling the legs of her breeches up as Nat made her comment. Marissa followed suit and within minutes, Nat returned with a barrel.

Marissa watched as Maggie grabbed a lobster behind its massive head, steering clear of the powerful claws that could inflict a painful blow if they were not careful. Nat removed her boots and joined the in the harvest of the creatures, until they had taken all of them from the pools.

Nat had also brought her spear back from the cave. “Would you like fresh fish tonight for dinner?” she asked.

“I saw two large ones in that pool that should do quite well,” Maggie said as she pointed to a larger rock pool.

Nat used her spear to impale the fish and then carried them back to where Maggie and Marissa were waiting for her.

“If you will take the fish and rifle, I will carry the barrel back to the cave,” Nat said. “Then we will use a bucket to add water to the barrel.”

Nat lifted the heavy barrel and walked quickly toward the cave, stopping halfway to catch her breath.

“Can I help?” Marissa asked.

“You could have had I thought to fashion some sort of handles on the barrel,” Nat said. “I am almost there,” Nat said as she lifted the barrel again.

When they reached the cave, Nat sat on a nearby rock to catch her wind.

“I will clean these for dinner if you will begin carrying water,” Maggie said to Marissa.

Nat began to stand. “You rest for now,” Maggie said.

“You heard the lady,” Marissa said with a grin as she picked up the bucket and started toward the water, with Gyp on her heels.

Maggie carried the fish down to the water’s edge and cleaned them as she prepared them for roasting. When she returned to the cave she walked past Nat and placed the fish on the spit above the fire to begin cooking.

Marissa dumped five buckets of water into the barrel to cover the lobsters and then sat beside Nat. “I have a surprise for you,” Maggie said. “Bring your bucket and your rake and follow me.”

Nat picked up the rake as Marissa took the bucket and they followed Maggie down to the beach. She took the rake from Nat and began raking when she saw bubbles forming in the wet sand and Nat and Marissa picked up the clams and dropped them into the bucket.

“I brought the cream broth for some chowder,” Maggie said. “All we need is fresh clams,” she said. “I will put it on to cook if you will help me shell these.”

“Just show me how,” Nat said.

Maggie took Nat’s knife from her boot and showed Nat how to pry the shell open and then used the tip to cut the small morsel of meat from the shell.

“Just drop them in the pot as you shell them and they will cook into the broth,” Maggie said with a grin. She then took containers of seasoning out and shook them across the fish and shook more into the pot of cooking chowder. “We shall feast tonight.”

Nat sat with her hand running through Gyp’s fur as she talked with Maggie and Marissa while they waited for dinner to cook. “I think we had a good harvest for a first day,” Nat said.

“Yes, we did,” Maggie agreed. “It will be interesting to see what tomorrow brings to see if the rock pools refill with ocean life.”

“I may journey past the rock pools tomorrow to see what else exists,” Nat said. “If you think you and Marissa can handle the harvest.”

“I think we will do just fine,” Marissa said. “I will take the bucket and bring it back here as we fill it,” she said. “Taking a full barrel is just too much strain.”

“I agree,” Maggie said. “You stretch your legs and we will care for the harvest.”

Gyp’s ears perked as she heard a sound unheard by human ears and she rose to her feet and ran to the mouth of the cave.

“I wonder what she heard,” Nat said as she stood to follow her companion, closely followed by Marissa and Maggie.

When she reached the mouth of the cave, Nat looked out across the water and saw what Gyp had heard.

“Whales,” she said as she pointed out across the water.

They walked down to the edge of the water and watched as the creatures reached the water’s surface, expelling air and water from their bodies as they took their next breaths. They watched until they swam beyond sight as the night began to bloom.

When they returned to the cave, Maggie and Marissa took out bowls, plates and spoons from their packs and prepared to serve dinner. Maggie dipped out chowder and set it out to cool as she served up portions of the flakey fish. She crumbled pieces of fish into Gyp’s bowl of chowder as Gyp sat waiting patiently.

“It has to cool first, Gyp,” Maggie said.

Marissa poured coffee for each of them as they gathered around the fire to share their first meal.

“Thank you for this wondrous bounty,” Maggie said to no one in particular.

They nibbled on the cooling fish as they waited for the chowder to cool enough to eat. Between the four of them, they finished the fish and a bowl of chowder each. Gyp had an extra portion of fish as the women had a slice of Marissa’s pie.

“That was a wonderful meal,” Nat said to Maggie and Marissa, as she placed more wood on the fire and as the skies darkened outside the shadows danced on the walls of the cave. “I am going to tend to the animals,” Nat said.

“Do you want some help?” Marissa asked.

“Sure,” Nat said. “Why don’t we rinse of these dishes too while we are at it,” she said as she picked up the dishes.

“I will get those, you two care for the animals,” Maggie said as she took the stack of dishes from Nat and headed to the water.

Nat stood at the mouth of the cave and whistled. Then she and Marissa filled three feed bags for the two horses and mule. They watched as the three animals approached following Hardy up to the mouth of the cave. Nat and Marissa slipped the bags over their heads and the animals fed on the tender oats and molasses mixture.

Maggie took the dishes into the cave as Nat and Marissa stayed with the animals until they finished feeding, then removed the feed bags and stored them for the evening. Nat then took Marissa in her arms to watch the moon begin to rise over the glass-like water.

“I am very proud to have you here with me,” Nat whispered in her ear.

“I am proud to be here with you, too,” Marissa said. “It gives me a glimpse, however small, of what your world is like.”

Marissa turned to face Nat. “I watched your face as we traveled today and you seemed so at peace under the open sky.”

“It is the only home I have ever known, until now,” Nat said. “I have spent more nights under a blanket of stars than I have with a roof over my head,” she said calmly.

“It must be beautiful to look up into the sky and see all those stars smiling down on you,” Marissa said.

“It is beautiful, but it can become very lonely too,” Nat said. “Sometimes I wish Gyp could talk, just so I could hear another voice,” Nat said. “The silence can be very overwhelming.”

“I can only imagine,” Marissa said.

“It’s starting to cool down are you ready to move inside?” Nat asked.

“Did our eggs make the trip?” Nat asked Maggie as they entered the cave.

“Yes, you packed them well. Would you like some for breakfast she asked?”

“Only if it will leave enough for us to have shrimp for dinner tomorrow night,” Nat said with a grin.

“I think you must really like those,” Marissa said.

“Oh, I do,” Nat said. “Fried though, not roasted.”

Gyp let out a small bark of agreement.

“Very well, we shall have fried shrimp tomorrow,” Maggie said as she pulled a blanket around her shoulders.

Nat placed more wood on the fire and removed her boots to crawl into her bedroll. “Goodnight my friends,” she said.

“Goodnight,” Maggie and Marissa said.

Nat turned onto her side and snuggled in to Marissa’s body to share warmth and she watched as Gyp walked over and curled up next to Maggie. Maggie’s hand reached out and was buried in Gyp’s soft fur.

Nat woke once with a chill and got up to add wood to the fire and the next time she woke, Maggie was awake. Maggie had started the coffee and when she saw Nat was awake she poured another cup. Nat quietly stood and slipped her boots on before joining Maggie around the fire.

“Thanks,” she said as she took the cup from Maggie. “How did you sleep?”

“I missed my warm bed,” Maggie said with a smile. “But, I wouldn’t have missed this trip for anything.”

Nat looked over at Marissa, still sleeping peacefully.

“Let her sleep for a while yet,” Maggie said. “Yesterday’s travel took its toll on her.”

“I noticed it did not take long for her to fall asleep,” Nat said.

“She is not as used to all the fresh air like you are,” Maggie said.

“I just hope she doesn’t regret coming along.”

“That woman would follow you anywhere,” Maggie said with a warm smile.

“You think so?” Nat said.

“I know so,” Maggie said with a grin. “For some reason she adores you.”

Nat blushed slightly.

“You are a good woman, Nat and you two deserve happiness together,” Maggie said.

“Thanks, Maggie, I do love her so.”

“Have you decided if you will return to the woods this spring?”

“I haven’t decided either way yet,” Nat said. “It is not an easy decision.”

Marissa stirred and sat up. “Why didn’t you wake me,” she said?

“Because you were sleeping so soundly,” Nat said. “We thought we would get a jump on the coffee before you woke,” she teased.

“Should I start breakfast?” Maggie asked.

“I could eat a bear,” Marissa said.

“You are that hungry?” Nat asked.

“You worked me hard yesterday,” Marissa teased. “I have a feeling today will be busy too.”

“Do we still have biscuits left?” Maggie asked.

“About a dozen with a little bacon,” Marissa said.

“Scrambled or fried eggs then?”

“Why don’t you just scramble them all with some of that bacon,” Nat suggested.

“You are so clever,” Marissa said. “I will get our plates and the biscuits.”

Marissa handed Maggie the bacon and watched as Maggie scrambled the eggs and crumbled the bacon in them.

“That smells good,” Nat said as Maggie started serving up the eggs.

They ate the meal and cleaned the dishes as the sun continued to rise. Nat picked up the bucket and the rifle. “Are we ready?” she asked.

They walked to the rock pools and were pleased that more ocean life had been trapped overnight. Nat left them to begin the harvest as she and Gyp walked further down the beach. They passed several more rock pools gorged with creatures. They would harvest these lobsters as well before heading back to the river tomorrow.

As they walked, Nat began seeing strange tracks in the wet sand, like non she had ever seen. She followed the tracks and when she passed a large boulder she saw what was creating the trail. Gyp saw the creature too and circled it with great curiosity. Nat had seen a turtle before, albeit, none as big as this one. It was easily four feet long and she guessed it weighed at least three hundred pounds. She moved closer to touch the hard shell and the creature turned its large head to look at her.

“You are a beauty,” she said to the large animal.

Nat saw movement down the beach and walked toward it cautiously. “Easy Gyp,” she said as she started a low growl deep in her throat. Nat ducked behind a large boulder and called Gyp to her. She peered over the boulder and watched as a pair of wolves fed on some type of tusked animal. Such a strange place, Nat thought as she watched the predators go back to their meal. “I think it is time for us to head back,” she said to Gyp.

She and Gyp walked back to the rock pool to find Marissa and Maggie harvesting the last of the lobsters. “You two have got to see something we found,” Nat said.

They passed the other rock pools teeming with lobsters and continued to follow Nat, surprised that something else had excited her so. When they passed the first of the large boulders, they saw what Nat was enchanted with. “Have you ever seen a turtle this big before?” she asked.

“It is a turtle from the sea and if I had to guess I would say this one is very old,” Maggie said. “She has probably come ashore to find a safe place to lay her eggs.”

“She is amazing,” Marissa said, as she slowly circled the large creature.

“Further ahead, there is a carcass of a large tusked animal that two wolves are feasting on,” Nat said.

“That sounds like a walrus,” Maggie said.

“It is something I have never seen before,” Nat said. “There are such strange, but wondrous creatures at the ocean,” she said, her eyes shining brightly with excitement.

“Do you think the wolves have passed on?” Maggie asked.

“If not, I can send them on their way,” Nat said as she lifted the rifle.

“Those tusks are very valuable,” Maggie said.

“Follow me,” Nat said. “Gyp, stay close,” she said.

The wolves had passed on when they arrived, but Nat kept a wary eye on the beach ahead.

“That is a walrus,” Maggie said. “It has been dead a few days,” she said. “It must have been injured or ill to beach itself this way,” she added.

Nat looked at Maggie. “How do you harvest those?” she asked pointing at the long tusks.

“Take your knife and cut around where they join the skin,” Maggie said. “Then we pull and pull hard,” she said.

Nat pulled her knife and cut away the skin from the exposed edge of the tusk. “Help me, Marissa,” Maggie said as she took the tusk in her hands. It took them several tries, but finally the tusk broke free from the animal’s skull. They repeated the process with the other tusk and Nat walked to the water’s edge to clean her knife.

“Smithy will have a field day with those,” Maggie said. The use the tusks to customize pistol grips and knife handles and in some places to fashion jewelry. It takes great patience and a very good knife to carve the hard tusks though.

Marissa and Maggie each carried a tusk as they made their way back to the cave. They stopped by the rock pool and counted another dozen lobsters that Nat and Marissa would harvest while Maggie collected shrimp for their dinner. They placed the tusks in the small cart and took the bucket back to the rock pool. Nat made four trips back to the barrel carrying lobster before they were done. She then added more water to both barrels to cover the clamoring creatures. Maggie had gathered a flask full of shrimp and was cleaning them at the water’s edge when Marissa and Nat returned to the camp.

Marissa walked down to the water to assist Maggie with cleaning the shrimp while Nat went inside the cave and carried out six of the largest rib bones from the whale carcass and added them to the cart.

“If we have much more luck, poor Quincy won’t be able to move this cart,” Nat said. “As it is, I may have to carry the ribs and tusks and other supplies up the hill before we load him down.”

“We can carry everything but the barrels,” Maggie said, and I will walk home.

“There is no need for that,” Nat said. “Once he gets on solid, flat land, Quincy can pull a mountain,” she said proudly.

“We still have a buck to add too,” Maggie reminded her with a grin.

“Oh, I haven’t forgotten about him, but I won’t spend long tracking him. I can always come back for him later, if need be.”

“The lobsters will be fine as long as they are packed in the salt water,” Maggie said, “So take what time you need.”

Nat saw her animals walking toward them on the beach and placed their feed bags over their heads, adding a little extra for Quincy.

They spent the remainder of the afternoon on the beach resting from their adventures and when the sun started to fade, Maggie stood up and walked to the cave to start their meal.

“I will go help Maggie,” Marissa said. “Don’t be too much longer out here,” she said.

“We won’t be far behind you, my love,” Nat promised.

Nat picked up a small piece of driftwood and tossed it down the beach for Gyp to retrieve and they played their game of catch for twenty minutes as they moved down the beach. As they walked back toward the cave, Gyp stopped in her tracks and looked at the cliffs above the beach. Nat looked and then heard the howl of wolves, probably the feeding pair they had seen earlier on the beach. She looked at saw that Quincy, Buck and Hardy were safely at the mouth of the cave and decided that they would stay inside tonight instead of being allowed to roam free. Nat could not afford to lose one of her animals to a pack of wolves. She would light a fire at the mouth of the cave and she would sleep there with the animals just in case they were visited that night.

When she reached the mouth of the cave, she tethered the animals together and went inside to gather some firewood to start an outer fire. “What is going on?” Marissa asked.

“We may have company tonight, so I will sleep out front with the animals to protect them,” Nat said.

“Protect them from the wolves?” Maggie asked.

“Yes, did you hear them too?”

“Yes, just a few minutes ago and fairly close,” Maggie said with a frown.

“They should not be a problem, but I will sleep out with the animals to make sure,” Nat said. “We will be gone from here early in the morning and they can have their territory back.”

Maggie and Marissa were cooking the shrimp and they were beginning to smell good. “You two have my mouth watering,” she said. “Those smell good.”

“We should be finished in just a few minutes, but if you want to start breaking some up for Gyp, that would be fine,” Maggie said.

Nat took several of the cooked shrimp that had time to cool and broke them into smaller pieces for Gyp and placed them in her bowl. Maggie handed her a jar of chowder that had been warmed and said, “Here, pour some of this over them for her.”

Nat looked at Gyp. “You are getting so spoiled.”

Gyp barked sharply at Nat to voice her disagreement.

“And so rebellious too,” Nat said with a laugh as she sat the bowl on the cave floor for Gyp. “Go ahead.”

Gyp stepped forward and ate the meal, lapping up every drop of the chowder from the walls of the bowl. Nat poured more of the rich chowder in the bowl and Gyp ate it as she sat by her master who had also begun to eat her meal.

When they had cleaned up the meal and the moon had rose, Nat said, “We should get an early night tonight, so we can be up early in the morning.”

“Would you like for me to join you outside?” Marissa said with a hopeful smile.

“No, sweetheart, you stay inside the cave with Maggie where it is warmer,” Nat said to her disappointment.

Marissa watched as Nat moved her bedroll out to the mouth of the cave and then looked at Maggie. Maggie smiled and nodded at Marissa who picked up her bedroll and followed Nat.

“What are you doing?” Nat asked.

“I am joining you my love,” Marissa said. “If I get cold, I know you will warm me up,” she said with a soft smile.

“Very well, have it your way,” Nat said.

The lonesome call of a wolf broke the night air as Nat sat against a rock. Marissa came and sat with her and they cuddled and listened until the calls grew further apart and in the distance as the pack moved away from the beach.

“Do you think it is safe now to sleep?” she asked.

“I think so. The animals will alert us if they return,” Nat said.

“Good,” Marissa said and then led Nat to their bedrolls. Marissa snuggled down into her covers and then reached for Nat, taking her face in her hands. She kissed her sweetly and pulled her body close to share warmth and they slipped off to sleep.

PART THIRTEEN

Nat woke the next morning to the soft crunch of footsteps. Maggie had woken earlier and was busy carrying the supplies up to the top of the hill to lessen Quincy’s burden as they left the beach. By the time Nat had wiped the sleep from her eyes, Maggie had carried the last of the crates with their supplies up the hill.

“Good morning,” she whispered. “The coffee is on the back fire.”

“Thanks,” Nat whispered back.

She gently shook Marissa awake and stood to get them coffee. She poured sand from her boots and slipped them on her cold feet before walking into the cave. Nat returned moments later with cups of coffee and stirred the embers in the fire to give them warmth as their bodies awoke.

Marissa had gotten up and rolled their bedrolls tightly. She gladly accepted the coffee from Nat and used it to warm her hands.

“Thank you,” she said as she took the cup from Nat.

“You have been busy,” Nat said.

“I woke up early and thought I would make good use of my time,” Maggie said with a grin. “I also dug some clams to take back with us, hoping your aren’t sick of chowder yet.”

“I could eat that almost every night,” Nat said with a grin.

“I will make some tomorrow when we arrive home while you and Marissa do our bartering,” Maggie said.

“With fry bread too?” Nat asked.

“Yes, I will make fry bread,” Maggie said with a smile.

They drank another cup of coffee together and then went about the task of breaking camp. Marissa doused the fires as Nat saddled the horses and Maggie hitched Quincy to the small cart. Only the barrels of lobster and clams remained on the cart, so he should be able to pull the cart through the soft sand up the hill. There, they would add the rest of the supplies and goods Maggie had already carried up the hill.

Marissa led the horses up the hill while Maggie guided Quincy and Nat pushed the cart from behind. As it turned out, Quincy did not need the extra help, but it got them up the hill quicker.

Maggie and Marissa loaded the rest of the supplies and then Nat lifted Marissa into the saddle. “I will walk for a while,” Maggie said as she took Quincy’s halter and started him toward the trail.

Nat smiled and mounted Hardy. Gyp was walking beside Maggie and they left the ocean shortly after sunrise. Nat turned in her saddle and looked back at the ocean one more time as they walked away.

They made good time getting back to the river and Nat unhitched Quincy from the cart and watched as he moved down to the water to drink deeply. She joined the small animal for a long drink and then turned back to Maggie and Marissa.

“If you two will set up camp and care for the animals, Gyp and I will begin the hunt,” she said.

“We can do that,” Marissa said as she watched Nat pull the rifle from its sling.

“I will see you sometime later then,” Nat said.

Marissa watched until Nat and Gyp disappeared into the woods and then turned back to the animals. She removed the saddles from Buck and Hardy as Maggie laid a campfire. She went to the river and dipped out a bucket of fresh water and carried it to the camp site. When they had finished, she and Maggie sat back and enjoyed the relaxing sound of the river as it flowed across the rocks. The sound of the moving water was the only sound that filled the air until Maggie pointed to the sky and they saw a majestic eagle soaring toward the ocean. The large bird called out when it spotted something moving on the ground, then flew out of eyesight.

Maggie opened a small sack and pulled out pieces of soft buckskin and began sewing the pieces together.

“What are you making?” Marissa asked.

“I am making Nat some new boots, but it is a secret,” she said.

“I won’t say a word,” Marissa promised.

Maggie showed her the leather and the hard sole she was sewing the buckskin onto and Marissa watched her as Maggie’s hands moved quickly. “Do you braid?” Maggie asked.

“Yes, I do,” Marissa said.

“Would you like to make the boot strings for these?” Maggie asked.

“I would like that, yes,” Marissa said.

Maggie pulled six long strands of buckskin from the sack. “Three to a string and make them as tight as you can,” she said.

Marissa went to work braiding the long strands under Maggie’s watchful eye. When she finished one, Maggie inspected it and praised her good work. “That is perfect,” she said.

Marissa reached for the other three strands, when they heard a gunshot.

“Nat has found something,” Maggie said.

As she and Gyp walked through the woods in search of hoof prints to track the buck, they heard a turkey gobbling in the distance. Nat and Gyp followed the sound and as they approached, Nat began mimicking the sound made by the large bird. She crouched low, next to a tree and waited as the turkey approached the sound of her call. Gyp sat patiently by her side as they waited. Gyp was the first to see the large colorful bird as he entered a clearing just ahead of them and her body shook with excitement.

Nat lifted the rifle and with one clean shot, she took the birds head off dropping it instantly. It wasn’t the buck she hoped for, but there was still plenty of daylight left to track him. She walked to the clearing and picked up the bird. She would carry it back to Maggie, who could pluck it and prepare it for roasting over the camp fire as she and Gyp crept back into the woods.

Maggie smartly put her goods back into the bag and after several minutes they heard Nat approach and saw Gyp run from the woods ahead of her master.

Nat emerged from the woods carrying the large bird and wearing a smile.

“You got us a turkey,” Maggie said as she stood and watched Nat approach.

“I thought he would make a good dinner and then some,” Nat said. “I will go back in search of the buck, if you will prepare the bird for dinner,” she said.

“No problem at all,” Maggie said. “Turkey feathers make for good warmth too,” she added as she took the bird from Nat and headed for the river.

“I will be back later,” she said, with a smile to Marissa then she and Gyp walked into the woods.

They walked the banks of the river for nearly an hour before they came to an outcropping of rocks next to the river. Nat had not seen any evidence of the large buck, so she and Gyp climbed atop the pile of rocks. From this point, she could see quite a distance and would be able to see any wildlife well before their approach to the river to drink before the night fell.

Nat settled in to a comfortable position and waited. She watched as smaller animals, rabbits and a red fox made their way cautiously to the river to drink before disappearing into the dense forest. Gyp placed her head on Nat’s thigh and was gently being stroked by her master when they heard a larger animal moving toward the water.

Gyp’s ears perked to attention as they watched a small buck move to the water, drink and then bound across the river to disappear once more. She relaxed back against a rock and they continued to wait. They watched more small critters come to drink and Nat had just about given up on seeing the large buck when Gyp lifted her head and looked off to the right.

Walking toward them in all his beauty was the buck, his large rack making noise in the brush as he approached. Nat watched as he cleared the brush and moved into the open near the river. She raised her rifle and when the buck lifted his head from drinking, she squeezed the trigger and a slug pierced his heart dropping him to his knees.

Nat climbed down the rocks and walked toward the river. She took a length of rope from her pack and tied one end around the buck’s hind legs and tossed the other end over a branch of a nearby tree. She hoisted the buck off the ground and drew her knife. She made a deep incision across his jugular and his warm blood started flowing onto the ground. Nat continued to cut until she reached the spine on both sides of the buck’s neck and then gripped his antlers and lifted his head until she heard the spine snap and the head fell free from the body. She placed the head next to the tree and then returned to cut a line down the buck’s abdomen, eviscerating his lifeless body.

Nat walked to the water to rinse her knife and slipped it back into the sheath in her boot. She picked up the head and her rifle. “Let’s go back for Quincy,” she said to Gyp.

They followed the river back to the camp site and Maggie jumped to her feet when she heard them approach. “Got him,” Nat said with a huge smile. “I need Quincy to bring him back.”

Nat placed the buck’s head on the cart and turned to see Marissa staring at it. “Are you okay, sweetheart?” she asked.

“Can you turn that around so I don’t have to look at those eyes all night?” Marissa said.

Nat grinned back at her. “Sure thing, honey,” she said and turned the head away from Marissa’s sight.

Maggie smile at Nat as she led Quincy over to her. “Do you need some help?” she asked.

“Sure, I can always use help,” Nat said.

“Let me turn the turkey and I will be ready,” Maggie said.

“Go ahead, I will tend to the bird,” Marissa said.

“We will be back soon,” Nat said as she walked Quincy to the woods.

“She has a difficult time with the hunt, doesn’t she?” Maggie said as they walked.

“If it deals with blood, she tends to get a little squeamish,” Nat said.

“That is not an easy thing to deal with if you weren’t raised in the wild,” Maggie said.

“I noticed,” Nat said with a grin.

“She seems fine with the meat, once it is cut, but a whole carcass she has difficulty with,” Nat said.

“Should we go ahead and skin and quarter the buck then?” Maggie asked.

“That would probably be a good idea and we can hang the quarters away from camp until we get ready to head home tomorrow,” Nat agreed.

They worked quickly when they reached the buck to skin him and then cut him into four quarters and two loin portions. They tied the meat onto Quincy’s back on top of the skin and walked back to camp. They stopped a few yards from camp and used the rope to hang the meat high up off the ground out of reach of any predators that may catch the scent of fresh blood. When they returned to camp, Maggie hung the skin over the edge of the cart away from Marissa’s view.

“Dinner is beginning to smell very good,” Nat said as she sat beside Marissa.

“We had a few potatoes left too, that I thought we could fry to go with the turkey,” Marissa said. “I have already cut them up and will fry them once the meat is close to being done.”

Maggie was busy at the cart and Nat walked over to see what she was doing. Maggie had harvested the liver and heart from the buck and was salting them down to preserve them. She then tucked them away in a small sack next to the barrels.

Nat returned to the fire and was joined a few minutes later when Maggie walked to the fire. “We have a little butter left which should make the skin a nice golden brown,” she said as she rubbed the butter across the bird’s cooking skin.

Gyp sat next to Nat and licked her lips in anticipation of the meal to come.

They turned the bird on the fire frequently for the next hour. “Why don’t you cut off one of the legs and let it cool for our girl,” Maggie said. “Then we can pull the meat from the bone and put it in her bowl.”

Nat cut off a leg and laid it on a plate to cool. She then walked over to the animals and slipped the feed bags over their heads as Marissa began to fry the potatoes.

The turkey roasted to a beautiful golden brown and Nat used her to knife to cut thick slices of the juicy meat for their meals.

After their meal they snuggled in for a cool night’s rest without the protection of the cave walls. Nat hugged Marissa close as she struggled to rest on the cold ground.

The following morning, they drank coffee while Nat and Maggie broke camp.

“Are we ready to head for home?” she asked.

“I am ready to sleep in my warm, comfortable bed,” Marissa said with a sheepish grin.

Nat and Maggie shared a knowing smile. “Tonight you will, my love,” Nat promised.

They had traveled about an hour when Gyp emitted a low growl deep in her throat and all progress came to a stop. Nat watched in disbelief as a small grizzly stepped from the clearing fifty yards ahead of them.

“Stay very still everyone,” she warned. “He has caught the scent of the buck’s carcass and I imagine he is extremely hungry after his winter sleep.” Nat took her rifle from the sling slowly.

“We cannot outrun him, so the decision is his. He is thinking about food only at this point and deciding if he is willing to confront three humans for an easy meal. ”

Nat looked at Marissa and saw the terror growing in her eyes. “Just relax, if he starts this way, I will drop him in his tracks.”

Maggie held tight to Quincy’s lead as the mule shifted nervously, sensing that he was carrying what the bear wanted.

Nat watched the bear cautiously as she thought back to her father’s death several months ago. This bear was not as large as the one that had mauled Nathan, but he was large enough to do plenty of damage if allowed.

“Marissa, slowly pull back on your reins to back Buck toward the cart,” Nat said as they bear turned to face them fully.

Nat carefully dismounted and handed her reins to Maggie. “Stay Gyp,” Nat said, and Gyp sat obediently beside Maggie, her small body quivering with anticipation.

Nat stepped away from Hardy and watched as the bear slowly approached, swing his head from side to side as he growled, hoping to scare them off. He began to gallop toward them and when he had traveled twenty yards, he skidded to a stop and stood up on his hind leads bellowing a furious call. Nat knew that would be her best shot and raised her rifle, taking careful aim and squeezing the trigger as a bullet entered the bear’s body just above his heart. A good shot, but not enough to drop the bear. He stumbled back down to his feet and continued his approach. Nat stepped forward to advance on the bear and when he stood up erect again she took another shot which struck him squarely in the heart.

Nat slowly approached the bear and knelt down beside him. Marissa watched in horror as the bear’s left paw struck out and grazed the right side of Nat’s face, drawing blood immediately. Nat jumped to her feet and aimed her rifle and fired a shot directly into his brain.

Marissa jumped from the saddle and ran to Nat. Nat had a three inch gash down her right temple. “I am okay,” she said as Marissa’s face turned white at the sight of all the blood.

Maggie submerged a handkerchief in the salty water in one of the barrels and rushed to Nat’s side. She pressed the wet cloth against the wound and when the salt hit open flesh, Nat flinched in pain.

“I know it stings, but it will help the wound to heal,” Maggie said as she kept pressure on the wound until the bleeding stopped. “You, go sit on the cart, and Marissa and I will prepare the bear for travel and then we will finish the ride home.”

Nat obediently followed Maggie’s instruction and walked to sit on the edge of the cart, with Gyp closely in tow.

“You are going to have to help me,” Maggie said to Marissa, who nodded her head in response.

Nat watched as Maggie took a length of rope and with Marissa’s help they drug the bear from the path close to a tree. Maggie then tied the rope to the bear’s hind legs and using Hardy’s strength they hoisted the bear off the ground to bleed and gut him in preparation for the travel home. Maggie severed the head to make the carcass bleed out more quickly and placed it on the cart close to Nat.

“This isn’t your first grizzly, is it?” Maggie asked, as Nat’s hand went to her neck.

“No, I killed the one that mauled my father to death,” Nat said.

“Then this has brought back painful memories,” Maggie said, as she watched Nat stroke the bear claw hanging around her neck. “You kill, only when necessary, to feed and protect the people you love, which is right.” Maggie’s arm slipped across Nat’s shoulder. “You gave the bear the opportunity to turn away and when his instinct to eat kicked in, your instinct to protect took over, just as your father trained you,” Maggie said with a smile.

Nat looked up at Maggie with tears in her eyes. She knew Maggie spoke the truth. As she had done with the bear that took her father’s life, Nat would take a claw from this bear’s body and add it to the necklace she wore as a memory of her father. Unfortunately, she would also bear a scar as a reminder of the encounter, from the wound she had taken.

“Are you ready to go get that wound looked at?” Maggie said.

Nat nodded her head and stood from the cart. Maggie led Quincy to where the bear was hanging in the tree and lowered his body onto the cart as Nat helped Marissa back onto Buck and then mounted Hardy.

“We head for town and you go see the doctor while Marissa and I drop the lobster off at the hotel,” Maggie said. “I will take care of the bear and buck while Marissa takes you home for the night,” Maggie instructed. “You can care for the horses correct Marissa?” Maggie asked.

“Yes, I have seen Nat do it so often,” Marissa answered.

“Good. When we finish in town, take her home and put her straight to bed,” Maggie said. “She will probably insist on helping, but stand firm and make her rest.”

“You are worse than a mother,” Nat teased.

“Someone needs to watch over you,” Maggie said with a soft chuckle.

Nat knew Maggie was correct. The side of her face had already begun to swell and become painful. The doctor would sew the wound closed after cleaning it, which would not be pleasant.

“Yes ma’am,” Nat said, as she tried to relax back in her saddle as she held the compress against her face.

They traveled for another two hours before they passed the cabins on their way into town. It was just after midday when they arrived and Nat went in search of the town doctor as Marissa and Maggie pulled the cart in front of the hotel. Smithy had witnessed their approach and walked out to meet them as they hitched Buck and Quincy outside the hotel.

“Nice haul you have there, but where is Nat?” he said.

“She is over at the doctor’s office,” Maggie said. “She took a swipe from a bear who tried to take the buck from her,” she added.

“Dear child is she okay?” he asked.

Maggie chuckled. “She is no mere child, Smithy, you of all people should know that and yes, she will be fine.”

“Do you two need help here?” he asked as his attention was drawn to the doctor’s office.

“No, you go ahead and check on Nat,” Marissa said with a smile to Maggie.

Smithy walked across the street as Nat sat down on the doctor’s treatment table and removed the poultice Maggie had made.

“What on earth happened?” the Doctor asked.

“I had a little run in with a bear,” Nat said.

“I certainly hope he paid for this nasty little swipe he took at you,” the doctor said as he examined the wound. “This will leave a nasty scar.”

“His head will be hanging over someone’s mantel piece soon,” Nat said with a grin that made her flinch with pain.

Smithy walked in at that moment. “Dear God, Nat are you okay?” he asked when he saw the swollen, bloody side of her face.

“I will be fine, Smithy, I had no choice, he started to charge us, so I had to take him down.”

“The hell with the bear, are you okay?”

“I will be fine, once doc here finishes with me,” Nat said.

“I won’t lie to you,” the doctor said. “This is going to hurt.” He looked at Smithy. “Will you bring me that bottle of whiskey?” he asked, pointing to the bottle in the cabinet.

Smithy walked over and took the bottle from the cabinet and pulled the cork from its neck before handing it to the doctor.

“Thanks,” he said as he poured some of the alcohol on a clean cloth. “You may want to take a nice long drink,” he said as he handed Nat the bottle.

Nat lifted the bottle to her lips and took a long drink of the whiskey, flinching at the strong taste. She welcomed the dullness to her mind as the doctor cleaned her wound then as gently as he could, applied ten stitches to close the wound on her face. He handed her the bottle for another drink.

“Does she have someone to help her home?” the doctor asked.

“Yes, I will see to it,” Smithy said as he paid her bill.

“Very well, let her know to return to me in two weeks and I will remove the stitches,” he said as he helped Nat to her feet and Smithy guided her back out to Hardy and helped her mount. The way she swayed in the saddle worried Smithy. “This is not going to work at all,” he said.

He carefully led Hardy to the hotel where Maggie and Marissa were just completing their transaction with the owner. “We need to use the cart to get Nat home,” he said, as he gently took her off Hardy and carried her to the cart and sat her up. “I will accompany you to get her home and then I will help Maggie with the buck and bear, when we have Nat safely tucked in bed.

“Thank you for your help, Smithy,” Marissa said.

“No problem at all,” he said. “Why don’t you ride back here with Nat and I will take the horses.”

Marissa climbed in beside Nat and held her close as they turned for home. Smithy took the horses to Nat’s barn and cared for them as Marissa and Maggie got Nat into Marissa’s cabin.

“I will see to the meat and be back as quickly as I can,” Maggie said as she left Marissa to undress Nat and tuck her into the bed.

“Thank you Maggie and tell Smithy thanks again too please,” Marissa said.

“I will see you soon,” Maggie said and with a soft smile she left the cabin.

Marissa returned to the bedroom and began undressing Nat. When she removed the work shirt from her shoulders, Nat opened her glazed eyes.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you too,” Marissa said as she lowered a night shirt over Nat’s body. “Rest now my love,” she said as she kissed Nat and laid her back on the bed. She pulled the warm covers over her body and looked at Gyp. “I know you are worried, so for tonight, you can sleep on the bed,” she told the dog and patted the bed.

Gyp jumped onto the end of the bed and laid her head on Nat’s thigh.

Marissa lay wood in the fireplaces and started fires to warm the chilly house. She placed the coffee pot in the kitchen fireplace as she toiled putting away their supplies from the trip. She prepared a batch of biscuits and went to the spring house to bring bacon into the house. They would have fresh biscuits, bacon and eggs once Nat awoke from her slumber.

Smithy walked with Maggie back to town and helped her unload the two carcasses. “Would you like help skinning this monster?” he asked as they unloaded the bear.

“I will start on him if you will hang the deer meat in the smoke house and get the fire started for me,” Maggie said.

“No problem,” Smithy said as he went to work.

Maggie pulled out a sharp skinning knife and began removing the pelt. She was halfway done with one side when Smithy returned.

“He is big even though not fully grown yet,” he stated.

“He was well over six feet when he reared,” Maggie said. “Nat was fearless as she took him down.”

“Nathan would have been proud,” Smithy said as he began cutting away the pelt.

“Yes, he taught her well,” Maggie said as she smiled up at Smithy.

Maggie cut away the large paws and took a claw from one of the front paws and tucked it in her shirt. “To add to her necklace,” she said to Smithy who nodded his head in agreement.

They finished skinning the bear and Smithy helped Maggie nail both pelts onto a wall to allow them to dry. “Looks like you all will have a very profitable trip,” he said with a grin.

“Enough to keep Nat from going into the woods if she chooses,” Maggie said. “I really don’t see that happening though,” she added.

“It’s too ingrained in her blood,” Smithy said. “Hunting, trapping and living off what she kills is her life.”

“That is very true,” Maggie said. “Do you want to take these heads and claws with you tonight?” she asked.

“I can and that will be one less worry for Nat,” he said. “She knows I will treat her fairly.”

“More than fairly, usually,” Maggie said with a grin.

“If she wakes tonight, tell her to see me if she needs anything,” Smithy said as he and Maggie walked to the center of town.

“I will,” Maggie said. “I will stay with them tonight and drop by tomorrow with a report,” she promised.

“Thanks,” Smithy said as he watched Maggie lead Quincy out of town.

PART FOURTEEN

Maggie knocked softly on the door and stepped inside when Marissa opened it. “How is she doing?”

“Resting quietly so far,” Marissa said.

“Good, you will need to watch her for fever tonight, in case an infection has set in,” Maggie warned. “I will stay tonight if that is all right?”

“That would be great,” Marissa said. “Would you like some coffee or something to eat?”

“Coffee would be good,” Maggie said as she took the claw from her pocket and pulled an awl from her bag.

She took the cup of coffee from Marissa and took a sip of the steamy liquid. “Would you like to finish the boot laces?”

“Did you bring them?” Marissa asked.

Maggie smiled and handed her the strips of leather and watched as Marissa started to braid. Then she took the awl in her hand and began to bore a hole in the bear claw. When she finished drilling the hole, she stood and placed the claw on the mantel. She opened her bag and began working on the boots. She had one part of the leggings attached to the sole and was reinforcing the sections where she would bore the holes for the boot laces. If she were lucky, she would have the boots finished in just a few days.

Marissa watched the ease of Maggie’s hands as she worked the soft leather. “How did you learn so many talents?”

“Like Nat, my family lived off the fruit of the forests for many years when I was a child and we learned to use everything we harvested,” she explained. “We did not have money for new clothing, so we used the hides of animals we took for food, to sew our clothes and to make our footwear.”

“Were you ever married?” Marissa asked.

“I was in love once,” Maggie said. “He went out on a hunting party one day and never returned. The party he was with was ambushed by a warring tribe and he fell during the battle. ”

“I am so sorry, Maggie.”

“It was a great love, and one that will last me to the next world,” she said with a comforting smile. “You were married before, correct?”

“Yes, for a few years before he passed away,” Marissa said.

“So, you know what it is like then to miss someone you loved.”

“Yes, I do,” Marissa said. “I was completely lost in my solitude until Nat showed up and taught me what it was like to feel again.”

Maggie remained silent as she thought of the pain, Marissa would soon be experiencing if Nat chose to go back to the woods until next winter. She knew the two women had formed a special bond in the short months they had known each other, but they were from different worlds. Nat was like a wild animal roaming free in the dense forests and plains, while Marissa enjoyed the comforts and conveniences of town. Neither of them would thrive in the other’s environment for very long and Maggie worried what would happen when the call to return to the wild tugged at Nat’s heart.

Marissa finished the second boot string and stood to stretch her body. “I am going to check on Nat,” she announced, leaving Maggie with her thoughts.

Maggie continued sewing as Marissa walked quietly into the bedroom. Nat was still resting peacefully, tucked under the warm covers. The moon light covered her face and Marissa could see the dark purple bruise that had formed on the right side of her face.

Marissa heard her stomach growl as she remembered that they had not eaten all day. She had baked fresh biscuits and had bacon ready to cook. She would fry the bacon and if the smell did not wake Nat, she would wake her long enough to get some food into her body and then send her back to bed.

“I don’t know about you, but I am hungry,” she said to Maggie. I am going to cook some bacon and eggs to go with the biscuits I cooked earlier. ”

“Would you like some help?” Maggie asked.

“No, you keep working on those boots,” Marissa said with a smile. “If Nat doesn’t wake up from the smell of the bacon, I will wake her long enough to get some food into her.”

“That is a good idea,” Maggie agreed.

In the bedroom, Nat stirred as the smell of bacon cooking reached her nose. At first, she thought she was dreaming, but then she remembered they were home and she was hungry. Gyp jumped down from the bed and trotted into the kitchen to alert Marissa that Nat was awake.

“I will check her,” Maggie said as she tucked her sewing away in her bag.

Maggie walked into the bedroom and found that Nat was struggling to sit up in bed. “Here, let me help you,” Maggie said. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I have been run over by a herd of buffalo and I haven’t eaten in weeks,” Nat said.

“Well, it wasn’t buffalo, but you haven’t eaten all day,” Maggie said as she sat next to Nat on the bed.

“Marissa is preparing a late dinner for us,” Maggie said.

“The smell of the bacon woke me from dreamland,” Nat said.

“She has made fresh biscuits and plans to cook some eggs too,” Maggie said.

“That sounds wonderful,” Nat said.

“Are you ready to walk into the kitchen?” Maggie asked.

“Yes.”

“Take it slow, there is no need to rush,” Maggie said.

“Yes, Mama,” Nat said.

“I would be proud to be your mama,” Maggie tossed back and then helped Nat stand.

“Am I spinning or is it the room?” Nat asked with a grin.

“Your head is a little off right now,” Maggie said. “Can you walk or would you prefer to eat in bed?”

“I can walk,” Nat said and took a few steps forward with Maggie by her side.

Nat walked into the kitchen area and sat down at the table. “That smells good,” she said to Marissa.

“That’s a good sign you haven’t lost your appetite,” Marissa said. “Would you like some eggs?”

“Do we still have some honey?”

“Yes, we do,” Marissa said as she plucked a jar from a cabinet and placed it on the table in front of Nat.

“I think I will stick to honey and butter mixed together and some bacon then,” Nat said, as she poured some honey into a small bowl and dropped a spoonful of butter on top. She slowly stirred the mixture as she watched Marissa cook.

“Would you like some eggs, Maggie?”

“Yes, Marissa, I will join you in eating some eggs and I think Gyp will too,” Maggie said, as she watched Gyp lick her lips.

Marissa finished cooking the bacon and placed it on the table. “How are we eating eggs tonight ladies?’

“Scrambled please,” Maggie answered.

Marissa scrambled six eggs and portioned them out between her, Maggie and Gyp. “Last chance,” she said to Nat.

“I am good thanks,” Nat said.

“Are you feeling all right?” Marissa asked. “It’s not like you to pass on food.”

“Yes dear, now that I am up, I am just not real hungry,” Nat said, causing Marissa to worry even more.

“Let’s eat then,” Marissa said as she took a seat beside Nat and placed Gyp’s bowl on the floor between them.

Nat ate two biscuits and drank a glass of water. She was in obvious pain while trying to keep her head upright and soon after she finished eating said, “I am going to lie back down.”

Marissa stood and helped Nat back into the bedroom. She tucked the covers up to her chin and kissed her forehead. “You are a bit warm.”

Marissa put another blanket on the bed. “Is there anything you need?” she asked.

“Just you here beside me,” Nat said with a painful smile.

“I will come to bed soon.”

Marissa walked back into the kitchen area and found Maggie washing up the dishes.

“You don’t need to do that.”

“You cooked, so I clean,” Maggie said with a smile. “If you are ready for bed, go ahead and I will stay up a little longer.”

“Let me get you a pillow and a blanket,” Marissa said as she moved toward a small closet. “I am sorry I cannot offer you a bed to sleep in.”

“I sleep very little these days,” Maggie said. “If I get tired, I will make a pallet in front of the fireplace,” she said.

“I will see you in the morning then,” Marissa said.

“Good night, my friend.”

“Good night, Maggie.”

Marissa walked into the bedroom. Gyp had jumped up on the bed and had her head resting on Nat’s thigh as Nat’s hand stroked through her thick fur. She changed into a thick night shirt and carefully climbed beneath the covers next to Nat. She cuddled into Nat’s body and laid her head on Nat’s shoulder.

“Welcome back, my love,” Nat said as her arm encircled Marissa’s body.

“It feels so good to have you back in a bed,” Marissa teased.

“You didn’t care much for sleeping on the cold ground, did you?”

“That is not the life for me,” Marissa answered honestly. “I don’t know how you do it,” she said.

“You get used to it after a while.”

“I don’t know if I would ever get used to it,” Marissa said.

“There is no need, you have this big comfortable bed to sleep in every night,” Nat said as her hand stroked down Marissa’s arm.

“But, I won’t have you in it for much longer, will I?” Marissa asked, before she realized what she said.

“I don’t know yet,” Nat said.

“I am sorry, I didn’t mean to pressure you on your decision and now is not the time for us to have this talk,” Marissa said.

“You are right, talking right now is painful,” Nat said.

“Sleep now, my dear and we will talk later,” Marissa said.

Marissa remained tucked under Nat’s arm until Nat drifted off to sleep. She was exhausted from the restless night she had experienced the night before and drifted quickly off to sleep.

Maggie sat up for several more hours, working on Nat’s boots. She could see the longing in Nat’s eyes when she was outside and instinctively knew she would be heading into the woods soon. She wanted to send her friend off with new boots in appreciation for all that Nat had done for her. When she could no longer focus her eyes, Maggie took the thick blanket and pillow and curled up in front of the fireplace for a few hours’ sleep.

When the sun began to rise, Maggie woke and after folding the blanket, she put on a pot of coffee as she waited for Nat and Marissa to waken. She crept into the bedroom to check on Nat and found her brow covered with sweat. Her fever had broken sometime during the night and her body was soaked. That was a good sign and Maggie hoped that Nat would feel much better when she woke.

Gyp followed Maggie from the bedroom and went to the front door. Maggie pulled her coat over her shoulders and opened the door to let Gyp out. They stepped out into a crisp, clear morning and Maggie heard a familiar noise. She looked to the skies where a flock of geese was flying overhead heading back north from their warmer winter spot. The season was changing rapidly, green sprouts of grass poking through the soil as she a Gyp walked around the yard.

When she and Gyp walked back into the cabin, Nat and Marissa had gotten up and were sitting at the table drinking coffee. “Good morning,” she said as she hung her coat behind the door.

“Did you get any sleep at all?” Marissa asked.

“Yes, I slept well for several hours,” Maggie answered. “How are you feeling, Nat?”

“I am soaked from breaking a fever, but my head feels like it is back to normal size at least,” Nat said.

“Are you up to a hot, soaking bath?” Marissa asked.

“Maybe in a little bit,” Nat said.

“I am going to finish my coffee and walk back into town,” Maggie said. “Is there anything you need?”

“Not that I can think of, Maggie,” Nat said.

“I will work on the pelts for a little while and then come back out to check on you later,” she promised. “Do you think you can eat some chowder and fry bread for an early dinner?”

“That sounds very good,” Nat said.

“I will bring a pot of chowder then and make the fry bread fresh when I return,” Maggie said.

Maggie walked over to the fireplace and took the bear claw from the mantel. “Would you like me to add this for you?”

“Yes, please,” Nat said as she slipped the strip of buckskin over her head.

They watched as Maggie untied the knot and threaded the buckskin through the hole she had bored through the bear claw the previous night. Maggie stood and with a smile to Nat tied the buckskin around Nat’s neck again.

“All set,” she said. “Will you do me a favor?” Maggie asked.

“Of course, what is it?” Nat said.

“Don’t add to your necklace for a long time,” Maggie said with a grin.

“Trust me, I have no desire to add to it at all,” Nat said. “Hunting bear is not my choice of activities.”

“That is refreshing to hear,” Marissa said. “You scared me to death yesterday.”

“I had no choice yesterday,” Nat said. “That bear was hungry enough to take on three people and only a bullet was going to stop him from attacking us. I would have much preferred he kept on going.”

“I know, honey, but seeing all that blood running down your face was terrifying,” Marissa said.

“It looked much worse than what is actually is,” Nat said.

“Another inch or two and he would have taken out an eye,” Marissa claimed.

“But, he didn’t and I am sewn up, so all is well,” Nat said.

Maggie thought it was time to leave and stood to go. “I will see you two later,” she said and picked up her bag.

“Thanks for all your help, Maggie,” Nat said.

“Thank you,” Maggie said.

Gyp stood and walked Maggie to the door. “Do you want to go with me today?” Maggie asked. “Would it be okay if she went with me?” Maggie asked.

“I think Gyp would like that,” Nat said. “I know she gets tired of being cooped up inside.”

“Would you like me to light the wash pot fire as I go by?”

“Yes, thank you,” Marissa said.

Maggie took a small piece of wood with a burning flame and walked from the cabin. She stopped at the fire and lit the dry wood positioned under the wash pot before continuing on to town.

“Do you want to lie back down until I have your bath ready?” Marissa asked.

“Yes, I think I will, if you don’t mind,” Nat said.

“Not at all, come let’s get you back to bed.”

PART FIFTEEN

Nat slept for an hour while the water heated for her bath. Marissa picked up around the house and brought more wood inside for the fireplace. The weather was growing warmer and soon she would only need a fire for cooking. She went to the smokehouse and picked out venison chops to cook for the mid-day meal with some canned vegetables and fresh cornbread. When the water in the wash pot heated, she began carrying in buckets of water to mix with the well water left in the bath tub. She lit some fragrant candles and walked to the bedroom to wake Nat.

Marissa sat on the edge of the bed and placed a soft hand on Nat’s shoulder. “Your bath is ready, darling,” she said.

Nat’s eyes fluttered open at the sound of her voice and the touch of her hand.

“Are you ready to soak for a while?” Marissa asked.

“I think that would feel nice,” Nat said.

“Let’s get you in the tub then and I will put some wash on,” Marissa said. “When I finish, I will come in and give you a bath.”

Nat smiled at the thought of Marissa’s hands on her body. “I do love it when you spoil me so.”

“I love spoiling you too,” Marissa said.

Nat sat up on the bed and her head started to spin.

“Take it slow,” Marissa said. “There is no need to hurry.”

Nat swung her feet around to sit on the edge of the bed beside Marissa. “I think I am ready.”

Marissa stood and guided Nat to her feet. She walked beside her into the room where she had the bath tub partitioned off. “Let’s get that night shirt off you,” she said as she lifted the shirt over Nat’s head.

The right side of Nat’s face had turned an angry purple from the trauma and Marissa was careful not to touch the area. She took Nat’s hand as she gingerly climbed into the tub. “Just lay back and relax. I will be right back.”

Nat lowered her body into the steaming water and it did feel heavenly against her sore body. She stretched her legs out and rested her head on the back edge of the tub and closed her eyes. Nat could feel her body relax as she enjoyed the fragrance of the room.

Marissa took their dirty clothes to the wash pot and dropped them into the boiling water. She used a stirring stick to push the clothing under the water and tossed a handful of soap chips into the pot. She would bathe Nat and get her into a clean night shirt and then return to hang the clothing out to dry on the porch railing.

Marissa looked up to see Smithy walking into the yard.

“Good morning,” he said.

“Good morning, Smithy, it is good to see you.”

“I wanted to walk out and check on Nat,” he said. “How is she doing?”

“She is doing well. Right now she is soaking in a hot bath. ”

“That will help her rest easy,” he said.

“I hope so,” Marissa said. “If you want to have a seat on the porch, you can stay and visit with her.”

“No, that is all right, just tell her I came by to see her,” Smithy said. “I will drop by later this week.”

“I sure will,” Marissa said. “Thank you for dropping by.”

“Is there anything either of you needs?” he asked.

“No, I think we are in good shape.”

“I will see you later this week then,” Smithy said.

“Thanks Smithy.”

She watched him disappear down the road and then walked back inside. Nat was almost asleep in the tub when Marissa walked into the room.

“You look nice and relaxed.”

“This bath feels so good,” Nat said.

“Smithy came by to check on you and said he would be back later in the week,” Marissa said as she took a cloth and began to lather it.

“That was nice of him,” Nat said.

“He thinks very highly of you.”

“He is a good man,” Nat said.

Marissa bathed Nat’s body and then washed her hair, careful to not touch the right side of her face. “Does your head still hurt?” she asked.

“Not as bad as last night, but it is still sensitive to touch,” Nat said. “How bad does it look?”

“You are still swollen and your skin is bruised a dark purple, but that will fade soon,” Marissa promised.

“You are all done. Are you ready to get out or would you like to soak more?” Marissa asked.

“My skin is beginning to prune up, so I thinks it is time I get out,” Nat answered.

“Let me go get a clean night shirt and I will be right back.”

“Marissa dear,” Nat said.

“Yes, Nat, what is it?”

“I need clothes not a night shirt, my love. The longer I lay in that bed the weaker I will become,” Nat said.

“But, you still need rest,” Marissa claimed.

“I will rest, sitting out on the front porch,” Nat said. “I need fresh air.”

“All right, I will get clothes for you then,” Marissa said.

“Thank you.”

Marissa went to the bedroom and collected clothing for Nat. When she returned to the bathing area, Nat was standing in the tub drying her upper body.

“Let me help you from the tub,” she said as she offered Nat her arm.

Nat climbed from the tub and finished drying her body. She dressed slowly in the dungarees and work shirt Marissa had brought.

“Do you want your boots and socks?” Marissa asked.

“No, I think it is warm enough outside without them.”

“I need to finish the wash, so you can sit on the porch and watch, if you would like.”

“That is a good plan. That way you can keep a close eye on me,” Nat said with a grin. “Just let me get my knife.”

“You go sit and I will bring it to you,” Marissa said.

Nat walked onto the porch and picked up a small block of wood, then sat down in a rocking chair. She had found the piece when she was chopping wood and decided she would whittle something from it.

Marissa walked out to the porch and handed Nat the knife. “What are you going to make?” she asked.

“I don’t know yet,” Nat said as she turned the wood in her hands looking curiously at the block of wood.

Marissa walked to the wash pot and resumed stirring the clothing as she looked up to watch Nat, who had taken the knife from the sheath. She sat the block of wood on the floor and picked up a honing stone and began sharpening her knife. Marissa watched as Nat stroked the blade softly across the stone until she was satisfied with the sharpness of the blade.

Nat placed the stone back on the floor and looked up to see a flock of geese heading north to Canada, honking loudly to one another as they exchanged places in the characteristic V formation they flew. Their calls pulled at Nat’s heart. She missed the sounds of the wild, especially at night, when owls would call to their mates and wolves would howl in the distance, the cry long and lonely.

She watched until the geese disappeared from sight and then picked up the block of wood. The wood was ash, not too hard or too soft for carving and would have a very nice grain to work with. Nat began by rounding off the edges of the block, while she concentrated on what creature was hidden inside the wood.

Marissa used the stirring stick to pluck each item of clothing from the wash pot and carry it to the porch railing where she would hang them to dry. When she finished with the wash, she carried an armload of wood into the house, before returning to sit beside Nat.

“I was thinking I would cook some venison chops, green beans, squash and corn bread for dinner,” Marissa said.

“That sounds delicious.”

“I am going to walk into town for corn meal, if you will be all right by yourself.”

“I will be just fine and I promise not to move from this spot unless I need to answer the call of nature,” Nat said.

“Very well, I will be back soon. Is there anything you need?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact there is,” Nat said.

“What can I get you?” Marissa asked.

“A kiss before you leave,” Nat said as she looked up at Marissa.

“That’s an easy request to fill,” Marissa said. She leaned down and her lips softly brushed across Nat’s. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Nat said. “You know what else?”

“What?”

“You don’t have to worry about me, my other babysitter is about to arrive.”

Marissa stood to see Gyp and Maggie enter the yard. She watched as Gyp ran onto the porch and went directly to Nat.

“Welcome home, my friend,” Nat said as she patted Gyp’s head. “Hello, Maggie.”

“Good afternoon, my friends,” Maggie said. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better thank you.”

“It is good to see you up and about.”

“It is good to be outside for a while,” Nat said as she smiled sweetly at Marissa.

“I need to walk into town,” Marissa said. “Will you join us for dinner tonight and help me keep an eye on these two?” she asked Maggie.

“That would be fine,” Maggie said. “If you will pick up some apples, I will make us a pie for dinner.”

“Now we are talking,” Nat said.

“I will be back shortly then,” Marissa said, as she left the porch aimed for town.

“I’m sorry I forgot to start the chowder for dinner,” Maggie said.

“That’s not a problem, we can have that tomorrow,” Nat said.

Maggie sat down beside her and watched the knife as Nat’s resumed her whittling. “Do you know what it is yet?” she asked.

“Not yet, but I am sure it will come to me,” Nat said.

“I finished tanning the buck and bear hides and they are in the process of drying out.”

“I am sorry, I wasn’t there to help you,” Nat said.

“Smithy helped me tack them up and the rest is just time consuming,” Maggie said. “Do you have any plans for the bear hide?”

“I am sure Smithy would love to have it to sell, but I think I may use it differently.”

“He was thrilled with the heads and claws,” Maggie said.

“I am sure. He can be like a kid at Christmas sometimes,” she said with a warm smile.

“He said he stopped by earlier, but you were taking a bath.”

“Yes, he caught me soaking.”

“I am sure that felt good to your muscles.”

“I was so relaxed, I almost fell asleep.”

“A day or two of rest won’t hurt you one bit you know,” Maggie said.

“I know, Maggie, but I am beginning to feel so restless,” Nat said.

“Is it your heart pulling you back toward the woods?” Maggie asked.

“It probably is. I saw a flock of geese headed north this morning which means I am already late and my feet are itching terribly. ”

“You know you will have to go, don’t you?”

“Yes, I don’t think I can handle much more of this sedentary life.”

“Will Marissa join you?”

“No, Maggie she is as uncomfortable in the woods as I am under a roof,” Nat said. “I cannot ask her to give up her life here.”

“You know there may be a compromise for all of this?”

“I am listening.”

“I know that Smithy has a job waiting for you, and we could make trips to the ocean for lobster and clams to supplement your income. It would be a lot less stressful on you, but would still allow you time in the wild. ”

“That is something to consider,” Nat said. “I think I will have to go and make a huge decision. I will have to decide whether my love for the wild is stronger than my love for Marissa. ”

“I do not envy you that decision,” Maggie said.

“I do not look forward to it either, but I don’t see that I have any choice. If I don’t at least make an attempt to return, I think I will regret it forever. ”

“Yes, you are right about that,” Maggie agreed.

Nat had continued to whittle as they talked, her hands moving with a will of their own. She was surprised when she looked carefully at the chunk of wood in her hands and saw the form of a rearing bear taking shape.

“I think that is only fitting, given the recent circumstances,” Maggie said when she saw the bear taking shape.

Nat chuckled. “You are probably right about that too.”

Gyp jumped to her feet and ran to the edge of the yard to meet Marissa as she returned from town.

“That was a quick trip,” Nat said. “Welcome back.”

“Thanks.”

“Would you like to peel these for Maggie?” Marissa said handing Nat the bag of apples.

“I will get those, if you will loan me a knife,” Maggie said.

“I will bring a knife and a bowl for the apples,” Marissa said as she walked inside.

She returned and handed Maggie a knife and a bowl. “Do you want me to make a crust for you?” she asked.

“No, I will roll one out once I put the apples on to cook,” Maggie said.

“So, you can pull up a seat and join us,” Nat said.

Marissa pulled up a crate and sat down as she watched Maggie and Nat busy with their knives.

“Those apples smell so sweet,” she said as she watched Maggie’s hands expertly core and slice the peeled apples.

“Before much longer, we can begin scouring the woods for wild berries,” Maggie said. “The blackberries and raspberries in this area make great pies and jellies.”

“A blackberry pie sounds good,” Nat said. “It has been years since I have had any.”

“I will be sure to remedy that,” Marissa said.

Silence hung in the air as neither of them wanted to ask the obvious question. Maggie finished with the apples and said, “There.” She looked at Marissa. “If you have a small pot, I will put these on to cook over the wash pot fire.”

“Yes, I will be right back.”

When Marissa returned with a pot, Maggie took it from her and dropped the apples inside. Then she walked to the pump and covered the apples with water and then hung the pot over the open fire. “If you will show me where your supplies are, I will prepare the crust.”

Maggie and Marissa went inside, leaving Nat and Gyp alone on the porch. Gyp looked at toward the woods, following the sound of a small creature, probably a rabbit.

“You miss it too, don’t you?” she asked her companion.

Gyp looked at Nat, her eyes sparkling with the love she held for her owner.

“Soon, my friend, very soon,” she promised.

PART SIXTEEN

For the next week, Nat worked around Marissa’s cabin, cutting wood and making sure Marissa had enough meat to last for several months. She returned to town to have the stitches removed by the doctor.

“You are going to have a minimal scar, but as time passes it should reduce in size,” he said.

“Thanks Doc,” Nat said and paid him for his services.

When she left the doctor’s office, Nat went to see Smithy. He paid her handsomely for the bear and buck heads. “I still have the bear claws up on auction and I think you will be pleased with the final price,” he said.

“Thanks for all that you have done for me Smithy.”

“I should thank you for bringing me such good business,” he said. “Have you given consideration to my offer of a job?” he asked.

“I have indeed, my friend. I feel I must go back into the woods, at least for now and see how things go without Nathan,” Nat said.

“I can understand that,” he said with a warm smile. “The position will be yours whenever you are ready.”

“Thanks Smithy.”

“Do you know yet when you will be heading out?”

“In two days, I think. I am already so far behind. ”

“Does Marissa know yet?”

“No, and it is not a conversation I am looking forward to,” Nat said.

“That is one I don’t envy you my friend.”

“Maggie brought up another solution,” Nat said.

“What would that be?” Smithy asked.

“That I work here with you and then she and I travel down to the ocean and harvest lobsters and other sea life,” Nat said.

“That isn’t a bad idea at all. There is also quite a bit of hunting and trapping that could be done in that area. ”

“It is definitely something to think about,” Nat said. “I need to go meet Marissa for lunch, but I will stop in before I leave for the woods,” she promised.

“Good, I will see you then,” he said.

Nat left the store and walked to the hotel to meet Marissa. They had agreed to meet for a fried chicken lunch and Nat ate a good portion of the meal.

“I am glad to see your appetite picking up again,” Marissa said.

“Did it ever slack off?” Nat asked with a grin.

“Yes, you haven’t eaten heartily until today since our trip,” Marissa said.

“This fried chicken is just too good to stop eating,” Nat said with a grin.

“I will cook extra and bring it home tomorrow for your trip,” Marissa said.

“What trip?”

“I can see it in your eyes, Nat I know you are going to the woods soon.”

“I need to go and see if that is what I need to do?” Nat said.

“I know,” Marissa said with tears in her eyes. “That won’t mean I will miss you any less.”

“I will go in two days then,” Nat said. “I can’t afford to wait much longer.”

“What can I do to help you prepare?” Marissa asked.

“Cook chicken and biscuits for me to take,” Nat said with a smile. “I will stop by the general store to buy supplies when I leave here.”

Nat left the hotel and walked to Maggie’s house. “Hello, Nat,” Maggie said from her familiar spot on the front porch. “How are you feeling today?”

Nat smiled as Gyp walked up and placed her head in Maggie’s lap to be petted.

“Very well, thank you. I got the stitches out today, so maybe my face will stop itching. ”

Maggie grinned at Nat’s comment.

“You are leaving aren’t you?”

“Yes, I will leave in two days,” Nat said. “Are you set for wood and supplies?” she asked.

“I am in good shape thanks to you,” Maggie said. “I even have some money built up in case I fall upon hard times.”

“That is very good news,” Nat said. “You might want to keep an eye on those pickle barrels at the store and pick a few more up for us,” Nat said.

Maggie smiled. “That sounds promising.”

“Regardless of if I stay in the woods, we will still go to the ocean after the fall to make a few harvests,” Nat said, not wanting to plant any false hope with Maggie.

“I will be glad to see you return,” Maggie said. “Would it be all right to drop by tomorrow to say goodbye?”

“Of course, you are welcome to visit anytime, Maggie.”

“I will see you sometime after lunch tomorrow then,” Maggie said.

“I look forward to it, my friend,” Nat said as she moved from the porch to walk to the general store.

Nat ordered her supplies and requested they be delivered later that day. When she finished, she and Gyp made the slow walk home. She stopped off at her cabin. Next time, she would not bother renting the cabin. She had spent very few nights here and if she and Marissa were to continue there was no need to rent the cabin. She began packing up her belongings in preparation for her trip and carried her packs to the front room. Gyp followed behind her closely as she moved through the house and watched her pack.

When the wagon from the general store arrived later that afternoon, Nat took the supplies into the cabin and prepared the last of the packs. She would bundle up her clothing later that evening, leaving all of the next day to spend with Marissa and Maggie when she visited. She walked out to the barn to check on the animals.

Hardy rushed to her and nuzzled into Nat. “Are you ready to travel?” she asked the large horse. Quincy and Buck also came trotting into the barn to greet her. “Hello boys,” she said as she patted each of them on the head. “It is almost that time.” Nat had thought briefly of leaving Buck behind with Marissa, and then changed her mind. Marissa always walked to town and Buck could lessen Quincy’s load, making it easier on her smaller pack mule.

She fed the animals a hearty portion of grain and tossed the last of the winter hay into the bin. “Eat well boys,” she said and left the barn.

Nat made a stop at the smoke house to survey the supplies. There were several pounds of jerky she would take with her, leaving plenty of the smoked meat for Marissa. She walked to the house to find Marissa in the kitchen, warming dinner for them by the fireplace.

“Hello, darling,” Nat said when Marissa turned to face her.

Nat could see tears pooling in Marissa’s eyes as she walked toward her and encircled her body with her strong arms. “I will be back,” Nat promised. “I just can’t say when.”

“I know, but I have become so used to coming home to you every day,” Marissa said.

“I will be right here with you every day,” Nat said as she tapped lightly on Marissa’s chest above her heart. “It is not easy for me to leave you, but I must go to find out where I am destined to be,” Nat explained.

Marissa nodded her head, but it did not stop the flow of tears running down her face. Nat hugged her close and held her as her body was wracked with sobs.

“I will miss you terribly, and worry about you while you are gone,” Marissa said.

“I will miss you too,” Nat said. “There is no need to worry. I have Gyp and the boys to watch over me. ”

Nat held her until her tears subsided and then sat down with her at the table. “I have checked supplies and you are in good shape. I also gave you access to my bank account, if you are in need of anything while I am away. ”

“You didn’t need to do that, Nat,” Marissa said as she wiped her tears away.

“It gives me comfort to know you won’t go without something if you need it,” Nat said.

Marissa smiled at Nat. “I love you so, Nat.”

“I love you too, Marissa.”

“Are you all packed up?”

“For the most part, yes, I will bundle up my clothing tonight or tomorrow morning and then we will have all day together.”

“That will be nice,” Marissa said.

“Maggie will come by sometime after lunch to say goodbye, but other than then, I am all yours.”

“So we don’t need to jump up out of bed in the morning,” Marissa said.

“No, there is no hurry, so we can sleep in if we want.”

“Good, because I plan on keeping you up tonight,” Marissa said with a coy smile.

“I guess I had better eat a good dinner then,” Nat teased.

“Are you ready to eat now?” Marissa asked.

“I am hungry, but it will wait, if you are not hungry yet,” Nat said.

“I will put the food on the table then if you will get us a bucket of fresh water,” Marissa said.

They shared a simple meal of leftovers and cleaned the dishes together. “It is such a beautiful night would you like to sit on the porch for a while?” Nat asked.

“That would be very nice,” Marissa said.

Nat took her hand and lead her out to the porch. She sat down and leaned back against the porch rail post and sat Marissa between her legs. She pulled her back onto her chest as her arms circled Marissa’s waist. They enjoyed the comfort of their closeness until the moon was high in the sky and then walked inside to go to bed.

They didn’t bother with night shirts as they stripped from their clothes and crawled beneath the covers. Nat climbed on top of Marissa’s body and looked down into her sparkling eyes as Marissa’s hands circled her waist.

“I feel like I am in heaven when I am with you,” Marissa said.

“You do have a heavenly body,” Nat said with a grin.

Marissa lifted her hand to Nat’s face and her fingertips caressed the length of the fresh scar. “On anyone else, this would be just an ugly scar, but on you it adds to your rugged charm,” Marissa said as she lightly touched her skin.

“I am glad you don’t mind it. The Doc said it will be with me for a while yet. ”

“I love every inch of you, my darling,” Marissa said.

Nat leaned down and pressed her lips softly against Marissa’s eyelids and down her cheek to her lips. The tip of her tongue traced across her lips, memorizing the sweetness that lay there waiting for her. Marissa parted her lips and welcomed Nat’s tongue into her mouth, as their kiss turned into a sensual dance. Their hands explored each other’s body as they made love slowly and deep into the night.

Later, as they lay relaxing in one another’s arms, Nat whispered to Marissa. “I will love you forever.”

Nat felt the touch of warm tears on her chest as Marissa cried softly in her arms. She wiped the tear away from her cheek with soft fingers. “I would be worried if I didn’t know that those are happy tears,” she whispered softly.

“Yes, Nat, I am so happy with you.”

“We will be happy for years to come,” Nat promised as she stroked Marissa’s hair. “Relax now,” she softly whispered.

Nat held her until they fell asleep and when they woke the following morning their bodies were still entwined in a lover’s embrace.

Nat woke first and watched as Marissa slept peacefully on her arm. She was so beautiful and Nat struggled with her heart. She did not want to leave Marissa, but she was compelled to return to the woods. Only time would tell which was the right place for her. She snuggled closer to Marissa and closed her eyes to fall asleep once more.

PART SEVENTEEN

Nat and Marissa slept until mid-morning, until the call of nature woke Marissa and she climbed from the bed to walk out to the privy. Nat was awake and smiling at her when she returned.

“Good morning, my love,” she said when Marissa sat on the edge of the bed.

“Yes, it is barely still morning,” Marissa said with a grin. “I bet you are starving.”

“How did you know that? Did my stomach growling wake you?” Nat teased.

“That was your stomach? I thought it was thunder rumbling in the distance,” Marissa teased back.

“Yes ma’am, I am starving,” Nat said. “What’s for breakfast?”

“How about sugar cured ham, flapjacks and syrup?” Marissa said.

“Oh yes, darling, that sounds wonderful.”

“Let’s wash up and get dressed then and I will cook.”

“I will start a pot of coffee,” Nat said.

Marissa poured cool water in the wash basin and they washed their hands and faces before dressing for the day.

“What can I do to help?” Nat asked.

“Nothing darling, you can go ahead and get your clothes together while I cook, to have that out of the way.”

Nat kept out clean socks, a work shirt and one of the new pair of buckskin breeches Maggie had made for her and packed the remainder of her clothing. Nat tied the bundle up neatly and sat it beside the bed.

Marissa had warmed the ham slices and was pouring the batter into a frying pan to cook the first of her large flapjacks. “That smells good,” Nat said as she walked back into the kitchen.

“It won’t be long, before breakfast is ready.”

“I will get some fresh water.”

Nat walked out the front door and bent to pick up the water bucket. Her eyes came to rest on the block of wood she had been whittling on all week. Today she would finish it and give it Marissa before she left.

Marissa placed the first of the flapjacks on Nat’s plate. “Cut some off for Gyp while I cook the next batch, please,” she said to Nat.

Nat cut a large piece of the flapjack into smaller pieces and tore a slice of ham into smaller strips. “Do you want syrup too?” she asked Gyp.

Gyp licked her lips in response and Nat poured a small amount of the sweet liquid across the food.

“You are so rotten,” Nat said to Gyp as she put the bowl down on the floor.

“Just like her master,” Marissa piped in.

“So it is your fault then,” Nat said.

“I will take ownership of that blame,” Marissa said. “Eat, before it gets cold. I will have another ready in just a few minutes. ”

Nat and Gyp began to eat their meal as instructed. “This ham is really good,” Nat said.

“I am glad you like it, I am going to cook some for you to take with you tomorrow,” she said with a weak smile.

“Thanks, Marissa. I sure am going to miss your cooking. ”

“Back to camp fire grub for you,” Marissa teased.

“Don’t remind me that I have to eat my own cooking,” Nat said. “Enjoy it Gyp, we are back to camp stew and fry bread soon.”

Marissa put another flapjack on Nat’s plate and cooked one for own. She sat down beside Nat and poured syrup over the flapjack. “These are pretty good,” she said. “You can take cornmeal and cook these for yourself you know,” she added.

“I bought five pounds yesterday, but they won’t taste near as good as yours,” Nat said.

Marissa smiled at Nat’s compliment. “You will just have to hurry back then.”

Nat took a bite of the ham and smiled at Marissa. “That I will,” she said after she swallowed.

After breakfast, Nat and Gyp walked onto the porch as Marissa cleaned the kitchen. Nat said in the rocker and picked up the carving she had begun. The top portion of the bear had been finished, so Nat went to work on the bottom half of the wood block, slowly whittling until the bears thick legs began to form.

Marissa joined them on the porch and sat next to Nat. “That is coming along nicely,” she said as she peeked over Nat’s shoulder. Marissa propped her feet upon the porch railing and enjoyed the sun on her skin as they sat together on the porch.

Gyp napped at their feet until she heard Maggie approach and she bolted from the porch to meet her. Nat walked inside to grab a chair for Maggie to join them on the porch. When she finally came into sight, Nat said, “Good day, Maggie.”

“A beautiful day indeed,” Maggie said as she stepped onto the porch carrying a small crate. “How are you three doing today?”

“Just wonderfully, thank you, Maggie,” Marissa said.

“I brought some things for you,” Maggie said as she sat the small crate on the porch floor.

“Thank you, Maggie.”

Maggie reached in and pulled out the new pair of buckskin boots. “Marissa helped me with these,” she said as she handed the boots to Nat.

Nat looked at Marissa and then at Maggie. “These are beautiful.”

“Maggie, all I did was braid the leather for the boot strings,” Marissa said.

“That is still helping,” Nat reminded her.

Nat took her boots off and slipped the new ones on her feet. “A perfect fit,” she said as she danced around the porch. “They are comfortable too.”

Maggie smiled proudly and reached back into the crate. “I thought I would send a few jars of chowder out with you too,” she said. “Instead of bringing them back empty, you can fill them up if you find that honey tree again,” Maggie said with a smile.

“Sounds like a fair trade to me,” Nat said.

Gyp sat in front of Maggie wiggling in anticipation. “I did not forget you,” Maggie said as she pulled a large bone out and handed it to Gyp. Gyp took the bone and moved to the edge of the porch and began gnawing on the gift.

“I also made you a new blanket for your bedroll,” Maggie said as she handed Nat a colorful blanket.

“That will come in very handy on the cool nights,” Nat said, and reached down to hug Maggie tightly. “Thank you, my friend.”

“Thank you for all that you have done for me,” Maggie said.

“I do believe we have one more item to care for,” Nat said. “I want you to keep the bear pelt and use it to warm your bed next winter,” Nat said.

“But, that pelt is worth a lot of money,” Maggie said.

“Okay, then sell it to Smithy,” Nat said. “Either way, it is yours.”

“It will warm my bed for many years to come,” Maggie said, her eyes glistening with tears. “I will be going now, but I wanted to give you my gifts and tell you goodbye. I hope to see you again soon,” Maggie said. “Take good care my friend,” she said to Gyp as she stood and hugged Nat tightly.

“I will miss you, Maggie,” Nat said. “Gyp will too.”

“Come home to us soon then,” Maggie said.

“I will,” Nat promised.

They watched Maggie as she picked up her crate and walked across the yard to return home. She stopped once at the edge of the yard and turned to wave at them.

“I think she will miss you almost as much as I will,” Marissa said.

“She has been a good friend to us,” Nat said. “These boots are beautiful,” she said. “You did a good job on the boot strings too.”

“Maggie put a lot of love and time into sewing them for you. She really appreciates all you have done for her. ”

“I know. That’s what makes it so easy to hunt or chop wood for her,” Nat said.

Nat settled back into the rocking chair as Gyp trotted back onto the porch. She picked up her knife and the bear carving and after another hour, she put the finishing touches on the base of the carving. “Not bad for a first try,” she said to Marissa. “I want you to have this,” she said.

“It is beautiful, Nat,” Marissa said as her fingers moved over the smooth wood. “I can’t believe this is your first piece. You made it look so easy. ”

“You just have to open your heart to the creature hiding in the wood and let him come to life,” Nat said. She picked up the honing stone and sharpened her knife and then slipped it into the boot sheath Maggie had sewn into the boot. She smiled at the fact Maggie had remembered that detail.

As the sun started to fade, Marissa turned to Nat. “Would you like to share a bath tonight?”

“I would love that, yes,” Nat said with a smile.

“We have cornbread and chops left for dinner if that is fine with you,” Marissa added.

“Sounds wonderful,” Nat said. “Would you like me to start the fire?”

“Yes, please and I will pack up the ham and biscuits for your trip. I already have the chicken wrapped up for you,” Marissa said.

“Thank you,” Nat said. She kissed Marissa and walked out to start the fire under the wash pot as Marissa went inside to wrap up the food.

Nat was kneeling down beside the wash pot when she felt Gyp brush up against her thigh. Gyp looked up at her with sadness in her eyes. “I know you like it here too, don’t you, my friend?”

Gyp responded by licking Nat’s hand. “We will be coming back here,” Nat promised.

The longer she stayed, the harder it would be for Nat to leave and it was already difficult for her to separate from Marissa. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought four months ago she would meet and fall in love with someone like Marissa. Her life was changing quickly and thoughts of the future scared Nat, even though she would not admit that to anyone beside herself. If she left the woods, would she make enough money to compensate for not trapping or would she need to change her standard of living, she wondered. Nat chuckled softly at her thoughts. Her standard of living was much improved with Marissa. She had a roof over her head every night, a home cooked meal and a beautiful woman to wrap her body around each night when she went to sleep. Nathan would probably think she was crazy to leave that behind, but Nat had to know.

With a deep sigh, Nat stood and walked back into the cabin. Marissa had lit candles in the bathing area and had set out fresh towels for them to use. Marissa had made them a cup of coffee and was sitting at the kitchen table when Nat entered. They ate the meal Marissa had prepared and talked quietly.

She looked up at Nat. “Will you return here at the end of the fall?”

“I will definitely be coming back here,” Nat said. “The latest would be at the end of fall.”

“My heart already misses you,” Marissa said.

Nat smiled warmly at Marissa, but had no words of comfort for her. She could not tell her exactly when she would return and would not fill her with false hope.

“I can’t believe how quickly this day has passed,” Marissa said, as she stood to walk out to check the water temperature.

When Marissa entered carrying a bucket of steaming water, Nat joined her in carrying the water in for their bath. After several trips each, they had plenty of water and stripped out of their clothing to enjoy a steamy bath.

Nat climbed in first and then Marissa followed and rested her head on Nat’s shoulder. “This feels really good,” she said.

“I will miss our bath times,” Nat said. “Not too many opportunities for hot water in the woods,” she said with a chuckle.

“How do you bathe?” Marissa asked.

“Usually in very chilly streams and lakes,” Nat said.

“I can understand why a hearty meal and a bath are so appealing to you then.”

“I typically don’t get to lay my head back and hold a beautiful woman in my arms when I bathe in the wild,” Nat said with a chuckle.

“It makes me happy to know that you think I am beautiful,” Marissa said.

“You are beautiful and thoughts of you will keep me warm on the long chilly nights,” Nat said.

“That is so sweet of you to say.”

“You have given me so many fond memories to take with me, Marissa,” she said as she nuzzled into her lover’s neck.

“If you keep talking like that you will have me crying again,” she warned.

“I am sorry, but it is the truth.”

Marissa sighed. “I know exactly how you feel.”

She turned in Nat’s arms to face her and leaned in for a kiss. “I will miss your sweet kisses, too.”

“I promise to make up for lost time when I return,” Nat grinned.

“You had better give me plenty tonight then to hold me for a while then,” Marissa teased back.

“That is no problem,” Nat said as she held Marissa in her arms and kissed her softly.

They kissed until they were breathless with passion and Marissa locked eyes with Nat. “It is time you take me to bed.”

They climbed from the bath tub and dried their bodies. Nat took Marissa by the hand and led her to the bedroom. They lay down beside one another and continued to kiss as their hands caressed and explored the other’s body.

Nat rolled Marissa onto her back and touched between her legs to find her body drenched with excitement. She locked eyes with Marissa and watched them glaze over with passion as she entered her body with two long fingers and gently caressed her delicate body. Nat’s mouth moved down across Marissa’s breasts, tantalizing her nipples with an expert tongue. Marissa arched her back, tempting Nat to take more of her hypersensitive flesh into her mouth, but Nat continued to tease Marissa into a frenzy of desire. The juices of her passion spilled into Nat’s palm as Marissa’s body climaxed with a violent shudder as she called out Nat’s name and pulled her head firmly onto her breast.

Nat could feel Marissa’s inner muscles quivering around her fingers as her climax faded and she slowed the movement of her fingers as she suckled her breasts and massaged Marissa’s swollen clit with her thumb.

“You are driving me mad with desire,” Marissa purred as she arched her back, filling Nat’s mouth with her breast.

Nat suckled her breast until she felt Marissa’s body vibrate with pleasure and then lowered her mouth to take Marissa’s throbbing clit deep into her mouth, sucking it gently in and out of her mouth. Marissa’s body gushed with a flow of pleasure as Nat’s tongue fervently lapped up her sweetness. The taste of Marissa’s passion filled Nat’s senses and she allowed Marissa to roll her onto her back.

Marissa’s body burned with excitement as she lowered her face into Nat’s wetness for a long, deep, sensual kiss as her fingers twisted Nat’s aching nipples.

“Turn your body toward me,” Nat instructed between groans and Marissa climbed to her knees, turning her body to Nat’s reach. Nat penetrated her body with three fingers and thrust deeply inside Marissa’s velvety wetness, mimicking the movement of the tongue inside her body.

Marissa’s deep moans of pleasure vibrated inside Nat’s body and her body erupted onto Marissa’s face, soaking her with her wetness as Marissa bucked wildly onto Nat’s thrusting fingers.

Nat lifted Marissa’s head to cover her clit as Marissa continued her wild ride and her excitement flowed through her body to her mouth as she greedily sucked Nat’s clit until they both were overwhelmed with passion and collapsed breathing hard onto the bed.

Marissa’s head rested on Nat’s chest as they waited for their bodies to calm. “You make me feel so incredible, Nat,” she whispered against Nat’s skin.

“That feeling is mutual,” Nat said as she softly stroked Marissa’s hair.

Silence hung between them as they embraced and when Nat heard the soft purring of Marissa sleeping she carefully pulled the linens up to cover their bodies.

PART EIGHTEEN

Nat woke the following morning to the smell of bacon cooking. She climbed from the bed and pulled a night shirt over her body before walking to the kitchen to find Marissa toiling away.

Marissa looked and up smiled as Nat approached. “I had to send you off with a full stomach.”

“It smells wonderful. How long have you been awake?”

“For almost an hour,” Marissa said.

“Long enough to cook fresh biscuits and bacon,” Nat said with a grin.

“I have eggs too. I was just waiting for you to wake. Fried or scrambled?” she asked.

“Fried ma’am if you please,” she answered.

“Did you sleep well?” Marissa asked.

“Like a rock and you?”

Marissa blushed slightly. “So well, I fell asleep on you.”

“That’s all right. Last night was beautiful,” Nat said.

“Yes, it was,” Marissa said as she cracked a half a dozen eggs into the frying pan. “Will you break up a biscuit and some bacon for Gyp in her bowl while I finish the eggs?”

“Yes ma’am,” Nat said. “Are you hungry Gyp?”

Gyp sat at Nat’s feet and her entire body wiggled.

Marissa smiled at Gyp as she dropped two fried eggs into her bowl and then served the remainder onto her plate and Nat’s.

Nat mashed up her fried eggs and took a bite of bacon as she dipped half a biscuit into the yellow mixture to sop up the yoke. “Are you sure I can’t hide you away in one of my packs?” Nat asked.

“No, my love, even with all your skills, I would not do well living like you do,” Marissa answered.

“I know, but I couldn’t help but ask one last time,” Nat said.

“I have to leave for work soon. Will you stop by after you are packed?”

“I couldn’t leave town without saying goodbye,” Nat said.

“I would have to hunt you down if you did,” Marissa said.

“Now that could be fun,” Nat teased.

“I love you Nat, don’t ever forget that,” Marissa said.

“I love you too, Marissa and will come back to you,” Nat promised.

Marissa stood and carried her plate to the counter to hide the tears in her eyes. “You two better eat all this food, so I don’t have to store it,” she said.

“I don’t think that is going to be a problem,” Nat said. “We both love your cooking.”

“I will go get dressed and will be back shortly,” Marissa said.

Nat and Gyp finished off the breakfast Marissa had made for them as they waited for her return.

“How long do you think you will be?” Marissa asked when she returned to the kitchen.

“No more than an hour,” Nat said. “I just need to pack the animals and saddle Hardy for the trip.”

Marissa embraced Nat and kissed her passionately. “I will see you soon then, my love,” she said and turned to rush from the cabin.

Nat rinsed off her plate and Gyp’s bowl and then turned to her companion. “Are you ready to get started?”

Gyp jumped to her feet and rushed to the door.

“Not quite that fast,” Nat said. Nat picked up her old boots and carefully slipped the jars of chowder down inside them for protection and then added a pack of the food Marissa had wrapped to add cushioning to the glass jars. She then tied the boots together using a thin strip of rawhide and hung them over the bundle of clothing.

Nat walked to the bedroom to dress in the new breeches Maggie had sewn for her, a new work shirt and the new boots Maggie had made. Everything fit well and Nat felt good as she walked from the bedroom.

Nat picked up the small pack and walked to her cabin to add the final pack to her growing pile. She then walked out to the barn to saddle Hardy and prepare Buck and Quincy to carry the packs. She led all three animals to the hitching post and tied their leads securely.

Nat walked inside and picked up the largest packs and strapped them onto the harness across Buck’s shoulders. She returned to the cabin and picked up the remaining three packs and tied them onto Quincy’s back. She walked through the cabin to make sure she was not leaving anything behind and with a soft sigh she closed the door behind her and led the animals down to Marissa’s.

Nat walked inside to pick up her bedroll and range coat which she tied onto the back of her saddle. She then walked back inside to collect her rifle and took it out to slide it into the sheath tied to her saddle. Nat was just about to mount Hardy when she had an idea. She turned and walked back into the cabin and walked to the bedroom. She carefully took the bear claw necklace from around her neck and placed it on Marissa’s pillow. The scar on her face would remind her of the bear she had killed and the cabin where her father was buried and his grave would remind Nat of her father. Nat was leaving her most personal possession behind for Marissa and she hoped she would understand the commitment Nat was making to her.

Pleased with the thought, Nat turned and walked from the cabin. She placed a foot in the stirrup and mounted Hardy. She reached down and took the lead for Buck and they started toward town. Quincy was tethered behind Buck and trotted excitedly behind the large horse. Gyp took the lead and walked quickly in front of Nat and Hardy.

Nat turned in her saddle before they left the yard and took one long last look at her new home.

Nat rode first to Smithy’s store and found Maggie and Smithy sitting on the front porch waiting for her. She smiled brightly when she saw the two of them waiting for her.

“Good morning, my friends,” she said as she dismounted and stepped onto the porch.

“No chance of talking you out of going is there?” Maggie asked.

“No, but I will be back,” Nat said.

Smithy stood up and handed her a small cloth wrapped bundle. “I wanted to give you this before you left,” he said as he looked down at Nat.

Nat opened the bundle and found a beautifully hand carved knife handle attached to a gleaming new blade. “This is beautiful, Smithy,” she raved.

“The handle is made from a piece of the whale bones you brought back,” he said. “It was Maggie’s idea and she helped me with the carvings.”

“You both did a wonderful job,” Nat said with tears forming.

Maggie had also stitched a heavy sheath that could be placed on Nat’s belt and she smiled when Nat unfastened her belt and hung the knife and sheath there.

“All set now,” Nat said. She hugged each of them tightly. “Thanks for such a wonderful gift.”

“Hurry back to us,” Smithy said.

“I will,” Nat said as she took Hardy’s reins and led him to the hotel to say a final goodbye to Marissa.

She dropped the reins over the hitching post and was about to step onto the porch when Marissa ran into her arms. Nat embraced her and could feel Marissa’s body trembling. “Come home to me soon,” Marissa said.

“I will,” Nat said.

“Damn you look handsome in those new clothes,” Marissa said and Nat returned her compliment with a painful smile.

Nat turned away from Marissa before the tears began and mounted Hardy. Nat tucked her hair underneath her hat and smiled at Marissa. “I love you,” she said, as she turned Hardy toward the road from town

Nat turned and waved at her friends then disappeared from view as she took a trail that would take her deep into the woods.

Her heart ached with the sound of Hardy’s footsteps, each step taking her further away from the woman she loved. She rode for several hours as the sun traveled across the sky and dark clouds were ushered in on a cool wind. Just after a short lunch break, the mist began to fall and by midafternoon rain was pelting down upon them. Nat stopped to cover the packs with new ground tarps and slipped her arms inside her range coat. She mounted Hardy and pulled the brim of her hat down as they continued their journey to the cave where they would spend the night.

Nat knew she was about another hours ride from the cave and she prayed that no one else had used the cave and depleted the pile of dry wood she had stored there several months ago when she had left the woods. The rain seemed to have settled in comfortably and would more than likely last all night. There would be no chance of finding dry wood in this weather and Nat knew she may be in for a long, uncomfortable, first night in the woods.

She was relieved when the surrounding area began to look familiar and she found the small trail that would lead back to the cave. There was no sign that anyone had traveled the path recently so Nat’s hopes for dry wood soared. She dismounted Hardy at the mouth of the cave and led the animals inside away from the falling rain.

Nat walked to the back of the cave and nearly jumped for joy when she saw the pile of wood, just as she had left it. She took an armful to the fire pit and started a fire then turned to tend to the animals. She unsaddled Hardy and took the rifle from its sheath and leaned it against a boulder where it would be close at hand if needed. Then she removed the packs from Buck and Quincy and dried each of them off the best she could with an old saddle blanket. Nat then hung the blanket and her coat to dry as she watched the rain come down in earnest just beyond the mouth of the cave.

“Well this certainly isn’t the start I had hoped for,” Nat said as she removed her hat and shook the rain drops from it.

The fire grew quickly as she spread out her bedroll and then pulled a bundle of food from her spare boots. Nat and Gyp feasted on fried chicken and corn bread while their companions ate oats from their feed bags. After their meal, Nat sat with her back resting against her saddle with her hand buried in Gyp’s fur as she stared into the flames and listened to the falling rain.

Marissa had a miserable day and took off early from the hotel. When she walked into the cabin she immediately sensed how empty if felt without Nat and Gyp there waiting for her. Her heart sank as she pushed the door closed behind her and stoked the fire. She wondered how Nat and her traveling companions were faring as they holed up for the night.

Marissa ate a light meal, even though she did not feel much like eating and then walked into the bedroom to change clothes. She lit the bedside lamp and her eyes sparkled when she saw Nat’s gift lying on her pillow. She picked up the necklace and slipped it over her head holding onto the bear claws that until recently rested against Nat’s skin. Marissa sat down on the bed and picked up Nat’s pillow and held it to her face searching for the familiar scent of her lover. Marissa cried herself to sleep that night still clutching the pillow while her heart ached for Nat.

Nat felt her head nodding and stood up to remove the feed bags from the animals. The rain was still coming down and she hoped it would let up before the morning came. Another day’s ride would bring her to the cabin and she didn’t look forward a ride in the rain. She put several large logs on the fire and with Gyp curled up beside her lay down to sleep. “Good night, my love,” she whispered to Marissa as she closed her eyes and let the sound of the rainfall lull her to sleep.

Nat woke the next morning to the sound of Hardy stomping his feet. The rain had stopped during the night and he was anxious to get on the trail. Nat quickly replaced the packs on Buck and Quincy and then saddled Hardy. “I know, I am eager to get going too,” she said as she took a ham biscuit out and tossed it to Gyp. She took two others out and mounted Hardy. She would eat her breakfast on the trail to save a little more daylight. As it was, it would be near nightfall by the time they reached the cabin.

With the rain gone, Nat listened to a chorus of birds and animals as they sang or called to their mates in the woods. Her spirits lifted as she listened to the soft creak of leather from her saddle and the gentle jingling of the metal traps packed on Buck.

The trail turned into small hills after a momentary stop to water the animals and eat another of Marissa’s ham biscuits. Soon Nat knew she would cross a small river and then be just a few miles from the cabin. Her spirits lifted even higher when she heard an eagle cry as it soared over head. Not far from the cabin was an outcropping of rocks that had been home to a family of eagle’s for several years. Even Hardy’s steps seemed quicker after he heard the cry. He knew exactly where they were headed and she could feel the excitement quivering in his muscles as they grew closer.

“It won’t be long now boys before you are grazing on some sweet clover,” Nat said as the sun started to fade.

Even Gyp seemed excited, even though she had been such a young pup the last time she was at the cabin. She ran ahead of Nat and would rush back to hurry them on. Nat had not given any thought to anyone else being in the cabin, so as they got closer she looked for signs of recent travel. There were no hoof prints or boot prints that would indicated anyone had taken over the cabin, but still she cautiously rode into the small front yard.

There was no fire burning in the fire place or in the outdoor fire pit. Nat’s eyes drifted to the end of the cabin where she had buried her father and was grateful that his grave was undisturbed. The small cross she had placed at the head of the rock mound was still securely in place. She smiled and dismounted Hardy. She would have to work quickly to get unpacked and tend to the animals before darkness overtook them.

She carried the first of the large packs inside and lit the wood she had left in the fireplace. If anyone had followed her last visit, at least they were kind enough to lay a fire. Nat carried in the remainder of the packs and then took the saddle from Hardy’s back. She led the animals into a small fenced corral and closed a small gate behind them. The fence would not be a deterrent if any of them wanted out, but Nat knew that they would not wonder far from the cabin and a loud whistle would bring them trotting back.

As she walked back to the cabin, Nat stopped at her father’s grave. “Hello, Father. I cannot begin to tell you how much I miss you,” she said. “My life has changed so much since you died and I have never been more confused in my life. I hope some time out here with you will help me sort through who it is I have become and where my life shall lead me.”

Nat bent down and ran her fingers over the rough wood of the cross. “I love you, Father.” Nat then walked into the cabin and began to sort through her packs as she set up house in the small cabin. The small cots she and her father had slept on were still in place, much to her delight. She spread her bedroll out across it and began to unpack her food supplies.

She located the small grate that fit into the fireplace and took the lid off a jar of the chowder to warm over the fire. She and Gyp would finish off the chicken and corn bread while the chowder would give them something hot in their bellies. Nat then picked up the bucket and made her way down the path to the small creek for fresh water. It had grown dark, but Nat had traveled the path so many times she knew exactly where to go. She dipped out a bucket of cold water and walked back to the cabin, with Gyp close on her heels.

Tomorrow she would survey the streams and surrounding areas to determine if the beaver and other wild game seemed to be plentiful. Nat had hoped that she could reap her bounty here without having to travel any further away from Marissa.

Nat and Gyp ate their meal and after cleaning up their dishes decided to call it an early night. The day on the trail had been long and they were both tired from their travels. Nat pulled the empty cot next to hers and laid a saddle blanket out for Gyp. She placed more wood on the fire to keep the fire going through the night. Nat took off her boots and belt holding her new knife and laid them on the cot beside Gyp. She stretched out onto the cot and stared up at the shadows dancing across the ceiling until the call of dreams enticed her to drift off to sleep.

Gyp woke Nat the next morning licking her face. Nat nuzzled Gyp’s neck. “Do you need to go out?” she asked and Gyp raced for the door. “I will take that as a yes,” Nat said as she opened the door for Gyp. The cabin was ringed with verdant green plant life that glistened brightly beneath the early morning dew. Nat stepped into her boots and placed her knife on her belt as she watched Gyp race around, nose to the ground smelling the many scents of animals that had passed through the yard.

Nat turned and walked back inside and foraged through the wrapped bundles to find three ham biscuits left. Gyp came trotting back inside. “This is it girl, one for you and two for me. After these, it is back to my cooking,” Nat said with a chuckle.

Gyp took the biscuit from her hand gently as she sat down to eat. Nat bit into the biscuit and her mouth watered at the taste of the ham. It made her long for Marissa even more. “Maybe we should find us a wild boar so we can have ham,” Nat said to Gyp.

She had become so used to speaking with humans over the past four months. It seemed strange to hear her own voice with no one there to answer. Gyp was a great companion, but Nat wished during moments like this that she could speak. “Okay maybe it isn’t such a good idea that you speak,” Nat said as she patted Gyp’s head. “You would probably keep me up all night talking.”

Nat ate half of the last biscuit and gave the remainder to Gyp. She drank a glass of water and looked at Gyp. “Are you ready to get to work?” she asked.

Gyp ran out the door and waited at the top of the steps as Nat bent down to pick up her rifle. “Let’s go,” she said and started off down a path. The cabin was ideal for a trapper. Three of its sides were close to three separate small creeks which joined together a mile away to form the river where Nat’s father had been killed. Nat walked down to the first creek and looked for signs of beaver dams. There were plenty of saplings that had been hewn by the beaver’s sharp teeth and Nat walked a hundred yard more down to find several damns that looked fresh. She traveled to the other two creeks and found the same evidence. On her way back to the cabin she listened for a familiar hum.

She heard what she was looking for and turned to Gyp. “You stay here,” she said. Gyp dropped on her haunches and sat obediently as Nat walked further into the woods. “I was hoping you were still here,” she said as she approached a large split tree. She cautiously peeked inside and saw a mass of honey bees swarming as they worked. “I will be back for you later,” Nat said as she turned back to Gyp.

“We are going to have us some honey, Gyp,” she said and Gyp danced to her feet. It was still early morning, so Nat took a half a dozen traps and walked to where her father had been killed. The spot where she had burned the bear carcass was filled in with new grass with just a faint hint of evidence that the ground here had been scorched. Nat worked for an hour, setting the traps and then walked back to the cabin. “Let’s go sit down by the creek and see what we can shoot for dinner tonight,” she said to Gyp.

Gyp followed Nat down to the water’s edge and they sat patiently watching small animals come to drink. Nat’s thoughts drifted to memories of Marissa as she sat dazed against a small tree. Gyp licked her hand to bring her back to reality as a large rabbit sat up on its hind legs staring at them.

“Rabbit stew it is,” Nat said as she lifted her rifle and killed the rabbit.

Gyp bounded off ahead of her and sniffed around the dead rabbit, “With some potatoes and carrots that should taste just fine,” Nat said as she picked up the rabbit.

Gyp sat patiently on the porch as she watched Nat skin the rabbit and prepare it for the stew pot. The rabbit was still lean from winter, but if would provide ample meat for their stew for a few days. Nat put the meat into the stew pot and hung the pelt to dry.

She cut up a few of the potatoes and carrots from her stores and left them soaking in water. There was still plenty of daylight left as she and Gyp went in search of more firewood. Nat picked up the axe and her rifle. She used a narrow strip of buckskin to fashion a strap to the rifle so she could carry it over her shoulder, leaving her hands free to carry an armload of wood. She had seen a few trees behind the cabin that had fallen during the winter snows that she would chop first for their fireplace.

Nat chopped for nearly an hour, separating the fallen trees into sections she could carry back to the cabin. She stacked the small logs beside the cabin door and returned to split and carry the larger sections of the trunks. As the sun started to fade, Nat took the axe and returned to the cabin, smiling at the sizeable stack of wood she was able to bring in. She placed the axe and her rifle inside and walked to the creek for a fresh bucket of water. She poured water into Gyp’s bowl and into her cup as she rested from the labor. She added another few cups to the cooking stew and dropped the vegetables in with the meat.

She then mixed up a batch of cornmeal and placed a skillet into the fireplace to bake. It would be awhile before dinner was ready, so Nat looked at Gyp. “Should we go steal some honey?” she asked.

Gyp heard the word go and bounded to the door. Nat picked up the glass jar she had emptied the night before that still held a small amount of water and walked to the door. She made a long torch using a tree limb with an oily cloth wrapped around the end and lit it as she and Gyp walked to the honey tree. “You will have to stay back,” Nat said. “I don’t want you stung by angry bees.”

Gyp sat patiently as she watched her master approach the tree. Nat poured a small amount of the water on the torch to make the oily cloth smoke. She then lifted the torch into the heart of the tree and ducked as an angry swarm of honey bees flew from the hive. Nat quickly poured the water from the jar and dunked it into the sticky, sweet honey, careful to break off a small portion of the comb to place inside the jar. When the jar was full, Nat moved quickly away from the tree and she and Gyp rushed back to the house. She extinguished the torch and rested it beside the cabin to wait for their next raid.

Nat took the jar inside and wiped the side that was coated with the sweet honey and lifted it to her lips. “Mm this is sweet,” she said and watched Gyp’s body wiggle with anticipation. Nat ran her fingers through the sweet liquid and offered her fingers to Gyp who licked them with great appreciation of the tasty treat. Nat placed the metal lid on the jar and sat it in the middle of the table.

Nat returned to the porch and picked up an alder branch that she had found earlier that day. She returned to the cabin and took a chair over to the fireplace to sit and began skinning the light bark from the limb. She carefully shaved the limb and stopped every few minutes to drop the shavings into the fire. She would make this into a walking stick for Maggie, she decided as she sat back and enjoyed the smell of the cooking food. Each night, before she retired for the evening she would add another carving onto the stick, she promised herself. It would make a beautiful gift for Maggie and would help her pass the time during the long nights ahead.

When Nat had skinned the bark, she carefully held the stick over the heat of the fireplace. As the wood heated, it turned a darker shade that would make Nat’s carving’s stand out more prominently on the wood. By the time she had finished staining the stick, the cornbread had risen and the stew was ready for dinner. Nat carefully propped the stick next to the fireplace and dished out hearty portions of the stew for their dinner. She placed the frying pan on the table and cut the cornbread into four large slices. She removed Gyp’s corn bread to cool and then crumbled it on top of the stew, before settling in to her own meal.

“It’s not too bad, huh, Gyp?” Nat asked.

Gyp was busily devouring the meal and did not even look up at the sound of her name. “Must not be too bad,” Nat said with a chuckle.

Nat cleaned the dishes and took the stew from the fire as she prepared to retire for the evening. They would have cornbread and honey for breakfast the next morning and Nat would bake biscuits for leftover stew the following evening.

Tired, but satisfied with the day’s accomplishments, Nat took off her boots and lay down on the cot. Gyp jumped onto the cot beside her and curled up next to Nat. “Good night Marissa,” Nat whispered. Gyp whimpered lowly, sensing Nat’s loneliness and Nat reached over to run her fingers through Gyp’s fur. “Everything is going to be all right, Gyp,” she said softly to herself and her companion.

PART NINETEEN

Nat spent the next few weeks, trapping and treating the pelts she was able to harvest. Each night she would sit by the fire and carve on the walking stick, whittling away the time. Her longing for Marissa did not fade and as the days grew longer, Nat found herself thinking of home.

Nat spent a good deal of time talking to Nathan’s grave while she worked on her pelts. She knew her father could not answer her directly, but being near to him made Nat think like Nathan. As her heart grew unbearably lonesome, Nat knew her decision was made. Nathan loved the wild, even more deeply after her mother had died, but he had taught her that no matter what, Nat should follow her heart. Nat had no doubt, that she loved the life that Nathan had taught her and it was a life she knew well, but without him or Marissa, it wasn’t the life she yearned for.

The more she thought about Maggie’s suggestion, to harvest ocean life and do some trapping near home while working for Smithy, the more excited she was about going home. She had several good weeks and she was sure the quality of the pelts was exceptional and Smithy would give a fair price for them, especially this early in the season.

On a sunny morning a month after she had left home, Nat collected her traps and prepared for the trip home. She would leave the following morning and spent the day setting up her packs and topping off her supply of honey. She had not killed the wild boar she had hoped for, but there would be plenty of time to hunt once she returned home. Even better, she and Marissa could raise their own pig for slaughter if they added a small pen.

That evening, Nat packed up the last of her cooking utensils. She would eat leftover biscuits and jerky on her two day trip home. It wasn’t a hearty meal, but Nat knew she would more than make up for it with Marissa’s home cooking soon.

Gyp too, seemed excited about traveling. She danced around Nat’s heels as she walked to and from the woods to the cabin re-stocking wood. She doubted she would return to the cabin for a long time, but she wanted the next person to stumble across it to be properly welcomed.

They ate the last portion of a pheasant Nat had shot with cornbread. When Nat was done, she sat by the fire and picked up the walking stick. During her weeks in the woods, Nat had carved numerous animals deep into the smooth wood and she was pleased with the final product. Maggie would be honored with the gift and would use it often in their future journeys together.

When dawn arrived the following morning, Nat had to wake Gyp who was still softly snoring on her cot. “It is time to start for home lazy bones,” Nat teased as she pulled her boots on.

Nat packed the animals and after feeding Gyp a strip of jerky, placed one in her mouth and mounted Hardy. She tore off bites of the dried meat and sucked on it to allow it to soften enough for her to chew as she rode through the morning. Nat had not seen another human since leaving town and was surprised to catch the smell of a campfire as they moved along the trail. She kept her hand close to her rifle as they approached a small clearing.

Nat saw a young couple, barely out of their teens milling around the campfire. They were startled by her approached and the young man jumped to his feet.

“Hello there,” Nat shouted as she approached.

“Hello,” he answered, but eyed her warily.

“What brings you two out to these parts?” she asked as Hardy walked closer to the fire.

“Me and my wife Susan are trying our hand at trapping,” the strapping young man said proudly.

“Are you having much luck?” Nat asked.

“Not near as well as you apparently,” he said, as he saw the mound of pelts on Quincy’s back. “My name is Tom Calder,” he said as he offered his hand to Nat.

“Nat St. Croix,” she said as she took his hand. “Would you mind a suggestion?” Nat asked.

“No, not all at,” he answered. “Why don’t you join us for some coffee,” he offered.

Nat stepped down from Hardy and tied him off to a small tree. She took the cup of coffee from Susan and joined them around the fire.

“I just left a cabin about four hours ride from here. It would provide you better protection from the elements to have a roof over your head and it is an area filled with plentiful game. ”

“Why are you leaving it then?” Tom asked.

“My heart just isn’t into the life anymore since my father passed. That will be his grave at the end of the cabin and I ask that you tend to it respectfully if you chose to use the cabin,” Nat said.

“I am sorry you lost your father,” Susan said.

“Thank you. It was at the end of last year’s season, so he has been gone awhile.”

“A roof over our heads would be nice Tom,” Susan said.

Nat smiled at the young woman and looked at her husband. “The cabin sits between three creeks that join a mile away to form a nice sized river. All four spots are great for trapping and the game is plentiful to keep you well fed. ”

“We thank you for the information and will take advantage of that,” Tom said. “What was your father’s name?” he asked.

“It was Nathan and he taught me everything I know about trapping and living in the woods,” Nat said. She finished her coffee and handed the cup back to Susan. “Thank you for the coffee. If you will follow this trail for half a day you will come to a small trail that bears to the right. Follow it and it will lead you to the cabin. A fire is already laid in the fireplace.”

“Thank you so much,” Tom said as he shook her hand with enthusiasm.

“You are welcome and good luck,” she said. “Oh and for something sweet, you will find a honey tree if you take the trail off to the left of the cabin and a smoke stick resting at the end of the porch.”

“That sounds good to me,” Susan said. “Thanks again and have a safe trip home.”

Nat walked over and mounted Hardy. With a wave and a smile, she left the clearing, hoping to still make the cave by nightfall.

As she rode away from the clearing, she could hear the couple scurrying about as they gathered their supplies. It put a smile on her face to know that the cabin would be used and maintained by the couple who so desperately needed help.

Nat reached the cave just as dusk began to settle in. She removed the packs from the animals and allowed them to graze freely as she started a campfire. She removed portions of jerky for her and Gyp as they sat listening to the stirring night.

The animals returned to the mouth of the cave after grazing and watched over Nat as she curled into her bedroll and slept soundly that night.

As the sun’s light crested the horizon, Hardy began stomping his feet as he shifted his weight. Who needed a rooster, Nat thought when I have Hardy. She climbed from her bedroll and rolled it tightly before tying it onto her saddle. She slipped into her boots and pulled her hat over her brow. “Let’s pack up and head for home.”

She packed the animals and climbed up onto Hardy’s back. The day promised to be warm and Nat would be grateful for a stop at a river along the way to hopefully bathe her body. She did not want to return to Marissa with the musk of a month’s sweat on her body. If there was no one close, she would strip down and bathe quickly in the cold waters and put on fresh clothing, she thought as they trod down the path.

Soon, very soon, she would be back in her love’s arms. Her smile grew with each step and when they reached the river, she cheerfully tolerated the frigid water to bathe and wash her hair. She would still wear a faint musk that only a long, hot, bath would soak from her skin, but she was at least tolerable to smell.

As the sun began to set, Nat could smell the smoke from Marissa’s fireplace. They rode into the yard and Gyp raced ahead to scratch at the front door.

Marissa was just sitting down to enjoy a meal of fried chicken and biscuits when she heard the scratching at the door. When the noise appeared for the second time, Marissa stood and walked to the door. She opened the door and Gyp rushed to her side.

“Welcome back, Gyp,” Marissa said as she bent down to pet her. She looked up to see Nat stepping down from Hardy’s back. She smiled brightly and rushed to Nat’s arms. “Welcome home, my love,” she said.

“Thank you,” Nat said and was cut off by a sweltering, hot kiss from Marissa. She held her tightly in her arms as they kissed for several minutes.

“I am so happy to see you.”

“I can see that,” Nat teased. “It is good to be home.”

“Let me help you with the animals and I will get you something to eat,” Marissa said.

“I will unload the animals if you will start the wash pot fire. I am in desperate need of a hot bath.”

“You have a good point,” Marissa said as she wriggled her nose.

Nat lifted the packs from the animals and left them setting on the front porch. Tomorrow she could deal with unpacking and taking the pelts to Smithy. Tonight, she wanted nothing more than to be in Marissa’s company and fall asleep in her arms.

Nat took the animals to the barn where she fed them grain and made sure they had water, before she walked back to the cabin. The water was heating as she walked past the wash pot into the cabin. Marissa was preparing the bathing area for Nat.

“I had just sat down for dinner. Would you like to share my chicken, or would you like something else?”

“There is not enough chicken for both of us, so you eat that while I cook some flapjacks.”

“Better yet, you snack on the chicken and I will prepare flapjacks and eggs too if you want them,” Marissa said, as she handed Nat a chicken leg.

“We are starving,” Nat said. “We have lived off of jerky for two days now, so anything hot would be good.”

Marissa cooked Nat and Gyp two thick flapjacks each then scrambled a dozen eggs. She sat down with them and shared the eggs and the last of the chicken. When the meal was over, Nat started bringing in hot water for her bath while Marissa cleaned the dishes.

Nat was undressing when Marissa joined her in the bathing area. “You have lost weight,” she said with a look of concern.

“My cooking tastes nothing like yours,” Nat said with a warm smile.

Marissa kissed her again and then looked into her eyes as her fingertips traced the fading scar down her face. “You really are home.”

“Yes, my love, I am,” Nat said.

Nat finished undressing and climbed into the steaming, hot water. “This feels so good,” she groaned.

Marissa knelt beside Nat to wash her hair and then bathed her body as Nat relaxed in the soaking bath.

“I am beginning to feel human again,” Nat said as she looked at Marissa with adoring eyes as she stepped from the bath tub.

“You certainly smell better,” Marissa teased as she wrapped Nat in a thick towel.

After drying her body, Marissa reached around her head and slipped the necklace off, placing it over Nat’s head. She looked at the bear claws resting on Nat’s skin and said, “Now you are truly home.”