that morning...
Wiscara sat cross-legged on the grass outside their home. It was a small place. Just enough for the two of them to be comfortable. One bedroom with their mattresses for sleeping. One main room for everything else and one for storage. There was a garden three-score feet away. Producing much of their food. The rest they sold in the village market each month. A worn dirt path several hundred feet long led to the river where they would wash and clean. Her mother sat in front of her. Leading their meditation session on this early morning. It always was the same, close your eyes, imagine a flame inside you and focus on that and only that. Feed it with everything in you until you are empty. Still. Calm. In control. It was not as easy as one might think. Cara often struggled, even though she had been practising for many years. She wished it to be as easy as it was for her mother. A druid must do this everyday if they wanted to become one with nature. You cannot be impatient. Patience was something she still learned. Her mother claimed this also but Cara did not believe her. She was one of the most patient beings she knew. Why would she still need to learn?
The ceremony would be soon. In two days she would become a druid just like her mother. The elder Maetaur had approved her initiation and told her to return to them in one week with those she wanted to witness. She would only want her mother to be there. Besides, everyone was too busy preparing for the festival. There was much to be done. They would be there, as every year. Donating their extra produce for the feast.
The grass flowed with the breeze, she could sense it against her face. Almost as if she was the grass, the bend of the stalks, the release of the seeds to float through the air. Producing the next generation of flowers. Such a simple life, and easy. She felt like this when she managed to become the flame inside. She breathed in and out. They opened their eyes at the same moment. Their meditation complete, they arose and ate. A meager amount of fruit, water and nuts this morning. It would be a good day. The sun was rising...
