Magical Ties 103 Winter Solstice

Astila reminds her that they will be going back in a few days if she is up to it .

The day of the winter solstice arrives. It's time for her to give Onacona's things back during the ceremony. They get everything packed and head to the ceremony site.

Once there she sees Moll and Maureen. The three hug each other and go find Inola.

"Inola I brought the items I am to return what do I do with them now?" He waves a few of the young boys over. He tells them to find his nephew and get what he has.

Inola explains to her what will take place.

"First we feast ,then we have the fire ceremony. After that comes the story telling. You will present Onacona's things to him then. We actually already talked and he wants to display everything except his medicine man staff and headdress those item you will give him before story time starts. That will actually open story time . Is that ok with you. ?" She looks at him and nods ok and goes to look for Onacona .

" Onacona, Inola told me what you want to do but when do I return the Uktena crystal and this. " showing him the pendant and clear crystal.

"Those you are to keep those are yours from your ancestors. The Uktena crystal we will return during the solstice. Uktena needs to come himself to retrieve it. " Aisling stares at him not knowing what to expect. Walking around looking at the all the different jobs everyone has. She knows that they won't ask her to help since she is pregnant. She goes to watch them put up Onacona's teepee everyone is in awe of it because of the artwork and it's age. Yona has become extremely protective of the artifacts that Aisling saved that belongs to Onacona. They have unboxed the skins from the old water drums. One of the elders looking at the artwork on it. He notices that the sign for the artist is Unole. He yells for the other artists to come over and have a look. They see Waya's sign on the bows and arrows as well. They go looking for Astila. Yona noticing the interest pull Onacona and Aisling aside.

"They have noticed the signs on the artifacts. They will ask my brother where he found them. Especially since they are from before and after the trail of tears. My darling sister in law I think your secrets are about to come to light." Onacona thinks for a moment.

"Why do they have to unless she wants them too? She can tell the truth that these items were pa.s.sed down to her through her ancestors. She can tell them the truth that she is a descendant of Waya and that her family has treasured them. They do not need to know the rest." Aisling looks at them and begins to play with her crystal. Seeing this they both ask at the same time

"What is it ?" She points to Yona's aunt.

"She gave me drawing that Unole made. They are of me when I was in his time with Inola. She knows who I am. She promised to not say anything but if asked by the Chief I don't know." Yona smiles and hugs Aisling.

Confused she just stares at him.

"We do not have to worry then. She rules the Chief . You see she is not just an old auntie she is the current chief's mother. She won't let anyone bother you. We grew up on the stories of how you came and saved our line. There is no way now that she knows who you are . That she will allow anyone to harm you . "

Aisling looks at them and smiles. She is feeling a little lightheaded so she goes and sits. The older woman comes and sits with her.

"Do not worry child you will always be safe here." Hugging her she holds her while the earth stops moving. Looking down at her after a few moments she asks her.

"Has the world stopped spinning. I am a midwife I saw the look . Don't worry I won't say anything but you need to eat and rest. Make sure to get more iron I'm sure that it's low. "

Aisling looks at her and nods ok. Not wanting her to leave her just yet she holds her just a few more minutes.

"You know I lost my mom at a very young age. I was the one who took care of everyone else. Thank you for today I don't want Astila to worry."

"You are Unelanuhi and you are one with us. " she notices the sadness in Aisling's face.

"What is it dear?" Holding Aisling's hand

"I am afraid that people will not accept me if they know. You see in my family I am not always accepted for who I am and have not always been treated well. "

"Well that will not be the case here." She hugs her again . Astila comes over with the Chief.

"Aisling this is our Chief and he wants to talk to you about the things we brought." He gives her a look to let her know it's ok.

"Yes what would you like to know?" Looking warily at him.

"These items are in magnificent shape and are from a time when our people were displaced. How did you come by them?"

Aisling thinks for a moment and smiles at him.

"It's actually a wonderful story of the love between twins. Can I share it during the

Suh-noyi kne-he-lus-gi ?" Looking at him hoping she can . He nods in agreement.

It's close to time to feast and Astila takes her by the hand to sit her down to eat. Moll already has her and Maureen plates made so that no one will say anything to them about touching thing while pregnant. They both notice she gave them mostly meat and green vegetables. Looking at her puzzled.

"I noticed you were slightly dizzy earlier so I figured you maybe a little low on iron. Maureen is not gaining proper weight for how far along she is so the extra protein will help with that. I am an obstetrician after all." They both giggle and eat happily. Aisling thinks to her self how wonderful things are turning out.

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