Note: I wrote this story just for fun, and I don't mean for this to be an extremely accurate historical telling, so review the writing, not the historical facts please

Eskadi woke up, the nights serene embrace shedding its dewy tears around the teepee he lived in. The Native American boy crept out of his bed, the coarse deer hide scraping against his leg. He put on his clothes, and slipped on his moccasins, tying up the strings and pulling them tight. Eskadi undid the straps holding his tent shut and stepped out into the twilight of the early morning. The rising sun cast eerie shadows of his clan members, mingling them in with the grainy grey haze of early morning, making the air seem to dance with delight of the coming day.
Even at thirteen Eskadi could appreciate the pristine beauty of this perfect day, the way the sunlight shone through the emerging clouds, casting beams of light down from the heavens and illuminating the dew clinging to the bright green leaves of the trees. Tears came to his young eyes when he turned and gazed at the lake by his teepee.
The water was as smooth as glass, light ripples calmly traveling outward, growing and growing until they were absorbed back into the peaceful abyss of the lake. He ran down towards it, removing his clothes once again and slipping into the lake's cool embrace. He let the water flow over him, letting it caress his skin and cleanse his soul, letting it to pull him down to the bottom, where all noise ceased and total peace came over him. He closed his eyes and let himself become one with the crystal clear water that surrounded him. After floating at the bottom in serenity he pushed off and let the liquid tranquility flow over his face as he approached the surface. He stared up and saw the surface approaching, the light mingling with the water to form beautifully intricate patterns that bent and twisted in a vibrant dance of life around him. He broke the surface and gasped in cool, clear air. It made his lungs burn, but he relished every second of it.
Eskadi's father called to him from the shore, telling him to come quickly, he had a surprise for him. Curious, the boy paddled over to the bank, climbed out and laid on the ground to let the sun's newly raised waves to wash over him and dry his wet body. As he laid there, the boys father began telling him the news. "Son, you are becoming a man now, and it is time for you to take the initiation into our clan, as a full contributing member. Are you ready to accept this challenge?" asked Eskadi's father. The whole thing was just a formality, all part of the ancient tradition that spread down through the ancestors back into ancient times. Eskadi replied with the traditional expected answer. "Yes, Father, I am ready to take on my responsibilities as a member of our clan, and as a man." Eskadi stood tall as he said this, feeling extremely important and grown up. He had been looking forward to this moment for years; ever since he could walk he had dreamed of becoming a war hero. He remembered the war games he played with his friends in the woods, the fierce stick battles they had fought, and the wars they had waged.

-- --

Eskadi crouched, poised in a tree, the lush green leaves providing cover for his deadly game. He had his bow drawn and an arrow cocked, the heartstring bow pulled taught and the creaking sound of sinew stretching was the only thing that could be heard; the forest was silent of all other sounds. The birds amiable chirping and the wind rustling through the boughs were gone, replaced by the stretch of the bow and the almost inaudible sounds of enemy moccasins rushing leaves under its weight.
Eskadi smiled faintly to himself: his prey was in sight. The waiting had paid off. He took careful aim and followed the boy along his path. When the time was right Eskadi let the arrow fly, the arrow's deadly arch making a whooshing sound as it tore at the air in its desperate dash to find its target. The wax tip of the arrow struck home, hitting his prey in the chest.
As soon as the arrow had been released, Eskadi jumped down silently and drew his stick-knife. He scampered along the ground, making no noise as his moccasins made their way across downed branches and large bushes. Eskadi came up behind his stricken enemy, grabbing his head and running the stick-dagger across his throat, leaving a brown trail of bark and dirt across his neck. "You got me. How do you do it, Eskadi? I had no idea you were there until you were on me," the young boy looked into his friends' eyes, "I will follow you into battle any day." Eskadi felt deeply touched at Wovoka, his friends', gesture. Even though they were only ten, it was never too early to think about battle when you grow up in their clan. They were bred for war, and had acres and acres of land across the country, taken from conquered peoples. "I would be honored to fight alongside you."
Wovoka agreed and they set off to find their other companions, who had been spread out through the forest in pursuit of their enemy.

-- --

Eskadi returned to the present, snapping out of his reverie to be reminded of his existence by the now bright sun, and surprisingly loud noise of his father speaking. "You will go out into the woods, and you must survive for one month on your own. We leave you with only the clothes on your back, your dagger and my blessing. Prepare today and be ready to leave tonight." "I will be ready"
Eskadi left for his teepee, all the way thinking about the challenge that lay before him. He knew that he had the skills, as he had been training for this day for years. He could hunt, fish, and make shelter. He could melt into the shadows of the forest, and move silently among the trees. He knew how to skin animals to make clothing and could do anything he needed to survive.
He had made his way back to his tent, lost in thought, without the assistance of his mind at all: his legs had carried him there independently. Inside the tent he sat down and thought, almost a meditation, though he remained conscious. Time slipped away like sand through fingers and before he realized it, it was time to gather his things and make his way to the Parting Point. Eskadi picked up his spear and put on his moccasins and ran down to the clearing where he would say good bye. His whole clan was there to see him off, and he was glad they had turned up.
After a quiet goodbye, Eskadi ventured off into the forest to fulfill his destiny. As he strode into deep woods the sinking sun illuminated the leaves, making the whole forest dance in celebration of the closing of the day.