The Mockingbird's Ballad

Emily said to the nephew and uncle, "I'm glad you came, both of you. Quiet Crow, Lonesome Cedar is a good woman." She knew the purpose of their visit. To Samuel she announced, "Running Bear, you have done a good job with you sister's son. He was a good boy and is becoming a good man." Samuel blushed slightly, lowered his eyes, pleased. Emily continued, "We will celebrate Quiet Crow and Lonesome Cedar's togetherness in four days, sunrise on the waxing moon. Quiet Crow, have you seen Lonesome Cedar?"

"No, Beloved Woman."

"Then go to her and her people. Tell them of my permission. Now let's hope she'll have you," she giggled.

Lonesome Cedar and her mother and grandmother consented. Lonesome Cedar's father was but a memory to her mother, Virginia, Bright Leaves, and a shadow to their daughter. All she knew of him was that he was short, thin, and redhaired and had come from Virginia to these parts for deer hides and freedom. He had stayed three years, fathering her with Bright Leaves. He left them after the summer of Lonesome Cedar's second year. His leaving was unseemly but accepted by them. There was little else they could do. He did not signify to them now, and the only evidence of his time here were his daughter's small build and pale blue eyes. Bright Leaves and her daughter had made a life with Bright Leaves' clan, Bird. Nancy and Norman would be married in the Cherokee tradition at sunrise in four days.

===

The radiance of the sun broke the ridgeline, and the power of the great light ordained the riverbank and people standing near the cane break. The gray mist of the river offered softness to the occasion and enhanced its solemnity. Lonesome Cedar (Nancy Bird) and Quiet Crow (William Norman) stood facing the half circle of honored women. Emily Long Hair stood directly in front of the couple. Uncle Samuel stood behind Norman and was holding a haunch of fresh venison wrapped in tanned deer hide. He and his nephew had killed the big buck the afternoon before. Lonesome Cedar's mother stood behind her holding a folded quilt of bright patches and designs made from left-over pieces of material bought over the years at Little Will's Trading Post. Quiet Crow's grandmother was holding three ears of corn.

At the cresting of the sun above the ridgeline, Samuel and Virginia placed the venison and corn in a basket before the couple. Then they unfolded the quilt and blanketed the couple over their shoulders, putting the edge of the quilt in each of the couple's hands. Lonesome Cedar and Quiet Crow pulled the quilt snug around their shoulders, exchanged brief promises and vowed to protect, provide for and respect the family. Emily, placing her hand over theirs, conferred the blessing of their bond.