I find myself in Kai's hogan accompanied by Haseya the old woman, and two other girls my age who I am told their names are Iina which she told me means 'life', and the other's name is Tsintah which means 'among the forest'. All of the women in the hogan are dressed in plain day dresses woven in three main colors; white, brown, and red. Of course the dresses are beautiful, but compared to the dress they have laid out for my ceremony for me to wear, they are very plain in comparison. My heart warms at how welcoming these people have been to not only me but Chavez as well.
First they made me remove all my clothes and when my face flushed, all the girls laughed which made me flush harder. They seem to have no problem with nudity and as much as I admire that, it would take some getting use to for me. They then scrub every inch of my body in a scrub that smells of mint and vanilla. As I soak in that for a while, the attention moves to my hair. They oooo and ahhh over it's length even though all of there's is just as long and dark. They begin lathering soap the color of pink into my scalp. It feels amazing, and as they work that keep up a light chatter. I almost do not even mind that I do not understand them because this head massage feels so good. Every once and a while Kai will try to include me in the conversation, and the other three will turn to me with smiles; waiting for my response. I try to listen, but I am totally at ease and I don't want to ruin it. This is the best my body has felt in what seems like forever.
After my hair is done and has been rinsed out, they wash my body off. I am then stood up from the chair they had me in and they rub an oil all over me. I assume it is similar to white women perfume. It smells of vanilla as well with a slight delightful twist. I smile to show that I approve, they smile back and lina even giggles with delight.
After my body is prepared, the dress is to be put on. It is mostly white with blue zig-zags and an amzing gold detailing that I did not know was possible. Over all the details on the dress are amazing and they contrast amazingly with my golden brown skin. I am given fully beaded moccasins that complement the dress and lace up all the way to my knees. My hair is left down, they decided to not put it in the traditional Navajo bun but leave it down with a few accessories. Blue and white lace is threaded into my dark hair in a beautiful pattern in one section by my face, the rest is left alone to cascade down my back. They all step back and look at me in awe.
***
The drums beat, making my body vibrate as the ground I am standing on does. Singing voices are everywhere, all in sync. Dancers dance in elaborate clothing, the colors bouncing off the light from the fire. The sky is dark, but many fires are lit making it easy to see our surroundings. It is not my time to walk in yet. Kai and Haseya wait with me outside the hogan where we can see the pre-festivities, but they cannot see us. My uncle gets up on the raised platform, the drumming quiets and the singing voices slip into silence. The dancers stop. And as they do so, Chief Eagle man waits.
Chavez's POV:
Chief Eagle man gets up on the stage. I look down at my colorful outfit. Mostly white with colorful detailing. My moccasins complement them without being over powering of the whole outfit.
"Navajo people," The chief addresses the crowd. People who are not dancing, singing, or drumming, all wear nice clothes and hold their children close to them as the enjoy the festivities. "Tonight we welcome two people. One of which we have been waiting for for quite some time now..." The crowd goes silent, anticipating the name of the one they have been waiting for all this time. "The product of many great chiefs, she is of blood to me. Her soul has wandered far off from her people, she is as wild as the mustang you have seen in your dreams. She is as free as the wind that blows in the night. Her father was the Chief before I, but various things have caused them all to be separated from us. Her mother was the Great Lakota Chiefs daughter. And this very person we have been anticipating for all this time now, is here with us...tonight." As the Chief says those words with a powerful voice, the crowd erupts in cheers and applause. Then she makes her way out into the crowd. They form a path for her all the way up to the Chief. Her black hair hangs in luxurious length down her back and with that her skin contrasts strikingly with her beautiful woven outfit. Everyone, including myself stares in awe at the beauty that is her. She carries herself with such strength and authority, but not in the prim and proper way. No doubt she is full of freedom and strength.
She reaches the raised platform and turns to the crowd and everyone breaks out in applause. "Aho!" I hear some of the men say. Jane smiles and bright white flashes out to everyone. I feel my heart skip a beat. Stop it. I tell myself. Don't let a woman get into your head. But I don't know if I can help myself.
All the chiefs make it to the stage, and the dancers and drummers along with the singers make their way to the front and center.
"And the man who brought the exquisite woman to us, Chavez!" The crowd clears for me as the hoot and holler. I make my way up to the stage and take my place beside Jane. I face the crowd and the continue to cheer for both of us. Jane looks up and gives me a smile, I smile back. Chief Eagle Man speaks again.
"This man is one of our own as well. And we will forever be in debt for his protection of our dear one Jane....no matter how long they may stay. It may not be long, but we will forever be in debt." Everyone nods in agreement with a few more cheers. "But tonight," he continues, "We tell their story." He begins telling the story Jane and I have now relayed to them in detail. He tells the story and as he does so the drums sound, giving an exciting taste to the atmosphere. The dancers appear and actually start reenacting the story. I wish that Jane could hear what was being said. The singers start singing in the background as the story unfolds. The crowd hoots and hollers at certain parts. I hear about when Jane and I first met after awhile in I could swear I heard some 'awes' in the crowd. But the story goes on, on into the night. I end up grabbing Jane's hand but I don't remember when. Sometime after the story telling, we eat. Fresh meat and a drink made of berries that I have never tasted before. The night is good, and soon it is over.
YOU ARE READING
Native Outlaw
AventuraPreface I watched my grandpa hang his bloody brass knuckles up by the wooden door. He made his way to the gun safe and put the house riffle away. My grandpa stood there for a long time, hands on his hips and the gun safe standing wide open. He star...
