The Armoire Ch. 07

Aside from the name, and Maengun's perpetual stone face, Tommy actually liked coming to the community. He had always been fascinated by native culture and the Anishinaabe were the most unassuming and friendly people he had ever met.

Alyssa and Jamie spent most of the evening with a few other women, yakking like a bunch of high schoolers. At one point Alyssa joked, "With a name like 'Gwayakwaa', it's about time you got it right!"

The name "Gwayakwaa," translated loosely, means "getting it right" or "the corrector."

Not to be outdone, Jamie countered with, "Oh yeah, well you should talk, 'Tiny Fart!'"

Everyone there called Alyssa "Noodi", short for her Ojibwe name, "Noodinens" which translates to "Little Wind".

Tommy sat with several men, including Maengun, throughout most of the evening but, as night came, they ended up alone at the table and Tommy said, "Thanks again, Gun, for offering to help. I'm looking forward to the lessons."

"Not a problem," replied Maengun, "Mino explained the game to me and I am sure that some survival skills will come in handy but, I must admit, I am concerned about the 'tournaments'. It would seem that there is a good chance of Noodi being hurt."

Tommy fervently said, "Oh no. If anything gets too intense we are simply going to pull out of the game and leave. We're doing this more for the adventure, not the BD stuff. I wouldn't hurt her Gun...ever."

"I understand Bashanzhe, and it is clear that you care for my daughter a great deal but it is sometimes difficult to reconcile the...lifestyle."

Tommy sighed, sensing that there were going to be some hard questions coming, but he had promised Alyssa that he would answer whatever queries Maengun might have so, he said, "I'm sure it is Gun...I don't even understand it all the time but...I know that it makes Alyssa happy and that's enough for me."

Maengun looked hard into Tommy's eyes and said, "Why would you pretend to be very angry with her?"

Taking a deep breath, Tommy explained, "We have been together for a long time now and it is harder and harder to create scenarios where Ally...Noodi...is really frightened and—I know it is hard to understand but—genuine fear adds a great deal to her excitement. When she told me about the game I saw a rare opportunity to have her really think there was something to be afraid of but, if you know that then you know that I never actually did what she was dreading."

"Yes," said Maengun, "I understand that you tickled her instead."

"Uh...yes...guilty pleasure, I'm afraid," replied Tommy, exasperated at the fact that Alyssa wasn't kidding when she said that she told her mother everything.

It was getting late and most people had left for their homes. Maengun rose from the table and said, "I would like to know more, but that is for a later time. Tonight I would like you to sleep in the tipi that I have set up in the back. You will need to accustom yourself to sleeping on a mat rather than a comfortable mattress. And, while you are here, I would ask that you do not go to my daughter."

Tommy said, "Oh...okay, I understand," and, after saying goodnight to Mino and Alyssa, he went around back to the tipi.

He knew his back was going to be sore in the morning from sleeping on the mat but Tommy smiled at the idea of spending the night in a real, Ojibwe tipi. He removed his clothing; all but his jockeys, and lay on the mat. There were a couple of blankets and, although it took a while to get warm, he dozed off after a half hour or so.

Everyone but Maengun went to bed and he puttered around for a couple of hours then went out back to sit in his favourite wooden chair. He looked over at the tipi, about fifty feet away and chuckled as he heard Tommy's light snoring. He smiled as he looked up at the star laden night sky. He smiled as he watched the raccoon sniff around the tent and...he shook his head and smiled as he watched Alyssa, wearing only a short white, terry housecoat, sneak out the back door and enter the tipi.

Inside the tent, Alyssa slid off her housecoat then slipped under the blankets, spooning herself to Tommy's back. She wiggled herself in as close as she could get then began to drift off to sleep but he suddenly whispered, "Oh...I don't think you're supposed to be here. Gun said we shouldn't be together."

"What did he say exactly?" asked Alyssa.

"He said, while I was here, he didn't want me to go to you," replied Tommy.

"Well, you didn't come to me, I came to you."

Tommy turned, rolled Alyssa onto her back, and whispered, "That's absolutely true!"

Then he moved on top of her and slowly slid his already eager shaft into her equally keen vagina, and then they just moved tenderly against each other. Tommy lightly kissed her eyelids, cheeks, forehead, and lips as they continued to silently relish in each others touch. Whatever worries they may have had were quietly washed away as they climaxed together in a soft, warm, mutual orgasm.

Neither one wanted to break the embrace but finally Tommy said, "I guess you should go back in the house."

"Yeah, I guess," she whispered, "Do you realize that this is the first time you've kicked me out of bed?"

Tommy chuckled, whispering, "Hey, I said I was cute, not smart!"

Alyssa kissed him then stood, donned her housecoat, and left the tipi. Out of the corner of her eye she spied the dark figure sitting in the wooden chair but pretended not to notice and just ran back to the house.

* * *

Tommy awoke early, partly due to the noisy birds singing in the trees, and partly from a very stiff back. He dressed and poked his head out the tipi just in time to see Mino coming down the front steps to wake him. Minogimiwan was a lovely woman in her mid sixties who was rarely seen without a smile. Her name meant "good rain" which seemed to fit her so well and it was easy to see from where Alyssa got her looks and understanding temperament.

"Ah, good, you are awake already," she said, "Come and have some breakfast Bashanzhe. Maengun is eager to begin your lessons."

Tommy followed her into then house then, after a quick detour to the washroom, he joined Mino and Gun at the breakfast table. Alyssa was still sound asleep.

"Good day Bashanzhe. Did you sleep well enough?" asked Maengun.

Tommy replied, "Good morning Gun. Uh...I slept okay I guess. My back is a little stiff. Just not used to sleeping on the ground, you know. But I'll be fine after some of Mino's fine fry bread and her killer coffee."

They chuckled at his reference to Mino's penchant for making very strong coffee. If you need to wake up or get sober, her brew was just the thing.

Maengun then said, "I have always had my best nights sleep in the tipi, so long as nothing disturbs me in the middle of the night. Was that your experience Bashanzhe?"

Tommy hesitated for a moment, and then answered, "Uh...yeah, I suppose. Well, to be honest, last night Alyssa..."

Maengun interrupted, "Perhaps you will be able to answer better after another night or two. After another coffee I thought we could begin with the ways of the bow drill, if you like."

"Excellent, Gun," said Tommy, "I've been especially eager to make fire without a Ronson."

A few minutes later, Tommy and Maengun went to the back and began to work with the bow drill. Alyssa arose an hour or so later and spent much of her morning watching the two men through the kitchen window. Minogimiwan had told Alyssa that Maengun would prefer that she stay away from Tommy for the day and let them work. She watched as Tommy learned how to make the bow drill components from nearby fallen white cedar branches. He seemed to readily pick up on how to make the device but, it was a different story when it came to actually making a coal to start a fire.

They worked until mid morning on making the spindle, board, bow, and hand hold, and then Maengun demonstrated how to create the coal, successfully igniting a tinder bundle in less than fifteen minutes. Next, Tommy tried but his efforts did not yield anything other than some wisps of smoke. Clearly frustrated but determined, Tommy worked for two fruitless hours until Maengun finally told him to take a break and have lunch.

Allysa and Mino brought out some burgers and wild rice and a couple of beers. Honouring her father's wishes, she didn't speak to Tommy much but she did manage a quick kiss to his cheek and a whisper, "It'll happen, Tommy. Just keep trying."

After their meal, Maengun once again demonstrated the bow drill technique, this time producing a coal in about twelve minutes. Tommy was then left to try on his own for the rest of the afternoon.

Alyssa helped her mother in the kitchen, periodically looking out the window to see Tommy growing increasingly discouraged. It was painful for her to watch as he would try try for twenty to thirty minutes straight, then walk away in disgust. She was proud of him though, as he always went back and tried again and again.

Maengun came in around three and he, Alyssa, and Mino sat down for a cup of tea. They sat chatting for a few minutes when they heard a loud shout from out back...

"I AM THE KING OF FIRE!"

They all arose and went to the back door to see Tommy doing a touchdown dance around the flaming tinder bundle and pumping his fists in the air. When he saw them in the doorway he stood with his hands on his hips, chest out like superman and in a terrible Tom Hanks imitation shouted, "I HAVE MADE FIRE!"

Mino tapped Allysa on the shoulder and said, "I think your man needs a hug."

With that she ran out, excitedly yelling, "YOU HAVE MADE FIRE!" and jumped into his arms. Both fell to the ground laughing and kissing and Alyssa took the opportunity to whisper, "If I can sneak out tonight, you will get your reward."

Just then Maengun walked over to them and said, "Well done Bashanzhe but...can you do it again?"

Still on the ground with Alyssa on top of him, Tommy muttered, "Boy, talk about a mood killer!"

After a quick kiss, Alyssa got up and returned to the house while Tommy tried once again to make a coal with the bow drill. She watched him through the window, feverishly working the bow and, after almost half an hour, he again achieved coal and lit another tinder bundle. Alyssa beamed with pride as she saw her father pat Tommy on the back and smiled as the two men began to laugh at some unheard good natured jibe.

Maengun spent the rest of the afternoon showing Tommy some other methods of creating flame, including an intriguing method using a polished pop can and even one using plastic wrap and water. As dusk approached the two men headed back to the house for dinner but Tommy suddenly stopped and said, "Oh...wow! I am such a moron!"

Maengun said, "Don't be too hard on yourself. The bow drill can be difficult..."

"No, not that," said Tommy, "I have been so wrapped up in my own little world that it never occurred to me...Alyssa knows how to do all this stuff, doesn't she?"

"Yes, of course," said Maengun.

Tommy asked, "How long does it take her to get a coal?"

"Not sure of the actual time, but she's faster than me."

Tommy just shook his head and muttered, "Geez, I am such a putz."

Dinner was almost ready when they got back and, after Tommy had cleaned himself up, Alyssa said to Maengun, "Can I borrow Tommy for a few minutes, Ni Osseiman? I want to show him something in the tipi."

Mino smiled at Maengun who just sighed and said, "Okay, that's fine. But don't be too long, dinner's almost ready."

Alyssa immediately took Tommy's hand and led him out the door to the tipi. Once inside she closed the flap, turned and wrapped her arms around him.

Tommy asked, "What did you want to show me?"

Reaching down and massaging his crotch, she said, "A girl who loves you hopelessly; and a girl that wants to show you that sometimes a 'quickie' isn't all bad."

With that, she knelt and began to undo Tommy's jeans. He reached down to her and said, "Oh, I haven't showered or anything, Al."

As she pulled the jeans and jockeys down she looked up at him sweetly. "That's okay Tommy, I'll clean it for you."

He realized there was no stopping her and he wasn't stupid enough to argue the point too much. It had taken a long time for Tommy to finally understand that she actually loved doing this for him; so he just closed his eyes and savoured the amazing sensation of her mouth and tongue fondling his submissive cock. Even the way she breathed was arousing as she held his hips firmly and caressed his penis like it was the only thing in the world that mattered. When he climaxed she reached behind him and pulled his hips into her, forcing him deep inside her mouth. All the while she was sucking like she was trying to draw saliva down from his mouth and he was hard pressed not to make noises that would alert the entire village.

"Jesus! I'll have to make fire more often," panted a very spent Tommy.

"Oh, that wasn't your reward," whispered Alyssa, "That was for me. Your reward comes later."

As she pulled his pants back up and fastened the button, Tommy said, "What are we going to tell your mom if she asked what it was you showed me?"

Alyssa stood and said, "We could just tell her the truth."

An incredulous Tommy said, "Oh, right...probably the last words I'll ever say!"

She looked around... "Were the blankets warm enough last night?"

"Oh yeah; too warm really. I ended up kicking one of them off."

Alyssa knelt on the mat and grabbed one of the blankets. "Okay then. What I wanted to show you was how to take one of the blankets and fold it in half, long ways, and then roll up the top couple of feet. You sleep on top of that one so you have a warmer bed and a bit of a pillow."

"Damn!" said Tommy, "You'd think I could have thought of that myself. There must be something in the air here that has turned my brain to tapioca. I only realized a little while ago that you can do all the stuff that I've come here to learn. I apologize for that, by the way."

"We're a team," she said as she took his hand, "and it can't hurt us if we both know how to survive in the wild."

Alyssa's heart sped up as Tommy moved in for one of his signature long, deep, kisses but, just as their lips touched, the insistent voice of Minogimiwan destroyed the moment. They both shrugged, smiled at each other and obediently returned to the house for dinner.

* * *

The next three days were intense for Tommy as Maengun patiently taught him several tricks for survival in the wild. He learned how to make bow and arrow, a lean-to shelter, a ground mat, and several other secrets of living in the bush. Tommy was pretty good at some; like the bow and arrow, and not so good at others; like the ground mat, but Maengun knew that Alyssa would be able to take up the slack.

On the evening before their last day, they were sitting at the table enjoying a fried fish dinner. During the meal, watching Alyssa talking to Mino, Tommy marveled how, even in an old, oversized Tee shirt and jeans older that he, she still looked bloody delectable.

As they were finishing up, Alyssa said, "So, Ni Osseiman, what will you be teaching my Tommy tomorrow?"

"I believe Bashanzhe has learned all he can learn for now," said Maengun, "so there will be no lessons tomorrow. Instead I thought we might spend some time in the sweat lodge."

Tommy said, "The sweat lodge...really? Uh...thanks Gun. That's something I didn't expect."

Maengun said, "We won't do the whole ceremony; we will just spend some time with the Grandfathers."

"I don't really know what to do or even what the sweat lodge is all about but, I'm honoured Gun," Tommy said.

Maengun explained, "The sweat is a purification of mind and spirit. Some people have visions but it is the cleansing that is important. It is a rebirth; a preparation for things to come."

"As always," Tommy said, "I put myself in your hands. You're the expert."

Maengun said, "I am not an expert on anything. I am only one who has knowledge of certain things." Then, looking straight at Alyssa, he added, "It is best that you, Bashanzhe, spend this night in the tipi alone. It is important to be with only your own thoughts before the sweat."

A blushing Alyssa looked down at the table as Tommy said, "Of course, I understand."

After dinner they watched some TV then Alyssa accompanied Tommy to the front porch where they were able to enjoy a long, sweet, private kiss before he went to the tipi for the night.

"So will you miss me?" she said.

"Like half of me isn't there."

He kissed her again then turned and walked towards the tipi but he stopped when Alyssa said, "What will your thoughts be about tonight, Bashanzhe?"

Grinning, he said, "Monster trucks!"

"Oh really?" she said with a smile; then she lifted her Tee shirt, flashed her perfect boobs at him, dropped the shirt, and walked into the house.

"Hmmm..." he muttered as he entered the tipi, "So much for monster trucks."

* * *

"Bashanzhe...time to sweat."

Groggily, Tommy said, "Oh...okay, Gun. I'll be right there."

He had actually slept pretty well that night; getting more accustomed to sleeping on the mat, although...Alyssa's mischief had made it hard to get to sleep initially. He arose and dressed in his sweats, which seemed appropriate, then exited the tipi to find Maengun waiting on the porch.

He said, "Take this water and do whatever you need to in the house then meet me over there by the birch trees. No breakfast; just the water. Bring tobacco and don't take to long please."

Tommy took the bottle, went straight to the washroom, then down to the kitchen. As he downed the bottle of water he watched Maengun preparing stones outside the little hut by the birch trees, about a hundred feet from the house. When he finished the water, Tommy ran back to the tipi for a couple of cigars then went to meet Maengun at the hut.

Without any fanfare, Maengun said, "When you enter or leave the sweat lodge, you crawl on your hands and knees. When you enter you say your name, your Ojibwe name, to let Mother know who you are. You will probably want to lose the sweat shirt."

Tommy doffed the shirt, got down on hands and knees, and crawled into the hut, saying, "Bashanzhe`igewin Inini."

Once inside, he positioned himself near the back while Maengun remained outside and rhythmically chanted. It was already pretty steamy inside and Tommy knew that wasn't how it was normally done, but he was still honoured to be able to experience even a small part of the ritual.

Maengun entered the hut after a couple of minutes chanting, and sat across from Tommy on the opposite side of the fire pit. He threw a small pouch of tobacco into the flame and said, "The seven stones represent The Seven Grandfathers and you can honour them by offering the tobacco."

Tommy reluctantly took the two fifteen dollar cigars and, almost tearfully, tossed them into the fire. Maengun couldn't suppress a small, rare smile as he began to ladle more water onto the rocks. A cloud of white steam instantly rose from the pit, filling the hut with a soft haze that made it difficult to see.

"What do we do now?" said Tommy.

"You can close your eyes and empty your mind if you like...there is no right or wrong way."

With that, Gun closed his eyes so Tommy followed suit. Almost immediately he felt himself relax and his mind drifted into a soft, hazy sea of sights and sounds, like the unconnected memories of a dream. Suddenly his eyes snapped open as someone shouted his name—his Ojibwe name.

"What...? What!?"

He looked at Maengun who said, "I didn't say anything."

"You called my name... Bashanzhe`igewin Inini."

"I said nothing; and there is no one else here. It has been silent until you spoke."

Tommy said, "How long have we been here?"

"About a half an hour."

An incredulous Tommy said, "Get outta town...! It feels like only a couple of minutes!"