Two-Spirit

Chapter 19

"If you like we can start cooking when you finish." Amadah says taking my attention.

I nod with a smile. "I would."

Quickly I finish the arrow and we put them in her quiver. Amadah grabs a pot and I follow her out.

"Is succotash alright with you?" She asks as we head to the long hut.

I nod. "I find it delicious."

Once we're inside I help her put the vegetables into the pot she carries, making sure to get more than we usually would.

"Why are you getting so much?" She asks amused as I grab more cobs of corn than usual.

"Oh, Yona is supposed to be having supper with us." Though I wanted it to be a surprise, I won't lie to her.

She frowns. "How do you know, she hasn't told me such."

I look away, deciding to tell simply tell her. "I may have invited her. You seemed quite upset yesterday that you don't see her much anymore. Since it's my fault I wanted to fix it." I glance to her.

She smiles. "That's quite sweet of you. Thank you, you didn't have to do that. I know how scary my sister can be."

I smile as well and grab one more cob of corn to put in the basket she holds. "It was the least I could do."

She then stares at me with an unreadable look, feeling shy under her gaze I look away. "You are the most beautiful person I've ever met. Inside and out." She says quietly but as if it's only truth.

With heated cheeks I look to her, a small smirk of amusement takes her smile as she watches my face. "I could say the same of you." I say just as genuinely.

She huffs out a small laugh.

"I mean it." I smile.

She only hums in response. "I believe your word."

We gather a few more of the vegetables needed before heading back.

She starts up a fire with what she calls a bow drill. She fills the pot hanging over the fire with some animal fat grease and we begin prepping the vegetables to dump into the pot.

We sit on the ground as we wait for it to cook and for Yona to arrive, if she does. I didn't give her a time.

("Is there enough for me?") Yona's voice makes me take my eyes off the fire.

There she stands In front of us, eyes on Amadah but sends a brief nod my way.

Amadah smiles at seeing her. ("Of course.") She replies to her in their language, It is going to take me some time to learn it.

Yona has a seat by Amadah. "Are you making Kanuchi?" She decides to speak English.

Amadah shakes her head and glances to me. "We're making succotash."

"I see, how have you been?" Yona does seem genuinely happy to be talking to her sister, I suppose she missed her too.

Once again Amadah's gaze falls on me and she smiles. "Wonderful."

I smile back.

They talked as we waited and as we ate, sometimes their words were directed to me but I would have been fine sitting and saying nothing as they talked. I invited Yona for Amadah.

Yona eventually goes on her way after helping us clean up.

"Are you ready to go to the flower field?" Amadah asks as she lights a torch with the fire.

I nod with a smile. "Yes."

With the torch lit she holds her hand out to me. "Shall we?" With a smile I grab her hand and we start on our way.