The Journey Home

Here I am in this place, though I'm not exactly sure what this place is. It's dark, though I don't feel blinded by the lack of light. It's neither cold nor warm. It just exists. Without meaning, without purpose. I am utterly alone here. In this void. I shout, I scream. But no on hears my plea. I am alone. I am in my own void. This place of quiet nothingness. My mind begins to wander. Thinking back on happier times. Tho they were spent alone, not one of them contained the nothingness as does this void. Slowly the air begins to change. I feel a warm summer's breeze blow across my skin. I hear the oh so faint sigh of the wind. There is light, so bright, it is blinding after such darkness. There are colors to the shadows. Colors I once thought I would never again experience. These colors, they are of the earth, the sky. Hues that I thought I had only dreamt of.

No longer a void but a world of my own making. A world of my own design. My skin tingles with all the new sensations. Sounds. Do my ears decieve me? Surely not. Birds, chirping in the trees. The light touch of the sun's rays upon my skin. Warmth. Smells. Spring rain. Flowers blossoming. The colors, the beautiful greens of the grasses and leaves. Browns of the trees. White, pink, yellow, just a few of the colors used to shade the many flowers in the meadow.

What is place? I look down at me feet, they are bare upon the earth's floor. I feel the touch of the soft grass beneath my feet. Now that there is light I realize that I am clothed. In a long , flowing shift. I touch it, it is so soft. And the colors, so many. The colors of the earth, the sky, water, and fire. And upon my hands rings of silver. These symbols that decorate my fingers and wrists as well. I know these, but, from where? Now that I have begun to look inward, to my mind, I also notice that the pain no longer resides in my heart. I feel free. I feel the expression upon my face change. Change from sheer wonderment to sheer delight. Delight in the fact that I am free from the void that was once my prison. I begin to run. I feel the earth beneat my feet. But wait! My steps are softening! As I realize this, I look down at my feet and see that now they are no longer touching the earth. But are hovering over it. My body rises higher and higher. I attempt to turn to see from which direction I have come and my body twists in the air. I'm flying! But I do not have wings! I stop and still my body completely. Slowly my body is lowered to the earth. My feet touch the ground lightly. As this happens I also realize that my body is now lithe and supple. I look once more at my hands, then begin running them over my arms. I feel the muscles beneath my skin. Again I look down at my body. This time realizing that I am shaped like an hour glass. Where once stood the body much like that of a tree, now stands the body of a beautiful flower. I feel my legs begin to move and once again I am running. Once more my feet are up and off of the soft earthen floor and my body is in the air. Moving like a leaf blown by the wind. I stop the movement of my legs. Realizing once again that I do not need to because I am flying! Once again I still my body completely. But this time I remain in the air.

With sheer will I turn my body slowly around. Getting a full look at my surroundings. It is all so beautiful. My heart is filled with such joy at this new found ability. I begin spinning, slow at first, building speed, then my body is whirling in the air! Such freedom! What else am I capable of I find myself wondering. I slow my body to a stop. Once where my feet would have tread, I now hover. I feel my body begin to move, with a mere thought, along the path. My arms at my sides, moving through the air, I watch the trees and flowers below me as I float past them. Moving slowly along the path, I see small bird pirched atop a branch of one of the many trees in the meadow. I float over to it, slowly, as not to scare it. As though on it's own, or by instinct, I move my hand, and see it reach out to the bird. As I near the branch, the small winged creature turns to look at me, seeing that my hand is stretched out towards it, it takes flight. But to my utter surprise, it lands on my finger! I cannot believe this! I hear it chirp and begin to sing a lovely soothing melody, of the like of which I have never heard. I find myself calming. And as I listen to the bird's song, I am puzzled. Because not only do I hear the song, but, in my head, I hear words. I hear and understand these words clearly. I look around to see who is talking to me. But no one is there. Just the bird and I. I look once more at the small winged creature. I realize that it's song has ended. But, I still hear the words. It, it is greeting me! Hello child. I hear it say. I just stare at it. Don't be frightened my child, to hear the animals speak to you is your gift. I feel myself begin to relax. That's much better. I see that you have discovered that you can fly without the aid of wings. You lucky girl! I smile, shyly. I feel my body rising to land upon another outstretched branch. Well now that you have relaxed some and have found yourself somewhere to sit, I am going back to my nest. I hear her laugh as she flies back to her nest across from me. I watch her land and turn around to face me. Once again I hear her voice in my head. So child, I suppose it is time that I introduce myself. Again I hear her chuckle. My name, my dear child, is Kiaryn. Speak up child, use your inner voice, I can hear you just as you hear me. Try it now dear. I feel my mouth move to form the words. I hear her in my head, once again telling me to use my inner voice. I relax my mind and slowly form a single word, Hello. Very good my dear! Very good for your first try. Thank you. I hear myself say, or rather, think at the small bird, who is named Kiaryn. See, it's not so hard now is it? No it isn't, thank you for your help Kiaryn. Your quite welcome my child. Have you remembered your name yet? I stared at her, puzzled. I know my name, it's, it's...I don't know! Calm down! Just relax and it will come to you! Alright. That's better. Now just try to remember, don't force yourself, just remember. Ok. Anything yet child? No not yet. Wait! I, I'm remebering. My name, it starts with an e. It's Ebrein! And I had a middle and a last name too! Very well Ebrein. Now try and remember your other names as well. Just remember to relax and let them come to you. I'm remembering now, my middle name is Divana. And my last name is Daylin! I am Ebrein Divana Daylin! I know my name!. Welcome to Makhas Glen Ebrein, welcome home. This is all so new to me! Everything is so beautiful here. I feel my heart fill with joy. And feel my body rise up and off of the branch. Now my child you must continue your journey. I am merely a keeper of the meadow. And you have some traveling ahead of you. And before too long it will begin to darken and night will be upon you. I know that I must go now, I do not know how or why, only that I must be on my way. Yes child I know. Well, off with you child, and be safe. Thank you Kiaryn, for all your help. Your very welcome Ebrein Divana Daylin. Farewell, and may we meet again. Good bye Kiaryn, thanks again. Alright now off with you! Shoo! Go on! I'm going, I'm going!

I hear her chuckle as I lower myself from the top of the tree and move out and over the path. As I begin to continue on my journey, I hear Kiaryn's voice in my head. Wait! Wait child! I turn around and offer my outstretched hand for her her to land on. What is it? Here, Ebrein, take this, for luck, and so that you will remember me. I watch a small ribbon drop from her beak into my other hand. Thank you Kiaryn, it's such a beautiful color. And these beads, a like of which I have never seen. It is merely a gift child, take it and remember me. I watch her disappear into the trees, left only with the small offering. I tie the ribbon, adorned with seeds and beads, around my wrist and continue on my journey. Only knowing that I must keep going, though to where, I have no clue. I feel a light breeze blow across my bare arms and around my neck. I shiver in anticipation of the night ahead. I look up at the sky, noticing that I do not have much longer before the sun will be down, and the moon will have risen. I hurry in my flight along the path. Going only slow enough to be sure that I am still over the path beneath my feet.

As I have continued my journey, I have seen many animals but no people. I have begun to wonder if I am the only human here. But my heart tells me that that is not true. That I just haven't found them yet, and at this realization, I am calmed. The light has faded and I know that I am going to have to seek shelter before too long. While my mind wandered, my senses kept their grip. And now that I had gotten out of my reverie, I notice the faint odor of wood smoke in the air. I slow my flight, realizing that the smell has gotten stronger. I lower myself to only inches above the earthen floor. Within a matter of seconds, I see the blaze of somone's campfire. In the shadows I see two horses, both unsaddled, tied to a tree, lazily grazing by the starlight. But, I wonder to myself, where is the owner? I float to the closest tree and land on a high branch. I watch the old man emerge from the trees carrying an armful of branches and twigs and lay them near the fire. Mere seconds later I watch a wolf emerge behind the old man, carrying two freshly killed rabbits in his mouth. Dropping them at the old man's feet and laying down beside him, to warm himself by the fire. Quietly I watch him put both kills on a spit and begin cooking them. I hear my stomach rumble. And realize that my stomach is completely empty. I smell the faint smell of the cooking meat. And agian my stomach emits a roar at its sheer emptiness. I shiver as a cool breeze blows past my body, perched high in the old oak tree. I watch the man and his wolf. Watch the flames of the fire and the thousands of tiny flickers of yellow light floating into the night sky. Well are you going to come down from there and join us or stay up there and lick your lips all night? So startled by the sound of another human voice after so long, I feel my body falling quickly to the ground and have to regain my self control before I crash into the earthen floor. I save myself from much pain with mere seconds to spare. I straighten out my body and slowly float towards the old man, ever wary of the wolf at his side. I watch the old man look quickly at his compainion then back at me. I hear him laugh and say to me, He won't harm you. Most likely quite the opposite. And in that is a warning, that he may very well tackle you and lick your face clean! Again I hear him chuckle. I bottle raised him from a pup and he would never harm anyone or anything without provocation. His name is Voden and mine, dear child, is Jerrellin DarkLake. Now that I have told you our names, what might be yours? Speak up child, I'm not going to bite! I float closer, and in a whisper, I tell him that my name is Ebrein Daylin. Greetings Ebrein. Come, sit down beside the fire. Warm yourself and join us in our meal. As you noticed from your perch in the old oak, there are two rabbits over the fire, and I have found several edible roots to go along with the cooked meat. Th-thank you, I hear myself whisper, quite shakily. I lower myself to the ground, my feet touching ground for the first time in what seemed like hours. I walk slowly closer to the fire. Again quite wary of the wolf. I lower myself to the ground a few feet from the fire and cross my legs before me. I shiver as the heat from the fire has yet to warm my slightly chilled body. Though the night is warm my skin is chilled. I watch the man leave the light of the fire and disappear into the shadows, walking in the direction of the horses. Knowing that the man will be back soon, I turn my attention to the wolf. I notice his beautiful gray coat. And such bright eyes. I watch him get up and walk towards me, but amazingly I am not afraid. My hands in my lap, I watch him come to a stop mere inches from me and sit back on his haunches. Awaiting his next move, I fell the warm wetness of his tongue upon my cold nose. Hello child I hear him speak. My eyes widen, this animal too? I hear my mind say. Yes this animal too I hear him chuckle. Come child, speak, I sensed the gift in you as soon as you neared the fire. Hello Voden, nice to meet you. Nice to meet you Ebrein. I feel myself relax, and notice that I am no longer chilled but rather quite comfortable. Jer will be right back I hear Voden say. I watch the wolf stand on all fours and return to his spot nearer to the fire. I sense the old man's presence before he returned from the shadows beyond the stretch of the fire's light. I turn around to watch him walk towards me and hand me a thick cloak. I know you have nothing but your thin shift to cover yourself so take this as a gift and wear it while you sleep tonite. Thank you Jerrellin I say to him. Your quite welcome child, and my friends call me Jer. I see that you and Voden have gotten acquainted. Yes, we have. I also see that you share the gift of the inner voice as Voden and I do. Yes, I learned that today as I began my journey from the meadow. I watch him seat himself next to the wolf, once more tending to the meat cooking over the fire. I chuckle as my stomach emits a low growl at its emptiness. I smile at the man nervously. It's hungry I say. It will be done in just a few more minutes. He hands me a bowl of leaves and herbs. I see flower petals in amongst the leaves. I look at him questioninly, he smiles at me. It's ok, you can eat it. He chuckles and picks up his own bowl and takes a few of the flower petals into his mouth and chews them, eyes closed in what seems like ecstasy. He opens them once again, watching me, eat child, they really are quite good! I smile at him and put one of the colorful petals to my lips and take a small bite. My eyes widen in surprise, I say to him, this is quite sweet! I never would have thought! Guess I have a lot to learn don't I? Yes, he chuckles, you do, but all in due time child, all in due time. Try the others, many different flavors as well as colors. And while your eating those, I'll take these off and cut them up, as he reached up to the spit and took the cooked rabbits off and began to cut them. Once finished he handed me another bowl, this one filled with the cooked meat. This smells wonderful. Thank you, I used some of my spices to give it more flavor. I sat there, enjoying the hearty meal. I felt you coming and figured you would be hungry after your day's journey.

But how? I have many abilities, not just the inner voice. I, somehow sense someone's, shall we say, soul? I could tell that your were someone with a good heart so I did not bother to hide my fire. I just sat there, watching and listening to him, chewing my food slowly, not knowing when or where my next meal be coming from. Both of us had finished our meals and were ready to settle down for the night. I yawned, my body and mind were tired, though I had flown for most of my journey. I was exhausted and ready for a much needed rest. As was, quite obviously, the old man. You may sleep wherever you wish child. You may sleep next to the fire or you can choose to go back to your oak. There, you will find the bottom of the trunk hollowed out. And also find leaves that have blown inside of it, which, along with the cloak, will keep you quite warm. I think I will sleep in the tree. As you wish Ebrein. Goodnite my mind whispers to the already sleeping Voden. Goodnight Jer I say softly to him. I wrap the cloak tightly around my body, stand up and walk over to the hollowed out oak. Though it isn't overly cold out this night, it is however chilly. And I am ready for a soft bed and a good night's rest. I reach the mouth of the huge oak, walk inside and proceed to make a bed out of the fallen leaves and moss. Wrapping the huge cloak around my body I lay my head down and am soon fast asleep, dreaming of the day's journey to come. I wake to the sound of birds singing thier morning song in the high branches above. Even without having something with which to tell time by, I soon realize that it is still early morning. I sit up and stretch, yawning quite loudly, then laugh at myself for making so much noise. At once I realize that my body and mind are quite rested and I am ready for the day's journey to begin. I stand up, shaking the leaves from my body and my cloak. Wrapping it around my body, I step out into the morning air. I look for the old man but soon realize that he has already packed up and gone. Looking around me, I notice the carry sack just outside the entrance to the tree. I walk over to it and upon opening it I find a pair of knee-high deer hide boots, bread, cheese and a small water flask. Tacked to the outside of the sack was a small scroll. I opened it and it read:

Take these as a gift for keeping an old man and his wolf company. You have a long journey ahead of you today. You will soon meet your destiny my dear child. You have a kind spirit and will make many friends along the way. And many more once you reach your destination. Remember your inner voice Ebrein, it is a very special gift not shared by many. I bid you farewell and blessed be. ~~Jerrellin DarkLake~~

I smile as I roll the scroll back up and place it gently into the pack. Well, I think to myself, I best not waste time. Realizing that I was not yet hungry and would not be using much energy with my new found ability to fly, I decided to save the food for when I would truly need it. Taking a small drink from the flask to whet my thirst I began to roll the cloak up tightly and pack it, along with the flask, into the carry sack. With a sigh of sheer anticipation I take up the pack and place it over my shoulders. Somewhat surprised at it's lightness despite its contents. With a smile on my face and a flutter in my heart I slowly felt myself rising from the earthen floor. I gathered a bit of speed as I advanced on the trail. Laughing at myself, I did not know where I was going, only that I was headed in the right direction.

Feeling the last bit of early morning chill in the air soon disipate I knew that I could pick up the pace without getting a chill. As I flew by I watched the trees and flowers beneath me. It was almost a fight not to close my eyes and just relax, feeling the warm air glide past my skin. Not only were my eyes taking in the beauty but I could smell the scent of the beautiful flowers beneath me as I hoverd over and past them on the trail. With joy in my heart I soon found myself singing a wordless song. Only a beautiful melody of notes escaping from my lips.

As I passed the trees the time passed me and soon I realized it would quickly be mid day and by now my stomach was telling me it was time I put something in it. With that I kept on the trail but now looking for any sign of a stream or small pond in which to fill my flask. Soon, I spotted a small stream not too far ahead. I was happy to see that it was not far from the trail so I knew that it would be easy to find once I had finished with my break and first meal of the day.

I slowly lowered myself onto an old tree that had fallen across the stream. With just enough room to set myself and my pack safely on the tree I settled myself and opened the pack to begin my meal. Not knowing where the old man had gotten the bread or cheese, I quickly quieted my rumbling stomach. Now that I had ate I realized how thirsty I was. Repacking what was left of the bread and cheese I pulled out the flask and uncorked the top so that I could refill it with fresh cold water from the stream. Not knowing why, I pulled the small strap of the flask over my shoulder and picked up my pack and slowly headed a bit down the stream before I filled the almost empty flask. Before I had gotten very far I could hear, before I ever saw, the sound of rushing water. Coming around a bit of a corner I saw what I'd been hearing. It was almost breathtaking. It was three waterfalls all in a row, going from side to side. As if all of a sudden I felt the days heat upon me and had a pretty good idea why I'd been drawn down the streem. Quickly, without hesitation, I set the pack and flask down on a spot of dry earth and quietly shed my boots and shift. Without a care I just left my clothes in a pile and flew under the first of the three waterfalls. Flying on to the second and finally to the third. Exilerated at the feel of the cool water on my heated skin and laughing like a giddy child, I weaved and ducked in, out, and under the rushing falls. Finally I slowed and lowered myself near the edge of one of the tiny pools of water and sat while my feet dangled in the cool water. I wrang out my wet hair and used my fingers to comb through and straighten my hair before it dried.

Realizing that I was no longer wet I began to dress. I rinsed and half filled my flask, took a long pull from it and refilled it, ready to continue my journey. Packing my flask away and putting my boots back on I eagerly put the pack over my shoulders once again, quite ready to head back to the trail. With a mere thought I felt my body rise and head back upstream. I passed the fallen tree where I had eaten and soon caught sight of the trail. Again, my heart flutterd, soon I was once again on my way, flying down the well beaten path. Not knowing where I was going, only that I was headed in the right direction.

New pages added: 4/13/2002

I just had a feeling that the rest of the day would be bright and beautiful. It was still somewhat early in the day but there was a lightness in my happy heart. The air smelled sweet, laden with the scents of blooming flowers and of the earth. The golden sun, shedding it's beautiful light on every leaf and blade of grass. How wonderful I felt! As I floated down the path I listened to the songs of the birds in the trees, coming together in a sweet harmony. I couldn't help but smile and be happy. I began to whistle along with the birds, blending in with the song of the birds. I felt wonderful!

All of a sudden I heard a noise that sounded like crying. As I followed the path it got stronger and I knew someone or something was in trouble. Finally I came upon a small brown ball of fur. I slowly lowered myself nearer and nearer, as not to frighten whatever it was. It sounded so sad. Remembering my gift I softly and carefully spoke to the animal. Shh, there there, what is wrong little one? It quickly turned around and I realized it was a baby bear cub. Wh-who are you? I heard him ask. My name is Ebrein, what is your name? I asked. My name is Shukai, he said slowly. What is wrong Shukai? I asked. I'm lost, and I don't know where my momma is. I wandered off and now I don't know where she is and he began to cry once more. I walked over and knelt beside him. There there, I will help you find your mother Shukai. Y-you will he stuttered. Yes little one, I will. Oh thank you Ebrein! You are very kind! Think nothing of it little one, it will soon be alright. Now, you stay here and I will fly up and look around for her ok? Yes, ok, I will stay here and not move. Ok Shukai, very good. I slowly floated up and began to circle the spot where Shukai sat. Ever widening my search area. Soon I caught sight of a very large bear. I slowly and very quietly lowered myself well within hearing range but far enough that if I startled her I could get away so as not to be attacked. Hello I think to her, quickly she turns around. I can see the anger and worry in her eyes. What do you want child I hear her say with her mind. Have you lost your cub? Yes she says, her voice softening greatly. I have found him! You have? Oh, where is my little Shukai? Not far from here, I will show you. Oh thank you so much..um... My name is Ebrein, what is yours? Lukasha is my name. Well, let's go get your baby Lukasha. I led Lukasha to her cub and mother and son were soon reunited. They were very happy to see each other, I could tell. After a stern scolding from his mother Shukai soon came over to the log I'd settled myself onto. He licked my hand and I scracthed him behind his ear. I heard him laugh as he thanked me for helping him find his momma. Thank you very much little one for helping me find my Shukai. You are very welcome Lukasha, I was very glad to help you both. I will be forever greatful for your help this day, I only wish I could help you in some way. There is one thing you could help me with. Yes she asked. As I shrugged my carry sack back onto my shoulders I asked her, could you help me find the path I was on? I lost sight of it earlier when I came to look for you. Sure! Just turn right around and go straight that way and you will find it easily. Oh thank you so much! It's the least I could do for you Ebrein for helping me find my baby. I decided to walk to the path and they followed beside me, Shukai scampering in circles around his mother and I. I laughed at the little bear cub, scuffling up fallen leaves. Soon I was back to the path and knew I would be back in the air continuing my journey. I hugged little Shukai just before he wandered off to play some more with the fallen leaves. Don't wander too far his mother and I both shouted to him. Laughing, I said to her, I am glad to have met such wonderful souls on my journey. Maybe someday I will see you again and Shukai will be as big as you. Yes, Maybe someday she answered back. Thank you I said to her as I hugged her, feeling one arm round me, soft and gentle, as a mother's touch could only be. Goodbye dear Lukasha, and please say goodbye to Shukai too. I will my dear, I will. Be safe on your journey and be happy child. Many wonderful things are yet to come. I do not know how she knew that but I honestly believed in what she was saying, as did she. I waved goodbye as I slowly floated up and up, stopping just above the tree line. With a smile in my heart I continued on my journey, hoping I would see them again someday.

I continued along the path, the golden sun still shining brightly in the midday sky. I felt it's warmth and again heard the birdsong in the air. Soon a few hours have passed and I have grown hungry. I decide to once again find a spot near the water that I may refill my flask. I soon find a small shaded area near a bubbling stream. I notice that someone has been here before and has built a small fire ring with stones. And has also left a small pile of twigs and sticks. I hear my hungry stomach growl in protest. Laughing I look over and notice small fish swimming up and down the stream and decide to catch a couple for lunch. However I soon find this is easier said than done. But not about to give up I decide to make a make-shift net out of the long sort of grass stalks I find nearby. Tieing several together and testing it I now have a net with which to catch those quick little fish. I float up and hover over the stream and quite deftly snag two fish in my net. Knowing this will suffice and quiet my growling stomach I float over and sit down next to the ring of stones. I hang my flapping catch on a branch. Uh oh! I think to myself, how will I cut these? Oh dear! Hmm, I think to myself, maybe there's something in my sack? I pull my sack to my side and pull out the bread, cheese, cloak and the carfully rolled up scroll. As I set the scroll down I notice writing on the back side of it. I slowly uncurl the scroll and read:

Along with the food you will find a small knife, some spices for cooking with, and two stones that, if struck together just right will produce a spark to light a fire with. Thought you could use them along your journey.

Oh how wonderful of him I think! I search in the sack and sure enough pull out two small stones, a leather wrapped blade and 3 small pouches filled with wonderful smelling spices. Oh, these will work just find I say to no one. I stand up and gather some of the fallen leaves around me and bring them back to the stone ring, setting them beside me. I carefully arrange a few twigs and small branches inside the ring and lay leaves atop them. Tongue in cheak, concentrationg on the stones in my hand I strike them against each other. Once, twice, and on the third strike a spark appears and a leaf catches the spark. Soon the leaves catch the twigs and branches afire. I am quite proud of myself and laugh at myself in sheer delight at the task I had just undertook. Reaching over to the branch I grab the now quiet fish and pull them from the net. Uncovering the blade, with it's beautiful bone handle, I slowly and carefully cut the fish along their bellies. And cut the heads off. Not into eating fish eyeballs I laughingly think to myself. Picking up one of the pouches, I open it carefully and pull out a few pinches of a dark powdered spice with a wonderful scent. I sprinkle the spices inside of the fish and close them up. I set them atop a somewhat large, flat stone next to me and take a few of the broken branches to make a spit. Taking the middle branch I spear the fish and set them to cook over the small but blazing fire. While they are cooking over the fire I decide to go wash my hands off and fill up my almost empty flask. I walk over to the stream, setting the flask down beside me, I dip my hands into the cool, clear, running water. Having thoroughly washed my hands I unscrew the top off of my flask and dip it in the water to fill it. Now that that is done I turn to walk back to my cooking fish. I unwrap the cheese and bread, thankful for them both. My heart smiles thinking of Jer and his kindness towards a stranger in the night. Ah! I think to myself! I think my fish are done! Small enough in size it didn't take very long for them to cook. But big enough I knew they would fill my hungry belly. I take my flask and carefully rinse off the large flat stone beside me and pull the fish off the spit and lay them on the stone to cool. I cut a few slices each of the bread and cheese and put them next to the fish. Mmm, I hear myself say, that smells so delicious! I cut up the fish into small chunks and use the knife as a fork. I pop a piece of fish and a piece of cheese into my mouth and am elated at the wonderful tastes! I take a pull at the flask to wash it down with and sigh. Again proud at myself for my accomplishment. I break up the bread and put two pieces over a piece of bread and a piece of cheese. Hmm, this looks neat I think as I pop it into my mouth.

I soon finished my meal and began to clean up. Taking the half full flask I washed off the knife and my hands and carefully re wrapped it in the soft leather cloth. Then wrapped the cheese and bread and put them, along with the spices, cloak and scroll back into the sack. Standing up, I walked over to the stream and dipped my flask into the water to fill it. Walking back to the fire I doused it thouroughly, making sure each ember was out. Then filled it once again and placed it back into my sack. Now that all my things were packed and the fire was out I was ready to be on my way.

I could clearly see the path from where I stood so I shrugged on my sack and steadily floated up and back the way I'd came. Once again floating swiftly through the air watching the trees and flowers as I flew past. Knowing I still had at least 3 hours more before the sky began to darken I pressed on. Popping down to just above the earthen floor to pick flowers here and there along my way. I smiled again happy at the day and at the wonderful feelings in my heart. I felt so alive and free! I whirled in the air and laughed happily.

The air had gotten cooler and the sky had begun to darken and I knew I would soon have to find shelter for the night. I soon find a small lean-to which someone has previously built and abanoned. What luck I think to myself! First the fire ring and now the lean to! I smile at myself happily. I decide to gather some stones to make my own fire ring. Once that is done I walk around gathering twigs and branches and small sticks with which to feed the fire. I realize that it is actually warmer out than the previous night so I will not need the fire to keep me warm during the night but only to cook with. But in that lay my next qustion, what would I eat along with the last bit of bread and cheese? Hmm... Well, it must be something small, not too big as I don't want to waste anything. Maybe a rabbit or a squirrel. Yes, that would do just fine, but which? My stomach growled with impatience. Well, depending on which I can catch, I think a rabbit will surely suffice and quiet my hungry belly!
Grabbing my knife from my sack I soon set out to find myself a nice plump rabbit for my dinner. I ever so quietly float up about ten feet from the ground and scan the area for my dinner. Soon I spotted a fat little rabbit munching on some plants. I stopped and watched it for a moment. It hadn't noticed me so I quickly swooped down and sank my knife straight to it's heart. Thank you I told his quickly quieting body. You will do just fine. With the now dead rabbit in my hands I floated back to my spot and begin to gut, skin, and clean it. Once that had been done I reached into my sack and pulled out the three bags of spices. Opening each pouch I smelled the spices, trying to decide which to use. I decided on the darkest pouch with a very deep colored, very aromatic, sort of spice. This one wasn't as ground up as the other I'd used but smelled and looked wonderful. I sprinkled pinches of the spice onto the pieces of meat and set them aside while I went in search of a few branches with which to make a spit. It took some looking to find ones just the right size but was soon back at my shelter and ready to start my fire. I carefully laid out the branches and twigs and sticks with a few leaves on top just as I had earlier that day. I withdrew the two fire stones from my sack and struck them, instantly catching the leaves afire. Soon my fire was going and so I speared the rabbit meat with the stick and laid them over the burning embers. Again my stomach growled in impatience. I patted it knowing that it would soon be full.

To be continued...

I will update this every time I write a new entry. I hope you like what I have written so far!

I would like to give a big shout out to my good friend Nimue!! Thank you darlin for all your wonderful and kind words about my work! People like you are what makes me keep at this! Thank you so much! *Big Huggz!!*

And make sure ya check back every once in a while for updates! Maybe some day I'll actually finish this darned thing! ;)

Ebbie