Chapter 4

Changes-
Claire prepared all day for the ceremony that would happen in just a few hours, she found pretty white flowers for Nokomis' hair and white rose petals for around the fire ring. Earlier that morning she had gone to send word to the Elders of the Tribal Counsel, a invitation was mandatory, not that any of them would attend, but to not invite them would make the ceremony null and void. On the way back she had found the flowers along with wild berries, vegetables and other fruits.
Dakota had gone hunting earlier and was now cooking his kill for the feast that would follow. Dakota was nervous and excited to begin the next chapter of his life.
Nokomis being pregnant tried to help as best she could, so Claire sent her to invite fellow Tribe members from nearby villages.
At last the hour came and a few fellow Tribe members came, but no one they knew. Dakota was betting most would show up after the ceremony for the food.
Dakota stood across from Nokomis, and Claire stood between them. Nokomis took Dakota's breath away as he looked at the woman he was marrying, she looked like an angel. They exchanged vows in their native tongue and gave thanks to the Creator for having their paths cross and now intertwine. The kissed and Claire pronounced them Husband and Wife.
Then the feast began, and as Dakota had predicted more people showed up, even some that he knew. There was a lot of eating for everyone and a lot of drinking for the men. Nokomis tried to be as entertaining as possible but quickly became tired, the other women understood, after all Nokomis was growing a baby, so they went to call their men home. There was however quite a few men not attached as well as women who weren't attached. Nokomis had seen quite a few women eyeball her husband, but Dakota seemed not to notice them at all, he was having fun with some old friends he hadn't seen since boyhood.

A month or so later, Nokomis realized that life after the ceremony was much the same as life before the ceremony. Nokomis wasn't sure what she had expected to be honest, but she had thought that it would be different. The only difference to her was her title, wife. Hopefully, she would start to feel a sense of purpose when the baby came.

Arrivals-
Months went by, summer was almost over, the leaves on the trees were just starting to change colors.
Claire was tending to the garden when one of the Elders from the Tribal Counsel appeared, he was followed by two women.
"Is your Chief around?" the Elder asked Claire.
"He's hunting in the forest nearby I believe" Claire replied.
"We are looking for a Clan to take in these two women, their village was burned by a wildfire and they are the only survivors that we know of. We figured since your Clan has lost some of its members recently that you would have room. The woman next to me is Dyani, a young Shaman to-be, and the girl behind her is Nita." explained the Elder.
Claire thought carefully,usually the Chief's wife would make this decision, but Nokomis hadn't really come into her role yet. They had plenty of room, but more importantly Claire saw potential for the Clan.
"I'm sure that Chief Dakota would be more than happy to help" answered Claire.
"Thank you Shaman, well I'll leave you ladies to get accustomed to your new Clan." and with that the Elder left.
Claire introduced herself, and asked them to follow to her to meet the Chief's wife, Nokomis. Both Dyani and Nita were very shy and didn't say a word, just nodded in agreement has they held hands and followed Claire.
Nokomis was sitting on a log by the campfire roasting some fruit, as Claire and the newcomers walked up. Nokomis looked at Claire with a puzzled expression.
"Nokomis, this is Nita and Dyani, they were brought here to join our Clan, their village burned down and they are the only survivors." Claire said.
"Oh my, I'm so sorry. I myself came from a different village, but don't worry Claire and Chief Dakota are very friendly and easy going. Are you hungry? I have a bunch of fruit already grilled."
Both women nodded yes that they were indeed very hungry. So Nokomis passed the plate of fruit to them and told them to eat until they were full.
While Dyani and Nita ate, Claire and Nokomis went over sleeping arrangements and distributing Clan chores. Claire offered to share her hut with the two girls, that way Dyani would see Claire's routine and learn the ways of a Shaman first hand. Nokomis thought this was a great idea, and went to make Dakota a plate of food. He had been hunting all day and had probably worked up quite an appetite.
After they were done eating Claire showed Dyani and Nita her hut and where they would be sleeping, she also found them some fresh clothes to change into. The girls continued to be very quiet, Claire hoped they would start to feel comfortable soon. Then she took them on a tour of the village and the surrounding wooded area where paths had been cleared to reach various fishing and hunting spots, also where they could find sweet berries and other valuables to collect or trade. Claire showed them to the outhouses and showers next.
"Well, I'll leave you two to explore, shower, change or get ready bed, please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions."
The two women just nodded their heads yes and headed for the showers.
Claire pondered at why they were so shy. Perhaps Dakota would be able to get more from them. Thinking of which, where was Dakota, she was actually quite surprised they hadn't seen him on their tour. Where was he and what was he up to?