"A collaborative work by Amber Moonstone and Chris Stienstra" 10/02/07

(Amber)

I am in darkness, trying to find my way, I am crying out to my love, Tumas, and I hear drums, but its so dark, and I cannot find my way back.. the trees are so thick, they scratch me as I make my way through the forest.

I can see some kind of light finally.  Its yellow, crimson red, huge light, ahead; it is a fire burning out of control, the village is on fire, I am screaming for Tumas.  I have to gather as many people as I can.  I put children and women on horses, and send them off away from the destruction of the fire…

The men are not there; I am in charge of saving everyone… I was lost and now I am trying to save everyone.. I am crying, chocking, and not caring for my own safety, only those who are still not safe. I am driven, I have to get everyone to safety, and sent them off toward the clearing where the fire has not started. I finally find myself done, and just collapse to the earth.  I thank the Great Spirit for helping me stay strong and safe, but I am not safe the fire is approaching! I am about to be engulfed in flames and I feel a large eagle scooping me up and carrying me toward safe ground. I am Karena, Eagle Medicine Woman.

I called out for my spirit guide the eagle to come and help me. All my prayers were answered. I begin to breath again, and as I am gingerly brought back down to the solid earth, I know in my heart and soul, that I have been given one more chance to live. This is chance number 3.

(Chris)

I must get back to the village from the hunting party! There is trouble and I see the smoke in the distance. It hangs above the trees as a death watch over the villagers. Karena is there. She is my heart, my love. I must get there with the speed of the elk. I feel the branches scrape against my legs as I jump over rock and fallen tree. I must be swift and exhale my fears. The stream is up ahead. If I can reach it before the fire, I will have a chance to let it pass over me. I MUST get to the village. I must protect the children and Karena. I will not stop. I can not stop. My legs must find the way.

The smoke is getting too thick to see the next step my feet must make. I will not get to the river. I will not feel its cooling breath wash over to protect me. My father before me, watch down with your eyes and find me the path that must be taken to reach my love, my life. Spirits of the Nations, weep for me as I try to outwit death in its fire watch.

The flames have crossed the stream! They surround me and I have no way back. Karena, hear my soul cry to you. I will be your always warrior. I will forever be in your heart's blood as the stars are to the night sky. My love will transcend and carry over for a thousand years until we cross paths once again. My love, forgive me that I could not get back to save you. Forgive me for passing without first touching your face and lips one more time. Spirits of the heart take this message and embed it in Karena's heart so that she will know without doubt that I am hers forever............the flames, the flames are

(Amber)

I am safely dropped onto the earth. I do not know where I am. It is a strange land, with different types of trees and plants. I have never seen this type of vegetation before. Where are my people? What has happened? I walk aimlessly, wandering about the land, trying to find a familiar person or place. I cannot remember anything...I find a cave to sleep in. It is empty and dark and very cold. I curl up and fall asleep.

The bright sunlight awakens me. I stretch and find myself alone and in a foreign place. I see bright sunshine and hear the sound of water. I walk outside of the cave and discover the ocean. I run toward that sound of waves crashing onto the shore and jump in to cleanse my body. The warmth of the water soothes my scratched arms and legs. The burns I received from the fire, burn from the salt of the water, but at the same time feels to good. I am surprised that I feel happy all alone. I feel a pull to walk toward the cave and try to start a fire for warmth. I remove my outer clothing and lay them on the rocks to dry. As I look around for kindling wood, I see a man standing in the distance, watching me. I become self-conscious and run to get my dress. It is almost dry for the sun is very hot. I put it back on, and walk toward this stranger.

He is tall, and white. So unlike the men of my tribe. He has fair skin and fair colored hair, with the most brilliant blue eyes that shine as he smiles at me. I cannot see past his smile. He extends his arms outward as if he knows me. "Who are you?" I say to him, He boldly says, "I am your husband, come back to me, Katherine". I look at him, "I am Karena, Eagle Medicine Woman." He becomes angry and he grabs me, and ties my hands together. He says to me, "You are coming with me, now let's go". I cry out for Tumas again, and now he gags me with his handkerchief. I am in panic mode, for I do not know what to do. I gather my senses and send out energy to the Great Spirit. I send him a signal that I am in trouble and to send me my Eagle Spirit Guide. Just as I was losing hope, sure enough, My eagle came swooping down toward us.

(Chris)

I am separated from my world. I fly over the trees of the forest and the waters of the great lake. I know that I have passed over to the Others and am in their guiding embrace. But, they will not allow me to land. They will not allow my spirit to make the complete journey with the elders. I must stay as a spirit of this world for one purpose. I must guide and protect my lost love from her new journey. Not until she has completed her path walk will I be able to be reunited with her once again.

Oh, I moan at the loss of our bodies touching. I feel her breast give under my weight and wash against my chest like waves for the great sea. I feel her inner warmth and our joining as we climax in our love at the height of our devotion. I will not, I can not let go of those memories. They are my light thru this darkness. They are my shield against the dark spirits of this world where I am trapped. I long to kiss her lips and share her mouth with mine. It is the only thing that keeps me from wanting to fly right into the sun and burn like a dry twig in the fire.

Karena, I will be there for your call. I promise to respond when you call my name. I will fly forever in the lost space between worlds until you complete your path and we can again be one in spirit and body. The elders have said it will be so. They have foretold of our journeys and our coming together once more.....

> Thank you Amber for this wonderful writing experience. It is a joy, as always, to work with you from pen to verse. Your deep rooted beliefs in the traditions and world of spirituality are an inspiration. My very best to you and all who read this work.

Chris