In the Wyld World, there are many religions, just as there is in this world. However, in the Wyld World, there is one thing that practically all religions have in common: They are the final word in terms of what is, and what isn't, acceptable.

Enter young Nate Redbone, Native American of the Navajo tribe. He has almost turned 20, and still hasn't gone Wyld. However, once Nate becomes Natalie, how will he be treated amongst his own people? And in return, can he accept them as well?

Walking across the canyon floor I could see the cliffs above me get closer and closer, eventually covering much of the sun that hung overhead. It was somewhat of a welcomed relief, seeing as these Colorado summers were always miserable, and rain was something rather foreign during this time of the year.

Shawna was right there with me, guiding my every step. Before going Wyld, I never really wondered just what happened to those who were unfairly labeled “monsters.” To believe they actually have their own little village right underneath my tribe’s noses was unbelievable. And I knew, Shawna was taking a big risk guiding me to it.

“Just keep following the river,” she said, holding me in her arms. “We’re almost there.”
We came up to what seemed to be a dead end. A boulder seemed to block our path forward. However, Shawna didn’t seem concerned. She walked up to the mammoth thing and began to speak with it.

“It is I,” She began, “Shawna of Thunderhawk kin. Please let me enter.”

Suddenly I gasped as I saw the mammoth boulder move, contorting itself into a man like shape. This wasn’t just a giant rock, but a giant Golem, who served as the guardian into the village. I couldn’t help but stare at him in awe. Yet he didn’t seem to think badly of me, regardless of my human appearance. He even bowed! This was the least of my expectations.

Of course the good vibes ended as soon as I finally entered their village. It was like an ancient Pueblo village, how the buildings were carved into the rock face. Water slowly poured down many areas of the cliff, like it had its own aqueduct system. It was absolutely amazing what they’ve accomplished with little outside help and with just the most basic of resources. These weren’t monsters, these were innovators.

“Hold!” I heard a woman voice, echoing throughout the canyon basin. Shawna and I stopped, and I knew, the interrogation was about to begin.

Suddenly I saw her, a centaur, just like the myths and legends of old. She strode over to me, along with two others, a giant, buffalo like man, and a scaly snake like woman; a Naga, if you will.

“What business do you have bringing a human into this village?” the Centaur asked, getting directly to the point.”

“Matron,” she began. “Forgive me. This is Natalie Redbone. I rescued her from captives of the old religion, the very same who had rejected our kind. She was being forced to do something against her will. I could not allow that.”

“And what concern does that serve us?” she continued. Obviously she and I were already on bad terms.

“They claim that she was the reincarnation of Asdzą́ą́ Ná¡dleehé,” she explained.

The two other servants looked at each other and gasped. Matron however was less than impressed.

“So you brought someone of great value to our residence?” she snapped. “Knowing full well that they would come after her? Do you know what this means to our existence?”

“You don’t really believe she’s Asdzą́ą́ Ná¡dleehé, do you?” Shawna wondered.

“It matters not what I think!” she countered. “The Diné believes she is, and they will not stop until they find her, no matter what the cost. You have put many lives in danger just by being here!”

“But I couldn’t just leave her alone!” She insisted.

Matron decided to look at me carefully. I didn’t know if she was sizing me up, seeing if I was a threat, or what, but it was rather unnerving nonetheless.

“This is your responsibility,” she coldly told Shawna, and with that she turned and galloped off, her assistants following behind her.

Looking to my love I had to know. “Does that mean I can stay?” I asked.

“It seems that way,” she answered. I rewarded her courage with a kiss.

“Thanks for sticking up for me,” I told her.

“You’re my love,” she replied, “That’s what lovers do.” That earned her another kiss. It was amazing how much of a woman she made me feel.

Evening came and I was itching to go meet this weaver lady that Shawna was talking about. It wasn’t like I was all of a sudden drawn into fashion or something. It was just that this manta was thick and itchy. You could probably have it on for special occasions without much worry but it’s been three days, and I tell you there nothing more unnerving than having sweaty, itchy boobs!

Shawna however told me she had to get something first. Leaving me by my lonesome, she flew off, and immediately I began to feel the stares from the locals all around me. These weren’t stares of admiration, however. These were stares of contempt. Quickly it made me realize just how vulnerable I felt without my feathery angel around.

And worst of all their disdain for me made it difficult to not hate myself. How I wish I could change the way my tribe treated these individuals. How I wish I could give them the proper respect that they so rightfully deserved. It’s these times I wish I truly was Asdzą́ą́ Ná¡dleehé, and could provide such miracles. Alas, that wasn’t meant to be. To my people, or at least to the very devout, I was nothing more but a shell whose purpose was to serve my man and breed.

It’s these times I think about my sister, Salia. It made me realize how strong she was to turn her back on her people and fight for what she believed in. Maybe holding a political office isn’t exactly the type of change she was looking for, but at least with it she has a voice in the matter. Am I as strong as her? Can I too, go against my tribe’s customs and beliefs in order to fight for the change it needs?

“Back!” Shawna cried from overhead. Thank goodness as my paranoia was beginning to get to me. As she landed I couldn’t help but smell the fishy odor coming from her. And as my nose already confirmed, she came back, with fish in tow, making me just a tad bit upset.

“You left me here all alone just so you could catch dinner?!” I cried, obviously annoyed.

“It’s not dinner,” she explained. “C’mon now, I’ll go take you to my tailor!”

And so we made our way to the back of the alleyways deep within the village. It was rather dark and dank, and normally wouldn’t be the proper place for a clothing store. The additional cobwebs didn’t make me feel any better.

Instinctively I snapped my fingers and a flame appeared on the tip of my finger. I was glad I didn’t forget my new ability, seeing it was getting dimmer and dimmer as we walked along.

Finally we came to a dead end; not a single building in sight. “Shawna,” I nervously called out to her, “I don’t think this is the right place.”

“It is,” She proclaimed. “Hey Deidre, you there?”

And up from the sky came a hideous spider like creature, dropping from above, giving me such a fright I almost peed myself.

“Ah, Shawna,” the eight-legged woman began, “what brings you to my humble presence today?”

“I was wondering if you could make some clothes from my little friend here,” she replied.

Immediately all eight eyes were pointed at me. If it wasn’t known already, I was deftly afraid of spiders. That fear only amplified with my recent sex-change.

Frozen stiff, she hissed, “A Diné. I’m surprised she is allowed to step foot on our grounds.”

“I take full responsibility,” Shawna replied, “And she’s anything but Diné.”

“Is that so?” she said, examining me further.

“So,” Shawna said, getting back to the topic on hand, “About her clothes.”

“You know the bargain,” she decreed. “Time spent weaving is time wasted hunting.”

Shawna nodded and threw the fish at her feet. Deidre began to salivate joyously.

“This will do,” she said as she began to feast on her gift. The manner of which she ate only made me nauseous inside.

“Come back tonight,” she said as she slurped down the meal before her. “It will be ready then.”

With that we walked away and left her to her work. I didn’t know how she would be able to piece together an outfit without my measurements, but I was just so glad she didn’t have to touch me!

Now at a safe distance I turned to Shawna, and hyperventilating I yelled, “Don’t ever take me to that lady again!”

My message didn’t fall on deaf ears. Night fell and she guided into the safety and security of one of their houses while she agreed to pick up the clothes herself. She explained to me that houses were on a first come, first served basis. No one actually owned the buildings. They just exist during times of extreme weather, or illness. Most the Wyld here were literally one with nature and made their homes outside in the wilderness, much like what Shawna did. It was unique and interesting at the same time.

She came back with the new clothes in hand. Thank the Goddess. Any longer and I may have just contemplated going skyclad. Most of the locals here didn’t seem to care much as it was.

“Here they are!” she exclaimed as she unfolded the new apparel. Of course, one thing stood out: they were all dresses.

“Oh,” I sighed, feeling a little disappointed.

“What’s wrong?” Shawna asked as she watched the exuberance deflate out of me.

“Oh…nothing,” I fibbed, “I just was hoping for something a little more casual.”

“Well,” she explained, “It’s not as if you can easily make jeans with spider silk. Besides, the material is so luxurious, it’s like wearing nothing at all!”

She was slowly getting me to buy in, but still, there are some boundaries that take time to cross, even if I’m accepting womanhood better than most. “I don’t know…” I replied.
“Oh come on!” She urged me. “I bet you’d look real pretty with it on.”

I couldn’t help but blush. “Really?” I asked.

“Really,” she answered honestly. “Go try it on and see for yourself. There’s a room with a mirror over there.

I suppose curiosity piqued my interest, or maybe it was my desire to please my Shawna, but I took the dress she had in her hand and tried it on.

It took a little effort, seeing it was the first time I ever tried on a dress before. However the material was stretchy and flexible, which helped with the overall process of things. Once on I was rewarded with an unbelievable feeling of comfort as the silky smooth fabric caressed my soft skin. It was as if Nature herself was holding me in her loving embrace.

I immediately I stood in front of the mirror to get a better view. The white gown accented perfectly with my almond skin. Using my hands I began to rub down the shiny piece of clothing, moving them from my bosom and around my hips, accentuating every curve. Goddess, I felt beautiful.

And speaking of Goddess, she seemed to share my sentiment. “Hey there, good lookin’!” she cried shocking me out of my trance.

Immediately my eyes focused on my mirror, and I saw Asdzą́ą́ Ná¡dleehé, staring right at me, wearing the same dress I was.

“You seem to be enjoying yourself!” She cried.

I was flushed red. I felt embarrassed. It seemed as long as I had connections with a long deceased deity my privacy would never be safe.

“No need to be ashamed!” She insisted. “Get down with your womanly self!”

Honestly, my playtime seemed over. I couldn’t enjoy myself with someone watching!
I had a seat on a nearby chair as Asdzą́ą́ Ná¡dleehé and I began to chat.

“So,” she began, “I see you’ve finally uncovered your powers. Pretty neat huh?”

“I suppose,” I said, not really knowing what to think, “You seem to know more about it than I do.”

“That I do, lil’ sister!” she cried. “After all, I spent my life having the same powers.”

“You did?” I replied, astonished. “But in the stories, I heard you can control the seasons, and change appearance!”

“Well, yeah,” she continued. “Those are just part of the baggage. Of course, you’re talking about some advanced ‘elementaling’ having to do that. Not something you can just do right away. Heck, you might spend your entire life not ever learning how.”

“…I never knew just how alike we really are,” I commented.

“Yup, yup!” she seconded. “Anyway, there are five major elements we tend to work with here: fire, water, wind, earth, and life itself. You know how you could hear that Coyote talk? That’s a major skill, being able to communicate with any and every lifeform.” She paused and grinned. “You should thank me by the way, without my interaction that lazy pup would never had gotten help to rescue you.”

“You can still use your powers?” I said, wondering how she could if she was dead.

“Not really,” she said. “Coyotes are some pretty sacred creatures you know? Able to see things most humans cannot?”

“Really?” I remarked.

“Sure,” she said. “He and I share a bond, much like you and I share one.” She then began to recite a passage from the Diné Bahane’:

“The Coyote named áÅ‚tsé Hashké arrived and said, ‘I was told that my grandchild laughed for the first time.’ First Woman took charcoal and gave it to the Coyote saying: ‘This is the only thing that lasts.’ He painted his nose with it and said, ‘I shall know all things. I shall live long by it.’”

“So, as you can see,” she concluded, “ever since my birth Coyote has been there to guard me. And so, now you have Coyote to watch over you too.”

“So where is he then?” I asked.

“Oh, I dunno,” she answered, although I felt she knew otherwise. “That dog is a little lazy sometimes!” All of a sudden her jovial tone turned serious. “Listen,” she digressed, “The road you walk on is a difficult one, and there will be plenty of obstacles along the way. Some that’ll test the very essence of your strength. But, please, be strong. You’ve come a long way since our last meeting, and you’re truly becoming a beautiful woman; not just an extension of me, but a true individual. Please, don’t give up, whatever you do, and we can bring about change within our people.”

I was taken aback by her statement. In one hand I was flattered but in another I felt worried. Was something about to happen? Staring back at the mirror the image of Asdzą́ą́ Ná¡dleehé had vanished and I was left alone, pondering over her troublesome words.

Morning came rather abruptly as I was forced awake by Shawna knocking on the door.

“What is it?” I asked, rubbing my eyes.

“You might wanna come outside,” she shouted from behind the door. “That coyote is sitting outside, whimpering. I think it wants you.”

The coyote. My coyote. Apparently something was bothering him, and I needed to figure out what. I opened the door and went to check on him.

“Coyote,” I whispered as I stroked behind his ears. “What is it, boy?”

It didn’t take much coaxing to get an answer from him.

Sister, injured, in danger, please, follow!

Sister? Did he mean Haylie?

I didn’t have time to waste. With Shawna right behind me I immediately declared, “Follow that dog!”