Bitterroot Valley I waited for you

These were promises, in Angel's mind — until she felt that he was backtracking. A little frown pulled at her mouth. She didn't think that her mother and especially Rodyn would like this compromise. How were they to trust Sega if they did not see his face? Especially if they were sending Callahan, who Angel liked well enough, but was practically a stranger to her.

Her expression softened again when he spoke of Cövah. She hadn't thought him jaded, and even when she tried to adjust her idea of him, she thought that he was perhaps still more idealistic than he thought. But she could imagine a long-legged boy in his place.

[I]There are still gentle things in the world,[/b] she wanted to tell him, but instead she tucked her face against his chest in solidarity. He spoke of getting to know each other, of building trust. She wanted that, but...

"If you send Callahan, then I must send Elowyn with him," she told her chief. "To speak to my parents before him, so that they will know to be kind. And if we do this — you must be prepared to give any bride price he names."

She thought it went without saying that, if he balked or argued, there would not be any wedding at all. And no Angel, either.

She drew back to look at him again, her eyes intent on his face.

"My mother has my new brothers to look after," she told him. "But perhaps we can invite... my father to come and visit? He is — he is not the father of my new siblings. She will still have help."

She searched his eyes.

"But before we marry, she must see your face," she asserted. "I want to give you all my heart and all my strength, but I can't until she's looked into your eyes."

She was sure it would break Raindrop's heart if she married a complete stranger.