"Well, that will help, my friend." Bear Paw laughed.
"I have not seen you so interested in a woman in a long time my brother."
"That should tell you something."
Bear Paw turned all his attention on his friend, "It does." He affirmed with a smile. "I am happy for you."
"Thank you."
"Have you told the elders yet?"
"No."
"Your parents?"
"No."
Bear Paw smiled at his friend, "Then I am the first you have told?"
"You are!"
"I am honored. And I wish you well."
"Thank you!"
"Have you seen the man you must fight to win her hand?"
"No."
Bear Paw shook his head. "Then I will pray for you Black Wolf, that your dreams come true."
"Thank you again, my friend."
Black Wolf stayed with his friend for a long time that warm afternoon, talking and sharing dreams of their futures.
Bear Paw noticed his injury.
"She sewed you up?"
"Yes, fine work too."
Bear Paw smiled. "She must be very special."
"She is."
After Black Wolf healed and began to get his strength back, he went to the sweat lodge and prayed. He had visions during the day and dreamt of his future. He could see clearly in his visions of his life and how hard it would be to earn the love of Sasha. There would be much strife at first. The visions only went so far and spoke of death too. But as a whole it was a positive life with Sasha. He spent three days there fasting and praying, when he came out, he felt renewed, and knew he was right about Sasha.
He sat with the elder's council talking and telling them of the great battle they had won. But the visions and dreams he would not talk about. Not yet. First, he would have to win the challenge.
He walked about his tribe now, and every day his wound healed more. Many of the young maidens in his tribe sought his favor, but he found no hint of love with any of them. He had no idea why this Arapaho had captured his heart so easily, but he knew she had.
He knew that Sasha was the one he wanted and needed.
He went hunting with his friend Bear Paw, and they brought back three deer, five rabbits and four wild turkeys. It was a good hunt to be shared with many of his people. The camp was excited about the hunt and the women went to work cleaning and preparing the meat and skins for the tribe.
All the women remarked what a great hunter Black Wolf and Bear Paw were.
Two weeks later, Black Wolf walked into the new encampment of the Arapaho's. He was alone, but he had the confidence he knew he would need to win this battle. There was all manner of curiousness going on, as he strode up and asked for their chief. Many followed behind him, waiting to find out what a Shoshone might want in their camp.