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[Jacob Matthews]

It has been a few seasons since Jacob has been home. Searching for his brother...still was but decided to see his brothers and sisters once more. He missed them dearly, hoping to catch up on some of the things that happened in his absence. Riding Xander bareback and his brown eyes scanned over the land.

Approaching the village brought so many memories back into his mind. Remembering when he was first here and how welcomed he was well not at first but in time he became a blood brother. He was part Lakota he learned that his mother had been Lakota which made his brother angry which was why he probably left to find his own way. Though he was pretty sure the outlaw way was not the right one. Just wishing to get in touch again.

Heading into the village and dismounted from Xander. Xander stood there for a bit before lowering his head down to graze on some little grass that has been growing. Jacob walked around with a smile on his face though he wondered if he was interrupting anyone by coming. Glancing around oh how he missed this place. This was his home. He was home.

[Makawee]

Whispers started to quickly circulate around the camp, news of a lost brother returning. Though he was still without the one he'd lost, had not been able to find him yet, she'd heard. It took Makawee a few moments to remember who this one spoken of could be, but then remembrance did suddenly come back to her. He was related to her people only partly by blood, the rest by spirit. Now, they still considered him as one of them, even if the skin color may not have been the same.

Putting down her weaving for a moment, Maka cautiously approached the flap of her tipi and paused there to look outside. She remembered that this man had a pretty horse, remembered when he'd gotten it, something for which she had envied. She would love to have a horse of her own, but her brother would not let her. She'd show him, one day she'd get one of her own anyway...maybe. Well until then, nothing prevented her from seeing to the care of other horses, enjoying time with them, petting them.

Right now she had her eyes on Xander, who was left standing in almost he center of the village. She could see his rider, Ohiyesa they called him, if she remembered right, hanging around not far away. This was the one, their brother, who had just returned from looking for his fleshly brother. Maka smiled and started forwards, slowly approaching the horse with one hand stretched out before her. She stopped by his neck, smiling still, having eyes only for the horse, and cautiously raised her hand towards his muzzle. She didn't want to get bit, of course, she only wanted to pet him.

[Jacob Matthews]

Jacob smiled a little hearing a lot of whispering around the camp. Looking around and then spotted a familiar face coming from the tipi. He smiled, it has been a while since he has seen her. Trying to remember her name he was not the best at names. Not that he heard many on the way back to this place. Makawee...that was her name as it clicked in.

Indeed that was her name. Watching her as she approached Xander. Xander lefted his head from where he was grazing as he had felt someone get close. Watching her movements and allowed her to get close. Moving his muzzle closer to her hand. He enjoyed attention he was like a dog. Whining a softly. Jacob walked over towards them. "Would you like to ride?" he asked, he wouldn't mind.

[Makawee]

Makawee smiled brightly as the horse was receptive to her attentions. She was fair grinning with glee as he let her pet him, even bumping his muzzle against her hand! Xander really was like a big dog...the mental image made her laugh. But it suited, he was acting like one. Big puppy dog, he was cute! And then he whinnied, which made Maka giggle. Oh, she hardly ever got to be so close to a horse as this, her brother and her parents were not crazy about and there were others who had the duty of caring for the animals already. Maka tired easily so they were always concerned for her welfare.

Hearing someone come up to her and the horse, Maka looked up to see the horse's rider approaching. She knew he had been nice before, but still he hadn't been around in a while and people could change...she was afraid he may not want her touching his horse, though his face didn't look mean. Just as she was about to step away, he went and asked if she'd wanted to ride. Her eyes got big and she gasped, starting to grin already.

“Truly?” She asked, speaking in her native Lakota, almost childish in her glee. “May I, it is all right?” She repeated, still questioning as she looked to the horse, then back to the rider and over again. She was somehow finding it hard to believe, that it would be this easy...surely, it wasn't her first time ever to ride a horse, but. She could not honestly remember the last time that she had actually been able to ride on her own, of her own free will.

[Jacob Matthews]

Seeing Maka smile, Jacob smiled back to her. Glad that she was happy. As he nodded to her, he did not mind at all. "Of course you may," he said back to her in the native Lakota language. Placing his hand lightly on Xander's neck patting him softly. It felt so good to speak this language again it felt more natural to be honest than english even though he spoke english first it just seemed so real with the Lakota language than anything else.

Holding onto Xander's reins so that Maka would have it easier to get on since Xander liked to move a lot when bareback. Xander whinned and placed his ears forward, his left ear moved a little and then his right ear. Listening into their conversation. Extending his neck a bit shaking his head making his mane ruffle a little. Jacob smiled, "I think he's ready," he said.

[Makawee]

When he nodded to her, smiling back at her, Maka felt an unknown blush darken her cheeks. She smiled again, though a little shyly this time, looking down as she stepped up to the horse, preparing herself for getting up on his back. Perhaps she'd reacted that way because she was unused to the male species smiling at her. Within her tribe, due to her sickly nature, she was not really considered to be a good match. Her mother had had a lot of trouble in her childbearing days, it was likely Maka would as well. Furthermore, who would want a wife of a sickly constitution who may or may not be able to carry on a family?

In her heart Makawee did secretly wish for one day, a family of her own; but she kept this hidden deep within her. It did no good to dwell on idle wishes and hopes that would likely never come true. She was content with watching over and occasionally playing with the little ones of the tribe. They raised their young here in a more communal fashion, so really she wasn't missing out on all that much. Shaking her head to dislodge these sudden, crazy thoughts, she returned her attentions to the present.

And smiled again; today, she would get to ride a horse! Sinking her hands into his mane, she leaned forward 'til her nose was almost touching the hair, then closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Grinning like a fool, she then jumped up and tried to swing her leg over the horse's back all in one movement. It took a second try and she was somewhat less than graceful, but she made it up successfully. Still with her hands almost tangled in the black-and-white mane, she leaned forward over his neck and whispered, “Okay boy, go!”

[Jacob Matthews]

Jacob watched as Maka mounted up Xander. The mustang paint moved a bit. Excited was all. Jacob smiled and patted Xander's neck softly and let go of the reins, well actually took the bridle off since there was no need for it. Holding the bridle in his hand and watched the two with his brown eyes. Stepping back a bit to give them room to ride.

Xander took off after hearing what Maka said...or well after Jacob unbridled him. He felt free again. Not really sure how fast though, he just went into a trot not wanting to scare this new rider whom Jacob had trusted to be upon his back. Fluid in motion he made his way around the camp making sure not to hit much.

Jacob made a watchful eye on the two, folding his arms a bit a smile upon his face. Xander was a gentle horse so he saw no problems there. Glancing around if any of the other tribe members would show up around but none which was okay all in good time. He was just happy to see Maka again. Placing the bridle on the ground and then continued to watch.

[Makawee]

A laugh of glee escaped the young woman's lips the moment that the mustang took off. Throwing her head back for a moment, Maka just enjoyed being on the horse and the feeling of it moving beneath her. It took her a moment to get used to riding again, she'd only ever ridden a handful of times before. His gait was smooth and she was enjoying every moment, the horse moving through whatever obstacles in his way without even needing her direction. He truly was a smart creatures; most all horses were smart creatures.

It wasn't long, however, until Makawee wished for a little more adventure. A little more speed. Leaning forward over his neck once more, she reached forward and ran her hand along his neck as they approached the edge of the camp. “Ride with the wind, boy.” She said to the horse, repeating, “I want to feel the wind, in my hair, just for a moment...please.” She didn't know if he was listening or could even understand her wishes, but she urged him on as they were now approaching a stretch of clearing, the camp almost behind them now. Just a little bit more...but would the horse listen, or would he go back to his person? Would Ohiyesa let them go that far?

Hearing the movement of a horse around the camp, and also catching wind of some sort of excitement, a new comer who wasn't so new, Enapay left the other braves he'd been training with to go see what this was all about. Imagine his surprise to find that it was his own sister on the back of the painted horse! Quickly looking in the direction that the horse had come from, Enapay noticed a familiar man standing there. He recognized Ohiyesa right away, and smiled lightly as he went over. It was his brother's horse, he remembered now, but he was still wondering what Maka was doing on the back of it...

“Ohiyesa! Hello!” Enapay greeted, holding up a hand as he appraoched, stopping a respectable distance away. Lowering his hand, without saying an extra word, Enapay made a pointed glance in the direction of his sister. He should be mad, and in most other circumstances he would be – she could be hurt if she fell off; then again, it would have been her own fault, wouldn't it? Perhaps it would teach her to mind a little more. ...but, it was good to see Ohiyesa again. He wondered if the man had found his brother yet.

[Jacob Matthews]

Jacob hoped Xander wouldn't get too carried away. Knowing how he got when he had no tack on him, he was a free spirit and anything went so he just hoped that whatever did happen Maka would hang on tightly to his mane as possible. Xander heard Maka, it was like he had understood her words and his gait made way into a canter before he struck off into a gallop.

Jacob shook his head slightly and then spotted Enapay coming up. He remembered Maka's brother. A small smile came across his face it was good to see another familiar face hoping he would not mind him letting Maka ride upon Xander. She just seemed too happy to decline her wishes and he was not in a mood to let down anyone.

Hearing Enapay's greeting and he raised up his hand, "Enapay!" he replied. He was not sure to approach more since where they standing a respectable distance that they could communicate well enough there. So he stayed where he was at the time being. "Your sister wanted to ride Xander...I just hope he doesn't try anything with her on his back," he said. Half joking but half serious, knowing how his horse can get.

[Makawee]

The feeling that Makawee experienced as Xander gave way to a canter then sped up to a full-out gallop could, in her own words, be compared only to the feeling of lightning coursing through her veins, through her body and into her heart. It was the most thrilling sensation she'd ever experienced in her young years, one she would treasure for years to come. Grinning to herself, she leaned down over Xander's neck, already having some difficulty in catching her breath due to the speed but she would not be asking the horse to slow down any time real soon. She was enjoying this far too much.

Enapay returned his gaze to Ohiyesa as he spoke of the horse, and explained why his sister was on the horse's back. It figured, really. She was always wanting to ride, even if she didn't always say it in so many words. He'd caught her many a time in staring off towards the fields where the horses wandered. “I am not worried,” Enapay answered aloud, though inwardly adding, If something were to happen, it would be mostly her own doing. He wouldn't have blamed Ohiyesa or Xander, anyway.

Crossing his arms over his chest as he noticed the horse speed up, Enapay still held to his 'not being worried' statement, even if, deep down, there was a twinge of nervousness somewhere. He'd worry about that, though, when or if she did fall off. Turning back to his present companion, Enapay asked, “You had left to find your brother, yes? … Have you had any word yet?” He asked, wondering that if he'd not got to see his brother, perhaps he had at least heard something of his whereabouts. Perhaps.

[Jacob Matthews]

Jacob tilted his head slightly and nodded to Enapay. Though it was nice to see Maka ride Xander, they were a nice pair at least so far. Just not wanting for Xander to pull any tricks...that troubled his mind. Even if it did not worry Enapay it did worry him. Xander was like a young child and not broken. He had a wild spirit that could never be tamed.

Then he had asked about his brother. Robert could not be found. He was being to wonder if he did not want to be found to the begin with. Shaking his head slightly, "No...and I don't think he want to be found, If he did I figured I would have found him by now," he said, he did not hold any hatred towards his brother only worry. Worry that he may hear the news he did not wish to hear. One day though hoping that he would at least know he is alright.

[Makawee]

After several minutes of letting the horse completely have his own head on speed and direction, Makawee was beginning to think that it was, at least, time to start slowing down. Only she wasn't real sure how to give that command to the horse beneath her. She'd seen many others do it over her time, but she could not presently remember a thing for the life of her. She loved the feeling of the wind whipping her hair hither and thither, even mingling with Xander's mane from time to time, but it was rather distracting now as she was trying to remember a command to slow the horse.

She moved her weight back a little and tried shifting the pressure of her knees against his sides, but she wasn't real sure how to go about all this. Oh, I hope you slow down soon. She thought to herself, now just hanging on, along for the ride. She would wait him out as long as was needed, then direct him right towards her family's tipi and show her brother that she was well capable of riding a horse! … Even if she did feel as if she were about to fall off, probably would have by now if she'd not been leaning over so far and clinging to the paint's neck...

“Perhaps it is for the best, Ohiyesa.” Enapay quietly cut in after a moment of silence, looking to Ohiyesa with a bit of a grim, yet serious expression. He was encouraging Ohiyesa to think on it, on what his brother not wanting to be found might mean; but of course, each man had to make decisions for himself. Enapay was not about to tell Ohiyesa what his thoughts were on what the other man should and shouldn't do.

[Jacob Matthews]

Xander kept on galloping through the trees and then made his way around the camp area. Still with Maka on his back. Feeling her close to him made him slow down to a canter for a bit but then sped up back to gallop and jumped over a fallen tree hoping she'd hold on tight. Whining a little he was not usually a jumper but it seemed it was better than to through her off.

Slowing slightly back to a canter before he made a trot and shook his head as he snorted. Ears forward wanting to return back to Jacob but it was whatever Maka had in mind.

Jacob nodded slightly to Enapay, he was right. Maybe it was for the best but he could not see it that way. In many ways wishing it was himself instead of Robert to be out and about but he could not think that way anymore. That was just too wrong of him. Hopefully Robert will see the wrong he has done and come back on his own will but that was not going to happen for a very long time, "I'll try to believe that...he is just a different man than I am.." he said.

[Makawee]

The moment she had adjusted her weight, Makawee felt the heavy beast beneath her slow his speed somewhat. She bit back a sigh of relief and smiled to herself, thinking she had this thing down - thinking they were about to stop and head back to the camp. She'd even relaxed her tight hold around the horse's neck, relaxed her knees a little from their vice-like grip around the sides of the horse. That had been the mistake that put the nail in her proverbial coffin.

Suddenly, the horse started to speed back up again, into a full-out gallop. Barely having time to let out a gasp, let alone regain her hold, she felt his muscles tense beneath her and they were suddenly in the air. Maka bit down hard on the inside of her lip, because she refused to let out the scream that was desparetly trying to claw its way from her throat. She would not scream. Enapay would never let her have a horse of her own if she didn't ride this one out, if she showed any fear...

As it was, she tried valiently to hang on as the paint jumped over the fallen tree, but her position was already somewhat in question after his sudden taking off from before. When the horse landed, Maka was unable to keep her seat. She fell off the horse sideways, landing in a heap only a few feet from the fallen tree. To her credit, she didn't make a noise other than perhaps a small sound of surprise. Once she righted herself to a sitting position, however, she realized the presence of a new and sharp, shooting pain coursing through her right shoulder. Moaning lightly, she cast her gaze to the ground and unconsiously rubbed her other hand up and down the arm lightly, not even hearing the little whinny that Xander had let out nor noticing that he was, finally, truly slowing down.

Enapay nodded to Jacob; indeed, they were different men, related by blood but still different at heart. Enapay hoped that, whatever would end up happening, that Jacob could make peace with it in the end.. The horse and rider having rounded a group of trees at that point, having been on the other side of said group of trees when the accident had occured, Enapay did not immediately realize that anything was wrong. When another moment went by and he could no longer see them, he began to be a little concerned...then, he suddenly caught sight of Xander, riderless. Eyes wide, he was now truly concerned, and without further hesitation he started to run over to see just what had happened.

((OoC: I hope you don't mind, what I had happen..aha. xD Eeee and I am sorry this took me so long! --; Just been busy with things...finally maybe back for a bit, yay~ >< ))

[Jacob Matthews]

When Xander had jumped it took him a while to find out that Maka had fallen off from his back. He whinnied a little slowing down to a walk and turned around. Retracing his steps back over to Maka. Nudging her slightly, ears were forward until he heard some leaves being walked upon or ran upon to him it sounded like the same sort of crunch. Ears went back and forth but he stayed near Maka.

Jacob was about to say something else but when Enapay started to run off. His brown eyes circulated the area seeing how Xander was riderless. That was not a good sign at all. Great, what has Xander do this time that little gelding needed to be more careful and he had trusted him but he hoped Maka was not badly hurt. Following right after Enapay hoping everything was okay. If not he would probably hear plenty of words...

Words that he really did not want to hear. Maka wanted to ride so he let her and maybe that was his mistake but she looked so eager to do so. Always to him to make the wrong kinds of choices always have and clearly always will.