Be With Me

Chapter Twenty-One

When they finished their food, they walked around the gymnasium and were found by Poe, Finn, Tali and Rose who each had at least one tote bag filled with their purchases which Rose gleefully showed them. Rose was already wearing some of the jewelry she had bought off an elderly Mescalero Apache woman that excelled in the traditional art form of Native American beadwork.

The friends decided to make another round through the vendors to give the other three a chance to find something nice as well. Jay purchased a few strands of sweet grass and two bundles of white sage. Rey found a beige fleece blanket with a colorful design balanced with arrowheads which Jay described as the Chief Jospeh pattern. He explained that Chief Jospeh was a Nez Perce Chief that led his people in the 1800s and was admired for protecting his people and being an incredibly truthful and generous leader. He was later honored with the pattern that symbolizes bravery, strength and integrity.

Jay also explained that the Pendleton wool blankets were the most valued and legendary because they kept the victims of the Indian Removal Act warm during their harsh and brutal journey to their new settlement issued by the government. Many more would've demised had they not been shielded from the harsh conditions by their wool blankets.

"Today, when someone is to be honored for a great deed or achievement, they are given a Pendleton blanket," Jay spoke to Rey as she felt the soft fabric in her hands. "They're pretty expensive, so it's a big deal," he winked. "This one may not be a Pendleton original," he said pointing at the fleece blanket in her hands, "but it still does the job. And honors the great Nez Perce leader, regardless."

Rey was fascinated by how much significance and meaning were put into everyday items that in her own culture and society deemed menial. She purchased the blanket from the young woman sitting in her camping chair behind the stand. Rey handed her the money and the woman's two thick, dark braids bounced off her chest as she leaned towards Rey, her white teeth flashing and warm eyes meeting her own. Rey thanked her and continued to the next stand with the others.

Poe was purchasing something already as Rey approached the table with a variety of stickers with Native designs and printed artwork. She was surprised at how much nerdy artwork had been displayed. Themes of Marvel, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings – which Poe most likely had already found - all with a Native American twist. One small sticker had the poster art of Marvel's Captain America: The First Avenger on it but not with Chris Evans as the character. Instead, it was Sitting Bull, the legendary Hunkpapa Lakota Chief that led his people during the years of resistance against the United States government. Rey smiled at the satirical artwork and the fact that this depiction couldn't be more accurate. These people were the true defenders of America, yet nobody acknowledged it. Rey felt her stomach tighten at the thought of the atrocities Jay's people and his ancestors had to endure and what they still have to endure to this day. She felt heat rise to her cheeks and blew out a breath of frustration. Ben noticed and drew an idle circle on her shoulder with his finger. As she looked up to him, his eyes were asking if she was alright. She smiled and shook her head as if to say it was nothing. He put his arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple and continued walking from stand to stand.

When they came to one that sold various types of silver jewelry, Tali and Rose tried on the different silver bracelets with intricate designs and turquoise stones embedded. Rey noticed one very slim, simple silver bracelet that bisected in the center, holding a small butterfly made of four small turquoise rocks. Her eyes lingered on the piece, and she startled when a low male voice spoke to her from behind the stand.

"You may pick it up and try it on," he purred. Rey looked at his dark, wrinkled face and obeyed. She knew it was a suggestion or more a permission to touch his artwork, but she didn't want to insult him by declining. His worn out, beige cowboy hat threw a shadow over his dark eyes that Rey knew had seen many hurdles and life experiences. The man's wrinkly, bony fingers gently reached for her arm and he showed her how to comfortably slide the stiff bracelet on without having to bend it. He poked one end into the softest part of her arm and gently slid the cuff around her wrist. Perfect fit.