The others clucked their tongues in sympathy, but one of the girls gave Charity a rather appraising look. "I am Singing Dove," the young woman standing at Hawk's side said in English. She had learned some. "Welcome to our home."
Smiling warmly, Charity thanked her. "I am happy to be here." The other young woman gave her a hug of friendship in response, then introduced the others. There was Summer Storm, the girl who was taking Charity's measure, Spotted Fawn, and Meadowlark. All seemed happy to have the newcomer join them.
"Come, we will prepare you a sleeping place." Dove took her arm and led her inside the dwelling. Charity glanced back at the two young men and smiled, then followed her new friend inside. The two watched her go, then Raven felt a light touch on his arm. He looked down in to Storm's lovely face, her dark eyes fixed on his.
"You have been missed, Raven." Her voice was low and husky, and he could smell her soft scent wafting up to his nostrils. He felt a stirring in his groin, unable to keep from being affected by her. She had been his first female lover, and she still aroused him, although his mind was mainly fixed on Charity at the moment. "I would like to show you how much I have missed you later tonight." Her tone held promises of the pleasure that he had come to know quite well in the past. Again, his body stirred, as she continued to touch him, letting her fingers glide over his arm lightly.
"We shall see," he said gently, smiling at her. She returned the smile, feeling confident that she would have him that night again. She had always been able to have him anytime she wished. She was used to getting her way, especially when it came to men. All she had to do with most of them was just give them a certain look, and they would follow her anywhere. She hoped that someday she and Raven could form a family unit. She wouldn't even mind if Hawk joined them, as he was very sweet, and handsome in his own way. The thought of the two of them making love to her was enough to drive her wild with desire at times. She knew that Dove was in love with Hawk, but she also knew her friend would not mind sharing the man she loved. Storm wouldn't even mind if her friend joined them as well. She let her mind wander for a moment to being the center of attention as three people enjoyed her oh-so-willing body. It was a lovely thought. She saw the way that Raven and Hawk were looking after the newcomer and that did not please her, but she felt certain it would not be a problem in the long run.
"Until later, then." She spoke with confidence, moving away to take care of a few chores that needed done. Raven watched her go, wrinkling his brow slightly. While it was true that Storm aroused him, she did not stir him the way the sight of Charity did. He wanted her more than any other female he had ever seen. He knew that this would not please Storm, for her name fit her when she was angry. He would have to be cautious in turning her away, for her sake and Charity's, for she would not care in the least that the other young woman had done nothing to encourage his feelings. For the most part in their tribe, there was no jealousy, no anger, no one getting hurt, but there were a few people who were more emotional and gave in to feelings much more easily than most. Storm just happened to be one of these. After the young women had disappeared from sight, he and Hawk moved on to speak with some of the others in camp, to find out what had been happening in their absence.
Inside the dwelling, Charity was amazed at how large a place it truly was. Neat and well-kept, with lovely and simple decorations, it felt cozy and comfortable to her aching spirit. She helped Dove arrange bedding for herself, and knew that she was going to be quite comfortable when she slept that night. The blankets were the softest she had ever felt and she remarked on this to the girl, who smiled at her. "We shall teach you how to make them as well," she promised, and Charity was delighted. She hoped to learn all the ways of life from these people. They finished with the bed, and Dove took her out into the camp to introduce her to many of the others. They were all very kind to her, knowing by now what had happened. Word traveled fast amongst the people, especially when there was news of a new sort. By the time Dove had introduced her to all that were there, Charity felt quite at home. The other young woman took her back to her new home, preparing to give her some clothing to wear, as they were very close to the same size. This would be hers until she could be taught to make some for herself.
Dusk began to fall, and fires were lit. The scent of food began to waft through the evening air, and Charity felt her stomach rumble. She was told that tonight she would be a guest and not expected to work, but after that, they would give her tasks to do, and show her how to do what they asked. She had slipped away to the stream that Dove had shown her and bathed quickly, and then donned her new garments. She walked to the largest campfire in the center of the camp, and seated herself on a log. From the shadows, Storm watched the newcomer sit, and she frowned again at just how the new clothing suited the young woman. The light tan doeskin hugged her figure, showing off her breasts and small waist to full advantage, and the leggings clung to the contours of her firm muscles. Dove had given her a pair of moccasins as well, and her hair shone in the firelight, hanging loose down her back. Moments later, Raven and Hawk had joined her, and soon after, Dove was seated beside them as well. Storm did not like what she was seeing in the least. She had no grudge against the newcomer, but she would not lose the best lover she had ever had to anyone. She vowed to make Raven hers again this night, to drive any thoughts of Charity from him.
The two young men were enthralled with the sight of their shared vision sitting there in the flesh, between them. They would never have imagined that this could be, nor would they have wished it to come about as it had, but neither could deny the happiness he felt at having her there, amongst their people. She was somewhat quiet, listening to the others, and the men and Dove were polite enough to speak in English most of the time. Sometimes, they would break into the musical native tongue, and Charity enjoyed listening, even though she did not yet understand what they were saying. She found the combination of food and firelight, along with the long day and emotional upheaval she had recently experienced, were making her fight to stay awake. Not wanting to be rude, she forced herself to stay, but soon her eyes were too heavy to stay open, and she was drifting. Noticing this, Raven lifted her gently, and said "Come, Charity. You must get some rest. Tomorrow you can learn more of your place with us, but tonight, sleep is waiting." He carried her to her new dwelling, and walked inside with her, laying her on her soft warm bed. She was barely aware of him, so close to sleep was she, but she felt his lips brush her forehead softly, and then she fell into darkness.
Raven stepped out of the girl's home, after watching Charity sleep for a moment, sighing softly. He stretched feeling slightly tired himself, but not ready for sleep. He heard the soft beat of drums and singing coming from the firelit center of camp, and headed back that way, but a shape stepped onto the path before him. He caught her scent even before he could make out it was Storm. "I wondered where you went." Her voice was soft and sensual, and she reached out and touched his arm again.
"I was taking Charity to her sleeping place."
