Weak in Body, Strong in Mind and Spirit

The rest of their journey was much the same as the first leg. Okie ate the food offerings of Pamela, which was barely enough to get poor Okie through the day. At night, when the procession stopped, Okie would take his leave and enter the Forests, which were always nearby, and every night he enjoyed the hospitality of each Tribe he encountered.

Okie was also enjoying the journey itself. There were so many new things to see! It was very far, and took five sun cycles to arrive at their destination. But Okie was kept from being bored by the many wondrous things there were.

On the last day of their journey, Pamela contacted me from her conveyance.

“Madu? It is Pamela,” she projected.

“Oh, hello Pamela,” I answered.

“We are almost there, and should arrive late in the afternoon.”

“Excellent news,” I replied. “Shall I meet you there to guide you in?”

“We’re all pretty tired, and I think we’ll stay in the RV tonight. By the time we get to the Five Brothers, it would be dark and we need to set up our tents.”

“Alright. But I’ll be there in the morning to escort you in.”

“OK. Oh, David is here, and my daughter Megan and grandson Caesar. And I have a surprise guest.”

“I look forward to meeting your family, and we have a surprise for you as well,” I said with a smile. “Two surprises, actually.”

“Oh good! I love surprises, if they are good ones,” Pamela said brightly. “Now I have to go. I need to call Kimberly.”

“Oh good!” said Puyallup.

“Puyallup, hello!” said Pamela. “I forgot that this is a party line.”

“A party line?” asked Puyallup. “Like a hunting party?”

“No. But real quick, when telephones first came out, they were often party lines, with many people sharing it. Everyone had a special ring to their phone to know if a call was for them or someone else on the party line, but everyone on the party line could listen in on conversations.”

“Uh... OK then,” said Puyallup, pretending to understand.

“OK, bye, see everyone tomorrow,” said Pamela.

“Bye,” said Madu, Puyallup, and a few dozen others listening in.

“Boy, can’t have any secrets around here!” laughed Pamela.

“Momma, Bishr just called me,” said Megan.

“Oh, that’s nice,” said Pamela.

“Well, yes and no,” Megan replied.

“What’s wrong?”

“There was a bad fire in the newly remodeled kitchen at the restaurant and it will be closed for months.”

“Oh no! That’s terrible!” said Pamela.

“Well, since he’s not working, he’s on his way here. He’ll be here tomorrow morning. I gave him Nancy’s address to punch into his GPS.”

“What about finding another job?” asked Pamela.

“He thought about that, but he really likes where he is and has no intention to quit. If he interviewed for another server position elsewhere, he would tell them it would only be until the restaurant reopens. Who would hire someone like that, especially during the summer, Florida’s slowest time of the year?”

“I suppose,” said Pamela.

“I think he misses his family, and that’s a big part of it,” laughed Megan.

“I can understand that. But now I better call Kimberly,” she said as she dictated the number into her cell phone talking device. Her device has the ability to speak through the conveyance. Pamela says it is “Bluetooth enabled,” but I don’t know what that means. All of the teeth I ever see are sort of white.

“Kimberly, it’s Pamela,” she said.

“Hi buddy! See you tomorrow as soon as I get Gracie and Trooper loaded!”

“How did...”

“Puyallup contacted me just now,” said Kimberly. “He’s as excited as I am!”

Pamela smiled. “See you tomorrow, buddy.”

“I can’t wait!” said Kimberly. “Bye!”

“Bye!”

“Full house tomorrow, eh?” said David. “What’s for dinner?”

“Is that all you think about?” asked Pamela.

“No. Sometimes I think about breakfast and lunch,” he said with a smile. Which then made Pamela smile.

“We’ll be there shortly and I’ll throw something together. How is my grandbaby doing?”

“Fine. He seems fascinated by Okie. Megan positioned his car seat so Caesar can see him,” said David. “I think Okie likes him. He asked to hold Caesar, but I said that he can’t while we’re driving, and that the baby must stay in his car seat.”

“Well, maybe tonight when we stop we can let Okie hold him before he goes off to the Forest for the night,” said Pamela.

It wasn’t long before the conveyances were moving up the mountain past the place called Vrooman’s. The conveyances took a right turn and proceeded for a bit before turning left onto the black trail to the Chase Lake trail.

After stopping, Pamela removed her Beast from its tiny abode and tied it to a tree while she removed Beast dung from its floor.

“Should I lower the awnings?” asked David.

“No, we’re heading out tomorrow anyway,” said Pamela. “What is everyone else doing?”

“Well, Megan is watching Caesar, who is sitting on Okie’s lap,” projected David. “They seem to really like each other. Caesar is sticking his fingers into Okie’s mouth, and that makes them both laugh.”

“I don’t want to miss this!” said Pamela as she quickly untied her Beast from the tree and put him inside his abode and shut the portal. Pamela ran to the RV.

“Crap! I forgot the dogs and goats!”

She ran back outside, released the Baddogs, and took the Goat creatures one by one and placed them in the tiny abode with the Beast. She ran back into the RV, out of breath.

“Pamela, this little one is adorable,” said Okie.

“Thank you,” said Pamela.

“Yes, thank you,” projected Megan.

Okie and Pamela both slowly turned and looked at Megan.

“I dunno when it started. At first I thought I was going crazy and hearing voices in my head, but then I started recognizing the voices.” she said.

“Well, I’m going to return Caesar to you so I can go look for some food,” said Okie.

“I guess 12 sandwiches doesn’t hold you for long,” laughed Pamela.

Okie arose and squeezed himself out of the portal. He was quickly out of sight. The sun was just setting and it cast a warm golden glow to everything.

“I miss my mountains,” said Pamela wistfully.

“I don’t miss the snow,” said David, which earned him a glare from Pamela.

“And I’m not gonna have the internet out here, right?”

“You can live without Facebook,” said Pamela sternly.

“But the question is, can they live without me? What are people going to do without my sage political insight?”

“They’ll get by... somehow,” said Pamela while rolling her eyes.

Pamela played with Caesar until he started to yawn.

“I think it’s time we all turned in,” said Pamela. “We’ve had a long trip.”

“OK,” said David. “I’m almost done with this chapter.”

“Have you given your book a title yet?” asked Pamela.

“Yes. Book #2 by Madukarahat.”

“That’s not a title!” said Pamela.

“I know,” said David laughing. “But that’s what I’m calling it for now.”

Soon everyone was in bed except David who was tapping on his light emitting contraption. He later turned off the last light, the one over the kitchen sink, and turned in. Before he knew it, the sun was streaming in the window.

“Ugh. That was the shortest night, like, ever,” he groaned.

Pamela stretched and yawned.

“You’ll have to boil coffee on the camp stove,” said Pamela sleepily. “No electricity here.”

“Probably the only time I’m gonna regret not fixing the generator,” said David. “But I figured that we’d never use it. Everyplace we go has hookups.”

David opened an outside compartment and removed the device called a camp stove. He set it on fire and placed a vessel upon it. Soon it began smoking. He stopped the fire and entered the RV conveyance.

“Coffee’s done,” he announced.

Pamela and Megan sleepily poured brown liquid into their vessels and began blowing on it to cool it. This always fascinates me. Make it hot, then blow on it to make it cool. Seems dumb.

David then poured a vessel for himself.

“Okie is back,” said David.

Pamela looked out a viewing portal.

“That’s Madu, you dope!” said Pamela as she ran outside to give me a hug. Standing next to me was Puyallup, who she also hugged.

“Madu, I’m so happy to see you. You too, Puyallup! And David didn’t even see you!”

“Not my fault. They all look alike,” said David who had left the RV. “The other one must have been cloaked.”

“No they do not look alike, and they do NOT CLOAK!” chided Pamela.

“They’re all big and hairy...”

“David Michael!”

“Uh oh,” I whispered to Puyallup. “Pamela used his middle name. That’s not good.”

Puyallup quietly shook his head while looking at his toes. A middle name used by a Female is never good whether you’re a Forest Person or a Little Person.

A conveyance pulled up the trail towing a little abode like Pamela’s.

“Kimberly!” yelled Pamela, running to this conveyance.

Kimberly jumped out of a portal and they hugged.

“I missed my best buddy!” said Kimberly.

“Me too!” said Pamela. “Look, we have a welcoming committee.”

“Puyallup and Madu!” Kimberly ran to us and gave us each a hug, and then, “Hi Dave! Hi Megan! And look at how big Caesar is getting!”

“He’s a year and a half. He’s walking really well now. Meg, set him down.”

Megan set Caesar on the ground. Kimberly crouched and held her arms out. Caesar walked just a little unsteadily to Kimberly.

“He’s doing great!” said Kimberly.

“Oh, here comes your surprise,” said Pamela to Puyallup and me.

Okie emerged from the wood line as Puyallup and I watched carefully.

As is custom, he extended his arms with palms open and up.

“I am Ocklawaha of the Falling Water Tribe, and I come in peace.”

“Greetings Ocklawaha. I am Madukarahat and this is Puyallup, of the Panther and Lower Wolfjaw Tribes. I apologize, but I don’t know of your Tribe.”

“It is far away in the lands to the south,” said Okie. “I have come to visit. I have a relative in your Tribe.”

“A relative?” asked Puyallup.

“Yes. When I ask permission to visit from your Elders, I shall explain,” he said. “And please, call me Okie.”

Puyallup and I smiled at David and Megan. Pamela’s little Caesar saw Puyallup and I and walked over with a big smile and a laugh. He fell once because of the uneven ground. He stood, walked to me, grabbed a fistful of hair, and looked up into my face and smiled.

“I think he likes me,” I said.

“Pick him up,” said Megan.

“No, he’s so tiny, I’m afraid I might break him,” I answered.

Megan walked to Caesar, picked him up, and handed him to me. Caesar put his fingers in my mouth as I held him. I smiled and he laughed when he saw my teeth. What a delightful little Little One, I thought.

A conveyance came down the black trail. The portal opened and a male Little Person emerged.

“WHOA WHOA WHOA! What’s going on here!” He yelled as he ran towards me. As he got closer, he slowed down though.

“Bishr! Stop!” yelled Megan.

“He’s going to hurt the baby!”

“No, he’s not,” said Megan. “I handed Caesar to him. Caesar loves him. See?”

“I don’t know... are these Sasquatch?” asked Bishr

“Yes, Captain Obvious,” laughed Megan, shaking her head.

“Madu, Puyallup, and Okie, this is Bishr. Caesar’s father,” projected Pamela.

Puyallup and Okie extended their arms, palms up. I set Caesar on my shoulder and did the same as he grabbed fistfuls of my hair to hold on.

“What are they doing?” asked Bishr.

“Showing you that they are unarmed and are here in peace,” said Pamela.

“Good thing,” said Bishr.

Bishr walked to Puyallup, who was closest and stood in front of him. He looked Puyallup over carefully. He extended his right arm with his palm pointed to the side.

Okie, Puyallup, and I looked at each other and then at Bishr.

“What is he doing, Pamela?” I asked while nodding my head towards Bishr.

“He would like to shake your hands,” she replied.

“Why?” I questioned.

“It is a form of greeting,” she answered.

“Oh! I’ve got this,” said Puyallup as he stuck his tongue out at Bishr.

“Dude! That’s extremely rude!” said Bishr.

“So stick your tongue out back at him,” egged on Megan.

Bishr hesitated, and then slowly stuck his tongue out at Puyallup.

“See, I told you,” whispered Puyallup out of the side of his mouth.

Okie and I looked at each other, shrugged, and then stuck our tongues out. I looked at Pamela, Kimberly, and Megan and they had their tongues stuck out.

“This is a greeting,” projected Puyallup proudly.

“Huh. I’d never seen a Forest Person do this before,” said Pamela.

“It is fairly new,” said Puyallup.

“Well, let’s pack up!” said Kimberly as she removed her Beast from its abode. She then returned and removed another Beast from it.

“I thought I’d bring a pack horse to carry our stuff,” said Kimberly. “And maybe someone would like to ride Trooper. David?”

“No, I like to ride, but I can’t because of my broken neck when Ouragan whacked me with a tree. If I was thrown, it could be very bad, maybe fatal,” said David.

“Well, we could put the tents on him,” said Pamela.

“Leave your tent abodes here for now,” I said.

“But we need them,” said Pamela.

“They take up too much room,” I said. “We can come back for them later.”

“Well, I suppose. We do have a lot of stuff because of the extra people, and the baby,” said Pamela. “I guess we’ll need to make two trips.”

They gathered all of the things they would need to get settled. Some was packed on the Beast, and we Forest People carried the rest. Bishr carried Caesar on his shoulders. We were all soon proceeding slowly down the trail to Chase Lake.

The Beasts were nervous at first because of us Forest People, but calmed down after a short time when they realized we were not a danger or threat to them.

After a short time, we arrived at Chase Lake.

“Ah, we’re here?” asked Bishr, looking at the lean-to.

“No, not yet,” said Pamela.

“It’s beautiful here,” said Megan.

“Hey, I don’t have a cell signal,” said Bishr looking at his communication device and frowning.

“Nope. Isn’t that nice?” asked Pamela.

“Oh no way! How am I going to call people. How will they call me?” said Bishr with frustration.

“No calls. That’s part of the beauty of this place,” said Kimberly.

“How much farther is it?” said Bishr. “Caesar is getting heavy.”

“Madu, would you carry Caesar for a while?” projected Pamela.

I turned and walked back, took Caesar, and put the excited little Little Person on my shoulder. I then turned and walked ahead.

“Hey... can they understand English?” asked Bishr.

“No, hardly a word,” said Pamela.

“Then how did he know to take Caesar?”

“I asked him,” said Pamela.

“Asked him how? I didn’t hear you talk to him,” said Bishr.

“I didn’t. I mindspoke with him,” answered Pamela.

“Mindspoke. Wait what?” answered Bishr.

“Mindspeak is a form of mental telepathy.”

“Dudette, no way!” said Bishr.

“Believe it,” said Pamela. “Perhaps one day, you will earn their trust and respect and be able to do it as well.”

They kept traveling slowly so all could keep up. Little Baby Caesar was loving his ride on my shoulders. He had fistfuls of my hair to hang on with, but I didn’t mind. His smiling giggles made up for it.

We soon came within sight of the Five Brothers off in the distance. We all stopped, as is now tradition, to admire the scenic beauty before us.

“Wow! Bishr look!” exclaimed Megan. “What a view! It’s beautiful!”

She just got her words out when Izee stepped out of a stand of trees.

“Welcome home Pamela and Kimberly!” said Izee.

“IZEE!” squealed Pamela as she ran to hug him. “You look well!”

“Thanks to you,” said Izee. “I was told of your concern for my well being and recovery and that you were very upset, and you inspired me to work harder at getting better. I am now well enough to stand sentry duty again.”

Pamela began to cry.

“What’s wrong, little one?” he asked. “Why so sad?”

Pamela looked up at him and smiled.

“You have no idea how relieved I am,” she said. “These aren’t tears of sadness. These are tears of relief and happiness.”

Izee hugged Pamela tightly, but not too tight.

“It is true what the Tribes say of you, Pamela. You have a kind heart.”

Pamela sobbed a laugh.

“Welcome back, everyone,” said Izee.

“This is my husband David, and my daughter Megan and her son Caesar. And this is Caesar’s father Bishr. The Forest Person is Ocklawaha, but you can call him Okie.”

Okie stood politely with arms extended and palms up.

“Welcome everyone,” said Izee. “You shall enjoy the hospitality of the Panther and Lower Wolfjaw Tribes. As friends and family of Kimberly and Pamela, two Little People we love and respect, as well as friends of Madu and Puyallup, you are all welcome.”

Caesar reached his hands out to Izee. Izee looked at Caesar and then at Pamela. Pamela nodded, and Izee took Caesar from me. Caesar laughed. They formed an instant bond.

“Someone approaches,” Izee said. “It is Gilyuk.”

“Welcome home,” said Gilyuk, smiling as he came into view.

Introductions were made all around.

“Izee, I’m here to relieve you,” said Gilyuk.

“Excellent. Thank you,” said Izee. “Let us all go home.”

They continued towards the Five Brothers, and were greeted by a large crowd.

“Look at the Beasts!” exclaimed one. “How do the Little People ride upon their backs?”

Most just stood in awe and watched as Pamela rode Jeremiah and Kimberly Gracie.

“Pamela! Kimberly!” shrieked a small voice as Ady broke through the crowd.

Kimberly reached down and snagged Ady with one arm, placing her on Gracie’s back behind her. Ady hugged her tightly.

“I missed you! You too Miss Pamela!” she projected.

She pointed at Bishr and asked “Why is that one a different color?”

“He’s a black man, honey,” answered Kimberly kindly.

“You come in different colors? Why?” asked Ady.

“We just do,” said Kimberly. “People from different places in the world can be different colors.”

“What kind of colors?”

“Well, white, black, copper, sort of yellow, brown... all kinds of colors.”

“Blue?” asked Ady.

“NO! Unless you’re a Smurf!” This made the Little People laugh loudly. I didn’t understand.

“I like him. He’s tiny!” said Ady pointing at Caesar riding on Izee’s shoulder.

“His name is Caesar,” said Kimberly. “He’s Pamela’s grandson. Megan there is his mother, and Bishr is his father.”

“Was he born white and is now turning black like we do?” asked Ady.

“No, he’s a blend of white and black, so he’s a very pretty brown,” said Kimberly.

Ady scrunched her face up a bit and then smiled.

“I like his color. He’s going to be my friend!” projected Ady.

Kimberly and Pamela then smiled, as did Megan.

We soon arrived where Kimberly and Pamela had erected their tent abode last summer.

“One of the surprises,” I said, pointing.

Kimberly and Pamela removed themselves from their Beasts and stared.

“You built us a house! A long house!” said Pamela.

“Yes, built as Klamath had described the dwelling of his copper skinned friends of long ago,” I answered. “Your little tent abode was too small, we felt, and we all thought you deserved to be more comfortable, so we built this for you. I hope you like it.”

Pamela and Kimberly smiled, and Pamela turned to the assembled crowd and said simply “Thank you. Thank you all.”

“Welcome home,” said a voice. It was Windago who was with Nakani and Aurora.

“Thank you!” said Kimberly and Pamela together.

“We missed you,” said Windago.

“And we missed all of you,” said Pamela.

Caesar was fidgeting so Izee set him down. Caesar walked clumsily to Aurora, grabbed her by her leg hair, and reached up to her. She scooped him up. He giggled and she smiled.

“This little Little One is adorable!” she said.

“That’s my grandson. His name is Caesar,” said Pamela.

“What a beautiful color his is!” said Aurora. “What do you call it?”

“He’s brown, I guess,” said Pamela. “Megan here is my daughter and Caesar’s mother, and Bishr is his father.”

“Well, he’s lovely,” said Aurora. She sniffed him and frowned. “Well, he’s quite healthy, I can assure you, but he smells like he pooped.”

“Uh oh,” said Megan. “Here, give him to me and I’ll change him.”

Aurora handed Caesar to Megan who laid him on the grass to change his diaper. Ady watched in fascination.

“Why not just leave those things off of him so he can just poop on the ground?” she asked.

“Well, he’s too small and can’t control when he poops, and he would make a mess where you don’t want it,” said Megan with a smile.

“Oh,” said Ady.

“What is your other surprise, Madu?” asked Pamela.

“Coming this way now,” said Madu.

Kamela walked from behind the crowd carrying a pure white Infant.

“Hello Pamela,” said Kamela. “This is Zena. She was born in the winter.”

“Oh my God, she’s gorgeous!” gushed Pamela.

Everyone gathered around Kamela and Zena.

“Why is it white?” asked Bishr.

“Not it, she,” scolded Pamela.

“Sorry. She,” he answered sheepishly.

“All Infants of Forest People are born in the winter, and are white,” said Pamela. “They gradually turn to brown and then black, although for some reason some remain white or brown. No one is sure why.”

“It must be because they are special,” said Bishr with a smile, as he gazed at Zena closely. “She’s beautiful.”

“Thank you,” projected Kamela.

Bishr stood up quickly with a shocked look.

“Here it comes,” said Kimberly in a low voice.

“Wait what?” asked Bishr.

“Thank you,” projected Kamela again.

“Yes, thank you,” I channeled.

“Stop. This isn’t happening,” said a stunned Bishr.

“Yeah it is,” projected Kimberly.

“This is wild,” he said. “I’m hearing voices in my head. I must be crazy.”

This made everyone there laugh.

“Everyone, please come to the Circle,” said Windago.

They all proceeded to the Circle where the rest of the Elders were seated. Windago, Nakani, and Aurora took their seats. Okie politely approached with bowed head and stood respectfully.

“Please come,” said Aurora.

Okie walked to the Circle and addressed them.

“Thank you, esteemed Elders,” said Okie. “I am Ocklawaha, from the Falling Water Tribe in lands far to the south.”

“Ocklawaha?” asked Windago. “That is the name of my father’s father’s father!”

Okie smiled. Windago rose and walked to Okie and embraced him.

“I would like permission to visit,” said Okie.

“Granted,” said Windago with a grin. The other Elders nodded their agreement.

“How long shall you stay?” asked Windago.

“Well, since it is so far, I shall stay until RV takes everyone to the south,” said Okie.

“While you are here, you are Panther,” said Windago.

“And Lower Wolfjaw,” said Nakani with a proud smile.

“Thank you all,” said Okie.

Pamela then approached.

“Come Pamela,” smiled Windago.

“Esteemed Elders, this is my daughter Megan, her mate Bishr, and their son Caesar. They also ask your permission to visit.”

Caesar was holding Megan’s hand, but he released it and tottered quickly to the Elders.

“Caesar!” yelled Megan in a low whisper voice.

“It is alright,” said Aurora. “He’s too young to understand protocol.”

The Elders smiled. Kamela set Zena on the ground and she too walked unsteadily to the Elders following Caesar. Caesar and Zena looked at each other and laughed. Caesar put his fingers in Zena’s mouth, and she placed hers in his. Everyone laughed.

“Why can’t adults just accept everyone for who they are, as Caesar and Zena do?” wondered Pamela aloud.

“You are wise beyond your years, Pamela,” said Aurora. “As Kimberly is kind. This is why you are both seated as Elders. Please sit.”

Pamela and Kimberly took their assigned seats.

“Why is Bishr a different color?” asked an Elder. “Does it have significance?”

“I’m a Black Man,” projected Bishr. “My ancestors came from Africa where many are brown or black. While scorned by many to this day, I am proud of who I am.”

“Please step forward,” channeled Aurora.

Bishr did as requested and stood next to Okie.

“What do you mean that many scorn you?” asked Aurora gently.

“Well, many hate Black people.”

“Why?” she asked.

“The ones that hate are called racists. They just hate...”

“They hate what they don’t understand?” injected Aurora.

“Yeah, pretty much. But it isn’t only Blacks. They often hate many others too. People of other religions, for example. And it isn’t only white people. Many black people also hate white people,” said Bishr.

The Elders were silent. Finally, Aurora spoke.

“There seems to be much hate in your world,” said Aurora. “You shall not find hate here. Here, you are among friends and family. For as long as you are here, you are all welcomed as fellow Tribe members and shall enjoy our friendship and trust. Perhaps you shall teach us more of racism at a later time, but for now I’m sure you have much to do to get settled in your long house.”

“That is totally awesome,” said Bishr. “Thank you. I’m going to enjoy my stay here with you all. Thank you for accepting me.”

Aurora and the Elders smiled. Bishr turned to walk away.

“Bishr,” called Pamela. “Proper etiquette is to back away from the Elders, not turn your back on them.”

“I’m sorry,” said Bishr. “I apologize. I didn’t know.”

“It is alright,” said Aurora. “We know this is all new for you.”

New ain’t the word for it, thought Bishr to himself as he backed away from the Circle.

Ady had walked up to Caesar and Zena and took each in hand.

“Caesar is my new friend!” beamed Ady. “I’m going to show him how to toast marshmallows. Zena too. Did you bring marshmallows Kimberly?”

“I sure did, kiddo.” laughed Kimberly. “Lots.”

“Pamela and Kimberly, you may leave too if you desire,” said Windago.

“Thank you, we need to get settled,” said Pamela standing. “We haven’t even checked out the long house yet!”

Kimberly and Pamela backed away from the Circle and joined the others. They walked back to the long house and looked it over.

“This is awesome,” said Kimberly to Pamela.

“It sure is,” said Pamela as she entered the portal. “This roof looks like it will even keep the rain out.”

“I know you don’t like rain on you,” I said, smiling.

“Madu, how did you make the roof so tight?” asked Pamela.

“Lots of weaving,” I answered. “I looked during the last rain and saw no water entering.”

“Amazing,” she replied.

“We’ll need some partitions,” said Kimberly.

“What are partitions?” I asked.

“Walls to separate our rooms,” Kimberly replied. “For privacy for changing clothes and sleeping.”

“Oh, right. I forgot the Little People modesty thing,” I answered. “I don’t know if I’ll ever understand that odd trait.”

“Look, just because you all run around naked doesn’t mean that we do,” said Kimberly with a smile.

“Have you ever tried it?” I asked.

“No!” laughed Kimberly.

“Then how do you know...”

“No!” said Kimberly again. “It isn’t something that little people do. Well, not most of us.”

“Madu, if Kimberly says they prefer to wear their skins, we must respect that,” chided Kamela. “As Zena and Caesar do each other.”

I looked as Zena and Caesar sat on the ground facing each other, touching each others noses, ears, mouths, and eyes while giggling. They were about the same size, although Caesar was 12 moon cycles older. Kamela and Pamela looked on with approval.

“Racism and hate is taught,” said Bishr in a low voice. “It is learned from others and is not a natural instinct. Zena and Caesar are proof.”

“That is exactly right,” said Kimberly.

“David says that he saw racism in newspapers and magazines and on television as a boy growing up in the 1950s and 60s,” said Pamela. “The hatred was horrible.”

“Yep,” said David. “I thought that racism would be a thing of the past by the 21st century, but it isn’t. It seems to be as bad today as it ever was. I also thought we’d have flying cars and we don’t have those either.”

Kamela simply shook her head.

“I do not understand the concept of racism,” she said.

“Nor do many of us,” said Pamela. “We know it exists, but many of us have a hard time understanding why. We should judge a person by actions and character, not by color or religion or anything else.”

“Very wise words,” said Kamela. “It is no wonder you are such a powerful Wizard.”

At this, Pamela smiled, as she watched Caesar playing with Zena, both enjoying each others company as Ady watched over them as a mother hen would.

Everyone busied themselves with unpacking their belongings in the long house. I soon appeared with what Kimberly described as partitions.

“That was fast,” said Kimberly.

“Puyallup helped,” I answered, pointing my thumb towards him as he approached carrying more partitions.

“Nice job, guys!” said Kimberly. “We can move these around to where we need them.”

Bishr and Megan helped bring the partitions inside the long house where they were erected as they saw fit.

A gentle rain started to fall, and the Little People ran into the long house, Caesar stood and toddled inside too, much to Zena’s dismay.

“It is alright,” Kamela said softly. “Little People aren’t fond of rain.”

Zena didn’t understand the words yet, but knew the kindness in her Mother’s voice.

“Ady, bring Zena inside to play,” said Kimberly.

“OK, but it isn’t raining in there and she won’t get wet,” said Ady.

Zena was looking up at the sky with her mouth open to catch raindrops. Ady took her by the hand and walked into the long house.

“Come inside, Kamela,” said Pamela. “Can you fit through the door?”

“I can,” said Kamela as she squirmed her way inside.

Puyallup and I stayed outside. There was no way we were fitting through the tiny portal. Besides, the cold rain felt wonderful.

Kamela looked around with interest.

“You don’t get rain in here,” she said. “So you don’t like getting rained on?”

“No, not particularly,” said Pamela with a smile. “We prefer to be dry.”

“Why?”

“Well, why do you not mind getting rained on?” asked Pamela.

“The Earth Mother gives us rain to fill the streams and lakes, and to make all her creatures wet,” said Kamela. “Is this a trick question?”

Pamela and Kimberly laughed.

“We love you, Kamela,” said Pamela grinning.

Kimberly, Pamela, Megan, Bishr, and David busied themselves inside putting their things about. Strange things that I cannot adequately describe, but apparently are needed by Little People to sit upon, eat off of, and sleep in. You will just have to use your imagination here.

The rains soon stopped and the sun broke through the clouds. The Little People emerged from their long house abode.

“You did a nice job building this,” projected David to me. “I didn’t get rained on at all.”

“Not that you would notice anyway,” I muttered to myself.

“Madukarahat Sasahevas!” yelled Kamela.

Puyallup laughed and looked the other way.

“What?” I said pathetically.

“I heard that! That’s just rude!” she chided.

“Sorry,” I muttered.

“No. Tell David,” said Kamela sternly.

“He didn’t hear...”

“It doesn’t matter!” said Kamela in her don’t-argue-with-me voice.

I walked up to David.

“David, I’m sorry you’re stupid,” I projected.

“MADUKARAHAT SASAHEVAS!!!!”

I looked at Kamela, who had her hands on her hips and was tapping her foot. Puyallup was doubled over and laughing hysterically.

“David, I’m sorry you’re brain doesn’t work well?” I offered.

David looked at me quizzically. I shrugged and looked at Kamela for help. She simply rolled her eyes. I think Puyallup pooped a little.

“I’ll explain it to David later,” said Pamela as she walked out of the long house smiling.

Kamela and Pamela looked at each other with a knowing look that only Females comprehend. I looked at Puyallup who was still doubled over in laughter with a little snot coming out of his nose.

“What?” I asked. I didn’t receive an answer.