A Passion For The Past

[prometheus 2]

"Damn Government! Damn politicians! damn tight assed professors! damn highbrow university jerks!"
.............&^$**$###@!$&&&***

When Carl got through cussing just about every institution and government program he could think of he read the letter again.

"Dear Mr Anderson:

Due to the fact that you kave been ignoring our phone calls and not responding to our letters, we see no alternative but to obtain an injuction to enter you property and study the archeologocal artifacts we know to be there.

Carl stopped reading long enough to look up at a hill of overgrown brush and trees in the middle of one of his best corn fields and to mutter.

"Artifacts, my ass. To my notion it's just a damned mound that I have to plow around every year. If I'd a known it was gonna be such a pain in the ass I've of had it bulldozzed down years ago."

He continued reading

"In one last attempt to settle this we are sending a professor from the university of Maryland to your place of residence on monday July 10 2002. If you are not on the premisis at that time an assesment will be made as to the disposition of thes artifacts and you will be notified aobut our decision."

"place of residence, premisis, assesment It's my damn property! Who in the hell do they think they are anyway," he sputtered.

And he'd damned well would be here just to kick their fat asses off!

He wiped his brow and walked to the pump behind the house. grabbing the long handle he pumed some water into the pail attached to it and taking a dipper scooped it full of water. He cooled down a bit as he felt the cold water wash down his throat. Anther scoop went in his face and a third one down the back of his neck.

Feeling better he walked back towards the mound as if to asess, it study it, figure out a solution to this problem. Something about it made him shudder or was it the cold water? at any rate he felt a chill at the back of his neck. It had happened before when ever he thought about plowing this mound under and that probably why he hadn't something was telling him to leave it be.

It wasn't that he needed the measly acre it occupied, hell he had 359 acres just as good as this one. He'd sort of gotten used to it being there kinda out of the way behind the machine shed just on the edge of the bluff that overlooked the Mississippi River.

Because it was between the river and the fields it was a haven for wildlife of all kinds and a quiet walk through it with a gun produced many a rabbit or a pheasant or maybe a deer if he was lucky. And for the most time he felt a peaceful feeling as he climbed to the top and looked out over his fields. Hell, he sometimes went there just to think and often came away with a problem solved or a new idea about something.

Today was differnt though he hated what it was doing to his life. Hated the idea of meeting with this professor. Wanting to get back to the business of farming. knowing that he had to check the fence on the back forty. knowing he had a thousand things to do just to keep even, much less get ahead. What a damn waste to wait for something he hated to happen, occur.

 

[Funloving62]

Melisa Hazard

Bob hander her next assignment with a bit of reluctance letting the paper work slip into her hands. She looked up at him with a smile as asked him what was up with this one, seeing his hesitation.

OK Bob, what's up ... I saw that look think I can't handle this one do ya? Give me the heads up please, so I know what I'm in for."

Bob shook his head he knew she could handle it but just not sure she would be happy with it. He explained that it was a man down south that sat on a piece of property that many belived to hold scarred artifacts, he went on to tell her that the man had refused the phone calls and letters. And now there only recourse was to send someone out to talk to the man and see what there really was under that mound if anything. But from the charts and meager samples they where able to gather it seems to be true.

She gave him an oh gee thanks look, as she read the reports they did have so far. Quickly she narrowed her brow seeing the finds listed from what they did manage to get from out of the area.

"My God Bob, this place could be loaded with artifacts from these charts. Jesus it looks like he is sitting right in the middle of it? What is the problem ... Why won't he let us come look? But I guess that's another reason your sending me out there aye? My charms ha you want to work my magic over the man is that it?"

She had to laugh even to her own ears it sounded funny. Bob and Richard in the next cubical to her laughed out loud as well. Her charms where notorious but so what her temper, she was one hard head when she wanted something and everyone that new Missy knew that very well if not she would prove it as time when on.

"All right all right... I will do it. But I have a feeling this will not be an easy assignment. I hope I get hazard pay."

She sat there reading with a smirk on her face as Bob threw the plane tickets on her desk telling her she was to leave right away, they didn't want to waste any time in this one. She looked up and took a deep breath.

"OK I guess I better get going. I will need to stop at my place first and get a few things and be on my way to B W I airport then. my flight leaves at..."

She picked up the tickets and gasped as Bob turned and sort of snuck out of the office heading to take cover knowing her temper a times did speak for its self.

"HOLY SHIT ... it leaves in an hour and a half. OH BOB PATERSON YOU OWE ME ... you own me big time mister!"

She grabbed her plans and files stuffing the ticket into her purse and rushed out to the car slamming doors and spewing a few choice words as she got in the car and took off to her house. She hoped she would make this flight in time. Bob nodded to Rich as he popped up from behind the wall seeing her speed out of the parking lot of the university, saying that's why they send Missy. She would get the job done one way or another.

 

[prometheus 2]

Carl

It was nearing coffee time and Carl looked toward the house which stood silent and still in the morning sun. Roof needed shingling and the porch swing needed a paint job. Funny how things got left undone when there was no one around to do them for. He got to thinking about Molly and figured he should pay her a visit. he hadn’t been up that way lately. He walked quickly now as if in anticipation toward the family graveyard up by the apple orchard. stooping to pick a few daisies growing beside the path.

“These are for you, honey,” he said softly as he placed them beside a headstone that said Molly Anderson 1951- 1999. Shame she had to go so soon he thought shaking his head . Cancer at 48, he never believed it could happen to anyone much less his Molly. Two years now she’d been gone, two long years. He retrieved a red handkerchief from his back overall pocket and blew his nose.

“ No sense crying over spilled milk, ain’t that always what you used to say, Molly.” He smiled and turned. Maybe I’ll paint that swing while I’m waiting he thought as he made his way back to the house stopping at the tool shed to find some white paint and a couple of brushes. He set them down on the porch and headed inside for his morning coffee. While the coffee was cooking he rummaged around and found a stale doughnut, Reminding himself that he needed to go to town for groceries later after that professor left and after he saddled up old prince and checked out that fence. He’d seen a tree fallen down on it a couple of days ago and figured he better get to it before the cattle found it and strayed off down the riverbank It’d be tough to find them down in that tangled mess if they did. Besides prince needed to be ridden, been a while since Carl had been up on his back.

The coffee pot was boiling so Carl grabbing a doughnut and pouring a cup, headed for the porch and sat down on the steps. He gazed down the road out past the mailbox and looked for dust, nothing.

“Just like the government he said, hurry up and wait.”

He looked off toward the mound again this time his mind a little more peaceful, thinking about the farm and how it had been in the family for four generations now, passed down to first son to first grandson and then to Carl. He was an only child so there was no question as to who would inherit it and he accepted it willingly when his father died. Now with no son to pass it on to as he and Molly had no children, maybe he’d just let them have their old Indian mound. He gazed out over the landscape again, the corn as far as you could see to the east, well over knee high tall as was expected this time of year. the barn and sheds on the north, the pond to the south and the river bottoms to the west. Sure was a pretty sight, no he’d never sell. After all he’d put into this place and all he’d gotten out of it he’d die here just like his father and their fathers before him. and they'd never dig into that mound, not if he had a breath left in his body.

 

[Funloving62]

Missy

She parked the car and ran in to the bell captain showing him her tickets she still had to go through security yet she hoped that there would be time as she muttered a bout what she was going to do to bob when she got back. The men looked at her at the security gate as they point and told her. pier D and gate 15 the plane was at finale boarding call. Another grumble as she hurried just as she hear last call and made it in just in time breathlessly. Finding her seat as everyone looked at her making her way to the seat. Of course it was at the back of the plane. she sat down and siged then More mumbles as the bathroom door flung back and banged against her seat.


"Oh great , I can see what kind of time this will be"

The flight hit every air pocket ossible, not one bit of food was severed not even penuts, and figuars she had not lunch to day and it seemed no dinner as well now. the turbulence was so bad even the attendant had to remain buckled in.

they landed and she was one of the first ones off the plane and to the car rental department .Thank God that went smoothly. she was on her way and heading out to see this man and this mystical mound. being from the country in a small town in the Smokeys herself growing up , she was use to the backwoods side of life. Matter of fact she kind of missed it. living in the big cities was an adventure . Still their is no place like home and driving though the country side seemed to put her in a better state of mine for the moment.

She stopped and asked direction once she got into the town the man was from, good thing she was from the country even in Tennessee she understood county foke. back to the car she looked at the paper with the address on it and set back out against to the road. She stared to read road signs or route numbers back in the sticks there where more like ...turn at farmers browns old barn that burnt down last year the marks still therein the diry, then by Kyle's place the one with the green roof make a left. well by some change she found the green roof in the middle of the road and made the turn. she saw the mailbox marker Anderson and turned into the long dirt road that she hoped was the driveway.

"Ready or not Mr. Anderson here comes your worked nightmare. if you tick me off. "

There was no stopping this women once she got started headstrong was not the word for it .She was a real go getter when she had to be, charming and delightful when she wanted to be and down right mean and nasty when she had to .she stopped the car and stepped out looking around note pad in hand as she looked about trying to get the lay of the land in her mind before she spoke to this Mr. Anderson. She put on her most charming smile and moved to the front door knocking. not hearing an answer she stared to moved around the the barn it was open maybe he was working inside...

 

[prometheus 2]

Carl

He had been in the barn when he saw the cloud of dust as the car came up the long driveway. He had wanted to make sure the horses had water and growled to himself at being interupted.

"Hell, they could wait." he muttered under his breath, as he turned on the hose and watched his two quarterhorses look up and then clop toward the trough. He rubbed their necks a bit and then turning saw that the car was now stopped in front of the house. He squinted against the sunlight to see if indeed it was the unwelcome company or just a neighbor come to visit. Seeing the rental company logo, he knew and shrugged his shoulders. Let them find me he thought Maybe I can get a peek and see what they look like before I have to meet them. He was surprised to see a lone person in the car and when that person stepped out he groaned.

"A damn broad ! They sent a damn broad all this way to talk to him. For gods sake what was this world coming to sending a woman out to do a mans job. How chickens shit was that anyhow. Surprised that he was feeing sorry for her he continued his self talk. Probably thought she coud soft soap him into doing something they wanted.... give him a song and dance about what a nice guy he was... try to get on the good side of him . Well he wouldn't fall for that especially from some soft city broad. he'd soon enough give her a reality check.

He watched her head for the house measuring her up and down... younger than him maybe in her thirties... tall for a woman5 ' 9" or so carried he self well moving confidently in ...well he never expeced that.... cowboy boots! a knee length denium skirt, a turquoise blouse with a deerskin vest ! fringes too and turquoise beads! what the hell!.... who the hell!... was she trying to impress... was she really trying to make him think that she was somehow part of this indian mound culture thing. He tried to see her face and when she turned from the house he spoke out loud.

"Oh shit she is an Indian !" The sun had caught her tawny skin at an angle that made it obvious. He saw her dark hair her high cheekbones and her thin strong nose and her ebony eyes so dark and bright.

Carl gulped she sure was a looker her long brown legs and arms swinging by her side as she started for the barn her step purposeful and unafraid.

It was time for Carl to put his best foot forward. He cleared his throat, stepped into the sunlight and then hesitated at the front of the barn as she closed the gap between them. He had lost his nerve and just stood there waiting.....

 

[Funloving62]

Missy

Missy was not the kind of person that would back down from a fight. Bob Paterson knew that well enough that's part of the reason he sent her. Now it was her turn to prove him right and from what she gathered she would be up against a real winner. What man would not let her own people find out about their own birthright there heritage. she was about to find out just that as she made her way to the barn just as Mr. Anderson came out and stared her way. She had a mission one she took seriously and there was no stopping this dynamo once she got started. her hand extended out to him as she stopped in front of the man.

"Mr. Anderson... I'm profeser Hazard, from the University of Maryland. Our team has asked me to come out here to day to talk to you and do a little survey. How are you today?"

Missy was a straight forwards gal , one that didn't like to pull pounces and went straight to the gusto. she told him what she was going to do today and not ask. She watched his eyes seeing the glazed over look , seemingly from her straightforward approach she figured. It was then that she noticed him .

her eyes lingering over him reading him like a book. his eyes she stayed to them the longest. As she waited for his response, the eyes her people believes where the lifeline to the soul. in them you could see what truths might lie. she saw sorrow and pain. a lost Happiness that part always shinned in a good hearted person. but could she see any in this man. She took notice of his attired a pair of old faded blue jeans a rather sweat soaked clinging tee shirt the rather reaked ..but then again he was working in the barn she would not hold that against him. wore cowboy boots and raggedy ball cap. certainly not what you'd see on the cover of GQ. but then again she was back in the sticks. one thing that did surprise her was that long ponytail he had sticking out the back of his hat. it had to run down past his shoulders. he looked to be older then her maybe in his late 40's or so. sort of looked the biker type gone cowboy. with that scruffy days growth of an unshaven bread and a dark mustache that she could tell was starting to turn gray near the edges. he had a bit of gray in that dark hair of his to. thou that long hair threw her a moment. It made her wonder if this guy could be part native his self or maybe just old hippy. seemed like they sort of migrated up into the hills a few years back. But this one looked like an ornery cuss.

Missy was not one to waste time so she stared to move around looking at the barn and the grounds behind him waiting for him to speak , then she just joined in...

"Well how about we get to work ha?.. Just lead me to my room and i will change and we can get to digging..."

Bob forgot to mentition that she would be staying there to keep an eye on the grounds to more surveyors came to join her once the go ahead was given. this was something she found out about on the plane as she read over the plans. and it seemed that Carl to just was informed of the arrangements himself where he liked it or not. Just then was when that hose Carl had on before desides to break lose and spray out over the both of them soakig them both from head to toe.

 

[prometheus 2]

Carl

Carl was just about to tell her off good. Just what in the hell was she talking about,.. stay here...! that would be a cold day in hell,! even if she pitched her damn teepee out behind the barn.! There was no way she was staying on his property. and dig Who said anything about digging.... another cold day in hell, maybe even a freeze over. She’d better have some papers for him to sign first and he’d take his damn sweet time signing them too on account of his arthritis was acting up in his right arm. Ha! that and a few more choice words he had to say.

Then he raised his arms up in exasperation and pulled the hose loose spraying water everywhere. cold! water everywhere. So he didn’t get a chance to speak his piece... only holler “oooooowwwwwwieeeee god that's cooooollld. She was screaming to and he could see why, her hair soaking wet, her turquoise blouse clinging to her body, water running off her vest and down the front of her skirt.

A puddle had formed on the floor around them by the time Carl found the faucet and turned it off. The horses in the background looked at them like they were crazy as they stood there face to face shivering and ....laughing Carl couldn’t help it he had been so hot and feeling so ornery and now standing there shivering his behind off, he was laughing.

 

[Funloving62]

Missy

The sudden spray of cold water was more of a blessing then she even truly realized. She could see his blood pressure going up the scale ready to explode at the mer mention of her staying on at his place. but the that blasted hose let lose. If she hadn't see the look of shock on Carl's face she would have thought he turned the hose on her. She screamed as that first blast soaked her blouse and skirt. it was cold ...frigid even She heard his shout as the shock hit him and saw him take off for the facet even she moved to it not afraid to get dirty in the least.

they stood nose to nose soaking ringing wet, water still dripped down her nose and chin as she saw him burst out laughing and shivering all at the same time. she tried to look angry and determine but its hard to hold a straight face when your ankle deep in fridges water and the lovely fragrance of horse manure lingers into the air. after all there where at the barn. she burst out laughingherself, as she rung out her skirt. she looked to him with shivering teeth

"Well now that the ice is broken ... so to speak .. Can we go inside and get warm? Some coffee would be nice. i need to get into some dry things."

Carl was to busy laughing to complain, with a singel motion of his hand he waved her to the house. he didn't mean to soak the women he wasn't happy a bout the events but at least she was a good sport about it and didn't fly off the handle at getting her designer boots and fancy vest all wet. matter of fact she was a good sport about it, even tried to help him turn it off. He never thought about turning the hose on her to get he out of there but hey seemed even that didin't work. yet he did get a good laugh out of it.

Once in side he offered her a cup of coffee after she came back out dressed in a pare of tennis shoes jeans and a tee shirt, and an old blanket still wrapped around her shivering. her hand shook as she took the coffee cup.

" Now...Mr. Anderson... Can you please tell me why you don't wish us to look on your lands under that mound? The University thinks that there are ancient artifact relating to my ancestors bury there. This could possibly be sacred ground you live on. Do you want to take away the right of million of native people . It's there right to know there past, there culture? Look ... I know this is your home and from what I have read , your fathers... fathers home as well . Can you let our people out here to dig and survey the lands ... Can't we do this the easy way ... Carl wasn't it?"

She lifted a brow watching him again the eyes she lingered on his eyes as she spoke. Her hands still shook from the cold water bath but at least he was cleaned up now and cooled off as well, she thought before he might blow a gasket...

 

[prometheus 2]

Carl

"Carl wasn't it?, Carl heard her say.

That was about all he heard, her words came tumbling out so fast, too fast for him to comprehend for the moment, besides he was still recovering from the soaking he;d gotten when that blasted hose had come apart.

He had changed into a fresh pair of jeans a light cambray shirt and stepped into his house moccasins. He hesitated a moment thinking he might give her the wrong impression and then shrugged his shoulders. Hell, he wore them every day around the house before he changed into his boots to do chores or work in the fields. He even wore them in the woods so he could walk quietly and not disturb things.

He grinned remembering again the scene in the barn. It sure would’a looked mighty strange if anybody would have come walking up at that minute and seen the two of them face to face like bulldogs one minute and then the next scrambling for the faucet. Just why it struck Carl so funny he couldn’t rightly say only that she sort’a looked like a drown cat for a minute and then when she laughed it took all of the tension between them away. He had to admit he did like her laugh.

“Now wait a minute miss..... it is miss isnt’he added as he looked at her ringless left hand. Hazard right he grinned maybe you got a first name to go with that”.

Not waiting for her to answer he continued figuring he was on a roll and needed to keep up the momentum. “I know your probably wanting to get things moving here as you’ve been waiting on me to make up my mind and answer your letters but I’m not going to rush into this just cause you got your timetable to deal with. A little while longer sure wouldn’t make that much difference now would it?.”

Carl was stalling for time the unusualness of the afternoon had caught him off balance and he needed to rethink this whole deal. “Before we get into the whys and why nots lets talk about the whats and what nots.and before that let’s just finish our coffee and maybe get to know each other better come out on the porch and sit a spell it's nice in the sunshine maybe warm us up a bit. Maybe I can show you around a bit too so you’ll understand what this farm is all about. We got all afternoon and then some, right?

She seemed to agree because she nodded her head not looking him square in the eye which he knew from experience it was a sing of respect not aversion.

"Now what was that first name?, mine’s Carl." he stuck out his hand and smiled.

 

[Funloving62]

Missy

Oh no she thought listening to him as he came over to her, he's going to blow again. But he surprise her. He said his piece then nodded to her and said his words. She saw that hand as she nodded with a smile ,her hand extended out to him a firm grip was returned as she shook his hand. Her father had always told her a firm grip showed character and power, not a weak limp wisy washy girlie hand shake. This guy sure was a character in his own way , but one she found rather interesting in a good way.

"Well, ya almost had it right the first time Carl ... My friends call me Missy. My names Melissa Hazard, and yes it is miss. And I will take you up on your offer. It does seem we have plenty of time."

She nodded again as she motioned to the porch , then stepping aside and opening the door for her like a gentlemen.She stepped out into the warm sunshine and ran a hand through her long raven tresses, left unbound and free still damp from that hose as she moved to the porch swing. Lowering down onto it and grinning from ear to ear. she would like a tour and besides it would show her the lands she would be surveying as well.


" Ya know my grand papa had a swing like this on his front porch to ... It's been a long while since I sat in one . I always loved that darn swing. its been a while since i have been on a farm again to I must admit . My family is from down south, southern Tennessee in the heart of the Smokeys. This place reminds me a bit of home Carl. its very nice, very homey. "

She watched him almost hesitate but he did sit beside her and sipped from that mug of his in his hand. He looked out over the landscape as if he was thinking of something to say. She smiled back to him over the rim of the mug just swinging away lightly. She wondered what made this guy tic ... and how to get him to allow her to get her crew here to start work. this is not turning out how she first though from the beginning of her trip.... But then again she was up for a challange.

 

[prometheus 2]

Carl

It was her handshake that threw him off, not like he’d expected it, soft and limp like most women specially the ones from the city but firm and honest and then as she started to talk about her grand pappys place in the smokies and he knew why her’s was different. Her voice had changed too not hard and athorative like when she first walked in. He wondered what caused the change and then thought of the water hose and he began to grin. He’d never seen a filly get broke with a hose full of water before He’d ridden a few in the water so they couldn’t buck so much, but a water hose. He grinned even bigger when he thought about her prancin’ around her raven hair flying every which direction then he thought about himself to and how he’d kind’a calmed down after that maybe the stallion in him got broke a little too. He seen outa the corner of his eye, Missy staring at him and then heard her say whatc’a grinnin about mister, a fake sternness in her voice and a twinkle in her ebony eyes. He quick got serious or tried to but the corners of his mouth just wouldn’t cooperate. Then he remembered her saying something about the swing as she began to rock it again.

” Needs painting though maybe that could be your first project in the morning, paint the swing."
He reached over and put his hand on top of hers to let her know he was just funnin her. She seemed more into swinging that talking though so Carl looked of it the south toward the pond. He had some thinking to do too.

The first problem was where she was going to sleep tonight as she had her head set to do so here and the letter had stated that the professor was going to stay on the property well how was he to know that the professor was a lady and a right sexy looking one at that. Carl didn’t have any concerns about himself and he sure didn’t care what the neighbors would say but he didn’t really think she’d be comfortable with the arrangements. The house was big enough and there were lots of rooms but no extra beds. Well in a way there was upstairs was the main bedroom where him and Molly had slept but since her death he had moved out of and downstairs to the den where he slept on a pullout. He couldn’t bear to sleep upstairs again and didn’t want Missy to be in that den with all those trophies on the walls she’d be sure to have nightmares but how would she feel about sleeping upstairs in his wife's bed or rather he had to admit how would he feel about it. He
could sleep in the damn barn but then she’d be alone in the big house ....he finally decided that he was making too big a thing about all this sleeping arrangement self talk and turned to her. How about a tour then. First the house and then the farm, got some fence to fix up north if you’d like to tag along. Can you ride? He thought she might be able to by now having a much more comfortable feeling about her. At least for now. The house was first he and Molly had fixed it up real nice and modern Carl had insisted they leave the outside rustic so as to discourage city folks from coming by wanting to buy it. He had one of the choicest pieces on the river. but the house from the outside was a real turnoff.. there was a spacious kitchen a dinning area a quiet living room and a half bath downstairs and of course the aforementioned den. Upstairs there was the nursery with the crib ready for the baby that never arrived and the master bedroom and attached bath a king-sized bed in the middle, but the most unusual thing about the room was the decorations. There were Indian artifacts everywhere arrowheads, pottery baskets, birch bark containers, a large headdress on the wall and drums and other musical instruments on the floor in the corners. He heard Missy gasp as they entered and of course he knew why

 

[Funloving62]

Missy

She had to smirk hearing him joke a bout her painting the swing but she looked down seeing it was in rough shape paint wise any way. But it gave it charm to. that's when she felt his hand over her. It was just a kind jester she knew he was funning her but still she felt a little strange. She looked out to the pond seeing him sort of lost in his own thought a moment there, then he offered her a tour of the house and the farm. Then there was mention of the fence and her eyes lit up when he spoke about the horses.

"Yes, I can ride I'd love to take a ride maybe I'll give ya a hand fixing that fence. And I'd love a tour."

She was never one afraid to get her hands dirty. And hey maybe it would help her get in good with the man and he might be a bit more at ease with her work that still needed to be done. That smile brighten up the porch as she down the last of her coffee before getting up and following him around the old place. The inside was tastefully decorated rather modern looked a lot better inside then out as she went from room to room with him. The last rook m they stopped at was the master bedroom as she gasped and stopped seeing all the artifacts and such she walked to the headdress and stood in awl of it her hand reached up to touch it seeing it was indeed authentic.

"Holly mother of mercy! This is real eagle feathers...D o you have any idea how valuable this is Carl? And look at this stuff its beautiful ... did any of this stuff come from around here?"

She walked around the room almost mesmerized buy the decor. She look to him and smiled. She hope he didn't think she was fishing around for information about the mound and the reason she was there. it was a question that just came out as she stood in amazement.

"I love it Carl did your wife design this place. I mean I saw the nursery and stuff is she out for the day? You are Married aren't you?"

She sort of wandered not seeing any female things around but the place was as neat as a pin. Not the sort of thing you would expect from a man living alone. and besides he was starting to grow on her.In a strange way she was sort of hoping he was singel . She felt the strain in the air the silence seemed to be pretty thick. She smiled and started out the door heading down the stairs.

"So where am I to sleep tonight. My bags are in the car. I'm ready to get to the rest of the tour ... lead on."

 

[prometheus 2]

Carl

He had fun showing her around as she seemed like a child peeking innocently into every corner running ahead of him from room to room they got to the bedroom and Carl hesitiated thinking, this was it! it was do or die! he opened the door and much to his surprise she got even more excited and he could see it was genuine excitement she even used a word or two that he didn't expect from a lady they just kinda fell out of her mouth naturally. She asked him if he was married and all he could do was look at her speechless and hold his ringless finger out. then clearing his throat said let's continue the tour please we'll talk about that later. He hadn't had a woman in his house for quite a spell he'd dated a couple of widows from town but they always got nervous when he brought them near here. one had told him that that she felt like she was being watched for gods sake. how wierd was that. That was last year and he'd started growing his hair long after that disaster. He was considered a good catch since he had all this land and was considered good looking but the pony tail made them look once and then run for cover. The older ones that is, the young girls thought it was cool but he had no time for them their tastes were different than his anyway. So he stayed mostly on the farm catching up on things that needed catching up on this thought reminded him of the fence and when Missy said she could ride he headed her for the barn. They were almost running now and as Carl had grabbed both sets of boots on the way out of the house they sat on a bale of hay and put them on. Looking over at the puddle of water they began to giggle remembering how all this fun had started. In no time they were saddled up and heading East Carl on his stallion and Missy handling the mare like a real cowgirl. Carl beamed, he had forgotten all about the mound and why this woman had come into his life and how it was perfect at least for now. they found the break in the fence and pulled the tree off of it there were no cow tracks so they fixed the fence and headed back to the house into the setting sun.

They were hot and sticky and kidded about the hose and both shivered and gigled and then Carl thought about the pond it eas always warm in the middle of July. Unsaddling the horses and feeding them Carl said he'd get some steaks out of the freezer and set up the grill while they were waiting for it to heat up and the steaks to thaw out, they could go for a swim.

"You did bring a swimming suit didn't you?"

 

[Funloving62]

Missy

She smiled sweetly as he showed her that ringless hand and told her they would talk about that later but it looked like he was single. She saw the hesitation and guessed it was a touchy or painful situation so she let it go then he moved her about the rest of the house never answering her about her bags. But she really didn't care at this point, she did grin from ear to ear as he moved her to the barn. She had to quicken her steps to keep up with him. This sure was a change from the grouchy old grump she first came across when she got here. But then again she was all business to before that hose. That hose ... She had to giggle as she saw that puddle of mud left from it and she heard Carl snicker a time or to looking at is as well.

She helped him with the saddle pulling the synch tight as he adjusted the stirrups.He even helped her up as she mounted the mare she patted her mane and whispered a few words in what he figured was that Indian stiff he heard others speak, but only in the movies. Soon they where off, she even offer to race. He laughed at her but he did had to knee that stallion a few times to kept up with her as she set her pace at a litle bit more then a slow trot . Now he caught up and she followed at his side till they found that fence. Iit was nothing for her to help with lifting board and even hammer a few lose ones she saw a bit down the fence where he was busy workingon the first one. She to took notice of him as well swinging that hammer. she saw the well formed muscals outlined against that clingy shirt especially his bicepts. Not bad she thought to herself .

It didn't take any time and they again where on their way back to the barn. She even helped with the saddle and the feed. it was like second nature to her. she even seemed to know where the feed was in the barn. She heard him say something about a steaks and a swim , then asked her if she had her suit?

" Well, ... Not really . I wasn't planing on swimming but it sure is hot and that hose it sure cold..." She had to giggle as she nodded. " A swim sure dose sound good though. I got an old pair of cut offs and a tee shirt I work in that I could wear. if that's all right."

He nodded as he went to that freezer and pulled two steaks out and started that grill. She moved to her bag in her car and pulled it out. Buy that time he was at her side offering to help her carry it in the house. She sat it on the couch in the living room and started to dig through it for her shorts and top. she asked him where she could change and he pointed to the half bath by the stairs. quickly she changed. Those shorts where old so there where faded and worn. She had had them a while even had patches where they wore to thin at time. and she found a turquoise tee-shirt that she slipped over her head and pulled that long hair in to a ponytail like his. She walked out not seeing him and slipped on those boots. She looked more like one of then hippies she pegged him for at the moment in those cutoffs and cowboy boots, but he was'nt a hippy at all and she as enjoying his company.

She found him by the grill again,he was in cutoffs and a tee shirt to .Then he motioned her to the pond. As they walked to the pond he tried to hide that smirk looking at her. Those boots set off the outfit he thought all she needed now was the straw cowboy hat and she really fit in around here. She sat down with out hesitation took off them boots and started to wade out into the water. Quickly he slipped his shirt and shoes off , then dove in after her splashing all around her. well she just dove in after him with a splashing fest of her own. they both laughed and enjoyed the cooling water. she was relaxed and having a good time. She to forgot about why she was here truly . she ducked under the water to get away from the splashing and that evil twin of hers sprang forward as she came up behind him jumping on his back trying to dunk him underwater. A surprise attack from the rear sort of giggling and laughing the whole time. the surprise worked he lost his footing and went down. She stood there looking all victorious standing there hand on her hips looking all proud, as he came up spitting water back at her pushing his hair back out of his face. She laughed just standing there. The tee shirt clinging to her wet form , even those pants clung like a second skin. At her age she still was in pretty good shape she was active and worked out at least twice a week. So those wet clothes cling to ever shapely curve she did have.

" You all right Carl? I'm sorry, I'm use to fooling around with my brothers in the water back home , it was a reaction thing I guess. Are you Alright?"

She moved back over to him the sun shinning on the water and him shaking that wet mane of hair again made her laugh and reminded her of that hose as she had to laugh out loud.

 

[prometheus 2]

Carl

You all right Carl? I'm sorry, I'm used to fooling around with my brothers in the water back home , it was a reaction thing I guess. Are you Alright?
He heard her say as he stood dumbfounded in the water beside her.

He was looking at her turquoise tee shirt plastered against her body and could the outline of her breasts the points of her nipples agaisnt the colored cloth leaving little to his imagiation. He watched the round curve of each bouncing globe as she spoke, her voice antimated with pure joy.Her cutoffs dripping wet accented every curve below her waist and the rondness of her mound against the thin cloth drew his attention downward.

This woman must sure like to swim ,to expose herself his way to a man she hardly knew. And he was a fool to be here with her he had no business even asking her about her suit it was all his fault that she had been coaxed into this situation. He shook his head water streaming everywhere from his long hair. trying to clear his mind and get rid of this feeling that was starting to boil up in his loins this feeling that he wanted to reach out and touch her and see if she felt as good as she looked.

Maybe it was time and maybe it was the fact that she seemed so natural so free with him in the water that made him suddenly realize that it didn't have to be about sex that even though his thoughts roamed to that idea it didn't have to be that way. he he was 52 years old he wasn't some hot to trot teenager. he didn't need to feel like he had to do smething with that feeling that was rising inside him, the fact was that he could have fun just like she was. that he could laugh and play and just have some plain old fasioned fun. Just because their bodies touched or that their eyes met feeling something more inside each other that they had to go someplace with the feelings they created. Hell, they could just let it flow and if it got too intense just back off and laugh and play. By god he thought not a thing wrong with that idea.

"I'm just fine he put a stern look on his face best he could considering he was chuckling inside, never been better" an' if you think your sorry now you just wait."

He turned pretending he was going to walk away from her then quick as a wink he spun back again and scooped her up in his arms.

"If we're gonna swim sugar he smirked then we better find some deeper water."

His long legs striding he carried her out to where it was just up to his neck and then he dropped her. Squealing with glee she swam away from him not at all concerned about the fact that her feet didn't touch bottom. Damn she was a good swimmer he thought as he finally caught up to her.

He grabbed for her and they uprighted themselves and treaded wather together for a minute or two while they caought their breaths. He saw her ebony eyes twinkling and decided he better make the first move or she'd sure get the best of him .His hands slowly moved towards her under the water and he saw she was holding her breath waiting to see just what he was up to, her eyes bright with anticipation. he circled her narrow waist and ever so gently held her his fingers firm around her middle. He could feel that she was trying to fiugure out whether he was going to push up or pull down whe he surprised her by releasing his grip and the quick as a fox he reached up under her arms and tickled her. He felt her body convulse and shiver and then he heard her giggle which turned into sort of a gargle as her head went under water. she kicked her long legs and coming up grabbed him around the shoulders. He franticly kicked his own legs to keep them both afloat but when her legs encircled his waist he gave up and they both went under. They both had anticpated that happening though so they had both taken deep breaths and now underwater opened their eyes seeing each other distorted felt the giggles coming on. This was crazy Carl thought busting with happiness as instead of laughing unable to control the urge he kissed her.

 

[Funloving62]

Missy

She saw that look in his eyes as he came up spitting and a sputtering in surprise. She kind of held her breath. She went to far, not meaning to it was just it felt like the right thing to do at the moment. However now she was rethinking her motives and thinking about them rather hard watching Carl looking at her like he wanted to bite her head off. She saw him turn and walk off with that threat.Then he did a complete 180 and turned to her grabbing her up in his arms carrying her to a deeper part of the pound dumping her in. she always was rather athletic so she could hold her own in the water. Even when he tickled her she could stay afloat for the most part until she started laughing. Then both went down as she clung to him. Even under The water she giggled. But his surprise to her and probably to himself came, when he resurfaced and then he kissed her. His lips found her quickly as he kissed her fully on the lips without hesitation , she blinked but didn't pull away from the kiss . Her lips even returned the embrace warmly. He was the one that seemed to back as he looked to her smiling.

"Um... Well, now ... if this is what happens when I dunk you. What happens when I bury you in the sand?"

She knew it sounded stupid but she didn't know what else to say. It was then that she realized her legs where still wrapped around his waist. She let go and swam off to the land thinking about what just happen. She rather enjoyed it truthfully but. She was sent here to get him to sign that paper so they could get to work. she had no idea he would kiss her or her would even want to after the stories she had heard about his stubborn way from back at the university. She reached land and wrung out her long hair then looked his way.

"So are you cooled off now? I'm ready for some of t hose steaked you told me about."

She saw him walk up behind her, she saw the way he looked to her. She grabbed the old towel he brought along and dried off with. That urge came over her again. She shrugged and let it take over . After all he did just kiss her. She twirled the towel up and snapped him in the backside with his. Hearing is snap and connect with his backside she squealed knowing he would retaliate, as she took off for the house shouting back to him in a rather childish manor.

"Last one back has to do the dinner dishes."

 

[prometheus 2]

Carl

"Last one back has to do the dinner dishes."

Carl, still feeing the sting of the towell on his butt, almst fell over himself trying to catch up with those long dark legs that were kicking up sand as Missy ran for the house. Once he got going though he almost caught her, and out of breath he followed her though the door. She turned to him, a question in her eyes and he knew of course what she was about to ask. Without thinking he said

"Upstairs, your room is upstairs, the bathrooms yours too if you want to take a shower. I'll take the den."

As she smiled and grabbed her bag he decided that the descision he had made was the right one. She disappeared up the stairs and he went to the den and got out of his wet clothes took a shower in the ajoing bathroom and quickly dressed, pulling on a pair of clean jeans and a white cotton top. Only when he was putting on the steaks did he stop to think about the events that led up to this great time he was having and how good he was feeling about it. He had made decisions that he had never even considered just hours ago when this woman had come into his life. No doubt she had turned his life upside down and now as he turned the steaks he began to wonder about his unusual behavior. Maybe he better back up a few steps and thinkt things over. And he'd better have a talk with this Missy, this woman, this professor, before things realy got complicated.

he heard the door open and shut and looked up to see the object of his dilema standing there and the first thought that came to his mind was

"molly would have liked her". His mind reeeld at the idea of him even thinking such a thing and then he realized it was true. Molly would have liked this dark haired woman with the ebony eyes and the gentle smile and the natural grace and ... He turned back to the steaks they were done as was the corn on the cob and the sauteed onions and mushrooms. He dished up two paper plates and cracked open a beer holding it out in her direction.

"Want one of these?"

Before she even answered he set it on the picnic table along with their food and opened one for himself.

" Lets eat he said cheefully, I'm starved." and then as she moved towards him he added a serious look coming acros his face. "And...then we need to talk don't we?.... It wasn't really a question he knew, but he sincerely wanted her imput. It wasn't just about him anymore and he knew it,it was about both of them.

 

[Funloving62]

Missy

She hear him say we need to talk and he was right. In the room she had changed in she looked herself in the mirror thinking, that man kissed me... He really kissed me, but why? Did she lean him to believe she wanted it. she could not deny she was attracted to the man for some odd reason. When she was sent out on a job she was all business, so why was this so different this time. She shrugged and decided the ice was broken in more ways then one and she would talk to him about that mount. He handed her a beer then his words. she still stood there but took the beer and guzzled a hearty sip form the bottle before sitting down and smiling to him. Then watching him working over the grill then passed her a plate as she stared o take a bite not realizing how hungry she was till she bit into that steak.

"Well Carl , I do think we need to talk... I came here for a reason, and i know you know that reason. I agree this day has turned out completely different, then i think either one of us planed. But there is still business to be disguised and what happen out there today at the pond to. "

She took another bite and another sip of that beer as if hoping it would bring her courage. she looked to him tucking her hair back behind her ear as was a habit she had when she was nervous about something.

"Carl, I'm the kind of women that goes after what she came for and goes out full force. i was planing on fighting tooth and nail to get to what i wanted. That mount. But i hope that now maybe that things have seemed to turn around a bit."

She tried to hide a hint of a blush that touched her cheeks. as she again tucked that hair back.

" Maybe we can work together on this? I think I would like that, a lot. And I hope you will to. There is so much out here that can be done if we find what we believe to be here. Your lands won't be taken from you. Not at all. Matter of fact there is a very strong possibility that will be classified as sacred lands and guarded but the government and we may have to pay you to look and dig on the grounds Any thing found would be fully yours unless you donated it to the museums or sold it if you chose to.This is history, something we need to learn about my people, our ancestors. I hold them sacred and precious. I am Half Cherokee. it means a lot to me. My father lived on land in the Smokeys on the south Eastside of Tennessee. I grew up with three brothers and no mother or sister. my Mom died right after i was born. maybe that explains the dunking i gave ya out in the water."

she chuckled with another sip of beer.

"I'm the only girl in a house full of men and i learned to play rough that's sort of the reason i took the job at the university. I'm not afraid of a challange, or to get my hands dirty. But don't get me wrong. i can host all those big dinner parties from the big city to. i use to be one of the hostess with my fiance, till well lets say it was a mutual split. But i use to manage all those fany plans one day then go out on a dig keen deep in mud the next."

Another sip of that beer draining it as she took another bite grateful he let her spew out her words with out interruption. But why was she going on about herself so much to him like t his? She did asked her self that?

" Any way... Enough about me.. What about you, and this land?"

She looked up to him grabbing that corn of the cob and started to work on that as she reached and grabbed two more beers and opened hers setting his beside him. God she hoped he was done his she was hers. and she waited to hear what he would say after she spouted off her eyes lingered to his a moment she saw something there something that made her open up to him . something that drew her to him that made her want to talk to tell him about herself . and yes she wanted to learn about him as well. she looked to his lios as he spoke. a tingel returned to her own lips remembering his kiss at the pond but she took another bbite of that cor n and listend tucking her hair back again with her free hand.

 

[prometheus 2]

Carl

" Any way... Enough about me.. What about you, and this land?"

He heard her say and he knew she was finished and it was his turn to speak his piece.

When she first started talking about the mound and how important it was to her and how she was used to getting what she wanted he held his tongue wanting so bad to tell her that it wasn't about money. Hell he had more than enough for his needs. He wanted to tell her about how he felt about the government and how they was always trying to take things away from folks Hell, didn't they do that to the indians, she should know about that damn government how could she even want to work for them.

But as she went on and how she looked as she continued softened him. Her words were so honest and pure not a bit of jusdgement for him of for other folks. nothing but genuine truth and honesty. The wind went right out of his sails and every thought he had went clear out of his head.

So now it was his turn and he owed it to her to be just as honest and more important than that to be nonjudgemental. to not blame others for what he might personally feel.

" Any way... Enough about me.. What about you, and this land?" Her words echoed in his mind and he tryed to figure out where to start.

He looked in her ebony eyes and took a long sip of his second beer. He felt her spirit as she gazed steadily back unafraid of what he might say. He felt that same spirit two years back and knew where he had to start.

Another sip and the beer was gone, Missy smiled and opened him a third.

"First off when you came you sort'a took me by surprise I had my mind made up that some white dude fresh out'a grad school was coming up here talking that fancy college language that I couldn't even understand so you know I had the hair up on the back of my neck from the begining . Then when you waltzed in here all fired up I sorta backed off trying to figure out just what you was up to. then you went and turned things around like you was having so much fun and durn it I was too Ya sure threw me for a loop gal. To top it off your an indian. well half as you just explained. That made it even more complicated.

Missy looked at him a question on her face as Carl swallowed another gulp.

"This afternoon when I was showing you around the house ...well upstairs in the bedroom all those Indian things... well they all didnt't come from the mound....My wife ...Carls vioce softened but he kept his eyes on hers never wavering even if they were getting a little misty. my wife, god rest her soul brought most of them with her when she came with me as my bride thirty yeas ago from the res....his voice faltered but his eyes never wavered... ervation. You see Missy she was full blooded Ojbway from up north She died, cancer two years ago... god I miss her. He took another swallow. and composed himself thats why the room is fixed up like that a memorial to Molly the only woman I ever loved.

He got up and pulled out his pocket book and handed her a worn and tattered picture of his Molly.

He cleared his throat, "Now about that danged mound. On my wifes deathbed I made a promise that I'd not ever as long as I lived let anyone disturb that mound so if your detrmined to still do anything with it you'll have to take it up with her."

Just as he finised speaking a sound rose up from the north, from the direction of the mound. A coyote started to howl a long lonesome howl followed by a half dozen short yips and then silence as the sun disappeared in the West.

 

[Funloving62]

missy

Not until she felt her sleeve dripping did she realize she sat their dumb founded still holding the piece of corn dribbling butter down her arm as she stared to him listening to him. He was married at one point but his wife pasted over... And she was ojbwa... No wonder he stared at her like that. she was half but looked every part a full blood as ever. She was blesed with her fathers looks and heritage. her mother was Mexico and they both had the dark features she stared listen to him explain about the mound and what it meant. then he told her about she would have to ask her... A chill ran thought her as he said that then she set the corn down wiping off her hands and took the picture looking at it just then that Coyote howls she looked up and back to the mound where it seem to come from her mouth dropped slightly as she blinked then looked to the picture again then nodded. This did complicate matters didn't it.

"Shawnodese... My Animal totem.it seems he speaks to me. I have not heard him in a long time. the coyote is called Shawnodese to my people. He is my guide , he stands to show trust ... growth and love. he comes to me when I need to be reminded of such or he is trying to teach me a lesson or even yes,... speak to me. By any chance was your wife of the turtle clan. Of have the same sprit guide. the coyote?"

She seemed sort of mesmerized sort of taken back yet touched. The sounds of the lone howl in the background only created to the eeriness of the moment. Most women would have taken off in a mad dash for the house but not Missy she stared back to the mount and reached to Carl's hand. in a soft gesture of calmness. Her hand pressed over top of his as she stood and squeezed it lightly then patted it letting go and moved two steps to the direction of the mount.

"He is telling me it is Ok to look, but to keep my distance. Will you show it to me , so I may see this and feel what it has to say to me if anything at all?"

Her eyes seemed to sparkle in the moonlight now. With Shawnodese thee n ow with her it only added to the meaning of this. She waited for permission to move on, but was it from Carl, Shawnodese or even his late wife Molly?

She had seen a lantern near the barn maybe he would take that with them so she could see better. she was not going to disturb the place only look to it and listen to what might be told to her if anything.

 

[prometheus 2]

your pm box is full and theres a message waiting for you lol

 

[prometheus 2]

Carl

The cry of the Coyote sent a chill up Carls spine even though he was used to hearing it on different occasions. It had been a courious thing as he had not heard it before his wifes death. It seemed like it only came at times when he was feeling his lose and at first he thought it was her that was speaking to him and then he realized that was not true, that the coyote was not her but only a part of her as if he represented the whole tribe she belonged to and was speaking to him not from her but from the whole tribeSo it was not with comfort that it spoke but perhaps with advice or council or sometimes when the howl continued he felt it as a warning.......

He heard Missy say through the mist of his private thoughts.

"Shawnodese... My Animal totem.it seems he speaks to me. I have not heard him in a long time. the coyote is called Shawnodese to my people. He is my guide , he stands to show trust ... growth and love. he comes to me when I need to be reminded of such or he is trying to teach me a lesson or even yes,... speak to me."

"By any chance was your wife of the turtle clan. Of have the same sprit guide. the coyote?"

He only nodded and she seemed to understand, taking his hand and patting it.

"Wait!" he said abruptly as she started for the mound, seeing her gaze toward the barn where the lantern was hanging, reading her thoughts. "In an hour we will need no light as the moon will be rising . tonight the moon will be full and give us more than enough light to make our way safely to the mound. Smehow he felt that the light would frighten the spirits away. "Wait..."

He took her face in his hands and held it turning her head up toward his looking deep in her eyes.
"First we must talk to Molly, she is up on the hill west of the house. The path is well worn so we will have no trouble making our way there in the dark. When we arrive there we will talk to her and wait for the full moon."

Missy nodded knowing this was important to Carl that he needed to feel Mollys spirit before he could face the spirit of the clan. Carl needed something else too and he took his hands from the sides of Missys face and said.

"Wwait here."

He went into the house and returned with a pair of worn moccasins.

"These belong to Molly perhaps she may wish to go with us to the mound." He held them out to Missy.

Together hand in hand they walked to the graveyard. They stopped in front of Mollys grave and put the moccasins at the foot of the grave. he stood up and said in a calm deep voice.

"Molly I'd like you to meet Missy, Missy this is Molly."

He smiled feeling a peace flow about him.

"May we wait here with you until the moon rises ......"

 

[Funloving62]

Missy

She stood there in silence as she watched Carl set the worn moccasins down beside the head stone. The path was warn, the ground tattered and not care for but the plot that molly was in was emaculate, she could scenced her sprit there. The mood was warm the air had sort of steamed over in silence in it. A light mist formed over the grounds they stood at. Nothing really out of the ordinary for a night like this, but still all the same it was there and she was there with them.

She looked to Carl and saw the look of love and devotion over his face, that lost painful look seemed to have left his eyes. That look she first noticed when they meet and about chewed each other heads off. She stay silent for a while just watching him, as the mist turned thicker almost a fog yet the moons glow shimmered down to them all.

Yes, grandmother moon chose that moment to rise and rain its bathing light down around them. She smiled softly moving to Carl's side not wanting to disturb him. but she felt she had to take this time and fine her word carefully.

" Greetings Molly... Carl has brought me here to seek your permission to look for artifacts from our people. Many have walked this way, many wish to search these lands. But now I ask a sister in sprit and heritage that we be aloud to see what hidden treasures lye beneath mother earth .... If we are given a sigh ,Carl will know. If the permission is granted... I will trust in him to guide me in the right direction, the direction you wish us to go . if not i will except your wishes and these lands will go unsettled as you wish, our of respect for you and these lands. "

She stepped back as Carl reached to her hand she smiled to him and squeezed it lightly then let go again and left him alone to speak with her alone. she moved back and looked to the moon just as Shawnodese howled again a long high picked cry seemingly coming from the mound . Yet no coyotes could be seen , but they where so close you could hear them. The mist seemed to clear almost parted like a lace cutrian as she looked to the mound, the Moon lighting the path and the way... She didn't know but but a lone daffodil bloomed in the center of the mound at the top. Molly's favorite flower never had it bloomed before and even at this time of the year. it was not it time to bloom it was a early spring time flower and this mid to late July, yet there it stood.

Missy looked to Carl as he came to her side she wasn't going to ask him any question or to say any words to him, he would tell her if he felt he wanted to. Soon they would know an answer she felt it. Shawnodese again Howeld even louder this time.

 

[Funloving62]

Missy

The silence seemed to grow even louder. Carl walked over to Missy his hand linked into her fingers, entwining his into her's . He did'nt know why or even ask , it was one of those things he knew was right. He said not a word only looked straight ahead to the mound. A thickness swarmed around them both, sort of enveloping them. Like light being drawn thought into an accenting dream catcher.

Ledgen tells of the dream catcher, they say if it is hung over where a person sleeps , the dream will filter thought it and the bad will be whisked away thought the holes in the webbing, while the good would hold its powerful meaning inside the crystals it holds locked in its webs...

She felt a presents, a very strong presents it was Molly, she had joined the two. The howls of the coyote could be heard in the distance not one but many now seeming to howles in unison , as if to answer back to there own questions. Or was it to lead then to the place where they would find truth and wisdom form those things that they seek?

What was it that they both set out to find this night? Did both of them truly know yet? Or maybe they did? Molly did, Shawnodese did. Was it truth , history or could it be more? Shawnodese was the guide to truth , growth and love. These things alone where powerful treasures , but together , they held a magic unknown to most, and gifted only to a few certain people.

 

[prometheus 2]

Carl

A peace fell over the area as Carl set the moccasins down on Molly's grave. It was the first time he had felt so peaceful when coming here. Why was that he pondered as they waited for the moon to rise? Why was it different this time?. He looked at Missy but she was in a world of her own Maybe she was waiting for Molly's spirit to talk to her maybe she was already talking to her spirit Carl marveled at how the Indians communicated with the spirits so easily. As a white man he never really learned how. Molly had tried to teach him but it seemed like something he would have to been born into, that he would never know. He liked to go with his instinct, that's what he would have called it, the instinct to make natural choices, his inner voice. And he listened to Molly, Molly gave him more guidance than his white mans upbringing did. he accepted her council above all others. He loved her and she loved him and tonight with the peace he was feeling he realized that he loved her enough to let her go. That was why he brought her the moccasins so that she could make her trip to the place of her ancestors. And now he listened to Missy just the same as he had listened to Molly, listened as she made her request and gave her council. Her ebony eyes were shining in the moonlight, her tawny skin glowed and her dark hair shimmered. Carl realized the moon had risen and that Missy was here to help Molly leave too .To go and let him go on with his life, fill it up with truth and love again. Carl shivered it was too much for him to even think about but he knew he had his instinct and maybe Missys help to continue on after Molly went.

But he wanted one more thing of Molly before she left. that was to go with him and Missy to the mound. To help them decide what to do where to go. In a whisper he said.

“Come with us Molly one last walk... please” He was thinking of the walks when he looked at the worn moccasins and how many times they had walked on the mound together all those many happy contented years together. one more walk he thought and then she could go.

He turned and saw Missy standing on the path a few steps away from him. In between them a daffodil was blooming. Carl didn’t even ponder it’s existence, but stepped over to it and plucked it from the ground. He took another two steps and held it out to Missy. there was a silence in the air as the moon shown down on the two of them and the daffodil. Missy took it from Carl and kissed the blossom tenderly, she put it in her shirt near her breast.

“Walk with us”. she said simply

Carl wasn’t sure if she was talking to him or to the flower but he took her hand and they began to walk to the mound.