February 10, 1870

Colorado Springs.

I walked into Colorado and saw the group across the bridge. Adder was playing guitar as we sat around the campfire in Devil’s Ditch and we talked about how Roy had gotten married and other current events. I smiled watching Adder with a dog named Saiya and thought it was about time he had his own dog. 

“How are things over in Georgetown?” Chels looked at me. 

“Quiet. Things have settled down since the Natives decided to burn down the sheriff’s office.” 

“We have some moving in here,” Chels motioned with her hand to the hill. 

“Oh do ya?” 

“Apache,” she nodded. 

“You need any help, Chels, you know where to find me. I need the practice with this here sniper rifle,” I winked at her. 

“They seem peaceful so far.” 

“That’s good then.” 

“I heard there was a war at the fort yesterday,” someone said. 

“Not that I know of,” Chels shook her head at the rumour. 

The girl asked if Adder and I were brother and sister and we told her we were just good friends. Chels headed up to the village to invite the Apache over to the campfire and two natives joined us. The man was revealed as Chief Nah. 

“Ya see any more of that Comanche?” Chels asked them both. 

“Comance!” the girl spit. 

“One was scouting the white village, Comanche. I run her off. She speak words white village is bad, will burn soon,” Nah spoke quietly. 

“Well we are ready for them if they come,” Chels said. “Thank you...no way will they burn our town.” 

“I would put my warriors on alert…” Nah told Chels. “They send scouts out, they attack soon.” 

“Thank you, your help is much appreciated,” Adder nodded. 

“We have some out watching the town now,” Chels promised. 

“Indeed,” I nodded. “Any heads up are useful around here I’m sure,” I looked between them, though I knew I didn’t live here. 

“Scout was near your village as sun rose today…” Nah said. 

“I should head home and make sure no one’s burned up the town in my absence,” I stood then. 

“Ok Trin, safe travels,” Adder chuckle and I said goodbye to everyone before heading back towards home.

Georgetown. 

Back at home I played Poker with Sugar and a Native woman named White Dove. 

Kansas. 

I headed over to Kansas and talked with Sasha, Hawk and the tribe there. We sat around the fire and talked about how things had been slow around home. I told her about the Cherokee tensions and how it made no sense. Sasha said that the chief had visited and seemed quite content, but I told them about what happened at the fort in Mesa Verde and how everything was a mess between us. 

“Hmm that is strange, the winds often bring many changes,” he agreed. 

“I mean maybe they thought that I should have approved of their way of dealing with outlaws..” I started. “But that seems like such a minor thing since we spent three months trying to talk about bridging a gap.” 

“Oh darling, that reminds me, during his visit, Standing Bear invited us to visit with them soon,” Sasha said. 

“Ahh yes we need to go see my old friend soon,” Hawk nodded to her. 

“I swallowed hard and said, “Chief, they came into the room they dynamited and called me a coward and a traitor. They said I was dead to the Cherokee. I don’t even know why. Quite frankly, I’m sunk.” 

“Well we have different ways of doing things Trin… and to be among us you must be willing to look over things you may not want to. I do not torture and believe to honour ones as warriors, even the bad ones, but most do not follow these old ways.” 

“And we will be kind to those who are kind to us. Not judge them by what others say,” Sasha added. 

“They do not understand then why you would be with the bluecoats,” Hawk added. 

“I know, and I understand that... But surely they couldn’t have thought I would take part in it… Because they are my people, like the Native tribes are their people. They kept complaining that I was focused on doing things and solving the problem from my own side only but I tried to insist that I was only bridging a gap between the two groups.” 

“When I lived among the Cherokee many became angry with me because I would not either,” Hawk said. “I left for this and other things.” 

“I am part of both and can still remain objective,” Sasha said. 

“I don’t blame you, Chief,” I nodded. 

“Some bridges can not ever be built Trin,” Hawk looked at me. 

“Apparently not,” I sighed. “I’ve missed this place…” 

“You were here just a few days ago,” Sasha frowned. 

“And many will not like those that try to make bridges in places they feel there should not be on. You must always remember Trin… we have tried these bridges and had women, children, whole villages gone from these bridges,” Hawk told me. 

I leaned forward and rested my elbows on my knees. “It just hurts, Hawk… I feel like I’ve waisted my time.” 

“Yes I am sure it hurts Trin, but the hurt of what has been done to our people hurts as well and many will go to the Great Spirit still holding this hurt,” Hawk said and I knew he understood how I felt as the women talked about a fight between some horses. 

“I should head home before it gets too dark,” I said then.

“Safe paths to you, Trin,” Hawk nodded. 

“It was so good to talk with you all... I feel better knowing that you are all still here and understand,” I said. 

“We are always here… Somewhere,” Hawk chuckled. 

“I always speak highly of your tribe, Hawk. I owe my life to you,” I smiled. 

“Resilient,” Sasha chuckled. 

“I hope things get better for you Trin... ask the spirits for help,” Two said and Hawk nodded in agreement. 

“Thank you Two, Maybe I should do that,” I nodded. “I will visit soon. Have a good night everyone,” I said and headed home.