Sherry Derr-Wille - Birdsingers Woman

To the men and women who keep their Native American traditions alive at the Blessing of the Buffalo Grounds ceremony and powwow at the Wildlife Prairie Park each year, and especially to Gus, Frank and Betty, for all of their help and support.

by

Sherry Derr-Wille

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Published by
WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Copyright 2004 by Sherry Derr-Wille

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

ISBN: 978-1-59374-112-9

Credits
Cover Artist: Scott Carpenter
Editor: Jan Janssen

Printed in the United States of America

Kit awoke to the sound of morning birds calling to one another. This time she harbored no illusions as to where she slept or how she got there.

Are you awake? a young woman called from outside the door.

Kit threw off the covers and got up. She looked down at her rumpled clothing. The blouse and Capri pants would certainly need an iron.

Yes, I am, she replied.

A lovely girl entered the dwelling. Kit assessed her age to be around fourteen or fifteen. Her strong resemblance to Atiko and Tak told Kit they were the girls brothers.

My name is Makisa. I am Atikos sister. He means well, but I am certain he has not told you where the women bathe in the morning. Women where you are from do bathe, do they not?

Kit didnt miss the sarcasm in the girls voice. Of course we bathe. Personally, I prefer a shower.

A shower?

Never mind. It is something of my time that hasnt been invented yet.

Makisa shook her head and motioned for Kit to follow her. Before Kit left the dwelling, she picked up the bundle of clothing Atiko brought for her.

How many clothes are you planning to wear today? Makisa asked.

I-I, Kit looked down at the clothing in her hand. What do you suggest?

For the first time the girl softened. She was obviously pleased to be asked for her opinion. She took the bundle from Kits hand and chose a dress made of a woven fiber of some kind.

This is the type of garment the women wear in the summer.

Kit assessed Makisas own garment. It was made of the same material and dyed a delicate yellow. What is this made of?

It is a tuber that we strip into fine thread. When the threads are finished we weave them together to make our summer clothing.

What do you wear in the winter?

You certainly ask a lot of questions.

Im interested.

I will explain everything later. Now we must go to the bathing place. Everyone will already be there.

Kit followed Makisa. No matter what the time in which they lived, girls remained the same. She remembered being Makisas age and not wanting to miss the things her friends were enjoying.

Instead of going toward the river, Makisa led Kit in the opposite direction. Dont you bathe in the river?

Makisa looked at Kit as though she had asked an asinine question. Do the women of your people bathe in the river?

Well, no.

Then why would you expect us to do so? The current is much too strong for women and children. We will go to the stream which feeds into the river.

Kit recalled everything she had read about the many tribes of Native Americans. She could not remember seeing anything about women and children bathing in anything but a river.

She would definitely make a visit to the Peoria River. In no way could the placid river she remembered be the one Makisa described as filled with strong currents.

Girlish shrieks brought Kit back to the present. Ahead of her, a lazy stream was filled with women of all ages enjoying their morning bath.

Makisa! We thought you were not joining us this day, someone called.

My brother, Atiko, found a traveler lost and alone by Spirit Lake. I brought her here with me. If I had not gone to the mystic lodge where she spent the night, I would have been here sooner.

Oh great,now shes making me the scapegoat for why shes late.

Are you not going to take off your garments? Makisa asked, turning to face Kit.

Of course I am, Kit replied, as she began to unbutton her blouse.

What is that? Makisa inquired, pointing to Kits purple underwire bra, as she removed it.

It is a garment worn by the women of my people to cover their breasts.

Makisa picked up the bra and ran her fingers over the stiff underwires. It feels uncomfortable. Why would you wear such a thing?

Kit laughed. Now that you mention it, it is uncomfortable. I wear it because its acceptable attire in my society.

Makisa flipped the bra aside then proceeded to take off her clothing, before joining the others in the stream. Once Kit did the same, she noticed how white her skin was in comparison to the others. Even trips to the tanning spa would not have produced the rich golden bronze of her new companions. The chill of the water caused Kit to gasp. She certainly had not stopped to think that open water at the end of April would be cold. What I wouldnt give for a hot shower.

What did you do to your hair and skin? the girl who greeted them earlier inquired. Once the question was asked, she made her way to Kits side and put her hand to Kits tight curls.

Among my people, white skin and red hair are common Kit replied. As for the curls, I have had them all my life. And I have cursed them all my life as well.

It is strange, but I wish my hair would do that.

And I wish my hair was as beautifully straight and shiny as yours. I guess we all want to be what we arent.

Her comment met with laughter from the others who were gathered at the stream. The easy banter and female companionship put Kit at ease. She did wish the stream were deep enough for her to dive and swim, though.

One by one the women left the stream to begin their daily routines. Reluctantly, Kit got out of the water. The cool morning breeze against her wet skin made her shiver. She longed for the fluffy bath sheet in the cupboard of her dorm room.

You are chilled, my child, an older woman said as she approached Kit. Come, I will take you back to my lodge. I am about to prepare the morning meal.

Kit knew her expression must have been one of concern when the woman continued. I am sorry. I should have told you who I am. My name is Nakoma. Atiko, Tak and Makisa are my children and Clankor is my husband. Clankor told me you are the one of whom the ancients spoke. If this is true, you have as much to learn about our people as we do about yours.

Kit smiled. She liked Nakoma. She could see much of her own mother in her. Before heading toward the village, Kit picked up the dress she had brought with her. Although it resembled the one Makisa wore, the color was a beautiful grass green. If she had seen it in a store at the mall, she would have bought it without hesitation.

After slipping it over her head, she felt a tremor pass through her body as the fabric rubbed against her bare nipples. Never once, since she had begun to develop, had she ever gone braless. If the thought had ever crossed her mind, the fact that she was big busted drove it away. This new freedom of life without undergarments could prove quite interesting.