7.when bear who stands came of age, his grandfather came to him. the youth didn’t need to ask what he was about to hear. he had heard his mother and his aunts speaking quietly around the cooking fire. he had heard them speak of the vision quest. while they talked, he heard his aunt, called coyote woman, whisper his name. so, when his grandfather came to him, bear who stands listened respectfully. he nodded in agreement when his grandfather told him it was time for him to go up on the mountain. he felt ready to learn of his gifts from the great spirit, for that is the purpose of a vision quest. he also knew that it would be hard. he knew he would be expected to be all alone for several nights and days. there would be only a little water to drink and nothing at all to eat. while alone on the mountain, he would chant his prayer to the four directions and listen for an inner voice. if he did this well, he might even see a vision. he hoped he would. for then he could speak from his heart, knowing his place in the world. he might even be able to tell his people of things that lie in the future.